Alexander D. Klose and Andreas H. Hielscher
This paper sets out to give an overview about state‐of‐the‐art optical tomographic image reconstruction algorithms that are based on the equation of radiative transfer (ERT).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper sets out to give an overview about state‐of‐the‐art optical tomographic image reconstruction algorithms that are based on the equation of radiative transfer (ERT).
Design/methodology/approach
An objective function, which describes the discrepancy between measured and numerically predicted light intensity data on the tissue surface, is iteratively minimized to find the unknown spatial distribution of the optical parameters or sources. At each iteration step, the predicted partial current is calculated by a forward model for light propagation based on the ERT. The equation of radiative is solved with either finite difference or finite volume methods.
Findings
Tomographic reconstruction algorithms based on the ERT accurately recover the spatial distribution of optical tissue properties and light sources in biological tissue. These tissues either can have small geometries/large absorption coefficients, or can contain void‐like inclusions.
Originality/value
These image reconstruction methods can be employed in small animal imaging for monitoring blood oxygenation, in imaging of tumor growth, in molecular imaging of fluorescent and bioluminescent probes, in imaging of human finger joints for early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and in functional brain imaging.
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The method of making a series of similarly shaped structural elements adapted to occupy spaced positions in a constructional assembly, comprising the steps of forming the…
Abstract
The method of making a series of similarly shaped structural elements adapted to occupy spaced positions in a constructional assembly, comprising the steps of forming the individual elements of said series as a structural member having a plurality of angularly related faces similar to each other in shape but differing in size so that the outer contour of a smaller element is substantially congruent to the inner contour of a larger element, by corrugating a piece of sheet metal so as to include the angularly related faces of all said elements connected with each other along their congruent contours respectively, and each part of each element being spaced from the corresponding part of the adjacent element by a distance which is proportional to the spacing which such portions will have in the finished assembly, and separating the similarly shaped elements of said blank by cutting the blank along spaced parallel lines which are located in corresponding positions in adjacent portions.
Sanjit Kumar Roy, Vaibhav Shekhar, Ali Quazi and Mohammed Quaddus
The purpose of the study is to investigate the role of service convenience in the relationship between organizational characteristics (such as brand equity, store ambiance, store…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to investigate the role of service convenience in the relationship between organizational characteristics (such as brand equity, store ambiance, store layout, customer information and employee responsiveness) on customer engagement behaviors (CEBs), including service improvement, customer cooperation, positive word-of-mouth and customer helping customers. It examines two research models, with service convenience as a separate antecedent of CEBs (model A) and as a mediating variable between organizational characteristics and CEBs (model B).
Design/methodology/approach
Using a positivist paradigm, data were collected from 384 respondents representing the existing customers of grocery retailers based in India via a survey instrument. Data were analyzed using partial least squares (PLS) path modeling.
Findings
Results demonstrate service convenience as a motivational driver of CEBs. Results also show that the organizational characteristics significantly influence service convenience which in turn impacts CEBs.
Practical implications
The findings have important implications for store managers in effective management of customers' time and effort in terms of saving customers' time and effort as well as motivating customers to elicit their engagement behaviors.
Originality/value
The originality of this paper lies in identifying the impact of organizational characteristics in helping customers to save time and effort in their shopping activities and thereby elicit various types of CEBs. The paper also adds to knowledge by examining the role of service convenience in the nexus between organizational characteristics and CEB types.
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John Agyekum Addae, Kwabena Gyasi Boakye, George Oppong Appiagyei Ampong, Hod Anyigba, Mohammed Majeed, Aidatu Abubakari and Kwame Simpe Ofori
The study's goal is to assess the influence of multichannel integration quality on perceived value, service convenience and service experience in a multichannel banking context…
Abstract
Purpose
The study's goal is to assess the influence of multichannel integration quality on perceived value, service convenience and service experience in a multichannel banking context. Furthermore, the study investigated the impact of perceived value, service convenience and service experience on positive electronic word of mouth (e-WoM).
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 527 respondents using online surveys distributed on various social media platforms in Ghana. The data were analysed using the partial least squares approach to structural equation modelling.
Findings
The results showed that multichannel integration quality influences consumers' perceptions of value and service experience favourably. It also showed that the two factors influencing service convenience were service experience and perceived value. Further, the research revealed a significant relationship between positive electronic word of mouth and perceived value, service convenience and service experience.
Practical implications
The study adds to the existing body of knowledge on multichannel integration by empirically testing the relationship between multichannel integration quality and consumer response in the context of multichannel banking.
Originality/value
The study is one of a few that provide important insights into the growing body of literature on multichannel integration quality from the consumers' perspective. The study further develops a model that explicates the relationship between multichannel integration quality, perceived value, service convenience and e-WoM.
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Caroline Lücke, Sylvia Braumandl, Bernhard Becker, Sebastian Moeller, Christina Custal, Alexandra Philipsen and Helge H.O. Müller
The levels of work-related stress and the incidence rates of subsequent related illnesses are increasing in our society, leading to high individual and socioeconomic burdens…
Abstract
Purpose
The levels of work-related stress and the incidence rates of subsequent related illnesses are increasing in our society, leading to high individual and socioeconomic burdens. Mindfulness training has been shown to be an effective method of improving stress resilience. This paper aims to investigate the efficacy of nature-based mindfulness training in professionals with high levels of work-related stress.
Design/methodology/approach
In this controlled pilot study, a total of 56 volunteers completed a nature-based mindfulness training progam and were compared to 8 participants (waitlist controls). Psychometric assessments were performed at baseline and after two and four months of training.
Findings
After two months of training, the scores for self-efficacy, sense of coherence, level of mindfulness and overall psychiatric symptom load had significantly improved in the intervention group, while the control group did not show any significant improvements. A comparison between the intervention and control groups showed a significant difference regarding the sense of coherence only.
Research limitations/implications
Since this was an exploratory study with a small control group, further studies are needed to verify our findings.
Practical implications
In conclusion, nature-based mindfulness training seems to be a promising tool for the improvement of resilience and overall psychological health in professionals.
Originality/value
This was the first study to systematically investigate effects of nature-based mindfulness training in people with high work-related stress.
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This paper situates the concept of library as place in its broader context of relevant theory and research in a number of fields, primarily psychology, neurology, geography…
Abstract
This paper situates the concept of library as place in its broader context of relevant theory and research in a number of fields, primarily psychology, neurology, geography, philosophy, and architecture. The term “place” is defined, its powers described, and its role in library administration and design thus revealed to be one of very considerable significance at the highest levels of library mission in any setting.
Sandra van Eckert, Uta Gaidys and Colin R. Martin
Nursing staff display symptoms of psychological stress more frequently than members of other professions. The subjective experience of embitterment also takes on a greater…
Abstract
Purpose
Nursing staff display symptoms of psychological stress more frequently than members of other professions. The subjective experience of embitterment also takes on a greater significance. This paper seeks to determine if level of education has an impact on the degree of embitterment as a function of educational status.
Design/methodology/approach
A between subjects design was used with academic status as the independent variable and self‐report embitterment, using the German version of the Bern Embitterment Inventory, as the primary dependent variable. A random sample of 212 German nurses with academic and non‐academic education participated in the study.
Findings
The comparison between academic and non‐academic nursing staff revealed a statistically significant difference indicating that an academic education has a positive effect on the subjective perception of embitterment (p=0.001).
Originality/value
Considering the current situation of academic nurses within the German health care system and the everyday nursing routine, psychological stress potential of unique dimensions such as embitterment have important ramifications in terms of understanding the relationship between the mental health and academic status of nurses within this system. The findings suggest the merit and value of further implementation of academic nursing study courses in Germany.
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Joern Birkmann, Holger Sauter, Ali Jamshed, Linda Sorg, Mark Fleischhauer, Simone Sandholz, Mia Wannewitz, Stefan Greiving, Bjoern Bueter, Melanie Schneider and Matthias Garschagen
Enhancing the resilience of cities and strengthening risk-informed decision-making are defined as key within the Global Agenda 2030. Implementing risk-informed decision-making…
Abstract
Purpose
Enhancing the resilience of cities and strengthening risk-informed decision-making are defined as key within the Global Agenda 2030. Implementing risk-informed decision-making also requires the consideration of scenarios of exposure and vulnerability. Therefore, the paper presents selected scenario approaches and illustrates how such vulnerability scenarios can look like for specific indicators and how they can inform decision-making, particularly in the context of urban planning.
Design/methodology/approach
The research study uses the example of heat stress in Ludwigsburg, Germany, and adopts participatory and quantitative forecasting methods to develop scenarios for human vulnerability and exposure to heat stress.
Findings
The paper indicates that considering changes in future vulnerability of people is important to provide an appropriate information base for enhancing urban resilience through risk-informed urban planning. This can help cities to define priority areas for future urban development and to consider the socio-economic and demographic composition in their strategies.
Originality/value
The value of the research study lies in implementing new qualitative and quantitative scenario approaches for human exposure and vulnerability to strengthen risk-informed decision-making.