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Book part
Publication date: 25 November 2024

Ivica Kelam

Synthetic biology begins with the underlying assumption that life and life forms can be divided into parts and reassembled or redesigned according to the whims of their creators…

Abstract

Synthetic biology begins with the underlying assumption that life and life forms can be divided into parts and reassembled or redesigned according to the whims of their creators. Therefore, synthetic biology needs to be at the centre of ethical thinking since it engages the very concept of life and radically changes it. In this paper, we will investigate the phenomenon of synthetic biology through an ethical analysis of the unfulfilled promises and potential perils surrounding this technology. The paper consists of four parts. In the first part, we will deal with the problem of defining synthetic biology since it is a field in which many scientific disciplines meet and intertwine. The second part will present a brief history of systemic biology and the groundbreaking creation of Synthia, the first synthetic organism. The third part focuses on synthetic biology's potential benefits and some prominent ethical issues. In the fourth part, we will point out the problem of synthetic biology regulation. In conclusion, we will highlight the essential ethical remarks on synthetic biology and provide the impetus for further ethical debate.

Details

The Ethics Gap in the Engineering of the Future
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-635-5

Keywords

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 5 December 2024

Mike O'Donnell

Abstract

Details

Crises and Popular Dissent, Second Edition
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-549-0

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2024

Danting Cai, Hengyun Li, Rob Law, Haipeng Ji and Huicai Gao

This study aims to investigate the influence of the reviewed establishment’s price level and the user’s social network size and reputation status on consumers’ tendency to post…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of the reviewed establishment’s price level and the user’s social network size and reputation status on consumers’ tendency to post more visual imagery content. Furthermore, it explores the moderating effects of user experiences and geographic distance on these dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a multi-method approach to explore both the determinants behind the sharing of user-generated photos in online reviews and their internal mechanisms. Using a comprehensive secondary data set from Yelp.com, the authors focused on restaurant reviews from a prominent tourist destination to construct econometric models incorporating time-fixed effects. To enhance the robustness of the authors’ findings, the authors complemented the big data analysis with a series of controlled experiments.

Findings

The reviewed establishments price level and the users reputation status and social network size incite corresponding motivations conspicuous display “reputation seeking” and social approval motivating users to incorporate more images in reviews. “User experiences can amplify the influence of these factors on image sharing.” An increase in the users geographical distance lessens the impact of the price level on image sharing, but it heightens the influence of the users reputation and social network size on the number of shared images.

Practical implications

As a result of this study, high-end establishments can increase their online visibility by leveraging user-generated visual content. A structured rewards program could significantly boost engagement by incentivizing photo sharing, particularly among users with elite status and extensive social networks. Additionally, online review platforms can enhance users’ experiences and foster more dynamic interactions by developing personalized features that encourage visual content production.

Originality/value

This research, anchored in trait activation theory, offers an innovative examination of the determinants of photo-posting behavior in online reviews by enriching the understanding of how the intricate interplay between users’ characteristics and situational cues can shape online review practices.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 36 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 June 2024

Sara Ahlryd and Fredrik Hanell

The challenges to healthcare caused by the COVID-19 pandemic forced hospital librarians to develop their abilities to cope with change and crises, both on a social level and an…

Abstract

Purpose

The challenges to healthcare caused by the COVID-19 pandemic forced hospital librarians to develop their abilities to cope with change and crises, both on a social level and an organisational level. The aim of this study is to contribute to knowledge about how hospital librarians developed library services during the pandemic and how these changes contributed to building information resilience in the healthcare organisation. This paper also seeks to explore how resilience theory, and specifically the concept information resilience, can be used within library and information science (in LIS) to investigate resilience in the library sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Nine semi-structured interviews with librarians were conducted at four different hospital libraries in four different regions in Sweden between March and May 2022. The empirical material was analysed through an interaction between the tzheoretical perspective and the empirical material through a thematic analysis. In each theme, specific resilience resources are identified and analysed as components of the information resilience developed by hospital librarians.

Findings

The results show that hospital librarians contribute to several different information resilience resources, which support information resilience in the healthcare organisation. Three aspects characterize the qualities of resilience resources: access, flexibility, and collaboration. The findings suggest that the framework for analysing information resilience used in this study is well suited for studying the resilience of libraries from both organisational and informational aspects.

Originality/value

The analysis of information resilience on an organisational level presents a novel way to study resilience in the library sector.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 80 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 October 2024

Ines Nasri, Aida Bouzir, Mohamed Hédi Benhadj Mbarek and Saloua Benammou

This article provides a comparative analysis of the relationship between insurance and economic growth in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and…

Abstract

Purpose

This article provides a comparative analysis of the relationship between insurance and economic growth in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions. The research aims to understand how insurance impacts economic growth in these two regions, highlighting the similarities and differences between them.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes economic and insurance data from various countries in the OECD and MENA regions over a specific period. It employs the statistical method of Partial Least Squares (PLS) univariate regression to examine the relationships between the variables.

Findings

The study finds a positive correlation between insurance and economic growth in both regions, though the characteristics and mechanisms differ. In the OECD region, where insurance markets are more developed, insurance is strongly linked to economic growth. In contrast, the MENA region, with lower levels of insurance and a less developed industry, still shows a positive effect of insurance on economic growth. The article also identifies factors specific to the OECD and MENA regions that influence this relationship, such as insurance industry regulation, access to financial services, economic and political stability and cultural and institutional differences.

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in its use of the PLS regression method, setting it apart from previous studies in the same field that have typically relied on other econometric techniques.

Details

The Journal of Risk Finance, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1526-5943

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 July 2023

Muhammad Zubair Alam, Muhammad Rafiq, Adnan Mohammed Alafif, Sobia Nasir and Jawad Bashir

Using trait activation theory (TAT), this paper aims to empirically assess that work drive (WD) personality characteristics of employees will express better towards…

Abstract

Purpose

Using trait activation theory (TAT), this paper aims to empirically assess that work drive (WD) personality characteristics of employees will express better towards intrapreneurial behaviour (IB) outcomes in higher levels of job autonomy (JA) at the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Using cross-sectional design, a total of 258 engineering employees from the automotive industry of Pakistan were surveyed. The partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) statistical method was used to evaluate the hypothesised theoretical model.

Findings

Statistical results revealed a significant and positive relationship between WD and IB. WD personality was also found to be activated with its interplay with JA for personality expression towards IB.

Practical implications

The present study offers a deeper insight into the interplay of organisational and individual factors as determinants of IB of employees. The study's findings suggested the importance of the rightful application of organisational situational cues in person–situation interaction for positive workplace behaviours by employees. Personality assessment of employees and their interplay with situational cues, as per conceptualisation of TAT, can assist the corporations towards enhanced levels of employees' behavioural tendencies towards intrapreneurship.

Originality/value

The application of TAT from the present study's perspective is novel theoretically as the literature on the activation of personality traits towards IB outcomes is non-existent. Also, the assessment of situational cues in JA will open avenues for organisational behaviour researchers to seek more organisational situational moderators for their assessment of various personality–outcome relationships in diverse contexts to activate personality traits.

Details

International Journal of Innovation Science, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-2223

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2024

Aasif Mohammad Khan, Umer Yousuf Parray, Fayaz Ahmad Loan and Shahid Rashid Parray

This study has aimed to thoroughly assess user sentiments and perceptions regarding the National Library of India (NLI). It has attempted to provide significant insights into user…

Abstract

Purpose

This study has aimed to thoroughly assess user sentiments and perceptions regarding the National Library of India (NLI). It has attempted to provide significant insights into user satisfaction by examining its strengths and shortcomings across key categories including collection, environment, facilities, location, management and staff. The study has contributed to the understanding of the factors influencing the attributes of libraries, facilitating improvements in services and enhancing the overall user experience.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative analysis to assess user sentiments towards the NLI. Using Google Maps reviews, the study utilized web scraping, content analysis and sentiment analysis to categorize reviews as positive, negative or neutral, providing insights into user experiences and an in-depth analysis of the views and opinions of the NLI.

Findings

The study involved sentiment analysis and content analysis of 818 Google Maps reviews to assess user satisfaction with the NLI. The results demonstrate 624 reviews as positive sentiments, 70 instances pinpointed specific negative concerns, primarily related to staff behavior and certain facilities, and 124 neutral reviews suggested mixed viewpoints among users. This analysis highlights the critical role of attributes such as collection quality, environment and facilities in shaping user perceptions, emphasizing the need for focused improvements based on user feedback. The study revealed six attributes, namely collection, environment, facilities, location, management and staff that influence the user perception.

Research limitations/implications

This study is focused solely on Google Maps reviews. Hence, the results cannot be generalized to all online platforms. Reliance on online reviews may not fully capture the views of all the library users. Additionally, the scope of the study is limited to English-language comments, potentially overlooking valuable insights from non-English-language reviews.

Practical implications

This study provides valuable insights for the NLI to enhance user satisfaction by addressing the specific concerns raised in online reviews. The findings offer actionable guidance for library management to refine services and maintain favorable public perceptions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive analysis of user sentiment through sentiment and content analysis of online reviews, offering unique insights into the NLI’s public perception. The identification of key strengths and weaknesses adds practical value to library management for refining services. The originality of this study lies in its unique approach to evaluating user experiences, which guides future research and improvement efforts in library services.

Details

Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. 25 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-8047

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 November 2024

Hafiz Imtiaz Ahmad and Khaled Aljifri

This study aims to explore the influence of corporate sustainability on organizational value, specifically focusing on companies ranked in the Just Capital Market ranking. The aim…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the influence of corporate sustainability on organizational value, specifically focusing on companies ranked in the Just Capital Market ranking. The aim is to establish whether higher sustainability rankings are associated with increased firm value and to investigate how corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities affect both financial and non-financial outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the Ohlson model to assess the value-generation potential of the top and bottom ten companies in the Just Capital Market ranking from 2013 to 2018. The analysis involves evaluating stock prices and other financial metrics and incorporating non-financial indicators related to CSR activities to gain a comprehensive understanding of their impact on firm valuation.

Findings

The results indicate a strong connection between high sustainability rankings and increased market value. Companies such as Microsoft, Intel and Alphabet, which have robust CSR initiatives, have shown significant improvements in market performance due to greater stakeholder engagement and detailed non-financial disclosures. On the other hand, companies with low sustainability ratings have demonstrated weaker market performance, which indicates the financial risks associated with neglecting CSR activities. This study underscores the critical importance of integrating CSR into fundamental business strategies to create sustainable value.

Originality/value

This study addresses the limitations of traditional financial indicators by incorporating non-financial factors into the valuation process. The study offers a more comprehensive assessment of firm value, reflecting modern business practices and the evolving global economy landscape. Integrating nonfinancial indicators enhances valuation accuracy and provides a holistic view of company performance, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions based on a broader range of factors. This innovative method may reshape firm valuations, leading to more accurate and reliable assessments in contemporary business contexts.

Details

Journal of Asia Business Studies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1558-7894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2024

Jennifer C. Gibbs, Jennifer L. Schally, Ally Mullen, Melahat Akdemir, Nicholas Cutler and Timothy W. Brearly

The nature of policework is uniquely challenging to officers’ mental health, producing detrimental outcomes such as higher rates of suicide, substance abuse and divorce compared…

Abstract

Purpose

The nature of policework is uniquely challenging to officers’ mental health, producing detrimental outcomes such as higher rates of suicide, substance abuse and divorce compared to other occupations. This is especially true in small and rural police departments, where officers often have broader responsibilities and cover a larger geographic area than their counterparts who work in large urban departments. Given the limited resources available to small and rural police, the purpose of this study is to explore the mental health services available to officers in small and rural police departments.

Design/methodology/approach

We used a mixed methods approach. First, we surveyed 349 small and rural Pennsylvania police chiefs about the mental health services in their department. Of these chiefs, 53 participated in subsequent in-depth qualitative interviews about officer awareness of the mental health services available to them, what resources they thought would be helpful to officers and what barriers exist to prevent officers from seeking help.

Findings

Quantitative results indicated that 22% of small and rural police departments had no mental health programs available to officers; Critical Incident Stress Management and Employee Assistance Programs were most commonly available. Budget size and the presence of a union influenced whether a department had mental health programs available to officers. Qualitative interviews found that although most departments provided some mental health services, officers were unlikely to use them. Chiefs expressed a need for improved services that officers might be more likely to use.

Practical implications

Given the lack of resources available in small and rural police departments and the lack of adoption of some resources, we recommend peer assistance, general wellness programs and telehealth as feasible options for officer mental health.

Originality/value

Small and rural police comprise the bulk of policing in the USA, yet remain understudied. This study focuses on small and rural police.

Details

Policing: An International Journal, vol. 47 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 January 2024

Paulina Ines Rytkönen, Wilhelm Skoglund, Pejvak Oghazi and Daniel Laven

The purpose of this study is shed light on the underlying forces behind entrepreneurship within a regional innovation system (RIS) in a remote rural region. The authors examine…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is shed light on the underlying forces behind entrepreneurship within a regional innovation system (RIS) in a remote rural region. The authors examine the following questions: Which are the main underlying forces behind the entrepreneurial process in a rural RIS characterized by traditionally low-tech, small-scale businesses? How can the development of a low-tech regional innovation system be conceptualized?

Design/methodology/approach

The design of the study is based on entrepreneurship theory. Data analysis followed practices used in phenomenography, a research approach used to analyse and identify commonalities and variations in populations' perceptions of a certain phenomenon. Data are composed using semi-structured interviews and a database composed of company information of all firms in the population.

Findings

A proactive mobilization of regional stakeholders and resources can be an important driving force behind the entrepreneurial process and generation of a rural RIS. Innovation can be generated within low-tech industries turning the rural context into an asset. An RIS in a remote rural context can be initiated and orchestrated by regional authorities, but knowledge brokering and orchestration can also be managed by networks of small-scale businesses brought together by mutual benefit and common interests.

Research limitations/implications

Regional innovation systems theory is most often used to study high-tech industries. But by combining regional innovation systems with rural entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship context theory is a fruitful avenue to understand the role of rural entrepreneurship in regional development, even in remote and peripheral regions. Innovation does not need to entail high-tech international environments; it can appear as the result of efforts in low-tech industries in rural and remote environments. The authors’ findings need to be scrutinized; therefore, the authors call for more research on regional innovation systems in rural environments.

Practical implications

It is possible for regional authorities to orchestrate a development process through the actions of a strong regional agent but also by supporting the creation of networks of small businesses that are built on trust and common interests.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature with a new perspective to the study of entrepreneurship and of regional innovation systems. Entrepreneurship research with focus on rural contexts most often highlight limits to entrepreneurship and see entrepreneurship as “just running a business”. A perspective that starts from innovation and innovative behaviour, despite the rural context and embedded resources, helps to generate new knowledge that can enrich the understanding of entrepreneurship and also be the foundation for more precise business development policies in rural settings.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

1 – 10 of 31