Applying total interpretive structural modeling to study factors affecting construction labour productivity

Construction sector has always been dependent on manpower. Most of the activities carried out on any construction site are labour intensive. Since productivity of any project depends directly on productivity of labour, it is a prime responsibility of the employer to enhance labour productivity. Measures to improve the same depend on analysis of positive and negative factors affecting productivity. Major attention should be given to factors that decrease the productivity of labour. Factor analysis thus is an integral part of any study aiming to improve productivity.  Interpretive structural modeling is a methodology for identifying and summarizing relationships among factors which define an issue or problem. It provides a means to arrange the factors in an order as per their complexity. This study attempts to use the latest version of interpretive structural modeling i.e. total interpretive structural modeling to analyze factors negatively affecting construction labour productivity. It establishes interpretive relationship among these factors facilitating improvement in the overall productivity of construction site

One year in review: ultrasound in arthritis

Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSUS) has become a relevant part of rheumatology practice and research because it substantially allows us to optimize management of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. This non-invasive imaging modality is a valuable point-of-care tool to accurately evaluate intra-articular and periarticular structures involved in a wide range of rheumatic diseases in adults and children. In addition, MSUS is an invaluable bedside aid for guiding accurate and safe musculoskeletal aspirations, injections and biopsies. This review provides an overview of the literature of the last year on the role of MSUS in arthritis

Board of directors' characteristics and conditional accounting conservatism : Spanish evidence.

Using a sample of Spanish listed firms for the period 1997-2002 we find that firms where the CEO has low influence over the functioning of the board of directors show a greater degree of accounting conservatism. We measure the influence of the CEO over the board of directors using two aggregate indexes combining 6 (8) characteristics of the functioning of the board of directors and its monitoring committees: board size, proportion of non-executive directors, proportion of independent directors, whether the chairman of the board is an executive director, the number of board meetings, and the existence of an audit committee, a nomination/remuneration committee and an executive committee. We define conservatism as the asymmetric recognition speed of good and bad news in earnings, and we measure it following Basu (1997) and Ball and Shivakumar (2005). Our results are robust to alternative specifications and specific controls for investment opportunities and for the endogenous nature of corporate governance and earnings quality. Overall, our evidence shows that firms with strong boards use conservative accounting numbers as a governance tool, even in an institutional setting with low litigation risk such as SpainConservatism; Governance; CEO; Board of Directors; Earnings Timeliness; Spain;

Life in the Time of a Pandemic

It has been confirmed that the number of cases and the death toll of COVID-19 are continuing to rise in many countries around the globe. Governments around the world have been struggling with containing and reducing the socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19; however, their respective responses have not been consistent. Aggressive measures imposed by some governments have resulted in a complete lockdown that has disrupted all facets of life and poses massive health, social, and financial impacts. Other countries, however, are taking a more wait-and-see approach in an attempt to maintain business as usual. Collectively, these challenges reflect a super wicked problem that places immense pressure on economies and societies and requires the strategic management of health systems to avoid overwhelming them—this has been linked to the public mantra of ‘flattening the curve’, which acknowledges that while the pandemic cannot be stopped, its impact can be regulated so that the number of cases at any given time is not beyond the capacity of the health system. Dynamic simulation modelling is a framework that facilitates the understanding/exploring of complex problems, of searching for and finding the best option(s) from all practical solutions where time dynamics are essential. The papers in this book provide research insights into this super wicked problem and case studies exploring the interactions between social, economic, environmental, and health factors through the use of a systems approach

Management of Widespread Pain and Fibromyalgia

Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Drivers and Barriers to Adoption of Multivendor ATM Technology in India: Synthesis of Three Empirical Studies

As an incremental change to single vendor ATM Technology, multivendor (MVS) ATM technology has already penetrated into Indian Market. However, its growth in Indian market may depend on several factors. Understanding the drivers and barriers from the point of view of all the stakeholders of this technology can provide a preliminary understanding about its growth in India. This paper attempts to compile the empirical findings from three studies on three stakeholders and provides a synthesized finding on the possible drivers and barriers of this technology implementation in India

Uso de lentes intraoculares tóricas no tratamento cirúrgico de astigmatismo

Correction of corneal astigmatism is a key element of cataract surgery, since post-surgical residual astigmatism can compromise the patient's uncorrected visual acuity. Toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) compensate for corneal astigmatism at the time of surgery, correcting ocular astigmatism. They are a predictable treatment. However, accurate measurement of corneal astigmatism is mandatory for choosing the correct toric IOL power and for planning optimal alignment. When calculating the power of toric IOLs, it is important to consider anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism, along with the surgically induced astigmatism. Accurate toric lens alignment along the calculated meridian is also crucial to achieve effective astigmatism correction. There are several techniques to guide IOL alignment, including the traditional manual marking technique and automated systems based on anatomic and topographic landmarks. the aim of this review is to provide an overview on astigmatism management with toric IOLs, including relevant patient selection criteria, corneal astigmatism measurement, toric IOL power calculation, toric IOL alignment, clinical outcomes and complications.Research to Prevent BlindnessBaylor Coll Med, Cullen Eye Inst, Dept Ophthalmol, Houston, TX 77030 USAFundacao Altino Ventura, BR-50070040 Recife, PE, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ophthalmol, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Ophthalmol, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

A hybrid multi-criteria decision model for performance evaluation of sustainable supply chain

The implementation of Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) is at the forefront of organizational activities. However, with a lack of unanimity regarding the implementation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and the ambiguity surrounding decision making in this turbulent and chaotic environment, it is a tasking process. This paper brings together the KPIs identified from literature and practice via Systematic Literature Network Analysis (SLNA) and Text Mining. Subsequently, this paper evaluates and weights these KPIs through expert opinions via an online survey grounded on a 4-level hierarchical Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) model hinged on FAHP, FTOPSIS and TISM

Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Dilemma of Untimely Recognition, Intervention and Diagnostic Scales Obtainable at Indian Sub-continent

The increasing prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder makes it as considerable issue worldwide. Recent studies addresses the hot topic of Mirror Neuronal System (MNS) confers behind the ASD. However, the cause is uncertain, Indian population prone to varied prenatal and postnatal factors of the condition. Indian parents and professional still be at the initial awareness phase of the spectrum. Years of delay in identification and intervention while comparing with world standards due to various Indian socio-economic and socio-cultural factors. Less availability of screening and diagnostic tools headed to relay on culturally irrelevant and expensive international tools. Government funded research initiatives developed ISAA, INDT-ASD, CASI and AIIMS Modified INDT-ASD as culturally relevant indigenous tools and available on practice. So far, the tools have their own advantages and limitations, requires further research and progression. Owing to scarcity of trained professionals for a wide population range, home based parent-mediated therapies be the most preferred mode of therapy. However, the therapeutic options vary with people. The study aimed to ascertain the present Indian scenario, look upon the awareness about the condition, availability of screening and diagnostic facilities, the early identification and timely intervention program. In addition, the study briefly confers the biological and clinical background of ASD.