Innovative Responses Research Articles

Responsible Social Robotics and the Dilemma of Control

Social robotic platforms are increasingly entering into human social practices, but to date the question of control and direction of innovation processes surrounding social robotics is still highly debated. In this paper I seek to make a two-fold contribution. Firstly, I critically discuss the “Collingridge Dilemma”, also known as the “dilemma of control” in Science and Technologies Studies, and contemporary efforts to address such a dilemma. I demonstrate how such efforts have neglected some wider implications of the dilemma, whose relevance is instead crucial for addressing ethical implications in social robotics. Secondly, to help improve the understanding of control in social robotics, I investigate two guiding principles that have been identified in responsible innovation literature, e.g., inclusion and responsiveness, and I identify potential methods and paradigms to put them into practice. The general aim of this paper is thus to bridge the gap between the theoretical assumptions of responsible innovation and its realisation in practice, as well as to explicitly integrate social robotics with an ethical dimension that can improve the inclusiveness, transdisciplinarity, and social sustainability of this emerging field.

Assessing healthcare capacity crisis preparedness: development of an evaluation tool by a Canadian health authority.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented health systems across the globe with unparalleled socio-political, ethical, scientific, and economic challenges. Despite the necessity for a unified, innovative, and effective response, many jurisdictions were unprepared to such a profound health crisis. This study aims to outline the creation of an evaluative tool designed to measure and evaluate the Vitalité Health Network's (New Brunswick, Canada) ability to manage health crises. The methodology of this work was carried out in four stages: (1) construction of an evaluative framework; (2) validation of the framework; (3) construction of the evaluative tool for the Health Authority; and (4) evaluation of the capacity to manage a health crisis. The resulting evaluative tool incorporated 8 dimensions, 74 strategies, and 109 observable elements. The dimensions included: (1) clinical care management; (2) infection prevention and control; (3) governance and leadership; (4) human and logistic resources; (5) communication and technologies; (6) health research; (7) ethics and values; and (8) training. A Canadian Health Authority implemented the tool to support its future preparedness. This study introduces a methodological strategy adopted by a Canadian health authority to evaluate its capacity in managing health crises. Notably, this study marks the first instance where a Canadian health authority has created a tool for emergency healthcare management, informed by literature in the field and their direct experience from handling the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Leadership, excellence and the marginalisation of refugees in Higher Education

In this article we trace the changing fortunes of an education initiative for refugees and other displaced people located at Central European University (CEU). The programme (OLIve - the Open Learning Initiative) has shifted: instead of being celebrated as an innovative response to the 'migrant crisis' of 2015 it was marked for closure by CEU's leadership in 2023. We locate this change in OLIve's fortunes in CEU's adaptations to the changing conditions of higher education, not least the potent combination of dynamics of marketisation and managerialisation. We suggest these have produced a reorganisation of power and authority within the university, encapsulated in the person of the Leader - and the organisational phenomenon of 'leaderism'. The Leader both announces and embodies the pursuit of 'excellence' as the core mission of the university, underpinned by the accumulation of financial and cultural capital ('prestige'). We trace some of the ways in which this mission reorganises the landscape of the university, marginalising those deemed non–excellent and the programmes that might support them. We suggest that these dynamics remain contested and contestable in important ways

Does performance-based environmental regulation improve the quality of innovation responses in the auto industry? The moderating role of corporate governance effectiveness

Innovation is the primary driving force for high-quality development. How can we effectively leverage the role of environmental regulation to force enterprises to innovate and promote high-quality development? This paper breaks through the single dimension of environmental regulation and innovation, and examines the impacts of performance-based environmental regulation stringency (PBR) on high-quality and low-quality innovation responses (HQI and LQI). Analyzing a European country on-road vehicle emissions dataset with Heckman two-stage models, the study demonstrates that performance-based environmental regulation has different impacts on two types of innovation responses. The research results are as follows: (1) Stringent PBR has a significant negative effect on HQI decisions and corresponding magnitude, while PBR promotes the occurrence and magnitude of LQI. (2) The impact of stringent PBR on innovation responses is different among automakers with different corporate governance. Specifically, the inhibitory effect of PBR on HQI and the positive effect on LQI can be alleviated when corporate governance is effective. (3) For transmission mechanisms, stringent PBR promotes HQI through differentiation strategic positioning and leads to LQI through cost leadership strategic positioning. (4) Further discussion found that the shorter implementation timescale of PBR and fewer resources within the automaker can strengthen the adverse impact of PBR on HQI and the promoting effect on LQI. These results provide references for the decision making of scientific environmental policy and the reasonable planning of policy stringency to improve environmental quality and social welfare.

Innovative Responses to Exogenous Shocks in Indonesian Transportation Firms: Mediating Role of Sustainable Performance and Outcomes

Innovative Responses to Exogenous Shocks in Indonesian Transportation Firms: Mediating Role of Sustainable Performance and Outcomes

Innovative Responses to Exogenous Shocks in Indonesian Transportation Firms: Mediating Role of Sustainable Performance and Outcomes

Innovative Responses to Exogenous Shocks in Indonesian Transportation Firms: Mediating Role of Sustainable Performance and Outcomes

Entrepreneurial responses to Covid‐19: The use of digital brand marketing events in the craft alcohol sector

AbstractThe wide‐ranging implications following the Covid‐19 pandemic have necessitated research into innovative entrepreneurial responses. The research study incorporates the concept of branded marketing events (BMEs) and considers their effectiveness in craft alcohol digital marketing. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in Charlotte, North Carolina, and focused on the entrepreneurial responses of craft alcohol producers. Findings indicate that the inter‐relationships between the experiential components adapted to a digital environment enhance the engagement consumers experience with craft alcohol producers. The responses of craft alcohol producers to the impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic provide valuable insights into strategies employed during times when traditional sales and marketing activities face exceptional challenges.

Challenges in Integrating Green Buildings into Everyday Life

In recent decades, problems related to climate change, pollution and resource depletion have become increasingly urgent. Green architecture, also known as green buildings or sustainable construction, is an innovative response to these challenges. In this paper, the concept of green buildings, their benefits, and main characteristics, as well as their role in promoting a sustainable future for architecture and the environment will be explored.Integrating the green buildings into everyday life is an important challenge, but also an extremely necessary one in the context of climate change and concern for environmental sustainability. Green buildings are structures designed to be more environmentally friendly and generate less impact on natural resources. Despite their obvious benefits, however, there are some significant challenges that need to be overcome to promote their integration into everyday life.While these challenges exist, efforts to integrate green buildings into everyday life are still essential to ensure a more sustainable and greener future for future generations. Over time, as technology advances, awareness grows, and regulations improve, these challenges are expected to be overcome and green buildings to become a regular part of the urban landscape.

Operationalizing Transformational Leadership Components: Impact on Commercial Banking Strategies in Nairobi County

In Nairobi County's dynamic banking milieu, effective leadership remains paramount. Grounded in transformational leadership theory, this study delved into the impact of transformational leadership on strategic commercial banking adaptations. Utilizing a cross-sectional descriptive approach, insights were garnered from 234 credit managers across different tiers in Nairobi, selected via a stratified sampling technique. Results underscored that, banks led by transformational leaders not only showcased adaptive acumen but also pioneered innovative responses to banking challenges, notably in integrating risk-based pricing model. These banks demonstrated heightened agility amidst market and regulatory vicissitudes. The study accentuates the imperative of embedding transformational leadership in Nairobi's commercial banks, spotlighting its cardinal role in fostering strategic innovation and cementing market competitiveness.

Effects of COVID-19 on sexual and reproductive health services access in the Asia-Pacific region: a qualitative study of expert and policymaker perspectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained health systems globally, with governments imposing strict distancing and movement restrictions. Little is known about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual and reproductive health (SRH). This study examined perceived effects of COVID-19 on SRH service provision and use in the Asia-Pacific region. We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 28 purposively sampled SRH experts in 12 Asia-Pacific countries (e.g. United Nations, international and national non-governmental organisations, ministries of health, academia) between November 2020 and January 2021. We analysed data using the six-stage thematic analysis approach proposed by Braun and Clarke (2019). Interviewees reported that COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as transport restrictions and those that decreased the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), reduced SRH service provision and use in most countries. SRH needs related to service barriers and gender-based violence increased. Systemic challenges included fragmented COVID-19 response plans and insufficient communication and collaboration, particularly between public and private sectors. SRH service-delivery challenges included COVID-19 response prioritisation, e.g. SRH staff task-shifting to COVID-19 screening and contact tracing, and lack of necessary supplies and equipment. Innovative SRH delivery responses included door-to-door antenatal care and family planning provision in the Philippines, online platforms for SRH education and outreach in Viet Nam, and increasing SRH service engagement through social media in Myanmar and Indonesia. To ensure continuation of SRH services during health emergencies, governments should earmark human and financial resources and prioritise frontline health-worker safety; work with communities and the private sector; and develop effective risk communications.

“New innovative QR code-based mobile audience response system (mARS) for panel discussion (PD) in a Indian Arthroscopy Society conference(IASCON) of 1102 registered delegates.” - A cross-sectional study

PurposeThe purpose is to determine the feasibility of Mobile based Audience response system (mARS) and the best time to get maximum delegate participation in panel discussion at a national Indian Arthroscopic Society conference(year-2022) with 1102 delegates by studying their engagement at various time schedules. MethodsOur institution-based software engineer set up mARS, and a separate URL, was purchased for recording the responses. 5 Panel discussions (PD) were moderated by senior national faculty, 3 were on knee topics, and 2 were on Shoulder topics. The audiences were engaged in ongoing PD discussion by displaying the multiple choice questions (MCQs) questions for 15–30 seconds & real-time response was collated, and poll results were declared in real-time during the conference. The data of each panel discussion was acquired from admin page & statistical analysis was done to determine the audience participation in Hall A (Knee) versus Hall B (Shoulder), Day 2 versus day 3 and pre-lunch session versus post-lunch session. ResultsMaximum number of delegates (252) participated in Multi-ligament knee injury (MLKI)PD (day 2); however, percentage of response was higher for Massive cuff tear PD (day 3). Audience response was better on day 2, for shoulder topics and pre-lunch session PD than on day 3, knee topics and post-lunch sessions & this was statistically significant (p < 0.001). ConclusionsmARS proves is an innovative and valuable resource, enhancing audience participation during PD at large gatherings. Real-time results aids not only active delegate engagement but also helps moderators/panellist in curating discussions to answer uncommon queries and unify the responses. The most suitable time for PD sessions utilizing mARS is the pre-lunch slot on day 2. Level of the evidenceLevel 3 (Decision Analysis- Observational cross-sectional study). Study designCross-Sectional Study. RelevanceThis article helps the organizers of larger meeting to time the panel discussion appropriately to obtain maximum audience participation and curate the discussion based on delegate centric responses. Key termsmobile Audience response system (mARS), Audience response system (ARS), Panel Discussion(PD), Indian Arthroscopic Society conference (IASCON), Indian Arthroscopy society (IAS). What is known about the subjectAudience response system (ARS) in the smaller meeting and webinars are well known entity to have active participation in on-going discussion. “What are the new findings?”Response and results of innovative QR code-based mobile Audience response system (mARS) for Panel discussion (PD) in larger arthroscopic conference with 1102 delegates showed delegates were more interested in Shoulder topics and pre-lunch session and Day 2 response were better.

Green logistics operations and its impact on supply chain sustainability: An empirical study

AbstractThis study aims to understand the impact of green logistics operations on the sustainability of supply chains. It is an experimental, numerical analysis carried out in an Indian industrial setting to derive some empirical truths, which have profound implications for the community of professional practice and academic and policy research towards inclusiveness in ecological governance. The analysis is centred on a conceptual model based on causal interdependencies. This model conceives stakeholders' demands from the outside in the form of numerous environmental, economic and social externalities triggering pressures for integrating innovative sustainable responses in logistics operations in the supply chain to eventuate desirable state transformation of the society, environment and economy. The model, as proposed, is validated through primary data collected through a structured questionnaire survey from Indian logistics service providers (LSPs) and analysed through structural equation modelling (SEM) with coding in the R engine platform. The empirical result shows that sustainable performance is influenced less by green practices than logistics operations, and the direct impact of logistics operations is much less on green practices than on supply chain sustainability. This study attempts to study contemporary sustainability practices. It transcends to contribute towards regenerative inclusive human welfare, adding the scope of activity from merely environmental management to sustainability in ecological governance.

From Forces to Assemblies: van der Waals Forces-Driven Assemblies in Anisotropic Quasi-2D Graphene and Quasi-1D Nanocellulose Heterointerfaces towards Quasi-3D Nanoarchitecture.

In the pursuit of advanced functional materials, the role of low-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) heterointerfaces has recently ignited noteworthy scientific interest, particularly in assemblies that incorporate quasi-2D graphene and quasi-1D nanocellulose derivatives. The growing interest predominantly stems from the potential to fabricate distinct genres of quasi-2D/1D nanoarchitecture governed by vdW forces. Despite the possibilities, the inherent properties of these nanoscale entities are limited by in-plane covalent bonding and the existence of dangling π-bonds, constraints that inhibit emergent behavior at heterointerfaces. An innovative response to these limitations proposes a mechanism that binds multilayered quasi-2D nanosheets with quasi-1D nanochains, capitalizing on out-of-plane non-covalent interactions. The approach facilitates the generation of dangling bond-free iso-surfaces and promotes the functionalization of multilayered materials with exceptional properties. However, a gap still persists in understanding transition and alignment mechanisms in disordered multilayered structures, despite the extensive exploration of monolayer and asymmetric bilayer arrangements. In this perspective, we comprehensively review the sophisticated aspects of multidimensional vdW heterointerfaces composed of quasi-2D/1D graphene and nanocellulose derivatives. Further, we discuss the profound impacts of anisotropy nature and geometric configurations, including in-plane and out-of-plane dynamics on multiscale vdW heterointerfaces. Ultimately, we shed light on the emerging prospects and challenges linked to constructing advanced functional materials in the burgeoning domain of quasi-3D nanoarchitecture.

Taking Innovation Seriously: A Dynamic Competition Model for Antitrust Law

Although innovation is often portrayed as a byproduct of competition, innovation and related dynamic aspects of competition are also, and perhaps more so, drivers of competition. The current antitrust framework, as illustrated by merger law and the agency guidelines that bear on that law, emphasizes static, demand-side conditions in defining markets and assessing likely anticompetitive effects. Only after the market has been defined and competitive effects assessed are innovation and dynamic, supply-side developments considered, and then in the context of rebutting anticompetitive findings already made on the basis of the static assessment. In addition, the burden of demonstrating and quantifying the supply-side developments is placed on the merging parties despite their relatively limited access to competitor capabilities, strategies, and plans. The following article suggests a new framework that places the burden of addressing dynamic considerations primarily on the enforcement agencies that must be met before the agencies can establish a presumption of illegality against a proposed transaction or a prime facie case against a competitive practice. It also suggests a more qualitative assessment of innovation and likely supply responses that is elaborated in the accompanying article by Professor David J. Teece.

Policy gaps and food systems optimization: a review of agriculture, environment, and health policies in South Africa.

South Africa faces the triple burden of malnutrition, high poverty levels, unemployment, and inequality. "Wicked problems" such as these require innovative and transdisciplinary responses, multi-stakeholder coordination and collaboration, managing complex synergies and trade-offs, and achieving sustainable outcomes. Through qualitative content analysis of national and provincial sector-based policies, we explored the interlinkages between the agriculture, environment, and health sectors in South Africa in the context of sustainable food and nutrition security and the extent to which these interlinkages are integrated into policy and planning. A systemic analysis of the review outcomes was performed to identify its main learning outcome, the status quo in the policy process. The nature of feedback loops was identified, and a leverage point was suggested. The review highlighted that policymakers in the agriculture, environment and health sectors are aware of, and have understood, the relationships among the three sectors. They have also made attempts to address these interlinkages through collaboration and coordination. Unfortunately, this has been met with several challenges due to fragmented sector-specific mandates and targets and a lack of resources for integrated solutions. This creates implementation gaps and unintended duplication of activities, leading to poor service delivery. Transitioning to sustainable and healthy food systems will only be possible after these gaps have been closed and implementation optimization has been achieved. Focusing on meta-level problem-framing, functional collaboration through transdisciplinary approaches, and integrated targets are critical to successful policy implementation and progressive realization of national goals related to sustainable food and nutrition security, unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

‘Beyond GDP’ in cities: Assessing alternative approaches to urban economic development

Crises spur reflection and re-evaluation of what matters and what is valued. The impacts of the 2008 global financial crisis, COVID-19 pandemic and climate emergency are reigniting debates about the nature of economic development approaches and what they aim to achieve in urban settings. Addressing a substantive gap in contemporary debates by helping to navigate a burgeoning and diverse field, this paper provides a critical and comparative assessment of five leading agendas that have been positioned as alternative and progressive policy responses to urban economic change: inclusive growth; the wellbeing economy; community wealth building; doughnut economics; and the foundational economy. Taking an international perspective, the paper provides a comparative review of their stated visions, mechanisms for change, and the spatial scales through which they are led and implemented. Our argument is that these alternative approaches to urban economic development are shaping creative, innovative and progressive responses to longstanding urban problems within policy and practice communities but require on-going scrutiny and evaluation to realise their potential to meaningfully achieve transformative change.

Multi-objective optimisation of K-shape notch multi-way spool valve using CFD analysis, discharge area parameter model, and NSGA-II algorithm

Multi-way spool valves (MWSVs) with K-shape notches (KSNs) provide advantages such as improvement of the actuator speed control, micro-action, and response performance. However, the pressure drop (PD) associated with the energy consumption is larger of MWSVs under the high-pressure and large-flow condition. Meanwhile, extremely complex flow coefficient and multi-parameter, highly coupled KSNs are the chief factors restricting the flow-pressure characteristics exploration and optimisation design of MWSVs. To address these problems, complete numerical research and experiment are performed in this study, especially concerning the method of MWSV flow-pressure characteristics modelling, and surrogated model-based optimal design of KSN structures. First, the relationships between KSN structure parameters and flow-pressure properties of MWSV are modelled on the innovative discharge area parameter model (DAPM) and response surface methodology (RSM) (RSM-DPAM) using the CFD dataset. Second, to reduce the PD combining the flow control performance, surrogate model-based optimisation design is addressed. During optimisation, six KSN structure parameters are chosen as design variables, PD and flow area relative deviation (FARD) are selected as objective functions, and the RSM is employed as the projected model. Depended on the created surrogate model, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is established to search for the optimal KSN structure. To certify the performance of the optimisation, flow field characteristics are analysed. The results demonstrate that the proposed RSM-DAPM-RSM model achieves reliable prediction for PD and FARD with a great correlation coefficient (0.9757 and 0.9946). The average PD reduces as much as 7.23% while the FARD is only 1.28%. Moreover, the region of low-pressure, high-velocity, and high-turbulent kinetic energy in the flow field are reduced. The proposed framework enhances the performance in KSN spool optimisation and could be applied to other kinds of notches.Abbreviations: BOI: Body of influence; BSV: Bucket spool valve; CFD: Computational fluid dynamics; CM: Construction machinery; DAPM: Discharge area parameter model; FARD: Flow area relative deviation; FCC: Flow control characteristic; GSA: Global sensitivity analysis; KSN: K-shape notch; MHAs: Meta-heuristic algorithms; MODE: Multi-objective differential evolution; MOGA: Multi-objective genetic algorithm; MOO: Multi-objective optimisation; MOPSO: Multi-objective particle swarm optimisation; MWSV: Multi-way spool valve; NRMS: Non-road mobile source; NSGA-II: Non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm; OLHD: Optimal Latin hypercube design; PD: Pressure drop; PDCs: Pressure drop characteristics; RSM: Response surface methodology; SA: Sensitivity analysis; TKE: Turbulent kinetic energy; TOPSIS: Technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution; VFR: Volume flow rate

Shaking table test and numerical analysis of an innovative precast reinforced concrete building structure

This paper presents an innovative precast concrete (PC) building structure consisted of discretely connected PC floors (DCPCF) and PC frames with dry beam-column connections. A 1/4-scale model of a 4-story 2-bay single-span frame structure was designed and tested on the shaking table under the designed seismic excitation to evaluate the dynamic characteristics and seismic responses of the innovative building structure. In the whole process of loading, beam-plate joints and slab joints can reliably transfer loads without obvious damage, making the innovative PC building structure has good seismic performance, and all indicators meet the requirements of GB 50011-2010. In addition, a finite element model (FEM) was established using nonlinear dynamic modeling program and was calibrated by test results. Here we compare the innovative PC building structure seismic response with the cast-in-situ structure by numerical simulation method, and the diaphragm performance and rigidity characteristics of the DCPCF in orthogonal slab laying (OSL) direction were analyzed, Additionally, design suggestions of the innovative PC building structure were proposed.

Interventions to promote ageing in place: developing the Village model in Manchester

PurposeThe Village model, most extensively developed in the USA, is an innovative response to ageing populations and older adults who wish to remain living independently within their community. The “Urban Villages” participatory action research study aimed to test the potential of the Village model to work with groups of older adults in two economically deprived, inner-city neighbourhoods in Manchester, UK.Design/methodology/approachParticipatory methods were used to work with residents to, first, adapt the Village model to the Manchester setting, and second, to develop and deliver community projects that supported ageing in place. The study aimed to involve marginalised individuals and groups in the co-design, leadership and implementation of the projects. Ethnographic methods were applied to observe and reflect on the development of “Urban Villages”. Interviews and focus groups were organised to gather the views of the residents involved in the community projects.FindingsResidents were supported to develop and test seven projects, all aimed at reducing social isolation and supporting ageing in place. The study provides new insights into challenges related to co-production with older people in deprived neighbourhoods. These challenges are presented under the following headings: individual capacity and expectations; collective capacity including communication and knowledge; and the capacity of place.Originality/valueTo date, only a limited amount of literature is available showing how co-production with older adults can be realised when working with marginalised groups and deprived communities. The paper explores the potential of participatory approaches to develop age-friendly initiatives through strengthening the capacity of older adults to age in place.

Unpacking Chinese primary school English teachers’ perceptions: personal blockers and enablers in global citizenship education

ABSTRACT Citizenship education has been transcending from traditional national boundaries to Global Citizenship Education (GCE) as an innovative educational response to ever-intensifying globalization. However, GCE remains an under-researched area in the field of English language teaching (ELT), and few efforts in China have been made to explore how primary school English teachers perceive GCE. To address the gap, a qualitative study was conducted to capture Chinese primary school English teachers’ perceptions of GCE and to explore their personal blockers and enablers of GCE in ELT. A qualitative content analysis of the data from semi-structured interviews was conducted with respect to three themes: teachers’ awareness of GCE in ELT, ELT implementation regarding GCE, and challenges in ELT regarding GCE, the findings of which revealed a broad range of blockers and enablers of GCE in ELT. The insufficient awareness of critical GCE among teachers and the dominance of soft GCE in ELT may be serious blockers to critical GCE. This study argues that teachers should re-think the value of GCE and facilitate their personal enablers by integrating critical GCE into ELT. The findings could provide some implications for educators to contribute to China’s context-specific GCE through English language education.