Elvis Attakora-Amaniampong, Miller Williams Appau and Issaka Kanton Osumanu
Previous students' housing studies have neglected the need to study all-inclusive student housing and quality of services delivery among students with disability. This study…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous students' housing studies have neglected the need to study all-inclusive student housing and quality of services delivery among students with disability. This study explores the expectations in students' housing among university students living with disabilities (SWDs) in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a mixed-methods approach, involving 423 SWD selected from five public and three private universities across Ghana. Grounded on the Gap Model, the study employed exploratory factor analysis to extract factors of service quality delivery and universal building design for SWD living in off-campus students' housing.
Findings
The study uncovered that, expectations of SWD regarding building design specifications hinges more on inbuilt universal design than external building environment designs. SWD are more interested in safety, health, managerial assurances and security. In all, five factors provided a huge gap in services quality delivered by off-campus students' housing.
Practical implications
The Gap Model technique offers a framework that provides an insight for students' housing investors, managers, researchers and local authorities that provides an insight on the needs of SWD in student housing, thus making it possible to attain satisfactions amongst SWD.
Originality/value
Unlike health-related studies that deals with expectations of all-inclusive buildings for persons with disability in hospitals, this study uniquely uncovered the expectations of services delivery and building design support to SWD in the Ghanaian context.
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Karlo Puh and Marina Bagić Babac
Predicting the stock market's prices has always been an interesting topic since its closely related to making money. Recently, the advances in natural language processing (NLP…
Abstract
Purpose
Predicting the stock market's prices has always been an interesting topic since its closely related to making money. Recently, the advances in natural language processing (NLP) have opened new perspectives for solving this task. The purpose of this paper is to show a state-of-the-art natural language approach to using language in predicting the stock market.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the conventional statistical models for time-series prediction are implemented as a benchmark. Then, for methodological comparison, various state-of-the-art natural language models ranging from the baseline convolutional and recurrent neural network models to the most advanced transformer-based models are developed, implemented and tested.
Findings
Experimental results show that there is a correlation between the textual information in the news headlines and stock price prediction. The model based on the GRU (gated recurrent unit) cell with one linear layer, which takes pairs of the historical prices and the sentiment score calculated using transformer-based models, achieved the best result.
Originality/value
This study provides an insight into how to use NLP to improve stock price prediction and shows that there is a correlation between news headlines and stock price prediction.
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Patrick Ajibade and Ndakasharwa Muchaonyerwa
This study aims to promote the need for advanced skills acquisition within the LIS and academic libraries. This study focuses on the importance of library management systems and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to promote the need for advanced skills acquisition within the LIS and academic libraries. This study focuses on the importance of library management systems and the need for the graduates to be equipped with analytics skills. Combined with basic data, text mining and analytics, knowledge classification and information audit skills would benefit libraries and improve resource allocation. Agile institutional libraries in this big data era success hinge on the ability to perform depth analytics of both data and text to generate useful insight for information literacy training and information governance.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopted a living-lab methodology to use existing technology to conduct system analysis and LMS audit of an academic library of one of the highly ranked universities in the world. One of the benefits of this approach is the ability to apply technological innovation and tools to carry out research that is relevant to the context of LIS or other research fields such as management, education, humanities and social sciences. The techniques allow us to gain access to publicly available information because of system audits that were performed. The level of responsiveness of the online library was accessed, and basic information audits were conducted.
Findings
This study indicated skill gaps in the LIS training and the academic libraries in response to the fourth industrial technologies. This study argued that the role of skill acquisition and how it can foster data-driven library management operations. Hence, data mining, text mining and analytics are needed to probe into such massive, big data housed in the various libraries’ repositories. This study, however, indicated that without retraining of librarians or including this analytics programming in the LIS curriculum, the libraries would not be able to reap the benefits these techniques provided.
Research limitations/implications
This paper covered research within the general and academic libraries and the broader LIS fields. The same principle and concept is very important for both public and private libraries with substantial usage and patrons.
Practical implications
This paper indicated that librarianship training must fill the gaps within the LIS training. This can be done by including data mining, data analytics, text mining and processing in the curriculum. This skill will enable the news graduates to have skills to assist the library managers in making informed decisions based on user-generated content (UGC), LMS system audits and information audits. Thus, this paper provided practical insights and suggested solutions for academic libraries to improve the agility of information services.
Social implications
The academic librarian can improve institutional and LMS management through insights that are generated from the user. This study indicated that libraries' UGC could serve as robust insights into library management.
Originality/value
This paper argued that the librarian expertise transcends information literacy and knowledge classification and debated the interwoven of LMS and data analytics, text mining and analysis as a solution to improve efficient resources and training.
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Uchenna Luvia Ezeamaku, Chinyere Ezekannagha, Ochiagha I. Eze, Nkiru Odimegwu, Angela Nwakaudu, Amarachukwu Okafor, Innocent Ekuma and Okechukwu Dominic Onukwuli
The impact of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) treatment on the tensile strength of an alkali-treated pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced with tapioca-based bio resin (cassava…
Abstract
Purpose
The impact of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) treatment on the tensile strength of an alkali-treated pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) reinforced with tapioca-based bio resin (cassava starch) was studied.
Design/methodology/approach
The PALF was exposed to sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment in varying concentrations of 2.0, 3.7, 4.5 and 5.5g prior to the fiber treatment with KMnO4. The treated and untreated PALFs were reinforced with tapioca-based bio resin. Subsequently, they were subjected to Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and tensile test analysis.
Findings
The FTIR analysis of untreated PALF revealed the presence of O-H stretch, N-H stretch, C=O stretch, C=O stretch and H-C-H bond. The tensile test result confirmed the highest tensile strength of 35N from fiber that was reinforced with 32.5g of cassava starch and treated with 1.1g of KMnO4. In comparison, the lowest tensile strength of 15N was recorded for fiber reinforced with 32.5g of cassava starch without KMnO4 treatment.
Originality/value
Based on the results, it could be deduced that despite the enhancement of bioresin (cassava starch) towards strength-impacting on the fibers, KMnO4 treatment on PALF is very vital for improved tensile strength of the fiber when compared to untreated fibers. Hence, KMnO4 treatment on alkali-treated natural fibers preceding reinforcement is imperative for bio-based fibers.
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Benjamin Mwakyeja and Honest F. Kimario
Optimization of dynamics determining distribution performance of pharmaceuticals is vital in realizing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 3 which insists on provision of…
Abstract
Purpose
Optimization of dynamics determining distribution performance of pharmaceuticals is vital in realizing Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 3 which insists on provision of good health and well-being to the society. This study was designed at unfolding diverse factors that influence the distribution performance of pharmaceuticals in the Medical Stores Department (MSD) of Tanzania.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilized cross-sectional survey strategy in gathering data from 67 staff members working in the MSD using census approach. A structured questionnaire facilitated the collection of quantitative data which were later analyzed using ordinal logistic regression.
Findings
The results disclosed that all variables of inventory management, information management system and facility location positively and significantly govern the distribution performance and henceforth rejection of the foreseen null hypothesis.
Research limitations/implications
This study realized dynamics inducing distribution performance of pharmaceuticals but did not cover the role of 3PLS and 4PLS in enhancing the same, and hence, an imminent study ought to seal this gap. Also, having grasped management information system is of strategic pillar, then it would sound imperative to analyze the application of artificial intelligence in distribution system performance.
Originality/value
This paper assimilates the concept of subaspects of supply chain management in footings of distribution management and that of pharmaceuticals and hence multidisciplinary value addition. Also, this study illustrates the applicability of strategic choice theory in strategic management in developing countries through pertinent choice of inventory management, information management system and facility location in triumphing SDGs.
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Gianluca Maguolo, Michelangelo Paci, Loris Nanni and Ludovico Bonan
Create and share a MATLAB library that performs data augmentation algorithms for audio data. This study aims to help machine learning researchers to improve their models using the…
Abstract
Purpose
Create and share a MATLAB library that performs data augmentation algorithms for audio data. This study aims to help machine learning researchers to improve their models using the algorithms proposed by the authors.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors structured our library into methods to augment raw audio data and spectrograms. In the paper, the authors describe the structure of the library and give a brief explanation of how every function works. The authors then perform experiments to show that the library is effective.
Findings
The authors prove that the library is efficient using a competitive dataset. The authors try multiple data augmentation approaches proposed by them and show that they improve the performance.
Originality/value
A MATLAB library specifically designed for data augmentation was not available before. The authors are the first to provide an efficient and parallel implementation of a large number of algorithms.
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Francis Kamewor Tetteh, Kwame Owusu Kwateng and John Mensah
Over the past decade, achieving sustainability in the transport sector has become a significant concern for governments and stakeholders. In this context, this study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Over the past decade, achieving sustainability in the transport sector has become a significant concern for governments and stakeholders. In this context, this study aims to comprehensively analyse the existing literature to document contributions and methodological deficiencies and pave the way for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used thematic, bibliometric and methodological systematic reviews of 39 articles across 30 sources from 112 authors between 2005 and 2023.
Findings
Using the Biblioshiny, the bibliometric analysis unveils the top prolific authors, contributing sources, most productive countries, top-cited papers and evolving keywords in advancing transport sustainability literature streams. The analyses revealed two strands of literature (those from the composite perspective and the triple-bottom-line perspective). The authors further consolidated indicators to measure the three pillars of transport sustainability comprehensively.
Originality/value
This paper uses a holistic approach to provide a state-of-the-art understanding of transport sustainability useful for the net zero or sustainable transport agenda. This paper is among the few attempts to consolidate indicators to measure transport sustainability from the triple bottom line perspective, whilst also offering exciting directions for future studies and inspiring hope for a more sustainable transport sector.
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The combination of strategic orientation and digitalization for sustainable competitive advantage among small businesses is still not given much…
Abstract
Purpose
The combination of strategic orientation and digitalization for sustainable competitive advantage among small businesses is still not given much attention in the literature. Therefore, this study aims to understand the influence of strategic orientation on sustainable competitive advantage while mediating the relationship with digitalization.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a cross-sectional design. This design helped collect data from 234 small businesses in Arusha city, Tanzania. Since the study used latent variables, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze relationships and conduct confirmatory factor analysis. Through bootstrapping confidence intervals, Hayes's Process was also used to test how digitalization mediates the relationship between strategic orientations and sustainable competitive advantage.
Findings
The strategic orientation attributes that include market orientation, entrepreneurial orientation and learning orientation were positively and significantly related to digitalization. Furthermore, the results on digitalization and sustainable competitive advantage show a significant positive relationship. Finally, digitalization was analyzed to mediate the relationship between strategic orientation, market orientation, entrepreneurial orientation, learning orientation and sustainable competitive advantage. Hence, all hypotheses were supported.
Research limitations/implications
This study adopted a cross-sectional design that helped to capture the quantitative information. In addition, the current study is limited to Tanzania's small businesses; thus, the findings cannot assure generalization of the conclusion to other countries because of the differences in social, cultural and technology across countries.
Originality/value
This study integrates the concepts of strategic orientation from the strategic management discipline and digitalization from a technology perspective. As a result, the study adds new knowledge about combining two aspects and determining whether they add value in terms of providing a sustainable competitive advantage. This knowledge comes from digitalization, which acts as a mediator between strategic orientation dimensions and a sustainable competitive advantage.