Certificate Level Research Articles

Online disclosure practices of halal-friendly hotels

PurposeThis research analyses the online disclosure practices of halal-friendly hotels, denoting their service provision within “halal” expectancies. This study aims to discover the halal attributes commonly used in the online marketing practices of halal-friendly hotels.Design/methodology/approachThe methods used in this study include a deductive approach through literature, which was then followed by an initial investigation of several random samples that produced 24 points of halal-friendly attributes, and then content analysis to find out the online disclosure practices of 55 halal-friendly hotels. Further insights gathered through analysis of the use of Islamic images and symbols; also, by examining the nexus between the disclosure level and other variables such as halal-friendly certification level, star-level and guest ratings.FindingsThe results show that most hotels classify themselves as halal-friendly by providing information that articulates Islamic identity or by informing the existence of prayer facilities. Information displayed includes halal food, halal places, alcohol-free policy, prayer facilities and Qibla direction. Furthermore, image analysis shows that almost all hotels use human photographs, and the preferred gender is male; only a few hotels expose Islamic symbols. Most hotels maintain a neutral impression by avoiding “Islamised gender” and not overly emphasising Islamic images. Otherwise, halal-friendly certification level is positively correlated with the disclosure level.Practical implicationsThe results provide a fresh insight regarding the online marketing practices of the halal-friendly hotels and could be used as a benchmark by the practitioners.Originality/valueThis topic is still unexplored; it shows this research originality.

Tone fitness ladies’ studio: market segmentation or market mix?

Learning outcomes By reading and understanding the case study, Students will be able to link the importance of healthy life style and the physical exercise to the fitness industry in the UAE society, to reduce the growing percentage of obesity and related diseases; identify the main challenges of Tone Fitness Ladies’ Studio (Tone); explore the market segmentation of fitness centers in UAE based on a benefits segmentation of fitness industry; identify the demographic segmentation of Tone Fitness studio and the effects of considering gender and age; and develop individual perspectives of how Tone Fitness ladies’ studio may overcome the challenges to compete in the UAE fitness market. Case overview/synopsis Three sisters from the United Arab Emirates (Hind, Mariam and Amna Mohamed Omer) have established a fitness studio for women in Al Maqta’a (formerly known as Bain al Jasrain) on the eastern side of Abu Dhabi. Each of them shared a passion for sport, which led them to realize their business idea of setting up a fitness studio specifically for women. An understanding of Emirati culture and the needs of women in their society inspired them to think of a special place where women could find relief from work and life demands while also exercising pursuant of a healthy lifestyle. They launched Tone Ladies’ Fitness Studio (Tone) in September 2014, the first fitness studio for women in Al Maqta’a. The studio is in the same building as a cooperative hypermarket – a very good location because it is visited by many people and has ample parking spaces. Partly due to growing interest among Abu Dhabi residents in fitness and health, new fitness studios opened nearby in 2016, with competitors offering excellent services at reasonable prices. While the demand for fitness and healthy lifestyle pursuits is high in the region, the market has also expanded greatly to meet this demand, with many high-quality options becoming available. As a result of this, businesses such as Tone are facing serious threats to their sustainability. Thus, first, how can the Omer sisters sustain their business and strategize to maintain customers in their market segment? Second, what could they do to improve the market position of Tone in the UAE fitness market? Complexity academic level This case study is suitable for advanced level of diploma certificate in marketing or undergraduate student of marketing field. 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 8: Marketing

A Study of Organic Food Labeling In the United States Compared to Denmark

Organic farming practices produce foods that avoid manufactured fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators (GMOs), and livestock additives. The definition of what is considered organic in the United States is that 95 percent of the ingredient list must be free of synthetic additives and must not be processed using industrial solvents. The goal of the study was to compare organic labeling and certification between the United States and Denmark. The hypothesis is that labeling and regulation will be similar because the food economy is built on a global scale. Researching organic labeling was required in both the United States and Denmark. A study of one food item from each section of the US food pyramid was completed. Then, labeling data was collected in both Danish and American grocery stores. The work required visiting three grocery stores in both countries. The results were organic labeling requirements are different in the US and Denmark. Denmark has a much more stringent level of organic certification, store labels of studied products confirm these differences. The study demonstrated that organic labeling, is very complicated in both the US and Denmark, and there is not a common standard of organic labeling and certification between these two countries.

The Current Status of Development of Korean Clinical Practice Guidelines in Urology

The clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) is made step by step. The evidences that have been published were searched and a group of experts make a consensus based in the evidences. The CPGs in the medical field, where utilizations and interests are increasing, must be confirmed in the management of quality. The Korean Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation II (K-AGREE II) tool that helps to manage the quality of CPGs and to develop CPGs was translated by the Steering Committee for Clinical Practice Guideline. It is divided into 6 domains and each domains are independent. It is consisted of 23 items as detail and 2 items for the overall evaluation. Only fifteen CPGs are successfully certified using the K-AGREE II tool in the Korean Medical Guideline Information Center from 2013 and 3 CPGs made by the Korea Urological Association and the associated societies are certified successfully. With the level of certification of CPGs is higher, the Korea Urological Association and the associated societies are also try to develop CPGs that meet their level of certification. The Korean clinical practice guideline for the treatment of prostate cancer developed recently is the evidence of effort. Key Words: Practice guidelines; Quality improvement; Urology.

Perception of Nursing Students toward Academic Learning Environment in a College of Kathmandu

Introduction: A supportive and systematic design of academic learning environment has been important for transfer of learning in clinical context, can lead to positive outcomes for graduates and best prepares for professional life. The objective of this study was to find out the perception of nursing students toward academic learning environment.
 Methods: The descriptive, cross sectional study design was used among 172 proficiency certificate level (PCL) nursing students at Maharajgunj Nursing Campus, Kathmandu Nepal. The data were collected by using Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) Inventories with complete enumeration technique which was developed by Roff et al (1997). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
 Results: Overall mean score of academic learning environment was found 142.78 out of 200 for 50 items which was in the ranged for ‘positive’ learning environments. The total mean score for perception of learning was 34.4 out of 48; for perception of teacher 30.7 out of 44; for academic self-perception 25 out of 32; for perception of atmosphere 33.3 out of 48; for social self-perceptions 19.3 out of 28. Mean scores indicated that students’ rated all five dimensions of the educational environment in this institution as an average. The significant differences were found between overall mean score; mean score of teachers, academic self-perception & social self perception of students and different academic year.
 Conclusion: The overall mean DREEM scores indicate a more positive academic learning environment. Although the overall learning environments score of this institution observe as an average, none of the items represents ‘excellent’ score or real positive academic learning environment.

Perception of Nursing Students toward Academic Learning Environment in a College of Kathmandu

Introduction: A supportive and systematic design of academic learning environment has been important for transfer of learning in clinical context, can lead to positive outcomes for graduates and best prepares for professional life. The objective of this study was to find out the perception of nursing students toward academic learning environment. Methods: The descriptive, cross sectional study design was used among 172 proficiency certificate level (PCL) nursing students at Maharajgunj Nursing Campus, Kathmandu Nepal. The data were collected by using Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) Inventories with complete enumeration technique which was developed by Roff et al (1997). Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Overall mean score of academic learning environment was found 142.78 out of 200 for 50 items which was in the ranged for ‘positive’ learning environments. The total mean score for perception of learning was 34.4 out of 48; for perception of teacher 30.7 out of 44; for academic self-perception 25 out of 32; for perception of atmosphere 33.3 out of 48; for social self-perceptions 19.3 out of 28. Mean scores indicated that students’ rated all five dimensions of the educational environment in this institution as an average. The significant differences were found between overall mean score; mean score of teachers, academic self-perception & social self perception of students and different academic year. Conclusion: The overall mean DREEM scores indicate a more positive academic learning environment. Although the overall learning environments score of this institution observe as an average, none of the items represents ‘excellent’ score or real positive academic learning environment.

Non-Auto-Injector Epinephrine Administration by Basic Life Support Providers: A Literature Review and Consensus Process

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening condition with a known effective prehospital intervention: parenteral epinephrine. The National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) advocates for emergency medical services (EMS) providers to be allowed to carry and administer epinephrine. Some states constrain epinephrine administration by basic life support (BLS) providers to administration using epinephrine auto-injectors (EAIs), but the cost and supply of EAIs limits the ability of some EMS agencies to provide epinephrine for anaphylaxis. This literature review and consensus report describes the extant literature and the practical and policy issues related to non-EAI administration of epinephrine for anaphylaxis, and serves as a supplementary resource document for the revised NAEMSP position statement on the use of epinephrine in the out-of-hospital treatment of anaphylaxis, complementing (but not replacing) prior resource documents. The report concludes that there is some evidence that intramuscular injection of epinephrine drawn up from a vial or ampule by appropriately trained EMS providers—without limitation to specific certification levels—is safe, facilitates timely treatment of patients, and reduces costs.

Construction Cost of Green Building Certified Residence: A Case Study in Taiwan

The green building certification system of Taiwan, EEWH (Ecology, Energy Saving, Waste Reduction and Health), has been in operation for more than 20 years (since 1999). In order to understand the relationship between green building certification and the construction costs of residential buildings, this study obtained 37 green building-certified residential cases and 36 general residential cases available from public information and conducted a comparative analysis. The results of this study showed that the average construction cost of a green building certification residential building was only 1.58% higher than a general residential building, indicating that green building certification does not require a large increase in costs. However, for residential buildings, achieving a high-grade (gold-grade or diamond-grade) green building certification means an increase of 6.7% to 9.3% in construction costs. This shows that the pursuit of higher levels of green building certification does require higher construction costs. In addition, the results of this study can not only provide important references for the government in making green building policies, but also offer a practical strategy for developers for decision-making.

Identification of training opportunities in medical education for academic faculty

Introduction: Clinician-educators are responsible for providing education to trainees in medical centers. There is no clear overview of what opportunities exist for training clinician-educators in medical education related skills and techniques.Methods: We conducted a systematic review of multiple websites and a medical educator listserve to identify medical education training opportunities for clinician-educators. We included certificate level programs or programs with comparable recognition and excluded masters programs, programs specific to one medical specialty or institution, and brief modules/sessions. We categorized results by training/focus area(s) and program details relevant for faculty.Results: We identified 53 programs. Most focus on general medical education skills (N = 19, 36%), leadership (N = 18, 34%), or learner assessment (N = 16, 30%). Fourteen programs (26%) were exclusively online, 27 (56%) exclusively in-person, and 12 (23%) require in-person and distance components. Time requirements for completion vary greatly, ranging from 1 day to 3 years, as did program costs, ranging from $327 to $15,000.Conclusions: Although training programs in medical education for clinical faculty exist, most focus on general medical education, leadership, and assessment. More programs focused on other topics, such as simulation or educational research, may be needed. Future investigations to understand the needs of this population would be valuable.

Strengths and weaknesses of the emergency evacuation trial for transport airplane certification

Safety has always been the key driver for aviation development, based on the permanent commitment of airworthiness authorities, airplane manufacturers, and other intervening agents. One of the established regulations requires demonstrating, at airplane certification level, that all occupants must be able to abandon the aircraft and safely reach the ground in less than 90 s. This rule has always been a matter of debate since it does not represent any accident scenario and just one trial is not statistically meaningful, although airworthiness authorities argue that it is a practical benchmark for consistent evaluation. The research reported here describes the strengths and weaknesses of the requirement and suggests potential modifications.

A Study on Consumption and consumer preference for Halal Meat among Pakistani Community in South Korea

ABSTRACT: In this study consumption and consumer preference of halal meat among Pakistani community in South Korea is assessed. The study examined consumption and consumer perception for different meat types. Primary data were collected with the aid of questionnaire and 423 customers analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logit regression. Results indicated that chicken was the most preferred meat (38.3%), followed by mutton (25.5%), fish (24.3%) and beef (7.3%). The result of the paper explores that majority of the respondents were male (62.9%) with the age bracket of 30-40 (51.4%). The results also revealed that marital status, age, price, meat quality, taste-flavor, level of religiosity, product packaging, nutrition value, sensorial characteristics (taste, smell, odor, and color) and halal certification are significant with consumer satisfaction for different meat types. The study clearly revealed the preference of halal meat types among the Pakistani respondents community in South Korea.

Needs Assessment for the Global-Mindedness of Vocational Certificate Students under the Office of the Vocational Education Commission

Abstract The objectives of the research are as follows: 1) to study the global-mindedness of vocational certificate students; 2) to compare the global-mindedness of these students by grade level, with a sample group of 361 vocational certificate students studying at the vocational certificate level in the 2016 academic year, obtained by stratified random sampling, and 3) to rank the needs for the global-mindedness of these students. The instruments used in the data collection consisted of a questionnaire on the global-mindedness expectation and authenticity of vocational certificate students, which contained 40 questions, covering four aspects, evaluated for content validity by qualified experts. The statistics used in the data analysis were mean, standard deviation, one-way analysis of variance, and the Modified Priority Needs Index (PNI). The research findings are as follows: 1) the level of global-mindedness of the vocational certificate students is high; 2) there were no differences in the global-mindedness of vocational certificate students studying at different grade levels; 3) the needs, ranked in descending order, consisted of acceptance of cultural diversity, attention to global issues, interconnectedness and peace, and world citizenship.

Correlation Between Employee Job Satisfaction and Employee Performance of Restaurant Chains Based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – an Empirical Study

The main purpose of this empirical study was to identify the pattern of correlation between employee job satisfaction and employee performance of a restaurant chain based in United Arab Emirates in food and beverage industry. The absorbed all the categories from restaurant manager to lower grades in the restaurants. Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) short form was redesigned to be used in this study along with demographic questions and questions related to performance appraisal ratings. Questionnaire contained 20 questions related to Job satisfaction. Out of 348 employees, 242 responded through an online questionnaire making the participation rate 69.5%. The indicated correlation between employee job satisfaction and employee performance has given prudent insights to the stream of strategic human resources management. This study completely included the employees who have at least a certificate level qualification that gives a clue on positive understanding about the questions of the questionnaire. The results lead to logical assumptions and suggest further studies on the pattern of same.

Abstract 171: Stroke Identification by Emergency Medical Services: Determinants and its Impact on In-Patient Care

Background: Recognizing acute stroke by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is critical for timely care. We assessed the accuracy and determinants of stroke diagnosis by EMS and evaluated its impact on stroke patient care in Georgia. Methods: Data from the Georgia Coverdell Acute Stroke Registry on 6,586 clinically diagnosed and hospitalized acute stroke patients were linked to the 2016 Georgia EMS Information System. Accuracy of EMS recognition of clinically diagnosed stroke (sensitivity) was estimated using hospital diagnosis as the gold standard. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify determinants of stroke diagnosis and assess its impact on stroke patient care using door-to-imaging time. Results: EMS sensitivity of identifying acute stroke was 48.6%. In a multivariable model, considering ischemic stroke patients only, correct EMS diagnosis was positively associated with emergency medical dispatch (EMD) report of stroke (OR=4.67; 95%CI: 3.96-5.50); severity of stroke as measured by NIH stroke scale score (OR 5-14 Vs. 0-5 =2.17, 95%CI: 1.83-2.57; OR 15+ Vs. 0-5 =4.23, 95%CI: 3.37-5.32); clinical signs of slurred speech (OR=2.35, 95%CI: 2.00-2.75); and weakness of the extremities (OR=1.57, 95%CI: 1.33-1.85). Correct diagnosis was negatively associated with altered level of consciousness (OR=0.56, 95%CI: 0.46-0.70). Patients assisted by EMS with higher level of certification had higher odds (OR=1.36, 95%CI: 0.94-1.97) of being identified as having stroke than those attended by emergency medical technicians with basic training. Patients identified as having stroke by EMS had 3.78 times higher odds (95%CI: 3.01-4.75) of receiving imaging within 25 minutes of hospital arrival than those who were missed by EMS. Conclusion: Pre-hospital identification of acute stroke improves in-hospital care; however, about half of stroke patients transported by EMS in 2016 were not identified in the field. Identification of acute stroke is associated with EMS personnel level of certification, EMD’s report of stroke, and presenting symptoms of the disease and its severity. Thus, it is essential to improve EMDs level of understanding of stroke, enhance EMTs skill in stroke identification for swifter cinical care and better patient outcomes.

Research on green project certification in China based on LEED and GBES

With the continuous development of China’s economy, the energy-efficient building and green building initiative of China has increasingly become the concern of people at home and abroad, inside and outside the industry. Firstly, this paper analyses and compares the application background of two green certification systems, LEED in the United States and GBES in China. Then, we study the annual number, regional distribution, level distribution and regional distribution of professional certification personnel of GBES and LEED certification programs. The results show that the number of green certification projects in China is increasing rapidly yearly, but there are some regional differences. The overall certification level is 2 star (gold level), and there’s no match for the green program for the less qualified professional. Based on the above situation, this paper puts forward corresponding development suggestions. Firstly, on the basis of policy and financial support, the comprehensive development of green certification programs will be gradually promoted from the developed regions to the developing regions and from the south to the north. Secondly, we should promote the development of two-star (gold) certification programs with moderate incremental costs and good ecological benefits. Finally, it is necessary to fully introduce and increase the number of professional certification personnel and consulting agencies of certification.

THE SMARTNESS PROFILE OF SELECTED EUROPEAN CITIES IN URBAN MANAGEMENT – A COMPARISON ANALYSIS

The smart cities concept plays an important role in urban management worldwide as well as should be implemented with the participation of residents and with consideration for their needs. This study examines an analysis of the smartness diversity of European cities on the basis of the International Organization for Standardization 37120 norm dealing with sustainable development of communities. Cities with a higher level of certification exhibit more effective management and their residents show greater commitment to civic life. The assessment of the level of smartness was based on statistics collected by the World Council on City Data using Multidimensional Comparative Analysis. Hellwig’s (1968) synthetic indicators were used to create a ranking gauging the level of smartness of European cities which were classified into four groups. The investigation shows large disparities in the smartness of selected European cities.

ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНО ОРИЕНТИРОВАННЫЕ ЛЕКСИЧЕСКИЕ МИНИМУМЫ ДЛЯ ИНОСТРАННЫХ ВОЕННОСЛУЖАЩИХ

The paper covers the issues of the formation of profession-oriented lexical minimums of elementary, basic, and first certified levels for foreign military-artillerymen. The analysis of the scientific, educational, and reference literature on the Russian as a foreign language allows speaking about the absence of lexical minimums for foreign officers and cadets. This fact causes the relevance of the study. The absence of a contemporary standard training program for foreign servicemen in the preparatory course, as well as the lack of instructions in the guiding documents, dictate the necessity to describe the basic principles and criteria for the selection of lexical material, as well as its distribution among the levels of the Russian language proficiency. The author formed the representative groups of texts on a specialty, the sources of which were combat manuals, tutorials on tactics, shooting, weapon ordnance, military dictionaries, and encyclopedias. To select a primary glossary, the author treated the selected texts using the program of counting the total quantity of words and sorting them. To form and structure the final vocabulary, the author identified and described basic principles of military vocabulary selection: the application frequency, the importance of the concept expressed by a word, the thematic attribution of a word, the communicative value, and the paradigmatic, syntagmatic, and word-forming relations between words. Based on the guideline documents analysis and the method of expert evaluation, the author determined the quantitative composition of the minimums of elementary, basic, and first certificate levels. The novelty of the paper is to determine the principles of selection and the number of lexical units included in the profession-oriented lexical minimums for foreign military-artillerymen.

Hospital Value-Based Purchasing and Trauma-Certified Hospital Performance.

Hospital Value-Based Purchasing (HVBP) is an initiative that rewards acute-care hospitals with incentive payments for the quality of care they provide. A hospital's trauma certification has the potential to influence HVBP scores as attaining the certification provides indication of the service quality offered by the hospital. As such, this study focuses on hospitals' level of trauma certification attainment through the American College of Surgeons and whether this certification is associated with greater HVBP. A retrospective review of the 2015 HVBP database, 2015 Area Health Resources Files (AHRF) database, and the 2015 American Hospital Association (AHA) database is utilized, and propensity score matching was employed to determine the association between level of trauma certification and scores on HVBP dimensions. Results reveal trauma certification is associated with lower HVBP domain scores when compared to hospitals without trauma certification. In addition, hospitals with a greater degree of trauma specialization were associated with lower total performance score and efficiency domain scores. Although payers attempt to connect hospital reimbursements with quality and outcomes, unintended consequences may occur. In response to these results, HVBP risk adjustment and scoring methods should receive further scrutiny.

AN ANALYSIS OF GREEN BUILDING COSTS USING A MINIMUM COST CONCEPT

Green buildings are known for yielding a better indoor habitat, saving energy and protecting the environment. However, they require greater investment than conventional buildings. Green buildings can be classified at different levels ranging through certified, silver, gold and platinum. The classification chosen is likely to affect project costs. Adopting a platinum level of green building specifications tends to incur the highest project costs. While with gold, silver and certified levels expenditure will be reduced accordingly. The actual degree of project cost differences also depends on additional factors, such as site location, design specifications, construction condition, material and equipment selection and LEED consultant expertise. Construction budgeting represents a crucial factor for project owners developing green buildings. This research presents a method for determining the minimum project costs of green building developments. The processes and steps to be completed in determining such minimum project costs are presented based on a case study of a learning centre building which received LEED platinum certification. It was found that choosing certified and silver levels has an indifferent effect on project costs, whereas expenditure increases exponentially with gold and platinum levels of certification.

Strengthening acute flaccid paralysis surveillance post Ebola virus disease outbreak 2015 - 2017: the Liberia experience.

IntroductionLiberia remains at high risk of poliovirus outbreaks due to importation. The country maintained certification level acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance indicators each year until 2014 due to Ebola outbreak. During this time, there was a significant drop in non-polio AFP rate to (1.2/100,000 population under 15 years) in 2015 from 2.9/100, 000 population in 2013, due to a variety of reasons including suspension on shipment of acute flaccid paralysis stool specimen to the polio regional lab in Abidjan, refocusing of surveillance officers attention solely on Ebola virus disease (EVD) surveillance, inactivation of national polio expert committee (NPEC) and National Certification Committee (NCC). The Ministry of Health (MOH) supported by partners worked to restore AFP surveillance post EVD outbreak and ensure that Liberia maintains its polio free certification.MethodsWe conducted a desk review to summarize key activities conducted to restore acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance based on World Health Organization (WHO) AFP surveillance guidelines for Africa region. We also reviewed AFP surveillance indicators and introduction of new technologies. Data sources were from program reports, scientific and gray literature, AFP database, auto visual AFP detection and reporting (AVADAR) and ONA Servers. Data analysis was done using Microsoft excel and access spread sheets, ONA software and Geographic Information System (Arc GIS).ResultsAFP surveillance indicators improved with a rebound of non-polio AFP rate (NPAFP) rate from 1.2/100, 000 population under 15 years in 2015 to 4.3 in 2017. The stool adequacy rate at the national level also improved from 79% in 2016 to 82% in 2017, meeting the global target. The percentage of counties meeting the two critical AFP surveillance indicators NPAFP rate and stool adequacy improved from 47% in 2016 to 67% in 2017.The Last polio case reported in Liberia was in late 2010.ConclusionThere was significant improvement in the key AFP surveillance indicators such as NPAFP rate and stool adequacy with a 3.5 fold increase in NPAFP from 2014 to 2017. By 2017, the stool adequacy rate was up to target levels compared to 2016, which was below target level of 80%. The number of counties meeting target for the two critical AFP surveillance indicators also increased by 20% points between 2016 and 2017. Similarly there was approximately two-fold increase in the oral polio vaccines (OPV) coverage for the reported AFP cases between 2015 and 2017. Strategies employed to address gaps in AFP surveillance included enhanced active case search for AFP, re-instatement of laboratory testing, supportive supervision in addition to facilitating enhanced community engagement in surveillance activities. New technologies such as AVADAR Pilot, electronic integrated supportive supervision (ISS) and electronic surveillance (eSurv) tools were introduced to improve real time AFP case reporting. However, there remain residual gaps in AFP surveillance in the country especially at the sub-national level. Similarly, the newly introduced technologies will require continued funding and capacity building for MOH staff to ensure sustainability of the initiatives.