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1 – 10 of 223Hannah Griffiths, N. Halder and N. Chaudhry
Great controversy surrounds the prescribing of antipsychotics for people with an intellectual disability. This stems from a lack of research to support their use in this specific…
Abstract
Purpose
Great controversy surrounds the prescribing of antipsychotics for people with an intellectual disability. This stems from a lack of research to support their use in this specific population together with their “off label” use to treat behaviour problems. This paper aims to review prescribing practice of antipsychotics by the Salford Intellectual Disability Psychiatry Department in accordance with standards adapted from nationally recognised guidelines.
Design/methodology/approach
Data was collected from all 178 patients under this department including patient demographics, severity of intellectual disability, co‐morbid diagnoses and details of any antipsychotic drug use. Main standards of prescribing measured: indication of antipsychotic prescribing; documented review of medications; documentation of side effects; documentation of physical health parameters including weight, blood pressure, blood glucose, lipids.
Findings
In total, 126 (72 per cent) were prescribed antipsychotics. 42 (33 per cent of these were for challenging behaviour. 91 (72 per cent) had indication documented. 123 (98 per cent) of prescriptions had been reviewed. There was not very regular documentation of side effects and physical parameters for monitoring metabolic syndrome.
Practical implications
Data was taken from all patients under the care of Salford Intellectual Disability Psychiatric team therefore eliminating sampling bias. The audit findings will be of value to other UK urban psychiatry departments as they should be highly representative of a wider population of patients. The authors are already aware of lack of evidence in use of antipsychotic medication for treating challenging behaviours in patients with learning disability.
Originality/value
This study confirms the use of antipsychotics in management of challenging behaviours in this population as a third of the sample population was being treated with antipsychotics for behaviour problems. The study also shows that there was lack of documentation of physical health and side effect monitoring. It highlights that there should be regular monitoring of physical and side effects with careful documentation.
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Nathan Keates, Eleanor Dewar and Krysia Emily Waldock
This narrative review aims to examine how trans people with intellectual disabilities are perceived and discussed in the academic literature.
Abstract
Purpose
This narrative review aims to examine how trans people with intellectual disabilities are perceived and discussed in the academic literature.
Design/methodology/approach
A narrative review was carried out to better understand the positioning of people with intellectual disabilities who identify as trans.
Findings
There was a lack of clear terminology, an over medicalization of both people with intellectual disabilities and trans people and evidence that identifying with a non-conforming gender identity was seen as a problem by services. Services need to be better informed about issues around gender identity so that they are able to better support trans people with intellectual disabilities.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous literature review has focused only on trans people with intellectual disabilities.
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The use of technology in today’s life has skyrocketed, leaving information providers with no option but to implement technological initiatives that will enable effective…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of technology in today’s life has skyrocketed, leaving information providers with no option but to implement technological initiatives that will enable effective information access and dissemination. This paper aims to assess the readiness of Botswana public librarians to adopt the use of technology in the management of libraries and dissemination of information.
Design/methodology/approach
Convenience and purposive sampling were used to collect data from 21 participants via Survey Monkey software. The study questions were based on the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) by Parasuraman and Colby (2015). In addition, mixed-methods approach was adopted to collect both qualitative and quantitative data.
Findings
The study found out that public librarians are ready to adopt information and communications technologies (ICTs) in library services. This is evidenced by their usage of social media networks and emails. Results also show that public libraries in Botswana are facing various challenges such as low bandwidth, shortage of computers, lack of timely technological support and ICT skills by librarians.
Research limitations/implications
These findings call upon the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development to setup/construct more public libraries and equip them with the necessary technology. This will enhance productivity and help libraries to meet the needs of the twenty-first century information seekers. An in-depth study should be conducted to establish the technological status in Botswana public libraries.
Originality/value
This is the first study conducted in Botswana to assess the public librarians’ readiness to adopt new technologies.
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Evgenia Vassilakaki and Valentini Moniarou-Papaconstantinou
This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the specific roles information professionals have adopted in the past 14 years. It aims to identify the roles reported in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the specific roles information professionals have adopted in the past 14 years. It aims to identify the roles reported in the literature concerning developments in the Library and Information Science (LIS) profession.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted the method of systematic review. Searches were conducted in February and March 2014 on different LIS databases. From a total of 600 papers, 114 were selected, based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A thorough full-text analysis of the papers revealed six roles that librarians have adopted: teachers, technology specialists, embedded librarians, information consultants, knowledge managers and subject librarians.
Findings
New and evolving roles were identified, mainly in the context of academic libraries. Librarians’ educational responsibilities and their active involvement in the learning and research process were highlighted in all role categories identified. Collaboration among faculty and librarians was reported as a way of ensuring successful instruction. Librarians’ personal views of their new and emerging roles were more frequently reported; further research is needed to shed light on academics, students and other users’ perceptions of librarians’ engagement in the learning process.
Research limitations
The study considered only peer-reviewed papers published between 2000 and 2014 in English. It focused on information professionals’ roles and not on librarians’ skills and their changing professional responsibilities.
Originality/value
This review paper considers the development of the LIS profession in a changing environment and offers an understanding of the future direction of the LIS profession.
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The main purpose of this paper is to critically examine the impact of black money whitening opportunity on the Bangladesh housing market and its ramifications for honest taxpayers…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this paper is to critically examine the impact of black money whitening opportunity on the Bangladesh housing market and its ramifications for honest taxpayers and criminal conduct of the people in the country.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper relies on both primary and secondary materials and carries out an archival analysis of the resources available in libraries and online databases.
Findings
It demonstrates that black money whitening opportunity has failed to create additional demands for housing property, rather it encourages money laundering, corruption and other criminal activities. Hence, a set of specific recommendations have been submitted to effectively deal with the prevention of generation of black money instead of allowing them to be invested in properties with impunity.
Research limitations/implications
The discussions are concentrated on the legality of offering amnesty to black money holders and the impact of such indemnities on the housing market in Bangladesh; hence, it does not consider impacts on other economic sectors. It is expected that the publication of this paper will stimulate the government of Bangladesh to discontinue the disputed amnesty in Bangladesh, and other nations having similar problems with black money will be encouraged to follow suit.
Practical implications
It is anticipated that the implementation of the recommendations furnished in this paper will contribute to significantly decreasing money laundering, corruption and other offences involving money in Bangladesh and in other countries.
Social implications
Prevention of corruption and other financial crimes.
Originality/value
This paper represents its originality in its critical analysis of frequent offerings of the opportunity for whitening black money and their unfair impacts on honest taxpayers and resultant stimulation for engaging in money laundering, corruption and other felonies. It evidently justifies the assumption that such amnesties to wrongdoers are contrary to the national constitution, anti-corruption and anti-money laundering legislation and they wound the sense of ethical behaviour of human beings. Moreover, it proves the hypothesis that such opportunities being offered to black money holders have no positive contribution towards creating additional demands in the country’s property markets.
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Sanjay Bhattacharya, Kirankumar S. Momaya and K.C. Iyer
Successful handling and delivery of projects requires commensurate growth in the business capabilities of construction companies. The current scenario of exponential…
Abstract
Purpose
Successful handling and delivery of projects requires commensurate growth in the business capabilities of construction companies. The current scenario of exponential infrastructure boom in India necessitates scaling up to meet the challenges of competitiveness. The objectives of this study are to (1) identify the enablers of sustainable business growth among Indian construction companies, (2) identify gaps in the deployment of the enablers in comparison to competitive successful international construction companies and (3) suggest strategic initiatives to top management of companies and policymakers for promoting business growth and industry competitiveness.
Design/methodology/approach
A detailed literature review first identifies an adapted framework for enablers of growth and growth performance of successful international construction companies on basis of industry trends. Thereafter, a questionnaire survey was administered on the leading construction companies in India to assess the deployment of enablers and gaps thereof. A total of 108 valid responses were obtained from top management executives of the companies and analysed through descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing.
Findings
Studies indicate that anticipation of new demands and capabilities; business opportunity scanning and human resource skills and capabilities are among the most important enablers of growth. The role of leadership vision and focus on development of human resources is critical to competitiveness and growth. The successful international construction companies have delivered growth utilising their ability to deploy multiple strategies, diversification and new business opportunities. These are sparingly deployed by Indian companies.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to the opinion and perceptions of the top management personnel of the construction companies.
Practical implications
High economic growth context offers a unique opportunity for domestic Indian construction companies to leverage. The valuable insights gained from this study provide hints to the top management of these companies to draw managerial implications for facing the challenges ahead and delivering projects in the dynamic and hyper-competitive construction industry. The policymakers on their part are responsible to support and promote initiatives for sustainable growth.
Originality/value
The study suggests business growth enablers to construction companies in India to improve their international competitiveness.
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Ester Ernest Mnzava and Mussa Ndambile Chirwa
This study aims to investigate the use of Sokoine University of Agriculture Institutional Repository (SUAIR) among academic staff at the College of Veterinary Medicine and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the use of Sokoine University of Agriculture Institutional Repository (SUAIR) among academic staff at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science (CVBMS). Specifically, the study looked at awareness of, attitude, self-archiving and challenges the academic staff face when using SUAIR.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used survey method. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaire with the results analysed using descriptive statistics.
Findings
The study found that although there was more than one source of raising awareness on SUAIR, the university’s library, the internet and meetings were the major sources. Majority of the respondents were not aware of how to deposit their scholarly output in the institutional repository. As a result, the majority of academic staff had never deposited their scholarly work in SUAIR. Generally, the respondents had a positive attitude towards using SUAIR. Apart from lack of skills and knowledge on how to deposit research outputs, the study established that lack of time, fear of plagiarism and lack of awareness of existence of the SUAIR were significant barriers to the effective utilisation of SUAIR.
Originality/value
This is the first time such a study has been undertaken focussing on the use, awareness and attitude of SUAIR in Tanzania. As such, the study findings can be used to assess the attitude of academic staff at Sokoine University of Agriculture and other universities in Tanzania and Sub-Saharan Africa with similar operational characteristics.
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Elisha Ondieki Makori, Dorothy Njiraine and Peninah Talam
This paper aims to assess practical aspects of implementation of institutional repositories (IRs) in Africa with reference to the University of Nairobi and provide useful…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess practical aspects of implementation of institutional repositories (IRs) in Africa with reference to the University of Nairobi and provide useful guidelines to the issues and lessons learned to the other practitioners.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used cross-sectional descriptive survey design to gather and analyze data that was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. In addition, questionnaires, interview schedule and observation guide were utilized to collect data from the respondents.
Findings
First, the study established that the IR has not been well integrated into mainstream information services of the library. Second, there is lack of awareness on the use of IR as an information resource on the part of students and staff. Third, there is need to integrate different forms of information into the IR including graphics, video and sound to carter for the whole population of users even those with disabilities. Finally, there is need for aggressive or serious rebranding, marketing and promotion of the IR.
Research limitations/implications
IRs are vital sources of information that are increasingly being integrated and utilized in African higher education. Discussion of the University of Nairobi as a case study provides practical lessons, implications and home grown solutions for other institutions of higher learning in the African context.
Practical implications
IR is not only contemporary or emerging source of knowledge, information and communication but also fundamental or basic in institutions of higher learning. Consequently, IR provides excellent opportunities for universities to expand knowledge beyond internal and external learning environments.
Social implications
Being fundamental sources of knowledge, IRs provide and support teaching, learning, research activities, scholarly communications and community services in universities and the society at large. As information and communication hubs, IRs have reinvented the image and role of universities as sources of knowledge in the society.
Originality/value
Universities need to embrace IRs as vital and valid sources of knowledge and learning. Developing IRs without aggressive rebranding, marketing and promotional strategies is not enough for universities, associated institutions plus the information staff, but with prove that the resources are being utilized to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
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Imalka Wasana Rathnayaka, Rasheda Khanam and Mohammad Mafizur Rahman
This study aims to explore the efficacy of government policy directions in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by employing a panel of 22 countries throughout the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the efficacy of government policy directions in mitigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic by employing a panel of 22 countries throughout the 2020-second quarter of 2022.
Design/methodology/approach
The panel autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model is employed to examine this phenomenon and to investigate the long-run effects of government policy decisions on infection and mortality rates from the pandemic.
Findings
The study reveals the following key findings: (1) Income support and debt relief facilities and stringent standards of governments are associated with reduced infection and death rates. (2) The response of governments has resulted in decreased mortality rates while simultaneously leading to an unexpected increase in infection rates. (3) Containment and healthcare practices have led to a decrease in infection rates but an increase in mortality rates, presenting another counterintuitive outcome. Despite the expectation that robust government responses would decrease infection rates and that healthcare containment practices would reduce mortality, these results highlight a lack of health equity and the challenge of achieving high vaccination rates across countries.
Research limitations/implications
To effectively combat the spread of COVID-19, it is crucial to implement containment health practices in conjunction with tracing and individual-level quarantine. Simply implementing containment health measures without these interconnected strategies would be ineffective. Therefore, policy implications derived from containment health measures should be accompanied by targeted, aggressive, and rapid containment strategies aimed at significantly reducing the number of individuals infected with COVID-19.
Practical implications
This study concludes by suggesting the importance of implementing economic support in terms of income, and debt relief has played a crucial role in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 infections and reducing fatality rates.
Social implications
To effectively combat the spread of COVID-19, it is crucial to implement containment health practices in conjunction with tracing and individual-level quarantine. Simply implementing containment health measures without these interconnected strategies would be ineffective. Therefore, policy implications derived from containment health measures should be accompanied by targeted, aggressive, and rapid containment strategies aimed at significantly reducing the number of individuals infected with COVID-19.
Originality/value
This research makes a unique contribution to the existing literature by investigating the impact of government responses on reducing COVID-19 infections and fatalities, specifically focusing on the period before COVID-19 vaccinations became available.
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Charles R. Senteio, Kaitlin E. Montague, Stacy Brody and Kristen B. Matteucci
This paper aims to describe how public librarians can better address complex information needs. First, librarians should classify the degree of complexity of the need by using…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe how public librarians can better address complex information needs. First, librarians should classify the degree of complexity of the need by using Warner’s classification model; then they can use Popper’s three world theory to anticipate and respond to complex information needs by following specific steps.
Design/methodology/approach
After examining the information science literature, appropriate models were selected to support public librarians. Our information science scholarship, coupled with our practical experience, informed our search and selection.
Findings
This paper details specific steps that public librarians can take to anticipate and respond to individual information needs. Doing so is imperative as the information needs of the public continue to become increasingly complex.
Originality/value
This paper improves information practice because it offers specific steps to aid public librarians to anticipate and respond to complex information needs. It draws upon an existing model and theoretical framework. This paper also highlights selected examples of how public librarians across the USA have anticipated information needs, and developed partnerships with organizations external to the public library to address complex information needs.
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