scholarly journals Developing Product Liability Index for Korean Manufacturing Companies

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
JunHyeok Seo ◽  
SungMin Bae
Keyword(s):  
Evaluation System ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Product Liability ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Response Strategy ◽  
Corporate Management ◽  
Organized Activities ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Positive Effects

<p><strong>Purpose:</strong> PL (product liability) response system is an enterprise-wide system that prevents company’s financial loss due to PL-related accidents. This study aims at developing an evaluation system for objectively assessing the extent to which companies carry out systematic and organized activities for product liability, including product safety activities, preventive actions, and protective measures.</p><p><strong>Methodology/Approach:</strong> We used the Delphi and analytical hierarchy process methods to develop an evaluation system with product liability experts to present the relative importance of response strategy based on selected evaluation criteria. And then, we carried out systematic and organized PL activities of each industry, scale, and growth stage of the Korean manufacturing companies through PLI.</p><p><strong>Findings:</strong> In terms of the scale of the manufacturer, Large-sized firms has the highest PLI of 92.32. Also, middle- to large sized firms and middle-sized firms have the highest PLI of 90.63 and 77.35, respectively. And then In terms of the importance of all manufacturers, Awareness was identified as the most important component influencing corporate management activities, with the highest PLI of 78.59.</p><p><strong>Research Limitation/implication:</strong> This study is limited due to the small sample size and the number of examples.</p><strong>Originality/Value of paper:</strong> Our paper will enable consumers to determine a manufacturer’s response to product liability, and the subsequent positive effects, such as the increase of quality in consumption life.

scholarly journals Immunological Effects of an Add-On Physical Exercise Therapy in Depressed Adolescents and Its Interplay with Depression Severity

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6527
Author(s):  
Heidrun Lioba Wunram ◽  
Max Oberste ◽  
Stefanie Hamacher ◽  
Susanne Neufang ◽  
Nils Grote ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Therapy ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Depression Severity ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Tnf Α

Background: Pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) have gained attention in the pathophysiology and treatment of depressive disorders. At the same time, the therapeutic effect of physical activity seems to work via immunomodulatory pathways. The interventional study “Mood Vibes” analyzed the influence of exercise on depression severity (primary endpoint) in depressive adolescents; the influence of PICs on the clinical outcome was analyzed as a secondary endpoint. Methods: Clinically diagnosed depressed adolescents (N = 64; 28.1% male; mean age = 15.9; mean BMI = 24.6) were included and participated either in Whole Body Vibration (WBV) (n = 21) or bicycle ergometer training (n = 20) in addition to treatment-as-usual (TAU). Patients in the control treatment group received TAU only (n = 23). The PICs (interleukin-6—IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α—TNF-α) were analyzed before intervention, after 6 weeks of training (t1), and 8 weeks post-intervention (t2). The effects of the treatment on depression severity were rated by self-rating “Depression Inventory for Children and Adolescents” (DIKJ). Results: Basal IL-6 decreased in all groups from t0 to t1, but it increased again in WBV and controls at t2. TNF-α diminished in ergometer and controls from baseline to t1. PIC levels showed no correlation with depression severity at baseline. The influence on DIKJ scores over time was significant for IL-6 in the WBV group (p = 0.008). Sex had an impact on TNF-α (p < 0.001), with higher concentrations in male patients. Higher body mass index was associated with higher IL-6 concentrations over all measurement points (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The positive effects of an intensive add-on exercise therapy on adolescent depression seem to be partly influenced by immunomodulation. A small sample size and non-randomized controls are limitations of this study.

scholarly journals Identifying Industry-Specific Components of Product Liability Response System Using Delphi-AHP Method

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 27-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
JunHyeok Seo ◽  
SungMin Bae
Keyword(s):  
Delphi Method ◽  
Product Liability ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Analytic Hierarchy ◽  
Defense Strategies ◽  
Response Strategies ◽  
Response System ◽  
Wide System ◽  
Essential Components

Abstract PL (product liability) response system is an enterprise-wide system that prevents company’s financial loss due to PL-related accidents. Existing researches on PL response system are mainly focused on preventive and/or defense strategies for the companies. Also, it is obvious that each industry has their original characteristics related on PL issues. It means industry-specific characteristics should be considered to adopt PL response strategies. Thus, this paper aims to discuss industry-specific PL response system and their components. Based on prior researches, we tried to reveal the possibility of its application to manufacturing companies of existing PL response strategies using Delphi method with PL experts. Based on first round results, we tried to classify existing PL strategies of manufacturing companies into several categories. To validate our suggestion for essential components of PL response system, second round Delphi method are applied. Analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique will be applied to identify a prioritized list of each components and strategies. Existing PL response strategies could be categorized with six components – strategy, technology, investment, training, awareness, and organization. Among six components, Technology – it represents the technology needed for improving the safety of all products – is the most important components to prepare PL accidents. The limitation of this paper is on the size of survey and variety of examples. However, the future study will enhance the potential of the proposed method. Regardless of rich research efforts to identify PL response strategies, there is no effort to categorize these strategies and prioritized them. Well-coordinated and actionable PL response strategies and their priorities could help small-and-medium sized enterprise (SME) to develop their own PL response system with their limited resources.

scholarly journals Exploring Links Between Cooperation, Internationalization and Proftability: A Study of Polish Manufacturing Companies

2014 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-50
Author(s):  
Jolanta Mazur ◽  
Piotr Zaborek
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression ◽  
Statistical Technique ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Manufacturing Enterprises ◽  
Sufficient Power ◽  
Traditional Manufacturing ◽  
Cati Survey

Abstract The paper is focused on developing a predictive, statistical model depicting the relationships among companies' involvement in internationalization, engagement in cooperation with business partners and their fnancial performance. Data were collected through a CATI survey of managers of medium-sized Polish manufacturing enterprises. The principal statistical technique employed was binary logistic regression. The regression equation model contained four statistically significant dichotomous predictors: (1) sales abroad above 30% of total sales, (2) cooperation with foreign suppliers, (3) cooperation with domestic distributors, and (4) Export-Only Early-Internationalized status of the company. The two former variables were correlated positively with the profit margin, while the two latter shown negative associations. The principal limitation of the study was a relatively small sample size of 110 units that, while enough to detect patterns with strong and medium-strong effect sizes, might not have provided sufficient power to identify weaker associations. Generalizations were also constrained by the selection criteria of the sample to medium-sized Polish enterprises from traditional manufacturing B2B industries. The study yielded a regression model that permitted isolation of the main factors linked to the degree of sales profitability, which could assist managers in their efforts to enhance profit margins and in competitor analysis. The originality of the approach involves using a comprehensive list of 25 potential predictors in analysis that represented salient dimensions of cooperation and internationalization. The predictive capacities of the model were found to be sufficient to make it useful for both scholars and practitioners. The research relied on a sample drawn from the population that has rarely been studied on similar subjects.

A systematic review of treatments for alcohol-related cognitive impairment: lessons from the past and gaps for future interventions

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (13) ◽  
pp. 2113-2127
Author(s):  
Elsa Caballeria ◽  
Clara Oliveras ◽  
Laura Nuño ◽  
Mercedes Balcells-Oliveró ◽  
Antoni Gual ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Impairment ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Jadad Scale ◽  
No Gold Standard

AbstractAlcohol-related cognitive impairment (ARCI) is highly prevalent among patients with alcohol dependence. Although it negatively influences treatment outcome, this condition is underdiagnosed and undertreated. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the existing evidence regarding both cognitive and pharmacological interventions for ARCI. We systematically reviewed PubMed, Scopus and Science direct databases up to May 2019 and followed the PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Jadad Scale. Twenty-six studies were eligible for inclusion (14 referring to neuropsychological interventions and 12 to pharmacological treatments). Among neuropsychological interventions, computerised treatments, errorless learning and component method showed positive effects on working memory, memory measures and general cognitive function. On the other hand, thiamine, memantine and methylphenidate improved working memory, long-term memory and general cognitive function. Nevertheless, these studies have several limitations, such as small sample size, lack of replication of the results or low specificity of the interventions. Therefore, no gold-standard intervention can yet be recommended for clinical practice, and further research based on promising strategies (e.g. digital interventions, thiamine) is required.

scholarly journals Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines for Treating HIV Infections and AIDS

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Zou ◽  
Ying Liu ◽  
Jian Wang ◽  
Hongjuan Li ◽  
Xing Liao
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Oral Candidiasis ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Integrated Treatment ◽  
Antiretroviral Drugs ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Peripheral Leukocytes

To assess the effects of TCHM on patients with HIV infection and AIDS, we reviewed eleven randomized placebo-controlled trials involving 998 patients. Due to the limited number of RCTs for included trials and the small sample size of each study, we are not able to draw firm conclusions concerning TCHM therapy in treating patients with HIV infection and AIDS. However, some high-quality clinical studies do exist. Studies of diarrhea and oral candidiasis, which are challenging symptoms of AIDS, were demonstrated to have positive effects. Study of peripheral leukocytes, which are a side effect of antiretroviral drugs, suggested that an integrated treatment approach may be of benefit. The overall methodological quality of the trials was adequate; however, randomization methods should be clearly described and fully reported in these trials according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT).

Sleep in care homes

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 309-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam L Gordon ◽  
John RF Gladman
Keyword(s):  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Sleep Problems ◽  
Light Exposure ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Sleep Hygiene ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Care Homes ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Co Morbidity

SummarySleep problems in older adults are common and disturbance in sleep is associated with increased mortality. These problems are more pronounced in the care home population because of institutional factors and a high prevalence of frailty and co-morbidity. This article reviews the randomized controlled trials undertaken to address sleep problems in care homes. These suggest that stand-alone therapies – oral melatonin and light therapy – have no effect on sleep but that combination treatments – physical exercise plus sleep hygiene, physical exercise plus sleep hygiene plus light and melatonin plus light – may have positive effects. These effects are more marked for daytime arousal than nocturnal sleep. Practical considerations for care homes are how to maximize light exposure, incorporate exercise into daily routines and minimize night-time disruption for residents. Trials undertaken so far are compromised by small sample size and inappropriate randomization strategies and further research is therefore required.

scholarly journals Comparison of two different doses of citicoline in patients with traumatic brain injury

2020 ◽  
pp. 8-15
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Head Injuries ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Traumatic Head ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: The ever-increasing and common occurrence of head traumas highlight the importance of adopting therapeutic measures for the reduction of the associated morbidity and mortality. Citicoline, as a safe medicine with positive effects on improving traumatic injuries, has been proven to be useful in various studies. However, there are still no data on the specific standard method and dosage of citicoline for the treatment of patients with traumatic head injuries. Regarding this, the present study was performed to determine the effective therapeutic dosage of citicoline and its impact on patients with traumatic head injuries. Methods: This double-blind clinical trial was performed on 30 patients with traumatic concussion (a Glasgow coma scale [GCS] of ≤8) admitted to the intensive care unit and neurosurgery department. The patients were randomly divided into three groups of A (control), B (citicoline with a dosage of 0.5 g/twice a day), and C (citicoline with a dosage of 1.5 g/twice a day). The GCS, degree of muscle strength, Glasgow outcome score (GOS), contusion volume, and cerebral edema (based on brain CT scans) were calculated at specific times and intervals. In addition, the patients' dependency on a ventilator and their length of ICU stay were registered. Results: Mean GCS on the first day of stay, GCS changes on the third and fourth days of stay, first and seventh days of stay, seventh and fourteenth days of stay, and first and fourteenth days of stay in the three study groups showed the significant statistical difference (P<0.05). Significant statistical differences were seen between the GOS of the 30th day of stay in the three study groups (P<0.05). The contusion volume difference was only significant between the first and seventh days of stay in groups A and C (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the mean length of stay in ICU and duration of dependency on a ventilator in the three study groups (P<0.05). The mean degree of muscle strength was only significantly different on the first day of stay between groups B and C (P=0.008). Conclusions: In contrary to similar studies, the results of the current study revealed that citicoline had no positive effect on patient healing. This result may be due to the small sample size and the inconsistent first-day GCSs of the patients in all three groups. Therefore, given the confirmation of the effectiveness of citicoline even at higher dosages in other studies in future studies, it is recommended to use populations with a larger number of patients.

Evaluation of a resilience intervention for Filipino displaced survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 346-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Regina Hechanova ◽  
Pierce S. Docena ◽  
Liane Peña Alampay ◽  
Avegale Acosta ◽  
Emma E. Porio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adaptive Coping ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Super Typhoon ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Resilience Intervention

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of a community-based resilience intervention for Filipino displaced survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan. Design/methodology/approach The researchers used a quasi-experimental and mixed-method design comparing a treatment group with a control group across three time periods: before, immediately after, and six months after the intervention. Findings Results showed significant improvements in survivors’ anxiety scores and resilience scores compared to those who did not undergo the program. However, although there was an increase in adaptive coping of participants immediately after the program, there was a reduction in adaptive coping behaviors for all groups six months after the program. Focus group discussions revealed this might be due to significant environmental challenges among displaced survivors. Research limitations/implications A limitation of the study was the lack of randomization and a small sample size due to attrition. Practical implications The study highlights the positive effects of culturally adapted group interventions. Social implications The results suggest the importance of a systemic approach to enabling the recovery of displaced survivors in developing countries. Originality/value This study provides evidence for a resilience intervention developed in a low-middle income country in Southeast Asia.

Supplementation of Probiotics and Its Effects on Physically Active Individuals and Athletes: Systematic Review

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 481-492 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriella Berwig Möller ◽  
Maria Júlia Vieira da Cunha Goulart ◽  
Bruna Bellincanta Nicoletto ◽  
Fernanda Donner Alves ◽  
Cláudia Dornelles Schneider
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Probiotic Supplementation ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Positive Effects

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the effects of probiotic supplementation on physically active individuals. The participants, interventions, comparisons, outcome and study design inclusion criteria were (a) studies involving healthy adults or older subjects of both sexes who did physical exercise (including athletes and physically active individuals), (b) interventions with probiotics, (c) inclusion of a control group, (d) outcomes not previously defined, and (e) clinical trials and randomized clinical trials, with no language or date restrictions. The search was conducted in the following scientific databases: MEDLINE, Embase, SciELO, Scopus, and Lilacs. Search terms were “Probiotics” OR “Prebiotics” OR “Microbiota” AND “Exercise” OR “Athletes.” The articles were first screened by title and abstract by two independent reviewers and disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Data were extracted independently by the same two reviewers; results were extracted in duplicate and then compared to avoid errors. A total of 544 articles were retrieved and 24 were included. A total of 1,680 patients were included, most of them being male (n = 1,134, 67.5%), with a mean age of 30.9 ± 6.1 years. Following probiotic supplementation, positive effects have been reported for several outcomes including respiratory tract infection, immunologic markers, and gastrointestinal symptoms in both athletes and nonathletes. However, published studies have distinct protocols and measured outcomes, and some of them have small sample size and failed to prove beneficial effect on probiotic supplementation, leading to inconclusive results for standardized supplementation protocols.

An empirical study on relationships amongst success in benchmarking, success in Kaizen, people mindset and organizational dimensions

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 3505-3518
Author(s):  
Joklan I.C. Goni ◽  
Fransisca Tharia ◽  
Nugroho Suryo
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Top Management ◽  
Significant Variable ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Senior Managers ◽  
Group Company ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that most strongly influence success in benchmarking as attempted by Indonesian manufacturers and service companies. It investigates the impacts of success in Kaizen, people mindset and organizational dimensions with success in benchmarking. Design/methodology/approach A total of 100 questionnaires were distributed to senior managers at an 87 percent response rate. Findings This study reveals that success in benchmarking that companies undertake correlates positively with their success in Kaizen, people mindset and organizational dimensions. Research limitations/implications As an empirical study, this work has some limitations that need to be recognized. First, the sample only includes Indonesian companies. Second, as the small sample size resulted in only indicative outcome, more research is needed in this area. Furthermore, there may also have been other factors affecting success in benchmarking. It is, therefore, recommended that the framework be extended to include more variables such as information-technology competency, company status (being a single or group company) and to use other methodologies, such as multiple regression. Practical implications A company can achieve success in benchmarking through implementing success in kaizen, people mindset, formalization, centralization and integration. Industry-wise, formalization and centralization are the variables that impact the success in benchmarking significantly. For services companies, formalization and centralization is the significant variable affecting, whereas, for manufacturing companies success in Kaizen is the significant variable for success in benchmarking. Therefore, for services companies, having documented and implementation policies, regulations and procedures will influence success in benchmarking. The involvement of the top management, budgeting for every functions and unit performance evaluation will result in success in benchmarking. On the other hand, top management commitment and worker involvement are necessary to drive success in Kaizen in manufacturing companies. Originality/value Unlike most of the previous studies on a manufacturing company, this paper examines both manufacturing and services companies especially in Indonesia.

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