11237 research outputs found
Sort by
Who are the champions of workplace innovations? Playful use of technology and psychological ownership for championing Industry 4.0 technologies
No full textDrawing on extended self theory, we propose that developing psychological ownership of an innovation is a key mechanism for cultivating innovation champions–employees who actively advocate for and support innovation within organisations. To test this framework, we examined the implementation of Industry 4.0 technologies (I40T) using three-wave, multisource data from 255 employees and their managers. The findings indicate that engaging with workplace technologies in a playful manner fosters psychological ownership of I40T, which in turn predicts innovation championing. Moreover, employees’ implementation efficacy strengthened the positive relationships. This study offers a novel perspective on innovation implementation through the lens of extended self theory and provides actionable insights into how playful use of technology can foster a stronger sense of ownership, thereby developing champions of innovation in the workplace. By utilising a non-Western sample, the study also extends the scope of playful work design and psychological ownership research beyond Western contexts.</p
Introduction: wartime crime in Ukraine
No full textThis Special Issue examines the multifaceted relationship between war and crime through the lens of the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, addressing a longstanding gap in criminological engagement with armed conflict. While international crimes have drawn increasing scholarly attention, the broader criminogenic effects of war: on social order, ‘ordinary’ crime, legal norms, and institutional responses, remain underexplored. The contributions examine how conflict reshapes violence, norms, and illicit markets; how states expand criminal law during wartime; and how transnational criminality and accountability challenges evolve under geopolitical rupture. Bringing together Ukrainian and international scholars, the issue foregrounds domestic expertise, and advances a more inclusive and interdisciplinary criminology of war, while also highlighting the ethical, methodological, and personal challenges of conducting research during an ongoing war. Collectively, the studies demonstrate the need for a broader criminological perspective capable of capturing the wide-ranging and enduring impact of war on crime, justice, and social order.</p
A narrative literature review: the contribution of experts by experience to diverse forms of social work teamwork
No full textA commitment to co-production in which social workers co-create research, knowledge, and practice with people from multi-disciplinary backgrounds and people with direct lived experience of accessing services, who are termed experts by experience (EbEs), underpins social work ethics and values. EbEs are understood to be people who use their experiences of accessing health and social care services to influence and change all forms of social work. Despite this, EbEs have, to date, had limited involvement in teamwork in social work practice, although their contributions to social work education, research and practice innovations, as peers in the team, are of growing significance. A narrative re-view was undertaken to explore the gap in the routine involvement of EbEs in different forms of social work practice-based teamwork. This narrative review identified three over-arching themes to understand how EbEs contribute to social work teamwork: involvement in team relationships and in decision-making, involvement in knowledge production, and involvement in health and social care practice innovations. However, it must be acknowledged that the everyday involvement of EbEs in social work, including in multi-disciplinary teamwork, apart from small pockets of mental health practice, such as peer support workers, is lacking. It appears that EbEs are involved in practice inno-vations, rather than everyday practice; therefore, despite social work’s political and ideological commitment to co-production, it is less advanced than is often claimed.</p
Long-term physical health conditions among UK female veterans: a UK Biobank cohort study comparing male veterans and female civilians
No full textObjectives: To examine differences in physical health conditions among female veterans compared with male veterans and female civilians. Design: Cohort analysis using data from the UK Biobank, incorporating self-reported and hospital-derived health information. Participants: Veteran status was identified using Standard Occupational Classification codes. The study included female veterans (n=546), male veterans (n=2722) and female civilians (n=66 305). Outcome measures: Physical health conditions were identified through self-report and hospital records. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated associations between veteran status and selected health conditions, adjusting for age, sociodemographic factors, time in service, body mass index and current smoking status. Results: Compared with female civilians, female veterans had increased odds of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.79, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.08) and lower odds of hypertension (aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.93), with no significant difference in musculoskeletal conditions or osteoarthritis. Compared with male veterans, female veterans had significantly higher odds of osteoarthritis (aOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.08), migraine (aOR 2.63, 95% CI 1.66 to 4.19) and thyroid disorders (aOR 4.42, 95% CI 2.83 to 6.89). Conclusions: Female veterans have distinct physical health profiles, including a greater burden of musculoskeletal and respiratory conditions compared with male veterans and female civilians. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention and clinical interventions for women with a history of military service.</p
Machine learning driven inverse design of devices and components for optical communication and sensing systems: a comprehensive review
No full textWe discuss recent progress in using machine-learning (ML)-enabled inverse design techniques applied to photonic devices and components. Specifically, we highlight the design of optical sources, including fiber and semiconductor lasers, as well as Raman and semiconductor optical amplifiers. Although inverse design approaches for optical detectors remain relatively underexplored, we examine optical layers, particularly metamaterial absorbers, as promising candidates for high-performance optical detection. In addition, we underscore advancements in inverse designing passive optical components, including beam splitters, gratings, and optical fibers. These optical blocks are fundamental in developing next-generation standalone optical communication systems and optical sensing networks, including integrated sensing and communication technologies. While categorizing various reported deep learning architectures across five paradigms, we offer a paradigm-based perspective that reveals how different ML techniques function within modern inverse design methods and enable fast, data-driven solutions that significantly reduce design time and computational demands compared with traditional optimization methods.</p
Metaphysical and Legal Implications of the Earliest Instance of Āyāt al-Aḥkām: The Prophet Muḥammad’s Spiritual Journey in Light of the Obligatory Nature of the Night Prayer Vigil (Ṣalāt al-Layl) in Sūrat al-Muzzammil
No full textThis study aims to explore critically the relationship between verses of law in the Qur'an to ritual acts - specifically, the night prayer vigil, circumstances of their revelation and transformative journey of Prophet Muhammad. By delving into jurisprudence, exegesis and law, we can better appreciate the depth of Islamic jurisprudence and exegesis for classical and contemporary challenges.</p
Exploring the impact of tinnitus on work productivity
No full textBackground/Objectives: Tinnitus affects various aspects of health, yet its impact on occupational functioning remains less well explored. This study investigated the impact of tinnitus on work productivity, the role of comorbidities of anxiety, depression, and quality of life, and explored whether an evidence-based intervention may potentially influence workplace functioning. Methods: The study used cross-sectional and longitudinal data and employed mixed methods design to enable comparing work productivity before and after undertaking ICBT for tinnitus. Data were collected from 449 participants (64% employed; mean age of 54.4 years) who were seeking to enroll in an internet-based psychological intervention. Of these, 200 also completed an internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy intervention (ICBT). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, qualitative content analysis and comparisons made between those whose work was unaffected due to tinnitus and those who worked less. Results: Pre-intervention, 81% reported no change in work patterns. Because of tinnitus 11% worked fewer hours, 7% had stopped working, and 1% received disability allowance. Participants were significantly less effective in their work capacity prior to undertaking the intervention compared to post-intervention and at follow-up; for the overall sample and post-intervention improvements were observed in tinnitus distress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. There was significant time difference between group interactions for tinnitus, anxiety and insomnia but not for depression and quality of life when comparing those working and not working. Qualitative findings highlighted challenges related to attention, fatigue, and communication, as well as coping strategies and role modifications. Conclusions: Further studies are required to build on this exploratory research. The present findings underscore the need for workplace policies recognizing tinnitus as a potential disability and providing reasonable accommodation and options to access tinnitus interventions. Clinical interventions should also consider how to improve workplace functioning in individuals with bothersome tinnitus. Future research should explore ways to address cognitive load and enhance productivity.</p
AI-Enabled Microlearning and Case Study Atomisation: ICT Pathways for Inclusive and Sustainable Higher Education
No full textThe integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into higher education offers new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable learning. This study investigates the impact of an AI-enabled microlearning cycle—comprising short instructional videos, formative quizzes, and structured discussions—on student engagement, inclusivity, and academic performance in postgraduate management education. A mixed-methods design was applied across two cohorts (2023, n = 138; 2024, n = 140). Data included: (1) survey responses on engagement, accessibility, and confidence (5-point Likert scale); (2) learning analytics (video views, quiz completion, forum activity); (3) academic results; and (4) qualitative feedback from open-ended questions. Quantitative analyses used Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, regressions, and subgroup comparisons; qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings revealed significant improvements across all dimensions (p </p
Book review: Contact Lens Complications, 4th ed.
No full textProfessor Nathan Efron is a distinguished academic whose pioneering research has shaped modern contact lens practice. His book, Contact Lens Complications, has long been regarded as a cornerstone resource in optometric education and clinical practice. Consistent with previous editions, the book presents topics in a logical, tissue-based format that aligns with the way clinicians approach ocular assessment. This structure is particularly beneficial for students, as it mirrors the systematic examination of ocular tissues performed during slit-lamp examinations.</p
The experience of gay Christian men attending collaborative workshops facilitated by a sexual health professional and a priest
No full textBackground: Although workshops facilitated by a sexual health professional and a priest to support gay Christian men who struggle with accepting their sexuality and religious identity have been organized, the experience of attending such workshops has not been studied.Aim: To understand the experience of gay Christian men who attended collaborative workshops.Methods: Six collaborative workshops were conducted between a sexual health clinic and a church in central London from January to September 2018. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 11 gay Christian men who participated in the workshops. Data on their experiences were collected through semistructured interviews, images, and the innovative method of haiku poetry, which was used to reflect on their experiences during and after the workshops. All the data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Outcome: Gaining insights into the experiences of gay Christian men who participated in collaborative workshops.Results: The collaborative workshops had a significant impact on gay Christian men in two key areas: self-perception and relationships. The contributing factors to this influence were either environmental or personal. Three themes emerged: motivation, self-development, and the influence of the environment. Some participants embraced the workshops, while others experienced a sense of urgency. The workshops were experienced as fostering their self-growth. In contrast, others were reminded of their destructive behaviors, which left them feeling hopeless. For some participants, the workshop’s environment highlighted their minority status as a strength, whereas for others, it highlighted their loneliness.Clinical Implication: This study showed the importance of understanding motivation for attending the collaborative workshops.Strengths and Limitations: Although the findings cannot be generalized to all religious and sexual minorities, they can inform future collaborations. Although a small sample was recruited, it provided an in-depth understanding of the experiences of these men. Limited funding restricted the workshops’ accessibility to hard-to-reach communities. The data were analyzed from a psychological perspective.Conclusion: This study introduces a novel model for integrating religion and sexuality. It adapts Maslow’s hierarchy of needs for gay Christian men to include freedom from shame as an essential requirement, subsequently fostering belongingness, connection, and love.</p
Data sources:
Access Repository Dashboard
Do you manage Open Research Online? Become a CORE Member to access insider analytics, issue reports and manage access to outputs from your repository in the CORE Repository Dashboard! 👇