bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An assembly sequence optimization oriented small world networks genetic algorithm and case study
Authors: Zhao Liping , Li Bohao , Chen Hongren , Yao Yiyong
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The assembly sequence in the product assembly process has effect on the final product quality. To solve the assembly sequence optimization problem, such as rotor blade assembly sequence optimization, this paper proposes a small world networks-based genetic algorithm (SWN_GA) to solve the assembly sequence optimization problem. The proposed approach SWN_GA consists of a combination between the standard Genetic Algorithm and the NW Small World Networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The selection operation and the crossover operation are improved in this paper. The selection operation remains the elite individuals that have greater fitness than average fitness and reselects the individuals that have smaller fitness than average fitness. The crossover operation combines the NW Small World Networks to select the crossover individuals and calculate the crossover probability.

Findings

In this paper, SWN_GA is used to optimize the assembly sequence of steam turbine rotor blades, and the SWN_GA was compared with standard GA and PSO algorithm in a simulation experiment. The simulation results show that SWN_GA cannot only find a better assembly sequence which have lower rotor imbalance, but also has a faster convergence rate.

Originality/value

Finally, an experiment about the assembly of a steam turbine rotor is conducted, and SWN_GA is applied to optimize the blades assembly sequence. The feasibility and effectiveness of SWN_GA are verified through the experimental result.
A new type of inner-side working head for automatic drilling and riveting system
Authors: Jiang Junxia , Bian Chen , Bi Yunbo , Ke Yinglin
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design, analyze and optimize a new type of inner-side working head for automatic horizontal dual-machine cooperative drilling and riveting system. The inner-side working head is the key component of automatic drilling and riveting system, and it is a challenge to design an inner-side working head which must be stiffness and stable with a compact structure to realize its functions.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the assembly structure features of large aircraft panels and riveting process requirements, a new type of inner-side working head is designed for pressure riveting. The force condition of the inner-side working head during the riveting process is analyzed and the deformation model is established. Design optimization is performed based on genetic algorithm and finite element analysis. The optimized inner-side working head is tested with automatic horizontal dual-machine cooperative drilling and riveting system.

Findings

The deformation model provides the precision compensation basis for control system. Application test results show that the automatic drilling and riveting system can realize assembly of large aircraft panel with high efficiency and quality through the inner-side working head.

Research limitations/implications

The inner-side working head has been used in aircraft panel assembly.

Practical implications

The inner-side working head has been used in aircraft panel assembly.

Originality/value

This paper presents the design, analysis and optimization of a new type of inner-side working head which can realize automatic riveting for aircraft panel. The research will promote the automation of aircraft panel assembly.
Adaptive visual servoing control for an underwater soft robot
Authors: Xu Fan , Wang Hesheng , Chen Weidong , Wang Jingchuan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Soft robotics, regarded as a new research branch of robotics, has generated increasing interests in this decade and has demonstrated its outperformance in addressing safety issues when cooperating with human beings. However, there is still lack of accurate close-loop control because of the difficulty in acquiring feedback information and accurately modeling the system, especially in interactive environments. To this end, this paper aims to improve the controllability of the soft robot working in specific underwater environment. The system dynamics, which takes complicated hydrodynamics into account, is solved using Kane’s method. The dynamics-based adaptive visual servoing controller is proposed to realize accurate sensorimotor control.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an image-based visual servoing control scheme for a cable-driven soft robot with a fixed camera observing the motions. The intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the camera can be adapted online so that tedious camera calibration work can be eliminated. It is acknowledged that kinematics-based control can be only applied into tasks in the free space and has limitation in accelerating the motion speed of robot arms. That is, one must consider the unneglectable interaction effects generated from the environment and objectives when operating soft robots in such interactive control tasks. To extend the application of soft robots into underwater environment, the study models system dynamics considering complicated hydrodynamic effects. With the pre-knowledge of the external effects, the performance of the robot can be further improved by adding the compensation term into the controller.

Findings

The proposed controller has theoretically proved its convergence of image error, adaptive estimation error and the stability of the dynamical system based on Lyapunov’s analysis. The authors also validate the performance of the controller in positioning control task in an underwater environment. The controller shows its capacity of rapid convergence to and accurate tracking performance of a static image target in a physical experiment.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there is no such research before that has developed dynamics-based visual servoing controller which takes into account the environment interactions. This work can thus improve the control accuracy and enhance the applicability of soft robotics when operating in complicated environments.
The rise of mobile internet: the adoption process at the bottom of the pyramid
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Sabbir , Mannan Mahafuz , Amir Riasat
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide an insight into the adoption process of mobile internet (M-internet) among bottom-of-the-pyramid (BoP) customers.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical survey was used to test the proposed hypotheses. Data were collected from a total of 387 BoP customers from Bangladesh. PLS-SEM was applied to test the proposed model.

Findings

The findings in this study reveal that BoP customers’ life satisfaction, internet literacy, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use significantly influence a customer’s intention to use M-internet, while these relationships are partially mediated by the attitude toward M-internet. Furthermore, price perception was found to directly influence intention to use M-internet and to have a positive moderating effect on the relationship between attitude toward M-internet and intention to use M-internet. Also, intention to use M-internet was found to have a significant influence on BoP customer’s M-internet adoption behavior.

Practical implications

The findings of this study help to understand what drives and impedes the M-Internet adoption behavior of BoP customers in a developing country like Bangladesh.

Originality/value

This is the first study that incorporated BoP customers’ life satisfaction and internet literacy to investigate the BoP customers’ adoption process of M-internet in the context of developing countries. Overall, this study contributes to the limited literature regarding the BoP customers’ M-internet adoption behavior. The results of this study will help the M-internet service providers of Bangladesh and other similar developing countries to understand the BoP customer’s adoption process regarding M-internet to create successful policies and strategies both for the service providers and policymakers.
Research on thermal property and temperature rating prediction of Mongolian robe ensembles
Authors: Guo Xiaofang , Shi Hui , Wei Chenglong , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reveal the unique thermal property of Mongolian clothing from the current western clothing and explain their environmental adaptation to the climate of Mongolian plateau in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Thermal insulation and the temperature rating (TR) of eight Mongolian robe ensembles and two western clothing ensembles were investigated by manikin testing and wearing trials, respectively. The clothing area factor (fcl) of these Mongolian clothing was measured by photographic method and estimated equation from ISO 15831. Finally, the TR prediction model for Mongolian clothing was built and compared with current models for western clothing in ISO 7730 and for Tibetan clothing in previous article.

Findings

The results demonstrated that the total thermal insulation of Mongolian robe ensembles was much bigger than that of western clothing ensembles and ranged from 1.81clo to 3.11clo during the whole year. The fcl of the Mongolian clothing should be determined by photographic method because the differences between these two methods were much bigger from 0.6 to 13.9 percent; the TR prediction model for Mongolian robe ensembles is TR=25.57−7.13Icl, which revealed that the environmental adaptation of Mongolian clothing was much better than that of western clothing and similar to that of Tibetan clothing.

Originality/value

The research findings give a detailed information about the thermal property of China Mongolian clothing, and explain the environmental adaptation of Mongolian clothing to the cold and changing climate.
Servitization strategies from customers’ perspective: the moderating role of co-creation
Authors: Ruiz-Alba José L. , Soares Anabela , Rodríguez-Molina Miguel A. , Frías-Jamilena Dolores M.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the moderating role of co-creation in the implementation of servitization strategies in the pharmaceutical industry in a business-to-business (B-to-B) context. More specifically, this investigation explores the impact of different levels of services (base, intermediate and advanced) on servitization and on performance by using co-creation as a moderating factor.

Design/methodology/approach

A research framework was developed and empirically tested in the pharmaceutical sector. Data collection was conducted through the online distribution of questionnaires. The final sample included 219 pharmacy stores, and the data were analysed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

Main findings suggest that when the level of co-creation of the design of services is high, there are significant effects of servitization on firm performance. The moderating effect of co-creation is illustrated in regard to intermediate and advanced services, but results referring to the impact of intermediate services on servitization appear non-significant with a low degree of co-creation. No significant effects could be found for the impact of base services on performance and servitization for both high and low degrees of co-creation. Findings show an impact of advanced services on performance through the mediating effect of servitization when the degree of co-creation is high.

Originality/value

Most research concerning servitization has been done from the perspective of manufacturers and service providers. This study adds value to the literature because it was designed from a customer’s perspective. Moreover, it contributes towards the conceptualization of the servitization research strategy and business models in a B2B context. This is accomplished through the investigation of the moderating effect of co-creation on the impact of the different levels of services on servitization and on performance.
Openness and front end of innovation: does customer type matter?
Authors: Barrutia Jose M. , Velez Alexander , Echebarria Carmen
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study the moderating effect of customer type (business customers versus private customers) on the link between two forms of openness (cross-industry networks and customer integration) and two front-end innovation outcomes (a creative idea and a product definition), in the context of radical innovations.

Design/methodology/approach

An agreement was established with the Statistical Office of the Basque Government. This agreement enabled us to access a reliable list of innovative companies in the region that constituted our sample frame. Questionnaires were collected by phone. The response rate was 41.6%, which led to a sample size of 189 firms. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study reveals that idea creativity is explained by different external drivers in business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C) settings. In B2B settings, customer integration is found to have no effect on idea creativity. For product definition, however, both the external drivers, namely, cross-industry networks and customer integration, matter, although the latter is more salient.

Practical implications

In the search for creative ideas, managers of firms that serve business customers should focus on cross-industry networks, while those that serve private customers should concentrate on customer integration.

Originality/value

Most previous quantitative studies on the front end have focused on internal drivers, and some of them use a mix of B2B and B2C data, which could lead to misleading conclusions.
Exploration of capability and role development in an emerging technology network
Authors: Salehi Fatemeh , Zolkiewski Judith , Perks Helen , Bahreini Mohammad Ali
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the capabilities and roles of three types of actors, specifically technology-based start-ups, incumbent firms and intermediaries, in co-constructing a network for development and commercialization of an emerging technology. In particular, the research aims to understand how the roles played by network actors evolve during the development and commercialization process and what operational and dynamic capabilities are developed by actors through collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

A single longitudinal case study methodology was applied to analyse roles and operational and dynamic capabilities developed in a network setting by multiple parties over time.

Findings

The findings indicate that actors need to take on new roles to be successful when dealing with an emerging technology in a network context and they need to develop certain dynamic capabilities to enact these roles. The study categorizes roles and capabilities of network actors through various stages of collaboration. Actors developed sensing capabilities in the pre-collaboration stage which drove joint new product development. During the collaboration, seizing capabilities were developed where resource commitment and alignment of resources among actors were essential. Capabilities gained through commercialization and large-scale production were predominantly transforming capabilities where actors realigned their structure and had positive impact on capability development in the wider network.

Research limitations/implications

Using data of a single case data may limit the applicability of the findings, which calls for future research.

Practical implications

The findings inform managers’’ and policymakers’ strategies related to participation in networks for development and commercialization of emerging technologies. The research provides insights about the role of large and small firms as well as intermediary organizations in development of nanotechnology and highlights that all network actors need to develop and utilize dynamic capabilities in all areas of sensing, seizing and transforming over time to be able to innovate and successfully commercialize a new product.

Originality/value

The research investigates evolution of operational and dynamic capabilities and roles of multiple actors over time in collaborative networks for development and commercialization of an emerging technology. Building on the dynamic capabilities concept, the study broadens our understanding of the evolution of these capabilities in a network setting and elaborates how capability development is linked to changes in roles.
Counterfeit vaccines in Indonesia: managing the issue through media
Authors: Nurlaela Arief N. , Karlinah Siti , Setianti Yanti , Susilawati Sri
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how media plays a role in the issue of counterfeit vaccines. Specifically, to describe how the government communicators manage issues of counterfeit vaccines in Indonesia. Even though a public health emergency situation is very hard to predict, monitoring issues in media is crucial before communicating with the public. This will help improve public trust on the importance of vaccines.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from June until December 2016. The research method employed quantitative content analysis of data obtained from media monitoring and interviews.

Findings

The results show that the issue of fake vaccines received great attention from the media with a total of 1,724 news headlines on the topic. The government communicators were responsive in handling this issue by providing sources of information for key influencers when it arose. Since the majority of media sentiment was positive, the research also proposes a model for the future managing of issues on counterfeit vaccines.

Research limitations/implications

Limited to managing issues on media about counterfeit vaccines and how government communicators and stakeholders communicated during the crisis. It is suggested that future research should focus on the emotional perspective of parents whose children were affected by counterfeit vaccines.

Practical implications

This research is worthwhile for Public Relations Practitioners in government health institutions, such as the Ministry of Health, the National Agency for Food and Drugs Control and PR practitioners in Hospitals and Pharmacies to overcome another communication crisis in a public health emergency.

Social implications

To increase awareness in Indonesia about the importance of vaccines and to educate the public about using government vaccines without fear.

Originality/value

This research is new as the topic about counterfeit vaccines has not been brought up before. This has the potential to have a considerable impact to local communities, as well as a wider impact on global health systems.
Interventions commonly used to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare workers
Authors: Sirisawasd Sanpatchaya , Taptagaporn Sasitorn , Boonshuyar Chaweewon , Earde Poramet
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in order to ascertain the occupation with the highest susceptibility to WMSD in the health sector. This paper will also review the effective interventions which have been used to prevent WMSDs among HCWs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a literature review of 11 papers related to the prevalence and risk factors of WMSDs and 12 papers about the interventions being used to prevent WMSDs among HCWs. The papers were retrieved from respectable databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and E-Thesis.

Findings

Nurses belong to the major group of HCWs who had the highest prevalence of WMSDs compared with other health professionals and other hospital workers. Although there are several interventions being commonly used to prevent WMSD risk factors, some interventions were unsuccessful in the prevention of WMSDs in healthcare tasks. Therefore, it is necessary that future research focuses on the tasks of HCWs that are WMSD risk factors and tries to innovate or redesign ergonomic workstations to prevent those risk factors.

Originality/value

The expected benefit of this study is to motivate ergonomists to provide appropriate and innovative interventions to ensure health and safety for nurses and other HCWs.
Stable trajectory planning and energy-efficience control allocation of lane change maneuver for autonomous electric vehicle
Authors: Xu Liwei , Yin Guodong , Li Guangmin , Hanif Athar , Bian Chentong
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate problems in performing stable lane changes and to find a solution to reduce energy consumption of autonomous electric vehicles.

Design/methodology/approach

An optimization algorithm, model predictive control (MPC) and Karush–Kuhn–Tucker (KKT) conditions are adopted to resolve the problems of obtaining optimal lane time, tracking dynamic reference and energy-efficient allocation. In this paper, the dynamic constraints of vehicles during lane change are first established based on the longitudinal and lateral force coupling characteristics and the nominal reference trajectory. Then, by optimizing the lane change time, the yaw rate and lateral acceleration that connect with the lane change time are limed. Furthermore, to assure the dynamic properties of autonomous vehicles, the real system inputs under the restraints are obtained by using the MPC method. Based on the gained inputs and the efficient map of brushless direct-current in-wheel motors (BLDC IWMs), the nonlinear cost function which combines vehicle dynamic and energy consumption is given and the KKT-based method is adopted.

Findings

The effectiveness of the proposed control system is verified by numerical simulations. Consequently, the proposed control system can successfully achieve stable trajectory planning, which means that the yaw rate and longitudinal and lateral acceleration of vehicle are within stability boundaries, which accomplishes accurate tracking control and decreases obvious energy consumption.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a solution to simultaneously satisfy stable lane change maneuvering and reduction of energy consumption for autonomous electric vehicles. Different from previous path planning researches in which only the geometric constraints are involved, this paper considers vehicle dynamics, and stability boundaries are established in path planning to ensure the feasibility of the generated reference path.
Conceptualizing the relation between halal logo, perceived product quality and the role of consumer knowledge
Authors: Anam Javeed , Sany Sanuri Bin Mohamed Mokhtar , Ismail Bin Lebai Othman
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize the impact of halal logo as an extrinsic food packaging cue on perceived food quality moderated by the role of consumer knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

An exhaustive literature review has been undertaken for the conceptual development. The nexus between halal logo and perceived food quality has been developed which provides a foundation for the further research.

Findings

The findings of this paper indicate that the halal-labelled products create a psychological impact about the quality of the food product.

Practical implications

This paper presents a brief overview of the lucrative opportunities in halal business for Pakistan. The findings of this paper can be adopted by the marketers for the development of proper marketing strategies. The empirical investigations of this paper could offer the base to the marketers to invest in favorable product packaging cues. The role halal logo as a food quality indicator has previously been overlooked in the literature. The impact of halal logo on food quality perception is emergent with avenues for study across various cultures and religions.

Originality/value

This is a useful paper which proposes a useful testable model for study in Pakistani consumer market to fill the gaps of Islamic consumer behavior literature.
The long-run sustainability of the European Union countries
Authors: Vié Aymeric , Colapinto Cinzia , La Torre Davide , Liuzzi Danilo
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Energy and environmental concerns have gained a significant role in public policy agenda as well as in energy economics literature. As policies often rely on imprecise information on data and goals, fuzzy goal programming (FGP) modeling is a relevant choice to evaluate multi-criteria sustainability. This technique is suitable for the analysis of the Europe 2020 strategy plan dealing with several possibly conflicting objectives in economy, environment, energy and employment. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a FGP model for sustainable implementations for all European Union (EU) countries with respect to Europe 2020 policy goals and provides insights for decision makers to better satisfy conflicting criteria by suggesting optimal allocations of workers in several economic sectors.

Findings

The analysis shows an overall great performance of European Union countries in the environmental and social criteria and outlines the needs for significant additional policy measures to reduce energy consumption while increasing the economic output. Comparing the performance of countries within the European Union between those who adopted the euro and those who maintained national currencies shows that Euro countries tend to perform worse in terms of Europe 2020 sustainability, opening opportunities for further research to better investigate on the causes and determinants of these differences.

Originality/value

The paper presents a conceptual model of sustainable development that improves understanding of the concept and reconciles highly competing policy objectives in a common framework. Applying this model to all European Union countries offers both comparison and policy recommendations at a large new scale.
Value creation through big data in emerging economies
Authors: Zeng Jing , Khan Zaheer
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how managers orchestrate, bundle and leverage resources from big data for value creation in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors grounded the theoretical framework in two perspectives: the resource management and entrepreneurial orientation (EO). The study utilizes an inductive, multiple-case research design to understand the process of creating value from big data.

Findings

The findings suggest that EO is vital through which companies based in emerging economies can create value through big data by bundling and orchestrating resources thus improving performance.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to have integrated resource orchestration theory and EO in the context of big data and explicate the utility of such theoretical integration in understanding the value creation strategies through big data in the context of emerging economies.
Examining the role of dynamic remanufacturing capability on supply chain resilience in circular economy
Authors: Bag Surajit , Gupta Shivam , Foropon Cyril
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Worldwide, facing increasing resources pressure, more and more manufacturing firms aim to circular economy (CE), which is a system characterized by the application of remanufacturing principles and adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the function of remanufacturing capability in influencing supply chain resilience in supply chain networks under the moderating effects of both flexible orientation and control orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered through a survey performed online in South Africa, and 150 participants completed the survey. Participants were mainly industry professionals holding senior administrative positions.

Findings

Results indicate that market factors, management factors and technical factors positively influence dynamic remanufacturing capability (DRC). More specifically, on one hand, market factors strongly influence DRC, whereas, on the other hand, both management and technical factors influence at lower level DRC. DRC has a positive influence on supply chain resilience. Flexible orientation is found to positively moderate the effect of DRC on supply chain resilience, whereas control orientation does not exert any moderating effect on DRC and supply chain resilience.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies that explore research gaps between current vs desired remanufacturing capability requirements to achieve sustainability goals in CE.
Director interlocks and the strategic pacing of CSR activities
Authors: Al-Dah Bilal
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Throughout years of corporate social responsibility (CSR) debates, most studies have focused on whether or not a firm should engage in CSR activities, while giving little attention to the firm’s engagement strategy. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the optimal way of engaging in CSR activities to maximize firm value while acting in a socially responsible manner.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes US-listed firms and was initially split into three categories (slow-paced, steady-paced and fast-paced firms) based on how fast the firm increased/decreased the pace of its CSR involvement. The sample was later split into firms that have interlocked directors and those that do not, to highlight the important role played by interlocked directors in moderating the relationship between CSR pace and firm performance.

Findings

Results suggest that firms engaging in CSR activities at a slow or steady pace experience superior financial returns than firms engaging in CSR activities at a fast pace. Further analysis indicates that rapid CSR involvement is counterproductive for firms with no interlocked directors. On the other hand, firms with interlocked directors benefit from their directors’ social network, and experience positive returns when engaging in CSR activities at a fast pace.

Practical implications

This study is of particular importance for firms establishing their CSR engagement strategies. The results highlight the optimal way a firm can engage in CSR activities while still maximizing shareholder wealth.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to study the pace determinants of a firm’s CSR engagement strategy. The absence/presence of interlocked directors is identified as a key moderating variable for the CSR–firm performance relationship. The study pinpoints the absence of interlocked directors as a constraint for firms that rapidly engage in CSR activities.
Board networks as a source of intellectual capital for companies
Authors: Blanco-Alcántara David , Díez-Esteban José María , Romero-Merino M. Elena
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the dynamic capabilities framework to explain the effect of board networks, as a source of intellectual capital, on firm performance. The authors propose that the influence of board interlocks depends on their ability to contribute to strategic decision making. As a result, their effect is subject to the business context in which they occur and the different role of the interconnected directors involved.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use social network analysis to make board connections and to calculate centrality measures. The authors also identify busy boards to analyze whether their effect differs from centrality. The authors estimate the theoretical model using the Generalized Method of Moments in order to take advantage of the panel database.

Findings

For a sample of Spanish firms from 1999 to 2015, the results show there is no direct significant effect of directors’ networks on firm performance. However, the authors find a positive and significant influence of intra-industry board connections, particularly when they are established among outsiders.

Research limitations/implications

The Spanish context of the study can limit the generalization of the papers’ results.

Practical implications

The results can be useful both for practitioners – since they can serve as a guide for companies to reformulate their boards in search of the optimal structure-, and when implementing good governance codes – establishing limits for director interlocking.

Originality/value

This study helps to offer a better understanding of how directors’ networks can add value to the firm depending on the kind of resources they provide (context) and the role of the director who is connected.
The soft side of environmentally-sustainable organizations
Authors: Jabbour Charbel Jose Chiapetta , Renwick Douglas William Scott
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present a discussion on the “soft and human” side of building environmentally sustainable organizations, a flourishing management subfield called “green human resource management” (GHRM), which concerns alignment of people and environmental management objectives of organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed some of the most relevant research results in GHRM.

Findings

In this paper, the authors define GHRM, its workplace-based practices and some recent developments’ evidence on the positive impact of it on firms’ ecological objectives. The authors conclude by detailing a new research agenda in GHRM.

Originality/value

The authors conclude by detailing a new and contemporary research agenda in GHRM.
Building bridges: librarians and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Cho James
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to convey the experiences of an academic librarian in providing services to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) so that it may aide other librarians who also work with these students.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper does this by detailing a support program, the Bridges to Adelphi Program, for students on the spectrum and illustrates the nature of the disorder, strategies that have been used in working with these students and reflections on and implications of these strategies.

Finding

This paper provides information on practical strategies used and in detail descriptions of this work and conveys findings on which strategies are used and why and which strategies succeeded and which did not.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this paper is that other universities may not have a well-organized and well-developed support program such as the Bridges to Adelphi Program. However, it does provide advice on working with students on the spectrum even in the absence of such a program. Future avenues for research include the collection and evaluation of data on learning outcomes that these techniques have on students with ASD.

Practical implications

The specific librarian interventions detailed in this paper will provide advice and models that other librarians can use.

Originality/value

This paper is distinguished from other scholarship in that it is addressed to the librarian and not teaching faculty, and in the small amount of literature that is addressed to the librarian, this paper differs in that it does not solely offer suggestions but provides a real-world accounting of strategies and interventions used.
Acoustic directional snapshot wavefield decomposition
Authors: Holicki Max , Drijkoningen Guy , Wapenaar Kees
Published: October 2018

Up–down wavefield decomposition is effectuated by a scaled addition or subtraction of the pressure and vertical particle velocity, generally on horizontal or vertical surfaces, and works well for data given on such surfaces. The method, however, is not applicable to decomposing a wavefield when it is given at one instance in time, i.e. on snapshots. Such situations occur when a wavefield is modelled with methods like finite‐difference techniques, for the purpose of, for example, reverse time migration, where the entire wavefield is determined per time instance. We present an alternative decomposition method that is exact when working on snapshots of an acoustic wavefield in a homogeneous medium, but can easily be approximated to heterogeneous media, and allows the wavefield to be decomposed in arbitrary directions. Such a directional snapshot wavefield decomposition is achieved by recasting the acoustic system in terms of the time derivative of the pressure and the vertical particle velocity, as opposed to the vertical derivative in up–down decomposition for data given on a horizontal surface. As in up–down decomposition of data given at a horizontal surface, the system can be eigenvalue decomposed and the inverse of the eigenvector matrix decomposes the wavefield snapshot into fields of opposite directions, including up–down decomposition. As the vertical particle velocity can be rotated at will, this allows for decomposition of the wavefield into any spatial direction; even spatially varying directions are possible. We show the power and effectiveness of the method by synthetic examples and models of increasing complexity.
Medication adherence, costs, and ER visits of nurse practitioner and primary care physician patients: Evidence from three cohorts of Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Muench Ulrike , Guo Chaoran , Thomas Cindy , Perloff Jennifer
Published: October 2018

Objective

To compare medication adherence, cost, and utilization in Medicare beneficiaries attributed to nurse practitioners (NP) and primary care physicians (PCP).

Data

Medicare Part A, B, and D claims and beneficiary summary file data, years 2009‐2013.

Study Design

We used propensity score‐weighted analyses combined with logistic regression and generalized estimating equations to test differences in good medication adherence (proportion of days covered (PDC >0.8); office‐based and specialty care costs; and ER visits.

Data Extraction

Beneficiaries with prescription claims for anti‐diabetics, renin‐angiotensin system antagonists (RASA), or statins.

Principal Findings

There were no differences in good medication adherence (PDC >0.8) between NP and PCP attributed beneficiaries taking anti‐diabetics or RASA. Beneficiaries taking statins had a slightly higher probability of good adherence when attributed to PCPs (74.6% vs 75.5%; P < 0.05). NP attributed beneficiaries had lower office‐based and specialty care costs and were less likely to experience an ER visit across all three medication cohorts (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Examining the impact of NP and PCP provided care on outcomes beyond the primary care setting is important to the Medicare program in general but will also help practices seeking to meet benchmarks under alternative payment models that incentivize higher quality and lower costs.
Economic Policy Uncertainty and House Prices: Evidence from Geographical Regions of England and Wales
Authors: Choudhry Taufiq
Published: October 2018

This article empirically investigates the effect of the economic policy uncertainty on house prices across 10 different geographical regions of England and Wales. The empirical study is conducted by means of the autoregressive distributed lag bounds cointegration test. Results show a stable long‐run relationship (cointegration) between house prices and its determinants (including economic policy uncertainty) in nine of the regions. Results also evince long‐ and short‐term negative effect of uncertainty to house prices. These results clearly indicate the importance of economic policy uncertainty in the determination of UK house prices and demand.
Clinical effectiveness and safety of antazoline‐based therapy in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing pharmacological cardioversion of short‐duration atrial fibrillation in the emergency department
Authors: Farkowski Michal M. , Maciag Aleksander , Zurawska Malgorzata , Kowalik Ilona , Szwed Hanna , Pytkowski Mariusz
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Options for a pharmacological cardioversion (CV) of short‐duration atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with a stable coronary artery disease (CAD) are limited to amiodarone or vernakalant. Antazoline has been reported to achieve high rates of AF conversion to sinus rhythm, but data on its effectiveness and, more importantly, safety in stable CAD patients, have been sparse.

Aims

To assess the effectiveness and safety of antazoline‐based therapy in patients with a stable CAD undergoing pharmacological CV of short‐duration AF in the emergency department (ED).

Results

A retrospective case‐control study. We conducted an analysis of medical records of patients with a stable CAD undergoing CV of short duration (≤48 hours) AF in the ED using intravenous antazoline. The main endpoints of the study were successful cardioversion of AF and hospitalization due to the adverse effects (AE) of the treatment. Between 2008 and 2012, out of 548 CVs, antazoline was administered 334 times: 138 in CAD and 196 in the control group. Patients in the CAD group were older and had more comorbidities than controls; 65 patients had had a history of myocardial infarction (MI). In CAD group, the effectiveness was higher (82.6% vs 63.8%, RB: 1.30 [95% CI: 1.14‐1.48], P = 0.0002) and the hospitalization rate due to AE was similar (1.4% vs 4.1%, RR: 0.36 [95% CI: 0.08‐1.65], P = 0.2054) to the control group. Among patients with CAD, a history of MI did not influence the effectiveness or safety of the CV (P = 0.2252 and P = 1.0000, respectively).

Conclusions

In selected patients with a stable CAD, even with a history of MI, antazoline‐based CV of short‐duration AF may be an effective and safe therapeutic option.
Consensus‐based Criterion Standard for the Identification of Pediatric Patients Who Need Emergency Medical Services Transport to a Hospital with Higher‐level Pediatric Resources
Authors: Studnek Jonathan R. , Lerner E. Brooke , Shah Manish I. , Browne Lorin R. , Brousseau David C. , Cushman Jeremy T. , Dayan Peter S. , Drayna Patrick C. , Drendel Amy L. , Gray Matthew P. , Kahn Christopher A. , Meyer Michael T. , Shah Manish N. , Stanley Rachel M.
Published: October 2018

Background

Emergency medical services (EMS) providers must be able to identify the most appropriate destination facility when treating children with potentially severe medical illnesses. Currently, no validated tool exists to assist EMS providers in identifying children who need transport to a hospital with higher‐level pediatric care. For such a tool to be developed, a criterion standard needs to be defined that identifies children who received higher‐level pediatric medical care.

Objective

The objective was to develop a consensus‐based criterion standard for children with a medical complaint who need a hospital with higher‐level pediatric resources.

Methods

Eleven local and national experts in EMS, emergency medicine (EM), and pediatric EM were recruited. Initial discussions identified themes for potential criteria. These themes were used to develop specific criteria that were included in a modified Delphi survey, which was electronically delivered. The criteria were refined iteratively based on participant responses. To be included, a criterion required at least 80% agreement among participants. If an item had less than 50% agreement, it was removed. A criterion with 50% to 79% agreement was modified based on participant suggestions and included on the next survey, along with any new suggested criteria. Voting continued until no new criteria were suggested and all criteria received at least 80% agreement.

Results

All 11 recruited experts participated in all seven voting rounds. After the seventh vote, there was agreement on each item and no new criteria were suggested. The recommended criterion standard included 13 items that apply to patients 14 years old or younger. They included IV antibiotics for suspicion of sepsis or a seizure treated with two different classes of anticonvulsive medications within 2 hours, airway management, blood product administration, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, electrical therapy, administration of specific IV/IO drugs or respiratory assistance within 4 hours, interventional radiology or surgery within 6 hours, intensive care unit admission, specific comorbid conditions with two or more abnormal vital signs, and technology‐assisted children seen for device malfunction.

Conclusion

We developed a 13‐item consensus‐based criterion standard definition for identifying children with medical complaints who need the resources of a hospital equipped to provide higher‐level pediatric services. This criterion standard will allow us to create a tool to improve pediatric patient care by assisting EMS providers in identifying the most appropriate destination facility for ill children.
The Diversity We Are Given: Community Economies and the Promise of Bataille
Authors: Rose Mitch
Published: October 2018

For over 20 years J K Gibson‐Graham and the Community Economies Collective have endeavoured to reveal the diversity of economic practice already operative in our so‐called capitalist world. The aim of this paper is to further this ambition by illuminating an occlusion in Gibson‐Graham's own political vision. It argues that diversity, in Gibson‐Graham's thought, is primarily conceptualised as something produced. Drawing upon the work of George Bataille, this paper conceptualises the economy as a superlative and prodigal system of energy exchange that, by definition, is over‐productive and wasteful. In this framing, diversity is not the result of positive relations but emerges from the prolific nature of the general economy. The idea is developed through a discussion of the Detroit urban farming movement. Specifically it argues that the inefficient, redundant and wasteful nature of urban farming is an appropriation of potentialities resident within the general economy.
Vacuum‐Assisted Closure for Mediastinitis in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Single‐Center Experience
Authors: Onan Ismihan Selen , Yildiz Okan , Tüzün Behzat , Timur Barış , Haydin Sertaç
Published: October 2018

Vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC) has been widely used to treat mediastinitis after congenital cardiac surgery, which is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim in this study is to review our 14 cases of mediastinitis treated with VAC therapy after congenital cardiac surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 14 congenital heart patients with mediastinitis from January 2012 to March 2017. Patients with fever, wound discharge, sternal dehiscence, a positive wound culture or abscess diagnosed with computed tomography are accepted as mediastinitis. A VAC was applied to all our patients without irrigation or dressing the wound because of sterility concerns. The vacuuming of the wound was either 50 mm Hg or 75 mm Hg according to the sternal intactness. We gradually decreased the pressures and changed the VAC systems once every three days, after wound healing was seen and a negative culture was obtained and VAC was terminated. There were 14 patients (8 male and 6 female) with mediastinitis and all of them were treated using VAC. The mean age of the patients was 6.96 months (ranging from 0.5‐26 months). The mean weight was 5.16 kg (2.8‐12 kg). Three patients needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after the surgery. Mean onset of mediastinitis was 25.3 days. The wound cultures showed methicillin resistant coagulase negative streptococcus and methicillin‐sensitive staphylococcus aureus in most cases. Acinetobacter, serratia, pseudomonas, and klebsiella were the other bacterial species seen in cultures. Two patients had mediastinitis symptoms, but their cultures were negative. VAC systems were changed 3.85 times on average. Mean duration of hospital stay was 49.9 days (21‐104 days). One patient needed a muscle flap to close the thoracic cavity after mediastinitis. Two patients did not survive. Mediastinitis is a serious postoperative condition in pediatric cardiac surgery patients. Classical wound dressing and irrigation methods are not suitable in mediastinitis for the pediatric age group. Therefore, VAC therapy can be an effective way to successfully treat the situation.