bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unintended consequences of performance measurement in healthcare: 20 salutary lessons from the English National Health Service
Authors: Mannion R. , Braithwaite J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe objective of the study is to review the evidence on the consequences associated with the introduction of national performance measurement systems in the National Health Service (NHS), with the aim of informing the development of similar national performance measurement programmes proposed for Australia. Narrative review of the published evidence on the unintended and adverse consequences of performance measurement systems in the NHS is the data source. We identified 20 different dysfunctional consequences of national performance measurement systems in the NHS in four headings. These are poor measurement (measurement fixation, tunnel vision, myopia, ossification, anachronism and quantification privileging), misplaced incentives and sanctions (complacency, silo‐creation, overcompensation, undercompensation, insensitivity and increased inequality), breach of trust (misrepresentation, gaming, misinterpretation, bullying, erosion of trust and reduced staff morale), and politicisation of performance systems (political grandstanding and creating a diversion). Performance measurement programmes can contribute to systems improvement, delivering benefits to health services and patients, as evidenced by the dramatic reduction in waiting times in the NHS following the incorporation of targets and indicators for waiting times. Nevertheless, experience from the NHS shows that in addition to generating desired improvements, performance measures can induce a range of unintended and dysfunctional consequences. We recommend Australia to heed the lessons of the NHS, and strive to balance effective performance measurement and management against the potential drawbacks and adverse consequences. Any national performance measures need to be piloted and carefully evaluated to assess potential benefits and pitfalls.
Examining the Stability and Variability of Routine Performances: The Effects of Experience and Context Change
Authors: Turner Scott F. , Fern Michael J. 
Published: May 2012

abstractThis study examines how the performance experience of actors shapes the stability and variability of routine performances. We argue that experience in performing a routine provides actors with greater understandings of the routine and its context, which provides an overall stabilizing effect on routine performances, but experience also heightens actors' capacity to adjust performances in response to changes in contextual constraints. Our analyses of routine performances in the waste collection sector are generally consistent with the arguments. Our findings also highlight differences in how actors' experience affects responsiveness to different forms of change in contextual constraints. These findings help to extend our understanding of the micro‐foundations of routines.
Intentions, Intermediaries, and Interaction: Examining the Emergence of Routines
Authors: Bapuji Hari , Hora Manpreet , Saeed Akbar M. 
Published: May 2012

abstractA thorough understanding of how routines emerge is necessary to derive the performance benefits they yield for organizations. In this paper, we suggest that a routine emerges from interactions between actors, interactions that are enabled by the exchange of intermediaries. Specifically, intermediaries transmit the intentions of one actor to another and thus potentially align the actions and responses of those actors. If, however, the intermediaries that are exchanged do not clearly transmit the intentions of one actor to another, then a weak routine emerges. Conversely, if intermediaries clearly transmit the intentions, a strong routine emerges in which a given action more often meets with the expected response across iterations. We substantiate our arguments with a field experiment on the towel‐changing routine in a hotel where we manipulated the procedure to exchange towels, which resulted in the emergence of a stronger routine. Our study offers several implications for theoretical and empirical research on routines, including to the burgeoning research on micro‐foundations.
Dynamics of Organizational Routines: A Generative Model
Authors: Pentland Brian T. , Feldman Martha S. , Becker Markus C. , Liu Peng 
Published: May 2012

abstractThis paper introduces a generative model of organizational routines and their change over time. The model demonstrates that variation and selective retention of patterns of action are necessary and sufficient to explain the features of organizational routines that are most relevant in relation to dynamic capabilities, such as formation, inertia, endogenous change, and learning. The model directly links micro‐level actions to the macro‐level dynamics of routines. The results suggest that focusing on action provides a useful and parsimonious foundation for a theory of organizational routines and capabilities.
Addressing Ethnicity in Social Care Research
Authors: Vickers Tom , Craig Gary , Atkin Karl 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis article surveys recent developments in relation to the dimensions of ethnicity and ethnic disadvantage in social policy research and practice, with a focus on social care. While there has been limited increase in attention to ethnicity within general policy discussion and increasing sophistication within specialist debates, advances in theory and methodology have largely failed to penetrate the research mainstream, let alone policy or practice. This is a long‐standing problem. We advocate more focused consideration of ethnicity and ethnic disadvantage at all levels. Failure to do so creates the risk of social policy research being left behind in understanding rapid changes in ethnic minority demographics and patterns of migration, with increasing disadvantage to minorities.
Variation and Change in Sark Norman French1
Authors: Jones Mari C. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWith fewer than twenty remaining speakers, Sark Norman French (Sercquais) is the most vulnerable extant variety of insular Norman. It is therefore essential that the dialect is analysed and documented while native speakers remain. By comparing recent new data with forms recorded in previous decades by two linguistic atlases, this study examines variation and change in the phonology of Sercquais and sketches some areas of interest in the dialect’s lexis. Following Dorian (1994), the study further suggests that not all cases of widespread variation in dying languages should be automatically attributed to the process of obsolescence.
TAKING EXCEPTION TO THE GRENZFALL'S RECEPTION: REVISITING KARL BARTH'S ETHICS OF WAR
Authors: PUFFER MATTHEW 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis article investigates Karl Barth's ethics of war and its reception by placing the discussion within the larger framework of the general ethics of Church Dogmatics II/2 and the special ethics of Church Dogmatics III/4. It gives careful attention to the infamously problematic “exceptional case” to illumine what sort of “exception,” if any, the provocative passages on war entail. The outlines of Barth's ethical framework and the Grenzfall, or borderline case, provide the background for the re‐evaluation of three common interpretations of his views on war.
Immigrant Fertility: A Comparative Study between Italy and Russia
Authors: Mussino Eleonora , Van Raalte Alyson A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn this paper, we contribute to the analysis of fertility differentials between female migrants and the native‐born by examining the transition to first child using event history analysis. We use event history as a quantitative translation of the life‐course approach. The data examined are the Italian Families and Social Subjects (FSS) survey, conducted in 2003, and the Russian Parents and Children, Men and Women in Family and Society survey, conducted in 2004. We examine the data sets separately and contrast the results. The objective of the study is twofold. First, we seek to determine whether differences exist in the decision and timing of childbearing between native and immigrant women in Italy and in Russia. Second, we aim to compare the experiences of immigrants in the two countries, to determine whether there may be any commonalities inherent to the immigrant populations despite moving into widely different contexts. Our results suggest that the age profiles and marital status similarly affect the immigrant regardless of whether she is migrating to Russia or to Italy. In Italy, educational attainment is positively correlated with first‐birth intensities for immigrants – the opposite of what is observed for the native‐born. In Russia, education is not a significant determinant for immigrants. This leads us to the following conclusion: the similarity in the risk profiles of our immigrants into vastly different country contexts is more suggestive of immigrants following a distinct life course, with common risk profiles for bearing their first child, than assimilating or conforming to the native fertility patterns. Social capital in particular may play a different role in determining fertility patterns for immigrants, as it does for the native‐born.
Sleep apnea as a comorbidity in obese psoriasis patients: a cross‐sectional study. Do psoriasis characteristics and metabolic parameters play a role?
Authors: Papadavid E. , Vlami K. , Dalamaga M. , Giatrakou S. , Theodoropoulos K. , Gyftopoulos S. , Stavrianeas N. , Papiris S. , Rigopoulos D. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground  Psoriasis is associated with a variety of comorbidities such as obesity and cardiovascular disease.Objective  In a cross‐sectional study, we explored whether obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is associated with psoriasis characteristics and metabolic parameters.Methods  Thirty‐five patients with chronic plaque psoriasis underwent a nocturnal polysomnography study and were analysed for Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index to assess OSAHS severity and Framigham score to predict the absolute risk of coronary artery disease at 10 years. The association of OSAHS with psoriasis was examined according to psoriasis characteristics (PASI and DLQI scores, disease duration and previous use of systemic treatments), metabolic parameters (Body Mass Index – BMI, waist to hip ratio – WHR, lipid profile) and other comorbidities (obesity, hypertension, arthritis and cardiovascular disease).Results  There was no correlation between psoriasis characteristics and OSAHS. Psoriasis patients with OSAHS presented more frequent snoring and lower sleep quality compared with those without OSAHS. In univariate analyses, OSAHS was associated with increased BMI and hypertension in psoriasis patients. In multivariable logistic regression models, there was statistically significant evidence that only BMI and hypertension were associated with increased risk of OSAHS, adjusting for psoriasis characteristics, age and gender. Presence of metabolic syndrome, WHR, and smoking were not significant risk factors for OSAHS. In subgroup analyses, OSAHS correlated with duration of psoriasis (>8 years) in women (P = 0.021) and with Framigham score in men (P = 0.035).Conclusion  OSAHS may be a comorbidity in obese psoriasis patients with hypertension. Treatment with continuous positive airway pressure and weight loss interventions should be initiated.
An autoethnographic approach to understanding Asperger's syndrome: a personal exploration of self‐identity through reflexive narratives
Authors: Hughes Paul 
Published: May 2012

Accessible Summary

This article discusses how conceptual frameworks may be used to cope with Asperger's syndrome from a personal point of view.
The work encourages those with Asperger's syndrome to view the self in symbolic interactionism terms in which part of the self is projected as a thought out, projected self through reflective consideration of the ‘Other’.
Symbolic interactionism describes the way we act in social situations based on our interpretations of how we think others see us. Understanding the ‘self’ in symbolic interactionism terms can help us engage more effectively with the scenarios in which we find ourselves.
The work makes use of autoethnography, described as using autobiographical personal experiences to explore aspects of one's own life, to reflect on (i) personal journal narratives and (ii) experiences of school communication classes to help understand the Asperger's self in social situations.

SummaryThis article makes use of autoethnography in which I, as researcher, explore my own awareness of Asperger's syndrome and how this, in turn, has helped me deal with many day to day situations I have encountered. The work illustrates how actively engaging with one's own life story narratives can help the Asperger's learner come to terms with his or her Asperger's self. The work makes use of symbolic interactionism to construct an outward image of the self and then use this projection to play out and engage with the social situations one encounters.The article begins with a brief biographic picture of stages of my school and college journey. This places the work in context. It then discusses the autoethnography approach I use to examine aspects of myself, and how symbolic interactionism provides a framework with which to explore social action in the learning context. Examples from personal journals are used to illustrate aspects of my quest to understand the nature and essence of my Asperger's self.
Having friends – they help you when you are stuck from money, friends and making ends meet research group
Authors:   The Money, Friends and Making Ends Meet Research Group c/o Liz Tilly
Published: May 2012

Accessible SummaryWe are people who do not get support from services and we have been doing some research about our lives, so we can share our stories about ‘money, friends and making ends meet’ with other people. We find it is hard to make ends meet and we do not know many people outside of our friends and family groups but we have each other, families and local groups such as churches for help and support.SummaryThis article is about the lived experiences and friendships of a small group of people with a learning disability who live without support in one of the most deprived areas in the UK. The findings are from an inclusive research project, that was named Money, Friends and Making Ends Meet and the participants who researched their own lives become known as the Money, Friends and Making Ends Meet research group. The group all experienced poverty, had limited social networks, many of whom are other people with a learning disability but did value the support they had from friends and family and local organisations.
Discrepancies between elderly patient’s self‐reported and prescribed medications: a social investigation
Authors: Yasein Nada A. , Barghouti Farihan F. , Irshaid Yacoub M. , Suleiman Ahmad A. 
Published: May 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 131–138

Discrepancies between elderly patient’s self‐reported and prescribed medications: a social investigation
Aims:  To study some characteristics of the elderly people attending the family practice clinic at the Jordan University Hospital (JUH) and to evaluate their knowledge of the prescribed drugs.Methods:  A total of 400 elderly people (180 men and 220 women) aged 71 ± 5.8 years were studied regarding sociodemographic characteristics and the use of medicinal and nonmedicinal remedies. In addition, agreement between self‐reported drug information and information taken from the medical records was also evaluated.Findings:  Almost one‐third of the patients had full agreement between their knowledge of total number of drugs they take and the numbers found in the medical records, whereas 43.4% underestimated and 21.8% overestimated these numbers. Five drugs/classes were accurately estimated by the patient (methyldopa, ezetimibe, warfarin, statins and antigout drugs). Underestimation was noticed in 17 drugs/classes and overestimation in 14. The significantly underestimated drug classes were biphoshponates, proton pump inhibitors, sulfonylureas and antiepileptic drugs.Conclusion:  Some aspects of elderly people were evaluated regarding their medication knowledge. Almost two‐third of the patients did not take their drugs in the proper way. The results of the study highlight the importance of taking several actions by all healthcare workers and by the community to optimise health care provided for elderly people.
A case for gender equity in governance of the Okavango Delta fisheries in Botswana
Authors: Ngwenya Barbara Ntombi , Mosepele Ketlhatlogile Keta , Magole Lapologang 
Published: May 2012

AbstractFish is a major source of livelihood for the majority of people living around the Okavango Delta in northwestern Botswana. Gender dynamics and governance regimes determine differential access to, and control of, resources between women and men in the area. The purpose of this case study is to critically assess the embeddedness of gendered inequities in the governance of Okavango Delta fishery. Primary data was collected through focus group discussions and face‐to‐face interviews of 96 basket fishers from five villages along the Panhandle area of the Okavango River. The study found that past and present Okavango Delta fishery policy and programme interventions tended to entrench rather than minimize gendered disparities between women and men fishers' access to and control over fish resources, asset accumulation and employment opportunities. Basket fishers have intimate knowledge of flood variability, fish migration and habitat and use this knowledge to make decisions about when and where to harvest what fish species. Women fishers' ecological knowledge, interests and concerns however, have been excluded from current zoning and closed season regulations and co‐management structures. The paper concludes that past and current development interventions as well as the regulatory framework continue to entrench pre‐existing gender relations in the fishery sector which excludes, disempowers and marginalizes women fishers. We recommend innovative co‐management and local based structures which recognize the diversity of interests and interest groups.
Water security: Old concepts, new package, what value?
Authors: Lautze Jonathan , Manthrithilake Herath 
Published: May 2012

Abstract“Water security” has come to infiltrate prominent discourse in the international water and development community, and achieving it is often viewed as a new water sector target. Despite the elevated status that the concept has increasingly acquired, understandings of the term are murky and quantification is rare. To promote a more tangible understanding of the concept, this paper develops an index for evaluating water security at a country level. The index is comprised of indicators in five components considered to be critical to the concept: (i) basic needs; (ii) agricultural production; (iii) the environment; (iv) risk management; and (v) independence. Achieving water security in these components can be considered necessary but insufficient criteria to measure the achievement of security in related areas such as health, livelihoods, and industry. After populating indicators with data from Asia‐Pacific countries, results are interpreted and the viability of methods is discussed. This effort comprises an important first step for quantifying and assessing water security across countries, which should spur more concrete understanding of the term and discussion of its added value.
Investigation of actual daily lifestyle leading to continuous self‐management after living‐donor liver transplantation: More than 5 years living with living‐donor liver transplantation and emotions of recipients
Authors: AKAZAWA Chiharu , NISHIZONO Teiko , YAMAMOTO Masae , TERAGUCHI Sayoko , HAYASHI Yuko 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim:  This research aimed to investigate the actual daily lifestyle leading to continuous self‐management after living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT), by interviewing more than 5 year survivors of transplantation on their lifestyles from various angles, such as meals, rests, and human relationships.Method:  In this research, survivors of more than 5 years were interviewed about their daily lifestyle, and a qualitative inductive approach to the analysis of continuous self‐management was taken.Results:  Interviews were conducted with 26 patients: 11 men and 15 women with an average age of 49 years (range, 22–76). Through analysis, 205 labels were extracted, which were aggregated into one core category, 13 categories and 68 subcategories. Differences in the three patterns of lifestyle –“the reflected lifestyle after operation”, “unchanged daily lifestyle”, and “self‐management eases along with recovery”– occurred owing to differences in changes in values through the transplantation experience. The changes in values were affected by realization of the experience and the action, which come from various internal and external influences during the process of recovery. All of the recipients used consulting behavior to complement self‐management after leaving hospital.Conclusion:  The daily lifestyle of transplant recipients was clarified by the patterns of lifestyle. Differences in the three lifestyle types occurred owing to differences in changes in values though the transplantation experience.
Influence of Sildenafil on Genital Engorgement in Women with Female Sexual Arousal Disorder
Authors: Leddy Laura S. , Yang Claire C. , Stuckey Bronwyn G. , Sudworth Maria , Haughie Scott , Sultana Stefan , Maravilla Kenneth R. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
We previously described dynamic, noncontrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the female genitalia as a reproducible, nonintrusive, objective means of quantifying sexual arousal response in women without sexual difficulties. These studies showed an increase in clitoral engorgement ranging from 50 to 300% in healthy women during sexual arousal.

Aim
This study sought to evaluate the genital arousal response in women with female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD) after administration of sildenafil and placebo. We performed a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study to assess the clitoral engorgement response using dynamic MRI in women with FSAD after administering sildenafil and placebo followed by audiovisual sexual stimulation (AVSS).

Methods
Nineteen premenopausal women with FSAD underwent two MRI sessions. Subjects were randomized to receive either (i) sildenafil 100 mg during the first session followed by placebo during the second session, or (ii) placebo followed by sildenafil. During each session, baseline MR images were obtained while subjects viewed a neutral video. Subjects then ingested sildenafil or placebo. After 30 minutes, a series of MRIs were obtained at 3-minute intervals for 10 time points while subjects viewed AVSS.

Main Outcome Measures
A positive sexual arousal response was achieved if clitoral volume increased ≥50% from baseline.

Results
Thirteen of 19 (68%) subjects achieved a ≥50% increase in clitoral engorgement from baseline when administered sildenafil or placebo 30 minutes after dose administration. At 60 minutes after administration, 17/19 (89%) subjects receiving sildenafil and 16/19 (84%) subjects receiving placebo had responded (P value 0.3173).

Conclusions
Sildenafil did not augment the genital response in women with FSAD. Secondarily, a majority of women in this study did not have impaired clitoral engorgement as measured by MRI, suggesting that FSAD is not predominantly a disorder of genital engorgement.