Arts practitioners have looked for ways to engage their audiences and sustain their interests and patronage of theatre shows amidst the coronavirus pandemic that kept patrons at…
Abstract
Purpose
Arts practitioners have looked for ways to engage their audiences and sustain their interests and patronage of theatre shows amidst the coronavirus pandemic that kept patrons at home. This has led to digital engagement with audience members via social media. This research paper looks at digital audience engagement in Nigeria’s theatre using Segun Adefila’s production of Tosin Jobi-Tume’s Corona Palava which was performed on 4 August, 2020, at the Crown Arts Centre in Bariga, Lagos, Nigeria and later made available on Facebook on 22 December, 2020 and 21 December 21 2021.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on the “Arts Audience Experience Index” theory proposed by Radbourne et al. (2009). It employs netnography as its methodology. This entails observing and analysing users’ comments, communication style, frequency of engagement and dwell time while watching Corona Palava production on the researcher’s Facebook timeline “Tekena Gasper Mark” and on the Facebook group “Bolt Drivers in Port Harcourt”. Overall, 53 comments (39 from the researcher’s Facebook friends and 14 from members of the Facebook group “Bolt Drivers in Port Harcourt”) were sampled and analysed to provide insights into how the spectators experienced the Corona Palava production.
Findings
The text that accompanied the Facebook video provided viewers with information about the performance, helped them prepare for what to expect, reduced the likelihood that they would experience any unease while watching it and increased the likelihood that they would look for similar performances in the future. They were pleased with the performance; there were no functional risks, no economic risks and no psychological and social risks. Although they may have watched it at varying times, Facebook provided a space for them to engage with the performance as a group and share their thoughts in the post-performance comments.
Research limitations/implications
One of the study’s limitations is that one cannot ascertain how many of the respondents are drivers. Also, the researcher believes that the length of the video may have discouraged participation in the study. In order to increase viewership and provide better findings, future studies and artistic endeavours could consider shorter pieces (about 3–5 min) and wider locations (transportation businesses) where a larger number of drivers with active social media presence, can participate in the research.
Practical implications
This study documents an innovative approach to reaching theatre audience via social media in Nigeria.
Social implications
This research demonstrates that Nigerian theatre and arts practitioners are reinventing their approaches to play production by using the social media to reach their audiences in the post-COVID-19 era.
Originality/value
The study reveals that as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Nigerian theatre artists have looked for ways to engage their audiences and sustain their interest and patronage of arts projects through social media.
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Jodi Brooke Patterson and Michelle Kimzey
The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between trait and situational empathy, and the effect of educational activities on empathy of nursing students towards…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between trait and situational empathy, and the effect of educational activities on empathy of nursing students towards people living with dementia.
Design/methodology/approach
This embedded mixed-methods study compared trait and situational empathy examined situational empathy pre/post didactic and experiential activities with nursing students and used qualitative data from focus group discussions to corroborate the quantitative data.
Findings
There was no significant difference between trait and situational empathy. Post intervention scores (situational) demonstrated improvements on empathic concern, shared affect, empathic imagination, helping motivation and cognitive empathy. Focus group discussions supported quantitative findings and also included distress.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations include lack of generalizability, single group threats and exclusion of stakeholder input. Single group threats include absence of a control group, familiarity with the CSES from pre-test to post-test and reactive measurements, as the students were observed by faculty while completing the Dementia Live activity. The perspective of stakeholders would strengthen the impact of the results on implementation.
Practical implications
Information gleaned from this study can help inform administrators in education and in practice. CliftonStrengths assessment and Dementia Live simulation activities can be used for administrators, faculty and students in schools of nursing as well as administrators and health-care workers.
Social implications
Information from this study can impact those living with dementia as well as their caregivers.
Originality/value
Most studies involving health-care students and empathy do not delineate between trait and situational empathy. This study is unique in that it measured both and sought a relationship between the two. Determining one's personal attributes such as trait empathy, can help students capitalize on their strengths and ultimately enhance patient care.
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S.O. Oyedepo, R.O. Fagbenle, S.S. Adefila and Md. Mahbub Alam
In this study, exergoeconomic analysis and performance evaluation of selected gas turbine power plants in Nigeria were carried out. The study was conducted using operating data…
Abstract
In this study, exergoeconomic analysis and performance evaluation of selected gas turbine power plants in Nigeria were carried out. The study was conducted using operating data obtained from the power plants to determine the exergy efficiency, exergy destruction, unit cost of electricity and cost of exergy destruction of the major components of a gas turbine engine in the selected power plants. The results of exergy analysis confirmed that the combustion chamber is the most exergy destructive component compared to other cycle components as expected. The total efficiency defects and overall exergetic efficiency of the selected power plants vary from 38.64 to 69.33% and 15.66 to 30.72% respectively. The exergy analysis further shows that the exergy improvement potential of the selected plants varies from 54.04 MW to 159.88 MW. The component with the highest exergy improvement potential is the combustion chamber and its value varies from 30.21 MW to 88.86 MW. The results of exergoeconomic analysis show that the combustion chamber has the greatest cost of exergy destruction compared to other components. Increasing the gas turbine inlet temperature (GTIT), both the exergy destruction and the cost of exergy destruction of this component were found to decrease. The results of this study revealed that an increase in the GTIT of about 200 K can lead to a reduction of about 29% in the cost of exergy destruction. From exergy costing analysis, the unit cost of electricity produced in the selected power plants varies from cents 1.99 /kWh (N3.16 /kWh) to cents 5.65 /kWh (N8.98 /kWh).
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S.O. Oyedepo, R.O Fagbenle, S.S Adefila and M.M Alam
This study presents thermodynamic analysis of the design and performance of eleven selected gas turbine power plants using the first and second laws of thermodynamics concepts…
Abstract
This study presents thermodynamic analysis of the design and performance of eleven selected gas turbine power plants using the first and second laws of thermodynamics concepts. Energy and exergy analyses were conducted using operating data collected from the power plants to determine the energy loss and exergy destruction of each major component of the gas turbine plant. Energy analysis showed that the combustion chamber and the turbine are the components having the highest proportion of energy loss in the plants. Energy loss in combustion chamber and turbine varied from 33.31 to 39.95% and 30.83 to 35.24% respectively. The exergy analysis revealed that the combustion chamber is the most exergy destructive component compared to other cycle components. Exergy destruction in the combustion chamber varied from 86.05 to 94.67%. Combustion chamber has the highest exergy improvement potential which range from 30.21 to 88.86 MW. Also, its exergy efficiency is lower than that of other components studied, which is due to the high temperature difference between working fluid and burner temperature. Increasing gas turbine inlet temperature (GTIT), the exergy destruction of this component can be reduced.
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Sahdia Parveen, Kirsty Haunch, Fionnuala Kerry and Janet Oyebode
The purpose of this paper is to describe a study which explored the knowledge and attitudes of university students towards people living with dementia, and developed and tested a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a study which explored the knowledge and attitudes of university students towards people living with dementia, and developed and tested a dementia awareness workshop, dementia detectives: university edition, designed to improve knowledge and foster positive attitudes to dementia in students.
Design/methodology/approach
Dementia detectives: university edition was launched during dementia awareness week and five workshops were delivered to university students. In total, 42 participants attended and completed a knowledge and attitude measure before and after the workshop, as well as rating the workshop with regards to satisfaction, relevance, understanding and whether they would recommend the workshop to friends.
Findings
Students perceived living with dementia to be a negative and stigmatised experience. The workshop scored highly in terms of satisfaction, relevance and understanding and all students stated that they would recommend the workshop to others. Paired t-tests found significant improvements in self-assessed dementia knowledge.
Research limitations/implications
This was a pilot evaluation and further testing with larger samples is required.
Practical implications
The workshop meets the requirements for tier 1 dementia education and training as outlined in the Dementia Core Skills and Knowledge Framework published by the Department of Health.
Social implications
The workshop has the potential to increase knowledge, change attitudes, improve empathy and contribute to the development of a dementia aware workforce through undergraduate education.
Originality/value
Dementia detectives: university edition is a novel interactive method of dementia education and training.
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Lucy Garrod, Jane Fossey, Catherine Henshall, Sandra Williamson, Alice Coates and Helen Green
The purpose of this paper is to report on a service evaluation of a competency-based dementia training programme for clinicians to establish its value in improving their knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on a service evaluation of a competency-based dementia training programme for clinicians to establish its value in improving their knowledge and confidence of dementia care and to explore any resulting changes to practice.
Design/methodology/approach
Mixed method quantitative and qualitative data, using rating scales and focus group discussions (FGDs), were collected. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyse changes in the responses to the rating scales of knowledge and confidence and thematic analysis of FGDs was undertaken to identify staff perceptions of the impact of training on their practice.
Findings
In total, 162 qualified and clinical support staff undertook the training. A significant change in knowledge and confidence scores was found on all three scales. In general, feedback on the course was positive. Seven themes, demonstrating the relevance of the training to practice, emerged from the FGDs – experiential training awareness of diagnosis, approach, understanding, communication, risk, changed practice and going forward.
Practical implications
Providing competency-based dementia training for large numbers of staff can have a positive effect on the care delivered to patients with dementia.
Originality/value
Healthcare organisations have a responsibility to ensure their staff have the training to provide quality care for patients living with dementia. This paper suggests this can be achieved through a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach involving co-production and best practice guidance.
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Rabiu Abdullahi and Noorhayati Mansor
Detecting and preventing fraud are challenging and risky tasks, especially in a fast developing economy such as Nigeria. The efforts become crucial in the government sectors, as…
Abstract
Purpose
Detecting and preventing fraud are challenging and risky tasks, especially in a fast developing economy such as Nigeria. The efforts become crucial in the government sectors, as they involve public’s trust and resources. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between the fraud incidence and the elements of fraud triangle theory (FTT) with the aim of combating current fraud outrages in the Nigerian public sector.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was conducted and 302 questionnaires were distributed to the staff of the departments of accounting, internal auditing and investigation of ten selected ministries, departments and agencies of Kano State, Nigeria. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data.
Findings
The study reveals a significant relationship between three elements of FTT and fraud incidences in the Nigerian public sectors (p-value < 0.001 for pressure and opportunity and p-value = 0.024 for rationalization).
Practical implications
The findings of the study are useful for forensic accountants and the Nigerian anti-graft bodies to enhance existing control mechanisms in fraud prevention initiatives. The research also contributes to bridge the gap in academic theory and empirical study related to FTT.
Social implications
Fraud scandals can cause public’s frustration, damage the reputation and integrity of the ruling government and result in negative image of the public sector.
Originality/value
Accordingly, the study suggests a salary scale reform (SSR) in the Nigerian public sector and improvement in fringe benefits to increase employees’ standard of living. The study concludes with recommendations to enhance fraud awareness and training programs to the government employees.
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Dementia care is an important aspect affecting the quality of life of people living with dementia. There are many studies that test the efficacy of methods of care in order to…
Abstract
Purpose
Dementia care is an important aspect affecting the quality of life of people living with dementia. There are many studies that test the efficacy of methods of care in order to support and even increase the quality of life of dementia patients (e.g. Gridley et al., 2016; Thyrian et al., 2017). A novel approach developed by Beville (2002) called Virtual Dementia Tour® (VDT®) also aims to improve the care of people living with dementia in their middle and late stages of deterioration. VDT® is now becoming popular internationally (see www.provdt.co.uk/) and it is sold to the general public as an evidence-based method through which people can experience what it is like to live with dementia, aiming to increase empathy and improve the delivery of care. The purpose of this paper is to explore the validity of the VDT® intervention.
Design/methodology/approach
The author explores the original research article upon which the VDT® was developed, highlighting critical points and reviewing these through a rigorous selection of references.
Findings
The supporting evidence base is consistently weak on closer scrutiny, and in combination with anecdotal evidence of distress related to the VDT® experience, this analysis suggests a need for caution in implementation.
Originality/value
Although high-quality standards of care from the national guidelines (National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, 2010) ensure that health services implement evidence-based interventions, it may be important to discern that which is empirically based from that which is not.
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Meysam Amini, Qaran Dorosti, Davood Rahimyar, Hassan Biglarian and Esmaeil GhasemiKafrudi
This study aims to introduce a new modified method for estimating steam turbine high pressure (HP)-intermediate pressure (IP) leakage flow based on the experimental data extracted…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to introduce a new modified method for estimating steam turbine high pressure (HP)-intermediate pressure (IP) leakage flow based on the experimental data extracted from a 250 MW re-heat steam turbine.
Design/methodology/approach
Effects of measurement uncertainties on the test results are investigated and key parameters are specified via a new modified method to diminish the test uncertainties. The recommended method is based on a constant IP turbine pressure ratio at the same loads. Considering this assumption, it was found that the turbine pressure ratio can be achieved in the second and the third tests with a much longer duration.
Findings
The results showed that the cross-over temperature is a major parameter in the leakage flow estimation tests, whereas hot reheat and cross-over pressures are the next priorities. It was also observed that as the cross-over temperature varies by 1°C, the estimated leakage flow error significantly differs by up to 72.6 per cent.
Originality/value
It is concluded that the present modified HP-IP leakage flow estimation method seems to be more accurate in comparison with previously proposed methods in literature.
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Jacob Mhlanga, Theodore C. Haupt and Claudia Loggia
This paper aims to explore the intellectual structure shaping the circular economy (CE) discourse within the built environment in Africa.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the intellectual structure shaping the circular economy (CE) discourse within the built environment in Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a bibliometric analysis approach to explore the intellectual structure of CE in the built environment in Africa. The authors collected 31 papers published between 2005 and 2021 from the Scopus database and used VOSviewer for data analysis.
Findings
The findings show that there are six clusters shaping the intellectual structure: demolition, material recovery and reuse; waste as a resource; cellulose and agro-based materials; resilience and low-carbon footprint; recycling materials; and the fourth industrial revolution. The two most cited scholars had three publications each, while the top journal was Resources, Conservation and Recycling. The dominant concepts included CE, sustainability, alternative materials, waste management, lifecycle, demolition and climate change. The study concludes that there is low CE research output in Africa, which implies that the concept is either novel or facing resistance.
Research limitations/implications
The data were drawn from one database, Scopus; hence, adoption of alternative databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar and Dimensions could potentially have yielded a higher number of articles for analysis which potentially would result in different conclusions on the subject understudy.
Originality/value
This study made a significant contribution by articulating the CE intellectual structure in the built environment, identified prominent scholars and academic platforms responsible for promoting circularity in Africa.