Non-technical Factors Research Articles

MEMAHAMI KONFLIK ANTARAKTOR DALAM IMPLEMENTASI SISTEM INFORMASI PERGURUAN TINGGI : PERSPEKTIF TEORI STAKEHOLDER

College is a provider of higher education, both public and private sector. Information is a strategic resource as one factor in determining success university management, the implementation of information systems become an integrated part of the overall academic process engineering. But the reality is not so. This study examines the causes of conflict between actors in the implementation of the information system of higher education in the context of stakeholder theory, the causes of conflict, due to the conflict and a solution to the conflict. The method used in this study is the interpretive method is to look for an explanation of eventsthat are based perspectives and experience of the actors studied. Data collection techniques in this study is a direct informer interviews with semi-structured approach. The analysis shows there are two kinds of conflict between actors ie technical and non technical factors. Technical factors are relatively easy to find a solution that is suitable software application. This non-technical factors concerning human resources associated with stakeholders around the core of the problem. This is an actor stakeholder policy makers, so the need to search root of the problem as the solution appropriate and more focused on the problems of each actor. In the implementation of the information system of universities need to consider aspects of demand and supply, only mendevelop of culture and characteristics that match the user culture

Securing the Operation of Socially Critical Systems from an Engineering Perspective: New Challenges, Enhanced Tools and Novel Concepts

Large-scale infrastructure systems, providing essential goods and services to our societies and economies, are witnessing tighter integration and coupling, notably by the sheer ubiquitous use of cyber-physical systems for integration, communication, and control. Putting the electric power system in focus, the pertinent supervisory and data acquisition systems are not only running through major changes allowing for increased levels of communications but also exposing them to new (cyber) threats. Furthermore, humans are an essential part of these systems interacting with them and developing them into a “system of socio-technical systems”. In theory, and evidenced by past blackouts, power grids show complex behaviors and a strong influence of contextual factors. While the deterministic “N-1 security principle” has been successful in ensuring high performance of the European grid, it has been deemed insufficient to cope with multiple failures, cascading grid tripping scenarios, and non-technical factors and to capture a widened spectrum of threats. Thus, as traditional models often reach their limits, advanced modeling and simulation techniques are necessary, which are partly available and applied. Moreover, past disasters prove the need of focusing on “after shock behavior” and precaution against unanticipated events by amplifying absorptive, adaptive, and recovery capabilities. This shift towards increased resilience requires substantial conceptual work and the further development of analytical tools. Here the latest achievements and future challenges in this field of active research, aiming at securing the operation of those systems, are highlighted.

Research on the Vital Non-Technical Factor in Telecommunications Fraud: Social Engineering

Technical factors such as pseudo base station technology, VoIP technology, Caller ID spoofing technologies are usually considered to be the key problems in telecommunications fraud. In this paper, from thousands of telecommunications fraud cases we found that social engineering attack is the vital non-technical factor behind telecommunications fraud. From appeal to authority, appeal to greed and appeal to vanity, and so on, telecommunications fraudsters (also are social engineers) usually exploit human weakness so as to influence the person to take an action that may or may not be in their best interest. And, we found the three main procedures of social engineering attacks in telecommunications fraud. Also, we provided suggestions to prevent social engineering attacks.

The Importance of Standardization on Analyzing Circulating RNA.

Circulating RNAs, especially microRNAs (miRNAs), have recently emerged as non-invasive disease biomarkers. Despite enthusiasm and numerous reports on disease-associated circulating miRNAs, currently there is no circulating miRNA-based diagnostic in use. In addition, there are many contradictory reports on the concentration changes of specific miRNA in circulation. Here we review the impact of various technical and non-technical factors related to circulating miRNA measurement and elucidate the importance of having a general guideline for sample preparation and concentration measurement in studying circulating RNA.

Reconstruction of the Foot and Ankle Using Pedicled or Free Flaps: Perioperative Flap Survival Analysis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between non-technical risk factors and the perioperative flap survival rate and to evaluate the choice of skin flap for the reconstruction of foot and ankle.MethodsThis was a clinical retrospective study. Nine variables were identified. The Kaplan-Meier method coupled with a log-rank test and a Cox regression model was used to predict the risk factors that influence the perioperative flap survival rate. The relationship between postoperative wound infection and risk factors was also analyzed using a logistic regression model.ResultsThe overall flap survival rate was 85.42%. The necrosis rates of free flaps and pedicled flaps were 5.26% and 20.69%, respectively. According to the Cox regression model, flap type (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.592; 95% confidence interval [CI] (1.606, 4.184); P < 0.001) and postoperative wound infection (HR = 0.266; 95% CI (0.134, 0.529); P < 0.001) were found to be statistically significant risk factors associated with flap necrosis. Based on the logistic regression model, preoperative wound bed inflammation (odds ratio [OR] = 11.371,95% CI (3.117, 41.478), P < 0.001) was a statistically significant risk factor for postoperative wound infection.ConclusionFlap type and postoperative wound infection were both independent risk factors influencing the flap survival rate in the foot and ankle. However, postoperative wound infection was a risk factor for the pedicled flap but not for the free flap. Microvascular anastomosis is a major cause of free flap necrosis. To reconstruct complex or wide soft tissue defects of the foot or ankle, free flaps are safer and more reliable than pedicled flaps and should thus be the primary choice.

Critical Factors Influencing Viability of Wave Energy Converters in Off-Grid Luxury Resorts and Small Utilities

This paper examines technical and non-technical factors that are critical to the viability of commercialization of wave energy converters in off-grid luxury resorts and small utilities. Critical factors are found by investigating Levelized Cost of Energy, and using the tools PESTEL and Porter’s five competitive forces. Identified factors are then applied on three business cases to investigate their impact on viability. The results show that one of the main challenges facing off-grid commercialization is the few wave energy converter units installed per location, negating the economy of scale that large wave energy farms count on to achieve competitive cost levels. In addition, factors like current cost of energy, available wave resources, distance from shore, infrastructure, supply chain logistics, and electricity demand are found to be deciding factors for viability. Despite these challenges, it is found that there are potentially viable off-grid business cases for commercialization of wave energy converters.

Suggestions on the development strategy of shale gas in China

From the aspects of shale gas resource condition, main exploration and development progress, important breakthrough in key technologies and equipment, this paper systematically summarized and analyzed current situation of shale gas development in China and pointed out five big challenges such as misunderstandings, lower implementation degree and higher economic uncertainty of shale gas resource, and still no breakthrough in exploration and development core technologies and equipment for shale gas buried depth more than 3500 m, higher cost and other non-technical factors that restrict the development pace. Aiming at the above challenges, we put forward five suggestions to promote the shale gas development in China: (1) Make strategies and set goals according to our national conditions and exploration and development stages. That is, make sure to realize shale gas annual production of 20 × 109 m3, and strives to reach 30 × 109 m3. (2) Attach importance to the research of accumulation and enrichment geological theory and exploration & development key engineering technologies for lower production and lower pressure marine shale gas reservoir, and at the same time orderly promote the construction of non-marine shale gas exploration & development demonstration areas. (3) The government should introduce further policies and set special innovation funds to support the companies to carry out research and development of related technologies and equipment, especially to strengthen the research and development of technology, equipment and process for shale gas bellow 3500 m in order to achieve breakthrough in deep shale gas. (4) Continue to promote the geological theory, innovation in technology and management, and strengthen cost control on drilling, fracturing and the whole process in order to realize efficient, economic and scale development of China's shale gas. (5) Reform the mining rights management system, establish information platform of shale gas exploration and development data, and correctly guide the non-oil and gas companies to participate in shale gas exploration and development.

Factors influencing antimicrobial prescribing by veterinarians and usage by dairy farmers in New Zealand

AIMS: To determine the factors associated with the selection of antimicrobials by dairy veterinarians, and the attitudes of those veterinarians and dairy farmers to antimicrobial usage and resistance. METHODS: Facilitated focus groups of dairy farmers (n=22) and an anonymous online survey of dairy cattle veterinarians (n=206 respondents) were used to determine prescribing behaviour, factors affecting prescribing of antimicrobials, and the attitudes of veterinarians and farmers to the use of antimicrobials and the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). RESULTS: Amongst the 22 farmers, the most common primary reason for choosing an antimicrobial was veterinary advice (87%) followed by personal experience (68%). Farmers had limited knowledge or concern about the risk of AMR, particularly outside their farm, with only 47% and 26% agreeing or strongly agreeing that use of antimicrobials on their farm would increase the risk of resistance in their herd and in humans, respectively. Prescribing of antimicrobials by veterinarians was predominantly based on diagnosis (168/206; 82%), and response to previous therapy (134/206; 65%), while duration above the minimum inhibitory concentration (43/206; 21%) was also considered important. Non-clinical factors such as withholding period (52/206; 25%) and farmers’ preferences (45/206; 22%) also influenced prescribing. Antimicrobial culture and susceptibility testing was not widely used, with 126/166 (76%) having culture results for less than four of the last 10 clinical mastitis cases for which they prescribed antimicrobials. Attitudes about prescribing and AMR varied with years of practice, gender and employment status. CONCLUSIONS: Veterinarians primarily considered technical reasons when prescribing antimicrobials. However non-technical factors did influence prescribing, in particular client feedback about perceived efficacy and perceptions of cost/benefit. Farmers stated that veterinarians were the most credible source of advice for selection of antimicrobials, but that personal experience on their farm was also important. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Farmers’ perception of efficacy of antimicrobials, based on clinical outcomes, is an important determinant of their preferred choice of product. Hence, where changes in on-farm use patterns are required, clear communication by veterinarians about prudent antimicrobial choice and usage will require initial education around classes of antimicrobials and risk of resistance, as well as information around assessing efficacy of antimicrobial usage. Many veterinarians are in businesses that do not have practice prescribing policies. Such policies would likely lead to more consistent and judicious use of antimicrobials.

A Survey of Logging Contract Rates in the Southern European Alps

A survey of harvesting contracts was conducted in the Alpine regions of France and Italy. The main goal was to produce a benchmark for the harvesting contract rates in the area that may guide forest owners and logging contractors when making their harvesting decisions. The sample included 443 contracts, evenly distributed between France and Italy. The mean tract size was 9.17 ha, while the mean lot size was slightly larger than 500 m3 under bark (ub). Mean removal intensity varied from 70 to 120 m3 ub ha−1, depending on country and harvesting technique (i.e. ground-based or cable-yarder based). Mean contract rate was 35€ m−3 ub, but individual contract rates varied significantly between countries and for different harvest techniques. Regression analysis showed that contract rate was strongly affected by tree size, extraction distance and harvest technique. Contrary to expectation, neither tract size nor lot size had any effect on contract rate. This may be explained by the widespread use of mobile operations that are specifically designed for handling small lots and incur minimum relocation cost. The technical factors explored in the study could only explain 40 % of the variability in the dataset, and therefore at least part of the variability must derive from non-technical factors such as local market dynamics and national economics. The study did find significant differences between countries. In particular, ground-based operations were more cost efficient in France, and cable yarder-based operations in Italy.

Design for Deconstruction (DfD): Critical success factors for diverting end-of-life waste from landfills

The aim of this paper is to identify Critical Success Factors (CSF) needed for effective material recovery through Design for Deconstruction (DfD). The research approach employed in this paper is based on a sequential exploratory mixed method strategy. After a thorough review of literature and conducting four Focus Group Discussion (FGDs), 43 DfD factors were identified and put together in a questionnaire survey. Data analyses include Cronbach’s alpha reliability analysis, mean testing using significance index, and exploratory factor analysis. The result of the factor analysis reveals that an underlying factor structure of five DfD factors groups that include ‘stringent legislation and policy’, ‘deconstruction design process and competencies’, ‘design for material recovery’, ‘design for material reuse’, and ‘design for building flexibility’. These groups of DfD factor groups show that the requirements for DfD goes beyond technical competencies and that non-technical factors such as stringent legislation and policy and design process and competency for deconstruction are key in designing deconstructable buildings. Paying attention to the factors identified in all of these categories will help to tackle impediments that could hinder the effectiveness of DfD. The results of this study would help design and project managers to understand areas of possible improvement in employing DfD as a strategy for diverting waste from landfills.

Assessment of upscaling potential of alternative adsorbent materials for highway stormwater treatment in cold climates

ABSTRACTGenerally, studies on alternative adsorbents focus on adsorbent removal capacity, as a function of pollutant concentration, and other practical aspects, such as costs, environmental impact and end of life costs, that can affect the upscaling of adsorbents for real-life applications, are not explicitly considered. Therefore, this study combines multi-criteria modeling with experimental evaluation to integrate both technical and non-technical factors in assessing the upscaling potential of alternative adsorbents. The experimental step was used to verify the reported pollutant removal as well as testing environmental stability, of the alternative adsorbents, in cold climates. Important factors/criteria for the upscaling process were identified with the help of principal component analysis. The results indicated that adsorbents such as pine bark, olivine and charcoal were the best available options for upscaling. The statistical analysis revealed that factors such as initial costs, hydraulic loads and end-of-life costs were important for the upscaling process and, therefore, should be explicitly included in any future evaluation of the alternative adsorbents.

Improving Providers' Role Definitions to Decrease Overcrowding and Improve In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Response.

How nontechnical factors such as inadequate role definition and overcrowding affect outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is unknown. Using a bundled intervention, we sought to improve providers' role definitions and decrease overcrowding during IHCA events. To determine if a bundled intervention consisting of a nurse/physician leadership dyad, visual cues for provider roles, and a "role check" would lead to reductions in crowding and improve perceptions of communication and team leadership. Baseline data on the number and type of IHCA providers were collected. Providers were asked to complete a postevent survey rating communication and leadership. A bundled intervention was then introduced. Data were then obtained for the subsequent IHCA events. Twenty ICHA events were captured before and 34 after the intervention. The number of physicians present at pulse checks 2 (median [interquartile range]: 6 [5-8] before vs 5 [3-6] after, P = .02) and 3 (7 [5-9] vs 4 [4-5], P = .004) decreased significantly after the intervention. The overall number of providers at the third pulse check (18 [14-22] before vs 14 [12-16] after, P = .04) also decreased after the intervention. On a 10-point Likert scale, ratings of communication (8 [7-8]) and physician leadership (8 [7-9]) did not differ significantly from before to after the intervention. Both the physician leads (90%) and patients' primary nurses (97%) were able to identify clear nurse leaders. A bundled intervention targeted at improving IHCA response led to a decrease in overcrowding at ICHA events without substantial changes in the perceptions of communication or physician leadership.

Exploring Spatial Data Sharing Factors and Strategies for Catchment Management Authorities in Australia

Spatial information plays a significant role in addressing many decision making process including the catchment decisions. Spatial data sharing is recognized as one of the important components in spatial data infrastructure design and development. This research develops spatial data sharing strategies for the implementation of improved spatial data sharing arrangements between catchment management authorities (CMAs) and state government organizations in Australia. A mixed method research approach was utilized to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from 56 CMAs and the embedded design framework was used for the synthesis and interpretation of the results. The national survey data and case study data were collected and analyzed sequentially using the mixed method design framework. Within, the case study, social network analysis was introduced for analyzing data sharing and provides a new perspective on assessing spatial data sharing relationship. The supplemental case study analysis embedded within a larger national survey provided a supportive role and enhanced the findings from the national survey. The key factors which influence spatial data sharing between state government organizations and CMAs were identified and classified into six major classes as governance, economic, policy, legal, cultural and technical. The nontechnical factors (governance, policy, economic, legal and cultural) were found to be more significant in comparison with the technical factor. Based on these findings, fourteen data sharing strategies were developed. The study suggests that the adoption and implementation of these strategies can assist in overcoming the spatial data sharing issues and hence will contribute to improved spatial data sharing arrangements between regional CMAs and state government organizations in Australia.

Inpatient Dislocation After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundInpatient dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA) is considered a nonreimbursable “never event” by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. There is extensive evidence that technical procedural factors affect dislocation risk, but less is known about the influence of nontechnical factors. We evaluated inpatient dislocation trends after elective primary THA and identified patient and hospital characteristics associated with the occurrence of dislocation. MethodsWe used discharge records from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002-2011). Temporal trends were assessed, and multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify factors associated with dislocation. ResultsThe in-hospital dislocation rate increased from 0.025% in 2002 to 0.15% in 2011, despite a downward trend in length of stay (P < .001). Patient characteristics associated with the occurrence of dislocation were black or Hispanic race/ethnicity, lower household income, and Medicaid insurance. Comorbidities associated with dislocation included hemiparesis/hemiplegia, drug use disorder, chronic renal failure, psychosis, and obesity. Dislocations were less likely to occur at teaching hospitals and in the South. ConclusionThe in-hospital dislocation rate after elective primary THA is increasing, in spite of shorter stays and surgical advances over time. Given the sociodemographic disparities in dislocation risk documented herein, interventions to address social determinants of health might do as much or more to reduce the occurrence of dislocation than technical improvements.

FAKTOR PENYEBAB KETIDAKMAMPUAN PETANI MEMENUHI PERMINTAAN BABYBUNCIS UNTUKPT. ALAMANDA SEJATI UTAMA SERTASTRATEGI UNTUK MENGATASINYA (Studi Kasus Kelompok Tani Tauhid, Kabupaten Bandung Barat)

Baby Kenya bean is a bean types that has a good prospects, it has successfully entered the export market. Poktan Tauhid which is a part of the Farmers Group (Gapoktan) Lembang Agri are the farmers group who grows baby kenya bean. The aim of this research are to know the causative factors of farmer that led to an inability to meet the demand for the baby kenya bean for PT. Alamanda Sejati Utama and determine the accurate strategy which can be implemented in Poktan Tauhid to overcome the problems.The research design is qualitative with descriptive analysis technique with fishbone diagrams and analysis of operation strategies with QSPM. The results of the research indicates that a very problematic technical factors among others are the weather conditions, pest and plant disease. While non-technical factors that is very problematic isthe harvest labor. In addition, technical factors that enter into the troubled category are technology, seeds, water availability andthe wind. The alternative strategy that can be implemented in Poktan Tauhid Backward Integration.The implication of this alternative strategy is enabling Poktan Tauhid to better control the process to reschedule planting schedules for every babykenya bean farmer. Moreover, counseling should be given more frequently, related to technologies and the prevention of pests and diseases naturally.Keyword :Causative factors, alternative strategy, baby kenya bean

Developing an agent-based hierarchical modeling approach to assess human performance of infrastructure systems

During the last decade, research works related to modeling and simulation of infrastructure systems have primarily focused on the performance of their technical factors, almost ignoring the importance of non-technical factors of these systems, e.g., human operators, consumers. In contrast, the human operator of infrastructure systems has become an essential part in daily operation and in ensuring the security and reliability of the system. In some of the most significant technological incidents of the past century, human error has played a major role. Therefore, developing a modeling approach that is capable of assessing the human performance in a comprehensive way has become crucial. In this paper, an agent-based hierarchical modeling approach is proposed, which aims at the explicit modeling of the impacts of human performance on the operation of infrastructure systems. Within this approach, the cognition component plays a major role. For this purpose, an analytical method based on the Cognitive Reliability Error Analysis Method (CREAM) is developed using a knowledge-based approach. The proposed modeling approach is a pilot work exploring possibilities of simulating performance of human factors in infrastructure systems. The applicability of this modeling approach is demonstrated by a validation experiment using the electric power supply system as an exemplary system.

Prolonged Length of Stay after Esophageal Resection: Identifying Drivers of Increased Length of Stay Using the NSQIP Database

Although influence of technical complications in association to hospital length of stay has been studied extensively in esophageal resection, nontechnical factors responsible for prolonged length of stay have not been reported. Using the NSQIP dataset, we hypothesized that we would be able to identify factors associated with prolonged length of stay after esophagectomy. National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data from 2005 to 2012 were reviewed for CPT codes for esophagectomy. Outlier status for length of stay was defined as >75th percentile. Logistic regression was used to predict outlier status and linear regression to discern factors contributing to longer lengths of stay. A total of 3,538 cases were reviewed. The 75th percentile for length of stay was 17 days. Preoperative predictors of hospital stay outliers include emergency surgery and frailty index (odds ratios= 3.7 and 3.6; p < 0.001). Deep organ space infection and progressive renal insufficiency had the highest likelihood of prolonged length of stay (odds ratios= 5.2 and 5.1; p<0.001). Failure to wean off of ventilator in 48 hours, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia were associated with length of stay outlier (odds ratios= 3.7, 2.7, and 2.7; all p < 0.001). Urinary tract infection and pneumonia after esophagectomy are associated with longer hospital stays. Although meticulous surgical technique remains paramount, our study demonstrates that postoperative nontechnical complications factor into prolonged hospital stays. Focus on such factors can lead to reductions in hospital stays.

Confirmation of Expectations and Satisfaction with Hospital Information Systems: A Nursing Perspective.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare nurses' satisfaction with, and expectations of, hospital information systems in two teaching hospitals.MethodsThis was a survey study, which was completed in 2014. The potential participants were 267 nurses who worked in two teaching hospitals and used the same hospital information system. Data were collected using two questionnaires. Both questionnaires were examined in terms of content validity and reliability.ResultsThe results showed that, for a majority of nurses, their expectations of the system were not met in either hospital. Moreover, there was a significant association between the nurses' expectations and the perceived usefulness of the systems (p < 0.001), between the nurses' expectations and their satisfaction with the systems (p < 0.001), and between the perceived usefulness and nurses' satisfaction with the systems (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results suggested that, apart from the technical issues of implementing clinical information systems, non-technical factors should be taken into account. Among them, the nature of clinical tasks and the organizational culture require more attention to allow a successful system to be designed and implemented.

Typology of Options for Metal Recycling: Australia’s Perspective

While Australia has traditionally relied on obtaining metals from primary sources (namely mined natural resources), there is significant potential to recover metals from end-of-life-products and industrial waste. Although any metals recycling value chain requires a feasible technology at its core, many other non-technical factors are key links in the chain, which can compromise the overall viability to recycle a commodity and/or product. The “Wealth from Waste” Cluster project funded by the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Flagship Collaboration Fund and partner universities is focusing on identifying viable options to “mine” metals contained in discarded urban infrastructure, manufactured products and consumer goods. A key aspect of this research is to understand the critical non-technical barriers and system opportunities to enhance rates of metals recycling in Australia. Work to date has estimated the mass and current worth of metals in above ground resources. Using these outcomes as a basis, a typology for different options for (metal) reuse and recycling has been developed to classify the common features, which is presented in this article. In addition, the authors investigate the barriers and enablers in the recycling value chain, and propose a set of requirements for a feasible pathway to close the material loop for metals in Australia.

Openness and Restraint: Structure, Discourse, and Contention in Saudi Twitter

In this study, we map and analyze the structure and content of the Saudi Twittersphere and identify the communities that coalesce around different political, religious, social, and cultural topics and viewpoints. This study of the Saudi Twittersphere offers a detailed view of public sentiment and provides insights into the overall structure, discourse, and communities of the network. We look into how users take advantage of the fact that Twitter is an unfiltered media platform to advance their political and social causes. We also examine three case studies centered on issues that received extensive attention on Twitter at the national level during the course of this study.Twitter opens up public space for Saudi citizens to engage in political and social discourse in a country that heavily restricts political speech, civic engagement, and media freedom. This space is technically accessible for public participation, but is shaped by legal measures regulating objectionable content and fear of confrontation with state policies and social norms. These nontechnical factors that constrain users seem to be behind two online behaviors that we observe on Saudi Twitter: users opt to self-censor their online activities to avoid problematic speech, and many of those who take controversial political stands choose to do so using pseudonyms. Within these constraints, the discourse and communities on Twitter reveal intellectual diversity and social divisions. We are able to see who is most interested in what issues and which topics are debated.