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Article
Publication date: 21 March 2019

Emmanuel Kofi Gavu and Anthony Owusu-Ansah

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test for submarket existence based on an understanding of the residential rental housing market in Ghana.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test for submarket existence based on an understanding of the residential rental housing market in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on extant literature and market observations, the authors provide key concepts and an overview of the residential rental market dynamics in Ghana. Reseachers appreciate that submarkets may exist in the Ghanaian rental market but have ignored the empirical testing for submarket existence due to data asymmetries. Based on real estate experts and stakeholder consultations, a priori delineation of submarkets are constructed based on spatial, structural and a nested approach. Submarket existence is tested using the Kruskal–Wallis H test and Hedonic modelling techniques.

Findings

By using fieldwork data from Accra rental market, the analysis provides credence to the conceptualisation of submarkets and how to empirically test for same. It is argued that researchers should use alternative methods to compare results to make far-reaching conclusions.

Research limitations/implications

Examining the hypothesis that differential rental values exists for submarkets has implications for policy decisions to target submarket constructs differently to improve market maturity.

Practical implications

The research provides stakeholder investors in the rental space an understanding of market dynamics for profit maximisation, and end-users to maximise utility in deciding where to live – and as such households could benefit from making informed investment decisions on housing.

Originality/value

This research is one of the first attempts to empirically identify and test for submarkets existence in Ghana’s residential rental housing market.

Details

International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 December 2017

Yung-Sen Lin, Shiau-Min Lin, Jian-Yi Li and Min-Chih Liao

An investigation has been performed on the improved solder wettability of oxidized aluminum (Al) with lead-free solder (96.5Sn-3.5Ag) using Ar-H2 plasmas. The lead-free solder…

Abstract

Purpose

An investigation has been performed on the improved solder wettability of oxidized aluminum (Al) with lead-free solder (96.5Sn-3.5Ag) using Ar-H2 plasmas. The lead-free solder wettability was raised from 62.2 per cent wetting for Al oxidized in air at 250 C for 4 h to 98.4 per cent wetting of oxidized Al modified by Ar-H2 plasmas at a certain H2 flow rate. This study aims to gain insight on the surface characteristics of Al affecting the solder wettability with a liquid lead-free solder.

Design/methodology/approach

Ar-H2 plasmas at certain H2 flow rates are intended to reduce Al oxides on the surfaces of oxidized Al substrates both by physical bombardments via Ar plasmas and chemical reductions with H2 plasmas, while Al substrates are exposed in Ar-H2 plasmas to improve the solder wettability with a liquid lead-free solder.

Findings

Surface characteristics of oxidized Al substrates have been identified to play key roles for enhanced lead-free solder wettability using Ar-H2 plasmas. A decrease in polar surface free energy and an increase in dispersive surface free energy on the surfaces of oxidized Al substrates are exploited to advance the lead-free solder wettability. Decreased composition ratios of O to Al, detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for oxidized Al substrates, are crucial for improved lead-free solder wettability.

Originality/value

XPS is typically used to analyze the surface compositions of Al oxides. To provide a rapid and non-expansive method to identify the surfaces of Al substrates prior to soldering to assure lead-free solder wettability, this study proposes a measurable skill, a so-called sessile drop test method, to investigate surface free energies such as total, polar and dispersive surface free energy on the surfaces of Al substrates, to illuminate how the lead-free solder wettability of oxidized Al is improved by Ar-H2 plasmas.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2023

Fung Mei Wong and Chiao-Min Lin

Human libraries are special libraries that give access to real persons known as “human books.” Readers “check out” human books by attending reading sessions organized by the human…

Abstract

Purpose

Human libraries are special libraries that give access to real persons known as “human books.” Readers “check out” human books by attending reading sessions organized by the human library. The majority of previous studies focus on reporting the achievement of human libraries, especially on reducing prejudice and promoting social inclusion. There is a dearth of research to investigate how a human library serves and interacts with society. In this regard, this study aims at examining the operation, development, opportunities and challenges of the New Taipei City Human Library (NTCHL), the first and largest human library in Taiwan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a triangulation methodology to collect and analyze a multitude of data. Participatory observation intends to understand the operation of the NTCHL. In-depth interview is conducted to collect the opinions of the staff of the NTCHL to identify the challenges and opportunities of the human library. Content analysis on relevant documents is performed to review the development and performance of the NTCHL.

Findings

Results indicate that the NTCHL has successfully developed a good collection of human books. The NTCHL not only provides an alternative channel of learning, but also helps build connections between community members. The number of book loans and readers has substantially increased since NTCHL' inception, indicating an increasing demand for human library services in Taiwan. While the NTCHL strives for providing readers with better and diversified services, the issues of limited involvement and commitment of human books, heavy workload and the difficulty to establish a good collection of human books need to be addressed.

Research limitations/implications

This study investigates a human library in Taiwan, but human libraries in different places are different in some aspects because those human libraries' social contexts are different. Future studies are recommended to compare the similarities and differences between different human libraries systematically. Furthermore, this study identifies the benefits of the human library but human library's effectiveness is not quantified and evaluated. Future studies may conduct quantitative assessments to fill the research gap.

Practical implications

Human libraries must strive for providing better and diversified services to readers, but there are implications for workload and administration. The experience of the NTCHL may cast light on the future development of human libraries in Taiwan and other countries around the world.

Social implications

This study shows that the NTCHL has brought a couple of benefits to the society of Taiwan. First, the NTCHL provides readers with an alternative experience of reading. This is an effective way to transmit informal or tacit knowledge. Second, building connections between community members was another benefit of the NTCHL. As modern people are becoming more accustomed to virtual life on the internet which suppresses interpersonal communication, the NTCHL represents an effective platform for communication and sharing of interpersonal experiences.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is the use of triangulation methodology to investigate the operation, development, opportunities and challenges of the first and largest human library in Taiwan. The findings of this study may cast light on the future development of human libraries in Taiwan and other countries.

Article
Publication date: 28 January 2020

Yuan-Min Lin, Hsuan Chen, Chih-Hsin Lin, Pin-Ju Huang and Shyh-Yuan Lee

The purpose of this study is to develop resin composite materials composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) acrylates and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles for ultraviolet digital light…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop resin composite materials composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) acrylates and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles for ultraviolet digital light projection (DLP) three-dimensional (3D) printing technique.

Design/methodology/approach

Two PCL-based triacrylates, namely, glycerol-3 caprolactone-triacrylate (Gly-3CL-TA) and glycerol-6 caprolactone-triacrylate (Gly-6CL-TA) were synthesized from ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolacton monomer in the presence of glycerol and then acrylation was performed using acryloyl chloride. 3D printing resins made of Gly-3CL-TA or Gly-6CL-TA, 5% HA and 3% of photoinitiator 2,4,6-Trimethylbenzoyl-diphenyl-phosphineoxide were then formulated. The surface topography, surface element composition, flexural strength, flexural modulus, cytotoxicity and degradation of the PCL-based scaffolds were then characterized.

Findings

Resin composite composed of Gly-3CL-TA or Gly-6CL-TA and 5% (w/w) of HA can be printed by 405 nm DLP 3D printers. The former has lower viscosity and thus can form a more uniform layer-by-layer structure, while the latter exhibited a higher flexural strength and modulus after being printed. Both composite materials are non-cytotoxic and degradable.

Originality/value

This study provides a direction of the formulation of environment-friendly resin composite for DLP 3D printing. Both resin composites have huge potential in tissue engineering applications.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2023

Li Min Lin and Hyun Jung Park

This study analyzed the relationships among sub-factors of mindfulness and two anti-consumption lifestyles caused by personal and social/environmental concerns. This study also…

Abstract

Purpose

This study analyzed the relationships among sub-factors of mindfulness and two anti-consumption lifestyles caused by personal and social/environmental concerns. This study also investigated the pursuit of authenticity mediating this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey based on self-administered questionnaires and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the collected data via Statistical Product Service Solutions (SPSS) 23 and Analysis of MOment Structure (AMOS) 23. Multiple mediation analysis was adopted to investigate the mediating role of authenticity dimensions via SPSS PROCESS macro.

Findings

The relationship between mindfulness and anti-consumption behavior was generally positive. Except for describing and non-judgment, most facets of mindfulness were positively related to anti-consumption patterns. Only the indirect effect of authentic living (AL) was significant in the impact of mindfulness on anti-consumption behavior.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to examine the link between mindfulness and anti-consumption and potential mechanism of anti-consumption – authenticity seeking, extending knowledge about mindfulness and providing insights for environmentalists, public decision-makers, marketers and consumers.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 35 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2017

ChienHsing Wu, Yu-Hui Tao and Yu-Min Lin

Consumer behaviors in internet are changing over time. The purpose of this paper is to propose and examine a research model that describes the repurchase behavior for the legal…

Abstract

Purpose

Consumer behaviors in internet are changing over time. The purpose of this paper is to propose and examine a research model that describes the repurchase behavior for the legal and paid music products of physical genre and online genre. The consumption value theory is used to develop the research model. Comparison of physical genre with online genre is presented. Implications and suggestions are addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is examined empirically. The research targeted music product consumers who had purchasing experience in the past one year. The research results are obtained, and the findings are revealed on the basis of 728 valid music product consumers.

Findings

The functional, emotional and epistemic value are the significant driving factors, though it shows a limited distinction for the two types. In comparing of the concepts of designed functional value, physical music consumers tend to have a stronger enthusiasm in music consumption. Social value and conditional value are not the predicators of repurchase satisfaction, implying that the music consumption is self-oriented for any normal amusement. The epistemic value shows significant on all levels of significance for the physical type, whereas insignificant if a = 0.01 for the type of online.

Originality/value

The research model is applied for the two contrariety product types, and to make a comparison, trying to understand the reasons why music fans are still willing to spend money on music products and what factors make them choose between product genres. After fluctuation and alternation of the music industry within this decade, this research provides a reference and correlated results for the future studies for the related studies, especially for the prosperous physical parallel imports items and online music.

Details

Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5038

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

Wei-Ting Chang, Huang-Jan Hsu, Cho-Pei Jiang, Shyh-Yuan Lee and Yuan-Min Lin

The aim of this paper is to examine the effects of light controlling system that combined high refractive particles (n-TiO2 [titanium dioxide – TiO2]) and tartrazine lake dye (TL…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the effects of light controlling system that combined high refractive particles (n-TiO2 [titanium dioxide – TiO2]) and tartrazine lake dye (TL dye) on thickness, flexural strength, flexural modulus and surface details of the 3D-printed resin.

Design/methodology/approach

Influences of different concentrations of n-TiO2 and TL dye in light-cured resin formulations for 3D printing (3DP) application were evaluated, including curing thickness, flexural strength and surface details under scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The polymerization thickness of samples containing both n-TiO2 and TL dye was lower compared to samples with TL dye solely. Samples containing more n-TiO2 and more TL dye exhibited lower flexural strength and modulus. Ramp models showed that for samples containing 1 per cent TL dye, when their n-TiO2 content increased from 1 to 5 per cent, surface laminate structures became sharper. However, when the TL dye content doubled to 2 per cent, the surface laminate structures were indefinite compared to 1 per cent TL dye-containing counterparts.

Originality value

In visible-light 3DP, light controlling system in cooperate dye with high refractive particles provides better energy distribution and scattering control. High refractive particles, dyes and light exposure time had influenced the surface resolution and mechanical properties of the 3DP products.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Fu-Ling Chung, Hsin-Hsuan Chung and Shu-Min Lin

This study aims to help scholars comprehend the major research themes on sustainable development goals (SDGs) in higher education which researchers from various fields have…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to help scholars comprehend the major research themes on sustainable development goals (SDGs) in higher education which researchers from various fields have explored and to propose several potential future research directions of the least researched SDG in higher education to support scholars in making up the gap in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors adopted a bibliometric analysis method to review the extant literature from the Web of Science on SDGs in higher education from 2015 to 2023 and took a closer examination of the most researched SDGs discussed by scholars. This study specifically concentrated on studies that explicitly mentioned the term “Sustainable Development Goal” (or “SDG”) and applied VOSviewer to cluster common keywords of the most researched SDGs and explored related themes. Also, this study provided several potential future research directions of least researched SDG in higher education.

Findings

SDGs 3 and 4 were the most researched, and SDG 15 was the least researched. The three major themes of SDG 3 were Adult Issues of Sustainability, South Africa Issues of Sustainability, and Relationship between SDG 3 and SDG 4. The three major themes of SDG 4 were the Role of Universities in Sustainability, Sustainability during Covid-19, and Challenges of Implementation.

Originality/value

This study provided several potential future research directions of the least researched SDG in higher education to support scholars to make up the gap in the field. Also, this study pointed out some pedagogical strategies and competencies needed to aid higher education institutions in achieving the 17 SDGs.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 25 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 20 November 2024

Seyed Pendar Toufighi, Jan Vang, Kannan Govindan, Min Zar Ni Lin and Amanda Bille

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of university-driven knowledge transfer initiatives in enhancing the capabilities and performance of local suppliers…

181

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of university-driven knowledge transfer initiatives in enhancing the capabilities and performance of local suppliers in the garment industry. By focusing on the impact of UDIs in Myanmar, this research aims to provide empirical evidence on how these initiatives can foster supplier development and performance improvement through targeted capability enhancement strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes a combination of surveys and an experimental design to evaluate the impact of university-driven supplier development interventions (UDIs) based on Lean principles in Myanmar’s garment industry. Nine garment suppliers were assessed before and after the UDI program. The research employed partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the direct, indirect and mediating effects of UDIs on supplier performance, focusing on the role of supplier capability enhancement as a mediating factor.

Findings

The study found that the UDI program significantly improved supplier capabilities, which in turn led to enhanced performance. The analysis revealed partial mediation, indicating that while UDIs directly impact supplier performance, their effect is significantly amplified through the enhancement of supplier capabilities. These findings highlight the critical role of targeted capability development in achieving substantial performance improvements among local suppliers.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of university-driven supplier development initiatives in a developing country context. It validates the indirect role of UDIs in boosting supplier performance via capability enhancement, emphasizing the importance of industry-specific and capability-focused development strategies. The findings underscore the value of structured knowledge transfer programs in supporting local suppliers, offering practical insights for policymakers and educational institutions aiming to enhance industrial performance through strategic interventions.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 73 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 2 January 2024

Moses Shang-Min Lin and Noel A. Sarza

The COVID-19 pandemic had a disastrous impact on a substantial number of Filipino seafarers. The government agencies played a crucial role in helping the seafarers. This paper…

4581

Abstract

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic had a disastrous impact on a substantial number of Filipino seafarers. The government agencies played a crucial role in helping the seafarers. This paper aims to explore the challenges that the Filipino seafarers faced amid the pandemic and initially evaluate the Philippine government’s countermeasures.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviewed academic literature and secondary data to identify and analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on seafarers. To identify the full range of policies and measures that have been adopted by the Philippines’ government amid the pandemic to mitigate the impact on seafarers, an extensive survey of various sources was conducted. Furthermore, an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) survey was conducted from seafarers' perspective to analyze the priority of these government initiatives.

Findings

This study identifies four key challenges for seafarers during the pandemic: crew change crisis, healthcare shortages, certification and the derived problems including financial and mental health issues. Notably, mental health problems are prevalent but receive limited government attention. Despite the government’s efforts to assist seafarers, the AHP survey identifies crew change assistance as the most crucial issue, possibly impacting all others.

Originality/value

This paper recognizes the significant information regarding aid in recovery management and provides much-needed assistance to seafarers during the pandemic and similar crisis situations. It bridges the research gaps and contributes knowledge to the government, stakeholders and various entities such as shipping companies, ship management firms and seafarers' manning agencies.

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