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1 – 10 of 15Giovanna Aracri, Antonietta Folino and Stefano Silvestri
The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology for the enrichment and tailoring of a knowledge organization system (KOS), in order to support the information extraction…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology for the enrichment and tailoring of a knowledge organization system (KOS), in order to support the information extraction (IE) task for the analysis of documents in the tourism domain. In particular, the KOS is used to develop a named entity recognition (NER) system.
Design/methodology/approach
A method to improve and customize an available thesaurus by leveraging documents related to the tourism in Italy is firstly presented. Then, the obtained thesaurus is used to create an annotated NER corpus, exploiting both distant supervision, deep learning and a light human supervision.
Findings
The study shows that a customized KOS can effectively support IE tasks when applied to documents belonging to the same domains and types used for its construction. Moreover, it is very useful to support and ease the annotation task using the proposed methodology, allowing to annotate a corpus with a fraction of the effort required for a manual annotation.
Originality/value
The paper explores an alternative use of a KOS, proposing an innovative NER corpus annotation methodology. Moreover, the KOS and the annotated NER data set will be made publicly available.
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Giuseppe Marzo and Stefano Bonnini
This paper aims to address empirical analyses of the association of the VAIC and its components with firms’ market and financial performance, demonstrating that the ill definition…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to address empirical analyses of the association of the VAIC and its components with firms’ market and financial performance, demonstrating that the ill definition of variables and constructs is responsible for a non-linearity concealed in the VAIC formula between two of its components (the Structural Capital Efficiency and the Human Capital Efficiency).
Design/methodology/approach
Through a conceptual analysis the paper identifies and formalises the non-linearity concealed in the VAIC formula and clarifies the relevant issues through an empirical analysis of a sample of Italian listed companies.
Findings
The paper finds that the non-linearity hidden in the VAIC formula should lead scholars to completely revise the ways they test the association of the VAIC and the market and financial performance of the firm. Useful insights are also provided for scholars interested in investigating the role of human capital, for those involved in analysing the interrelations among capitals through the introduction of interaction terms in their regression models and for researchers proposing modified versions of the VAIC. Practitioners could benefit from the paper as the non-linearity here discovered leads to a substantial of the decision-making based on the VAIC.
Originality/value
The paper offers new insights into analyses using the VAIC as it uncovers a non-linearity hidden in the VAIC, which has hitherto not been reported in the literature. The existence of this non-linearity has substantive implications for previous and future research in this domain.
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Elisa Giacosa, Alberto Ferraris and Stefano Bresciani
The purpose of this paper is to create a conceptual model that practically assists companies to produce an effective voluntary external intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to create a conceptual model that practically assists companies to produce an effective voluntary external intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) and valorises both the company’s and the stakeholders’ role. It illustrates the relationship among voluntary ICD mechanisms and it takes into consideration the feedback mechanism from external stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
Nielsen and Madsen’s (2009) study constitutes the framework of the conceptual model, as it refers to a “sender to receiver” model, which is particularly useful for the research.
Findings
An effective ICD may only be achieved through a combination of decisions taking into account each individual company’s needs and those of stakeholders’ ones. In addition, the dimensions on which the conceptual model is based are already in use in other widespread disclosure models, and this favours the company.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations concern design features, recipients and validity of the conceptual model. In terms of theoretical implications, the model emphasizes an “integrated ICD” approach; in addition, the model is based on some dimensions which characterize widespread and general communication models already in use.
Practical implications
First, this relates to the production of an effective ICD when considered as “one-way information”, from the company to the stakeholders. Second, this relates to the interaction between the company and its stakeholders, within a dyadic exchange.
Originality/value
The conceptual model is based on some dimensions which characterize widespread and general communication models already in use, which in the model are applied to ICD. Therefore, companies may favour making an ICD, as they are already confident and familiar with these dimensions.
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Raffaele Silvestri, Nino Adamashvili, Mariantonietta Fiore and Antonino Galati
This study aims to explore whether the blockchain technology (BCT), as a unique and distinctive resource, affects the development of unique capabilities and the integration and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore whether the blockchain technology (BCT), as a unique and distinctive resource, affects the development of unique capabilities and the integration and reconfiguration of internal physical and human resources necessary to gain a trusted competitive advantage.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study approach has been used to identify the internal resources and capabilities that affect the decision to implement BCT and to determine whether this new technology can become a strategic internal resource in the wine industry.
Findings
Results show the role of two strategic resources: human resources, such as IT specialists and software developers for BCT applications, and skills of companies’ management to grant sensitive and confidential data to IT specialists and the ability to read the analytics from the BCT application, becoming a distinctive enabling assets.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this study is related to the analysis of a single case, which, on the one hand, does not allow generalisation of the empirical findings but, on the other hand, is themost appropriatemethod for the explorative nature of this research.
Practical implications
Our findings have useful practical implications for wineries and agri-food companies in overall because they can support managers and entrepreneurs in effectively implementing these innovative digital technologies in their valuecreation process.
Originality/value
The study of this underexplored topic gives interesting insights into the resources needed for the successful adoption of this emerging technology, which can support wineries in improving the value-creating process. In particular, compared to the previous studies, this research analyses the adoption process under the resource-based theory lens.
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Ajith Tom James, Girish Kumar, Adnan Qayyum Khan and Mohammad Asjad
The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the challenges associated with the implementation of the concept of Maintenance 4.0 in industries.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the challenges associated with the implementation of the concept of Maintenance 4.0 in industries.
Design/methodology/approach
The challenges in the implementation of Maintenance 4.0 are identified through a literature survey and interaction with professionals from the industry and academia. A structural hierarchy framework that integrates the methodologies of ISM and MICMAC is used for the analysis of Maintenance 4.0 implementation challenges. The framework establishes the interrelationship among challenges and segregates them into driving, linkage, dependent and autonomous groups.
Findings
A novel concept of Maintenance 4.0 under the aegis of Industry 4.0 is gaining appreciation worldwide. However, there are challenges in the adaptation of Maintenance 4.0 concepts among industries. The various challenges as well as their impact on the objective of implementation of Maintenance 4.0 are identified.
Practical implications
The practicing engineers, academicians, researchers and the concerned industries can infer from the results to improve upon the causes of such challenges and promote the implementation of Maintenance 4.0 most efficiently and effectively.
Originality/value
This paper is a novel, unique and first of its kind that addresses the most contemporary challenges in the implementation of Maintenance 4.0 concepts in industries.
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Vieri Cardinali, Marta Castellini, Maria Teresa Cristofaro, Giorgio Lacanna, Massimo Coli, Mario De Stefano and Marco Tanganelli
This paper aims to contribute to the discussion of the experimental campaigns on Cultural Heritage buildings. By adopting integrated procedures it is possible to limit the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to the discussion of the experimental campaigns on Cultural Heritage buildings. By adopting integrated procedures it is possible to limit the invasiveness of the destructive techniques leading to reliable results. The purpose is the proper definition of the structural system, which represents the starting point of the following analysis's phases, not treated in this work. A methodology based on normative references and acknowledged non-destructive and partial destructive strategies has been conceived. The latter aims to an accurate comprehension of the structural information.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrated approach for the structural assessment of cultural heritage buildings is presented. The methodology defines an interdisciplinary procedure based on normative references, non-destructive and minor-destructive techniques. A funnel-shaped workflow is developed to characterize the structural system of the buildings. The non-destructive campaigns are widely extended. Then, in-depth analysis concerning partial demolitions and minor-destructive tests are performed. The dynamic identification of the building is executed to detect its global response. The final validation of the assumed mechanical values is obtained by comparing the experimental modes coming from the ambient vibrations and the analytical modes of the structural modelling.
Findings
This research belongs to the Protocol signed between the Municipality of Florence and Department of Earth's Science and Department of Architecture of the University of Florence for the seismic vulnerability assessment of relevant and strategic buildings.
Research limitations/implications
The descripted methodology is targeted for monuments and special buildings where the use of destructive techniques is not possible or unrecommended.
Social implications
Social implications are related to the conservation of Heritage buildings. The latter deals with: (1) risk assessment of the targeted buildings towards different hazard sources (e.g. earthquakes, floods); (2) knowledge path developed through non-invasive diagnostic campaigns oriented to the conservation of the manufact. Furthermore, the paper encourages towards the recognition of non-destructive techniques and ambient vibration tests for the achievement of higher knowledge levels.
Originality/value
This paper defines a funnel-shaped procedure defining hierarchical roles between the different available strategies. The originality of this contribution is firstly related to the methodological flowchart. It is targeted to limit the invasive tests and consequently achieving accurate levels of knowledge. Secondly, some novelty can be found in the adoption of improvement parameters from a regional database adopting a Bayesian approach.
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Stefano Ferracuti, Benedetta Barchielli, Christian Napoli, Anna Maria Giannini and Giovanna Parmigiani
Violence against health-care workers represents a public health issue that affects individuals, organizations and may have legal consequences. In Italy, workplace violence (WPV…
Abstract
Purpose
Violence against health-care workers represents a public health issue that affects individuals, organizations and may have legal consequences. In Italy, workplace violence (WPV) constitutes a “sentinel event”, defined as a particularly serious, potentially avoidable adverse event, which may result in death or serious harm to health-care workers, and which leads to a loss of public confidence in the health-care system. In 2007, the Italian Ministry of Health issued Recommendation No. 8, “Preventing acts of violence against health workers”, inviting each Italian Hospital to develop procedures and guidelines for dealing with and preventing acts of aggression. This study aimed at investigating the appropriateness of the procedures and guidelines developed by the Italian hospitals.
Design/methodology/approach
Procedures on preventing violence against health-care workers published by 29 Italian Hospitals between 2007 and 2020 were collected retrospectively via Web searches and further evaluated according to their compliance with the 2007 Italian ministerial recommendations.
Findings
A total of 9 documents out of 29 were fully compliant with the 2007 Ministerial Recommendation, 18 were partially compliant, while 2 were totally non-compliant. A total of 24 documents explicitly addressed the management of verbal and physical aggression, whereas 20 set appropriate training on de-escalation techniques for nurses and medical staff. Psychological support was fully considered in 11 procedures, partially considered in 14, while not included at all in 4.
Originality/value
Public procedures on preventing violence against health-care workers in Italian hospitals are scarcely compliant with the Ministerial Recommendations. The absence of specific instructions to address the needs at territorial level and the lack of support provided to health-care workers is a weak point in the effective management of WPV.
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Stefano Poponi, Alessandro Ruggieri, Francesco Pacchera and Gabriella Arcese
This work aims to assess the potential of a Bio-District as a model for applying the circular economy concerning the waste scope. It aims to understand the capability of organic…
Abstract
Purpose
This work aims to assess the potential of a Bio-District as a model for applying the circular economy concerning the waste scope. It aims to understand the capability of organic farms to manage waste with a circular perspective, starting with the use of indicators that directly or indirectly impact the waste scope.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on previous work that identified and systematised the circular indicators of the agri-food sector within a dashboard. With this research as a basis, the indicators within the waste scope in the dashboard were extracted. Cross-linked indicators with an indirect connection to the waste scope were also systematised and tested in a case study. Primary and secondary data were used for the study. The primary data came from a semi-structured interview, and the secondary data were from official databases.
Findings
The work highlights two important results. The first allows the definition of a subclassification of indicators by product and organisation, extracting those with a cross-linked characteristic concerning the waste scope. Secondly, the indicators' application shows the farm's circular and waste valorisation potential within the Bio-District. The study also made it possible to test a new indicator, the “Potential Energy Biomass Recovery”, to measure the farm's potential to produce energy from waste.
Originality/value
This research proposes a new circular economy approach to evaluate waste management in the agri-food sector.
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Stefano Antognoni, Marco Ragazzi, Gabriela Ionescu, Giorgia Passamani, Simone Zanoni, Elena C. Rada and Vincenzo Torretta
In the EU, over the past three decades, poultry production has been growing around the 5 percent per year. This increase determined a higher volume of livestock and poultry…
Abstract
Purpose
In the EU, over the past three decades, poultry production has been growing around the 5 percent per year. This increase determined a higher volume of livestock and poultry farming waste, which represents a potential renewable fuel suitable for waste to energy conversion. One way is through biological process such as the dry anaerobic digestion (AD). Tests normally applied for the measurement of the anaerobic biogas potential (ABP) are reliable, but not feasible as a routine analysis. This kind of test is expensive and time consuming (21-100 days). The purpose of this paper is to propose a rapid method for assessing the potential of biogas in anaerobic poultry manure, with the goal of helping the choices of operators of AD.
Design/methodology/approach
The Dynamic Respiration Index was calculated as “key parameter” in order to estimate the ABP, which provides important information about the biogas generation for the poultry manure. Furthermore, two dynamic respirometric approaches were considered developed in two Italian universities. The main difference between them is the control of temperature.
Findings
Calculate ABP through IRD is a useful method to determine the value of the potential production of biogas of different biomasses in a short time and assess which one is more productive.
Originality/value
The methodology presented in this study is fast (one-five days) and alternative method to determinate the ABP, above all for the operators of AD plant.
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