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1 – 10 of 87
Article
Publication date: 1 January 2024

Xingxing Li, Shixi You, Zengchang Fan, Guangjun Li and Li Fu

This review provides an overview of recent advances in electrochemical sensors for analyte detection in saliva, highlighting their potential applications in diagnostics and health…

Abstract

Purpose

This review provides an overview of recent advances in electrochemical sensors for analyte detection in saliva, highlighting their potential applications in diagnostics and health care. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current state of the field, identify challenges and limitations and discuss future prospects for the development of saliva-based electrochemical sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews relevant literature and research articles to examine the latest developments in electrochemical sensing technologies for saliva analysis. It explores the use of various electrode materials, including carbon nanomaterial, metal nanoparticles and conducting polymers, as well as the integration of microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices and wearable/implantable technologies. The design and fabrication methodologies used in these sensors are discussed, along with sample preparation techniques and biorecognition elements for enhancing sensor performance.

Findings

Electrochemical sensors for salivary analyte detection have demonstrated excellent potential for noninvasive, rapid and cost-effective diagnostics. Recent advancements have resulted in improved sensor selectivity, stability, sensitivity and compatibility with complex saliva samples. Integration with microfluidics and LOC technologies has shown promise in enhancing sensor efficiency and accuracy. In addition, wearable and implantable sensors enable continuous, real-time monitoring of salivary analytes, opening new avenues for personalized health care and disease management.

Originality/value

This review presents an up-to-date overview of electrochemical sensors for analyte detection in saliva, offering insights into their design, fabrication and performance. It highlights the originality and value of integrating electrochemical sensing with microfluidics, wearable/implantable technologies and point-of-care testing platforms. The review also identifies challenges and limitations, such as interference from other saliva components and the need for improved stability and reproducibility. Future prospects include the development of novel microfluidic devices, advanced materials and user-friendly diagnostic devices to unlock the full potential of saliva-based electrochemical sensing in clinical practice.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 44 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2024

Denis Šimunović, Grazia Murtarelli and Stefania Romenti

The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the utilization of visual impression management techniques within sustainability reporting…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the utilization of visual impression management techniques within sustainability reporting. Specifically, the study aims to determine whether Italian companies employ impression management tactics in the presentation of graphs within their sustainability reports and, thus, problematize visual data communication in corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a multimodal content analysis of the 58 sustainability reports from Italian listed companies that are GRI-compliant. The analysis focused on three types of graphs: pie charts, line graphs and bar graphs. In total, 860 graphs have been examined.

Findings

The study found evidence of graphical distortion techniques being employed by companies in their sustainability reports to create a favorable impression. Specifically, graph distortions are found in column graphs and not in line or pie charts. In particular, selectivity, presentation enhancement and measurement distortion techniques seem to be extensively used when adopting column graphs in sustainability communication. Moreover, social sustainability–related topics tend to be more represented of other area of CSR reporting. This suggests that companies, whether consciously or unconsciously, engage in impression management techniques when using graphs in their sustainability reports.

Social implications

The study findings suggest that more consciousness is needed for companies when engaging in the construction and selection of graphs in their sustainability reports and that decision-makers should develop a clear guide for ethical visual communication.

Originality/value

The paper systematically analyzes visual impression management techniques in communicating sustainability data and, in particular, advances literature on graphical distortion. The value lies in empirical evidence of distortion adoption in GRI-compliant reports as well as problematizing visual data communication as a fundamental challenge for sustainability communication management.

Details

Journal of Communication Management, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-254X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 March 2024

Hans Voordijk, Seirgei Miller and Faridaddin Vahdatikhaki

Using real-time support systems may help operators in road construction to improve paving and compaction operations. Nowadays, these systems transform from descriptive to…

Abstract

Purpose

Using real-time support systems may help operators in road construction to improve paving and compaction operations. Nowadays, these systems transform from descriptive to prescriptive systems. Prescriptive or operator guidance systems propose operators actionable compaction strategies and guidance, based on the data collected. It is investigated how these systems mediate the perceptions and actions of operators in road pavement practice.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study is conducted on the specific application of an operator guidance system in a road pavement project. In this case study, comprehensive information is presented regarding the process of converting input in the form of data from cameras and sensors into useful output. The ways in which the operator guidance systems translate data into actionable guidance for operators are analyzed from the technological mediation perspective.

Findings

Operator guidance systems mediate actions of operators physically, cognitively and contextually. These different types of action mediation are related to preconditions for successful implementation and use of these systems. Coercive interventions only succeed if there is widespread agreement among the operators. Persuasive interventions are most effective when collective and individual interests align. Contextual influence relates to designs of the operator guidance systems that determine human-technology interactions when using them.

Originality/value

This is the first study that analyzes the functioning of an operator guidance system using the technological mediation approach. It adds a new perspective on the interaction between this system and its users in road pavement practice.

Details

Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2634-2499

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 January 2024

Divya Shree M. and Srinivasa Rao Inabathini

This paper aims to present the simulation, fabrication and testing of a novel ultra-wide band (UWB) band-pass filters (BPFs) with better transmission and rejection characteristics…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present the simulation, fabrication and testing of a novel ultra-wide band (UWB) band-pass filters (BPFs) with better transmission and rejection characteristics on a low-loss Taconic substrate and analyze using the coupled theory of resonators for UWB range covering L, S, C and X bands for radars, global positioning system (GPS) and satellite communication applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The filter is designed with a bent coupled transmission line on the top copper layer. Defected ground structures (DGSs) like complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs), V-shaped resonators, rectangular slots and quad circle slots (positioned inwards and outwards) are etched in the ground layer of the filter. The circular orientation of V-shaped resonators adds compactness when linearly placed. By arranging the quad circle slots outwards and inwards at the corner and core of the ground plane, respectively, two filters (Filters I and II) are designed, fabricated and measured. These two filters feature a quasi-elliptic response with transmission zeros (TZs) on either side of the bandpass response, making it highly selective and reflection poles (RPs), resulting in a low-loss filter response. The transmission line model and coupled line theory are implemented to analyze the proposed filters.

Findings

Two filters by placing the quad circle slots outwards (Filter I) and inwards (Filter II) were designed, fabricated and tested. The fabricated model (Filter I) provides transmission with a maximum insertion loss of 2.65 dB from 1.5 GHz to 9.2 GHz. Four TZs and five RPs are observed in the frequency response. The lower and upper stopband band width (BW) of the measured Filter I are 1.2 GHz and 5.5 GHz of upper stopband BW with rejection level greater than 10 dB, respectively. Filter II (inward quad circle slots) operates from 1.4 GHz to 9.05 GHz with 1.65 dB maximum insertion loss inside the passband with four TZs and four RPs, which, in turn, enhances the filter characteristics in terms of selectivity, flatness and stopband. Moreover, 1 GHz BW of lower and upper stopbands are observed. Thus, the fabricated filters (Filters I and II) are therefore evaluated, and the outcomes show good agreement with the electromagnetic simulation response.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this work is the back radiation caused by DGS, which can be eradicated by placing the filter in the cavity and retaining its performance.

Practical implications

The proposed UWB BPFs with novel resonators find their role in the UWB range covering L, S, C and X bands for radars, GPS and satellite communication applications.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, for the first time, the authors develop a compact UWB BPFs (Filters I and II) with BW greater than 7.5 GHz by combining reformed coupled lines and DGS resonators (CSRRs, V-shaped resonators [modified hairpin resonators], rectangular slots and quad circle slots [inwards and outwards]) for radars, GPS and satellite communication applications.

Details

Microelectronics International, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1356-5362

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Sajad Pirsa and Fahime Purghorbani

In this study, an attempt has been made to collect the research that has been done on the construction and design of the H2O2 sensor. So far, many efforts have been made to…

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, an attempt has been made to collect the research that has been done on the construction and design of the H2O2 sensor. So far, many efforts have been made to quickly and sensitively determine H2O2 concentration based on different analytical principles. In this study, the importance of H2O2, its applications in various industries, especially the food industry, and the importance of measuring it with different techniques, especially portable sensors and on-site analysis, have been investigated and studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a very simple molecule in nature, but due to its strong oxidizing and reducing properties, it has been widely used in the pharmaceutical, medical, environmental, mining, textile, paper, food production and chemical industries. Sensitive, rapid and continuous detection of H2O2 is of great importance in many systems for product quality control, health care, medical diagnostics, food safety and environmental protection.

Findings

Various methods have been developed and applied for the analysis of H2O2, such as fluorescence, colorimetry and electrochemistry, among them, the electrochemical technique due to its advantages in simple instrumentation, easy miniaturization, sensitivity and selectivity.

Originality/value

Monitoring the H2O2 concentration level is of practical importance for academic and industrial purposes. Edible oils are prone to oxidation during processing and storage, which may adversely affect oil quality and human health. Determination of peroxide value (PV) of edible oils is essential because PV is one of the most common quality parameters for monitoring lipid oxidation and oil quality control. The development of cheap, simple, fast, sensitive and selective H2O2 sensors is essential.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Oscar Espinoza, Luis González, Catalina Miranda, Luis Sandoval, Bruno Corradi, Noel McGinn and Yahira Larrondo

The job satisfaction of university graduates can serve as an indicator of success in their professional development. At the same time, it can be a measure of higher education…

Abstract

Purpose

The job satisfaction of university graduates can serve as an indicator of success in their professional development. At the same time, it can be a measure of higher education systems’ effectiveness. The purpose is to assess the relationship of university graduates’ socio-demographic characteristics, aspects of their degree program, experiences in the labor market and current working conditions and their job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from a survey conducted at 11 Chilean universities with 534 graduates. An ordinal logistic regression model was fit to calculate job satisfaction probabilities for different graduate profiles.

Findings

The results show that sex, field of study, gross salary and horizontal match are related to graduates’ job satisfaction. Men and graduates in education and humanities are more likely to report being satisfied with their current job. Those graduates receiving higher salaries and those who are horizontally well-matched report higher levels of job satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study contributes to expanding knowledge about the job satisfaction of university graduates. Specifically, based on the results obtained, it introduces the idea of aspiration fulfillment as a possible determinant of job satisfaction in different fields of study. This can serve as a starting point for research that delves into differentiated expectations for graduates from different disciplines.

Details

Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-3896

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Jingqiong Sun, Junren Ming, Xuezhi Wang and Yawen Zhang

This paper aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 infodemic on the public’s online information behaviour, offering insights critical for shaping effective informational…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 infodemic on the public’s online information behaviour, offering insights critical for shaping effective informational responses in future public health emergencies.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a structured online survey with 27 targeted questions using a five-point Likert scale to measure eight variables. Data analysis is conducted through structural equation modelling on 307 valid responses to rigorously test the research hypotheses.

Findings

This paper indicates that information quality significantly impacts the public’s capacity to select, share and use online information. Additionally, the comprehensibility of information plays a crucial role in shaping the public’s behaviours in terms of online information exchange and usage. The credibility of information sources emerges as a key determinant influencing the public’s online information selection, exchange and utilization behaviour. Moreover, social influence exerts a substantial effect on the public’s online information selection, acquisition, exchange and utilization behaviour. These findings highlight the presence of universality and sociality, mediation and guidance, as well as the purposefulness and selectivity performed by the public’s online information behaviour during an infodemic.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a novel research model for assessing the influence and identifies the patterns of the public’s online information behaviour during the COVID-19 infodemic. The findings have significant implications for developing strategies to tackle information dissemination challenges in future major public health emergencies.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 March 2024

Fatemeh Mollaamin and Majid Monajjemi

This study aims to investigate the potential of the decorated boron nitride nanocage (BNNc) with transition metals for capturing carbon monoxide (CO) as a toxic gas in the air.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the potential of the decorated boron nitride nanocage (BNNc) with transition metals for capturing carbon monoxide (CO) as a toxic gas in the air.

Design/methodology/approach

BNNc was modeled in the presence of doping atoms of titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) which can increase the gas sensing ability of BNNc. In this research, the calculations have been accomplished by CAM–B3LYP–D3/EPR–3, LANL2DZ level of theory. The trapping of CO molecules by (Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn)–BNNc has been successfully incorporated because of binding formation consisting of C → Ti, C → V, C → Cr, C → Co, C → Cu, C → Zn.

Findings

Nuclear quadrupole resonance data has indicated that Cu-doped or Co-doped on pristine BNNc has high fluctuations between Bader charge versus electric potential, which can be appropriate options with the highest tendency for electron accepting in the gas adsorption process. Furthermore, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has explored that the yield of electron accepting for doping atoms on the (Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn)–BNNc in CO molecules adsorption can be ordered as follows: Cu > Co >> Cr > Zn ˜ V> Ti that exhibits the strength of the covalent bond between Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn and CO. In fact, the adsorption of CO gas molecules can introduce spin polarization on the (Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn)–BNNc which specifies that these surfaces may be used as magnetic-scavenging surface as a gas detector. Gibbs free energy based on IR spectroscopy for adsorption of CO molecules adsorption on the (Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn)–BNNc have exhibited that for a given number of carbon donor sites in CO, the stabilities of complexes owing to doping atoms of Ti, V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn can be considered as: CO →Cu–BNNc >> CO → Co–BNNc > CO → Cr–BNNc > CO → V–BNNc > CO → Zn–BNNc > CO → Ti–BNNc.

Originality/value

This study by using materials modeling approaches and decorating of nanomaterials with transition metals is supposed to introduce new efficient nanosensors in applications for selective sensing of carbon monoxide.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 December 2023

Nathalie Veg-Sala and Angy Geerts

Nowadays all luxury brands have their own websites, using them either as a communication and/or distribution tool. However, luxury consumers might still have different perceptions…

233

Abstract

Purpose

Nowadays all luxury brands have their own websites, using them either as a communication and/or distribution tool. However, luxury consumers might still have different perceptions regarding these websites, as it can be seen as a loss of prestige or selectivity. This study aims to have a deeper understanding of luxury consumers’ perceptions of luxury brand websites by identifying a typology and defining the individual characteristics of the groups identified.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses the opposition of personal and interpersonal luxury as theoretical framework and the semiotic square based on this semantic opposition. A qualitative analysis based on 42 semi-structured interviews has been conducted. The interviews have been analyzed and subjected to interpretive content analysis.

Findings

The analysis of the verbatims shows that the consumers’ motivations toward luxury consumption (luxury for self or personal, luxury for others or interpersonal, negation of luxury for self and negation of luxury for others) can explain consumer differences in terms of attitudes toward luxury brand websites. The four classes are characterized according to their positive and negative perceptions of e-commerce and interaction tools used in luxury brands websites and also their expectations.

Practical implications

This study defines guidelines for managers to develop luxury brand websites that correspond to their target.

Originality/value

The originality of this study lies in the use of the semiotic square to refine the analysis of luxury consumers’ attitudes and to make more precise contributions. It also relies on using the theory of personal and interpersonal luxury to understand consumers’ expectations toward luxury brands websites.

Details

Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-2752

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2023

Richard J. Cebula, Maggie Foley, John Downs and Douglas Johansen

Bank failures are critical events that have far-reaching implications for the financial system and various stakeholders. This study aims to focus on analyzing the phenomenon of…

Abstract

Purpose

Bank failures are critical events that have far-reaching implications for the financial system and various stakeholders. This study aims to focus on analyzing the phenomenon of small bank failures in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the coarsened exact matching (CEM) technique to enhance the reliability of the analysis. By matching similar observed characteristics, the CEM approach helps to address potential selectivity bias and facilitates a more accurate estimation of the treatment effect. This study uses a data set covering the period from 2000 through 2019 and includes 523 failed bank observations and 43,605 nonfailed bank observations.

Findings

The results reveal several key findings. Small banks, especially those with lower yields on earning assets, those with lower charge-offs on loans and leases, those with higher core capital ratios and those with higher Fed Funds rates are found to be more susceptible to failure.

Research limitations/implications

Some results align with initial predictions, whereas others present contrasting outcomes.

Practical implications

This study underscores the significance of understanding the factors contributing to bank failure and emphasizes the importance of studying small bank failures in particular.

Originality/value

This study uses the CEM method. CEM is a comprehensive approach that combines matching, sample trimming and reweighting techniques. When applying CEM, researchers carefully select a set of core variables to achieve balance between the treated and control groups. The CEM process involves discretizing each continuous variable into distinct bins or categories, a process known as “coarsening.” It then requires an exact match among these binned variables between the treated and control units, which constitutes the matching step in CEM.

Details

Journal of Financial Economic Policy, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-6385

Keywords

1 – 10 of 87