bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing construction and demolition waste transportation for sustainable construction projects
Authors: Elshaboury Nehal , Marzouk Mohamed
Published: December 2020

Purpose

There have been numerous efforts to tackle the problem of accumulated construction and demolition wastes worldwide. In this regard, this study develops a model for identifying the optimum fleet required for waste transportation. The proposed model is validated through a case study from the construction sector in New Cairo, Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

Various fleet combinations are assessed against the time, cost, energy and emissions generated from waste transportation. Genetic algorithm optimization is performed to select the near-optimum solutions. Complex proportional assessment and operational competitiveness rating analysis decision-making techniques are applied to rank Pareto frontier solutions. These rankings are aggregated using an ensemble approach based on the half-quadratic theory. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is implemented to determine the most sensitive attribute.

Findings

The results reveal that the optimum fleet required for construction and demolition wastes (CDW) transportation consists of one wheel loader of bucket capacity 2.5 cubic meters and nine trucks of capacity 22 cubic meters. Furthermore, consensus index and trust level of 0.999 are obtained for the final ranking. This indicates that there is a high level of agreement between the rankings. Moreover, the most sensitive criterion (i.e. energy) is identified using a sensitivity analysis.

Originality/value

This study proposes an efficient and effective construction and demolition waste transportation strategy that will lead to economic gains and protect the environment. It aims to select the optimum fleet required for waste transportation based on economic, social and environmental aspects. The usefulness of this study is establishing a consensual decision through the aggregation of conflicting decision makers' preferences in waste transportation and management.
Exploring the roles of hotel wellness attributes in customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction: application of Kano model through mixed methods
Authors: Park Hyekyung , Lee Minwoo , Back Ki-Joon
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the underlying structure of wellness in upper-upscale and luxury hotels and the roles wellness attributes play in customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed methods approach consisting of content analysis and social media analytics. In Study 1, the authors integrate and review the structure of wellness attributes by conducting a literature review on prior research on wellness and analyzing websites of upper-upscale and luxury hotels. In Study 2, the authors implement text analytics and regression analysis to determine the roles of wellness attributes in customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction by examining the final data gathered from 141,973 reviews of 226 upper-upscale and luxury hotels in NYC.

Findings

This research introduces the underlying structure of wellness in the upper-upscale and luxury hotels. Findings demonstrate a significant relationship between wellness attributes and customer satisfaction/dissatisfaction. This study shows each wellness attribute’s specific roles in customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction through the Kano model.

Research limitations/implications

The current study extends the research on wellness by discovering the underlying structure of wellness in the upper-upscale and luxury hotels. Based on the Kano Model, the study reveals specific roles of wellness attributes regarding their dichotomous impact on customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction. The study makes a novel approach to the topic of wellness through a mixed methods approach consisted of content analysis and social media analytics. Analyzing online customer reviews derived from TripAdvisor.com, the study provides an in-depth insight and understanding of customers’ perceptions of wellness attributes.

Practical implications

The study guides hotel operators to perform wellness attributes by defining the unique roles of wellness attributes in customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Using the findings of the current study, hotel operators can prioritize wellness attributes regarding their core strategies and provide satisfying wellness attributes to customers.

Originality/value

Prior research merely focuses on hotels in wellness destinations or wellness-focused hotels with a lack of research on wellness offered in the general lodging industry. This research fills the gap by discovering the underlying wellness structure embedded in the general lodging industry, specifically in the upper-upscale and luxury hotels.
Improving the service industry with hyper-connectivity: IoT in hospitality
Authors: Mercan Suat , Cain Lisa , Akkaya Kemal , Cebe Mumin , Uluagac Selcuk , Alonso Miguel , Cobanoglu Cihan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Internet of Things (IoT) adoption is a differentiating factor in the hospitality industry which facilitates the integration of the digital and real world. This paper aims to explore academic research and practical applications of IoT in the hospitality domain to help identify opportunities and challenges with implementing the technology for creating competitive advantages and service operations process improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses previous works and exemplars to demonstrate the use of IoT in hospitality. Academic indexing websites such as Google Scholar and ScienceDirect are used to search for related terms. Whitepapers, IoT project websites of service providers and media coverage are accessed to collect information. Related work is investigated by classifying into major categories of hospitality.

Findings

Hospitality is one of the leading industries that has adopted IoT to create innovative services, but this topic has not been investigated deeply. A comprehensive study is needed to give guidance to decision-makers and helps to design better services by presenting practical and potential benefits.

Practical implications

The IoT will usher in great opportunities in hospitality by enabling novel applications for customization and personalization of the services. Operational processes will be redefined for efficiency and speed. It will alter the expectations and servicescape; thus, its integration will be vital in terms of competitiveness and success.

Originality/value

This study provides a comprehensive overview of IoT research and applications in the hospitality domain. It contributes to better understanding of recent trends and potentials. A holistic approach was used instead of focusing on a single sector which enables the consideration of all aspects of the topic. Theoretical support in addition to technical aspects, challenges and concerns are offered to the reader.
Supply chain management for circular economy: conceptual framework and research agenda
Authors: Hazen Benjamin T. , Russo Ivan , Confente Ilenia , Pellathy Daniel
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Circular economy (CE) initiatives are taking hold across both developed and developing nations. Central to these initiatives is the reconfiguration of core supply chain management (SCM) processes that underlie current production and consumption patterns. This conceptual article provides a detailed discussion of how supply chain processes can support the successful implementation of CE. The article highlights areas of convergence in hopes of sparking collaboration among scholars and practitioners in SCM, CE, and related fields.

Design/methodology/approach

This article adopts a theory extension approach to conceptual development that uses CE as a “method” for exploring core processes within the domain of SCM. The article offers a discussion of the ways in which the five principles of CE (closing, slowing, intensifying, narrowing, dematerialising loops) intersect with eight core SCM processes (customer relationship management, supplier relationship management, customer service management, demand management, order fulfilment, manufacturing flow management, product development and commercialization, returns management).

Findings

This article identifies specific ways in which core SCM processes can support the transition from traditional linear approaches to production and consumption to a more circular approach. This paper results in a conceptual framework and research agenda for researchers and practitioners working to adapt current supply chain processes to support the implementation of CE.

Originality/value

This article highlights key areas of convergence among scholars and practitioners through a systematic extension of CE principles into the domain of SCM. In so doing, the paper lays out a potential agenda for collaboration among these groups.
A software reliability growth model with Gompertz-logarithmic failure time distribution
Authors: Yaghoobi Tahere
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The Gompertz curve has been used in industry to estimate the number of remaining software faults. This paper aims to introduce a family of distributions for fitting software failure times which subsumes the Gompertz distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

The mean value function of the corresponding non-homogenous Poisson process software reliability growth model is presented. Model parameters are estimated by the method of maximum likelihood. A comparison of the new model with eight models that use well-known failure time distributions of exponential, gamma, Rayleigh, Weibull, Gompertz, half normal, log-logistic and lognormal is performed according to the several statistical and informational criteria. Moreover, a Shannon entropy approach is used for ranking and model selection.

Findings

Numerical experiments are implemented on five real software failure datasets varying from small to large datasets. The results exhibit that the proposed model is promising and particularly outperforms the Gompertz model in all considered datasets.

Originality/value

The proposed model provides optimized reliability estimation.
The influence of operational excellence on the culture and agility of organizations: evidence from industry
Authors: Carvalho André M. , Sampaio Paulo , Rebentisch Eric , Carvalho João Álvaro , Saraiva Pedro
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This article offers a novel approach that brings together management, engineering and organizational behavior. It focuses on the understanding of organizational dynamics in an era of technological change, upholding the importance of organizational agility and of the cultural paradigm in the management of organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the authors present the conclusions from a set of studies carried out in organizations operating in technical and technological industries. The authors assessed the capabilities of these organizations in terms of operational excellence maturity and its impact on the organizational culture and organizational agility.

Findings

Results show the importance of operational excellence either in developing or expanding organizational agility capabilities while reinforcing the cruciality of an excellence-oriented culture to sustain these efforts over time.

Originality/value

Increasingly unstable business environments have led to a growing interest in how to develop and maintain operational excellence in the face of continued and disruptive change. However, this interest has, so far, been advanced with little empirical evidence to support the corresponding predictions. This work offers the first practical evidence that continued focus and optimization of operations, with the right cultural alignment, helps organizations survive and thrive in increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environments.
Experimental investigation on wheel–rail adhesion characteristics under water and large sliding conditions
Authors: Zhou Jiajun , Wu Mengling , Tian Chun , Yuan Zewang , Chen Chao
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the adhesion characteristics of the wheel–rail under water and large sliding conditions. This is carried out by conducting a series of tests on a full-scale roller rig. The measured data provides an experimental base for conducting further theoretical research.

Design/methodology/approach

The influence of the slip ratio, rolling speed and the axle load on the adhesion coefficient between the wheel and the rail is analyzed under wet conditions using a full-scale roller rig.

Findings

From the research, it is found that the adhesion coefficient–slip ratio curve varies from the traditional theoretical description under water and large sliding conditions. Moreover, it is also observed that after the adhesion coefficient reaches the saturation point, the adhesion coefficient does not decrease, but continues to increase as the slip ratio increases.

Originality/value

The adhesion improvement phenomenon in this paper may provide new ideas for designing anti-skid control and braking system mechanisms for trains.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-07-2020-0236/
Grinding trajectory generation of hybrid robot based on Cartesian direct teaching technology
Authors: Xiao Juliang , Wang Yunpeng , Liu Sijiang , Sun YuBo , Liu Haitao , Huang Tian , Xu Jian
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to generate grinding trajectory of unknown model parts simply and efficiently. In this paper, a method of grinding trajectory generation of hybrid robot based on Cartesian space direct teaching technology is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

This method first realizes the direct teaching of hybrid robot based on 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse (3DMouse) sensor, and the full path points of the robot are recorded in the teaching process. To reduce the jitter and make the speed control more freely when dragging the robot, the sensor data is processed by Kalman filter, and a variable admittance control model is established. And the joint constraint processing is given during teaching. After that, the path points are modified and fitted into double B-splines, and the speed planning is performed to generate the final grinding trajectory.

Findings

Experiment verifies the feasibility of using direct teaching technology in Cartesian space to generate grinding trajectory of unknown model parts. By fitting all the teaching points into cubic B-spline, the smoothness of the grinding trajectory is improved.

Practical implications

The whole method is verified by the self-developed TriMule-600 hybrid robot, and it can also be applied to other industrial robots.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is to realize the direct teaching and trajectory generation of the hybrid robot in Cartesian space, which provides an effective new method for the robot to generate grinding trajectory of unknown model parts.
Measuring instructors continued intention to reuse Google Classroom in Iraq: a mixed-method study during COVID-19
Authors: Hussein Mahmood H. , Ow Siew Hock , Ibrahim Ishaq , Mahmoud Moamin A.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The use of learning management systems (LMSs) such as Google Classroom has increased significantly in higher education institutes during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, only a few studies have investigated instructors’ continued intention to reuse LMS. The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors that influence instructors’ intention to reuse an LMS in higher education institutes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a mixed-method research design. In the quantitative section, an integrated model of technology acceptance model and information system success model is proposed to explore the effects of system quality, service quality, information quality, perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness on instructors’ satisfaction and how their satisfaction will influence their intention to reuse Google Classroom in the future. In the qualitative section, to gain more understanding, instructors were asked to identify the challenges that inhibit the adoption of e-Learning technologies in public universities in Iraq and what are their recommendations to rectify them.

Findings

The findings revealed that service quality had no positive influences on the satisfaction of instructors, while other factors had varying levels of influence, the findings further showed that inadequate internet service and students lack of interest are the biggest challenges instructors faced during their experience with Google Classroom.

Research limitations/implications

To improve the generalizability of the results, future studies are recommended to include larger samples, in addition, further studies are also advised to take individual traits such as age and gender into consideration.

Originality/value

The outcomes of this study are expected to benefit researchers, policymakers and LMS developers who are interested in factors that affect instructors’ intention to reuse LMS in higher education institutes in developing countries.
The effect of the digital readiness of economies on international M&A performance
Authors: Moeini Gharagozloo M. Mahdi , Nair Anil , Chen Chen
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Understanding the mechanism through which digital economy is significantly impacting all dimensions of global economy has become a rising priority in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the critical role of digital readiness of economies around the world on the performance of international M&As as one of the major corporate strategies for firms' global expansion. We also study circumstances under which digital readiness of an economy matters to international M&As.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined how digital readiness superiority (or inferiority) of the United States in comparison with host countries impact capital market reaction to international M&As announced by US public companies. To do this study, analysis was run on a sample of 1,393 IMAs by publicly traded US firms during the 2010–2016 period.

Findings

The study reveals that those public US companies that target companies in countries, in which the US has superior digital readiness to them, show better performance in terms of investors' reaction (capital market reaction) to the announcement of international M&As. In fact, markets will look at the superiority of US digital readiness to target country as an opportunity for transferring digital capabilities. Moreover, these patterns are pronounced in those M&A deals in which the acquiring company is from high-tech industry. However, interestingly when US companies already have a profitable growth track record or when acquirer and target are in the same industry, the market reacts negatively to this digital superiority.

Originality/value

Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms through which digitalization of economies impact the performance of multinational enterprises. It adds to the information management literature on corporate global strategy and is one of the first to examine the role of digital readiness on international M&As performance.
Intellectual capital: mediator of board of directors’ effectiveness and adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards
Authors: Tumwebaze Zainabu , Bananuka Juma , Alinda Kassim , Dorcus Kalembe
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: to test whether intellectual capital mediates the relationship between board of directors’ effectiveness and adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and to examine the contribution of the specific elements of intellectual capital and board of directors’ effectiveness to adoption of IFRS.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is cross-sectional. Usable questionnaires were received from 67 microfinance institutions (MFIs) that are members of the Association of MFIs of Uganda. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and MedGraph program (Excel version).

Findings

Results indicate that intellectual capital mediates the relationship between board of directors’ effectiveness and adoption of IFRS. Results further indicate that board independence and board meetings contribute significantly to the adoption of IFRS unlike board size and board committees. Results also indicate that in the intellectual capital elements, only structural capital and human capital significantly contribute to the adoption of IFRS unlike relational capital.

Originality/value

This study provides more insights on our understanding of the relationship between intellectual capital, board of directors’ effectiveness and adoption of IFRS. Specifically, it provides first time evidence of the mediation effect of intellectual capital in the relationship between board of directors’ effectiveness and adoption of IFRS using evidence from an African developing country – Uganda. Further, this paper adds to existing literature on corporate governance and reporting practices, as it provides more insights on the contribution of specific elements of board of directors’ effectiveness and intellectual capital to adoption of IFRS.
Effect of perception of COVID-19 and nonpharmaceutical intervention on desire and behavioral intention in touristic travels in Turkey
Authors: Kement Uzeyir , Çavuşoğlu Sinan , Demirağ Bülent , Durmaz Yakup , Bükey Aziz
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study analyzes the desires and behavioral intentions of tourists within the scope of perception of COVID-19 and nonpharmaceutical intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The population of the research consists of people on a touristic trip in Turkey. Because of the pandemic, questionnaire data was collected online between 25 April and 15 May 2020. The research was carried out with 712 questionnaire forms. The data obtained were analyzed by structural equation modeling in the SM-PLS statistics program.

Findings

Perception of COVID-19 significantly and positively affects NPI and negatively and significantly affects desire. Perception of COVID-19 and NPI do not have a significant positive/negative effect on behavioral intention. Finally, desire has a significantly positive effect on behavioral intention.

Research limitations/implications

Since the research has limitations in terms of time, cost, accessibility and control difficulties, the entire population could not be reached. The study was carried out with only 712 tourists traveling in Turkey.

Practical implications

The obtained results will impact, particularly the decisions taken in Turkey's tourism sector. Moreover, if tourism companies know the decisions of the consumers during the pandemic process, they can use the appropriate marketing techniques.

Social implications

The result may give an idea about the decision-making process of the consumers on traveling during the pandemic. In this way, psychologically different research can be developed.

Originality/value

There has not been any study made in Turkey that investigated the context of the current research model. Therefore, this research is original.
Knowledge management and emotional exhaustion as moderators in the relationship between role conflict and organizational performance: evidence from India
Authors: Parayitam Satyanarayana , Usman Syed Aktharsha , Namasivaayam Rajeshwaran Raja , Naina Mohamed Shaik
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the importance of knowledge management as a moderator in the relationship between two of the burnout variables, namely, role ambiguity and work overload. In addition, the paper tests a conceptual model where emotional exhaustion is a moderator in the relationship between role ambiguity, work overload and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a structured survey instrument, this paper gathered data from 692 respondents from the information technology industry in the southern part of India. The first psychometric properties of the instrument were tested and then hierarchical regression was used as a statistical technique for analyzing the data.

Findings

Results show that role conflict is positively related to role ambiguity and work overload, role ambiguity is negatively related to performance, work overload is positively related to performance, knowledge management moderates the relationship between role conflict and role ambiguity and role conflict and work overload. The hierarchical regression results also support that emotional exhaustion moderates the relationship between role ambiguity and performance and work overload and performance.

Research limitations/implications

As the present research is based on self-report measures, the limitations of social desirability bias and common method bias are inherent. However, this study attempts to minimize these limitations by following appropriate statistical techniques and procedures.

Practical implications

This study contributes to both practicing managers and the literature on conflict management. The study suggests that managers use knowledge management practices to mitigate the ill-effects of role conflict and enhance performance. This study also highlights the role of emotional exhaustion in organizations.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights about the importance of knowledge management practices and emotional exhaustion in the relationship between role conflict and performance. To the knowledge, the importance of knowledge management practices is underemphasized in conflict management research. The study also provides insights into the role of one of the burnout variables i.e. emotional exhaustion in its influence on performance. The implications of this relationship for organizational role theory and organizational learning theory and for management practice, are discussed.
Additive manufacturing technologies and business models – a systematic literature review
Authors: Florén Henrik , Barth Henrik , Gullbrand Jeanette , Holmén Magnus
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper reviews research on the intersection between additive manufacturing technologies (AMTs) and business models (BM). The purpose of the review is to synthesize past research for the benefit of researchers, to describe the dominant research themes and aggregated research questions and to identify research gaps in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of secondary data was conducted. The 288 publications in the review appeared in peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings papers and book chapters. All publications are listed in this paper by publication year and publication source. The review also distinguishes between empirical and non-empirical studies, describes methodological approaches and categorizes the publications by unit of analysis and by theme.

Findings

Research on the intersection between AMT and BM, which has increased significantly in the last three years, reflects firms' and industries' growing interest in digital manufacturing processes. This review identifies twelve dominant themes in the literature that contribute important insights to the field. Aggregated research questions are identified in each theme. Research advances and gaps are presented. Four themes relate directly to BM: (1) BM types, (2) BM and technology, (3) BM design and processes and (4) BM value and supply chains.

Originality/value

This review is the first systematic literature review on the intersection between AMT and BM. As such, the review provides a guide for researchers as they explore gaps in the research and develop research questions on an aggregated level. The review also supports users of such technologies as they review their business practices and models in the so-called Digital Revolution.
A library at the touch of a finger-tip: an analysis of mobile library services at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus
Authors: Duncan Adrian St. Patrick
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the state of mobile library services available for students’ information needs at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. In addition, this study will determine the extent to which mobile services has helped the Mona libraries to have greater reach to students.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys and content analysis were used to collect data. A comparative content analysis was used to highlight the strides made in mobile library services in universities across the world vis-à-vis the current reality in the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica.

Findings

The findings identified that there is a proliferation of mobile and internet users among university and college students and they are heavily using their devices for the furtherance of their educational attainment. Additionally, the findings indicated that libraries in the academic realm can benefit greatly from allowing their content to be accessible through these mobile devices, as it would also help with greater usage. Furthermore, this service is guaranteed greater support the distance programmes offered by these universities.

Research limitations/implications

This study will focus on assessing the state of mobile library services offered at the University of the West Indies, Mona Jamaica. This study will also determine the extent to which mobile services can help libraries to have greater reach to students and provide best practices for academic libraries implementing mobile service offerings to clients. This study will not attest to the financial feasibility of academic institutions to start such a programme.

Practical implications

The research excavated that the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, along with other academic libraries in the Caribbean are all not fully offering mobile library services to all their users. In addition, with the rise of technology and the proliferation of cell phones and other mobile devices, students (distance and onsite) expect a service that allows them greater access to the offerings of the university and their libraries.

Originality/value

This is the premier investigation of its kind into how the University of the West Indies Mona Campus has responded to the mobile library environment. The value of this research is in helping academic and university libraries in the Jamaica to identify the importance of leveraging the benefits of the dynamic technological era, allowing greater and wider reach through mobile library services proliferation and access to services. In addition, this study showed that academic libraries need to enhance services in a bid to provide greater support the teaching component of the university or college they serve.
Primary validation of climate strategy proactivity questionnaire scale measuring relationship of climate strategy proactivity with competitive advantage
Authors: Kant Nikhil
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study was conducted with the objective of conducting a primary validation of a newly developed climate strategy proactivity questionnaire (CSPQ) scale for evaluating the relationship of climate strategy proactivity displayed by Indian companies with competitive advantage which it intends to attain and sustain through sources of sustained competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Research design includes an exploratory factor analysis, conducted with a diverse sample of stakeholders of Indian companies, resulting into four internally consistent factors. This was followed by a confirmatory factor analysis with strong model fit estimates which confirmed the initial factor structure and resulted into a new final CSPQ scale. The scale without substituting any existing scale facilitated testing of all but criterion validity.

Findings

Findings mainly comprise the primary validation of the CSPQ scale as psychometrically strong confirming acceptability of all major fit indices.

Research limitations/implications

CSPQ scale designed in the context of Indian companies is expected to make corporations and managers more aware in developing countries to help them draw an extensively enhanced scope of proactive climate strategy while making efforts to attain and sustain competitive advantage. However, the self-reported information collected through a common survey questionnaire might be affected by self-bias. Further, cross-sectional data to validate a new non-substituting scale prevented the researcher from conducting criterion validity test.

Originality/value

Basing the development and validation of the CSPQ scale on the data collected from diverse stakeholders of Indian companies in as diverse a country as India, the scale can demonstrate significant robustness and implicative potential. The scale, by virtue of possessing significant attributes, can add remarkable value to strategic management applicable under any major theoretical perspective. It can serve the requirements of the empirical research and competitive management practices simultaneously.
Cultivating a learning culture in the US Navy
Authors: Cavallaro Liz , Nault William J.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the cultivation of a learning culture in the US Navy (USN). The intent of preparing and sharing this research is to reveal the particular challenges of developing learning organization capability in national security organizations. This paper believes this effort will contribute to the evolution and establishment of learning organization models that are replicable across and adaptable to distinct industrial settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Several efforts were explored and assessed by applying relevant research in the learning organization literature to trends in current organizational practice within the USN.

Findings

Recent USN learning culture efforts align with the broader, multi-sector, global trend toward building learning organizations to develop people as a source of competitive advantage. This research reveals the trials of enabling learning organizations across large, hierarchical bureaucracies with substantial structural and cultural barriers. The myriad obstacles currently being addressed by the USN, both at an institutional level and at smaller organization and unit levels, can inform the development of learning cultures. In particular, this research highlights the need to align specific efforts to the appropriate level of the organization.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the learning organization conversation by examining the associated challenges through a multi-level framework – top, middle and bottom.
Consumer value‐based edible insect market segmentation [edible insect market segmentation]
Authors: Legendre T.S.
Published: December 2020

Edible insect food products have been launched and in the market since 2011. Since then the number of companies that produce edible insect food product has increased greatly. However, the guidance of how these firms should effectively target which consumer market is unclear. The goal of this study is to provide information about the US consumer market that could potentially increase edible insect food product sales. This study uses consumer value as a segmenting axle and provides the cluster analysis results. From this analysis, academics and industry practitioners can have better insights about edible insect food product consumer profiles.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus MP108: Toxicological evaluation
Authors: Zhang Bo , Lynch Barry , Zhao Jian , Guo Yu , Mak Alastair
Published: December 2020

A lyophilized powder of Lactobacillus rhamnosus MP108, a strain isolated from infant feces, has been developed for potential as a probiotic. To assess safety, three genetic toxicity studies (Ames, in vivo mouse micronucleus, and in vivo mouse spermatocyte chromosome aberration assays) and one 90‐day oral rat toxicity study were conducted. Lactobacillus rhamnosus MP108 had no activity in the Ames assay, with or without metabolic activation, up to the highest dose tested (5000 µg/plate). Also, no evidence of genotoxicity was observed in the two in vivo genotoxicity assays up to the maximum dose tested of 5.6 g/kg body weight. Feeding of L. rhamnosus MP108 to SD rats at doses of 0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.5 g/kg body weight/day had no statistically or biologically significant effects on any of the parameters measured. An evaluation of Lactobacillus spp. generally, and L. rhamnosus specifically, showed no indication of concern for translocation or pathogenicity. The results of the toxicology studies showed no indications for safety concerns.

Practical Application

Lactobacillus rhamnosus MP108 is a bacterium that shows potential as a probiotic. While this bacterium has been used in food and food production, a series of studies were conducted to provide further assurance that this particular strain of L. rhamnosus is safe.
Pre‐operative epidural analgesia in hip fracture patients ‐ A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rubin Monika Afzali , Stark Nikolaj Francis , Hårsmar Simon Julius Chamli , Møller Ann Merete
Published: December 2020

Background

Hip fracture is a common, painful injury with increasing global incidence. Patients require optimal acute pain management. Systematic reviews have investigated the postoperative use of epidural analgesia and found that it may have advantages over systemic analgesia. It is of interest to determine whether pre‐operative use of epidural analgesia is also advantageous.

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analyses on the effect of epidural analgesia on pre‐operative pain management in hip fracture patients.

Methods

We included randomized controlled trials comparing pre‐operatively initiated epidural analgesia with any other method of analgesia, in adults aged ≥55 years scheduled for hip fracture surgery. The main outcome was pre‐operative pain at rest. Electronic searches of four medical databases were performed. Two authors independently screened for eligibility, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. We conducted meta‐analyses and assessed the certainty of the evidence by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

Three articles were included, with 179 randomized patients. All studies compared epidural analgesia with systemic analgesia, one additionally with 3‐in‐1‐block. Meta‐analyses of pre‐operative pain measurements resulted in a mean difference of −5.85 95% CI [−14.90; 3.19] on a 0‐100 Visual Analogue Scale with a p‐value of 0.17 and a very low certainty of evidence according to the GRADE rating.

Conclusions

We did not find a difference in pre‐operative pain at rest between epidural analgesia and any other method of pre‐operatively initiated analgesia. The studies were few, of low quality and the difference between the two interventions remains unknown.
Neural Perturbations Associated With Recurrent Binge Alcohol in Male and Female Rats
Authors: West Rebecca K. , Rodgers Shaefali P. , Leasure J. Leigh
Published: December 2020

Background

Binge drinking, characterized by brief periods of high intoxication interspersed with periods of abstinence, appears to be particularly damaging to the brain. Binge drinking is increasing among American women, yet few preclinical studies have assessed sex differences in the neurobehavioral effects of binge alcohol.

Methods

Adult Long–Evans rats were administered 4 g/kg ethanol (EtOH; or an isocaloric control dose) via intragastric gavage once‐weekly. Brains were collected after 3 or 8 binge doses, and immunohistochemistry for mature neurons (NeuN), microglia (Iba1), neurogenesis (DCX), and reactive astrogliosis (vimentin) performed. Stereology was used to quantify target cell populations in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). In a separate cohort of animals, cognition (spatial navigation and reversal learning), affect (tickling‐evoked ultrasonic vocalizations), and task‐induced c‐fos activation were assessed after 3 or 8 binge doses.

Results

Blood EtOH concentration did not differ significantly between females (175 ± 3.6 mg/dl) and males (180 ± 3.7 mg/dl) and did not change significantly over time, indicating that tolerance did not develop. After 3 or 8 binge doses, the number of granule neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus of both sexes was significantly reduced in comparison with controls, although there was no binge effect on newly generated neurons. Moreover, 8 (but not 3) binge doses significantly increased the total number of microglia and the number of partially activated microglia in the hippocampus and mPFC in both sexes. There was no detectable reactive astrogliosis (vimentin) in either region at any timepoint. There was no effect of binge alcohol on behavior outcomes in either sex, but binged rats showed increased cellular activation in the mPFC following reversal learning.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that recurrent binge alcohol results in similar neural damage and neuroimmune activation in alcohol‐vulnerable corticolimbic brain regions in males and females.
Epigenetic Clock Analysis in Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Okazaki Satoshi , Otsuka Ikuo , Shinko Yutaka , Horai Tadasu , Hirata Takashi , Yamaki Naruhisa , Sora Ichiro , Hishimoto Akitoyo
Published: December 2020

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is characterized by severe clinical impairment, considerable social burden, and high mortality and morbidity, which are due to various malformations, sepsis, and cancer. As >50% of deaths from FASD occur during the first year of life, we hypothesized that there is the acceleration of biological aging in FASD. Several recent studies have established genome‐wide DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles as “epigenetic clocks” that can estimate biological aging, and FASD has been associated with differential DNAm patterns. Therefore, we tested this hypothesis using epigenetic clocks.

Methods

We investigated 5 DNAm‐based measures of epigenetic age (HorvathAge, HannumAge, SkinBloodAge, PhenoAge, and GrimAge) and telomere length (DNAmTL) using 4 independent publicly available DNAm datasets; 2 datasets were derived from buccal epithelium, and the other 2 datasets were derived from peripheral blood.

Results

Compared with controls, children with FASD exhibited an acceleration of GrimAge in 1 buccal and 2 blood datasets. No significant difference was found in other DNAm ages and DNAmTL. Meta‐analyses showed a significant acceleration of GrimAge in the blood samples but not in the buccal samples.

Conclusions

This study provides novel evidence regarding accelerated epigenetic aging in children with FASD.
Effects of lipopolysaccharide on proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation of apical papilla cells from early and late stage of root development
Authors: Aguilar Panuroot , Mahanonda Rangsini , Sa‐Ard‐Iam Noppadol , Lertchirakarn Veera
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of lipopolysaccharide on cell proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation of apical papilla cells from early and late stage of root development. After challenging with various lipopolysaccharide concentrations to apical papilla cells from both stages of root development for 168 h, cell proliferation and migration were investigated. Osteogenic differentiation was examined by Alizarin red staining, and gene expressions of bone/cementum or dentin‐related genes were examined by polymerase chain reaction. Lipopolysaccharide did not affect cell proliferation and migration in both groups. Lipopolysaccharide at 1 and 5 µg mL−1 increased Alizarin red staining in apical papilla cells from early‐stage but not the late‐stage cells. Bone sialoprotein (bone/cementum marker) gene expression increased in both early and late stage of root development at 5 µg mL−1. These results might explain bone/cementum generation in regenerative endodontic procedures.
Whose narratives? Divergence in how history is organised across generations and its impact on well‐being
Authors: Lim Travis , Leong Chan‐Hoong
Published: December 2020

Singapore is a young and affluent global city‐state located in a region that is historically known for its ethnic diversity and racial politics. A recent study identified three dominant narratives embraced by Singaporeans: Nation Building—events that highlight milestones and achievements, National Resilience—events that exemplify national unity and resolve in addressing a national crisis, and Conflict—events that demonstrate social divisions. These narratives predicted present and future satisfaction to different degrees and patterns. Further analyses, however, point to generational divides not only in how history is organised but also how it is associated with satisfaction and life experiences. Citizens from all ages converged on the type of events that constitute the Nation Building and National Resilience narratives but hold different views on the constituents of the Conflict narrative. In all, future satisfaction among each cohort of Singaporeans is shaped by a different set of historical narratives—Nation Building for the seniors, National Resilience for the middle‐aged, and Conflict for the young. These results suggest that collective remembering is shaped by a cohort’s generational character.
Inferiority of arteriovenous grafts, in comparison to autogenous fistulas, is underestimated by standard survival measures alone
Authors: Thwaites Stephen E. , Holt Stephen G. , Yii Ming K.
Published: December 2020

Background

It has been argued that a prosthetic arteriovenous graft (AVG) is a reasonable alternative to an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for dialysis. We aimed to compare the patency rates and requirements for the intervention of newly formed AVF and AVG.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of AVF and AVG formed between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2015 at two tertiary referral centres and followed up until 31 December 2017. Outcome measures included successful use for dialysis, patency rates and the number of interventions required to maintain dialysis access per patient‐year (PPY).

Results

Four hundred and seventy AVF and 92 AVG were constructed. Of 470 AVF, 324 (68.9%) were used compared to 80 of 92 (87%) AVG. One year assisted primary patency of AVF was 75% (confidence interval 71–79%) compared to 47% (confidence interval 36–57%) for AVG. Secondary patency rates for AVF at 1, 2 and 3 years were 77%, 71% and 69%, respectively. At the same time points, secondary patency rates for AVG were 77%, 60% and 46%, respectively (log rank P = 0.034). AVG required 2.4 times the number of interventions PPY than AVF. Surgical thrombectomy of AVG was at a rate of 0.49 PPY compared with 0.042 PPY for AVF.

Conclusion

AVG have a substantially higher rate of thrombosis than AVF, evident from early in the life of the graft. AVF demonstrate superior patency rates to AVG throughout the life of the access, with far fewer interventions PPY than grafts.