bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Can Long-Term Attendance at Programming Appointments Tell Us About Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients?
Authors: Choo Dawn , Dettman Shani Joy
Published: December 2016

Objective:

This study sought to understand factors linked to long-term engagement with available post-implant “mapping” review services for individuals who received cochlear implants (CI)(s) as children.

Study Design:

Demographics, communication outcomes, and appointment attendance records from an unselected group of 400 participants who received CI(s) between 1985 and 2009 were analyzed.

Results:

After 5 years post-implant, 85.75% (n = 343) of participants attended the clinic for “mapping” appointments between March 2011 and March 2014, but 14.25% (n = 57) had not attended “mapping” for more than 3 years before March 2014. Findings showed that participants who did attend routine follow-up “mapping” appointments received their first implants at a significantly younger age (mean, 3.73 yr; standard deviation [SD], 3.39) and demonstrated better receptive language performance (mean standard score, 72; SD, 21.2) and better speech perception scores (mean open-set words, 54.1%; SD, 24.4; phonemes, 77.5%; SD, 15.8) suggesting they derived greater benefit from the technology than participants who did not attend (mean age at implant, 6.38 yr; SD, 4.85; mean receptive language standard score, 58.6; SD, 25.6; mean open-set-words, 34.5%; SD, 24.5; phonemes, 62.7.4%; SD, 23.4).

Conclusions:

The present study identified a profile of pediatric CI recipients who continue to attend follow-up review appointments after 5 years of device experience. Individuals who were non-attenders tended to include part-time and non-users of the technology. This could be due to a range of factors including the use of past speech processor technology (at first 12 months after switch-on), less overall benefit, and the presence of additional special needs.
A Strategic Approach for Developing an Advanced Practice Workforce
Authors: Taylor Dennis A. , Broyhill Britney S. , Burris Allison M. , Wilcox Mary Ann
Published: December 2016

The healthcare provider landscape is rapidly changing. Given the imminent retirement of baby boomer physicians, implementation of the Affordable Care Act, and the increased utilization of health care services by an ever-aging population, the supply of providers cannot keep pace with the demand for services. This has led to an increased utilization of advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs). This article shows how one large highly-matrixed health care system approached identifying this workforce, and how thought leaders worked collaboratively with physicians, administrators, and ACPs to meet a growing demand for providers. Carolinas HealthCare System developed a 3-pronged approach to this opportunity. The development of a Center for Advanced Practice was explored and implemented. This Center serves as a 2-way conduit of information and ideas between system administrators and providers. It also serves as a central source of regulatory and practice information for administrators and providers. The growing number of open ACP positions, along with the reluctance to employ novice and new graduate ACPs, led to the development of a postgraduate transition to practice fellowship program. This program's clinical tracks and curriculum are described. Finally, a collaborative effort between the health care system and a local university resulted in the local offering of an acute care nurse practitioner program, which allowed system nurses to continue their education without the need for relocation. Higher satisfaction and engagement, lower turnover, better career opportunities, more satisfied administrators, and physicians all contributed to the overwhelming success of this initiative.
Entrepreneurship
Authors: Cadmus Edna , Johansen Mary L. , Zimmer Phyllis Arn , Knowlton David L.
Published: December 2016

There is an unprecedented opportunity to move advanced practice nurses (APNs) into primary care settings at a steady rate over the next 5 to 8 years. In addition, the opportunity for nurse-owned or nurse-led practices has never been greater. However, many APNs currently work in a structured environment where the employer focuses on the business aspects of the practice and the APN focuses primarily on clinical care. Often APNs are unaware of the entrepreneurial contribution they make to the practice. A Needs Assessment Survey was developed to better understand business and practice management knowledge and skills of APNs in New Jersey. The survey included 14 categories for competency development. Twelve of the 14 categories showed that APNs were at a novice or an advanced beginner level. APNs need to demonstrate their value and take a lead to help solve primary care access issues. This can only be accomplished if APNs are willing to seize the opportunity and overcome barriers and knowledge gaps through both formal and informal education to step out of their traditional positions into more independent roles.
New Hampshire Nurse Practitioners Take the Lead in Forming an Accountable Care Organization
Authors: Wright Wendy L.
Published: December 2016

In 2012, New Hampshire nurse practitioners (NPs), along with Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, formed the first Patient Centered Shared Savings Program in the nation, composed of patients managed by nurse practitioners employed within NP-owned and operated clinics. In this accountable care organization (ACO), NP-attributed patients were grouped into one risk pool. Data from the ACO and the NP risk pool, now in its third year, have produced compelling statistics. Nurse practitioners participating in this program have met or exceeded the minimum scores for 29 quality metrics along with a demonstrated cost-savings in the first 2 years of the program. Hospitalization rates for NP-managed patients are among the lowest in the state. Cost of care for NP-managed patients is $66.85 less per member per month than the participating physician-managed patients. Data from this ACO provide evidence that NPs provide cost-effective, quality health care and are integral to the formation and sustainability of any ACO.
Lessons in Leadership From 3 Nurse Practitioners at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program
Authors: Thomas Melinda
Published: December 2016

Nurse practitioners play an integral role in the care of patients in underserved areas. At the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, many nurses have been promoted into leadership positions. Three nurse practitioners were asked to discuss their career paths, talk about leadership in the context of their career trajectory, and do so while considering how their training and clinical work prepared them to take on leadership roles.
Hepatitis C Point-of-Care Testing in Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Zucker Donna M. , Shanmugam Akshaya
Published: December 2016

One third of all hepatitis C virus (HCV) cases in the United States are incarcerated in jails and prisons. Hepatitis C virus testing is primarily accomplished through a clinical laboratory, yet point-of-care (POC) testing is less invasive and results are available in 20 minutes compared with up to 3 weeks. The purpose of this article was to describe the findings of a collaborative project between the Colleges of Engineering and Nursing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in executing a human factors study for HCV antibody testing and screening. Observation and recording of three-step human factors data included length of time and resources required to execute a POC test and technology use data. In the three-step process, more time is spent on filling out paperwork (4.27 minutes) than is spent on the procedure (1.24 minutes) or on counselling (0.55 minutes). The majority of high-risk respondents had access to smart technology within the previous 3 years. Human factors data will enhance the capabilities of testing, data storage, self-management, and aid in formulating an efficient screening model for marginalized patients with liver disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Quality of Life in Women With Fecal Incontinence
Authors: Markland Alayne D. , Jelovsek J. Eric , Rahn David D. , Wang Lu , Merrin Leah , Tuteja Ashok , Richter Holly E. , Meikle Susan
Published: December 2016

Objectives

The objectives of this work were to determine the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and IBS subtypes in women presenting for fecal incontinence (FI) treatment and to assess the impact of IBS on FI symptoms and quality of life (QOL).

Methods

In this multicenter prospective cohort study, women reported at least monthly solid, liquid, or mucus FI. Rome III clinical criteria defined IBS. Women also self-reported having an IBS diagnosis. Baseline questionnaires included the following: Modified Manchester Health Questionnaire, Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, Bristol Stool Scale, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory, and the Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire.

Results

Of the 133 women enrolled, 119 completed Rome III IBS questionnaires, and 111 reported on whether they had a previous diagnosis of IBS. The prevalence of IBS was 31% (95% confidence interval [CI], 22.9%–40.2%) according to the Rome III IBS criteria. The most common subtypes were IBS-mixed (41%) and IBS-diarrhea (35%). Twenty-four (22%) of 111 patients had a previous diagnosis of IBS. Among women who met Rome III IBS criteria, 23 (66%) of 35 women had never had a diagnosis of IBS. Women with FI and IBS reported significantly worse QOL compared to women without IBS despite similar FI severity and stool consistency.

Conclusions

Irritable bowel syndrome negatively affects QOL and affects one third of women with FI presenting for care in tertiary centers. Our findings suggest that assessment of IBS symptoms and diagnosis may be important for women presenting for FI treatment.
Obstetrical Anal Sphincter Injuries: Does Obstetrical Care Provider Matter? A Quality Assurance Study in Ontario
Authors: Pizzuto Katerina , Pudwell Jessica , Smith Graeme N. , Harvey Marie-Andrée
Published: December 2016

Objectives

We sought to determine the rates of obstetrical anal sphincter tears (OASIS) between types of obstetrical care providers at Kingston General Hospital (KGH) and in Ontario via the Better Outcomes Registry Network (BORN).

Methods

This cross-sectional study collected patient, demographic, and delivery data from all vaginal deliveries at KGH from June 2011 to June 2014 and all vaginal deliveries through the BORN database from June 2012 to June 2014.

Results

During this period, 4.6% and 3.5% of all vaginal deliveries at KGH and in Ontario, respectively, were complicated by OASIS. The OASIS' rates were not statistically different between admitting care providers at KGH: 4.9%, 3.8%, and 3.7% of vaginal deliveries by obstetricians, family physicians, and midwives, respectively, in contrast to a higher rate of OASIS in women admitted under midwifery care in the province-wide data: 3.4%, 3.2%, and 4.4% for obstetricians, family physicians, and midwives, respectively. The rate of OASIS in patients who had an intrapartum transfer of care (TOC) from a family physician or midwife to an obstetrician was 13.8% at KGH, and 13.6% as reported by BORN, significantly higher than 3.8% (KGH) or 2.9% (BORN) in those who remained under the family physician, or midwife. The relative risk of OASIS in women transferred to an obstetrician compared to those who were admitted and delivered by an obstetrician was 3.9 (95% confidence interval, 3.6–4.3, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Only when an intrapartum TOC is needed does the OASIS rate substantially increase, reflecting the underlying indication for TOC is leading to more intervention associated with risk of OASIS.
Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery in Canada: A Survey of Obstetrician-Gynecologists and Urologists
Authors: Christakis Marie K. , Shore Eliane M. , Pulver Ariel , McDermott Colleen D.
Published: December 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the current status of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (FPMRS) in Canada, including level of training, practice patterns, barriers to practice and opinions among obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) and urologists.

Methods

Electronic surveys were distributed to 737 OB/GYNs through the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and to 489 urologists through the Canadian Urological Association.

Results

Complete responses were collected from 301 (41%) OB/GYNs and 39 (8%) urologists. Of the OB/GYN respondents, 57% were generalists (GEN), and 22% completed FPMRS fellowship training (FPMRS-GYN). OB/GYN GENs were less likely than FPMRS-GYNs to report comfort with pelvic organ prolapse quantification assessment, urodynamic testing, cystoscopy, treatment of mesh complications, and management of overactive bladder. Urologists were less likely than FPMRS-GYNs to report comfort completing a pelvic organ prolapse quantification assessment, fitting pessaries, and treating mesh complications but more likely to report comfort managing overactive bladder. FPMRS-GYNs were more likely than other providers to report high volumes (>20 cases in the past year) of vaginal hysterectomy, as well as incontinence and prolapse procedures. OB/GYN GENs and urologists frequently cited lack of formal training in residency as a barrier to performing FPMRS procedures, whereas FPMRS-GYNs reported a lack of operating room facilities and support personnel. Overall, 76% of the respondents were of the opinion that FPMRS should be a credentialed Canadian subspecialty (92% FPMRS-GYN, 69% OB/GYN GEN, 59% urologists).

Conclusions

OB/GYN GENs reported low case volumes and cited inadequate training in residency as a barrier to surgically managing pelvic floor disorders. Most respondents felt that FPMRS should be a credentialed subspecialty.
Two Cases of Suspected Rejection of Polydimethylsiloxane Urethral Bulking Agent
Authors: Bennett Alaina Town , Lukacz Emily Spencer
Published: December 2016

We report the cases of 2 women who had urethral bulking injections with polydimethylsiloxane for stress urinary incontinence with intrinsic sphincter deficiency and reported initial improvement of symptoms followed by rapid return of stress urinary incontinence several weeks later associated with extrusion of the bulking material. We hypothesize this unique adverse outcome could represent immune rejection of this urethral bulking agent.
Chapparvoviruses occur in at least three vertebrate classes and have a broad biogeographic distribution
Authors: Souza William Marciel de , Romeiro Marilia Farignoli , Fumagalli Marcílio Jorge , Modha Sejal , de Araujo Jansen , Queiroz Luzia Helena , Durigon Edison Luiz , Figueiredo Luiz Tadeu Moraes , Murcia Pablo Ramiro , Gifford Robert James
Published: December 2016

Chapparvoviruses are a highly divergent group of parvoviruses (family Parvoviridae) that have recently been identified via metagenomic sampling of animal faeces. Here, we report the sequences of six novel chapparvoviruses identified through both metagenomic sampling of bat tissues and in silico screening of published vertebrate genome assemblies. The novel chapparvoviruses share several distinctive genomic features and group together as a robustly supported monophyletic clade in phylogenetic trees. Our data indicate that chapparvoviruses have a broad host range in vertebrates and a global distribution.
Cadm1 regulates airway stem cell growth and differentiation via modulation of Stat3 activity
Authors: Seedhar Pooja , Sage Elizabeth K , Vallath Sabari , Sturges Gabrielle , Giangreco Adam
Published: December 2016

Airway homeostasis, repair, and regeneration are imperfectly understood processes involving the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous lung stem cells. Here, we establish that epithelial Cell adhesion molecule 1 (Cadm1) regulates the growth and differentiation of airway basal cells, previously identified as lung stem cells. Immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis reveals that Cadm1 is broadly expressed throughout the murine tracheobronchial epithelium, exhibits transient downregulation concomitant with airway injury, and is subsequently restored during basal cell differentiation. Using Cadm1 null (KO) and keratin 14 (K14)-specific Cadm1 overexpressing transgenic mice, we demonstrate that maintaining Cadm1 expression reduces basal stem cell proliferation after tracheal polidocanol injury, whereas Cadm1 deletion causes increased ciliated cell differentiation and sustained downstream Stat3 signalling. Altogether, this study defines a previously uncharacterised role for Cadm1 in directing airway basal cell homeostasis and repair via modulation of Stat3 activity.
Modeling Adaptive and Non-adaptive Responses of Populations to Environmental Change
Authors: Coulson Tim , Kendall Bruce E , Barthold Julia , Plard Floriane , Schindler Susanne , Ozgul Arpat , Gaillard Jean-Michel
Published: December 2016

Understanding how the natural world will be impacted by environmental change over the coming decades is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. Addressing this challenge is difficult because environmental change can generate both population level plastic and evolutionary responses, with plastic responses being either adaptive or non-adaptive. We develop an approach that links quantitative genetic theory with data-driven structured models to allow prediction of population responses to environmental change via plasticity and adaptive evolution. After introducing general new theory, we construct a number of example models to demonstrate that evolutionary responses to environmental change over the short-term will be considerably slower than plastic responses, and that the rate of adaptive evolution to a new environment depends upon whether plastic responses are adaptive or non-adaptive. Parameterization of the models we develop requires information on genetic and phenotypic variation and demography that will not always be available, meaning that simpler models will often be required to predict responses to environmental change. We consequently develop a method to examine whether the full machinery of the evolutionarily explicit models we develop will be needed to predict responses to environmental change, or whether simpler non-evolutionary models that are now widely constructed may be sufficient.
3-[2-(2-Amino-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-1-yl)ethyl]-1,3-oxazolidin-2-one
Authors: Bouayyadi Abdellatif , Moussaif Ahmed , Mesfioui Abdelhalim , Mzibri Mohammed , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: December 2016

In the title compound, C12H14N4O2, the benzimidazole ring is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.03 Å), with the fused ring system slightly folded at the shared atoms, with a dihedral angle of 3.4 (1)°. The oxazolidinone ring displays a twisted conformation on the –CH2–CH2– bond and its mean plane makes a dihedral angle of 57.4 (1)° with the benzimidazole ring mean plane. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O and N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along thea-axis direction. The chains are linked by C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional structure, which is reinforced by C—H...π interactions.
The empire that Xoliswa built: entrepreneurship case study
Authors: Tafadzwa Chinyamurindi Willie
Published: December 2016

Subject area

Entrepreneurship.

Study level/applicability

The case can be pitched to undergraduate and postgraduate students and is applicable especially in cases when lecturers want to teach an introduction to entrepreneurship.

Case overview

This case study is about Xoliswa Tini and how she started Xoliswa Tini Properties, an emerging and growing player in the South African property industry. This case seeks to be used not only by commerce students but also by those outside this subject discipline. The motivation here being that entrepreneurship is not restricted to a specific subject discipline. The case profiles how an ordinary person from humble beginnings becomes an important player in an industry that she may have been excluded from based on her gender and race. This case can be used specifically to motivate and inspire students on the importance and processes that accompany the entrepreneur. The case can be used within an academic setting to teach undergraduate and postgraduate students. Outside the academy, individuals training in the area of entrepreneurship can use the case in their facilitation.

Expected learning outcomes

To facilitate the case study participant in: understanding the lived experience of an entrepreneur from how they started to key high and low highlights on the entrepreneurship journey; providing an analysis of the role of the micro- and macro-environment in influencing the entrepreneur’s journey and their decisions; appreciating the difficulties the entrepreneur faces in establishing their journey and the strategies used to deal with such difficulties.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
An interval type-2 fuzzy ANP approach to evaluate enterprise technological innovation ability
Authors: Wu Tong , Liu Xinwang
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to overcome the drawbacks of analytic hierarchy process in solving complex decision-making problems, especially for the evaluation of enterprise technology innovation ability (ETIA). Because interval type-2 fuzzy sets (IT2 FSs) can handle uncertainty linguistic variables in a more flexible and precise way than type-1 fuzzy sets with their second fuzzy membership functions, a fuzzy ANP method with IT2 FSs is proposed to evaluate the ETIA.

Design/methodology/approach

The criteria of evaluation on ETIA are identified and an evaluation model for ETIA is constructed on the basis of the application analysis of ETIA and theoretical design of ANP. In addition, two different ranking methods of IT2 FSs are applied in processing the relationships between influence factors of ETIA.

Findings

By using the proposed interval type-2 fuzzy ANP (IT2 FANP) method, the efficiencies of the whole evaluation of ETIA can be measured and the important factors in the ETIA can also be determined. Compared with the type-1 FANP through the ranking results, the proposed IT2 FANP is more reasonable and robust for the evaluation of ETIA.

Practical implications

The proposed IT2 FANP method is applied on the evaluation of ETIA. With respect to the application, the proposed method can be used to evaluate many more complex problems that contain feedback and circular relationships.

Originality/value

The proposed IT2 FANP approach can solve the complexities and uncertainties at the same time. Considering the subjective initiative of decision-makers and the feedback between influence factors, the proposed method is more efficient than the existing type-1 approaches in the literature.
The imperviance of conceptual systems: cognitive and moral aspects
Authors: Wallis Steven E. , Valentinov Vladislav
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The complexity of the modern world calls for the increasingly complex (i.e. containing more concepts) and systemic (i.e. containing more causal connections between the concepts) conceptual systems, such as theories and mental models which may exist at varying levels of complexity and systemicity. Yet, these systems are often found to be impervious to data and counter-arguments. Examples of such disputes are found in arguments over global warming and in the many debates between political groups. The purpose of this paper is to review the reasons behind this imperviance and identify ways to move forward.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper brings together the insights from the burgeoning science of conceptual systems as well as selected ideas from the moral philosophies of Niklas Luhmann and Jürgen Habermas. The science of conceptual systems is utilized to unearth the cognitive reasons for the imperviance of conceptual systems, while the work of Luhmann and Habermas is brought to bear on the moral reasons.

Findings

The most salient cognitive reasons for this imperviance are shown to be related to the questionable validity of data, the situational inappropriateness of conceptual systems, as well as their low complexity and systemicity. The effect of the moral content of conceptual systems on their imperviance is ambivalent. For Luhmann, moral communication may enhance imperviance and induce conflicts. In contrast, the Habermasian discourse ethics may counteract imperviance by stimulating the rational moral argumentation.

Originality/value

The science of conceptual systems is uniquely positioned to analyze the pervasive problem of their imperviance, especially if this problem is aggravated by moral reasons.
Trust evaluation between users of social networks using the quality of service requirements and call log histories
Authors: Alamir Parina , Navimipour Nima Jafari
Published: December 2016

Purpose

As social networking services are popular, the need for recognizing reliable people has become the main concern. Quantifying the relationships between the users of social networks is also one of the important challenges with the increasing number of users. So, trust plays an important role in social networks in order to recognize trustworthy people. The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach to recognize trustworthy users and protect users from abuse by untrustable users.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors suggest a method to measure the trust value between users of social networks based on call log histories such as abundance, novelty, and sincerity and quality of service (QoS) requirements such as accessibility, response ability, tend to respond, and agility. After that, the authors calculate error-hit, precision, and recall to evaluate the trust value.

Findings

The results indicate that the proposed approach has better performance in terms of error-hit, precision, and recall than FIFO, combined, QoS-based, and call log-based method.

Originality/value

In this paper, the trust issue in social networks is pointed out and a new approach to evaluate the trust value is proposed based on call log histories and QoS requirements.
Relationship between top management team internal social capital and strategic decision-making speed
Authors: Gu Jiajun , Xie Fenghua , Wang Xingsi
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between top management team (TMT) internal social capital and strategic decision-making speed, and further explore role of TMT behavioral integration in their relationship. It reveals how TMT internal social capital impacts strategic decision-making speed.

Design/methodology/approach

On the basis of the social capital theory and upper echelons theory, at first, a model about TMT internal social capital and strategic decision-making speed is proposed by exploratory case study. Then, the data obtained via questionnaire from 67 TMTs by software SPSS 19.0 and AMOS 17.0 are analyzed, and the theoretical hypotheses as mentioned above are verified.

Findings

The empirical study found that different dimensions of TMT internal social capital have significant positive impact on TMT behavioral integrity; TMT behavioral integrity has significant positive impact on strategic decision-making speed; and TMT behavioral integrity as an intermediary variable played a brokering role in the relationship between TMT internal social capital and strategic decision-making speed.

Originality/value

The study enriches the empirical test on the relationship between TMT internal social capital and decision speed, thereby helping the authors further understand how to improve the speed of strategic decision making in TMT.
Colleague recommender system in the Expert Cloud using features matrix
Authors: Hazratzadeh Saeedeh , Jafari Navimipour Nima
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Expert Cloud as a new class of cloud systems enables its users to request and share the skill, knowledge and expertise of people by employing internet infrastructures and cloud concepts. Since offering the most appropriate expertise to the customer is one of the clear objectives in Expert Cloud, colleague recommendation is a necessary part of it. So, the purpose of this paper is to develop a colleague recommender system for the Expert Cloud using features matrices of colleagues.

Design/methodology/approach

The new method is described in two phases. In the first phase, all possible colleagues of the user are found through the filtering mechanism and next features of the user and possible colleagues are calculated and collected in matrices. Six potential features of colleagues including reputation, expertise, trust, agility, cost and field of study were proposed. In the second phase, the final score is calculated for every possible colleague and then top-k colleagues are extracted among users. The survey was conducted using a simulation in MATLAB Software. Data were collected from Expert Cloud website. The method was tested using evaluating metrics such as precision, accuracy, incorrect recommendation and runtime.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that considering more features of colleagues has a positive impact on increasing the precision and accuracy of recommending new colleagues. Also, the proposed method has a better result in reducing incorrect recommendation.

Originality/value

In this paper, the colleague recommendation issue in the Expert Cloud is pointed out and the solution approach is applied into the Expert Cloud website.
Evaluating credit rating prediction by using the KMV model and random forest
Authors: Wu Hsu-Che , Wu Yu-Ting
Published: December 2016

Purpose

An increasing number of investors have begun using financial data to develop optimal investment portfolios; therefore, the public financial data shared in the capital market plays a critical role in credit ratings. These data enable investors to understand the credit levels of debtors from a bank perspective; this facilitates predicting the debtor default rate to efficiently evaluate investment risks. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A credit rating model can be developed to reduce the risk of adverse selection and moral hazard caused by information asymmetry in the loan market. In this study, a random forest (RF) was used to evaluate financial variables and construct credit rating prediction models. Data-mining techniques, including an RF, decision tree, neural networks, and support vector machine, were used to search for suitable credit rating forecasting methods. The distance to default from the KMV model was then incorporated into the credit rating model as a research variable to increase predictive power of various data-mining techniques. In addition, four-level and nine-level classification were set to investigate the accuracy rates of various models.

Findings

The experimental results indicated that applying the RF in the variable feature selection process and developing a forecasting model was the most effective method of predicting credit ratings; the four-level and nine-level feature-selection settings achieved 95.5 and 87.8 percent accuracy rates, respectively, indicating that RF demonstrated outstanding feature selection and forecasting capacity.

Research limitations/implications

The experimental cases were based on financial data from public companies in North America.

Practical implications

Practical implication of this study indicates the most effective financial variables were dividends common/ordinary, cash dividends, volatility assumption, and risk-free rate assumption.

Originality/value

The RF model can be used to perform feature selection and efficiently filter numerous financial variables to obtain crediting rating information instantly.
Reflection of plane waves in thermoelastic medium with double porosity
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Vohra Richa , Gorla M.G.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the reflection of plane waves in thermoelastic medium with double porosity structure.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-dimensional model is considered of an isotropic thermoelastic half-space with double porosity. Thermoelasticity with one relaxation time given by Lord and Shulman (1967) has been used to study the problem. It is found that there exists four coupled longitudinal waves, namely, longitudinal wave (P), longitudinal thermal wave (T), longitudinal volume fractional wave corresponding to pores (PVI) and longitudinal volume fractional wave corresponding to fissures (PVII), in addition to an uncoupled transverse wave (SV).

Findings

The formulae for amplitude ratios of various reflected waves are obtained in closed form. It is found that these amplitude ratios are functions of angle of incidence. Effect of porosity and thermal relaxation time is shown graphically on the amplitude ratios with angle of incidence for a particular model.

Originality/value

Reflection of plane waves is of great practical importance. There are many organic and inorganic deposits beneath the earth surface. Wave propagation is the simplest and most economical technique to detect these. The model discussed in the present paper can provide useful information for experimental researchers working in the field of geophysics and earthquake engineering, along with seismologist working in the field of mining tremors and drilling into the crust of the earth.
Heat propagation in computer designed and real metal foam structures
Authors: August Anastasia , Matz Alexander M. , Nestler Britta , Jost Norbert
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a method for modeling of cellular structures by means of Voronoi tessellation and to conduct a validation by comparison with real metal foam structures.

Design/methodology/approach

Heat propagation behavior of open-pore metal foams is studied for both experimental as well as computer-modeled structures showing excellent agreement. The 3D open-pore structure of the real foam is reconstructed from 2D light microscope images in-depth.

Findings

An algorithm to create synthetic open-pore foam structures has been developed.

Originality/value

The algorithm for modeling synthetic open-pore cellular structures allows the random distribution of the individual pores close to reality.
Performance study of the exhaust purification muffler of a diesel engine
Authors: Fu Jun , Li Jianxing , Chen Wei , Zhang Zengfeng , Mao Hong , Tang Yuan
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present experimental studies on the designed muffler which contains ceramic foam and has the integration function of purification and noise elimination.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparative tests were done on a diesel engine with no muffler, the original muffler and the purification muffler. The soot index (light absorption coefficient), A-weighted sound pressure level and fuel consumption rate, which were collected by the partial flow opacity method, the insertion loss measurement of spatial five points and the load characteristics tests, respectively, and the effects of purification and noise elimination were studied.

Findings

The results of this paper state that the purification muffler shows great improvement on exhaust soot purification and noise elimination. The variation in diesel fuel consumption rate was small, the sound pressure level of purification muffler was reduced by 6 to 10 dB, the insertion loss of the purification muffler was increased by 6.41 dB and the average light absorption coefficient decreased by 57.8 percent compared with the original muffler.

Originality/value

The value of this study is that it supplies a purification muffler which contains a ceramic foam. Under the prerequisite of little effect on the fuel economy of diesel engine, the purification muffler shows great improvement in exhaust soot purification and noise elimination.
Optimization of spatial dependence of diffusion coefficient for acceleration of dopant diffusion
Authors: Pankratov Evgeny L. , Bulaeva Elena A.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

It has been recently shown that diffusion of dopant during doping of inhomogeneous structure could be accelerated or decelerated in comparison with diffusion of dopant in structure with averaged diffusion coefficient. As a continuation of previous work, the purpose of this paper is to introduce an approach of estimating the limited value of acceleration of the dopant diffusion by choosing the dependence of the dopant diffusion coefficient on the coordinates.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed relaxation of concentration of dopant during diffusion in inhomogeneous material. The authors determine conditions for maximal acceleration and deceleration of diffusion of dopant. The authors introduced analytical approach for analysis of dopant diffusion in inhomogeneous material.

Findings

The authors determine conditions for maximal acceleration and deceleration of diffusion of dopant.

Originality/value

It has been shown that dopant diffusion could be decelerated essentially to a greater extent, rather than accelerated.
Physicochemical and rheological properties of titania and carbon nanotubes in a channel with changing walls
Authors: Raza Jawad , Rohni Azizah M. , Omar Zurni , Awais M. , Baig A.Q.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate some multiple solutions for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a porous channel with changing walls. Moreover, the intention of the study is to examine the physicochemical and rheological properties of titania and CNTs.

Design/methodology/approach

The mathematical modeling is performed for the laws of conservation of mass, momentum and energy profiles. Governing partial differential equations are transformed into ordinary differential equations by applying suitable similarity transformation and then solved numerically with the help of shooting technique.

Findings

The effects of different physical parameters on the rheology of nanofluids are discussed graphically and numerically, in order to make the analysis more interesting. The present study revealed that multiple solutions of nanofluids in a channel with changing walls are obtained only for the case of suction.

Originality/value

Some new branches of the solution for nanofluids in a channel with changing walls are obtained in this research, which has never been reported before. Combined effects of physicochemical and rheology of titania and carbon nanotubes are investigated briefly. The effects of physical parameters on velocity and temperature profile are examined in detail which is more realistic than real-world problem.
The relationship between socioemotional and financial wealth
Authors: Martin Geoffrey , Gomez-Mejia Luis
Published: December 2016

Purpose

A growing volume of family firm literature has argued that the preservation of family socioemotional wealth takes precedence over the pursuit of financial goals. The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework that builds knowledge regarding the two-way relationship between socioemotional and financial forms of wealth, to develop a more complete theory of wealth concerns that may inform family firm decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conceptually examine contingencies affecting the relationship between financial and socioemotional wealth (in both causal directions).

Findings

The authors predict when one form of wealth (socioemotional/financial) is likely to dominate the other (financial/socioemotional) in the family firm’s strategic decisions.

Originality/value

The paper advances knowledge on the two-way relationship between socioemotional and financial forms of wealth providing a platform for further development in the nascent field of family business research, including our understanding of family firm decisions regarding control and influence over the family business, environmental policy, altruism toward family members, R&D, accounting choices and corporate diversification.
Future and past negative time perspective influences on job satisfaction and organizational commitment in Mexico and the United States
Authors: Cernas Ortiz Daniel Arturo , Davis Mark A.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of future and past negative time perspectives on job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The effect of national culture (Mexico versus the USA) as a moderator of the above baseline relationships is also analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is tested using survey data drawn from a sample of 287 Mexican and 274 US MBA students (N = 561). Regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Future time perspective has a positive relationship with job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Past negative time perspective has a negative association with both job attitudes. The effect of future time perspective on job satisfaction was significantly stronger in Mexico than in the USA. No other significant differences between the countries were found in terms of the time perspective and job attitudes association.

Practical implications

The results have implications for managing dispositions that affect work-related attitudes and behaviors with consequences for organizational effectiveness.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that time perspective affects job attitudes. Further, they also suggest that the interplay between future time perspective and culture influences job satisfaction.
Beyond socioemotional wealth: taking another step toward a theory of the family firm
Authors: Chrisman James J. , Holt Daniel T.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how the concept of socioemotional wealth can be combined with other important concepts in the family firm literature to develop a theory of the family firm.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper based on a review of the paper of Martin and Gómez-Mejía in this issue as well as the family business literature in general.

Findings

Martin and Gómez-Mejía (this issue) present a theoretical model and propositions on the relationship between socioemotional and financial wealth that advances understanding of family firm decision-making. That paper provides an initial step toward a theory of the family firm that can explain why firms select the family form of organization to conduct economic activities, what determines their scale and scope and why heterogeneity is observed among family firms. This commentary takes another step toward such a theory by discussing how the combined consideration of goals, governance and resources could be used to address the above three questions.

Originality/value

The precepts of a new theory of the family firm is presented that incorporates the concepts of goals (socioemotional wealth), governance (family ownership and control) and resources (familiness) of family firms to explain why family firms exist and potentially thrive as well as to explain the heterogeneity among family firms.
Socio-symbolic ownership: extending the socio-emotional wealth perspective
Authors: Nordqvist Mattias
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend the socio-emotional wealth (SEW) perspective in general, and the contribution by Martin and Gomez-Mejia (this issue) in particular. The aim is also to address recent calls to incorporate more micro-level theorizing in the development of the SEW perspective and to embrace the rich, real-world environment in which this phenomenon takes place. Focus is particularly on the SEW dimension that is related to the ability to exercise family control over a business.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is conceptual and introduces symbolic interactionism, a theory from micro-sociology and socio-psychology, to the SEW literature within the family business field. The paper draws on a previously published study by the author and relies on the centrality of the notion of socio-symbolic ownership in family firms.

Findings

The concepts of socio-symbolic ownership and the process of enacting ownership underline how family and non-family actors interpret and act upon specific guiding values and interests that constitute SEW at a micro level in each family firm. Socio-symbolic ownership and the guiding values and interests that the ownership is based on allow scholars to capture SEW differences among family firms, as the specific values and interests typically vary between family firms.

Originality/value

An approach is outlined that helps scholars to develop a more process-sensitive theory of SEW. Studying how and why actors engage in the social interactions, symbolic relations and interpretations that constitute the decision-making gives a better understanding of the important micro-foundations of SEW, and of the heterogeneity of family firms.
The genetic code: HRM internal integration scale
Authors: Kidron Aviv , Tzafrir Shay S. , Meshoulam Ilan
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a scale for measuring internal integration within human resource management (HRM) departments, which is developed and validated in this paper. Thus far, no valid, comprehensive operational instrument for measuring HRM internal integration has been introduced in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

The scale items were developed on the basis of a qualitative analysis. The authors recruited 233 HRM professionals from 29 organizations to participate in the survey. In this paper, the authors present evidence of content validity, internal consistency reliability and construct validity that provides support for the use of an HRM internal integration scale. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the underlying factors that comprise HRM internal integration, while confirmatory factor analysis was used as a confirmatory test of the scale.

Findings

The results of this study led to the development of a standardized 34-item instrument that can be used for measuring HRM internal integration.

Originality/value

The use of the scale opens up a new research avenue by focusing on the nature of integration processes, particularly within HRM systems. The scale will allow studies to be compared across various contexts.