bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Simulation as an Investigational Methodology to Explore the Impact of Technology on Team Communication and Patient Management
Authors: Gittinger Matthew , Brolliar Sarah M. , Grand James A. , Nichol Graham , Fernandez Rosemarie
Published: December 2016

Introduction

This pilot study used a simulation-based platform to evaluate the effect of an automated mechanical chest compression device on team communication and patient management.

Methods

Four-member emergency department interprofessional teams were randomly assigned to perform manual chest compressions (control, n = 6) or automated chest compressions (intervention, n = 6) during a simulated cardiac arrest with 2 phases: phase 1 baseline (ventricular tachycardia), followed by phase 2 (ventricular fibrillation). Patient management was coded using an Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support–based checklist. Team communication was categorized in the following 4 areas: (1) teamwork focus; (2) huddle events, defined as statements focused on re-establishing situation awareness, reinforcing existing plans, and assessing the need to adjust the plan; (3) clinical focus; and (4) profession of team member. Statements were aggregated for each team.

Results

At baseline, groups were similar with respect to total communication statements and patient management. During cardiac arrest, the total number of communication statements was greater in teams performing manual compressions (median, 152.3; interquartile range [IQR], 127.6–181.0) as compared with teams using an automated compression device (median, 105; IQR, 99.5–123.9). Huddle events were more frequent in teams performing automated chest compressions (median, 4.0; IQR, 3.1–4.3 vs. 2.0; IQR, 1.4–2.6). Teams randomized to the automated compression intervention had a delay to initial defibrillation (median, 208.3 seconds; IQR, 153.3–222.1 seconds) as compared with control teams (median, 63.2 seconds; IQR, 30.1–397.2 seconds).

Conclusions

Use of an automated compression device may impact both team communication and patient management. Simulation-based assessments offer important insights into the effect of technology on healthcare teams.
Training Effectiveness of a Wide Area Virtual Environment in Medical Simulation
Authors: Wier Grady S. , Tree Rebekah , Nusr Rasha
Published: December 2016

Introduction

The success of war fighters and medical personnel handling traumatic injuries largely depends on the quality of training they receive before deployment. The purpose of this study was to gauge the utility of a Wide Area Virtual Environment (WAVE) as a training adjunct by comparing and evaluating student performance, measuring sense of realism, and assessing the impact on student satisfaction with their training exposure in an immersive versus a field environment.

Methods

This comparative prospective cohort study examined the utility of a three-screen WAVE where subjects were immersed in the training environment with medical simulators. Standard field training commenced for the control group subjects. Medical skills, time to completion, and Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety objective metrics were assessed for each team (n = 94). In addition, self-efficacy questionnaires were collected for each subject (N = 470).

Results

Medical teams received poorer overall team scores (F
1,186 = 0.756, P = 0.001), took longer to complete the scenario (F
1,186 = 25.15, P = 0.001), and scored lower on The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians trauma assessment checklist (F
1,186 = 1.13, P = 0.000) in the WAVE versus the field environment. Critical thinking and realism factors within the self-efficacy questionnaires scored higher in the WAVE versus the field [(F
1,466 = 8.04, P = 0.005), (F
1,465 = 18.57, P = 0.000), and (F
1,466 = 53.24, P = 0.000), respectively].

Conclusions

Environmental and emotional stressors may negatively affect critical thinking and clinical skill performance of medical teams. However, by introducing more advanced simulation trainings with added stressors, students may be able to adapt and overcome barriers to performance found in high-stress environments.
Hepatic Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma and Adult Liver Transplantation: Proposal for a Prognostic Score Based on the Analysis of the ELTR-ELITA Registry
Authors: Lai Quirino , Feys Estelle , Karam Vincent , Adam Rene , Klempnauer Jurgen , Oliverius Martin , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , Pascher Andreas , Remiszewski Piotr , Isoniemi Helena , Pirenne Jacques , Foss Aksel , Ericzon Bo G. , Markovic Sasa , Lerut Jan P.
Published: December 2016

Background

Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is a rare vascular tumor which has an intermediate aggressive behavior. Although the value of liver transplantation (LT) is well established, its place in the management of HEHE is still unclear. The aim of this study is to confirm, based on a very large patient cohort, the value of LT in the management of HEHE and to identify risk factors for post-LT recurrence.

Methods

The outcome of 149 transplant recipients with HEHE recorded in the European Liver Transplant Registry during the period November 1984 to May 2014 was analyzed. Median post-LT follow-up was 7.6 years (interquartile range, 2.8-14.4).

Results

Cox regression analysis showed that macrovascular invasion (hazard ratio [HR], 4.8; P < 0.001), pre-LT waiting time of 120 days or less (HR, 2.6; P = 0.01) and hilar lymph node invasion (HR = 2.2; P = 0.03), but not pre-LT extrahepatic disease, were significant risk factors for recurrence. These findings, which were also confirmed in a propensity score analysis, allowed the development of a HEHE-LT score enabling stratification of patients in relation to their risk of tumor recurrence. Patients with a score of 2 or less had a much better 5-year disease-free survival compared to those having a score of 6 or higher (93.9% vs 38.5%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The analysis of this (largest in the world) HEHE adult liver recipient cohort clearly confirms the value of LT in the treatment of this rare disorder and also permits identification of patients at risk of posttransplant recurrence. Posttransplant follow-up should take the HEHE-LT score into account. Extrahepatic disease localization is reconfirmed not to be a contraindication for LT.
Malcolm Harold Chisholm. 15 October 1945 — 20 November 2015
Authors: Puddephatt Richard J.
Published: December 2016

Malcolm Chisholm was one of the most creative and distinguished inorganic chemists of his generation. He was particularly renowned for his chemistry of compounds containing multiple metal–metal bonds and for showing how they could give insights into catalysis or be used in functional materials. Very early in his independent career he reported the remarkable compounds M
2
X
6
, with M = molybdenum or tungsten and X = alkoxide or dialkylamide, which contain metal–metal triple bonds, and his group showed how they could activate organic compounds in unusual ways, often with changes in the metal–metal bond order. He was a master of synthetic chemistry, but he also made notable discoveries in theory, spectroscopy and catalysis. Personally, he was outgoing, friendly and fun-loving. He was faithful and supportive of his family, students, colleagues and his many friends around the globe, and took great pleasure in their successes.
Intraspecific variation in body size does not alter the effects of mesopredators on prey
Authors: Gallagher Austin J. , Brandl Simon J. , Stier Adrian C.
Published: December 2016

As humans continue to alter the species composition and size structure of marine food webs, it is critical to understand size-dependent effects of predators on prey. Yet, how shifts in predator body size mediate the effect of predators is understudied in tropical marine ecosystems, where anthropogenic harvest has indirectly increased the density and size of small-bodied predators. Here, we combine field surveys and a laboratory feeding experiment in coral reef fish communities to show that small and large predators of the same species can have similar effects. Specifically, surveys show that the presence of a small predator (
Paracirrhites arcatus
) was correlated with lower chances of prey fish presence, but these correlations were independent of predator size. Experimental trials corroborated the size-independent effect of the predator; attack rates were indistinguishable between small and large predators, suggesting relatively even effects of hawkfish in various size classes on the same type of prey. Our results indicate that the effects of small predators on coral reefs can be size-independent, suggesting that variation in predator size-structure alone may not always affect the functional role of these predators.
Effects of cell-cycle-dependent expression on random fluctuations in protein levels
Authors: Soltani Mohammad , Singh Abhyudai
Published: December 2016

Expression of many genes varies as a cell transitions through different cell-cycle stages. How coupling between stochastic expression and cell cycle impacts cell-to-cell variability (noise) in the level of protein is not well understood. We analyse a model where a stable protein is synthesized in random bursts, and the frequency with which bursts occur varies within the cell cycle. Formulae quantifying the extent of fluctuations in the protein copy number are derived and decomposed into components arising from the cell cycle and stochastic processes. The latter stochastic component represents contributions from bursty expression and errors incurred during partitioning of molecules between daughter cells. These formulae reveal an interesting trade-off: cell-cycle dependencies that amplify the noise contribution from bursty expression also attenuate the contribution from partitioning errors. We investigate the existence of optimum strategies for coupling expression to the cell cycle that minimize the stochastic component. Intriguingly, results show that a zero production rate throughout the cell cycle, with expression only occurring just before cell division, minimizes noise from bursty expression for a fixed mean protein level. By contrast, the optimal strategy in the case of partitioning errors is to make the protein just after cell division. We provide examples of regulatory proteins that are expressed only towards the end of the cell cycle, and argue that such strategies enhance robustness of cell-cycle decisions to the intrinsic stochasticity of gene expression.
A finite-element approach to evaluating the size effects of complex nanostructures
Authors: Lu Dingjie , Xie Yi Min , Li Qing , Huang Xiaodong , Li Yang Fan , Zhou Shiwei
Published: December 2016

The size effects that reveal the dramatic changes of mechanical behaviour at nanoscales have traditionally been analysed for regular beam systems. Here, the method of using finite-element analysis is explored with the intention of evaluating the size effects for complex nanostructures. The surface elasticity theory and generalized Young–Laplace equation are integrated into a beam element to account for the size effects in classical Euler–Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam theories. Computational results match well with the theoretical predictions on the size effect for a cantilever beam and a cubic unit cell containing 24 horizontal/vertical ligaments. For a simply supported nanowire, it is found that the results are very close to the experimental data. With the assumption that nanoporous gold is composed of many randomly connected beams, for the first time, the size effect of such a complex structure is numerically determined.
Gait control in a soft robot by sensing interactions with the environment using self-deformation
Authors: Umedachi Takuya , Kano Takeshi , Ishiguro Akio , Trimmer Barry A.
Published: December 2016

All animals use mechanosensors to help them move in complex and changing environments. With few exceptions, these sensors are embedded in soft tissues that deform in normal use such that sensory feedback results from the interaction of an animal with its environment. Useful information about the environment is expected to be embedded in the mechanical responses of the tissues during movements. To explore how such sensory information can be used to control movements, we have developed a soft-bodied crawling robot inspired by a highly tractable animal model, the tobacco hornworm
Manduca sexta
. This robot uses deformations of its body to detect changes in friction force on a substrate. This information is used to provide local sensory feedback for coupled oscillators that control the robot's locomotion. The validity of the control strategy is demonstrated with both simulation and a highly deformable three-dimensionally printed soft robot. The results show that very simple oscillators are able to generate propagating waves and crawling/inching locomotion through the interplay of deformation in different body parts in a fully decentralized manner. Additionally, we confirmed numerically and experimentally that the gait pattern can switch depending on the surface contact points. These results are expected to help in the design of adaptable, robust locomotion control systems for soft robots and also suggest testable hypotheses about how soft animals use sensory feedback.
Generalized statistical mechanics approaches to earthquakes and tectonics
Authors: Vallianatos Filippos , Papadakis Giorgos , Michas Georgios
Published: December 2016

Despite the extreme complexity that characterizes the mechanism of the earthquake generation process, simple empirical scaling relations apply to the collective properties of earthquakes and faults in a variety of tectonic environments and scales. The physical characterization of those properties and the scaling relations that describe them attract a wide scientific interest and are incorporated in the probabilistic forecasting of seismicity in local, regional and planetary scales. Considerable progress has been made in the analysis of the statistical mechanics of earthquakes, which, based on the principle of entropy, can provide a physical rationale to the macroscopic properties frequently observed. The scale-invariant properties, the (multi) fractal structures and the long-range interactions that have been found to characterize fault and earthquake populations have recently led to the consideration of non-extensive statistical mechanics (NESM) as a consistent statistical mechanics framework for the description of seismicity. The consistency between NESM and observations has been demonstrated in a series of publications on seismicity, faulting, rock physics and other fields of geosciences. The aim of this review is to present in a concise manner the fundamental macroscopic properties of earthquakes and faulting and how these can be derived by using the notions of statistical mechanics and NESM, providing further insights into earthquake physics and fault growth processes.
Quaternionic-like manifolds and homogeneous twistor spaces
Authors: Pantilie Radu
Published: December 2016

Motivated by the quaternionic geometry corresponding to the homogeneous complex manifolds endowed with (holomorphically) embedded spheres, we introduce and initiate the study of the ‘quaternionic-like manifolds’. These contain, as particular subclasses, the CR quaternionic and the
ρ
-quaternionic manifolds. Moreover, the notion of ‘heaven space’ finds its adequate level of generality in this setting: (essentially) any real analytic quaternionic-like manifold admits a (germ) unique heaven space, which is a
ρ
-quaternionic manifold. We, also, give a natural construction of homogeneous complex manifolds endowed with embedded spheres, thus, emphasizing the abundance of the quaternionic-like manifolds.
Lamb's problem on random mass density fields with fractal and Hurst effects
Authors: Nishawala V. V. , Ostoja-Starzewski M. , Leamy M. J. , Porcu E.
Published: December 2016

This paper reports on a generalization of Lamb's problem to a linear elastic, infinite half-space with random fields (RFs) of mass density, subject to a normal line load. Both, uncorrelated and correlated (with fractal and Hurst characteristics) RFs without any weak noise restrictions, are proposed. Cellular automata (CA) is used to simulate the wave propagation. CA is a local computational method which, for rectangular discretization of spatial domain, is equivalent to applying the finite difference method to the governing equations of classical elasticity. We first evaluate the response of CA to an uncorrelated mass density field, more commonly known as white-noise, of varying coarseness as compared to CA's node density. We then evaluate the response of CA to multiscale mass density RFs of Cauchy and Dagum type; these fields are unique in that they are able to model and decouple the field's fractal dimension and Hurst parameter. We focus on stochastic imperfection sensitivity; we determine to what extent the fractal or the Hurst parameter is a significant factor in altering the solution to the planar stochastic Lamb's problem by evaluating the coefficient of variation of the response when compared with the coefficient of variation of the RF.
Initiation and directional control of period-1 rotation for a parametric pendulum
Authors: Das Santanu , Wahi Pankaj
Published: December 2016

We study a time-delayed feedback control for initiating period-1 rotations of a vertically excited parametric pendulum from arbitrary initial conditions. The possibility of controlling the direction of rotation has also been explored. We start with a simple linear time-delayed control for which the control gain corresponding to the most stable period-1 rotation has been obtained using the Floquet theory. This control increases the basins of attraction of rotations, but they do not encompass the full initial condition space. We modify our control law by using a switched control gain that destabilizes all the oscillatory solutions, and the entire initial condition space becomes the basin of attraction of either the clockwise or the anticlockwise rotation. By a suitable modification of the switching condition, we can choose a preferential stable direction of rotation. Hence, we can initiate either clockwise or anticlockwise rotation for a parametric pendulum from arbitrary initial conditions. Performance of our controller in achieving this objective has been demonstrated for different sets of parameters to establish its effectiveness.
Biodiversity as a multidimensional construct: a review, framework and case study of herbivory's impact on plant biodiversity
Authors: Naeem S. , Prager Case , Weeks Brian , Varga Alex , Flynn Dan F. B. , Griffin Kevin , Muscarella Robert , Palmer Matthew , Wood Stephen , Schuster William
Published: December 2016

Biodiversity is inherently multidimensional, encompassing taxonomic, functional, phylogenetic, genetic, landscape and many other elements of variability of life on the Earth. However, this fundamental principle of multidimensionality is rarely applied in research aimed at understanding biodiversity's value to ecosystem functions and the services they provide. This oversight means that our current understanding of the ecological and environmental consequences of biodiversity loss is limited primarily to what unidimensional studies have revealed. To address this issue, we review the literature, develop a conceptual framework for multidimensional biodiversity research based on this review and provide a case study to explore the framework. Our case study specifically examines how herbivory by whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) alters the multidimensional influence of biodiversity on understory plant cover at Black Rock Forest, New York. Using three biodiversity dimensions (taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity) to explore our framework, we found that herbivory alters biodiversity's multidimensional influence on plant cover; an effect not observable through a unidimensional approach. Although our review, framework and case study illustrate the advantages of multidimensional over unidimensional approaches, they also illustrate the statistical and empirical challenges such work entails. Meeting these challenges, however, where data and resources permit, will be important if we are to better understand and manage the consequences we face as biodiversity continues to decline in the foreseeable future.
Unexpected high vulnerability of functions in wilderness areas: evidence from coral reef fishes
Authors: D'agata Stéphanie , Vigliola Laurent , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Wantiez Laurent , Parravicini Valeriano , Villéger Sébastien , Mou-Tham Gerard , Frolla Philippe , Friedlander Alan M. , Kulbicki Michel , Mouillot David
Published: December 2016

High species richness is thought to support the delivery of multiple ecosystem functions and services under changing environments. Yet, some species might perform unique functional roles while others are redundant. Thus, the benefits of high species richness in maintaining ecosystem functioning are uncertain if functions have little redundancy, potentially leading to high vulnerability of functions. We studied the natural propensity of assemblages to be functionally buffered against loss prior to fishing activities, using functional trait combinations, in coral reef fish assemblages across unfished wilderness areas of the Indo-Pacific: Chagos Archipelago, New Caledonia and French Polynesia. Fish functional diversity in these wilderness areas is highly vulnerable to fishing, explained by species- and abundance-based redundancy packed into a small combination of traits, leaving most other trait combinations (60%) sensitive to fishing, with no redundancy. Functional vulnerability peaks for mobile and sedentary top predators, and large species in general. Functional vulnerability decreases for certain functional entities in New Caledonia, where overall functional redundancy was higher. Uncovering these baseline patterns of functional vulnerability can offer early warning signals of the damaging effects from fishing, and may serve as baselines to guide precautionary and even proactive conservation actions.
The value of trophic interactions for ecosystem function: dung beetle communities influence seed burial and seedling recruitment in tropical forests
Authors: Griffiths Hannah M. , Bardgett Richard D. , Louzada Julio , Barlow Jos
Published: December 2016

Anthropogenic activities are causing species extinctions, raising concerns about the consequences of changing biological communities for ecosystem functioning. To address this, we investigated how dung beetle communities influence seed burial and seedling recruitment in the Brazilian Amazon. First, we conducted a burial and retrieval experiment using seed mimics. We found that dung beetle biomass had a stronger positive effect on the burial of large than small beads, suggesting that anthropogenic reductions in large-bodied beetles will have the greatest effect on the secondary dispersal of large-seeded plant species. Second, we established mesocosm experiments in which dung beetle communities buried
Myrciaria dubia
seeds to examine plant emergence and survival. Contrary to expectations, we found that beetle diversity and biomass negatively influenced seedling emergence, but positively affected the survival of seedlings that emerged. Finally, we conducted germination trials to establish the optimum burial depth of experimental seeds, revealing a negative relationship between burial depth and seedling emergence success. Our results provide novel evidence that seed burial by dung beetles may be detrimental for the emergence of some seed species. However, we also detected positive impacts of beetle activity on seedling recruitment, which are probably because of their influence on soil properties. Overall, this study provides new evidence that anthropogenic impacts on dung beetle communities could influence the structure of tropical forests; in particular, their capacity to regenerate and continue to provide valuable functions and services.
Valuing biodiversity and ecosystem services: a useful way to manage and conserve marine resources?
Authors: Cavanagh Rachel D. , Broszeit Stefanie , Pilling Graham M. , Grant Susie M. , Murphy Eugene J. , Austen Melanie C.
Published: December 2016

Valuation of biodiversity and ecosystem services (ES) is widely recognized as a useful, though often controversial, approach to conservation and management. However, its use in the marine environment, hence evidence of its efficacy, lags behind that in terrestrial ecosystems. This largely reflects key challenges to marine conservation and management such as the practical difficulties in studying the ocean, complex governance issues and the historically-rooted separation of biodiversity conservation and resource management. Given these challenges together with the accelerating loss of marine biodiversity (and threats to the ES that this biodiversity supports), we ask whether valuation efforts for marine ecosystems are appropriate and effective. We compare three contrasting systems: the tropical Pacific, Southern Ocean and UK coastal seas. In doing so, we reveal a diversity in valuation approaches with different rates of progress and success. We also find a tendency to focus on specific ES (often the harvested species) rather than biodiversity. In light of our findings, we present a new conceptual view of valuation that should ideally be considered in decision-making. Accounting for the critical relationships between biodiversity and ES, together with an understanding of ecosystem structure and functioning, will enable the wider implications of marine conservation and management decisions to be evaluated. We recommend embedding valuation within existing management structures, rather than treating it as an alternative or additional mechanism. However, we caution that its uptake and efficacy will be compromised without the ability to develop and share best practice across regions.
Biodiversity in the Anthropocene: prospects and policy
Authors: Seddon Nathalie , Mace Georgina M. , Naeem Shahid , Tobias Joseph A. , Pigot Alex L. , Cavanagh Rachel , Mouillot David , Vause James , Walpole Matt
Published: December 2016

Meeting the ever-increasing needs of the Earth’s human population without excessively reducing biological diversity is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity, suggesting that new approaches to biodiversity conservation are required. One idea rapidly gaining momentum—as well as opposition—is to incorporate the values of biodiversity into decision-making using economic methods. Here, we develop several lines of argument for how biodiversity might be valued, building on recent developments in natural science, economics and science-policy processes. Then we provide a synoptic guide to the papers in this special feature, summarizing recent research advances relevant to biodiversity valuation and management. Current evidence suggests that more biodiverse systems have greater stability and resilience, and that by maximizing key components of biodiversity we maximize an ecosystem’s long-term value. Moreover, many services and values arising from biodiversity are interdependent, and often poorly captured by standard economic models. We conclude that economic valuation approaches to biodiversity conservation should (i) account for interdependency and (ii) complement rather than replace traditional approaches. To identify possible solutions, we present a framework for understanding the foundational role of hard-to-quantify ‘biodiversity services’ in sustaining the value of ecosystems to humanity, and then use this framework to highlight new directions for pure and applied research. In most cases, clarifying the links between biodiversity and ecosystem services, and developing effective policy and practice for managing biodiversity, will require a genuinely interdisciplinary approach.
Melittin-induced alterations in morphology and deformability of human red blood cells using quantitative phase imaging techniques
Authors: Hur Joonseok , Kim Kyoohyun , Lee SangYun , Park HyunJoo , Park YongKeun
Published: December 2016

Here, the actions of melittin, the active molecule of apitoxin or bee venom, were investigated on human red blood cells (RBCs) using quantitative phase imaging techniques. High-resolution realtime 3-D refractive index (RI) measurements and dynamic 2-D phase images of individual melittin-bound RBCs enabled in-depth examination of melittin-induced biophysical alterations of the cells. From the measurements, morphological, biochemical, and mechanical alterations of the RBCs were analyzed quantitatively. Furthermore, leakage of haemoglobin (Hb) inside the RBCs at high melittin concentration was also investigated.
Strategic marketing patterns and performance implications
Authors: Agic Emir , Cinjarevic Merima , Kurtovic Emir , Cicic Muris
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to create the taxonomy of firms based on the nature of the relationship between market-based resources and marketing capabilities. Anchored in the configuration theory, the present study aims to explore simultaneous roles of market-based resources, i.e. customer orientation and competitor orientation, and marketing capabilities, i.e. the execution of marketing practices and activities within a firm, on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administrated questionnaire was used to collect data from chief executive officers or top managers of 220 firms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a transitional economy in South Eastern Europe.

Findings

Drawing on a configuration approach via the latent class analysis, the authors empirically derive four distinct strategic marketing patterns, namely, marketing super achievers, marketing-focused virtuosi, marketing drifters and marketing mass pushers. The findings also highlight how business performance outcomes differ as a function of a class membership.

Research limitations/implications

Cross-sectional research design and focus on a single country are main limitations of the present study. Thus, longitudinal studies in the context of developed and fast-reforming transition economies are advisable for future work.

Practical implications

This study enhances the knowledge on how a firm can configure or bundle its market-based resources and marketing capabilities to produce desired outcomes. Findings suggest that joint attention to building market-oriented culture and developing marketing capabilities seems to pay off. However, the authors found that a lack of market knowledge can be substituted by the firms’ ability to build effective promotional and branding capabilities. Thus, the present study adds to the emerging dialog on the relative importance of alternative strategic orientations in achieving superior business performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the strategic marketing literature by examining the synergistic effect of market-based resources and marketing capabilities on firm performance using a configurational approach. It also provides support for the equifinality proposition, suggesting that different “bundles” of market-based resources and marketing capabilities can lead to similar level of performance outcomes.
Semantic Web service and pervasive information system conceptual adaptation
Authors: Fatma Achour , Jedidi Anis , Gargouri Faiez
Published: December 2016

Purpose

One of the open questions is how to ensure the conceptual adaptation in the pervasive system. To answer this question, the authors needed to propose a generic model and a mechanism to describe this system and also need generic and semantic rules to ensure the adaptation. This paper aims to propose a model to describe the pervasive information system. Second, the authors suggest an approach to divide this model so as to describe each category of contextual information separately and ensure the adaptation in the pervasive system. Finally, the authors present examples of semantic rules executed in the pervasive system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an approach to ensure the conceptual adaptation in the pervasive system. To do it, the authors proposed a model to design the pervasive system and used semantic Web services. They proposed to divide the model to six descriptions related to the pervasive system categories information.

Findings

Pervasive information system, conceptual adaptation, semantic Web services and OWL-S are presented in this paper.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is presented in the purpose of the pervasive information system conceptual adaption in the pervasive system. In this, later, semantic Web services were used to ensure the adaptation by the adding of contextual information in the semantic Web service description.
Direct to consumer advertising of robotic heart bypass surgery
Authors: Kiani Soroosh , Kurian Dinesh , Henkin Stanislav , Desai Pranjal , Brunel Frederic , Poston Robert
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Robotic coronary artery bypass (rCABG) is a relatively novel and less invasive form of surgery. A yearlong direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) campaign was initiated to provide the community with information regarding rCABG, increase awareness and recruit patients. To optimize information content and ensure appropriate messaging for future campaigns, this study aims to analyze the campaign effectiveness and compared service quality perceptions and clinical outcomes, following surgery across DTCA-responder and control groups.

Design/methodology/approach

The institution initiated an rCABG program and one-year DTCA campaign. The authors prospectively documented all rCABG referrals prompted by these ads (DTCA-responder group) and concurrent referrals from medical providers (controls). Groups were compared according to baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes, patient satisfaction (HCAHPS survey) and functional capacity at three weeks (Duke Activity Status Index). At six months, both groups were surveyed for patient satisfaction and unmet expectations.

Findings

There were 103 DTCA responders and 77 controls. The subset of responders that underwent rCABG (n= 54) had similar characteristics to controls, except they were younger, less likely to have lung disease or to be scheduled as an urgent case. Both groups had similar 30-day clinical outcomes, functional capacity recovery and overall satisfaction at three weeks. Follow-up interviews at six months and four years revealed that the DTCA group reported more unmet expectations regarding the “size of the skin incisions” and “recovery time” but no concern about “expertise of their surgeon”.

Practical implications

The DTCA campaign was effective at recruiting patients. The specific focus of the ads and narrow timeframe for decision-making about CABG lends confidence that the incremental cases seen during the campaign were prompted primarily by DTCA. However, differences in unmet expectations underscore the need to better understand the impact of message content on patients recruited via DTCA campaigns.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies to provide real-world direct empirical evidence of patients’ clinical and attitudinal outcomes for DTCA campaigns. Furthermore, the findings contradict prevailing beliefs that DTCA is ineffective for prompting surgical referrals.
The impact of research and development and marketing costs on the profitability of pharmaceutical companies of Tehran Stock Exchange using panel data 2001-2013
Authors: Bayazidi Yahya , Homaie Rad Enayatollah , Mojahedian Mehdi , Toroski Mehdi , Nabizadeh Azita , Farahmand Parna , Felezi Nasiri Banafshe
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The main aim of this study is to investigate the effects of marketing and costs and research and development (R&D) investments on profitability of pharmaceutical companies of Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, pharmaceutical companies that have been accepted in Tehran Stock Exchange until March 19, 2013 were investigated. Random-effect panel data estimator was used for this purpose.

Findings

The findings indicate that variables such as company size, capital-to-total asset ratio and debt-to-asset ratio have an effect on profitability. But, company life, advertising cost and R&D investment are ineffective on profitability.

Originality/value

Legal issues like not having patent law and pricing mechanism are reasons for the ineffective relationship between R&D and marketing costs and its effect on profitability of the Iran pharmaceutical industry.
Tourist scams in the city: challenges for domestic travellers in urban China
Authors: Li Jing , Pearce Philip
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify dominant scams against domestic tourists in popular tourism cities in China. There are two questions of concern: what types of scams do domestic tourists experience and are the patterns of scams different between the capital and regional cities? The social situation framework was employed to interpret the outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis facilitated by Leximancer software was applied to 102 Chinese travel blogs reporting experiences of being scammed in Beijing, Hangzhou, Xi’an, Sanya and Guilin. Clear themes and concepts emerged from the analysis of these travel reviews and differences in scamming patterns between Beijing and regional cities were identified.

Findings

The most frequently reported scams in the capital Beijing were linked to the chaotic environment at tourist attractions and the misbehaviours of tour agents. By way of contrast scams involving manipulating the weight and quality of products purchased were more common in regional cities. The differences between Beijing and other locations may lie in the greater monitoring of fraudulent practices in the capital. Additionally, the role of shills (confederates of the scammer) was highlighted in many of the scams studied.

Originality/value

Scams include a slightly less serious but still troublesome set of problems accompanying major crimes and assaults. Rare research specifically focussed on tourist scams despite substantive work discussing crimes against tourists as general. Implications of the present study lie in enriching the literature on scams against tourists. The analysis of scams as a special type of social situation proved to be insightful in directing attention to facets of the interaction thus providing connections to previous work and directions for further study. It is also promising to be developed to inform strategic approaches to creating a safer tourism environment in cities.
Multi objective optimization for humanitarian logistics operations through the use of mobile technologies
Authors: Serrato-Garcia Marco Antonio , Mora-Vargas Jaime , Murillo Roman Tomas
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the development and implementation of a multiobjective optimization model and information system based on mobile technology, to support decision making in humanitarian logistics operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The trade-off between economic and social (deprivation) costs faced by governmental and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) involved in humanitarian logistics operations is modeled through a Pareto frontier analysis, which is obtained from a multiobjective optimization model. Such analysis is supported on an information system based on mobile technology.

Findings

Results show useful managerial insights for decision-makers by considering both economic and social costs associated to humanitarian logistics operations. Such insights include the importance of timely and accurate information shared through mobile technology.

Research limitations/implications

This research presents a multiobjective approach that considers social costs, which are modeled through deprivation functions. The authors suggest that a future nonlinear approach be also considered, since there will be instances where the deprivation cost is a nonlinear function throughout time. Also, the model and information system developed may not be suitable for other humanitarian aid instances, considering the specific characteristics of the events considered on this research.

Practical implications

The inclusion of several types of goods, vehicles, collecting points off the ground, distributions points on the ground, available roads after a disaster took place, as well as volume and weight constraints faced under these scenarios, are considered.

Social implications

Deprivation costs faced by affected population after a disaster took place are considered, which supports decision making in governmental and NGOs involved in humanitarian logistics operations toward welfare of such affected population in developing countries.

Originality/value

A numerical illustration in the Latin American context is presented, the model and information system developed can be used in other developing countries or regions that face similar challenges toward humanitarian logistics operations.
Decision support in a fieldable laboratory management during an epidemic outbreak of disease
Authors: Vybornova Olga , Gala Jean-Luc
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the decision-making process and provide a decision support framework for deployment of an on-site analytical capacity (a fieldable laboratory (FL)) to contain an expanding outbreak and protect public health.

Design/methodology/approach

The FL mission cycle consists of five successive interlinked phases with a set of operational functions (OFs) performed during the mission. The list of phases, OFs and their contents were iteratively developed during and after FL missions and validated with operational partners.

Findings

The well-defined structure of the FL domain appears as the best functional basis for tracking the decision-making process across the whole mission cycle. Description of all the FL elements and information flows addresses the major issue of interoperability of resources used by similar international capacities (inter-)acting as operational partners in global response to the crisis.

Originality/value

The work presents the first attempt in this field to systematically describe and chronologically organize the decisions taken by a FL manager and staff during all phases of the FL mission cycle. Definition of OFs with all the related information flows allows for comparison of procedures, their better planning and refining, validation of protocols, mutual training and operational improvement between FLs from different geographical, organizational and cultural origins.
Symbiosis across institutional logics in a social enterprise
Authors: Maibom Cæcilie , Smith Pernille
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Non-profit organisations are moving from being permeated with social institutional logics to becoming increasingly influenced by market logics. These organisations thereby have to cope with multiple, often conflicting, logics. The existing literature on hybrid organisations has investigated the consequences of multiple logics, focussing in particular on the conflicts and power struggles between the agents of different logics. This paper aims to examine a social enterprise (SE), which in recent years has experienced a shift towards market logics while being firmly grounded in a non-profit social logic.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a qualitative, single-case case study of a SE based on interviews and observations.

Findings

The paper investigates how this hybrid organisation experienced and responded to an organisational environment marked by multiple institutional logics. Unlike the subjects of many previous studies, the organisation managed to accommodate and assemble the logics in an unproblematic symbiosis. A strong ideological congruence across institutional logics appears to play the main role in spanning the boundaries between institutional logics. Furthermore, organisational structures advocating decentralisation, autonomy and transparency appear to be important facilitators of the integration of diverse logics.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on hybrid organisations and SEs and aids practitioners in such organisations. It suggests that organisational decentralisation, autonomy and transparency facilitate the integration of multiple logics – especially if ideological congruence exists between the actors of different institutional logics. The findings indicate that ideological congruence enhances tolerance towards different approaches and increases the willingness to integrate diverse logics.
Profit generation or community resource?
Authors: Bishop Neil , Ridley-Duff Rory , Morgan Gareth
Published: December 2016

Purpose

For the past decade, sub-post offices (POs) in the UK have been subject to intensive pressures to marketise their business. Actual or threatened closures have led charities to become involved in projects to preserve community post offices. This paper aims to investigate the attitudes of the trustees and staff involved in six charity-backed POs to answer the research question “Do those involved with charity-backed POs prioritise profit generation or community resourcing?”

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopted a neo-empiricist stance on the collection and interpretation of data. The authors treated “attitudes” as real phenomena that are subjectively experienced and concretely expressed through activities in an objectively real world. Data were gathered from four or more people in each of six POs by sampling their services and conducting face-to-face interviews. The emphasis was on achieving verstehen – a rich understanding of a specific approach to social enterprise grounded in interpretations of human activity under conditions of naturalistic inquiry.

Findings

The authors found that charity-backed POs were focussed on preserving POs as a community resource but articulated this by framing profitability in three distinct ways: as a PO generating a surplus that can be gifted or reallocated to a (parent) charity’s other activities; as an activity that offsets a charity’s fixed costs; or enables or promotes its public benefit aims.

Research limitations/implications

There are few peer-reviewed studies of the potential of sub-POs as sites for social enterprise, and none (that could be located) on the role of charities. In this study, the authors contest Liu and Ko’s view (2014, p. 402) that the key task is “to install market-oriented managerial beliefs and values into the charity retailer’s decision-making”. A counter view is offered that trading can represent a further diversification of the innovations used to support charitable endeavours.

Originality/value

This is the first academic study to confront the complexities of differentiating “profitability” from “profit generation” in charity-backed POs. The subtleties in the articulation of this difference by study participants helped to account for the findings of the study and to make sense of the strong consensus that POs should be seen primarily as a community resource while responding to marketisation pressures.