I. Franchetti, P. Vicentini, L. De Togni and ‐. Magarini
The work places in the forging factories are known to be particularly tiresome for the operators who have to work there. The noise, the heat, the weight of the parts to be…
Abstract
The work places in the forging factories are known to be particularly tiresome for the operators who have to work there. The noise, the heat, the weight of the parts to be handled, the place unctuosity are all elements which make the work hard and uncomfortable with a bad environment for the operators; and all this results in low productivity.
Laurent Gétaz, Hans Wolff, Leonel Gonçalves, Giuseppe Togni, Silvia Stringhini, Komal Chacowry Pala, Anne Iten, Idris Guessous, Laurent Kaiser, Francois Chappuis and Stéphanie Baggio
Prisons can be epicentres of infectious diseases. However, empirical evidence on the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in prison…
Abstract
Purpose
Prisons can be epicentres of infectious diseases. However, empirical evidence on the impact of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in prison is still scarce. This study aims to estimate the seroprevalence rates of anti-SARS-CoV-2 in the largest and most crowded Swiss prison and compare them with the seroprevalence rate in the general population.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2020, one month after the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 in Switzerland. Groups included: people living in detention (PLDs) detained before the beginning of the pandemic (n = 116), PLDs incarcerated after the beginning of the pandemic (n = 61), prison staff and prison healthcare workers (n = 227) and a sample from the general population in the same time period (n = 3,404). The authors assessed anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies.
Findings
PLDs who were incarcerated before the beginning of the pandemic had a significantly lower seroprevalence rate [0.9%, confidence interval (CI)95%: 0.1%–5.9%] compared to the general population (6.3%, CI 95%: 5.6–7.3%) (p = 0.041). The differences between PLDs who were incarcerated before and other groups were marginally significant (PLDs incarcerated after the beginning of the pandemic: 6.6%, CI 95%: 2.5%–16.6%, p = 0.063; prison staff CI 95%: 4.8%, 2.7%–8.6%, p = 0.093). The seroprevalence of prison staff was only slightly and non-significantly lower than that of the general population.
Originality/value
During the first wave, despite overcrowding and interaction with the community, the prison was not a hotspot of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Preventive measures probably helped avoiding clusters of infection. The authors suggest that preventive measures that impact social welfare could be relaxed when overall circulation in the community is low to prevent the negative impact of isolation.
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Keywords
Quello del turismo siciliano è un argomento di cosi vasta portata che non puó esaurirsi in una comunicazione necessariamente contenuta in modesti limiti di tempo.
Social value creation (SVC) is the primary emphasis for unifying the various issues in contemporary social entrepreneurship (SE) literature and practice since it highlights the…
Abstract
Purpose
Social value creation (SVC) is the primary emphasis for unifying the various issues in contemporary social entrepreneurship (SE) literature and practice since it highlights the fundamental problem of sustainability in SE business. Accordingly, SVC as an outcome of SE represents the primary drive of social entrepreneurs (SEs). However, SEs encounter multi-dimensional challenges as they work to build their SE businesses and create social value. In the current context of digitally transforming entrepreneurship scenario, this study investigates the role of SE compassion and digital learning orientation (DLO) for SVC ability of SEs.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilized a quantitative survey approach for primary data collection from social entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia. A total of 158 valid replies from social entrepreneurs were obtained for the study. Using SmartPLS (3.0), partial least square structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.
Findings
The results validated a model of SVC in which the SE compassion and DLO positively impact the SVC ability in SEs. However, the impact of DLO in moderating the SE compassion - SVC relationship in SEs was not proven.
Practical implications
The study established the role of SE compassion in explaining the distinctive SVC ability in SEs. Meanwhile, given the expanding necessity for SEs to leverage digital technologies for SE missions, the study provides implications for nurturing positive outcomes in terms of SE compassion and DLO outcomes among SEs. This organized knowledge can help entrepreneurs, educators and policymakers better incorporate these concerns in SE education, and social enterprises and entrepreneurs’ developmental initiatives.
Originality/value
This work is pioneering in that it conceptualizes and tests a theoretical framework that links SE compassion, DLO, and SVC in SEs. Meanwhile, the study is the first to operationalize the DLO in entrepreneurs. The study thus generates fresh insights about SVC in SE amid the digitally transforming entrepreneurship scenario.
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Diego Antônio Bittencourt Marconatto, Emidio Gressler Teixeira, Fernando de Oliveira Santini and Wagner Junior Ladeira
The paper aims to provide robust evidence about the relationships between key individual characteristics of owners and managers (OMs) and small and medium enterprises (SMEs)'…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to provide robust evidence about the relationships between key individual characteristics of owners and managers (OMs) and small and medium enterprises (SMEs)' growth and the moderating influence of the country context on these relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors meta-analyzed 62 studies presenting a cumulative sample of 175 effect-sizes and 174,590 SMEs.
Findings
The authors found that SMEs led by more experienced men with higher levels of education are more likely to grow. While the relationship between OMs' experience and SMEs' growth is significant for differing country contexts, national characteristics affect the magnitude of the influence that OMs' education and gender specifically exert on SME expansion. The authors also found that the positive impact of OMs' human capital on SMEs' growth increases when these firms are focused on technology.
Research limitations/implications
The study yielded small-effect sizes for the impact of OMs' human capital and gender on SMEs' growth. Researchers can assess the influence of these characteristics on SMEs' growth along with other individual dimensions.
Originality/value
The current study is the first meta-analytical investigation about the influence of OMs' gender on SMEs' growth. The study focuses solely on SME OMs, as SMEs are not simply larger businesses on a smaller scale. The authors employ a wide set of country-level moderators in the research going beyond most empirical examinations of the topic that have given only marginal attention to moderators.
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Pieter Samyn and Tony M. Tuzolana
The purpose of this paper is to verify, experimentally, the sliding stability of cast polyamide samples under dry sliding in contact with different steel counterface roughnesses…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to verify, experimentally, the sliding stability of cast polyamide samples under dry sliding in contact with different steel counterface roughnesses. The effect of catalyser (sodium or magnesium) and addition of internal oil or solid lubricants is investigated and a classification for coefficients of friction in relation to the polyamide intrinsic mechanical properties is discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
A new tribotester is designed for meso‐scale testing according to the elastic loading region of polymers. The reliability of the tribotester is verified by preliminary determination of the stick‐slip characteristics. Sliding tests for polyamide are done at 1.15‐5.15 N normal load and 0.125‐20 mm/s sliding velocity on steel counterfaces with roughness Ra=4 and 1.6 μm.
Findings
Pure polyamides sliding against rough steel show severe stick‐slip. The stick‐slip motion is eliminated in contact with smooth steel counterfaces. Magnesium catalysed polyamide has weaker mechanical properties and shows lower friction with better sliding stability compared to sodium catalysed polyamide. Internal oil lubricant is more efficient in reducing coefficients of friction than internal solid lubricants are. Surface energy measurements are related to coefficients of friction, showing the effect of internal lubrication on adhesion.
Research limitations/implications
Present test results are very specific for the present tribotester configuration and should be further compared to macro‐scale testing. The choice of tribotest conditions strongly affects the sliding performance.
Originality/value
Present tests are done on the meso‐scale, being in between traditional macro‐scale testing and nano‐scale testing. It allows for low contact pressures avoiding the effects of frictional heating and relatively large surfaces areas including the effects of long‐range polymer structure such as internal lubrication.
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Rouhollah Ostadhossein and Siamak Hoseinzadeh
The main objective of this paper is to investigate the response of human skin to an intense temperature drop at the surface. In addition, this paper aims to evaluate the…
Abstract
Purpose
The main objective of this paper is to investigate the response of human skin to an intense temperature drop at the surface. In addition, this paper aims to evaluate the efficiency of finite difference and finite volume methods in solving the highly nonlinear form of Pennes’ bioheat equation.
Design/methodology/approach
One-dimensional linear and nonlinear forms of Pennes’ bioheat equation with uniform grids were used to study the behavior of human skin. The specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and blood perfusion rate were assumed to be linear functions of temperature. The nonlinear form of the bioheat equation was solved using the Newton linearization method for the finite difference method and the Picard linearization method for the finite volume method. The algorithms were validated by comparing the results from both methods.
Findings
The study demonstrated the capacity of both finite difference and finite volume methods to solve the one-dimensional and highly nonlinear form of the bioheat equation. The investigation of human skin’s thermal behavior indicated that thermal conductivity and blood perfusion rate are the most effective properties in mitigating a surface temperature drop, while specific heat capacity has a lesser impact and can be considered constant.
Originality/value
This paper modeled the transient heat distribution within human skin in a one-dimensional manner, using temperate-dependent physical properties. The nonlinear equation was solved with two numerical methods to ensure the validity of the results, despite the complexity of the formulation. The findings of this study can help in understanding the behavior of human skin under extreme temperature conditions, which can be beneficial in various fields, including medical and engineering.
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Federica Ambrosini, Laura Pariset and Roberta Biolcati
Ayahuasca ceremonies are currently practiced all over the world. This study aims to investigate ayahuasca ceremonies in Colombia (where ayahuasca use is culturally entrenched) and…
Abstract
Purpose
Ayahuasca ceremonies are currently practiced all over the world. This study aims to investigate ayahuasca ceremonies in Colombia (where ayahuasca use is culturally entrenched) and Italy (where ayahuasca use has only recently spread).
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 32 Italian (53% males; 47% females) and 28 Colombian (79% males; 21% females) ayahuasca ceremony participants completed an online survey. Ceremonial setting and set (motivations for ayahuasca use, ayahuasca perceived effects and features of participants, i.e. drug use and problematic use, interpersonal dependency, spiritual orientation and quality of life) were investigated. Mann–Whitney U test, Pearson’s χ2 test and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare the Italian and Colombian samples.
Findings
No differences emerged in the ceremonial setting. Slight differences were observed in motivations for ayahuasca intake and religious beliefs, but not in the preparation for ceremonies, quality of life, interpersonal dependence and spiritual orientation. Italians showed greater use of other psychoactive substances and more drug use problems.
Practical implications
Prevention regarding safer practices of consumption should be promoted to avoid improper uses.
Originality/value
Few studies have explored ayahuasca ceremonies (set and setting characteristics) in countries with different traditions on ayahuasca consumption. The results highlight that the use and experience of ayahuasca can take on different meanings depending on the cultural context.
Md Delwar Hossain, Md Kamrul Hassan, Anthony Chun Yin Yuen, Yaping He, Swapan Saha and Waseem Hittini
The purpose of this study is to review and summarise the existing available literature on lightweight cladding systems to provide detailed information on fire behaviour…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to review and summarise the existing available literature on lightweight cladding systems to provide detailed information on fire behaviour (ignitibility, heat release rate and smoke toxicity) and various test method protocols. Additionally, the paper discusses the challenges and provides updated knowledge and recommendation on selective-fire mechanisms such as rapid-fire spread, air cavity and fire re-entry behaviours due to dripping and melting of lightweight composite claddings.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive literature review on fire behaviour, fire hazard and testing methods of lightweight composite claddings has been conducted in this research. In summarising all possible fire hazards, particular attention is given to the potential impact of toxicity of lightweight cladding fires. In addition, various criteria for fire performance evaluation of lightweight composite claddings are also highlighted. These evaluations are generally categorised as small-, intermediate- and large-scale test methods.
Findings
The major challenges of lightweight claddings are rapid fire spread, smoke production and toxicity and inconsistency in fire testing.
Originality/value
The review highlights the current challenges in cladding fire, smoke toxicity, testing system and regulation to provide some research recommendations to address the identified challenges.