bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing Evidence-Based Strategies for Clinical Ladder Program Refinement
Authors: Meucci Joanne , Moore Abigail , McGrath Jacqueline M.
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Institutional objectives for clinical ladder program (CLP) implementation often focus on improving job satisfaction, retention rates, and patient outcomes. Local inconsistency in CLP implementation seemed to be contributing to decreased job satisfaction and nurse retention rates.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to use current evidence and prevailing perceptions of bedside nurses and nurse managers to refine an existing CLP.

METHODS

Pretest/posttest design was used to evaluate differences in perceptions of existing CLP (baseline) and perceptions 6 months after CLP refinements were initiated (post).

RESULTS

Baseline perceptions of CLP implementation were significantly different for bedside nurses and managers. Bedside nurses were more dissatisfied than nurse managers. Perceptions became more similar across groups as initiatives were implemented to improve CLP understanding and as CLP implementation became more consistent across the organization.

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted strategies tailored to increase understanding and consistent CLP implementation can be effective in improving CLP satisfaction and increasing bedside nurse professional behaviors.
Prevention of Postpartum Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Clinton Chelsea M. , Kuller Jeffrey A. , James Andra H.
Published: October 2019

Importance

Postpartum venous thromboembolism (VTE) results in significant morbidity and mortality. The practicing obstetrician-gynecologist should have a plan for management and prevention.

Objective

The objective of this review is to familiarize obstetric providers with available evidence regarding postpartum VTE prevention and suggest a clinical practice guideline.

Evidence Acquisition

Published literature was retrieved through a search of PubMed and relevant review articles, original research articles, systematic reviews, and practice guidelines.

Results

Thromboembolic disease is one of the leading causes of maternal death in developed nations. Current evidence does not support universal postpartum VTE prophylaxis. Risk factor stratification is suggested to identify patients at high risk of VTE. Recent guidelines have recommended complex algorithms that are difficult to put into practice and have not been validated in the postpartum state. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended that each institution develop a protocol to identify and treat women at high risk of postpartum VTE.

Conclusions and Relevance

Obstetric providers should be familiar with available evidence and best practice regarding postpartum VTE prevention. A suggested clinical practice guideline for the prevention of postpartum VTE is provided.

Target Audience

Obstetricians and gynecologists, family physicians.

Learning Objectives

After participating in this activity, the learner should be better able to summarize the literature pertinent to postpartum VTE prophylaxis; identify patients at high risk of postpartum VTE through risk stratification; and select appropriate VTE prophylaxis based on individual patient risk factors.
Wound Healing Complications After Cranial Vault Reconstruction for Craniosynostosis
Authors: Kugar Meredith , Strassle Paula , Elkins-Williams Tyler , Garimella Roja , Pham Matthew , Elton Scott , van Aalst John , Wood Jeyhan
Published: October 2019

Craniosynostosis is a congenital cranial malformation involving premature fusion of cranial sutures. Indications for surgical repair of craniosynostosis include elevation of intracranial pressure, which can result in impaired vision and mental disability, as well as correction of abnormal skull shape. Resorbable plating systems have become the preferred technique for bony fixation in the repair of craniosynostosis. Multiple studies demonstrate the safety and low complication rate of resorbable plating systems.

However, there is no consensus on which plating system is superior for patient outcomes. This study aims to investigate how the polymer composition of resorbable plating systems utilized in cranial vault reconstruction contributes to wound healing complications. A retrospective chart review was performed at the institution between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2015. About 202 patients who underwent surgical repair of craniosynostosis were identified. The results showed that patients receiving the Biomet Lactosorb plating system were over twice as likely to have a wound complication within a year of surgery compared to other plating systems used at the institution. Wound complications continued to occur in the Biomet Lactosorb group at ≥180 days after surgery, whereas complications among the other plating systems occurred ≤80 days postoperatively. Half of all patients with wound complications had to undergo reoperation. These data demonstrate the effect of unique polymer compositions on wound healing, and will help to guide future clinical practice and industry development of resorbable plating systems.
Six-Minute Walk Test in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Chuang Chiung-Ying , Lin Shu-Yuan , Li Min-Hui , Chang Ya-Ju , Hsu Miao-Ju
Published: October 2019

Background:

Comparative studies on the six-minute walk test during overground (6MWT-C) versus treadmill (6MWT-T) are limited, and the minimal detectable change (MDC) of 6MWT-T in older adults is lacking. This study was conducted to compare the distance of 6MWT-C with that of 6MWT-T in community-dwelling older adults and to explore the factors associated with the distance discrepancy between the 2 types of 6MWT.

Methods:

Forty community-dwelling older adults were recruited. Lower-limb muscle strength and balance (Berg Balance Scale, BBS) were assessed. The subjects randomly received 6MWT-C and 6MWT-T and returned to repeat the testing within 1 week. Physiological responses were collected before and after 6MWTs.

Results:

The distance of 6MWT-C was significantly greater than that of 6MWT-T. The MDC of 6MWT-C and 6MWT-T was 54.08 and 56.54 m, respectively. The distance discrepancy of the 2 types of 6MWT was not associated with lower-limb muscle strength or BBS score.

Conclusion:

Compared with 6MWT-C, 6MWT-T is reliable and has similar MDC in community-dwelling older adults. However, the distances of the 2 types of 6MWT are not interchangeable.
The Outcomes of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) for Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Cognitive Decline in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Athena Yijung , Lee Meng-Chun , Lai Chi-Chieh , Chou Ying-Chun , Su Chwen-Yng
Published: October 2019

Aim:

To assess the impact of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) on cognition, quality of life, and mood in Taiwanese elders with cognitive impairment attending a day care center.

Methods:

Twenty-five adults aged 65 years and older were assigned into the CST (n =12) and control (n = 13) groups. Weekly 90-minute CST sessions for 14 weeks were conducted by occupational therapists and occupational therapist students. The Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale—Cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog), the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease (QOL-AD), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used for pre- and posttest measurements. Within- and between-group comparisons of test scores were performed.

Results:

Significant between-group differences were found for the ADAS-Cog change scores. Specifically, there was significant cognitive improvement for participants in CST group at posttest, with no observable change for the controls. No significant pre-/postgains were noted in the QoL-AD and HADS scores for the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

The once-a-week CST approach seems to be a viable alternative to twice-a-week CST for community-dwelling older adults with mild to moderate cognitive deficits. Further investigation is required to determine the optimal dose of CST for the elderly.
Is hospitalisation a risk factor for cognitive decline in the elderly?
Authors: Chinnappa-Quinn Lucia , Bennett Michael , Makkar Steve Robert , Kochan Nicole A. , Crawford John D. , Sachdev Perminder S.
Published: October 2019

Purpose of review

Cognitive decline is frequently reported after hospitalisation in the contexts of surgery, delirium and critical care. The question not adequately addressed is whether all types of acute hospitalisations increase the risk of cognitive decline. As acute hospitalisations are common in the elderly, who are also vulnerable to cognitive decline, this possible association is of significant concern.

Recent findings

This review summarises cognitive outcomes from recent observational studies investigating acute hospitalisation (emergent and elective) in older age adults. Studies were identified from searching Medline, Embase and PsycINFO databases and citations lists. The highest incidence of cognitive decline has been reported following critical care admissions and admissions complicated by delirium, although all types of acute hospitalisations are implicated. Age is the most consistent risk factor for cognitive decline. Several etiological and therapeutic aspects are being investigated, particularly the measurement of inflammatory biomarkers and treatment with anti-inflammatory medications.

Acute hospitalisation for any reason appears to increase the risk of cognitive decline in older adults, but the cause remains elusive. Future research must clarify the nature and modifiers of posthospitalisation cognitive change, a priority in the face of an ageing population.
A novel murine model of differentiation-mediated cytomegalovirus reactivation from latently infected bone marrow haematopoietic cells
Authors: Liu Xue-feng , Swaminathan Suchitra , Yan Shixian , Engelmann Flora , Abbott Darryl Adelaide , VanOsdol Luke Andrew , Heald-Sargent Taylor , Qiu Longhui , Chen Qing , Iovane Andre , Zhang Zheng , Abecassis Michael M.
Published: October 2019

CD34+ myeloid lineage progenitor cells are an important reservoir of latent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), and differentiation to macrophages or dendritic cells (DCs) is known to cause reactivation of latent virus. Due to its species-specificity, murine models have been used to study mouse CMV (MCMV) latency and reactivation in vivo. While previous studies have shown that MCMV genomic DNA can be detected in the bone marrow (BM) of latently infected mice, the identity of these cells has not been defined. Therefore, we sought to identify and enrich for cellular sites of MCMV latency in the BM haematopoietic system, and to explore the potential for establishing an in vitro model for reactivation of latent MCMV. We studied the kinetics and cellular characteristics of acute infection and establishment of latency in the BM of mice. We found that while MCMV can infect a broad range of haematopoietic BM cells (BMCs), latent virus is only detectable in haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), myeloid progenitor cells, monocytes and DC-enriched cell subsets. Using three separate approaches, MCMV reactivation was detected in association with differentiation into DC-enriched BMCs cultured in the presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) followed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. In summary, we have defined the kinetics and cellular profile of MCMV infection followed by the natural establishment of latency in vivo in the mouse BM haematopoietic system, including the haematopoietic phenotypes of cells that are permissive to acute infection, establish and harbour detectable latent virus, and can be stimulated to reactivate following DC enrichment and differentiation, followed by treatment with LPS.
Contrasting inflammatory signatures in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar cells reveal compartment-specific effects of HIV infection
Authors: Muema Daniel M. , Mthembu Maphe , Schiff Abigail , Singh Urisha , Corleis Bj□rn , Bassett Thierry , Rasehlo Sipho S. , Nyamande Kennedy , Khan Dilshaad Fakey , Maharaj Priya , Mitha Mohammed , Suleman Moosa , Mhlane Zoey , Naidoo Taryn , Ramjit Dirhona , Karim Farina , Kwon Douglas S. , Ndung’u Thumbi , Wong Emily B.
Published: October 2019

The mechanisms by which HIV increases susceptibility to tuberculosis and other respiratory infections are incompletely understood. We used transcriptomics of paired whole bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and peripheral blood mononuclear cells to compare the effect of HIV at the lung mucosal surface and in the peripheral blood. The large majority of HIV-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were specific to either the peripheral or lung mucosa compartments (1,307/1,404, 93%). Type I interferon signaling was the dominant signature of DEGs in HIV-positive blood with a less dominant and qualitatively distinct type I interferon gene set expression pattern in HIV-positive BAL. DEGs in the HIV-positive BAL were significantly enriched for infiltration with cytotoxic CD8+T cells. Higher expression of representative transcripts and proteins in BAL CD8+T cells during HIV infection, includingIFNG(IFN-γ),GZMB(Granzyme B) andPDCD1(PD-1), was confirmed by cell-subset specific transcriptional analysis and flow cytometry. Thus, we report that a whole transcriptomic approach revealed qualitatively distinct effects of HIV in blood and bronchoalveolar compartments. Further work exploring the impact of distinct type I interferon programs and CD8+T cells infiltration of the lung mucosa during HIV infection may provide novel insights into HIV-induced susceptibility to respiratory pathogens.
A large-scale species level dated angiosperm phylogeny for evolutionary and ecological analyses
Authors: Janssens Steven B. , Couvreur Thomas L.P. , Mertens Arne , Dauby Gilles , Abeele Samuel Vanden , Vandelook Filip , Beeckman Hans , Mascarello Maurizio , Droissart Vincent , Sosef Marc S.M. , van der Bank Michelle , Maurin Olivier , Hawthorne William , Marshall Cecily , Réjou-Méchain Maxime , Beina Denis , Baya Fidele , Dagallier Léo-Paul M.J. , Merckx Vincent S.F.T. , Verstraete Brecht , Hardy Olivier
Published: October 2019

Phylogenies are a central and indispensable tool for evolutionary and ecological research. Even though most angiosperm families are well investigated from a phylogenetic point of view, there are far less possibilities to carry out large-scale meta-analyses at order level or higher. Here, we reconstructed a large-scale dated phylogeny including nearly 1/8th of all angiosperm species based on two plastid barcoding genes, matK and rbcL. Novel sequences were generated for several species, while the rest of the data were mined from GenBank. The resulting tree was dated using 56 angiosperm fossils as calibration points. The resulting megaphylogeny is one of the largest dated phylogenetic tree of angiosperms yet, consisting of 36,101 sampled species, representing 8,399 genera, 426 families and all orders. This novel framework will be useful to investigate different broad scale research questions in ecological and evolutionary biology.
Rice Bean (Vigna umbellata) draft genome sequence: unravelling the late flowering and unpalatability related genomic resources for efficient domestication of this underutilized crop
Authors: Kaul Tanushri , Eswaran Murugesh , Thangaraj Arulprakash , Meyyazhagan Arun , Nehra Mamta , Raman Nitya Meenakshi , Bharti Jyotsna , Gayacharan  , Badapanda Chandan , Balamurali Balamuralikrishnan
Published: October 2019

Rice bean is a less well known and underutilized legume crop that has proved to be highly favourable due to its rich nutritional value in comparison with other members of the Vigna family. As an initiative to compose rice bean (Vigna umbellata) genomic resource, the size of 414 mega-base pairs with an estimate of 31276 highly confidential genes from 15521 scaffolds and functional coverage of 96.08% was sequenced from 30X coverage data from Illumina and PacBio platform. Rice bean genome assembly was found to be exquisitely close to V. angularis (experimental control/outgroup), V. radiata and V. unguiculata, however, V. angularis being the closest. Heuristically, the assembled genome was further aligned with 31 leguminous plants (13 complete genomes and 18 partial genomes), by collinearity block mapping. Further, we predicted similar discriminant results by complete CDS alignment. In contrast, 17 medically influential genomes from NIGMS-NIH, when compared with rice bean assembly for LCB clusters led to identification of more than 18000 genes from the entire selected medicinal genomes. Empirical construction of all genome comparisons revealed symplesiomorphic character in turn uncovering the lineage of genetic and functional features of rice beans. Signifiacantly, we found deserving late-flowering genes, palatably-indexed uncommon genes that regulate various metabolite pathways, related to abiotic and biotic stress pathways and those that are specific to photoperiod and disease resistance and so on. Further, we developed a repository for underutilised crop genome facility using D3.js at www.nicg.in. Therefore, the findings from this report addresses the genomic value of rice bean to be escalated via breeding by allied and applied approaches.
Transcriptomic Profile Analysis of Brain Inferior Colliculus Following Acute Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure
Authors: Kim Dong-Suk , Anantharam Poojya , Padhi Piyush , Thedens Daniel R , Li Ganwu , Gilbreath Ebony , Rumbeiha Wilson K.
Published: October 2019

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gaseous molecule found naturally in the environment, and as an industrial byproduct, and is known to cause acute death and induces long-term neurological disorders following acute high dose exposures. Currently, there is no drug approved for treatment of acute H2S-induced neurotoxicity and/or neurological sequelae. Lack of a deep understanding of pathogenesis of H2S-induced neurotoxicity has delayed the development of appropriate therapeutic drugs that target H2S-induced neuropathology. RNA sequencing analysis was performed to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of H2S-induced neurodegeneration, and to identify key molecular elements and pathways that contribute to H2S-induced neurotoxicity. C57BL/6J mice were exposed by whole body inhalation to 700 ppm of H2S for either one day, two consecutive days or 4 consecutive days. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan analyses showed H2S exposure induced lesions in the inferior colliculus (IC) and thalamus (TH). This mechanistic study focused on the IC. RNA Sequencing analysis revealed that mice exposed once, twice, or 4 times had 283, 193 and 296 differentially expressed genes (DEG), respectively (q-value < 0.05, fold-change > 1.5). Hydrogen sulfide exposure modulated multiple biological pathways including unfolded protein response, neurotransmitters, oxidative stress, hypoxia, calcium signaling, and inflammatory response in the IC. Hydrogen sulfide exposure activated PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were shown to be potential initiators of the modulated signaling pathways following H2S exposure. Furthermore, microglia were shown to release IL-18 and astrocytes released both IL-1β and IL-18 in response to H2S. This transcriptomic analysis data revealed complex signaling pathways involved in H2S-induced neurotoxicity and may provide important associated mechanistic insights.

Highlights

Transcriptomic profiling analyses following acute exposure to H2S were performed

Multiple signaling pathways were dysregulated following H2S exposure

PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways were activated after H2S exposure

MRI scan analysis revealed lesions in the IC and TH following H2S exposure

Acute H2S exposure induced a neuroinflammatory response
Cell-Surface Proteomic Profiling in the Fly Brain Uncovers New Wiring Regulators
Authors: Li Jiefu , Han Shuo , Li Hongjie , Udeshi Namrata D. , Svinkina Tanya , Mani D. R. , Xu Chuanyun , Guajardo Ricardo , Xie Qijing , Li Tongchao , Luginbuhl David J. , Wu Bing , McLaughlin Colleen N. , Xie Anthony , Kaewsapsak Pornchai , Quake Stephen R. , Carr Steven A. , Ting Alice Y. , Luo Liqun
Published: October 2019

Molecular interactions at the cellular interface mediate organized assembly of single cells into tissues, and thus govern the development and physiology of multicellular organisms. Here, we developed a cell-type-specific, spatiotemporally-resolved approach to profile cell-surface proteomes in intact tissues. Quantitative profiling of cell-surface proteomes ofDrosophilaolfactory projection neurons (PNs) in pupae and adults revealed a global down-regulation of wiring molecules and an up-regulation of synaptic molecules in the transition from developing to mature PNs. A proteome-instructedin vivoscreen identified 20 new cell-surface molecules regulating neural circuit assembly, many of which belong to evolutionarily conserved protein families not previously linked to neural development. Genetic analysis further revealed that the lipoprotein receptor LRP1 cell-autonomously controls PN dendrite targeting, contributing to the formation of a precise olfactory map. These findings highlight the power of temporally-resolvedin situcell-surface proteomic profiling in discovering new regulators of brain wiring.
Genes essential for embryonic stem cells are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Shohat Shahar , Shifman Sagiv
Published: October 2019

Mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) are key components in generating mouse models for human diseases and performing basic research on pluripotency, yet the number of genes essential for mESCs is still unknown. We performed a genome-wide screen for essential genes in mESCs and compared it to screens in human cells. We found that essential genes are enriched for basic cellular functions, are highly expressed in mESCs, and tend to lack paralog genes. We discovered that genes that are essential specifically in mESCs play a role in pathways associated with their pluripotent state. We show that 29.5% of human genes intolerant to loss-of-function mutations are essential in mouse or human ESCs, and that the human phenotypes most significantly associated with genes essential for ESCs are neurodevelopmental. Our results provide insights into essential genes in the mouse, the pathways which govern pluripotency, and suggest that many genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders are essential at very early embryonic stages.
The effect of financial constraints on innovation in developing countries
Authors: Ayalew Misraku Molla , Xianzhi Zhang
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of financial constraints on innovation in developing countries. It also examines how the effect of financial constraints varies by sector and with main firm characteristics such as size and age.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilizes matched firm-level data from two sources; the World Bank Enterprise Survey and the Innovation Follow-Up Survey. From 11 African countries, 4,720 firms have been included in the sample. A recursive bivariate probit model is used.

Findings

The result shows that financial constraints adversely affect a firm’s decision to engage in innovative activities and the likelihood to have product innovation and process innovation. The results point out that the extent of the adverse effect of financial constraints on innovation differs across the sectors, firm size and age groups. A firm’s innovation is also explained by firm size, R&D, cooperation/alliance, the human capital of the firm, staff training, public financial support and export. At last, the probability of encountering financial constraints is explained by firms’ ex ante financing structure, amount of collateral, accounting and auditing practices and group membership.

Practical implications

Managers should strengthen the internal and external financing capacity to reduce financing constraints and their adverse effect on innovation.

Social implications

A pending policy task for African leaders is to design and evaluate reforms that reduce the adverse effects of financial constraints on innovation.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature on financing of innovation by examining how and to what extent financial constraints affect innovation across various sectors, size and age groups.
Consumers’ perceptions towards Thai rice
Authors: Somsong Pimpinan , McNally Regina C. , Hsieh Chi-Ming
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate consumer preferences towards innovative rice products, and cross-cultural determinants of customers’ perceived value and loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered survey was designed to obtain participants’ perceptions about Thai rice, and preferences towards innovative Thai rice products. A total of 937 surveys were distributed and 908 valid surveys were returned, yielding a 96.7 per cent overall response rate. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to assure the reliability and validity of the measures used in the survey instrument. Structural equation modelling was employed to assess the five hypothesised relationships between the four elements of the marketing mix, customer perceived value, and post-purchase behaviour, and to compare the path coefficients across the two cultural groups.

Findings

The findings reported herein show that eastern and western customers’ perceptions of marketing mix variables positively impact their perceptions of value, in turn, enhancing their loyalty to Thai rice. A successful marketing strategy should meet changing customer needs through adopting new products, services and unique marketing mix bundles. Such strategies should be tailored to the differing needs across cultures, and can address issues arising from changing competitive and environmental landscapes.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation concerns the scope of the study. Specifically, the authors only conducted surveys during a two-month time period in 2018; the sampling sites were limited to several shopping malls in Bangkok; and the authors surveyed a high proportion of young, single, educated participants. The second limitation pertains to the selection and adaptation of constructs and their observed variables (such as the 4P indicators). Most of the observed variables were selected based on a literature review and the opinions of the scholars who participated in this study.

Practical implications

These results should be beneficial to members of the international rice industry, Thai rice exporters, the Thai government and to academics. Long-term success will be supported by focused attention on target segments and launch of innovative rice products that match differing preferences across nationalities.

Originality/value

Understanding consumers’ perspectives and preferences are critical to appropriate positioning and marketing of value-added Thai rice products. This study represents one of the first attempts to integrate marketing mix decisions, customers’ perceived value and loyalty within a Thai rice purchase behaviour context across eastern and western customers.
Building national and local capacity for disaster risk management in Cameroon
Authors: Ashu Richard E.A. , Van Niekerk Dewald
Published: October 2019

Purpose

A new framework to support the national and local capacity building plan for disaster risk management (DRM) in Cameroon is presented. For the past 30 years, after the general re-organisation of the civil protection department, capacity building programmes for DRM has been solely carried out for and by the Ministry of Territorial Administration and the Department of Civil Protection. The exclusion of businesses, civil society and community participation, among others, has been the main obstacle to capacity building programmes undertaken for DRM. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on interviews conducted among 200 informants by means of a process of participatory monitoring and evaluation as well as a duo capacity building workshop for DRM held in August 2017 in Yaoundé, this paper evaluated existing capacity building programmes for DRM in Cameroon.

Findings

Findings show that the greater portion of government representatives within the public administration lack capacity to address DRM initiatives at the local and national levels of governance. While recommending DRM programmes as a necessity for integration within civil administrative curriculum, this paper proposes six elements to address capacity building gaps for DRM in Cameroon.

Originality/value

The results demonstrate critical gaps in capacity building aimed at DRM, especially where single ministry or department monopolises DRM. The findings provide the government with a useful tool to review its national strategy for a disaster reduction policy and the drawing up of a national intervention plan.
Big Data analytics and facilities management: a case study
Authors: Yang Eunhwa , Bayapu Ipsitha
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate data elements, transfer, gaps and the challenges to implement data analytics in facilities management. The goal is not to search for a definite solution but to gather necessary information, understand the challenges faced and develop a proper foundation for future study.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a case study approach with a qualitative method. The case of the Georgia Institute of Technology was investigated by having a semi-structured interview with six relevant personnel. The recorded interview content was analyzed and presented based on six work processes.

Findings

Higher education institutions are taking initiatives but facing challenges in implementing data analytics. There were 36 software tools used to manage different aspects of facilities at Georgia Tech. Identified data elements and data processing indicated that major challenges for data-driven decision-making were inconsistency in data input and structure, the issue of interoperability among different software tools and a lack of software training.

Research limitations/implications

The authors only interviewed individuals who work closely with data gathering, transfer and processing. Thus, the study did not explore the perspective of individuals in the leadership level or the user group level.

Originality/value

Facilities management departments in higher education institutions perform multi-disciplinary functions, including building automation, continuous commissioning and preventative maintenance, all of which are data- and technology-intensive. Managing this overwhelming amount of information is often a challenge, but well-planned data analytics can be used to draw keen insights about any aspect of facilities management and operations and assist in evidence-based decision-making.
Demand-side analysis of measuring financial inclusion
Authors: Nandru Prabhakar , Rentala Satyanarayana
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the financial inclusion dimensions from the perspective of beneficiaries (demand-side).This research additionally attempts to assess the impact of financial inclusion on socio-economic status of primitive tribal groups (PTGs) in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an exploratory factor analysis, the financial inclusion dimensions are identified for a sample of 520 families belonging to PTGs in India. In the next step, reliability and validity test were used to establish the financial inclusion dimensions and socio-economic status factors through confirmatory factor analysis using analysis of moment structures. Finally, structural equation modeling (SEM) had been applied for testing the hypothetical relationships.

Findings

The study documented five-dimensions of measuring financial inclusion from demand side perspective. The dimensions are as follows: physical proximity, availability, ease of access, affordability and usage. It was found that these factors represent the various dimensions of financial inclusion, which has a significant impact on socio-economic status of the beneficiaries.

Research limitations/implications

The research results focus on dimensions of financial inclusion, which have an impact on the socio-economic status among the most PTGs in India. The research offers ideas to policymakers to outline strategies to enhance the access to and usage of financial services.

Originality/value

The present research is one of the first few studies that present the demand-side perspective to assess the financial inclusion dimensions of the “financially most excluded” groups – PTGs in India using a SEM approach.
“Lending a hand”: the well-intentioned work of a non-profit organisation on the outskirts of neoliberal Lisbon
Authors: Catela Joana
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the mental health of two immigrants supported by a non-profit organisation on the outskirts of Lisbon. The ethnography sets out the discourse of these users who are also residents of Terraços da Ponte, a social housing neighbourhood, and the workers who try to help them in the context of the non-profit organisation’s endeavours.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to explore the intersections between these users and state and non-state structures, this investigation relied on intensive fieldwork at a rehabilitated neighbourhood in Lisbon, as well as semi-directive interviews and life stories taken with workers of the institution and the people they were trying to help.

Findings

This paper shows how vulnerability has been produced in a social housing neighbourhood on the outskirts of Lisbon and how it connects to neoliberal policies employed by NGOs acting on the field.

Research limitations/implications

Any general conclusions about the subject need to take into consideration that this research looks at the work of a specific non-profit organisation during a particular period in time.

Practical implications

This research seeks not only to promote a critical approach to the subject, but also to contribute to the production of appropriate health policies for the immigrant population residing in Portugal.

Originality/value

The analysis of health and social care practices regarding so-called vulnerable subjects relies heavily on “a mix of good intentions, developmental ambitions, paternalistic attitudes and desire to control deviant populations” (Pussetti and Barros, 2012, p. 47). Although there is not a single solution to this problem, several levels of analysis were explored: the non-profits’ goals and inspirations, the workers motivations, the subjects’ expectations regarding the kind of help they can get from these services and their ability to exert their own agency despite the conditions governing their lives.
Knowledge management processes and performance
Authors: Balasubramanian Sreejith , Al-Ahbabi Sultan , Sreejith Sony
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of ownership of public sector organizations on the implementation of knowledge management (KM) processes and subsequent performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 268 responses obtained from a structured country-wide survey, the study assesses the hypothesized differences in the implementation of KM processes (knowledge creation, knowledge capture and storage, knowledge sharing and knowledge application and use), the overall performance benefits of implementation (innovation, quality and operational performance), and their relationships, among the federal, state and semi-government organizations in the United Arab Emirates.

Findings

The results show that federal government organizations implement all four KM processes to the greatest extent, followed by state and semi-government organizations. In general, all KM processes had a significant positive impact on the innovation, quality and operational performance of the public sector, but the strength of this impact was found to differ across different public sector organizations. The overall improvement in all three performance aspects was found to be highest for federal, followed by state and semi-government organizations.

Practical implications

The findings of this study are useful for practitioners and policymakers, especially those overseeing national KM programs to devise strategies, policies and support mechanisms to ensure that public sector organizations, regardless of their ownership, can implement efficient and effective KM processes and achieve their desired performance goals.

Originality/value

The study is arguably the first comprehensive attempt to understand the impact of firm ownership on KM in the public sector.
Erosion wear analysis of HVOF coated Colmonoy-88 and Stellite-6 micron layers on pump impeller steel by using the Taguchi's approach
Authors: Singh Gurmeet , Kumar Satish , Sehgal Satbir Singh , Prasad Shashi Bhushan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to depict the erosion performance of two HVOF-coated micron layers (Colmonoy-88 and Stellite-6) on pump impeller steel (SS-410) by using Taguchi's method. Taguchi's array (L16) was used to optimize the erosion wear (in terms of weight loss) by using four influencing parameters such as rotational speed, solid concentration, average particle size and time which were varied at four different levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiments were carried out by using a Ducom slurry tester with rotational speed in the range of 750-1,500 rpm, solid concentration of 35-65 per cent by weight, time period of 75-210 min and average particle sizes in the range of < 53 to 250 µm. Bottom Ash with a nominal size range of < 53 to 250 µm was used as erodent. The process parameters were optimized by using Taguchi's method. The ANOVA method was used to validate the results given by Taguchi's method.

Findings

The results revealed that the presence of both carbides and borides and the additional presence of Cr in Colmonoy-88 coating enhancing the slurry erosion resistance of Colmonoy-88 coating. Moreover, the chromium and tungsten carbide particles help in increasing the bond strength between the coating and the substrate material. Further, it was also found that the time was the most dominant factor as compared to other factors.

Originality/value

The very less work has been reported on optimization of erosion wear response of Colmonoy-88 and Stellite-6 coatings by using different design of experiment techniques. Further, the erosion wear mechanism of both coatings has been studied by using image j analysis software.
Does female representation on corporate boards improve intellectual capital efficiency?
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Farooq Muhammad Bilal , Ahmed Ammad
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the relationship between female representation on corporate boards and intellectual capital (IC) efficiency – while prior studies focus on the relationship between gender diversity and firms’ financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on data from top 500 UK listed firms for 2007–2016 (3,279 firm-years), this study employs an adjusted-value-added intellectual coefficient as a measure of IC efficiency. Further, the two-step system-generalised method of moments has been applied to account for endogeneity issues.

Findings

The results reveal a significant positive relationship between female representation on boards and IC efficiency, including human capital, structural/innovation capital and financial capital efficiency. These results are robust to alternative proxies for the independent variable and difference-in-difference estimation.

Practical implications

The results posit that female representation on boards is associated with IC efficiency, which is vital for firms’ value creation and competitive advantage in the knowledge-economy era. The study also endorses current legislation to increase female representation on corporate boards.

Originality/value

This is among the limited studies to explore the role of female representation on boards in IC efficiency – while most prior studies relate IC efficiency to financial performance.
Scholarly research in Library and Information Science: an analysis based on ISI Web of Science
Authors: Ahmad Khurshid , Sheikh Arslan , Rafi Muhammad
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a quantitative analysis of the Library and Information Science (LIS) scholarly literature published worldwide.

Design/methodology/approach

The ISI Web of Science database was used as a source for extracting the data of published documents during the period 2003–2017. The analysis of the published literature was based on the following indicators: research productivity of each county, annual publications, annual citations, highly cited articles, highly cited LIS journals, most productive institutions in the field of LIS and most prolific authors. The types of documents included in this study were research articles, conference proceeding papers, book reviews and editorials.

Findings

The findings revealed that the USA had the highest overall output of LIS scholarly publications. The year 2016 was identified as the most productive year for the number of publications, whereas 2017 was identified as the most productive year for the number of citations. “Impact of data sources on citation counts and rankings of LIS faculty: Web of Science versus Scopus and Google Scholar” was the most highly cited article. The Journal of Medical Library Association was the most highly cited journal in LIS. Indiana University from the USA was the most productive LIS research institution. Mike Thelwall, from the UK, is identified as the most prolific author in LIS.

Originality/value

The study will be of interest for those researchers, who intend to conduct bibliometric research studies in LIS.
Benefits and harm of paracetamol and ibuprofen in combination for post‐operative pain: Pre‐planned subgroup analyses of the multicenter, randomized PANSAID trial
Authors: Thybo Kasper H. , Hägi‐Pedersen Daniel , Wetterslev Jørn , Dahl Jørgen B. , Jakobsen Janus C. , Pedersen Niels Anker , Jakobsen Karina , Bülow Hans Henrik , Ibsen Louise , Overgaard Søren , Mathiesen Ole
Published: October 2019

Background

The “Paracetamol and Ibuprofen in Combination” (PANSAID) trial showed that combining paracetamol and ibuprofen resulted in lower opioid consumption than each drug alone and we did not find an increase in risk of harm when using ibuprofen vs paracetamol. The aim of this subgroup analysis was to investigate the differences in benefits and harms of the interventions in different subgroups. We hypothesized that the intervention effects would differ in subgroups with different risk of pain or adverse events.

Methods

In these pre‐planned subgroup analyses of the PANSAID trial population, we assessed subgroup heterogeneity in intervention effects between (a) subgroups (sex, age, use of analgesics, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, and type of anesthesia) and morphine consumption, and (b) subgroups (sex, age, use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and ASA score) and serious adverse events.

Results

Test of interaction between age and the pairwise comparison between paracetamol 1 g vs paracetamol 0.5 g + ibuprofen 200 mg (P = .009) suggested lower morphine consumption in patients >65 years. However, post hoc analyses of related outcomes showed no interaction for this pairwise comparison. All other tests of interaction regarding both benefit and harm were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

These pre‐planned subgroup analyses did not suggest that patients in the investigated subgroups benefitted differently from a basic non‐opioid analgesic regimen consisting of paracetamol and ibuprofen. Further, there was no evidence of subgroup heterogeneity regarding harm and use of ibuprofen. Because of reduced statistical power in subgroup analyses, we cannot exclude clinically relevant subgroup heterogeneity.
Radiographic anatomy of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) axial and appendicular skeleton
Authors: Silva Isadora A. , Vieira Larissa C. , Mancini Vanda Regina M. , Faillace Ana Carolina L. , Santana Marcelo Ismar S.
Published: October 2019

Cockatiels are popular pets. Still, despite medical and surgical relevance, the radiographic anatomy of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) skeleton, like that of different wild and exotic bird species, has seldom been described. This study set out to describe the radiographic anatomy of the cockatiel skeleton. Twelve adult male and nine adult female specimens were radiographed using a digital X‐ray system and different views. The radiographic anatomy of these birds was similar to that of other Psittacidae. However, some particularities inherent to the target species were detected, such as the presence of four flexion zones in the skull (craniofacial, nasal, jugal arch and palatine), complete bony orbit comprising a suborbital arch, 34–38 vertebrae (10 or 11 cervical, 8 or 9 thoracic, 9 or 10 lumbosacral, 5 or 6 caudal vertebrae and a pygostyle comprising 2 fused vertebrae), eight or nine pairs of ribs and a notarium made up of fused T2–T6 vertebrae. Poor radiopacity of the notarium, ribs and respective uncinate processes, and synsacral vertebrae made demarcation of these structures difficult. The appendicular skeleton of the cockatiel was very similar to that of other Psittacidae, and there were no gender‐related differences.
Climatic factors controlling interannual variability of the onset of vegetation phenology in the northern Sub‐Saharan Africa from 1988 to 2013
Authors: Agossou Casimir , Kang Sinkyu
Published: October 2019

Satellite‐based evaluations of change in vegetation phenology have been explored extensively but land cover‐specific climate factors driving these anomalous changes are not fully understood in northern Sub‐Saharan Africa. In this study, we identified the climatic factors controlling the start of the season (SOS) extracted from GIMMS NDVI from 1988 to 2013 with onset of rainy season (ORS), annual mean temperature (Temp) and precipitation (PP) through the stepwise regression analysis. The results showed that the SOS shifted towards a late onset in a northward direction with distinct earlier and later trends in grassland and cropland, respectively. The stepwise regression has successfully built a model between SOS and its drivers in 46.0% of the total pixels, where its primary factor differed regionally across land covers. The ORS explained the local anomalous SOS change primarily at 44.7% of the pixels where the model was built. Although the ORS was the primary dominant factor in savannah and cropland, the Temp and PP were leading in grassland and shrubland, respectively, and all factors contributed evenly in evergreen forest. The difference of land cover‐specific primary factor implicates complex process in dependency of local vegetation phenology on physiological traits and climate regime across land cover in Sub‐Saharan Africa.