bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High rate of inappropriate referrals to specialised day case unit for immunisation
Authors: Thattakkat K. , Jayakumar S. , Sharief N. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeSeeks to assess whether referrals for immunisation as day cases are appropriate and to identify any adverse events following hospital‐based immunisation.Design/methodology/approachComputerised consent forms and the ward registers were used to generate a list of children immunised in the day case ward of Basildon University Hospital between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2003.FindingsThere were 57 referrals for immunisation under medical supervision in the day case ward during the 12‐month period. General practitioners referred 30 cases (53 per cent) followed by eight (14 per cent) referrals each from the Immunisation Coordinator Clinic and health visitors. The commonest reason for referral was previous reaction to vaccine (21 cases, 37 per cent), followed by history of egg allergy (11 cases, 23 per cent). The types of vaccines that were most frequently administered were the MMR first dose (18 cases, 32 per cent) and the second dose of DPT/OPV/HIB/Men C (13 cases, 23 per cent).Practical implicationsA total of 24 (42 per cent) of the referrals were judged to be inappropriate as per the UK Department of Health's guidelines. No adverse events were noticed during hospital‐based immunisation. Definite guidelines exist in the UK for immunisation. However, a large proportion of children who deserved immunisation in the community were referred to the hospital day case unit.Originality/valueThis paper identifies the inappropriateness of hospital‐based immunisation and emphasises the need to create increased awareness regarding the true contraindications to immunisation among healthcare professionals by further education and training. Further, it is expected to stimulate many paediatric departments to look at their own practice and find ways to improve service efficiency and effective use of resources.
Pregnancy‐related care and outcomes for women with Type 1 diabetes in Scotland
Authors: Kernaghan Dawn , Penney Gillian C. , Pearson Donald W.M. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo assess pregnancy‐related care and outcomes for women with pre‐gestational, Type 1 diabetes.Design/methodology/approachThe study was a prospective, population‐based, clinical audit in Scotland. A total of 273 and 179 pregnancies in two 12‐month audit periods (during 1998/99 and 2003/04 respectively) were examined.FindingsIn both years, antenatal care for women with diabetes was well organised by dedicated multi‐professional teams. Provision of formal pre‐pregnancy clinics increased (1998, four of 22 maternity units; 2003, six of 20 units). Pregnancies documented as “planned” (1998/99, 116/273, or 42.5 per cent; 2003/04, 105/179, or 58.7 per cent; p=0.001) and periconceptual folic acid supplementation, 5 mg daily (1998/99, 40/273, or 14.7 per cent; 2003/04, 71/179, or 39.7 per cent; p<0.0001) increased over time. In both years, women whose pregnancies progressed to delivery attended early for antenatal care (median eight weeks' gestation) and had meticulous monitoring of diabetic control and foetal wellbeing. In the recent year, fewer women had hypoglycaemia during pregnancy (1998/99, 86/212, or 43.9 per cent; 2003/04, 47/160, or 29.4 per cent; p<0.0001). In both years, macrosomia was common (mean z scores: 1.57 in 1998/99 and 1.64 in 2003/04; standard deviations above a reference population mean) and perinatal mortality appeared higher than for the Scottish population (27.9/1,000 in 1998/99 and 24.8/1,000 in 2003/04). There was a (non‐significant) fall in congenital anomaly rate (1998/99: 13/215 births, or 60/1,000; 2003/04, 6/161 births, or 24.8/1,000).Originality/valueRe‐audit after a five‐year interval showed that periconceptual care and pregnancy planning for Scottish women with Type 1 diabetes has improved. Although pregnancy outcomes remain poorer than for the general Scottish population, the apparent reduction in congenital anomalies is encouraging.
Cancellation of urology operations
Authors: Shah Jyoti , Ansari Aamir , Bhattacharyya Joya 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo establish the reasons for surgical cancellations in a urology department and to provide suggestions for their reduction.Design/methodology/approachData for all patients who were cancelled between September 2004 and February 2005 were collected to determine the reasons for cancellations and the number of procedures cancelled on the day of surgery.FindingsA total of 175 procedures were cancelled in a six‐month period, comprising 14.1 per cent of all elective operations scheduled. Of these, 25.7 per cent were cancelled on the day of surgery. The main reasons for cancellations were patients being unfit for surgery (20 per cent); patient reasons for cancellations, such as the date being inconvenient (20 per cent); operations no longer being necessary (16 per cent); and the surgeon being unavailable or unable to operate (10.3 per cent).Originality/valueIt is believed that at least 26 per cent of all cancellations are avoidable with simple strategies such as effective communication between surgeons and booking office staff. Other methods to reduce the number of cancellations are presented.
Resuscitation: turning guidelines into practice
Authors: Cowan Jane , Haslam Jonathan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to assess important recent guidelines on resuscitation, published in December 2005.Design/methodology/approachThe guidelines are put into the context of other attempts to standardise CPR practice. An analysis of recent claims and complaints handled by the Medical Protection Society and problems reported to the National Patient Safety Agency, broadens the discussion.FindingsA number of issues of concern arose – the competence of health professionals, recognising the deterioration of patients, communication of Do Not Attempt Resuscitation decisions, and equipment failings. Strengthening training, better monitoring and performance management are important in addressing these issues.Practical implicationsHealth professionals have a good opportunity to avail themselves of the new CPR guidelines; it is in the public interest to try and achieve these standards.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the continuing risks in providing substandard resuscitation.
Getting the brain into gear: Reuven Feuerstein and structural cognitive modifiability
Authors: Dawes Graham 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to bring to readers' attention the importance of cognitive development, how it comes into play within the world of organizations and that there are resources available for bringing it about.Design/methodology/approachHaving indicated the author's own recognition of the need for a way to assist managers in their cognitive development, the paper covers the approach of Reuven Feuerstein who has been working for years in this area, though mainly with young people. The paper provides some indication of the elements within Feuerstsein's approach, emphasizing the importance of mediated learning experience.FindingsThe exploration in the study led to finding an approach to cognitive development and one which has proved useful in organizations.Practical implicationsThe practical implications are that those concerned with learning and development might put more attention on the cognitive aspects of development and that, as a field, we might explore the available resources for assisting us in this process.Originality/valueThis paper alerts readers to the likelihood that cognitive development will become a much more significant focus of the learning and development field in the future. This is less likely to be recognized while there is unawareness of the existence of resources that can assist in this. Through focussing on one such resource, the work of Reuven Feuerstein, the paper indicates that a good deal of work has already been accomplished in this field and, further, that it aligns significantly with aspects that developers will be familiar with from their own practice.
Improving environmental performance by means of empowerment of contractors
Authors: Liyin Shen , Hong Yao , Griffith Alan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo present ways for empowering contractors in improving environmental performance particularly to meet the requirements defined in ISO 14000.Design/methodology/approachTo review the traditional methodologies for protecting the environment in undertaking construction activities, investigate the limitations of these methods and the associated reasons, and apply the principles of ISO 14000 environmental management system (EMS) to develop an effective framework for helping contractors to become competent in implementing environmental management.FindingsThe major methodologies developed for protecting the environment in construction include governmental regulations, economic measures, and EMSs. However, the applications of these measures are limited. The typical causes contributing to the limitation include the clash between cost and environment, environmentally passive culture within construction industry, lack of cooperation among project parties, and clash between contract time and implementing environmental management methods. Furthermore, the practice of environment management is mainly driven by external impetus such as legal enforcement incentive programmes from government. However, the effectiveness cannot be gained if internal motivation does not exist. This paper introduces a framework to help a contractor to cultivate an environmentally friendly culture within its organization.Originality/valueThis paper proposes a framework for empowering contractors in improving environmental performance by identifying the weaknesses of the existing practice and applying a systematic approach of implementing environmental management approaches.
Preliminary assessment of the effects of fertilizers on soil properties in farming areas, southern Kuwait
Authors: Al‐Hurban Adeeba 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe present study aims to determine the residue levels in the soil and water prior to, and after fertilization, as previous soil investigations in Kuwait indicated that different types of fertilizers are used leaving residues in the soil, in order to assist the prospective farmers in choosing environmental sound chemicals for each crop. The importance of the following is to determine the geologic conditions of the soil in such a productive farm area and the effect of the use of fertilizers.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the study purpose soil and water samples were collected over a wide area and chemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity (ECe), cations (Ca+2, Mg+2), and anions (CO3−2,HCO3−,Cl−)) were obtained via the suitable and most appropriate chemical analyses.FindingsThe soils have several levels of calcareous contents along with varying salinity and alkalinity. Before fertilization on average, soil ECe ranges from 0.93 to 4.37 mS/cm, pH from 7.4 to 7.60, cations 8.00 to 36.00 meq/l, and anions from 4.85 to 29.61 meq/l. After fertilization pH ranges from 7.09 to 7.47, ECe ranged from 3.79 to 12.85 mS/cm, cations ranges from 29.75 to 66.36 meq/l, and anions ranges from 15.18 to 63.32 meq/l; showing that ECe, cations and anions average values has increased by almost three to four orders of magnitude. Furthermore, ECe, pH, cations, and anions values have sharply increased with depth. The evidence from this study shows that vertical leaching adversely contributes to the deterioration of the groundwater quality and rate.Practical implicationsThe output of this study is intended to be the building block or the nuclei for a data bank on the prevailed agricultural practices in different aspects, and upon which further studies on the southern area of Kuwait will depend.Originality/valueThe farm areas in the southern region of Kuwait state (case study: Al‐Wafrah farms) suffer from misuse and mismanagement of the agricultural lands in different aspects. This paper provides new source of information on the historical record of farm development and the nature, performance and results of the associated agricultural practices in such areas, as so to be the base or the starting point form which further studies can go forth.
The application of Kruskal‐Wallis technique for flood prediction in the Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Gobo A.E. , Abam T.K.S. , Ogam F.N. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo evaluate and examine human perception of causes, frequency, duration, impact, adjustment patterns and local attempts of control, protection and flood prediction in Niger Delta. This will enable rural dwellers to appreciate some local flood control measures.Design/methodology/approachThrough questionnaires administered in reclaimed areas of urban centres and flood prone communities in the Niger Delta. The data abstracted from questionnaires were then analyzed through Kruskal‐Wallis Function. The Kruskal‐Wallis approach was used as it takes care of large data points, which consists of nominal or ordinal data.FindingsHuman perception of flooding as regards impact and local attempts at flood prediction differ among Niger Delta States. The study highlights the socio‐economic implications of flooding as regards to causes, effects, control and predictive measures.Practical implicationsAssist rural dwellers on cheaper local and emergency measures such as use of sand bars, opening up of creeks and assess, cleaning of drainages to allow free flow.Originality/valueThe paper suggests continuous enlightenment programs as a means to encourage local and emergency measures to be adopted when flooding occurs. The work is original as no such work or analysis had been carried out in the Niger Delta in the past. The paper has provided raw data and knowledge, and adds to the limited literature in the Niger Delta. On the flooding cycles of the Niger Delta. It should also raise the awareness of local dwellers on the requirements for flood emergency response and adjustment.
Urban management and heritage tourism for sustainable development
Authors: Nana Ato Arthur Stephen , Victor Mensah John 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo share knowledge with the public, stimulate further ideas for improvement of the project and to encourage other local government authorities to undertake similar projects, where appropriate.Design/methodology/approachThe paper used library research to generate secondary data. It examined the processes that led to the formulation and implementation of plan dubbed “the Elmina 2015 Strategy” which aims at creating socially and ecologically sustainable urban environment while at the same time stimulating local economic development and preserving the cultural heritage through tourism.FindingsElmina has historic assets and a number of strengths and opportunities that could be utilised to enhance local economic development. These are being facilitated within the strategy of Elmina Cultural Heritage and Management Programme (ECHMP), which covers the principles of stakeholder participation, private sector initiative, public‐private partnership and effective urban management. The ECHMP recognises the interconnections between tourism and socio‐economic and ecological factors for sustainable development. The Strategy outlines the development path of the city in the next ten years. The ECHMP has successfully completed a number of planned projects while other projects are under implementation. Urban management must respect and incorporate human practices and actions of the local people into its professional approach to urban development. Empowering and participation of local and other partners in identifying and implementing the local development strategies is capable of improving local economy. Without local participation, sustainable strategy cannot be achieved.Practical implicationsThe challenges facing the programme include inadequate local funds, slow response of some development partners, and poor attitudes of some citizens with regard to indiscriminate dumping of waste. Thus, further action is needed to deepen stakeholder participation, urban management and good governance for sustainable heritage development.Originality/valueThe paper strengthens existing information through the use of new arguments.
Statistical methods for analysis of seasonal modifications in the salt marshes of the Venice lagoon
Authors: Camuffo M. , Benvenuto F. , Marani Abbadessa M. , Modenese L. , Marani A. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeTo define synthetic indices of changes of vegetation coverage on salt marshes of the Venice lagoon that might be used to model changes of the entire basin.Design/methodology/approachRemote sensing data from the satellite sensor QuickBird were processed to retrieve vegetation coverage in different seasons, i.e. different phenological stages of the halophytic vegetation. These changes have been described by means of landscape metrics (LSM's) and statistical moments.FindingsLSM's selected have been useful to describe the dominant shapes of vegetation coverage, while the low variations occurred were only partially explained. The first four statistical moments have been only partially functional to the description of temporal variation of the patches.Practical implicationsThese indicators, whose performances have been evaluated by the present work, could be used to detect larger variations on longer period and on wider spatial scale. In this way it could also be possible to easily detect the effects of changes on the hydrodynamic regime that may occur in relation with new projected interventions on the Venice lagoon.Originality/valueThis approach has never been applied to salt marshes of the Venice lagoon. The remote sensing data, in particular LSM's and statistical moments applied together, might be valuable tools to detect shape changes in the delicate environment of salt marshes and suggest possible remedies for problems of managing the Venice lagoon.
The contribution of the UNESCO biosphere reserve concept to urban resilience
Authors: Stanvliet Ruida , Parnell Susan 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess the contribution of the UNESCO biosphere reserve concept to urban resilience.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines the challenges underpinning the problem of environmental degradation in cities. It then briefly considers available initiatives that can be implemented toward the realization of more sustainable cities. A case is made for the possible contribution of the UNESCO biosphere reserve concept as a useful urban management tool.FindingsUrban administrators have a range of tools to select from to support the design and management of sustainable cities. It is argued that the UNESCO biosphere reserve concept is potentially a very valuable tool, although, apart from academic studies, not truly tested in an urban context.Originality/valueBiological diversity is the very essence that sustains life on earth and forms the basis of quality living conditions, even within built‐up areas. Today, cities are facing the pressures of increasing populations and the effects thereof on the environment. The challenge facing cities is how to improve the quality of life of all city dwellers amidst the environmental challenge of dwindling natural resources. The paper looks at a number of initiatives available to city administrators in their quest to create liveable cities. It is perhaps timeous to research the potential applicability of the biosphere reserve framework as an urban tool toward more resilient, environmentally acceptable urban landscapes.
Predicting probability of default of Indian corporate bonds: logistic and Z‐score model approaches
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arindam 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThis paper aims at developing an early warning signal model for predicting corporate default in emerging market economy like India. At the same time, it also aims to present methods for directly estimating corporate probability of default (PD) using financial as well as non‐financial variables.Design/methodology/approachMultiple Discriminate Analysis (MAD) is used for developing Z‐score models for predicting corporate bond default in India. Logistic regression model is employed to directly estimate the probability of default.FindingsThe new Z‐score model developed in this paper depicted not only a high classification power on the estimated sample, but also exhibited a high predictive power in terms of its ability to detect bad firms in the holdout sample. The model clearly outperforms the other two contesting models comprising of Altman's original and emerging market set of ratios respectively in the Indian context. In the logit analysis, the empirical results reveal that inclusion of financial and non‐financial parameters would be useful in more accurately describing default risk.Originality/valueUsing the new Z‐score model of this paper, banks, as well as investors in emerging market like India can get early warning signals about the firm's solvency status and might reassess the magnitude of the default premium they require on low‐grade securities. The default probability estimate (PD) from the logistic analysis would help banks for estimation of credit risk capital (CRC) and setting corporate pricing on a risk adjusted return basis.
Best execution compliance: new techniques for managing compliance risk
Authors: Mainelli Michael , Yeandle Mark 
Published: July 2006

PurposeNew regulatory initiatives, principally MiFID and RegNMS, challenge wholesale financial firms to prove that they can provide best execution for their clients. This article aims to outline the background to the problem and suggest that current research into SVM/DAPR applications may provide a practical approach.Design/methodology/approachThe article presents a desk review of current issues in “best execution” based on work with European brokers and others, followed by initial, promising trial of SVM/DAPR.FindingsThe article finds that brokers need automated tools, e.g. “sifting engines” that help them to focus compliance efforts on anomalous trades.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough brokers appear to need assistance in identifying anomalous trades, whether they place significant effort in compliance depends on regulatory enforcement.Originality/valueMiFID and RegNMS will require changes in current practice. SVM/DAPR approaches appear to be worth further investigation.
The Cramér‐Rao lower bound on variance: Adam and Eve's “uncertainty principle”
Authors: Powers Michael R. 
Published: July 2006

PurposeThe editorial aims to describe the importance of the Cramér‐Rao lower bound (CRLB) in matters of risk, and consider why this inequality generally receives less attention than it deserves.Design/methodology/approachThe CRLB is discussed in the context of other celebrated equations, one of which (Heisenberg's uncertainty principle) is actually implied by the CRLB. A hypothetical world with no randomness on the macroscopic level is then imagined, and the role of the CRLB in that world is considered.FindingsIt is found that in a world with no macroscopic uncertainty, the CRLB would play a central role in describing the “counterintuitive” concept of randomness.Originality/valueThe editorial identifies and explores an important epistemological result that is under‐appreciated.