Modeling the participation in physical exercises by university academic community in Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajantha Sisira Kumara ◽  
Vilani Sachitra
Keyword(s):  
Academic Staff ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
World Health ◽  
Marginal Effect ◽  
Count Data Models ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Physical Exercises

PurposeThe World Health Organization issued its global action plan on physical activities 2018–2030, emphasizing the importance of context-specific evidence on the subject. Accordingly, this study aims to provide unique and important policy insights on trends and drivers of participation in physical exercises by academic community in Sri Lankan universities.Design/methodology/approachFor this purpose, we collected cross-sectional data (n = 456) in 2020 using a survey, and first, estimated a double-hurdle model to uncover covariates influencing likelihood and intensity of physical exercises overall. Second, count-data models are estimated to capture regularity of key exercises.FindingsThe results reveal that about 50% of members do not participate in any general physical exercise. Older members (marginal effect (ME) = 3.764, p < 0.01), non-Buddhists (ME = 54.889, p < 0.01) and alcohol consumers (ME = 32.178, p < 0.05) exhibit a higher intensity of participating in exercises overall. The intensity is lower for rural members (ME = −63.807, p < 0.01) and those with health insurance covers (ME = −31.447, p < 0.05). Individuals diagnosed for chronic illnesses show a higher likelihood of exercising but, their time devotion is limited. The number of children the academic staff members have as parents reduces the likelihood, but for those who choose to exercise have higher time devotion with increased number of children. The covariates play a similar role in determining regularity of key exercises: walking, jogging and exercising on workout machines.Research limitations/implicationsThe results imply a need to promote exercising in general and particularly among younger, healthy, insured and female individuals living in rural sector.Originality/valueThe study covers an under-researched professional sub-group in an under-researched developing context, examining both the likelihood and regularity of exercising as both dimensions are equally important for individuals to maintain healthy lives.

Generation “X” and “Y” knowledge sharing behaviour

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sabbir Rahman ◽  
Nuraihan Mat Daud ◽  
Hasliza Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Generational Differences ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Institutions ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between employee motivation and intention for knowledge sharing behaviour. Inter-generational differences (generations X and Y only) were assumed to moderate in the relationship between intention and knowledge sharing behaviour of non-academic staff of higher learning institutions. This research also aims to test the role of behavioural intention as mediation between motivation and knowledge sharing behaviour. Design/methodology/approach This research tested a conceptual framework derived from widely accepted theories. This study was carried out on non-academic staff working at the different higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Respondents from private and public higher learning institutions in Peninsular Malaysia were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire. This research also applied confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling to examine the proposed hypothesis of this inquiry. Findings Results indicate that non-academic staff knowledge sharing behaviour was significantly mediated by intention between motivation and knowledge sharing behaviour relationship. More specifically, inter-generational differences (generations X and Y) play a significant moderation role between intention and knowledge sharing behaviour. Research limitations/implications The generalizability of this cross-sectional study can be strengthened by adopting a longitudinal approach in the next phase of the study. Practical implications The results of this research highlighted that the higher learning institutions need to institutionalize knowledge sharing behaviour among their non-academic staff (executive and non-executive) by facilitating knowledge sharing-oriented work environment. Originality/value This paper has attempted to furnish a comprehensive understanding of knowledge sharing behaviour among the non-academic staff of higher learning institutions.

scholarly journals Essential Medicines at the National Level: The Global Asthma Network’s Essential Asthma Medicines Survey 2014

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Bissell ◽  
Philippa Ellwood ◽  
Eamon Ellwood ◽  
Chen-Yuan Chiang ◽  
Guy Marks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inhaled Corticosteroids ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
National Level ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Poor Access

Patients with asthma need uninterrupted supplies of affordable, quality-assured essential medicines. However, access in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. The World Health Organization (WHO) Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Global Action Plan 2013–2020 sets an 80% target for essential NCD medicines’ availability. Poor access is partly due to medicines not being included on the national Essential Medicines Lists (EML) and/or National Reimbursement Lists (NRL) which guide the provision of free/subsidised medicines. We aimed to determine how many countries have essential asthma medicines on their EML and NRL, which essential asthma medicines, and whether surveys might monitor progress. A cross-sectional survey in 2013–2015 of Global Asthma Network principal investigators generated 111/120 (93%) responses—41 high-income countries and territories (HICs); 70 LMICs. Patients in HICs with NRL are best served (91% HICs included ICS (inhaled corticosteroids) and salbutamol). Patients in the 24 (34%) LMICs with no NRL and the 14 (30%) LMICs with an NRL, however no ICS are likely to have very poor access to affordable, quality-assured ICS. Many LMICs do not have essential asthma medicines on their EML or NRL. Technical guidance and advocacy for policy change is required. Improving access to these medicines will improve the health system’s capacity to address NCDs.

Adapting to COVID-19 disruptions: student engagement in online learning of accounting

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Irshad Ali ◽  
Anil Kumar Narayan ◽  
Umesh Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Student Engagement ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Accounting Education ◽  
Learning Support ◽  
Family Responsibilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Online Technologies ◽  
Personal Connections

Purpose This paper aims to provide insights on student engagement in the learning of accounting during the COVID-19 disruptions and the pivot to online learning. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on reflections of academic staff members teaching accounting papers at two large New Zealand universities. Further supporting information was derived from student feedback collected via paper appraisals. Findings The findings of this paper suggest that there were some successes and numerous challenges in engaging students in online learning of accounting. Strategies that seem to have worked well include the use of synchronous and asynchronous channels to proactively facilitate and provide learning support to students in online learning. The challenges include frustrations with online technologies and the difficulties of making personal connections with students; therefore, engaging some of the cohort in the learning proved to be difficult. Research limitations/implications The findings of this paper suggest that there were some successes and numerous challenges in engaging students in online learning of accounting. Strategies that seem to have worked well include the use of synchronous and asynchronous channels to proactively facilitate and provide learning support to students in online learning. The challenges include frustrations with online technologies and the difficulties of making personal connections with students; therefore, engaging some of the cohort in the learning proved to be difficult. At risk, students were less likely to participate in online live sessions due to issues such as the lack of proper computer equipment, connectivity issues, family responsibilities or the home environment. Practical implications This paper has the potential to inform and enhance practices of higher education institutions, accounting educators and other stakeholders such as support staff on strategies that could be implemented to achieve effective student engagement in online accounting education. Originality/value This paper is original and contributes towards sharing ideas with the academic community on effective teaching practices used during the COVID-19 pivot to online delivery, which can enhance student engagement in business education.

scholarly journals Assesssment of Health Facilities for Implementation of Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease in Nepal: Baseline Study in Kailali and Ilam District

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binod Kumar Aryal ◽  
Mohammad Daud ◽  
Ambika Thapa ◽  
Anita Mahotra ◽  
Sudip Ale Magar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Health Facilities ◽  
Essential Medicines ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Baseline Study ◽  
Non Communicable Disease

Background: Non-communicable Diseases are an alarming public health emergency in Nepal. Owing to the risk of NCD’s in Nepal, Government of Nepal has developed a Multisectoral Action Plan for Non-communicable Disease 2014-2020 and has adopted the World Health Organization Package of Essential Non-communicable Disease protocol. Prior for its implementation in Nepal, baseline study has been carried out to assess the status of health facilities in Nepal.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Kailali and Ilam district encompassing a total of 92 health facilities. A set of structured questionnaire and interview guideline was used to obtain the data. Collected data was transferred to Microsoft Excel, cleaned and analyzed in SPSS 16.0. Descriptive analysis was performed to express the frequencies and relative frequencies Results: Of the total health facilities, 49 and 43 health facilities of Ilam and Kailali were interviewed. The hospital of Ilam consisted all the procedure, equipment and medicine for the management of NCDs whilst, health posts lacked Oxygen services. Only 592 posts were fulfilled out of 704 sanctioned post in both the districts of which only 161 were trained in management of NCDs. Atotal of 231 patients were diagnosed with NCDs before the day of study in all the health facilities of both districts. Conclusions: Study reveals the gaps in capacity of health institution and system in terms of training, supply, equipments, and diagnostics. However, training of health workers, supply of essential medicines and improvising the service delivery would supplement the effective implementation of PEN in Nepal.

scholarly journals COVID-19 – what do we know and how are we dealing with it? A quick online cross-sectional study in India

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashwani Verma ◽  
Dhanshree R Gunjawate ◽  
Sanny Bhushan Kumar ◽  
CNV Sai Bharath ◽  
Rohit Ravi
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Good Knowledge ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Home Based ◽  
The Government ◽  
Infection Spread

PurposeCoronavirus disease 2019 is a global public health emergency affecting almost the entire world. The exponential spread of the infection has become a matter of concern. The study aims to determine how well people in India know about COVID-19 outbreak and actions taken to cope up during lockdown.Design/methodology/approachA total of 5,000 randomly selected participants were sent the survey link, of which 1,526 responded (response rate of 30.5%). The survey was conducted from March 28 till March 31, 2020. The 20-item questionnaire aimed to determine how well people know about COVID-19 outbreak as well as actions taken to cope up during the lockdown. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings.FindingsParticipants exhibited good knowledge about the primary and secondary symptoms of COVID-19 and infection spread. Over 95% participants knew preventive measures such as use of masks, sanitizers and hand wash. And, 80% of the participants felt that steps taken by the government are effective, while 93% opined that lockdown would be effective. There was apprehension regarding the infection spread, its containment and age group affected. Over 60% referred the World Health Organization website as their source of information. During the lockdown, participants engaged in home-based exercise (39%) and yoga (28%) for fitness while used social media (64%) and television (63%) for entertainment.Originality/valueAlthough participants exhibited good knowledge related to symptoms and preventive measure related to COVID-19, the beliefs related to infection spread and containment need to be addressed. These should be targeted through health promotional campaigns focusing on mental health and home-based physical activities.

The nexus of corporate social responsibility (CSR), affective commitment and organisational citizenship behaviour in academia

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 232-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rashid Ahmad ◽  
Saima Ahmad ◽  
Talat Islam ◽  
Ahmad Kaleem
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Affective Commitment ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Business Case ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Corporate Social

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advance knowledge on the implications of perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) on employee levels of commitment and citizenship behaviour (OCB) by investigating a trust-based mediational process in the context of academia. Design/methodology/approach The research data are collected from a sample of 736 academics through a questionnaire based survey administered in different Pakistani universities. The nature of trust-based mechanism underlying the relationships between CSR, affective commitment and OCB is determined through structural equation modelling of the research data. Findings The findings suggest that the perceived CSR is an important predictor of academics’ attitudes and behaviour in universities. Whilst the findings implicate the mediating role of trust in the process by which perceived CSR influences academics’ commitment, trust does not appear to mediate the perceived CSR’s relationship with OCB. Research limitations/implications This study utilises single-sourced and cross-sectional data, which may have resulted in common method bias. Practical implications By furnishing evidence of the beneficial effects of perceived CSR on academics’ levels of trust, commitment and citizenship behaviour, this study provides a business case for universities’ involvement in CSR. The findings are particularly useful to academic administrators and managers who are interested in nurturing positive attitudes and behaviours amongst academic staff. Originality/value There is a paucity of research on CSR in the academic work settings of developing countries. This is the first study to examine the trust-based microfoundation of CSR in the context of academia in Pakistan.

Trust and work place spirituality on knowledge sharing behaviour

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 317-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Sabbir Rahman ◽  
Aahad M Osmangani ◽  
Nuraihan Mat Daud ◽  
Abdul Hannan Chowdhury ◽  
Hasliza Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Workplace Spirituality ◽  
Higher Learning ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Institutions

Purpose – This empirical research aims to, to add value in the existing research on knowledge sharing, investigate the antecedents of knowledge-sharing behaviour by embedding trust and workplace spirituality variable on non-academic staff from higher learning institution in Malaysia. The role of trust, perceived risk and workplace spirituality towards knowledge-sharing behaviour has attracted significant attention from researchers and practitioners to facilitate the culture of knowledge sharing in organization settings. Design/methodology/approach – The units of analysis include non-academic staffs who are currently working in different higher learning institutions in Malaysia. Apart from descriptive study, this research applied confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Findings – The result revealed that there is a strong relationship between workplace spirituality and knowledge-sharing behaviour. On the other hand, the perceived risk variables partially mediate the association between trust and knowledge-sharing behaviour. Research limitations/implications – This research is a cross-sectional study. As a result, the limited sample size in this study may have an effect on the power of generalizability. Further research may be necessary to confirm the model across different industry to reveal the nature of the knowledge-sharing behaviour among the staff. Practical implications – The findings from this research could help the policymakers and the respective authorities of higher learning institutions to create a knowledge-sharing culture that is needed to support knowledge sharing and knowledge management within the higher learning institutions. Originality/value – This research not only adds value to knowledge-sharing literature but also used the variable like workplace spirituality under the context of Malaysian higher learning institution.

Organizational Characteristics Associated with High Performance in Medicare’s Comprehensive End-Stage Renal Disease Care Initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 1522-1530
Author(s):  
Kelsey M. Drewry ◽  
Amal N. Trivedi ◽  
Adam S. Wilk
Keyword(s):  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage Renal Disease ◽  
Standardized Mortality Ratio ◽  
Marginal Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Stage Renal Disease ◽  
End Stage

Background and objectivesMedicare plans to extend financial structures tested through the Comprehensive End-Stage Renal Disease Care (CEC) Initiative—an alternative payment model for maintenance dialysis providers—to promote high-value care for beneficiaries with kidney failure. The End-Stage Renal Disease Seamless Care Organizations (ESCOs) that formed under the CEC Initiative varied greatly in their ability to generate cost savings and improve patient health outcomes. This study examined whether organizational or community characteristics were associated with ESCOs’ performance.Design, setting, participants, & measurementsWe used a retrospective pooled cross-sectional analysis of all 37 ESCOs participating in the CEC Initiative during 2015–2018 (n=87 ESCO-years). Key exposures included ESCO characteristics: number of dialysis facilities, number and types of physicians, and years of CEC Initiative experience. Outcomes of interest included were above versus below median gross financial savings (2.4%) and standardized mortality ratio (0.93). We analyzed unadjusted differences between high- and low-performing ESCOs and then used multivariable logistic regression to construct average marginal effect estimates for parameters of interest.ResultsAbove-median gross savings were obtained by 23 (52%) ESCOs with no program experience, 14 (32%) organizations with 1 year of experience, and seven (16%) organizations with 2 years of experience. The adjusted likelihoods of achieving above-median gross savings were 23 (95% confidence interval, 8 to 37) and 48 (95% confidence interval, 24 to 68) percentage points higher for ESCOs with 1 or 2 years of program experience, respectively (versus none). The adjusted likelihood of achieving above-median gross savings was 1.7 (95% confidence interval, −3 to −1) percentage points lower with each additional affiliated dialysis facility. Adjusted mortality rates were lower for ESCOs located in areas with higher socioeconomic status.ConclusionsSmaller ESCOs, organizations with more experience in the CEC Initiative, and those located in more affluent areas performed better under the CEC Initiative.

A Study of the Effects of Facility and Service Provision on Physical Activity among Students and Staff at MCAST

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-60
Author(s):  
Renzo Kerr Cumbo ◽  
Matthew Muscat Inglott ◽  
Dorianne Caruana Bonnici
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Compulsory Education ◽  
World Health ◽  
Global Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Detailed Model ◽  
International Trends

Physical Inactivity is considered a key global risk factor for non-communicable diseases and premature mortality. In its 2017 global action plan, the World Health Organization (WHO) committed to reducing inactivity by 10% by 2025, representing a call-to-action for researchers worldwide to further explore physical activity (PA) trends in applied real world contexts. While research in Malta has revealed some valuable insights about PA among children and youths in compulsory education settings, less is known about the early adulthood years and the effect of higher education settings on PA habits. A cross-sectional survey design, and mixed methods approach to analysis was therefore developed to investigate PA trends among students and staff at MCAST, in light of various international trends and existing organizational structures at the college, namely, the effects of the provision and organization of facilities and activities on campus. The results show that 44% of students and staff at MCAST achieve WHO recommendations, while controlling for the effects of sports students’ PA levels the rate fell to 31% among the remaining student population, and 36% among staff. The achievement of PA recommendations was generally reflective of international trends in college and university settings, while the data on facility-use and activity-participation among various stratifications of students and staff are presented in the findings as a detailed model for assisting prospective development of more relevant, engaging, and effective PA-related initiatives and policies at MCAST.

scholarly journals Introducing a People’s Academy into Higher Education

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sally Elizabeth Hardy ◽  
Rebecca Malby ◽  
Nina Hallett ◽  
Anam Farooq ◽  
Carol Chamley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Academic Community ◽  
Entrepreneurial Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Clinical Placements ◽  
Health And Social Care

Purpose The introduction of a People’s Academy (PA) within the School of Health and Social Care (HSC) at London South Bank University has created ripples across the pond that is Higher Education. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach Working as a coproduction innovation hub, the PA celebrates inclusion of those with a lived experience of HSC services into the academic community as valued members of the teaching and learning team. In its second year the PA has gained attention and achieved a “highly commended” status from external regulating bodies. Findings In this paper the authors report on aspects arising from an entrepreneurial education approach. First, is the work-based learning experience students achieve within the Higher Education Institution (HEI) setting, preparing them for clinical placements and client encounters. Second are ripples of activity the PA work streams have sent throughout the academic staff via critically creative working practices as a process of entrepreneurial education. Conclusions focus on a sustainable approach to recovery and resilience (whether physical or psychological) and overall well-being that PA members recognise as a raised level of compassion for sustainable health and well-being for all. Social implications The work and enthusiasm of the PA as an authentic social engagement process rippling across the “University” experience; whether for students in the classroom or when working alongside academic staff, is identifiable in all aspects of academic activities. Most importantly is a positive gain in terms of knowledge, skills and confidence for the PA members themselves and their own well-being enhancement. Originality/value The PA approach to entrepreneurial education and work-based learning across the HEI setting is one of the first of its kind. This paper outlines core practices to achieve innovative coproduction approach that others may wish to replicate.

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