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1 – 10 of 298
Article
Publication date: 17 September 2024

Anna Roberta Gagliardi, Luca Carrubbo, Shai Rozenes, Adi Fux and Daniela Siano

This study aims to examine the effects of Internet of Things (IoT) technology on efficiency and patient care in Italian and Israeli intensive care units (ICUs). The goal is to…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of Internet of Things (IoT) technology on efficiency and patient care in Italian and Israeli intensive care units (ICUs). The goal is to study how IoT might improve care settings by controlling health dynamics and responding to life-threatening circumstances.

Design/methodology/approach

This survey-based research explores IoT use, challenges and adaptability in ICUs in both countries. Interviews and surveys of ICU health-care workers are used to get both quantitative and qualitative data on integrating experiences and perspectives.

Findings

The research found significant variations between Italy and Israel due to technology infrastructures and health-care practices. Israel shows a more concentrated deployment in a major medical centre with advanced but limited uptake, whereas Italy shows application throughout ICUs highlighting regional health-care system disparities. Interoperability, data security and IoT training are common difficulties.

Research limitations/implications

This research has limitations. One drawback is the geographical dispersion of study sites, with a bigger sample size in Italy than in Israel. This discrepancy may affect findings applicability. However, these preliminary findings provide a foundation for further research into the complexities of deploying IoT in various health-care settings.

Originality/value

This study compares IoT integration in two national health-care systems, adding to health-care technology literature. Regional variations affect technology adoption, but IoT may enhance ICU operations and patient care, according to one research. This study helps health-care practitioners, academics and policymakers understand the pros and cons of IoT in health care.

Details

Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5038

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 September 2024

Jonathan Tolcher, Ian Lambie, Kahn Tasker and Tamara Loverich

Adolescents with harmful sexual behaviors (AHSB) who drop out of treatment are more likely to continue offending than are those who complete treatment; therefore, it is important…

Abstract

Purpose

Adolescents with harmful sexual behaviors (AHSB) who drop out of treatment are more likely to continue offending than are those who complete treatment; therefore, it is important to identify factors that heighten the risk of dropout, so they can be detected early. The purpose of this paper is to present the predictors of treatment dropout derived from a community sample of AHSB in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

Pretreatment data on 100 males (aged 12–16) in community-based treatment for harmful sexual behavior were analyzed. Data on 50 adolescents who dropped out were matched by age and ethnicity to 50 adolescents who completed treatment. Pretreatment variables were identified using the Estimate of Risk of Adolescent Sexual Offence Recidivism. The degree to which these variables influenced treatment dropout was tested using logistic regression.

Findings

Compared to those who completed treatment, adolescents who dropped out were more likely to have a prior history of personal victimization, to deny or minimize their behavior, to have been mandated to attend treatment and to have engaged in noncontact offences.

Practical implications

Screening for a prior history of personal victimization, denial or minimization, mandated treatment and noncontact offences may facilitate the prediction of dropout risk more confidently. Addressing these pretreatment risk variables has the potential to improve treatment completion rates.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to highlight treatment dropout predictors in a New Zealand community sample.

Details

The Journal of Forensic Practice, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-8794

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Georgios F. Nikolaidis, Ana Duarte, Susan Griffin and James Lomas

Economic evaluations often utilise individual-patient data (IPD) to calculate probabilities of events based on observed proportions. However, this approach is limited when…

Abstract

Economic evaluations often utilise individual-patient data (IPD) to calculate probabilities of events based on observed proportions. However, this approach is limited when interest is in the likelihood of extreme biomarker values that vary by observable characteristics such as blood glucose in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Here, instead of directly calculating probabilities using the IPD, we utilised flexible parametric models that estimate the full conditional distribution, capturing the non-normal characteristics of biomarkers and enabling the derivation of tail probabilities for specific populations. In the case study, we used data from the Born in Bradford study (N = 10,353) to model two non-normally distributed GDM biomarkers (2-hours post-load and fasting glucose). First, we applied fully parametric maximum likelihood to estimate alternative flexible models and information criteria for model selection. We then integrated the chosen distributions in a probabilistic decision model that estimates the cost-effective diagnostic thresholds and the expected costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) of the alternative strategies (‘Testing and Treating’, ‘Treat all’, ‘Do Nothing’). The model adopts the ‘payer’ perspective and expresses results in net monetary benefits (NMB). The log-logistic and Singh-Maddala distributions offered the optimal fit for the 2-hours post-load and fasting glucose biomarkers, respectively. At £13,000 per QALY, maximum NMB with ‘Test and Treat’ (−£330) was achieved for a diagnostic threshold of fasting glucose >6.6 mmol/L, 2-hours post-load glucose >9 mmol/L, identifying 2.9% of women as GDM positive. The case study demonstrated that fully parametric approaches can be implemented in healthcare modelling when interest lies in extreme biomarker values.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 11 September 2024

Binyam Afewerk Demena

The impact of export promotion programs (EPPs) on the intensive margin of exports remains somewhat uncertain. This study tackles a crucial question: does export promotion enhance…

Abstract

Purpose

The impact of export promotion programs (EPPs) on the intensive margin of exports remains somewhat uncertain. This study tackles a crucial question: does export promotion enhance firm-level intensive margin of exports?

Design/methodology/approach

We draw upon comprehensive empirical research conducted up to 2023. We collected 951 estimates, constructed 22 variables, captured diverse contexts and employed a meta-analytical approach to scrutinize the considerable variation in findings.

Findings

The overall meta-effect, after filtering out publication bias, is positive and statistically significant. Firms receiving EPP support exhibit an export intensity that is 1–9% higher than firms not participating in such programs. Assessing the mechanisms through which EPPs bolster this, we observe that support in the form of various services plays a more substantial role compared to assistance in the form of financial resources.

Research limitations/implications

Evaluating EPPs and their activities in terms of social welfare falls beyond the scope of this paper, which specifically focuses on the benefits of EPPs to export intensity. Subsequent research should undertake a comprehensive evaluation, considering both economic impacts and costs for accurate assessments of welfare. We also suggest that future meta-analyses explore other dimensions of firm-level performance linked to EPPs.

Practical implications

Publication bias distorts the impacts of EPPs, leading to an overstatement of their actual effects. Adjusting for publication bias, the practical significance of EPPs for a country’s trade intensity appears to be limited. Additionally, the provision of diverse activities and services primarily contributes to the amplification of export margins as compared to subsidies and grants. While larger firms initially benefit more from EPPs, these effects are found to be transitory.

Originality/value

This is the first meta-analysis scrutinizing the impact of EPPs, specifically concentrating on the firm-level intensive margin of exports.

Details

Journal of Asian Business and Economic Studies, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2515-964X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2024

Sherna Bangalan and Maria Claudette Agnes

Depression and anxiety are common mental health issues among young adults, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research indicates a notable increase in global…

Abstract

Purpose

Depression and anxiety are common mental health issues among young adults, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research indicates a notable increase in global prevalence rates, especially in this demographic. Despite their prevalence, factors like stigma, cost and limited accessibility often prevent individuals from seeking professional help. Therefore, there is a pressing need for innovative and accessible interventions to address these challenges. help. Therefore, there is a pressing need for innovative and accessible interventions to address these challenges. This study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of newly developed “AKBAY” self-help intervention workbook among university students in managing the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a pilot study with a single-group design. A total of 33 university students voluntarily participated in the study. The primary outcomes, depressive symptoms and anxiety were measured using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7, respectively, at both pre-intervention and post-intervention (eight weeks following the preintervention assessment).

Findings

Results from Wilcoxon signed rank revealed significant reductions in both depression and anxiety symptoms following the intervention. Qualitative feedback from participants highlighted the perceived benefits of the intervention, including increased self-awareness, improved coping strategies and personal growth. All participants expressed intent to recommend the intervention to others.

Research limitations/implications

However, further research using larger sample sizes, randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up assessments is warranted to validate these findings and enhance intervention effectiveness.

Practical implications

These findings highlight the potential feasibility and acceptability of self-help interventions in reducing and preventing the worsening of symptoms of depression and anxiety among Filipino young adults.

Originality/value

The “AKBAY” intervention presents a feasible and accessible approach to reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety of Filipino young adults as well as the program’s potential usefulness. The findings of this study can serve as a foundation for a randomized controlled trial of the AKBAY self-help intervention.

Details

Journal of Public Mental Health, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5729

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2024

Mira Schwarz, Lara Greta Müller and Bernhard Schmitz

It is inherent in human nature to pursue a fulfilling life. The art-of-living approach provides strategies to help individuals attain higher well-being. Based on current research…

Abstract

Purpose

It is inherent in human nature to pursue a fulfilling life. The art-of-living approach provides strategies to help individuals attain higher well-being. Based on current research approaches on the art-of-living, we aimed to develop, implement and evaluate an online training that enhances art-of-living and well-being scores of flight attendants.

Design/methodology/approach

The training focused on six art-of-living components – self-knowledge, savoring, bodily care, coping with events, positive attitude toward life and serenity. In total, 94 participants were randomly assigned to 3-day (n = 34) or 9-day (n = 30) training groups or to 2 corresponding control groups (CGs) (n = 30). Art-of-living and well-being were measured using self-reported questionnaires at pre-intervention, post-intervention and two-week follow-up.

Findings

Results showed significant pre-post differences in art-of-living and well-being scores in both experimental groups, while scores for the CGs remained stable across assessments. Intervention effects were sustained over the two-week follow-up period. We found no significant differences in efficacy between the shorter and longer training, suggesting that brief training can be effective.

Practical implications

These results demonstrate that well-being can be enhanced through online art-of-living training, which is promising in terms of the practical implementation of such training in resource-constrained work environments.

Originality/value

The presented, conducted and evaluated work intervention represents the first study to apply the multi-component approach of “art-of-living” in an online setting, comparing two trainings of varying durations. This approach offers a framework perfectly suited for future implementation in flight attendants’ work settings to increase well-being and a possible subsequent implementation in other professional groups that would benefit from online training (e.g. in a hybrid work context).

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2024

Qiongfang Zou, Carel Nicolaas Bezuidenhout and Imran Ishrat

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the efficacy of machine learning (ML) in managing natural language processing tasks, specifically by developing two ML models to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the efficacy of machine learning (ML) in managing natural language processing tasks, specifically by developing two ML models to systematically classify a substantial number of food waste interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was undertaken to gather global food waste interventions. Subsequently, two ML models were designed and trained to classify these interventions into predefined supply chain-related groups and intervention types. To demonstrate the use of the models, a meta-analysis was performed to uncover patterns amongst the interventions.

Findings

The performance of the two classification models underscores the capabilities of ML in natural language processing, significantly enhancing the efficiency of text classification. This facilitated the rapid and effective classification of a large dataset consisting of 2,469 food waste interventions into six distinct types and assigning them to seven involved supply chain stakeholder groups. The meta-analysis reveals the most dominant intervention types and the strategies most widely adopted: 672 interventions are related to “Process and Operations Optimisation”, 457 to “Awareness and Behaviour Interventions” and 403 to “Technological and Engineering Solutions”. Prominent stakeholder groups, including “Processing and Manufacturing”, “Retail” “Government and Local Authorities” and “NGOs, Charitable Organisations and Research and Advocacy Groups”, are actively involved in over a thousand interventions each.

Originality/value

This study bridges a notable gap in food waste intervention research, a domain previously characterised by fragmentation and incomprehensive classification of the full range of interventions along the whole food supply chain. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to systematically classify a broad spectrum of food waste interventions while demonstrating ML capabilities. The study provides a clear, systematic framework for interventions to reduce food waste, offering valuable insight for practitioners in the food system, policymakers and consumers. Additionally, it lays the foundation for future in-depth research in the food waste reduction domain.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 August 2024

Anna Cantrell, Andrew Booth and Duncan Chambers

In the UK signposting services can be developed as enhanced support for people with health and social care needs or service diversion to help primary and urgent care services…

Abstract

Purpose

In the UK signposting services can be developed as enhanced support for people with health and social care needs or service diversion to help primary and urgent care services manage their workload. This review considers these two conflicting purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

The review used a realist approach, initial searches to identify theory; we then selected 22 publications and extracted programme theories, from which we developed questions from three viewpoints: the service user, the front-line service provider and the commissioner. A rich sample of studies were found from purposive searching. To optimise the applicability of synthesis findings predominantly UK studies were included.

Findings

Users value signposting service that understand their needs, suggest a range of options and summarise potential actions. People with complex health and social care needs generally require extended time/input from signposting services. Front-line providers require initial and ongoing training, support/supervision, good knowledge of available services/resources and the ability to match users to them and a flexible response. Commissioned signposting services in England are diverse making evaluation difficult.

Originality/value

Meaningful evaluation of signposting services requires greater clarity around roles and service expectations. Signposting services alone fulfil the needs of a small number of users due to the unreconciled tension between efficient (transactional) service provision and effective (relational) service provision. This is underpinned by competing narratives of whether signposting represents diversion of inappropriate demand from primary care and other urgent care services or improved quality of care through a joined-up response encompassing health, social care and community/voluntary services.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 March 2024

Pia Wäistö, Juhani Ukko and Tero Rantala

Organisational strategy becomes reality by connecting organisation’s resources and capabilities in daily operations, and physical workspace is one of the environments in which…

Abstract

Purpose

Organisational strategy becomes reality by connecting organisation’s resources and capabilities in daily operations, and physical workspace is one of the environments in which this takes place. This study aims to explore to what extent factors required for successful strategy implementation are considered when designing, using and managing workspaces of knowledge-intensive organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

For the study, managers in 25 large and medium-sized knowledge-intensive organisations were interviewed. The semi-structured interviews focused on organisation’s strategy, strategy implementation practices and workspace design and management. To form a comprehensive framework of strategy implementation success factors for the study, the factors of 11 frameworks were analysed, grouped and renamed.

Findings

Current workspace design, usage and management mainly support human-related strategy implementation factors. However, both organisation- and human-related factors are needed for the strategy implementation to be successful. Therefore, the organisations studied may have unused potential in their workspaces to ensure strategy-aligned operations and behaviour.

Practical implications

Due to the potential imbalance between organisation- and human-related strategy implementation factors, a more holistic, organisational-level approach to workspace design, usage and management is recommended to ensure the success of strategy implementation.

Originality/value

Workspaces have extensively been studied from individual strategy implementation factors’ as well as employees’ perspectives. Prior to this work, there are only few studies exploring workspace in the holistic, strategy implementation context.

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2024

Gro Gade Haanes, Anne-Sofie Helvik and Aud Johannessen

This study aims to characterize the experiences of health professionals participating in an exploratory randomized controlled trial designed to improve hearing and vision among…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to characterize the experiences of health professionals participating in an exploratory randomized controlled trial designed to improve hearing and vision among older adults without dementia receiving the in-home health services provided by Norwegian municipalities.

Design/methodology/approach

Semistructured individual and paired interviews were conducted by nine health professionals from five municipalities to explore health professionals’ experiences with the intervention. The data were analyzed using content analysis.

Findings

Three main categories of experiences were identified: (1) participating in the intervention, (2) emerging new knowledge and (3) developing in-home health services. The mutual collaboration between health professionals and service recipients during the screening process led to a more-thorough understanding of the service recipients’ needs and resources, enabling personalized advice and guidance.

Research limitations/implications

In-home interventions have the potential to improve the quality of life of older adults with hearing and vision impairments. Given the promising outcomes of such interventions, future research should (1) investigate their effects on changes in behaviors and attitudes, (2) integrate technological advancements and (3) explore environmental modifications to further enhance the quality of life of older adults in various settings.

Practical implications

The health professionals in this study enjoyed assisting the service recipients in receiving in-home health services by screening their hearing, vision and indoor lighting conditions. The trial enabled the health professionals to provide personalized advice, and to motivate and guide the service recipients toward actions to remedy their impairments.

Social implications

The health professionals recommended hearing, vision and indoor lighting screening to be a routine municipal service because it would safeguard independence, prevent falling and maintain the quality of life of service recipients. However, additional resources are needed to implement these recommendations.

Originality/value

In-home interventions have the potential to improve the quality of life of older adults with hearing and vision impairments.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

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