MIKE PEARCE, KGE HARRIS, RONALD BENGE, MW HILL, A DUCKWORTH, MAUREEN DUFFY and MELVYN BARNES
IT WAS THE then Duke of Gloucester who, observing the said Mr Gibbon (of Roman Empire fame) writing, said, to quote as accurately as my reference source will allow, ‘Another…
Abstract
IT WAS THE then Duke of Gloucester who, observing the said Mr Gibbon (of Roman Empire fame) writing, said, to quote as accurately as my reference source will allow, ‘Another damned thick square book! Always scribble, scribble, scribble, scribble! Eh! Mr Gibbon!’
Stanislaw Szmigielski and Elzbieta Sobiczewska
Low‐level microwave (MW) fields may under certain conditions of exposure cause measurable effects in biological organisms. Exposure of the general public to MWs in the environment…
Abstract
Low‐level microwave (MW) fields may under certain conditions of exposure cause measurable effects in biological organisms. Exposure of the general public to MWs in the environment is generally below intensities which are considered as responsible for evoking bioeffects. Introduction of cellular phone (CP) systems has increased considerably MW exposure of CP users. Health consequences of long‐term use of CPs are not known in detail, but available data indicate that development of non‐specific health symptoms is possible, at least in “MW hypersensitive” subjects. In contrast to terminal CPs, transmitting antennas and base stations (BS) contribute to MW environmental contamination only with a small portion of the energy and do not pose any health risks. Health risks of CP use are underestimated and accepted, while risks of BS are generally overestimated by the public. Therefore, an improved risk communication as well as further studies of the risks are required.
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Marinette Jeutho Gouajio, Pascalin Tiam Kapen and David Yemele
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the wind energy potential of Mount Bamboutos in Cameroon by comparing nine numerical methods in determining Weibull parameters for the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the wind energy potential of Mount Bamboutos in Cameroon by comparing nine numerical methods in determining Weibull parameters for the installation of a sustainable wind farm.
Design/methodology/approach
By using statistical analysis, the analysis of shape and scale parameters, the estimation of the available wind power density and wind direction frequency distributions, the objective of this paper is to compare nine numerical methods in estimating Weibull parameters for the installation of a sustainable wind farm in Mount Bamboutos, Cameroon.
Findings
The results suggested that the minimum and maximum values of the standard deviation occurred in the months of May and November 2016, respectively. The graphical method appeared to be the most effective method with the maximum value of variance and minimum values of chi-square and RMSE. The scale factor parameter values indicated that Mount Bamboutos hills were a potential site for electricity generation. The analysis of wind power density showed that it reached the maximum and minimum values in February and September, respectively. The wind direction frequency distributions showed that the prevailing wind directions were North-East.
Originality/value
The wind energy potential of Mount Bamboutos in Cameroon was performed by using nine numerical methods. Therefore, it could be effective to have a prediction model for the wind speed profile. The analysis of wind power density showed that it reached the maximum and minimum values in February and September, respectively. The wind direction frequency distributions showed that the prevailing wind directions were North-East.
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Means, medians and SD for available socio‐economic status (SES) black‐white differences are here substituted for those of IQ in a between‐groups model published by the author over…
Abstract
Means, medians and SD for available socio‐economic status (SES) black‐white differences are here substituted for those of IQ in a between‐groups model published by the author over a decade ago. The goodness of fit of the SES variables used is compared with that for the earlier IQ data. Even when SES variables are relatively successful this can be viewed as additional evidence of the importance of IQ differences to black‐white differences in delinquency.
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John Stott, Tony McNally and Jake Burnyeat
Heart of England Community Energy (HECE) is 1 of 495 community energy companies with 331 MW of community-owned renewable electricity collectively generating 506 GWh renewable…
Abstract
Heart of England Community Energy (HECE) is 1 of 495 community energy companies with 331 MW of community-owned renewable electricity collectively generating 506 GWh renewable electricity, saving £3.35 million on energy bills, 143,000 tCO2e annually, powering 174,000 UK households and contributing over £21.5 million to community benefit funds (Community Energy, 2022). HECE’s 15-MW array, comprising 60,000 solar panels, is located outside Stratford-upon-Avon generating renewable electricity since 2016, raising £17 million to make this possible and through surplus revenues over a 20-year period will contribute £6 million back into local communities. Small UK community energy companies face a wide range of challenges compared with policies elsewhere. The biggest hurdle for community energy companies in becoming a licenced energy supply company is the cost (IPPR, 2016). Gaining a grid connection is challenging with Ofgem estimating that between 60% and 70% of high voltage schemes never connect to the grid and a large backlog of green power projects has accumulated (Lawson, 2023). In Germany, where there is a ‘Right to Local Supply’ set-up, costs are proportional to the size of the energy organisation (Croner-i, 2022).
Whilst the Climate Change Committee has stated, ‘it will not be possible to get close to meeting a net zero target without engaging with people or by pursuing an approach that focuses only on supply-side changes’, government’s focus remains very largely supply-side focussed (Community Energy, 2022).
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Suzanna Windon and Olga Buchko
The purpose of this quantitative study was to assess the relationship between volunteer leadership competencies and stewardship action-taking experiences among Master Gardener…
Abstract
The purpose of this quantitative study was to assess the relationship between volunteer leadership competencies and stewardship action-taking experiences among Master Gardener (MG) and Master Watershed (MW) volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected data from 1196 Penn State Extension MG and MW respondents. The mean summative score for the volunteer stewardship action-taking experience was 2.32 (SD = .79), and volunteer leadership competencies was 3.45 (SD = .60). The results of this study showed a significant moderate association between volunteer stewardship action-taking experiences and volunteer leader competencies (r = .34, p ≤ .001). Volunteer leadership competencies can explain approximately 11 % of the variation in volunteer stewardship action-taking experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new knowledge that our research brings can significantly contribute to the practice in leadership teaching and learning of Extension organizations’ volunteers. Future leadership trainings on the enhancement of the MG and MW volunteer leaders’ stewardship action-taking capacity can help contribute to the greater good in their communities in a more confident and efficient manner. Further research should focus on identifying other factors that can affect MG and MW stewardship action-taking experiences, including the impact of the demographics and motivation.
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Amlan Haque and Sardana Islam Khan
Limited empirical research has been conducted on the mediational influence of employees' intent to quit (IQ) and strategic human resource management (SHRM) to examine…
Abstract
Purpose
Limited empirical research has been conducted on the mediational influence of employees' intent to quit (IQ) and strategic human resource management (SHRM) to examine meaningfulness in work (MW) and job satisfaction (JS). Applying the psychological contract theory (PCT), this paper aims to explore the relationships among SHRM, IQ, MW, and JS; and the mediational influence of IQ on the relationship between SHRM and MW.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper examines a proposed hypothesised model with a two-stage technique of structural equation modelling, including four propositions. A web-based survey including a pilot test was directed to collect data targeting a sample of 200 full time Bangladeshi employees.
Findings
The results indicate that SHRM has significant effects on employees' IQ and MW, and IQ has a partial mediational impact on the direct relationship between SHRM and MW. Moreover, employees' IQ on MW was negative, and MW on JS was significantly positive among Bangladeshi employees.
Practical implications
This paper suggests that organisations aiming higher MW and JS should encourage SHRM and align their HRM functions accordingly. Furthermore, the implications of the study results can help organisations and HR managers to recognise the adverse effects of IQ on MW and the effective implementation of SHRM for higher MW and JS.
Originality/value
Despite the significant relationship between HRM and employee motivation, limited empirical research has been conducted on the mediational influence of IQ from PCT. Therefore, this paper examines the unique mediational role of IQ on the relationship between SHRM and MW, which has not been utterly observed from a developing nation's employee perspective.
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Becca Castleberry and John Scott Greene
Oklahoma has seen rapid growth in the development of wind energy over the past decade. Residents are concerned about the negative impacts of turbines such as noise or their…
Abstract
Purpose
Oklahoma has seen rapid growth in the development of wind energy over the past decade. Residents are concerned about the negative impacts of turbines such as noise or their appearance. This has raised concerns about property values. Thus, this paper aims to examine and quantify the overall impact of wind turbines upon real estate prices in Western Oklahoma.
Design/methodology/approach
Sales prices and the history of approximately 23,000 residential real estate records for both platted and unplatted properties in five counties were examined prior to the announcement of construction, after announcement and after construction. A hedonic analysis was undertaken to examine the real estate prices of the properties near wind farms.
Findings
While there may be isolated instances of lower property values for homes near wind turbines, results show no significant decreases in property values over homes near wind farms in the study area. Similar results are found for the unplatted properties.
Practical implications
This paper highlights that in spite of mixed attitudes toward wind farms and misconceptions regarding the link between turbines and property values, Oklahoma’s growing wind industry can continue to thrive without negatively impacting nearby home and land values and prices.
Originality/value
Although there have been numerous studies examining the relationship between wind turbine locations and real estate prices, no study has combined the large quantity of records (over 23,000) as well as both platted and unplatted locations.
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Piyoosh Rautela, Girish Chandra Joshi and Shailesh Ghildiyal
The purpose of this study is to estimate the cost of seismic resilience of identified vulnerable lifeline public buildings in earthquake-prone Himalayan province of Uttarakhand in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to estimate the cost of seismic resilience of identified vulnerable lifeline public buildings in earthquake-prone Himalayan province of Uttarakhand in India.
Design/methodology/approach
Built area of the identified vulnerable lifeline buildings together with prevalent rate of construction has been considered for assessing the cost of seismic resilience while improvised rapid visual screening (RVS) technique, better suited to the built environment in the region, has been used for assessing seismic vulnerability.
Findings
Investment of US$250.08m is assessed as being required for ensuring seismic safety of 56.3, 62.1, 52.9, 64.6, 71.9 and 61.7% surveyed buildings, respectively, of fire and emergency services, police, health, education, local administration and other departments that are to become non-functional after an earthquake and result in a major socio-political turmoil. A total amount of US$467.71m is estimated as being required for making all the buildings of these departments seismically resilient.
Research limitations/implications
Actual investment estimates and reconstruction/retrofitting plans have to be prepared after detailed investigations as RVS technique only provides a preliminary estimate and helps in prioritising buildings for detailed investigations.
Practical implications
This study is intended to provide a snapshot of the state of seismic vulnerability together with the financial resources required for corrective measures. This is to help the authorities in planning phased mobilisation of financial and technical resources for making the built environment seismically resilient.
Social implications
This study is to bring forth awareness on this important issue and consequent public opinion in favour of safety of public facilities to ensure allocation of appropriate financial resources together with changes in techno-legal regime for the cause of earthquake safety. At the same time, this study is to motivate masses to voluntarily assess safety of their neighbourhood and undertake corrective measures.
Originality/value
This study is based on primary data collected by the authors.
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A. Uday Bhaskar and Bijaya Mishra
Workplace spirituality (WPS) has emerged as a key concept in management literature but has, thus far, remained inadequately explored in research studies. The purpose of this paper…
Abstract
Purpose
Workplace spirituality (WPS) has emerged as a key concept in management literature but has, thus far, remained inadequately explored in research studies. The purpose of this paper is to draw WPS upon the organizational support theory and WPS literature to develop and test a model. The role of WPS and its moderating effect is examined in its relationship with perceived organizational support (POS), career satisfaction (CS) and turnover intentions (TIs).
Design/methodology/approach
Using a survey research design, data were collected from 314 respondents to test the proposed model. Serial mediation was tested using the two dimensions of WPS (meaningful work (MW) and sense of community (SC)) as mediators between POS and CS. For moderation, these two dimensions of WPS were used to test the variables of POS and TI.
Findings
This study found that the relationship between POS and CS is sequentially mediated by the two dimensions of WPS, namely, MW and SC, while WPS is found to enhance CS among employees, it has been found to significantly reduce their TIs by moderating the relationship between POS and TI. Thus, employee TIs are found to be lower when the relationship between POS and MW is stronger.
Practical implications
The findings of this study will help managers develop strategies and formulate effective interventions that would improve the CS of employees and reduce their intentions to quit, leading to desirable individual and organizational outcomes.
Originality/value
WPS is a relatively new construct both at the workplace and in academia and to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which has examined the role of WPS in the relationship between POS, CS and TIs. By examining how organizational support has a significant influence on the employee in shaping positive work attitudes, the study will contribute to the existing knowledge and address questions hitherto unexplored. The findings of this research will thus have direct implications for the practitioner as well as the manager.