bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfluorocarbon Gas Transport: an Overview of Medical History With Yet Unrealized Potentials
Authors: Spiess Bruce D.
Published: April 2018

Perfluorocarbon (PFCs) compounds have been a hereto fore under realized pharmaceutical class of intravenous emulsions and respiratory adjuvants researched extensively since the late 1970. This review represents an introduction for a series of more detailed lectures/manuscripts that were part of a combined United States collaborative Federal agency meeting in early February, 2017 at Ft Detrick, MD, focused upon potential technologies in development to fulfill a perceived need: “When blood transfusion is not available.” As such, PFCs represent a distinctly different class of pharmaceutical artificial oxygen (and other gas) transporters than are hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs). These two classes of agents have contrasting mechanisms for respiratory gases transport; therefore, each has different advantages and side effects. Both PFCs and HBOCs have suffered from a misguided historical research effort to outperform human banked blood. The PFCs should be viewed as pharmaceuticals possessing unique gas solubility and diffusion characteristics such that they may relieve ischemia of tissues with low/flow—no flow states therefore they can enhance tissue salvage while other definitive treatments are being sought. PFCs as short-term enhanced tissue oxygen (and other gas enhancements) delivery vehicles should have varied and potentially game-changing medical potentials.
Investigating the Extent Realistic Moulage Impacts on Immersion and Performance Among Undergraduate Paramedicine Students in a Simulation-based Trauma Scenario
Authors: Mills Brennen W. , Miles Alecka K. , Phan Tina , Dykstra Peggy M.C. , Hansen Sara S. , Walsh Andrew S. , Reid David N. , Langdon Claire
Published: April 2018

Introduction

Many healthcare education commentators suggest that moulage can be used in simulation to enhance scenario realism. However, few studies investigate to what extent using moulage in simulation impacts learners. We undertook a mixed-methods pilot study investigating how moulage influences student immersion and performance in simulation.

Methods

Fifty undergraduate paramedicine students were randomized into two groups completing a trauma-based scenario with or without patient moulage. Task immersion was determined via a self-report questionnaire (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index), eye-tracking, and postsimulation interviews. Performance was measured via independent observation of video by two paramedic clinical educators and time-to-action—when students first applied pressure to the primary wound.

Results

Eye-tracking suggested that students attended to the thigh wound more often with the inclusion of moulage than without. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index data suggested that the inclusion of moulage heightened students' feeling of being rushed throughout the scenario. This elicited an expedited performance of tasks with moulage present compared with not. Students experienced greater immersion with the inclusion of moulage. However, including moulage enhanced scenario difficulty to the extent that overall clinical performance was negatively affected. However, no differences were found when more heavily weighting items felt to contribute most to the survivability of the patient.

Conclusions

Including moulage engendered immersion and a greater sense of urgency and did not sacrifice performance of key life-saving interventions. As a result of undertaking this pilot project, we suggest that a large-scale randomized controlled trial is feasible and should be undertaken before implementing change to curricula.
The Weekend Effect in AAA Repair
Authors: O’Donnell Thomas F. X. , Li Chun , Swerdlow Nicholas J. , Liang Patric , Pothof Alexander B. , Patel Virendra I. , Giles Kristina A. , Malas Mahmoud B. , Schermerhorn Marc L.
Published: April 2018

Background:

Conflicting reports exist regarding whether patients undergoing surgery on the weekend or later in the week experience worse outcomes.

Methods:

We identified patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair in the Vascular Quality Initiative between 2009 and 2017 [n = 38,498; 30,537 endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and 7961 open repair]. We utilized mixed effects logistic regression to compare adjusted rates of perioperative mortality based on the day of repair.

Results:

Tuesday was the most common day for elective repair (22%), Friday for symptomatic repairs (20%), and ruptured aneurysms were evenly distributed. Patients with ruptured aneurysms experienced similar adjusted mortality whether they underwent repair during the week or on weekends. Transfers of ruptured AAA were more common over the weekend. However, patients transferred on the weekend experienced higher adjusted mortality than those transferred during the week (28% vs 21%, P = 0.02), despite the fact that during the week, transferred patients actually experienced lower adjusted mortality than patients treated at the index hospital (21% vs 31%, P < 0.01). Among symptomatic patients, adjusted mortality was higher for those undergoing repair over the weekend than those whose surgeries were delayed until a weekday (7.9% vs 3.1%, P = 0.02). Adjusted mortality in elective cases did not vary across the days of the week. Results were consistent between open and EVAR patients.

Conclusion:

We found no evidence of a weekend effect for ruptured or symptomatic AAA repair. However, patients with ruptured AAA transferred on the weekend experienced higher mortality than those transferred during the week, suggesting a need for improvement in weekend transfer processes.
Plasma coadministration improves resuscitation with tranexamic acid or prothrombin complex in a porcine hemorrhagic shock model
Authors: Kuckelman John , Barron Morgan , Moe Donald , Lallemand Michael , McClellan John , Marko Shannon , Eckert Matthew , Martin Matthew J.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Traumatic coagulopathy has now been well characterized and carries high rates of mortality owing to bleeding. A "factor-based" resuscitation strategy using procoagulant drugs and factor concentrates in lieu of plasma is being used by some, but with little evidentiary support. We sought to evaluate and compare resuscitation strategies using combinations of tranexamic acid (TXA), prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), and fresh frozen plasma (FFP).

METHODS

Sixty adult swine underwent 35% blood volume hemorrhage combined with a truncal ischemia-reperfusion injury to produce uniform shock and coagulopathy. Animals were randomized to control (n = 12), a single-agent group (TXA, n = 10; PCC, n = 8; or FFP, n = 6) or combination groups (TXA-FFP, n = 10; PCC-FFP, n = 8; TXA-PCC, n = 6). Resuscitation was continued to 6 hours. Key outcomes included hemodynamics, laboratory values, and rotational thromboelastometry. Results were compared between all groups, with additional comparisons between FFP and non-FFP groups.

RESULTS

All 60 animals survived to 6 hours. Shock was seen in all animals, with hypotension (mean arterial pressure, 44 mm Hg), tachycardia (heart rate, 145), acidosis (pH 7.18; lactate, 11), anemia (hematocrit, 17), and coagulopathy (fibrinogen, 107). There were clear differences between groups for mean pH (p = 0.02), international normalized ratio (p < 0.01), clotting time (CT; p < 0.01), lactate (p = 0.01), creatinine (p < 0.01), and fibrinogen (p = 0.02). Fresh frozen plasma groups had significantly improved resuscitation and clotting parameters (Figures), with lower lactate at 6.5 versus 8.4 (p = 0.04), and increased fibrinogen at 126 versus 95 (p < 0.01). Rotational thromboelastometry also demonstrated shortened CT at 60 seconds in the FFP group vs 65 seconds in the non-FFP group (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

When used to correct traumatic coagulopathy, combinations of FFP with TXA or PCC were superior in improving acidosis, coagulopathy, and CT than when these agents are given alone or in combination without plasma. Further validation of pure factor-based strategies is needed.
Antioxidant treatment after injury suppresses second hit immune priming
Authors: Hoth J. Jason , Smith Lane M. , Furdui Cristina M. , Wells Jonathan D. , Yoza Barbara K. , McCall Charles E.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary contusion (PC) is a common injury that often results in priming for exaggerated inflammatory responses to a second hit. Previous studies used a mouse model of pulmonary contusion and showed an early and sustained reduction of SIRT1 protein and activity in the lung and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells of injured mice. Sustained decrease in SIRT1 was associated with a primed phenotype in injured mice challenged with an inflammatory stimulus. This study tests the hypothesis that pulmonary contusion induces oxidant production that modifies and decreases SIRT1 and primes the lung for the second-hit response.

METHODS

A mouse model of pulmonary contusion was used to investigate injury-induced oxidant changes in SIRT1. Second-hit responses were evaluated by infection (Streptococcus pneumoniae) and inflammatory challenge using bacterial lipopolysaccharide. BAL, lung tissue, and blood were collected and used to evaluate inflammatory responses and SIRT1 levels, oxidant modification, and activity. Levels of NO in the BAL from mice and patients with PC were also assessed.

RESULTS

We found that oxidants produced as a result of pulmonary contusion resulted in modification of SIRT1. S-Nitrosylation was observed and correlated with increased inducible nitric oxide synthase expression after injury. Anti-oxidant treatment of injured mice preserved SIRT1 activity, decreased second hit responses and improved lung function. Elevated NO levels in the BAL of PC patients was associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome or diagnosis of pneumonia.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that oxidative stress in the lung after injury induces redox modification of SIRT1 and contributes to priming of the lung for a second-hit response. Antioxidant treatment suggests that SIRT1 activity after injury may be beneficial in suppressing second-hit responses.
Continuous Electroencephalography in the Critically Ill: Clinical and Continuous Electroencephalography Markers for Targeted Monitoring
Authors: Newey Christopher R. , Kinzy Tyler G. , Punia Vineet , Hantus Stephen
Published: April 2018

Purpose:

Electrographic seizures detected by continuous electroencephalography (CEEG) in critically ill patients with altered mental status is becoming increasingly recognized. Data guiding the appropriate selection of patients to be monitored on CEEG are lacking. The aims of this article were to study the incidence of seizures in the critical care setting and to evaluate for clinical predictors to improve the efficiency of CEEG monitoring.

Methods:

Retrospective review of the CEEG and clinical data on 1,123 consecutive patients who had continuous video EEG over a 24-month period.

Results:

Seizures were recorded in 215 patients on CEEG monitoring (19.1%). In total, 89.3% of these seizures occurred without clinical signs. Patients who were in a coma were more likely to have EEG seizures (odds ratio, 3.64; 95% confidence interval, 2.23–5.95) compared with those awake. The incidence of seizures was overrepresented in patients with extra-axial tumors (41.9%), multiple sclerosis (35.7%), and intra-axial tumors (33.0%). Lateralized periodic discharges were predictive (odds ratio, 8.27; 95% confidence interval, 5.52–12.46) of seizure occurrence compared with those with no epileptiform patterns. Only generalized periodic discharges with triphasic morphology had no increased odds of seizure (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.24–3.03). When present, electroencephalography seizures were detected within 24 hours in 92% of monitored patients.

Conclusions:

Continuous electroencephalography monitoring in the critical care setting demonstrates a linear increase in seizure incidence with declining mental status. Recognizing clinical conditions and electroencephalography markings may help in the appropriate selection of critically ill patients for CEEG monitoring.
The complete replicons of 16 Ensifer meliloti strains offer insights into intra- and inter-replicon gene transfer, transposon-associated loci, and repeat elements
Authors: Nelson Matthew , Guhlin Joseph , Epstein Brendan , Tiffin Peter , Sadowsky Michael J.
Published: April 2018

Ensifer meliloti (formerly Rhizobium meliloti and Sinorhizobium meliloti) is a model bacterium for understanding legume–rhizobial symbioses. The tripartite genome of E. meliloti consists of a chromosome, pSymA and pSymB, and in some instances strain-specific accessory plasmids. The majority of previous sequencing studies have relied on the use of assemblies generated from short read sequencing, which leads to gaps and assembly errors. Here we used PacBio-based, long-read assemblies and were able to assemble, de novo, complete circular replicons. In this study, we sequenced, de novo-assembled and analysed 10 E. meliloti strains. Sequence comparisons were also done with data from six previously published genomes. We identified genome differences between the replicons, including mol% G+C and gene content, nucleotide repeats, and transposon-associated loci. Additionally, genomic rearrangements both within and between replicons were identified, providing insight into evolutionary processes at the structural level. There were few cases of inter-replicon gene transfer of core genes between the main replicons. Accessory plasmids were more similar to pSymA than to either pSymB or the chromosome, with respect to gene content, transposon content and G+C content. In our population, the accessory plasmids appeared to share an open genome with pSymA, which contains many nodulation- and nitrogen fixation-related genes. This may explain previous observations that horizontal gene transfer has a greater effect on the content of pSymA than pSymB, or the chromosome, and why some rhizobia show unstable nodulation phenotypes on legume hosts.
Widespread cis-regulation of RNA-editing in a large mammal
Authors: Lopdell Thomas J , Couldrey Christine , Tiplady Kathryn , Davis Stephan R , Snell Russell G , Harris Bevin L , Littlejohn Mathew D
Published: April 2018

Post-transcriptional RNA editing may regulate transcript expression and diversity in cells, with potential impacts on various aspects of physiology and environmental adaptation. A small number of recent genome-wide studies in Drosophila, mouse, and human have shown that RNA editing can be genetically modulated, highlighting loci that quantitatively impact editing of transcripts. The potential gene expression and physiological consequences of these RNA editing quantitative trait loci (edQTL), however, are almost entirely unknown. Here, we present analyses of RNA editing in a large domestic mammal (Bos taurus), where we use whole genome and high depth RNA sequencing to discover, characterise, and conduct genetic mapping studies of novel transcript edits. Using a discovery population of nine deeply-sequenced cows, we identify 2,001 edit sites in the mammary transcriptome, the majority of which are adenosine to inosine edits (97.4%). Most sites are predicted to reside in double-stranded secondary structures (85.7%), and quantification of the rates of editing in an additional 355 cows reveals editing is negatively correlated with gene expression in the majority of cases. Genetic analyses of RNA editing and gene expression highlights 67 cis-regulated edQTL, of which seven appear to co-segregate with expression QTL effects. Trait association analyses in a separate population of 9,988 lactating cows also shows nine of the cis-edQTL coincide with at least one co-segregating lactation QTL. Together, these results enhance our understanding of RNA editing dynamics in mammals, and suggest mechanistic links by which loci may impact phenotype through RNA-editing mediated processes.
Skeletal Muscle Metrics on Clinical 18F- FDG PET/CT Predict Health Outcomes in Patients with Sarcoma
Authors: Foster Brent , Boutin Robert D. , Lenchik Leon , Gedeon David , Liu Yu , Nittur Vinay , Badawi Ramsey D. , Li Chin-Shang , Canter Robert J. , Chaudhari Abhijit J.
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to determine the association of measures of skeletal muscle determined from 18F-FDG PET/CT with health outcomes in patients with soft-tissue sarcoma. 14 patients (8 women and 6 men; mean age 66.5 years) with sarcoma had PET/CT examinations. On CTs of the abdomen and pelvis, skeletal muscle was segmented, and cross-sectional muscle area, muscle volume, and muscle attenuation were determined. Within the segmented muscle, intramuscular fat area, volume, and density were derived. On PET images the standardized uptake value (SUV) of muscle was determined. Regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between the imaging measures and health outcomes including overall survival (OS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), distant cancer recurrence (DCR), and major surgical complications (MSC). The association between imaging metrics and pre-therapy levels of serum C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, hemoglobin, and albumin was determined. Decreased volumetric muscle CT attenuation was associated with increased DCR. Increased PET SUV of muscle was associated with decreased OS and LRFS. Lower muscle SUV was associated with lower serum hemoglobin and albumin. Muscle measurements obtained on routine 18F-FDG PET/CT is associated with outcomes and serum hemoglobin and albumin in patients with sarcoma.
Human cytomegalovirus tropism modulator UL148 interacts with SEL1L, a cellular factor that governs ER-associated degradation of the viral envelope glycoprotein, gO
Authors: Nguyen Christopher C. , Siddiquey Mohammed N. , Zhang Hongbo , Kamil Jeremy P.
Published: April 2018

UL148 is a viral endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident glycoprotein that contributes to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) cell tropism. The influence of UL148 on tropism correlates with its potential to promote the expression of glycoprotein O (gO), a viral envelope glycoprotein that participates in a heterotrimeric complex with glycoproteins H and L that is required for infectivity. In an effort to gain insight into mechanism, we used mass spectrometry to identify proteins that co-immunoprecipitate from infected cells with UL148. This approach led us to identify an interaction between UL148 and SEL1L, a factor that plays key roles in ER-associated degradation (ERAD). In pulse-chase experiments, gO was less stable in cells infected with aUL148-null mutant HCMV than during wild-type infection, suggesting a potential functional relevance for the interaction with SEL1L. To investigate whether UL148 regulates gO abundance by influencing ERAD, siRNA silencing of either SEL1L or its partner, Hrd1, was carried out in the context of infection. Knockdown of these ERAD factors strongly enhanced levels of gO, but not other viral glycoproteins, and the effect was amplified in the presence of UL148. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of ERAD showed similar results. Silencing of SEL1L during infection also stabilized an interaction of gO with the ER lectin OS-9, which likewise suggests that gO is an ERAD substrate. Taken together, our results identify an intriguing interaction of UL148 with the ERAD machinery, and demonstrate that gO behaves as a constitutive ERAD substrate during infection. These findings have implications for understanding the regulation of HCMV cell tropism.
Molecular dynamics study of tridymite
Authors: Takada Akira , Glaser Kathryn J. , Bell Robert G. , Catlow C. Richard A.
Published: April 2018

Structural changes in tridymite have been investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. Two thermal processes were carried out, one cooling from the high-temperature hexagonal structure of tridymite (HP-tridymite) and the other heating from the low-temperature monoclinic structure of tridymite (MX1-tridymite). The former process showed that HP, LHP (low-temperature hexagonal structure), OC (orthorhombic structure withC2221symmetry) and OP (orthorhombic structure withP212121symmetry)-like structures appeared in sequence. In contrast, the latter process showed that MX1, OP, OC, LHP and HP-like structures appeared in sequence. Detailed analysis of the calculated structures showed that the configuration underwent stepwise changes associated with several characteristic modes. First, the structure of HP-tridymite determined from diffraction experiments was identified as a time-averaged structure in a similar manner to β-cristobalite, thus indicating the important role of floppy modes of oxygen atoms at high temperature – one of the common features observed in silica crystals and glass. Secondly, the main structural changes were ascribed to a combination of distortion of the six-membered rings in the layers and misalignment between layers. We suggest that the slowing down of floppy oxygen movement invokes the multistage emergence of structures with lower symmetry on cooling. This study therefore not only reproduces the sequence of the main polymorphic transitions in tridymite, except for the appearance of the monoclinic phase, but also explains the microscopic dynamic structural changes in detail.
Lamotrigine ethanol monosolvate
Authors: Hall Charlie L. , Potticary Jason , Sparkes Hazel A. , Pridmore Natalie E. , Hall Simon R.
Published: April 2018

Lamotrigine is an active pharmaceutical ingredient used as a treatment for epilepsy and psychiatric disorders. Single crystals of an ethanolate solvate, C9H7Cl2N5·C2H5OH, were produced by slow evaporation of a saturated solution from anhydrous ethanol. Within the crystal structure, the lamotrigine molecules form dimers through N—H...N hydrogen bonds involving the amine N atoms in the ortho position of the triazine group. These dimers are linked into a tape motif through hydrogen bonds involving the amine N atoms in the para position. The ethanol and lamotrigine are present in a 1:1 ratio in the lattice with the ethyl group of the ethanol molecule exhibiting disorder with an occupancy ratio of 0.516 (14):0.484 (14).
S-Phenethyl (2R,3R)-3-{[(R)-tert-butylsulfinyl]amino}-2-fluoro-3-phenylpropanethioate
Authors: Zhou Yi-Tao , Ren Xinfeng , Li Ya
Published: April 2018

The title compound, C21H26FNO2S2, contains two chiral carbon centres and the absolute configuration has been confirmed as (2R,3R). The dihedral angle between the phenyl rings is 87.1 (2) and the O—C—C—F and F—C—C—N torsion angles are −175.4 (4) and 62.7 (4)°, respectively. In the crystal, N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into C(4) [010] chains and weak C—H...O and C—H...F interactions cross-link the chains, generating a three-dimensional network.
Assessment of factors influencing the failure and abandonment of multi-storey building projects in Nigeria
Authors: Adebisi Emmanuel Oluwatobi , Ojo Stephen Okunola , Alao Oluwaseyi Olalekan
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The failure and abandonment of construction projects have proven to be insurmountable problems incessantly militating against the efficient performance of the construction industry in Nigeria. The complexity, technicality and a host of other project execution issues unique to multi-storey building projects do increase their susceptibility to failure and abandonment. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine the factors influencing failure and abandonment of multi-storey building projects in Nigeria. This is with a view to provide inferential empirical data that could enhance successful delivery of multi-storey building projects in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were used for the study. A structured questionnaire was administered on consultants and contractors’ personnel within Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of 180 copies of the questionnaire were administered ,and 134 copies which represent a combined response rate of 74.4 per cent were retrieved. The data were analysed using frequency distribution and percentages, Mean item score and factor analysis.

Findings

The factors most significant to the failure and abandonment of multi-storey building projects are inadequate funding by the client, improper planning at the pre-construction phase, structural failure in multi-storey building during construction, bankruptcy/business failure of the contractor, improper scheduling of the building project activities and failure to engage qualified professionals with technical expertise and experience. The rated factors clustered under human resources capability, planning and structural quality, contractor selection and variation, insecurity and variation, and force majeure and political risk.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to multi-storey building projects in Lagos State, Nigeria. Further studies could focus on specific resuscitation strategies for abandoned multi-storey building projects.

Practical implications

The study provided implications for effective project and contract management of multi-storey building projects which is very paramount to improve the delivery of complex, technical- and capital-intensive building projects in Nigeria.

Originality/value

The study provides specific implications for the management of multi-storey building projects, thereby enhancing the delivery of building projects.
Structural model of patent quality applied to various countries
Authors: Chang Shu-Hao , Chang Hsin-Yuan , Fan Chin-Yuan
Published: April 2018

Purpose

In the current knowledge-based economy era, national innovation ability is crucial. Abundant information can be obtained through patent analysis, and such information can help in the formulation of policies and the making of R&D decisions; numerous researchers thus continue to make patent analyses. The quality of patents possessed by a country indicates the level of innovation and technology in the country, and this study aims to assess the quality of patents possessed by various countries.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the authors determined patent quality in various countries from the perspective of the reflective measurement model and used a novel method to construct a structural model of patent quality.

Findings

This study discovered that patent family, number of claims, number of international patent classifications, forward citations, nonpatent references and maintenance time are the structural factors that affect patent quality. Forward citations and the number of claims are particularly highly explained by patent quality, which is a latent construct.

Originality/value

The results of this study provide valuable information to the government and help in the assessment of patent quality in various countries. In addition, the assessment model proposed in this study can be used in the investigation of patent quality in academic research and can predict patent quality, which will be of interest to the government and industry.
M&A deal initiation: the case of the unwelcome suitor
Authors: Davis Frederick , Walker Thomas , Zhou Linyi
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Within the context of mergers and acquisitions, the purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between the deal initiator and various outcomes of the deal, particularly in consideration of the cash position of the acquiring firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Using hand-collected deal initiation data from various filings on the Securities Exchange Commission EDGAR online database, this paper performs a series of event study analyses, multivariate analyses, a Heckman two-step estimation procedure, and an instrumental variable approach to examine merger outcomes.

Findings

This paper finds that many merger and acquisition (M&A) outcomes (target and acquirer announcement returns, acquirer long-run returns, premiums, and the method of payment) are significantly related to deal initiation, particularly in consideration of the cash position of the acquiring firm. Overall, evidence is seen as consistent with the theory that “lemons” selectively approach cash-rich acquirers, often to the acquirers’ detriment.

Originality/value

This paper finds that target-initiated deals are not necessarily associated with poorer transaction outcomes for targets as contemporaneous studies suggest, and presents the first empirical evidence of M&A outcomes related to the deal initiator which are dependent on the cash position of the acquiring firm.
Ranking the risk categories in international projects using the TOPSIS method
Authors: Dandage Rahul , Mantha Shankar S. , Rane Santosh B.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the risk categories which are predominant in international projects and to rank them according to their effect on project success.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature survey of peer-reviewed journal articles, survey reports and books on project management is used as the research methodology. One among the various multi-criteria decision making methods named as Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) has been used to rank the risk categories according to their importance. The data for TOPSIS were collected through questionnaire as the research instrument.

Findings

The findings derived from evaluation of the publications led to the identification of eight different types of risk categories associated with international projects. The TOPSIS method resulted into political risks, technical risks and design-related risks as the top three risk categories in international projects. Contractual and legal risks and fraudulent practices-related risks are relatively low-ranked risk category.

Research limitations/implications

The findings will be useful in successful implementation of international projects as the knowledge of risk categories and their ranking will help project manager to plan the risk response strategies. A larger sample size for decision makers and more variety of projects can give more exhaustive risk categories and their ranking.

Practical implications

This paper explores eight different risk categories in international projects. It represents the ranking of risk categories according to their importance in project success. This will be helpful to project managers for developing a general framework for planning the appropriate risk response strategies.

Social implications

Governments of many countries around the world are encouraging their industries to undertake and successfully complete projects in foreign countries. However, many industries experience failure in projects as they fail to implement the risk management (RM) effectively in international projects. This research work provides the risk categories in international projects and their ranking which can assist in developing strategies to respond the risk appropriately.

Originality/value

This paper uses the TOPSIS method for ranking major types of risk categories in international projects. It might represent new opportunities for rigorous and relevant research that would contribute to an in-depth knowledge of RM methodologies.
Reducing failure rate at high voltage (HV) testing of insulator using Six Sigma methodology
Authors: Desai Darshak A. , Shaikh Aurangzeb Javed Ahmed
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper, a case study, aims to illustrate the application of Six Sigma in a small-scale ceramic manufacturing industry. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the empirical application of DMAIC methodology to reduce failure rate at high voltage (HV) testing of one of the most critical products, insulator.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study is based on primary data collected from a real-life situation prevailing in the industry. The case study methodology adopted here is at one small-scale unit wherein the authors have applied DMAIC methodology and observed and recorded the improvement results, especially, reduction in failure rate at HV testing of insulator and, thus, increase in Sigma level.

Findings

The results found after implementation of the solutions are very significant. The rejection percentage has been reduced from 0.5 to 0.1 percent and consequently the Sigma level has been improved from 4.4 to 5.0.

Research limitations/implications

This success story can be a guiding roadmap for other such industries to successfully implement Six Sigma to improve quality, productivity and profitability.

Practical implications

This case study will serve as one of the resource bases for the industries which have till not implemented Six Sigma and benefited from the same.

Social implications

Improved quality and productivity leads to better economy. This case will help industries to serve the society with better economy with improved quality and productivity.

Originality/value

Though ceramic industries in India are having enormous potential for growth, majority of them, especially, small and medium industries are either not aware of or not implementing Six Sigma to reap its multidimensional benefits of improving quality, productivity and profitability. This study highlights the benefits reaped by small-scale ceramic manufacturing industry opening up the avenues for its application at other such organizations.
The main driver of social unsustainability and its remedy
Authors: Malik Arif
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to emphasize on the need for a fair and just economic system to achieve sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

Using systems thinking approach it shows that climate change, ecological degradation, population growth, poverty and the resource scarcity, the problems of failing financial markets and economic recession are all intertwined with the present economic system, which has been responsible for transgressing the balance of nature.

Findings

The paper shows that all the reforms or alternatives to the contemporary economic system proposed in the literature do not really address the root cause of all the problems, which is the built-in usurious system, made possible with the paper currency, in the economy that creates great injustices. The paper argues that solutions of science and technology to ecological problems are limited because of ecological shortsightedness and corporate greed.

Originality/value

The paper introduces the concept of “fair and just” economic system for sustainable development of humanity and suggests future directions for its realization.
No manager is an island: culture in sensemaking of business networking
Authors: Ivanova-Gongne Maria , Torkkeli Lasse
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of culture in managerial sensemaking and conceptualization of business networking.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors apply qualitative methodology through the sensemaking approach on three Finnish and three Russian managers in mutual buyer–supplier business relationship dyads.

Findings

The results imply that the cultural background of the manager determines his perception of the level at which business networking occurs. Finnish managers conceptualize business networking as an organizational strategy, whereas their Russian counterparts conceptualize the phenomenon squarely at the individual level.

Research limitations/implications

The authors suggest that the underlying cause of the differences in the conceptualization of networking may be that Finnish business networking relies more on concepts derived from Western European business culture, whereas Russian networking relies more on the traditional culture. Consequently, they suggest that the concept of business networking in extant research may suffer from ethnocentricity. Limitations of the study include the limited extent of generalizations from its qualitative nature.

Practical implications

The results imply that business network relationships should be managed differently in different cultures, and that depending on the cultural background of the business partner, managing both the organizational and the individual levels of business networking is needed.

Originality/value

The study contributes to limited literature on culture and the role of individuals in managerial conceptualization of business networking. This is one of the rare studies to illustrate differences through individual sensemaking on both sides of the relationship dyad and account for both Western European and Russian market environments.
Traditional architecture and sustainable conservation
Authors: Guerrero Baca Luis Fernando , Soria López Francisco Javier
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the need to go beyond the “monumentalist” vision in restoration of built heritage and embrace principles of sustainability in this architectural practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Case studies as conceptual reference. Architectural typology.

Findings

The environmental crisis that is currently recognized as one of the most important problems that contemporary society must address urgently is a situation that still has not permeated enough in the practice of monumental restoration, which is still carried out using unlimited resources.

Research limitations/implications

In that sense, the close relationship between the built and the natural environment as an essential ingredient of the vernacular is analysed.

Practical implications

Much of the sustainable principles, that have been put forward as an example to be followed, are elements that have hundreds of years in the constructive tradition.

Social implications

In this context, vernacular architecture has much to contribute in the field of conservation by the enormous accumulated knowledge that its shapes, materials and social use represent.

Originality/value

This experience must be retrieved, but not as an aseptic laboratory experiment, but through its updated application and active implementation to improve the quality of life for inhabitants and contribute to the preservation of our cultural and natural environments.
Religious tourism – a review of the literature
Authors: Rashid Amber Gul
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Given the growing importance of religious tourism, the purpose of this paper is to present a review of the literature around the area.

Design/methodology/approach

All papers with the term “religious tourism” have been searched via Emerald Insight from January 2006 to December 2017. The search was run in June 2017 for the last time and all early cite papers falling under the criteria were also included. This has ensured that key literature produced after the seminal work by Timothy and Olsen (Eds) (2006) has been reviewed. Certain exclusions apply which have been listed in the paper.

Findings

Key themes from the literature on religious tourism along with new developments and overlaps with other tourism sectors have been highlighted.

Originality/value

This paper reviews literature spanning more than a decade on religious tourism.
Five-foot ways as public and private domain in Singapore and beyond
Authors: Harding Andrew James
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the concept and spread of the five-foot way (5FW) as an aspect of urban design peculiar to Southeast Asia. It locates the 5FW as an aspect of planning law and property law that has been adapted culturally to provide a unique space for public–private interaction. The paper also explores, in a related context, conflicts over the appropriate use of 5FWs and the issue of regulating such use.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach adopted is to look at the development of the 5FW over the entire colonial period of Singapore, starting in 1819 up to the present day. Comparisons are drawn from other urban settlements over a similar period.

Findings

The paper finds that the 5FW, with its related device of the shophouse, provided a uniquely efficacious space for protection of the public from the elements and for public–private interaction. It finds that regulation of 5FWs should be undertaken with due regard both to public right of way and to the cultural element of making private use of the space.

Originality/value

The originality of the article lies in the fact that the 5FW has not been considered as an artefact of legal culture in addition to being an artefact of urban design.
Ownership at stake (once again): housing, digital contents, animals and robots
Authors: Nasarre-Aznar Sergio
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the questioning around the current suitability of ownership both for accessing to certain property (housing, to be more specific) and chattels (digital contents, animals and autonomous robots) that have recently flourished, favored by technological advances and the change in the values of the millennials’ in a context of crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The process of substitution (e.g. through alternative housing tenures, such as intermediate tenures and collaborative housing, licensing digital contents) or erosion/elimination (e.g. owning animals and robots, tokenization through blockchain) of ownership through key types of property and chattels.

Findings

Ownership, both of land and goods, is again at the stake. Technological advances and/or new values of millennials in a context of crisis have led to questioning the suitability of ownership to favor universal access to housing, of holding music and other digital contents, have limited the faculties of animals’ and pets’ owners and are favoring the evolution of autonomous robots into subjects of law rather than mere objects.

Research limitations/implications

Only key property (housing) and chattels are studied (digital contents, animals, robots). There is no broad study of the global current situation of ownership.

Practical implications

It is discussed how the changes of values and technological advances in a context of crisis have impacted in the strength and reliability of ownership to allow access to property and chattels.

Social implications

These changes in ownership change how we can access to property (housing) and to chattels (digital media) and even to changes in what is considered “object” such as what is happening in Europe with animals and robots.

Originality/value

This is a new approach to consequences of the crisis in the field of housing (fractioning of ownership -temporal and shared ownership-, collaborative economy) and a change of values in the new millennial generation (animals) in this context and owing to the advance of the new technologies (robots). Is ownership again at the stake?
Team development among physician-leaders at the Cleveland Clinic
Authors: Porter Tracy H. , Stoller James K. , Allen Scott J.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Since 1990, the Cleveland Clinic has trained physicians in team skills through various iterations of a program called Leading in Healthcare (LHC). In the present study, the authors utilize a case study approach to gain insight into the LHC curriculum, and more specifically, the team project. The purpose of this paper is to better understand the Cleveland Clinic’s position on the issue and its approach to education – specifically among physicians.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilized a case study approach with four key program architects.

Findings

The results of this exploratory research yielded three themes: There is a lack of formal physician education in teamwork, there is a growing trend of inter-disciplinary teams and the team project was an important component of teambuilding in LHC.

Research limitations/implications

A breakdown in team function adversely impacts patient care. While formal and informal participation in teams is imbedded in the role, physicians are rarely trained in leadership or teambuilding in their formal medical education – much of it is learned on the job in hidden curricula. In addition to the adverse effects of dysfunctional teams on patient care, the authors have explored another area that will be affected by a lack of education – the team experience at the administrative level. As more and more physicians take on leadership roles in healthcare, there is an additional need to build competencies around teams (e.g. team theory, cross-functional team participation and leading teams) from an administrative perspective.

Originality/value

This is one of only a few studies which have specifically examined the impact of a teamwork education for physicians.
A Big Data smart library recommender system for an educational institution
Authors: Simović Aleksandar
Published: April 2018

Purpose

With the exponential growth of the amount of data, the most sophisticated systems of traditional libraries are not able to fulfill the demands of modern business and user needs. The purpose of this paper is to present the possibility of creating a Big Data smart library as an integral and enhanced part of the educational system that will improve user service and increase motivation in the continuous learning process through content-aware recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an approach to the design of a Big Data system for collecting, analyzing, processing and visualizing data from different sources to a smart library specifically suitable for application in educational institutions.

Findings

As an integrated recommender system of the educational institution, the practical application of Big Data smart library meets the user needs and assists in finding personalized content from several sources, resulting in economic benefits for the institution and user long-term satisfaction.

Social implications

The need for continuous education alters business processes in libraries with requirements to adopt new technologies, business demands, and interactions with users. To be able to engage in a new era of business in the Big Data environment, librarians need to modernize their infrastructure for data collection, data analysis, and data visualization.

Originality/value

A unique value of this paper is its perspective of the implementation of a Big Data solution for smart libraries as a part of a continuous learning process, with the aim to improve the results of library operations by integrating traditional systems with Big Data technology. The paper presents a Big Data smart library system that has the potential to create new values and data-driven decisions by incorporating multiple sources of differential data.
Professional employees’ strategic employment of the managerial logic in healthcare
Authors: Gadolin Christian
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze how physicians and nurses strategically employ the managerial logic.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study incorporating interviews and observations.

Findings

Neither physicians nor nurses were prone to strategically employing the managerial logic. However, when doing so nurses were able to acknowledge the legitimacy of managerial impact on practice, whereas the physicians were not. Consequently, physicians might find other, more subtle, ways to strategically employ the managerial logic.

Originality/value

This paper argues for and makes explicit the applicability of qualitative methods in order to delineate actors’ strategic use of available and accessible institutional logics, the conditions for such usage, as well as the multiplicity of actors’ interactions that needs to be taken into account when conducting qualitative data analysis of such occurrences. By the merits of the qualitative research approach utilized in this study, novel insights concerning the strategic use of the managerial logic in the everyday work of physicians and nurses were obtainable. These insights emphasize the necessity of acknowledging situational, organizational and institutional context, incorporating inter-professional power discrepancies and relationsvis-à-vismanagers.