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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2022

Yi Hu and Hui Shu

As the saying goes, “food is heaven of people” the development of agriculture is not only related to the quality of human life but also profoundly affects the efficiency of…

Abstract

Purpose

As the saying goes, “food is heaven of people” the development of agriculture is not only related to the quality of human life but also profoundly affects the efficiency of economic operation. However, under the background of rapid economic and technological development, China’s agricultural modernization process is very slow and incompatible with the development trend of economic modernization. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to innovate the traditional agricultural development model to break through the bottlenecks encountered in the transformation process of agricultural modernization. The proposal of the agricultural logistics ecosphere is to solve the problems of poor industrial linkage, low technical level and backward operation mode in the development process of traditional agriculture, and it is an important starting point for agricultural supply-side structural reform. This study aims to answer three questions in three aspects, namely, what is the agricultural logistics ecosphere, analyzes the general composition of the agricultural logistics ecosphere and how the subjects of the agricultural logistics ecosphere cooperate. It also puts forward suggestions for the coordinated development of the agricultural logistics ecosphere under the leadership of Taoxin. Also, it inspires the transformation of the agricultural development model in other regions and countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a case study and a qualitative analysis method to collate the first-hand and secondary data obtained from the interview and form a tertiary coding. It explores the mechanism of coordinated development of the agricultural logistics ecosphere from four levels: goal synergy, resource synergy, ability synergy and benefit synergy.

Findings

First, the formation of the agricultural logistics ecosphere will not be achieved overnight, as operational management matures and ecosphere experiences the germination-development-mature evolution process. Second, target synergy is the foundation and premise for the formation of agricultural logistics ecosphere: to attract external resources with Taoxin characteristic core resources, to attract external resources to achieve synergy, to provide a guarantee for the realization of the maximum value of the agricultural logistics ecosphere and then to realize the interest synergy of internal and external subjects. Third, driving agricultural products upward in the “10 + 1” model: it is the core resource of the agricultural logistics ecosphere led by Taoxin and attracts external subjects to gather with core resources to further improve the value of the ecosphere. The improvement of the value of the ecosphere can broaden the ecosphere network. This is both an important construction of the ecosphere, and it is also the path choice of the coordinated development of the agricultural logistics ecosphere.

Originality/value

This study has a very important practical value and theoretical significance. In practical terms, the integration of “primary, secondary and tertiary industries” is helpful to foster new momentum for the development of agriculture and rural areas and promote the general framework of the agricultural logistics economy, the analysis of the general mechanism and extension of the transition of the new economy.

Details

Nankai Business Review International, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8749

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2024

Hung Ngoc Phan and Satoko Okubayashi

Dehydrated bacterial cellulose’s (BC) intrinsic rigidity constrains applicability across textiles, leather, health care and other sectors. This study aims to yield a novel BC…

Abstract

Purpose

Dehydrated bacterial cellulose’s (BC) intrinsic rigidity constrains applicability across textiles, leather, health care and other sectors. This study aims to yield a novel BC modification method using glycerol and succinic acid with catalyst and heat, applied via an industrially scalable padding method to tackle BC’s stiffness drawbacks and enhance BC properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Fabric-like BC is generated via mechanical dehydration and then finished by using padding method with glycerol, succinic acid, catalyst and heat. Comprehensive material characterizations, including international testing standards for stiffness, bending properties (cantilever method), tensile properties, moisture vapor transmission rate, moisture content and regain, washing, thermal gravimetric analysis, derivative thermogravimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and colorimetric measurement, are used.

Findings

The combination of BC/glycerol/succinic acid dramatically enhanced porous structure, elongation (27.40 ± 6.39%), flexibility (flexural rigidity of 21.46 ± 4.01 µN m; bending modulus of 97.45 ± 18.20 MPa) and moisture management (moisture vapor transmission rate of 961.07 ± 86.16 g/m2/24 h; moisture content of 27.43 ± 2.50%; and moisture regain of 37.94 ± 4.73%). This softening process modified the thermal stability of BC. Besides, this study alleviated the drawbacks for washing (five cycles) of BC and glycerol caused by the ineffective affinity between glycerol and cellulose by adding succinic acid with catalyst and heat.

Originality/value

The study yields an effective padding process for BC softening and a unique modified BC to contribute added value to textile and leather industries as a sustainable alternative to existing materials and a premise for future research on BC functionalization by using doable technologies in mass production as padding.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2023

Charalampos Alexopoulos, Stuti Saxena, Nina Rizun and Deo Shao

This research paper aims to present a framework of open government data (OGD) relating to e-service quality dimensions. In addition, it provides a research agenda for the…

Abstract

Purpose

This research paper aims to present a framework of open government data (OGD) relating to e-service quality dimensions. In addition, it provides a research agenda for the e-service delivery of OGD.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review pertaining to e-service quality with special reference to e-government was delivered to deduce the key dimensions of e-service quality for OGD.

Findings

Five e-service quality dimensions of OGD are identified in the study; website design, fulfilment, service provision to the user while interfacing with the OGD Web portal, service provision to the user during and after the value-creation and innovation period and security/privacy. To further OGD re-use for value creation and innovation, it is important that the e-service quality dimensions are built into all OGD programmes by public authorities.

Originality/value

Hitherto, extant research has focused on the data quality dimensions of OGD, but the dimensions linked with e-service have not been explored. This study seeks to fill this gap and, in addition, suggests further research requirements in this field.

Details

Records Management Journal, vol. 33 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0956-5698

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 3 March 2023

Sami Abdulrahman Alhamidi and Seham Mansour Alyousef

The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of psychiatric mental health nurses during their work experiences in inpatient clinical settings.

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the roles of psychiatric mental health nurses during their work experiences in inpatient clinical settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A focus group of 10 graduate psychiatric nurses with more than two years’ practice in inpatient psychiatric settings reflected on their last six months’ work placements and continuous employment. The transcripts and field notes were analyzed through thematic analysis of inductive data.

Findings

Two main themes emerged: management roles and clinical roles. The participants reflected on caring activities and obstacles encountered in fulfilling their professional roles.

Originality/value

Multiple practice issues emerged. The participants perceived that psychiatric nurse specialists are required to perform more caring functions than practicable in the inpatient setting due to an excess of noncaring duties, structural minimization of the caring role and inadequate training. They felt that many of the functions performed were not within their expectations of the caring role of a psychiatric nurse specialist and believed that changes in nurse education and attention to clarification of nurses’ roles might enhance the role they play in patient care.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2024

José Muller-Dugic, Pascal Beckers and Mario Braakman

Syrian refugees in the Netherlands frequently suffer from mental health problems. It is argued that mental health not only consists of the absence of psychiatric disorders but…

Abstract

Purpose

Syrian refugees in the Netherlands frequently suffer from mental health problems. It is argued that mental health not only consists of the absence of psychiatric disorders but also of the presence of mental well-being. However, there is little attention to the mental well-being of refugees, and no intervention exists that focuses on fostering the mental well-being of refugees. Therefore, the new culturally sensitive positive psychology intervention “Mosaic” was developed and implemented in collaboration with the target audience and local partners. Mosaic is offered in the Arabic language, and the content is focused on (re)finding purpose in life and (re)discovering life values and subsequently acting upon these values. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of Mosaic on the mental well-being of Syrians in the Netherlands.

Design/methodology/approach

The effect of Mosaic on the mental well-being of Syrians in the Netherlands is assessed by conducting a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a waitlist control group.

Findings

Postintervention within sample t-tests showed that the intervention group (n = 66) experienced significantly more overall mental well-being, emotional well-being and purpose in life right after participating in the intervention when compared to the preintervention measurement. The effect on purpose in life persisted six months later. These improvements were not found among the control group (n = 60).

Originality/value

Mosaic is the first positive psychology intervention in the Netherlands that was developed for and in collaboration with Syrian refugees. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is also the first study in the Netherlands and one of the first ones in Europe that assesses the effect of positive psychology for refugees specifically.

Details

International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-9894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 November 2023

Carolyn Caffrey, Hannah Lee, Tessa Withorn, Elizabeth Galoozis, Maggie Clarke, Thomas Philo, Jillian Eslami, Dana Ospina, Aric Haas, Katie Paris Kohn, Kendra Macomber, Hallie Clawson and Wendolyn Vermeer

This paper aims to present recently published resources on library instruction and information literacy. It provides an introductory overview and a selected annotated bibliography…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present recently published resources on library instruction and information literacy. It provides an introductory overview and a selected annotated bibliography of publications organized thematically and detailing, study populations, results and research contexts. The selected bibliography is useful to efficiently keep up with trends in library instruction for academic library practitioners, library science students and those wishing to learn about information literacy in other contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This article annotates 340 English-language periodical articles, dissertations, theses and reports on library instruction and information literacy published in 2022. The sources were selected from the EBSCO platform for Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Elsevier SCOPUS and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Sources selected were published in 2022 and included the terms “information literacy,” “library instruction,” or “information fluency” in the title, subject terms, or author supplied keywords. The sources were organized in Zotero. Annotations were made summarizing the source, focusing on the findings or implications. Each source was then thematically categorized and organized for academic librarians to be able to skim and use the annotated bibliography efficiently.

Findings

The paper provides a brief description of 340 sources from 144 unique publications, and highlights publications that contain unique or significant scholarly contributions. Further analysis of the sources and authorship are provided.

Originality/value

The information is primarily of use to academic librarians, researchers, and anyone interested as a quick and comprehensive reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy published within 2022.

Article
Publication date: 29 March 2022

Silvia Ortiz-Bonnin, Joanna Blahopoulou, M. Esther García-Buades and Maribel Montañez-Juan

This study examines how satisfaction with work-life balance (WLB) in combination with satisfaction with organization's COVID-19 responses (SOCV19R) helps to enhance subjective…

1141

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines how satisfaction with work-life balance (WLB) in combination with satisfaction with organization's COVID-19 responses (SOCV19R) helps to enhance subjective well-being and performance during the lockdown due to COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of this time-lagged study were gathered through an online survey with three-waves between March and May 2020 in Spain (N = 167). Hierarchical multiple regression and PROCESS were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Direct relationships between SOCV19R and subjective well-being and performance were not significant. Instead, SOCV19R increased employees' well-being and performance through a higher satisfaction with WLB (full mediation).

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is the evaluation of SOCV19R as a form of organizational support in times of crisis. This study suggests that a good organizational reaction to face a crisis such as the pandemic, encourages employees' WLB and helps them to boost their well-being and performance. It may be concluded that work-life balance (WLB) in Spain was seen as a luxury in good times and turned out to be a necessity in bad times. The present study recommends practical implications and provides lessons for human resource management for future crises or similar work conditions.

Details

Personnel Review, vol. 52 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0048-3486

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 January 2023

Somayye Karimi Omshi, Sohrab Kordrostami, Alireza Amirteimoori and Armin Ghane Kanafi

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a significant method for measuring the relative efficiency of decision making units (DMUs) that use the least inputs, produce the most desirable…

Abstract

Purpose

Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a significant method for measuring the relative efficiency of decision making units (DMUs) that use the least inputs, produce the most desirable outputs and emit the least undesirable outputs in order to maximize their profits. In DEA, detecting an optimal scale size (OSS) is also vital and could be more applicable in economic activities when there are integer and undesirable measures. The purpose of this research is to measure average-profit efficiency (APE) and OSSs with integer data and undesirable outputs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents an alternative concept of APE using the concepts of most productive scale size (MPSS), profit efficiency and scales, containing desirable and undesirable outputs along with integer and non-integer measures. In fact, the OSS minimizes APE as the optimal scale, which is the ratio of the profit efficiency to the radial average output. Considering the prices of the inputs and desirable outputs, as well as the lack of any specific weight for the undesirable outputs, a two-step model for the numerical calculation of OSS is presented. In addition, the proposed approach is applied to a real data set of Iranian gas companies while there are integer measures and undesirable outputs.

Findings

The results show the introduced approach is beneficial to estimate OSSs from the aspect of maximizing profits of firms with undesirable outputs and integer values.

Originality/value

Estimating OSSs is the significant issue for managers, but its investigation in the presence of integer measures and undesirable outputs is presently under-considered.

Details

Journal of Economic Studies, vol. 50 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3585

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2021

Muhammad Khalid Anser, Mosab I. Tabash, Abdelmohsen A. Nassani, Abdullah Mohammed Aldakhil and Zahid Yousaf

This study aims to investigate the role of e-service quality and e-trust for achieving e-loyalty among digital library users in the digital economy. The current study examined the…

1470

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the role of e-service quality and e-trust for achieving e-loyalty among digital library users in the digital economy. The current study examined the mediation effect of e-trust in the connection between e-service quality and e-loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional design was applied for the purpose of data collection and empirical findings of the study. Survey method was used for the purpose of data collection from 783 online digital libraries users.

Findings

Results reveal that e-service quality positively predicts e-trust in digital economy. Moreover, in digital economy e-trust predicts the e-loyalty. The findings also reveal that e-trust mediates the relationship between e-service quality and e-loyalty links.

Originality/value

The finding of study suggested that individual level e-trust have a strong effect on e-loyalty in digital economy. Individual level aspects in term of e-service quality have a direct effect on e-trust to improve their e-loyalty. The finding indicated that digital libraries users in future will be more loyal toward e-service quality providers. The results are useful for the management of digital libraries and academia for future. This is the first study that includes e-service quality, e-trust and e-loyalty in the context of digital economy.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 41 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Open Access
Book part
Publication date: 21 July 2023

Peggy Ann Spitzer

Abstract

Details

Empowering Female Climate Change Activists in the Global South: The Path Toward Environmental Social Justice
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-919-7

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