Information Systems and Healthcare XXXVI: Building and Maintaining Social Capital–Evidence from the Field

This study investigates how social capital is built and maintained in a Hybrid Virtual Communities (HVC), that is, a group of people with shared interests who meet face-to-face to exchange information and knowledge or provide emotional support and also do so in a “virtual” or online environment. Past health-IS research has primarily focused on pure virtual environments; however, many communities entail face-to-face interactions as well. This research helps fill this void. Discourse analysis of virtual interactions, face-to-face (FTF) observations, and semi-structured interviews of a patient-oriented HVC were analyzed, providing rich descriptive data. Using the theoretical foundation of social capital, this article extends existing theory by combining Drentea and Moren-Cross’s [2005] social support framework with Etzioni and Etzioni’s [1999] aspects of community framework to better explain building and maintaining social capital in a HVC

Enabling Attributes for Team-Based Knowledge Sharing: A Preliminary Empirical Test

This study proposes and empirically tests a conceptual model of knowledge sharing in a team-based environment. Relationships among people in organizations play a significant role in the transfer of knowledge. Using social psychology as our theoretical frame of reference, we propose that empathy and helping behaviors lead to enhanced knowledge sharing. A written survey was developed and piloted to test these two enabling conditions. Our data show that both result in higher levels of transacting behaviors in which knowledge is shared

Data Flow Diagramming Skills Acquisition: Impact of Cooperative versus Individual Learning

Information systems (IS) process modeling using the technique of Data Flow Diagramming (viz., Systems Analysis) can be defined as a complex task for IS designers. This study draws from the domains of educational psychology and organizational behavior in examining the training of novices in conceptual process modeling. Specifically, an experiment was conducted to determine what effects cooperative, team based participation has on self-efficacy and learning outcomes in dataflow diagramming (DFD) tasks. Results showed novice learners of DFDs performed better when working in cooperative teams rather than learning alone. For those learning in cooperative teams, neither team conflict nor team cohesion had any effect on DFD skill acquisition

Using Social Networking for Educational and Cultural Adaptation: An Exploratory Study

This study investigates how an innovative technology, social networking, can be used in the process of building and maintaining social capital and exchanging knowledge in an educational setting. We employ a qualitative methodology, autoethnography, to examine how social networking can help students learn from other classmates and professors, exchange knowledge, and adjust both to a new program of study and to living in the United States. Using the theoretical foundation of social capital (Jacobs, 1960) and a social support framework created by Drentea and Moren-Cross (2005), autobiographical narratives are classified as instrumental support, emotional support, and community building. Our findings provide evidence that social networking sites can enhance social capital through these mechanisms in a doctoral education context, and our research serves as an important first step in addressing a gap in educational and cultural adaptation studies using social networking tools

Factors Affecting the Adoption of Knowledge Management Technologies: An International Perspective

As global competition continues to heighten, organizations are realizing they must effectively use and manage employee knowledge to remain competitive. Information technology (IT) facilitates knowledge management through enabling rapid dispersion of knowledge, collaborative work efforts, and effective storage and retrieval of knowledge. While theoretical and case-based research has explored facets of knowledge management, empirical work concerning the factors that enable adoption of knowledge management technologies is lacking. This research will investigate this important issue through a sample survey of IT executives in the United States, Mexico and Japan. A framework consisting of three categories of variables is used: organizational, technical, and environmental. Findings in each of these areas offer important implications for research and practice

Biofilm-forming capability of highly virulent, multidrug-resistant Candida auris

The emerging multidrug-resistant yeast pathogen Candida auris has attracted considerable attention as a source of healthcare–associated infections. We report that this highly virulent yeast has the capacity to form antifungal resistant biofilms sensitive to the disinfectant chlorhexidine in vitro

A Leadership Knowledge Management Model for E-Government: A Preliminary Empirical Test

Although technology has greatly enhanced the ability of government to provide resources electronically, there is still a need for the development of knowledge management systems that potentially improve flexibility and provide citizens with better service. As e-government continues to grow, a key area is the advancement of leadership to increasingly provide effective knowledge resources to the public sector. Drawing from the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA) leadership triad as a research framework, the purpose of this study is to develop and test a model that identifies the relationship between leadership and knowledge management within a city government. The study, conducted over a fiveweek period, indicated a strong relationship between the MBNQA leadership triad and knowledge management

PolymiRTS Database 2.0: linking polymorphisms in microRNA target sites with human diseases and complex traits

The polymorphism in microRNA target site (PolymiRTS) database aims to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect miRNA targeting in human and mouse. These polymorphisms can disrupt the regulation of gene expression by miRNAs and are candidate genetic variants responsible for transcriptional and phenotypic variation. The database is therefore organized to provide links between SNPs in miRNA target sites, cis-acting expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), and the results of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of human diseases. Here, we describe new features that have been integrated in the PolymiRTS database, including: (i) polymiRTSs in genes associated with human diseases and traits in GWAS, (ii) polymorphisms in target sites that have been supported by a variety of experimental methods and (iii) polymorphisms in miRNA seed regions. A large number of newly identified microRNAs and SNPs, recently published mouse phenotypes, and human and mouse eQTLs have also been integrated into the database. The PolymiRTS database is available at http://compbio.uthsc.edu/miRSNP/

Protocol for the Foot in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis trial (FiJIA): a randomised controlled trial of an integrated foot care programme for foot problems in JIA

<b>Background</b>: Foot and ankle problems are a common but relatively neglected manifestation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Studies of medical and non-medical interventions have shown that clinical outcome measures can be improved. However existing data has been drawn from small non-randomised clinical studies of single interventions that appear to under-represent the adult population suffering from juvenile idiopathic arthritis. To date, no evidence of combined therapies or integrated care for juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients with foot and ankle problems exists. <b>Methods/design</b>: An exploratory phase II non-pharmacological randomised controlled trial where patients including young children, adolescents and adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and associated foot/ankle problems will be randomised to receive integrated podiatric care via a new foot care programme, or to receive standard podiatry care. Sixty patients (30 in each arm) including children, adolescents and adults diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who satisfy the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be recruited from 2 outpatient centres of paediatric and adult rheumatology respectively. Participants will be randomised by process of minimisation using the Minim software package. The primary outcome measure is the foot related impairment measured by the Juvenile Arthritis Disability Index questionnaire's impairment domain at 6 and 12 months, with secondary outcomes including disease activity score, foot deformity score, active/limited foot joint counts, spatio-temporal and plantar-pressure gait parameters, health related quality of life and semi-quantitative ultrasonography score for inflammatory foot lesions. The new foot care programme will comprise rapid assessment and investigation, targeted treatment, with detailed outcome assessment and follow-up at minimum intervals of 3 months. Data will be collected at baseline, 6 months and 12 months from baseline. Intention to treat data analysis will be conducted. A full health economic evaluation will be conducted alongside the trial and will evaluate the cost effectiveness of the intervention. This will consider the cost per improvement in Juvenile Arthritis Disability Index, and cost per quality adjusted life year gained. In addition, a discrete choice experiment will elicit willingness to pay values and a cost benefit analysis will also be undertaken