bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blood Pressure Variability and Cognitive Function Among Older African Americans: Introducing a New Blood Pressure Variability Measure
Authors: Tsang Siny , Sperling Scott A. , Park Moon Ho , Helenius Ira M. , Williams Ishan C. , Manning Carol
Published: September 2017

Background:

Although blood pressure (BP) variability has been reported to be associated with cognitive impairment, whether this relationship affects African Americans has been unclear. We sought correlations between systolic and diastolic BP variability and cognitive function in community-dwelling older African Americans, and introduced a new BP variability measure that can be applied to BP data collected in clinical practice.

Methods:

We assessed cognitive function in 94 cognitively normal older African Americans using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Computer Assessment of Mild Cognitive Impairment (CAMCI). We used BP measurements taken at the patients’ three most recent primary care clinic visits to generate three traditional BP variability indices, range, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation, plus a new index, random slope, which accounts for unequal BP measurement intervals within and across patients.

Results:

MMSE scores did not correlate with any of the BP variability indices. Patients with greater diastolic BP variability were less accurate on the CAMCI verbal memory and incidental memory tasks. Results were similar across the four BP variability indices.

Conclusions:

In a sample of cognitively intact older African American adults, BP variability did not correlate with global cognitive function, as measured by the MMSE. However, higher diastolic BP variability correlated with poorer verbal and incidental memory. By accounting for differences in BP measurement intervals, our new BP variability index may help alert primary care physicians to patients at particular risk for cognitive decline.
The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test: Validity and Reliability of the Thai Version
Authors: Charernboon Thammanard , Lerthattasilp Tiraya
Published: September 2017

Background and Objective:

Until now there has not been a validated measure of theory of mind available in the Thai language. Our goal in this study was to assess the validity and reliability of our Thai-language translation of the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (the “Eyes Test”).

Methods:

We gave our Thai version of the Eyes Test to 70 participants: 30 people with schizophrenia and 40 normal controls. We also gave Thai versions of the Faces Test and the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination to assess convergent validity.

Results:

For known groups validity, the controls scored significantly higher than the participants with schizophrenia on the Eyes Test: 24.6 (standard deviation=3.9) versus 18.2 (standard deviation=4.1), P<0.001. The Eyes Test correlated with the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (r=0.68, P<0.001) and the Faces Test (r=0.51, P<0.001). Internal consistency by the Cronbach alpha for the Eyes Test was 0.7, and test-retest reliability by intraclass correlation was 0.92 (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

The Thai version of the Eyes Test is a valid and reliable measurement that can be used in clinical practice and in future investigations of theory of mind in neurologic and psychiatric disorders.
Semantic Memory in the Clinical Progression of Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Tchakoute Christophe T. , Sainani Kristin L. , Henderson Victor W.
Published: September 2017

Background and Objective:

Semantic memory measures may be useful in tracking and predicting progression of Alzheimer disease. We investigated relationships among semantic memory tasks and their 1-year predictive value in women with Alzheimer disease.

Methods:

We conducted secondary analyses of a randomized clinical trial of raloxifene in 42 women with late-onset mild-to-moderate Alzheimer disease. We assessed semantic memory with tests of oral confrontation naming, category fluency, semantic recognition and semantic naming, and semantic density in written narrative discourse. We measured global cognition (Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale, cognitive subscale), dementia severity (Clinical Dementia Rating sum of boxes), and daily function (Activities of Daily Living Inventory) at baseline and 1 year.

Results:

At baseline and 1 year, most semantic memory scores correlated highly or moderately with each other and with global cognition, dementia severity, and daily function. Semantic memory task performance at 1 year had worsened one-third to one-half standard deviation. Factor analysis of baseline test scores distinguished processes in semantic and lexical retrieval (semantic recognition, semantic naming, confrontation naming) from processes in lexical search (semantic density, category fluency). The semantic-lexical retrieval factor predicted global cognition at 1 year. Considered separately, baseline confrontation naming and category fluency predicted dementia severity, while semantic recognition and a composite of semantic recognition and semantic naming predicted global cognition. No individual semantic memory test predicted daily function.

Conclusions:

Semantic-lexical retrieval and lexical search may represent distinct aspects of semantic memory. Semantic memory processes are sensitive to cognitive decline and dementia severity in Alzheimer disease.
Seronegative Paraneoplastic Limbic Encephalitis Associated with Thymoma
Authors: Toro Jaime , Cuellar-Giraldo David , Duque Alejandra , Minota Karla , Patiño Jorge , García Manuel
Published: September 2017

Paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis is an autoimmune syndrome characterized by the acute or subacute onset of encephalopathy, memory loss, confusion, temporal lobe seizures, and behavioral and mood changes. Although most patients with paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis have antineuronal antibodies, advances in the field now permit the diagnosis without autoantibody test results. In this case illustrating the new diagnostic criteria, we report a 70-year-old woman who was brought to the emergency room after the acute onset of cognitive impairment, altered mental status, and choreoathetoid movements. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense signals in both temporal lobes, and a chest computed tomogram revealed a thymoma. Because the patient met current diagnostic criteria for autoimmune limbic encephalitis, we were able to start treatment before her antibody tests were processed. The patient received immunotherapy and her tumor was resected. Her choreoathetoid movements disappeared and her other neurologic symptoms improved. Her cerebrospinal fluid proved to be negative for paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis antibodies. Most but not all patients with paraneoplastic limbic encephalitis associated with thymoma have evidence of paraneoplastic antibodies. Prompt management of the underlying malignancy determines whether patients survive and may minimize future cognitive and functional impairment. Practicing neurologists and psychiatrists should be aware of this diagnosis.
Staphylococcus caprae bacteraemia and native bone infection complicated by therapeutic failure and elevated MIC: a case report
Authors: Hilliard Carolyn A. , El Masri Jad , Goto Michihiko
Published: September 2017

Introduction.
Staphylococcus caprae is a coagulase-negative staphylococcus that has been reported in several cases as a human pathogen. However, it has rarely been reported as pathogen in native bone. Furthermore, the reported MIC levels noted in the literature for vancomycin were <2 µg ml−
1making vancomycin a first line choice for infected patients.

Case presentation. We report a case of Staphylococcus caprae causing osteomyelitis of the lumbar spine and bacteraemia and resulting in sepsis and ultimately the demise of a patient despite appropriate prolonged antibiotic therapy.

Conclusion.
Staphylococcus caprae has been reported as a human pathogen since 1983 when it was discovered. We report a case involving native bone infection which is rare in the absence of mechanical hardware. Furthermore, this strain had an elevated MIC for vancomycin which has not been reported in the literature.
DeepLung: 3D Deep Convolutional Nets for Automated Pulmonary Nodule Detection and Classification
Authors: Zhu Wentao , Liu Chaochun , Fan Wei , Xie Xiaohui
Published: September 2017

In this work, we present a fully automated lung CT cancer diagnosis system, DeepLung. DeepLung contains two parts, nodule detection and classification. Considering the 3D nature of lung CT data, two 3D networks are designed for the nodule detection and classification respectively. Specifically, a 3D Faster R-CNN is designed for nodule detection with a U-net-like encoder-decoder structure to effectively learn nodule features. For nodule classification, gradient boosting machine (GBM) with 3D dual path network (DPN) features is proposed. The nodule classification subnetwork is validated on a public dataset from LIDC-IDRI, on which it achieves better performance than state-of-the-art approaches, and surpasses the average performance of four experienced doctors. For the DeepLung system, candidate nodules are detected first by the nodule detection subnetwork, and nodule diagnosis is conducted by the classification subnetwork. Extensive experimental results demonstrate the DeepLung is comparable to the experienced doctors both for the nodule-level and patient-level diagnosis on the LIDC-IDRI dataset.
Does ethanol production affect corn basis volatility?
Authors: Fausti Scott William , Qasmi Bashir , Mc Daniel Kelly
Published: September 2017

Purpose

South Dakota is ranked sixth nationally for corn and ethanol production (EP). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between corn-EP and corn basis volatility using South Dakota data.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed regression modeling approach was adopted to analyze state EP data, and quarterly corn production and price data for five crop reporting regions in South Dakota (1990-2014).

Findings

From 2004-Q4 to 2013-Q4, ethanol and corn production in South Dakota increased by 735.50 million gallons and 228.30 million bushel per year, respectively. Empirical estimates indicate that increased EP narrowed the corn basis by 6.16 cents per bushel, and increased corn basis absolute volatility by 2.25 cents. However, increased corn production widened the corn basis by 27.56 cents per bushel and decreased absolute basis volatility by 4.32 cents. On average, for this period, increased EP offset the effect of rapid corn production on average basis and basis volatility in the State of South Dakota. Empirical evidence presented clarifies how the relationship between EP and corn production variability effects the cash basis and basis volatility in local markets.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations include the use of statewide EP due to the lack of regional data, and the use of aggregate price data rather than local cash market data.

Practical implications

During normal crop production years, corn production is a predominant driver for impacting corn basis and basis volatility. In this case, EP plays a secondary role and dampens the corn production effect by narrowing the cash basis and increasing volatility. However, when a negative corn production shock occurs, then EP amplifies the effect of reduced corn production. In this case, EP strengthens market forces that are narrowing the cash basis and amplifies the market forces that are increasing the volatility of the cash basis.

Social implications

Negative corn production shocks occurring in regions where corn production and corn-based EP are dominant agricultural activities will increase basis volatility, reducing hedging effectiveness. Expansion of the ethanol blending wall in the future may exacerbate the market forces that have evolved in local cash corn markets as EP renews its expansion in major corn production regions. As a result, producers and grain elevator managers need to be aware that traditional hedging strategies may become less effective as one consequence of a renewed expansion of EP in the USA.

Originality/value

The literature on the effect of corn-EP on corn basis volatility is limited. This is the first study to apply a mixed modeling approach to the issue of how EP affected corn basis and basis volatility.
Impact of increasing agricultural domestic support on China’s food prices considering incomplete international agricultural price transmission
Authors: Yang Fan , Urban Kirsten , Brockmeier Martina , Bekkers Eddy , Francois Joseph
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a modelling approach that enables the analysis of long-term food security policies. Specifically, the authors explore the effect of China’s agricultural domestic support on its agricultural and food market by also considering the impact of incomplete price transmission.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors extend the standard Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) modelling framework. First, the authors incorporate incomplete price transmission into the GTAP model by generating tariff-equivalent price transmission elasticities. Second, the authors improve the current representation of China’s agricultural domestic support in the GTAP model and the underlying database by considering the production requirements and the trade-distorting effect of different policy instruments. Running a set of simulations, the authors examine first how the incorporation of incomplete price transmission affects the model’s results and second how increased agricultural domestic support affects China’s agricultural and food market accounting for incomplete price transmission.

Findings

Considering incomplete price transmission mitigates the domestic price increases as responses to high international agricultural prices, which also lead to an increase in China’s trade deficit and prohibits net food sellers from receiving high prices. In the long term, an increase in China’s agricultural domestic support to its World Trade Organisationde minimiscommitment level would increase domestic agricultural production and reduce its demand pressure on the international market.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by examining the impact of increased agricultural domestic support on the domestic market while innovatively accounting for incomplete food price transmission. The authors combine econometric estimated price transmission elasticities and an extended GTAP framework to underscore the importance of enhancing the model’s ability in accounting for incomplete price transmission when analysing the impact of agricultural policies.
The interplay of production commercialisation and specialization
Authors: Li Lihua , Varua Maria Estela , Komarek Adam M. , Shankar Sriram , Bellotti William D.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the endogenous relationship between production specialisation and market commercialisation with an empirical study of farmers in Northwest China.

Design/methodology/approach

The three-stage least squares were used to address simultaneity and over-identification problems in comparison with two-stage least squares (2SLS). The Durbin-Wu-Hausman test was employed to identify the endogeneity of the commercialisation and specialisation variables. The validity, relevance, and strength of the instruments were tested using the Stock-Yogo weak instrument diagnostics test.

Findings

A two-way interrelationship between specialisation and commercialisation were confirmed, and suggest that farmers’ decisions on farm commercialisation and production specialisation are actually separate and interacting.

Social implications

By demonstrating that a virtuous cycle exists between agricultural commercialisation and on-farm specialisation, policies can be formulated to complement these two effects that may help increase small holders’ income. Farmers’ market participation can be indirectly improved by combining market improvement and risk management tools to encourage production specialisation.

Originality/value

The insights of this study cast further light onto the farm market participation theory by emphasising that higher asset endowments enable small farmers to specialise in production with comparative advantage.
Linking service innovation to firm performance
Authors: Tsai Markus Chiahan , Wang Chunhsien
Published: September 2017

Purpose

How in essence a firm’s service innovation affects its performance is always an intriguing and important issue to business researchers and practitioners. However little is known about the moderating effects of a firm’s approach to innovation and capability of marketing orientation that influence this aforementioned relationship and the underlying mechanisms. This paper aims to examine how ambidextrous innovation (exploration and exploitation innovation) and market orientation capabilities (market-sensing and customer-linking capabilities) can shape the relationship between service innovation and firm performance. Research model was developed based on theoretical foundation of the resource-based view and the rationed perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an original data set comprising 170 service-oriented firms from Taiwan, the authors found that ambidextrous innovation and market orientation capabilities can significantly enhance performance for service-oriented firms. The authors used the traditional ordinary least squares regression and the zero-inflated Poisson regression to test the five hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical results fully support the hypotheses that ambidextrous innovation and market orientation capabilities can significantly enhance firm performance. These results imply that the benefits of ambidextrous innovation and market orientation capabilities can coexist in a service innovation deployment and that these combined benefit firm performance.

Originality/value

The ambidextrous innovation and market orientation capabilities play catalytic roles during innovative service implementation in the service-oriented sectors. The roles of these factors have rarely been examined together before. Hence, this study addresses the gaps in current understanding and provides valuable insights, particularly in the context of the future service innovation deployment. In addition, the theoretical and managerial implications of the findings provide useful and valuable information for both the researchers and managers of the service-oriented.
How do entrepreneurs learn from critical events? A case study of critical event learning
Authors: Song Zhenggang , He Liangxing , Zhang Yuli
Published: September 2017

Purpose

How do entrepreneurs learn from critical events or significant entrepreneurial experience? It is an important field in entrepreneurship cognition and learning studies. Previous studies have given interpretations from many perspectives, such as effectuation, scenario change of entrepreneurial behaviors, cognitive development, situated learning, etc. These studies provide important clues for exploring the dynamic mechanism of entrepreneurship learning; the problems, such as narrow study angle, fragmentation of knowledge and lack of systematic explanation, however, have also been exposed. For this reason, this study aims to reveal the deep structure and the effectiveness mechanism of entrepreneurs’ learning from critical events, based on existing theoretical progress and specific cases, through the abstract method of retrospective analysis. A conceptual model of entrepreneurial critical events learning is built on this basis, thus deepening the understanding of entrepreneurial learning mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines retrospection of critical realism with a single case study. On the one hand, data are collected through many channels, such as semi-structured interview, field observation and collection of secondhand information to describe events as detailed as possible. On the other hand, strict coding principles and processes are followed to ensure the validity and reliability of the research.

Findings

Entrepreneurial critical event learning reflects the legitimacy, competency and dominancy of entrepreneurial behavior script and leaves a positive influence on the quality improvement of entrepreneurial behavior script. Entrepreneurial critical event learning is an effectual process of decision-making and a process of situated learning and cognitive development. Thus, critical event learning plays an important role in enhancing the influence capacity of stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

Single case study is used in this paper and, thus, lacks comparison and verification of multi-case study. In addition, selection biases might have occurred during the process of retrospection.

Originality/value

This study broadens research on new enterprise generation process from the aspect of interaction between entrepreneurs and environment. This study reveals the deep structure and effectiveness mechanisms that restrain entrepreneurial behaviors. The study overcomes the problem of over-emphasis on institutional restriction and insufficient understanding on the subjective initiative of entrepreneurs in the research on institutional legitimacy. This study addresses over-emphasis on individual initiative and insufficient focus on behavior legitimacy in effectuation theory.
Trust in the subordinate and deference to supervisor in China
Authors: Liu Pingqing , Shi Junxi
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illuminate the mechanism which can explain and predict subordinates’ deferential behaviour in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using mail surveys. The study used two sources of data (supervisor and subordinate) obtained via two separate sets of surveys. In total, 600 questionnaires were distributed to subordinate–supervisor dyads employed in a variety of organizations, and 441 dyad-level questionnaires were collected.

Findings

The paper revealed that supervisors’ political mentoring (PM) moderated the strength of the mediated relationships between a supervisor’s trust in the subordinate and the subordinate’s deference to supervisor via supervisor–subordinate guanxi. Furthermore, the direct interaction effect of a supervisor’s trust and PM influenced the subordinate’s deference to supervisor only when the level of PM was low.

Originality/value

This study clarifies the mechanism by which supervisor’s specific behaviours affect subordinate’s deference to supervisor, and explores how supervisor–subordinate dyad creates a reciprocal relationship. The research indicates the unique effect of supervisor’s PM in Chinese organizations, and reinforces the importance of considering supervisor’s trust in the subordinate.
Patching security governance: an empirical view of emergent governance mechanisms for cybersecurity
Authors: van Eeten Michel
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The issue of cybersecurity has been cast as the focal point of a fight between two conflicting governance models: the nation-state model of national security and the global governance model of multi-stakeholder collaboration, as seen in forums like IGF, IETF, ICANN, etc. There is a strange disconnect, however, between this supposed fight and the actual control over cybersecurity “on the ground”. This paper aims to reconnect discourse and control via a property rights approach, where control is located first and foremost in ownership.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper first conceptualizes current governance mechanisms through ownership and property rights. These concepts locate control over internet resources. They also help us understand ongoing shifts in control. Such shifts in governance are actually happening, security governance is being patched left and right, but these arrangements bear little resemblance to either the national security model of states or the global model of multi-stakeholder collaboration. With the conceptualization in hand, the paper then presents case studies of governance that have emerged around specific security externalities.

Findings

While not all mechanisms are equally effective, in each of the studied areas, the author found evidence of private actors partially internalizing the externalities, mostly on a voluntary basis and through network governance mechanisms. No one thinks that this is enough, but it is a starting point. Future research is needed to identify how these mechanisms can be extended or supplemented to further improve the governance of cybersecurity.

Originality/value

This paper bridges together the disconnected research communities on governance and (technical) cybersecurity.
Factors influencing perceptions on corruption in public service delivery via e-government platform
Authors: Saxena Stuti
Published: September 2017

Purpose

With an increasing thrust upon transparency and accountability in government, e-government platforms are being scaled in many countries to bolster trust of the citizens and to bring about efficiency in public service delivery. Recently, India launched its “Digital India” initiative as an e-government measure. This study aims to gauge respondents’ perceptions regarding corruption in public services post-launch of the “Digital India” initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted via email, soliciting inputs from 217 respondents following a convenience sampling technique in selected districts of India. Using an institutional theory lens, this study uses a quantitative approach where correlations and hierarchical regression analysis inform the overall analysis.

Findings

The results showed that low transparency, high cost incurred in availing public services, inefficiency in government and favoritism in government are the key determinants that influenced the perception of users about corruption in e-government services. Also, one demographic variable, namely, gender, showed a statistically significant relationship with the perception of corruption in e-government services.

Originality/value

Hitherto, extant literature is replete with conceptual and theoretical studies on the impact of e-government initiatives on curbing corruption, and there is negligible empirical research in developing countriesvis-à-visthis dimension – the present study seeks to fill this gap. Second, previous research has not used the institutional theory to investigate the efficacy of e-government initiatives; this study uses the framework of the institutional theory framework to substantiate the arguments.
Generalization of information, Granger causality and forecasting
Authors: Rötheli Tobias
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze forecasting problems from the perspective of information extraction. Circumstances are studied under which the forecast of an economic variable from one domain (country, industry, market segment) should rely on information regarding the same type of variable from another domain even if the two variables are not causally linked. It is shown that Granger causality linking variables from different domains is the rule and should be exploited for forecasting.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies information economics, in particular the study of rational information extraction, to shed light on the debate on causality and forecasting.

Findings

It is shown that the rational generalization of information across domains can lead to effects that are hard to square with economic intuition but worth considering for forecasting. Information from one domain is shown to affect that from another domain if there is at least one common factor affecting both domains, which is not (or not yet) observed when a forecast has to be made. The analysis suggests the theoretical possibility that the direction of such effects across domains can be counter-intuitive. In time-series econometrics, such effects will show up in estimated coefficients with the “wrong” sign.

Practical implications

This study helps forecasters by indicating a wider set of variables relevant for prediction. The analysis offers a theoretical basis for using lagged values from the type of variable to be forecast but from another domain. For example, when forecasting the bond risk spread in one country, introducing in the time-series model the lagged value of the risk spread from another country is suggested. Two empirical examples illustrate this principle for specifying models for prediction. The application to risk spreads and inflation rates illustrates the principles of the approach suggested here which is widely applicable.

Originality/value

The present study builds on a probability theoretic analysis to inform the specification of time-series forecasting models.
Canadian competitive intelligence practices – a study of practicing strategic and competitive intelligence professionals Canadian members
Authors: Calof Jonathan
Published: September 2017

Purpose

With intelligence (a field related to foresight) practice growing, the purpose of this study was to examine the practices of Canadian competitive intelligence (CI) practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey of Canadian CI practitioners who are SCIP members (Strategic and Competitive Intelligence Professional), using a revision to a previously used instrument designed to examine competitive intelligence practices.

Findings

Canadian SCIP member competitive intelligence practices seem to be more formalized than those found in the global SCIP study in 2006 with 84.8 per cent having a manager with CI responsibilities, 61 per cent with a formal centralized CI unit and only 9 per cent responding that CI was done informally. Intelligence units were generally smaller with 38 per cent having one full-time CI resource and 41 per cent having between 2 and 4 full-time resources. Additional findings on information sources used, analytical techniques used, evaluation methods and communication methods are reported.

Research limitations/implications

Despite getting responses from close to 50 per cent of SCIP members, the small sample size (79) makes it difficult to generalize the results beyond the Canadian SCIP environment and limits the testing that can be done.

Originality/value

The last study on Canadian competitive intelligence practices was in 2008, thus part of the originality of the study was getting more recent information on corporate intelligence practice. In addition, this is the first Canadian study to focus specifically on known intelligence practitioners (SCIP members). Past studies focused on companies in general regardless of whether respondents knew what competitive intelligence was or practiced CI.
How does materialistic attitude influence the impact of corporate brand on the customers’ intention to donate to corporates’ charity?
Authors: Pratono Aluisius Hery , Tjahjono Godo
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the impact of corporate brand equity and corporate brand credibility on customer’s intention to donate the charity program. To understand the complex relationship, this study points out the moderating effect of the materialistic attitude.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study involved a survey of young customers in Indonesia telecommunication industry. The data collection involved face-to-face interviews among 409 respondents in Jakarta Indonesia between December 2015 and January 2016.

Findings

This study indicates a positive impact of corporate brand equity and brand credibility on their customers’ intention to support the social charity. However, materialistic attitude slightly changes the impact direction of corporate brand on the customers’ intention to participate.

Research limitations/implications

This research relies on a cross-sectional observation, which was one snapshoot observation in specific time. Second, this study uses interview to help the respondents understand the questionnaires; this may imply on the level of objectiveness of respondents.

Practical/implications

This paper extends the discussion on the altruism theory and corporate brands by establishing a critical linkage between materialistic attitude, corporate brand credibility and consumers’ intention to charity. Under high materialistic attitude, corporations are encouraged to promote strong business ethics.

Originality/value

This study makes a contribution to the deepening understanding on altruism theory and conscious corporate responsibility through raising a concern on marketing practices, which entails a potential fraud from charity ethics.
Philanthropy, markets, and Islamic financial institutions: a new paradigm
Authors: Rawashdeh Osamah Hussian , Azid Toseef , Qureshi Muhammad Azeem
Published: September 2017

Purpose

There is no consensus among the experts that welfare can be increased through philanthropy or market is sufficient for the achievement of targeted level of welfare. It is still a main quest that giving visible good to one known fellow is better or market ethos have more positive impact on the society where we have needs of thousands of unknown. Markets, in Hayek’s view, are superior to philanthropy – economically, ethically and epistemologically – because they “confer benefits beyond the range of our concrete knowledge” (Hayek 1988, p. 81) and thus provide “a greater benefit to the community than most direct ‘altruistic’ action”. The same can be expected from the ethical and moral financial institutions having the objective not to only increase their profit but also equally trying to serve the community and society. This paper aims to propose a constructive model in which markets, philanthropy and financial institutions work together to enhance welfare, human freedom, flourishing and voluntary social cooperation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the conceptual dualisms through which commerce – philanthropy relationship (e.g. modern versus Islamic socialism) and the historical–philosophical context in which they were formulated. This helps integrate philanthropy into Hayek’s theory of economic and social order through financial institutions.

Findings

This paper explores the foundations of an Islamic view of philanthropic action. This discussion is inspired by the emerging literature of positive psychology and double movement of Polanyi (2001).

Research limitations/implications

Proper data are not available for the Islamic countries.

Practical implications

Without abandoning Hayek’s theory of markets, this study sketches a view of commercial society in which markets and philanthropy (“voluntary giving and association that serves to promote human flourishing”) work together to enhance welfare human freedom, flourishing and voluntary social cooperation under the umbrella of Islam and also explores the different dimensions that how Islamic financial intuitions are becoming the instrument for the incremental change of this integration.

Social implications

This study guides the policy makers that how social and economic welfare can be increased through the interaction of Islamic financial institutions and philanthropy.

Originality/value

This is an original attempt.
The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship: trials and tribulations
Authors: Rowe Lisa , Perrin David , Wall Tony
Published: September 2017

Purpose

In 2014, the UK Government introduced a new form of apprenticeship, the Degree Apprenticeship, which extends across all undergraduate degree and master’s degree levels, maps to professional standards, and which is now embedded within governmental levies of large businesses. The purpose of this paper is to share early experiences of developing these Degree Apprenticeships, and consider the processes deployed to achieve it.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper combines desk research with reflections on the experience of developing the new Degree Apprenticeships within higher education institutes (HEIs) and considers the implications of this upon current and emerging HEI practice and research.

Findings

There were a number of key resources which facilitated the approval of the Degree Apprenticeship, and these included a pre-existing, flexible work-based learning framework, the associated mechanisms of accreditation, existing professional networks, and a professionally oriented interface between the university, employer and professional body.

Research limitations/implications

As the context is currently at the early stages of implementation, and the policy context is rapidly changing in the context of Brexit, so too will the related scholarship. This means factors others than those highlighted within this paper may emerge over the coming year or two.

Practical implications

There are a number of practical implications for the development of Degree Apprenticeships from this research that are reflected in the findings, and include the development of flexible and collaborative processes, resources and networks.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first published accounts of the development of a Degree Apprenticeship within the new policy context in the UK.
In the centre, but still on the periphery
Authors: Plešivčák Martin , Buček Ján
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Geographical disparities in the light of regional development constitute ever present issue affecting academic debates as well as decision process of policy makers also in the Central and East European countries, mainly during the last two decades. The purpose of this paper is to outline the economic development of one of the most underdeveloped regions in Slovakia, of Banská Bystrica, during the transformation stage of post-socialist societal development, with emphasis on the period after 2000, in the context of the economic performance related to other regions of the country.

Design/methodology/approach

For this purpose, several economic indicators (unemployment rate, vacancies, employment in economic sectors, wages, gross domestic product, foreign direct investment and housing construction) are utilised, whose common contribution to assessing the economic performance of a territorial system is secured by using the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methodological approach. Thus, analytical part of the study stems from standard statistical data, enriched by 11 in-depth interviews conducted with stakeholders involved in socio-economic and political life of the region.

Findings

Of internal factors, innovation capacity of the region and supporting the business environment appear to be a key for its further economic development. Attractiveness for foreign direct investment as well as social cohesion of the EU are considered the crucial factors of regional development stemming from the external environment.

Originality/value

Using TOPSIS method and series of in-depth interviews with regional stakeholders the authors identified development prospects of underdeveloped Banská Bystrica region, in the context of opportunities and threats forming its presence in the near future.
Gender, the state, and informal self-employment
Authors: Ojong Nathanael
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the intersection of formality, informality, structures of power, gender, and social norms in the mobile telecommunication industry in Cameroon, and to investigate the reasons for the over-representation of informal self-employed women at the base of the mobile telecommunication industry in the country.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study using interviews and observations.

Findings

Cameroon’s mobile telecommunication industry is a “spaghetti bowl” where formality, informality, gender, structures of power, and social norms are intertwined. In Cameroon’s mobile telecommunication industry, there is no static division between formality and informality, rather, there is a connection between formality and informality to ensure the unity and totality of the airtime credit distribution system. Self-employment in the mobile telecommunication industry is gendered.

Originality/value

Analysing the intersection of gender, class, formality, informality, social norms, and structures of power in the functioning of the mobile telecommunication industry in the Cameroon is original.
Explaining participation in the informal economy: a purchaser perspective
Authors: Williams Colin C. , Horodnic Ioana Alexandra , Windebank Jan
Published: September 2017

Purpose

Participation in the informal economy has been predominantly explained from a supply side perspective by evaluating the rationales for people working in this sphere. Recognising that many transactions in the informal economy are often instigated by customers, exemplified by purchasers asking “how much for cash?”, the purpose of this paper is to explain the informal economy from a demand-side perspective by evaluating citizens’ rationales for making purchases in the informal economy. Here, the authors test three potential explanations for acquiring goods and services in the informal economy, grounded in rational economic actor, social actor and formal economy imperfections theoretical perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

To do this, a 2013 Eurobarometer survey, involving 27,563 face-to-face interviews conducted in 28 European Union member states is reported.

Findings

The finding is that all three rationales apply but the weight given to each varies across populations. A multinomial logit regression analysis then pinpoints the specific groups variously using the informal economy to obtain a lower price, for social or redistributive rationales, or due to the failures of the formal economy in terms of the availability, speed and quality of provision.

Practical implications

The outcome is to reveal that the conventional policy approach of changing the cost/benefit ratios confronting purchasers will only be effective for those purchasers citing a lower price as their prime rationale. Different policy measures will be required for those making informal economy purchases due to the shortcomings of the formal economy, and for social ends. These policy measures are then discussed.

Originality/value

The value and originality of this paper is that it explains participation in the informal economy from a purchaser, rather than the predominant supplier, perspective.
Consequences of cyberbullying behaviour in working life
Authors: Muhonen Tuija , Jönsson Sandra , Bäckström Martin
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore health- and work-related outcomes of cyberbullying behaviour and the potential mediating role of social organisational climate, social support from colleagues and social support from superiors.

Design/methodology/approach

Altogether 3,371 respondents participated in a questionnaire study.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that social organisational climate can have a mediating role in the relationship between cyberbullying behaviour and health, well-being, work engagement and intention to quit. Contrary to earlier face-to-face bullying research, the current study showed that cyberbullying behaviour had stronger indirect than direct relationships to health, well-being, work engagement and intention to quit.

Practical implications

Communication through digital devices in work life is becoming more prevalent, which in turn increases the risk for cyberbullying behaviour. Organisations need therefore to develop occupational health and safety policies concerning the use of digital communication and social media in order to prevent cyberbullying behaviour and its negative consequences.

Originality/value

Cyberbullying behaviour among working adults is a relatively unexplored phenomenon and therefore this study makes valuable contribution to the research field.
Preservation of built heritage: an Islamic perspective (1)
Authors: Gharib Remah Y.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of built heritage preservation from an Islamic perspective. This study will dig out the jurisprudential principles to challenge contemporary destruction of built heritage in the Muslim contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The research challenges the radicals’ opinion by revealing their evidence to destroy the various built heritage. In fact, it confronts these acts and assists the international community to understand the basic values of Islam toward the environment and built heritage specifically. This exploratory research will follow this lead and seek the objective, first, by investigating the concept of succession and the urbanization of Earth by mankind. Reassuringly, the research introduces few verses from the Holy Qur’an to support the various arguments presented and provide a qualitative understanding of the interpretations. Moreover, few speeches of the Prophet (PBUH) are added to ease synthesizing the understanding of specific principles related to the Islamic law (Shari’ah). This study provides an in-depth understanding toward the legitimacy of the act of preservation under the umbrella of the intents and objectives of the Islamic law.

Findings

This study confirms that preservation of the built heritage is legitimate from the Islamic law perspective; this is due to the fact that Islam mandates mankind to utilize wisely the resources available to shape a proper physical and economic environment. The preservation of the built heritage returns with benefit to the major society and assures that resources are recycled to serve humanity for longer generations.

Research limitations/implications

This research promotes the concepts of good/benefit and avoiding harm to support the crux of built heritage preservation from an Islamic perspective. In quest of this notion, various scholars’ work throughout the Islamic civilization has been revealed to draw some shed on the rooted arguments to highlight various concepts of Islam toward preservation.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to prove that Islam is against the destruction of built heritage and historic monuments and against all acts of violence and terrorism.
The relationships among capital flow surges, reversals and sudden stops
Authors: Efremidze Levan , Kim Sungsoo , Sula Ozan , Willett Thomas D.
Published: September 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between capital flow surges, reversals and sudden stops.

Design/methodology/approach

Emphasizing the importance of looking at the behavior of domestic as well as foreign capital flows, the authors distinguish sudden stops from capital flow reversals by attributing the former to foreign capital flows only.

Findings

It is found that, despite the large differences in the number of surges identified by several different measures in the literature, a majority of surges do end in reversals of some type. The percentages tend to be slightly over half for surges in net capital flows, but on average, 70 per cent of gross surges end in sudden stops. Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, approximately half of sudden stops and net capital flow reversals are not preceded by surges. It is also found that surges that persist longer are more likely to turn into sudden stops and reversals.

Research limitations/implications

The authors find substantial empirical differences in the characteristics of sudden stops (based on gross foreign flows) and reversals (based on net flows).

Practical implications

Large inflows of financial capital are not always a strong indicator that a country’s economic policies will continue to provide stability in the future. They may signal an increase rather than reduction in the risk of future instability.

Originality/value

This study focuses on an issue that has been less explored to date, the relationship between capital flow surges, reversals and sudden stops. The authors distinguish, redefine and document differences among capital flow reversals and sudden stops. Duration of surges is related to the likelihood of having reversals and sudden stops.