bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Synthesis of Qualitative Studies Exploring Men’s Sense of Masculinity Post–Prostate Cancer Treatment
Authors: Alexis Obrey , Worsley Aaron James
Published: May 2017

Background:

There has been little psychosocial research concerning men’s adaption to prostate cancer and treatment-related sexual dysfunction. Qualitative studies have explored men’s sense of self after treatment, but the data have yet to be synthesized.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to report a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies exploring men’s sense of masculinity after treatment of prostate cancer.

Methods:

Six databases were searched to identify relevant studies conducted and published between January 1990 and August 2016. Titles and abstracts were reviewed by 2 reviewers. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected and reviewed for quality. The extracted data were then synthesized.

Results:

A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria and passed the quality assessment. The meta-synthesis found that men’s sense of masculinity diminished after treatment of prostate cancer. Impotence, incontinence, and physical changes caused psychological stress. Underpinning these factors were cultural influences and dominant ideals of what it means to be a man.

Conclusions:

Men had entrenched ideas about what manhood entailed. The review found that men’s sense of masculinity was diminished posttreatment of prostate cancer. They felt that they could not exercise their manliness because of the adverse effects associated with prostate cancer treatment.

Implications for Practice:

More support and communication throughout the process are required to better inform patients of the outcomes of treatment. In addition, it would be beneficial to have open forums through which to encourage men to talk frankly about their masculine identities.
Decreasing Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Use With Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Intravenous Lines
Authors: Morata Lauren , Ogilvie Carrie , Yon Jackie , Johnson Allison
Published: May 2017

An ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous (UGPIV) quality improvement project occurred in an 849-bed tertiary care hospital with a goal to reduce the use of central lines, in particular, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Since implementation, PICCs have decreased by 46.7% overall, and 59 nurses in-hospital are competent in placing UGPIVs. Placement of UGPIVs by the bedside nurse is a key initiative in decreasing PICC use and, potentially, infections.
Increasing Research Capacity in a Safety Net Setting Through an Academic Clinical Partnership
Authors: Brooks Carthon J. Margo , Holland Sara , Gamble Kerry , Rothwell Helyn , Pancir Darcy , Ballinghoff Jim , Aiken Linda
Published: May 2017

Safety net settings care for a disproportionate share of low-resource patients often have fewer resources to invest in nursing research. To address this dilemma, an academic-clinical partnership was formed in an effort to increase nursing research capacity at a safety net setting. Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and the Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research located at the University of Pennsylvania partnered researchers and baccalaureate-prepared nurses in an 18-month research skill development program. This article describes the programmatic design, conceptual framework, resource requirements, and effect on the institutional partners and participants.
Magnetization Transfer Magnetic Resonance Imaging Noninvasively Detects Renal Fibrosis in Swine Atherosclerotic Renal Artery Stenosis at 3.0 T
Authors: Jiang Kai , Ferguson Christopher M. , Woollard John R. , Zhu Xiangyang , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Renal fibrosis is a useful biomarker for diagnosis and evaluation of therapeutic interventions of renal diseases but often requires invasive testing. Magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging (MT-MRI), which evaluates the presence of macromolecules, offers a noninvasive tool to probe renal fibrosis in murine renal artery stenosis (RAS) at 16.4 T. In this study, we aimed to identify appropriate imaging parameters for collagen detection at 3.0 T MRI and to test the utility of MT-MRI in measuring renal fibrosis in a swine model of atherosclerotic RAS (ARAS).

Materials and Methods

To select the appropriate offset frequency, an MT-MRI study was performed on a phantom containing 0% to 40% collagen I and III with offset frequencies from −1600 to +1600 Hz and other MT parameters empirically set as pulse width at 16 milliseconds and flip angle at 800 degrees. Then selected MT parameters were used in vivo on pigs 12 weeks after sham (n = 8) or RAS (n = 10) surgeries. The ARAS pigs were fed with high-cholesterol diet to induce atherosclerosis. The MT ratio (MTR) was compared with ex vivo renal fibrosis measured using Sirius-red staining.

Results

Offset frequencies at 600 and 1000 Hz were selected for collagen detection without direct saturation of free water signal, and subsequently applied in vivo. The ARAS kidneys showed mild cortical and medullary fibrosis by Sirius-red staining. The cortical and medullary MTRs at 600 and 1000 Hz were both increased. Renal fibrosis measured ex vivo showed good linear correlations with MTR at 600 (cortex: Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.87, P < 0.001; medulla: r = 0.70, P = 0.001) and 1000 Hz (cortex: r = 0.75, P < 0.001; medulla: r = 0.83, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Magnetization transfer magnetic resonance imaging can noninvasively detect renal fibrosis in the stenotic swine kidney at 3.0 T. Therefore, MT-MRI may potentially be clinically applicable and useful for detection and monitoring of renal pathology in subjects with RAS.
Variation of thermal conductivity of DPPC lipid bilayer membranes around the phase transition temperature
Authors: Youssefian Sina , Rahbar Nima , Lambert Christopher R. , Van Dessel Steven
Published: May 2017

Given their amphiphilic nature and chemical structure, phospholipids exhibit a strong thermotropic and lyotropic phase behaviour in an aqueous environment. Around the phase transition temperature, phospholipids transform from a gel-like state to a fluid crystalline structure. In this transition, many key characteristics of the lipid bilayers such as structure and thermal properties alter. In this study, we employed atomistic simulation techniques to study the structure and underlying mechanisms of heat transfer in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lipid bilayers around the fluid–gel phase transformation. To investigate this phenomenon, we performed non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations for a range of different temperature gradients. The results show that the thermal properties of the DPPC bilayer are highly dependent on the temperature gradient. Higher temperature gradients cause an increase in the thermal conductivity of the DPPC lipid bilayer. We also found that the thermal conductivity of DPPC is lowest at the transition temperature whereby one lipid leaflet is in the gel phase and the other is in the liquid crystalline phase. This is essentially related to a growth in thermal resistance between the two leaflets of lipid at the transition temperature. These results provide significant new insights into developing new thermal insulation for engineering applications.
Drug delivery in a tumour cord model: a computational simulation
Authors: Hubbard M. E. , Jove M. , Loadman P. M. , Phillips R. M. , Twelves C. J. , Smye S. W.
Published: May 2017

The tumour vasculature and microenvironment is complex and heterogeneous, contributing to reduced delivery of cancer drugs to the tumour. We have developed an
in silico
model of drug transport in a tumour cord to explore the effect of different drug regimes over a 72 h period and how changes in pharmacokinetic parameters affect tumour exposure to the cytotoxic drug doxorubicin. We used the model to describe the radial and axial distribution of drug in the tumour cord as a function of changes in the transport rate across the cell membrane, blood vessel and intercellular permeability, flow rate, and the binding and unbinding ratio of drug within the cancer cells. We explored how changes in these parameters may affect cellular exposure to drug. The model demonstrates the extent to which distance from the supplying vessel influences drug levels and the effect of dosing schedule in relation to saturation of drug-binding sites. It also shows the likely impact on drug distribution of the aberrant vasculature seen within tumours. The model can be adapted for other drugs and extended to include other parameters. The analysis confirms that computational models can play a role in understanding novel cancer therapies to optimize drug administration and delivery.
Depth-dependent effects of culling—do mesophotic lionfish populations undermine current management?
Authors: Andradi-Brown Dominic A. , Grey Rachel , Hendrix Alicia , Hitchner Drew , Hunt Christina L. , Gress Erika , Madej Konrad , Parry Rachel L. , Régnier-McKellar Catriona , Jones Owen P. , Arteaga María , Izaguirre Andrea P. , Rogers Alex D. , Exton Dan A.
Published: May 2017

Invasive lionfish (Pterois volitansandP. miles) have spread widely across the western Atlantic and are recognized as a major threat to native marine biodiversity. Although lionfish inhabit both shallow reefs and mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs; reefs from 30 to 150 m depth), the primary management response implemented by many countries has been diver-led culling limited to reefs less than 30 m. However, many reef fish undergo ontogenetic migrations, with the largest and therefore most fecund individuals found at greatest depths. Here, we study lionfish density, body size, maturity and dietary patterns across the depth gradient from the surface down to 85 m on heavily culled reefs around Utila, Honduras. We found lionfish at increased densities, body size and weight on MCEs compared with shallow reefs, with MCEs also containing the greatest proportion of actively spawning females, while shallow reefs contained the greatest proportion of immature lionfish. We then compared lionfish behaviour in response to divers on shallow culled and mesophotic unculled Utilan reefs, and on shallow unculled reefs in Tela Bay, on the Honduran mainland. We found that mesophotic lionfish exhibited high alert distances, consistent with individuals previously exposed to culling despite being below the depth limits of removal. In addition, when examining stomach content, we found that fish were the major component of lionfish diets across the depth gradient. Importantly, our results suggest that despite adjacent shallow culling, MCEs retain substantial lionfish populations that may be disproportionately contributing towards continued lionfish recruitment onto the shallow reefs of Utila, potentially undermining current culling-based management.
Graphic kinematics, visual virtual work and elastographics
Authors: McRobie Allan , Konstantatou Marina , Athanasopoulos Georgios , Hannigan Laura
Published: May 2017

In this paper, recent progress in graphic statics is combined with Williot displacement diagrams to create a graphical description of both statics and kinematics for two- and three-dimensional pin-jointed trusses. We begin with reciprocal form and force diagrams. The force diagram is dissected into its component cells which are then translated relative to each other. This defines a displacement diagram which is topologically equivalent to the form diagram (the structure). The various contributions to the overall Virtual Work appear as parallelograms (for two-dimensional trusses) or parallelopipeds (for three-dimensional trusses) that separate the force and the displacement pieces. Structural mechanisms can be identified by translating the force cells such that their shared faces slide across each other without separating. Elastic solutions can be obtained by choosing parallelograms or parallelopipeds of the appropriate aspect ratio. Finally, a new type of ‘elastographic’ diagram—termed a deformed Maxwell–Williot diagram (two-dimensional) or a deformed Rankine–Williot diagram (three-dimensional)—is presented which combines the deflected structure with the forces carried by its members.
Other better versus self better in baboons: an evolutionary approach of social comparison
Authors: Dumas F. , Fagot J. , Davranche K. , Claidière N.
Published: May 2017

Comparing oneself with others is an important characteristic of human social life, but the link between human and non-human forms of social comparison remains largely unknown. The present study used a computerized task presented in a social context to explore psychological mechanisms supporting social comparison in baboons and compare major findings with those usually observed in humans. We found that the effects of social comparison on subject's performance were guided both by similarity (same versus different sex) and by task complexity. Comparing oneself with a better-off other (upward comparison) increased performance when the other was similar rather than dissimilar, and a reverse effect was obtained when the self was better (downward comparison). Furthermore, when the other was similar, upward comparison led to a better performance than downward comparison. Interestingly, the beneficial effect of upward comparison on baboons' performance was only observed during simple task. Our results support the hypothesis of shared social comparison mechanisms in human and non-human primates.
Evidence for parallel evolution of a gene involved in the regulation of spermatogenesis
Authors: Wang Xin Rui , Ling Li Bin , Huang Hsiao Han , Lin Jau Jyun , Fugmann Sebastian D. , Yang Shu Yuan
Published: May 2017

PHD finger protein 7(Phf7) is a male germline specific gene inDrosophila melanogasterthat can trigger the male germline sexual fate and regulate spermatogenesis, and its human homologue can rescue fecundity defects in male flies lacking this gene. These findings prompted us to investigate conservation of reproductive strategies through studying the evolutionary origin of this gene. We find thatPhf7is present only in select species including mammals and some insects, whereas the closely relatedG2/M-phase specific E3 ubiquitin protein ligase(G2e3) is in the genome of most metazoans. Interestingly, phylogenetic analyses showed that vertebrate and insectPhf7genes did not evolve from a commonPhf7ancestor but rather through independent duplication events from an ancestralG2e3. This is an example of parallel evolution in which a male germline factor evolved at least twice from a pre-existing template to develop new regulatory mechanisms of spermatogenesis.
Molecular dynamics simulations of membrane deformation induced by the amphiphilic helices of Epsin, Sar1p and Arf1
Authors: Li Zhen-lu
Published: May 2017

The N-terminal amphiphilic helices of proteins Epsin, Sar1p and Arf1 play a critical role in initiating membrane deformation. We present here the study of the interactions of these amphiphilic helices with the lipid membranes by combining the all-atom and coarse-grained simulations. In the all-atom simulations, we find that the amphiphilic helices of Epsin and Sar1p have a shallower insertion depth into the membrane compared to the amphiphilic helix of Arf1, but remarkably, the amphiphilic helices of Epsin and Sar1p induce higher asymmetry in the lipid packing between the two monolayers of the membrane. The insertion depth of amphiphilic helix into the membrane is determined not only by the overall hydrophobicity but also by the specific distribution of polar and non-polar residues along the helix. To directly compare their ability of deforming the membrane, we further apply coarse-grained simulations to investigate the membranes deformation under the insertion of multiple helices. Importantly, it is found that the amphiphilic helices of Epsin and Sar1p generate a larger membrane curvature than that of Arf1, in accord with the experimental results qualitatively. These findings enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanism of the protein-driven membrane remodeling.
Revealing the Distribution of Transmembrane Currents along the Dendritic Tree of a Neuron with Known Morphology from Extracellular Recordings
Authors: Cserpán Dorottya , Meszéna Domokos , Wittner Lucia , Tóth Kinga , Ulbert István , Somogyvári Zoltán , Wójcik Daniel K.
Published: May 2017

Revealing the membrane current source distribution of neurons is a key step on the way to understanding neural computations, however, the experimental and theoretical tools to achieve sufficient spatiotemporal resolution for the estimation remain to be established. Here we address this problem using extracellularly recorded potentials with arbitrarily distributed electrodes in a neuron of known morphology. We use simulations of models with varying complexity to validate the proposed method and to give recommendations for experimental applications. The method is applied to in vitro data from rat hippocampus.
There and back again – unraveling mechanisms of bacterial biogeography in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre to and from station ALOHA
Authors: Lindh Markus V.
Published: May 2017

Bacterially-mediated fluxes of energy and matter are dynamic in time and space coupled with shifts in bacterial community structure. Yet, our understanding of mechanisms shaping bacterial biogeography remains limited. Near-surface seawater was collected during transits between Honolulu and Station ALOHA in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre to examine the shape of occupancy-frequency distributions (the different number of populations occupying different number of sites) and determine bacterial metapopulation dynamics. Bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons were sequenced from whole seawater and filter-size fractionated plankton DNA samples while also separating the community into distinct taxonomic groups at phyla/class and analyzing these compartments separately. For the total seawater (i.e. the >0.2 μm size fraction) and picoplankton communities (i.e. the size fraction >0.2 μm and < 3.0 μm), but not the large size fraction community (i.e. the >3.0 μm size fraction), most individual operational taxonomic units (OTUs) occupied a single site and the number of OTUs occupying different number of sites followed a significant bimodal pattern with several core OTUs occupying all sites. Nevertheless, only Cyanobacteria (in particularProchlorococcussp.) and in a few instances also Alphaproteobacteria (in particular SAR11 clade and Aegan-169 marine group bacteria) exhibited bimodal occupancy-frequency patterns. As expected,Prochlorococcussp. had an inversed bimodal occupancy-frequency distribution with most OTUs found at all sites. Yet, there were individual satellite OTUs affiliated withProchlorococcussp. that were phylogenetically distinct from the core OTUs and only found at a single site. Collectively, these findings indicate that different compartments (size fractions and taxa) have different metapopulation dynamics. Bimodal patterns among the low diversity total and picoplankton communities but not in the high diversity large size fraction suggest that positive feedbacks between local abundance and occupancy are important when environmental conditions are homogenous and diversity is low.
Multisite generalizability of schizophrenia diagnosis classification based on functional brain connectivity
Authors: Orban Pierre , Dansereau Christian , Desbois Laurence , Mongeau-Pérusse Violaine , Giguère Charles-Édouard , Nguyen Hien , Mendrek Adrianna , Sti Emmanuel , Bellec Pierre
Published: May 2017

Our objective was to assess the generalizability, across sites and cognitive contexts, of schizophrenia classification based on functional brain connectivity. We tested different training-test scenarios combining fMRI data from 191 schizophrenia patients and 191 matched healthy controls obtained at 6 scanning sites and under different task conditions. Diagnosis classification accuracy generalized well to a novel site and cognitive context provided data from multiple sites were used for classifier training. By contrast, lower classification accuracy was achieved when data from a single distinct site was used for training. These findings indicate that it is beneficial to use multisite data to train fMRI-based classifiers intended for large-scale use in the clinical realm.
Damaging Mutations are Associated with Diminished Motor Skills and IQ in Children on the Autism Spectrum
Authors: Buja Andreas , Volfovsky Natalia , Krieger Abba , Lord Catherine , Lash Alex E. , Wigler Michael , Iossifov Ivan
Published: May 2017

In individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), de novo mutations have previously been shown to be significantly correlated with lower IQ, but not with the core characteristics of ASD: deficits in social communication and interaction, and restricted interests and repetitive patterns of behavior. We extend these findings by demonstrating in the Simons Simplex Collection that damaging de novo mutations in ASD individuals are also significantly and convincingly correlated with measures of impaired motor skills. This correlation is not explained by a correlation between IQ and motor skills. We find that IQ and motor skills are distinctly associated with damaging mutations and, in particular, that motor skills are a more sensitive indicator of mutational severity, as judged by the type and its gene target. We use this finding to propose a combined classification of phenotypic severity: mild (little impairment of both), moderate (impairment mainly to motor skills) and severe (impairment of both).
Extended Synaptotagmin is a presynaptic ER Ca2+sensor that promotes neurotransmission and synaptic growth inDrosophila
Authors: Kikuma Koto , Kim Daniel , Sutter David , Li Xiling , Dickman Dion K.
Published: May 2017

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an extensive presynaptic organelle, exerting important influences at synapses by responding to Ca2+and modulating transmission, growth, lipid metabolism, and membrane trafficking. Despite intriguing evidence for these crucial functions, how presynaptic ER influences synaptic physiology remains enigmatic. To gain insight into this question, we have generated and characterized mutations in the singleExtended Synaptotagmin(Esyt) ortholog inDrosophila. Esyts are evolutionarily conserved ER proteins with Ca2+sensing domains that have recently been shown to orchestrate membrane tethering and lipid exchange between the ER and plasma membrane. We first demonstrate that Esyt localizes to an extensive ER structure that invades presynaptic terminals at the neuromuscular junction. Next, we show that synaptic growth, structure, function, and plasticity are surprisingly unperturbed at synapses lackingEsytexpression. However, presynaptic overexpression ofEsytleads to enhanced synaptic growth, neurotransmission, and sustainment of the vesicle pool during intense levels of activity, suggesting that elevated Esyt at the ER promotes constitutive membrane trafficking or lipid exchange with the plasma membrane. Finally, we find thatEsytmutants fail to maintain basal neurotransmission and short term plasticity at elevated extracellular Ca2+, consistent with Esyt functioning as an ER Ca2+sensor that modulates synaptic activity. Thus, we identify Esyt as a presynaptic ER Ca2+sensor that can promote neurotransmission and synaptic growth, revealing the firstin vivoneuronal functions of this conserved gene family.
An Efficient CRISPR protocol for generating Conditional and Knock-in mice using long single-stranded DNA donors
Authors: Miura Hiromi , Quadros Rolen M. , Gurumurthy Channabasavaiah B. , Ohtsuka Masato
Published: May 2017

The CRISPR/Cas9 tool can easily generate knockout mouse models by disrupting the gene sequence, but its efficiency for creating models that require either insertion of exogenous DNA (knock-in) or replacement of genomic segments is very poor. The majority of mouse models used in research are knock-in (reporters or recombinases) or gene-replacement (for example, conditional knockout alleles containingLoxPsites flanked exons). A few methods for creating such models are reported using double-stranded DNA as donors, but their efficiency is typically 1–10% and therefore not suitable for routine use. We recently demonstrated that long single-stranded DNAs serve as very efficient donors, both for insertion and for gene replacement. We call this methodEasi-CRISPR (efficient additions with ssDNA inserts-CRISPR), a highly efficient technology (typically 25%-50%, and up to 100% in some cases), one that has worked at over a dozen loci thus far. Here, we provide detailed protocols forEasi-CRISPR.
YY1 and CTCF orchestrate a 3D chromatin looping switch during early neural lineage commitment
Authors: Beagan Jonathan A. , Duong Michael T. , Titus Katelyn R. , Zhou Linda , Cao Zhendong , Ma Jingjing , Lachanski Caroline V. , Gillis Daniel R. , Phillips-Cremins Jennifer E.
Published: May 2017

CTCF is an architectural protein with a critical role in connecting higher-order chromatin folding in pluripotent stem cells. Recent reports have suggested that CTCF binding is more dynamic during development than previously appreciated. Here, we set out to understand the extent to which shifts in genome-wide CTCF occupancy contribute to the 3D reconfiguration of fine-scale chromatin folding during early neural lineage commitment. Unexpectedly, we observe a sharp decrease in CTCF occupancy during the transition from naïve/primed pluripotency to multipotent primary neural progenitor cells (NPCs). Many pluripotency gene-enhancer interactions are anchored by CTCF, and its occupancy is lost in parallel with loop decommissioning during differentiation. Conversely, CTCF binding sites in NPCs are largely preexisting in pluripotent stem cells. Only a small number of CTCF sites arise de novo in NPCs. We identify another zinc finger protein, Yin Yang 1 (YY1), at the base of looping interactions between NPC-specific genes and enhancers. Putative NPC-specific enhancers exhibit strong YY1 signal when engaged in 3D contacts and negligible YY1 signal when not in loops. Moreover, siRNA knockdown of Yy1 specifically disrupts interactions between key NPC enhancers and their target genes. YY1-mediated interactions between NPC regulatory elements are often nested within constitutive loops anchored by CTCF. Together, our results support a model in which YY1 acts as an architectural protein to connect developmentally regulated looping interactions; the location of YY1-mediated interactions may be demarcated in development by a preexisting topological framework created by constitutive CTCF-mediated interactions.
Combating corruption in Rwanda: lessons for policy makers
Authors: Oyamada Eiji
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the Rwandan government’s anti-corruption strategy and identify lessons for policymakers in other countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper relies on materials obtained from the Rwandan government, from websites, research reports, press articles and publications as well as interviews with scholars, with Rwandan government officials, and the staff of non-governmental organizations.

Findings

The Rwandan government formulates and implements its anti-corruption efforts via donors’ governance support and homegrown initiatives. Corruption has been minimized by eradicating opportunities for misconduct and by focusing on governance reforms and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against corruption. Political will and strong leadership, the active role played by the anti-corruption agency, and effective governance reform have made Rwanda’s anti-corruption activities successful.

Originality/value

This paper is a scholarly examination of the Rwandan government’s anti-corruption strategy.
Combating corruption in Botswana: lessons for policy makers
Authors: Jones David Seth
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the success and challenges of the government of Botswana in combating corruption, and the lessons that policy makers may draw from this experience.

Design/methodology/approach

A range of sources are used including on-line materials from Botswana Government websites, DCEC annual reports, reports and on-line materials of international organisations, press articles, conference papers, two theses, articles in journals and chapters in edited collections.

Findings

The paper considers the factors that contribute to the success of the Botswana Government in combating corruption. It finds that the role of the anti-corruption body, the Directorate of Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) has been crucial in this endeavour, including its investigative and enforcement work, and also its prevention and education programmes. The progress in combating corruption can also be attributed to procurement reform, measures to reduce red tape and bureaucratic procedures affecting businesses, competition regulation to reduce collusion and bribery, political and parliamentary accountability, and not least political will of Botswana’s leaders to stamp out corruption. In addition, challenges facing the anti-corruption programme are considered, including capacity constraints in the DCEC and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, and the failure of the courts in some cases to bring to book those in high places who have allegedly committed corruption offences. The paper identifies a number of lessons that can be drawn from Botswana’s experience. In conclusion, the paper points to the need for political will to be sustained in light of evidence that it may have recently weakened.

Practical implications

The paper provides lessons for policy makers in tackling corruption.

Originality/value

The paper is a further contribution to the existing scholarly literature on the anti-corruption programme in Botswana.
Five success stories in combating corruption: lessons for policy makers
Authors: Quah Jon S.T.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain why Botswana, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, New Zealand, Rwanda and Singapore have succeeded in combating corruption and identify the lessons for policy makers in other countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The five countries are compared to identify the reasons for their success in combating corruption and the lessons that can be learnt by policy makers elsewhere.

Findings

Political will of the five governments is critical because combating corruption effectively requires them to provide the anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) with the necessary powers, budget, personnel and independence to enforce the anti-corruption laws impartially. New Zealand has succeeded in curbing corruption without an ACA because it relies on other institutions to maintain its good governance. Singapore’s rejection of the ineffective British colonial government’s method of using the police to curb corruption and its reliance on a single ACA was emulated by Hong Kong, Botswana and Rwanda. However, having a single ACA does not guarantee success unless it has the powers, budget, personnel and independence to perform its functions impartially as a watchdog instead of an attack dog against the government’s political opponents. As combating corruption remains a work in progress in the five countries, their policy makers must sustain their effective ACAs to meet the rising threat of private sector corruption.

Originality/value

The paper will be useful to scholars and policy makers concerned with improving the effectiveness of anti-corruption measures in those countries where corruption is rampant.
Forewarned is forearmed – repayment delays in microfinance relationships
Authors: Hering Imke , Musshoff Oliver
Published: May 2017

Purpose

In order to improve the assessment of current lending policies for a microfinance institution (MFI) in Azerbaijan, the purpose of this paper is to analyse how lending conditions are adjusted based on knowledge gains during the loan relationship, with particular attention to delays in previous loans. Moreover, the paper examines what a lender can pre-determine from its own collected repayment records of clients. In addition, the repayment performances and lending policies between agricultural and non-agricultural clients are differentiated.

Design/methodology/approach

The analyses are based on a rich data set of an Azerbaijani MFI. For determining the influence of previous delays on the volume rationing in the following loan, the authors apply a generalized linear model. Subsequently, the probability of recidivism is analysed by means of a logit model.

Findings

The results confirm a positive relationship between delays in previous loans and repayment problems in present loans, which is increased by the severity of the previous delay. With respect to consequences, it is shown that the borrower with previous delays faces an increase in loan volume rationing in the subsequent loan. Moreover, the authors find that the consequences of previous delays do not differ significantly between farmers and other clients.

Originality/value

Until now, the consequences of repayment delinquencies in microfinance lending relationships have hardly been investigated. This study enhances the understanding of lending policies in microfinance by focussing on relationship aspects and by simultaneously differentiating between farming and non-farming clients.
A review of superannuation fund performance studies
Authors: Niblock Scott , Sinnewe Elisabeth , Heng Panha
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to showcase empirical findings in the literature relating to Australian superannuation fund performance in the pre-reform period, from 2000 to 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors synthesize Australian superannuation performance studies in an attempt to identify empirical approaches employed in the academic literature, showcase findings and uncover themes for future research.

Findings

The review highlights the following findings in the literature: actively managed “retail” superannuation funds appear to underperform passive index and/or portfolio approaches; high management fees and preference for liquid, less growth-orientated assets may be further undermining performance. It also reveals the need for future research to assess whether the recent government inquiries and the related reformative measures have achieved the desired effect of improving the Australian superannuation system. The authors therefore identify three areas of investigation that will cater for this research need: the fund performance of not-for-profit fund and self-managed super fund; the efficiency of super funds; and the appropriateness of wholesale fund benchmarks.

Originality value

It is expected that superannuation fund performance will be subject to heightened scrutiny to assess the effectiveness of recent legislative changes resulting from the Stronger Super reform and other public inquiries. This study provides a timely, substantive and informative review of empirical findings pertaining to Australian superannuation performance in the pre-reform period to assist researchers looking to conduct further empirical research on this topic.
Equity market consequences of the social media revolution
Authors: McCredie Bronwyn G.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a reflection on using Faff’s (2016) pitching template to design and present a genuine research pitch.

Design/methodology/approach

As this is a Pitching Research Letter, there is only a suggested methodology which has not yet been used.

Findings

As this is a Pitching Research Letter, there are no findings.

Originality/value

It speaks to the journey of the pitch, a series of iterative processes from inception, the initial discovery of the research idea; to conclusion, delivering the pitch to a learned audience and receiving valuable feedback to develop and advance it.
Is commercial lending affected by knowledge of auditor switches from Big 4 firms to regional firms?
Authors: Schneider Arnold
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether knowledge about companies switching auditors from Big 4 firms to regional firms affects commercial lending decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used is an experiment where bank loan officers make judgments about risk and probabilities of granting a line of credit.

Findings

Neither risk assessments nor probabilities of granting credit differed for companies that switch auditors from Big 4 firms to regional firms as compared to companies that did not switch auditors. For companies that did switch auditors, providing a reason for the switch did not influence lending decisions.

Research limitations/implications

Lenders were given questionnaires that do not contain all of the information they may have used in actual loan decision settings. Also, the hypothetical nature of the decisions and incentives may not produce the responses that would be given in actual lending scenarios.

Practical implications

When applying for bank loans, companies need not be concerned about having switched auditors from Big 4 to regional firms. Also, companies that switch from Big 4 firms to regional firms need not worry about whether or not to provide a reason for the audit firm switch.

Originality value

This study adds to the auditor switching literature by investigating the effects of switches from Big 4 firms to regional firms on commercial lending decisions.
Multivariate hybrid pathways for creating exceptional customer experiences
Authors: Thomas Ashish
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the evolving field of hybrid services within the customer service domain. The distinguishing characteristic of hybrid services is its rapid advancements and intersection of technology innovations mixed with customer service approaches.

Design/methodology/approach

Extensive research and analysis has identified numerous models to measure service quality and most of these models are derived from the SERVQUAL. Since SERVQUAL is not clearly focused to analyze the customer’s experience, the authors have used mixed methods of data collection. The two sources of data are both primary and secondary data. Primary source of research is semi-structured feedback with key operations manager and front line employees involved in the business process outsourcing industry. Secondary source of data is based on case studies of organizations engaged in information technology and ecommerce.

Findings

In this study, the author suggests multivariate hybrid pathways to streamline and deliver exceptional customer experience, which enhances the customer retention and firm’s competitive advantage. This study emphasizes on the imminent growth of hybrid services within the customer service domain. The distinguishing characteristic of hybrid services is its rapid advancements and intersection of technology innovations mixed with customer service approaches. The customers’ interactions with a firm are gaining proportional complexity due to the intercourse of human and technology interactions.

Originality/value

This study integrates the diverging but distinct pathways that influence customer experience. The study is centralized on the theme that there is a progressive dependence of human interactions with technological developments. It highlights the advent of new digital technologies that are the catalyst for personalized customer experiences.
Assessment of patient safety culture: a comparative case study between physicians and nurses
Authors: Elsheikh Ahmed Mohamed , AlShareef Mohammed Abdullah , Saleh Bassem Salah , El-Tawansi Muhammad Abdullah Yassin
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study compares responses of physicians and nurses to patient safety culture assessment in the Security Forces Hospital Program Makkah, Saudi Arabia, using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) survey tool and its referenced benchmarking tool. The purpose of this paper is to measure patient safety culture to improve its perception, reaction, and implementation, leading to improvement in care delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses convenience sampling, delivering paper copies. The completed surveys were collected by a designated hospital contact person in QPSD. The total population surveyed was 623: 336 nurses, 174 physicians, 9 pharmacists, and 104 technicians.

Findings

Composite-level results compared to AHRQ database hospitals show values below minimum positive in “Staffing” and “Non-Punitive response to error” to have decreased values in nursing answers than physician ones. The average percentage positive concerning “staffing” items is below the average percentage positive of database hospitals; in nursing, it decreases more; it shows a low positive response regarding enough staff, work hours, and crisis mode; the last item shows a more negative response. The average percentage positive concerning “No punitive Response to Error” is below average positive of database hospitals; in nursing, it decreases more, with a low positive response concerning feeling responsible for mistakes.

Originality/value

The approach explained in this paper aims to measure patient safety culture, which can be improved through mentioned recommendations.
Integrating community engagement with management education
Authors: Ngui Kwang-Sing , Voon Mung-Ling , Lee Miin-Huui
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of an academic service learning course in a foreign university branch campus in Malaysia, and its outcomes in terms of student learning. Drawing on the transformative learning theory and case study research, it discusses three forms of learning that characterise the students’ experience, namely, instrumental, dialogic and self-reflective.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study of the Social Innovation Internship course at the Sarawak campus of Swinburne University of Technology was conducted. The case study draws on self-reported data gathered from the logbook entries of 60 students who enrolled in the course in 2015.

Findings

Thematic analysis of the data indicates that instrumental, dialogic and self-reflective learning are reflected in the students’ descriptions of learning about the community partners, the challenges in running a social enterprise, managing diversity and discovering the values and beliefs that shape one’s perceptions and identity.

Originality/value

The findings from the study add to the growing body of research on the impact of academic service learning on various stakeholders as well as on managing course activities in order to fulfil learning objectives. The case study confirms that service learning is an appropriate model for university-community engagement that generates mutually beneficial outcomes for the partners. In particular, it demonstrates how the service learning experience provides students with the opportunities to engage in instrumental, dialogic and self-reflective learning.
Job outcomes among Korean graduates with vocational qualifications
Authors: Lee Young-Min , Cho Sung-Eun
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the status of recent Korean four-year college students’ acquisition of vocational qualification certificates (hereinafter “certificates” or “qualifications”), the factors that influence certificate acquisition, and the resulting employment and wage effects.

Design/methodology/approach

Regression analysis was conducted on the data from the Graduates Occupational Mobility Survey.

Findings

The results showed that females and medicine and education majors had higher rates of vocational qualifications, as did the students in provincial as compared to metropolitan areas and students with high grades. In terms of effects on labor market outcomes, vocational qualifications exert a moderate degree of positive influence on employment rate, wage at the time of initial employment, and current wage (i.e. there is a persistent wage effect).

Originality/value

This study will provide policy implications to decrease youth unemployment in Korea and worldwide as well as to build employment services supporting the acquisition of vocational qualifications across various disciplines.
A Delphi-based approach for detecting key e-learning trends in postgraduate education
Authors: Lopez-Catalan Blanca , Bañuls Victor A.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of national level Delphi study carried out in Spain aimed at providing inputs for higher education administrators and decision makers about key e-learning trends for supporting postgraduate courses.

Design/methodology/approach

The ranking of the e-learning trends is based on a three-dimensional analysis that combines the cost of implementation, the impact of each trend on learning outcomes and the diffusion forecast among postgraduate courses in the time horizon. The authors use the Delphi method for managing an expert panel.

Findings

Mobile learning, gamification, social media and open education are found as some of the key e-learning trends that might have greater educational impacts in postgraduate programs in the next years. These results are expected to help educational institutions to plan future positioning strategies depending on their starting positions, resources and intentions to innovate.

Originality/value

Educational managers and planners need to identify priority issues and principal trends in higher education in order to raise their innovative offer and to maintain competitiveness. The results might help them. Moreover the indicator and the methodological approach is a novelty in the field.
Knowledge sharing and firm innovation capability in Croatian ICT companies
Authors: Podrug Najla , Filipović Davor , Kovač Matea
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically distinguish the influence of the individual factors (enjoyment in helping others and knowledge self-efficacy), organizational factors (top management support and organizational rewards) and technology factors (information and communication technology use) on knowledge-sharing processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey of 196 employees from large ICT companies in Croatia, and structural equation modeling was used to investigate the research model.

Findings

Results of the empirical research indicate that enjoyment in helping others as an individual factor, top management support as an organizational factor, and ICT use as a technology factor significantly influence knowledge-sharing processes. The results also suggest that the willingness of employee to donate and collect knowledge enables the firm to improve innovation capability. No influence of the individual factor knowledge self-efficacy on the employee knowledge-sharing behavior was found within this research.

Research limitations/implications

Subjectivity of respondents, Likert scale – perception, and future research can include higher number of population and examine how personal traits (such as age, level of education, and working experience) and organizational characteristics (such as firm size) may moderate the relationships between knowledge enablers and processes.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective, the relationships among knowledge-sharing enablers, processes, and firm innovation capability may provide a guide regarding how firms can promote knowledge-sharing cultures to sustain their innovation performance.

Originality/value

This study identifies several factors essential to successful knowledge sharing, and discusses the implications of these factors for developing organizational strategies that encourage and foster knowledge sharing.