bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The study on the coupling model of unconventional incidents
Authors: Yang Baohua , Fang Shili , Zhao Jinshuai
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to realize a complete analysis at scenario deduction of unconventional incidents coupling based on the GERTS network method.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from the manifestation of coupling objects, three types of emergency coupling are analyzed according to different rules, which are “events‐events” coupling, “event‐factors” coupling and “factors‐factors” coupling. Then the coupling mechanism for emergency is focused on analyzing, and the concepts of three types of coupling are put forward, at the same time, three quantitative models for coupling mechanisms are present. Also, a case was discussed to verify the analysis of coupling mechanism of emergency.

Findings

According to the types of factors rules, the classes of coupling of emergency have been divided into three types. The coupling mechanism of emergency can be used to describe the novel coupling models.

Practical implications

This research provides the method for coupling analysis in the scenario of unconventional incidents and guides the emergency managers to develop contingency strategies.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in constructing a novel coupling model for emergency, and it could provide an effective tool for a quantitative study on unconventional incidents coupling.
Content analysis coding schemes for online asynchronous discussion
Authors: Weltzer‐Ward Lisa
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Researchers commonly utilize coding‐based analysis of classroom asynchronous discussion contributions as part of studies of online learning and instruction. However, this analysis is inconsistent from study to study with over 50 coding schemes and procedures applied in the last eight years. The aim of this article is to provide a basis for more consistent use of coding schemes and to facilitate comparison of studies utilizing different coding schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper identifies coding schemes presented in the research literature, classifies these schemes, and presents a list of synthesis codes reflecting the content of the many different schemes for each classification.

Findings

Based on the initial and follow‐up literature review, 56 different coding schemes were identified as having been employed within the last eight years. Initial sorting indicated that schemes primarily focused on identifying critical thinking, describing social interactions, or characterizing online discussion.

Originality/value

In addition to offering a comprehensive resource reflecting the coding schemes currently applied to the analysis of online, asynchronous discussion, the meta‐analysis results also inform regarding the current state of research in this area. In addition, current research trends and areas for potential new research and development are revealed.
Determinants of information retweeting in microblogging
Authors: Liu Zhiming , Liu Lu , Li Hong
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual model to investigate the determinants of information retweeting in microblogging based on Heuristic‐Systematic Model.

Design/methodology/approach

Microblogging data about emergency events from Sina microblogging (http://weibo.com) are collected and analyzed with text mining technology. The proposed hypotheses are tested with logistic and multiple linear regressions.

Findings

The results show that source trustworthiness, source expertise, source attractiveness, and the number of multimedia have significant effects on the information retweeting. In addition, source expertise moderates the effects of user trustworthiness and content objectivity on the information retweeting in microblogging.

Practical implications

This study provides an in‐depth understanding of what makes information about emergency events in microblogging diffuse so rapidly. Based on these findings the emergency management organizations in China can apply the microblogging to spread useful information, and these findings also provide practical implications for microblogging system designers.

Originality/value

The primary value of this paper lies in providing a better understanding of information retweeting in microblogging based on Heuristic‐Systematic Model. Organizations that would like to adopt the microblogging platform in emergency situations to improve the ability of emergency response can benefit from the findings of this study.
A History of Heterodox Economics
Authors: Power Marilyn
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to review Fred Lee's book A History of Heterodox Economics.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a context for Lee's research within the current debates over the financial crisis, then reviews and evaluates his analysis.

Findings

Lee has provided valuable and almost overwhelmingly meticulous documentation of the struggle to maintain space for heterodox economics within the discipline of economics, beginning before the turn of the twentieth century and continuing into the present. He is most concerned to use this research to formulate strategies to build community among heterodox economists, to provide a strong alternative to mainstream economics.

Originality/value

The author was less than convinced by Lee's suggestion that heterodox economics should emulate a professional model based on publications and citations that bears a striking resemblance to the methods of mainstream economics. That said, the author shares his belief that heterodox economics has important insights to offer economic theory and policy. In all, Lee has provided an important service in his documentation of the rise of heterodox economics as well as the attempts of mainstream economics to marginalize other schools of thought.
What can be expected of information and communication technologies in terms of patient empowerment in health?
Authors: Lemire Marc
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Implementing information and communication technologies (ICT) is often mentioned as a strategy that can foster public involvement and responsibility in health. The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the possibilities and issues afforded by the social uses of ICT for personal empowerment in health.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses evidence from four case studies that characterize current computerization and networking processes in health. The studies shared a global framework comprising four interpretative paradigms of personal empowerment: the professional, technocratic, consumerist and democratic paradigms.

Findings

The results show the coexistence of four empowerment logics in ICT use. Two trends proved dominant: a strengthening of the control and standardization processes tied to the typical power relationships in health, and a reinforcement of personal autonomy and self‐assertion processes, either through commercial relationships or through the social relationships that are also present.

Practical implications

The paper supports the argument that in order to understand the opportunities for personal empowerment offered by ICT the logic underlying user practices in their respective contexts must be examined.

Originality/value

The paper uses data from four case studies to illustrate the contradictory logics shaping the personal empowerment process. Under these logics, an ICT user may play roles as patient, client, consumer, or citizen.
Leadership in health care
Authors: Geisler B.P. , Widerberg K.F. , Berghöfer A. , Willich S.N.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This paper's aim is to identify existing and developing new concepts of organization, management, and leadership at a large European university hospital; and to evaluate whether mixed qualitative‐quantitative methods with both internal and external input can provide helpful views of the possible future of large health care providers.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Delphi method in semi‐structured, semi‐quantitative interviews, with managers and employees as experts, the authors performed a vertical and a horizontal internal analysis. In addition, input from innovative faculties in other countries was obtained through structured power questions. These two sources were used to create three final scenarios, which evaluated using traditional strategic planning methods.

Findings

There is found a collaboration scenario in which faculty and hospital are separated; a split scenario which divides the organization into three independent hospitals; and a corporation scenario in which corporate activities are bundled in three separate entities.

Practical implications

In complex mergers of knowledge‐driven organizations, the employees of the own organization (in addition to external consultants) might be tapped as a knowledge resource to successful future business models.

Originality/value

The paper uses a real world consulting case to present a new set of methods for strategic planning in large health care provider organizations.
The ethics of data collection: unintended consequences?
Authors: Wainwright Delia , Sambrook Sally
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The aims is to consider the political and ethical challenges involved in conducting ethnographic managerial/organisational behaviour research within the highly regulated health and social care context, in light of the emergence of more stringent “ethical approval” policies and requirements set by Local Research Ethics Committees in the United Kingdom. In the attempt and requirement to protect “vulnerable” employees, this paper aims to present an unintended paradox of consequences when participants voluntarily revealed themselves.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors briefly review literature on research ethics and present an understanding of the ethical regulations currently existing within the British National Health Service. Within an ethnographic case study exploring the psychological contract, the authors consider the issues that arose during one stage of data collection: a qualitative questionnaire survey with 13 participants, including members of the lead author's team. Incorporating excerpts from the researcher's reflexive journal, the paper exposes the struggles of being an “insider” researcher and the tensions this raises for data analysis when participants voluntarily revealed themselves.

Findings

Ethnography is at “risk” within health and social care and ethnographic “managerial” research is likely to be unduly restricted and potentially threatened. The evidence suggests that some employees either did not wish to be protected or, conversely, felt compelled to reveal their identities, raising questions of their motivation and creating a paradox of unintended consequences.

Originality/value

This paper offers an insight into the challenges of conducting nurse‐managerial ethnography in compliance with ethical guidelines, yet disrupted by participants. The findings will be useful to other nurse‐researchers attempting to conduct insider research.
Implementing an emergency department patient admission predictive tool
Authors: Jessup Melanie , Wallis Marianne , Boyle Justin , Crilly Julia , Lind James , Green David , Miller Peter , Fitzgerald Gerard
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This paper aims to show that identification of expectations and software functional requirements via consultation with potential users is an integral component of the development of an emergency department patient admissions prediction tool.

Design/methodology/approach

Thematic analysis of semi‐structured interviews with 14 key health staff delivered rich data regarding existing practice and future needs. Participants included emergency department staff, bed managers, nurse unit managers, directors of nursing, and personnel from health administration.

Findings

Participants contributed contextual insights on the current system of admissions, revealing a culture of crisis, imbued with misplayed communication. Their expectations and requirements of a potential predictive tool provided strategic data that moderated the development of the Emergency Department Patient Admissions Prediction Tool, based on their insistence that it feature availability, reliability and relevance. In order to deliver these stipulations, participants stressed that it should be incorporated, validated, defined and timely.

Research limitations/implications

Participants were envisaging a concept and use of a tool that was somewhat hypothetical. However, further research will evaluate the tool in practice.

Practical implications

Participants' unsolicited recommendations regarding implementation will not only inform a subsequent phase of the tool evaluation, but are eminently applicable to any process of implementation in a healthcare setting.

Originality/value

The consultative process engaged clinicians and the paper delivers an insider view of an overburdened system, rather than an outsider's observations.
Multiple sexual partners: perceptions of young men in Uganda
Authors: Joshi Anil
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This study seeks to explore the perceptions of young men in Uganda regarding their sexual behaviour, which is normally understood as “high risk” in terms of HIV/AIDS. Specifically, the paper aims to look at the practice of engaging with multiple sexual partners (MSP).

Design/methodology/approach

Six 15‐19 year old school‐going young men in rural Uganda played an attribute‐ranking game, wrote personal stories and acted in small dramas as part of the data collection.

Findings

The participants of the study spoke about love and sex being important in a relationship, which is why they engaged in MSP, to maximise their experience of both. MSP also allowed the young men to gain pleasure, experience and control: three necessary and sought‐after attributes inherent in their notion of masculinity. The features that challenged these three factors (i.e. money, manipulative girls, parental control), which threatened their ideals of masculinity, were identified by participants as the primary risks of MSP, rather than health threats.

Originality/approach

A more open‐minded and positive emphasis is needed regarding the use of condoms, where pleasure and issues of “manliness” are incorporated. By understanding the experiential views of young men, HIV/AIDS prevention programmes can be adapted accordingly to better reflect their lived realities.
The creation of risk‐related information
Authors: Lloyd‐Bostock Sally
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This paper aims to clarify the potential to use data on doctors and fitness to practise (FTP) cases held by the UK General Medical Council (GMC) for wider regulatory purposes, such as identifying risk factors. The paper aims to concentrate on how data are shaped by the GMC's functions and organisational concerns, and by the configuration and use of their electronic database.

Design/methodology/approach

The GMC provided samples of their data, access to documentation surrounding the configuration and use of the database, and meetings with staff able to provide background on the database, GMC procedures, and the GMC as an organisation.

Findings

The FTP database is designed to process cases within complex legal rules, and to provide for accountability. The database and its use are adapted to these purposes. Attempts to use it for other purposes are likely to find it difficult to use, the scope and quality of data uneven and some codes unsuitable. The register data are very narrow in scope. While combining register and FTP data to identify risk factors is by itself of limited value, the database can contribute to closer study of risks to patient safety from poorly performing doctors.

Research limitations/implications

The research was exploratory. It provides initial insights and the basis for further research.

Practical implications

The data have potential policy use for the GMC, but it is essential to understand the limitations.

Originality/value

The paper examines previously unanalysed influences on the GMC's data. It also develops new angles on questions in the regulation literature about organisational risks and the creation of risk data.
Medical regulation, spectacular transparency and the blame business
Authors: McGivern Gerry , Fischer Michael
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore general practitioners' (GPs') and psychiatrists' views and experiences of transparent forms of medical regulation in practice, as well as those of medical regulators and those representing patients and professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

The research included interviews with GPs, psychiatrists and others involved in medical regulation, representing patients and professionals. A qualitative narrative analysis of the interviews was then conducted.

Findings

Narratives suggest rising levels of complaints, legalisation and blame within the National Health Service (NHS). Three key themes emerge. First, doctors feel “guilty until proven innocent” within increasingly legalised regulatory systems and are consequently practising more defensively. Second, regulation is described as providing “spectacular transparency”, driven by political responses to high profile scandals rather than its effects in practice, which can be seen as a social defence. Finally, it is suggested that a “blame business” is driving this form of transparency, in which self‐interested regulators, the media, lawyers, and even some patient organisations are fuelling transparency in a wider culture of blame.

Research limitations/implications

A relatively small number of people were interviewed, so further research testing the findings would be useful.

Practical implications

Transparency has some perverse effects on doctors' practice.

Social implications

Rising levels of blame has perverse consequences for patient care, as doctors are practicing more defensively as a result, as well as significant financial implications for NHS funding.

Originality/value

Transparent forms of regulation are assumed to be beneficial and yet little research has examined its effects in practice. In this paper we highlight a number of perverse effects of transparency in practice.
Valuation and handling of dialogue in leadership
Authors: Grill C. , Ahlborg G. , Lindgren E.C.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Leadership can positively affect the work environment and health. Communication and dialogue are an important part in leadership. Studies of how dialogue is valued and handled in first‐line leadership have not so far been found. The aim of this study is to develop a theoretical understanding of how first‐line leaders at hospitals in western Sweden value and handle dialogue in the organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study design was explorative and based on grounded theory. Data collection consisted of interviews and observations. A total of 11 first‐line leaders at two hospitals in western Sweden were chosen as informants, and for four of them observation was also used.

Findings

One core category emerged in the analysis: leaders' communicative actions, which could be strategically or understanding‐oriented, and experienced as equal or unequal and performed equitably or inequitably, within a power relationship. Four different types of communicative actions emerged: collaborative, nurturing, controlling, and confrontational. Leaders had strategies for creating arenas and relationships for dialogue, but dialogue could be constrained by external circumstances or ignorance of the frameworks needed to conduct and accomplish dialogue.

Practical implications

First‐line leaders should be offered guidance in understanding the consequences of consciously choosing and strengthening the communication component in leadership.

Originality/value

The positive valuation of dialogue was not always manifest in practical action. One significant consequence of not using dialogue was that information with impact on organisational efficiency and finances was not communicated upwards in the management system.
Women leaders: the social world of health care
Authors: Isaac Carol A.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate a microcosm of the complexities that women face in a masculine environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten women administrators were selected from one Southeastern University in the USA, using criterion sampling. The interviews of five women from male‐dominated colleges (greater than 50 percent male faculty‐MD) and five from female‐dominated fields (FD) were analyzed. For further study, the texts of the four women from healthcare colleges were compared with the six from non‐healthcare fields. Interviewees were asked questions about their background, leadership and power. Confidentiality was adhered to according to the university's IRB guidelines and policies.

Findings

The social world of the healthcare Deans was evident and was shaped around a “rigid hierarchy of authority and power” that goes beyond gender and is stratified among health‐related professions.

Originality/value

This examination of the hierarchical discourse of power within the social world of healthcare gives valuable instruction for women's negotiation through adaptation.
Efficiency and productivity of hospitals in Vietnam
Authors: Linh Pham Thuy
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relative efficiency and productivity of hospitals during the health reform process.

Design/methodology/approach

Data envelopment analyses method (DEA) with the input‐oriented variable‐returns‐to‐scale model was used to calculate efficiency scores. Malmquist total factor productivity index approach was then employed to calculate productivity of hospitals. Data of 101 hospitals was extracted from databases of the Ministry of Health, Vietnam from the years 1998 to 2006.

Findings

There was evidence of improvement in overall technical efficiency from 65 per cent in 1998 to 76 per cent in 2006. Hospitals' productivity progressed around 1.4 per cent per year, which was mainly due to the technical efficiency improvement. Furthermore, provincial hospitals were more technically efficient than their central counterparts and hospitals located in different regions performed differently.

Originality/value

The paper provides an insight in the performance of Vietnamese public hospitals that has been rarely examined before and contributes to the existing literature of hospital performance in developing countries
Modeling of thermoelastic damping and frequency shift of vibrations in a transversely isotropic solid cylinder
Authors: Sharma J.N. , Singh H. , Sharma Y.D.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the free vibrations in a stress free and thermally insulated (or isothermal), homogeneous, transversely isotropic, solid cylinder based on three‐dimensional coupled thermoelasticity, which is initially undeformed and kept at uniform temperature.

Design/methodology/approach

The displacement potential functions have been introduced in the equations of motion and heat conduction in order to decouple the purely shear and longitudinal motions. The system of governing partial differential equations is reduced to four second‐order coupled ordinary differential equations in radial coordinate by using the method of separation of variables. The matrix Frobenius method of extended power series is employed to obtain the solution of coupled ordinary differential equations along the radial coordinate. The convergence analysis of matrix Frobenius method has been successfully carried out.

Findings

The purely transverse mode is found to be independent of the rest of the motion and temperature change. The natural frequency, dissipation factor, inverse quality factor and frequency shift of vibrations in a stress free solid cylinder get significantly affected due to thermal variations and thermo‐mechanical coupling.

Originality/value

A new procedure is used and compared to other methods available in the literature.
Integration of nonlinear mixed hardening models
Authors: Rezaiee‐Pajand Mohammad , Nasirai Cyrus , Sharifian Mehrzad
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new effective integration method for cyclic plasticity models.

Design/methodology/approach

By defining an integrating factor and an augmented stress vector, the system of differential equations of the constitutive model is converted into a nonlinear dynamical system, which could be solved by an exponential map algorithm.

Findings

The numerical tests show the robustness and high efficiency of the proposed integration scheme.

Research limitations/implications

The von‐Mises yield criterion in the regime of small deformation is assumed. In addition, the model obeys a general nonlinear kinematic hardening and an exponential isotropic hardening.

Practical implications

Integrating the constitutive equations in order to update the material state is one of the most important steps in a nonlinear finite element analysis. The accuracy of the integration method could directly influence the result of the elastoplastic analyses.

Originality/value

The paper deals with integrating the constitutive equations in a nonlinear finite element analysis. This subject could be interesting for the academy as well as industry. The proposed exponential‐based integration method is more efficient than the classical strategies.
Stochastic and reliability analysis of fluid‐structure interaction problems using finite element models
Authors: Enrique Rojas Jhojan , Bendaou Othmane , El Hami Abdelkhalak , Rade Domingos
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a deterministic, stochastic and reliability analysis through numerical simulations in 2D and 3D dynamic fluid‐structure interaction problems.

Design/methodology/approach

The perturbation methods allied to reliability analysis are applied to fluid‐structure finite element models. Reliability analysis couples finite element analysis with first and second order reliability methods and ant colony optimization in a modified first order reliability method.

Findings

Results obtained show the potentialities of the proposed methodology and encourage improvement of this procedure for use in complex coupled fluid‐structure systems.

Originality/value

The understanding of the mechanical interaction between a fluid and an elastic solid has a capital importance in several industrial applications. In order to couple the behaviour of two different media, deterministic models have been proposed. However, stochastic analysis has been developed to deal with the statistical nature of fluid‐structure interaction parameters. Moreover, probabilistic‐based reliability analysis intends to find safe and cost‐effective projects.
Thermally induced vibrations of piezo‐thermo‐viscoelastic composite beam with relaxation times and system response
Authors: Sharnappa  , Ganesan N. , Sethuraman Raju
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present numerical studies on thermally induced vibrations of piezo‐thermo‐viscoelastic composite beam subjected to a transient thermal load using coupled finite element method.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal relaxation and viscoelastic relaxations are taken into consideration to obtain the system response. The concept of “memory load” along with the thermal relaxation is accounted for viscoelastic core material. The influence of type of core material on the response of the system also analyzed.

Findings

The findings show viscoelastic behavior with relaxation times in composite sandwich structures.

Originality/value

The paper shows accounting relaxation times as a memory load in composite sandwich structures.
Normal mode analysis in fluid saturated porous medium
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Miglani Aseem , Kumar Sanjay
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is establish a model of the equations of a two‐dimensional problem of fluid saturated porous medium for a half space.

Design/methodology/approach

A state space approach has been applied to solve the problem. Normal mode analysis is used to obtain the exact expressions for normal stress, tangential stress and pore pressure.

Findings

A computer programme is developed and numerical results are obtained for normal stress, tangential stress and pore pressure and depicted graphically for a special model. A particular case of interest has also been deduced from the present investigation.

Originality/value

The disturbance due to force in normal and tangential direction and porosity effect have been observed by the method of normal mode analysis.
Dynamic analysis of an elasto‐plastic sandwich subjected to low velocity impact
Authors: Wali Mondher , Abdennadher Moez , Fakhfakh Tahar , Haddar Mohamed
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the dynamic behaviour of an elasto‐plastic sandwich subjected to low velocity impact.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical model is developed with the assumption that the plastic deformation is confined under the contact area. The structure is analyzed using the in‐house finite element code with an appropriate contact law. During the impact progression, two phases (elastic and plastic) related to the impact intensity are considered in the dynamic model. The proportional viscous damping is incorporated in the model. An elasto‐plastic impact algorithm is established to determine the impact force, the sandwich structure displacement and indentation.

Findings

The numerical results are validated by experimental dropping weight impact tests. The influences of the impactor radius, the core material variation and the impactor initial velocity on the dynamic behaviour of the impacted structure are studied.

Originality/value

In order to study the low velocity impact problems by considering the caused plastic deformations, a simple numerical elasto‐plastic impact model of sandwich structure is proposed.
Interactive buckling of stiffened box girder supports
Authors: Bedair Osama
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the structural interactions of stiffened box girders used in bridge construction and industrial facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical procedure is presented using combination of energy formulations and mathematical programming techniques to model the interaction between the box girder components.

Findings

Interactive buckling is a critical issue that must be accounted for in the design of box girders. Ignoring the structural interaction may lead to failures and damages prior to the expected design life.

Practical implications

Industrial examples are presented showing the variation of the flange buckling stress for various stiffening configurations. Graphs are presented for several box sections to provide cost‐effective design space that can be effectively used in the industry to optimize the sections proportions.

Originality/value

Limited literature dealt with these aspects in the design of box girders. Current design equations available in codes of practice ignore the interaction between the stiffened box girder components. The paper highlights the influence of the flange/web proportions on the behavior of box sections subjected to various types of loadings. It is shown that behavior of the flange is largely affected by the restraints imposed by the webs.
Prediction of flow stress during hot deformation of MA'ed hybrid aluminium nanocomposite employing artificial neural network and Arrhenius constitutive model
Authors: Ahamed H. , Senthilkumar V.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop a suitable artificial neural network (ANN) model that fits best in predicting the experimental flow stress values to the closet proximity for mechanically alloyed Al6063/0.75Al2O3/0.75Y2O3 hybrid nanocomposite.

Design/methodology/approach

The ANN model is implemented on neural network toolbox of MATLAB® using feed‐forward back propagation network and logsig functions. A set of 80 training data and 20 testing data were used in the ANN model. The layout of the network is arranged with three input parameters that include temperature, strain and strain rate, one hidden layer with 22 neurons and one output parameter consisting of flow stress. Flow stress was also predicted using Arrhenius constitutive model.

Findings

Based on the comparison of the predicted results using ANN model and Arrhenius constitutive model, it was observed that the ANN model has higher accuracy and could be used to estimate the flow stress values during hot deformation of Al6063/0.75Al2O3/0.75Y2O3 hybrid nanocomposite.

Originality/value

The ANN trained with feed forward back propagation algorithm developed, presents the excellent performance of flow stress prediction of Al6063/0.75Al2O3/0.75Y2O3 hybrid nanocomposite with minimum error rates.
Numerical study of wave propagation in thermoelastic diffusive medium by using differential quadrature method
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Kansal Tarun
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the wave propagation in thermoelastic diffusive medium.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper deals with the numerical study of wave propagation in coupled thermoelastic diffusive medium by using DQ method together with fourth‐order Runge‐Kutta method.

Findings

The paper finds solutions of displacements, temperature change and concentration.

Research limitations/implications

The paper can be sued to solve non‐linear partial differential equations.

Originality/value

The solutions of displacements, temperature change and concentration are illustrated graphically. Numerical examples show that the method yields very good results.
A QoS‐aware service composition approach based on semantic annotations and integer programming
Authors: Paganelli Federica , Ambra Terence , Parlanti David
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel quality of service (QoS)‐aware service composition approach, called SEQOIA, capable of defining at run‐time a service composition plan meeting both functional and non‐functional constraints and optimizing the overall quality of service.

Design/methodology/approach

SEQOIA is a semantic‐driven QoS‐aware dynamic composition approach leveraging on an integer linear programming technique (ILP). It exploits the expressiveness of an ontology‐based service profile model handling structural and semantic properties of service descriptions. It represents the service composition problem as a set of functional and non‐functional constraints and an objective function.

Findings

The authors developed a proof of concept implementing SEQOIA, as well as an alternative composition solution based on state‐of‐the‐art AI planning and ILP techniques. Results of testing activities show that SEQOIA performs better than the alternative solution over a limited set of candidate services. This behaviour was expected, as SEQOIA guarantees to find the service composition providing the optimal QoS value, while the alternative approach does not provide this guarantee, as it handles separately the specification of the functional service composition flow and the QoS‐based service selection step.

Originality/value

SEQOIA leverages on semantic annotations in order to make service composition feasible by coping with syntactic and structural differences typically existing across different, even similar, service implementations. To ease the adoption of SEQOIA in real enterprise scenarios, the authors chose to leverage on an XML‐based message model of services interfaces (including but not strictly requiring the use of WSDL).
Pro‐eating disorder websites: facts, fictions and fixes
Authors: Sharpe Helen , Musiat Peter , Knapton Olivia , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Pro‐eating disorder websites are online communities of individuals who do not consider eating disorders to be serious mental illnesses requiring treatment. People visit these websites to meet other like‐minded individuals, to share tips and tricks on how to lose weight and how to otherwise maintain the symptomatology of the disorder. This paper aims to review what is actually known about the risks associated with visiting these websites and provides recommendations for dealing with pro‐eating disorder material.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant peer‐reviewed papers were located by means of searching three online journal databases (SCOPUS, PubMed, Web of Knowledge), and through carrying out reference checking. Key words for the search were: pro‐anorexia, pro‐ana, pro‐bulimia, pro‐mia and pro‐eating disorders.

Findings

Pro eating disorder websites are common and visited by a significant proportion of patients with eating disorders and non‐patients. The sites may be perceived beneficial, as they provide support and a sense of community. Although there is evidence for the harmfulness of pro‐eating disorder content on the internet, there is no clear indication that such sites promote the development or maintenance of eating disorders. Therefore, banning pro eating disorder websites seems inappropriate and unpractical, but measures for web‐hosting companies should be in place allowing them to remove such content. Instead, bodies creating alternative websites for young people should be supported. Clinicians and parents should be made aware of the existence of pro eating disorder websites and how to deal with them.

Originality/value

This paper provides an overview of the research in this field and discusses possible ways in which health professionals and the general public may respond to the existence of these web sites.
Tackling inequalities in primary care mental health
Authors: Killoran Ross Michael , Craig Pauline
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development activity undertaken by a primary care mental team and public health specialists in Glasgow aimed at expanding the capacity of the primary care team to tackle health inequalities in the local area.

Design/methodology/approach

In association with the Glasgow Centre for Population Health (GCPH), a partnership between National Health Service Greater Glasgow and Clyde, Glasgow University, Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government, work was undertaken to address inequalities within mental health in the context of service provision.

Findings

In an attempt to progress work on inequalities, a suitable model was required and the approach offered by the GCPH was a valuable starting point. Through a systematic consideration of available approaches, and the baseline position, it was possible to begin to reflect on potential interventions, and to consider ways in which outcomes could be measured and reviewed. This process, which evolved in discussion within the team and senior management, became an important starting point for longer term action. It provided a means of beginning to grapple with the impact of inequalities on service provision, and was an important first step in prioritizing possible approaches.

Originality/value

The team is considering further collaboration with GCPH to explore how they might assess the extent of mental health and well‐being concerns in their population and the implications for future service development.
Perceived ethics of online retailers and consumer behavioral intentions
Authors: Limbu Yam B. , Wolf Marco , Lunsford Dale
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of consumers' perception of online retailers' ethical behavior on consumer purchase and revisit intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 259 online shoppers was employed to test the relationships between perceived ethics of online retailers and the intention to revisit and purchase. The measurement model and structural relationships were estimated using AMOS 18.

Findings

Results show that perceived ethics of an Internet retailer's website significantly affect consumers' trust and attitudes to the retailer's website that eventually have positive impacts on purchase and revisit intentions. Website trust was positively related to attitude toward the site. The results do not show support for a direct effect between perceived ethics and behavioral intentions, but attitude and trust toward the website mediate these effects.

Practical implications

The findings support the idea that despite the physical distance between online retailers and customer, behaving ethically has an effect on revisit and purchase intentions. This suggests that online vendors should invest in methods that strengthen consumers' trust of websites. To convey a sense of ethics of the website, websites should ensure that privacy policies are easy to understand, explain clearly how customer information is used, offer secure payment methods, display clearly the terms and conditions of the online transactions, fulfill the orders, and avoid deceptive practices and exaggerations of product characteristics.

Originality/value

Research integrating perceived ethical conduct of retailers and consumer behavior is still in the beginning, and has not explored all outcomes of perceived ethics. This study is an initial attempt to investigate the effects of perceived ethics of retailers on revisit and purchase intentions. This study contributes to the knowledge of consumer perceived ethics and behavioral intentions.
Good practice in transition services for young people with learning disabilities: a review
Authors: Barron Diana , Hassiotis Angela
Published: November 2014

There is now a vast amount of available information, research and policy on the transition of young people with learning disabilities to adulthood. These sources are informed by different professional philosophies and practices, resulting in a heterogeneous mass of data that can be confusing, contradictory and repetitive. In this review we provide an overview of recent publications about services for young people with learning disabilities at the time of transition, with particular focus on those with mental disorders including neurodevelopment disorders and/or challenging behaviour. We discuss their relevance to good practice and the implications for the future development of services for people with learning disabilities in the UK. We argue that, despite the qualitative differences between the experience of transition to adulthood for young people with learning disabilities and that of other young people, the principles of service provision remain the same. Developments in research and clinical practice in this field ought to reflect good practice, as well as embracing new methodologies, and benefit from advances in adolescents without learning disabilities.
What facilitates communication between people with little or no speech and general practitioners? A research project underway in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Greenstock Louise , Wickham Brendon
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an overview of research that is currently underway at The University of Melbourne, Australia, exploring the ways in which people with little or no speech communicate with general practitioners (GPs).

Design/methodology/approach

The project aims to explore the potential role of internet technology and high speed broadband in facilitating communication between people with little or no speech and GPs. A literature review was conducted which aimed to draw together existing literature on several topics surrounding the health care communication needs of people with little or no speech and their GPs and to summarise the findings of previous research in these areas. This overview of existing literature informed the development of an exploratory research project.

Findings

Existing research shows that people with little or no speech are at risk of receiving sub‐optimal health care and experiencing significant barriers to communication in health care contexts. The exploratory research project is still underway at the time of writing but this aims to conduct a simple needs analysis with a small group of people with little or no speech and a small group of GPs, through the use of reference groups and participant engagement.

Originality/value

This project seeks to explore the potential of internet technology to meet the communication needs of patients with little or no speech and their GPs.
SPAs (smart phone applications) – a new form of assistive technology
Authors: Doughty Kevin
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This paper seeks to describe how the special built‐in features of modern smart phones can be used to open up the potential of these devices for use as assistive technologies in supporting the independence and quality of life of vulnerable people.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes, through a number of relevant examples, how low‐cost, downloadable applications enable the camera, the microphone, the accelerometer, the GPS receiver and the touch‐screen, to be used for specific assistive purposes.

Findings

Smart phones and their applications are capable of providing useful support to a range of vulnerable groups including people with sensory disabilities, diabetics and people suffering from mental health problems, epilepsy or communication issues. It is likely that mobile care services using smart phones will be offered in tandem with home telecare services to extend the independence of the service user from the home to the outside environment.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how smart phone applications are capable of transforming a high‐performance mobile phone into a number of different assistive devices that can improve the lives of millions of people with and without disability.
Bullying victimization/perpetration in childhood and later adjustment: findings from a 30 year longitudinal study
Authors: Gibb Sheree J. , Horwood L. John , Fergusson David M.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This paper aims to report on the associations between reports of bullying victimization and bullying perpetration in childhood and subsequent mental health and adjustment difficulties in late adolescence/adulthood (16‐30 years) in a New Zealand birth cohort.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses data from the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a longitudinal study of a birth cohort of 1,265 individuals born in Christchurch, New Zealand in 1977 and followed to age 30.

Findings

There were general trends for rates of mental health/adjustment problems to be significantly associated with parental reports of bullying victimization in adolescence, and with parent and teacher reports of bullying perpetration in middle childhood or adolescence. Effect sizes were typically in the small to moderate range, and were reduced by covariate adjustment. After adjustment the majority of associations were statistically non‐significant. Effect sizes did not vary significantly with gender or the age at which outcomes were assessed.

Originality/value

The paper confirms that reports of bullying perpetration and victimization in childhood were associated with higher rates of later mental health/adjustment problems. Effect sizes were typically in the small to moderate range and, in the majority of cases, were substantially reduced upon covariate adjustment. Effect size estimates were not significantly different between males and females and did not vary with the age at which outcomes were assessed.