Research Approach Research Articles

Exploring what works well and less well in a community-based drop-in hub providing health and wellbeing services for people experiencing homelessness: a participatory action evaluation of service coordination

Abstract Background People experiencing homelessness often face obstacles accessing health and social care support. Challenges are further exacerbated when support provision for multiple unmet needs are not integrated or coordinated. To overcome these challenges, there has been growing attention on integrating and co-locating health and wellbeing services for people experiencing homelessness. In an urban area of North East England, a long-standing Hub or ‘drop-in centre’ offers a range of health and wellbeing support by bringing together the different health and care system agencies in one space. However, little is known about the perspectives of providers on what works well and less well in how the different services are coordinated. Methods Using a participatory action research approach, a qualitative service evaluation was undertaken between June and September 2023. Fourteen interviews were conducted with providers who work in a paid or voluntary capacity operating some of their service offerings or support in the Hub. Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive reflexive thematic analysis. Results Three themes were evident from the evaluation: 1) location and space matter, 2) co-location and relationships make a difference, and 3) service consistency and flexibility are paramount. Conclusion Co-locating support to cover the breadth of health and care needs has the potential to increase engagement and access for people experiencing homelessness, and to enhance trust with service users and between agencies. This model provides a unique example of co-location and integration of support, particularly with it being operated by a community housing organisation.

Cybersecurity awareness and fear of cyberattacks among online banking users in Malaysia

PurposeDrawing on protection motivation theory (PMT), this study aims to explore the factors that enhance cybersecurity awareness among online banking users in Malaysia. More specifically, it investigates the influences of perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, technical knowledge, privacy intrusions and privacy awareness on perceived threats and then examines the effects of perceived threats, along with response efficacy and self-efficacy, on cybersecurity awareness, considering the moderating role of fear of cyberattacks.Design/methodology/approachA survey-based research approach was applied, and the hypotheses were tested using a sample of 324 respondents, employing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results show that perceived vulnerability, perceived severity, privacy intrusions and privacy awareness significantly influence perceived threats, while technical knowledge does not influence perceived threats. Furthermore, it was found that response efficacy and self-efficacy both enhance cybersecurity awareness, while perceived threats have no influence on it. Finally, our research confirmed the moderating role of fear of cyberattacks in the relationship between self-efficacy and cybersecurity awareness.Practical implicationsFor individuals, the study highlights the significance of fear, privacy awareness and response efficacy in shaping cybersecurity perceptions, paving the way for enhanced and tailored awareness programs. Moreover, the understanding of relationships between perceived threats, response efficacy and self-efficacy empowers individuals to craft personalized risk mitigation strategies, fostering confidence in navigating the digital landscape. Businesses can leverage the insights for informed design of employee training programs and data-driven decision-making in cybersecurity investments. Government entities, recognizing the nuanced relationship between perceived threats and cybersecurity awareness, are encouraged to formulate context-specific policies and foster cross-sector collaboration for comprehensive cybersecurity initiatives.Originality/valueThis research extends PMT by incorporating additional antecedent variables – namely, technical knowledge, privacy intrusions and privacy awareness within the online banking context that have been overlooked thus far. Furthermore, it delves into the unique role of fear of cyberattack as a moderating variable, thereby enhancing our understanding of PMT.

Augmented reality based android application for introduction of pneumatic hydraulic components

This study focuses on the utilization of augmented reality (AR) to enable comprehensive visualization of objects. Its primary objective is to develop and evaluate an AR application as a medium for introducing pneumatic hydraulic components. The research method employs a development research approach, following the assessment, design, development, implementation, and evaluation steps proposed by Lee and Owens. The feasibility of the product is determined through various assessments, including black box testing, validation by media experts, validation by content experts, and evaluation of initial user response. The outcome of this study is application software incorporating AR technology for the purpose of introducing pneumatic hydraulic components, along with a corresponding workbook. Whereas the application is compatible with the Android operating system and utilizes QR codes as markers for augmented reality objects, which are conveniently included within the workbook. Performance testing reveals that all application functions perform exceptionally well according to black box testing. Furthermore, the content expert feasibility assessment yields results categorized as “Good,” while both the media expert feasibility and initial user response tests indicate “Very Good” outcomes.

A Research Approach to Port Information Security Link Prediction Based on HWA Algorithm

For the protection of information security, link prediction, as a basic problem of network science, has important application significance. However, most of the existing link prediction algorithms rely on the node information of the graph structure, which is not applicable in some graph structure data involving privacy. At the same time, most of the algorithms only consider the general graph structure and do not fully consider the high-order information in the graph. Because of this, this paper proposes an algorithm called hypergraph-based link prediction with self-attention (HWA) to solve the above problems. The algorithm can obtain hypergraphs without knowing the attribute information of hypergraph nodes and combines the graph convolutional network (GCN) framework to capture node feature information for link prediction. Experiments show that the HWA algorithm proposed in this paper, combined with the GCN framework, shows better link prediction performance than other graph-based neural network benchmark algorithms on eight real networks. This further verifies the validity and reliability of the model in this paper and provides new protection ideas and technical means for information security.

Reverse design of load-bearing broadband metamaterial absorber assisted by deep learning

Abstract In response to the current challenges of narrow absorption bandwidth, weak load-bearing capacity, and low design efficiency in absorbing structures, this study focuses on the reverse design of load-bearing broadband metamaterial absorber. A parameterized model of load-bearing metamaterial absorber was developed by integrating the composite sandwich structure with the electromagnetic resonant layers. The resonant layer was constructed using the combination of Vicsek-fractal and circular rings, with resistive films employed to broaden the absorption bandwidth. A deep learning-based forward prediction model was established to accurately predict the absorbance of the metamaterial absorber. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) framework was utilized to analyze the forward prediction network, revealing the influence of various design parameters on the absorbance at center frequencies across the L to K band spectrum. Additionally, the Group Teaching Optimization Algorithm (GTOA) was introduced into the design process, leading to the development of an automated reverse design method for metamaterial absorber that can achieve specific design objectives. Using the GTOA-based reverse design method, a metamaterial absorber capable of effectively absorbing vertically incident electromagnetic waves within the 3-20 GHz frequency range was designed. The designed absorbing structure was fabricated, and its absorption performance was measured using the arch method. The measurement results were found to be in good agreement with the simulation data. The absorbing mechanism of the designed metamaterial absorber was analyzed based on the calculation of equivalent electromagnetic parameters and the electromagnetic resonance observed at the resonant frequency. It was determined that the primary absorbing effect is induced by electric resonance triggered by electromagnetic waves. The proposed metamaterial absorber can be applied to radar stealth design for military targets such as naval vessels. The research methodology and approach demonstrate significant generalizability and engineering applicability.

Has the use of AI-translated live captions in simultaneous interpreting changed the role of the interpreter? A study based on professional interpreters’ perceptions

ABSTRACT This study employs a mixed methods research approach to examine whether the role of interpreters using AI-translated live captions in simultaneous interpreting undergoes changes. This study posits that the interpreters’ roles change in tandem with modifications in their working modes. A total of 51 professional interpreters (n = 51), each possessing more than five years of experience in simultaneous interpreting and who used AI-translated live captions in simultaneous interpreting, participated in this research. To validate this hypothesis, the research utilised both questionnaires and semi-structured one-on-one interviews. As for the interview data, they were subjected to word frequency analysis, case analysis, and thematic coding. In general, respondents acknowledged that their working modes had indeed been influenced by AI-translated live captions. Despite this, the fundamental roles of interpreters remained largely unchanged. However, when compared to traditional simultaneous interpretation without the aid of AI-translated live captions, the primary role of interpreters had diminished somewhat. Participants in this study commonly hold the belief that the employment of AI-translated live captions diminishes their visibility, primarily because a portion of the target language output is derived directly from AI-translated live captions, rather than their own contributions.

PENGEMBANGAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN TEMATIK INTEGRATIF BERBASIS KEARIFAN LOKAL UNTUK MEMBENTUK KARAKTER ANAK (PENELITIAN PENGEMBANGAN DI RA KHALIFAH INSANI METRO

This research was motivated by problems discovered during initial observations in Group A RA. Khalifah Insani Metro City, namely some students do not understand their respective characters because their learning activities are still conventional so they rarely link local culture with learning themes. The aim of this research is to develop a prototype of an integrative thematic learning model based on local wisdom for early childhood and determine the effectiveness of an integrative thematic learning model based on local wisdom in forming character. The research approach used in this research is Research and Development (R&D) with J. Moonen's developmental instructional model. The sample used was 1 teacher and 20 group A students at RA Khalifah Insani Metro City. The results of the research show that the development of an integrative thematic learning model based on local wisdom to shape children's character regarding product use is able to facilitate and instill good manners in students and can create appropriate and effective learning.

Transitioning to a Circular Economy: Business Models and Sector-Specific Practices

This paper explores the concept of circular economy models in business, contrasting them with traditional linear models. It introduces three key players in the circular economy: Product Manufacturers, Problem Solvers, and Facilitators, and identifies six general business models, including Circular Supply Chain, Sharing Platforms, Product as a Service, Product Life Extension, Resource Recovery, and Product Incentivized Return. The text also discusses sector-specific adaptations, highlighting permaculture in agriculture as an example of circular economy principles tailored to a specific industry. The content provides a framework for understanding how circular economy models can be implemented and adapted across various sectors, emphasizing the need for detailed analysis and tailored approaches in future research. Keywords: Circular Economy, Business Model, Sustainability

Adaptive Agronomic Strategies for Enhancing Cereal Yield Resilience Under Changing Climate in Poland

Climate-driven changes have raised concerns about their long-term impacts on the yield resilience of cereal crops. This issue is critical in Poland as it affects major cereal crops like winter triticale, spring wheat, winter wheat, spring barley, and winter barley. This study investigates how soil nutrient profiles, fertilization practices, and crop management conditions influence the yield resilience of key cereal crops over a thirteen-year period (2009–2022) in the context of changing climate expressed as varying Climatic Water Balance. Data from 47 locations provided by the Research Centre for Cultivar Testing were analyzed to assess the combined effects of agronomic practices and climate-related water availability on crop performance. Yield outcomes under moderate and enhanced management practices were contrasted using Classification and Regression Trees to evaluate the relationships between yield variations and agronomic factors, including soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium fertilization, and levels of phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium in the soil. The study found a downward trend in Climatic Water Balance, highlighting the increasing influence of climate change on regional water resources. Crop yields responded positively to increased agricultural inputs, especially nitrogen. Optimal soil pH and medium phosphorus levels were identified as crucial for maximizing yield. The findings underscore the importance of tailored nutrient management and adaptive strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate variability on cereal production. The results provide insights for field crop research and practical approaches to sustain cereal production in changing climatic conditions.

The Integrative Single-Case Design as a Biosemiotic-Systemic Research Tool in Psychoneuroimmunology.

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a field of research that deals with the interactions between psyche, nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Investigating these complex PNI relationships under asecologically validas possible conditions ("life as it is lived") necessitates a paradigm change in research. This shift placesfactors such as "time" and "subjective meaning" of personal experiences at the center of the research methodology. For this purpose, the biosemiotic-systemic research design "Integrative Single-Case Study" was developed. Initial results from healthy individuals as well as patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), breast cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis(RA) support the validity of the research approach. Specifically, in connection with the occurrence ofemotionally meaningful everyday incidents, we repeatedlyobserved stress system reactions, which were(1) delayed over several days, (2) cyclically patterned, (3) anticipatory, and (4) opposing, depending on a)whether participants experienced emotionally positive or negative everyday incidents, b)whether they were healthy or ill, and c)which stress system parameter was investigated. In this chapter, the Integrative Single-Case Study design is introduced as a holistic research option, presented in detail in its methodology, and critically discussed in terms of its limitations.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PURCHASE INTENTION OF MICRO TRANSACTIONS IN FREEMIUM MOBILE GAMES IN BANGKOK: A CASE OF HONKAI STAR RAIL

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to determine the significant influence of Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Hedonic Motivation, Price Value, and Game Satisfaction towards purchase intention of microtransactions in freemium mobile games in Bangkok in the case of Honkai: Star Rail. Understanding these influencing factors can help game developers and stakeholders gain valuable insights into player behavior and develop monetization strategies to maximize positive player experiences and revenue. Design/methodology/approach: This research uses primary and secondary data collection methods in addition to descriptive and inferential data analysis techniques to analyze the factors influencing the purchase intention of microtransactions in freemium mobile games. The data was collected from 396 respondents who live in Bangkok, have played Honkai: Star Rail on a smartphone, and have the intention to purchase microtransactions in Honkai: Star Rail. This research referenced twelve theoretical frameworks from previous studies to construct a conceptual framework. Findings: This research shows that Performance Expectancy, Hedonic Motivation, and Game Satisfaction have a significant influence on the purchase intention of microtransactions in freemium mobile games in Bangkok in the case of Honkai: Star Rail. Research limitations/implications: Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further. Practical implications: This research offers valuable insights for game developers and stakeholders to enhance monetization strategies for freemium games like Honkai: Star Rail. Social implications: This research highlights the growing influence of mobile gaming on consumer behavior. This has broader implications for discussions around digital consumption, addictive behaviors, and the ethics of in-game purchases, prompting stakeholders to consider responsible game design and marketing practices that prioritize player well-being while maximizing revenue. Originality/value: This paper fulfils an identified need to study the factors influencing microtransaction purchase intentions within the Bangkok market.

The Impact of Telemedicine on Chronic Disease Management: A Post-Pandemic Analysis of Patient Outcomes and Accessibility

This study explores the impact of telemedicine on chronic disease management, focusing on patient outcomes and healthcare accessibility in the post-pandemic context. Using a qualitative research approach, the study examines how telemedicine has transformed the management of chronic conditions, especially for patients facing geographical or mobility barriers. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with patients, healthcare providers, and policy experts to gain insights into the experiences and challenges associated with telemedicine for chronic care. The findings reveal that telemedicine has improved patient accessibility to healthcare services, enabling consistent monitoring and timely interventions, which positively impact patient health outcomes. However, the study also identifies challenges, including technological barriers and limitations in patient-provider communication, that may affect care quality and patient satisfaction. Despite these issues, telemedicine is seen as a valuable supplement to traditional healthcare, enhancing healthcare access, especially for underserved populations. This research provides key insights for healthcare policymakers and practitioners in improving telemedicine practices, ensuring that they address accessibility gaps without compromising quality. The study concludes that, with strategic improvements, telemedicine holds significant potential to transform chronic disease management and make healthcare more equitable.

Exploring the Experience of Existential Anxiety During the COVID-19 Isolation Period in a Small Sample of Young Kosovar Adults

International literature has documented the mental health impact of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic on global communities. However, for this period, a significant lack of research exists on the human and psychological experiences of Albanian Kosovars. This study aimed to retrospectively explore a specific experience associated with the isolation period, that is, the Kosovar young adults’ experience of existential anxiety. The notion of isolation is significant for the Kosovars as their country is recently independent with some referencing its political isolation in the European context. The current study was conducted from March to June 2022; Stage 1 included a quantitative sampling of existential anxiety among 115 Albanian Kosovars through the Existential Anxiety Questionnaire (Weems et al., 2004). In Stage 2, five participants with high levels of existential anxiety partook in in-depth interviews. For the qualitative analysis, the Existential Phenomenological Research approach was adopted. Using Paul Tillich’s existential anxiety framework, results revealed that this study’s participants experienced great losses with the start of the lockdown as they were students who had to return to their families. It appears that a process of transformation occurred in light of the hardships that individuals experienced. Implications for mental health practitioners and researchers are offered.

EXPRESS: Conceptual Research: Multidisciplinary Insights for Marketing

Conceptual research is fundamental to advancing theory and, thus, science. Conceptual articles launch new research streams, resolve conflicting findings, explain new phenomena, and integrate divergent research areas. Yet, compared with other disciplines, marketing publishes little conceptual research. This paper provides a multidisciplinary perspective of conceptual research to help increase the quality and quantity of conceptual research in marketing. First, the authors compare conceptual research approaches across marketing, management, psychology, and sociology to provide a synthesis of existing conceptual research frameworks. Second, using citation analyses, the authors provide insights into the academic impact of conceptual research across disciplines, across marketing domains, and over time; they also assess its impact outside of academia. Third, to assist researchers, the paper offers a step-by-step process or “how to” guide for developing high-impact conceptual research, based on insights from the multidisciplinary analysis and interviews with conceptual researchers from different disciplines. Fourth, drawing on the interviews and keyword analysis of recent conceptual marketing articles, the authors suggest emerging opportunities for conceptual research and how to increase the value of conceptual papers for practitioners.

Tourism Management Training in the Digital Era to Increase Tourist Visits to Lake Rayo

The management of the Rayo Lake tourist attraction managed by POKDARWIS has so far been considered less than good due to the lack of knowledge of POKDARWIS administrators in tourism management. In addition, it is caused by the absence of an effective marketing strategy with the utilization of existing information technology, resulting in the Rayo Lake tourist attraction being less well-known by the public. The purpose of implementing this PKM activity is to increase POKDARWIS's knowledge in terms of management and marketing. Community service activities are based on the Participative Action Research (PAR) approach with the methods of socialization, training, application of Technology, Mentoring, Evaluation and Sustainability of the Program. The results obtained are that the participants feel satisfied and gain a good understanding of how to manage digital-based tourism management and the utilization of digital technology in promoting tourism at the Rayo Lake tourist destination in Sungai Jernih Village.

Understanding coaches’ perspectives on building trust in sport: a narrative inquiry approach

ABSTRACT Quality relationships between coaches and their team members play an important role in promoting individual and team-level outcomes. Trust has been identified as a key feature of these quality relationships, yet little research exists examining how these trusting relationships can be built. By adopting a narrative inquiry approach, we sought to elicit coaches’ stories on their (a) perceived approaches to building trust with team members (i.e. coaching staff, athletes) and (b) life experiences that shaped their approaches. We recruited 18 Canadian interuniversity coaches who engaged in semi-structured interviews which we analysed using a two-phase storyanalyst approach (thematic narrative analysis and holistic-form structural). From these conversations, we found that coaches drew from one of two context-situated narratives with regard to initial trust development: ‘It needs to be given’ and ‘It needs to be earned’. When sharing stories about trust maintenance, however, all coaches drew upon a third context-situated narrative: ‘It needs give and take’. Coaches’ stories were then situated within higher-order narrative types (e.g. performance, stability). Altogether, our findings illuminate the personal and social complexities of building trust from the coach perspective, while reinforcing the importance of developing trusting relationships within sport teams.

Analyzing the Impact of Microfinance Initiatives on Poverty Alleviation and Economic Development

This study investigates the impact of microfinance on poverty alleviation, economic development, and social outcomes in low-income communities. Microfinance, through providing small loans and financial services to individuals typically excluded from the formal financial system, has the potential to improve household income, stimulate entrepreneurship, and foster local economic growth. Using a quantitative research approach, the study employed a cross-sectional survey design with stratified random sampling of 250 microfinance beneficiaries and 250 non-beneficiaries. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and secondary sources, including government reports and MFI records. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, independent sample t-tests, multiple regression analysis, and Pearson’s correlation, was used to assess relationships between microfinance access and key economic and social indicators. The results show that microfinance beneficiaries experienced a significant increase in household income (mean increase of 28%) compared to non-beneficiaries. Additionally, entrepreneurship rates increased by 15% among beneficiaries, and improvements were reported in health (17% improvement) and education (13% improvement). However, challenges such as high interest rates, limited outreach to marginalized groups, and over-indebtedness were identified. Despite these limitations, microfinance was found to have a positive impact on economic development, though more accessible and tailored programs are needed to maximize its potential. Recommendations for policy improvements, programmatic changes, and areas for future research are provided to enhance the effectiveness of microfinance initiatives.

Talent philosophies and institutional factors as determinants of talent management in SMEs: a French country-specific empirical investigation

PurposeTalent management (TM) is a crucial strategic issue for global organizations, extending beyond multinationals and big companies to encompass small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and contexts outside the Anglo-Saxon sphere. However, TM in SMEs is still under-researched, with a lack of studies and evidence on TM determinants and TM in practice. This study explores, using the lens of institutional theory, how talent philosophies and a combination of institutional factors shape TM in French SMEs, highlighting the interplay between these elements within the specific context of French SMEs.Design/methodology/approachGiven the limited knowledge about TM determinants in SMEs and the need to uncover and understand the phenomenon investigated, this study is exploratory in nature and lends itself to a qualitative research approach. In-depth semi-structured interviews with 27 CEOs, managers, TM and HR managers across 15 SMEs in France provided a comprehensive cross-industry perspective.FindingsThe study reveals that talent philosophies in French SMEs are predominantly inclusive and development-oriented, influenced by institutional factors such as the cultural logic of proximity and personalization, state support mechanisms like the Fonds Unique Interministériel (FUI) and legal frameworks that emphasize equal opportunity. Organizational elements like size and proximity foster a community-focused, egalitarian TM approach, while ownership and vulnerability lead to a reactive and informal TM strategy. The study presents a model that links these determinants to the specific TM approaches observed in French SMEs, illustrating how institutional factors like centralized control and egalitarianism shape TM practices.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper highlights the need for more empirical studies on talent philosophies, institutional and organizational factors not only in SMEs but also in comparison with multinational enterprises (MNEs), through institutional theory. Particular attention should be paid to the homogenization of SME sizes based on their level of establishment.Originality/valueThis study extends studies on TM determinants in SMEs, from the perspective of talent philosophies, utilizing insights from French institutional theory. It is also among the few and new studies to highlight contextual issues of TM as well as how TM is practiced depending on internal and external factors.

Urban transformation of lakes and its impacts on a lake series: A case study of the yele mallappa shetty lake series Bengaluru, India.

The interconnected systems of lakes of Bengaluru, India, experience tremendous stress due to unsustainable urbanisation. Traditional lake-centric research approach struggles to capture and address this issue due to the cascaded nature of impacts in interconnected lake systems. Hence, this study assesses the impact of urbanisation on a lake series scale, focusing on the Yele Mallappa Shetty Lake series (YMSLS). Land use land cover change analysis (1993-2023) showed that in 1993, the YMSLS catchment area was dominated by open spaces (53.4%) and agriculture land and vegetation (35%), with built-up areas covering only 7.2%. By 2023, the built-up area has expanded to 34.6% and became the dominant land use. This rapid urbanisation has led to increased water surface area from wastewater influx, causing significant weed growth and water pollution in the lakes. Lake water quality assessment showed that faecal coliform, total coliform, dissolved oxygen, and biochemical oxygen demand levels exceeded standard limits with spatio-temporal variations driven by interconnectivity. Pollutant flushing during monsoon reduced pollution load in upstream lakes, but high wastewater inflow made downstream lakes, particularly the end lake, highly polluted but perennial. Increased water availability expanded the user base of the end lake, but traditional uses have declined and coping strategies of users, such as wastewater lift irrigation from the lake, became unsustainable. The study indicates that spatial interdependence and cascading effects necessitate a lake series approach for assessing the impacts of urbanisation on interconnected lake system, which is crucial for enhancing water security and preparedness for future extreme events.

What Motivates Students to Study Gastronomy? The Case of Türkiye

ABSTRACT The main purpose of this study is to reveal the motivations of students who enrolled in undergraduate gastronomy departments in Türkiye to study gastronomy. Qualitative research approach was adopted to examine these motivations of the students in depth. Data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with 48 students from 13 universities between 01 October-25 November 2022. As a result of the analysis, five main dimensions revealed that affect students’ motivation to study gastronomy (popularity, job opportunities, interest in practical aspects of gastronomy, desire to know different cultures and recommended by family and friends). This study has several important theoretical and practical implications for students, department heads and lecturers, the food and beverage industry, and researchers. Given that this research is the first to thoroughly examine the motives of students studying gastronomy and no similar studies have been found in existing literature, the findings of this study are considered original.