bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collective hybrid intelligence: towards a conceptual framework
Authors: Moradi Morteza , Moradi Mohammad , Bayat Farhad , Nadjaran Toosi Adel
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Human or machine, which one is more intelligent and powerful for performing computing and processing tasks? Over the years, researchers and scientists have spent significant amounts of money and effort to answer this question. Nonetheless, despite some outstanding achievements, replacing humans in the intellectual tasks is not yet a reality. Instead, to compensate for the weakness of machines in some (mostly cognitive) tasks, the idea of putting human in the loop has been introduced and widely accepted. In this paper, the notion of collective hybrid intelligence as a new computing framework and comprehensive.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the extensive acceptance and efficiency of crowdsourcing, hybrid intelligence and distributed computing concepts, the authors have come up with the (complementary) idea of collective hybrid intelligence. In this regard, besides providing a brief review of the efforts made in the related contexts, conceptual foundations and building blocks of the proposed framework are delineated. Moreover, some discussion on architectural and realization issues are presented.

Findings

The paper describes the conceptual architecture, workflow and schematic representation of a new hybrid computing concept. Moreover, by introducing three sample scenarios, its benefits, requirements, practical roadmap and architectural notes are explained.

Originality/value

The major contribution of this work is introducing the conceptual foundations to combine and integrate collective intelligence of humans and machines to achieve higher efficiency and (computing) performance. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this the first study in which such a blessing integration is considered. Therefore, it is believed that the proposed computing concept could inspire researchers toward realizing such unprecedented possibilities in practical and theoretical contexts.
Using SERVIQUAL to investigate the quality of provided wireless communication services in UAE
Authors: Abu Jadayil Wisam , Shakoor Mwafak , Bashir Adnan , Selmi Hamza , Qureshi Mohamed Rafik N.N.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the service quality of wireless telecommunication services in the UAE.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the five dimensions of SERVQUAL instrumentation (reliability, assurance, tangibility, empathy and responsiveness) that are believed to represent service quality to approach a result of service quality level through comparing customers’ expectations to their perceptions. A SERVQUAL survey was constructed and distributed among a total number of 100 Etisalat users from four different age groups.

Findings

The results showed a significant difference between users’ expectations and the current level of quality of services in tangibility dimension of quality. The other variables were ranked in this order, assurance, reliability, responsiveness and empathy in service quality.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings encompass individuals from society only and may not be practical to generalize the findings to business organizations or industries as they have special offers and packages designed for their nature of the study.

Practical implications

This research is intensely valuable for Etisalat telecommunication company as it reflects and rates their service provided to the individuals of the society (citizens and residents) from five different critical dimensions. Consequently, it offers the firm the chance to improve the negative gaps in their services. Thus, higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Originality/value

This study demonstrated that a multi-cultural society could influence customers’ expectations and perceptions of service quality. The study results showed opposing expectations and perceptions to the same dimension from people of the same age group. The highest gaps were found to be in the tangibility and assurance dimensions whilst the lowest gap was found in the empathy dimension.
Dimension of corruption and firm performance: an empirical analysis from BEEPS survey
Authors: Ashyrov Gaygysyz , Akuffo Isaac Nana
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The link between corruption and firm performance has received considerable critical attention. However, until now, far too little attention has been paid to different dimensions of corruption and their relationship with firm performance. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to examine the relationship between dimensions of corruption and firm productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the fifth wave of Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Survey, which is based on the survey questionnaire with senior managers of 16,566 randomly selected firms across 32 developing countries. Empirical analysis employs structural equation modeling (SEM) and instrumental variable two-stage least square (IV 2SLS) estimation techniques.

Findings

Our results revealed that political corruption and red tape have a positive relationship with firm productivity. We also found that perceived extent of bribe and corruption experience are positively related to the firm productivity.

Practical implications

Findings suggest that multifaceted dimensions of corruption exist. Therefore, policymakers should develop anticorruption measures by taking into account these dimensions. In addition, policymakers should focus on improving institutional quality by reforming laws and measures to detect and punish government officials.

Originality/value

So far only few studies have looked at the dimensions of corruption; therefore, this study seeks to examine the effect of different dimensions of corruption together on firm performance in postcommunist countries.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-08-2019-0476
Are the sustainable development goals being implemented in the Portuguese higher education formative offer?
Authors: Aleixo Ana Marta , Azeiteiro Ulisses M. , Leal Susana
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The study aims to examine the vertical integration of the sustainable development goals (SGDs) in Portuguese public higher education institutions, namely, at the level of undergraduate and master’s degrees, and the extent to which Portuguese higher education institutions (HEI) are preparing for the United Nations’ call to promote SDGs.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of the designations and objectives of the 2,556 undergraduate and master’s degrees (in 33 Portuguese public higher education institutions) was done to determine whether they promote at least one SDG.

Findings

The results show that 198 courses directly address at least one SDG; on average, each higher education institution (HEI) has six courses that explicitly address at least one SDG; universities have more courses in SDG areas than in polytechnics; more master’s degrees embrace SDGs than undergraduate degrees; and most of the courses addressing SDGs are from the social sciences and humanities areas and from natural and environmental sciences.

Originality/value

This paper serves to raise the awareness of Portuguese HEIs of their role and responsibility in furthering SGDs.
How can SMEs acquire supply chain financing: the capabilities and information perspective
Authors: Lu Qiang , Liu Beini , Song Hua
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how innovation capability and market response capability of small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) affect their supply chain financing performance (SCFP) through supply chain financing solutions (SCFS) adoption. At the same time, the mechanism by which supply chain financing reduces information asymmetry before (ex-ante) and after (ex-post) SCFS adoption to promote SCFP is also inquired.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on enterprise competence theory, this paper proposes a theoretical model and tests it using survey data from a sample of 218 SMEs in China. Multiple regression analysis is employed to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The study finds that: (1) SMEs' innovation capability and market response capability positively affect SCFP. (2) SMEs' innovation capability and market response capability exert significantly positive effects on SCFS adoption. (3) SCFS adoption plays a mediating role between SME capabilities and SCFP. (4) Supply chain integration (SCI) and information technology application have no moderating effects on the relationship between SME capabilities and SCFS adoption. Finally, (5) SCI and information technology application have positive moderating effects on the relationship between SCFS adoption and SCFP.

Originality/value

Based on enterprise competence theory, this study sheds light on the internal mechanism through which SMEs' capabilities affect SCFP by introducing SCFS adoption and explores the role of situational factors in SCF in reducing ex-ante and ex-post information asymmetry. This study provides an innovative theoretical perspective on supply chain financing and enriches the existing research.
Implementation of dual monetary policy and its relevance to inflation and unemployment in the Phillips curve context in Indonesia
Authors: Amrial  , Mikail Ahmad , Arundina Tika
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Studies linking monetary policy to inflation and unemployment rates in the context of the Phillips curve are limited to conventional economics. On the other hand, research related to application of the dual monetary policy is limited to discussion of monetary policy transmission lines, especially in Islamic banking channels. Therefore, this study aims to determine the monetary policy response in implementation of the dual monetary policy to two important indicators in the macro economy, namely, inflation and unemployment. In addition, the study reveals the relevance of the Phillips curve in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used is vector auto regression vector autoregression (VAR) with monthly data from February 2005 to October 2016 for the first model and semi-annual data from February 2005 to August 2017 for the second model. Analysis of VAR estimation in this research uses the impulse response function (IRF) to analyze the degree of sensitivity or responsiveness to a shock between variables and the variance decomposition (VD) application to analyze how the proportion of each independent variable’s contribution affects the money supply.

Findings

The result shows that monetary policy has responded appropriately to the problems of inflation and unemployment. However, inflation generates a bigger response than unemployment. Bank Indonesia considers the inflation expectations aspect of both conventional and Islamic references. Finally, the concept of the Phillips curve proves to be irrelevant in Indonesia.

Practical implications

The central bank is expected to build a more effective policy for transmission from the monetary sector to the real sector to effectively overcome the problems of inflation and unemployment. Furthermore, Indonesia needs to increase policies to overcome problems on the supply side.

Originality/value

The results of this study provide new insights into application of the dual monetary policy toward inflation and unemployment.
Assessing user perceptions of the interplay between the sharing, access, platform and community‐based economies
Authors: Geissinger Andrea , Laurell Christofer , Öberg Christina , Sandström Christian , Suseno Yuliani
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Digitally intermediated peer-to-peer exchanges have accelerated in occurrence, and as a consequence, they have introduced an increased pluralism of connotations. Accordingly, this paper aims to assess user perceptions of the interplay between the sharing, access, platform, and community-based economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The sharing, access, platform, and community-based economies have been systematically tracked in the social media landscape using Social Media Analytics (SMA). In doing so, a total material of 62,855 publicly posted user-generated content concerning the four respective economies were collected and analyzed.

Findings

Even though the sharing economy has been conceptually argued to be interlinked with the access, platform, and community-based economies, the empirical results of the study do not validate this interlinkage. Instead, the results regarding user perceptions in social media show that the sharing, access, platform, and community-based economies manifest as clearly separated.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to existing literature by offering an empirical validation, as well as an in-depth understanding, of the sharing economy's interlinkage to other economies, along with the extent to which the overlaps between these economies manifest in social media.
Key determinants of SMEs’ export performance: a resource-based view and contingency theory approach using potential mediators
Authors: Safari Arsalan , Saleh Ali Salman
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Various barriers discourage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from entering or expanding their export activities in the international markets, especially SMEs in emerging markets. The purpose of this study is to look at capacity building to accelerate SMEs’ export performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on contingency theory and takes a resource-based and market-based view to provide a holistic understanding of the issue. This study uses primary data collected via extensive surveys from active SMEs in three main industrial regions in Vietnam to undertake confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling for quantitative analysis.

Findings

The results confirm and show the significant effects of various determinants on firms’ export performance. These research findings have scientific contribution and significant implications by understanding the effective internal and external export drivers and mediators in an emerging market and enhancing SMEs’ export performance.

Practical implications

This study helps SMEs to improve their export performance by systemizing their decision-making in export activities, improving main export drivers highlighted in this study and developing required training programs for their teams. The outcomes also helps policymakers and regulators to improve the current SME ecosystem in Vietnam through training programs, improving policies, facilitating trades, providing more government assistance etc. The results of this study can be extended to other emerging markets with a similar economic structure and legal system.

Originality/value

Given the need for more work on export performance, this paper develops and tests a holistic conceptual framework that accounts for all aspects of export drivers, and provides a more comprehensive model for examining SMEs’ export drivers. This theoretical framework also incorporates three potential mediators (i.e. innovation strategy, export marketing strategy and business strategy) to investigate the effect of internal and external factors on export performance, highlighting the importance of the mediating effects on SMEs in achieving growth and competing in the international arena.
What motivates members to transact on social C2C communities? A theoretical explanation
Authors: Trehan Deepak , Sharma Rajat
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the consumer motivation to buy products on consumer-to-consumer (C2C) communities on social networking sites (SNSs). These transactions involve no intermediation or payment of fees by any party. The phenomenon is in contrast with the traditional C2C transactions, on websites such as eBay, where the company website facilitates the transaction between consumers, charges a fee to sellers and provides limited information about buyers and sellers.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from media richness theory and social capital theory, this paper thus proposes and empirically tests a theoretical model developed using data collected from people making transactions on these communities that synthesize the motivations behind consumers’ intention to buy.

Findings

The results indicate that the media richness of the Facebook platform increases the social capital and sense of virtual community among users, which further impacts the purchase intentions of users. Social capital alone does not lead to purchase intention and indirectly impacts purchase intentions through the trust dimension.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to theorizing the role of the platform, social capital and sense of virtual community in buying behavior on SNSs and provides valuable new insights into these constructs for the brand managers on social media sites.

Originality/value

Existing research on social commerce does not hold true for C2C communities on SNSs. This paper provides a new perspective into these communities through the lens of media richness and social capital constructs as antecedents of purchase intentions on these communities.
Entrepreneurship competencies in energy sustainability MOOCs
Authors: Beltrán Hernández de Galindo Martha de Jesús , Romero-Rodriguez Luis M. , Ramirez Montoya Maria Soledad
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have been gaining popularity as non-formal lifelong learning educational platforms. However, they have been criticized for their low completion rate and low ability for networking. The purpose of this paper is to analyze how incorporating entrepreneurial competencies in MOOCs develops attributes of educational innovation and collaborative projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The research followed a three-stage process: in first stage, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify dimensions of entrepreneurial skills and attributes of educational innovation in MOOCs. In the second stage, a quantitative study was carried out, based on the analysis of pre- and post-test surveys taken by a sample of 6,517 participants. In the last stage, the interaction analysis model/computer-mediated communication analysis model was applied through qualitative analysis, using the MAXQDA tool to identify if entrepreneurship opportunities were generated in the interactions within the discussion forums of the MOOCs.

Findings

The results show that the analyzed MOOCs have an overall completion rate of 12.55 per cent, above the average of the rates found in the literature review. However, only 14.29 per cent of the participants expressed at least one opportunity to generate ventures related to the topics of energy in the discussion forums.

Practical implications

This research could help instructional designers and universities to consider the inclusion of entrepreneurship issues in the design of MOOCs’ content and to encourage more activities that promote networking among participants, to identify business potential from the educational materials.

Originality/value

This research is one of the very few studies on entrepreneurship competencies in MOOCs to understand how the inclusion of issues related to entrepreneurship in MOOCs can generate a positive impact on participants.
“Chapuling” for freedom and democracy in Gezi Park
Authors: Ucok-Sayrak Ozum , Deiuliis David M.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the role of social media during the Gezi Park protests (2013) in Turkey in facilitating and promoting the expression of what matters to the protestors in a communicative environment where most traditional media turned away from reporting the events. Furthermore, the role of social media in promoting “interspaces” (Arendt, 1955/1983) and constructing “communicative dwellings” that maintain public conversation of diverse ideas during the Gezi Park events (Arnett et al., 2014, p. 14) is highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the framework of communication ethics and conflict offered by Arnett et al. (2014) that highlights the importance of recognizing “the goods that matter to oneself and others” (p. 17) in a conflict situation.

Findings

Notwithstanding its potential for misinformation, social media was the only reliable option for Gezi Park protesters. During the Gezi Park protests, social media facilitated the creation of interspaces through which people could make sense of, share, and interactively negotiate meanings about the protests through dialogue. During the Gezi Park protests, social media served both as an alternative source of information and a platform for sharing what people protect and promote that allowed for the construction of multiple narratives of resistance. Social media revealed the many components of the protests collected under the label of Gezi Park. In this historical moment of narrative and virtue contention, it becomes crucial for leaders to sense what matters to oneself and others if conflict is to be constructively engaged, allowing for increased insight and productivity.

Originality/value

Although there are various studies on Gezi Park protests and the use of social media, there is no discussion related to communication ethics. In this paper, the authors used the communication ethics framework offered by Arnett et al. (2014) that underlines the “interplay of ethics and conflict” (p. 2) highlighting ethics as “the good that one seeks to protect and promote” (p. 7) that generate conflict because of “multiplicity of ‘goods’” (Arnett et al., 2009, p. 9) and contrasting ethical positions. Thus, given the multiplicity in terms of what is considered as that which matters, and the contrasting ethical positions that are at odds with each other, conflict and tension can be generated. There are no other studies in the literature that use the abovementioned communication ethics perspective for discussing the Gezi Park protests in Turkey.
Evaluating neuropsychologically informed rehabilitation training for staff within a high secure intellectual disability service
Authors: Annesley Phyllis , Hamilton Zoe , Galway Roisin , Akiens Samantha , Hicks Rachel , Clarke Martin
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Neuropsychologically informed rehabilitation (NIR) is one approach to supporting people with intellectual disabilities, cognitive impairment and challenging behaviour. This study aims to evaluate a five-day training course in NIR for staff working with adult male offenders with intellectual disabilities in a high secure hospital. The impacts on both the staff who undertook the training and the patients with challenging behaviour were explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were psychology, nursing and day services staff and male patients. The staff completed a post-training questionnaire and three measures at pre-NIR training, post-NIR training and one-year follow-up. Patients completed four questionnaire measures within the same periods.

Findings

NIR training was positively evaluated by staff. Staff members’ perceived efficacy in working with challenging behaviour significantly increased post-training which was maintained at follow-up. Thematic analysis showed that the training staff members built their confidence, knowledge and skills. Because of these being high to start with, the study could not evidence statistically significant changes in these. Thematic analysis yielded two main themes, namely, benefits and quality of training, each with their own subthemes. The impacts of the training on patients were difficult to assess related to various factors.

Research limitations/implications

The knowledge and confidence measures used were limited in scope with an experienced staff group and required development.

Practical implications

NIR training could assist staff in other secure and community settings in working with people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviours.

Originality/value

This study positively contributes to an area that requires more research.
The benefits of student-led health promotion intervention
Authors: Lane-Martin Athene
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The benefits of a student-led mental health promotion intervention on World Mental Health day result in tangible learning benefits for those students. The event occurs within the students’ own university. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study evaluates students’ experience on a mental health promotion intervention. This intervention was to enable students to experience running a health promotion intervention and develop their health promotion skills outside of their lectures. Students were recruited who had just completed a module on health promotion. Students had to plan and organise the intervention, which included involving other organisations and facilities both external and internal to the university. The experience was evaluated through the case study using as data collection a semi-structured interview.

Findings

Results indicated that students found the experience to be beneficial in deepening their understanding of health promotion, mental health awareness and in increasing their self-esteem. Limitations of this case study are in the argument for reproducibility of results, which is affected by the small number of students who took part.

Research limitations/implications

There are opportunities to develop this idea further and to broaden the availability of the initiative, enabling more students from diverse backgrounds to experience putting theory into practice.

Originality/value

To the best knowledge of the author, this study, although with limitations, provided a good understanding on how to develop health promotion skills within a university setting. The outcomes of this study are mainly applicable to a health studies course, educators of mental health promotion, university mental health support services and research related to this topic, especially on promoting mental health awareness and education.
Case study: examining failure in change management
Authors: Graamans Ernst , Aij Kjeld , Vonk Alexander , ten Have Wouter
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This case study aims to shed light on what went wrong with the introduction of new surgical suture in a Dutch hospital operating theatre following a tender. Transition to working with new surgical suture was organized in accordance with legal and contractual provisions, and basic principles of change management were applied, but resistance from surgeons led to cancellation of supplies of the new suture.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers had access to all documents relevant to the tendering procedure and crucial correspondence between stakeholders. Seventeen in-depth, 1 h interviews were conducted with key informants who were targeted through maximum variation sampling. Patients were not interviewed. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed by discourse analysis. A trial session and workshop were participatively observed. A cultural psychological perspective was adopted to gain an understanding of why certain practices appear to be resistant to change.

Findings

For the cardiothoracic surgeons, suture was more than just stitching material. Suture as a tactile element in their day-to-day work environment is embedded within a social arrangement that ties elements of professional accountability, risk avoidance and direct patient care together in a way that makes sense and feels secure. This arrangement is not to be fumbled with by outsiders.

Practical implications

By understanding the practical and emotional stakes that medical professionals have in their work, lessons can be learned to prevent failure of future change initiatives.

Originality/value

The cultural psychological perspective adopted in this study has never been applied to understanding failed change in a hospital setting.
Corporate governance and compliance with IFRS 7
Authors: Mnif Yosra , Znazen Oumaima
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of the characteristics of two corporate governance mechanisms, namely, board of directors and audit committee (hereafter AC), on the level of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standard [hereafter International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)] 7 “Financial instruments: Disclosures” (hereafter FID).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a self-constructed checklist of 128 items, this research measures the compliance with IFRS 7 of 63 Canadian financial institutions listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange during a period of three years (2014-2016). Fixed effect panel regressions have been used to capture the individual effect present in authors’ data.

Findings

Empirical results show that the mean compliance level with IFRS 7 requirements is about 77 per cent and identify various areas of non-compliance. This level of compliance has a positive linkage with the board size and independence. Similarly, the AC independence and financial accounting expertise are shown to positively affect authors’ dependent variable. Nevertheless, CEO/chairman duality, AC size and meeting frequency are not significantly correlated with the level of compliance with IFRS 7.

Originality/value

This study expands prior compliance literature in the Canadian setting by examining the determinants of compliance with IFRS mandatory disclosures. Also, and to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first studies that have investigated the effect of corporate governance characteristics (hereafter CGC) on compliance with all IFRS 7 requirements in general.
Analysis of “underdevelopment whirlpools” as a tool of managing the regional market of education in the conditions of Industry 4.0
Authors: Sozinova Anastasia A. , Nabokikh Aleksei A. , Ryattel Aleksandra V. , Sanovich Marina A.
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the perspectives and to adapt the analysis of “underdevelopment whirlpools” to the current needs of state management of digital modernization of the regional market of educational services in the aspect of determination and assessment of its disproportions as a tool of managing the regional market of education and managing the process of reorganization of regional universities in the conditions of transition to Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of “underdevelopment whirlpools”, adapted by the authors to the specifics of the regional market of educational services, is used. The statistical basis for this paper includes the information and analytical materials as a result of monitoring the effectiveness of activities of educational organizations of higher education and the materials of the Federal State Statistics Service of the Russian Federation.

Findings

“Underdevelopment whirlpools” of the Kirov branch of St. Petersburg University of the Humanities and Social Sciences are analyzed, and reorganization of this university is recommended. “Underdevelopment whirlpools” in Kirov Oblast are analyzed, and an increase of regulation of this market is recommended.

Originality/value

It is substantiated that the method of analysis of “underdevelopment whirlpools” could be a tool of managing the regional educational market and managing the process of reorganization of regional universities in the conditions of transition to Industry 4.0. The advantage of analysis of “underdevelopment whirlpools”, as compared to the existing similar methods of assessment of disproportions in the development of the regional market of educational services (e.g. comparative analysis and plan-fact analysis), is the possibility not only to evaluate the static underrun from the model/plan but also to study its dynamics (depth and speed of sucking into “underdevelopment whirlpool”), which allows achieving high precision of the results of assessment.
Practical application of Kafalah in Islamic banking in Malaysia
Authors: Muneeza Aishath , Mustapha Zakariya
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the application of Kafalah in the practice of Islamic banking in Malaysia generally and ascertain applicable rules governing the application under relevant legislations and Shariah. The study also aims to examine the legislations in the light of Shariah provisions governing Kafalah and propose amendments.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative research where primary data sources mainly legislations and secondary sources comprising of articles and books on the subject of Kafalah were examined. It is an exploratory legal research that primarily focuses on library studies and adopts doctrinal approach for content analysis of data from the identified sources.

Findings

Kafalah is widely used in Islamic banking in Malaysia with primary or secondary application in structuring such products/services as personal guarantee, bank guarantee, Islamic credit card among others. The substantive law applicable to Kafalah in Islamic banking in Malaysia is the Contracts Act 1950 as decided cases indicate. However, provisions of the Act are at variance with rules of Shariah applicable to Kafalah on absolution of guaranteed debtor, multiple guarantors’ liability towards guaranteed sum as well as recourse and recovery from principal debtor.

Research limitations/implications

This research explored the practice of Kafalah in Islamic banking under Malaysian legal framework based on the available literature. The research does not embody an empirical evaluation.

Originality/value

This research suggests, with respect to the identified issues, an amendment to the Act for clarification as follows: that recourse and recovery from principal debtor is only where creditor has requested guarantor to settle outstanding debt, that presence of surety does not absolve principal debtor from his original liability and that multiple guarantors stand as having equal responsibility towards guaranteed amount. The research findings will assist policy and law makers to harmonize the relevant laws with the Shariah to facilitate sustainable development of Islamic banking.
CSR intellectual structure in management and tourism
Authors: Espasandin-Bustelo Francisco , Palacios-Florencio Beatriz , Sánchez-Rivas García Javier
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) research intellectual structures are analysed and compared on the basis of the main international journals of management and tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

Document co-citation, author co-citation and word co-occurrence are carried out using UCINET and NODEXL, software for social network analysis (SNA).

Findings

Differences and similarities between both research fields are provided, study limitations are pointed out and future research lines are suggested.

Originality/value

The main works concerning the topic of CSR are identified for each area of knowledge management and tourism. These are the basis for constructing the corresponding knowledge, and co-citation patterns among them are shown graphically.
Food-and-wine experiences towards co-creation in tourism
Authors: Rachão Susana Andreia Salgueiro , Breda Zelia , Fernandes Carlos , Joukes Veronique
Published: February 2020

Purpose

In general, literature recognises that co-creative experiences add value to the tourism experience, yet empirical research within food-and-wine context remains scarce. This study aims to analyse the tourists’ perceptions of the co-creation construct, their food-and-wine tourism experiences and their willingness to actively co-create in this type of experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Departing from general co-creation theoretical concepts, this research explores how they can be applied in a specific food-and-tourism context. The end goal is to formulate a model that can be applied by food-and-wine managers when they create their tourism experience. A convenience sample of 19 tourists composed by 1 focus group (5 participants) and 14 face-to-face semi-structured interviews provided data for the qualitative research to explore tourists’ perceptions of co-creation and how these perceptions can be used to create engaging and successful food-and-wine experiences.

Findings

Results reveal that co-creation is perceived by tourists as one or a combination of seven categories: social interaction, novelty, creativity, social sustainability, environmental awareness, enjoyment and memorable experiences. Respondents have participated in food-and-wine activities while travelling as a complement to their tourism experience displaying more willingness to actively participate in food rather than wine experiences.

Research limitations/implications

This study is exploratory in nature which makes the data not generalisable. The findings need further quantitative validation. Although the food-and-wine experiences were created based on existing experiences, they are composed of a different number of stages (without standardisation), which may make further statistical analysis (comparisons) difficult.

Practical implications

By conceptualising the co-creation construct, tourism managers may use the outcome of this study to turn their experiences more environmentally friendly and to improve the creative process of the experiences. The research findings not only emphasise the significance of understanding tourists’ co-creation conceptualisation, but also indicate the importance of integrating creativity and environmental awareness dimensions into experiences. Particularly, the study develops a theoretical model supportive of the co-creation dimensions that can be applied on food-and-wine tourism contexts.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in the literature between co-creation in tourism and its application in food-and-wine settings by highlighting the significance that co-creation has in developing tourism business experiences.
Sustainable tourism development performance in the wetland areas: a proposed composite index
Authors: M. Ghoochani Omid , Ghanian Mansour , Khosravipour Bahman , C. Crotts John
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Destinations wishing to exploit their natural resources, such as wetlands, for tourism development are wise to reach consensus among their community’s stakeholders on the policies and practices needed to sustainably manage tourism development and activities in their fragile natural environments. Drawing from an old adage that you cannot manage what you do not measure, one of the most important challenges facing policymakers and destination managers is the measurement of tourism to determine if it is meeting its desired objectives. This paper aims to focus on producing a system for monitoring the performance of tourism development on sustainable tourism practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed system is based upon a qualitative study using the Delphi method involving stakeholders from different areas of expertise in rural economic development and natural resource management.

Findings

After three rounds in the Delphi stage, the participants reached consensus on the following set of 69 indicators: Environmental (8 sub-components and 19 indicators), Socio-cultural (7 sub-components and 24 indicators) and Economic (8 sub-components and 26 indicators) for sustainable tourism development performance in the wetland areas.

Originality/value

The provided scale in this manuscript will allow the planners/managers to assess the sustainable tourism development in their area in an easy and reliable way.
The effect of species extinctions on island biogeographic patterns
Authors: Matthews Thomas J. , Leidinger Ludwig K. T. , Sarmento Cabral Juliano
Published: February 2020

The study of island systems has provided the basis of much of what we understand about a number of biogeographic patterns. However, islands have also suffered numerous extinctions as a result of human activities. The extent to which these extinctions have influenced the many different patterns we study as island biogeographers, and thus what we consider to be “natural”, is largely unknown. Here, we use a simulation approach to illustrate the impacts of anthropogenic extinctions on various macroecological and biogeographical patterns on islands. We simulated an archipelago consisting of five islands and filled these islands with a realistic set of species, each possessing four functional traits. Using this dataset, we then calculated a number of biogeographic patterns, including the slope of the island species–area relationship, functional richness and beta‐diversity (taxonomic and functional). The next stage of the simulation modeled the colonization of the archipelago by humans, represented by a 50% reduction in the carrying capacity of the archipelago and by an associated wave of species extinctions. When the extinction simulation process was finished, the various metrics were re‐calculated. The results illustrate that all the analyzed patterns are affected to some degree by the human‐induced loss of species. Overall, our results highlight how the extinction of species as a consequence of human actions on islands can influence our interpretation of “natural” island biogeography patterns.
The association between recreational cannabis commercialization and cannabis exposures reported to the US National Poison Data System
Authors: Shi Yuyan , Liang Di
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

Recreational cannabis has been legalized in 11 states and District of Columbia (DC) in the United States. Among these, 10 states further permitted retail sale to provide a legal supply to adults. This study examined the associations of cannabis exposures with recreational cannabis legalization and commercialization.

Design

Secondary data analysis of state‐quarter level cannabis exposures during 2010–17 in the United States. Linear regressions with a difference‐in‐differences design were used to compare pre‐ and post‐legalization trends in states that legalized recreational cannabis to contemporaneous trends in states that did not legalize recreational cannabis.

Setting

United States, including all 50 states and DC.

Cases

Cannabis exposures reported to the US National Poison Data System.

Measurements

The primary outcome was state age‐adjusted cannabis exposures reported to the US National Poison Data System per 1 000 000 population per quarter. The two policy variables of interest included (1) the enactment of recreational cannabis legalization (i.e. removing penalties for adults’ possession of cannabis in a small amount for recreational use) and (2) the initiation of recreational cannabis commercialization (i.e. providing a legal supply of cannabis to adults through licensed dispensaries).

Findings

The association between a state's enactment of recreational cannabis legalization and its changes in cannabis exposures was statistically non‐significant overall. After controlling for recreational cannabis legalization, however, the initiation of recreational cannabis commercialization was associated with 5.06–5.80 more exposures per 1 000 000 population per quarter (67–77% increase relative to the pre‐legalization average), depending on the composition of comparison states. The increase associated with commercialization was higher among minors than adults (7.97–9.53 versus 3.83–4.21 more exposures), higher among males than females (6.16–7.56 versus 3.76–3.91 more exposures) and higher among exposures with medical consequences than those without medical consequences (4.09–4.79 versus 0.97–1.01 more exposures).

Conclusion

An increase in cannabis exposures reported to the US National Poison Data System was observed following recreational cannabis commercialization in the United States.
Vedolizumab for perianal Crohn’s disease: a multicentre cohort study in 151 patients
Authors: Chapuis‐Biron Constance , Bourrier Anne , Nachury Maria , Nancey Stéphane , Bouhnik Yoram , Serrero Mélanie , Armengol‐Debeir Laura , Buisson Anthony , Tran‐Minh My‐Linh , Zallot Camille , Fumery Mathurin , Bouguen Guillaume , Abitbol Vered , Viennot Stéphanie , Chanteloup Elise , Rajca Sylvie , Dib Nina , Parmentier Anne‐Laure , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent , Vuitton Lucine ,   the GETAID BioLAP Study Group
Published: February 2020

Background

The management of Crohn's disease patients with perianal lesions and anti‐TNF failure is challenging.

Aims

To assess the effectiveness of vedolizumab in perianal Crohn's disease and the predictors of success in a real‐life cohort.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide multicentre cohort study in patients with perianal Crohn's disease who received vedolizumab. In patients with active perianal Crohn's disease, the success of vedolizumab was defined by clinical success (no draining fistula at clinical examination and no anal ulcers for primary lesions) at 6 months without medical or surgical treatment for perianal Crohn's disease. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of success. In patients with inactive perianal Crohn's disease, recurrence was defined by the occurrence of lesions and/or the need for medical or surgical treatments.

Results

One hundred and fifty‐one patients were included. Among them 102 patients had active perianal disease, 33 (32.4%) males, mean age 39.8 years, mean Crohn's disease duration 14.6 years; 101 (99%) had received at least one anti‐TNF. The median follow‐up time was 52 weeks. Sixty‐eight per cent of patients discontinued therapy after a median time of 33 weeks. Vedolizumab success was reached in 23/102 (22.5%). Among patients with setons at initiation, 9/61(15%) had a successful removal. In multivariable analysis, factors associated with success were the number of prior biologic agents (≥3, odds ratio, OR: 0.20, 95% CI 0.04‐0.98) and no antibiotics at initiation (OR: 4.76, 95% CI 1.25‐18.19). In 49 patients with inactive perianal Crohn's disease, perianal disease recurred in 15/49 (30.6%), 11/49 (22.4%) needed dedicated treatments. Median time to recurrence was 22 weeks.

Conclusions

We identified a low rate of success of vedolizumab in patients with active perianal Crohn's disease, and nearly one third of patients with inactive perianal Crohn's disease had perianal recurrence. Further evaluation is warranted in prospective studies.
Frequent methylation of the tumour suppressor miR‐1258 targeting PDL1: implication in multiple myeloma‐specific cytotoxicity and prognostification
Authors: Wang Lu Q. , Kumar Shaji , Calin George A. , Li Zhenhai , Chim Chor S.
Published: February 2020

miR‐1258 is localised to the first intron of ZNF385B at chromosome 2q31.3. miR‐1258 promoter methylation was studied in 147 samples including 10 normal buffy coat, eight normal bone marrow plasma cells, 16 human myeloma cell lines (HMCLs), 20 MGUS, 63 diagnostic myeloma, and 30 relapsed myeloma samples by methylation‐specific PCR. In myeloma lines, miR‐1258 methylation, verified by pyrosequencing, was detected in 62·5% HMCLs but not normal controls, and expression of miR‐1258 correlated with that of ZNF385B. 5‐Aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine resulted in promoter demethylation and ZNF385B/miR‐1258 re‐expression. Luciferase assay confirmed programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PDL1) as a direct target of miR‐1258. Over‐expression of miR‐1258 in completely methylated myeloma cells led to reduced cellular proliferation and enhanced apoptosis, hence a tumour suppressor role, in addition to repression of PDL1. In primary samples, miR‐1258 methylation, with lower expression of miR‐1258, was detected in 49·2% diagnostic myeloma, imparting an inferior PFS (P = 0·034) in addition to 50·0% relapsed myeloma but not MGUS. Therefore, miR‐1258 is a tumour suppressor miRNA co‐regulated with its host gene, and frequently hypermethylated in active myeloma instead of MGUS, hence acquired during myeloma progression. Methylation‐mediated miR‐1258 silencing led to overexpression of PDL1 and inferior PFS, implicating miR‐1258 in the modulation of myeloma‐specific cytotoxicity.