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Article
Publication date: 12 January 2023

Kenneth See

The purpose of this paper is to examine the currently known techniques to tackle money laundering in Bitcoin mixers, and examine what gaps exist that would allow a criminal to get…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the currently known techniques to tackle money laundering in Bitcoin mixers, and examine what gaps exist that would allow a criminal to get away with laundering Bitcoin obtained through illicit activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first establishes the relevant properties of Bitcoin, how transactions occur over the Bitcoin network and then introduces the Bitcoin transaction graph as an important data structure for any analysis of Bitcoin transactions. Next, the paper outlines how Bitcoin mixing works, along with the relevant properties of mixers that would be relevant for money laundering. The paper then assesses the known methods for identifying mixed transactions within the Bitcoin network, followed by an assessment on identifying money laundering activities on known mixed transactions.

Findings

This paper argues that there remains a gap for criminals to launder money through Bitcoin mixing services as known methods would unlikely be able to trace a tainted transaction that goes through a decentralized mixer that uses off-chain communication techniques to coordinate the mixing and charges randomized mixing fees.

Research limitations/implications

The study of known methods is restricted to literature published in the public domain. There are private organizations that are tackling similar problems, but their methods are not published and therefore cannot be included in this paper.

Originality/value

To best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper that performs a contemporaneous review on anti-money laundering in the context of Bitcoin mixing. This paper could assist regulators and policymakers in their understanding of Bitcoin mixers and provide guidance on where they should focus their resources to address the money laundering problem of Bitcoin mixing.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2023

Bahareh Nikmehr, Bidur Kafle and Riyadh Al-Ameri

This study aimed to review various existing methods for improving the quality of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) as a possible substitution for natural aggregates (NAs) in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to review various existing methods for improving the quality of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) as a possible substitution for natural aggregates (NAs) in concrete. It is vital as the old paste attached to the RCA weakens its structure. It is due to the porous structure of the RCA with cracks, weakening the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the RCA and binding material, negatively impacting the concrete's properties. To this end, various methods for reinforcement of the RCA, cleaning the RCA's old paste and enhancing the quality of the RCA-based concrete without RCA modification are studied in terms of environmental effects, cost and technical matters. Furthermore, this research sought to identify gaps in knowledge and future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The review of the relevant journal papers revealed that various methods exist for improving the properties of RCAs and RCA-based concrete. A decision matrix was developed and implemented for ranking these techniques based on environmental, economic and technical criteria.

Findings

The identified methods for reinforcement of the RCA include accelerated carbonation, bio deposition, soaking in polymer emulsions, soaking in waterproofing admixture, soaking in sodium silicate, soaking in nanoparticles and coating with geopolymer slurry. Moreover, cleaning the RCA's old paste is possible using acid, water, heating, thermal and mechanical treatment, thermo-mechanical and electro-dynamic treatment. Added to these treatment techniques, using RCA in saturated surface dry (SSD) mixing approaches and adding fibres or pozzolana enhance the quality of the RCA-based concrete without RCA modification. The study ranked these techniques based on environmental, economic and technical criteria. Ultimately, adding fibres, pozzolana and coating RCA with geopolymer slurry were introduced as the best techniques based on the nominated criteria.

Practical implications

The study supported the need for better knowledge regarding the existing treatment techniques for RCA improvement. The outcomes of this research offer an understanding of each RCA enrichment technique's importance in environmental, economic and technical criteria.

Originality/value

The practicality of the RCA treatment techniques is based on economic, environmental and technical specifications for rating the existing treatment techniques.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 December 2022

Kaifei Xu, Xin Bao and Lu Lu

The lockdown of schools to control the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has adversely affected elementary and secondary school students in China. However, little…

Abstract

Purpose

The lockdown of schools to control the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has adversely affected elementary and secondary school students in China. However, little evidence is available that documents their perceptions toward the use of e-learning under the pandemic context. This study aims to explore (1) the underlying determinants influencing the students' intentions to continue e-learning and (2) the role that the COVID-19 pandemic plays in this decision. This study extends the expectation–confirmation model (ECM) through a mixed-methods study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed-methods approach. Phase 1 draws conclusions and extracts significant elements related to e-learning during the pandemic by analyzing students' user reviews from platforms. Based on the findings, the authors identify the relevant variables and develop an extended ECM by integrating attitudes and the perceived threat of COVID-19. In Phase 2, the research model is empirically validated using data collected from 36,920 elementary and secondary school students in China. This study uses a mixed-methods approach. Phase 1 draws conclusions and extracts significant elements related to e-learning during the pandemic by analyzing students' user reviews from platforms. Based on the findings, the authors identify the relevant variables and develop an extended ECM by integrating attitudes and the perceived threat of COVID-19. In Phase 2, the research model is empirically validated using data collected from 36,920 elementary and secondary school students in China.

Findings

In Phase 1, the results reveal that students' most concern elements in the COVID-19 pandemic are user perceptions toward e-learning and threat perceptions of COVID-19. In Phase 2, the results reveal that perceived usefulness and attitude are the most significant factors in students' intention to continue. The perceived threat of COVID-19 indirectly influences their intention to continue.

Originality/value

The study extends the ECM with a mixed-methods study to understand students' perceptions toward e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study can be helpful in related studies in the context of COVID-19-related diseases or other novel scenarios.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2024

Mustafa Çevrimkaya, Şenol Çavus and Ümit Şengel

This study aims to test the complaints of tourists who visit five-star hotels in Antalya, Turkey, on those same hotels’ websites.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to test the complaints of tourists who visit five-star hotels in Antalya, Turkey, on those same hotels’ websites.

Design/methodology/approach

In the study, the data were collected with qualitative methods but analyzed with the mixed analysis method. In this context, the authors collected 1,012 comments on the website between 2016 and 2019.

Findings

According to the results of the study, the most intense complaints were found to be concentrated in categories such as ambience, food and staff.

Originality/value

First of all, it is thought that it will make an important contribution to the literature, since different methodologies are adopted in the study. In addition, online shares, evaluations and comments produce positive or negative results for the destination or business in question. It is necessary to closely monitor such activities in electronic environments, as they may have negative consequences, thus revealing the need to take corrective or preventive measures. For this reason, the research is important in terms of not having such a large-scale study in the literature and contributing to the hospitality industry.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 November 2023

Babak Taheri and Fevzi Okumus

Conducting mixed methods (MM) research is one of many ways to study a research topic in the hospitality and tourism domain. This paper aims to offer a synopsis and guidelines on…

Abstract

Purpose

Conducting mixed methods (MM) research is one of many ways to study a research topic in the hospitality and tourism domain. This paper aims to offer a synopsis and guidelines on the application of MM research design within hospitality and tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes the pivotal information on how to write high-quality MM research papers. In doing so, the paper draws on common practices and advice from previous books and articles as well as advice from the editor-in-chief and one of the associate editors of the International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management.

Findings

This study provides explanations, guidelines and examples of MM research design.

Research limitations/implications

It offers specific recommendations and examples of MM research design in the hospitality and tourism field. This study concludes with a discussion of common mistakes, useful tips and a framework for the self-assessment of MM research.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies providing specific guidance and recommendations on designing MM research papers in hospitality and tourism studies.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 March 2024

Feng Chen, Zhongjin Wang, Dong Zhang and Shuai Zeng

Explore the development trend of chemically-improved soil in railway engineering.

Abstract

Purpose

Explore the development trend of chemically-improved soil in railway engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the technical standards home and abroad were analyzed. Laboratory test, field test and monitoring were carried out.

Findings

The performance design system of the chemically-improved soil should be established.

Originality/value

On the basis of the performance design, the test methods and standards for various properties of chemically-improved soil should be established to evaluate the improvement effect and control the engineering quality.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 April 2023

Emilia Vann Yaroson, Liz Breen, Jiachen Hou and Julie Sowter

Medicine shortages have a detrimental impact on stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC). Existing studies suggest that building resilience strategies can mitigate…

Abstract

Purpose

Medicine shortages have a detrimental impact on stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain (PSC). Existing studies suggest that building resilience strategies can mitigate the effects of these shortages. As such, this research aims to examine whether resilience strategies can reduce the impact of medicine shortages in the United Kingdom's (UK) PSC.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential mixed-methods approach that involved qualitative and quantitative research enquiry was employed in this study. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 23 key UK PSC actors at the qualitative stage. During the quantitative phase, 106 respondents completed the survey questionnaires. The data were analysed using partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results revealed that reactive and proactive elements of resilience strategies helped tackle medicine shortages. Reactive strategies increased relational issues such as behavioural uncertainty, whilst proactive strategies mitigated them.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that PSC managers and decision-makers can benefit from adopting structural flexibility and proactive strategies, which are cost-effective measures to tackle medicine shortages. Also engaging in strategic alliances as a proactive strategy mitigates relational issues that may arise in a complex supply chain (SC).

Originality/value

This study is the first to provide empirical evidence of the impact of resilience strategies in mitigating medicine shortages in the UK's PSC.

Article
Publication date: 28 March 2024

Tarjo Tarjo, Alexander Anggono, Zakik Zakik, Shahrina Md Nordin and Unggul Priyadi

This study aims to empirically examine the influence of Islamic corporate social responsibility (ICSR) on social welfare moderated by financial fraud.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine the influence of Islamic corporate social responsibility (ICSR) on social welfare moderated by financial fraud.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used was the mix method. The number of respondents was 410. They combined the moderate regression analysis with PROCESS Andrew F Hayes to test the research hypothesis. After conducting the survey, it was continued by conducting interviews with the village community and the head of the village.

Findings

The first finding of this study is that ICSR has a significant positive effect on social welfare. The second finding is that financial fraud weakens the influence of ICSR on social welfare. The results of the interviews also confirmed the two findings of this study.

Research limitations/implications

The high level of bias in answering the questions is due to the low public knowledge of ICSR. In addition, the interviews still needed to involve the oil and gas companies and government.

Practical implications

The main implication is improving social welfare, especially for those affected by offshore oil drilling. Furthermore, stakeholders are more sensitive to the adverse effects of financial fraud. Finally, to make drilling companies more transparent and on target in implementing ICSR.

Originality/value

The main novelty in this research is using of the mixed method. In addition, applying financial fraud as a moderating variable is rarely studied empirically.

Details

Journal of Financial Crime, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1359-0790

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2023

Iffat Ali Aksar, Amira Firdaus, Jiankun Gong and Saadia Anwar Pasha

The unstoppable and exponential growth of social media use has given rise to concerns about the consequent effects on users. Among the major concerns are the psychological…

Abstract

Purpose

The unstoppable and exponential growth of social media use has given rise to concerns about the consequent effects on users. Among the major concerns are the psychological consequences, which have received considerable academic attention. The current mixed-methods research aims to examine women's social media use and its effects on their psychological well-being in a patriarchal culture, namely Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a mixed-method research methodology. The quantitative section collected data from 240 women and used structural equation modelling to test the proposed hypotheses. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the in-depth interviews with ten women.

Findings

The integration of the findings revealed increased use of social media by women and its beneficial effects (communication and socialisation, escapism and self-presentation), though qualitative findings revealed the cultural implications and obstacles that women face (online anonymity and digital asylum). The study calls attention to women's social media usage patterns and the resulting effects on women's psychological well-being in a low-income country with a patriarchal social structure.

Originality/value

Most research remains limited to Western societies and young populations. The situation is somewhat different in developing economies with traditionally preserved cultures compared to Western societies. This study uniquely examines the influence of social media on psychological well-being in a developing country with a special cultural context.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 48 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2023

Rasha Kassem and Fotios Mitsakis

This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of academic and professional Higher Education (HE) staff in the UK.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health and wellbeing of academic and professional Higher Education (HE) staff in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method survey questionnaire was sent to almost 300 UK HE staff to secure qualitative and quantitative data to enable data triangulation.

Findings

The study found an adverse impact on academic and professional staff's mental health and wellbeing, further resulting in stress and anxiety. Several reasons for the increased stress and anxiety levels were identified, but social isolation and the increased workload were the most commonly reported. The most affected groups by the pandemic were females, younger staff, full-timers and those with disabilities or caring responsibilities.

Practical implications

This study offers a range of strategies to support staff's mental health and wellbeing; as such, it is of great interest to policymakers to inform their decisions of similar crisis events in the future. It also addresses some of the COVID-19 areas of research interest for the UK parliament.

Originality/value

The study's originality derives from exploring the pandemic's impact on UK HE staff's mental health and wellbeing by including professional staff's experiences alongside those of academics. It also expands the scant evidence concerning the pandemic's impact on HE staff in the UK.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. 46 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

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