bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supply network resilience: a systematic literature review and future research
Authors: Datta P.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the knowledge existing in the literature on supply chain resilience for identifying the supply chain practices adopted for securing resilience in given uncertain event.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review is conducted to identify 84 conceptual and empirical studies. The research findings are synthesized in categories of uncertain events, supply chain practices and outcomes.

Findings

A set of propositions linking the uncertain events, mechanisms and supply chain resilience improvement is developed. It was found that the sufficient conditions for resilience under unexpected disasters are substantially different from those required for resilience against disruptions caused by internal practices or complexity.

Originality/value

Practitioners can benefit from the knowledge of interventions and mechanisms to improve their supply chain resilience in the face of different unpredictable situations. The contribution of this paper is twofold: first, it develops an actionable theory of supply chain resilience by developing testable propositions in the context of supply chains exposed to uncertainties resulting from unexpected disruptions, complexity of supply chains and adoption of certain internal practice; second, the paper highlights the key shortcomings of existing literature and provides opportunities for further research and improvement.
Key factors for truly sustainable supply chain management
Authors: Wu Jei-Zheng , Santoso Caroline Himadewi , Roan Jinshyang
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore key factors or criteria of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) influencing Indonesian coal companies, using “adoption, implementation, and performance” (A-I-P) of SSCM, thru three means: first, to investigate which criteria have higher weight to achieve SSCM in Indonesia; second, to see whether there are any differences between the Indonesia case and existing literature of SSCM; third, to highlight any causal relationships between the Indonesia case and the SSCM theory.

Design/methodology/approach

DEMATEL-based analytic network process (DANP) questionnaire survey with a theoretical SSCM model is applied to conduct an empirical test for the coal production and supply chain companies in Indonesia.

Findings

The “performance” dimension out of the A-I-P of the SSCM is the most important one, while the “adoption” dimension is the least. Out of the 12 criteria under the three dimensions, the “operational, economic, environmental, and social” factors under the category of the performance dimension and the “ISO 14001 certification” criteria belonging to the dimension of “implementation” are the top five key factors in the SSCM.

Research limitations/implications

There are some limitations in this study. First and foremost is the relatively small sample size with a limited geographic area, although they are unavoidable owing to one country case study.

Practical implications

The test results are helpful to draw guidance for sustainable supply chain managers in implementing efficient SSCM in the wave of tough competition and changing marketplace.

Originality/value

This study contributes first to developing a theoretical framework for SSCM under the A-I-P model and second, to applying DANP to an empirical case of SSCM of the coal industry in Indonesia. As a result, the authors draw helpful guidelines and policy implications for SSCM of the coal industry, referring to the A-I-P dimension as drivers and enablers for the SSCM performances of the industry.
An examination of drivers and barriers to reducing carbon emissions in China’s manufacturing sector
Authors: Subramanian Nachiappan , Abdulrahman Muhammad
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Carbon Efficient Practices (CEPs) are gaining momentum due to the serious consequences of climate change. While past studies have focused on the effects of either drivers or barriers to green practices especially in the context of developed countries, relatively little attention has been devoted to the simultaneous effects of drivers and barriers on product redesign, particularly in the context of China. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a blend of the Contextual Interaction Theory and Newton’s second law of motion, this paper proposes a conceptual model that simultaneously examines the impact of CEP drivers and barriers on product redesign and performance.

Findings

Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis on a sample of 239 Chinese manufacturing firms indicated that drivers had substantially higher effects on product redesign and performance compared to the influence of other barriers.

Originality/value

Use of Newton’s second law of motion as a theoretical framework for understanding the adoption of CEPs in the context of China is novel. Implications of this pattern of results on academic theory building and practice are offered.
A quantitative risk assessment methodology and evaluation of food supply chain
Authors: Rathore Rishabh , Thakkar Jitesh J. , Jha Jitendra Kumar
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The food supply chain is exposed to severe environmental and social issues with serious economic consequences. The identification and assessment of risk involved in the food supply chain can help to overcome these challenges. In response, the purpose of this paper is to develop a risk assessment framework for a typical food supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated methodology of grey analytical hierarchy process and grey technique for order preference by similarity to the ideal solution is proposed for developing a comprehensive risk index. The opinion of the experts is used to illustrate an application of the proposed methodology for the risk assessment of the food supply chain in India.

Findings

Valuable insights and recommendations are drawn from the results, which are helpful to the practitioners working at strategic and tactical levels in the food supply chain for minimising the supply chain disruptions.

Research limitations/implications

The risk quantification for the case organisation is primarily based on inputs collected from the experts working for Indian food supply chain, and so the generalisation of the results is limited to the context of developing countries. However, the generalisability of the proposed risk quantification methodology and key insights developed in the food supply chain will assist practitioners in policy making.

Practical implications

The risk priorities established by this research would enable an implementation of systematic risk mitigation strategies and deployment of necessary resources for leveraging the efficiency of food supply chain.

Originality/value

Specifically, this research has delivered a risk quantification framework and strengthened the inquiry of risk management for the food supply chain.
Role of power in supply chain performance: evidence from agribusiness SMEs in Uganda
Authors: Odongo Walter , Dora Manoj Kumar , Molnar Adrienn , Ongeng Duncan , Gellynck Xavier
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of power on supply chain performance (SCP) in the context of small and medium sized agribusiness enterprises (SMEs). Contrary to most of previous studies, which collect and analyze data from one side of a relationship dyad using a focal firm approach, a matched triad approach was employed in data collection and analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data was collected from 150 agribusiness supply chain members from the maize supply chain in Uganda. Analysis was done using multi-group analysis and structural equations modeling.

Findings

Results highlight the differences in the perception of power use and how it influences SCP. The differences in perception suggest the existence of power asymmetry amongst supply chain members. This work contributes to the ongoing debate concerning the use of triad as a unit of analysis as opposed to a firm or a dyad.

Research limitations/implications

This study only focused on one commodity chain in one country, which can limit the broad application of the findings.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work lies in fact that the authors assess perception of power amongst supply chain members in a triadic context, a perspective that has not been adequately tested in agribusiness supply chain management studies before.
The impact of board independence on accounting-based performance
Authors: Hamdan Allam Mohammed Mousa , Al Mubarak Muneer Mohamed Saeed
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of board independence on firm’s performance from the Stewardship theory perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses panel data of 162 firms listed in Bahrain Bourse and Saudi Stock Exchange during the period of 2013-2015. It also uses several econometric techniques to confirm the robustness of the results, such as firm fixed-effect approach and two-stage least squares (2SLS) in order to overcome the endogeneity which exists in such relations.

Findings

The study found an inverse effect of board independence on firm performance which was measured using two accounting-based measures: return of assets and return on equity. Based on these results, it was found that internal directors are more effective in enhancing performance of the firm than independent directors as information asymmetry problem and lack of firm-specific experience hinders the ability of independent directors of taking proper decisions that enhance firm's performance.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the ongoing debate about the relation between board independence and firm's performance in emerging markets, focusing on Saudi and Bahraini markets which have recently sought to form a system of laws that aims at protecting investors. The study indicates the importance of such laws rather than traditional governance measurements in enhancing performance.
Personality perception based on LinkedIn profiles
Authors: van de Ven Niels , Bogaert Aniek , Serlie Alec , Brandt Mark J. , Denissen Jaap J.A.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Job-related social networking websites (e.g. LinkedIn) are often used in the recruitment process because the profiles contain valuable information such as education level and work experience. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether people can accurately infer a profile owner’s self-rated personality traits based on the profile on a job-related social networking site.

Design/methodology/approach

In two studies, raters inferred personality traits (the Big Five and self-presentation) from LinkedIn profiles (total n=275). The authors related those inferences to self-rated personality by the profile owner to test if the inferences were accurate.

Findings

Using information gained from a LinkedIn profile allowed for better inferences of extraversion and self-presentation of the profile owner (r’s of 0.24-0.29).

Practical implications

When using a LinkedIn profile to estimate trait extraversion or self-presentation, one becomes 1.5 times as likely to actually select the person with higher trait extraversion compared to the person with lower trait extraversion.

Originality/value

Although prior research tested whether profiles of social networking sites (such as Facebook) can be used to accurately infer self-rated personality, this was not yet tested for job-related social networking sites (such as LinkedIn). The results indicate that profiles at job-related social networks, in spite of containing only relatively standardized information, “leak” information about the owner’s personality.
Using online data and network-based text analysis in HRM research
Authors: Platanou Kalliopi , Mäkelä Kristiina , Beletskiy Anton , Colicev Anatoli
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose new directions for human resource management (HRM) research by drawing attention to online data as a complementary data source to traditional quantitative and qualitative data, and introducing network text analysis as a method for large quantities of textual material.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper first presents the added value and potential challenges of utilising online data in HRM research, and then proposes a four-step process for analysing online data with network text analysis.

Findings

Online data represent a naturally occuring source of real-time behavioural data that do not suffer from researcher intervention or hindsight bias. The authors argue that as such, this type of data provides a promising yet currently largely untapped empirical context for HRM research that is particularly suited for examining discourses and behavioural and social patterns over time.

Practical implications

While online data hold promise for many novel research questions, it is less appropriate for research questions that seek to establish causality between variables. When using online data, particular attention must be paid to ethical considerations, as well as the validity and representativeness of the sample.

Originality/value

The authors introduce online data and network text analysis as a new avenue for HRM research, with potential to address novel research questions at micro-, meso- and macro-levels of analysis.
The effects of leadership competencies and quality of work on the perceived readiness for organizational change among nurse managers
Authors: Al-Hussami Mahmoud , Hamad Sawsan , Darawad Muhammad , Maharmeh Mahmoud
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to set a leadership guidance program that can promote nurses’ knowledge of leadership and, at the same time, to enhance their leadership competencies and quality of work to promote their readiness for change in healthcare organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A pre-experimental, one-group pretest-posttest design was utilized. Out of 90 invited to participate in this study, 61 nurses were accepted to participate.

Findings

The statistical analyses suggested several significant differences between pre- and in-service nurse managers about leadership competencies, quality of work and readiness for change. Yet, findings from the background characteristics were not found to be significant and had no effects on the perceived readiness for change.

Research limitations/implications

The present study highlights the importance of leadership competencies and quality of work that healthcare policymakers identify for the success of organizational change efforts.

Practical implications

Healthcare policymakers, including directors of nursing, should focus on applications that increase leadership competencies and overall satisfaction of the nurse managers to support the changes in hospitals and supporting learning organization. Hence, they should establish policies that decrease the possible negative impact of planned change efforts.

Originality/value

Competent nurse managers enhance their readiness for change, which in turn helps nurses in constructive change processes. A leadership guidance program should be set for nurse managers. This study has important implications for hospital administrators and directors of nursing.
Application of social media analytics: a case of analyzing online hotel reviews
Authors: He Wu , Tian Xin , Tao Ran , Zhang Weidong , Yan Gongjun , Akula Vasudeva
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Online customer reviews could shed light into their experience, opinions, feelings, and concerns. To gain valuable knowledge about customers, it becomes increasingly important for businesses to collect, monitor, analyze, summarize, and visualize online customer reviews posted on social media platforms such as online forums. However, analyzing social media data is challenging due to the vast increase of social media data. The purpose of this paper is to present an approach of using natural language preprocessing, text mining and sentiment analysis techniques to analyze online customer reviews related to various hotels through a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a tested approach of using natural language preprocessing, text mining, and sentiment analysis techniques to analyze online textual content. The value of the proposed approach was demonstrated through a case study using online hotel reviews.

Findings

The study found that the overall review star rating correlates pretty well with the sentiment scores for both the title and the full content of the online customer review. The case study also revealed that both extremely satisfied and extremely dissatisfied hotel customers share a common interest in the five categories: food, location, rooms, service, and staff.

Originality/value

This study analyzed the online reviews from English-speaking hotel customers in China to understand their preferred hotel attributes, main concerns or demands. This study also provides a feasible approach and a case study as an example to help enterprises more effectively apply social media analytics in practice.
Do different kinds of user-generated content in online brand communities really work?
Authors: Estrella-Ramón Antonia , Ellis-Chadwick Fiona
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Due to the fact that user-generated content (UGC) and online brand communities (OBCs) are gaining popularity, the purpose of this paper is to identify the type of UGC that has a real effect on product success, in terms of the number of owners, within a popular OBC associated with video games.

Design/methodology/approach

Different types of UGC for 205 video games were manually collected (the number of positive and negative comments, discussions, screenshots, artwork, videos, guides developed by users and the presence of a workshop) to test their influence on product success. The proposed hypotheses were tested using multiple ridge regression analysis.

Findings

Results show that users look for simple and quick reviews and content about products in OBCs (i.e. guides developed by users, comments, artwork and screenshots). However, results also show that users do not guide their purchases based on UGC when the process of gaining understanding is more time consuming (i.e. reading discussions, watching videos) or requires more active involvement (i.e. workshop presence).

Originality/value

Limited research has been conducted on the type of UGC found in OBCs. This study contributes to the understanding of the potential influence of different types of UGC on product success. In addition, it offers managerial insights for companies into how to manage content in online communities.
Geographic proximity between lender and borrower: how does it affect crowdfunding?
Authors: Kim Hakwoon , Kim Jooyoung
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of geographic distance in crowdfunding.

Design/methodology/approach

Under the assumption that investors are more likely to be attracted to local borrowers, this paper investigates whether this phenomenon is because of affinity or an informational advantage. The authors define a local investor as an investor who is from the same US state as the borrower.

Findings

The paper finds that loans offered by local investors have lower interest rates and a lower default probability. In addition, when the level of local investment is highest, the effects of informational advantage are strengthened.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, the evidence of this paper suggests that local investors have an informational advantage over more geographically distant investors.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the ongoing debate regarding whether geographic distance continues to be important in the internet age.
Innovative and sustainable tourism strategies
Authors: Coroş Monica Maria , Gică Oana Adriana , Yallop Anca C. , Moisescu Ovidiu Ioan
Published: September 2017

Purpose

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that meets the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing the opportunity for the future. It is an industry that aims at having a low impact upon the environment and local culture, generating income and employment, and ensuring the conservation of local ecosystems. The aim of this paper is to examine the ways in which the development and promotion of a new tourism product based on unique rural heritage and traditions contribute to the development of sustainable tourism strategies in Romania.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper includes a literature review on the topic of sustainable tourism in post-conflict destinations and provides arguments for the adoption and development of sustainable tourism. Using a case study methodological approach, this paper provides an example of a sustainable tourism destination from the Central development region of Romania (Alba County, Transylvania) to depict specific sustainable tourism practices and their impact on the place, in a post-communist and post-conflict context. The study uses a comprehensive desk-research based on secondary data from key industry and academic sources.

Findings

The research findings show that rural tourism can greatly support the (re)development of post-conflict destinations, and it makes a significant contribution to the sustainable development of the Romanian tourism industry, in general, and rural economies in particular, as shown in the case examined in this paper.

Practical implications

This paper illustrates that fostering the unique rural heritage and traditions of a post-conflict destination can contribute to the revival and sustainable development of the place. Sustainable tourism practices contribute not only financially to a destination but also to its social infrastructures, jobs, nature conservation, adoption of new working practices and the revitalisation of passive and poor rural areas.

Originality/value

This paper examines and depicts rural tourism development as an innovative and sustainable strategy for Romania, a post-conflict destination that experienced severe political and social turmoil during the communist regime, and ethnic conflicts and violent events in the 1990s. The research findings may be applicable to other geographic regions and post-conflict destinations with similar contexts.
A novel 111‐nucleotide duplication in the G gene of human metapneumovirus
Authors: Saikusa Miwako , Nao Naganori , Kawakami Chiharu , Usuku Shuzo , Sasao Tadayoshi , Toyozawa Takahiro , Takeda Makoto , Okubo Ichiro
Published: September 2017

In 2017, novel human metapneumovirus (HMPV) A2b subgroup strains with a 111‐nucleotide duplication in the G gene was detected by the present team. These strains were related to previously identified HMPV A2b strains with a 180‐nucleotide duplication; however, they appeared to be different strains, produced by an independent duplication event. The recent evolution of HMPV suggests that careful monitoring of this virus is required.
Caloric restriction stabilizes body weight and accelerates behavioral recovery in aged rats after focal ischemia
Authors: Ciobanu Ovidiu , Elena Sandu Raluca , Tudor Balseanu Adrian , Zavaleanu Alexandra , Gresita Andrei , Petcu Eugen Bogdan , Uzoni Adriana , Popa‐Wagner Aurel
Published: September 2017

Obesity and hyperinsulinemia are risk factors for stroke. We tested the hypothesis that caloric restriction, which reduces the incidence of age‐related obesity and metabolic syndrome, may represent an efficient and cost‐effective strategy for preventing stroke and its devastating consequences. To this end, we placed aged, obese Sprague‐Dawley aged rats on a calorie‐restricted diet for 8 weeks prior to the experimental infarction. Stroke in this animal model caused a progressive decrease in weight that reached a minimum at day 6 for the young rats, and at day 10 for the aged, ad libitum‐fed rats. However, in aged animals that were calorie‐restricted prior to stroke, body weight did not decrease after stroke, but we noted accelerated body weight gain shortly thereafter starting at day 5 poststroke. Moreover, calorie‐restricted aged animals showed improved behavioral recovery in tasks requiring complex sensorimotor skills, or in tasks requiring cutaneous sensitivity and sensorimotor integration or spatial memory. Likewise, calorie‐restricted aged rats showed significant poststroke increases in serum glucose, insulin, and IGF1 levels, as well as CR‐specific changes in the expression of gene transcripts involved in glycogen metabolism, IGF signaling, apoptosis, arteriogenesis, and hypoxia. In conclusion, our study shows that recovery from stroke is enhanced in aged rats by a dietary regimen that reduces body weight prior to infarct.
Diet transformation in Africa: the case of Ethiopia
Authors: Worku Ibrahim Hassen , Dereje Mekdim , Minten Bart , Hirvonen Kalle
Published: September 2017

Africa's food systems are changing fast amid rapid economic growth, emerging urbanization, and structural transformation. In this study, we use four rounds of nationally representative data from Ethiopia to document changes in household food consumption patterns over a period of unprecedented economic growth. We find that while the share of food in the total consumption basket is declining, food quantities and calorie intakes have considerably increased between 1996 and 2011. A decomposition analysis suggests that this was mostly driven by improvements in household incomes—a finding that is consistent across the calorie distribution. Also, the content of the food basket is changing with a gradual shift toward high‐value foods such as animal products, fruits and vegetables and processed foods. Overall, this diet transformation has important implications for the food security debate and for agricultural and food policy in the country.
Coming Home: Compassionate Presence in Prison1
Authors: Haskin David
Published: September 2017

The Coming Home Project (CHP) of the Snowflower Sangha in Madison, Wisconsin is an active member of MOSES, a nonpartisan interfaith organization that works to promote systemic change for social justice issues with a focus on mass incarceration and ending the use of solitary confinement in the state's prisons and jails. To support these efforts, and to restore dignity and safety to the entire community, CHP members work to make Wisconsin's sentencing rules and laws more just and humane, increase treatment alternatives to incarceration, stop crimeless revocations back to prison, and remove barriers to employment for previously incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.
The size accuracy of combination tests
Authors: Lloyd Chris J.
Published: September 2017

Adaptive clinical trials typically involve several independent stages. The P‐values from each stage are synthesized through a so‐called combination function which ensures that the overall test will be valid if the stagewise tests are valid. In practice however, approximate and possibly invalid stagewise tests are used. This paper studies how imperfections of the stagewise tests feed through into the combination test. Several general results are proven including some for discrete models. An approximation formula which directly links the combined size accuracy to the component size accuracy is given. In the wider context of adaptive clinical trials, the main conclusion is that the basic tests used should be size accurate at nominal sizes both much larger and also much smaller than nominal desired size. For binary outcomes, the implication is that the parametric bootstrap should be used.
Surgery for constipation: systematic review and clinical guidance
Authors: Knowles C. H. , Grossi U. , Horrocks E. J. , Pares D. , Vollebregt P. F. , Chapman M. , Brown S. R. , Mercer‐Jones M. , Williams A. B. , Hooper R. J. , Stevens N. , Mason J. ,   the NIHR CapaCiTY working group,   The Pelvic floor Society,   European Society of Coloproctology
Published: September 2017

Aim

This manuscript provides the introduction and detailed methodology used in subsequent reviews to assess the outcomes of surgical interventions with the primary intent of treating chronic constipation in adults and to develop recommendations for practice.

Method

PRISMA guidance was adhered to throughout. A literature search was performed in public databases between January 1960 and February 2016. Studies that fulfilled strictly‐defined PICOS (patients, interventions, controls, outcome, and study design) criteria were included. The process involved two groups of participants: (i): ‘a clinical guidance group’ of 18 UK experts (including junior support) who performed the systematic reviews and produced summary evidence statements (SES) based strictly on data synthesis in each review. The same group then produced prototype graded practice recommendations (GPRs) based on coalescence of SES and expert opinion; (ii): a European Consensus group of 18 ESCP (European Society of Coloproctology) nominated experts from nine European countries evaluated the appropriateness of each prototype GPR based on published RAND/UCLA methodology.

Results

An overview of the search results is provided in this manuscript. A total of 156 studies from 307 full text articles (from 2551 initially screened records) were included, providing data on procedures characterized by: (i) colonic resection (n = 40); (ii) rectal suspension (n = 18); (iii) rectal wall excision (n = 44); (iv) rectovaginal septum reinforcement (n = 47); (v) sacral nerve stimulation (n = 7). The overall quality of evidence was poor with 113/156 (72.4%) studies providing only Oxford level IV evidence. The best evidence was extracted for rectal excisional procedures, where the majority of studies were Oxford level I or II. The five subsequent reviews provide a total of 99 SES (reflecting perioperative variables, efficacy, harms and prognostic variables) that contributed to 100 prototype GPRs covering patient selection, procedural considerations and patient counselling. The final manuscript details the 85/100 GPRs that were deemed appropriate by European Consensus (remaining 15 were all uncertain) and future research recommendations.

Conclusion

This manuscript and the following 6 papers suggest that the evidence base for surgical management of chronic constipation is currently poor although some expert consensus exists on best practice. Further studies are required to inform future commissioning of treatments and of research funding.
Surgery for constipation: systematic review and practice recommendations
Authors: Grossi U. , Horrocks E. J. , Mason J. , Knowles C. H. , Williams A. B. ,   the NIHR CapaCiTY working group,   The Pelvic floor Society
Published: September 2017

Aim

To assess the outcomes of recto‐vaginal reinforcement procedures in adults with chronic constipation.

Method

Standardised methods and reporting of benefits and harms were used for all CapaCiTY reviews that closely adhered to PRISMA 2016 guidance. Main conclusions were presented as summary evidence statements with a summative Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine (2009) level.

Results

Forty‐three articles were identified, providing data on outcomes in 3346 patients. Average length of procedures ranged between 20 and 169 min, and length of stay between 1 and 15 days. Complications typically occurred after 7–17% of procedures (range 0–61%). Post‐operative bleeding was uncommon (0–4%) as well as haematoma or sepsis (0–2%). Fistulation did not occur in most studies. Two procedure‐related deaths were observed for 3209 patients. Although inconsistent, 78% of patients reported a satisfactory or good outcome, with 30–50% experiencing reduced symptoms of straining, incomplete emptying or reduced vaginal digitation. About 17% of patients developed anatomical recurrence. Considering measures of harm and global satisfaction rating scales, there was insufficient evidence to prefer one type of procedure over another. There was no evidence to support better outcomes based on selection of patients with a particular size or grade of rectocoele.

Conclusion

Evidence supporting recto‐vaginal reinforcement procedures is currently derived from observational studies and comparisons, with only one high quality study. Large trials are needed to inform future clinical decision making.
Exploratory and Exploitative Adaptation in Turbulent and Complex Landscapes
Authors: Uotila Juha
Published: September 2017

Using a simulation of organizational adaptation in turbulent and complex landscapes, I examine how the optimal balance between exploration and exploitation is influenced by the organization's task environment. I find that, contrary to conventional wisdom, increasing exploration relative to exploitation is not always the optimal response to increased environmental turbulence or complexity. Turbulence is found to have a curvilinear effect on the optimal share of exploratory versus exploitative adaptation, with the relative importance of exploitation greatest at moderate degrees of turbulence. While environmental complexity is found to have a generally positive effect on the optimal share of exploration, the effects of complexity and turbulence are found to interact and, jointly, to increase the relative importance of exploitative adaptation over exploratory adaptation. These findings suggest that the proper exploration–exploitation balance depends, in complex ways, on the pressures for global versus local adaptability posed by the interaction of turbulence and complexity.
SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages of the Hida metamorphic and plutonic rocks, Japan: Implications for late Paleozoic to Mesozoic tectonics around the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Takahashi Yutaka , Cho Deung‐Lyong , Mao Jianren , Zhao Xilin , Yi Keewook
Published: September 2017

A new U–Pb zircon geochronological study for the Hida metamorphic and plutonic rocks from the Tateyama area in the Hida Mountains of north central Japan is presented. The U–Pb ages of metamorphic zircon grains with inherited/detrital cores in paragneisses suggest that a metamorphic event took place at around 235–250 Ma; the cores yield ages around 275 Ma, 300 Ma, 330 Ma, 1 850 Ma, and 2 650 Ma. New age data, together with geochronological and geological context of the Hida Belt, indicate that a sedimentary protolith of the paragneisses is younger than 275 Ma and was crystallized at around 235–250 Ma. Detrital ages support a model that the Hida Belt was located in the eastern margin of the North China Craton, which provided zircon grains from Paleoproterozoic to Paleozoic rocks and also from Archean and rare Neoproterozoic rocks. Triassic regional metamorphism possibly reflects collision between the North and South China Cratons.
Safety, risk, and aggression: Health professionals’ experiences of caring for people affected by methamphetamine when presenting for emergency care
Authors: Usher Kim , Jackson Debra , Woods Cindy , Sayers Jan , Kornhaber Rachel , Cleary Michelle
Published: September 2017

The crystalline form of methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth (crystal methamphetamine) or ICE, is a highly‐addictive and powerful stimulant. Users of crystal meth often require emergency care, and are associated with a substantial burden of care by emergency care providers. The aim of the present qualitative study was to explore health professionals’ experiences of providing care for patients affected by ICE who presented to the emergency department (ED). Nine semistructured interviews were conducted. The major theme, ‘staying safe’, was revealed, in which participants described their experiences of being exposed to potentially unsafe situations, and their responses to challenging behaviours, including aggression. The findings highlight the need for ED staff to understand the nature of ICE use and its adverse impact on the mental and physical health of users. Furthermore, it is clear that establishing and maintaining safety in the emergency care setting is of utmost importance, and should be a priority for health‐care managers.
Outcomes of the Victorian Safewards trial in 13 wards: Impact on seclusion rates and fidelity measurement
Authors: Fletcher Justine , Spittal Mathew , Brophy Lisa , Tibble Holly , Kinner Stuart , Elsom Steve , Hamilton Bridget
Published: September 2017

Restrictive practices are used in response to conflict and aggression in psychiatric inpatient settings. Reducing such practices is the focus internationally of policy and legislative change, many initiatives, and a growing body of research. Safewards is a model and a set of 10 interventions designed to reduce conflict and containment in inpatient services. In the current study, we aimed to assess the impact of implementing Safewards on seclusion in Victorian inpatient mental health services in Australia. The study used a before‐and‐after design, with a comparison group matched for service type. Thirteen wards opted into a 12‐week trial to implement Safewards and 1‐year follow up. The comparison group was all other wards (n = 31) with seclusion facilities in the jurisdiction, matched to service type. Mandatorily‐reported seclusion event data for all 44 wards over a 15‐month period were analysed using negative binomial regression. Adherence to Safewards was measured via fidelity checklists at four time points: twice during the trial, post‐trial, and at 1‐year follow up. Seclusion rates were reduced by 36% in Safewards trial wards by the 12‐month follow‐up period (incidence rate ratios (IRR) = 0.64,) but in the comparison wards seclusion rates did not differ from baseline to post‐trial (IRR = 1.17) or to follow‐up period (IRR = 1.35). Fidelity analysis revealed a trajectory of increased use of Safewards interventions after the trial phase to follow up. The findings suggest that Safewards is appropriate for practice change in Victorian inpatient mental health services more broadly than adult acute wards, and is effective in reducing the use of seclusion.
Prolonged use of seclusion and mechanical restraint in mental health services: A statewide retrospective cohort study
Authors: McKenna Brian , McEvedy Samantha , Maguire Tessa , Ryan Jo , Furness Trentham
Published: September 2017

Seclusion and mechanical restraint are restrictive interventions that should be used only as a last resort and for the shortest possible time, yet little is known about duration of use in the broader context. Adult area mental health services throughout Victoria, Australia, were asked to complete a report form for prolonged episodes of seclusion (>8 hours) and mechanical restraint (>1 hour). The present, retrospective cohort study aimed to understand the individual (age, sex, type of service, duration of intervention) and contextual factors associated with prolonged use of restrictive interventions. Contextual factors describing the reasons for prolonged use of the restrictive interventions were captured qualitatively, and then coded using content analysis. Median duration was compared across individual factors using Mann–Whitney U‐tests. During 2014, 690 episodes of prolonged restrictive intervention involving 311 consumers were reported. Close to half (n = 320, 46%) involved mechanical restraint. Seclusion episodes (n = 370) were longer in forensic mental health services compared to adult area mental health services (median: 24 hours and 18 min vs 16 hours and 42 min, P < 0.001). Mechanical restraint episodes (n = 320) were shorter in forensic mental health services compared to adult area mental health services (median: 3 hours and 25 min vs 4 hours and 15 min, P = 0.008). Some consumers were subject to multiple episodes of prolonged seclusion (55/206, 27%) and/or prolonged mechanical restraint (31/131, 24%). The most commonly occurring contextual factor for prolonged restrictive interventions was ‘risk of harm to others’. Means for reducing the use of prolonged restrictive interventions are discussed in light of the findings.
Care in the Community: Home Care Use Among Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Over Time
Authors: Martin Lynn , Ouellette‐Kuntz Hélène , McKenzie Katherine
Published: September 2017

Community‐based healthcare services have quickly evolved over the last few decades to respond to the growing population of older adults, and their desire to remain independent in the community. In Ontario, Canada, deinstitutionalization has resulted in all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities living—and aging, in the community. This paper compares use of home care services in Ontario among adults (age 18–99 years) with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities over time. Home care use over a 5‐year period was compared between a cohort of 46,008 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and a random sample of 3,272,080 adults without intellectual and developmental disabilities. Persons with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities received similar types of home care services. Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities had much higher rates of admission to home care, and at much earlier ages. While this remained true over time, slight differences by age were noted between groups. Higher use at earlier ages suggests that home care services are responding to the needs of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Future research should identify (or develop) best practices for promoting independence in the community for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with healthcare needs.
Impact of an Individualized Planning Approach on Personal Outcomes and Supports for Persons With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Gosse Leanne , Griffiths Dorothy , Owen Frances , Feldman Maurice
Published: September 2017

Planning initiatives for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) have shifted from traditional planning primarily conducted by caregivers to an individualized planning approach controlled by the person with ID him/herself. The goal of this paradigm shift is to increase individualization of supports to accomplish personal objectives and improve quality of life. Despite the widespread acceptance and promotion of individualized planning, there has been little empirical research to demonstrate its effectiveness. This study compares traditional planning to individualized planning on supports obtained and personal objectives accomplished using a randomized between‐group design. Persons receiving an individualized planning process improved in both supports and personal outcomes as compared to the traditional planning group. When the traditional planning group subsequently received individualized planning, they replicated the results of the first individualized planning group. The findings support implementation of an individualized planning approach in service agencies for individuals with ID.
Prediction of Packed Cell Volume after Whole Blood Transfusion in Small Ruminants and South American Camelids: 80 Cases (2006–2016)
Authors: Luethy D. , Stefanovski D. , Salber R. , Sweeney R.W.
Published: September 2017

Background

Calculation of desired whole blood transfusion volume relies on an estimate of an animal's circulating blood volume, generally accepted to be 0.08 L/kg or 8% of the animal's body weight in kilograms.

Objective

To use packed cell volume before and after whole blood transfusion to evaluate the accuracy of a commonly used equation to predict packed cell volume after transfusion in small ruminants and South American camelids; to determine the nature and frequency of adverse transfusion reactions in small ruminants and camelids after whole blood transfusion.

Animals

Fifty‐eight small ruminants and 22 alpacas that received whole blood transfusions for anemia.

Methods

Retrospective case series; medical record review for small ruminants and camelids that received whole blood transfusions during hospitalization.

Results

Mean volume of distribution of blood as a fraction of body weight in sheep (0.075 L/kg, 7.5% BW) and goats (0.076 L/kg, 7.6% BW) differed significantly (P < 0.01) from alpacas (0.103 L/kg, 10.3% BW). Mild transfusion reactions were noted in 16% of transfusions.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The generally accepted value of 8% for circulating blood volume (volume of distribution of blood) is adequate for calculation of transfusion volumes; however, use of the species‐specific circulating blood volume can improve calculation of transfusion volume to predict and achieve desired packed cell volume. The incidence of transfusion reactions in small ruminants and camelids is low.
Electricity demand in South Africa: is it asymmetric?
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Inglesi‐Lotz Roula , Muteba Mwamba John W.
Published: September 2017

The electricity demand in South Africa has experienced vast changes both from a policy point of view and due to the country's great industrialisation and urbanisation. The literature dealing with the South African electricity case, to date, has not taken into account these changes and their effect to the symmetric behaviour of the residential and industrial electricity consumers. Hence, this paper aims at examining the asymmetric behaviour of the annual South African electricity demand (total, residential and non‐residential) for the period 1960–2012. To do so, three different tests were used: the entropy test proposed by Racine and Maasoumi (2007.Journal of Econometrics138, 2, 547; 2008.Econometric Reviews28, 246), the conditional symmetry test proposed by Bai and Ng (2001.Journal of Econometrics103, 225) and the Triples test proposed by Randleset al. (1980.Journal of the American Statistical Association75, 168). The findings showed that there is weak evidence of asymmetry, given that the null hypothesis of symmetry can only be rejected at 10 per cent level of significance. Hence, econometric models examining the South African electricity demand during the same period are credible in their assumption of a linear data generating process.