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Article
Publication date: 11 November 2013

Fabrizio Frezza, Lara Pajewski, Cristina Ponti, Giuseppe Schettini and Nicola Tedeschi

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the numerical aspects of the electromagnetic scattering of a plane wave by a set of buried cylinders.

91

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the numerical aspects of the electromagnetic scattering of a plane wave by a set of buried cylinders.

Design/methodology/approach

The cylindrical wave approach is employed. The analytical model is implemented in a Fortran code. The numerical aspects of the technique are presented, with particular emphasis on the numerical evaluation of the integrals involved in the procedure.

Findings

The tool obtained allows a fast computation of the electromagnetic field scattered by an arbitrary disposition of circular cylinders below an interface. Comparisons with the finite element method are proposed, showing the very good agreement between the results obtained with the two different approaches.

Originality/value

The advantages of the proposed technique in terms of computational weight are explained. The method can be useful in a wide class of application, e.g. in the ground penetrating radar applications, microscopy, biomedical applications, etc.

Details

COMPEL: The International Journal for Computation and Mathematics in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, vol. 32 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2013

Luigi Alberti, Elisabetta Tedeschi, Nicola Bianchi, Maider Santos and Alessandro Fasolo

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of control strategy selection on the power performance of wave energy converters for different ratings of the Power Take‐Off…

530

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of control strategy selection on the power performance of wave energy converters for different ratings of the Power Take‐Off (PTO) system.

Design/methodology/approach

The case of a point absorber equipped with an all‐electric PTO is considered. The effect of control techniques and electrical generator design is analyzed from a theoretical standpoint and then verified through integrated hydrodynamic‐electric simulations.

Findings

It has been proved that control parameters that maximize the power extraction from the waves can be derived based on the power and torque constraints imposed by the electrical machine.

Originality/value

An optimized and integrated approach to the control strategy selection and generator design for point absorbers has been presented, which maximizes the electric power generation from sea waves under real conditions and represents a good trade‐off for the PTO from both the technical and the economic standpoint.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 June 2021

Adalgisa Battistelli, Carlo Odoardi, Nicola Cangialosi, Gennaro Di Napoli and Luciano Piccione

This study aims to explore whether expected image outcomes (risk and gain) represent a mechanism through which perceived organizational climates, in the dimensions of tradition…

3563

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore whether expected image outcomes (risk and gain) represent a mechanism through which perceived organizational climates, in the dimensions of tradition and reflexivity, affect key components of the innovation process (idea generation and idea realization).

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation models have been conducted to empirically analyse 3 waves of longitudinal survey data from an Italian military organization (N = 410).

Findings

Results confirmed that image outcome expectations mediated the effects of perceived climate on idea generation, and that a serial mediation of image expectations and idea generation those on idea realization. Additionally, reflexivity was directly associated with idea generation.

Practical implications

The findings offer guidance for organizations that aim to strengthen employee-driven innovation, highlighting the importance of organizational climate and image outcomes expectations.

Originality/value

Advancing from existing organizational behaviour and individual innovation literature, this article contributes to extend knowledge about the role of organizational climate and image outcome expectations in enhancing innovative work behaviours.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. 25 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

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Article
Publication date: 4 April 2016

Nicola Goldsborough, Catherine Homer, Rebecca Atchinson and Margo E. Barker

A nutritious diet is critical to the health and development of pre-school children. Children in the UK consume much food outside the home yet day-care food provision is…

2002

Abstract

Purpose

A nutritious diet is critical to the health and development of pre-school children. Children in the UK consume much food outside the home yet day-care food provision is unregulated, and informed by disparate and conflicting dietary guidelines. Factors affecting nursery food provision have been much studied, but less is known about food provision in the child-minder setting. The purpose of this paper is to examine factors influencing child-minders’ food provision.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative methods were employed, combining participant observation with semi-structured interviews. Participants were selected via purposive and convenience sampling. Eight child-minders from an English borough were interviewed.

Findings

The food provided by child-minders was not consistent with dietary guidelines for young children, following menu plans was reported to be difficult, and knowledge about healthy eating guidelines for young children was various. Child-minders reported limited time for food preparation, and problems catering for fussy children. Some child-minders obtained support through an informal peer network group. Only one child-minder reported availing of professional nutritional advice on healthy food provision. Communication with parents about food was considered important, although there was some evidence of discord between providers and parents in dietary objectives.

Research limitations/implications

The study was small in size and regionally based. Due to the local nature of the study, it is not possible to make generalisations to the wider national context. Corroboration of the findings is necessary in a larger study.

Practical implications

Child-minders have a pivotal role to play in the nutritional health and development of young children, and whilst their interest in provision of nutritious food was great, outside support was lacking. Support should include provision of one clear set of authoritative guidelines, practical guidance that accommodates the realities of providing food in the child-minder setting, investment to strengthen support structures at local level and the development of network groups.

Originality/value

Whilst the factors underpinning food provision in nurseries have been examined in various regions of the UK, little attention has been given to child-minder settings. The current study addresses this gap.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 118 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Article
Publication date: 28 January 2011

Tao Zhou

The purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of online community user participation from a social influence perspective.

17914

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the determinants of online community user participation from a social influence perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 450 valid responses collected from a survey questionnaire, structural equation modeling (SEM) technology was employed to examine the research model.

Findings

The results show that both social identity and group norm have significant effects on user participation. In addition, group norm affects social identity. It was not possible to find the effect of subjective norm on participation intention.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to a particular sample: students. Thus the results need to be generalized to other samples, such as working professionals.

Originality/value

Extant research has mainly focused on the effects of user motivations such as perceived usefulness, trust and commitment on online community user behavior, and seldom considered the effects of social processes including compliance, identification and internalization on user behavior. This research tries to fill the gap.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

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Article
Publication date: 12 September 2016

Susan B. Grant

The paper aims to explore a case of early adoption of the use of social media tools for the purposes of knowledge and information sharing across a supply chain in the UK home…

1851

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to explore a case of early adoption of the use of social media tools for the purposes of knowledge and information sharing across a supply chain in the UK home insurance market.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used includes genre and content analysis to analyze empirical data from blogs and posts via a customized social extranet [Engaging in Knowledge Networking via an interactive 3D Social Supplier Network (KNOWLEDGE NETWORK)] involving 130 users over a 13-month period.

Findings

The results uncover a set of emerging practices which support both information and knowledge exchange, but which are mainly driven by organizational factors such as buyer power and supplier competitive influencing.

Research limitations/implications

This study has contributed an overall conceptual understanding of reasons behind social media adoption by identifying organizational attributes of buyer power and supplier influence as key antecedents to knowledge sharing within a supply chain.

Originality/value

This paper builds on current thinking in social media theory by providing a window into organizational and supply chain attributes that can explain social media adoption within the context of knowledge sharing supply chains. A systematic classification of user posts over an extended period enabled this work to illuminate not only emerging knowledge sharing practices across a buyer-led supply chain but also the effects of buyer power on users in an online community.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 20 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

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Article
Publication date: 19 August 2021

Gabriel Gomes da Cunha and Paulo Arvate

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of government-led programs on the engagement of individuals in entrepreneurship.

169

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of government-led programs on the engagement of individuals in entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors worked with government-led programs of 16 European countries between 2003 and 2014 and were able to benefit from the 2008 natural experiment (i.e. the global financial crisis) to produce a robust investigation using a regression kink design (RKD).

Findings

The work shows that government-led programs that are designed to include monitoring schemes can significantly increase individuals' engagement in opportunity-driven entrepreneurship. The authors found that monitoring schemes do not have the same relevance for necessity-driven entrepreneurship. Therefore, the authors believe the difference occurs because monitoring design avoids problems related to moral hazard and adverse selection when it comes to individuals choosing whether to participate (or not) in government-led programs.

Originality/value

While it is important for governments to provide an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, this study showed that not all types of public program have positive results. In fact, it has been demonstrated that poorly-designed programs can actually decrease the likelihood of individuals engaging in entrepreneurial activities. The efficiency of programs is substantially improved, however, when they are designed to include monitoring schemes.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2045-2101

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Article
Publication date: 16 November 2015

Andrea Louise Fielder, Antonina Mikocka-Walus, Stacey McCallum, Benjamin Stewart, Pasquale Alvaro and Adrian Esterman

The purpose of this paper is to test the effectiveness of a self-directed cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) booklet allowing immediate access to treatment for anxiety during…

515

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the effectiveness of a self-directed cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) booklet allowing immediate access to treatment for anxiety during alcohol use disorder (AUD) interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

Parallel pilot randomised controlled trial: 69 individuals in AUD treatment, continued to receive treatment alone (control: n=29) or in addition, a self-directed, four week CBT booklet to manage anxiety (intervention: n=40). Primary outcome measures were changes in state (SAnx) and trait anxiety (TAnx) at four weeks. Secondary outcome measures were changes in adaptive (ACop), maladaptive (MCop) coping and quality of life (QoL, physical (PHQoL), psychological (PSQoL), social (SQoL), environment (EQoL)) at four weeks.

Findings

Participants had significantly higher SAnx (p < 0.01) and TAnx (p < 0.01) baseline scores compared to the general population. There were no statistically significant group changes in SAnx or TAnx (p > 0.05). Control group allocation predicted improvement in ACop (p < 0.01), MCop (p < 0.05), PHQoL (p < 0.01), PSQoL (p < 0.05) and SQoL (p < 0.01); CBT group allocation predicted improvement in EQoL (p=0.05). All effect sizes were small to moderate (Cohen’s d < 0.50). Percentage of book completion did not determine changes in anxiety, coping or quality of life.

Originality/value

A four week self-directed CBT booklet did not significantly reduce anxiety during AUD treatment. Larger sample sizes will determine the most suitable treatment delivery mode for this type of CBT.

Details

Advances in Dual Diagnosis, vol. 8 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-0972

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Article
Publication date: 23 June 2023

Elen Riot, Emmanuelle Rigaud and Ilenia Bua

The purpose of the paper is to describe the attempt of a family champagne house to redefine its business organization as a family in a large family of families. This choice…

190

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to describe the attempt of a family champagne house to redefine its business organization as a family in a large family of families. This choice involves defining their activities as entrepreneuring in a specific time and space that all actors experience as their sensible reality. To describe the whole process, the authors call this ensemble a “chronotope,” including the same space and time as part of a common story. The authors assess this narrative strategy in reference to both past conflict in the champagne business and to the present crisis caused by the pandemic in addition to a series of social, economic and environmental changes in the environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of the paper corresponds to the case of a champagne family house in its environment with a longitudinal, processual approach of the family business venture before and especially after its sale and buyback by the family. The authors use Bakhtin to insist on the fictional nature of the account of most events as most protagonists adopt different perspectives. The Taittinger family, at the head of the trade house, creates a story that fits in all these perspectives and makes sense to overcome key issues in the business.

Findings

Our findings illustrate the role of the chronotope as a way to broaden the scope of inter- and intra-family relations. This concept also shows the importance of shared experiences, stories and crafted practices to sustain collective work and the meaning associated with the result of this work, in this case, champagne wine. The authors also show the different styles of chronotopes and their role in binding together actors in relation to the transformation of their activities.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitations are of two kinds. The first limitation comes from the choice to focus on the Taittinger family house, as it tends to focus the analysis on their point of view. The second limitation is due to the persistence of the pandemic situation that makes it difficult to test the chronotope idea as it is quite recent. Because of the current pandemic, it is complicated to anticipate what the future could look like and therefore, to imagine the future dimension of the chronotope. To overcome this limit, the authors suggest different scenario that leaves open different possibilities.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this paper could be to see how family business entrepreneurs may benefit from designing their strategy as a rich personal fiction in reference to a chronotope instead of referring to storytelling, communication and brand management or even competition strictly speaking. In turbulent times and to face grand challenges, long-term collaborations require stronger ties and imagination without leaving out emotions. Yet the entrepreneurs may become a victim of their own fictions if stakeholders perceive contradictions or if they were to dislike the new episodes the family invents.

Social implications

The social implications of this case study show the role of business relations built on fiction reflecting strong ties and shared processes such as entrepreneuring in the world of heritage goods where sustainability and endurance matter. This perspective insists on a shared story and it contrasts with more discontinued approaches based on disruptive innovation, opportunism and competitiveness in turbulent times. The chronotope does not ineluctably evolve in different ways, making actors’ perspective shrink, expand or exile. Family entrepreneuring may actively influence this transformation and they may also be framed by it.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper comes from the description of a family business in its environment as a chronotope. Reflecting how related actors in a business field like champagne co-construct a representation, the authors looked for a concept that would accurately reflect this vision, researchers chose the concept of “chronotope,” borrowing from narrative approaches. This approach is transdisciplinary. It is also an attempt to bring researchers at work closer to what actors in the field experiment with and find inspiration in.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 30 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Patrícia Leão, Mariana Rei and Sara Rodrigues

This paper aims to carry out a systematic review based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to assess the adherence to the…

268

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to carry out a systematic review based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to assess the adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern (MDP) in workers.

Design/methodology/approach

Three electronic databases were searched up to March 2022. The population was restricted to adults, workers in any professional area, without special diets and no specific health conditions. Their adherence to the MDP was assessed by any a priori method/instrument. Two reviewers independently applied the eligibility criteria and performed the data extraction from each study included. In case of disagreement, a third reviewer was consulted.

Findings

Of the 590 studies found, 46 were included. Most of the studies were carried out in Europe, between the years 2019 and 2022 and were cross-sectional studies. The minimum sample size was 38, and the maximum was 1,74,638 participants. Most studies included both males and females; six included only females and nine only males. The three most prevalent types of workers under study were health professionals, factory workers and firefighters. The most used method for assessing adherence to the MDP was the Mediterranean diet score. Overall, workers showed low or moderate adherence to the MDP.

Originality/value

This systematic review conducted to assess the adherence to the MDP in workers displays an urgent need to improve diet quality in the workplaces.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 54 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

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