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Insider/outsider dynamics: a reflexive thematic analysis of reflexivity/positionality in the ‘qualitative research in psychology’ journal
No full textThis study examines the concept of reflexivity/positionality using secondary data, specifically all articles published in the ‘Qualitative Research in Psychology’ journal up to and including 2023. A Reflexive Thematic Analysis was conducted on all reflexivity/positionality statements to investigate how they were used in the journal, how researchers articulate their positionality and manage the complexities of social identities within the research process, and the dynamics between researchers and participants. Three main themes were developed: (a) background reflexivity, utilising previous literature; (b) self-identification, detailing the researchers’ identities; and (c) navigating insider-outsider dynamics, elaborating on their relationship with participants. These findings show the varied ways researchers express reflexivity in published work and point to a growing tendency to integrate reflexivity as part of methodological practice. We argue that by engaging in these practices, researchers can foster a more nuanced and dynamic understanding of reflexivity in qualitative research, thereby enhancing the credibility and depth of their analyses
Exploring innovation deployment of construction contracting firms through the lens of exploratory–exploitative learning: a Hong Kong case study
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This study aims to explore the innovation deployment of construction contracting firms through exploratory–exploitative learning and organisational ambidexterity.
Design/methodology/approach
Firstly, a literature-based conceptual framework was developed to explain innovation implementation through exploratory–exploitative learning and organisational ambidexterity. A prominent Hong Kong construction contracting firm was then selected as the case study to explore its innovation deployment at different organisational levels (i.e. firm and project levels). Qualitative data were attained by conducting 12 semi-structured interviews with industry experts and document analysis. The thematic analysis using NVivo 12 software was adopted to analyse data.
Findings
Findings reveal that the case study firm successfully fosters innovation when ambidexterity is achieved through the balance between exploratory (i.e. radical innovation) and exploitative learnings (i.e. incremental innovation).
Research limitations/implications
Establishing uniform ambidexterity (i.e. 50:50) at the firm or project level is not mandatory to deploy innovation successfully. The ratio can vary based on the characteristics and requirements of construction firms.
Practical implications
This paper shall motivate construction practitioners to adopt radical–incremental innovation ambidexterity in firms and ultimately enhance the productivity and efficiency of the construction industry.
Originality/value
Previous construction innovation research has frequently explored firm or project-level innovation separately. This study identified a multi-level focus on innovation. Through the lens of exploratory–exploitative theory, different forms of innovation ambidexterity for different levels are suggested rather than one specific ambidexterity
The art of the possible: aligning Safe and Together with systemic approaches. S&T London Partnership evaluation briefing one
Get PDFIn this briefing we explore the relationship between systemic practice frameworks in social work and the Safe and Together (S&T) approach to domestic abuse. During Year two of the S&T London Partnership project evaluation, some clinical teams noted frictions for them between the two approaches. As a potential barrier to implementation the evaluation team explored this in Year three, through a cross-borough action learning set of CSC practitioners and a discussion with the clinical team in one of the six partnership boroughs. We explore the tensions as part of a broader, historical conversation. Rather than divergent or competing approaches, we highlight the points of connection which can, and are, beginning to align the two in practice
Defected ground structure antenna array with metasurface inspired interlinked CSRR for 5G millimeter wave applications
Get PDFThis paper introduces a high-performance antenna array optimized for 5G millimeter-wave (mm-Wave) applications, efficiently operating within the 25–30 GHz frequency range. Three integrated techniques enhance performance without increasing physical size: First, a Defected Ground Structure (DGS) with a 25 × 25 mm2 square slot and embedded interlinked complementary split-ring resonators (CSRRs) inspired by metasurface (MTS) principles broaden bandwidth and improve impedance matching. Second, four oblique slots (4.5 × 0.4 mm2) placed at the ground plane’s corners enhance impedance matching, isolation, and extend the upper frequency to 30 GHz. Third, slotted radiation patches optimize radiation gain and efficiency. Initially, the design operated at 26.0–26.5 GHz and 27.5–28.0 GHz with a radiation gain of 2.8 dBi and efficiency of 56%. Incorporating DGS with CSRRs expanded bandwidth to 25–30 GHz, increased average radiation gain to 7.75 dBi, and improved efficiency to 68.75%. Introducing oblique slots further elevated the average gain to 9.15 dBi and efficiency to 79.5%. Finally, integrating open-loop slots into radiating patches raised the average gain to 12.4 dBi and efficiency to 86.25%. The final optimized antenna array, measuring 32 × 32 × 0.8 mm3, demonstrates significant improvements in radiation gain and efficiency, making it a compact, lightweight, cost-effective, and practical solution for 5G and other mm-Wave applications
Characterizing the co-existence of metallo-β-lactamase-producing and extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in community wastewater samples of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Get PDFEscherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates with multiple antibiotic-resistant genes in wastewater poses serious public health risks, as they can potentially contaminate the food and water supply. The main aim of this study was to isolate and identify E. coli and K. pneumoniae from community wastewater samples, determine their antibiotic resistance profiles, and their antibiotic-resistant genes. From the northern part of Dhaka, Bangladesh, 36 wastewater samples were collected across 11 different areas, which were then serially diluted, and cultured using selective media. Isolates were identified via polymerase chain reaction. Out of the 197 isolates identified, E. coli and K. pneumoniae accounted for 55.8% (n = 110) and 44.2% (n = 87), respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed multidrug resistance (MDR) in 30% of E. coli and 35.56% of K. pneumoniae isolates. Among E. coli, the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant genes included blaNDM-1 (8.9%), blaSHV (13.9%), and blaCTX-M (7.6%). In K. pneumoniae, the percentages were blaNDM-1 (12.8%), blaSHV (4.3%), and blaCTX-M (5.0%). Co-existence of multiple antibiotic-resistant genes was observed in 4.54% of E. coli isolates (n = 5) and 5.74% of K. pneumoniae isolates (n = 5). This suggests the escalating issue of infectious species becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics in wastewater systems
Methodological and ethical considerations in researching social media posts about drill music
No full textThis chapter considers the ethical considerations needed when using young people's social media posts in research.
The chapter uses research into drill music to consider the fact that young people's sense of self and the image they portray to others may change over time, but that their views and personas from historic social media posts can remain
Avoiding a reliance on enforcement to tackle youth violence
No full textThis chapter situates five recent London based youth safety programmes within the established violence suppression, gang intervention and youth safety approaches to consider some concerns emerging from current violence reduction initiatives. The chapter explores the challenges service providers face when developing a long term public health approach whilst trying to provide services that address immediate risk of violence. With levels of serious violence not seeing significant reductions, there may be pressure to increase the levels of police enforcement, as has been the case in previous interventions, most notably those based on the Comprehensive Gangs Model. However, this has not necessarily produced sustained reductions. The chapter finishes by proposing that a shift to a more neighbourhood level approach that empowers residents and young people to engage with those exposed to violence and help establish a supportive and caring local environment may be a more effective way to tackle serious youth violence
Reimagining student engagement: identity, inclusion, and innovation in higher education
Get PDFIn this issue, we are pleased to feature 14 papers comprising research articles and case studies, focusing on four key areas: understanding student engagement and identity, inclusive curriculum and structural challenges, pedagogical innovation and engagement strategies, and partnership, collaboration, and feedback. Together, these papers offer rich insights into how engagement is cultivated, disrupted, and reimagined across diverse HE contexts
From waste to worth: upcycling piscindustrial remnants into mineral-rich preparations
Get PDFThis study investigates the valorisation of piscindustrial by-products, specifically fishbones from mackerel, horse-mackerel, and sardines, as sustainable sources of multi-mineral ingredients (MMIs) for future dietary supplementation. Ground fishbone powders were first analysed for moisture content and total ash to establish baseline composition. Following these preliminary assessments, the samples underwent mineral profiling using microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES), enabling quantification of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, sodium, potassium, copper, lead, cadmium, selenium, chromium, tin, manganese, and mercury. All three species yielded high concentrations of essential minerals, supporting their relevance as upcycled nutritional resources. A sardine-based capsule formulation was developed and compared with a commercial calcium supplement through 240 min dissolution testing. While calcium release values differed significantly from 75 min onward, both formulations exhibited similar dissolution profile shapes, despite differing dosage forms. Statistical analysis confirmed time- and formulation-dependent effects, with the sardine capsule demonstrating enhanced calcium bioaccessibility in later phases (95.26 ± 10.11 vs. 78.79 ± 5.39 mg). This work contributes to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, SDG 12, and SDG 14. By transforming marine waste into health-promoting ingredients, and enabling revenue streams for ocean-cleaning charities, this initiative exemplifies circular innovation at the interface of nutrition, sustainability, and marine stewardship
Does cognitive biased knowledge influence investor decisions? An empirical investigation using machine learning and artificial neural network
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Current research in the field of behavioural finance has attempted to discover behavioural biases and their characteristics in individual investors' irrational decision-making. The goal of this research is to find out how biases in information based on knowledge affect decisions about investments.
Design/methodology/approach:
In step one, through existing research and consultation with specialists, thirteen relevant items covering major aspects of bias were determined. In the second step, multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) were used to analyse the data of 337 retail investors.
Findings:
The investment choice was heavily impacted by regret aversion, followed by loss aversion, overconfidence, and the Barnum effect. It was observed that the Barnum effect has a statistically significant negative link with investing choices. The research also found that investors' fear of making mistakes and their tendency to be too sure of themselves were the most significant factors in their decisions about where to put their money.
Practical implications:
This research contributes to the expansion of the knowledge base in behavioural finance theory by highlighting the significance of cognitive psychological traits in how leading investors end up making irrational decisions. Portfolio managers, financial institutions, and investors in developing markets may all significantly benefit from the information offered.
Originality/value:
This research is a one-of-a-kind study since it analyses the emotional biases along with the cognitive biases of investor decision-making. Investor decisions generally consider the shadowy side of knowledge management