bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The perfect matching between the low-cost Fe2O3 nanowire anode and the NiO nanoflake cathode significantly enhances the energy density of asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Tang Qianqiu , Wang Wenqiang , Wang Gengchao
Published: February 2015

A novel low-cost anode of homogenous Fe2O3 nanowires on CFP was developed, achieving a high specific capacitance in 0 to −1.35 V. Matching it with the NiO nanoflake cathode, an extremely high energy density of 105 W h kg−1 is obtained at 1400 W kg−1.
SWCNT-intercalated GO ultrathin films for ultrafast separation of molecules
Authors: Gao Shou Jian , Qin Haili , Liu Pingping , Jin Jian
Published: February 2015

Laminar separation membranes fabricated with two-dimensional nanomaterials have been extensively explored to achieve the separation of molecules and water purification.
Facile synthesis of graphene supported ultralong TiO2 nanofibers from the commercial titania for high performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Gu Guifang , Cheng Jianli , Li Xiaodong , Ni Wei , Guan Qun , Qu Guoxing , Wang Bin
Published: February 2015

Graphene supported ultralong TiO2 nanofibers from the commercial titania are synthesized with enhanced electrochemical performances.
Efficient approach to iron/nitrogen co-doped graphene materials as efficient electrochemical catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Dong Qingqing , Zhuang Xiaodong , Li Zhi , Li Bin , Fang Bin , Yang Cunzhong , Xie Haifen , Zhang Fan , Feng Xinliang
Published: February 2015

Ferrocene was utilized to functionalize reduced graphene oxide and exfoliate graphite flakes by a ligand-exchange reaction.
LUMO's modulation by electron withdrawing unit modification in amorphous TAT dumbbell-shaped molecules
Authors: Bulut Ibrahim , Lévêque Patrick , Heinrich Benoît , Heiser Thomas , Bechara Rony , Zimmermann Nicolas , Méry Stéphane , Ziessel Raymond , Leclerc Nicolas
Published: February 2015

Investigation of triazatruxene-based dumbbell-shaped amorphous molecules in which chemical design allows to tune the optoelectronic properties of the donor molecule without changing significantly its morphological behaviour.
All conducting polymer electrodes for asymmetric solid-state supercapacitors
Authors: Kurra Narendra , Wang Ruiqi , Alshareef H. N.
Published: February 2015

Solid state asymmetric supercapacitors are fabricated by employing conducting polymers, such as polyaniline and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) as positive and negative electrodes, respectively.
Enhancing the hydrostability and catalytic performance of metal–organic frameworks by hybridizing with attapulgite, a natural clay
Authors: Lu Lei , Li Xing-Yang , Liu Xiao-Qin , Wang Zhi-Min , Sun Lin-Bing
Published: February 2015

A typical metal–organic framework, MOF-5, was hybridized with attapulgite, producing the composites with enhanced hydrostability and catalytic performance.
Wearable technologies – future challenges for implementation in healthcare services
Authors: Lewy Hadas
Published: February 2015

The growing use of wearable technologies increases the ability to have more information from the patient including clinical, behavioural and self‐monitored data. The availability and large amounts of data that did not exist before brings an opportunity to develop new tools with intelligent analyses and decision support tools for use in clinical practice. It also opens new possibilities for the patients by providing them with more information and decision support tools specially designed for them, and empowers them in managing their own health conditions, keeping their autonomy. These new developments drive a change in healthcare delivery models and the relationship between patients and healthcare providers. It raises challenges for the healthcare systems in how to implement these new technologies and the growing amount of information in clinical practice, integrate it into the clinical workflows of the various healthcare providers. The future challenge for healthcare will be how to use the developing knowledge in a way that will bring added value to healthcare professionals, healthcare organisations and patients without increasing the workload and cost of the healthcare services. For wearable technology developers, the challenge is to develop solutions that can be easily integrated and used by healthcare professionals considering the existing constraints.
Smart distribution system volt/VAR control using distributed intelligence and wireless communication
Authors: Ibrahim Michael , Salama Magdy M.A.
Published: February 2015

This study presents a smart volt/VAR control (VVC) technique for smart distribution systems, which is designed to be integrated into a distributed real‐time analysis and control framework implemented with the use of multiple processing units equipped with wireless communication transceivers. The distributed processing units collaborate to perform power flow analysis based on smart meter measurements for controlling and coordinating the switched capacitor banks and voltage‐regulating transformers. The objective is to maintain acceptable voltage levels along the distribution feeder, minimise system losses, and limit the number of switching operations. GNU‐Octave simulations are employed as a means of evaluating the performance of the proposed smart VVC technique with respect to loss reduction and number of switching operations. The network simulator ns‐3 is used to simulate the distributed processing units that execute the proposed smart VVC technique. Worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) and long‐term evolution (LTE) communication networks are employed in the ns‐3 simulations in order to provide data connectivity among the distributed processing units. The performance of the communication network is evaluated in terms of the execution time of the smart VVC technique, the average packet delay and the average packet delivery ratio.
Development of an open source power flow software for high voltage direct current grids and hybrid AC/DC systems: MATACDC
Authors: Beerten Jef , Belmans Ronnie
Published: February 2015

This study presents the creation of a new simulation tool,MATACDC. It is the first open source program for power flow analysis of high voltage direct current (HVDC) grids and hybrid AC/DC systems and uses state‐of‐the‐art developments in the field of HVDC grids research. MATACDC is based on MATLAB and has been fully integrated with the AC system power flow routines from MATPOWER. The software includes all the models needed to study the steady‐state interaction of AC and DC systems for a wide range of converter representations and control functions. Any combination of multiple non‐synchronised AC systems and multiple DC systems can be solved. The code is freely available and is intended for researchers and students working in the field of HVDC grid steady‐state interactions and HVDC grid operation. MATACDC can also easily be extended with user‐defined functionality. The study focuses on the program design and layout, the converter modelling, the practical implementation and the integration with AC power flow routines. Furthermore, different examples of possible user‐defined functions show how the tool can be extended to include other control representations to study their effect on overall system interactions. Simulation results demonstrate the viability of the routines to simulate complex hybrid AC/DC systems.
Fuel characteristics of the invasive shrub Teline monspessulana (L.) K. Koch
Authors: García Rafael A. , Engler María L. , Peña Eduardo , Pollnac Fredric W. , Pauchard Aníbal
Published: February 2015

Some broom species have the ability to modify elements of the fire regime in invaded areas. One such species, Teline monspessulana (Syn. Genista monspessulana; French Broom), has expanded notoriously in south-central Chile’s Mediterranean climate. The biota of this area may be particularly vulnerable to effects of invasive species on the fire regime, as it is less adapted to wildfires. The properties of the fuel accumulated in T. monspessulana populations of different ages are characterised in this paper. For this, models were constructed to estimate fuel accumulation in T. monspessulana populations, and tests for flammability of foliage were also performed. The results show that the rapid growth of this invasive shrub ensures a significant accumulation of fuel (close to 90 ton ha–1) in periods shorter than a decade, which may influence the severity of wildfires. Further, the fuel has a significant accumulation of fine material and high flammability, both of which may facilitate the ignition of fires. The large volume and high flammability of the fuel accumulated in T. monspessulana populations can thus play an important role in changing the fire regime in areas where it has invaded.
In the search for new secondary metabolites with biopesticidal properties
Authors: Céspedes Carlos L. , Alarcon Julio E. , Aqueveque Pedro , Seigler David S. , Kubo Isao
Published: February 2015

Secondary metabolites are involved in diverse functions in plants, including defense and protective processes. Information concerning the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in plants points at a constitutive or induced chemical defense, generated for protection against a variety of phytopathogenic attacks. Our phytochemical studies are aimed at finding biopesticides of botanical origin. Some plant taxa of American distribution are toxic to selected insects, fungi and bacterial strains, and their effect has been associated with the presence of phenolics, phenylpropanoids and terpenes. We have isolated some diterpenes, triterpenes, sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and phenylpropanoids from members of the plant families Araucariaceae, Asteraceae, Calceolariaceae, Celastraceae, and Rhamnaceae. In addition, we have identified a number of chemical derivatives of these compound classes from the plants. A major finding indicates that compounds or their derivatives that possess antioxidant, antifungal, insect growth regulator or insecticidal activity and enzymatic inhibitors are natural compounds. Insecticidal activities were assayed against strains of lepidopteran, dipteran, and coleopteran insect pests that affect many crops. Antifungal and antibacterial activities were assayed against phytopathogenic species of filamentous fungi and bacterial strains that are pests on many crops. Our results indicate that the plant-derived compounds obtained from the abovementioned plants have excellent insect growth regulatory activity and a good potency as antifungal agents. However, little is known about the effects of these natural compounds and their derivatives on insect pests. The natural compounds that we have isolated represent a valuable resource for future studies of plant chemical defense and the role of these substances in chemical ecology.
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells reduce MMP-1 expression in UV-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts: therapeutic potential in skin wrinkling
Authors: Son Woo-Chan , Yun Jun-Won , Kim Bae-Hwan
Published: February 2015

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) have been reported to have therapeutic benefit in skin. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of AdMSCs in UV-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) for therapeutic potential in skin wrinkling. UV irradiation, a model naturally mimic skin wrinkle formation, is known to increase matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), making MMP-1 a target for skin photoaging. Our findings identified that AdMSCs reduce MMP-1 level in UV-irradiated HDFs and increase type 1 procollagen in HDFs. A dose-dependent increase in type 1 procollagen was confirmed by AdMSC-conditioned medium. Importantly, our current findings showing the effects of AdMSCs on the induction of MMP-1 in UV-radiated HDFs and the expression of collagen in HDFs can provide an evidence of relationship between MMP-1 and procollagen production for the protection against wrinkle formation. Collectively, AdMSCs may contribute to anti-wrinkle effects in skin but further experiments are needed to identify the mechanism.
Colorimetric determination of fructose for the high-throughput microtiter plate assay of glucose isomerase
Authors: Katano Hajime , Takakuwa Masahiro , Itoh Takafumi , Hibi Takao
Published: February 2015

A colorimetric method for the reducing monosaccharide determination is optimized for the assay of glucose isomerase, which converts glucose (Glc) to fructose (Fru). Test solution was mixed with 20-fold volume of the 50 mM Na2SiO3, 600 mM Na2MoO4, and 0.95 M HCl aqueous solution (pH 4.5), in which a yellow molybdosilicate species was formed. The mixture was kept at 70 °C for 30 min. Test solution containing 10 mM level Fru gave a remarkable blue reaction mixture, in which the Mo(VI) species was reduced by Fru to form a blue molybdosilicate species. The blueness increased with the Fru concentration. Glc cannot render the reaction mixture blue as strong as Fru. Thus, the colorimetric method can be used advantageously for the determination of 10 mM level Fru in the Glc isomerase reaction mixture, even in the presence of 100 mM level Glc, and has been applied successfully to the microtiter plate assay of the enzyme.
Antiallergic activity of rosmarinic acid esters is modulated by hydrophobicity, and bulkiness of alkyl side chain
Authors: Zhu Fengxian , Xu Zhongming , Yonekura Lina , Yang Ronghua , Tamura Hirotoshi
Published: February 2015

Methyl, propyl and hexyl esters of rosmarinic, caffeic and p-coumaric acids were tested for antiallergic activity, and rosmarinic acid propyl ester exhibited the greatest β-hexosaminidase release suppression (IC50, 23.7 μM). Quadratic correlations between pIC50 and cLogP (r2 = 0.94, 0.98, and 1.00, respectively) were observed in each acid ester series. The antiallergic activity is modulated by hydrophobicity, and alkyl chain bulkiness.
Two Polo-like kinase 4 binding domains in Asterless perform distinct roles in regulating kinase stability
Authors: Klebba Joseph E. , Galletta Brian J. , Nye Jonathan , Plevock Karen M. , Buster Daniel W. , Hollingsworth Natalie A. , Slep Kevin C. , Rusan Nasser M. , Rogers Gregory C.
Published: February 2015

Plk4 (Polo-like kinase 4) and its binding partner Asterless (Asl) are essential, conserved centriole assembly factors that induce centriole amplification when overexpressed. Previous studies found that Asl acts as a scaffolding protein; its N terminus binds Plk4’s tandem Polo box cassette (PB1-PB2) and targets Plk4 to centrioles to initiate centriole duplication. However, how Asl overexpression drives centriole amplification is unknown. In this paper, we investigated the Asl–Plk4 interaction in Drosophila melanogaster cells. Surprisingly, the N-terminal region of Asl is not required for centriole duplication, but a previously unidentified Plk4-binding domain in the C terminus is required. Mechanistic analyses of the different Asl regions revealed that they act uniquely during the cell cycle: the Asl N terminus promotes Plk4 homodimerization and autophosphorylation during interphase, whereas the Asl C terminus stabilizes Plk4 during mitosis. Therefore, Asl affects Plk4 in multiple ways to regulate centriole duplication. Asl not only targets Plk4 to centrioles but also modulates Plk4 stability and activity, explaining the ability of overexpressed Asl to drive centriole amplification.
Narrative Leadership: Storying Leaders in the Executive Business School Classroom
Authors: Trester Anna Marie
Published: February 2015

I use interactional sociolinguistics to explore how participants in a thirteen-month-long executive master’s program focused on leadership navigate leadership identities within the classroom, focusing on narratives of professional experience. As I will argue, narrators claim a professional identity semiotically by constructing a corporation and then claiming a position within or relative to it. Whereas in a related project I explore such work through the concept “discursive othering,” in this project I focus on narratives. Specifically, I examine how agency is accomplished in these narratives at several levels: first, within the world of the story, second, at the interactional level, and, finally, at the intertextual level. Ultimately, I will consider what implications all of these processes have on the discursive construction of leadership.
Exploring gravitational theories beyond Horndeski
Authors: Gleyzes Jérôme , Langlois David , Piazza Federico , Vernizzi Filippo
Published: February 2015

We have recently proposed a new class of gravitational scalar-tensor theories free from Ostrogradski instabilities, in ref. [1]. As they generalize Horndeski theories, or “generalized” galileons, we call them G3. These theories possess a simple formulation when the time hypersurfaces are chosen to coincide with the uniform scalar field hypersurfaces. We confirm that they contain only three propagating degrees of freedom by presenting the details of the Hamiltonian formulation. We examine the coupling between these theories and matter. Moreover, we investigate how they transform under a disformal redefinition of the metric. Remarkably, these theories are preserved by disformal transformations that depend on the scalar field gradient, which also allow to map subfamilies of G3into Horndeski theories.
CO2-driven decrease in pH disrupts olfactory behaviour and increases individual variation in deep-sea hermit crabs
Authors: Kim Tae Won , Taylor Josi , Lovera Chris , Barry James P.
Published: February 2015

Deep-sea species are generally thought to be less tolerant of environmental variation than shallow-living species due to the relatively stable conditions in deep waters for most parameters (e.g. temperature, salinity, oxygen, and pH). To explore the potential for deep-sea hermit crabs (Pagurus tanneri) to acclimate to future ocean acidification, we compared their olfactory and metabolic performance under ambient (pH ∼7.6) and expected future (pH ∼7.1) conditions. After exposure to reduced pH waters, metabolic rates of hermit crabs increased transiently and olfactory behaviour was impaired, including antennular flicking and prey detection. Crabs exposed to low pH treatments exhibited higher individual variation for both the speed of antennular flicking and speed of prey detection, than observed in the control pH treatment, suggesting that phenotypic diversity could promote adaptation to future ocean acidification.
Indications of radiation damage in ferredoxin microcrystals using high-intensity X-FEL beams
Authors: Nass Karol , Foucar Lutz , Barends Thomas R. M. , Hartmann Elisabeth , Botha Sabine , Shoeman Robert L. , Doak R. Bruce , Alonso-Mori Roberto , Aquila Andrew , Bajt Saša , Barty Anton , Bean Richard , Beyerlein Kenneth R. , Bublitz Maike , Drachmann Nikolaj , Gregersen Jonas , Jönsson H. Olof , Kabsch Wolfgang , Kassemeyer Stephan , Koglin Jason E. , Krumrey Michael , Mattle Daniel , Messerschmidt Marc , Nissen Poul , Reinhard Linda , Sitsel Oleg , Sokaras Dimosthenis , Williams Garth J. , Hau-Riege Stefan , Timneanu Nicusor , Caleman Carl , Chapman Henry N. , Boutet Sébastien , Schlichting Ilme
Published: February 2015

Proteins that contain metal cofactors are expected to be highly radiation sensitive since the degree of X-ray absorption correlates with the presence of high-atomic-number elements and X-ray energy. To explore the effects of local damage in serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX),Clostridium ferredoxinwas used as a model system. The protein contains two [4Fe–4S] clusters that serve as sensitive probes for radiation-induced electronic and structural changes. High-dose room-temperature SFX datasets were collected at the Linac Coherent Light Source of ferredoxin microcrystals. Difference electron density maps calculated from high-dose SFX and synchrotron data show peaks at the iron positions of the clusters, indicative of decrease of atomic scattering factors due to ionization. The electron density of the two [4Fe–4S] clusters differs in the FEL data, but not in the synchrotron data. Since the clusters differ in their detailed architecture, this observation is suggestive of an influence of the molecular bonding and geometry on the atomic displacement dynamics following initial photoionization. The experiments are complemented by plasma code calculations.
Harvest disruption projections for the Australian sugar industry
Authors: Sexton Justin , Everingham Yvette , Timbal Bertrand
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate the effects of climate change on harvestability for sugarcane-growing regions situated between mountain ranges and the narrow east Australian coastline.

Design/methodology/approach

– Daily rainfall simulations from 11 general circulation models (GCMs) were downscaled for seven Australian sugarcane regions (1961:2000). Unharvestable days were calculated from these 11 GCMs and compared to interpolated observed data. The historical downscaled GCM simulations were then compared to simulations under low (B1) and high (A2) emissions scenarios for the period of 2046-2065. The 25th, 50th and 75th percentiles of paired model differences were assessed using 95 per cent bootstrapped confidence intervals.

Findings

– A decrease in the number of unharvestable days for the Burdekin (winter/spring) and Bundaberg (winter) regions and an increase for the Herbert region (spring) were plausible under the A2 scenario. Spatial plots identified variability within regions. Northern and southern regions were more variable than central regions.

Practical implications

– Changes to the frequency of unharvestable days may require a range of management adaptations such as modifying the harvest period and upgrading harvesting technologies.

Originality/value

– The application of a targeted industry rainfall parameter (unharvestable days) obtained from downscaled climate models provided a novel approach to investigate the impacts of climate change. This research forms a baseline for industry discussion and adaptation planning towards an environmentally and economically sustainable future. The methodology outlined can easily be extended to other primary industries impacted by wet weather.
Farm-level cost of adaptation and expected cost of uncertainty associated with climate change impacts in major river basins in India
Authors: Palanisami Kuppanan , Kakumanu Krishna Reddy , Ranganathan C.R. , Udaya Sekhar Nagothu
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Researchers and policymakers are figuring out the adaptation technologies to cope with the changing climate. Adaptation strategies for crop production followed by the farmers at selected study locations had ranged from 6-30 per cent only, and this was mainly due to lack of awareness about the actual cost associated with adaptation and non-adaptation of these strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

– Hence, this study aims to address the cost of adaptation for rice using joint probability distribution of rainfall and crop prices.

Findings

– Cost of adaptation varied from INR2,389 to 4,395/ha for System of Rice Intensification (SRI); INR646 to 1,121/ha for alternate wetting and drying (AWD) and INR8,144 to 8,677/ha for well irrigation (WI), whereas expected cost for not using these technologies has ranged from INR6,976 to 9,172/ha for SRI; INR4,123 7,764/ha for AWD and INR10,825 to 17,270/ha for WI. Hence, promotion of the adaptation technologies itself will minimize the income losses to the farmers.

Research limitations/implications

– Even though, there are many ways for farmers (other than technology), to adapt to climate change (such as out-migration to cities, selling farm assets, focus on children’s education, etc.), this report, given the framework of the major research study undertaken, addresses only farm-level adaptation of the technologies to enhance farm income.

Originality/value

– Public–private partnership in providing the technologies at cheaper costs, capacity building in handling the technologies and creating awareness about the technologies to minimize the expected cost of adaptation are suggested to improve the adoption level.
Climate change and its impact on domestic water consumption in Sub-urban regions in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Jarboo Mahdy , Al-Najar Husam
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to identify the priorities on water sector planning. The priorities are identified by comparing the climate change impact on water consumption and the impact of using domestic water illegally to irrigate the urban agricultural holdings in suburban areas.

Design/methodology/approach

– Metered water consumption in summer and winter in both urban and suburban areas was studied in Rafah city. A backward chronological linear model of climate change (precipitation and temperature) influence on water consumption was developed using software STATISTICA 10. The developed statistical relation was used to predict the impact of various climate change scenarios for domestic water consumption. Hence, four climate change scenarios were hypothesized – an increase in temperature by 1 and 20°C and a reduction in the rainfall by 10 and 20 per cent, respectively.

Findings

– The most influential climate change scenario was the increase of temperature by 20°C, which caused an increase of 1.4 per cent on the average domestic water consumption compared to the current value. The hypothesized reduction of 20 per cent in precipitation caused a negligible increase in water consumption by 0.1 per cent from the current value. Urban agriculture and current practice of using municipal water to irrigate cultivated urban holdings have a significant negative influence on domestic water consumption. The aforementioned practice led to a high percentage of unaccounted for water (UFW) of 33, 38 and 45 per cent for the years 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Practical implications

– The concerned decision-makers should consider the right track in prioritizing dilemmas for planning water sector in suburban areas.

Originality/value

– This research could be considered the first of its kind because impacts of urban agriculture and climate change on domestic water consumption have never been previously considered in the Gaza Strip.
An analysis of climatic impacts and adaptation strategies in Tanzania
Authors: Ojoyi Mercy M. , Mwenge Kahinda Jean-Marc
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate climate change perceptions and adaptation strategies in the communities of Morogoro region of Tanzania. Climate change is a vital issue of global concern.

Design/methodology/approach

– Rain fall data trends collected from different meteorological stations in the region were useful in assessment of climate variability and change trends from the historical perspective. In addition, quantitative interviews, surveys and focussed discussion groups were used to collect data capturing past and present trends in the catchment, and reasons provided by 199 respondents from a total of six villages. The data were collected with the aid of trained research assistants and trained graduates selected from each of the randomly select villages.

Findings

– Significant differences in rainfall intensities have been recorded by use of feedback results from analysis of variance tests conducted. Major indicators of climate variability and change include: increased dry spells (39.7 per cent), drying of rivers (34.7 per cent), a reduction in water flows (14.6 per cent) and poor economy of the area (11.1 per cent).

Research limitations/implications

– The scope of the study does not cover certain aspects such as the spatial and temporal changes in daily temperature which could have provided important and additional dimension. This study also did not take into consideration institutional arrangements required to successfully implement national adaptation programmes to climate change. Finally, it is important to remember that peoples’ perceptions determine the social mental picture of climate change.

Practical implications

– The study suggests the need for leverage on resource use through education and good governance strategies to be employed by resource planners, leaders and policy makers.

Social implications

– This study links scientific and participatory data as an approach for incorporating modern technologies and local knowledge into the design of useful practices and strategies as well as their successful implementation. Opinions from communities supported the urgent need for effective use and management of resources while laying emphasis on advancement of both indigenous and imported technologies.

Originality/value

– An understanding of how the community views climate change is crucial in design of practices aimed at improving their well-being. In this regard, a study investigating smallholder farmers’ views regarding major drivers of change, assessing main factors leading to changes in climate experienced and identifying potential coping strategies against climate change, was conducted in East Africa, Tanzania between 2009 and 2010. This paper identifies potential resilient practices intended to minimize destruction and maximize opportunities likely to benefit Morogoro region.
An EFQM excellence model for integrated healthcare governance
Authors: Favaretti Carlo , De Pieri Paolo , Torri Emanuele , Guarrera Giovanni , Fontana Fabrizio , Debiasi Franco , Flor Luciano
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to account for a ten-year experience with the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model implemented in the Trento Healthcare Trust.

Design/methodology/approach

– Since 2000, the EFQM Excellence Model provided an overarching framework to streamline business process governance, to support and improve its enablers and results. From 2000 to 2009, staff performed four internal (self) and four external EFQM-based assessments that provided guidance for an integrated management system. Over the years, key controls and assurances improved service quality through business planning, learning and practice cycles.

Findings

– Rising assessment ratings and improving results characterized the journey. The average self-assessment score (on a 1,000 points scale) was 290 in 2001, which increased to 610 in 2008. Since 2006, the Trust has been Recognized for Excellence (four stars). The organization improved significantly on customer satisfaction, people results and key service delivery and outcomes.

Practical implications

– The EFQM Model can act as an effective tool to meet governance demands and promote system-level results. The approach to integrated governance discussed here may support similar change processes in comparable organizations.

Originality/value

– The paper describes a unique experience when implementing EFQM within a large Italian healthcare system, which had a broader reach and lasted longer than any experience in Italian healthcare.
Steering healthcare service delivery: a regulatory perspective
Authors: Prakash Gyan
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore regulation in India’s healthcare sector and makes recommendations needed for enhancing the healthcare service.

Design/methodology/approach

– The literature was reviewed to understand healthcare’s regulatory context. To understand the current healthcare system, qualitative data were collected from state-level officials, public and private hospital staff. A patient survey was performed to assess service quality (QoS).

Findings

– Regulation plays a central role in driving healthcare QoS. India needs to strengthen market and institutional co-production based approaches for steering its healthcare in which delivery processes are complex and pose different challenges.

Research limitations/implications

– This study assesses current healthcare regulation in an Indian state and presents a framework for studying and strengthening regulation. Agile regulation should be based on service delivery issues (pull approach) rather than monitoring and sanctions based regulatory environment (push approach).

Practical implications

– Healthcare pitfalls across the world seem to follow similar follies. India’s complexity and experience is useful for emerging and developed economies.

Originality/value

– The author reviewed around 70 publications and synthesised them in healthcare regulatory contexts. Patient’s perception of private providers could be a key input towards steering regulation. Identifying gaps across QoS dimensions would be useful in taking corrective measures.
An empirical study on hospital selection in India
Authors: Ghosh Manimay
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand the different factors patients consider in choosing a hospital in a major city in India, prior to admission.

Design/methodology/approach

– A 20-item scale to identify various factors a patient considers in choosing a hospital was developed. A field survey was conducted on patients who were discharged in the recent past from a public or a private hospital. The data collected were analysed using multivariate techniques.

Findings

– The data analysis highlighted several factors in the hospital choice selection process, namely quality of treatment, referral, transport convenience, cost, and safety and services.

Research limitations/implications

– This research study was carried out in one of the four major metropolitan cities of India. Nonetheless, the study provides valuable insights into the hospital selection process in a developing country like India.

Practical implications

– Hospital managers, in general, can use the study findings to improve the operating performance of their hospitals so that they are able to attract more patients in the future. Additionally, the information can be useful to the marketing managers for developing appropriate marketing strategies for their hospitals.

Originality/value

– Majority of the empirical research on hospital choice process has been conducted in Europe and North America. Limited knowledge exists on the same in a developing nation like India. This research illustrates a comprehensive study to address that concern.
Food production and service in UK hospitals
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed , Jones Eleri , Redmond Elizabeth , Hewedi Mahmoud , Wingert Andreas , Gad El Rab Mohamed
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to apply value stream mapping holistically to hospital food production/service systems focused on high-quality food.

Design/methodology/approach

– Multiple embedded case study of three (two private-sector and one public-sector) hospitals in the UK.

Findings

– The results indicated various issues affecting hospital food production including: the menu and nutritional considerations; food procurement; food production; foodservice; patient perceptions/expectations.

Research limitations/implications

– Value stream mapping is a new approach for food production systems in UK hospitals whether private or public hospitals.

Practical implications

– The paper identifies opportunities for enhancing hospital food production systems.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a theoretical basis for process enhancement of hospital food production and the provision of high-quality hospital food.
Managerial process improvement: a lean approach to eliminating medication delivery
Authors: Hussain Aftab , Stewart LaShonda M. , Rivers Patrick A. , Munchus George
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Statistical evidence shows that medication errors are a major cause of injuries that concerns all health care oganizations. Despite all the efforts to improve the quality of care, the lack of understanding and inability of management to design a robust system that will strategically target those factors is a major cause of distress. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Achieving optimum organizational performance requires two key variables; work process factors and human performance factors. The approach is that healthcare administrators must take in account both variables in designing a strategy to reduce medication errors. However, strategies that will combat such phenomena require that managers and administrators understand the key factors that are causing medication delivery errors.

Findings

– The authors recommend that healthcare organizations implement the Toyota Production System (TPS) combined with human performance improvement (HPI) methodologies to eliminate medication delivery errors in hospitals.

Originality/value

– Despite all the efforts to improve the quality of care, there continues to be a lack of understanding and the ability of management to design a robust system that will strategically target those factors associated with medication errors. This paper proposes a solution to an ambiguous workflow process using the TPS combined with the HPI system.
Laboratory errors and patient safety
Authors: Miligy Dawlat  A.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Laboratory data are extensively used in medical practice; consequently, laboratory errors have a tremendous impact on patient safety. Therefore, programs designed to identify and reduce laboratory errors, as well as, setting specific strategies are required to minimize these errors and improve patient safety. The purpose of this paper is to identify part of the commonly encountered laboratory errors throughout our practice in laboratory work, their hazards on patient health care and some measures and recommendations to minimize or to eliminate these errors.

Design/methodology/approach

– Recording the encountered laboratory errors during May 2008 and their statistical evaluation (using simple percent distribution) have been done in the department of laboratory of one of the private hospitals in Egypt. Errors have been classified according to the laboratory phases and according to their implication on patient health.

Findings

– Data obtained out of 1,600 testing procedure revealed that the total number of encountered errors is 14 tests (0.87 percent of total testing procedures). Most of the encountered errors lay in the pre- and post-analytic phases of testing cycle (representing 35.7 and 50 percent, respectively, of total errors). While the number of test errors encountered in the analytic phase represented only 14.3 percent of total errors. About 85.7 percent of total errors were of non-significant implication on patients health being detected before test reports have been submitted to the patients. On the other hand, the number of test errors that have been already submitted to patients and reach the physician represented 14.3 percent of total errors. Only 7.1 percent of the errors could have an impact on patient diagnosis.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study were concomitant with those published from the USA and other countries. This proves that laboratory problems are universal and need general standardization and bench marking measures.

Originality/value

– Original being the first data published from Arabic countries that evaluated the encountered laboratory errors and launch the great need for universal standardization and bench marking measures to control the laboratory work.
Impact of hospital atmosphere on perceived health care outcome
Authors: Narang Ritu , Polsa Pia , Soneye Alabi , Fuxiang Wei
Published: February 2015

Purpose

– Healthcare service quality studies primarily examine the relationships between patients
'
perceived quality and satisfaction with healthcare services, clinical effectiveness, service use, recommendations and value for money. These studies suggest that patient-independent quality dimensions (structure, process and outcome) are antecedents to quality. The purpose of this paper is to propose an alternative by looking at the relationship between hospital atmosphere and healthcare quality with perceived outcome.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from Finland, India, Nigeria and the People
'
s Republic of China. Regression analysis used perceived outcome as the dependent variable and atmosphere and healthcare service quality as independent variables.

Findings

– Results showed that atmosphere and healthcare service quality have a statistically significant relationship with patient perceived outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample size was small and the sampling units were selected on convenience; thus, caution must be exercised in generalizing the findings.

Practical implications

– The study determined that service quality and atmosphere are considered significant for developing and developed nations. This result could have significant implications for policy makers and service providers developing healthcare quality and hospital atmosphere.

Originality/value

– Studies concentrate on healthcare outcome primarily regarding population health status, mortality, morbidity, customer satisfaction, loyalty, quality of life, customer behavior and consumption. However, the study exposes how patients perceive their health after treatment. Furthermore, the authors develop the healthcare service literature by considering atmosphere and perceived outcome.
Material legitimacy
Authors: Dumay John , Frost Geoff , Beck Cornelia
Published: February 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of how two organisations deal with disclosing non-financial information (NI). This is of interest because the reporting of NI by companies to disclose environmental, social and governance issues to their stakeholders and society is continuing to grow.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate, the authors examine the manner in which two of Australia’s largest companies approach disclosing NI from a legitimacy perspective utilising Suchman’s (1995) “institutional and strategic legitimacy” perspectives to explore the choices made by the companies when disclosing NI.

Findings

The paper presents a model of legitimacy influenced disclosure based on “material legitimacy”, which we define as the form of legitimacy that enables organisations to blend what is important to the organisation (strategic legitimacy) with the primary concerns of its major stakeholders (institutional legitimacy). In this sense, the model outlines how companies try to achieve mutually beneficial “win–win” outcomes for themselves and their stakeholders. However, the difficulty is in judging what issues become “material” and whether they should be disclosed.

Originality/value

The paper is novel because it presents a model of legitimacy-influenced disclosure based on “material legitimacy” and transparency to explain what and how NI is disclosed.
A configuration approach to management control systems design in service organizations
Authors: Auzair Sofiah Md.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to utilize a configuration approach to examine the relationships between multiple contingent variables and management control systems (MCS) in service organizations from various industries. The contingent variables include service process type, cost leadership and differentiation strategies, environmental unpredictability, change and complexity and organizational life cycle stage.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were administered to the financial controllers of service organizations operating in Australia. Cluster analysis is utilized to reveal the MCSs fit.

Findings

The data reveals that high-performing service organizations are those firms that place high emphasis on a differentiation strategy. The lower performers, on the other hand, are firms with a lack of emphasis on both cost leadership and differentiation strategies. Overall, the data demonstrates that strategic orientation plays an important role in high-performing organizations and the ability to incorporate various contingent situations determines the effectiveness of an organization.

Practical implications

The potentially broad framework offered in this study allows managers from various service industries to relate the variations in the combination of situations to those of their firms. The service managers’ experience with certain type of combinations can assist them to identify the strategic position of their respective organizations. Consequently, service managers can estimate the prospect for further development to enhance the firm performance.

Originality/value

This study offers a holistic view of the multiple and simultaneous relationships between contingent factors and MCS design in service organizations using a configuration approach. This paper contributes to the literature on organizational configurations in particular by studying the systematic nature of effective MCSs in service organizations when adapting to the contextual settings of the organizations.
Management control and leadership styles in family business
Authors: Efferin Sujoko , Hartono Monika S.
Published: February 2015

Purpose

This study aims to provide insight into the meaning and perceptions of leadership and its subsequent management control system (MCS) practices in family business in less developed countries. More specifically, the study attempts to understand the cultural context of family business and its importance in developing its leadership and MCS, the production and reproduction processes of the culture into the MCS and the resulting MCS.

Design/methodology/approach

We shared the view that organizational reality is negotiated and constructed by collective participants’ consciousness. The study used interpretive case study. Interviews, observation and documentary analysis were used to collect the data.

Findings

Leadership and MCS of family business is embedded in its societal culture. A leader–owner is not a creator but a mere manager of organizational culture because he/she is also a product of the societal culture. The owner and his/her inner circle (family and non-family members) may collectively play crucial roles in producing and reproducing the legitimate MCS based on the extended family concept. In this sense, cultural control based on shared family norms is the most dominant one and simplifies process and result controls. However, business pragmatism may go hand-in-hand with the culture in giving room for MCS transformations.

Research limitations/implications

The family business under study is still run by the family’s first generation, has no subsidiaries and is embedded in Javanese paternalistic culture. Although rich in details, the sample size of the study is a limitation.

Practical implications

This study encourages the owners of a family business to consider the use of strong cultural control along with bureaucratic controls to create a sustainable organisation.

Originality/value

This study offers insight to help understand and explain how leadership and MCS practices in family business are embedded in broader societal culture in less developed countries.