bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tarsal Bone Dysplasia in Clubfoot as Measured by Ultrasonography: Can It be Used as a Prognostic Indicator in Congenital Idiopathic Clubfoot? A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Chandrakanth Udayakumar , Sudesh Pebam , Gopinathan NirmalRaj , Prakash Mahesh , Goni Vijay G.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV )/clubfoot is the most common congenital orthopedic condition. The success rate of Ponseti casting in the hands of the legend himself is not 100%. The prediction of difficult to correct foot and recurrences still remains a mystery to be solved. We all know that tarsal bones are dysplastic in clubfoot and considering it; we hypothesize that the amount of tarsal dysplasia can predict management duration and outcome. In literature we were not able to find studies that satisfactorily quantify the amount of tarsal dysplasia. Hence, it was considered worthwhile to quantify the amount of dysplasia in tarsal bone and to correlate these parameters with the duration and outcome of treatment by conventional method.

Methods:

A total of 25 infants with unilateral idiopathic clubfoot that have not taken any previous treatment were included in the study. An initial ultrasonography was done before start of treatment in 3 standard planes to measure the maximum length of 3 tarsal bones (talus, calcaneus, and navicular). Ponseti method of treatment was used; pirani scoring was done at each OPD (out patient department) visit. Number of casts required for complete correction and need for any surgical intervention were taken as the outcome parameters.

Results:

We found that there is a significant correlation between number of casts required and the dysplasia of talus (α error=0.05). We also found a significant negative correlation between relative dysplasia of talus and number of casts required (r=−0.629 sig=0.001, r=−0.552 sig=0.004).

Conclusions:

Tarsal bone dysplasia as quantified by using ultrasonography can be used as a prognostic indicator in congenital idiopathic clubfoot. Although promising the method needs further studies and can be more useful after long-term follow-up where recurrences if any can be documented.

Level of Evidence:

Level II.
Rib-based Distraction Surgery Maintains Total Spine Growth
Authors: El-Hawary Ron , Samdani Amer , Wade Jennie , Smith Melissa , Heflin John A. , Klatt Joshua W. , Vitale Michael G. , Smith John T.
Published: June 2015

Background:

For children undergoing treatment of early onset scoliosis (EOS) using spine-based distraction, recently published research would suggest that total spine length (T1-S1) achieved after the initial lengthening procedure decreases with each subsequent lengthening. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of rib-based distraction on spine growth in children with EOS.

Methods:

This was a retrospective multi-center review of 35 patients treated with rib-based distraction (minimum 5 y follow-up). Radiographs were analyzed at initial implantation and just before each subsequent lengthening. The primary outcome was T1-S1 height, which was also analyzed as: Change in T1-S1 height per lengthening procedure, percent of expected age-based T1-S1 growth per lengthening time interval, percent increase in T1-S1 height as compared with postimplantation total spine height, and percent of expected T1-S1 growth based upon patient age at time of lengthening procedure.

Results:

Thirty-five patients with a mean age of 2.6 years at initial surgery were studied. Diagnoses included congenital (n=18), syndromic (n=7), idiopathic (n=5), and neuromuscular (n=5). Major Cobb angle was 63.5 degrees and kyphosis was 40.5 degree. Four postoperative time periods were compared: L1 (preoperative first lengthening surgery), L2-L5 (preoperative second lengthening to preoperative fifth lengthening), L6-L10 (preoperative sixth lengthening to preoperative 10th lengthening), L11-L15 (preoperative 11th lengthening to preoperative 15th lengthening). Cobb angle stayed relatively constant for each lengthening period while maximum kyphosis increased. Total spine height was 19.9 cm pre-implantation, 22.1 cm postimplantation, and 28.0 cm by the 15th lengthening (P<0.05). Percent expected T1-S1 growth per lengthening was 62% for L2-L5, 95% for L6-L10, and 52% for L11-L15. As compared with postimplantation spine height, over the course of 15 lengthening procedures, a further 27% increase in spine height was observed. When lengthening procedures were performed when children were under age 5 years, 82% of expected growth was observed; between ages 6 and 10 years, 76% of expected growth was observed; and beyond age 10 years, 14% of expected growth was observed.

Conclusions:

Patients treated with rib-based distraction surgery had an increase in total spine height from 20 cm preimplantation to 28 cm by the 15th lengthening. They maintained greater than 75% of expected age-matched spine growth until age 10 years and lengthening procedures did not appear to follow a law of diminishing returns. Rib-based distraction is an effective means of maintaining spine growth which is likely beneficial for pulmonary development as compared with the natural history of EOS.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—Therapeutic study, case series.
Incidence of Hip Dysplasia Associated With Bladder Exstrophy
Authors: Mundy Andrew , Kushare Indranil , Jayanthi Venkata R. , Samora Walter P. , Klingele Kevin E.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Exstrophy of the bladder is a rare congenital defect seen in 2.15 children out of every 100,000 live births, with the most severe variant, cloacal exstrophy (CE), only occurring in 1 in 200,000. Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) describes a spectrum of disease ranging from mild hip instability to frank dislocation. Underlying malformations, such as myelomeningocele and arthrogryposis, are often associated with the most severe variant of hip dysplasia, teratologic hip dislocation. The varying degrees of severity in DDH have been encountered in classic bladder exstrophy (CBE) patients, but the exact incidence is unknown. We sought to determine the incidence of DDH in CBE and CE patients.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective review of all children with CBE or CE presenting to a single pediatric center between 1994 and 2014. Each chart was reviewed for correct diagnosis of CBE or CE, patient age and demographics, associated medical conditions, pertinent surgeries performed, and the age at operation. Patient imaging was reviewed to determine whether bilateral hip imaging was available.

Results:

In a 20-year retrospective review, we identified 66 patients who were diagnosed with either CBE or CE and had available hip imaging (38 males and 28 females). Of these, 11 patients were found to have radiographic evidence of DDH, for an incidence of 16.7% (11/66). Five of these patients had CE, whereas 6 presented with CBE. The first radiographic evidence of DDH was noted at a mean age of 5.75 years (range, birth to 22 y).

Conclusions:

We advocate the use of routine hip screening ultrasound in all infants born with either CBE or CE. Early identification of DDH in these patients may allow additional treatment options to coincide with frequently used osteotomy and orthopaedic interventions.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective study.
Internal Fixation With Absorbable Rods for the Treatment of Displaced Radial Neck Fractures in Children
Authors: Su Yuxi , Xie Yan , Qin Jiaqiang , Wang Zhongliang , Cai Wenquan , Nan Guoxin
Published: June 2015

Background:

The treatment of radial neck fractures with complete displacement or severe displacement and an angle of >30 degrees is controversial. The currently used methods, including the Metaizeau technique, are associated with drawbacks such as imperfect reduction, epiphyseal damage, and delayed functional recovery. To overcome these drawbacks, we used absorbable rod fixation followed by early functional training for the treatment of displaced radial neck fractures in children.

Methods:

In this study, 68 patients (age, 4 to 12 y; average, 8.4 y; average angle, 58 degrees; average displacement, 53%) with radial neck fractures with Salter-Harris grades II to IV underwent lateral elbow open reduction and absorbable rod fixation. At 3 weeks postoperatively, the patients’ plaster casts were removed, and functional training was started.

Results:

Anatomic reduction was achieved in all patients. We followed-up 68 patients for 6 months to 4 years (average, 41 mo). No cases of radial nerve injury, radial bone necrosis, myositis ossificans, and postoperative infection were observed. The functional recovery was “excellent” in 43 patients, “good” in 13 patients, “average” in 12 patients, and “bad” in 0 patients, according to the Morrey evaluation standard.

Conclusion:

Open reduction with absorbable rod fixation for the treatment of displaced radial neck fractures in children was feasible and was a choice in children.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic II.
Heterologous, Fresh, Human Donor Sclera as Patch Graft Material in Glaucoma Drainage Device Surgery
Authors: Tsoukanas Dimitrios , Xanthopoulou Paraskevi , Charonis Alexandros C. , Theodossiadis Panagiotis , Kopsinis Gerasimos , Filippopoulos Theodoros
Published: June 2015

Purpose:

To determine the safety and efficacy of fresh, human sclera allografts as a patch graft material in glaucoma drainage device (GDD) surgery.

Design:

Retrospective, noncomparative, interventional, consecutive case series.

Subjects:

All GDD cases operated between 2008 and 2013 in which fresh human corneoscleral rims were used immediately after the central corneal button was used for penetrating or endothelial keratoplasty.

Methods:

Surgery was performed by 2 surgeons at 2 facilities. The Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (FP-7) was used exclusively in this cohort. Sixty-four eyes of 60 patients were identified; demographic data were recorded along with intraocular pressure (IOP), medication requirements, visual acuity, complications, and subsequent interventions.

Main Outcome Measures:

Incidence of complications. IOP and medication requirements at the last follow-up. Quilified success utilizing Tube Versus Trabeculectomy study criteria.

Results:

The mean age of the cohort was 66.2±19.1 years; the average preoperative IOP was 33.2±11.1 mm Hg on 4.2±1.3 IOP-lowering agents before GDD surgery. IOP decreased significantly to 14.1±4.7 mm Hg (P<0.001) on 1.6±1.2 IOP-lowering agents (P<0.001) after an average follow-up of 18.2±15.4 months. There were no cases of early or late blebitis or endophthalmitis, and there was 1 case of conjunctival erosion and tube/plate exposure (1.6%) occurring 30 days after surgery. Qualified success was estimated as 90.5% and 81% at 1 and 2 years, respectively, using Tube Versus Trabeculectomy study criteria.

Conclusions:

Heterologous, fresh, human donor sclera appears to be a safe material for GDD tube coverage. It provides a cost-efficient alternative compared with traditional patch graft materials associated with a low risk of pathogen transmission.
Finite-Element Analysis of a New Designed Miniplate which is Used via Intraoral Approach to the Mandible Angle Fracture
Authors: Coskunses Fatih Mehmet , Kocyigit Ismail Doruk , Atil Fethi , Tekin Umut , Suer Berkay Tolga , Tuz Hakan Hifzi , Ozgul Ozkan , Yagiz Ayberk
Published: June 2015

The mandible is the largest facial bone as well as the most commonly fractured bone in the maxillofacial region. Despite numerous studies conducted to identify optimal treatment modalities and plates configurations for intraoral and transoral approaches, no definitive conclusion has been reached.

This study used finite element analysis (FEA) to assess 4 scenarios for treatment of an angle fracture (6-hole noncompression miniplate; 6-hole single plate/Champy's technique, 3D strut plate; 2 parallel 4-hole noncompression miniplates). Analysis included segmental displacement and Von Mises Stress evaluations of a 3D reconstruction of a human mandible.

Von Mises Stress values for plates did not vary significantly among treatment groups. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in cumulative displacement of segments subjected to vertical and horizontal loads, with all treatment configurations demonstrating clinical acceptability.
MDMA impairs response to water intake in healthy volunteers
Authors: Baggott Matthew J. , Garrison Kathleen J.
Published: June 2015

Hyponatremia is a serious complication of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use. We investigated potential mechanisms in two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. In study 1, healthy drug-experienced volunteers received MDMA or placebo alone and in combination with the alpha-1 adrenergic inverse agonist prazosin, used as a positive control to release antidiuretic hormone (ADH). In study 2, volunteers received MDMA or placebo followed by standardized water intake. MDMA lowered serum sodium, but did not increase ADH or copeptin, although the control prazosin did increase ADH. Water loading reduced serum sodium more after MDMA than after placebo. There was a trend for women to have lower baseline serum sodium than men, but there were no significant interactions with drug condition. Combining studies, MDMA potentiated the ability of water to lower serum sodium. Thus, hyponatremia appears to be a significant risk when hypotonic fluids are consumed during MDMA use. Clinical trials and events where MDMA use is common should anticipate and mitigate this risk.
Accidental formation of Gd4(SiO4)2OTe: crystal structure and spectroscopic properties
Authors: Daszkiewicz Marek , Gulay Lubomir D.
Published: June 2015

Designing new functional materials with increasingly complex compositions is of current interest in science and technology. Complex rare-earth-based chalcogenides have specific thermal, electrical, magnetic and optical properties. Tetragadolinium bis[tetraoxidosilicate(IV)] oxide telluride, Gd4(SiO4)2OTe, was obtained accidentally while studying the Gd2Te3–Cu2Te system. The crystal structure was determined by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the space groupPnma. Three symmetry-independent gadolinium sites were determined. The excitation and emission spectra were collected at room temperature and at 10 K. Gd4(SiO4)2OTe appears to be a promising optical material when doped with rare-earth ions.
Development strategies of small economies: Singapore, Hong Kong and Macao
Authors: Lam Newman M. K.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the economic development in Singapore, Hong Kong and Macao to find the reasons for the success.

Design/methodology/approach

– Applying economic development theories and using archival data to examine the development strategies of the three economies.

Findings

– There is no single model suitable for economic development for all, and small economies need to be strategically interventionist by either inducing development or balancing the disequilibria caused by development.

Originality/value

– This is the first comparative study to examine these three fast-growing small economies. The findings lend insight into Hirschman’s theory of unbalanced growth and Stiglitz’s assertion that different economies and conditions require different development strategies.
Hong Kong’s institutional incongruities and its tourism policy
Authors: Yew Chiew Ping
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– With a focus on Hong Kong tourism policy, the purpose of this paper is to explain the Hong Kong government’s conundrum in addressing society’s concerns and controversies over the massive influx of mainland tourists in recent years.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper adopts the approach of historical institutionalism, in which the notion of structural-power takes centre stage. It outlines some notable trends in Hong Kong’s tourist arrivals and highlights some of the controversies that have arisen before delving into how existing institutional arrangements and key actors have shaped Hong Kong’s tourism policy amid the city’s shifting social, political and economic contexts.

Findings

– The prevalence of business interests and the ideology of economism largely explain the Hong Kong government’s stasis in tackling the problems stemming from the large inflow of mainland visitors. Institutional arrangements in the post-handover period have further empowered the business class, giving it an edge over the unelected executive that lacks a popular mandate. Therefore, even if the central government has signaled its willingness to adjust the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) policy, the Hong Kong government is unlikely to propose significant cuts to the inflow of IVS arrivals. Without further political reforms to boost the executive’s legitimacy and accountability to the Hong Kong people, it is doubtful that the government may emerge from its predicament in the near future.

Originality/value

– Through the lens of tourism policy and planning pertaining to inbound mainland visitors, this paper aims to assess the current state of governance in Hong Kong. It not only offers a timely look into Hong Kong’s political system 17 years after handover but also explores the extent to which apparent dysfunctions in the city’s governance today are a consequence of institutional incongruities in its political system.
Case-based reasoning and BIM systems for asset management
Authors: Motawa Ibrahim , Almarshad Abdulkareem
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The next generation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) seeks to establish the concept of Building Knowledge Modelling (BKM). The current BIM applications in construction, including those for asset management, have been mainly used to ensure consistent information exchange among the stakeholders. However, BKM needs to utilise knowledge management (KM) techniques into building models to advance the use of these systems. The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated system to capture, retrieve, and manage information/knowledge for one of the key operations of asset management: building maintenance (BM).

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed system consists of two modules; BIM module to capture relevant information and case-based reasoning (CBR) module to capture the operational knowledge of maintenance activities. The structure of the CBR module was based on analysis of a number of interviews and case studies conducted with professionals working in public BM departments. This paper discusses the development of the CBR module and its integration with the BIM module. The case retaining function of the developed system identifies the information/knowledge relevant to maintenance cases and pursues the related affected building elements by these cases.

Findings

– The paper concludes that CBR as a tool for KM can improve the performance of BIM models.

Originality/value

– As the research in BKM is still relatively immature, this research takes an advanced step by incorporating the intelligent functions of knowledge systems into BIM-based systems which helps the transformation from the conventional BIM to BKM.
Digital model data distribution in civil engineering contracts
Authors: Whyte Andrew , Donaldson James
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The use of digital-models to communicate civil-engineering design continues to generate debate; this pilot-work reviews technology uptake towards data repurposing and assesses digital (vs traditional) design-preparation timelines and fees for infrastructure. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Extending (building-information-modelling) literature, distribution-impact is investigated across: quality-management, technical-applications and contractual-liability. Project case-study scenarios were developed and validated with resultant modelling-application timeline/fees examined, in conjunction with qualitative semi-structured interviews with 11 prominent stakeholder companies.

Findings

– Results generated to explore digital-model data-distribution/usage identify: an 8 per cent time/efficiency improvement at the design-phase, and a noteworthy cost-saving of 0.7 per cent overall. Fragmented opinion regarding modelling utilisation exists across supply-chains, with concerns over liability, quality-management and, the lack of Australian-Standard contract-clause(s) dealing directly with digital-model document hierarchy/clarification/reuse.

Research limitations/implications

– Representing a small-scale/snapshot industrial-study, findings suggest that (model-distribution) must emphasise checking-procedures within quality-systems and, seek precedence clarification for dimensioned documentation. Similarly, training in specific file-formatting (digital-model-addenda) techniques, CAD-file/hard-copy continuity, and digital-visualisation software, can better regulate model dissemination/reuse. Time/cost savings through digital-model data-distribution in civil-engineering contracts are available to enhance provision of society’s infrastructure.

Originality/value

– This work extends knowledge of 3D-model distribution for roads/earthworks/drainage, and presents empirical evidence that (alongside appropriate consideration of general-conditions-of-contract and specific training to address revision-document continuity), industry may achieve tangible benefits from digital-model data as a means to communicate civil-engineering design.
BIM in the operations stage: bottlenecks and implications for owners
Authors: Bosch Arnold , Volker Leentje , Koutamanis Alexander
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Netherlands is increasing. Studies show that BIM is mainly used in the lifecycle stages of initiation, development and realisation. Owners and operators are presumably yet to discover the added value of BIM for maintenance and information management within their organisations. The purpose of this paper is to investigate information management during the operations stage from the viewpoint of owners and determines the added value of BIM within this growing field of construction.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research is based on a literature review, explorative interviews and process modelling. In total, 21 semi-structured interviews were conducted among public real estate and infrastructure owners and operators, software companies, service providers and contractors.

Findings

– This paper provides empirical insights into the sources of inefficiency and ineffectiveness in the activities of Dutch semi-public and public clients. It finds that the current added value of BIM in the operations stage is marginal. The main reasons for this are a lack of alignment between the supply of and demand for information and the context-dependent role of information.

Practical implications

– The authors propose a structured approach that supports client organisations in establishing greater alignment between the supply of and demand for information, and a less context-dependent role for information during the operations stage.

Originality/value

– In contrast to previous studies, this paper offers a new perspective on BIM in the operations stage, a growing field of interest in practice and science.
A systems information model for managing electrical, control, and instrumentation assets
Authors: Love Peter E.D. , Zhou Jingyang , Matthews Jane , Sing Chun-Pong , Carey Brad
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a systems information model (SIM) that is akin to a building information model (BIM) and can be used by asset managers and staff to make more informed and quicker decisions about maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The problems associated with managing assets are examined alongside recent international efforts to standardize methods of data collection for meeting the objectives of owners. A case study in the domain of electrical, control and instrumentation (ECI) documentation is examined in detail, with particular reference to the amelioration of errors and omissions in “as built” drawings in order to provide the underlying foundation to support effective asset management (AM).

Findings

– The findings show that object oriented data models such as SIM provide a robust structure for effective and efficient AM and associated leverage of benefits throughout the entire facility lifecycle of a project. In particular object oriented data enables appropriate and reliable information to be created as a project progresses through its lifecycle, at little cost to the creators.

Originality/value

– The above special approach to enabling data collection at the point of creation is in alignment with recent Government initiatives such as Construction Operations Building Information Exchange, which are beginning to gather traction within the industry. While the potential benefits for AM of such systems are espoused throughout the industry, there are few successful examples in existence with measurable realization of benefits.
BIM-FM and consequential loss: how consequential can design models be?
Authors: Olatunji Oluwole Alfred , Akanmu Abiola
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Building information modelling (BIM) offers a new direction of project implementation. It promotes integration of multiple lifecycle stages as well as multidisciplinary integration; whereas conventional approaches are primed on fragmentation. The purpose of this paper is to add to existing debates on the relationship between the rationality of the legal structures underlying fragmented project delivery and BIM’s ability to successfully foster integration across different lifecycle stages. A step further from extant arguments on whether BIM could be sufficiently serviced by the same legal provisions that had serviced fragmented relationships, the study opens up some new fronts regarding the consequences of shared trusts and reciprocity in an integrated project platform.

Design/methodology/approach

– In addition to a deep analysis of traditional literature on BIM and project management, the study draws its strength from two recent court cases on the limitations of disclaimers against breaches. It also targets court decisions on consequential loss and the duty of care to explain project team’s liabilities when BIM could not live to its theorized promises.

Findings

– The study shows that disclaimers are a weak protection against liabilities. As BIM offers a dynamic project environment, the study relies on decided cases to show that duty of care to a project (and its owners) is not entirely representable by prototype contract language. More importantly, the study concludes that the applications of BIM to facilities management are better supported on BIM’s new dimension of multidisciplinary integration, rather than a mere coalescing of deliverables across different lifecycle fragments.

Originality/value

– This work presents a novel approach to the debate on the potentiality of BIM to drive project success. It adds to the growing discourse on the legal implications of BIM by considering the potential of digital models as a valid and admissible contract instrument.
Pupils’ satisfaction with school mid-day meal program
Authors: Ali Jabir , Akbar Mohammad
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the differences in pupils’ satisfaction on various aspects of mid-day meal (MDM) program in India across food catered by centralized and decentralized kitchens.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on structured questionnaire survey through personal interviews of 1,200 school children of primary and upper primary schools of four districts of the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Simple statistical tools such as descriptive statistics, factor analysis, t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) have been used for meaningful data analysis.

Findings

– Pupils’ responses on 17 attributes of their satisfaction on school meal program were reduced to four components − quality of food, social bonding, health and hygiene and availability of support infrastructure, using factor analysis technique. Findings show the perceived differences in satisfaction on various aspects of MDM program. Further, ANOVA indicate that there is significant difference in the satisfaction level on MDM supplied through centralized and decentralized kitchens.

Practical implications

– This study provides an understanding of pupils’ perceptions of school meal program in order to enable policy makers, school administration and caterers of MDM to design better food service delivery models.

Social implications

– Findings of the study clearly indicate that benefit of social bonding is an added advantage to continue the school meal program irrespective of the fact whether food is served through centralized or decentralized kitchens.

Originality/value

– There are several evaluation studies undertaken by various agencies to assess the impact of MDM program in India. However, there are only limited numbers of studies available, which have analyzed the children’s satisfaction on school MDM program across kitchen types.
Asymmetric relationships in networked agricultural innovation processes
Authors: Lambrecht Evelien , Kühne Bianka , Gellynck Xavier
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– In innovation networks, asymmetric relationships are both considered as an opportunity and a threat for the enhancement of innovation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how much asymmetry Flemish farmers perceive in their relationships for innovation with colleagues, suppliers and buyers.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 86 farmers active in four different agricultural subsectors in Flanders were consulted, of which 38 via in-depth interviews and 48 in seven focus groups. Data were analysed using NVivo.

Findings

– The authors found that across subsectors, different players in innovation networks play different roles. Furthermore, the authors observed that the majority of farmers see their relationships more as a necessity for the farm to be able to function, than as an opportunity for innovation. If they collaborate for innovation, they often prefer symmetric relationships with similar companies on horizontal level. Vertical collaboration for innovation is not very popular in the sample.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that farmers should take more actions to gain power in the chain and improve their skills with regards to negotiating with their suppliers or buyers. Furthermore, the authors found which characteristics of asymmetric relationships would foster the development of innovation processes.

Originality/value

– Empirical work studying the effects and impacts of asymmetric relationships for innovation from the SME’s perspective are still limited, especially in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, this sector is of practical relevance to study because the need for networking and innovation is very real.
Organization, responsibility and practice of food provision in home-help service
Authors: Fjellstrom Christina , Mattsson Sydner Ylva , Sidenvall Birgitta , Raats Monique M , Lumbers Margaret
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– In the home help service, food provision is one common welfare service that involves different professionals at different levels within a social organisation. The purpose of this paper is to examine how different professionals involved in this sector view and describe their work and responsibilities.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative study was designed based on interviews with 17 professionals representing different positions in the organisation, and an inductive thematic analysis was carried out.

Findings

– The various professionals’ views of food provision mainly focus on the meal box and other meals seem to receive much less attention. The professionals also illuminated their respective roles within the food provision organisation by means of boundaries and split responsibilities, and expressed a view of food provision as an issue for outsourcing. The restricted manner in which food provision was viewed and described illuminates a risk of food insecurity for dependent people in home help service situations.

Originality/value

– The restriction of how food provision was viewed and described illuminates a risk of food insecurity for dependent people in home help service.
Benchmarking the service quality of airlines in the United States: an exploratory analysis
Authors: Min Hokey , Min Hyesung
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to help airlines gain a better understanding of passengers’ service concerns, identify opportunities for continuous service improvement, and then develop service benchmarking standards that can be a yardstick for the airline’s competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper develops a set of target performance standards that helps airlines monitor their service delivery process, identify relative weaknesses, and take corrective actions for continuous service improvements using exploratory data analysis and competitive gap analysis.

Findings

– This study reveals that a service attribute considered most important to the airline customers’ impressions of service quality are air safety. This result reflects a growing concern over potential terrorism against airlines in the wake of the September 11 incident. The authors also found that proper baggage handling, competitive airfare, and on-time arrival/departure were next most important service attributes, whereas frequent flier and code-sharing programs were least important. Furthermore, the authors discovered that airline passengers’ perceived service quality influenced their choice of airlines. That is to say, airline service quality can be an important gauge of airline market share and revenue.

Research limitations/implications

– The current study is limited to the evaluation of comparative service quality of airlines in the USA. Thus, this study cannot be generalized to the airline passengers’ perceived service quality in other countries or different cultural settings. Also, this paper focuses on the performance aspect of benchmarking rather than the strategic aspect of benchmarking.

Practical implications

– With rising costs of fuel, labor, maintenance, and security, many airlines are at a crossroads where they have to decide between succumbing to restructuring pressures in a form of mergers/acquisitions and reinventing their service offerings. One viable means of reinventing airline service offerings is to learn more about what airline passengers truly value and appreciate in terms of service offerings and then figure out what it takes to win the hearts of customers and then how the airline can differentiate its service offering from those of its competitors. With this in mind, this paper develops viable service improvement strategies for the airline that can enhance its competitiveness in the struggling airline industry.

Originality/value

– This paper is one of a few attempts to identify a list of service attributes most important to airline service quality based on the actual survey of airline passengers, and then develop a benchmark standard of airlines in the USA from a customer (passenger) perspective.
Exploring antecedents of extended supply chain performance measures
Authors: Dubey Rameshwar , Ali Sadia  Samar
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the antecedents of Indian firms practicing green manufacturing practices and their impact on extended supply chain performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper the authors have adopted systematic literature review (SLR) to derive research objectives and questions. In order to answer research questions the authors have proposed a theoretical framework and derived research hypotheses. The authors identified constructs and items through extant literatures and developed a structured questionnaire which was pretested before using for final survey. The data were collected in two phases and also performed wave analysis to check non-response bias to avoid any significant impact of non-response bias on statistical analysis. The data has been used to conduct exploratory factor analysis using varimax rotation which reduces variables into five parsimonious and orthogonal factors. The factor analysis output was further used as an input of regression analysis.

Findings

– The factor analysis output has further validated the findings from literature review. The factor analysis output suggests that total quality management (TQM), supplier relationship management (SRM), R
&
D and technology and lean manufacturing practices are important determinants of Indian firms practicing green manufacturing practices which impact extended supply chain performance. The regression analysis output has further established that TQM and R
&
D and technology are strong determinants of extended supply chain performance. However, present study does not support SRM and lean manufacturing practices from respondent’s perspective. However, it further needs to be explored.

Research limitations/implications

– The present study is limited to medium-sized manufacturing firms. Second, the conclusive model explains only 31.9 percent of the total extended supply chain performance. The study provides an insight to managers that those companies which have implemented TQM and green technology have realized superior performance in comparison to those which have not successfully implemented.

Originality/value

– The present study is toward understanding Indian green manufacturing practices.
Survey of reverse logistics practices in manufacturing industries: an Indian context
Authors: Ravi V , Shankar Ravi
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current status of reverse logistics practices used on four sectors of Indian manufacturing industry, namely, auto, paper, food and beverage processing, and electronics.

Design/methodology/approach

– A nationwide questionnaire-based survey has been used to assess reverse logistics practices in Indian context.

Findings

– It was seen from the survey that Indian companies considered implementing reverse logistics programs in their organization as a strategic-level decision. Volume of products entering the return stream is a key driver of reverse logistics activities. One of the important observations of this research is that Indian companies have primarily adopted reverse logistics due to the economic benefits associated with them.

Research limitations/implications

– The results reported in this research are the bird’s eye view of reverse logistics practices in the Indian context only. The low level of questionnaire responses is also one of the limitations of this study. Numerical data related to companies could not be reported in this research as companies were reluctant in giving sensitive data.

Practical implications

– The present research would be useful for benchmarking professionals/managers for understanding strategic, tactical and operational-level issues of reverse logistics with respect to Indian context. Also, logistics managers can evolve suitable strategies for successful implementation of reverse logistics programs.

Originality/value

– The literature review indicates that only a few frameworks available give a holistic perspective of the current status of reverse logistics operations in an Indian context. This research is an attempt in this regard.
Estimating customer lifetime value for new product development based on the Kano model with a case study in automobile industry
Authors: Shahin Arash , Mohammadi Shahiverdi Somayeh
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– In previous studies, historical information of customer had been used for determining customer lifetime value (CLV). The purpose of this paper is to modify CLV estimation to be applied before producing a new product.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, the CLV estimation has been modified using Kano satisfaction coefficient. The Kano satisfaction coefficient has been assumed as loyalty indicator in estimating CLV and related equations have been developed for allocating Kano requirements to various phases of product life cycle. The proposed approach has been examined in two new product options of the automobile industry. Finally, by using customers’ purchase records during three years, CLV has been calculated for both product development options.

Findings

– Findings indicate that CLV of the first development option is equal to 407 million and 500,000 toumans and of the second option is equal to 392 million toumans, this difference is related to different requirements of the Kano model, and as a result, to different satisfaction coefficients. Therefore, the first option has been suggested for investing in developing new product.

Research limitations/implications

– Application of the proposed approach is limited to short time periods. The findings are limited to the automobile industry.

Originality/value

– The modified approach of estimating CLV can be applied for prospective new product development in addition to traditional approaches in which, only the historical data of sold products are used. In addition, using Kano satisfaction coefficient in estimation of CLV in short periods, seems an appropriate approach for competitive industries that focus on dynamic needs of customers.
A practical introduction to methods for analyzing longitudinal data in the presence of missing data using a marijuana price survey
Authors: Miles Jeremy N.V , Hunt Priscillia
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– In applied psychology research settings, such as criminal psychology, missing data are to be expected. Missing data can cause problems with both biased estimates and lack of statistical power. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Recently, sophisticated methods for appropriately dealing with missing data, so as to minimize bias and to maximize power have been developed. In this paper the authors use an artificial data set to demonstrate the problems that can arise with missing data, and make naïve attempts to handle data sets where some data are missing.

Findings

– With the artificial data set, and a data set comprising of the results of a survey investigating prices paid for recreational and medical marijuana, the authors demonstrate the use of multiple imputation and maximum likelihood estimation for obtaining appropriate estimates and standard errors when data are missing.

Originality/value

– Missing data are ubiquitous in applied research. This paper demonstrates that techniques for handling missing data are accessible and should be employed by researchers.
Application of bifactor models in criminal psychology research: a guide to researchers
Authors: Hyland Philip
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce the reader to the nature of confirmatory bifactor modelling. Confirmatory bifactor modelling is a factor analytic procedure that allows researchers to model unidimensionality and multidimensionality simultaneously. This method has important applications in the field of criminal psychology.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper begins by introducing the topic of factor analysis and explains how confirmatory bifactor modelling is similar yet distinct to the more familiar factor analytical procedures in the psychological literature.

Findings

– Through practical examples this paper explains the value of this analytical technique to researchers in criminal psychology. Examples from the existing criminal psychological literature are used to illustrate the way in which bifactor analysis allows important theoretical questions to be addressed.

Originality/value

– This paper highlights the strengths and limitations associated with traditional “restricted” confirmatory bifactor models and introduces the notion of the “unrestricted” bifactor model. The unrestricted bifactor model allows greater flexibility for addressing interesting research questions. The paper concludes by providing the reader with an annotated Mplus syntax file for how to perform confirmatory bifactor modelling.
Location strategies: methods and their methodological limitations
Authors: Glatte Thomas
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyze methodological limitations of methods used for the evaluation of sites as part of location strategies for corporations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the available methods for site selection, which are pointed out, various challenges for quality- and quantity-related criteria are derived and explained, whereby all common approaches have some methodological deficiencies.

Findings

– Those defects have an impact on the result of site selection projects. Therefore, knowledge of these limitations in using certain methods is of essence for the right interpretation of the results. The respective methodological deficiencies are explained and conclusions are drawn.

Research limitations/implications

– Research in the area of site selection has been limited mostly to rather comprehensive approaches or national views. A holistic approach toward especially property-related matters is not available in current textbooks.

Originality/value

– As common practice proves, the outlined deficiencies are mostly unknown or not considered. It is the aim of this paper to seek understanding of the respective methodological limitations and, as a result thereof, achieve substantially improved results of future site selection projects or location strategies.
Low back pain assessment application for construction workers
Authors: Adeyemi H.O. , Adejuyigbe S.B. , Ismaila S.O. , Adekoya A.F.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop an expert system capable of assessing risk associated with manual lifting in construction tasks and proffer some first aid advices which are comparable with those obtainable from human experts.

Design/methodology/approach

– The expert system, musculoskeletal disorders – risk evaluation expert system (MSDs-REES), used Microsoft.Net C# programming language to write the algorithm of the fuzzy inference system with variables load, posture and frequency of lift as inputs and risk of low back pain as the output. The algorithm of the inference engine applied sets of rules to generate the output variable in crisp value.

Findings

– The result of validation, between the human experts’ calculated risk values and MSDs-REES-predicted risk values, indicated a correlation coefficient of 0.87. Between the predicted risk values generated using MSDs-REES and the existing package (MATLAB version 7.8), there was a strong positive relationship statistically with correlation coefficient of 0.97.

Originality/value

– The study provided a very simple expert system which has the ability to provide some medical-related injury prevention advice and first aid information for injury management, giving it a unique attribute over the existing applications.