bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Established rodent community delays recovery of dominant competitor following experimental disturbance
Authors: Christensen Erica M. , Simpson Gavin L. , Ernest S.K. Morgan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHuman activities alter processes that control local biodiversity, causing changes in the abundance and identity of species in many ecosystems. However, restoring biodiversity to a previous state is rarely as simple as reintroducing lost species or restoring processes to their pre-disturbance state. Theory suggests that established species can impede shifts in species composition via a variety of mechanisms, including direct interference (e.g. territoriality), preempting resources, or habitat alteration. Here we use a long-term experimental manipulation of a desert rodent community to examine differences in the recolonization dynamics of a dominant competitor (kangaroo rats of the genus Dipodomys) when patches were already occupied by an existing rodent community relative to when patches were empty. Recovery of kangaroo rat populations was slow on plots with an established community of other rodent species, taking approximately two years. In contrast, recovery of kangaroo rat populations was rapid on empty plots with no established residents (approximately 3 months). We found little evidence that the delay in kangaroo rat colonization was due to direct interference from competitors, or could be explained by differences in habitat, implicating resource preemption by the established community as the most likely mechanism. These results demonstrate that the presence of an established alternate community inhibits recolonization by new species, even those that should be dominant in the community. This has important implications for understanding how biodiversity may change in the future, and what processes may slow or prevent this change.Significance statementEcological communities are changing due to human activities altering the processes governing local biodiversity. However restoring these processes often fails to restore the previous biodiversity state, implying that additional mechanisms contribute to community dynamics. Here we use an experimental manipulation of a desert rodent community—in which dominant competitors (kangaroo rats) were removed and then reintroduced years later—to show that the presence of previously-established species alters the dynamics of the dominant competitor’s recovery. Kangaroo rat populations took two years to recover on patches where inferior competitors were already established, compared to three months on uninhabited patches. This suggests that priority effects and initial conditions are critical to consider when predicting community response to disturbance, or in ecological restoration projects.
Build-up of serial dependence in color working memory
Authors: Barbosa João , Compte Albert 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSerial dependence, how recent experiences bias our current estimations, has been described experimentally during delayed-estimation of many different visual features, with subjects tending to make estimates biased towards previous ones. It has been proposed that these attractive biases help perception stabilization in the face of correlated natural scene statistics as an adaptive mechanism, although this remains mostly theoretical. Color, which is strongly correlated in natural scenes, has never been studied with regard to its serial dependencies. Here, we found significant serial dependence in 6 out of 7 datasets with behavioral data of humans (total n=111) performing delayed-estimation of color with uncorrelated sequential stimuli. Consistent with a drifting memory model, serial dependence was stronger when referenced relative to previous report, rather than to previous stimulus. In addition, it built up through the experimental session, suggesting metaplastic mechanisms operating at a slower time scale than previously proposed (e.g. short-term synaptic facilitation). Because, in contrast with natural scenes, stimuli were temporally uncorrelated, this build-up casts doubt on serial dependencies being an ongoing adaptation to the stable statistics of the environment.
Assessing the impact of organizational culture on achieving business excellence with a moderating role of ICT
Authors: Kassem Rassel , Ajmal Mian , Gunasekaran Angappa , Helo Petri 
Published: December 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discover the impact of different dimensions of organizational culture (mission culture, adaptability culture, involvement culture and consistency culture) on business excellence results criteria (customer results, people results, society results and business results) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and explore the moderating role of information and communication technology (ICT) use in both service and manufacturing industries.Design/methodology/approachData were collected by questionnaire from 448 managers in nine companies that have won the Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award in the last three years. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the data.FindingsOrganizational culture is significantly related to business excellence. However, these effects varied for different business excellence criteria. Three organizational culture types had a significant positive role in achieving excellent customer-related results. All four types of organizational culture had a positive role in achieving excellent people-related results. Only two culture types had significant role in achieving excellent society-related results. Business results were positively related to a balance between the four types of organizational culture. ICT use moderated the relationship between organizational culture and results related to customers, people and business, but not society.Research limitations/implicationsThis study had some conceptual limitations. In particular, it considered the organizational culture as four types in the research model, but without structuring the indices under each type. It also had some methodological limitations. It was cross-sectional and used a self-administered questionnaire, which means that no causal relationships can be implied, and there may have been some bias in responding.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies that investigate the relationship between organizational culture and business excellence in UAE excellence award-winning companies.
An explicit time integration algorithm for linear and non-linear finite element analyses of dynamic and wave problems
Authors: Zhao Mi , Li Huifang , Cao Shengtao , Du Xiuli 
Published: December 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a new explicit time integration algorithm for solution to the linear and non-linear finite element equations of structural dynamic and wave propagation problems.Design/methodology/approachThe algorithm is completely explicit so that no linear equation system requires solving, if the mass matrix of the finite element equation is diagonal and whether the damping matrix does or not. The algorithm is a single-step method that has the simple starting and is applicable to the analysis with the variable time step size. The algorithm is second-order accurate and conditionally stable. Its numerical stability, dissipation and dispersion are analyzed for the dynamic single-degree-of-freedom equation. The stability of the multi-degrees-of-freedom non-proportional damping system can be evaluated directly by the stability theory on ordinary differential equation.FindingsThe performance of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by several numerical examples including the linear single-degree-of-freedom problem, non-linear two-degree-of-freedom problem, wave propagation problem in two-dimensional layer and seismic elastoplastic analysis of high-rise structure.Originality/valueA new single-step second-order accurate explicit time integration algorithm is proposed to solve the linear and non-linear dynamic finite element equations. The algorithm has advantages on the numerical stability and accuracy over the existing modified central difference method and Chung-Lee method though the theory and numerical analyses.
Internal marketing in a higher education context – towards an enriched framework
Authors: Vel Prakash , Shah Aakash , Mathur Sunita , Pereira Vijay 
Published: December 2018

PurposeThe concept of “internal marketing” (IM) has gained the attention of researchers over the past three decades. Though a lot of research has been carried out on this topic, it remains a concept yet to be completely understood and captured, with ambiguity in terms of its definition and scope. The purpose of this paper is to utilise the higher education (HE) context in an emerging country, United Arab Emirates (UAE), to argue that the term “IM” needs more unbundling and hence the authors propose an enriched framework with a renewed and relevant identity, which the authors term as “corporate fusion” (CF).Design/methodology/approachThe authors do so with a renewed framework and philosophy that tries to capture new constructs and dimensions of IM in line with the emerging corporate milieu and has been applied to the HE sector of the UAE in this paper.FindingsThe proposed new conceptual framework identifies a CF philosophy building on the existing literature and captures the essence of IM orientation, albeit with its new constructs, dimensions and justifications. Furthermore, the authors argue that this new model is relevant to the contemporary environmental trends surrounding present day HE organisations, more so ever in emerging markets such as the UAE, given their growth needs in a competitive global marketplace.Originality/valueIn this paper, the authors take a close introspection at the contemporary role of IM in the HE landscape available in the UAE using a renewed framework titled “Corporate Fusion”.
The effect of highly emotionally intelligent teachers on their students’ satisfaction
Authors: Maamari Bassem E. , Majdalani Joelle F. 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to answer the basic research question “Do highly emotional intelligent teachers increase student’s satisfaction in the universities?”

Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a quantitative study using self-reporting questionnaires applied on 283 students and 10 faculty members.

Findings
The paper shows the importance of having high emotional intelligent teachers in the universities to increase students’ emotional intelligence (EI) and, therefore, their satisfaction. The results show that the primary factor that will increase the EI of students is not what most of the scholars mentioned, the EI of teacher, but the class interactions.

Practical implications
The paper makes a recommendation to universities to hire emotionally intelligent teachers who stress on increasing the EI of students. Universities, by increasing the EI of their students, will improve their business situation, since if students are happy they will remain in the universities, spending, therefore, more money and encouraging other students to do so.

Originality/value
No such research was previously conducted in Lebanon where still few people understand the meaning or the importance of EI. This study, therefore, is fulfilling a gap, a brick in the wall of knowledge on class interaction in bridging the link between teachers and students.
Application of waqf for social and development finance
Authors: Shaikh Salman Ahmed , Ismail Abdul Ghafar , Mohd Shafiai Muhammad Hakimi 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to discuss the application of waqf (endowment) in the social finance sector for funding social and development projects and services.

Design/methodology/approach
The study is qualitative. It reviews literature and provides descriptive data to present its main idea.

Findings
Most Muslim-majority countries are generally income-poor, and the governments are generally weak in their tax collection, effective governance and capacity for development spending. Private sector financial institutions are scarce and mostly cater to the people who can meet the income-based lending criteria. Thus, the institution of waqf can fill the gap as a social finance institution by providing intermediation services for effectively utilising perpetual social savings. Flexibility in the rules of waqf enables it to serve beneficiaries directly or through financial institutions and to provide a wide range of social services.

Research limitations/implications
This conceptual research highlights the need and potential of waqf without discussing the regulatory and operational details of how to effectively institutionalize it in different regions.

Practical implications
The institution of waqf can harness the potential of selfless charitable giving in an effective way for better economic impact in the targeted social segments of society.

Originality value
The paper suggests the establishment of waqf-based training and vocational centres which will increase opportunities of self-employment and contribute in upward social mobility of beneficiaries.
Causes and solutions for the stagnation of Islamic banking in Turkey
Authors: Yanīkkaya Halit , Pabuçcu Yaşar Uğur 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the root causes of stagnation of the Islamic banking sector in Turkey in three steps and proposes solutions and policy recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach
First, global Islamic banking practices in terms of governance and instruments are summarised and compared with the Turkish experience. Second, the financial and efficiency ratios of Turkish Islamic banks (IBs) and conventional banks (CBs) are compared and analysed for the period 2005 to 2015. Finally, the long-term growth strategy of Turkish IBs is evaluated.

Findings
This paper asserts that Islamic banking in Turkey diverges from Islamic banking practices of prominent countries by not having a Sharīʿah governance framework at either a national or bank level. Turkey is thus immediately in need of a sound Sharīʿah governance framework. Increasing the variety of instruments and improving the perception of Islamic banking in the society are other critical points. Furthermore, regulatory and research institutions specifically focusing on Islamic banking are insufficient. A large number of financial and efficiency ratios reveal that the efficiency and profitability of IBs fall behind that of CBs. IBs should improve their business models, operational efficiencies and information technology infrastructure as these issues are undervalued in their growth strategy.

Originality/value
This study sheds light on the Turkish Islamic banking sector, which is a rarely studied topic. It is the first study that provides institutional differences of banking practices and evaluates the efficiency status and growth strategy of IBs in Turkey.
Proposal for a new Sharīʿah risk rating approach for Islamic banks
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Adeel , Lahsasna Ahcene 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
Customers of Islamic banking industry continue to be skeptical on Sharīʿah compliance of Islamic banks despite receiving fatwa from the competent authorities. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the Sharīʿah risk taken by Islamic banks, so that customers are better informed on the level of Sharīʿah compliance that will help in removing the persistent level of skepticism toward Sharīʿah compliance.

Design/methodology/approach
This research has used the scorecard based modeling approach to build the Sharīʿah risk rating model, which consists of 14 factors that capture Sharīʿah risk and are grouped in 5 major areas revolving around regulatory support, quality of Sharīʿah supervision, business structure, product mix and treatment of capital adequacy ratio. The score calculated by applying the model is grouped into 4 tiers reflecting the level Sharīʿah compliance at bank as non-compliant, weak compliance, satisfactory compliance and high level of Sharīʿah compliance. Three case studies were conducted by applying the model to Islamic banks from Malaysia, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Findings
The final Sharīʿah risk scores calculated by the model clearly differentiate the 3 banks on basis of their Sharīʿah risk. The underlying scores also highlighted the areas where banks need to improve to reduce their Sharīʿah risk.

Originality/value
This model can be applied by customers of Islamic banks who are interested in understanding Sharīʿah-related aspects of Islamic banking industry. This model can be applied on standalone basis or as an extension to the conventional counter party risk rating models. This model can benefit management of Islamic banks toward allocation of capital against Sharīʿah risk under Basel III, and regulators can apply the model to measure industry wide risk of Sharīʿah non-compliance.
Utilisation of zakāh and waqf fund in micro-takāful models in Malaysia: an exploratory study
Authors: Mikail Said Adekunle , Ahmad Muhammad Ali Jinnah , Adekunle Salami Saheed 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the utilisation of both zakāh and waqf fund as external resources to ensure micro-takāful services are delivered to underserved communities in an effective and sustainable manner. It also addresses Sharīʿah issues related to the zakāh- and waqf-based model.

Design/methodology/approach
The study is a qualitative-based research. It uses both focus group and content analysis approach to gather primary data and identify and interpret relevant secondary data and Sharīʿah concepts in developing the zakāh- and waqf-based micro-takāful model.

Findings
It is discovered throughout the investigation of attributes of beneficiaries of zakāh and waqf institutions as well as micro-takāful scheme that all share commonalities in terms of social securities and socio-economic support to low-income households in societies. The study also finds that the disintegration of zakāh and waqf which form part of the Islamic ecosystem from the micro-takāful model makes it less effective and sustainable.

Originality/value
This study appears as a primitive attempt to discuss and develop a zakāh and waqf-based micro-takāful model with reference to Malaysian jurisdiction.
The effect of IFSA 2013 on late payment of takāful benefits
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Ali Jinnah , Lukman Burhanuddin 
Published: December 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to examine the implications of compensation on late payment of takāful benefit imposed in the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 on the takāful industry in Malaysia. It also aims to identify the issues and challenges faced by takāful operators in the implementation of the compensation and propose solutions for the benefits of the takāful industry.

Design/methodology/approach
This research uses the qualitative approach to understand the practices of claims in takāful and to analyze the implication of compensation on late payment of takāful benefit to the takāful industry in Malaysia. Data are collected through survey and interview with various takāful stakeholders.

Findings
Some of the key findings in this research are that the compensation of late payment of takāful benefit has a positive impact to the takāful industry. The research also found some Sharīʿah operational issues in terms of its implementation among takāful operators.

Research limitations/implications
The research focuses on compensation on late payment of takāful benefit claim in death and personal accident only.

Practical implications
The research offers certainty to the takāful industry and an explanation to academic and legal fraternities on the implementation of compensation on late payment of takāful benefit according to Islamic Financial Services Act (IFSA) 2013.

Originality/value
The research provides a valuable contribution to the current practices of takāful operators, identifies some issues and challenges of its implementation and proposes the solution.
Developing the framework of sustainable service supply chain balanced scorecard (SSSC BSC)
Authors: Aliakbari Nouri Fahimeh , Shafiei Nikabadi Mohsen , Olfat Laya 
Published: December 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a framework to assess the sustainability of service supply chains (SC) based on the concept of the balanced scorecard and three dimensions of sustainability, namely economic, social, and environmental performance.Design/methodology/approachAfter reviewing the literature and interviewing the experts, the preliminary list of identified general criteria is categorized in the four perspectives. Then, to select the most important factors in hospital SC, 15 experts evaluated the identified criteria by questionnaires of Fuzzy Delphi Method. Then, interpretative structural modeling was applied to identify the interrelations between the perspectives and between the criteria.FindingsThe framework includes four perspectives, financial; service SC operations; stakeholders’ satisfaction in the direction of sustainability; and learning, growth, and innovation, to improve the SC for sustainability in the service industry. According to the results, the identified criteria are interrelated.Practical implicationsThe paper provides an important reference to assess the sustainability of service SCs. It will be beneficial in strategic and operational decision-making in service industries.Originality/valueReviewing the literature shows that the concept of sustainability of service SCs is still immature. The paper is a preliminary effort to identify the general criteria of sustainability and their interrelations in the service sector. The presented general framework links the financial measures with the environmental and social measures. It helps to maintain the balance between the sustainability goals for the service SC managers. It can be modified and applied in different service sectors.