bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using method analysis to improve productivity: case of a tap manufacturer
Authors: Sookdeo Barnes 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to demonstrate that basic interventions using method study investigations can improve productivity in the workplace. Continuous improvement of operational processes allows an organisation to develop its capabilities to keep it ahead of its competitors.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-methods approach was used as the research design of the study. It involved an intensive method study investigation at a tap manufacturer to improve productivity. Structured searches using keywords were carried to identify important contributors to research articles in the areas of work-study, method study and productivity.FindingsThe empirical results indicate the essential need for method study investigations to improve productivity in organisations. It can be concluded that the systematic implementation of this methodology will ensure that productivity is enhanced in organisations.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is restricted to a single manufacturing organisation. Literature on method study was found to be limited.Practical implicationsThis research is intended to support organisations by providing a methodology to address areas of inefficiency and also to assist with subsequent turnaround strategies to ensure organisational effectiveness and sustainability.Originality/valueThe essential contribution that this article makes is that it provides organisations with a universally accepted, user-friendly technique to improve organisational effectiveness and productivity with minimal capital outlay.
Direction of luxury fashion retailers' post-entry expansion – the evidence from China
Authors: Bai Huifeng , McColl Julie , Moore Christopher , He Weijing , Shi Jin 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThis empirical study, from the international retailing perspective, examines the direction of retailers' further expansion after initial entry into overseas host market in the context of the luxury fashion retail market in China.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts qualitative multiple case studies.FindingsAfter initial entry into China, luxury fashion retailers further expand their retail operations through three directional patterns: cautious, regional and countrywide expansions. The stepwise expansion from tier-1 to tier-2 and tier-3 cities remains popular; however, the importance of the tier system of Chinese cities has been weakened because tier-3 cities in affluent regions are perceived to have more potential than some tier-2 cities in less developed regions. The retailers assess a potential local market through interrelated criteria, including location and strategic importance, economic development, available store locations and staff, a high degree of urbanisation and tourism, debatable favourable policies and offers, and popularity of e- and m-commerce. There is a positive relationship between popularity of e- and m-commerce in a city and the potential of that city to run brick-and-mortar stores.Originality/valueThe paper offers an insight into the current international retailing literature by examining the direction of luxury fashion retailers' further expansion after their initial market entry. Particularly, the research considers a set of criteria which can be used to assess a potential local market, and the impact of e- and m-commerce on local market choices for brick-and-mortar stores.
Profitability and optimal debt ratio of the automobiles and parts sector in the Euro area
Authors: Basdekis Charalampos , Christopoulos Apostolos , Katsampoxakis Ioannis , Lyras Alexandros 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe goal of this paper is twofold: to assess the influence of specific corporate and market features on automobiles and parts sector's profitability in Euro area and to identify this particular sector's optimum debt level.Design/methodology/approachFor the paper's purposes, the authors applied a panel data analysis on an annual basis for the period 2005–2017.FindingsThere is a strong statistical significance of debt ratio, growth domestic product per capita growth, E.C.'s economic sentiment index (ESI), the European Central Bank key interest rate and the Euro area crisis on sector's profitability, while weak statistical significance appears to emerge for the firm's size. Moreover, the authors find average 14.4% profitability for the entire sector of the Euro area, without significant fluctuations among firms and/or during the examined time period. Another interesting finding of this study is that results are consistent with the theory of Modigliani Miller that financial leverage at a “low” level is beneficial for the firm, but beyond a turning point, it becomes counterproductive. This turning point for the automobiles and parts sector in Euro area has been computed at 47.3%.Originality/valueThe paper focuses on issues of profitability, capital structure and optimal debt ratio of an important sector of the economy, the automotive sector. As regards the Euro area automotive sector, it is a dynamic sector with a significant multiplier effect for the European economy as it is strongly correlated with other industrial sectors as chemicals, steel, textiles, information technology and so forth, having an outstanding multiplier effect on the economy.
Technological capabilities, open innovation and perceived operational performance in SMEs: the moderating role of environmental dynamism
Authors: Taghizadeh Seyedeh Khadijeh , Nikbin Davoud , Alam Mirza Mohammad Didarul , Rahman Syed Abidur , Nadarajah Gunalan 
Published: November 2020

PurposeIn the current dynamic environment, technological capabilities and open innovation play vital roles in operational performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of technological capabilities on open innovation and consequent impact on perceived operational performance of the SMEs in Malaysia by considering the moderating effect of environmental dynamism.Design/methodology/approachThis study is quantitative in nature and used a survey questionnaire to gather responses from 202 SME owners in Malaysia. The data were analyzed with SmartPLS software, as it used structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results show that technological capabilities significantly influence open innovation whereas open innovation plays an instrumental role to achieve operational performance of the SMEs. Interestingly, environmental dynamism was found to have a negative moderating role in the relationship between open innovation and perceived operational performance.Practical implicationsThis paper will assist SME managers in making effective decisions while using technological capabilities and open innovation practices. Managers need to be aware of the vital role of technological capabilities to build external and internal collaboration and incorporate their knowledge that is necessary for open innovation practices. The results also assist managers in a way that in the dynamic and competitive environment SMEs should take further proactive actions to compete in the market to survive.Originality/valueThis study provides new insights by dismantling technological capabilities and open innovation to understand further the effects of technological capabilities on open innovation and its consequence on a firm’s operational performance.
A reflective evaluation of the Bradford positive behaviour support – in reach service
Authors: Hodder Matthew , Syson Tom , Aziz Zobia , Handy Anthony , Khan Hafsa , Lancaster Julie 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
Without effective support and intervention, young people with learning disabilities and severe challenging behaviour are at risk of placement in out-of-area residential settings or highly specialist child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) units. Such placements may be inappropriate and result in significant reductions to the quality of life of young people and their families. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Bradford positive behaviour support (PBS) service model in terms of its aims to improve quality of life, develop skills and maintain children living with their families in their own homes.

Design/methodology/approach
A service evaluation using quantitative and qualitative data from a range of sources to review the effectiveness of the PBS model being applied in Bradford and Calderdale was the methodology used.

Findings
When consistently implemented, the Bradford positive behaviour support–in reach service may improve quality of life, facilitate skill development in young people and their carers and reduce placements in residential and CAMHS inpatient units. Avoidance of such placements is likely to reduce the overall costs of service commissioning in Bradford.

Originality/value
This paper evaluates a novel approach being applied by a third sector agency to implement effective PBS with a small group of children, their families and networks. There is scope for this model to be successfully implemented in other areas.
Underwater video and still‐image dataset of fishes and other aquatic animals in Lake Biwa, Japan, observed via carp‐mounted video loggers
Authors: Yoshida Makoto A. , Totsu Kumiko , Sato Katsufumi , Mabuchi Kohji 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis is the first large dataset of underwater videos from which species occurrence and behavioral records of aquatic organisms were identified in Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. We compiled 109 videos and 122 still‐images of fishes, diving birds and shrimps. The images were cropped from videos taken underwater with animal‐borne video cameras which were mounted on the backs of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The attribute of each image and its occurrence of organisms were formatted according to the Darwin Core Archive which was developed by the Biodiversity Information Standards (TDWG), and the dataset is available via the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Our dataset includes records of 10 species, 4 genera, 2 families and 1 infraorder which includes mostly fishes, several birds and a crustacean. The fish records include a threatened endemic fish, the “gengorou‐buna” crucian carp (Carassius cuvieri), and two alien fishes, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus). We confirmed several types of intraspecific and interspecific relationships between video‐mounted carp and other organisms; for example, most video‐mounted carp frequently approached or chased conspecifics upon encountering, which sometimes led to two carp feeding side by side. At least three avian species also appeared in the dataset: Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), but there was no apparent interaction between carp and these birds. Our underwater videos reveal and highlight the rich biodiversity of the lake today, providing clear evidence for behavior of aquatic organisms under natural conditions.The complete data set for this abstract published in the Data Paper section of the journal is available in electronic format in MetaCat in JaLTER at http://db.cger.nies.go.jp/JaLTER/metacat/metacat/ERDP-2020-18.1/jalter-en.
aEEG as a useful tool for neuromonitoring in critically ill children – Current evidence and knowledge gaps
Authors: Bruns Nora , Felderhoff‐Müser Ursula , Dohna‐Schwake Christian 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimAmplitude‐integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is used in children beyond neonatal age, but systematic investigations have been lacking. This mini‐review summarised aEEG studies on children aged one month to 18 years, evaluated the usefulness of aEEG and identified knowledge gaps or limitations.MethodsWe searched the PubMed database for articles published in English up to September 2020, and 23 papers were identified.ResultsaEEG was frequently used to compensate for the absence of continuous full‐channel EEG monitoring, particularly for detecting seizures. Interpreting background patterns was based on neonatal classifications, as reference values for older infants and children are lacking. It is possible that aEEG could predict outcomes after paediatric cardiac arrests and other conditions. Gaps in our knowledge exist with regard to normal values in healthy children and the effects of sedation on aEEG background patterns in children.ConclusionThe main application of aEEG was detecting and treating paediatric seizures. Further research should determine reference values and investigate the potential to predict outcome after critical events or in acute neurological disease. It is likely that aEEG will play a role in paediatric critical care in the future.
Quantifying the relationship between soil seed bank and plant community assemblage in sites harboring the threatened Ivesia webberi in the western Great Basin Desert
Authors: Borokini Israel T. , Weisberg Peter J. , Peacock Mary M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractQuestionsThe soil seed bank is an important ecosystem component that can be pivotal for long‐term persistence of many plant species, especially after disturbances followed by the invasion of alien weeds. However, many Great Basin Desert perennials produce relatively few viable seeds, while large areas of the Great Basin are currently invaded by alien weeds. This could result in dissimilarity in floristic composition between the above‐ground vegetative community and the soil seed bank, causing abrupt plant community shifts following disturbance. Therefore, we asked what is the relationship in the floristic composition between the above‐ground communities and the soil seed bank in sites where the threatened Ivesia webberi occurs?LocationThe Great Basin Desert, United States.MethodsWe used Dice–Sorensen's similarity index to estimate similarity between the standing vegetation and the soil seed bank. Redundancy analysis and variation partitioning were used to quantify the relationship between the total abundance of the sampled above‐ground flora and the soil seed bank, accounting for effects of spatial processes and environmental variables describing climate, soils, and vegetation in the 10 sites.ResultsFindings reveal high dissimilarity in species assemblage and abundance between the above‐ground plant communities and the soil seed bank. Most of the dominant native plant species sampled in the standing vegetation were absent in the soil seed bank, and the soil seed bank was dominated by invasive alien weeds.ConclusionsDivergence in the floristic composition between the above‐ground communities and the soil seed bank in Ivesia webberi habitat indicates low resilience and high risk of native species loss following perturbation. Post‐disturbance succession in these plant communities may be largely dominated by invasive annual species; therefore, reduction of invasive species and native plant seeding may be necessary to sustain the ecological legacies of the desert ecosystem.
Mapping the experiences of people with achalasia from initial symptoms to long‐term management
Authors: Kalantari Melika , Hollywood Amelia , Lim Rosemary , Hashemi Majid 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundAchalasia is a rare motility disorder affecting the oesophagus, which is associated with a range of symptoms and different treatment strategies. Currently, little is known about people's experiences with achalasia and its management. This study aimed to understand the experiences of people living with achalasia, from the initial onset of symptoms to long‐term management.MethodThis qualitative study explored the journey of people living with achalasia and outlined the care pathway using a process map. Ten female and five male participants living with achalasia (age range: 40‐73) took part, and all aspects of their diagnosis, treatment and management were discussed. A process map showing people's experiences by separating the management of their condition into a series of steps was developed to present the pathway in the participants’ journey. The analysis involved discussing the process map within the research team.ResultsThe process map comprised of 10 steps, which occurred before and after diagnosis. The developed map indicates that most participants managed their on‐going symptoms through stress management techniques and dietary changes. Key issues that participants highlighted about their journey managing achalasia were misdiagnosis, delay in diagnosis and lack of support in the long‐term management of achalasia.ConclusionsThis research was a novel study exploring patients’ experiences and management of achalasia and mapping their journey. Two distinct phases to their journeys were identified: before and after diagnosis. Areas highlighted by this study can provide a basis for future research, in particular behaviour change to support the long‐term management of achalasia.
Cognitive function in toddlers with congenital heart disease: The impact of a stimulating home environment
Authors: Bonthrone Alexandra F. , Chew Andrew , Kelly Christopher J. , Almedom Leeza , Simpson John , Victor Suresh , Edwards A. David , Rutherford Mary A. , Nosarti Chiara , Counsell Serena J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractInfants born with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental difficulties in childhood. The extent to which perioperative factors, cardiac physiology, brain injury severity, socioeconomic status, and home environment influence early neurodevelopment is not clear. Sixty‐nine newborns with CHD were recruited from St Thomas’ Hospital. Infants underwent presurgical magnetic resonance imaging on a 3‐Tesla scanner situated on the neonatal unit. At 22 months, children completed the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development‐3rd edition and parents completed the cognitively stimulating parenting scale to assess cognitive stimulation at home. Level of maternal education and total annual household income were also collected. Hospital records were reviewed to calculate days on the intensive care unit post‐surgery, time on bypass during surgery, and days to corrective or definitive palliative surgical intervention. In the final analysis of 56 infants, higher scores on the cognitively stimulating parenting scale were associated with higher cognitive scores at age 22 months, correcting for gestational age at birth, sex, and maternal education. There were no relationships between outcome scores and clinical factors; socioeconomic status; or brain injury severity. Supporting parents to provide a stimulating home environment for children may promote cognitive development in this high‐risk population.
Magnet hospital attributes in nursing work environment and its relationship to nursing students’ clinical learning environment and satisfaction
Authors: Rodríguez‐García M. Carmen , Márquez‐Hernández Verónica V. , Granados‐Gámez Genoveva , Aguilera‐Manrique Gabriel , Gutiérrez‐Puertas Lorena 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimsTo analyse nursing students’ perception of the Magnet hospital attributes of the work environment at the hospitals where they perform their clinical placement and the relationship of this factor to their clinical learning environment and supervision, satisfaction and intention to stay in those hospitals once graduated.DesignThis study had a cross‐sectional, correlational, design.MethodsData were collected using self‐reported questionnaires from 180 nursing students at a university in southeast Spain between September–October 2018. Nursing work environment and clinical learning environment were measured using the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index and Clinical Learning Environment, Supervision and Nurse Teacher scale, respectively. Students’ satisfaction with the work environment and with the clinical learning process were measured using a four‐point Likert scale developed by the researchers. Percentages, frequencies, mean, standard deviation, χ2 test, Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman and phi correlation were used to analyse the data.ResultsNursing students’ perception of greater Magnet‐like features at work environment was associated with better clinical learning environment (Spearman rs = |0.22–0.54|; p < .01) and satisfaction with the work environment (Spearman rs = 0.18; p = .01) and with their learning process (Spearman rs = 0.21; p < .01). Greater intention to stay working in the hospital after graduation was significantly associated with greater satisfaction with the learning process (phi = 0.31; p < .01) and the work environment (phi = 0.23; p = .02).ConclusionMagnet‐like features at the work environment lead to superior clinical learning environment and higher students’ satisfaction, two factors that play a decisive role in their decision to stay at hospitals where they performed clinicals after graduation.ImpactIn the face of a global nurse shortage, nursing managers and faculty leaders should consider the improvement of nursing workplaces as a strategic alliance to promote satisfactory clinical learning experience and aid recruitment of nurses.
The effect of delaying first bathing on skin barrier function in late preterm infants: A study protocol for multi‐centre, single‐blind RCT
Authors: Taşdemir Halil İbrahim , Efe Emine 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimsThe study aims to examine the effect of delaying first bathing on skin barrier function, body temperature, and neonatal comfort of late preterm infants.DesignThis study is a multi‐centre, single‐blind, prospective randomized controlled trial.MethodsWe attempt to report this randomized controlled trial to comply with the SPIRIT. The study population will consist of 80 late preterm infants born at three centres (hospitals) in Turkey. The study, between September 2020–September 2021 will be held in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The participants will be randomly divided into two groups, each with different bathing times. The first group (N = 40) will be bathed between 24–48 hr after birth and the second group (N = 40) will be bathed between 48–72 hr after birth. Each group's intervention will be performed by a blinded researcher. The infants’ transepidermal water loss, body temperature, and comfort level will be measured before the bath and again at three times after the bath. The measurements will be taken by a blinded researcher and blinded nurse.DiscussionThe benefits of infant bathing are known. However, the effect of delaying first bathing of late preterm infants on skin barrier function is unknown. At the same time, the effect of delaying bathing on maintaining body temperature and neonatal comfort is unknown.ImpactThis study is expected to provide a piece of credible evidence of the delay of first bathing and benefit of neonatal care in this population. It is thought that postponing bathing time of late preterm infants to 48–72 hr after birth will lead to a protective effect on skin barrier and temperature. It will be performed in clinical practice if it can effectively improve transepidermal water loss and heat loss.Trial registrationIt was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov in January 2020 (NCT04231799).