bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality assessment using concordance and discordance rates in medical findings
Authors: Kalra Jay , Entwistle Lyndon , Suryavanshi Sudhir , Chadha Rajeev 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the rate of concordance and discordance between clinical diagnosis and post‐mortem findings in patients admitted to the hospitals of the Saskatoon Health Region.Design/methodology/approachA retrospective record review of the medical and autopsy charts was carried out for all the deceased adult in‐patients admitted during calendar years 2002, 2003 and 2004. A total of 3416 in‐patient deaths were registered during the study period. Autopsies were performed on 206 of the deceased resulting in an autopsy rate of 6 percent. In accordance with selection criteria, 158 cases were included for this study. The mean age of subjects was 66.6±15.3 years with a range of 16‐94 years. The study group consisted of 92 males (58.2 percent) and 66 females (41.8 percent) with an average length of stay at the hospital of 12.9±10.9 days.FindingsThe concordance rate between clinical and autopsy diagnosis was found to be 75.3 percent. The discordance rate was 20.9 percent and in 3.8 percent of the study population a conclusive clinical or autopsy diagnosis was not finalized.Practical implicationsThese results suggest that despite of the technical advances in medical and diagnostic modalities, diagnostic discrepancies in the present day health care system remain prevalent.Originality/valueThe authors encourage residents and physicians to continue using autopsy as an important tool to extend understanding of disease processes.
Utilization of hospital resources: a survey‐based study of Saudi hospitals in Riyadh City
Authors: Al‐Omar Badran , Al‐Ghanim Saad 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to show that there is inappropriate utilization of resources in hospitals in all three health care sectors (whether Ministry of Health, military or private). Such misuses can be tracked down by understanding the factors associated with such utilization.Design/methodology/approachThe results were based on the assessment of some of the health staff and it could be argued that the rate of inappropriate utilization of hospital resources would have been different if it had been based on the patients' own assessments.FindingsThe results of this study show that regardless of the hospital type (or ownership), a substantial percentage of respondents perceive that hospital resources are inappropriately utilized. In fact, more than half of respondents in the three health care sectors indicate that the utilization of hospital resources is inappropriate. These results are inline with previous research which reported that the patient or the patient's family can contribute to unnecessary utilization by pressuring the physician to admit or by delaying discharge. In addition, although not examined in this study, patient characteristics such as lack of family support, age and lack of a health post‐discharge influence inappropriate hospital utilization.Practical implicationsIf overutilization or underutilization continues in this vein, it will markedly increase the burden on these hospitals and adversely affect the delivery of health services to the Saudi population.Originality/valueWhile several studies in different countries have described the problem of inappropriate utilization of hospital facilities, no previous studies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appear to have discussed this issue other than the present study.
Quality audit experience for excellence in healthcare
Authors: Alhatmi Yasmeen S. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeTo make an improvement on a larger scale and continuing along the path of quality auditing, this paper aims to identify the steps taken towards excellence for patient care in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH).Design/methodology/approachSQUH, in the Gulf country Sultanate of Oman, has enthusiastically entered the challenge of improving quality in healthcare while traveling towards healthcare excellence. It began with the successful achievement of ISO 9001:2000 certification (May 2005) and re‐certification (May 2008) and is now adopting accreditation standards.FindingsBeing a prominent 500‐bed teaching research hospital in the country offering general and distinguished specialized clinical services while adhering to continuing professional development, the source of motivation derives from the hospital's vision and mission, thus bringing the primary focus of auditing to a peak. By performing internal quality audit, proper monitoring of conformity by measuring the effectiveness to the stated intention in a cycle of continuous quality improvement (CQI) is ensured.Research limitations/implicationsTraditionally, health prevention and cure have always been the aim for the healthcare industry. Consequently it is the one industry that faces continuous pressures to improve quality and the one with the fastest‐growing interest in quality.Originality/valueThe paper puts forward a model that incorporates the fundamentals of quality improvement through quality auditing step by step in a systematic manner and shows measurable results.
Early organizational involvement (EOI): creating successful transitions from higher education to the work place
Authors: Cord Bonnie , Clements Michael D. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis purpose of this paper is to present EOI as an mechanism for higher education to better prepare students for the ever changing workforce, a collaborative effort from higher education and organizations is needed to support the transition of students from the classroom into industry.Design/methodology/approachThis viewpoint provides a mechanism to enhance the student outcomes from work related learning (WRL) programs, supported by student reflection. This paper presents one such WRL program that provides a vehicle for EOI to enhance student learning outcomes.FindingsThe positive learning outcomes through student reflection on their experience in the program endorses EOI as a mechanism for students' early professional development.Practical implicationsInvolving organizations earlier in higher education transition programs enables both students and perspective employers to maximize opportunities for learning and development. Engaging organizations through EOI will ensure WRL programs better prepare students and manage their expectations for the workplace, leading to greater retention and outcomes of graduates entering the workplace, benefiting the student, higher education and employer.Originality/valueThis paper provides an approach to support students transitioning from higher education into the workforce by engaging with organizations early on in the students' professional education.
Has anybody told the learners? A case study from the UK public sector
Authors: Bonsall Gary 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to consider whether current discourse about the change from trainer‐centered to learner‐centered interventions is a reality for trainers within a large UK public sector organization.Design/methodology/approachStructured interviews were conducted with a small sample of training staff. Data were analyzed to identify issues in relation to three areas in the literature: the changing role of the trainer; the role of the line manager in learning and development (L&D); and the importance of learning in the workplace.FindingsThe sample audience was aware of the need to improve or develop learner‐centric skills. However, they needed more strategic guidance as to what was required of them. Additionally, although the literature emphasizes the need for learners to be proactive in their learning, the sample audience's perception was that learners are not generally aware of this. It was also perceived that many line managers are ill‐equipped to play a full role in the L&D process, either through lack of skills or lack of interest. Furthermore, although all of those interviewed recognized the importance of learning in the workplace for themselves, this was not explicitly viewed as being relevant for the learning of others in the organization.Research limitations/implicationsThe research could be extended to include a larger sample of non‐trainers.Practical implicationsThere is a need for both managers and learners to be educated about their responsibilities for L&D.Originality/valueThe paper challenges the orthodoxy that learners are taking responsibility for their own learning. It is valuable to trainers, managers and learners as they adopt more learner‐centered approaches.
Experiential learning – a way to develop agile minds in the knowledge economy?
Authors: Jennings Charles , Wargnier Jérôme 
Published: April 2010

PurposeTechnology development over the past 20 years has radically increased the options we have in developing skills. Today's “new frontier” requires fresh approaches to developing agile minds and workforce capability. Experiential learning, an age‐old approach refreshed by recent technology developments, provides a key element in this new approach. A new understanding of experiential learning is essential if we are to develop new, efficient and effective learning paradigms.Design/methodology/approachThis article explores the latest thinking and practice of twenty‐first century experiential learning and is based on work carried out over the past two years and presented at a private event in London in October 2009.FindingsThe key finding is that most of our learning results from the experiences we have, from practice, from the opportunity to interact with others, and from taking time to reflect on these activities. In light of this, experiential learning and an “unknowingly prepared” mindset are the two keys to unlocking workforce capability which is about action rather than information. The adage “knowledge is power” has been replaced by “access is power”. Today's technology, particularly Web 2.0 and social media, provide the oil to this powerful new engine.Practical implicationsThere are several practical implications. Approaches to individual and organizational learning need to change. In the new world, learning is part of work and work needs to be seen as a set of learning experiences.Originality/valueThis paper offers a fresh perspective to how we learn. Companies that move to embed experiential learning approaches will be better‐placed to build and maintain workforce excellence and innovation.
When Web 2.0 becomes an organizational learning tool: evaluating Web 2.0 tools
Authors: Boateng Richard , Mbarika Victor , Thomas Carlos 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to conceptualize the link between Web 2.0 and organizational learning through a framework that assesses its adaptability as a learning tool.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper using arguments from organizational learning literature.FindingsThe authors show that, as learning tools, Web 2.0 tools should be able to create interaction, enable knowledge sharing, access pre‐knowledge, and generate and store new knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThe constructs are stepping stones towards a complete learning organization.Practical implicationsThe proposed framework brings organizations closer to prioritizing and evaluating learning tools and aligning them to dynamic social interactions in the workplace.Social implicationsThe proposed framework can inform the development of policies and procedures concerning the use of Web 2.0 tools by employees in the workplace.Originality/valueThe framework opens a new insight to the evaluation process for learning tools and an area of information systems and organizational development research where a handful have ventured.
Consumer behaviour and environmental quality in Hawaii
Authors: Choy Derrek , Prizzia Ross 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to add to the body of knowledge on the relationship between consumer behavior and environmental quality. The specific purpose is to gauge the predisposition of Hawaii residents to purchase a hybrid auto and their level of agreement to support legislation that improves ands protects environmental quality.Design/methodology/approachThe research is a case study based on a literature review of relevant Hawaii, national, and international publications and a survey of Hawaii consumers. The survey is an exploratory study using a non‐random sample of 350 Hawaii residents identified as owners of non‐hybrid cars.FindingsRegardless of age and gender, respondents agreed that they would purchase a hybrid car if the cost was the same as a traditional gas fueled car. There were significant correlations between agreement to purchase a hybrid car and agreement to support legislation that provides tax credits to consumers who purchased a hybrid car and other environmentally safe products, tax credits to companies that produce environmentally safe products, and penalties for government agencies, private organizations, and individuals who pollute the environment.Originality/valueThe paper is based on primary data from a survey of Hawaii consumers. Its content is not only valuable to people in the same field, but generates hypotheses for future research.
Contaminated sites and brownfield management
Authors: Luiza Silva Spínola Ana , Philippi Arlindo , Tomerius Stephan 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to briefly present aspects of public brownfield management policies from Brazilian and German points of view.Design/methodology/approachThe data collection method combined literature and documental research. The bibliography included Brazilian and German literature about brownfield management. The documental research includes Brazilian and German legislation and official documents published by CETESB, the Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Furthermore, publications of German governmental research institutions have been integrated in the paper.FindingsIn Brazil, despite the lack of a federal public policy, the State of São Paulo has approved specific rules to deal with contaminated sites. Topics that could be targets of scientific studies have been identified. Experiences in Germany show that it is essential to have political will and cooperation between the different political levels and technical disciplines. Partnerships between German and Brazilian universities would be welcome as there is a wide range of opportunities for academic post‐graduation studies and research focusing on human resources capacitation in environmental management.Originality/valueThe paper makes an original contribution of exploring an area (brownfield management) that is at the forefront of discussion in academe and industry.
Towards sustainable municipal solid waste management in Allahabad City
Authors: Saxena S. , Srivastava R.K. , Samaddar A.B. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the present waste management scenario in the city of Allahabad listing the gaps in the waste management system.Design/methodology/approachThe research work was divided into three stages. The first stage was the collection of background data regarding municipal solid waste management systems such as waste generation, waste collection, treatment and disposal methods. The second stage involved data organization and data analysis. The third stage provided the conceptual framework that has been developed for MSW management, and finally a sustainable and suitable waste management option was provided for improving the MSW management in Allahabad.FindingsThe existing solid waste management approach in the city is highly unprofessional and lacking in scientific methodologies. There is neither proper collection nor proper treatment and disposal of waste. Most of the waste is dumped in low lying areas leading to pollution of land, air and water due to leachate generation.Practical implicationsThere is need to develop a correct and detailed database of waste generation, collection and treatment system in various wards of Allahabad so that required manpower, equipments and other services can be estimated for designing a proper waste collection, treatment and disposal system. No site for engineered landfill has been identified as per the site selection criteria provided by Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. The suggestions in this paper have been made on the basis of data collected, actual observations and analysis.Originality/valueThe work identifies the gap in the present solid waste management system of Allahabad City.
Identifying pollution prevention opportunities in the Mexican auto refinishing industry
Authors: Munguía Nora , Zavala Andrea , Marin Amina , Moure‐Eraso Rafael , Velazquez Luis 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore the pollution prevention practices performed by workers in the Mexican auto refinishing industry as well as their implications on the occupational, safety and environmental health of workers and community.Design/methodology/approachInterviewer‐administered questionnaires were conducted with shop owners, workers, and neighbors, and repeated site visits to collect information on occupational practices (personal protective equipment (PPE) in use, engineering controls, hazard communication, level of technology), environmental impact (chemicals usage, wastes amounts, disposal, supply chain, impact to the neighborhood), and possible symptoms of work‐related adverse health effects.FindingsThe findings indicate that the Mexican auto body shop industry is not consistent with the accepted precepts of sustainability because it is not addressing the underlying topics of health, safety, and environment. When comparing working conditions between auto body workers in developed countries and those in Mexico, it is evident that Mexican workers perform their tasks under critical conditions; therefore, under considerable occupational and environmental risks.Practical implicationsThis article reveals five P2 opportunities that seem to have a potential relevance to the development of prevention and intervention strategies in the region to secure long‐term economic growth while improving environmental and working conditions.Originality/valueThis article provides the first insights about several opportunities for adopting pollution prevention strategies that improve environmental and occupational conditions in the auto refinishing industry in developing countries.
Prospective scenarios of the environmental management of the tourist destination of Porto de Galinhas based on the enlargement of the industrial and portuary complex of Suape, Pernambuco
Authors: Valença Sandro , do Carmo M. Sobral Maria , Ramos Daniella , Cavalcanti Carmen 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe aim of the paper is to document the development of prospective scenarios for the village of Porto de Galinhas for the year 2018, based on the enlargement of the industrial and portuary complex of Suape.Design/methodology/approachIn order to conceive the prospective scenarios, the following methods were used: literature research; field research, to direct observations; semi‐structured personal interviews; and, qualitative analysis of the collected data and information.FindingsThe research identified four critical factors to the future environmental sustainability of the village of Porto de Galinhas: elaboration of Ipojuca's coast support capacity study; elaboration of Ipojuca's director plan; use and occupation of the area of the old holiday home of the Governor of the State of Pernambuco, in Maracaípe; and the enlargement of the industrial and portuary complex of Suape.Practical implicationsThe following key aspects were found: creation of employment and income; industrial complexes; general infrastructure; education system; and environmental impacts. For each key‐aspect, the scenarios present forecasts that can guide the development of sustainable urban policies to Porto de Galinhas.Originality/valueBoth prospective scenarios, documented in the paper are clearly probable of practical application and, based on them, public, private and social organizations can develop policies of sustainable urbanization to the village. These will maximize the chances of the positive scenario being achieved and/or minimizing the chances of the negative scenarios happening.
Air quality index pattern around petroleum production facilities
Authors: Sonibare J.A. , Adebiyi F.M. , Obanijesu E.O. , Okelana O.A. 
Published: April 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to better understand the impact of petroleum production facilities on ambient air quality of host airshed.Design/methodology/approachField measurements were taken daily for four consecutive months around petroleum production facilities in the Niger Delta area, of Nigeria, one of the world's important petroleum producing areas. Statistical analysis tool and air quality analytical tool known as the air quality index (AQI) were applied on the field data obtained.FindingsThe mean measured daily concentrations of both carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) between distances 50 and 500 m of petroleum flow stations were of the range 140 – 3400 μg/m3 and 23 – 1250 μg/m3 respectively. The AQI from measured CO concentrations in the study area ranged between 1 and 44, an indication of good AQI category with no known health effects but a need for cautionary statement. Similarly, over 97 percent of the measured concentrations of NO2 were below 0.60 ppm which implies that the AQI of the host environment of the flow stations were below 200 with respect to NO2 thus indicating a good category of air with no health alarm. However, at the 60 m distance around a flow station, the AQI was 210 thus the quality of available air at this point could be described as very unhealthy. Generally the concentrations of CO were higher than NO2 in all the distances from the flow stations and were corroborated with their significant T‐test values. The T‐test results of the relationship between the concentrations of the air pollutants per time of the day, showed that their T‐test values were not significant, indicating that concentrations of these air pollutants were independent of the sampling time. A strong and positive correlation existed between the two air pollutants signifying common sources.Originality/valueThe paper highlights that at 60 m distance around petroleum production facilities, people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children should be prevented from gaining access in the morning without taking necessary precautionary measures against the inhalation of air pollutants.