Omni-channel logistics: the influence of reverse logistics management on omnichannel firm performance

This study aims to investigate the reverse logistics system of companies in the omnichannel context. This study is derived from the concept of reverse logistics, and focuses on company practices in the omnichannel ecosystem. Current business environments are stepping into the omnichannel era, but the topic has received a lack of attention within the reverse logistics management area. In particular, a high volume of returns has enlightened the need of research to inspire the business benefits from reverse logistics, in order to potentially improve firm performance through effective and efficient reverse logistics management. This study aims to explore the abilities of reverse logistics systems, and their capabilities to conform external influences, which is represented by firm and task environment factors. A mixed methodology approach was utilized to explore the omnichannel reverse logistics system through Sequential Explanatory Design, which uses a mixed methods concept (Qual-Quan-Qual). The population of this study was retrieved from omnichannel companies which are grouped by retailers, manufacturers and service providers. Stratified random sampling was applied to ensure all categories of omnichannel companies could be included in this study. The outcomes from different stages were consistent and uniform, showing that firm and task environment factors within reverse logistics management improve omnichannel firm performance. A robust theoretical framework was developed, which may be used in future studies, including both firm and task environment factors within omnichannel reverse logistics system to boost firm performance. The results also demonstrate that flexibility, collaboration, customer, and supplier play a direct causal relationship with omnichannel firm performance. Hence, both firm and task environment factors were important in omnichannel reverse logistics to impact firm performance. This study has significantly contributed to understanding omnichannel reverse logistics implementation. This research also provides empirical evidence that both firm and task environment factors are significant in reverse logistic

Omni-Channel supply chain: a study of the relationship on Omni-channel supply chain and logistics service quality influencing online purchasing behaviour

The consumer behaviour had been affected by the evolution of digital technologies and internet. Online shopping is becoming more popular, with e-commerce market growth that encourages involvement of retailers. However, consumers' satisfaction is still the same as they request for a seamless and frictionless shopping experience, an 'Omni-channel supply chain'. Retailers need to understand the new phenomenon and how the concept is influencing customer purchasing behaviour, especially online shopping. Furthermore, several researches had highlighted the importance of logistics service quality in predicting online purchasing behaviour. Thus, this study investigates the relationship on Omni-channel supply chain and logistics service quality in influencing online purchasing behaviour. A survey-based approach is used to collect data from consumers about their perception. Overall, the study had enhanced the understanding of the relationship on Omni-channel supply chain and logistics service quality with online purchasing behaviour. In addition, the understanding of online purchasing behaviour in Omni-channel context has enabled retailer to allocate resources in designing new strategies

What's Up Omni? The Relationship Between Omni-Channel Supply Chain and Logistics Service Quality In Influencing Online Purchasing Behaviour

Consumer behavior had been affected by the evolution of digital technologies and the internet. Online shopping is becoming more popular, with e-commerce market growth that encourages the involvement of retailers. However, consumers' satisfaction is still the same as they request for a seamless and frictionless shopping experience, an 'Omni-channel supply chain.' Retailers need to understand the new phenomenon and how the concept is influencing customer purchasing behavior, especially online shopping. Several types of research had highlighted the importance of logistics service quality in predicting online purchasing behavior. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between the Omni-channel supply chain and logistics service quality in influencing online purchasing behavior. A survey-based approach is used to collect data from consumers about their perceptions. Overall, the study had enhanced the understanding of the relationship between the Omni-channel supply chain and logistics service quality with online purchasing behavior. Besides, the knowledge of online purchasing behavior in the Omni-channel context has enabled a retailer to allocate resources in designing new strategies. 

Strategic Planning of Reverse Logistics System Among Omnichannel Companies: A Qualitative Study

In an omnichannel context, reverse logistics systems are hazy and difficult to manage. Improper reverse logistics management can lead to consumer unhappiness and increased costs for omnichannel companies. Therefore, the understanding of reverse logistics in omnichannel environment is important to improve the management of reverse flow. This paper aims to explore the factors in reverse logistics system that would improve omnichannel firm performance. The semi-structured interviews were arranged and useful to obtain comprehensive understanding about reverse logistics system among companies in the omnichannel environment. Thematic content analysis was conducted to analysis the interview. The thematic analysis has provided a thorough understanding of reverse logistics in omnichannel companies, as well as their role in improving firm performance. Overall, there are nine major themes identified which was top management support, formalization, flexibility, information system, collaboration, supplier, customer, regulator, and competitor. The themes identified from omnichannel companies can be categorized into two categories which were firm and task environment factors. Omnichannel companies were reported a positive attitude in these reverse logistics factors to support the improved firm performance. The themes discussed because were thought to help in managing reverse logistics system and thus ensure the company's success. The findings of this study also providing a robust structural for understanding in omnichannel reverse logistics system. In conclusion, managers and related practitioners could manipulate the reverse logistics systems to improve firm performance. At the same time, the outcome would provide more comprehensive understanding in the strategic criteria of reverse logistics management

Recycling behaviour among Malaysian tertiary students

Tertiary institutions are considered as “small cities” and the enculturation of sustainable practices are vital due to its size and the impact that campus activities have on the environment and society.The sustainable practices such as recycling and reduction of carbon footprint are one of the examples that may lead to greening the tertiary institution and sustainable quest for UI Green Metric achievement.The tertiary campus is seen as offering an ideal setting for exploring and practicing sustainability.This study explored the current recycling behaviour in a tertiary setting; using a survey design to address the research questions and objectives.Study found that the tertiary students are prone to recycling due to the situational factors which are convenience and incentive as well as personal factors which included knowledge and social norm.Study concluded that in achieving the UI Green Metric, tertiary institutions should offer a convenience setting that indirectly enculturates the sustainable practices among the campus community

Replication and Meta-analysis of the Association between BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism and Cognitive Impairment in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) adversely affects cancer patients. We had previously demonstrated that the BDNF Val66Met genetic polymorphism is associated with lower odds of subjective CRCI in the multitasking and verbal ability domains among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. To further assess our previous findings, we evaluated the association of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism with subjective and objective CRCI in a temporally separate cohort of patients and pooled findings from both the original (n = 145) and current (n = 193) cohorts in a meta-analysis. Subjective CRCI was assessed using FACT-Cog. Objective CRCI was evaluated using computerized neuropsychological tests. Genotyping was carried out using Sanger sequencing. The association of BDNF Val66Met genotypes and CRCI was examined with logistic regression. A fixed-effect meta-analysis was conducted using the inverse variance method. In the meta-analysis (n = 338), significantly lower odds of CRCI were associated with Met allele carriers based on the global FACT-Cog score (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.29-0.94). Furthermore, Met allele carriers were at lower odds of developing impairment in the domains of memory (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.17-0.70), multitasking (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.18-0.59), and verbal ability (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.24-0.88). Consistent with the previous study, lower odds of subjective CRCI among patients with the BDNF Met allele was observed after adjusting for potential confounders in the multitasking (OR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14-0.67) domain. In conclusion, carriers of the BDNF Met allele were protected against global subjective CRCI, particularly in the domains of memory, multitasking, and verbal ability. Our findings further contribute to the understanding of CRCI pathophysiology

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Recycling behaviour among UUM students

Recycling awareness among university students are still in an average level.Despite the various initiatives undertaken by the government and the university itself, but recycling behaviour among Universiti Utara Malaysia students are still not achieve the level that to be proud of.The aim of this study is to investigate the determinants of recycling behaviour among Universiti Utara Malaysia students.This study has incorporated additional variables to the theoretical framework which are personal factors and situational factors. Personal factors which consists of knowledge and social norm while situational factors are convenience and incentive.This survey is conducted among 200 respondents of Universiti Utara Malaysia.The research instrument used is questionnaire and measured using 7-point Likert scale.The study makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the recycling behaviour and recycling participation of students. In conclusion, the findings of the study could be used by Universiti Utara Malaysia management to design recycling schemes to improve the recycling behaviour among Universiti Utara Malaysia students

Statistical Analysis of Green Laboratory Practice Survey: Conservation on Non-Distilled Water from Distillation Process

The water crisis is identified as the most serious global risk for the coming decade. Distilled water is one of the on-demand elements in academic laboratories; however, water scarcity may eventually affect the education sector, necessitating the implementation of new policies. Human behavior, awareness, knowledge, and opinion is having an impact on water management; accordingly, a questionnaire was purposely designed and validated to assess these variables in a Malaysian public university regarding the use of non-distilled water produced by the distillation process. An exploratory factor analysis yielded four factors: “concept of green laboratory and water”, “usage of non-distilled water”, “knowledge about water distillation”, and “behavior related to water conservation”. Using the Mann–Whitney U test to compare laboratory and non-laboratory users’ responses, the variables “Knowledge”, “Behavior”, and “Opinion” revealed statistically significant differences, with laboratory users scoring higher in all four variables. Employing the Kruskal–Wallis H test in an occupation-based comparison among laboratory users, and with an additional variable “Practice”, showed that “Lecturer” has the highest mean rank for “Awareness”, “Behavior”, and “Opinion”, while “Laboratory Assistant” has the highest mean rank for “Knowledge”. This study provides a rationale analysis for future insights to educate faculty members about the reuse of non-distilled water sustainably