7564 research outputs found
Sort by
Using cognitive cases to establish incidence: the case of exaptative actions
Full text linkThe primary methodological approach in cognitive psychology is experimental. However, the case study seems to hold particular importance in the foundational concepts of higher cognitive functions. For example, theories of the cognitive changes that lead to spontaneous insights have their roots in moments such as Poincaré’s realisation about chaos theory while stepping onto a bus or Kohler’s description of the ape Sultan’s sudden discovery of how to reach a banana. Indeed, it makes sense for research that is interested in nonstandard cognitive processes to be founded on case studies. In this paper, we draw on detailed examination of single cases to illustrate exaptative actions. Exaptative actions are actions which have an initial goal not related to changing the problem space in an epistemically or pragmatically amenable way but accidentally reveal a pathway to the problem solution. We show that these actions are a common bridge between pragmatic and epistemic actions but also question the idea that there are easily identifiable distinct action forms over the course of a problem-solving episode. We finish with observations on the importance of qualitative, single case research to cognitive psychology
Forging a green future: synergizing Industry 4.0 technologies and circular economy tactics to achieve net-zero in sustainable supply chains
No full textIndustry 4.0 (I4.0) and Circular Economy (CE) are emerging in academic, managerial, and policy debates, leading to integrating sustainable supply chain and net zero paradigms as an important phenomenon for maintaining competitive advantages in business. Although CE and I4.0 have significant benefits, their integration is largely untapped, representing a significant opportunity to integrate technological advancements with sustainable practices. Hence, this study investigates how CE and I4.0 can be integrated to achieve net zero in a knowledge-based sustainable supply chain. As part of this objective, the paper conducts an exploratory systematic review of selected articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Three main categories are identified from the selected articles: (i) CE principles and I4.0 technologies integration, (ii) the role of CE-I4.0 nexus in a sustainable supply chain (iii) leveraging CE-4.0 integration for net zero sustainable supply chains. We propose a multi-perspective framework to analyz
How management accountants address the challenges of energy and climate change reporting: evidence from a longitudinal case study
No full textThis study examines how management accountants contribute to address the challenges of energy and climate change reporting. Through a four-year longitudinal case study based on interviews and documentary analysis of a leading Italian multi-utility company, this research relies on institutional theory to explore how management accountants influence corporate practices to meet the demands of the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically concerning Goal 7 and Goal 13.
The findings suggest that management accountants should follow a seven-step incorporating key strategies such as defining, constructing identities, educating, enabling, mimicry, embedding and routinizing, and policing, relying on cognitive, organizational, interpersonal, and behavioral competencies to address energy and climate change challenges.
A hybrid, dynamic, and context-specific view of management accountants emerges, emphasizing their dual role in traditional accounting tasks and business-supporting corporate activities. This study illustrates the evolving role of management accountants in integrating climate change issues within corporate reporting practices, highlighting their strategic importance in promoting sustainability
Cyber threats in financial transactions: addressing the dual challenge of AI and quantum computing
Full text linkThe financial sector faces escalating cyber threats amplified by artificial intelligence (AI) and the advent of quantum computing. AI is being weaponized for sophisticated attacks like deepfakes and AI-driven malware, while quantum computing threatens to render current encryption methods obsolete. This report analyzes these threats, relevant frameworks, and possible countermeasures like quantum cryptography. AI enhances social engineering and phishing attacks via personalized content, lowers entry barriers for cybercriminals, and introduces risks like data poisoning and adversarial AI. Quantum computing, particularly Shor's algorithm, poses a fundamental threat to current encryption standards (RSA and ECC), with estimates suggesting cryptographically relevant quantum computers could emerge within the next 5-30 years. The "harvest now, decrypt later" scenario highlights the urgency of transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography. This is key. Existing legal frameworks are evolving to address AI in cybercrime, but quantum threats require new initiatives. International cooperation and harmonized regulations are crucial. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers theoretical security but faces practical limitations. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is a promising alternative, with ongoing standardization efforts. Recommendations for international regulators include fostering collaboration and information sharing, establishing global standards, supporting research and development in quantum security, harmonizing legal frameworks, promoting cryptographic agility, and raising awareness and education. The financial industry must adopt a proactive and adaptive approach to cybersecurity, investing in research, developing migration plans for quantum-resistant cryptography, and embracing a multi-faceted, collaborative strategy to build a resilient, quantum-safe, and AI-resilient financial ecosystem
Firm-level determinants of financial leverage in SMEs: evidence from the UK information technology sector
No full textUsing a sample of 88 firms listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange, this article examines the firm-level determinants of financial leverage in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the UK information technology (IT) sector. Specifically, it explores the ways financing decisions in IT SMEs differ from those in other sectors by assessing key firm characteristics - asset structure, firm size, asset utilization ratio, liquidity, profitability, and tax rate - and tests the applicability of trade-off and pecking order theories in explaining their financial behavior. This study contributes to the literature by revealing unique leverage behaviors in IT SMEs, highlighting firm-specific factors that shape financing decisions, and offering insights into the applicability of financial leverage theories in emerging sectors
Exploring lean team development from the Tuckman's model perspective
Full text linkThis study explores lean teams through the developmental stages of the Tuckman model. Twenty-seven interviewees commented on the teamwork of a lean programme deployed in their organisations. The results reveal that forming lean teams involves excitement, anticipation, and a desire for acceptance. However, frustration, competition, and a need for individual recognition follow in the storming phase. Training programmes that foster cooperation, compromise, and unity sometimes inadvertently create a 'them vs. us' divide in an organisation’s workforce in the norming phase. Additionally, work commitments hinder the development of shared mental models among team members. Lean teams achieve synergy, support, and goal focus in the performing phase, delivering six functions. However, challenges like prioritisation disagreements due to project overload still exist. The adjourning phase evokes mixed emotions: satisfaction with transitioning to a permanent team and sadness when the team disbands. The findings extend the Tuckman model to explain a lean team development lifecycle.
Polarization-insensitive nano-metamaterial sensor with near-infrared mu and epsilon negative properties for early cancer detection via exosome analysis (70 THz to 3 PHz)
Full text linkMetamaterials (MTMs) have emerged as essential components in high-performance electromagnetic devices, including sensors and absorbers. This study presents a polarization-insensitive nano-metamaterial sensor with exceptional angular stability and a wide operating range of 70 THz to 3 PHz. The sensor achieves an average absorption rate of 97% across this range, making it highly suitable for applications in biomedical engineering. By integrating microwave imaging (MWI) techniques, the sensor can detect circulating cancer exosomes (CCEs) with high sensitivity, effectively distinguishing them from normal exosomes. Exhibiting double-negative MTM properties (negative permittivity and permeability) in the near-infrared (NIR) range (70 THz to 400 THz), the sensor enhances sensitivity for early cancer detection. A detailed analysis of its properties, including impedance (Z), phase, and S11 parameters (real and imaginary components), demonstrates its superior performance. This non-invasive, label-free approach to detecting cancer biomarkers represents a significant step forward in advancing personalized healthcare
Young people’s constructions of identities: global perspectives
Full text linkThis article acts as the editorial introduction to a special issue of Societies, 'Young People’s Constructions of Identities: Global Perspectives' (Societies 2025, 15, 38. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc15020038). It briefly introduces the various recent constructions of identities - psycho-social, socio-cultural identity and post-structural and reviews the principal writers in each field. This analysis is then related to most of the articles in the special issue
The mechanisms of cybersex: a scoping review exploring engagement with wifi-enabled technologies in sexual behaviour
No full textWhile cybersex has received some attention in the last decade, it is usually framed in negative terms a simple search for cybersex will typically offer additional search terms such as ‘addiction’ or ‘problematic’. Increasingly, however, people are engaging positively with technology to support and enhance existing relationships, as well as for individual, autoerotic pleasure. This chapter explores the emerging literature in this area and identifies how people engage with technology, how this contributes to maintaining relationships, and how such technologies have added to the multisensory nature of modern sex
The influence of socioeconomic and cultural factors on emotional violence in gender-based abuse
No full textGender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive global issue that transcends cultural, geographic, and socio-economic boundaries. This study aims to contribute to the growing body of empirical literature on GBV by analysing its prevalence and associated factors across 19 countries using data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Phases 7 and 8. While previous studies have often focused on physical or sexual violence, this research provides a holistic perspective, disaggregating findings across physical, sexual, and emotional violence. Further, special emphasis is placed on emotional violence, a subtle yet deeply harmful form of abuse that involves manipulation, humiliation, and control, with far-reaching psychological consequences.
Our findings underscore the role of intergenerational violence, socio-economic disparities, and cultural norms in perpetuating emotional violence. Key determinants include childhood exposure to violence, educational attainment, economic dependence, and occupational vulnerabilities, with disparities observed across rural and urban settings. Emotional violence prevalence is particularly high among household workers and women in financially imbalanced relationships, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. The study identifies critical data gaps in understanding emotional violence and advocates for more in-depth questioning and qualitative research to capture its nuanced impacts