bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bundled Payments for Care Improvement
Authors: Hardin Lauran , Kilian Adam , Murphy Elizabeth
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center introduced the Bundled Payments for Care Improvement (BPCI) initiative in 2011 as 1 strategy to encourage healthcare organizations and clinicians to improve healthcare delivery for patients, both when they are in the hospital and after they are discharged. Mercy Health Saint Mary’s, a large urban academic medical center, engaged in BPCI primarily with a group of medical diagnosis-related groups (DRGs).

OBJECTIVES

In this article, we describe our experience creating a system of response for the diverse people and diagnoses that fall into the medical DRG bundles and specifically identify organizational factors for enabling successful implementation of bundled payments.

RESULTS

Our experience suggests that interprofessional collaboration enabled program success.

CONCLUSIONS

Although still in its early phases, observations from our program’s strategies and tactics may provide potential insights for organizations considering engagement in the BPCI initiative.
Comparison of Ocular Lubricant Osmolalities
Authors: Bitton Etty , Perugino Carolyn , Charette Stéphanie
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the osmolality of commercially available ocular tear lubricants.

Methods

Thirty-seven (n = 37) ocular lubricants, measured three times each, were evaluated for osmolality using a vapor pressure osmometer (Wescor VAPRO 5520). The osmometer was calibrated before each use, and the order of the lubricants was randomized. Ambient temperature and humidity were monitored for stability.

Results

Of the 37 ocular lubricants tested, 35 (94.6%) had an osmolality of less than 295 mmol/kg, one (2.7%) had between 295 and 308 mmol/kg, and one (2.7%) had more than 308 mmol/kg. The ambient room temperature was stable and ranged from 21.9°C to 22.0°C, and the relative humidity ranged from 21.2% to 25.6% during experimentation. When ocular lubricants were grouped by ingredient (carboxymethylcellulose and hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose, hyaluronic acid, and hydroxypropyl guar), no significant difference in osmolality was noted between groups (Mann-Whitney U test, P > .05).

Conclusions

The majority of the ocular lubricants tested had low osmolalities, mimicking the osmolarity of newly formed tears (295 to 300 mOsm/L). Several factors need to be considered when choosing a tear lubricant, which have more complex formulations than ever. Knowledge of their osmolality may be an added parameter to consider when choosing therapeutic options for dry eye.
Corneal Equilibrium Flux as a Function of Corneal Surface Oxygen Tension
Authors: Compañ Vicente , Aguilella-Arzo Marcel , Weissman Barry A.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Oxygen is essential for aerobic mammalian cell physiology. Oxygen tension (Po2) should reach a minimum at some position within the corneal stroma, and oxygen flux should be zero, by definition, at this point as well. We found the locations and magnitudes of this “corneal equilibrium flux” (xmin) and explored its physiological implications.

Methods

We used an application of the Monod kinetic model to calculatexminfor normal human cornea as anterior surface Po2changes from 155 to 20 mmHg.

Results

We find thatxmindeepens, broadens, and advances from 1.25 μm above the endothelial–aqueous humor surface toward the epithelium (reaching a position 320 μm above the endothelial–aqueous humor surface) as anterior corneal surface Po2decreases from 155 to 20 mmHg.

Conclusions

Our model supports an anterior corneal oxygen flux of 9 μL O2· cm−2· h−1and an epithelial oxygen consumption of approximately 4 μL O2· cm−2· h−1. Only at the highest anterior corneal Po2does our model predict that oxygen diffuses all the way through the cornea to perhaps reach the anterior chamber. Of most interest, corneal oxygen consumption should be supported down to a corneal surface Po2of 60 to 80 mmHg but declines below this range. We conclude that the critical oxygen tension for hypoxia induced corneal swelling is more likely this range rather than a fixed value.
Trust in the Medical Profession Among Adolescents in an Emergency Department
Authors: Ellis Kelstan Lynch , Randell Kimberly , Lantos John , Miller Melissa K.
Published: May 2017

Objective

The aims of this study were to assess trust in the medical profession among adolescents in an urban pediatric emergency department (ED) and explore factors associated with trust.

Methods

We used a computerized survey to assess personal trust, perceived trust among family/friends, health care use, general and genital examination preferences, health behaviors, and demographics among youth aged 14 to 19 years. The primary outcome was the mean composite score of a validated 5-item scale. Responses were summed (range, 5–25); higher scores indicated greater trust. We compared trust between subgroups using the t test for independent samples.

Results

We enrolled 150 adolescents (80% of approached); 146 completed the survey (mean age, 15.6 y; 40% male; 36% African American, 40% white, 17% Hispanic; 29% commercial insurance). The mean trust score was 19.51 ± 3.1 (range, 7–25), indicating a fairly high level of trust. Trust was not associated with race, ethnicity, sex, type of insurance, or health care use. The mean score for those with high paternal trust was higher than those reporting low paternal trust (19.8 ± 2.2 vs 15.3 ± 5.7, P = 0.02); there was no association with perceived trust among mothers or friends. Preference for a chaperoned genital examination was associated with lower trust and female sex.

Conclusions

Adolescents in this ED reported high levels of trust in the medical profession, and trust was not associated with race, ethnicity, sex, insurance, or health care use. Youth with lower trust preferred chaperoned genital examinations. Adolescent trust may be influenced by perceived trust among important adults. Exploration of these associations seems warranted to facilitate optimal sexual health outcomes.
Does Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Affect the Shear Wave Velocity of the Thyroid Gland of Children Without Autoimmune Thyroiditis?
Authors: Sağlam Dilek , Ceyhan Bilgici Meltem , Kara Cengiz , Can Yilmaz Gülay , Tanrivermiş Sayit Asli
Published: May 2017

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the shear wave velocity (SWV) of the thyroid gland with acoustic radiation force impulse elastography in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D).

Materials and Methods

Between November 2015 and April 2016, 35 T1D patients who were referred to our hospital's endocrinology outpatient clinic (mean age, 11.88 ± 4.1 years) and 30 children (mean age, 11.3 ± 3.08 years) in the control group were enrolled in the study. Five acoustic radiation force impulse elastography measurements from each lobe of the thyroid gland in m/s were recorded. Diabetes age, hemoglobin A1c, and C-peptide levels were recorded in T1D patients. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 21 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY).

Results

The mean SWV of the thyroid gland in T1D patients and the control group was 1.11 ± 0.21 and 1.29 ± 0.23 m/s, respectively. The mean SWV of the thyroid gland in T1D patients was lower than that in the control group and this was significant (P = 0.002). The mean SWV of the thyroid gland was not correlated with hemoglobin A1c level, body mass index, or the insulin dose in T1D patients.

Conclusions

The present study showed that T1D affects the thyroid gland stiffness even in patients without autoimmune thyroiditis. Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography may be a useful method in determining early changes in thyroid gland in T1D and may be used as a screening tool.
Histone-Complexed DNA Fragments Levels are Associated with Coagulopathy, Endothelial Cell Damage, and Increased Mortality after Severe Pediatric Trauma
Authors: Russell Robert T. , Christiaans Sarah C. , Nice Tate R. , Banks Morgan , Mortellaro Vincent E. , Morgan Charity , Duhachek-Stapelman Amy , Lisco Steven J. , Kerby Jeffrey D. , Wagener Brant M. , Chen Mike K. , Pittet Jean-François
Published: May 2017

Background:

The release of damage-associated molecular pattern molecules in the extracellular space secondary to injury has been shown to cause systemic activation of the coagulation system and endothelial cell damage. We hypothesized that pediatric trauma patients with increased levels of histone-complexed DNA fragments (hcDNA) would have evidence of coagulopathy and endothelial damage that would be associated with poor outcomes.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective observational study of 149 pediatric trauma patients and 62 control patients at two level 1 pediatric trauma centers from 2013 to 2016. Blood samples were collected upon arrival and at 24 h, analyzed for hcDNA, coagulation abnormalities, endothelial damage, and clinical outcome. Platelet aggregation was assessed with impedance aggregometry (Multiplate) and coagulation parameters were assessed by measuring prothrombin time ratio in plasma and the use of viscoelastic techniques (Rotational Thromboelastometry) in whole blood.

Results:

The median age was 8.3 years, the median injury severity score (ISS) was 20, and overall mortality was 10%. Significantly higher levels of hcDNA were found on admission in patients with severe injury (ISS > 25), coagulopathy, and/or abnormal platelet aggregation. Patients with high hcDNA levels also had significant elevations in plasma levels of syndecan-1, suggesting damage to the endothelial glycocalyx. Finally, significantly higher hcDNA levels were found in non-survivors.

Conclusion:

hcDNA is released following injury and correlates with coagulopathy, endothelial glycocalyx damage, and poor clinical outcome early after severe pediatric trauma. These results indicate that hcDNA may play an important role in development of coagulation abnormalities and endothelial glycocalyx damage in children following trauma.
When two wrongs make a right: synchronized neuronal bursting from combined electrical and inhibitory coupling
Authors: Reimbayev Reimbay , Daley Kevin , Belykh Igor
Published: May 2017

Synchronized cortical activities in the central nervous systems of mammals are crucial for sensory perception, coordination and locomotory function. The neuronal mechanisms that generate synchronous synaptic inputs in the neocortex are far from being fully understood. In this paper, we study the emergence of synchronization in networks of bursting neurons as a highly non-trivial, combined effect of electrical and inhibitory connections. We report a counterintuitive find that combined electrical and inhibitory coupling can synergistically induce robust synchronization in a range of parameters where electrical coupling alone promotes anti-phase spiking and inhibition induces anti-phase bursting. We reveal the underlying mechanism, which uses a balance between hidden properties of electrical and inhibitory coupling to act together to synchronize neuronal bursting. We show that this balance is controlled by the duty cycle of the self-coupled system which governs the synchronized bursting rhythm.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Mathematical methods in medicine: neuroscience, cardiology and pathology’.
Understanding principles of integration and segregation using whole-brain computational connectomics: implications for neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Lord Louis-David , Stevner Angus B. , Deco Gustavo , Kringelbach Morten L.
Published: May 2017

To survive in an ever-changing environment, the brain must seamlessly integrate a rich stream of incoming information into coherent internal representations that can then be used to efficiently plan for action. The brain must, however, balance its ability to
integrate
information from various sources with a complementary capacity to
segregate
information into modules which perform specialized computations in local circuits. Importantly, evidence suggests that imbalances in the brain's ability to bind together and/or segregate information over both space and time is a common feature of several neuropsychiatric disorders. Most studies have, however, until recently strictly attempted to characterize the principles of integration and segregation in static (i.e. time-invariant) representations of human brain networks, hence disregarding the complex spatio-temporal nature of these processes. In the present Review, we describe how the emerging discipline of
whole-brain computational connectomics
may be used to study the causal mechanisms of the integration and segregation of information on behaviourally relevant timescales. We emphasize how novel methods from network science and whole-brain computational modelling can expand beyond traditional neuroimaging paradigms and help to uncover the neurobiological determinants of the abnormal integration and segregation of information in neuropsychiatric disorders.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Mathematical methods in medicine: neuroscience, cardiology and pathology’.
Biological modelling of a computational spiking neural network with neuronal avalanches
Authors: Li Xiumin , Chen Qing , Xue Fangzheng
Published: May 2017

In recent years, an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that networks in the brain can self-organize into a critical state where dynamics exhibit a mixture of ordered and disordered patterns. This critical branching phenomenon is termed neuronal avalanches. It has been hypothesized that the homeostatic level balanced between stability and plasticity of this critical state may be the optimal state for performing diverse neural computational tasks. However, the critical region for high performance is narrow and sensitive for spiking neural networks (SNNs). In this paper, we investigated the role of the critical state in neural computations based on liquid-state machines, a biologically plausible computational neural network model for real-time computing. The computational performance of an SNN when operating at the critical state and, in particular, with spike-timing-dependent plasticity for updating synaptic weights is investigated. The network is found to show the best computational performance when it is subjected to critical dynamic states. Moreover, the active-neuron-dominant structure refined from synaptic learning can remarkably enhance the robustness of the critical state and further improve computational accuracy. These results may have important implications in the modelling of spiking neural networks with optimal computational performance.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Mathematical methods in medicine: neuroscience, cardiology and pathology’.
Energy landscape analysis of neuroimaging data
Authors: Ezaki Takahiro , Watanabe Takamitsu , Ohzeki Masayuki , Masuda Naoki
Published: May 2017

Computational neuroscience models have been used for understanding neural dynamics in the brain and how they may be altered when physiological or other conditions change. We review and develop a data-driven approach to neuroimaging data called the energy landscape analysis. The methods are rooted in statistical physics theory, in particular the Ising model, also known as the (pairwise) maximum entropy model and Boltzmann machine. The methods have been applied to fitting electrophysiological data in neuroscience for a decade, but their use in neuroimaging data is still in its infancy. We first review the methods and discuss some algorithms and technical aspects. Then, we apply the methods to functional magnetic resonance imaging data recorded from healthy individuals to inspect the relationship between the accuracy of fitting, the size of the brain system to be analysed and the data length.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Mathematical methods in medicine: neuroscience, cardiology and pathology’.
Transient sequences in a hypernetwork generated by an adaptive network of spiking neurons
Authors: Maslennikov Oleg V. , Shchapin Dmitry S. , Nekorkin Vladimir I.
Published: May 2017

We propose a model of an adaptive network of spiking neurons that gives rise to a hypernetwork of its dynamic states at the upper level of description. Left to itself, the network exhibits a sequence of transient clustering which relates to a traffic in the hypernetwork in the form of a random walk. Receiving inputs the system is able to generate reproducible sequences corresponding to stimulus-specific paths in the hypernetwork. We illustrate these basic notions by a simple network of discrete-time spiking neurons together with its FPGA realization and analyse their properties.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Mathematical methods in medicine: neuroscience, cardiology and pathology’.
Modelling far field pacing for terminating spiral waves pinned to ischaemic heterogeneities in cardiac tissue
Authors: Boccia E. , Luther S. , Parlitz U.
Published: May 2017

In cardiac tissue, electrical spiral waves pinned to a heterogeneity can be unpinned (and eventually terminated) using electric far field pulses and recruiting the heterogeneity as a virtual electrode. While for isotropic media the process of unpinning is much better understood, the case of an anisotropic substrate with different conductivities in different directions still needs intensive investigation. To study the impact of anisotropy on the unpinning process, we present numerical simulations based on the bidomain formulation of the phase I of the Luo and Rudy action potential model modified due to the occurrence of acute myocardial ischaemia. Simulating a rotating spiral wave pinned to an ischaemic heterogeneity, we compare the success of sequences of far field pulses in the isotropic and the anisotropic case for spirals still in transient or in steady rotation states. Our results clearly indicate that the range of pacing parameters resulting in successful termination of pinned spiral waves is larger in anisotropic tissue than in an isotropic medium.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Mathematical methods in medicine: neuroscience, cardiology and pathology’.
Assessing the strength of cardiac and sympathetic baroreflex controls via transfer entropy during orthostatic challenge
Authors: Porta Alberto , Marchi Andrea , Bari Vlasta , De Maria Beatrice , Esler Murray , Lambert Elisabeth , Baumert Mathias
Published: May 2017

The study assesses the strength of the causal relation along baroreflex (BR) in humans during an incremental postural challenge soliciting the BR. Both cardiac BR (cBR) and sympathetic BR (sBR) were characterized via BR sequence approaches from spontaneous fluctuations of heart period (HP), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). A model-based transfer entropy method was applied to quantify the strength of the coupling from SAP to HP and from DAP to MSNA. The confounding influences of respiration were accounted for. Twelve young healthy subjects (20–36 years, nine females) were sequentially tilted at 0°, 20°, 30° and 40°. We found that (i) the strength of the causal relation along the cBR increases with tilt table inclination, while that along the sBR is unrelated to it; (ii) the strength of the causal coupling is unrelated to the gain of the relation; (iii) transfer entropy indexes are significantly and positively associated with simplified causality indexes derived from BR sequence analysis. The study proves that causality indexes are complementary to traditional characterization of the BR and suggests that simple markers derived from BR sequence analysis might be fruitfully exploited to estimate causality along the BR.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘Mathematical methods in medicine: neuroscience, cardiology and pathology’.
Sim3C: simulation of HiC and Meta3C proximity ligation sequencing technologies
Authors: DeMaere Matthew Z , Darling Aaron E
Published: May 2017

Background

Chromosome conformation capture (3C) and HiC DNA sequencing methods have rapidly advanced our understanding of the spatial organization of genomes and metagenomes. Many variants of these protocols have been developed, each with their own strengths. Currently there is no systematic means for simulating sequence data from this family of sequencing protocols.

Findings

We describe a computational simulator that, given reference genome sequences and some basic parameters, will simulate HiC sequencing on those sequences. The simulator models the basic spatial structure in genomes that is commonly observed in HiC and 3C datasets, including the distance-decay relationship in proximity ligation, differences in the frequency of interaction within and across chromosomes, and the structure imposed by cells. A means to model the 3D structure of topologically associating domains (TADs) is provided. The simulator also models several sources of error common to 3C and HiC library preparation and sequencing methods, including spurious proximity ligation events and sequencing error.

Conclusions

We have introduced the first comprehensive simulator for 3C and HiC sequencing protocols. We expect the simulator to have use in testing of HiC data analysis algorithms, as well as more general value for experimental design, where questions such as the required depth of sequencing, enzyme choice, and other decisions must be made in advance in order to ensure adequate statistical power to test the relevant hypotheses.
HIV transmission efficiency through contaminated injections in Roka, Cambodia
Authors: Gisselquist David
Published: May 2017

A nosocomial HIV outbreak recognized in late 2014 in Roka commune, Cambodia, demonstrates the potential for rapid transmission through skin-piercing healthcare procedures. Information reported from the investigation of the Roka commune outbreak is sufficient to estimate the transmission efficiency of HIV through contaminated injection equipment. With conservative assumptions, two estimates are 4.6% and 9.2%. These estimates are much greater than widely disseminated and influential low estimates of risk from unsafe injections, estimates which have encouraged low estimates of the contribution of unsafe healthcare to Africa’s generalized HIV epidemics. More information about nosocomial risks in Roka commune could improve the estimates in this paper and advise HIV prevention programs, particularly in countries with unreliably sterile healthcare and high HIV prevalence.
A guide for targeted SUMO removal
Authors: Dhingra Nalini , Zhao Xiaolan
Published: May 2017

SUMO homeostasis is important for many cellular processes. In the current issue of Genes & Development, Liang and colleagues (pp. 802–815) demonstrate how a desumoylation enzyme is targeted to the nucleolus for removing SUMO from specific substrates and how curtailing sumoylation levels can regulate transcription in this nuclear compartment.
Sleep supports inhibitory operant conditioning memory in Aplysia
Authors: Vorster Albrecht P. A. , Born Jan
Published: May 2017

Sleep supports memory consolidation as shown in mammals and invertebrates such as bees and Drosophila. Here, we show that sleep's memory function is preserved in Aplysia californica with an even simpler nervous system. Animals performed on an inhibitory conditioning task (“learning that a food is inedible”) three times, at Training, Retrieval 1, and Retrieval 2, with 17-h intervals between tests. Compared with Wake animals, remaining awake between Training and Retrieval 1, Sleep animals with undisturbed post-training sleep, performed significantly better at Retrieval 1 and 2. Control experiments testing retrieval only after ∼34 h, confirmed the consolidating effect of sleep occurring within 17 h after training.
Memory consolidation within the central amygdala is not necessary for modulation of cerebellar learning
Authors: Steinmetz Adam B. , Ng Ka H. , Freeman John H.
Published: May 2017

Amygdala lesions impair, but do not prevent, acquisition of cerebellum-dependent eyeblink conditioning suggesting that the amygdala modulates cerebellar learning. Two-factor theories of eyeblink conditioning posit that a fast-developing memory within the amygdala facilitates slower-developing memory within the cerebellum. The current study tested this hypothesis by impairing memory consolidation within the amygdala with inhibition of protein synthesis, transcription, and NMDA receptors in rats. Rats given infusions of anisomycin or DRB into the central amygdala (CeA) immediately after each eyeblink conditioning session were severely impaired in contextual and cued fear conditioning, but were completely unimpaired in eyeblink conditioning. Rats given the NMDA antagonist ifenprodil into the CeA before each eyeblink conditioning session also showed impaired fear conditioning, but no deficit in eyeblink conditioning. The results indicate that memory formation within the CeA is not necessary for its modulation of cerebellar learning mechanisms. The CeA may modulate cerebellar learning and retention through an attentional mechanism that develops within the training sessions.
Calculation of two-dimensional scattering patterns for oriented systems
Authors: Alves Cassio , Pedersen Jan Skov , Oliveira Cristiano L. P.
Published: May 2017

A versatile procedure to calculate two-dimensional scattering patterns of oriented systems is presented. The systems are represented by a set of dummy atoms with different scattering length densities, which allows the construction of very complex shapes either for single particles or for sets of particles. By the use of oriented pair distance distribution functions it is possible to perform a fast calculation of the scattering intensity from the oriented system in a given direction in the scattering vector (q) space and generate the two-dimensional scattering pattern on a given q plane. Several examples of the calculations are presented, demonstrating the method and its applicability. The presented results open new possibilities for the analysis of scattering patters obtained from oriented systems.
Path length dependent neutron diffraction peak shifts observed during residual strain measurements in U–8 wt% Mo castings
Authors: Steiner M. A. , Bunn J. R. , Einhorn J. R. , Garlea E. , Payzant E. A. , Agnew S. R.
Published: May 2017

This study reports an angular diffraction peak shift that scales linearly with the neutron beam path length traveled through a diffracting sample. This shift was observed in the context of mapping the residual stress state of a large U–8 wt% Mo casting, as well as during complementary measurements on a smaller casting of the same material. If uncorrected, this peak shift implies a non-physical level of residual stress. A hypothesis for the origin of this shift is presented, based upon non-ideal focusing of the neutron monochromator in combination with changes to the wavelength distribution reaching the detector due to factors such as attenuation. The magnitude of the shift is observed to vary linearly with the width of the diffraction peak reaching the detector. Consideration of this shift will be important for strain measurements requiring long path lengths through samples with significant attenuation. This effect can probably be reduced by selecting smaller voxel slit widths.
1-(Prop-2-en-1-yl)-3-[(prop-2-en-1-yl)oxy]quinoxalin-2(1H)-one
Authors: El Bourakadi Khadija , El Bakri Youness , Sebhaoui Jihad , Rayni Ibtissam , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T.
Published: May 2017

In the title compound, C14H14N2O2, the dihydroquinoxaline moiety deviates slightly from planarity. In the crystal, zigzag chains are formed by inversion-related C—H...O hydrogen bonds. Adjacent chains are associated through pairwise C—H...π(ring) and π-stacking interactions.
The etymology of user experience
Authors: Fox Robert
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The psychology of user experience is sometimes overlooked in favor of assumptions based on didactic principles that do not apply to the use of the Web. This column aims to explore the implications of some psychological principles that bear on user interface (UI) design and the implications those principles may have for the digital library.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a regular column – a literature review was completed and incorporated into the text.

Findings

Common perceptual biases, particularly related to our perception of the material world, heavily influence our interaction with Web UIs. Aligning Web UI design with our hardwired expectations regarding physical space and material objects has the possibility of increasing the effectiveness of those interfaces.

Originality/value

The psychology of user design is an important area of concern, and it should be considered by libraries engaged in the provisioning of online content and services. This has not been extensively explored in the literature, and these principles are rarely adhered to in the library community. The primary example given that seems to have successfully taken this seriously in the commercial sector is Google’s promotion of a recommendation called Material Design.
Minorities’ job satisfaction and organisational commitment in hospitality industry
Authors: Hsiao Aaron
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to explore whether organisational diversity is associated with minority employee attitudes (i.e. job satisfaction and organisational commitment) in Taiwan and to illustrate if macro-structural inquiry is applicable in the Asian context.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilised a quantitative methodology which consisted of a self-administered survey developed using relevant information from the existing literature. A total of 305 valid surveys were received from the 22 participating Taiwanese hotels and the target population was composed of hotel employees from all departments within the hotels. Descriptive data analysis using SPSS were performed to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings illustrate that ethnic diversity levels in hotels predict more of the variation in employee attitudes than the remaining types of organisational diversity. In organisations with high and medium levels of organisational diversity, indigenous employees reported significantly higher levels of job satisfaction than did non-indigenous employees; female employees ranked organisational commitment significantly higher than male employees.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited in its findings and explanations to a group of employees in Taiwanese context, and the research findings may not be applicable to all Asian countries. However, this paper displays considerable evidence of the positive impacts in a North-East Asian setting of organisational diversity suggested by literature derived from a Western context. Additionally, the current research did not investigate the impact of diversity policies on employee attitudes. The future research could examine whether equal opportunity and affirmative action are achievable in attracting or retaining ethnic and other minority employees.

Practical implications

One implication is that organisations should have human resource management policies and training programs (e.g. conflict resolution, problem-solving and team capacity building) that recognise natural differences in groups to capture the positive consequences of heterogeneity. In other words, conflict among diverse employees in the organisation should be managed to enhance the positive effect of diversity on performance.

Originality value

The results of the research provide evidence for managing diversity by increasing levels of heterogeneity in the workforce. This paper also argues that organisations need to incorporate equal opportunity requirements, training and education programs into policy and strategic initiatives. This paper displays considerable evidence of the positive impacts in a North-East Asian setting of organisational diversity suggested by literature derived from a Western context.
The relationship between empowerment and the three-component model of organisational commitment: an empirical study of Thai employees working in Thai and American airlines
Authors: Limpanitgul Thanawut , Boonchoo Pattana , Kulviseachana Somboon , Photiyarach Supawadee
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the moderating role of organisational culture on the relationship between empowerment and the three dimensions of organisational commitment amongst flight attendants working in a collectivist organisation and an individualist organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a sample of 439 Thai cabin service attendants from two major flag-carrier airlines (one based in Thailand and the other based in the USA) using self-administered questionnaires. Structural equation modelling was utilised to examine the hypotheses.

Findings

Overall, the findings revealed associations between empowerment and organisational commitment in both sample groups. Nonetheless, the extent and direction to which empowerment influenced the different dimensions of organisational commitment differed significantly.

Research limitations/implications

Cross-sectional study of Thai employees may limit generalisability of the findings to other contexts.

Practical implications

In use of empowerment for developing employee commitment to organisation, practitioners should take organisational culture into consideration. As such, relationship is weakened or strengthened based on whether the organisation is more individualist- or collectivist-oriented in its organisational culture. In an individualistic context, organisations can foster affective commitment through empowerment more easily than in a collectivist context. On the contrary, in a collectivist organisational context, it is easier to build normative commitment among employees through empowerment than to do it in an individualist context.

Originality value

Provide empirical evidence in regards to the role of organisational culture in conditioning the relationship between empowerment and organisational commitment in a non-Western context.
The influence of tourists’ national culture on their behaviors in a sport mega-event
Authors: Risitano Marcello , Tutore Ilaria , Sorrentino Annarita , Quintano Michele
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The impact of national culture on tourist behavior has been analyzed in several studies, but none of them focused on its discriminating impact on behavioral intentions during a mega-event. Using Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, this paper aims to explore the influence of national cultural values on tourist behaviors (experience, satisfaction and behavioral intentions) during the America’s Cup World Series (ACWS) in Naples.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a quantitative analysis of primary data gathered through a survey of a convenience sample of tourists (n= 612) conducted during the ACWS organized by the City of Naples in April 2013.

Findings

The findings confirm that national cultural clusters represent an important driver of behavioral intentions: tourists from different geographic clusters showed different intention to return and intention to recommend by word of mouth, caused by different levels of individualism and uncertainty avoidance.

Practical implications

For destination marketing managers, this study throws light on how the national culture of tourists may influence their experiences and behavioral intentions.

Originality/value

Despite the richness of works on the tourism experience, few studies have investigated the effect of national culture on tourists’ experience, satisfaction and behavioral intentions during and after a sport mega-event.
Determinants of Islamic banking adoption in Ghana
Authors: Mbawuni Joseph , Nimako Simon Gyasi
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This study aims to examine factors affecting the adoption of Islamic banking (IB), which is an innovative and emerging form of banking, in a non-Islamic Sub-Saharan African (SSA) country.

Design/methodology/approach

It used primary data collected from a cross-section of 975 respondents using self-administered structured questionnaire. Empirical data were analysed using SPSS version 16 and partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) for Muslim and non-Muslim groups.

Findings

Consumer attitude, readiness to comply with Sharia law, knowledge, perceived innovativeness and perceived benefits were critical determinants of bank customers’ intention to adopt IB in both Muslim and non-Muslim sub-groups. The least influential factors were perceived religion effect (PRE) and perceived threat of violence (PTV). PTV was not a significant factor to non-Muslims, but it was a significantly negative factor to Muslims’ intentions to adopt IB. PRE has a positive influence on Muslims’ intention to adopt IB, but it has a negative effective on non-Muslims’ adoption intentions.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to only bank customers in Ghana. Moreover, service quality factors were not included in the research model because IB is yet to be given full-fledged operational license in Ghana. Future research should extend the study to other emerging countries to improve the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

Policymakers are encouraged to develop stakeholder-oriented strategies to promote effective consumer education in IB. Also, IB institution should endeavour to develop innovative financial products that are Sharia-compliant and economically beneficial to individual and business needs of bank customers. Moreover, policymakers and management of IB institutions should ensure effect governance structures to guide IB operations.

Originality/value

This study provides initial structural equation modelling of determinants of IB adoption in emerging countries and provides empirical evidence on the spread of IB in non-Islamic SSA, which is an under-researched area. It is the first study to empirically report on the influence of PTV, readiness to compliance Sharia law and perceived innovativeness of IB on intentions to adopt IB in non-Islamic SSA context.
Impact of human resource (HR) practices on organizational performance
Authors: Rana Muhammad Habib , Malik Muhammad Shaukat
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the impact of human resource (HR) practices on organizational performance and moderating effect of Islamic principles on the impact in Pakistani business organizations. It aims at finding efficacy of HR practices as well as the role of Islamic teachings in business.

Design/methodology/approach

Five broad categories of HR practices: selection, training, compensation, performance appraisal and employee participation, have been taken as independent variables and their impact has been assessed on organizational performance: dependent variable, keeping the application of the Islamic principles as moderating variable. Data were collected from employees of mobile telecommunication service providers operating in Pakistan through a questionnaire based on a 5-point Likert scale and then analyzed in SPSS.

Findings

HR practices, including selection, training, compensation, performance appraisal and employee participation, have been found to be significantly and positively related to organizational performance. Moderation by the application of Islamic principles was observed to be positive. Its magnitude generally displayed decreasing trend with an increase in level of application.

Research limitations/implications

Measurement of Islamic work ethics and organizational performance has been unidirectional, gauged only on the basis of employees’ judgment. Inclusion of organizational and market data in future studies will add to the value of the outcome. Understudy business organizations grudgingly provided required information, in spite of personal connections and liaison, because of their organizational policies, commitments and limited concern with the research. Lists of employees were not shared with the researchers, which left only the option of convenient sampling. More reliable sampling techniques are recommended for future research on the subject. Moreover, the sampling frame was limited to the province of Punjab because of shortage of resources. Future research on the subject is suggested to have a broader base, including organizations interested to participate in the exercise of research.

Practical implications

Outcome of the study will provide useful guidelines to the business organizations by clarifying whether business is a religion-neutral affair or not. It is also expected to provide a line of thought for self-assessment and improvement. The concept of maximization of profit for a business organization can be evolved to a win–win arrangement by the maximization of benefit for all stakeholders. This is a logical and certain outcome once a business organization takes care of its employees, society, environment and, definitely, its shareholders.

Originality/value

A few studies exist on human resource management in Islamic as well as Pakistani context; however, the role of the religion and its contribution toward organizational performance has not been amply crystallized. This is just an endeavor in hitherto less frequented direction.
Unveiling black-box of bank efficiency
Authors: Azad Abul Kalam , Kian-Teng Kwek , Talib Muzalwana Abdul
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the efficiency of Islamic vs conventional banks in Malaysia by unveiling the traditional efficiency concept – black box – with a three-stage network structure of bank operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies data envelopment analysis (DEA) for examining bank efficiency. An adaptive three-step network DEA (NDEA) model is demonstrated for redefining the traditional black box of banking operations. Slack-based variable returns to scale approach is used. Data from all 43 commercial banks in Malaysia are examined over a six-year study period (2010-2015). Inputs and outputs of the model are selected based on CAMELS rating. Undesired output is also considered in time of examining bank efficiency in Malaysia.

Findings

The empirical results of this study signify that only a few banks in Malaysia have been performing well in converting deposits and equities into profit as well as minimizing loan loss provisions. Islamic banks in Malaysia have performed better both in production (converting deposits and equities into earning assets) and profitability (converting loans into net income). Conventional banks, however, have over scored in intermediation (converting earning assets into loans).

Originality/value

An adaptive NDEA approach proposed in this paper defines the core banking process instead of traditional approaches in examining bank efficiency based on individual functions (nodes in the network model). This approach has proven to provide better benchmark capacity.
The residence permit for third-country nationals who are victims of human trafficking
Authors: Pera Alessandra
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The aim of the present study is to explore institutional design strategies that promote compliance by regulating peculiar sorts of agents, namely, human trafficking victims, starting from the point of view that institutions assume addressee virtue, but instead should consider the hypothesis of non-compliance or that the measures adopted reveal their inefficiency to satisfy the goals they were thought for, or that they are applied to obtain scopes, which are different from the ones they were conceived for.

Design/methodology/approach

Different methodological approaches, both deductive and inductive, are combined in the present paper, together with comparative and philosophical insights on national court decisions, scholarly writings, national and international entities’ official reports and statistics.

Findings

Because EU member states’ experts are discussing about common guidelines, policies and standards to manage migration fluxes and EU integration process, this study highlights some critical points arising from the specific condition of a peculiar human trafficking victim: a migrant.

Originality/value

The study offers insights into the possible answers in terms of awarding prize to and humanitarian protection of victims to fight human trafficking and smuggling in a constructive way, emphasising that these instruments (awarding and humanitarian) are not mutually exclusive and can be mixed together.
Linking earnings management practices and corporate governance system with the firms’ financial performance
Authors: Kumari Prity , Pattanayak Jamini Kanta
Published: May 2017

Purpose

In the shadow of global financial crisis, practice of earnings management can be hazardous for the growth and development of an economy, especially for a developing economy like India. This empirical study is performed to analyse the presence of earnings management practices in Indian public and private commercial banking industry. This study also aims at developing a framework for the three-way relationship existing between the variables of corporate governance, earnings management practices and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data have been collected for a period of 11 financial years (2003-2013) from Prowess (Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy) 4.14 database. A bank-based accrual model has been used for calculating earnings management practices. OLS regression has been used for analysing degree of interdependence among variables of corporate governance, earnings management practices and financial performance.

Findings

The analysis supports the fact that there is the existence of income increasing earnings management practices in Indian commercial banks. It is also observed that corporate government practices (viz. board characteristics, audit practices and performance-based remuneration) basically work as restricting variables for earnings management practices. It is evident from the analysis that market-based firm performance variables (viz. PE ratio, yield and profit after tax) are significantly related to earnings management and corporate governance system.

Practical implications

The finding of this study will help in monitoring and controlling fraudulent earnings management practices existing in Indian commercial banks.

Originality/value

This study is the initial research about the presence of earnings management practices in Indian commercial banks.