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Customer Attractiveness in Public Procurement - One Size Does Not Fit All
No full textPurpose:
The purpose of this study is to provide new insights into the differences between the attractiveness drivers in different types of public procurement (i.e. efficient, technological, adapted and experimental). Design/methodology/approach This study used a qualitative multiple-case study design. The study examined eight public procurement cases by interviewing the representatives of 18 suppliers and, through cross-case analysis, formulated a framework of customer attractiveness drivers for different types of public procurement. Findings This study reveals differences in customer attractiveness drivers between efficient, technological, adapted and experimental public procurement. This study finds that economic and market growth drivers are only sufficient for efficient procurement, while all the identified drivers are relevant for experimental procurement. Social implications The contribution guides public organizations to increase their attractiveness by considering the supplier perspective in different types of procurement to increase supplier participation in public tenders.
Originality/value:
The research contributes to the literature on customer attractiveness in public procurement by shedding light on the impact of procurement type on customer attractiveness drivers, and elaborating it through the lens of social exchange theory. In addition to the differences between procurement types, the study found evidence for a previously unintroduced driver – societal attractiveness
Exploring the Effects of Anthropogenic Habitat Change on Euplerid Carnivore Occupancy in a Humid Evergreen Forest, South-East Madagascar
No full textMammalian carnivores are vulnerable to anthropogenic pressures, including habitat modifications, disturbance, and the introduction of non‐native species. Forests throughout Madagascar are under persistent pressure from extraction of timber and non‐timber products, and conversion of forest habitat to agriculture. Yet research into the impact of anthropogenic pressures on endemic carnivores is only recent, and relatively little is known about their populations in the extreme south of the island. We sought to explore how disturbance affects the occurrence of small carnivores in lowland humid forests and their varying degrees of adaptability to human‐modified landscapes. To answer this, we conducted exploratory camera trap surveys of endemic Euplerid carnivores at two sites in Tsitongambarika Nouvelle Aire Protégée, between July 2019 and February 2020. We confirmed the presence of four Euplerid species at both survey sites, that is, fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), spotted fanaloka (Fossa fossana), ring‐tailed vontsira (Galidia elegans), and broad‐striped vontsira (Galidictis fasciata), and three non‐native carnivore species, that is, small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), domestic dog (Canis familiaris), and exotic/feral cat (Felis sp.). We used single‐species, single‐season occupancy modeling to predict the occurrence of the four Euplerids, using covariates relating to habitat degradation and human disturbance to test the anthropogenic factors that best predicted their use of landscape. We recorded high occupancy levels of all four native species, suggesting that the intact interior of Tsitongambarika continues to support viable populations. However, similar to research in other Malagasy forests, our modeling suggests that the occurrence of spotted fanaloka and fosa is negatively affected by forest degradation, though ring‐tailed vontsira show some evidence of flexibility to degraded habitat. We highlight the need to prioritize small carnivore conservation in Tsitongambarika and recommend that urgent measures be taken to reduce habitat degradation and the incursion of invasive species. Without targeted action, human activities will precipitate the local extinction of Euplerids
Understanding the Care Needs of People with Post-Stroke Aphasia: A Qualitative Study of Stroke Care Transitions
No full textCommunication difficulties experienced by people with aphasia (PWA) cause disconnects between meaningful conversations and care received. The purpose of this study was to identify concepts PWA define as (1) the most critical facilitators to transitional care and communicative access success, and (2) transitional care and communicative barriers. A qualitative descriptive study design was utilized. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six PWA and two communication partners and analyzed using directed content analysis, guided by the theory of Human Scale Development. Findings revealed that barriers and facilitators centered on three Needs: (1) Participation: Participation in life events was directly related to public understanding of aphasia; (2) Protection: Healthcare services failed to provide necessary care, and participants relied on themselves to gain access to healthcare; and (3) Understanding: Healthcare conversations were described as one-sided, with successful healthcare interactions being mediated by empathic responses. Results identified how successful navigation of stroke care for PWA are complex and multifaceted processes. Findings affirm the importance of effective communication in healthcare. Participants call to action the need for healthcare professionals to be better educated on accessible communicative strategies
Young Adults’ Views on Personal Death
No full textWithin academic discussions of death and dying, there is a deficit of qualitative studies on how young adults view personal death. This article explores young adults’ (18-24) views on personal death using inductive coding of the transcriptions of three 1:1 interviews and one focus group. Soto’s findings show that young adults view their personal death in three ways: 1) they reflect on family death experiences as frames of reference for personal death, 2) they rely on a life well- lived to ease anxiety around personal death, and 3) they use humor as a coping mechanism in thinking about and discussing personal death. These findings suggest that death greatly impacts young adults’ lives and connections to people. Soto offers a starting point for future research on young adults’ conceptualization of death and dying
Minoru’s Mecca: The World Trade Center, 9/11, and the End of Architectural Modernism
No full textFrom 1966 until 2001, the World Trade Center complex and its skyscraper Twin Towers were a defining architectural feature of New York City and a landmark in architectural modernism. Minoru Yamasaki, the project’s architect, intended the massive complex to be a “mecca” that drew in and inspired urban workers, exemplifying the Islamic architectural language that he incorporated into his architecture. In this article, Senters examines how architectural criticism evolved while the towers stood and after they were destroyed in the 9/11 terrorist attack. Tracking early reviews, hopeful about the complex’s trade-promoting purpose, and the perennial—though limited—negative reception of the complex’s design, Senters documents how architectural critics examined Yamasaki’s Islamic-style inspirations with renewed interest after its destruction by Islamist terrorism. Ultimately, Senters contends that architectural criticism of the towers following 9/11 was not necessarily more appreciative of its design, but rather of the World Trade Center as a potent symbol of New York City and the United States
Race, Reflection and Resistance: An Autoethnographic Journey in Social Studies Curriculum Development
No full textThe purpose of this qualitative, self- study, autoethnography is to explore my instructional practices, strategies and decision making as I navigate my attempts to build a more anti-racist, racial justice social studies curriculum in a predominantly white school environment. Critical Race Theory as well as racial literacy provided me with a conceptual framework, but also with the language I need to articulate the research problem and my findings. Three research questions guided how I collected and analyzed my data: 1) How do I plan social studies lessons that address the topic of race/racism? 2) How can I use social studies content to foster racial literacy? How does racial literacy appear in my instructional practices? 3) In what ways does working in a PWSE impact my planning and/or teaching about the topic of race/racism?
As I attempted to explore how I was planning and implementing race-related United States history content I collected data from a variety of sources. With the help of the LETS ACT Framework I found that my instructional plans included learning opportunities for students to love and listen to each other, talk, scribe, analyze systems and conclude through deliberation. Through viewing video-recordings of my teaching I was able to determine that when I was able to foster racial literacy I created race-centered learning activities, made the content relevant to student’s lives, provided opportunities for racial dialogue and used inquiry/differentiation. When I was unable to foster racial literacy, my lesson implementation had an ambiguous connection to race, a lack of alignment to learning targets, was teacher directed and suffered from passing issues. Both my planning and implementation of race-related social studies lessons were impacted by the predominantly white school environment (PWSE) I worked in through the way I collaborated with colleagues, the type of feedback I received and the way I delivered content
A Fifty-Year Assessment of Historical Planning Processes and Green Space Distribution (1975-2025): A Case Study of Portland, OR, USA
No full textThe Portland study examined past planning regulations and greenspace distribution over the period of fifty years, with particular attention given to neighborhood differences between invested and non-invested neighborhoods. This research utilized a mixed-methods approach through the synthesis of qualitative themes from oral narratives and archival records. Furthermore, I examined spatial greenspace using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) imagery. I tested the study hypothesis using the GIS Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression test to predict how key sociodemographic characteristics affect the provision of greenspace in non-white disinvested neighborhoods. The key findings indicated a consistent trend of inequity in greenspace, heavily shaped by historical discriminatory land-use practices, including redlining. Areas with higher non-white populations tend to have significantly less greenspace (p \u3c 0.001). Although median household income had a minimal negative impact, educational attainment showed a slight positive correlation. I employed multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks such as historical institutionalism, urban political ecology, and environmental justice. The study illustrated how historical decisions have established path dependencies that are currently perpetuating inequalities. The OLS regression test reinforces the long-term effects of past discrimination on current greenspace inequality. Policy solutions advocate for integrating restorative justice principles and rigid enforcement of greenspace equity legislation to offset these long-term disparities
Reproductive Rights at Work: The Role of Organizations in Menstrual Support
No full textPainful menstrual symptoms affect up to 90% of people with uteruses globally. These symptoms can result in lost productivity at work and absenteeism for working individuals. Normative work structures have not been designed with accessibility and inclusivity for those with uteruses in mind. Therefore, women and those with uteruses have often had to work through barriers with no accommodations or systematic change. Currently, there is no published research in the United States on the nuances of the relationship between menstruation and work with the intention of exploring effective solutions. There has been discussion related to menstrual supportive policies, but there is not enough foundational research to begin developing interventions. The purpose of this dissertation was to gather preliminary evidence related to how menstruation affects work outcomes with the aim of creating changes that support uterine reproductive health and benefit the wellness and productivity of employees as well as the prosperity of organizations. This study employed an experience sampling methodology (ESM) to gather data about daily experiences related to menstruation and work and support needs throughout their menstrual cycle. The results demonstrated significant negative relationships between menstrual symptomology and job outcomes, as well as positive relationships with psychological experiences. The qualitative themes based on the analysis of support needs are also described. The summary of findings is followed by the theoretical and practical implications. Lastly, the study\u27s limitations and future directions are discussed. This dissertation represents an important first step toward better reproductive health support in work contexts
Pesticides as Multiple Stressors to Bivalves and Echinoderms
No full textPesticides are ubiquitous in aquatic environments, alongside numerous contaminants and other stressors that can result in combined exposure to target and non-target organisms. Nevertheless, traditional toxicity studies quantify the effects of these compounds at an individual level, and to a narrow range of traditional test organisms. Through this dissertation, I explored the presence and effects of commonly detected pesticides of concern in the Pacific Northwest in order to realistically quantify potential effects from combined stressors. In Chapter 2, I demonstrated my background knowledge on these select pesticides (atrazine, bifenthrin, diuron, indaziflam, and imidacloprid), including their chemical and physical properties. Using this information, I discussed their environmental fate in aquatic systems as well as likelihood of exposure to the study organisms of this dissertation (bivalves and echinoderms), as well as the potential for or observed quantification of biomagnification in tissues.
In Chapter 3, I focused on current environmental detections by conducting environmental sampling in Southern Oregon estuaries. Working alongside the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), I sampled clams, eelgrass, sediment, and water for pesticide and pharmaceutical analysis at four sites in Coos Bay (Fossil Point, South Slough) and Florence, OR (Florence Marina, North Fork Siuslaw). A total of ten pesticides and eight pharmaceuticals were detected across the four sites, with the most pesticide detections at the Fossil Point and Florence Marina sites, and most pharmaceutical detections at Florence Marina and South Slough. The most commonly detected pesticide was bifenthrin (34.2% of all detections) and the most commonly detected pharmaceutical was metformin (30% of all detections). In this chapter, I identified a co-occurrence of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in sites of ecological and community significance.
In Chapter 4, I conducted a laboratory experiment to investigate the effects of chronic (90 days) exposure by the soft-shell clam, Mya arenaria, to environmentally relevant concentrations of four pesticides registered for use in forestry (atrazine, 5 μg/L; hexazinone, 0.3 μg/L; indaziflam, 5 μg/L; and bifenthrin, 1.5 μg/g organic carbon [OC; 0.51 μg/L whole water]). I tested pesticides individually and in combination, except bifenthrin, which was tested only in combination with the other three. I measured shell growth and condition index every 30 days, as well as feeding rates, mortality, and chemical concentrations in tissue from a subset of clams at the end of the experiment to measure contaminant uptake. Indaziflam caused a high mortality rate (max. 36%), followed by atrazine (max. 27%), both individually as well as in combination with other pesticides. Additionally, indaziflam concentrations in tissue (61.70-152.56 ng/g) were higher than those of atrazine (26.48-48.56 ng/g), despite equal dosing concentrations, indicating higher tissue accumulation. Furthermore, clams exposed to indaziflam and hexazinone experienced reduced condition index and clearance rates individually and in combination with other compounds; however, the two combined did not result in significant mortality. The findings from this study underscore the need for more comprehensive studies combining multiple compounds at relevant concentrations to understand their impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
In Chapter 5, I conducted a chronic exposure (48 days) experiment on the larvae of the endangered sunflower star (Pycnopodia helianthoides), exposing them to the insecticide imidacloprid and polyester microfibers both individually, and in combination. This study focused on quantifying the effects of combined stressors on Pycnopodia to a previously unstudied life stage, specifically examining stressors on early development rather than on adults. Additionally, P. helianthoides is currently experiencing delayed recovery from sea star wasting syndrome, with no existing research on the role of contaminant stressors in that delay. Larvae were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of imidacloprid and polyester microfibers (10 ng/L and 25 fibers/L, respectively). Imidacloprid exposure resulted in stomach malformation in 10% of larvae and increased mortality during early development (p\u3c 0.001), and all treatments resulted in increased larval lengths relative to controls (p\u3c 0.001). During settlement, imidacloprid resulted in more rapid settlement responses than in the controls (p\u3c 0.01). This study highlighted the need for further research investigating the effects of contaminant stressors to endangered organisms during reintroduction as well as a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of pesticides to nontarget organisms.
These four chapters serve as an investigation both of the presence of pesticides alongside other contaminants in the aquatic environment, as well as the effects they can exhibit on non-target organisms of differing ecological roles, as well as life stages. Chapter 3 is the first study to quantify the environmental uptake of pesticides in eelgrass tissues, shedding further light on the environmental fate and exposure routes of these chemicals in estuaries. Chapter 4 is the first study to quantify the effects of indaziflam and hexazinone at environmentally relevant concentrations to bivalves. Chapter 5 is the first study to ever quantify the effects of contaminant stressors to Pycnopodia helianthoides and strongly supports the need for toxicological studies in concert with recovery efforts for endangered species. This dissertation contributes to a growing amount of literature that argues for toxicity studies focused on multiple stressors rather than individual ones