bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency evaluation of accounting firm partnerships from the perspective of operating difficulties, strategies, and practices in Mainland China
Authors: Lee Chia-Chi
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the operating efficiency of accounting firm partnerships.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical analysis is performed with a three-stage research method: data envelopment analysis (DEA), univariate testing and regression analysis.

Findings

The results indicate that large firms are not necessarily the most efficient. Efficient accounting firms see an average 50 percent contribution from total practice revenues and a 50 percent contribution from the number of cases. The percentage of senior managers is higher for firms with poor operating efficiency than for firms with good operating efficiency. This implies that firms with poor operating efficiency have a higher expenditure in human capital. Both efficient and inefficient firms find intense market competition to be the main challenge, followed by the challenge of market recessions. Appropriate educational training should be provided to upgrade the professional expertise and competency of staff. Response to peer competition and assistance to local accountant practices are the main reasons for setting up practice in Mainland China. The main operating mode in Mainland China is bringing personnel from Taiwan.

Originality/value

Using DEA, univariate testing and regression analysis, this paper aims to help the operators of accounting firms in dealing with business difficulties, finding their own core competencies, and making up for their operating disadvantages. The findings can provide references to reviewing whether their human resource allocation is appropriate and which operational type should be adopted by the accounting firms. Hence, the accounting firms can formulate their future operational strategies.
Business environment-supply chain framework and benchmarking supply chain structures
Authors: Uluskan Meryem , Godfrey A. Blanton
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a supply chain management framework covering different business environment levels, that is, macro, micro and supply chain levels, and also to evaluate Haiti vs China as apparel-sourcing partners by assessing macro-level, supply-chain-level and micro-level environments from the US apparel buyers’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve this, first, a framework covering these business environment levels was developed and tested through path analysis. Prior to path analysis exploratory factor analysis was conducted to verify proposed factor structures. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews with a sample of 41 apparel companies that operate in the USA and source from China and Haiti.

Findings

This study found that both supply-chain-level and micro-level environments positively impact global supply chain performance. Supply-chain-level also has a direct effect on micro-level environment and macro-level environment has only a direct effect on supply-chain-level environment. Interviews and discussions based on this framework indicate that Haiti’s proximity to the USA, price, low-wage rates, small-order sourcing opportunities and good basic sewing skills are among Haiti’s strengths.

Originality/value

This study is unique in developing a multi-level environment framework for supply chain management and in comparing Haiti and China in terms of their supply chains to evaluate the potential competitiveness of Haitian apparel supply chain.
Analysis of manufacturing supply chain agility performance using Taguchi loss functions and design of experiment
Authors: Routroy Srikanta , Bhardwaj Aayush , Sharma Satyendra Kumar , Rout Bijay Kumar
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the agility performance level of manufacturing supply chains using Taguchi loss functions (TLFs) and design of experiment (DoE).

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed methodology is used for capturing the various agility losses using appropriate TLFs and the aggregated agility loss is calculated at different situations using DoE. The aggregated agility loss is analysed for comparing manufacturing supply chain agility performance.

Findings

The proposed methodology was applied to three Indian auto component supply chains, i.e. X, Y and Z. In total, 27 experiments were carried out using DoE and obtained results show that agility performance level is the highest for X followed by Z, whereas agility performance level is the least for Y.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed methodology is generic in nature and can be applied to a specific environment for comparing performance of different supply chains. The user has to identify the relevant agility enablers and capture the appropriate TLFs for the specific environment in which agility performance level has to be calculated and compared.

Practical implications

The proposed methodology provides an effective approach for evaluating agility performance. It can be used by the supply chain manger to assess the supply chain agility performance level of own company with its competitors. These comparisons will help the manufacturing company to find the areas where it should focus.

Originality/value

Many studies and researches related to implementation and evaluation of agile manufacturing are reported in the literature but very few studies are available for evaluating the supply chain agility performance. This study will definitely provide a guideline for measuring and comparing manufacturing supply chain agility performance in general and Indian automotive supply chain in specific.
How and when LMX quality relates to counterproductive performance
Authors: Jawahar I.M. , Schreurs Bert , Mohammed Shawn J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

In spite of the recent meta-analysis by Martinet al.(2016), we have very little insight about the theoretical mechanism explaining the leader–member exchange–counterproductive work behavior (LMX–CWB) relationship. Drawing on social cognitive theory, the purpose of this paper is to test if occupational self-efficacy functions as a mediating mechanism to explain the relationship between LMX quality and counterproductive performance directed toward the supervisor. In addition, based on the conservation of resources theory, the paper investigates if supervisor–subordinate relationship tenure acted as a second-stage moderator of this mediated relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used two-wave time-lagged data from a sample of 189 high-tech professionals to test the hypotheses, controlling for age, sex, and trust.

Findings

The results of this paper showed that occupational self-efficacy carried the effect of LMX quality on counterproductive performance, but only for workers who have longer supervisor–subordinate relationship tenure.

Originality/value

This paper is unique in proposing and testing a social cognitive mechanism to explain the relationship between LMX quality and counterproductive performance. As Johns (2017) advocated, the authors incorporated length of time, a contextual variable into this study by investigating supervisor–subordinate relationship tenure as moderating the proposed mediated relationship.
A strategic success model for collaborative innovation projects: harnessing the higher-level learning opportunities hidden within project team tension
Authors: Green Martin Andrew
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

This research paper demonstrates that learning through tensions is a catalyst for learning and proposes framework tools for managing cross-organizational projects to an efficient and more culturally aligned conclusion.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Learning-path types, motives and strategies: an analysis of empirical research in occupations in The Netherlands
Authors: Dutton Kelly
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

In today’s workplace, employees are taking responsibility for their own learning and development. The learning paths they take are often strategically motivated and directed, as opposed to simply provided and planned by human resource professionals. Some learning-path types can be found specific to certain occupations, while learning-path strategies and motives can be found in employees regardless of occupation. For successful learning, individual learning paths must be recognized and it is also necessary to consider a specific occupational context.

Practical implications

The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Meshfree method analysis of Biot’s consolidation using the node-based smoothed point interpolation method (NS-PIM)
Authors: Pan ShiYang , Li TongChun , Cheng Jing , Yuan Ping , Ning Xinyang
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to extend the node-based smoothed point interpolation method (NS-PIM) for soil consolidation analysis based on the Biot’s theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The shape functions for displacements and pore pressures are constructed using the PIM separately, leading to the Kronecker delta property and easy implementation of essential boundary conditions. Then, a benchmark problem of 2D consolidation under ramp load is solved to investigate the validity of this application. Meanwhile, convergence features of different solutions are studied. Furthermore, the incompressible and impermeable condition under instant load is investigated. The results calculated by the NS-PIM solution with different orders of shape functions are compared. Finally a 2D consolidation problem in construction period is solved. An error estimation method is applied to check the mesh quality.

Findings

The results of the NS-PIM solution show good agreement with those certified results. Useful convergence features are found when comparing the results of the NS-PIM and the FEM solutions. A simple method is introduced to estimate the errors of the model with rough grids. The convergence features and error estimation method can be applied to check the mesh quality and get accurate results. More stable results can be obtained using the NS-PIM solution with lower order of pore pressure shape functions under the incompressible and impermeable condition.

Research limitations/implications

It cannot be denied that the calculation of NS-PIM solution takes more time than that of the FEM solution, and more work needs to be carried out to optimize the NS-PIM solution. Also, in further study, the feasibility of more complicated and practical engineering problems can still be probed in the NS-PIM solution.

Practical implications

This paper introduced a method for the consolidation analysis on the situation of construction loads (“ramp load”) using the NS-PIM which is quite indispensable in many foundation problems. Also, more stable results can be obtained using the NS-PIM solution with lower order of pore pressure shape functions than that with same order of shape functions.

Originality/value

This study first focuses on the situation of construction loads (“ramp load”) in the NS-PIM consolidation analysis which is quite indispensable in many foundation problems. An error estimation method is introduced to evaluate the mesh quality and get accurate values based on the convergence features of the FEM and NS-PIM solutions. Then, the incompressible and impermeable condition under instant load is investigated, and the analysis show that the NS-PIM with lower order of pore pressure shape functions can get stable results in such conditions.
Does anonymising job applications reduce gender bias?
Authors: Foley Meraiah , Williamson Sue
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Anonymous recruitment seeks to limit managers’ reliance on stereotypes in employment decisions, thereby reducing discrimination. This paper aims to explore how managers interpret the information embedded in anonymised job applications and how they interpret the organisational priorities driving the adoption of anonymous recruitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with 30 managers in two Australian public sector organisations were analysed.

Findings

The results showed that managers used implicit signals and cues to infer the gender identities of applicants in anonymised applications, reintroducing the possibility of bias. Managers perceived that anonymous recruitment sent positive external signals to prospective employees but were sceptical about its effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The results showed that removing applicants’ names and identifying information from applications may not be sufficient to reduce bias. In organisations where managers are sympathetic to equity and diversity issues, use of anonymous recruitment may provoke resentment if managers perceive organisational distrust or inconsistent objectives. Limitations regarding the size and nature of the sample are acknowledged.

Practical implications

Organisations seeking to reduce gender discrimination in recruitment may consider adopting standardised application procedures or training managers to understand how stereotypes affect evaluations. Organisations should also assess managerial support for, and understanding of, anonymous recruitment prior to implementation.

Originality/value

The findings add to existing knowledge regarding the effects of implicit gender signals in managers’ assessments and the effectiveness of anonymous recruitment in reducing gender bias. It also contributes to signalling theory by examining how managers interpret the signals conveyed in organisational policies.
Workplace learning measures for human resource development: review and summary
Authors: Park Sunyoung , Lee Jae Young
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the existing workplace learning measures used in empirical studies in human resource development (HRD).

Design/methodology/approach

By reviewing 141 studies on workplace learning published in six journals in the field of HRD, we identified nine measures for workplace learning. Tynjälä’s (2013) 3-P model of workplace learning was adopted as the framework to analyze the features of each measure in terms of presage, process and product.

Findings

Workplace Climate Questionnaire, Learning Opportunities Questionnaire, Approaches to Work Questionnaire and Self-regulated Learning in the Workplace Questionnaire belong to the presage category. Small Business Workplace Learning Survey and Workplace Learning Activities are categorized as the process dimension. The Questionnaire on Informal Workplace Learning Outcomes is in the product dimension. Informal Workplace Learning Survey and Workplace Adaptation Questionnaire are across the three categories.

Research limitations/implications

The authors identified the issues of existing workplace learning measures to emphasize the importance of reliable and valid measures for workplace learning and to gain the attention of researchers concerning these issues.

Practical implications

The findings can provide organizations and practitioners with insights and ideas on how to prepare employees to engage in diverse learning activities, how to support their learning activities and how to combine their learning activities with the existing job structure and work system.

Originality/value

This study is the first to review workplace learning measures in the field of HRD. The authors review the dimensions, items and reliability of each measure, and summarize the features of nine measures in terms of presage, process and product of workplace learning.
Optimizing private and public mode of operation in major ports of India for better customer service
Authors: Sinha Deepankar , Roy Chowdhury Shuvo
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The Government of India announced its liberalization policy in the year 1991. Since then, the major ports in India introduced privatization in various forms into their operations. However, the share of total traffic (cargo) handled by major ports fell from 90 per cent in 1991 to around 70 per cent in 2015, losing share to minor ports. These major ports, except for the port of Kamarajar, are governed by the Major Port Trust Act, 1961. None of the Indian ports feature amongst the top 20 ports of the world. Interestingly, several ports in Asia, namely, seven ports from China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia are on that list. Several studies and reports have shown that privatization in India did not yield the desired results. Ports in India have adopted a hybrid mode of governance, aligned between a landlord port model and a service port model. This paper aims to address the question – What is the optimal way to mix privatisation and government control in the operations of major ports of India.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors attempt to develop an optimization model for port planners to decide on the optimum mix of privatized and self-managed operations so as to maintain efficiency and maximize revenue.

Findings

The model tested on a major port in the country shows that the present privatization policy followed by the port needs revision. A similar plan to revise their policies can be carried out for other major ports in the country.

Originality/value

The model is generic and can be used by any port in the world operating under conditions similar to those in India.
The effect of service quality toward public satisfaction and public trust on local government in Indonesia
Authors: Lanin Dasman , Hermanto Nailuredha
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of service quality toward public satisfaction and public trust on local government in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative approach was used to achieve the objectives of the study. The study consisted of nine exogenous variables and one endogenous variable. The exogenous variables were delivery, timeliness, information, professionalism, staff attitude, organizational politics, internal roles, external roles and citizen satisfaction, while the endogenous variable was public trust toward the regional government. The samples were taken using two sampling methods, cluster sampling technique and proportional stratified random sampling technique. The cluster sampling was institutional sample in which the researchers selected 2 out of 11 regencies in West Sumatra, and 2 out of 7 cities in West Sumatra. The regencies were Pasaman Barat and Tanah Datar and the cities were Padang Panjang and Padang. In the lower level, there were ten nagari and ten lurah. On the second stage, the sample was selected using the proportional stratified random sampling technique that had been set at the first stage. Slovin formula with 2 percent of errors was used to determine the number of samples. The total respondents in this study were 4,177 respondents.

Findings

The hypothetical model can be used as a new model for public service that was provided by the local governments (cities and districts) and it was able to increase citizen satisfaction and citizen trust with local government, especially in the basic need services such as education and health as described in Figure 1. In order to increase public satisfaction on the basic needs, such as education and health services, regional government should improve delivery, timeliness of service, availability of information, staff professionalism, staff attitude, external and internal roles of manager and at the same time minimize organizational politics within the local government. Furthermore, it is also evident in this model that increasing public satisfaction on basic services can increase public confidence toward regional government. The finding that shows the novelty of this research is the internal and external role of managers in improving public satisfaction and trust in regional government. Meanwhile, the addition of internal political as variable is a development to improve the existing models.

Originality/value

Regional government should reconstruct their basic public service in order to meet need of the public. No previous study has comprehensively studied the relationship between interaction quality, physical environmental quality, and outcome quality to public satisfaction and its implication to public trust, especially in Indonesia.
Ethically resilient teachers, what might that be?
Authors: Baron Philip , Baron Anne Catherine
Published: October 2018

Purpose

When comparing pre-school teachers with university lecturers, society generally acknowledges the latter as a highly skilled professional, while the former does not achieve such admiration or financial reward. Upon studying this status quo, the authors introduce ethically resilient teaching as a set of seven + one common qualities that are shared by both levels of educators. The purpose of this paper is to present these qualities, describing how they relate to the function of teaching and learning with the aim of bridging the perceived gap between these two levels of educators.

Design/methodology/approach

Over several years, the authors observed patterns in the ideas and comments surrounding ethically resilient teaching that have arisen in teacher training sessions in both the pre-school and university domains. Through these reflexive communal conversational training sessions, attributes that are commonly associated with ethics and resilience in teaching and learning were identified. These attributes were then clustered into seven groups or qualities which represent the authors (and their participants’) compilation of ethically resilient teachers.

Findings

Ethically resilient teachers are not specific to a single educational level with there being considerable overlap in the qualities that describe ethically resilient teaching in both the pre-school and university levels.

Research limitations/implications

The study considers two educational contexts: pre-schooling and tertiary education only. The outcomes arise from an urbanised South African multicultural context.

Practical implications

The qualities (seven + one) that describe ethically resilient teachers may be used as predictors for ethical resilience in teaching in both the pre-school and university levels.

Social implications

There are many ethical teachers who leave the vocation as they are not resilient. There are many resilient teachers who would not be labelled as ethical. It is proposed that ethics should be a qualifier to the term resilience in terms of teaching and learning for highly effective sustainable pedagogy.

Originality/value

The topic of ethically resilient teaching has not been found in the literature. The authors have proposed that an ethically resilient teacher is one who for various reasons, has found a strategy for continuing in a self-fulfilling vocation as a teacher in which his or her students achieve their goals in a sustainable manner. These teachers are steadfast, hardy and committed, even in the face of turbulence and are deeply concerned with their students’ results and experiences within the classroom.
Environmental CSR and pro-environmental behaviors to reduce environmental dilapidation
Authors: Islam Talat , Ali Ghulam , Asad Humaira
Published: October 2018

Purpose

It is evident that organizations are continuously contributing toward environmental dilapidation. This may be reduced by focusing their employees’ involvement in pro-environmental behaviors. Pro-environmental behaviors have ramifications for organizations, employees, leaders and natural environment. Therefore, this study aims at investigating environmental related social responsibility and identification as the predictors of pro-environmental behaviors through the moderating role of empathy in the hospitality sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected data from 201 pairs (i.e. supervisors and their subordinates) working in the hospitality sector.

Findings

The study found that employees with high empathy exhibit more pro-environmental behavior and organizational identification when perceiving their organization’s involvement in environment-related social responsibilities.

Research limitations/implications

The data for this study were collected at one point of time and it has implications for organizations and employees.

Originality/value

This study aims to fill the gap of the underlying mechanism that how perceived CSR affect employee pro-environmental behavior.
The influence of emotional carrying capacity and network ethnic diversity on entrepreneurial self-efficacy
Authors: Javadian Golshan , Opie Tina R. , Parise Salvatore
Published: October 2018

Purpose

One key determinant of entrepreneurial success is entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE), defined as an individual’s confidence in his or her ability to perform entrepreneurial tasks. Whereas previous research has examined how individual and business factors influence ESE, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of entrepreneurs’ social networks upon ESE. The paper examines such relationships for black and white entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 110 black and white entrepreneurs responded to a survey measuring ESE and critical constructs representing elements of the quality of entrepreneurs’ networks: emotional carrying capacity (ECC) and network ethnic diversity.

Findings

The authors found significant, positive relationships between both ECC and network ethnic diversity on ESE for white entrepreneurs but only found a significant positive relationship between ECC and ESE for black entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

While research is clear about the role that ESE plays in entrepreneurial activities, few studies have focused on the factors that improve ESE. In the present work, the authors study the role of context by examining how entrepreneurs’ social networks influence ESE. The authors examine such influences for both white and black entrepreneurs to better understand the implications of ethnicity.
“Flipping or flapping?” investigating engineering students’ experience in flipped classrooms
Authors: Chew Esyin , Jones Lim Jen Nee , Wordley Scott
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study has explored the flipped classroom model in a private university in Malaysia. It aims to present a flipped classroom intervention for engineering education innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The research (1) revisited prominent educational theories for a flipping or flapping pedagogy, (2) implemented and explored the flipped classroom experiences in one engineering subject using the action inquiry method with thematic analysis and (3) reflectively evaluated both students’ and educators’ “flipping or flapping experience”.

Findings

The responses of the research participants are analysed and used to develop the flipping or flapping classroom principles and an ideal flipped classroom model. From passive lectures to active learning with collaborative discourse and reflective communication, flipping the classroom can offer a seamless learning experience.

Research limitations/implications

The flipped classroom model can provide good reference for other educational researchers who intended to conduct a flipped classroom. However, the small sample size with qualitative method and thematic analysis useds led to considerable theoretical development, but it may not achieve the validity standards to generalise the findings. Further empirical investigation with a systematic controlled group is recommended for future work across disciplines for extrapolation.

Originality/value

This is a genuine case study with an identified innovative teaching need to investigate how flipped classrooms can be enabled and enhanced in engineering education innovation.
2-D periodic structures. A numerical study
Authors: Rocchetta Giuseppe , Mancusi Geminiano
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Within the context of 2D square lattices, searching for the existence of band gaps assumes a great interest owing to many possible fields of application: from energy absorption devices to noise and vibration controllers, as well as advanced strategies for the seismic isolation.

Design/methodology/approach

The underlying microstructure may influence the mechanical response of 2D square lattices according to a complex interplay between different factors. A first one is related to the so-called “size-effect”. A second one relates, instead, to the mass density distribution.

Findings

It has been observed that lumped masses may induce additional band gaps to appear and may magnify their width. Finally, an additional factor deals with the inner damping characteristics of the constituent materials, which usually are polymer-based.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the first factor from a specific perspective: to investigate the influence of the size effect on the existence and properties of frequency band gaps.
Fractional relaxation model of materials obtained with selective laser sintering technology
Authors: Bochnia Jerzy , Blasiak Slawomir
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to verify the possibility of applying differential calculus of incomplete order to describe relaxation of the material obtained using selective laser sintering (SLS) technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The samples were made using the incremental technology for three print directions. Relaxation tests were conducted. The theoretical curves, which are the solution of the equation describing the five-parameter Maxwell-Wiechert model for derivatives in relation to the total time of complete order and fractional order, were adjusted to the obtained experimental curves.

Findings

The SLS technology creates new possibilities regarding modelling polymeric elements which might be applied as functional models (products). Therefore, it is necessary to conduct an in-depth study of their properties, including relaxation properties, which is associated with the necessity to use proper mathematical tools to describe those properties. The differential calculus of incomplete order was applied herein to describe the anisotropy of relaxation properties because of the print direction in relation to the relaxation curves adjusted with the five-parameter Maxwell-Wiechert model.

Research limitations/implications

As a result of the conducted considerations, the authors obtained the dependencies describing the anisotropy of relaxation properties with the use of coefficients alpha and beta, which stand for the derivative order of the differential equation, whereas coefficient kappa stands for the translation coefficient which is an innovative application of this type of mathematical apparatus.

Practical implications

The developed method might be applied to describe the anisotropy of a broader group of materials manufactured with the use of incremental technologies.

Originality/value

The application of the differential calculus of incomplete order to describe the anisotropy of the materials manufactured from polyamide powder using the SLS technology is a distinctive feature of this paper. A crucial cognitive element of the conducted research is the fact which confirms that the dynamic viscosity coefficients have the greatest impact on the anisotropy of material properties depending on the print directions.
Accounting for social return on investment (SROI)
Authors: Bellucci Marco , Nitti Carmela , Franchi Serena , Testi Enrico , Bagnoli Luca
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of social return on investment (SROI) as a measure of the social impact produced by non-profit organisations and social enterprises that support family-centred care, an approach that focuses on the pivotal role of families in paediatric health care.

Design/methodology/approach

The study offers an analytical evaluation of the SROI created by the Italian branch of the Ronald McDonald House Charities and highlights (a) the participatory analysis of stakeholders and outcomes; (b) the measurement of inputs; (c) the definition of outputs and proxies for the measurement of outcomes; (d) the calculation of the SROI ratio; and (e) the results of a sensitivity analysis.

Findings

This study discusses the advantages and shortcomings of SROI analyses, the practical implications of this research on governance and management and the role of engagement in managing the expectations of stakeholders. The value of SROI measurements in shaping strategic and management decisions – with special emphasis on stakeholder relations – is also discussed.

Originality/value

Non-profit organisations and social enterprises often require tools that assess the outcomes of their activities. The present research can provide new guidance to SROI analysts, while drawing attention to the most suitable proxies and indicators for evaluating the SROI of organisations operating in the health care sector.
Impact of nonlinear radiative nanoparticles on an unsteady flow of a Williamson fluid toward a permeable convectively heated shrinking sheet
Authors: Zaib Aurang , Haq Rizwan Ul , Chamkha A.J. , Rashidi M.M.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The study aims to numerically examine the impact of nanoparticles on an unsteady flow of a Williamson fluid past a permeable convectively heated shrinking sheet.

Design/methodology/approach

In sort of the solution of the governing differential equations, suitable transformation variables are used to get the system of ODEs. The converted equations are then numerically solved via the shooting technique.

Findings

The impacts of such parameters on the velocity profile, temperature distribution and the concentration of nanoparticles are examined through graphs and tables. The results point out that multiple solutions are achieved for certain values of the suction parameter and for decelerating flow, while for accelerating flow, the solution is unique. Further, the non-Newtonian parameter reduces the fluid velocity and boosts the temperature distribution and concentration of nanoparticles in the first solution, while the reverse drift is noticed in the second solution.

Practical implications

The current results may be used in many applications such as biomedicine, industrial, electronics and solar energy.

Originality/value

The authors think that the current results are new and significant, which are used in many applications such as biomedicine, industrial, electronics and solar energy. The results have not been considered elsewhere.
Mechanochemical-assisted heterogeneous surface modification of parawood microcrystalline cellulose and its effect on the properties of polypropylene composites
Authors: Chuayplod Patcharaporn , Aht-Ong Duangdao
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to modify the surface of parawood sawdust (Hevea brasiliensis) microcrystalline cellulose (PW-MCC) used as reinforcing agent in polypropylene composites with benzoyl chloride under a mechanochemistry process.

Design/methodology/approach

The acetylated PW-MCC was produced from heterogeneous condition using planetary ball mill process at a rotation speed of 400 rpm. Before the esterification reaction, PW-MCC was pre-treated with pyridine at 60°C for 1 h in order to penetrate and swell the cellulose structure. The optimum condition of esterified PW-MCC with various molar ratios of benzoyl chloride/anhydroglucose unit (AGU) was studied. The degree of substitution, functional group, thermal stability and morphology of esterified cellulose were characterized by1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Findings

The functional group from FTIR confirmed that PW-MCC was successfully esterified with benzoyl chloride. The optimum condition which gave the maximum degree of substitution at 3.00 was achieved by using benzoyl chloride/AGU at 5 for 1 h. SEM analysis revealed that the modified PW-MCC surface became rougher than the unmodified PW-MCC surface. The polypropylene composites with 5-30 wt% PW-MCC and esterified PW-MCC were prepared without compatibilizer.

Originality/value

The composites with esterified PW-MCC enhanced water resistance and thermal stability when compared to composites with PW-MCC.
Clinical and microbiological response of mice to intranasal inoculation with Lactococcus lactis expressing Group A Streptococcus antigens, to be used as an anti‐streptococcal vaccine
Authors: García Patricia C. , Paillavil Braulio A. , Scioscia Natalia , Dale James B. , Legarraga Paulette , Salazar‐Echegarai Francisco J. , Bueno Susan M. , Kalergis Alexis M. , Wozniak Aniela
Published: October 2018

Protein subunit vaccines are often preferred because of their protective efficacy and safety. Lactic acid bacteria expressing heterologous antigens constitute a promising approach to vaccine development. However, their safety in terms of toxicity and bacterial clearance must be evaluated. Anti‐Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) vaccines face additional safety concerns because they may elicit autoimmune responses. The assessment of toxicity, clearance and autoimmunity of an anti‐streptococcal vaccine based on Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) expressing 10 different M protein fragments from S. pyogenes (L. lactis‐Mx10) is here reported. Clearance of L. lactis from the oropharynges of immunocompetent mice and mice devoid of T/B lymphocytes mice was achieved without using antibiotics. The absence of autoimmune responses against human tissues was demonstrated with human brain, heart and kidney. Assessment of toxicity showed that leucocyte counts and selected serum biochemical factors were not affected in L. lactis‐Mx10‐immunized mice. In contrast, mice immunized with L. lactis wild type vector (L. lactis‐WT) showed increased neutrophil and monocyte counts and altered histopathology of lymph nodes, lungs and nasal epithelium. Two days after immunization, L. lactis‐Mx10‐immunized and L. lactis‐WT‐immunized mice weighed significantly less than unimmunized mice. However, both groups of immunized mice recovered their body weights by Day 6. Our results demonstrate that L. lactis‐WT, but not the vaccine L. lactis‐Mx10, induces alterations in certain hematologic and histopathological variables. We consider these data a major contribution to data on L. lactis as a bacterial vector for vaccine delivery.
External validation and clinical usefulness of first‐trimester prediction models for small‐ and large‐for‐gestational‐age infants: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Meertens LJE , Smits LJM , van Kuijk SMJ , Aardenburg R , van Dooren IMA , Langenveld J , Zwaan IM , Spaanderman MEA , Scheepers HCJ
Published: October 2018

Objective

To assess the external validity of all published first‐trimester prediction models based on routinely collected maternal predictors for the risk of small‐ and large‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA and LGA) infants. Furthermore, the clinical potential of the best‐performing models was evaluated.

Design

Multicentre prospective cohort.

Setting

Thirty‐six midwifery practices and six hospitals (in the Netherlands).

Population

Pregnant women were recruited at <16 weeks of gestation between 1 July 2013 and 31 December 2015.

Methods

Prediction models were systematically selected from the literature. Information on predictors was obtained by a web‐based questionnaire. Birthweight centiles were corrected for gestational age, parity, fetal sex, and ethnicity.

Main outcome measures

Predictive performance was assessed by means of discrimination (C‐statistic) and calibration.

Results

The validation cohort consisted of 2582 pregnant women. The outcomes of SGA <10th percentile and LGA >90th percentile occurred in 203 and 224 women, respectively. The C‐statistics of the included models ranged from 0.52 to 0.64 for SGA (n = 6), and from 0.60 to 0.69 for LGA (n = 6). All models yielded higher C‐statistics for more severe cases of SGA (<5th percentile) and LGA (>95th percentile). Initial calibration showed poor‐to‐moderate agreement between the predicted probabilities and the observed outcomes, but this improved substantially after recalibration.

Conclusion

The clinical relevance of the models is limited because of their moderate predictive performance, and because the definitions of SGA and LGA do not exclude constitutionally small or large infants. As most clinically relevant fetal growth deviations are related to ‘vascular’ or ‘metabolic’ factors, models predicting hypertensive disorders and gestational diabetes are likely to be more specific.

Tweetable abstract

The clinical relevance of prediction models for the risk of small‐ and large‐for‐gestational‐age is limited.
Device exchange versus nonexchange modalities in left ventricular assist device‐specific infections: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bauer Tyler M. , Choi Jae Hwan , Luc Jessica G.Y. , Weber Matthew P. , Moncho Escrivá Ester , Patel Sinal , Maynes Elizabeth J. , Boyle Andrew J. , Samuels Louis E. , Entwistle John W. , Morris Rohinton J. , Massey H. Todd , Tchantchaleishvili Vakhtang
Published: October 2018

No standardized treatment algorithm exists for the management of continuous‐flow left ventricular assist device (CF‐LVAD)‐specific infections. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to compare the outcomes of CF‐LVAD‐specific infections as managed by device exchange to other treatment modalities not involving device exchange. Electronic search was performed to identify all studies in the English literature relating to the management of CF‐LVAD‐specific infections. All identified articles were systematically assessed for selection criteria. Thirteen studies with 158 cases of CF‐LVAD‐specific infection were pooled for analysis. Overall, 18/158 (11.4%) patients underwent CF‐LVAD exchange, and 140/158 (88.6%) patients were treated with non‐exchange modalities. The proportion of patients with isolated driveline infections or pump or pocket infections did not differ significantly between the groups. During a mean follow‐up of 290 days, there were no significant differences in the overall mortality [exchange 17.6% (4.3–50.6) vs. non‐exchange 23.3% (15.8–32.9), P = 0.67] and infection recurrence rates [exchange 26.7% (8.7–58.0) vs. non‐exchange 38.6% (15.4–68.5), P = 0.56]. In the setting of CF‐LVAD‐specific infections, device exchange does not appear to confer an advantage in the overall mortality and infection recurrence as compared to non‐exchange modalities.
Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing of positive blood cultures by direct inoculation and reading of disc diffusion tests after 3–4 hours
Authors: Weme Einar Tollaksen
Published: October 2018

The aim of the study was to validate whether rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) by very early reading of disc diffusion tests would provide reliable results in daily routine work. A total of 264 positive blood culture bottles were examined, of which 178 were examined as part of the daily routine workflow. Enterobacterales were evaluated for resistance to cefotaxime, ceftazidime, gentamicin and ampicillin. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was tested for resistance to cefoxitin as a marker of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA). The zones were read after 3 h, and if there was insufficient growth, 30 and 60 min later. The results were compared to standard overnight AST. For ampicillin, gentamicin and cefoxitin, there were no errors. For cefotaxime, there were three minor (1.5%), three major (1.5%) and no very major errors. For ceftazidime, there were 13 minor (6.5%) errors only. With the exception of one minor error, all errors were ESBL‐A‐ or AmpC‐producing isolates where rapid AST showed a higher degree of resistance than standard AST. This low‐cost method may contribute to early effective antibacterial treatment by providing reliable results of AST within 3–4 h. Special breakpoints for early reading are a prerequisite.
Laparoscopic excision of an acquired ureteral diverticulum: A case report
Authors: Negoro Hiromitsu , Inoue Takahiro , Imai Kazuto , Goto Takayuki , Sawada Atsuro , Akamatsu Shusuke , Saito Ryoichi , Kobayashi Takashi , Yamasaki Toshinari , Ogawa Osamu
Published: October 2018

Ureteral diverticula, especially acquired diverticula, are rare. Surgery is indicated when a diverticulum is accompanied by complications such as stones, pyelonephritis, stenosis, and signs of malignancy. A 59‐year‐old woman visited our urology department with asymptomatic macrohematuria. Enhanced CT scan revealed a right ureteral diverticulum with a 16‐mm diameter that contained two tiny stones inside. After 8 months, the size of these stones increased; therefore, the patient underwent laparoscopic resection of the ureteral diverticulum and end‐to‐end anastomosis of the ureter. Subsequent histopathology of the excised specimen revealed an acquired diverticulum. Follow‐up intravenous pyelography showed adequate urine passage with only minor dilatation of the pelvis at 3 months after the operation. The laparoscopic approach is believed to be feasible for ureteral diverticula cases that require ureteral end‐to‐end anastomosis.
Response
Authors: Dreher Anna Ursula
Published: October 2018

The author responds to Bob Hinshelwood's ‘Psychoanalytic research: Personal reflections’ and sees – with regard to his idea of applying Popper's hypothetico‐deductive method to analytic material from the couch – some points of agreement, and others about which she raises questions.
Response
Authors: Briggs Stephen
Published: October 2018

This response welcomes Bob Hinshelwood's plea for research in the psychoanalytic setting, and his discussion of processes for clarifying concepts and for the comparative examination of different positions. I suggest that the aims of Hinshelwood's project could be more effectively realized within a social science approach and discuss some implications for ways of conceptualizing science, theory and subjectivity. I suggest that the focus for research within the psychoanalytic setting should include how clinical practice is evolving under changing social contexts.
Professionals’ Perspectives on Viewing Child Sexual Abuse Images to Improve Response to Victims
Authors: Slane Andrea , Martin Jennifer , Rimer Jonah R. , Eke Angela W. , Sinclair Roberta , Charles Grant , Quayle Ethel
Published: October 2018

The complexity of the phenomenon of child sexual abuse images online (CSAIO) benefits from cross‐disciplinary collaboration across law enforcement, child protection, and children's mental health. Through focus groups with professionals working in these fields, this article focuses on when and whether professionals who work with child sexual abuse cases should be exposed to viewing CSAIO and if so under what circumstances doing so would benefit investigations and support services for victims. In a broader sense, this article is about professional experience, decision making, training, and collaboration around a particularly difficult professional experience, namely exposure to viewing CSAIO.