BALLCOURT REPRESENTATIONS IN QUIECHAPA, OAXACA, MEXICO: RITUAL OFFERING, FERTILITY, AND LIFE

During an archaeological survey in the municipality of San Pedro Mártir Quiechapa, Oaxaca, Mexico, archaeologists from the Proyecto Arqueológico de Quiechapa (PAQuie) encountered and documented a number of carved stone elements. Of particular interest are the 30 representations of ballcourts carved into natural rock outcrops at two sites in the region. This is the highest density in which this type of ballcourt representation occurs throughout Mesoamerica. After their initial discovery, members of PAQuie documented the carved stone ballcourts using structure-from-motion (SfM) photogrammetry, a quick and affordable technique to collect 3D spatial, quantitative, and visual data of stone carvings. In this article, I report on the carved stone ballcourt representations documented in the Quiechapa region and offer some preliminary interpretations. I first provide some description of the broader archaeological context in which the carvings were found. Then I describe the methods used to record the stone carvings, followed by a presentation of the data. Finally, in dialogue with extant literature, I explore some possibilities as to why these carved stone ballcourt representations were created, how they may have been used, and what they may symbolize.

The Effect of Product Modularity on Supplier Integration

This chapter seeks to identify the set of conditions under which the mirroring hypothesis holds, proposing that modular product architecture leads to organizational modularity (i.e., supplier disintegration). The contradictory results on the mirroring hypothesis in the extant literature call for a more holistic analysis of the issue. To this end, this chapter develops a multi-objective mathematical model, allowing for the simultaneous examination of potentially influential factors, including those claimed to be neglected by the mirroring hypothesis. The findings reveal that modular product architecture does not necessarily lead to supplier disintegration, but that its effect is contingent on a firm's priorities.

Entrepreneurship Innovation

The global COVID-19 pandemic has created opportunities for the emergence of new entrepreneurial innovations. This has resulted in many individuals being left with no choice but to pursue entrepreneurial ventures because they have either lost their jobs, or breadwinners have succumbed to the virus. The objective of this chapter is to outline the entrepreneurial mindset in detail and how shifts are required to cope with today's uncertain times. An analysis of current extant literature was explored, and cogent findings were used to develop a theoretical framework for entrepreneurial innovation in a post-pandemic society. The literature in this chapter indicated the need for understanding the impact of the current global pandemic on entrepreneurial innovation in order to provide recommendations for policymakers that can stimulate creativity, innovation, and better education in the post-pandemic era.

Maintenance strategy selection: a comprehensive review of current paradigms and solution approaches

PurposeIn today's competitive industries, the selection of best suitable maintenance strategy is dependent on large number of quantitative and qualitative factors, and it becomes an extensively difficult problem for maintenance engineers. Over the years, a diverse range of solution methodologies have been developed for solving this multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. In this paper, the authors have presented a comprehensive review of latest maintenance strategy paradigms and solution approaches proposed for the selection of an appropriate strategy in various industries. It would provide a systematic mapping of developments in this field and identify some research gaps to explore further studies.Design/methodology/approachA systematic state-of-the-art comprehensive literature review on maintenance strategy paradigms and selection approaches is presented in this study. In this study, 87 research articles published in peer-reviewed journals, since year 2012, are reviewed.FindingsFor the selection of a suitable maintenance strategy, a variety of criteria are considered to better evaluate the alternatives. In this study, contemporary strategies are discussed, and their applications in different industries are also depicted. Moreover, through the analysis of extant literature, critical criteria are selected and classified in six major categories (namely, economic, technical, safety, environmental, feasibility and social) and further sub-categorized in quantitative and qualitative classes. These clusters of criteria can be helpful as an initial set of criteria for survey and then case- or industry-specific criteria can be shortlisted for further alternative evaluation.Practical implicationsFrom the perspective of maintenance managers, maintenance management can be a very difficult task, considering the numerous factors affecting the decision-making process. In order to help in the decision-making process, this study presents the contemporary maintenance strategies in a systematic manner. In a previous study (Kothamasu et al., 2006), these strategies were classified into repair and prevent classes only. With the developments of autonomous maintenance and design out maintenance (DOM), it was fair to include continuous improvement class. It will help managers and practitioners to identify, according to organization policy, appropriate maintenance strategy alternatives for the asset. A benchmark set of state-of-the-art maintenance strategies are laid out with their applications. The industrial case studies discussed in this study summarizes the optimal maintenance strategies for respective industries. Also, most critical criteria are identified from the existing studies for various industries that can help maintenance practitioners in acknowledging the critical factors and making appropriate decisions. Evaluation parameters for the maintenance strategy selection (MSS) generally conflict with each other, and considering the difficulty of quantifying the qualitative measures, it is a challenging task to determine the optimal trade-off. In order to overcome these challenges, popular MCDM approaches, demonstrating effective results across different industries are discussed with their limitations and applications. Decision-makers can refer this study to identify best suitable decision-making technique for the MSS problem in the industry of their choice. Maintenance managers and engineers can refer the case studies illustrated in Tables 1 and 2 to analyse the MSS techniques proposed by previous studies with industry-specific applications.Social implicationsThis study is an attempt to provide a reference point for research scholars interested in the field of maintenance management and/or development of maintenance strategy framework. This study provides a critical state-of-the-art review of efforts made in the field of MSS. The prominent maintenance strategies being implemented in contemporary industries are discussed with respective case studies. Interested researchers and academicians can familiarize themselves with these strategies and their distinct features in this study. In order to guide future studies and provide a reference point for academicians, MSS critical criteria used in extant literature are identified and classified into a comprehensive benchmark framework. Moreover, the industrial case studies are discussed with the most critical criteria of MSS for different industries and which strategy is most suitable for the respective industries based on these criteria. Table 1 presents different MCDM techniques and their hybrid applications for solving MSS problem that can help researchers in identifying research gaps. Future research can be directed at addressing the limitation of MCDM approach employed in existing studies and comparing the differences in results obtained by the proposed approach. Different industrial case studies with considered maintenance strategy alternatives are presented in Table 2, which can help researchers in identifying the industries that have not been studied yet. Moreover, not all of the existing studies are carried out by considering all the presented benchmark strategies, which can be addressed in future studies by interested researchers. More detailed discussion on research gaps is presented in the following section.Originality/valueFrom the analysis of the extant literature, the authors could observe that the decision-making process adopted in numerous studies was limited to the classical maintenance strategies and not inclusive of aggressive maintenance strategy alternatives. To overcome these limitations and help maintenance managers in the decision-making, this study depicts the contemporary maintenance strategies, critical evaluation criteria and MCDM frameworks (employed to solve the MSS problem with industrial case studies) in a structured manner.

Artificial intelligence research in agriculture: a review

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review on the academic journey of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture and to highlight the challenges and opportunities in adopting AI-based advancement in agricultural systems and processes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a bibliometric analysis of the extant literature on AI in agriculture to understand the status of development in this domain. Further, the authors proposed a framework based on two popular theories, namely, diffusion of innovation (DOI) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), to identify the factors influencing the adoption of AI in agriculture.FindingsFour factors were identified, i.e. institutional factors, market factors, technology factors and stakeholder perception, which influence adopting AI in agriculture. Further, the authors indicated challenges under environmental, operational, technological, economical and social categories with opportunities in this area of research and business.Research limitations/implicationsThe proposed conceptual model needs empirical validation across countries or states to understand the effectiveness and relevance.Practical implicationsPractitioners and researchers can use these inputs to develop technology and business solutions with specific design elements to gain benefit of this technology at larger scale for increasing agriculture production.Social implicationsThis paper brings new developed methods and practices in agriculture for betterment of society.Originality/valueThis paper provides a comprehensive review of extant literature and presents a theoretical framework for researchers to further examine the interaction of independent variables responsible for adoption of AI in agriculture.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-10-2020-0448

A Critical Review of the Adopted Academic Advising Approaches at the Durban University of Technology: Unpacking its Strengths and Challenges

This paper offers a critical review of the adopted academic advising strategies at the Durban University of Technology. It is worth acknowledging that academic advising as a scholarly practice is in its developmental stage at South African tertiary institutions. The paper draws on the experiences of the authors as academic advisors to reflect on the strengths and challenges of the practices of academic advising. It interrogates and analyses the authors’ experiences vis-a-vis the extant literature on academic advising practices. In this way, the paper engages and advances best practices while simultaneously contributing to the body of literature on academic advising in South Africa.

Network Meta-Analysis of Physical Activity Interventions On Cognitive Functions In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Protocol of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms are usually observed by the age of 2 years. However, the mechanism of ASD is still encompassed in a block box and no identified cure exists. Based on accumulating evidence, intensive early treatment such as physical activity or exercise can make a significant difference in the cognitive control and development in children with ASD. This study aims to update the knowledge on extant literature and explore the efficacy of physical activity intervention strategies (PAIS) on cognitive functions in children with ASD. Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis will be conducted following the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis protocols for Network Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-NMA). Nine bibliographic databases (APA PsycInfo, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Dimensions, ERIC, MEDLINE Complete, PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) will be systematically searched to screen eligible articles based on a series of inclusion and exclusion criteria. A study will be considered for inclusion if the study: (a) is not classified as a systematic review with or without meta-analysis; (b) is published from inception to date; (c) includes children aged 0-12 years with ASD; (d) quantitively measures cognitive outcomes; (e) treatment includes at least one PAIS. The internal validity and quality of evidence will be evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Statistical analyses will be produced in RStudio 3.6 with the BUGSnet package and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis 3.3. Discussion: This study will provide an updated review of the extant literature by using an appropriate network meta-analytic model and address the questions regarding efficacy of PAIS that significantly impact cognitive functions in children with ASD with implications for future decision making. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42021279054.

Turbans vs. Helmets: A Systematic Narrative Review of the Literature on Head Injuries and Impact Loci of Cranial Trauma in Several Recreational Outdoor Sports

When in public, faith-based mandates require practising Sikh men to wear a turban which may not be covered by hats or caps. This makes it impossible for practising Sikhs to wear helmets and other protective headwear, mandatory in many countries and facilities for engagement in recreational pursuits (e.g., skiing) and on adventure outdoor recreation camps mandatorily run for school groups. The result is often social exclusion and ostracisation in the case of school children. Despite studies into the efficacy of protective helmets in some recreational outdoor activity settings, virtually nothing is known about the protective potential of turbans. This paper systematically reviews the extant literature on head injuries in several recreational outdoor activities and sports sectors (aerial, water, winter, wheeled and animal-based sports) and finds that the extant literature is of limited value when trying to understand the spatial distribution of trauma on the cranial surface. As the data do not permit to make inferences on the protective potential of turbans, future systematic, evidence-based epidemiological studies derived from hospital admissions and forensic examinations are required. Failure to do so perpetuates social exclusion and discrimination of religious grounds without an evidentiary basis for defensible public health measures.

Folk Liturgies and Narratives of Holy Wells among the Yoruba of Southwest Nigeria

Building on Celeste Ray’s extensive research on Ireland’s holy wells, I show how folk liturgies underlie meanings that are closely related to some of the practices that manifest around holy wells among the Yoruba in southwest Nigeria – meanings that are often neglected in the holy wells literature. I adapt some holy wells terms as they appear in existing studies for illustrative as well as for comparative purposes. Their interpretation and analysis will, however, focus on the liturgical narratives that best fit the article’s perception of what is local to holy wells among the Yoruba. With a focus on two holy wells, Olokun and Ori Aye, the article draws on the testimonies of local knowledge, close research encounters of ritual practices and performances and readings from extant literature to open the window through which holy wells and their various manifestations in the socio-cultural life among the Yoruba could be properly assessed and adequately understood.

The Interview Method in Comparative Politics: The Process of Interviewing Far-Right Actors

Interviews have been the basis for some of the greatest insights in many disciplines but have largely been on the backstage of comparative political inquiry. I first rely on bibliometric data to show the limited use of interviews in research published by major journals in the past 30 years. I then focus on how interviews are used to study a hard-to-reach population: far-right actors. Using the extant literature and reflecting on my field experience with far-right leaders and functionaries, I examine in detail how interviews help investigate this phenomenon; I analyse challenges related to interview access, rapport, analysis and ethics and offer remedies. I argue that comparativists using interviews need to address these challenges by explicating and reflecting on the process through which they collect interview data rather than solely focusing on the data itself.