Case Study Research Articles

Balancing Intimacy and Trust: Opportunities and Risks in Audio Journalism

This thematic issue explores the complex relationship between intimacy and trust in audio journalism, particularly focusing on podcasting as it evolves as a medium. It examines how podcasting's intimate format creates both opportunities and challenges for journalistic practice. The opportunities include enhanced storytelling capabilities, deeper audience connections, and the ability to address social justice issues more effectively, as demonstrated through various case studies from sports podcasting to investigative journalism. However, the studies also identify significant risks, including the potential for parasocial relationships to compromise journalistic integrity, the challenge of maintaining professional standards while fostering audience connection, and the possibility of reinforcing echo chambers rather than bridging societal divides. The research spans multiple geographical contexts, from Serbian podcasting in hybrid regimes to Chinese platforms, offering insights into how these dynamics manifest across different political and cultural frameworks. The collection of articles employs diverse methodological approaches, from theoretical frameworks combining cosmopolitan ethics with feminist ethics of care to empirical analyses of listener trust and content analysis of podcast platforms. Ultimately, the thematic issue suggests that as podcasting continues to mature, finding the right balance between personal connection and professional practice remains crucial for the medium's development as a journalistic tool.

Economic Analysis and Profitability of Protected Flower Cultivation: A Case Study in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh

Economic Analysis and Profitability of Protected Flower Cultivation: A Case Study in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh

Harnessing Green Technologies for Energy Efficiency

The pursuit of energy efficiency has become a cornerstone of sustainable development, as societies strive to mitigate the environmental impacts of energy production and consumption. Green technologies—ranging from clean energy systems such as photovoltaic, Aerodynamic, and Hydraulic power to energy-efficient appliances and smart grid solutions—offer transformative potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving finite natural resources. This paper explores the integration of green technologies into existing infrastructure and the development of innovative systems designed to optimize energy use. Key considerations include the economic feasibility of green technology adoption, advancements in materials science, and policy incentives that drive technological uptake. By emphasizing case studies and real-world applications, this research highlights successful implementations and their measurable impacts on energy efficiency. The findings underscore the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration, investment in research and development, and public awareness campaigns to ensure the widespread adoption of green technologies.

Contradictions and strategies: an evaluative case study of digital technology use in a UK land-based educational institution through the lens of Cultural Historical Activity Theory

Contradictions and strategies: an evaluative case study of digital technology use in a UK land-based educational institution through the lens of Cultural Historical Activity Theory

Optimising adaptive learning: A case study of Intelligent Tutoring Systems in schools in Qatar, using the Activity-Oriented Design Method

Optimising adaptive learning: A case study of Intelligent Tutoring Systems in schools in Qatar, using the Activity-Oriented Design Method

Physical fitness and physical activity of a quadriplegic amputee patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) – a case study

An active lifestyle is an important factor in the rehabilitation of individuals after limb amputation, as many patients require lifelong rehabilitation after hospital treatment. Among people with an amputation, a higher level of physical activity was associated with a better perception of quality of life. The aim of this study is to present the case of a patient with a quadruple amputation and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), to describe the type of physical activity she undertook, and to determine the changes in endurance and physical fitness levels resulting from regular exercise. Following a prolonged period of rehabilitation, a 43-year-old woman began regular training sessions that included elements of gymnastics. The training focused on weight reduction as well as improving aerobic capacity and overall physical fitness and functionality. To monitor the patient’s progress, measurements of aerobic capacity and physical fitness were conducted (6-Minute Walk Test, Illinois Agility Test, and abdominal muscle strength testing). The patient’s chosen form of physical activity produced positive results in improving her physical fitness and endurance. Such an approach to physical activity appears justified not only for this patient but also for other people with disabilities. A training regimen adapted to individual needs, physical capabilities, and medical recommendations may help enhance physical fitness and aerobic capacity, ultimately improving quality of life.

School Administrators’ Use of Solution-Focused Strategies

ABSTRACT This research explored the use of a solution-focused approach in the day-to-day duties of school administrators. Whereas previous researchers have found a solution-focused approach to yield positive outcomes for students and teachers, there is a lack of research conducted with school administrators. This research seeks to fill that void. Using multiple case study design, informed by a theoretical framework of appreciative inquiry, data were collected through field observations and qualitative interviews with six school administrators to discover how they applied solution-focused approach over three different school half-days. Participants were observed using a variety of solution-focused strategies in multiple activities (e.g. teacher supervision, student discipline, conversations with parents). Data from qualitative interviews regarding administrator perceptions yielded four themes: goal setting, strength-based, partnership, and importance of language. Training in the solution-focused approach may provide school administrators with specific strategies for empowering teachers, as well as for positive interactions with students and families.

A prediction method for mining-induced surface cracks in Yushenfu mining area

The Yushenfu mining area has special hosting conditions, and the high-intensity coal mining is likely to cause surface cracks and negative impacts on the ecological environment. To accurately predict the location and depth of surface cracks, this paper proposed a prediction method that uses horizontal deformation as the key parameter, incorporating the stress-deformation characteristics of the loose layer. In this paper, the Yushenfu mining area was selected as the study area, the prediction formula of horizontal deformation was optimized and the Active Phase of the subsidence process was classified into two stages. A mechanical model of the wedge-shaped loose layer was established, combining this with the mechanical properties of the surface loose layer in Yushenfu mining area, a prediction method for the location and depth of surface crack was provided. Using the 112201 working face as a case study, the influence of seasonal rainfall on soil strength properties was considered. The results demonstrate that the optimized horizontal deformation formula has better performance compared with traditional calculations, and the accuracy of the method was verified and validated through on-site observations. The research provides an effective approach for predicting the location and depth of mining-induced surface cracks in the Yushenfu mining area.

From Elusive to Opaque Boundaries of the F&A Function: An Assessment of Digitalization Impact

ABSTRACT Previous research on digital transformation of Finance & Accounting is largely conceptual, lacking insights into financial specialists’ roles in adopting and implementing digital technologies. By employing Resource Orchestration Theory, this study examines digitalization’s impact on F&A functions through four case studies. Findings reveal diverse adoption strategies, evolving F&A processes, and data-driven decision-making. The results show that due to the adoption of digital technologies, the elusive boundaries of F&A functions have become opaque. This paper contributes to F&A functions literature and provides new knowledge on how to seize the opportunity arising from the more elusive boundaries of F&A within diverse organizations.

Bridging two communities: impact of a university reading and writing workshop on older adults

ABSTRACT In this study, the impact that a reading and writing workshop had on older adults was examined. Providing opportunities for later-life learning has become increasingly important in Chile as the population continues to age and analyzing their experiences from their own viewpoint is also relevant for their developing opportunities. In this case study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 older female adults who embarked on their first university experience while participating in a workshop focused on improving reading and writing skills. Through reflective thematic analysis, the study identified five main categories and looked into them from a legitimate peripheral participation perspective. The findings showed various personal and social beneficial gains, demonstrating the accountability of the older adults and the general positive impact of the experience.

Rural gentrification and local food networks: the case of a shopping community in a small Hungarian rural town

ABSTRACT Academic literature identifies local food networks and producer-consumer communities as important initiators of local community development and sources of sustainable production and consumption. A small producer-consumer community, a so-called shopping community, in a small rural town in Hungary is examined in this case study. The size of the region and the limited number of potential consumers lead to a number of specific characteristics. Both the organisers and many of the producers in this shopping community are urban newcomers to the region, and are members of higher social status groups in the local society. The initiative is based on a number of principles and methods of environmental sustainability and applies very strict criteria for the involvement of the producers. Through interviews with organisers and producers and focus groups with consumers and local stakeholders, the case study analyses aspects of social inclusion and exclusion. Who is allowed to participate in the community, both to produce and to consume? How embedded is this shopping community in the local society? The case illustrates how a shopping community – a local food network – can contribute to the social exclusion of local producers and consumers, as well as to the process of rural gentrification, even though it also contributes to environmental sustainability. The article explores the pros and cons of local food systems from a social and community point of view.

Social Justice in Post-Conflict Societies: Lessons From Northern Ireland.

This article explores gender and social justice in post-conflict societies, using Northern Ireland as a case study. It focuses specifically on the socio-economic impact of the UK's withdrawal from the EU (Brexit) on women in Northern Ireland using a social justice framework, drawing on recognition, redistribution and representation as conceptualised by Nancy Fraser. It uses qualitative research conducted between 2022 and 2023 comprising focus groups, an expert seminar and semi-structured interviews sensitive to an intersectional understanding of women. While centred on Brexit, the findings have broader implications for understanding how post-conflict governance, sovereignty, and international obligations intersect with gendered inequalities. We argue that Brexit demonstrates a profound neglect of Northern Ireland's unique position, politically and geographically, particularly the UK's obligations under the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, and underscores the marginalisation and exclusion of women's voices in post-conflict governance. We find that the impact of Brexit on women in Northern Ireland is distinct and disproportionate from other parts of the UK for several reasons, including that it is a post-conflict society; there exists specific patterns of violence against women; and there is a prior reliance by the third sector on EU funding. The article thus contributes to a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers that inhibit participatory equality and outlines pathways for achieving social justice in Northern Ireland.

Assessing student satisfaction with university policies related to in-person classes in the era of COVID-19: a case study from Korea

This study assessed key determinants of student satisfaction with university infection prevention policies during the expansion of in-person classes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted at a South Korean university, the research surveyed 386 undergraduate and graduate students, examining the impact of health literacy, protective behavior, risk perception, institutional support, and engagement with COVID-19 information on satisfaction. Findings indicate that among online-only students, vaccination status significantly influenced satisfaction levels, suggesting that perceived safety plays a key role in mitigating pandemic-related concerns. For students attending in-person classes, frequent engagement with COVID-19 notifications and willingness to use a university-provided COVID-19 information database were strongly associated with higher satisfaction. Additionally, the study reveals a passive approach to information acquisition, highlighting students’ preference for institution-driven communication rather than independent information-seeking. These results underscore the importance of clear, structured institutional communication and proactive support systems in enhancing student satisfaction and well-being. The findings provide actionable recommendations for universities to develop strategic communication policies, expand institutional support, and improve student engagement, particularly in collectivist cultures where institutional guidance is central to decision-making.

Evaluation of Cost and Time Estimates Using The Earned Value Method: A Case Study of The Construction of RU Guest House and Main House

Evaluation of Cost and Time Estimates Using The Earned Value Method: A Case Study of The Construction of RU Guest House and Main House

Pedagogy of the knife – a case study of the re-authorisation of the personal myth of masculinity. Field of forest pedagogy and cultural psychology

Pedagogy of the knife – a case study of the re-authorisation of the personal myth of masculinity. Field of forest pedagogy and cultural psychology

Ecological modernization in practice: a multiple case study in Ecuador

ABSTRACT This research examines Ecuador’s efforts to operationalize the concept of Buen Vivir (BV) -which prioritizes harmony with nature, social equity and environmental sustainability- within its industrial development policies, utilizing Ecological Modernization (EM) as the interpretative framework to evaluate these initiatives. The analysis distinguishes between weak and strong EM: weak EM emphasizes technological improvements and eco-efficiency, while strong EM advocates for profound shifts in production practices to achieve long-term sustainability through plural and democratic action. Despite BV’s potential to drive systemic change that redefines development, its principles have not been fully embraced in key economic sectors. Using the EM framework, we analyze the electricity generation, metallic mining, and shrimp aquaculture industries to explore how BV is operationalized. We find that weak EM is prevalent, as hegemonic sustainability frameworks centered on eco-efficiency and cleaner production dominate, often obscuring broader social and environmental concerns and marginalizing less powerful stakeholders. We argue that unless systemic shifts in industry structures and political dynamic occur, guided by strong EM principles, the transformative potential of BV will remain unrealized.

ΔΔG Method for Elucidating Key Control Reactions from Relative Quantification Metabolome Data: Comparative Analysis of Yeast Glycolysis.

This study introduces the ΔΔG method, a novel approach to analyzing metabolic regulation using relative quantification metabolome data. The method calculates shifts in the Gibbs free energy change (ΔG) in two different metabolic states. Subsequently, key reactions controlling the metabolic flux can be identified by comparing the ΔΔG values to the reaction rates. Two case studies demonstrated the applicability of this method. First, a metabolome data set was obtained from the wild-type and single-gene-deletion mutant strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The ΔΔG values of the glycolytic reactions were calculated between those of the wild-type and each mutant strain. A positive correlation was observed between the ΔΔG values of phosphofructokinase (PFK) and the approximate glycolytic flux levels. These results suggested that PFK regulates glycolytic flux. Moreover, a comparison between S. cerevisiae (Crabtree-positive yeast) and Kluyveromyces marxianus (Crabtree-negative yeast) revealed that S. cerevisiae primarily regulates glycolysis through PFK, whereas K. marxianus employs a more distributed control. The ΔΔG method provides insights into metabolic regulation that are not apparent from metabolite profiles alone and is applicable to various biological systems, particularly for analyzing glycolysis. Furthermore, the simplicity of this method makes it a valuable tool for metabolic engineering and medical research.

Evaluating the impact of school-based rebound therapy on chest health in children and young people with neurodisability and respiratory issues: a series of single case studies.

To evaluate feasibility and impact of an individualised rebound therapy programme on chest health in children with complex neurodisability. A single-case ABA design was conducted over 18 weeks with five children aged 5-15 years with complex neurodisability. Intervention involved twice weekly rebound therapy for six consecutive weeks in school. Summary outcomes included parent/carer-reported chest health, quality-of-life and clinician-observed motor ability. Serial weekly outcomes included chest health observations, usual care changes, adherence and adverse events. Parents completed a semi-structured interview after follow-up. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Within-case and across-case findings indicated improvement in motor ability following rebound therapy intervention. Additional trends of improvement were noted in parent/carer-reported chest health and quality-of-life, but these changes were not specific to the intervention phase. Improvements in motor ability, chest health and quality-of-life indicators were verified through qualitative interview data. Co-design successfully informed an inclusive, feasible intervention study for children with complex neurodisability. However, overall improvement in parent/carer-reported chest health, quality-of-life and observed motor ability were not limited to the intervention phase. Measurement tools lacked published thresholds to determine if changes were clinically significant.

Exploration of the Formation and Cultural Essence of Qiang Ethnic Architectural Features from the Perspective of Cultural Geography: A Case Study of the Qiang Villages in the Lower Reaches of Zagunao River

Exploration of the Formation and Cultural Essence of Qiang Ethnic Architectural Features from the Perspective of Cultural Geography: A Case Study of the Qiang Villages in the Lower Reaches of Zagunao River

Automatic Detection of Damage in Renaissance Walls Using a Deep Learning Model

ABSTRACT The prevalence of numerous Renaissance buildings displaying signs of damage underscores the urgent necessity for prompt detection and implementation of appropriate protective measures. However, interpreting a large number of damages in Renaissance walls manually is a time-intensive process, and the outcomes are highly reliant on the practitioner’s expertise. This paper presents an automatic segmentation algorithm designed to segment damage in images of Renaissance walls. Firstly, an imaging dataset containing seven damages to communal and Renaissance walls, including plants, micro-organisms, crack, spalling, efflorescence, erosion, and crush, is created. Secondly, a GridMask algorithm is employed for data augmentation to improve the robustness of the segmentation model. Finally, the established dataset, comprising 2,303 images (70%) for training, 658 images (20%) for validation, and 329 images (10%) for testing, is used to train the deep learning model and evaluate its precision in segmenting damage in images of Renaissance walls. The testing results indicate that the damage segmentation algorithm trained on Renaissance walls achieves an average accuracy of 0.749 and requires only 0.27s to process a single image. A case study conducted on a Renaissance wall in Padova, Italy, confirms the effectiveness of the trained algorithm, and all the damage can be segmented on the wall.