bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fuel adoption in rural heating: a field study on northern China
Authors: Zhu Lin , Liao Hua , Zhou You
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Promoting clean heating in rural areas is crucial for achieving a low-carbon transition of energy consumption and China's dual-carbon target. The study aims to consider the energy stacking behavior in heating energy use, reveals the determinants that affect household cleaner heating choices under the winter clean heating plan (WCHP), and proposes policy recommendations for the sustainable promotion of clean heating.

Design/methodology/approach

With unique rural household survey data covering the clean heating pilot regions in northern China in 2020, this study estimates the relationship between driving factors and heating energy choices through binary and multivariate probit models.

Findings

The regression estimates show that the main drivers of heating energy choices include household income per capita, education level of household head, knowledge of the WCHP, access to heating subsidies and perception of indoor air pollution. There is energy stacking behavior in rural household heating energy use. Household decisions to adopt electricity or clean coal heating are correlated with firewood or soft coal use.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few to investigate the heating energy use of rural households by allowing for the adoption of multiple energy types. Combined with a unique microsurvey dataset, it could provide rich information for formulating proper energy transition planning. The findings also shed light on the importance of heating subsidies, households' knowledge of WCHP and awareness of environmental health in choosing clean heating energy, which has not been fully valued in related research.
The HR function's influence on organizational performance beyond high-performance work practices paradigm: an HRM whole system perspective
Authors: Botelho Carlos , Kearns Paul Terence , Woollard Stuart
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper analyzes the influence of HR function on organizational performance through the effective deployment of high-performance work practices. Although researchers have examined the relationship between these constructs, extant literature demonstrates contradictory findings. Thus, building on contemporary strategic HRM literature this study expands previous frameworks adopting a system thinking perspective, namely the concept of maturity of HRM system.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a cross-sectional study, having collected primary data from 424 managers and employees working in 135 organizations. The research model and hypotheses were tested at unit level using structured equation modelling.

Findings

The results support a positive impact of the HR function on perceived organizational performance. Furthermore, demonstrating that the mediation through high-performance work practices is partial, supporting that the HR function has an incremental value over HR practices on organizational performance. Inspired by system thinking, this study tested an integrated model that combines the HRM system, HR function and organizational performance. Overall, it contributes to the literature by providing additional evidence to the influence of HR Function for organizational performance.

Research limitations/implications

The data were collected using a questionnaire at a single point in time, and thus, not allowing cause-effect inferences.

Practical implications

The results provide guidance to organizational leaders interested in designing and implementing effective HRM systems and building successful HR departments.

Originality/value

This study advances the understanding of the mechanisms by which HR function, HR practices and HRM system interact to explain organizational performance. Furthermore, it suggests that organizational decision-makers to benefit the most from high-performance work practices should embedded them on mature HRM systems.
Searching for the crowd in sustainable tourism and leisure projects
Authors: De Crescenzo Veronica , Simeoni Francesca , Ulrich Klaus , Ribeiro Navarrete Samuel
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Building a cycling route is an interesting example of sustainable, environmentally friendly leisure and tourism project and this also fosters innovation in eco-friendly transport options. Financial resources must be found to achieve these ambitious goals and crowdfunding could be the answer. The study analyses the factors that influence potential backers' decisions to contribute to the fundraising campaign.

Design/methodology/approach

A Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (FsQCA) was applied to elaborate a map of factors that could influence the process of the crowd's contribution to a crowdfunding round for supporting the enhancement of a cycling route. The factors taken into account were the motivations to contribute, the crowdfunder's features and the dynamics of the fundraising campaign.

Findings

The results demonstrate the strategic role played by rewards in the design of a crowdfunding round for a sustainable tourism and leisure project. The results also add more insights by considering backers' attitudes to rewards.

Research limitations/implications

Understanding the factors that can influence the decision to pledge in the tourism and leisure context has extremely valuable implications for tourism businesses developing the business idea and associated capital raising strategies. The study also has practical implications for all institutions trying to foster innovation in eco-friendly transport, particularly in promoting more cycling and improving the image of cycling in the culture.

Originality/value

The study is a step forward in understanding the factors that lead backers to support a sustainable project in the tourism and leisure context and the related dynamics of the crowdfunding round.
Sustainable leadership and heterogeneous knowledge sharing: the model for frugal innovation
Authors: Iqbal Qaisar , Piwowar-Sulej Katarzyna
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Considering the vital role of resource-constraint innovation in developing countries, the aim of the study is to examine the mechanism of internal and external heterogeneous knowledge sharing (HKS) in the relationship between sustainable leadership (SL) and frugal innovation (FI). The social exchange theory was used to develop a research framework.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) analysis to examine the relationship among several latent factors based on 263 participants from Pakistani SMEs.

Findings

The current findings support the significant positive impact of SL on both internal and external HKS. Moreover, this study also confirms the mediating effect of both types of HKS in the relationship between SL and FI.

Research limitations/implications

To delve further into the benefits and vital role of HKS, it is recommended to conduct further research that would examine the potential impact of heterogeneous knowledge sources on the “SL–FI relationship” and to apply the presented research methodology in other countries and organizations beyond Pakistani SMEs.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first documented attempts to demonstrate HKS as a mechanism in the relationship between a specific type of leadership and FI.
Trust as a mediator of the relationship between human resource development climate and organisational citizenship behaviours
Authors: Hayfron Maame Ekua Kwansima , Baafi Nana Kojo Ayimadu , Asante Kwame Gyeabour
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to address the importance of human resource development (HRD) and its resultant climate in an organization. Specifically, the study examines the cause-effect relationship between HRD climate and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB), as well as the role of organisational trust in this relationship. The study is underpinned by the social exchange theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted the quantitative research approach and the cross-sectional survey design in data collection. Two hundred seventy-four employees were sampled from the food manufacturing sector, out of which 219 responded. Data was entered using SPSS v.23 and analysed with Pearson’s Product correlation, hierarchical regression analysis and independentt-test. The mediation effect was analysed using Process Macro v 3.5 for SPSS.

Findings

Results indicate that HRD climate has a positive effect on OCB, hence, a predictor. Also, HRD climate was observed to be a predictor of organisational trust and that organisational trust mediates the cause and effect relationship between HRD climate and OCB. This study recommends that management continues to invest in the development of employees as it goes a long way to ensure the survival and growth of the organisation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to examine the interplay between HRD climate, trust and OCBs.
Zakat: changing the framework of giving
Authors: Al-Bawwab Rania Adel
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to show that zakat solves the collective action problem by changing the framework of giving. An additional purpose of this paper is an attempt to fill a critical gap in the Islamic economics literature. This gap concerns the nature and role of zakat in effectively delivering aid to those in need while mitigating the potential for free riding. There is also a general gap in the current literature on Islamic economics that the issues of zakat and charity have not received the same attention as the focus remained mostly on money, banking and the issues of interest and usury. The paper is also an attempt to provide a refocus.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper attempts to build an argument to show how zakat can function as a unique solution to the free-rider problem in voluntary charity. The author’s argument is based on a precise theoretical framework, namely the “free-rider problem,” and how zakat can function as a unique solution to this problem. The author also uses game theory to show how reputation can lead to cooperation in a repeated game. The author uses an example from Pakistan to show how reputation can be a disciplinarian of zakat collection organizations.

Findings

Zakat solves both the free-rider problem in ordinary charity and the coordination problem between members in a large group. The free-rider problem is solved by changing the very framework of giving and the coordination problem between Muslims around the globe disappears because the rates and details of levying zakat are centrally created based on divine revelation.

Originality/value

This paper presents an important topic as it addresses one of the most popular giving practices in Muslim societies, called zakat. It also provides a framework in examining the meaning and function of zakat in Muslim societies.
Long run effects of anti-immigration policy
Authors: Gupta Manash Ranjan , Dutta Priya Brata
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to introduce an education sector which transforms a part of unskilled labour into new skilled labour, and then show how the level of output of educational service is determined in the short-run equilibrium along with the level of output of two production sectors. This study also introduces intertemporal dynamics into the model assuming that all factor endowments grow over time, and then show how a strong anti-immigration policy in the destination country affects the long-run equilibrium of the source country.

Design/methodology/approach

This study considers a three sector open economy model to analyse the long-run economic effects of the anti-immigration policy adopted in the destination country on the general equilibrium of the source country.

Findings

If the education sector in the source country is more skilled labour intensive than the advanced production sector, then this anti-immigration policy would raise the capital unskilled labour ratio, skilled labour–unskilled labour ratio and the balanced endogenous growth rate in the new long-run equilibrium but would lower the gross rate of creation of new skilled labour there.

Originality/value

The authors want to analyse the effect of anti-immigration policy adopted in the destination country on the long-run balanced growth rate in the source country. The dynamic growth effect of anti-immigration policy cannot be studied in a static short-run equilibrium model, the authors also introduce intertemporal dynamics into the model assuming that all factor endowments grow over time and then show how a strong anti-immigration policy in the destination country affects the long-run equilibrium of the source country.
Green e-commerce distribution alternatives – a mission impossible for retailers?
Authors: Sallnäs Uni , Björklund Maria
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Whilst green distribution alternatives for consumers have the potential to decrease environmental impact from logistics, retailers struggle to provide such alternatives. The purpose of this paper is to increase the understanding of the factors that hinder retailers from offering green distribution alternatives to consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper relies on a multiple case-study of three cases, with one retailer constituting each case. Semi-structured interviews with seven respondents and visits to the retailers' checkouts were used for data collection.

Findings

The offering of green distribution alternatives is a complex task for retailers, with barriers related to six categories (organisational, financial, retailer-logistic service provider (LSP) market, retailer-consumer market, governmental and technological barriers) obstructing the way forward. A process towards offering green distribution services, including barriers and potential mitigation strategies, is suggested.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to a Swedish context, and further research could consider how barriers would manifest themselves in countries with other characteristics.

Practical implications

A framework with barriers and mitigation strategies offers guidance for managers within e-commerce.

Social implications

The greening of logistics is an important quest towards world-wide sustainability goals, and this paper contributes with an increased understanding of how to decrease environmental impact from e-commerce distribution.

Originality/value

The paper is one of few that takes the consumer side of the greening of logistics into account, thus contributing with valuable perspectives to this scarce body of literature.
Lone founders, family owners and borrowing cost: Are female directors influential?
Authors: Amin Ali , Rehman Ramiz ur , Ali Rizwan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study examines the effect of lone founder and family ownership on borrowing cost. In addition, the study examines the moderating influence of gender diversity on this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a sample of non-financial firms listed on Pakistan Stock Exchange over the period 2012–2021. The authors used ordinary least squares regression analysis method to test the hypotheses along with generalized method of moments estimation technique to control for unobserved heterogeneity, simultaneity and dynamic endogeneity.

Findings

The authors report that borrowing cost is higher in lone founder ownership, whereas borrowing cost is lower in family firms due to lesser risks attached to such firms by lenders. Further, the presence of female directors on the board weakens this relation in the case of lone founder ownership, whereas their presence further reduces borrowing cost in family-owned firms. Additionally, using the framework of critical mass theory, the authors found that higher number of female directors on boards reduces borrowing cost. Overall, this study’s results provide empirical support for social identity and critical mass theories in the sample firms.

Originality/value

The study provides novel evidence of the influence of lone founder and family ownership on borrowing cost in an emerging economy, as well as the moderating effects of gender diversity on this relationship.
Regional resilience and innovation: paper profiles and research agenda
Authors: Viana Luiz Fernando Câmara , Hoffmann Valmir Emil , Miranda Junior Newton da Silva
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The paper describes patterns of study on innovation in the regional economic resilience literature regarding methods and findings.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a descriptive one and it uses, as a method, the scoping review based on Scopus and Web of Science databases. Forty-eight theoretical-empirical papers were thematically coded, and analyses were conducted using R packages and MaxQDA.

Findings

Innovation has been used narrowly in the regional resilience literature, considering the variables, the types of shocks and the analyzed loci. From the sampled papers, this study suggests that, depending on the operationalization, the addressed relationship can be positive or negative, which still needs further investigation. In addition, the study identified two lines of research. The first, characterized by quantitative research, secondary sources and multivariate analyses, focuses on testing predictive regional resilience models based on innovation-related variables. The second, characterized by qualitative or multi-method approaches, is more concerned with explaining the knowledge accumulation and the learning capacity related to regional innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The paper’s findings show a restricted view of the innovation–resilience relationship. Although this study does not present a meta-analysis, it reveals gaps for future research. Some suggestions can be highlighted, such as (1) expanding knowledge about innovation as a predictor of resilience, (2) the theoretical development of this relationship to guide empirical investigations and (3) studies that consider the meso or micro level, approaching the role of actors in fostering innovation in the regional resilience process.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to investigate how innovation has been operationalized in regional resilience empirical research.
Prices, profit margins and intermediary market power: evidence from the matooke value chain in Uganda
Authors: Kuijpers Rob , Smits Esther , Steijn Cedric , Mulumba Nasser , Asindu Marsy , Kruijssen Froukje , Kikulwe Enoch Mutebi
Published: February 2023

Purpose

There is widespread belief that intermediaries in African agri-food value chains have disproportionate market power. In this paper, the authors examine this belief by uncovering the purchasing and selling prices, costs and profit margins by farmers, intermediaries and retailers in the matooke (cooking banana) value chain in Uganda, and by analysing the prevailing value chain and market structures, seasonal entry and exit dynamics and the trading relationships in the chain.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for this study were collected along the trading routes from the main matooke producing districts in South-West Uganda (Kabarole, Bunyangabo, Bushenyi, Isingiro and Mbarara) to the main urban markets around the capital Kampala. A structured survey was administered with 383 producers, 172 collectors and wholesalers and 71 retailers. In addition, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were held.

Findings

The authors find that price mark-ups by intermediaries (selling prices minus purchasing prices) vary with the type of intermediary, season and location but generally reflect the costs of moving matooke down the value chain to the urban consumer. The authors do not find evidence for disproportionate market power among the intermediaries in the chain. Intermediaries enter and exit the market in peak and off-peak season, such that profits are kept in check. This seasonality does imply a small shift in market power in favour of farmers in off-peak season and in favour of intermediaries in the peak season.

Research limitations/implications

The investigation concentrated on an important and relatively homogenous staple crop along its main trade route. More remote areas, where there is less of an abundance of matooke, might still be characterised by local monopsonies where intermediaries have more market power due to high search and transport costs. Similarly, (local) monopsonies might exist for products for which there is a smaller market (segment), for products with a stronger seasonal variation in supply and for more perishable products.

Originality/value

While there is an important literature on the role of intermediaries in African agri-food value chains, the evidence on intermediary market power is scant. Beliefs on intermediary market power are largely based on anecdotal evidence from farmers or inferred from observed prices or market structures. The paper contributes in addressing this important knowledge gap by studying the matooke value chain in Uganda.
Investigating the black box of external audit practice: the paradox of auditors' failure in detecting and reporting fraud
Authors: Kassem Rasha
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The study aims to explore the reasons behind external auditors' failure to detect and report fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-four experienced Big 4 auditors.

Findings

The present study reveals power issues within audit firms and how some dishonest audit partners deal with auditors' concerns at the higher echelons. It also shows how auditors are pressured and intimidated by audit clients when fraud-related issues are raised. Further, it sheds light on ethical, governance and regulatory issues inhibiting auditors’ ability to detect or report fraud.

Research limitations/implications

This study advances the audit literature by adding practice-based evidence on why external auditors fail to discover fraud.

Practical implications

The results draw policymakers' attention to the issues that inhibit external auditors' ability to discover fraud in practice which could help policymakers develop effective interventions. Additionally, it provides several recommendations which could aid policymakers and audit firms in designing effective audit reforms to resolve the fraud detection deficit.

Originality/value

This is the first study exploring external auditors' views on their failure to detect and report fraud and how the conflict of interests operates in the audit practice.
New public management and gendered universities: understanding the persistence of gender inequality in academia
Authors: Thamrin Husni , Gaus Nurdiana , Ritonga Fajar Utama , Baa Sultan
Published: February 2023

Purpose

New Public Management (NPM) has been assumed to be a challenge to patronage and paternalism. However, feminist scholars have challenged such an image and argued that NPM has been the representation of men's languages and bodies from which gender inequality is perpetuated. This paper examines how NPM introduced in academia has perpetuated gender inequality, examined through the abjected meaning of women's languages and bodies to conform to NPM's defined ideal bodies of abstract workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Indonesian universities from two different geographical locations were chosen as sites to conduct the research, using interviews with 30 women academics.

Findings

This study revealed that gender inequality in Indonesian universities is persistent because women academics have practiced “an adapting stance” via employing a gendered strategy of adaptation toward two patriarchal systems: the abjection of maternal bodies and its associated discourse of motherhood, and the religious-driven roles and expectations interpreted in cultural norms and traditions.

Originality/value

This research has brought forward a new way of understanding the persistence of gender inequality in academia via the “adapting stance” of women academics through the lenses of the abjected body and language of women, coupled with religious aspects that regulate that body.
Obstacles to successful rehabilitation and resettlement of drug use offenders
Authors: Thompson Rachael , Clegg Kate
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This preliminary small-scale research aims to achieve an insight into drug use offenders’ rehabilitation experiences both in and out of prison, as well as considering how perceptions of the public may inhibit their successful reintegration into society.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods approach was used, with five semi-structured interviews conducted alongside the distribution of the Attitude towards prisoners questionnaire among the general public (n= 106) in the North-West region of England.

Findings

Participants recalled a mixture of experiences, highlighting the presence of contraband in prisons to be an inhibiting factor of successful rehabilitation. Additionally, participants expressed the need for more support when preparing for release such as confirmation of accommodation and possible employment. Questionnaires also indicated the public to perceive offenders negatively (M= 76, SD = 16.99), thus presenting a further challenge in the resettlement of drug use offenders.

Practical implications

Findings highlight that improving practices to decrease the presence of contraband in prisons, monitoring an individual’s use of methadone, preparing an individual for their release from prison and educating the public would reduce some of the obstacles experienced by drug use offenders.

Originality/value

This study outlines some of the obstacles that drug use offenders experience when attempting to end their drug use activity and criminal engagement.
The impact of artificial intelligence in marketing on the performance of business organizations: evidence from SMEs in an emerging economy
Authors: Abrokwah-Larbi Kwabena , Awuku-Larbi Yaw
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to empirically investigate the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing (AIM) and business performance from the resource-based view (RBV) perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey strategy was used in this study to collect data from 225 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) respondents who were on the registered list of the Ghana Enterprise Agency in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Structural equation modeling – path analysis was used to estimate the impact of AIM on the performance of SMEs.

Findings

The analyzed data shows that AIM has significant impact on the financial performance, customer performance, internal business process performance and learning and growth performance in the case of SMEs in Ghana. This study establishes the significance of AIM approach in achieving financial performance, customer performance, internal business process performance and learning and growth performance through the application of AIM determinants including, Internet of Things (IoT), collaborative decision-making systems (CDMS), virtual and augmented reality (VAR) and personalization.

Research limitations/implications

Aside the aforementioned significance of this research study, this study has limitations. The sample size of this research study can be expanded to include SME respondents in other geographical areas that were not considered in this study. Future research studies should concentrate on how AIM can analyze customer communications and information such as posts on social media to develop future communications that may enhance customer engagement.

Practical implications

The practical implications comprise of two key items. First, this research study encourages SME owners and managers to develop an AIM method as a fundamental strategic goal in their pursuit to improve SME performance. Second, SME owners and managers should increasingly implement the four determinants of AIM indicated in this research study (i.e., IOT, CDMS, VAR and personalization) to develop essential resources for effective application of AIM to improve their performance.

Originality/value

The results of this study provide a strong support to RBV theory and the proposition that AIM and its determinants (i.e., IOT, CDMS, VAR and personalization) should be recognized as an essential strategic resource for improving the performance (i.e., financial performance, customer performance, internal business process performance and learning and growth performance) of SMEs. This study also contributes to the current body of knowledge on AIM and management, particularly in the context of an emerging economy.
Cross-country categorical economic policy uncertainty spillovers: evidence from a conditional connectedness TVP-VAR framework
Authors: Nyakurukwa Kingstone , Seetharam Yudhvir
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the dynamic interconnectedness of economic policy uncertainty (EPU), fiscal policy uncertainty (FPU) and monetary policy uncertainty (MPU) in four nations, the USA, Japan, Greece and South Korea, between 1998 and 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

To comprehend the cross-category/cross-country evolution of uncertainty connectedness, the authors use the conditional connectedness approach. By using an inclusive network, this strategy lessens the bias caused by omitted variables. The TVP-VAR method is advantageous as it eliminates outliers that may potentially skew the results and reduces the bias caused by picking arbitrary rolling windows.

Findings

Based on the findings, aggregate EPU is a net transmitter of policy uncertainties across all countries when conditional-country connectedness is used. MPU receives significantly more spillovers than FPU does across all countries, even though both are primarily recipients of uncertainties. The USA appears to be a transmitter of categorical spillovers before COVID-19, while Greece appears to be a net receiver of all category spillovers in terms of category-specific connectedness. The existence of extreme global events is also seen to cause an increase in category-specific and country-specific connectedness. Additionally, the authors report that conditional country-specific connectedness is greater than conditional category-specific connectedness.

Originality/value

This study expands existing literature in several ways. Firstly, the authors use a novel conditional connectedness approach, which has not been used to untangle cross-category/cross-country policy uncertainty connectedness. Secondly, they use the TVP-VAR approach which does not depend on rolling windows to understand dynamic connectedness. Thirdly, they use an expanded number of countries in their analysis, a departure from existing studies that have in most cases used two countries to understand categorical EPU connectedness.
Social-related factors in integrated UTAUT model for ZakaTech acceptance during the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Bin-Nashwan Saeed Awadh , Shah Mahmood Hussain , Abdul-Jabbar Hijattulah , Al-Ttaffi Lutfi Hassen Ali
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Despite the significant growth in Islamic economies and the increasing number of Muslim youths inclining digital services, empirical-based research addressing the adoption of digital Islamic services is still scarce. Particularly, as a new term in the Islamic finance industry, ZakaTech has recently emerged as a modern term describing novel technologies adopted by zakat (compulsory levy on all believing and practicing high-net-worth Muslims) institutions; yet, it has largely been neglected in the literature. Therefore, this paper aims to propose an integrated model that scrutinizes the factors of unified model of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) of ZakaTech, combined with social cognitive theory (SCT), especially in a time of COVID-19 social distancing.

Design/methodology/approach

The UTAUT–SCT model was validated via SmartPLS structural equation modeling by using a valid sample of 510 users (individual zakat payers) from Saudi Arabia.

Findings

The results demonstrated the suitability of the integrated UTAUT–SCT model in predicting zakat payers’ intention to use ZakaTech services. This proposed model has 70% explanatory power to explain variance in intention. All UTAUT constructs are statistically significant, except for effort expectancy. Social isolation caused by the pandemic and trust in e-zakat system exerted a significant influence on the inclination to uptake ZakaTech services.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first research that studies Muslims’ adoption of ZakaTech during COVID-19. Particularly, this study could add value to FinTech acceptance literature by empirically examining an integrated framework of UTAUT–SCT in a context as modern and unique as ZakaTech.
Social media links with social capital to trust in healthcare facilities: empirical evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Nabi Md. Noor Un , Zohora Fatema Tuj , Misbauddin S.M.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the most influential social media information sources to trust in healthcare facilities. The article shows a valuable point of reference for understanding how social media becomes the casting of social capital.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has taken 660 responses from the people who used social media for healthcare information in the mid of 2020 during the pandemic. The people were approached through different social media groups. The paper conducted structural equation modelling (SEM). The result has shown that with the instigating power of social capital where people put trust in social media information during pandemics.

Findings

The findings demonstrated that personal sources, government organisations and healthcare professionals are the most influential sources of social media. In order to effectively ensure the encompassing provision of COVID-19 health services, this article argues that social capital considerations establish trust between healthcare facilities seeking community to healthcare information providers.

Research limitations/implications

This research has signified that social cohesion and concern for community welfare instigated people to engage in social media communication. The inherent social capital belongings influence people to trust the sources of health information from selected sources that appear on social media.

Practical implications

Healthcare policymakers may utilise this intense feeling of belongingness and cohesion of social capital and use social media platforms to spread health-related information.

Originality/value

The study shows social capital has the strength to entice people into healthcare-seeking behaviour. In this era, social capital is reformulated to digital social capital through social media and strongly affects people's trust.
Unpacking the concept of 20-minute neighbourhoods: disentangling “desired outcomes” from the “means” available for achieving them
Authors: AlWaer Husam , Cooper Ian
Published: February 2023

Purpose

An in-depth literature review was undertaken to uncover (1) what are described as the desired outcomes for 20 minute neighbourhoods (20MNs) – the normatively based ends which planners, architects and decision-makers want 20MNs to achieve; (2) the means (the mechanisms, levers, triggers and causal factors) that have to be correctly assembled and lined up for 20MNs to operate as intended and (3), in order to avoid naive environmental determinism, the behavioural changes required to support the operation of 20MNs even where the required configuration of means can be achieved. The content analysis was conducted following guidelines offered by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

Growing interest in the urban design concept of the “20MNs” has been greatly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been presented as a way of increasing the quality of local environments by enabling people to meet their daily needs through access to safe walking and cycling routes or by public transport. Internationally, it has captured the imagination of political decision-makers, built-environment practitioners and communities alike, as a life-affirming post-pandemic vision, held up as achieving environmental, health and economic improvements as well as reducing inequalities experienced by many. This paper's overall purpose is to separate the ends pursued in 20MNs from means available for achieving them.

Findings

The paper concludes that the ambition to see the 20MNs widely woven into existing urban, suburban and rural neighbourhoods will require significant effort to ensure all that all the component parts of, and key players in, planning's place-delivery systems are aligned and mutually supportive. Even where this can be achieved, further guidance will be needed on (1) how to operationalise the practical implementation of 20MNs and (2) how their success can be measured.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper lies in its efforts to discriminate between ends and means – between desired outcomes of 20MNs and the means available for achieving them. The significance of the paper lies here in this attempt to initiate a discussion on possible causal relationships between what is wanted and what would need to be done to achieve it. Without clarity about these relationships, misunderstanding, confusion and barriers to communication may arise across the many different organizations, stakeholder groups and actors involved. This lack of clarity could undermine trust and confidence, potentially undermining both the process and to its outcomes.
An automatic image processing based on Hough transform algorithm for pavement crack detection and classification
Authors: Matarneh Sandra , Elghaish Faris , Al-Ghraibah Amani , Abdellatef Essam , Edwards David John
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Incipient detection of pavement deterioration (such as crack identification) is critical to optimizing road maintenance because it enables preventative steps to be implemented to mitigate damage and possible failure. Traditional visual inspection has been largely superseded by semi-automatic/automatic procedures given significant advancements in image processing. Therefore, there is a need to develop automated tools to detect and classify cracks.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review is employed to evaluate existing attempts to use Hough transform algorithm and highlight issues that should be improved. Then, developing a simple low-cost crack detection method based on the Hough transform algorithm for pavement crack detection and classification.

Findings

Analysis results reveal that model accuracy reaches 92.14% for vertical cracks, 93.03% for diagonal cracks and 95.61% for horizontal cracks. The time lapse for detecting the crack type for one image is circa 0.98 s for vertical cracks, 0.79 s for horizontal cracks and 0.83 s for diagonal cracks. Ensuing discourse serves to illustrate the inherent potential of a simple low-cost image processing method in automated pavement crack detection. Moreover, this method provides direct guidance for long-term pavement optimal maintenance decisions.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome of this research can help highway agencies to detect and classify cracks accurately for a very long highway without a need for manual inspection, which can significantly minimize cost.

Originality/value

Hough transform algorithm was tested in terms of detect and classify a large dataset of highway images, and the accuracy reaches 92.14%, which can be considered as a very accurate percentage regarding automated cracks and distresses classification.
Less is more or the more the merrier? Analysing attitudes towards multiple‐mandate holding among local officeholders
Authors: Karv Thomas , Malmberg Fredrik
Published: February 2023

The practice of multiple‐mandate holding is widespread across Europe. Critics argue that this practice contributes to a concentration of political power, a higher risk for conflicts of interest and damage to the public image of political actors. Advocates meanwhile claim that it provides clear benefits, such as local embeddedness of the national or regional political decision‐making and a greater degree of professionalisation in politics. However, little is known about how political actors themselves look upon this practice. This especially in a context like Finland, where this practice is said to be embedded in the political culture and where another institutional level has recently been implemented, making it possible for political actors to simultaneously hold political mandates at the local‐, regional‐ and national levels. This paper examines attitudes towards multiple‐mandate holding among local political decision‐makers using unique survey data gathered through a new online panel. The results suggest that councillors from a populist radical right party and those who perceive corruption and partial treatment as more common were the most negatively disposed towards this practice, while councillors from the traditionally strongest rural party were the most in favour.
Greater resistance to footshock punishment in female C57BL/6J mice responding for ethanol
Authors: Sneddon Elizabeth A. , Fennell Kaila A. , Bhati Sachi , Setters Joshua E. , Schuh Kristen M. , DeMedio Jenelle N. , Arnold Brandon J. , Monroe Sean C. , Quinn Jennifer J. , Radke Anna K.
Published: February 2023

Background

One characteristic of alcohol use disorder is compulsive drinking or drinking despite negative consequences. When quinine is used to model such aversion‐resistant drinking, female rodents typically are more resistant to punishment than males. Using an operant response task where C57BL/6J responded for ethanol mixed with quinine, we previously demonstrated that female mice tolerate higher concentrations of quinine in ethanol than males. Here, we aimed to determine whether this female vulnerability to aversion‐resistant drinking behavior is similarly observed with footshock punishment.

Methods

Male and female C57BL/6J mice were trained to respond for 10% ethanol in an operant task on a fixed‐ratio three schedule. After consistent responding, mice were tested in a punishment session using either a 0.25 mA or 0.35 milliamp (mA) footshock. To assess footshock sensitivity, a subset of mice underwent a flinch, jump, and vocalize test in which behavioral responses to increasing amplitudes of footshock (0.05 to 0.95 mA) were assessed. In a separate cohort of mice, males and females were trained to respond for 2.5% sucrose and responses were punished using a 0.25 mA footshock.

Results

Males and females continued to respond for 10% ethanol when paired with a 0.25 mA footshock. Females alone continued to respond for ethanol when a 0.35 mA footshock was delivered. Both males and females reduced responding for 2.5% sucrose when punished with a 0.25 mA footshock. Footshock sensitivity in the flinch, jump, and vocalize test did not differ by sex.

Conclusions

Females continue to respond for 10% ethanol despite a 0.35 mA footshock, and this behavior is not due to differences in footshock sensitivity between males and females. These results show that female C57BL/6J mice are generally more resistant to punishment in an operant self‐administration paradigm. The findings add to the literature characterizing aversion‐resistant alcohol‐drinking behaviors in females.
Clinical features of gestational choriocarcinoma: A retrospective bicentric study
Authors: Yuksel Dilek , Aytekın Okan , Oktar Okan , Ayhan Sevgi , Ozkaya Ucar Yesim , Cakır Caner , Boran Nurettin , Korkmaz Vakkas , Koc Sevgi , Türkmen Osman , Kimyon Cömert Günsu , Moraloğlu Tekin Ozlem , Engin Ustün Yaprak , Turan Taner
Published: February 2023

Objective

To investigate the clinicopathological features, prognostic factors, treatment, clinical response, and outcome of gestational choriocarcinoma (GCC).

Materials and methods

A retrospective review was made of the clinicopathological and survival data of 13 patients who were diagnosed and treated for GCC in two referral centers in Turkey between 1992 and 2020.

Results

The median age of patients was 36 years (range, 27–54 years), and seven were ≤39 years. The antecedent pregnancy was a term in nine (69.2%) cases, and the risk score was ≥7 in 11 (84.6%). According to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2009 staging, eight cases were in stage I, two in stage III, and three in stage IV. With the exception of one patient, all the others received combination chemotherapy (CT), and two of those were also treated with radiotherapy. Chemoresistance developed in 50% (6/12), and second‐line CT was given to four of these. The overall complete response rate was 69.2%. Four patients died of chemoresistance and disease progression, all of them were with antecedent‐term pregnancy, had high scores ≥7, and had metastases.

Conclusion

GCC is a unique subtype of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, which differs from others in terms of poor prognosis, a frequent tendency to early metastasis, and resistance to treatment. To be able to achieve the most efficient therapy and prognosis, histopathology‐based risk models should be developed.
New electrocardiographic aspects of the P wave: Its value in clinical cardiology
Authors: Bayés‐de‐Luna Antoni , Bacharova Ljuba
Published: February 2023

In this article, we will comment on new aspects of P‐wave morphology that help us to better diagnose atrial blocks and atrial enlargement, and their clinical implications. These include: (1) Atypical ECG patterns of advanced interatrial block; (2) The ECG diagnosis of left atrial enlargement versus interatrial block; (3) Atrial fibrillation and advanced interatrial block: The two sides of the same coin; and (4) P‐wave parameters: Clinical implications.
From organizations as systems of ocean destruction to organizations as systems of ocean thriving
Authors: Berkowitz Heloise
Published: February 2023

Despite growing awareness around human impacts on marine ecosystems, little action is taken to reduce the negative effects of organizations on the ocean, thus increasing risks of global collapse. In this paper, I argue that organizations act as systems of ocean destruction, and I explore how to operate a shift to organizations as systems of ocean conservation and thriving, enabling human–ocean socio‐ecological coviability. To do so, I analyze the organizational affordances of the ocean: incommensurability, open access and complex property regimes, structural domination by humans and land, perceived inexhaustibility, and cognitive distance. Then, based on the transdisciplinary analysis of mechanisms of ocean destruction, I discuss the constitution of ocean negative commons and the ruining of the ocean. Lastly, based on four drivers (technology and innovation, consumption, marginalization and social orders), I suggest alternative organizing principles that might allow to manage these commons and to transform organizations to achieve socio‐ecological coviability with the ocean: degrowth, total responsibility, full cost allocation, ocean equity, and adaptive, place‐based co‐management.