bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategies for health and safety management in Ghana
Authors: Simpson Kweku Bedu , Sam Aloysius 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the contemporary strategies for Health and Safety (H&S) management practices at the construction sites in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach
The study used a mixed method approach in conducting a cross-sectional survey at 28 active construction sites in the Kumasi and Accra metropolises of Ghana using questionnaires and interview guide by using purposive, convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Data were collected from 170 survey respondents and 18 interview participants comprising artisans and management staff.

Findings
On H&S management practices, the study found that most construction sites have policies for H&S delivery and are duly followed and enforced. Nonetheless, construction workers moderately agreed that there was reward for; the avoidance and reduction of accidents and illnesses, good H&S behaviour and provision for insurance and hospital claims. It was also revealed that most of the construction sites adopt either one or a combination of mandatory H&S standards. Generally, most workers possessed a fairly positive perception about the H&S management practices at their sites and were either satisfied or very satisfied with its performance.

Research limitations/implications
Generalizing the findings beyond the study areas is limited because of the use of the non-probability sampling techniques.

Originality/value
This study focused on the active construction sites in the study areas to investigate their H&S practices against the backdrop of numerous publications describing the general H&S situation in Ghana as poor. It revealed the current H&S performance of the construction sites for the benefit of the construction industry, researchers and the academia.
Talent retention in Indian public sector units (PSUs): an empirical investigation
Authors: Mukherjee Bidhan , Chandra Bibhas , Singh Saumya 
Published: September 2019

PurposeIn response to scholarly calls, this study aims to explore the persuasive predictors including (job security, autonomy, work-life balance, culture and climate, career growth, leadership style and support, training and development and reward, recognition and pay) of talent retention in Indian PSUs by emphasising the commonalities and differences between different category of employees from different cohorts based on their contribution in the prime function of the business.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 472 employees from selected organisations through Multistage sampling technique and Simple random sampling technique. Data were analysed using tests such as logistic regression, MANOVA,post hocTukey in SPSS 20.FindingsJob security, autonomy, career growth and culture and climate are the persuasive predictors of talent retention in Indian PSUs. However, there is a significant interaction effect of age and job standard on job security. Job security and perceived employability do not relate to age for core category employees rather possess identical perception than other employee category. Findings indicate that identifying the position to be retained is more viable than a common retention strategy.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing knowledge of talent retention by exploring novel insights in comprehending the commonalities and differences of different employee category at all level from different cohorts, sharing different responsibilities in the prime function of the business that has largely been ignored. The study can succour in improving performance and cost-effective retention strategy.
Assessing the state of lean and six sigma practices in healthcare in Mexico
Authors: Peimbert-García Rodrigo E. , Matis Timothy , Beltran-Godoy Jaime H. , Garay-Rondero Claudia L. , Vicencio-Ortiz Julio C. , López-Soto Diana 
Published: September 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess the state at which lean and six sigma (LSS) are used as a management system to improve the national health system national health system of Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach
Cross-sectional survey-research. The survey was administered at 30 different hospitals across six states in Mexico. These were selected using convenience sampling and participants (N = 258) were selected through random/snowball sampling procedures, including from top managers down to front-line staff.

Findings
Only 16 per cent of respondents reported participation in LSS projects. Still, these implementations are limited to using isolated tools, mainly 5s, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) and Fishbone diagram, with the lack of training/knowledge and financial resources as the top disabling factors. Overall, LSS has not become systematic in daily management and operations.

Research limitations/implications
The sampling procedure was by convenience; however, every attempt was made to ensure a lack of bias in the individual responses. If still there was a bias, it is conjectured that this would likely be in overestimating the penetration of LSS.

Practical implications
The penetration of LSS management practices into the Mexican health system is in its infancy, and the sustainability of current projects is jeopardized given the lack of systematic integration. Hence, LSS should be better spread and communicated across healthcare organizations in Mexico.

Originality/value
This is the first research work that evaluates the use of LSS management practices in a Latin American country, and the first journal paper that focuses on LSS in healthcare in Mexico.
Development and validation of the willingness to intervene in bullying scale
Authors: Chen Li‐Ming , Jin Kuan‐Yu 
Published: September 2019

BackgroundMost bullying incidents occur in the presence of bystanders, with few choosing to intervene. Therefore, the development of a valid instrument to measure individuals’ willingness to intervene in bullying is warranted.AimsThis study aimed to develop as well as validate a self‐reported willingness to intervene in bullying scale (WIBS) for secondary school students.SamplesTwo junior high school students’ samples (N = 553; N = 950) in Taiwan were collected for both scale revision and scale validation.MethodsThis study examined whether ‘perceived severity of bullying’ and ‘self‐efficacy of intervention’ were important attributes of the willingness to intervene in bullying. The partial credit model (PCM) and the model with internal restriction of item difficulty (MIRID) were utilized to fit the data.ResultsThe WIBS had good model–data fit with both the PCM and the MIRID, and it suggested (via the MIRID) that ‘perceived severity of bullying’ and ‘self‐efficacy of intervention’ are important components of the willingness to intervene in bullying scenarios, although the latter component had greater weight than did the former. Moreover, the willingness to intervene was related to the pro‐victim attitude and self‐reported defending behaviours.ConclusionsStudents’ willingness to intervene in school bullying situations could be explained by their self‐efficacy in stopping bullying and their perceived severity of bullying incidents. Therefore, educators and researchers should attempt to raise students’ self‐efficacy regarding intervention and their perceived severity of all kinds of bullying to promote their willingness to intervene in school bullying situations.
Fighting the flinch: Experimentally induced compassion makes a difference in health care providers
Authors: Reynolds Lisa M. , Powell Philip , Lin Yee Sing , Ravi Kripa , Chung Chia‐Yun Karen , Consedine Nathan S. 
Published: September 2019

ObjectivesAlthough health care providers are required to sustain care in difficult circumstances, some patients challenge this principle. Evoking compassion seems likely to be helpful in such situations. This research aimed to evaluate whether inducing compassion in health care providers might mitigate disengagement with patients who have challenging presenting features such as those with disgusting symptoms and/or are to blame for their own health problems.DesignAn online experimental study with clinical health care providers.MethodsMedical students (n = 219) and qualified health care professionals (n = 108) took part in an online experiment. Participants were randomized to view a slideshow of either neutral images (control) or compassion‐inducing images (compassion condition) and were then presented with a series of patient vignettes where presenting problems systematically varied on patient responsibility and disgusting symptoms. Engagement was assessed by asking participants how caring they felt, how much they would want to help, how challenging it would be, and whether they would wear a mask.ResultsParticipants reported less engagement with patients who were responsible for their illness and who presented with disgusting symptoms. Induced compassion offset disengagement and qualified health professionals were more caring and willing to help patients than medical students. The compassion induction eliminated some differences between experienced and trainee clinicians.ConclusionsThis research demonstrates that disgust and patient responsibility impacts clinical engagement and that medical students are more impacted by such scenarios than qualified health providers. Inducing compassion may help to mitigate these differences, and further investigation into strategies that foster engagement with difficult patients is warranted.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on the subject?

Health care providers are required to sustain care across all patients; however, some patients are more difficult to engage with than others.

Clinical engagement appears to be impacted when patients present with disgusting symptoms and/or are to blame for their own health problems.

What does this study add?

This work reports on a vignette‐based study that shows that disgusting symptoms and patient responsibility impact self‐reported measures of clinical engagement in response to patient scenarios.

Qualified health care providers are less likely to disengage in these situations than medical students.

A very brief online induction of compassion has potential to mitigate differences between trained professionals and students.
Low rate of local recurrence detection by rectoscopy in follow‐up of rectal cancer
Authors: Tronstad P.K. , Simpson L.V. Hume , Olsen B. , Pfeffer F. , Karliczek A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimThe main aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of rectoscopy for detecting local recurrence of rectal cancer in patients following low anterior resection.MethodThis was a retrospective study of 201 patients, who underwent low anterior resection for rectal or rectosigmoid cancer between 2007 and 2009 and who were followed up with rigid rectoscopy and imaging. A total of 91 patients were excluded from the analysis for various reasons, leaving 110 patients eligible for analysis.ResultsA total of 613 rectoscopies were performed, and 48 biopsies taken. Six local recurrences were detected in the 110 patients, three of which were first detected by rectoscopy and three by CT. Two of the local recurrences were detected outside the follow‐up programme because of symptoms: one by rectoscopy and one by CT. Three of 613 (0.5%) rectoscopies led to detection of local recurrence. The sensitivity and specificity of rectoscopy to detect local recurrence was 0.50 and 0.93, respectively. Nineteen distant metastases were detected, and two patients had both local recurrence and distant metastasis. All local recurrences and distant metastases were detected within 48 months of surgery.ConclusionRigid rectoscopy is poor at detecting local recurrence. Only 3 out of 613 rectoscopies (0.5%) detected local recurrence. Due to extramural growth of some recurrences, the sensitivity is also very low. Based on our results, routine rectoscopy in the surveillance of asymptomatic patients cannot be recommended.
Left atrial structure and function predictors of recurrent fibrillation after catheter ablation: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bajraktari Gani , Bytyçi Ibadete , Henein Michael Y. 
Published: September 2019

SummaryBackgroundCatheter ablation (CA) has become a conventional treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), but remains with high recurrence rate. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to determine left atrial (LA) structure and function indices that predict recurrence of AF.MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed‐Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Central Registry, up to September 2017 in order to select clinical trials and observational studies which reported echocardiographic predictors of AF recurrence after CA. Eighty‐five articles with a total of 16 126 patients were finally included.ResultsThe pooled analysis showed that after a follow‐up period of 21 ± 12 months, patients with AF recurrence had larger LA diameter with weighted mean difference (WMD: 2·99 ([95% CI 2·50–3·47], P<0·001), larger LA volume index (LAVI) maximal and LAVI minimal (P<0·0001 for both), larger LA area (P<0·0001), lower LA strain (P<0·0001) and lower LA total emptying fraction (LA EF) (P<0·0001) compared with those without AF recurrence. The most powerful LA predictors (in accuracy order) of AF recurrence were as follows: LA strain <19% (OR: 3·1[95% CI, –1.3‐10·4], P<0·0001), followed by LA diameter ≥50 mm (OR: 2·75, [95% CI 1·66–4·56,] P<0·0001), and LAVmax >150 ml (OR: 2·25, [95% CI, 1.1–5·6], P = 0·0002).ConclusionsBased on this meta‐analysis results, a dilated left atrium with diameter more than 50 mm and volume above 150 ml or myocardial strain below 19% reflect an unstable LA that is unlikely to hold sinus rhythm after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation.
Endocan as a marker of disease severity in pulmonary thromboembolism
Authors: Kuluöztürk Mutlu , İn Erdal , İlhan Nevin 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study is to determine the serum endocan levels in patients with pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and investigate whether a relationship exists between serum endocan levels and the disease severity.Materials and MethodsThe study included 85 patients with acute PTE and 40 healthy control subjects. The patients with PTE were divided into three groups at admission as “high‐risk”, “intermediate‐risk” and “low‐risk”, considering the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. Serum endocan levels in all participants' blood samples were measured.ResultsThe mean serum endocan levels were significantly higher in the PTE group, compared to the control subjects (P < 0.001). Serum endocan levels were significantly higher in the “high‐risk” group when compared with patients in the “low‐risk” and “intermediate‐risk” groups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01 respectively). Similarly, serum endocan levels were higher in the “intermediate‐risk” group compared to those in the “low‐risk” group (P < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between serum endocan levels and partial oxygen pressure (r = −0.262, P = 0.016), whereas a positive correlation was found between the serum endocan levels and systolic pulmonary arterial pressure (r = 0.296, P = 0.006). Additionally, endocan had an area under the curve in the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.837 (0.768‐0.907; 95% CI; P < 0.001) and cut‐off value was 194.5 pg/mL (sensitivity 80%, specificity 72.5%).ConclusionSerum endocan levels were higher and related to the severity of the disease in PTE patients. Additionally, endocan could be an indicator to be used in the diagnosis of PTE and in the prediction of the disease severity.
Both hypo‐ and hyperglycaemia are associated with increased fracture risk in Japanese people with type 2 diabetes: the Fukuoka Diabetes Registry
Authors: Komorita Y. , Iwase M. , Fujii H. , Ohkuma T. , Ide H. , Yoshinari M. , Oku Y. , Nakamura U. , Kitazono T. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAimThe impact of glycaemic control on fracture risk is controversial, which may be due to the possible presence of hypoglycaemia. The aim of this study was to separately investigate the impacts of severe hypoglycaemia and poor glycaemic control on fracture risk in people with type 2 diabetes.MethodsOverall, 4706 Japanese participants (2755 men and 1951 postmenopausal women) with type 2 diabetes (mean age 66 years) were followed prospectively (a median of 5.3 years; follow‐up rate, 97.6%), and were stratified by severe hypoglycaemia status and glycaemic control. The primary outcome was fractures at any anatomic site.ResultsFractures occurred in 662 participants (249 men and 413 women). The age‐ and sex‐adjusted incidence rates (expressed per 1000 person‐years) were: 71.2 (multiple episodes of severe hypoglycaemia), 43.1 (one episode), 25.2 [HbA1c < 53 mmol/mol (< 7%) without severe hypoglycaemia], 28.7 [HbA1c 53 to < 64 mmol/mol (7% to < 8%) without severe hypoglycaemia], 27.7 [HbA1c 64 to < 75 mmol/mol (8% to < 9%) without severe hypoglycaemia] and 40.5 [HbA1c ≥ 75 mmol/mol (≥ 9%) without severe hypoglycaemia]. Multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for fractures were 2.24 (1.56, 3.21) in those with multiple episodes of severe hypoglycaemia, and 1.42 (1.04, 1.95) in those with HbA1c ≥ 75 mmol/mol (≥ 9%) without severe hypoglycaemia, compared with those with HbA1c < 53 mmol/mol (< 7%) without severe hypoglycaemia.ConclusionsBoth severe hypoglycaemia and poor glycaemic control were significantly related to an increased risk of fracture in people with type 2 diabetes, although severe hypoglycaemia conferred a stronger risk.
A fresh look at inland fisheries and their role in food security and livelihoods
Authors: Funge‐Smith Simon , Bennett Abigail 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe role of inland fisheries in livelihoods, food security and sustainable development is often overshadowed by the higher profile interest in ocean issues. Whilst inland fisheries' catch and contribution to global nutrition, food security and the economy, are less than that of marine fisheries, global‐level comparisons of fish production obscure considerable livelihood impacts in certain countries and sub‐national areas. To highlight these contributions, this paper synthesizes recent data and innovative approaches for assessing such livelihood contributions and their importance in countries with limited access to ocean resources and aquaculture. Inland fisheries are crucial for many socially, economically and nutritionally vulnerable groups of people around the world, but the challenges in monitoring inland fisheries preclude a complete understanding of the magnitude of their contributions. This situation is rapidly improving with increasing recognition of inland fisheries in development discourses, which has also encouraged research to enhance knowledge on the importance of inland fisheries. We review this work, including collated information published in a recent Food and Agriculture Organization report, to provide an up to date characterization of the state of knowledge on the role of inland fisheries.
‘Dignity and respect’: An example of service user leadership and co‐production in mental health research
Authors: Faulkner Alison , Carr Sarah , Gould Dorothy , Khisa Christine , Hafford‐Letchfield Trish , Cohen Rachel , Megele Claudia , Holley Jessica 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis paper explores the methodological aspects of a user‐led study investigating mental health service user experiences of targeted violence and abuse (often called 'hate crime'). 'Keeping Control' was a 16‐month qualitative study, undertaken in the context of adult safeguarding reforms in England. By collecting data on service user concepts and experiences, the research sought to address a gap in research and practice knowledge relating to targeted violence, abuse and hostility against people with mental health problems. In this paper, we discuss the significance of the design and methodology used for this study, with a particular focus on the interviews with service users. The research was both user‐led and carried out in collaboration with practitioners and academics, a form of research co‐production. Our aim is to inform researchers, practitioners and policymakers about the value of user leadership in co‐productive research with practitioners, particularly for a highly sensitive and potentially distressing topic.
Older persons’ experiences regarding evaluation of their medication treatment—An interview study in Sweden
Authors: Holmqvist Malin , Thor Johan , Ros Axel , Johansson Linda 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundOlder persons with polypharmacy are at increased risk of harm from medications, and this issue is a global patient safety challenge. Harm may arise at all stages of medication use and may cause hospital admission, additional resource utilization and lower patient satisfaction. Older persons’ participation in their own care may increase patient safety. Their views on the evaluation of their medication treatment, and their own involvement in it, are crucial yet poorly understood.ObjectivesTo identify opportunities to make the medication use process safer, we explored and described older persons’ experiences of evaluation of their medication treatment.DesignSemi‐structured interviews were performed with 20 community‐dwelling older persons (age 75‐91 years) in Sweden. Data were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis.ResultsThese older persons reported having a responsibility to engage in their medication evaluations, although some felt unable to do so or considered themselves unconcerned. Evaluation, in their experience, was facilitated by continuity of care and an invitation to participate. However, some older persons experienced not receiving a comprehensive medication evaluation.Discussion and conclusionOlder persons want to be actively involved in their medication evaluations, and this may represent an underutilized resource in the pursuit of patient safety. Their trust in physicians to undertake evaluations on a regular basis, although that does not necessarily occur, may cause harm. Patient safety could benefit from a co‐production approach to medication evaluations, with health‐care professionals explicitly sharing information with older persons and agreeing on responsibilities related to on‐going medication treatment.
Phase evolution of SiOC‐based ceramic nanocomposites derived from a polymethylsiloxane modified by Hf‐ and Ti‐alkoxides
Authors: Sun Jia , Wen Qing‐Bo , Li Tao , Wiehl Leonore , Fasel Claudia , Feng Yao , De Carolis Dario , Yu Zhao‐Ju , Fu Qian‐Gang , Riedel Ralf 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSiOC/HfO2‐based ceramic nanocomposites with in situ formed HfO2 nanoparticles were prepared via a single‐source precursor (SSP) approach starting from a polymethylsilsesquioxane (PMS) modified by Hf‐ and Ti‐alkoxides. By varying the alkyl‐group of the employed Hf‐alkoxides, SiOC/HfO2‐based ceramic nanocomposites with different HfO2 polymorphs formed via thermal decomposition of the SSP under the same heat‐treatment conditions. Using PMS chemically modified by Hf(OnBu)4, tetragonal HfO2 phase was formed after the synthesis at 1100°C in Ar, whereas both, tetragonal and monoclinic HfO2 nanocrystals, were analyzed when replacing Hf(OnBu)4 by Hf(OiPr)4. After oxidation of the synthesized nanocomposites in air at 1500°C, a facile formation of oxidation‐resistant HfSiO4 (hafnon) phase occurred by the reaction of HfO2 nanocrystals with silica present in the SiOC nanocomposite matrix derived from Hf(OiPr)4‐modified SSPs. Moreover the amount of hafnon is dramatically increased by the additional modification of the polysiloxane with Ti‐alkoxides. In contrast, ceramic nanocomposites derived from Hf(OnBu)4‐modified SSPs, almost no HfSiO4 is detected after oxidation at 1500°C even though in the case of Ti‐alkoxide‐modified single‐source precursor.