Alexandre Richardson, Laurent Cirio, Laurent Martoglio and Odile Picon
A numerical and experimental analysis of an original inverted microstrip transmission line on standard Silicon substrate for telecommunication applications is proposed…
Abstract
A numerical and experimental analysis of an original inverted microstrip transmission line on standard Silicon substrate for telecommunication applications is proposed. Simulations have been made using a time domain method such as Finite‐Difference‐Time‐Domain method (FDTD) to obtain results on a large frequency band. However, the main difficulty of the FDTD is due to the absorbing boundary conditions (ABC) which must be perfectly matched to the inhomogeneous media with losses. Indeed, the fine dimensions prescribed by the studied circuit lead to a long computational time. To reduce the FDTD grid but also to simulate inhomogeneous medium with losses, an efficient and broadband ABC has to be implemented because classical ones are not suitable to simulate a lossy substrate. For this reason, a specific uniaxial perfectly matched layers (UPML) is proposed. We compare numerical results obtained with FDTD, HP Momentum and experimental ones to show the validation of the method applied to lossy media.
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Mathieu Dumont, Catherine Briand, Ginette Aubin, Alexandre Dumais and Stéphane Potvin
This study aims to develop immersive scenarios (immersive videos) to foster generalization of learning while addressing social cognition, a factor associated to violence in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop immersive scenarios (immersive videos) to foster generalization of learning while addressing social cognition, a factor associated to violence in schizophrenia. The authors sought to develop immersive videos that generate a sense of presence; are socially realistic; and can be misinterpreted and, if so, lead to anger.
Design/methodology/approach
A multiphase mixed method was used to develop and validate the immersive scenarios. The development phase consisted of preliminary interviews and co-design workshops with patients (n = 7) and mental health practitioners (n = 7). The validation phase was conducted with patients (n = 7) and individuals without mental disorders (n = 7).
Findings
The development phase led to the creation of five scenarios (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5); they included social cues which could lead to self-referential and intentional biases. Results of the validation phase showed that all scenarios generated a sense of presence and were considered highly realistic. Three scenarios elicited biases and, consequently, moderate levels of anger (annoyance).
Practical implications
Immersive videos represent a relevant and accessible technological solution to address social-cognitive domains such as self-reference bias.
Originality/value
No intervention using immersive technologies had been developed or studied yet for individuals with schizophrenia at risk of violence in secure settings. This project demonstrated the feasibility of creating immersive videos which have relevant attributes to foster generalization of learning in the remediation of social-cognitive deficits.
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Ronan de Kervenoael, Alexandre Schwob, Mark Palmer and Geoff Simmons
Chronic consumption practice has been greatly accelerated by mobile, interactive and smartphone gaming technology devices. The purpose of this paper is to explore how chronic…
Abstract
Purpose
Chronic consumption practice has been greatly accelerated by mobile, interactive and smartphone gaming technology devices. The purpose of this paper is to explore how chronic consumption of smartphone gaming produces positive coping practice.
Design/methodology/approach
Underpinned by cognitive framing theory, empirical insights from 11 focus groups (n=62) reveal how smartphone gaming enhances positive coping amongst gamers and non-gamers.
Findings
The findings reveal how the chronic consumption of games allows technology to act with privileged agency that resolves tensions between individuals and collectives. Consumption narratives of smartphone games, even when play is limited, lead to the identification of three cognitive frames through which positive coping processes operate: the market-generated, social being and citizen frames.
Research limitations/implications
This paper adds to previous research by providing an understanding of positive coping practice in the smartphone chronic gaming consumption.
Originality/value
In smartphone chronic gaming consumption, cognitive frames enable positive coping by fostering appraisal capacities in which individuals confront hegemony, culture and alterity-morality concerns.
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Fernanda Leão and Delfina Gomes
In the context of Portugal, this study examines the stereotypes of accountants held by laypeople and how they are influenced by financial crises and accounting scandals.
Abstract
Purpose
In the context of Portugal, this study examines the stereotypes of accountants held by laypeople and how they are influenced by financial crises and accounting scandals.
Design/methodology/approach
To better understand the social images of accountants, the authors adopt a structural approach based on the big five model (BFM) of personality. The authors test this approach on a Portuguese community sample (N = 727) using a questionnaire survey. The results are analyzed considering the socioanalytic theory.
Findings
The results suggest the existence of a stereotype dominated by features of conscientiousness, which is related to the superior performance of work tasks across job types. This feature comprises the core characteristics of the traditional accountant stereotype, which survives in a context challenged by financial scandals and crises. The findings highlight the social acceptance of accountants as an occupational group but do not suggest the possibility of accountants benefiting from the highest levels of social status when considered in relation to the traditional accountant stereotype.
Originality/value
By combining the BFM and the socioanalytic theory, this study provides a unique theoretical approach to better understand the social images of accountants. The findings demonstrate the suitability of using the BFM to study the social perceptions of accountants. They also indicate a paradox based on the survival of the traditional stereotype. This stereotype appears to be resistant to scandals and financial crisis, instead of being impaired, giving rise to another prototype with concerns about integrity.
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Aruana Rosa Souza, Kadigia Faccin and Caroline Kretschmer
This study aims to capture organizational transformation by delving into the process of business model (BM) reconfiguration in small firms operating within low-tech industries. It…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to capture organizational transformation by delving into the process of business model (BM) reconfiguration in small firms operating within low-tech industries. It seeks to uncover the specific BM components that enabled a traditional less volatile and smaller organizations to adapt and innovate. We offer some recommendations in the form of insights for practitioners and other firms facing similar challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
We analyzed the history of a small firm belonging to a low-tech industry. Applying a single case study allowed us to explore organizational transformation in depth over time and identify the essential elements in the process of changing the BM. The analysis was performed using the procedural approach, with narratives, visual maps and temporal staggering.
Findings
The small firms went through many changes that resulted in BM reconfiguration at the organizational and industrial levels. The role of partners was relevant in this process, as well as organizational flexibility and more adaptable planning to make the necessary changes over time. The findings demonstrate the dynamism of the BM, with the prioritization of changes in organizational resources and capabilities, in order to adapt to the external environment, over time to create and capture value in a low-technology-intensive sector.
Originality/value
This study contributes a novel perspective to the field of Business Model Innovation (BMI) by highlighting the dynamic nature of BM in the under-explored area of small-scale enterprises of non-technology-intensive sectors. It emphasizes the critical role of serendipity, ambidexterity, pivoting, partnerships, adaptive planning and financial process organization in achieving sustained value creation and capturing value in the evolving external environments.
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Lucas Serrao Macoris, Alexandre Pereira Salgado Jr, Adriel Martins de Freitas Branco and Fábio Neves Ciribelli
The importance of banking efficiency has been shown to have become increasingly relevant, not only for researchers but also for decision makers. However, the large number of…
Abstract
Purpose
The importance of banking efficiency has been shown to have become increasingly relevant, not only for researchers but also for decision makers. However, the large number of combinations between the variables used and the different approaches considered to measure efficiency caused a divergence between authors regarding the inputs and outputs used. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of a critical analysis of the main variables used in literature, this paper proposes a set of inputs and outputs to be used with consideration of the main approaches to banking efficiency.
Findings
Filling a gap in the literature, this study contributes to the development of future studies by suggesting variables which, in accordance with the theory related to banking efficiency, are highly suitable for creating relevant information for decision-making.
Originality/value
Frontier techniques are largely applied for assessing efficiency not only in large financial institutions, but also in bank branches and other regional units. Although a wide variation of articles follows a set of inputs and outputs without arguing for its suitability, this paper differs from the vast majority of applications by discussing the most reliable set of variables to represent efficiency levels.
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Ana Horta, Monica Truninger, Silvia Alexandre, Jose Teixeira and Vanda Aparecida da Silva
Concerns on children's obesity and overweight have been related to food diets with excessive sugar and fat. Given the relevance of school meals in Portuguese children's lives…
Abstract
Purpose
Concerns on children's obesity and overweight have been related to food diets with excessive sugar and fat. Given the relevance of school meals in Portuguese children's lives, schools follow governmental guidelines in order to provide nutritiously balanced and healthy meals. As imbalances persist, this study aims at understanding the acceptance of school meals by children, in the context of competing marketing allures of nutritiously poor foods outside the schools.
Design/methodology/approach
Plural qualitative research techniques (focus groups with children and parents, direct observation and interviews with school directors and kitchen staff) were combined to analyse children's food-related meanings and practices, and also images of food displayed at schools and in their surroundings. The empirical data were collected in four primary and secondary public schools with different socio-economic backgrounds in the area of Lisbon.
Findings
Results show sharp contrasts between food images and meanings at school canteens and commercial food outlets outside schools. Data suggest that subjection to supervision, unappetizing school meals and images in the canteens stand out against favourite flavours and social levers (such as autonomy and status) of food available outside school.
Research limitations/implications
This study has an exploratory nature and results are not-generalizable to other schools of the country.
Originality/value
Limited attention has been paid to competing social contexts of children's food consumption at schools and their surroundings in Portugal. Research results can bring insights to conceptual development on school meals and children's food practices.