bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of socio-demographic variables and travel characteristics on motivation of Muslim family tourists in Malaysia
Authors: Aziz Yuhanis Abdul , Hussin Siti Rahayu , Nezakati Hossein , Raja Yusof Raja Nerina , Hashim Haslinda 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the socio-demographic variables that affect the motivation of Muslim tourists in Malaysia, and to examine the travel characteristics factors that affect the motivation in decision making of Muslim tourists travelling to Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe study surveys questionnaires for data collection. Convenience sampling technique was used on the selected sample. The study was conducted in Malaysia, where the target respondents included Muslim family tourists with ages ranging from 18 to 64 years.FindingsThe findings show that motivation differs significantly among different levels of the socio-demographic characteristics except for gender and income. The result also reported that a majority of tourists’ travel behaviour was significantly different unless when it comes to seeking accommodation. Results also revealed a tendency for long holiday stays among Muslim tourists in Malaysia.Research limitations/implicationsIn this study, the examination of motivation on the Muslim family tourists has provided significant influence in managing the family tourist experience. On the other hand, most previous studies have shown that motivation is positively guided by general “push and pull” factors. However, this research demonstrates that components such family financial income and age of respondents has an effect on Muslim family tourists’ motivation, thus justifying the experience effect.Practical implicationsIt is crucial for the service provider and destination management organizations to differentiate their products and services so that the packages and experience will be more meaningful.Social implicationsDestination packages should be appropriately designed and positioned in the target markets to meet the needs and wants of different Muslim family groups. Communication should emphasize not only the most distinctive characteristics but also the most suitable holiday packages that the family tourist can afford to pay. This would assist the family in the decision-making process and choice processes and facilitate the family’s expectation.Originality/valueThis research paper related to Islamic tourism marketing which can be used to formulate appropriate marketing strategies, build a viable market segment and design practical marketing strategies to attract potential Muslims travellers.
What potentials does Islamic micro-credit have?
Authors: El Ebrashi Raghda , Salem Rania , El Kayaly Dina , El-Bassiouny Noha 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the role of demographics and sector type in determining consumer preferences of Islamic micro-credit products, namely,MusharkaandMurabha, versus conventional micro-credit financing in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachThis research is a quantitative study that uses surveys on 1,125 current micro-credit consumers in Cairo and Upper Egypt using multi-staged cluster sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used to explain results.FindingsThe study revealed the potential ofMusharkamode of financing among micro-credit borrowers in Egypt, specifically in the manufacturing sector, followed by the trade sector. Although previous researches showed correlations between income, age and other demographic factors with consumer financing choices, the current research indicated no significance for consumer demographics in determining preferences of Islamic micro-credit contracts in Egypt. However, the sector type showed high potential in determining consumer choices of Islamic micro-credit contracts.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper advances knowledge in the domain of consumer behavior, specifically in bottom of the pyramid and subsistence markets that are under researched.Practical implicationsThe results highlighted are important for micro-finance institutions, NGOs and policy makers, as they delve deeper into the consumer preferences for Islamic financial products and attempt to present innovative solutions toward poverty eradication.Originality/valueThis research is one of the few attempts to study and explain consumer preferences toward Islamic micro-credit products in Egypt, and the role of sectors in determining consumer choices for specific Islamic micro-credit contracts.
An automatic and optimal selection of parts orientation in additive manufacturing
Authors: Al-Ahmari Abdurahman Mushabab , Abdulhameed Osama , Khan Awais Ahmad 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
In additive manufacturing processes such as stereolithography and fused deposition modeling, optimal part orientation is pivotal in improving the quality of the part. This paper aims to propose an automatic and optimal part orientation system to improve part quality/accuracy in additive manufacturing, which minimizes the production time and hence reduces the cost of product.

Design/methodology/approach
The developed system reads STEP AP 203 E2 file from CATIA V5 and generates data extraction output file by extracting the relevant geometrical and topological data using an object-oriented approach. Afterwards, the algorithms and rules are developed to extract and recognize feature faces along with their geometric properties such as face type, face area, parallelism and perpendicularity. The feature data obtained that are used to develop feasible part orientations depend on the maximization of G&DT for all part faces. The automatic slicing is then achieved by creating slicing file using CATVBA editor inside CATIA V5.

Findings
After slicing, output data are exported in Excel data sheet to calculate the total additive volume of the part. The building time of the part is then calculated on the basis of machine parameters, part geometry, part height, layer thickness and amount of support volume needed to build the part. The optimal orientation of the part is achieved by maximization of G&DT value and minimization of production time. The proposed methodology is tested using an illustrative example.

Originality/value
Although lot of approaches have been discussed in the literature, automation of setup planning/orientation of the part in additive manufacturing is not fully attained. Therefore, the article focuses on the automation of setup planning by adding automatic feature extraction and recognition module along with the automatic slicing during setup planning. Moreover, the significance of adding feature extraction and recognition module is to achieve best accuracy for form feature faces and hence reduction in post processing machining/finishing operations.
Employee engagement: what’s your strategy?
Authors: Matthews Geoffrey 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to explore some of the reasons why employee engagement activities may lack effectiveness and sets out some proposals as to what organizations can do to take a more strategic approach in future.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on a research of current practices in organizations combined with the author’s experience and views on employee engagement activities.FindingsThe paper highlights the limitations of approaches in many organizations and proposes a series of strategic choices that organizations need to make to help ensure their future approach is more effective.Originality/valueThis paper sets out a model that can be used by HR executives with business leaders to decide on a clear engagement strategy for the future.
Impact of the Emerging Financial Holding Company Model on Small Business Borrowers' Financial Welfare: Contemporary Evidence from Nigeria Based on the Monti‐Klein Approach
Authors: Asogwa Cosmas Ikechukwu , Uzuagu Anthonia Uju , Okereke Godwin Keres Okoro , Omeje Hyginus , Abolarinwa Samson Ige , Azubuike Roseline Nkemakolam , Chukwuma Joseph Ndozianyichukwu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study exploits the adequacy of the Monti‐Klein model to analyse the banking firms' lending behaviour and uses the geometric lag analytic model to detect the lifespan of bank conglomeration impacts on small business financial welfare. We find that, although the impact of emerging conglomerate banks on lending to small businesses is significantly negative (δ = −0.6897;p < 0.01), the effect reverses to a pre‐conglomerate positive status within one year. Hence, bank conglomeration does not negatively affect the financial welfare of small business borrowers in the long run. Contrary to the widespread belief and fear, the negative effects are not permanent. Large banks are feared to have no time for mid‐sized businesses. We find, however, that mere increases in size, as may be caused by economic or internal growth, do not pose a threat to small businesses. Large‐sized banking firms positively and significantly correlate with small and predictable risks (δ = 1.7935;p < 0.01). Hence, contrary to what regulators fear, there is no real issue surrounding the idea that building diversifying banks will influence small business loans negatively. What matters is the means through which large banks emerge. Therefore, regulators ought to exercise caution so that they do not discourage their emergence.
Volatilité de l'inflation, gouvernance et investissements directs étrangers entrants en Afrique sub‐saharienne
Authors: Bobbo Amadou 
Published: April 2018

RésuméL'objectif de cet article est d'analyser les effets de l'interaction entre la volatilité de l'inflation et la qualité de la gouvernance sur les investissements directs étrangers (IDE) d'un échantillon de 34 pays de l'Afrique subsaharienne sur la période 1996‐2014. Pour cela, en nous appuyant sur la méthodologie d'Okada (), nous spécifions en panel dynamique, la relation qui définit les IDE en fonction de ses principaux déterminants. L'estimation par la méthode des moments généralisés en différences et en système (Diff‐GMM et Sys‐GMM) de ladite relation aboutit à deux principaux résultats: (1) la volatilité de l'inflation affecte négativement l'attractivité des IDE, (2) l'amélioration de la qualité de la gouvernance diminue l'impact négatif de la volatilité de l'inflation sur l'attractivité des IDE. Ces résultats invitent les autorités politiques africaines à améliorer la qualité de leurs institutions, à l'effet d'attirer davantage les IDE et faciliter l'accession de leurs pays au club des économies émergentes.
Developmental toxicity of flucytosine following administration to pregnant rats at a specific time point of organogenesis
Authors: Fujii Sakiko , Yabe Kaoru , Kariwano‐Kimura Yuki , Furukawa Masatoshi , Itoh Kouta , Matsuura Masao , Horimoto Masao 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTTo investigate the abnormalities that are specific to administration of flucytosine at one time point during embryonic organogenesis, flucytosine was administered orally to pregnant Sprague Dawley (SD) rats in a single dose on day 11 of pregnancy at 25 or 35 mg/kg. Fetuses on day 20 of pregnancy were externally, viscerally, and skeletally examined. Maternal body weight gain and food consumption were suppressed the day after administration of a 35 mg/kg. Fetal examinations revealed various alterations in both dose groups: externally preaxial polydactyly in the hind limb; skeletally fused lumbar centrum, absent sacral centrum, supernumerary sacral vertebra, and absent ribs. Our findings indicated that specific types of external and skeletal anomalies were induced following flucytosine administration on day 11 of pregnancy.
Estimation of glycaemic control in the past month using ratio of glycated albumin to HbA1c
Authors: Musha I. , Mochizuki M. , Kikuchi T. , Akatsuka J. , Ohtake A. , Kobayashi K. , Kikuchi N. , Kawamura T. , Yokota I. , Urakami T. , Sugihara S. , Amemiya S. ,   the Japanese Study Group of Insulin Therapy for Childhood and Adolescent Diabetes
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimsTo evaluate comprehensively the use of the glycated albumin to HbA1c ratio for estimation of glycaemic control in the previous month.MethodsA total of 306 children with Type 1 diabetes mellitus underwent ≥10 simultaneous measurements of glycated albumin and HbA1c. Correlation and concordance rates were examined between HbA1c measurements taken 1 month apart (ΔHbA1c) and glycated albumin/HbA1c ratio fluctuations were calculated as Z‐scores from the cohort value at enrolment of this study cohort (method A) or the percent difference from the individual mean over time (method B).ResultsFluctuations in glycated albumin/HbA1c ratio (using both methods) were weakly but significantly correlated with ΔHbA1c, whereas concordance rates were significant for glycaemic deterioration but not for glycaemic improvement. Concordance rates were higher using method B than method A.ConclusionsThe glycated albumin/HbA1c ratio was able to estimate glycaemic deterioration in the previous month, while estimation of glycaemic improvement in the preceding month was limited. Because method B provided a better estimate of recent glycaemic control than method A, the individual mean of several measurements of the glycated albumin/HbA1c ratio over time may also identify individuals with high or low haemoglobin glycation phenotypes in a given population, such as Japanese children with Type 1 diabetes, thereby allowing more effective diabetes management.
Fostering Constructive Action by Peers and Bystanders in Organizations and Communities
Authors: Rowe Mary 
Published: April 2018

Peers and bystanders play important roles in organizational and community conflict management. Bystanders often learn relevant information and have opportunities to act in ways that can affect three of the basic functions of a conflict management system (CMS.) They can help (or not help) to identify, assess, and manage behaviors that the organization or community deems to be “unacceptable.” Examples in which bystanders play important roles include sexual and racial harassment, safety violations, unethical research, national security violations and insider threats, cyber‐bullying and cyber‐sabotage, violence, fraud, theft, intimidation and retaliation, and gross negligence. Bystanders often are a missing link in conflict systems.For the purposes of this article, I define peers and bystanders as people who observe or learn about unacceptable behavior by others, but who are not the relevant supervisors, or who knowingly engage in planning or executing that behavior. I define CMS managers as all those people, including line managers, who have responsibility for managing conflicts. Conflict managers face many challenges in fostering constructive behavior from bystanders. The interests of bystanders may or may not coincide with the interests of conflict systems managers in an organization or community. Bystanders often have multiple, idiosyncratic, and conflicting interests, and experience painful dilemmas. In addition, peers and bystanders, and their contexts – often differ greatly from each other. Blanket rules about how all bystanders should behave, such as requirements for mandatory reporting, are often ineffective or lead to perverse results.Bystanders are regularly equated with “do‐nothings,” in the popular press. In real life, however, helpful bystander actions are common. Many bystanders report a wide variety of constructive initiatives, including private, informal interventions. In this article, I report on forty‐five years of observations on bystanders in many milieus. I present what bystanders have said are the reasons that they did not – or did – take action, and what can be learned to help organizations and communities to support bystanders to be more effective when faced with unacceptable behavior.
Physical and Physiological Demands of Elite Rugby Union Officials
Authors: Blair Matthew R. , Elsworthy Nathan , Rehrer Nancy J. , Button Chris , Gill Nicholas D. 
Published: April 2018

Purpose: To examine the movement and physiological demands of rugby union officiating in elite competition. Methods: Movement demands of 9 elite officials across 12 Super Rugby matches were calculated, using global positioning system devices. Total distance (in m), relative distance (in m·min−1), and percentage time spent in various speed zones were calculated across a match. Heart-rate (HR) responses were also recorded throughout each match. Cohen d effect sizes were reported to examine the within-match variations. Results: The total distance covered was 8030 (506) m, with a relative distance of 83 (5) m·min−1 and with no differences observed between halves. Most game time was spent at lower movement speeds (76% [2%]; <2.0 m·s−1), with large effects for time spent >7.0 m·s−1 between halves (d = 2.85). Mean HR was 154 (10) beats·min−1 (83.8 [2.9]%HRmax), with no differences observed between the first and second halves. Most game time was spent between 81%HRmax and 90%HRmax (40.5% [7.5%]) with no observable differences between halves. Distances covered above 5.1 m·s−1 were highest during the first 10 min of a match, while distance at speeds 3.7 to 5 m·s−1 decreased during the final 10 min of play. Conclusions: These findings highlight the highly demanding and intermittent nature of rugby union officiating, with only some minor variations in physical and physiological demands across a match. These results have implications for the physical preparation of professional rugby union referees.
Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Efficacy of Graphene Oxide against Chronic Wound Microorganisms
Authors: Di Giulio Mara , Zappacosta Romina , Di Lodovico Silvia , Di Campli Emanuela , Siani Gabriella , Fontana Antonella , Cellini Luigina 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

Chronic wounds represent an increasing problem worldwide. Graphene oxide (GO) has been reported to exhibit strong antibacterial activity toward both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The aim of this work was to investigate the
in vitro
antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy of GO against wound pathogens.
Staphylococcus aureus
PECHA 10,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PECHA 4, and
Candida albicans
X3 clinical isolates were incubated with 50 mg/liter of GO for 2 and 24 h to evaluate the antimicrobial effect. Optical and atomic force microscopy images were performed to visualize the effect of GO on microbial cells. Moreover, the antibiofilm effect of GO was tested on biofilms, both in formation and mature. Compared to the respective time controls, GO significantly reduced the
S. aureus
growth both at 2 and 24 h in a time-dependent way, and it displayed a bacteriostatic effect in respect to the GO
t
= 0; an immediate (after 2 h) slowdown of bacterial growth was detected for
P. aeruginosa
, whereas a tardive effect (after 24 h) was recorded for
C. albicans
. Atomic force microscopy images showed the complete wrapping of
S. aureus
and
C. albicans
with GO sheets, which explains its antimicrobial activity. Moreover, significant inhibition of biofilm formation and a reduction of mature biofilm were recorded for each detected microorganism. The antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of GO against chronic wound microorganisms make it an interesting candidate to incorporate into wound bandages to treat and/or prevent microbial infections.
Characterizing Blood-Stage Antimalarial Drug MIC Values
In Vivo
Using Reinfection Patterns
Authors: Watson James , Chu Cindy S. , Tarning Joel , White Nicholas J. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT

The MIC is an essential quantitative measure of the asexual blood-stage effect of an antimalarial drug. In areas of high malaria transmission, and thus frequent individual infection, patients who are treated with slowly eliminated antimalarials become reinfected as drug concentrations decline. In the frequent relapse forms of
Plasmodium vivax
and in
Plasmodium ovale
malaria, recurrent infection occurs from relapses which begin to emerge from the liver approximately 2 weeks after the primary illness. An important determinant of the interval from starting treatment of a symptomatic infection to the patency of these recurrent infections is the
in vivo
concentration-response relationship and thus the
in vivo
MIC. Using mechanistic knowledge of parasite asexual replication and the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the antimalarial drugs, a generative statistical model was derived which relates the concentration-response relationship to time of reinfection patency. This model was used to estimate the
in vivo
MIC of chloroquine in the treatment of
Plasmodium vivax
malaria.
Antimicrobial Resistance inChlamydiales,Rickettsia,Coxiella, and Other Intracellular Pathogens
Authors: Vanrompay Daisy , Nguyen Thi Loan Anh , Cutler Sally J. , Butaye Patrick 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTThis article will provide current insights into antimicrobial susceptibilities and resistance of an important group of bacterial pathogens that are not phylogenetically related but share lifestyle similarities in that they are generally considered to be obligate intracellular microbes. As such, there are shared challenges regarding methods for their detection and subsequent clinical management. Similarly, from the laboratory perspective, susceptibility testing is rarely undertaken, though molecular approaches might provide new insights. One should also bear in mind that the highly specialized microbial lifestyle restricts the opportunity for lateral gene transfer and, consequently, acquisition of resistance.
Tracking the Rules of Transmission and Introgression with Networks
Authors: Vigliotti* Chloé , Bicep* Cédric , Bapteste Eric , Lopez Philippe , Corel Eduardo 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACT
Understanding how an animal organism and its gut microbes form an integrated biological organization, known as a holobiont, is becoming a central issue in biological studies. Such an organization inevitably involves a complex web of transmission processes that occur on different scales in time and space, across microbes and hosts. Network-based models are introduced in this chapter to tackle aspects of this complexity and to better take into account vertical and horizontal dimensions of transmission. Two types of network-based models are presented, sequence similarity networks and bipartite graphs. One interest of these networks is that they can consider a rich diversity of important players in microbial evolution that are usually excluded from evolutionary studies, like plasmids and viruses. These methods bring forward the notion of “gene externalization,” which is defined as the presence of redundant copies of prokaryotic genes on mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and therefore emphasizes a related although distinct process from lateral gene transfer between microbial cells. This chapter introduces guidelines to the construction of these networks, reviews their analysis, and illustrates their possible biological interpretations and uses. The application to human gut microbiomes shows that sequences present in a higher diversity of MGEs have both biased functions and a broader microbial and human host range. These results suggest that an “externalized gut metagenome” is partly common to humans and benefits the gut microbial community. We conclude that testing relationships between microbial genes, microbes, and their animal hosts, using network-based methods, could help to unravel additional mechanisms of transmission in holobionts.