bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial inclusion toward economic inclusion: empirical evidence from China’s rural household
Authors: Jin Shan , Gan Christopher , Anh Dao Le Trang
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Focusing on micro-level indicators, we investigate financial inclusion levels in rural China, examining its determinants and impact on household welfare. We construct a financial inclusion index of four essential financial services: savings, digital payments, credit and insurance. We identify factors influencing financial inclusion among Chinese rural households and assess the effects of financial inclusion on household welfare.

Design/methodology/approach

With the entropy method, we use data from the 2019 China Household Finance Survey to assess financial inclusion levels in rural China. Determinants and their impact on welfare are analyzed through probit and ordinary least squares models, respectively. Propensity scoring matching is applied to address potential endogeneity.

Findings

We reveal that rural households exhibit limited usage of formal financial services, with notable regional disparities. The eastern region enjoys the highest financial inclusion and the central region lags behind. Household characteristics such as family size, education level of the household head, income, employment status and financial literacy significantly influence financial inclusion. Financial inclusion positively impacts household welfare as indicated by household consumption expenditure. The use of different types of financial services is crucial with varying but significant effects on household welfare.

Originality/value

This study offers valuable insights into China’s rural financial inclusion progress, highlighting potential barriers and guiding government actions.
Decision support criteria for the implementation of waste-to-energy conversion systems: a case study in Southern Brazil
Authors: Sellitto Miguel Afonso , Lima Maria Soares de , Silva Leandro Tomasin da , Kadel Jr Nelson , Butturi Maria Angela
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to identify relevant criteria for decision support in the implementation of waste-to-energy (WtE)-based systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is a simple case study with a qualitative approach. Five experts involved in the project of a thermoelectric power plant qualitatively evaluated, on a Likert scale, a decision model with 15 indicators derived from recent studies. The research object was the first stage of a project to implement a thermoelectric plant employing municipal solid waste (MSW) in southern Brazil.

Findings

The study identified 15 criteria supporting the decision-making process regarding WtE implementation for MSW in a mid-sized city in southern Brazil. The study identified that compliance with MSW legislation, compliance with energy legislation, initial investment and public health impact are the most influential criteria. The study offered two models for decision processes: a simplified one and a complete one, with ten and fifteen indicators, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The study concerns mid-sized municipalities in southern Brazil.

Practical implications

Municipal public managers have now a methodology based on qualitative evaluation that admits multiple perspectives, such as technical, economic, environmental and social, to support decision-making processes on WtE technologies for MSW.

Social implications

MSW management initiatives can yield jobs and revenues for vulnerable populations and provide a correct destination for MSW, mainly in developing countries.

Originality/value

The main originality is that now municipal public decision-makers have a structured model based on four constructs (technical, economic, environmental and social) deployed in 15 indicators to support decision-making processes involving WtE and MSW management.
Saving farm subsidies with smart climate interventions: the case of transition to a millet-based agriculture
Authors: Sedithippa Janarthanan Balaji
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The study attempts to estimate farm subsidies the governments can save by transitioning to a millet-based production system, replacing GHG emission-intensive crops.

Design/methodology/approach

It updates a 131 × 131 commodity input–output (IO) table of the year 2015–16 into 2021–22 using the RAS procedure and simulates the economy-wide impacts of replacing rice and wheat with pearl millet and sorghum using consumption and production approaches. It then quantifies fertilizer, electricity and credit subsidy expenses the government can save through this intervention. It also estimates the potential reduction in GHG emissions that the transition could bring about. India is taken as a case.

Findings

Results show pearl millet expansion brings greater benefits to the government. It is estimated that when households return to their pearl millet consumption rates that prevailed in the early-reform period, this could save the Indian government Rs. 622 crores (USD 75 m). The savings shall be reinvested in agriculture to finance climate adaptation/mitigation efforts, contributing to a sustainable food system. Net GHG emissions also decline by 3.3–3.6 MMT CO2e.

Practical implications

Indian government has been actively aiming to bring down paddy areas since 2013–14 through the Crop Diversification Program and promoting millets (and pulses and oilseeds) on these farms. The prime reason is to check rapidly declining groundwater irrigation in Green Revolution states. Regulations in the past in these states have not brought the intended results. Meanwhile, electricity and fertilizers are heavily subsidized for agriculture. A slight shift in the cropping system can help conserve these resources. Meanwhile, GHG emissions could also be brought down and subsidies could well be saved. The results of the study indicate the same.

Social implications

A less warm society is what governments and nongovernment organizations across the world are aiming for at present. Financial implications affect actions against climate change to a greater extent, apart from technological innovations. The effects of policy strategies discussed in the study, taking a large country as a case, when implemented appropriately around the regions, could help move a step closer to action against climate change.

Originality/value

The paper addresses a key but rarely explored research issue – that how a climate-sensitive crop choice will help reduce the government’s fiscal burden to finance climate adaption/mitigation. It also offers a mechanism to estimate the benefits within an economy-wide framework.
Enhancing supply chain resilience in offsite construction through the procurement strategy: a systematic literature review
Authors: Tennakoon Tennakoon Mudiyanselage Maheshi Pabasara , Chileshe Nicholas , Rameezdeen Raufdeen , Ochoa J. Jorge , Samaraweera Aparna
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Offsite construction (OC) is an efficient method to reduce waste in the construction industry from a circular economy perspective. Yet, its uptake is subdued by the ambiguities around its supply chain. Hence, the purpose of this study is twofold: to identify the OC project delivery models, the limitations in their procurement approach to facilitate the resilience of the supply chain and interventions to promote supply chain resilience (SCR) and to identify the gaps in the existing procurement process and propose further research areas that implement strategies to improve SCR.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted as a systematic literature review. In total, 41 peer-reviewed research papers published between 2013 and 2023 were shortlisted through the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis guidelines. A descriptive analysis was conducted, followed by a thematic analysis.

Findings

The descriptive analysis reveals that the emphasis on digitising OC has shifted to transforming the business model, procurement and supply chain with a human-centric view. In thematic analysis, the predictability of the SC partners and the probabilities of evaluating the prospects are revealed as arbitrary characteristics in the current procurement strategies. Rewarding collaborative relationships among SC partners and incorporating provisions to postpone the module delivery are some interventions to promote flexibility. Drafting comprehensive and effective contracts that address transparency issues and facilitating the need for continuous development of capabilities through procurement are among the further research avenues proposed.

Originality/value

This study is a precursor demonstrating the potential of the procurement process to implement the decrees of SCR for better goal congruence of the OC supply chain.
An FEM framework for modeling forces between NdFeB magnets and HTS bulks
Authors: Homrich Guilherme , Ferreira Flores Filho Aly , Eckert Paulo Roberto , Dorrell David George
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce an alternative for modeling levitation forces between NdFeB magnets and bulks of high-temperature superconductors (HTS). The presented approach should be evaluated through two different formulations and compared with experimental results.

Design/methodology/approach

The T-A and H-ϕ formulations are among the most efficient approaches for modeling superconducting materials. COMSOL Multiphysics was used to apply them to magnetic levitation models and predict the forces involved.The permanent magnet movement is modeled by combining moving meshes and magnetic field identity pairs in both 2D and 3D studies.

Findings

It is shown that it is possible to use the homogenization technique for the T-A formulation in 3D models combined with mixed formulation boundaries and moving meshes to simulate the whole device’s geometry.

Research limitations/implications

The case studies are limited to the formulations’ implementation and a brief assessment regarding degrees of freedom. The intent is to make the simulation straightforward rather than establish a benchmark.

Originality/value

The H-ϕ formulation considers the HTS bulk domain as isotropic, whereas the T-A formulation homogenization approach treats it as anisotropic. The originality of the paper lies in contrasting these different modeling approaches while incorporating the external magnetic field movement by means of the Lagrangian–Eulerian method.
MRI compatible electromagnetic actuator: magneto-thermal design and optimization
Authors: Moualek Boussad , Chauviere Simon , Belguerras Lamia , Mezani Smail , Lubin Thierry
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-safe iron-free electrical actuator for MR-guided surgical interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper deals with the design of an MRI compatible electrical actuator. Three-dimensional electromagnetic and thermal analytical models have been developed to design the actuator. These models have been validated through 3D finite element (FE) computations. The analytical models have been inserted in an optimization procedure that uses genetic algorithms to find the optimal parameters of the actuator.

Findings

The analytical models are very fast and precise compared to the FE models. The computation time is 0.1 s for the electromagnetic analytical model and 3 min for the FE one. The optimized actuator does not perturb imaging sequence even if supplied with a current 10 times higher than its rated one. Indeed, the actuator’s magnetic field generated in the imaging area does not exceed 1 ppm of the B0 field generated by the MRI scanner. The actuator can perform up to 25 biopsy cycles without any risk to the actuator or the patient since he maximum temperature rise of the actuator is about 20°C. The actuator is compact and lightweight compared to its pneumatic counterpart.

Originality/value

The MRI compatible actuator uses the B0 field generated by scanner as inductor. The design procedure uses magneto-thermal coupled models that can be adapted to the design of a variety actuation systems working in MRI environment.
Country Delight: expanding the consumer’s product pantry
Authors: Sondhi Neena , Gupta Shruti
Published: April 2024

Learning outcomes

The case study offers interesting learning possibilities and offers the following learning opportunities to the learner. assess and conduct a macro- and micro-environmental analysis, comprehend the nature of the competitive landscape and how it changes when one looks at a digital-only versus an omnichannel marketplace, examine the product mix and policy of the firm and evaluate how it delivers customer value and analyse the pros and cons of growth strategies available to a firm and arrive at a viable and actionable future business and product strategy.

Case overview/synopsis

The short case study presents the story of a young start-up called Country Delight. The firm began operations in 2011 and was the brainchild of Chakradhar Gade and Nitin Kaushal. The direct-to-consumer firm addressed urban consumers’ non-articulated, latent need to get “fresh and uncontaminated” milk to their doorstep. Country Delight delivered farmer-to-consumer fresh cow and buffalo milk and milk products based on a well-designed and efficient value chain where the supply chain was either wholly owned or quality monitored by the firm. The firm began operations in India’s National Capital Region and was spread across 15 metro cities. Slowly, over the years, Gade and Kaushal added more product categories.Country Delight had a subscriber base of around 500,000, and the ambitious duo wanted to double their subscriber base and reach one million subscribers by financial year 2025. The firm was looking at various paths to achieve this number. Should Country Delight expand into new geographies? Or look at adding to the existing product portfolio? Diversification into agritourism, like the Pune-based vineyard – Sula, also looked attractive to build consumer engagement. Would taking the consumer to the farmers from whom they sourced the milk and vegetables contribute additional revenue to Country Delight and their farmer-suppliers? As the firm got ready to raise another round of funding, it needed a well-articulated growth strategy that was exciting and profitable for all stakeholders.

Complexity academic level

This case study presents the dilemma entrepreneurs face as they look at the next phase of growth. Thus, this case study serves as a learning opportunity for a graduate-level course in management and as a sounding board for those who aspire to enter the start-up space. Though this case study has the potential to illustrate basic concepts such as value chain and macro- and micro-environment analysis, the protagonist’s dilemma and the problem statement make it apt for integrated discussions that are critical in advanced electives in marketing management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.
Understanding purchase behaviour towards green housing among millennials: the mediating role of purchase intention
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Rani Vinki , Rani Garima , Rani Manju
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate millennials’ purchase behaviours towards green housing in India. This paper also examines the mediating effect of purchase intention between determinants of buying green housing and purchase behaviour in the real estate industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional research design was applied to collect data from 393 rural and 388 urban millennials. This study used “partial least squares structural equation modelling” to verify the framed hypotheses.

Findings

The outcomes indicate that attitude, environmental concern and green trust substantially influence the purchase intention and purchase behaviour towards green housing in rural and urban studies. However, perceived risk has an insignificant effect on purchase intention and purchase behaviour towards green housing in both studies. Likewise, innovativeness insignificantly impacts the purchase intention in study rural while substantially impacting the purchase behaviour in both studies. Additionally, a favourable relationship between purchase intention and purchase behaviour towards green housing in both rural and urban contexts.

Practical implications

This study provides fruitful evidence for practitioners, marketers and academicians about the drivers of purchase behaviour toward green housing. The results of this study also enable regulatory bodies to design appropriate strategies and tactics to foster the sustainable growth of nations.

Originality/value

This paper is a preliminary attempt to explore the decision to buy green housing in India. Furthermore, the authors targeted a specific age group, especially millennials, to gain a valuable understanding of how different factors affect green housing decisions in different areas, that is, rural and urban areas.
Using design-based research to adjust lesson study with pre-service teacher candidates
Authors: Chandler-Olcott Kelly , Dotger Sharon , Waymouth Heather E. , Newvine Keith , Hinchman Kathleen A. , Lahr Molly C. , Crosby Michael T. , Nieroda Janine
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study reports on changes made within the study, plan, teach and reflect steps of lesson study with pre-service teachers who were learning to teach within a disciplinary literacy course.

Design/methodology/approach

Using methods associated with formative experiments and design-based research, this study gathered data over four iterations of the disciplinary literacy course. Data included the course materials, pre-service teachers’ written work, observational notes from research lessons, transcripts of post-lesson discussions and teacher-educators’ analysis sessions and pre-service teachers’ post-program interviews. Data were analyzed within and across iterations.

Findings

Initial adjustments to the lesson study process focused on the reflect step, as we learned to better scaffold pre-service teachers sharing of observational data from research lessons. Later adjustments occurred in the study and plan steps, as we refined the design of four-day lesson sequences that better supported pre-service teachers’ attention to disciplinary literacy while providing room for their instructional mentors to provide specific team-based feedback. Adjustments to the teach step included reteaching and more explicit attention to literacy objectives.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by explicitly applying formative experiment and design-based research methods to the implementation of lesson study with pre-service teachers. Furthermore, it contributes examples of lesson study within a disciplinary literacy context, expanding the examples of lesson study’s applicability across content areas.
Students’ expectations from mathematics teachers in the planning phase of the lesson study
Authors: Bi̇lge Ogün , Dede Yüksel
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the expectations of students from mathematics teachers in the planning phase of lesson study (LS) in mathematics classrooms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study reported only a part of large-scale action research. The participants were Grade 8 students selected by the convenience sampling method. The data were obtained through open-ended questions. The content analysis method was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Four categories emerged: connection, technology-supported teaching, use of concrete materials, practice, and teacher behavior and teaching style.

Research limitations/implications

This study reveals how students in a different culture and education system, such as Türkiye, want to learn mathematics in the LS process of Japanese origin. It also gives some important clues for applying LS in a different culture.

Practical implications

This study may attract the attention of educational stakeholders who want to implement LS in mathematics classrooms by considering student perspectives.

Social implications

Due to the nature of LS, this study may emphasize teacher–student and teacher–teacher interactions. Thus, it can draw attention to the importance of social learning environments where students take responsibility and interact.

Originality/value

This study emphasizes the importance of listening to student voices in LS. Some ideas about mathematics teaching in Turkey should also be given. Finally, it can provide a good basis for understanding and comparing LS practices in different cultures and understandings.
Sharing information about medical crowdfunding projects on social networking sites: the integration of attribution-affect model of helping and social capital theory
Authors: Deng Zhaohua , Xue Jiaxin , Wu Tailai , Chen Zhuo
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Sharing project information is critical for the success of medical crowdfunding campaigns. However, few users share medical crowdfunding projects on their social networks, and the sharing behavior of medical crowdfunding projects on social networking sites has not been well studied. Therefore, this study explored the factors and potential mechanisms influencing users’ sharing behaviors on networking sites.

Design/methodology/approach

A research model was developed based on the attribution-affect model of helping and social capital theory. Data were collected using a longitudinal survey. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the collected data. We conducted post hoc analyses to validate the results of the quantitative analysis.

Findings

The analysis results verified the effects of perceived external attribution, perceived uncontrollable attributions, and perceived unstable attributions on sympathy and identified the effect of sympathy and social characteristics of medical crowdfunding users on sharing behavior.

Originality/value

This research provides a comprehensive theoretical understanding of users’ sharing behavior characteristics and provides implications for enhancing the efficiency of medical crowdfunding activities.
Corporate social responsibility initiatives of banks and customers’ selection of banks in Hong Kong
Authors: Ha Huong , Wong Man Chung , Loh Hui Shan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study examines whether corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives positively impact customers’ selection of retail banks in Hong Kong (HK) and identifies which CSR domains affect customers’ selection of banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a quantitative approach. Primary data were collected from 416 customers of 22 retail banks in HK. The theoretical framework of this study was developed from a literature review, prior studies by Oberseder et al. (2013 and 2014), and CSR initiatives implemented by leading retail banks in HK. Descriptive statistics and statistical tests were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study found that CSR initiatives positively affect customers’ bank selection. CSR initiatives related to the customer and environment domains are likely to have a greater impact on customers than those related to the society domain and are not likely to significantly impact customers’ bank selection.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the CSR literature by offering enhanced insight into the dynamics of CSR and its effects on customer bank selection. Furthermore, this study tests consumers’ perceptions of CSR initiatives in each CSR domain in the banking sector in Hong Kong – a novel approach that has not been previously explored in existing studies. These findings can help banks review the effectiveness of their CSR initiatives and make informed decisions on which initiatives should pursue improved CSR performance and efficient resource allocation.
Fintech services and financial inclusion: a systematic literature review of developing nations
Authors: Jha Shweta , Dangwal Ramesh Chandra
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct a systematic literature review on the fintech services and financial inclusion of the developing nations that particularly focuses on lower middle-income group nations (LMIGN) and upper middle-income group nations (UMIGN) to highlight the research areas that have not received attention and present opportunities for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a systematic approach to examine 65 research articles published from 2016 to 2021, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Findings

The study identifies research gaps in two key themes: backward and outward linkages. In backward linkages, the literature on UMIGN should pay attention to the behavioural patterns associated with lending, investment and market provision-related fintech services. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between fintech services on the usage and quality dimension of financial inclusion in both LMIGN and UMIGN. For outward linkages, future research work should explore the role of fintech and financial inclusion in the development of LMIGN. This study provides valuable insights and guides future research directions by comprehensively mapping the existing studies.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not use quantitative tools, such as meta and bibliometric analysis, to validate the findings.

Originality/value

This research paper offers new perspectives that introduce a novel framework for analysing literature on fintech, financial inclusion and its impact on the overall development of UMIGN and LMIGN.
The role of languages: adopting the motivation-opportunity-ability (MOA) model to explore information sharing patterns among multilingual users in the Chinese cultural context
Authors: Fan Shu , Yao Shengyi , Wu Dan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Culture is considered a critical aspect of social media usage. The purpose of this paper is to explore how cultures and languages influence multilingual users' cross-cultural information sharing patterns.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a crowdsourcing survey with Amazon Mechanical Turk to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 355 multilingual users who utilize two or more languages daily. A mixed-method approach combined statistical, and cluster analysis with thematic analysis was employed to analyze information sharing patterns among multilingual users in the Chinese cultural context.

Findings

It was found that most multilingual users surveyed preferred to share in their first and second language mainly because that is what others around them speak or use. Multilingual users have more diverse sharing characteristics and are more actively engaged in social media. The results also provide insights into what incentives make multilingual users engage in social media to share information related to Chinese culture with the MOA model. Finally, the ten motivation factors include learning, entertainment, empathy, personal gain, social engagement, altruism, self-expression, information, trust and sharing culture. One opportunity factor is identified, which is convenience. Three ability factors are recognized consist of self-efficacy, habit and personality.

Originality/value

The findings are conducive to promoting the active participation of multilingual users in online communities, increasing global resource sharing and information flow and promoting the consumption of digital cultural content.
Exploring behaviour-intention gaps to explain low retention in a community-based video-conferencing intervention for depression: lessons for researchers using technology as interventions
Authors: Booth Nichola , McConnell Tracey , Tully Mark , Hamill Ryan , Best Paul
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to reflect on the outcomes of a community-based video-conferencing intervention for depression, predating the COVID-19 pandemic. The study investigates the potential implications of its findings for enhancing adherence to digital mental health interventions. The primary objective is to present considerations for researchers aimed at minimising the intention-behaviour gap frequently encountered in digital mental health interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

A randomised control feasibility trial design was used to implement a telehealth model adapted from an established face-to-face community-based intervention for individuals clinically diagnosed with depression. In total, 60 participants were initially recruited in association with a local mental health charity offering traditional talking-based therapies with only eight opting to continue through all phases of the project. Modifications aligning with technological advancements were introduced.

Findings

However, the study faced challenges, with low uptake observed after an initial surge in recruitment interest. The behaviour-intention gap highlighted technology as a barrier to service accessibility, exacerbated by participant age. Furthermore, the clinical diagnosis of depression, characterised by low mood and reduced interest in activities, emerged as a potential influencing factor.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the research include its pre-pandemic execution, during a nascent stage of technological mental health interventions when participants were less familiar with online developments.

Practical implications

Despite these limitations, this study's reflections offer valuable insights for researchers aiming to design and implement telehealth services. Addressing the intention-behaviour gap necessitates a nuanced understanding of participant demographics, diagnosis and technological familiarity.

Social implications

The study's relevance extends to post-pandemic society, urging researchers to reassess assumptions about technology availability to ensure engagement. This paper contributes to the mental health research landscape by raising awareness of critical considerations in the design and implementation of digital mental health interventions.

Originality/value

Reflections from a pre-pandemic intervention in line with the developments of a post-pandemic society will allow for research to consider that because the technology is available does not necessarily result in engagement.
Police responses to vulnerable populations: tracking the evolution from “zero-policing” to “co-responding”
Authors: Kane Robert J. , Hyatt Jordan M. , Teti Matthew J.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The paper examines the historical shifts in policing strategies towards individuals with SMI and vulnerable populations, highlighting the development of co-response models, introducing the concept of “untethered” co-response.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a review of literature to trace the evolution of police responses to individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) and vulnerable populations. It categorizes four generations of police approaches—zero-policing, over-policing, crisis intervention and co-response—and introduces a fifth generation, the “untethered” co-response model exemplified by Project SCOPE in Philadelphia.

Findings

The review identifies historical patterns of police response to SMI individuals, emphasizing the challenges and consequences associated with over-policing. It outlines the evolution from crisis intervention teams to co-response models and introduces Project SCOPE as an innovative “untethered” co-response approach.

Research limitations/implications

The research acknowledges the challenges in evaluating the effectiveness of crisis intervention teams and co-response models due to variations in implementation and limited standardized models. It emphasizes the need for more rigorous research, including randomized controlled trials, to substantiate claims about the effectiveness of these models.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that the “untethered” co-response model, exemplified by Project SCOPE, has the potential to positively impact criminal justice and social service outcomes for vulnerable populations. It encourages ongoing policy and evaluative research to inform evidence-based practice and mitigate collateral harms associated with policing responses.

Social implications

Given the rising interactions between police and individuals with mental health issues, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the paper highlights the urgency for innovative, non-policing-driven responses to vulnerable persons.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature by proposing a fifth generation of police response to vulnerable persons, the “untethered” co-response model and presenting Project SCOPE as a practical example.
Development and validation procedure of the higher educational facilities scale (HEFS)
Authors: Thomas Deepa , Chennattuserry Joseph Chacko , Thomas Kennedy Andrew
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a scale to assess the influence of Higher Educational Facilities for the growth of education in higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The first step in the process of scale development is to generate an item pool containing as many items as possible which captures the construct of interest. A total of 111 items were constructed for the initial try-out of the scale measuring the construct of higher educational facilities. This rating scale was based on the Likert-type was designed, where each item had to be rated on a five-point scale. The scale consisted of a few items involving the dimensions of infrastructure, quality assessment and quality assurance regard to the vision actualization.

Findings

Higher Educational Facilities Scale (HEFS) was developed by the investigator and designed in the format of a 5-point rating scale of the Likert type. There are different phases identified for the scale construction. In the first phase, items are created and the content’s validity is determined. The scale is constructed in the second phase. Pre-testing the questions, administering the survey, reducing the number of items and determining how many factors the scale captures are all steps in the scale construction process. The number of dimensions, reliability and validity are all verified in the third phase, scale evaluation. In developing the scale, the content and face validity was ascertained. The reliability of the scale and its three subscales were established. This scale has potential value for policymakers to assess the perception held by the religious faculty members working in higher education institutions.

Originality/value

The research is part of the doctoral thesis by Dr Deepa Thomas under the supervision of Dr Fr. Joseph C. C. and the co-supervision of Dr Kennedy Andrew Thomas. The purpose of the scale is to assess the higher educational facilities of in institutions of higher Education. Quality, excellence and service are the vision and purpose of higher education institutions to provide ample opportunities and good facilities for their beneficiaries, thus creating tremendous changes in the Indian education scenario.
Adaptive positioning method for ball head based on impedance control
Authors: Liu Yang , Huang Xiang , Li Shuanggao , Chu Wenmin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Component positioning is an important part of aircraft assembly, aiming at the problem that it is difficult to accurately fall into the corresponding ball socket for the ball head connected with aircraft component. This study aims to propose a ball head adaptive positioning method based on impedance control.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a target impedance model for ball head positioning is constructed, and a reference positioning trajectory is generated online based on the contact force between the ball head and the ball socket. Second, the target impedance parameters were optimized based on the artificial fish swarm algorithm. Third, to improve the robustness of the impedance controller in unknown environments, a controller is designed based on model reference adaptive control (MRAC) theory and an adaptive impedance control model is built in the Simulink environment. Finally, a series of ball head positioning experiments are carried out.

Findings

During the positioning of the ball head, the contact force between the ball head and the ball socket is maintained at a low level. After the positioning, the horizontal contact force between the ball head and the socket is less than 2 N. When the position of the contact environment has the same change during ball head positioning, the contact force between the ball head and the ball socket under standard impedance control will increase to 44 N, while the contact force of the ball head and the ball socket under adaptive impedance control will only increase to 19 N.

Originality/value

In this paper, impedance control is used to decouple the force-position relationship of the ball head during positioning, which makes the entire process of ball head positioning complete under low stress conditions. At the same time, by constructing an adaptive impedance controller based on MRAC, the robustness of the positioning system under changes in the contact environment position is greatly improved.
A technique of a “lab-on-a-chip” for developing a novel biosensor in viewpoint of health-care (PHC) applications and biological regulator sensors
Authors: Monajjemi Majid , Mollaamin Fatemeh
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Recently, powerful instruments for biomedical engineering research studies, including disease modeling, drug designing and nano-drug delivering, have been extremely investigated by researchers. Particularly, investigation in various microfluidics techniques and novel biomedical approaches for microfluidic-based substrate have progressed in recent years, and therefore, various cell culture platforms have been manufactured for these types of approaches. These microinstruments, known as tissue chip platforms, mimic in vivo living tissue and exhibit more physiologically similar vitro models of human tissues. Using lab-on-a-chip technologies in vitro cell culturing quickly caused in optimized systems of tissues compared to static culture. These chipsets prepare cell culture media to mimic physiological reactions and behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the application of lab chip instruments as a versatile tool for point of health-care (PHC) applications, and the authors applied a current progress in various platforms toward biochip DNA sensors as an alternative to the general bio electrochemical sensors. Basically, optical sensing is related to the intercalation between glass surfaces containing biomolecules with fluorescence and, subsequently, its reflected light that arises from the characteristics of the chemical agents. Recently, various techniques using optical fiber have progressed significantly, and researchers apply highlighted remarks and future perspectives of these kinds of platforms for PHC applications.

Findings

The authors assembled several microfluidic chips through cell culture and immune-fluorescent, as well as using microscopy measurement and image analysis for RNA sequencing. By this work, several chip assemblies were fabricated, and the application of the fluidic routing mechanism enables us to provide chip-to-chip communication with a variety of tissue-on-a-chip. By lab-on-a-chip techniques, the authors exhibited that coating the cell membrane via poly-dopamine and collagen was the best cell membrane coating due to the monolayer growth and differentiation of the cell types during the differentiation period. The authors found the artificial membrane, through coating with Collagen-A, has improved the growth of mouse podocytes cells-5 compared with the fibronectin-coated membrane.

Originality/value

The authors could distinguish the differences across the patient cohort when they used a collagen-coated microfluidic chip. For instance, von Willebrand factor, a blood glycoprotein that promotes hemostasis, can be identified and measured through these type-coated microfluidic chips.
Thermal fatigue life prediction and intermetallic compound behaviour of SAC305 BGA solder joints subject to accelerated thermal cycling test
Authors: Apalowo Rilwan Kayode , Abas Mohamad Aizat , Che Ani Fakhrozi , Muhamed Mukhtar Muhamed Abdul Fatah , Ramli Mohamad Riduwan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the thermal fracture mechanism of moisture-preconditioned SAC305 ball grid array (BGA) solder joints subjected to multiple reflow and thermal cycling.

Design/methodology/approach

The BGA package samples are subjected to JEDEC Level 1 accelerated moisture treatment (85 °C/85%RH/168 h) with five times reflow at 270 °C. This is followed by multiple thermal cycling from 0 °C to 100 °C for 40 min per cycle, per IPC-7351B standards. For fracture investigation, the cross-sections of the samples are examined and analysed using the dye-and-pry technique and backscattered scanning electron microscopy. The packages' microstructures are characterized using an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy approach. Also, the package assembly is investigated using the Darveaux numerical simulation method.

Findings

The study found that critical strain density is exhibited at the component pad/solder interface of the solder joint located at the most distant point from the axes of symmetry of the package assembly. The fracture mechanism is a crack fracture formed at the solder's exterior edges and grows across the joint's transverse section. It was established that Au content in the formed intermetallic compound greatly impacts fracture growth in the solder joint interface, with a composition above 5 Wt.% Au regarded as an unsafe level for reliability. The elongation of the crack is aided by the brittle nature of the Au-Sn interface through which the crack propagates. It is inferred that refining the solder matrix elemental compound can strengthen and improve the reliability of solder joints.

Practical implications

Inspection lead time and additional manufacturing expenses spent on investigating reliability issues in BGA solder joints can be reduced using the study's findings on understanding the solder joint fracture mechanism.

Originality/value

Limited studies exist on the thermal fracture mechanism of moisture-preconditioned BGA solder joints exposed to both multiple reflow and thermal cycling. This study applied both numerical and experimental techniques to examine the reliability issue.
Role of neurogenic inflammation in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata
Authors: Shi Yetan , Wan Sheng , Song Xiuzu
Published: April 2024

Alopecia areata refers to an autoimmune illness indicated by persistent inflammation. The key requirement for alopecia areata occurrence is the disruption of immune‐privileged regions within the hair follicles. Recent research has indicated that neuropeptides play a role in the damage to hair follicles by triggering neurogenic inflammation, stimulating mast cells ambient the follicles, and promoting apoptotic processes in keratinocytes. However, the exact pathogenesis of alopecia areata requires further investigation. Recently, there has been an increasing focus on understanding the mechanisms of immune diseases resulting from the interplay between the nervous and the immune system. Neurogenic inflammation due to neuroimmune disorders of the skin system may disrupt the inflammatory microenvironment of the hair follicle, which plays a crucial part in the progression of alopecia areata.
Small‐scale fires interact with herbivore feedbacks to create persistent grazing lawn environments
Authors: Singh Jenia , Donaldson Jason E. , Archibald Sally , Parr Catherine L. , Voysey Michael D. , Davies Andrew B.
Published: April 2024

Fire‐herbivory feedbacks strongly influence the formation of grazing lawns in savanna ecosystems. Preliminary findings suggest that small‐scale (<25 ha) fires can engineer grazing lawns by concentrating herbivores on the post‐burn green flush; however, the persistence of such grazing lawns over the longer term and without repeated fire is unknown.

We used high‐resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to investigate the long‐term effects of fire manipulation on short grass structure (height, cover, volume and spatial continuity) and grazing lawn establishment in Kruger National Park, South Africa. We analysed the effects of fire exclusion and experimental burns applied over a 7‐year period (2013–2019) followed by a 1‐year cessation of burning at varying spatial scales during the early and late dry seasons.

Fires contributed a fourfold increase in short grass cover, regardless of fire season or size. The distribution of grass height differed significantly between fire‐induced grazing lawns and recently unburnt parts of the landscape where controlled fires were excluded over the experimental period. The volume (corresponding to bulk density) of short grass on the landscape responded strongly to fires, with grass volume <20 cm in height increasing with both early and late dry season fires.

Early dry season fires caused larger and more homogeneous short grass patches. Furthermore, early dry season fires were more influential in increasing the cover of the shortest grass height class (1–5 cm).

Synthesis and applications. Our results demonstrate that fire‐induced grazing lawns can persist over the longer term, even when fires are no longer applied, leading to the creation of vertical and horizontal heterogeneity in the grass layer. Small‐scale fires, therefore, represent a feasible management approach to expanding grazing lawn extent, potentially benefiting grazer coexistence and diversity.
Microbiome of laboratory‐reared and environmentally collected cockroaches
Authors: Yun Sohyeon , Choi Jun Ho , Oh Singeun , Kim Myungjun , Yi Myung‐hee , Kang Dongjun , Jang Yun Soo , Lee In‐Yong , Yong Tai‐Soon , Kim Juan , Kim Heung Chul , Lee Jae Rok , Kim Ju Yeong
Published: April 2024

Cockroaches are insects found in almost all habitats, including unsanitary environments. Understanding their microbial communities is crucial for assessing the potential risks they pose as vectors of pathogens. In this study, we assessed the microbial communities of omnivorous cockroaches collected from external environments and those reared in a clean laboratory for extended periods (5–20 years). Using the iSeq 100 system, we examined the relative abundance of microbial communities at the phylum, family and genus levels. Our results revealed that the predominant taxa in these cockroaches were Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. Interestingly, the bacterial communities of samples from the same cockroach species, regardless of their living conditions, clustered together, indicating species‐specific similarities in microbiomes. The symbiont genus Blattabacterium was consistently present in all samples, delivering nutrients to the host. Pathogen detection at the genus level indicated a higher prevalence of potential pathogens in cockroaches collected from field environments, compared with those from laboratory‐reared cockroaches. These findings underscore the importance of cockroaches as pathogen reservoirs and vectors of opportunistic infections, emphasizing the need for further studies to identify specific microorganisms and confirm their pathogenicity. As cockroaches inhabit human environments, their potential to spread harmful bacteria through defecation warrants attention and underscores the significance of understanding their microbial ecology for public health implications.