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Knowledge-to-Care: Is there a best way of support practitioners to getting evidence into practice? An ongoing debate
No full textGetting evidence into practice remains a stubborn problem. To get Knowledge-to-Care (K2C) we identify five “impact components”: improvement science, implementation science, knowledge mobilisation, patient public involvement and engagement and co-working. In this paper we have i) provided a simple definition for each component, ii) established an overview of whom, what, when, where, why and how components have been reported and/or combined in published literature and iii) enhanced understanding of how components are selected and combined. We i) identified seminal papers to capture common definitions of components of impact, their synonyms and evolution, ii) sampled the most relevant papers (searching CINAHL and Medline, from 2018-2021) to map the landscape where one or more impact component had been applied in empirical research, iii) conducted focus groups and iv) a survey to deepen our understanding of these issues from practitioner and researcher perspectives. We found differentiation between components difficult due to multiple definitions and overlapping features. Workshops and survey demonstrate blurred application of components with participants drawing on a common pool of strategies to influence practice. Our future intention is to develop strategies to support practitioners to advance uptake of evidence-based care by demystifying the “science” of components and how they may be applied in practice. To this end, we invite debate regarding the questions: How do we “science up” without hindering application of ImpS, ImpR and KMb in practice? Are the differences between impS, impR and KMb real, or simply in the eye of the beholder? Is there a need to go beyond the potentially “tribal” labels of impR, impS and KMb and consider more deeply specific ways of working
Integrating explainable AI and corporate social responsibility for sustainable practices
No full textWith expanding environmental sustainability and digital transformation redefining business practices, the hospitality industry is under increasing pressure to ensure that explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) matches corporate social responsibility (CSR). Despite the growing interest in sustainability, little research has been undertaken to determine how digital CSR disclosures improve environmental performance through technological social responsibility. This study addresses this gap by investigating the relationship among the aspects of CSR disclosure, technical responsibility, green reputation, and environmental performance, as well as XAI as a moderator, in the context of Pakistan's hospitality industry. The subject of AI and digital CSR practices is an interesting topic to study in Pakistan's hospitality business, which is rapidly evolving digitally. The data were gathered from 397 hotel managers and examined using SMART PLS 4.0. The study found that CSR disclosures had a beneficial impact on technical responsibility, leading to a better green reputation and environmental performance. Mediation was supported by CSR indirect effects through technological responsibility and green reputation, and moderation indicated that XAI orientation enhances the effect of consumer protection and employee welfare disclosures on technological responsibility. This study provides theoretical insights and practical recommendations for hotels looking to integrate XAI and CSR into their sustainability practices
Symptom-Based Active Tuberculosis Screening in Two Nigerian Correctional Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textBackground: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a pressing health challenge in Nigerian correctional facilities, where the prevalence can be ten times higher than in the general population. Many facilities rely on passive TB case detection, often missing asymptomatic TB cases. This study evaluated a systematic active case-finding (ACF) approach using symptom-based screening followed by GeneXpert MTB/RIF testing across two high-volume Nigerian correctional facilities in Lagos and Ogun States. Methods: Between April and September 2021, 2,244 inmates underwent standardized TB symptom screening (e.g., cough ≥2 weeks, weight loss, fever). Individuals with presumptive symptoms of TB provided sputum for GeneXpert analysis. The intervention comprised three strategies: (1) outreach screening in awaiting-trial mass cells, (2) cell-to-cell active case search, and (3) contact tracing of confirmed TB cases. Collected data were analysed to determine detection rates per 100,000 inmates and the overall positivity yield. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Lagos and Ogun State Ministries of Health, with formal permission granted by authorities of correctional facilities. Results: Of the 2,244 inmates screened, 678 were identified as presumptive and tested, 45 were confirmed TB cases with estimated prevalence of 0.5% (approximately 489 per 100,000 inmates). The estimated prevalence is more than double the national prevalence 0.2% (219 per 100,000). The overall TB positivity rate among presumptive inmates was 7%. Inmates from Lagos recorded a TB point prevalence of 500 per 100,000, while prevalence in Ogun state was 458 per 100,000. A targeted outreach in one facility achieved a 32% TB yield. All detected TB cases were rifampicin-sensitive, and no drug-resistant strains was found in this cohort. Conclusions: These findings highlight the effectiveness of symptom-based GeneXpert screening within correctional facilities which was substantially higher that conventional passive TB detection rates. All confirmed TB cases (n = 45) were rifampicin-sensitive, and no MDR or XDR strains were identified, an important observation in the prison environment. Regular, systematic ACF, especially in overcrowded and high-turnover environments, can significantly enhance early TB diagnosis and treatment initiation. Policymakers should institutionalize routine ACF in correctional facilities through universal entry screening for all new admissions and at least annual facility-wide screening, with symptom checklists plus rapid molecular testi. Where feasible, this should be combined with portable digital CXR/CAD triage alongside improvement in living conditions and post-release linkage to DOTS
Does Eco‐Innovation Reinforce Better Waste Management? The Role of Industry Sensitivity and Environmental Policy Frameworks
No full textEnvironmental sustainability is a critical global concern, and waste generation poses a major threat to ecological balance. We investigate eco‐innovation's role in enhancing waste management practices via the natural‐resource‐based view and dynamic capability perspective. While eco‐innovation is recognized as a key strategy for sustainability, empirical evidence on its direct impact on firm‐level waste management performance remains limited, creating a critical research gap. Using a dataset of publicly listed firms from 42 countries, covering 17,339 firm‐year observations from 2002 to 2019, we find a positive and significant relationship between eco‐innovation and waste management performance. This relationship is especially pronounced in environmentally sensitive industries, firms with formal waste reduction policies, and countries with stringent environmental regulations. By integrating two strategic management frameworks, this study deepens theoretical understanding while extending empirical evidence across a broad geographical and temporal scope. Our study thus addresses a key literature gap by providing large‐scale, cross‐country evidence that positions eco‐innovation as a dynamic capability directly relevant to waste management. Our findings highlight the value of eco‐innovation as a dynamic capability that supports firms in more effectively addressing environmental challenges. There are key implications for managers, policymakers, and scholars, given eco‐innovation's key role in supporting sustainable development and several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
A Time of Uncertainty: Aspects of Metre Signs and Tempo Indications in the Autograph Manuscripts of Marc-Antoine Charpentier
No full textThe years following the tercentenary of the death of Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643-1704) saw a huge resurgence of interest in his life and works, resulting in numerous scholarly outputs. Notwithstanding, numerous questions remain, particularly on aspects of his performing practices. One area yet to receive detailed attention is the issue of tempo; specifically, the significance of metre signs and tempo indications throughout his autograph manuscripts. Charpentier composed during a period of transition from the archaic use of metre signs as indicators of tempo or of mensural configuration to the more modern orthochronic practice where time words are the principal indicators of tempo. Establishing where Charpentier’s practices lie is crucial to ensure that modern performers seeking to understand his intentions can make informed and reasoned interpretations in this area.
This thesis examines the 14 metre signs found in Charpentier’s autograph manuscripts (among them, composite signs and archaic signs) and the various ways in which aspects of notation and paranotation influence the tempo associated with each sign. These include rhythmic notation (including void notation, known in French as croches blanches), textual Affekt (including how multiple instances of the same text are set), the use of terms of mouvement, i.e. time words (which include qualifiers, modifiers and beating instructions) and the appearance of metre signs at points within and between sections of a work that may suggest a speed different to the one conventionally associated with it. These findings are set against information from French treatises and primers written between approximately 1600 and 1750, as well as the chronology of the composer's works.
This study concludes that Charpentier broadly associated each metre sign with its conventionally associated tempo, while repurposing several archaic metre signs to indicate the tempo of a given section as precisely as possible. Where a metre sign occurs in conjunction with terms of mouvement and/or notational elements that contradict the conventionally associated speed, it is likely Charpentier was working in what I have termed tempi loci; that is, where notational and paranotational elements cause the tempo to be flexed to one or other end of a range of speeds in proximity to the conventionally associated speed
Assessing risk for older adult abuse: Case presentation and analysis using the Harm to Older Persons Evaluation (HOPE)
No full textOlder adult abuse (OAA) is gaining research attention with a well-developed understanding of risk factors for abuse. However, research examining the use of violence risk assessment in cases of OAA is almost non-existent. The present paper illustrates the use of the Harm to Older Persons Evaluation or HOPE (Storey et al., 2021) to assess violence risk and recommend management strategies in a case of OAA. The HOPE is a violence risk assessment instrument for OAA. Designed in the structured professional judgment framework, the HOPE includes six steps. The HOPE was completed by two trained evaluators. The results present the analysis of each of the six steps, identifying key risk factors for OAA and recommending management strategies to prevent further abuse. Through the case analysis we also highlight the identification of the OAA as well as the involvement of external agencies in the case. The case examined concerns an adult son who engaged in multiple forms of OAA toward his mother. Although OAA was not identified by the professionals involved in the case at the time, professionals were involved with both the victim and perpetrator, attempting to support their needs, most of which were risk factors for OAA. The discussion highlights considerations for the identification and assessment of risk in the case study and for OAA in general. We highlight the need for professional training on the nature, identification and assessment of OAA and for validation and comparative research on violence risk assessment tools for OAA
‘Say Cheese!’ exploring consent and performance in the 'shutter moment' of School Photo Day
No full textSchool Photo Day (2020) was an art intervention as research method, made in the context of a transdisciplinary project exploring children’s experiences of school. Artist researchers invited junior school children to work with them to make portraits of themselves, in a process that closely emulated the prosaic school photograph day experience that is common in the UK. The co-production of a photo with each participant resulted in a printed image delivered to their carers. School Photo Day (2020) facilitated a ‘stage’ or ‘set’ for a collaborative performance, where children negotiated ‘making themselves’ in a space of complex power relations and representation, where peer relationships, the time-space of school, and the surrounding community of carers and families entangled. We asked how this method could bring new attunement and sensitivity to the way school life constructs children, and in turn how they feel at school
Association of gross domestic product with equitable access to childhood vaccines in 195 countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
No full textIntroduction
Gross domestic product (GDP) has been shown to affect government spending on various budget heads including healthcare and the purchase and distribution of vaccines. This vulnerable situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted and exposed the fragile nature of equitable access to vaccines for childhood immunisation globally. A systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the association of country income status and GDP with vaccination coverage of vaccines for childhood immunisation and other major infectious diseases around the globe will inform global and national policy on equity in living standards and vaccine uptake. This study was carried out to identify factors influenced by GDP that affect access, distribution, and uptake of childhood vaccines around the world using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach.
Methods
Data were extracted for the burden of major infectious diseases of childhood immunisation programmes, factors affecting access to vaccines, vaccine procurement platforms, vaccination coverage and percentage of GDP used for the procurement of vaccines. Factors influencing the global vaccination coverage rate were also assessed. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022350418) and carried out using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.
Results
Data from 195 countries showed that the following infectious diseases had the highest burden; human papillomavirus (HPV), measles, Ebola and yellow fever. Low-income and some lower-middle-income countries (LMICs) used COVAX and UNICEF for vaccine procurement while high-income countries (HICs) preferred national and regional public tenders. Global vaccination coverage for tuberculosis, diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles, polio, meningitis and HPV had a significantly higher coverage than COVID-19. Being an HIC and having coverage data collected from 1985 to 2015 as the most current data were associated with high vaccination coverage. The percentage of GDP spent on vaccine procurement did not influence vaccination coverage.
Conclusion
Low-income countries and LMICs should prioritise vaccine research and improve on development capacity. Countries worldwide should share data on vaccine expenditure, vaccination coverage, and the development and introduction of new vaccines and technologies to facilitate equitable vaccine access
An Interpretive Paradigm of Perceptions on the Adoption of IFRS for SMEs, Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting and Integrated Reporting in MSMEs: a UK Perspective
No full textPurpose
This thesis aims to evaluate whether the possible adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for SMEs by the preparers of financial statements of MSMEs would provide greater transparency, accountability, and decision-usefulness, consequently enhancing the quality of financial reporting. The thesis also reviews the needs of external stakeholders and their contribution and acceptance of IFRS for SMEs. The thesis further explored the possible adoption from a sociological stance, examining the perceptions and opinions and thinking about whether a new reporting framework would justify the nuances faced by the MSME sector. It further explores and examines how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Integrated Reporting (IR) are undertaken, practised, and reported in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The extant literature on CSR is mainly embedded in large businesses. Still, given the unique characteristics of the MSMEs, there is a growing demand within academia to advance research within this sector in the UK. The diffusion of the perceptions of CSR reporting and its practices in MSMEs will represent a significant strand in the literature to be explored from an economic, educational, motivational, and sociological perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This thesis adopts an interpretive phenomenological approach to enable an in-depth study of owner/managers, financial managers and internal accountants' experiences of financial reporting, CSR practices and IR in MSMEs. To capture the participants’ perspective, 21 interviews were conducted in the UK, predominantly in the West Midlands and Greater London regions. Data collection primarily occurred after the COVID-19 pandemic when MSMEs prioritised survival rather than research participation.
The study responds to the calls on extant literature on CSR and IR in MSMEs and aims to establish that a motivational, educational, and sociological perspective drives these concepts. It explores their relevance from the views and opinions of owner/managers and internal stakeholders, their understanding of CSR concepts, perceptions of willingness to engage in CSR practices, willingness to use IR over annual reporting(AR), and teaching the multiple capital store to enhance the value creation model of MSMEs.
Originality
Recent literature on IFRS for SMEs is scant in the UK; CSR and IR have been widely debated, written about, and investigated since the 1950s. However, the research has been primarily directed at giant firms and corporations, except for MSMEs, which are under investigated.
Findings
This study has closed the gap by advancing the research in a UK context on the perceptions of adopting IFRS for SMEs, CSR, and integrated reporting for the MSMEs sector. The research establishes that MSMEs do not align with the model requirements of the IASB framework (using legitimacy) but base their rationale on economic terms. The study also provides evidence that the owner/managers do not perceive disclosure of IFRS for SMEs to users as helpful in making decisions. The exclusion of critical stakeholders in the MSME sector does not incentivise the request for compliance; furthermore, the provision of training in the form of expertise and knowledge would be welcome in the sector. The CSR agenda is rarely justified in economic terms; more awareness is needed to report them, and it is more about motivations and organisational and moral perspectives. Emotive capital within the MSME sector is significant due to its ownership structure. Network collaborations with the key MSME stakeholders are called for. Integrating owner/manager shared values and the need to provide educational training and resources to understand Integrated reporting to the MSME sector.
Practical and academic contributions
In the context of IFRS for SMEs within the MSME sector, it has rejected the IASB framework and calls for a simplified, standardised, specific template to be followed. It has enhanced understanding of a possible adoption with relevant reasons or why they would not embrace it. The thesis highlights the issues of MSME’s understanding of CSR and its contribution to the economy and individual businesses. It encourages governmental and regulatory promotion of the key contributory factors to the sector so that there is a better appreciation of the derived qualitative benefits. It provides recommendations and guidance for policymakers, implementers, practitioners, business owners/managers, and academia, and, therefore, it adds to previous research conducted in Europe and internationally.
The study responds to the calls on extant literature on CSR and IR in MSMEs and aims to establish that a motivational, educational, and sociological perspective drives these concepts. Their relevance is explored from the views and opinions of owner/managers and internal stakeholders, their understanding of CSR concepts, perceptions of willingness to engage in CSR practices, willingness to use IR over annual reporting(AR) and inculcating the multiple capitals store to enhance the value creation model of MSMEs. To do this, the research adopts a social phenomenological approach drawing from the words, experiences and observations of owners/managers and the relevant internal stakeholders through twenty in-depth interviews
Exploring Healthcare Professionals Physical Activity Promotion for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes in Oman
No full textBackground: Physical activity is recommended as a key component of type 2 diabetes care and management. However, globally and in Oman, people with type 2 diabetes are less physically active than the general population. It is recommended that healthcare professionals (HCPs) should promote physical activity to this population, yet they report challenges to doing this in practice. Developing a better understanding of the influences on HCPs' physical activity promotion could support them in this area of diabetes care.
Methods: Study one was a mixed-methods systematic review that followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological procedures with the Theoretical Domains Framework as an a priori framework. Study two was a qualitative online interview study exploring HCPs influences on physical activity promotion for patients with type 2 diabetes in Oman. Study three was a qualitative online interview study exploring the perspectives of Oman policymakers regarding type 2 diabetes and physical activity promotion.
Results: Study one identified a dominance of barriers compared to facilitators. Barriers included a lack of resources and organisational support, limited time, increasing workloads, and a lack of education and training on physical activity and its promotion. Study two reported findings similar to those of Study one, in addition to environmental, cultural, and social norms as barriers to physical activity promotion. Study three identified the lack of prioritisation of physical activity in healthcare policy and planning, collaboration challenges amongst sectors, and a lack of local physical activity research as barriers to physical activity promotion.
Conclusions: The findings of this research programme highlight the need for changes at the HCP, organisational, environmental, and policy levels to bridge the gap between research, practice and policy. Recommendations include behavioural science-informed CPD training for HCPs, improved cross-sectoral collaboration, conducting local implementation research, and the continued use of the MRC framework and implementation science frameworks and health psychology theory to develop interventions to support HCPs