Empirical Research Research Articles

Psychological Temperament, Spirituality, and Augustinian Prayer: An Empirical Enquiry

Psychological Temperament, Spirituality, and Augustinian Prayer: An Empirical Enquiry

Impact media portrays on police legitimacy in times of emergencies: a global perspective

PurposeThe swift development of digital platforms and the intricate nature of socialization processes have greatly impacted how young people perceive the legitimacy of the police. This study investigates the influence of different media platforms and methods of socialization in emergencies on the attitudes and beliefs about law enforcement among young individuals. The aim of this review paper is to consolidate existing literature on the influence of various forms of media and social contacts shaping youth attitudes towards the legitimacy of the police, within distinct social and cultural contexts.Design/methodology/approachThe literature was reviewed narratively, with a focus on major digital bibliographic databases for the purpose of selecting studies. This approach facilitated the examination of overarching concepts across several fields of study in order to develop a thorough comprehension of how media and socialization in emergencies influence young people’s perceptions of the legitimacy of the police. Three major themes were discovered, encompassing the connection of three different theories with the youth perceptions of police legitimacy, impacts from different media sources like news, entertainment and social media and the influence of important socialization agents like family, peers and community.FindingsThe review confirms that the media, regardless of whether it presents good or bad images, has a major impact on the views of youngsters towards the police. It influences their opinions of how trustworthy and legitimate the police are. Modeling and reinforcement, which are key components of social learning, play a crucial role in influencing the impact of media on young people. Community and family connections have significant influence, either strengthening or lessening the effects of media depictions. Although media has the ability to promote understanding and regard for law enforcement, it was also observed that there are challenges associated with the reinforcement of preconceptions and biases.Practical implicationsThis research offers fundamental ideas for creating educational and community initiatives that improve positive media depictions of law enforcement and bolster community–police interactions. Additionally, it provides a framework for future studies on media approaches that could facilitate the development of a well-rounded understanding of the legitimacy of law enforcement among young people.Originality/valueThis literature review combines social learning and cognitive theories with empirical research on media to examine the complex and varied effects of media and socialization on how young people perceive the legitimacy of the police. It emphasizes the necessity for a sophisticated comprehension of these connections within the framework of current social dynamics and advancements in technology.

The unconscious sibling rivalry in psychoanalytic institutions

What unconscious elements fuel the ‘radioactive atmosphere’ of psychoanalytic institutions – those unconscious sources of the chronic conflicts that sometimes plague the relationships among members of psychoanalytical societies and obscure the path of a constructive resolution of conflicts, creating a toxic climate that stultifies members’ creativity, hindering progress and further development? An empirical research was conducted using the psychoanalytically informed research interview as an experimental situation. The main findings indicates unconscious sibling rivalry as the source of conflict in the psychoanalytic institution studied, along with narcissism of minor differences. The implications for psychoanalytic training are discussed.

Storytelling in English Language Education in China: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research from the Past Decade (2014–2024)

The storytelling approach has been widely recognised as an effective pedagogical approach in English language education (ELE). In China, storytelling has received considerable attention as an instructional method, aligning with national policies emphasising innovative and interactive learning. However, while empirical research on storytelling in China’s ELE has grown, there is a lack of systematic reviews synthesising relevant studies in this context. This gap limits the understanding of how storytelling has been implemented and evaluated within China’s unique socio-cultural and educational settings. Thus, based on three databases (Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar), this systematic review addresses this gap by examining 24 empirical studies published in the past decade, from 2014 to 2024. The findings reveal storytelling is predominantly used in primary and secondary education, with fewer studies in tertiary and special education. Research interests span curriculum integration, material adaptation, stakeholder perceptions, and learning outcomes. Effective strategies primarily focus on the selection and adaptation of stories for instruction and the implementation of storytelling through methods such as guided reading, autonomous reading, and the use of multimodal support, though challenges such as inadequate teacher training, resource limitations, and misaligned activities with curriculum goals remain prevalent. With quantitative and qualitative designs underpinning most previous studies, the review highlights the importance of expanding the research agenda for a more comprehensive understanding. Implications for educators, curriculum planners, and policymakers include addressing resource gaps, enhancing teacher training, and fostering collaboration to optimise storytelling practices in China’s ELE.

Positive Psychotherapy in action: the “DYNAMICS” method for formulating basic conflicts

Positive psychotherapy is a therapy model that stands out with its analytical and humanistic features. According to the positive psychotherapy approach, one of the important conflicts is the basic conflict. The conflicts between the concepts developed by the clients form the basis of the basic conflict. In order to solve the basic conflicts of the clients, it is first necessary to formulate their basic conflicts. This study aims to present a systematic model for formulating the basic conflict. In this direction, the DYNAMICS method was developed in the study. In this method, clients go through eight stages and examine their basic conflicts multi-faceted. With this method, clients realize their unmet needs and how they create pathological and healthy patterns to meet these needs. Psychotherapists can also help clients formulate their basic conflicts through this method. Concurrently, this method is compatible with the five stages of positive psychotherapy. The effectiveness of this model investigated by empirical research can be revealed in the future.

Leveraging Social and Intellectual Capital for Social Entrepreneurship: A Model for Sustainable Business Practices in an Uncertain Environment

Social entrepreneurship helps solve social issues and bridges public and private sectors. This study uses a comprehensive framework to examine social, intellectual, and external risks in social entrepreneurship and its effects on society and the environment. Using the literature review’s variables, this study developed a conceptual model. The empirical research is based on a survey of 252 social entrepreneurs from different industrial/service sectors. The findings show that intellectual capital helps identify and seize social opportunities. Social capital—social networks, knowledge, trust, and critical resources—guide social entrepreneurs through complex social business environments. The study’s novel approach to external uncertainty in social entrepreneurship shows that firms can design risk-resilient strategies to build sustainable business models by considering external uncertainty. Organizations can consider social entrepreneurship’s social and environmental impacts to create businesses that address the root causes of societal issues. The study adds to theoretical understanding by incorporating a variety of factors that influence social entrepreneurship function and frameworks in driving social and environmental impact.

Housing conditions and the health and wellbeing impacts of climate change: a scoping review.

Housing conditions are emerging as an important consideration in climate change adaptation. Housing modifications have the potential to improve health outcomes by reducing exposure to changing weather conditions and extreme events. This scoping review aimed to explore the existing evidence examining the contribution of housing conditions to the impacts of climate change on health and identify any research gaps. Literature searches were conducted in Scopus and PubMed from January 2013 to September 2023 and data were analysed using thematic analysis. The review included 38 articles consisting of original studies, reviews, and reports, with broad geographical coverage. The most common focus among included articles was on heat-health impacts; housing conditions found to improve heat-health health outcomes included air conditioning, ventilation, and window shading, and there was support for multifaceted housing adaptations rather than single fixes. Ventilation was found to be a priority for improving indoor air quality, while inappropriate insulation and excessive air tightness were found to increase indoor heat and reduce indoor air quality. The scoping review reveals a need for more empirical and qualitative research into indoor heat in homes, climate change hazards other than heat, and intervention studies to inform climate change adaptation policies around housing and improve public health outcomes.

Misconceptions About the Theoretical Support for Family Firm Long-Term Orientation

Long-term orientation has been proposed as one of the differences between family and nonfamily firms. Family business scholars base this difference theoretically on the incumbent generation’s altruism for the next generation and the intention for intrafamily succession. We point out that the applicable boundaries for these two theoretical bases are limited. We also point out misconceptions regarding what these two theoretical bases imply about the long-term oriented behavior of family businesses and discuss implications for empirical research and theory development.

N29 Inflammatory Bowel Disease advice lines: A Scoping Review

Abstract Background Telephone or email advice lines offer a service that bridges primary and specialist care provision, supporting the needs of those living with an unpredictable disease course. This scoping review aimed to systematically synthesise published evidence with regards to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) advice line services and to identify gaps in research to inform further work. Methods A scoping review was undertaken in accordance with the patterns, advances, gaps, evidence and research (PAGER) framework1. Databases searched included CINAHL, PubMed and EMBASE. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied by two reviewers independently. Data were collected using a pre-defined matrix, from which the framework was applied as a means of systematically collating patterns, advances, gaps, evidence and research recommendations. Results 17 full text publications and 22 abstracts published between 2006 – 2023 were included. Four overarching patterns were identified: advice lines as a complex intervention, drivers for advice line encounters, patient outcomes, and economic impact of advice lines.Advice lines are commonly a nurse-led service, facilitating on-demand specialist advice and clinical care. They function as a complex intervention within growing IBD services, and are currently accessed for a variety of clinical and non-clinical reasons, although flare management and medication advice remain a common driver for access. There are significantly increased costs to wider healthcare, associated with frequent users of IBD advice lines. Conclusion The current evidence landscape lacks empirical research supporting the clinical and economic effectiveness of advice lines. IBD advice lines are commonly a nurse-led service functioning as a complex intervention, supporting both administrative and clinical issues. They appear pivotal in preventing use of acute services and escalating or re-directing care including treatment, investigation and advice. Further research should focus on robust clinical and economic evaluation for patients and services, exploring patient experience of advice line services, including barriers and facilitators, and characterising those who do not currently access the service.

The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Employee Resistance in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Banking Sector

Adequate management of organizational changes is a crucial determinant of business success for banks today. Transformational leadership aligns with the conditions of dynamic changes in banks by creating an appropriate business climate of trust, thus impacting the achievement of the organization’s goals and results. Today, banks strive to be leaders in change, continuously providing innovative business solutions, which require proper management. Given the strategic decisions of banks to pursue new ideas and new ways of conducting business, which alter culture, climate, and value systems, it is crucial to apply the appropriate leadership style to effectively achieve desired results and business objectives. The problem in achieving these tasks is the occurrence of employee resistance to change, hence the significant role of the leader as the bearer of change. This paper presents the results of empirical research conducted in the banking sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina, aimed at determining the impact of transformational leadership on employee resistance to change in banks. The research included 90 respondents from 15 banks (65% of the total number of banks). Each bank included 6 respondents, with managers as the first stratum and employees as the second stratum. The authors believe that the application of transformational leadership in the banking sector can lead to a reduction in resistance to change, as well as expand scientific knowledge in the field of leadership in banking and create concrete recommendations for bank managers to apply in practice to improve business operations. Demonstrating transformational leadership as the dominant style of leading changes in the banking sector and determining its impact on employee resistance is the fundamental goal of this paper. It provides bank managers with valid information on the adequacy of applying appropriate leadership styles, thus offering a reliable basis for decision-making related to the process of implementing changes and ultimately achieving better business results.

Implementation of the Role the Prosecution Regarding Confidentiality Assets of Corruption as an Efforts of Return Losses to the State (Kejaksaan Tinggi Dan Kejaksaan Negeri Parigi Moutong, Sulawesi Tengah)

Confiscating the assets of those convicted of corruption is a proactive measure to prevent the transfer or loss of assets that are ultimately determined by the court to be confiscated as compensation for financial losses incurred by the state due to corruption. In practice, asset confiscation frequently encounters challenges, including the transfer or concealment of assets by convicted individuals. As a result, courts often find that the remaining assets of corruption convicts are insufficient to recover the full extent of state losses. This research focuses on two critical issues: (1) the mechanisms employed by the Central Sulawesi High Prosecutor's Office and the Parigi Moutong District Prosecutor's Office in implementing the confiscation of assets from corruption convicts as an effort to recover state losses, and (2) the significant barriers faced by the Central Sulawesi High Prosecutor's Office in carrying out asset confiscations. Using an empirical research method, this study aims to identify successful mechanisms, such as strategies for tracking and securing assets preemptively, and to highlight key barriers, including legal loopholes, lack of inter-agency coordination, and resource constraints. The findings are expected to provide actionable insights into improving asset confiscation processes and overcoming obstacles to maximize the recovery of state losses. The results of this study will be published in a nationally accredited journal to contribute to the broader discourse on effective corruption prevention and recovery efforts.

Идеология: операционализация понятия и построение аналитической модели (часть II)

The article examines the value basis of ideological concepts as a problematic field of empirical researches. It presents a coordinate system for analyzing the basic structure of value concepts. The feasibility and appropri-ateness of qualitative and quantitative assessments of ideological phenomena are analyzed at each of the previously identified three levels of ideology functioning: theoretical, political programs level and mass percep-tion. The authors indicate initial problems in reconstructing the value orientations of ideological texts. Examples of qualitative and quantitative methods combination to analyze data characterizing individual value perceptions as a result of their internalization are given. Furthermore, it outlines directions for investigating key ideological values in the context of philosophical reflection or political practice, through policy documents, political speech-es, decision-making processes, as well as through the analysis of public opinion regarding value conflicts typi-cal of the political sphere.

Young adults as paid care workers: gendered and classed transitions, trajectories, and experiences

ABSTRACT This article brings a youth lens to the study of care by empirically examining the accounts of young adults who pursue paid adult social care employment. The youth lens includes drawing on youth studies – particularly youth transitions – literature, which is combined with paid care work scholarship in a novel way. Young adults’ experiences as paid care workers are peripheral in youth studies and care work scholarship, despite this work’s increasing prevalence. The article examines the experiences of young adults pursuing, starting out and doing this work, through qualitative empirical research in Teesside, north-east England. A key finding of young people’s unpaid caring for adults influencing their pursuit of paid adult social care work is identified. The article contributes to understanding of youth transitions, particularly in relation to care work, and offers insights regarding the reproduction and sustainability of the paid adult social care workforce. It augments the growing sociological literature of Teesside [Shildrick, T., R. MacDonald, C. Webster, and K. Garthwaite. 2012. Poverty and Insecurity: Life in Low-Pay, No-Pay Britain. Bristol: Policy Press], and converses with work that foregrounds care work’s gendered and classed dimensions [Skeggs, B. 1997. Formations of Class and Gender: Becoming Respectable. London: Sage; Stacey, C. L. 2011. The Caring Self: The Work Experiences of Home Care Aides. Ithaca: Cornell University Press].

Challenges in the Design for Disassembly of Light Timber Framing Panelized Components

The construction sector generates more than one-third of global waste. Although there is a consensus on the need to reduce it, empirical research evaluating current systems to develop circular solutions remains limited. Using a full-scale model, this article evaluates the disassemblability of the corner joint between two prefabricated lightweight timber-framed walls, a system widely adopted in residential construction in North America. The analysis deconstructed the disassembly actions, identified their level of difficulty, and classified the recovered materials into three categories: reusable, recyclable, and waste. The results reveal that the lack of design criteria for disassembly significantly limits the system’s circularity, as it prioritizes assembly speed and energy performance. The predominant use of nails as fasteners complicates the separation of layers, damages materials, and restricts their reuse. This highlights the urgent need to redesign construction solutions that enable efficient disassembly, promote component recovery, and extend their time in circulation. This study establishes a foundation for the evolution of lightweight timber-framed panel design toward systems more aligned with circularity principles.

Talentmenedzsment jelenléte a hierarchikus struktúrájú szervezetek mindennapjaiban egy empirikus vizsgálat eredményei alapján

Aim: The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of talent management as an important segment of human resource management, which is not untouched by the everyday life of organisations with hierarchical structures. Dealing with talent and paying close attention to it is not only important for the talent, it should also be important for the employer. Methodology. The questionnaire was completed voluntarily, and the data was collected anonymously. The confirmation or rejection of the hypotheses formulated in relation to the research objective was typically examined along the lines of the responses to single or multiple-choice questions. After aggregation of the results obtained on a computer, the data were evaluated and analysed by means of statistical calculations. Findings: The empirical survey results show an almost equal proportion of respondents who know the term talent management 55% and those who have not heard of it 45%. Among those who have heard of the term, 31% do not know the exact meaning of the word, only 24% of the sample know both the term and its content. Around 14% of respondents are aware that talent management exists within their organisation, with 18% clearly stating that there is no such development direction in their current workplace. 67% of respondents were not aware of talent management in their own workplace. More than half of the sample, 51%, believe that talent management is important and 37% consider this segment of human resources very important. 12% think that it is not important whether or not outstanding employees are managed within the organisation. Value: The most important value of the study is the real employee feedback received during the empirical research and the insight into how talent management is implemented in the workplace of the survey participants. Talented employees are a complex challenge for human resource management. Following their often outstanding performance in job interviews, the real challenge for employers is to retain this talent.

Research on the Relationship Between the Integration of Industry and Finance and Enterprise Risk Management

This paper explores the relationship between the integration of industry and finance and enterprise risk management in both theory and practice, so as to provide reference for enterprise managers, help them optimize the level of risk management and improve the efficiency of enterprise decision making. In the process of globalization and the rapid development of information technology, enterprises are and continue to face more and more complex operational risks and financial risks, and the traditional financial management model is difficult to manage the related risks. Through the integration of business and financial information, it can help enterprises to enhance their ability to identify and cope with risks, and enhance their market competitiveness, so as to ensure their sustainable development. Based on literature review and empirical research, this paper finds that the integration of business and finance can significantly improve the speed of risk identification and processing efficiency of enterprises. In view of the positive significance of the integration of business and finance to improve the level of risk management, corresponding suggestions are put forward to provide practical guidance for enterprises to improve the effectiveness of the integration of business and finance.

Criminal justice reform, conviction without trial and the role of the criminal judge in Argentina

AbstractThis article addresses the role of criminal judges in mechanisms of conviction without trial that have spread in recent decades in Latin America, in the context of criminal justice reforms towards an adversarial model. These mechanisms in the region are the result of a complex translation of plea bargaining from USA legal tradition which included adaptations and innovations. One of those is a strongly active and interventionist role for the criminal judge in ‘law in books’. However, through empirical research in the Province of Santa Fe (Argentina), this article shows how a judicial practice of routine and fast ‘homologation’ of agreements is effectively structured in ‘law in action’. This role implies a sort of deresponsibilisation in relation to the exercise of the power to punish, in stark contrast with the inquisitorial model, precisely in a warm climate of strong public distrust and criticism of state crime control institutions.

Enterprise Risk Management and IT Resources impact on Sustainable Competitive Advantage through mediating role of Knowledge Management Capability

Purpose – This study seeks to determine impact of enterprise risk management (ERM) and information technology resources (ITR) on sustainable competitive advantage (SCA) through mediating role of knowledge management capability (KMC). Methodology – An investigation based on empirical research was carried out on 183 software companies in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and Karachi, Pakistan. A self-administered survey was conducted to obtain the data from software companies. The study employed stratified random sampling for participant selection and data were analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings – Results revealed ERM and KMC significantly contribute to SCA. However, ITR did not directly impact SCA, yet it showed an important mediated effect on SCA through KMC. Also, KMC mediates relationship between ERM and SCA. Implications – The outcomes of this study contribute to resource based view (RBV) theory by demonstrating that ERM, ITR and KMC play pivotal roles in achieving SCA within the IT industry. Policymakers and industry leaders are encouraged to support these areas to help companies anticipate risks, optimize resources and thrive in global markets. Limitations – This study focused exclusively on private software companies located in four cities (Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi) within Pakistan. Additionally, the cross-sectional, survey-based methodology captured data only at a single point in time. Originality – The novelty of this article lies in fact that it addresses the gap in existing research through exploring effect of ERM and ITR on SCA through mediating role of KMC in Pakistani private software companies.

Information Entropy in Chimera States of Human Dynamics

In human dynamics, functioning relies on intricate coordination patterns. Networks of synchronized oscillators in various biological and semiotic fields shape these dynamics. We have observed stability, instability, and transitions at multiple levels, indicating that coordination happens on all scales. We have examined coordination models for simplified and complex dynamics. In empirical research, we can frequently observe chimera states as the coexistence of coherence and incoherence, even in homogeneous networks. They are more evident in the heterogenous networks’ standard in human dynamics, where oscillators and nodes are mixed as different types. This paper proposes a simplified and overarching model for mixed chimeras. We discuss the information dynamics in these types of networks and their pattern transitions.

Integrating deliberate shaking into daily living: a paradoxical exercise for Parkinsonian tremor

Purpose Medication often falls short in controlling tremors in Parkinson’s disease. While physical activities suggest potential benefits, current exercise regimes have limitations. This paper explores the concept of deliberate shaking as an intervention to aid exercise uptake and potentially leverage synergies between medication and physical activity. It examines the rationale for and mechanisms of deliberate shaking before exploring its further examination and implementation for tremor rehabilitation. Method This conceptual article draws on relevant literature using the SANRA guide to explore the potential of deliberate shaking to relieve tremors in Parkinson’s disease. Results Deliberate shaking is a controlled exercise where an individual consciously initiates and partially surrenders to rhythmic movements while maintaining the ability to stop at will. Integrated into daily activities, this practice may target and stimulate specific muscle groups. It may alleviate tremor through various mechanisms: neurobiological, physiological, and cognitive and psychological. Before implementation, empirical research is needed to assess its feasibility, safety, and effectiveness. Implementation requires assessing eligibility for a shaking prescription, setting personalized goals, providing guidance as needed, and ensuring appropriate safety measures are in place. Conclusions Deliberate shaking is a potential adjunct treatment for Parkinsonian tremor. However, it requires further testing.