Search results

1 – 10 of 15
Article
Publication date: 17 August 2015

Matthias Elser, Ronald Mies, Peter Altendorf, Alberto Messina, Fulvio Negro, Werner Bailer, Albert Hofmann and Georg Thallinger

This paper aims to propose a service-oriented framework for performing content annotation and search, adapted to the task context. Media production workflows are becoming…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a service-oriented framework for performing content annotation and search, adapted to the task context. Media production workflows are becoming increasingly distributed and heterogeneous.The tasks of professionals in media production can be supported by automatic content analysis and search and retrieval services.

Design/methodology/approach

The processes of the framework are derived top-down, starting from business goals and scenarios in audiovisual media production. Formal models of tasks in the production workflow are defined, and business processes are derived from the task models. A software framework enabling the orchestrated execution of these models is developed.

Findings

This paper presents a framework that implements the proposed approach called Metadata Production Management Framework (MPMF). The authors show how a media production workflow for a real-world scenario is implemented using the MPMF.

Research limitations/implications

The authors have demonstrated the feasibility of a model-based approach for media processing. In the reification step, there is still information that needs to be provided in addition to the task models to obtain executable processes. Future research should target the further automation of this process.

Practical implications

By means of this approach, the implementation of the business process defines the workflow, whereas the services that are actually used are defined by the configuration. Thus, the processes are stable and, at the same time, the services can be managed very flexibly. If necessary, service implementations can also be completely replaced by others without changing the business process implementation.

Originality/value

The authors introduce a model-based approach to media processing and define a reification process from business-driven task models to executable workflows. This enables a more task-oriented design of media processing workflows and adaptive use of automatic information extraction tools.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 July 2020

Alfonsina Iona, Marco Alberto De Benedetto, Dawit Zerihun Assefa and Michele Limosani

Using a sample of US firms more likely to be affected by agency problems, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between corporate value and financial…

Abstract

Purpose

Using a sample of US firms more likely to be affected by agency problems, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between corporate value and financial policies and to study whether credit market freedom (CMF) affects this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors identify a sub-sample of non-financial US firms potentially affected by agency problems using a joint criterion of over-investment and high cash-holdings. A generalized method of moment econometric framework is then used to estimate the impact of cash-holdings and leverage policies on firm value for this sub-sample. This exercise is also performed by taking into account the level of CMF of the state where the firm operates.

Findings

The results show that the relationship between cash-holdings – or leverage – and firm value is “U-shaped.” In addition, when the authors focus on the role played by the level of CMF, the authors find a number of interesting facts: CMF facilitates the firms’ access to external finance, thereby relaxing the need of internal funds for investing; the relationship between cash-holdings and firm value is “U-shaped” only in states enjoying high levels of CMF; the probability of observing firms more likely to be affected by agency problems is higher in states with high levels of CMF.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical findings provide important insights to policymakers, shareholders and practitioners. To policymakers, the results suggest that providing institutional environments with greater CMF can enhance the firm access to external finance, the level of corporate investment and the economic growth. To shareholders, the findings highlight that the conflicts of interest between managers and shareholders may be more severe in states with higher CMF; therefore, adequate financing policies and corporate governance mechanisms must be used to mitigate these conflicts and maximize the firm value. Finally, to practitioners, the evidence suggests that, in valuing a firm, they must take into consideration whether the economic environment provides managers with more freedom to stockpile cash and invest sub-optimally.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the corporate finance and governance literature in two respects. First, it provides new evidence on the shape of the relationship between cash holdings and firm value for firms affected by empire-building managers. Second, at the best of the knowledge, it is the first corporate finance study, which analyzes the role played by the CMF at the state level on the capital structure and the level of investment of the firms.

Details

Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-0701

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 November 2019

Omar Enzo Santangelo, Sandro Provenzano, Domiziana Giordano, Enrico Alagna, Francesco Armetta, Claudia Gliubizzi, Antonio Terranova, Giuseppe D'Anna, Dalila Barresi, Dimple Grigis, Cristina Genovese, Raffaele Squeri and Alberto Firenze

Depression is a common and serious medical illness, considered as a public health issue because it interferes with the interpersonal, social and professional functioning of the…

1835

Abstract

Purpose

Depression is a common and serious medical illness, considered as a public health issue because it interferes with the interpersonal, social and professional functioning of the individual, and its frequency is constantly increasing. According to a recent review, approximately 34 per cent of nursing students had experienced depression worldwide. The university period may represent a moment in which the mental well-being of students is subjected to stress with a relative predisposition to the development of diseases related to mood disorders. The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence and examine the socio-demographic correlates of depressive symptomatology.

Design/methodology/approach

In April 2019, a questionnaire was administered to all the nursing students of University of Palermo of the three years of course, accompanied by informed consent. Multivariable logistic regression was performed. The statistical significance level chosen for all analyses was 0.05. The results were analyzed using the STATA statistical software version 14. Results are expressed as adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95 per cent confidence intervals.

Findings

The sample consists of 493 students who completed the questionnaire, and the average age of the sample participants is 21.88 years. The multivariable logistic regression model shows that the risk to have depressive symptomatology is significantly associated with the following independent variables: female gender (aOR 1.91), being single (aOR 1.87), second year of study (aOR 1.94), third year of study (aOR 1.92), not performing regular physical activity (aOR 1.78) and perceived low health status (aOR 3.08).

Originality/value

This study shows that belonging to the female gender, being further along in the years of study, having a chronic illness and perceiving a low state of health are all factors that can increase the risk of developing the symptoms of depression; rather, regular physical activity, friendship and romantic relationships can be considered factors protecting them from the risk of falling into depression that can undermine both the study and work performance. Certainly, it is important to analyze all the involved variables to improve the global health not only of the nursing students but of all the students.

Details

Mental Illness, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2036-7465

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 August 2020

Antonio Crupi, Fabrizio Cesaroni and Alberto Di Minin

The present paper aims to explore and map the development of the intellectual capital (IC)-related studies by answering the following research questions: (1) what are the…

Abstract

Purpose

The present paper aims to explore and map the development of the intellectual capital (IC)-related studies by answering the following research questions: (1) what are the theoretical pillars on which prior literature focusing on the IC–entrepreneurship relationship has grown and expanded?; (2) what are the main research areas covered by past literature focused on the IC–entrepreneurship relationship?; (3) which areas of research should be explored in the future?

Design/methodology/approach

The study relied on the co-citation analysis and bibliographic coupling techniques to investigate a complete data set of IC–entrepreneurship publications.

Findings

Findings indicated that scholars' attention had increased, starting from the beginning of the 2000s due to the widespread recognition of the importance of knowledge for firms' competitive advantage. Results of the co-citation clustering analysis have identified five main theoretical building blocks of the IC–entrepreneurship literature, which addressed both the basics of IC foundations and more specific aspects related to IC (family firms and the measurement of IC). Results of the bibliographic coupling analysis indicated that future studies should consider the existence of interactions and synergies among the different components of IC. Furthermore, attention should be devoted to the management practices of IC.

Originality/value

The present study represents the contributions offered by IC to studies about entrepreneurship strategies. Building on findings emerging from a qualitative content analysis on clustered prior publications, the authors discuss a research agenda that is expected to inspire future studies to continue the exploration of the crucial characteristics of IC in contributing to entrepreneurial and managerial studies.

Details

Journal of Intellectual Capital, vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1469-1930

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 October 2020

Carlos Alberto Soares da Costa

This paper aims to describe the likely positive effects of alpha-linolenic acid supplementation on the lung and the negative effects of it on the adipose tissue of COVID-19…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the likely positive effects of alpha-linolenic acid supplementation on the lung and the negative effects of it on the adipose tissue of COVID-19 patients.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focuses on investigating the effects of alpha-linolenic (ALA) on the respiratory system and adipose tissue of COVID-19 patients.

Findings

ALA can help human respiratory system by improving lung damage. On the other hand, when it comes to adipose tissue, it can induce the overexpression of glucose transporter-4 gene and impair COVID-19 prognosis.

Originality/value

Despite the inconclusive pieces of evidence, improving the quality of patients’ diet may help mitigating their risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection. Further research studies are necessary to help finding a safe ALA recommendation focused on preventing and improving lung damage, as well as on stopping adipose cells from working as COVID-19 reservoirs.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 51 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2020

Antonio Crupi, Nicola Del Sarto, Alberto Di Minin, Gian Luca Gregori, Dominique Lepore, Luca Marinelli and Francesca Spigarelli

This study aims to understand if and how European digital innovation hubs (DIHs) filling the role of knowledge brokers (KBs) can support the digital transformation (DX) of small…

5595

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand if and how European digital innovation hubs (DIHs) filling the role of knowledge brokers (KBs) can support the digital transformation (DX) of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by triggering open innovation (OI) practices.

Design/methodology/approach

After presenting a conceptual model of reference, a survey and a subsequent in-depth interview were conducted to capture evidence from Italian DIHs. These structures were selected for their growing importance, as confirmed by the National Plan for Industry 4.0.

Findings

The findings highlight that Italian DIHs act not only as KBs but also as knowledge sources that give rise to a digital imprinting process that is able to shape the DX of SMEs.

Originality/value

Research on knowledge sharing and OI has mainly focused on large firms. The study covers the gaps identified in the literature by considering the role of KBs in enabling SMEs to embrace DX.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 24 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2004

Giuseppe Galassi and Richard Mattessich

The paper offers a survey of major Italian accounting scholars and their work for the period from 1900 to 1950. Apart from the late works of Rossi and Besta, the main focus is on…

Abstract

The paper offers a survey of major Italian accounting scholars and their work for the period from 1900 to 1950. Apart from the late works of Rossi and Besta, the main focus is on the contributions by Zappa, who undoubtedly dominated the scene. In this period, as well as later, most Italian accountants and “aziendalisti” adopted the so‐called “income system”. Although its premises originated with Fabio Besta, master of the so‐called “patrimonial or proprietorship system”, the Italian School under Zappa gave this system a new theoretical basis that differed fundamentally from that of Besta. Zappa also developed the dynamic aspect of accounting and business economics that still prevails in Italy. The paper also devotes attention to other Italian scholars, less well‐known abroad. In the area of cost accounting it concentrates on the views of De Minico and his disciple Amodeo, but also mentions other contributors. The final Section deals with Italian contributions to accounting history during this period

Details

Review of Accounting and Finance, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1475-7702

Article
Publication date: 16 January 2019

Julián Sotelo-Castañón, José Alberto Gutiérrez-Robles, Brian Johnson, Pablo Moreno and Armando Guzman

The power systems behavior is nonlinear, and this is reflected in that the measurement signals are composed by multi-components. Thus, this paper aims to present a method for…

Abstract

Purpose

The power systems behavior is nonlinear, and this is reflected in that the measurement signals are composed by multi-components. Thus, this paper aims to present a method for analyzing multi-component signals that allow calculating signal parameters such as frequency, damping constant, amplitude and phase for each component, as well as determining the direct current component.

Design/methodology/approach

The method proposed is based in the Z-transform of a damped sinusoidal signal with direct current. Only the Z-transform poles are used to form equation systems which are used to obtain frequency and damping. Then, the amplitude, the phase and the direct current component are determined by the above results.

Findings

The method is able to determine frequencies, damping constants, phases and amplitudes of the different modal components of a signal using only a few measurements. Moreover, the method does not require filter banks tuned with some previous knowledge of signal’s characteristics. The presented test cases of field measured signals show the good performance of the proposed method, which is able to obtain the parameters of interest with a very short observation window.

Originality/value

One quality of this method is that it has a very short delay to reach the first solution and from there you get one result each sample; the delay time is equivalent to 2 + 4C samples where C is the number of components in the signal. Finally, it is concluded that because of the small number of samples that are needed and the low algorithmic complexity of the methodology, the method is apt to make applications in real time.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 30 September 2022

Valentina Cucino, Nicola Del Sarto, Giulio Ferrigno, Andrea Mario Cuore Piccaluga and Alberto Di Minin

This study investigates the role of “soft” factors of total quality management – in terms of empowerment and engagement of employees – in facilitating or hindering organizational…

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the role of “soft” factors of total quality management – in terms of empowerment and engagement of employees – in facilitating or hindering organizational performance of the university technology transfer offices.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), multiple regression model to test if empowerment and engagement affect organizational performance of the university technology transfer offices.

Findings

The authors found that “soft” factors of total quality management – in terms of empowerment and engagement – facilitate the improvement of organizational performance in university technology transfer offices.

Practical implications

The authors’ analysis shows that soft total quality management practices create the conditions for improving organizational performance. This study provides practical implications by showing that, in the evaluation of the technology transfer office, not only the “hard” variables (e.g. number of employees and employee experience) but also the “soft” one (e.g. empowerment and engagement) matter. Therefore, university technology transfer managers or university technology transfer delegates should take actions to promote not only empowering employees but also create a climate conducive to employees' engagement in the university technology transfer offices.

Originality/value

With regards to the differences in organizational performances of university technology transfer offices, several studies have focused their attention on technology transfer professionals in technology transfer offices, but only a few of them have examined the “soft side” of total quality management. Thus, this study examines the organizational goals of technology transfer offices through “soft” factors of total quality management in terms of empowerment and engagement employees.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 October 2003

526

Abstract

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

1 – 10 of 15