bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short-term financial sustainability of agricultural cooperatives
Authors: Piccoli Pedro , Bianchini Junior Nilton , Coser Jeferson , Moreira Vilmar R. 
Published: December 2020

PurposeFrom 2006 to 2016, Brazilian agricultural cooperatives exhibited a sharp increase in sales. Since the operational cycle of these organizations demands a positive net working capital that is usually funded by debt, the authors examine whether this rise in sales was obtained at the cost of the short-term financial sustainability. As a matter of comparison, the authors conduct the same analysis for Brazilian agricultural public traded companies.Design/methodology/approachThe authors employ the dynamic analysis of working capital method to measure the short-term financial sustainability of these organizations.FindingsThe authors find that the expansion of net working capital caused by the growth of the revenues of the sampled cooperatives was mostly funded by short-term debt, which rose by 31% in annualized terms. The authors also document that around 60% of these firms displayed a current capital structure that can be considered risky in terms of indebtedness, and that the majority of firms exhibited a non-sustainable growth in the period, what contrasts with the performance presented by Brazilian agricultural publicly traded companies, since only 16% of the firms from this group have shown a non-sustainable growth. This distinction seems to be explained by the lower capacity of agricultural cooperatives to provide resources from their operations.Originality/valueThe authors investigate the short-term financial sustainability of a unique dataset of 65 Brazilian agricultural cooperatives and provide insight for researchers analyzing the dual nature of these firms.
Identifying gaps in using artificial intelligence to support students with intellectual disabilities from education and health perspectives
Authors: Kharbat Faten F. , Alshawabkeh Abdallah , Woolsey M. Lynn 
Published: December 2020

PurposeStudents with developmental/intellectual disabilities (ID/DD) often have serious health issues that require additional medical care and supervision. Serious health issues also mean increased absence and additional lags in academic achievement and development of adaptive and social skills. The incorporation of artificial intelligence in the education of a child with ID/DD could ameliorate the educational, adaptive and social skill gaps that occur as a direct result of persistent health problems.Design/methodology/approachThe literature regarding the use of artificial intelligence in education for students with ID/DD was collected systematically from international online databases based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The collected articles were analyzed deductively, looking for the different gaps in the domain. Based on the literature, an artificial intelligence–based architecture is proposed and sketched.FindingsThe findings show that there are many gaps in supporting students with ID/DD through the utilization of artificial intelligence. Given that the majority of students with ID/DD often have serious and chronic and comorbid health conditions, the potential use of health information in artificial intelligence is even more critical. Therefore, there is a clear need to develop a system that facilitates communication and access to health information for students with ID/DD, one that provides information to caregivers and education providers, limits errors, and, therefore, improves these individuals' education and quality of life.Practical implicationsThis review highlights the gap in the current literature regarding using artificial intelligence in supporting the education of students with ID/DD. There is an urgent need for an intelligent system in collaboration with the updated health information to improve the quality of services submitted for people with intellectual disabilities and as a result improving their quality of life.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by highlighting the gaps in incorporating artificial intelligence and its service to individuals with ID/DD. The research additionally proposes a solution based on the confounding variables of students’ health and individual characteristics. This solution will provide an automated information flow as a functional diagnostic and intervention tool for teachers, caregivers and parents. It could potentially improve the educational and practical outcomes for individuals with ID/DD and, ultimately, their quality of life.
Data privacy-related behavior and concerns of activity tracking technology users from Germany and the USA
Authors: Ilhan Aylin , Fietkiewicz Kaja J. 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThis investigation aims to examine the differences and similarities between activity tracking technology users from two regions (the USA and Germany) in their intended privacy-related behavior. The focus lies on data handling after hypothetical discontinuance of use, data protection and privacy policy seeking, and privacy concerns.Design/methodology/approachThe data was collected through an online survey in 2019. In order to identify significant differences between participants from Germany and the USA, the chi-squared test and the Mann–Whitney U test were applied.FindingsThe intensity of several privacy-related concerns was significantly different between the two groups. The majority of the participants did not inform themselves about the respective data privacy policies or terms and conditions before installing an activity tracking application. The majority of the German participants knew that they could request the deletion of all their collected data. In contrast, only 35% out of 68 participants from the US knew about this option.Research limitations/implicationsThis study intends to raise awareness about managing the collected health and fitness data after stopping to use activity tracking technologies. Furthermore, to reduce privacy and security concerns, the involvement of the government, companies and users is necessary to handle and share data more considerably and in a sustainable way.Originality/valueThis study sheds light on users of activity tracking technologies from a broad perspective (here, participants from the USA and Germany). It incorporates not only concerns and the privacy paradox but (intended) user behavior, including seeking information on data protection and privacy policy and handling data after hypothetical discontinuance of use of the technology.
Adapting to COVID-19 disruptions: student engagement in online learning of accounting
Authors: Ali Irshad , Narayan Anil Kumar , Sharma Umesh 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
This paper aims to provide insights on student engagement in the learning of accounting during the COVID-19 disruptions and the pivot to online learning.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is based on reflections of academic staff members teaching accounting papers at two large New Zealand universities. Further supporting information was derived from student feedback collected via paper appraisals.

Findings
The findings of this paper suggest that there were some successes and numerous challenges in engaging students in online learning of accounting. Strategies that seem to have worked well include the use of synchronous and asynchronous channels to proactively facilitate and provide learning support to students in online learning. The challenges include frustrations with online technologies and the difficulties of making personal connections with students; therefore, engaging some of the cohort in the learning proved to be difficult.

Research limitations/implications
The findings of this paper suggest that there were some successes and numerous challenges in engaging students in online learning of accounting. Strategies that seem to have worked well include the use of synchronous and asynchronous channels to proactively facilitate and provide learning support to students in online learning. The challenges include frustrations with online technologies and the difficulties of making personal connections with students; therefore, engaging some of the cohort in the learning proved to be difficult. At risk, students were less likely to participate in online live sessions due to issues such as the lack of proper computer equipment, connectivity issues, family responsibilities or the home environment.

Practical implications
This paper has the potential to inform and enhance practices of higher education institutions, accounting educators and other stakeholders such as support staff on strategies that could be implemented to achieve effective student engagement in online accounting education.

Originality/value
This paper is original and contributes towards sharing ideas with the academic community on effective teaching practices used during the COVID-19 pivot to online delivery, which can enhance student engagement in business education.
A model utilizing the artificial neural network in cost estimation of construction projects in Jordan
Authors: Al-Tawal Dareen Ryied , Arafah Mazen , Sweis Ghaleb Jalil 
Published: December 2020

PurposeCost estimation is one of the most significant steps in construction planning, which must be undertaken in the preliminary stages of any project; it is required for all projects to establish the project's budget. Confidence in these initial estimates is low, primarily due to the limited availability of suitable data, which leads the construction projects to frequently end up over budget. This paper investigated the efficacy of artificial neural networks (ANNs) methodologies in overcoming cost estimation problems in the early phases of the building design process.Design/methodology/approachCost and design data from 104 projects constructed over the past five years in Jordan were used to develop, train and test ANN models. At the detailed design stage, 53 design factors were utilized to develop the first ANN model; then the factors were reduced to 41 and were utilized to develop the second predictive model at the schematic design stage. Finally, 27 design factors available at the concept design stage were utilized for the third ANN model.FindingsThe models achieved average cost estimation accuracy of 98, 98 and 97% in the detailed, schematic and concept design stages, respectively.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper formulated the aims and objectives to be applicable only in Jordan using historical data of building projects.Originality/valueThe ANN approach introduced as a management tool is expected to provide the stakeholders in the engineering business with an indispensable tool for predicting the cost with limited data at the early stages of construction projects.
Identifying contradictions in an incumbent–startup ecosystem–an activity theory approach
Authors: Baloutsos Stratos , Karagiannaki Angeliki , Pramatari Katerina 
Published: December 2020

PurposeDiscussion regarding systems that promote innovation, aptly named innovation ecosystems, has been intensifying both in academia and business. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the activity theory as a theoretical framework for conceptualising and studying innovation ecosystems. Using the activity theory, it investigates elements that affect the success and viability of innovation ecosystems formed between startups and incumbent firms, collaborating with an established firm within the context of an open innovation programme.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses an exploratory case research approach and proposes the activity theory as a theoretical background to be used in innovation ecosystem research. Based on this approach, this study draws from interviews and research observations in an innovation ecosystem formed between an established firm and various startups that aim to co-develop innovative offerings.FindingsBy applying the activity theory tools, this study identifies several contradictions between interacting actors of this innovation ecosystem that can adversely affect the innovation process. Furthermore, it proposes the use of the activity theory as a fitting theoretical lens to study innovation ecosystems.Originality/valueThe novelty of this study is related to the focus on the incumbent–startup context for extending the innovation ecosystem literature. Using the activity theory as a viable methodological tool allows us to conceptualise firms as social constructs and hence pinpoint inner characteristics that can affect and shape their interactions and the broader ecosystem. This process is further enhanced by the use of primary data that give unique insights into the inner workings of innovation ecosystems by identifying underlying contradictions.
Employee engagement: exploring higher education non-tenure track faculty members’ perceptions
Authors: Kovaleski Brad J. , Arghode Vishal 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study employee engagement in higher education by examining full-time non-tenure track faculty members’ perceptions at a North East US state public university.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used semi-structured face-to-face personal interviews with 11 non-tenure track full-time university faculty. Using a phenomenological approach, thematic analysis was conducted for employee interview data. The data was further refined through first and second cycle coding. The primary eight coded clusters were further reduced to three data clusters, each representing an evolving unit of meaning.FindingsThe analysis revealed three themes relating to how full-time non-tenure track faculty experience and understand engagement: required institutional engagement, perceived necessary engagement and relational collegial engagement.Originality/valueThe study adds to the limited research available on non-tenure track faculty members within higher education organization and their perceptions of engagement.
Attitudes towards entrepreneurship among the students of Thailand: an entrepreneurial attitude orientation approach
Authors: Soomro Bahadur Ali , Memon Maqsood , Shah Naimatullah 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe present study predicts attitude towards entrepreneurship among the students of Thailand through the entrepreneurial attitude orientation (EAO) model.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach is used, based on cross-sectional data from public sector universities of Thailand. The respondents are bachelor's and master's students who are acquiring entrepreneurship education. A random sampling technique was used to approach students to participate in the survey. A total of 392 useable questionnaires were returned, providing data for analysis.FindingsUsing structural equation modeling, the results show a positive and significant impact of achievement, personal control and innovation on attitudes towards entrepreneurship. Self-esteem, however, has a non-significant impact on attitudes towards entrepreneurship.Practical implicationsThis study may be helpful for university policymakers wishing to know more about students' entrepreneurial attitudes, as there is a strong need to divert more students towards entrepreneurship. This study may contribute to the entrepreneurship literature and the EAO scale, particularly in developing and Asian contexts.Originality/valueThis study offers evidence of the development of entrepreneurial attitudes among the students of Thailand, which ensures the further validation of the EAO scale in a developing country.
Confidentiality and security of information in the public health-care facilities to curb HIV/AIDS trauma among patients in Africa
Authors: Marutha Ngoako Solomon , Mosweu Olefhile 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
This study sought to investigate a framework for ensuring the confidentiality and security of information at the public health-care facilities to curb HIV/AIDS trauma among patients in Africa. In most instances, trauma to HIV/AIDS patients accelerate because of their personal information relating to the state of illness leaks to public people.

Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study used literature to study confidentiality and security of information at the public health-care facilities to curb HIV/AIDS trauma among patients in Africa.

Findings
The study revealed that confidentiality and security of information has been neglected, in most instances, at the health-care facilities, and this has, to some extent, affected HIV/AIDS patients negatively, leading to trauma, stigma and skipping of treatment by patients resulting in accelerated mortality among chronic patients. The study recommends that patients’ information be always strictly controlled and kept confidential and secured at all the times, especially that of HIV/AIDS patients.

Practical implications
The proposed framework can be used by health-care facilities to guide the management and promotion of the confidentiality and security of information in the public health-care facilities to curb additional trauma to HIV/AIDS patients in the context of Africa, and even beyond.

Originality/value
The study provides a framework to ensure the confidentiality and security of information at the public health-care facilities to curb additional trauma to HIV/AIDS patients.
Cis-normativity at work: exploring discrimination against US trans workers
Authors: Suárez Mario I. , Marquez-Velarde Guadalupe , Glass Christy , Miller Gabe H. 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
This study aims to examine how gender variation in trans identities shape exposure to bias and discrimination. The authors then examine how trans identities intersect with race/ethnicity, education and social class to shape exposure risk to bias, discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use data from the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey with 24,391 trans-identified respondents. To account for the nested nature of trans people in state contexts, the authors use two-level logistic multilevel models. The authors are guided by Puwar’s bodies out of place as the theoretical grounding for this study.

Findings
The authors find significant differences in how trans women and men experience discrimination. The authors also find differences in race, education and social class. Finally, the presence of anti-discrimination policies presents mixed results.

Originality/value
The authors’ analysis reveals important differences in trans workers’ exposure to discrimination based on gender identity, social class, race/ethnicity and policy context, and draws upon a rich and large data set.
FDGM(1,1) model based on unified fractional grey generation operator
Authors: Meng Wei , Li Qian , Zeng Bo , Yang Yingjie 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to unify the expression of fractional grey accumulating generation operator and the reducing generation operator, and build the FDGM(1,1) model with the unified fractional grey generation operator.Design/methodology/approachBy systematically studying the properties of the fractional accumulating operator and the reducing operator, and analyzing the sensitivity of the order value, a unified expression of the fractional operators is given. The FDGM(1,1) model with the unified fractional grey generation operator is established. The relationship between the order value and the modeling error distribution is studied.FindingsThe expression of the fractional accumulating generation operator and the reducing generation operator can be unified to a simple expression. For −1<r < 1, the fractional grey generation operator satisfies the principle of new information priority. The DGM(1,1) model is a special case of the FDGM(1,1) model with r = 1.Research limitations/implicationsThe sensitivity of the unified operator is verified through random numerical simulation method, and the theoretical proof was not yet possible.Practical implicationsThe FDGM(1,1) model has a higher modeling accuracy and modeling adaptability than the DGM(1,1) by optimizing the order.Originality/valueThe expression of the fractional accumulating generation operator and the reducing generation operator is firstly unified. The FDGM(1,1) model with the unified fractional grey generation operator is firstly established. The unification of the fractional accumulating operator and the reducing operator improved the theoretical basis of grey generation operator.
Perceived benefits of retrofitted residential secondary glazing: an exploratory Australian study
Authors: Bulut Mehmet , Wilkinson Sara , Khan Aila , Jin Xiao-Hua , Lee Chyi Lin 
Published: December 2020

PurposeRetrofitting single glazing with double glazing saves energy and enhances indoor comfort, however replacement can be expensive. Secondary glazing is an easier-to-install, cost-effective retrofit alternative. There is a gap in the literature about post-retrofit occupant satisfaction with secondary glazed windows in Australia.Design/methodology/approachThis research addresses this gap, with an online survey completed by 56 respondents in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory who retrofitted secondary glazing. This research seeks a deeper understanding of occupier views. Issues of validity and internal and external reliability were addressed in the research.FindingsStrong satisfaction and significant improvement in indoor comfort was found. Over 80% of respondents felt their home had better thermal and noise insulation. Nearly 79% found a positive impact on their property value and 77% would retrofit secondary glazing if they moved. Occupants considered secondary glazing a suitable technical, economic and environmental alternative to double glazing in retrofits.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a chance of sampling bias; only satisfied respondents answer the survey. Survey data was collected from occupants located in a small geographic area and who used the same manufacturer. Different climatic conditions, varying specifications and quality of installed systems could influence perceptions.Practical implicationsMany reported health and wellbeing improvements, higher comfort, higher property value and willingness to invest in residential energy efficiency measures. These findings need to be more widely known in the Australian market.Originality/valueFew studies focus on retrofitting secondary glazing to Australian residential buildings. This study highlights the social, economic and environmental benefits perceived by occupants post-retrofit.