bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antagonism to human BST-2/tetherin by Sendai virus glycoproteins
Authors: Bampi Carole , Rasga Lara , Roux Laurent
Published: March 2013

Tetherin is an interferon-inducible factor that restricts viral particle production. We show here that Sendai virus (SeV) induces a drastic decrease in tetherin levels in infected HeLa cells. Using ectopic expression of tetherin in Madin–Darby canine kidney cells, we find that infectious SeV production is sensitive to restriction by tetherin, suggesting that SeV downregulates tetherin to counter this form of cellular restriction. By using radioactive tetherin in pulse–chase experiments, applying conditions that limit protein degradation, and by estimating tetherin mRNA levels, we find that tetherin degradation is the mechanism of downregulation. Suppression of the virus envelope proteins matrix, fusion (F) or haemagglutinin-neuraminidase protein (HN) during the course of infection demonstrates that F and HN, in concert, are responsible for tetherin degradation. The mechanism(s) by which these two viral glycoproteins participate in degrading tetherin remains to be determined.
The tumor suppressor SirT2 regulates cell cycle progression and genome stability by modulating the mitotic deposition of H4K20 methylation
Authors: Serrano Lourdes , Martínez-Redondo Paloma , Marazuela-Duque Anna , Vazquez Berta N. , Dooley Scott J. , Voigt Philipp , Beck David B. , Kane-Goldsmith Noriko , Tong Qiang , Rabanal Rosa M. , Fondevila Dolors , Muñoz Purificación , Krüger Marcus , Tischfield Jay A. , Vaquero Alejandro
Published: March 2013

The establishment of the epigenetic mark H4K20me1 (monomethylation of H4K20) by PR-Set7 during G2/M directly impacts S-phase progression and genome stability. However, the mechanisms involved in the regulation of this event are not well understood. Here we show that SirT2 regulates H4K20me1 deposition through the deacetylation of H4K16Ac (acetylation of H4K16) and determines the levels of H4K20me2/3 throughout the cell cycle. SirT2 binds and deacetylates PR-Set7 at K90, modulating its chromatin localization. Consistently, SirT2 depletion significantly reduces PR-Set7 chromatin levels, alters the size and number of PR-Set7 foci, and decreases the overall mitotic deposition of H4K20me1. Upon stress, the interaction between SirT2 and PR-Set7 increases along with the H4K20me1 levels, suggesting a novel mitotic checkpoint mechanism. SirT2 loss in mice induces significant defects associated with defective H4K20me1–3 levels. Accordingly, SirT2-deficient animals exhibit genomic instability and chromosomal aberrations and are prone to tumorigenesis. Our studies suggest that the dynamic cross-talk between the environment and the genome during mitosis determines the fate of the subsequent cell cycle.
The ASYMMETRIC LEAVES complex maintains repression of KNOX homeobox genes via direct recruitment of Polycomb-repressive complex2
Authors: Lodha Mukesh , Marco Cristina F. , Timmermans Marja C.P.
Published: March 2013

Polycomb-repressive complexes (PRCs) ensure the correct spatiotemporal expression of numerous key developmental regulators. Despite their pivotal role, how PRCs are recruited to specific targets remains largely unsolved, particularly in plants. Here we show that the Arabidopsis ASYMMETRIC LEAVES complex physically interacts with PRC2 and recruits this complex to the homeobox genes BREVIPEDICELLUS and KNAT2 to stably silence these stem cell regulators in differentiating leaves. The recruitment mechanism resembles the Polycomb response element-based recruitment of PRC2 originally defined in flies and provides the first such example in plants. Combined with recent studies in mammals, our findings reveal a conserved paradigm to epigenetically regulate homeobox gene expression during development.
Intronic sequence elements impede exon ligation and trigger a discard pathway that yields functional telomerase RNA in fission yeast
Authors: Kannan Ram , Hartnett Sean , Voelker Rodger B. , Berglund J. Andrew , Staley Jonathan P. , Baumann Peter
Published: March 2013

The fission yeast telomerase RNA (TER1) precursor harbors an intron immediately downstream from its mature 3′ end. Unlike most introns, which are removed from precursor RNAs by the spliceosome in two sequential but tightly coupled transesterification reactions, TER1 only undergoes the first cleavage reaction during telomerase RNA maturation. The mechanism underlying spliceosome-mediated 3′ end processing has remained unclear. We now demonstrate that a strong branch site (BS), a long distance to the 3′ splice site (3′ SS), and a weak polypyrimidine (Py) tract act synergistically to attenuate the transition from the first to the second step of splicing. The observation that a strong BS antagonizes the second step of splicing in the context of TER1 suggests that the BS–U2 snRNA interaction is disrupted after the first step and thus much earlier than previously thought. The slow transition from first to second step triggers the Prp22 DExD/H-box helicase-dependent rejection of the cleaved products and Prp43-dependent “discard” of the splicing intermediates. Our findings explain how the spliceosome can function in 3′ end processing and provide new insights into the mechanism of splicing.
Two complexes derived from the reaction ofM3(CO)12clusters (M= Ru, Os) with the 9-(triphenylphosphonio)fluorenide ylide: tricarbonyl[9-(triphenylphosphonio)fluorenylidene]ruthenium and nonacarbonyl-μ3-fluorenylidene-μ2-hydrido-triangulo-triosmium(III)
Authors: Arce Alejandro , De Sanctis Ysaura , Galarza Esperanza , Garland María Teresa , Baggio Ricardo
Published: March 2013

Tricarbonyl[9-(triphenylphosphonio)fluorenylidene]ruthenium, [Ru(C31H21P)(CO)3], (I), is mononuclear, consisting of a single Ru centre, to which three carbonyl units and a chelating μ3-9-(triphenylphosphonio)fluorenide ylide bind to generate a distorted octahedral RuC6core. Nonacarbonyl-μ3-fluorenylidene-μ2-hydrido-triangulo-triosmium(III), [Os3H(C13H7)(CO)9], (II), is trinuclear and presents a triangular triosmium core, nine carbonyl ligands and one fluorenylidene ligand. Two of the OsIIIcentres present a highly distorted hexacoordinated Os(Os2C4) core and are in turn bridged by a hydride ligand. The remaining OsIIIcation is octacoordinated, with an Os(Os2C6) nucleus. The crystal structures of both compounds are the result of nondirectional forces, much resembling the packing of weakly interacting quasi-spherical units,viz.the molecules themselves in (I) and centrosymmetric π–π-bonded dimers in (II).
Conflict management principles for groups and teams
Authors: Kolb Judith A.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose research‐based principles of conflict management that are grounded in practical experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a review of literature on topics related to each of four proposed conflict management principles as well as practical advice on implementing the principles.

Findings

The principles are as follows: take action early in the conflict cycle; use ground rules to encourage productive discussion of disagreements; discuss substantive conflict issues openly with the entire group; and discuss interpersonal conflict issues with the entire group only if doing so is concurrent with the purpose, time availability, and skill set of the group.

Practical implications

The principles should be useful to anyone who works with or on teams.

Originality/value

This paper provides a useful review of literature and proposes four conflict management principles that are based on research and grounded in practice.
Developing the next generation of leaders
Authors: Hagemann Bonnie , Stroope Saundra
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The fundamental skills leaders need to master include creating vision, leading teams, driving for results, and managing performance have not changed from the past. The aim of this paper is to explore the development of the next generation of leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

The bigger issue is that the majority of next generation leaders are just not ready and do not have the skills necessary to lead. This emphasizes the strong need for clear succession plans and a proactive emphasis on the development of high potentials and emerging leaders.

Findings

At the executive level the most commonly used development strategy is executive coaching.

Originality/value

Given the changing workforce demographics with the large number of Baby Boomers entering retirement and the pace of change organizations face today, the development of high potential and emerging leader talent pools is vital. Development is more important today than it has been in the past to attracting and retaining talent within organizations. Critical thinking skills and leadership skills such as leading change, creating vision, engaging others top the list of skills imperative to success.
Patterns of graduate students' information seeking behavior: a meta‐synthesis of the literature
Authors: Catalano Amy
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this review is to draw out patterns of information seeking behavior of graduate students as described in the empirical research published from 1997 to the present.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic search of databases for studies on information behavior and graduate students was employed in order to retrieve studies for a systematic review. Common themes that emerged from the literature were synthesized into a discussion of behavior patterns. Additionally a study quality analysis was conducted for all retrieved studies using a critical appraisal checklist for library and information research.

Findings

This review revealed that graduate students begin their research on the internet much like any other information seeker, consult their faculty advisors before other people, and use libraries in diverse ways depending on the discipline studied. Additionally differences were noted between international and home students, and doctoral and master's students.

Practical implications

The findings of this review indicate that information behavior research conducted on graduate students should delineate between masters' and doctoral students. Further, the findings may inform both academic librarian and faculty practice as to how to assist students with their research by helping them to understand how students typically approach research and how other institutions address common issues with special populations, such as non‐native speakers and distance learners.

Originality/value

No comprehensive review of information behavior studies, encompassing only the behaviors of graduate students has been conducted to date.
The stranger's tale: information seeking as an outsider activity
Authors: Hultgren Frances
Published: March 2013

Purpose

With a departure point in the Schutzian concept of “The stranger”, the aim of the article is to examine the usefulness of the concept as a tool for understanding information seeking practices from an outsider perspective in the context of leaving school and planning to apply to a university programme in Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on the phenomenological sociology of Schutz together with narrative theory. In this study stories of information seeking gathered in interviews are related to a discourse of nationality and analysed using the concept of cognitive authority together with the concept of the stranger.

Findings

The findings reveal the effort required for young people with roots in other countries or from non‐academic homes to connect and interact with potentially valuable sources of information and that the concept of the stranger can be employed to render visible implicit dimensions of information seeking.

Research limitations/implications

The article is based on an in‐depth study of the information seeking activities of one young person in a specific national, political and cultural context. It is particular and personal but at the same time can be related to wider issues in contemporary society through narrative analysis. The stories of information seeking taken up exemplify the social nature of barriers of access to information and may be of help in the planning of research projects on a larger scale.

Originality/value

In a time when a discourse of nationality is pervasive and integration policies are under question in Europe this study provides insight into the individual experience from the perspective of library and information science.
Contents and structure of abstracts
Authors: Šauperl Alenka , Jamar Nina , Němečková Lenka , Veselá Eliška , Dobrovolny Victor
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Publishers of some scientific journals and the ISO standard require or recommend specific information to be present in abstracts. However, little is known whether this is what scientists give when they write abstracts. The aim of this paper is to test the structure of abstracts in Czech, Slovenian and international scientific journals in the English language in the areas of library and information science (IS) and materials science (MS).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 100 research paper abstracts were selected from each journal, and content analysis was performed both manually and using Weft QDA qualitative analysis software.

Findings

The results show that neither the ISO nor the Emerald structure is entirely appropriate. Abstracts in IS usually have the following structure: Ikaros (CZ): background, purpose of the research project; Knjižnica (SI): background, results only indicated; Journal of Documentation: results, methods, and purpose. In MS, the abstracts usually report on the following. Czech MS journals: background, methods, results; Materiali in Tehnologije (SI): methods, background; Materials Science and Technology (international): methods, results. The differences can in part be attributed to the varying disciplines and to the different roles of journals in professional societies and to cultural differences in perception regarding the role of abstracts.

Social implications

It seems that purpose and results are usual for information science, while methods and results are more frequent for materials science.

Originality/value

This relatively small sample gives the first insight into the culture of writing abstracts in smaller research communities.
A complex network approach to supply chain network theory
Authors: Hearnshaw Edward J.S. , Wilson Mark M.J.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance supply chain network theory by applying theoretical and empirical developments in complex network literature to the context of supply chains as complex adaptive systems. The authors synthesize these advancements to gain an understanding of the network properties underlying efficient supply chains. To develop a suitable theory of supply chain networks, the authors look to mirror the properties of complex network models with real‐world supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review complex network literature drawn from multiple disciplines in top scientific journals. From this interdisciplinary review a series of propositions are developed around supply chain complexity and adaptive phenomena.

Findings

This paper proposes that the structure of efficient supply chains follows a “scale‐free” network. This proposal emerges from arguments that the key properties of efficient supply chains are a short characteristic path length, a high clustering coefficient and a power law connectivity distribution.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' discussion centres on applying advances found in recent complex network literature. Hence, the need is noted to empirically validate the series of propositions developed in this paper in a supply chain context.

Practical implications

If efficient supply chains resemble a scale‐free network, then managers can derive a number of implications. For example, supply chain resilience is derived by the presence of hub firms. To reduce the vulnerability of supply chains to cascading failures, it is recognized that managers could build in redundancy, undertake a multi‐sourcing strategy or intermediation between hub firms.

Originality/value

This paper advances supply chain network theory. It offers a novel understanding of supply chains as complex adaptive systems and, in particular, that efficient and resilient supply chain systems resemble a scale‐free network. In addition, it provides a series of propositions that allow modelling and empirical research to proceed.
A meta‐analysis of the determinants of modified audit opinion decisions
Authors: Habib Ahsan
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a meta‐analysis of the effect of: auditor and audit‐related variables; and firm‐specific variables on auditors' propensity to issue modified audit opinions. Auditor and audit‐related variables include Big N affiliation, audit firm industry specialization, audit firm and audit partner tenure, provision of non audit services and audit report lag. Some of the important firm‐specific variables include firm size, leverage, and profitability.

Design/methodology/approach

The Stouffer combined test is employed as the meta‐analysis technique for this paper. The test produces a z‐statistic that can be used to test the direction and significance of the effect of the hypothesized variables on the propensity of auditors to issue modified audit opinions. A total of 73 published studies are aggregated from 1982 to 2011.

Findings

Meta‐analysis result reveals that the effect of audit and auditor‐related variables on audit opinion decisions is far from conclusive. Big N affiliation and audit report lag variables are found to be positively related while the association between non‐audit fees and modified audit opinion decisions is negative. However, the significant effect of non‐audit fee variable is found only in non US studies. Evidence on the effect of firm‐specific variables on auditors' propensity to issue modified audit opinions is broadly consistent with hypotheses formulated in the published studies.

Practical implications

Meta‐analysis statistically aggregates results across individual studies and corrects for statistical artefacts like sampling and measurement error and, thereby, provides much greater precision with respect to the findings, compared with narrative reviews. The findings should be relevant for the current project on audit reporting initiated by the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB).

Originality/value

Audit opinion formulation is a complex procedure that culminates in the issuance of appropriate audit opinions. This paper adds value to the strand of audit opinion formulation research by documenting that some of the variables are more significant in explaining auditors' modified audit opinion decisions compared to other variables.
Social versus conservative democracies and homicide rates
Authors: Marktanner Marcus , Noiset Luc
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critique recent findings that democratic practices are positively related to homicide rates.

Design/methodology/approach

Economic rational choice model supported by empirical evidence.

Findings

It was found that higher homicide rates are only characteristic of democracies that fail to respond to the median voter's call for equitable social development.

Originality/value

The paper makes an original distinction between conservative and social democracies, operationalizes this distinction theoretically and empirically, and shows that higher homicide rates are a phenomenon of conservative, not social, democracies.
Preparation and characteristic analyses of polymer coatings developed by different organic resins
Authors: Ramesh K. , Vengadaesvaran B. , Rau S.R. , Ramesh T.S. , Arof A.K.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Corrosion is an important problem to be taken care in terms of economic and ecological aspects. The aim of this paper is to identify the methods of protection and selection of materials for corrosion protection.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel attempt has been made to formulate a hybrid composite paint system using silicone (S2) and polyester (P3) resins. These resins have been blended in different weight ratios to develop binder for protection coatings. Cross‐hatch test, impact resistance test, thermal characterization, impedance measurement and potential‐time measurement were conducted on binder coated steel panels. Heat resistance test was carried out using ASTM D2485 standards.

Findings

The results showed that physical and mechanical properties of the coatings have been improved by the addition of silicone into the polyester matrix. The binder system developed using 50 wt per cent polyester and 50 wt per cent silicone showed good physical, mechanical properties and high thermal resistance. The maximum coating resistance of the coatings after 30 days exposure was found to be 9.7×106 Ω and the coating can withstand high temperature up to 473 K.

Research limitations/implications

The development of different types of coatings will be useful to achieve higher protection performance. The combinations of different resins and pigments have to be analysed and selected suitable compositions.

Practical implications

The objective of this study is to develop coating system with different resins to achieve better performance and reduce the cost of paint materials. It may be useful for the industries to move forward with new formulation using multicomponent coating materials. A critical combination of the above resins offers better protection for steel structures from high temperature corrosive environments.

Originality/value

The formulation of coating material using two different resins and a single curing agent is a novel approach in this research. This type of research will open new ideas of formulating different coatings using various types of resins. In high temperature corrosion environment, the coatings which is commonly used is silicone based and the price of the raw material is very high therefore to reduce the cost of the raw material, the silicone resin is being blended in different ratios with organic resin to obtain an optimum ratio which can be applied to overcome high temperature corrosion on steel panels.
Community identification increases consumer‐to‐consumer helping, but not always
Authors: Johnson Zachary , Massiah Carolyn , Allan Jeffrey
Published: March 2013

Purpose

When consumers help other users of the same brand, both the brand and consumers benefit. To determine when consumer‐to‐consumer helping behaviors occur and to help managers encourage this value‐creating activity, this paper aims to investigate relationships between social identification and helping behavior intentions within a consumption community and its subgroups.

Design/methodology/approach

Surveys were given to consumers identified as members of a consumption community during an annual consumption event. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Consumers' identification with the overall community was positively related to helping behavior intentions toward the overall community, but not subgroup level. Subgroup identification was positively related to helping at the subgroup but negatively related to helping behavior intentions at the community level. When consumers identify with the overall community, they assist other consumers. However, consumers are less likely to help consumers in the overall community when identifying with a subgroup.

Practical implications

When consumers identify with a consumption community and its subgroups, their identification can lead to helping between members. Voluntary helping between consumers provides value to consumers and contributes to the firm's value‐creation process. This study helps managers understand how consumption community development simultaneously encourages and discourages consumer value‐creation through helping behaviors.

Originality/value

This study examines consumer value‐creation through the context of consumer helping intentions within consumption communities on a continuum, as opposed to the dichotomy implied by prior research. This study empirically demonstrates how consumers' membership in subgroups can motivate consumers to help some, but not other consumption community members.
Donors' experience of sustained charitable giving: a phenomenological study
Authors: Prendergast Gerard P. , Hak Wai Maggie Chan
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Charitable organizations need to have an in‐depth understanding of their donors in order to retain their donations and attract new donors. This is particularly the case when the relationship with the donor is expected to be sustained rather than a one‐off donation. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to discover the essence of donors' experiences of joining a child sponsorship program. The central research question is: What does it mean to be a child sponsor?

Design/methodology/approach

A phenomenological methodology was used to explore the experiences associated with charitable giving for individuals providing long‐term financial support to disadvantaged children.

Findings

An analysis of 84 significant statements from a series of in‐depth interviews revealed that sponsors experience both gains and losses from sponsoring a child. Financial ability and peers are influential in motivating child sponsorship, but the decision to sponsor a child is often not shared with family members. Sponsors indicated that they want to establish a close relationship with their sponsored child and they tend to sponsor children whom they perceive as similar in some respect to themselves.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused on existing sponsors and did not consider lapsers. Second, although interviewing was continued to the point of saturation, and although the sample size was relatively large for a phenomenological study, caution must be exercised when trying to extrapolate the findings to a broader population.

Practical implications

Charities should take a proactive role in managing communication between beneficiaries and sponsors. It is particularly important for the beneficiaries to communicate with the sponsors so as to give the sponsor the feeling of sponsoring a friend/family member. Charities could encourage their current sponsors to actively share their happiness and satisfaction with their friends. Testimonials and referral programs wherein happy sponsors share their experiences with potential sponsors would probably be productive. Finally, charities should aim to match sponsors and beneficiaries, at least in terms of nationality.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate long‐term charitable giving using an interpretative framework. The findings extend understanding of the experiences underlying sustained charitable giving and will be useful for charitable organizations seeking to understand more about the experiences of sponsors. Consideration of the findings will help charities maintain long‐term donor relationships and encourage more people to undertake long‐term sponsorship commitments.
A conceptual framework for systematic reviews of research in educational leadership and management
Authors: Hallinger Philip
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for scholars carrying out reviews of research that meet international standards for publication.

Design/methodology/approach

This is primarily a conceptual paper focusing on the methodology of conducting systematic reviews of research. However, the paper draws on a database of reviews of research previously conducted in educational leadership and management. In a separate effort, the author identified 40 reviews of research that had been published in educational leadership conducted over the past five decades. The paper draws upon narrative examples from the empirical review as a means of clarifying and elaborating on the elements of the conceptual framework. The paper also refers to specific findings from the earlier paper in order to illustrate broader trends with respect to how the various elements of the framework have been employed in exemplary reviews.

Findings

As scholars working across a broad range of scientific fields suggest, high quality reviews of research represent a potentially powerful means of reducing the gap between research and practice. Yet, the quality of research reviews conducted in educational leadership and management remain highly variable in methodological rigor. This paper provides a conceptual framework and language that scholars might use to guide the conduct and evaluation of future research reviews in educational leadership and management.

Research limitations/implications

The contribution of this paper lies first in highlighting the need for scholars to employ systematic methods when conducting research reviews in educational leadership and management. Beyond this broad purpose, the paper provides a framework for decision‐making at different points in the review process, and a set of criteria or standards by which authors, readers and reviewers can judge the quality of a research review. It is hoped that this conceptual framework can provide useful methodological guidance that will enhance longstanding efforts in our field to advance knowledge in a more systematic and coherent fashion.

Originality/value

This originality of this paper lies in its adaptation and application of recent methodological advances in conducting reviews of research across the natural and social sciences to the field of educational leadership and management. A search of core journals in educational leadership and management found not a single paper that discussed methods of conducting reviews of research. The paper offers a clear framework that will allow future scholars in educational leadership and management to improve the quality of their research reviews.
Student Academic Optimism: a confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Tschannen‐Moran Megan , Bankole Regina A. , Mitchell Roxanne M. , Moore Dennis M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This research aims to add to the literature on Academic Optimism, a composite measure composed of teacher perceptions of trust in students, academic press, and collective efficacy by exploring a similar set of constructs from the student perceptive. The relationships between student trust in teachers, student perceptions of academic press, and student identification with school were examined as well as how they were individually and collectively related to student achievement in the schools in an urban school district.

Design/methodology/approach

This study assessed the perceptions of students in 49 elementary, middle, and high schools in one urban district. The measures used included the Student Trust in Teachers Survey (Adams and Forsyth), the Identification with School Questionnaire (Voelkl), and an adaptation of Academic Press (Hoy, Hannum and Tschannen‐Moran). Confirmatory factor analysis was employed to explore whether these three observed variables would form a latent variable called Student Academic Optimism. Finally, the relationship of Academic Optimism to student achievement, controlling for SES, was examined using SEM.

Findings

Strong and significant relationships were found between all three of the observed variables. A CFA analysis confirmed that they formed a latent variable the authors called Student Academic Optimism. Student Academic Optimism had a significant direct effect on student achievement (b=0.73, p<0.01) while SES (percent of students eligible for the free and reduced lunch program) had a significant negative effect on student achievement (b=−0.37, p<0.01). Together student academic optimism and SES explained 67 percent of the variance in student achievement with student academic optimism making the largest contribution to the explanation.

Social implications

The findings that Student Academic Optimism was unrelated to SES and that Student Academic Optimism has a significant effect on achievement over and above the effects of SES and student demographic characteristics leads the authors to consider the possibility that SES may not be as influential as once thought when other conditions of the school environment are taken into consideration.

Originality/value

This study makes a unique contribution to the literature by focusing on the perspectives of students and by linking the measures of three important dynamics within schools to form a new construct: Student Academic Optimism.
Why teachers trust school leaders
Authors: Handford Victoria , Leithwood Kenneth
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Trust among teachers in schools is significantly related to student achievement and trust in school leaders is an important influence on such trust. The purpose of this study is to identify leadership practices which teachers interpret as signs of trustworthiness on the part of their principals.

Design/methodology/approach

Evidence for the study was provided by post‐observation interviews with 24 randomly selected teachers in three “high trust” and three “low trust” schools selected from a much larger sample of schools included in a national study. Coding of interview data was guided by a framework of trust antecedents identified through a wide‐ranging review of empirical research.

Findings

Results demonstrated that teacher trust in principals is most influenced by leadership practices which teachers interpret as indicators of competence, consistency and reliability, openness, respect and integrity.

Originality/value

These results, generally consistent with previous research, specify, in much greater detail than has been reported to date, leadership trust‐building practices.
Teachers’ beliefs and continuing professional development
Authors: de Vries Siebrich , van de Grift Wim J.C.M. , Jansen Ellen P.W.A.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Teachers’ continuing professional development (CPD) should improve teacher quality and teaching practices, though teachers vary in the extent to which they participate in CPD activities. Because beliefs influence working and learning, and teachers’ beliefs about learning and teaching influence their instructional decisions, this study aims to explore the link between teachers’ beliefs about learning and teaching and their participation in CPD.

Design/methodology/approach

This study features two belief dimensions (student and subject matter orientation) and three types of CPD activities (updating, reflective, and collaborative). Survey data from 260 Dutch secondary school teachers were collected and analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Student‐oriented beliefs relate positively to teachers’ participation in CPD: the more student‐oriented teachers are, the more they participate in CPD. No relationship emerges between subject matter–oriented beliefs and CPD.

Practical implications

To intensify teachers’ participation in CPD and thereby improve teacher quality and teaching practices, schools should emphasize a student orientation among their teachers.

Originality/value

The original empirical study examines the relationship between teachers’ beliefs about learning and teaching and their participation in CPD and thus furthers understanding of factors that influence teachers’ participation in CPD.
The art and science of effective feedback
Authors: Betz Ann
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain how to provide effective feedback.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers three impediments to effective feedback – the pain of social rejection, the fact that people tend to listen from their dominant brain hemisphere and subjectivity, culture and personal reference points – and describes how to overcome them.

Findings

The paper highlights the importance of getting authentically connected, getting the opposite brain hemisphere activated in the feedback process or, ideally, activating both, and providing feedback in terms of the impact a person experienced.

Practical implications

The paper asserts that context and relationship must be created before the feedback is given for it to have the most powerful, positive impact. Ideally, the person receiving the feedback will also have a choice as to whether he or she wants to hear it, and when.

Social implications

The paper reveals that, through studies in neuroscience, psychology, consciousness and even quantum physics, new things are being learned daily about how humans think and behave.

Originality/value

The paper reveals why feedback can make people feel threatened and explains what to do about it.
Investigating the structural relationship between loyalty programme service quality, satisfaction and loyalty for retail loyalty programmes: evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Asiah Omar Nor , Aniza Che Wel Che , Abd Aziz Norzalita , Shah Alam Syed
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Retaining and cultivating customer loyalty has become increasingly important for loyalty programme providers and retailers due to the highly competitive environment. The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a model investigating how loyalty programme service quality (LPSQual) enhances programme perceived value and programme satisfaction to win loyalty among cardholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Quota sampling technique, using a self‐administered questionnaire survey, was used with a total of 400 respondents who are card holders of loyalty programmes from departments and superstores in the capital of Malaysia.

Findings

It is found that all the loyalty programme service attributes (policy, reward, tangibility, information usefulness, courteousness/helpfulness and communication quality), with the exception of personalization, have a significant positive influence on perceived value. The positive relationship between perceived value‐programme loyalty and programme satisfaction‐programme loyalty was also significant. The result also suggests that programme satisfaction affects store loyalty only through programme loyalty.

Practical implications

The results highlight the crucial role of loyalty programme service attributes in influencing value, satisfaction and loyalty among card holders of a loyalty programme.

Originality/value

This paper seems to be the first in investigating the impacts of LPSQual on value, satisfaction and loyalty in departments and superstores, particularly in the Malaysia context.
Reducing social isolation and promoting well being in older people
Authors: Hemingway Ann , Jack Eleanor
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a three year research project exploring the impacts of an intervention seeking to reduce social isolation in older people.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used qualitative research methods and a participative approach to facilitate the generation of the research objectives and process. Participant observation and individual/focus group interviews were used to collect data from 100 participants.

Findings

Overall the perceived benefits for attendees of attending the friendship clubs fell into three key areas: improved well being, social relations and mental and physical health.

Research limitations/implications

A weakness of the participant observation method includes the possibility that the presence of the researcher influenced the findings. The process of gaining different data sets (observation, interviews and focus groups) and checking findings with another researcher and the research participants as the study progressed reduced the likelihood of this bias occurring. This study only considered individuals who attended the clubs. There are many who may not get this opportunity and the issue of how to engage with them through this type of intervention is not addressed.

Originality/value

This study adds to the literature to guide practice and service provision as it introduces the finding that even when living with their families, older people can still feel socially isolated. In addition, this study found that club members and volunteers viewed themselves as assets for each other, offering support, advice and friendship – an important finding for service commissioners and providers.
Understanding dignity and care: an exploratory qualitative study on the views of older people of African and African‐Caribbean descent
Authors: Saltus Roiyah , Folkes Elizabeth
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a qualitative exploratory study conducted in Wales to explore what dignity and care mean from the perspectives of men and women aged 50 years and older who self‐identified as being either African‐Caribbean/West Indian, or Black Welsh (third‐ or fourth‐generation, with links to Africa or the Caribbean).

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty‐one semi‐structured interviews were undertaken, allowing for the collection of data on the participants' understanding of dignity (what it is, and what it “looks and feels like”) and of care.

Findings

Dignity and respect for older people are revealed to be key aspects of the participants' personal value systems. The notion of care is understood as “caring about” and is seen to be a key indicator of dignity. Moreover, both care and dignity were understood and, for many of the participants, were both conceptualised on a personal basis and shaped by a sense of identity that was, in part and to varying extents, communally mediated and rooted in a cultural collectivistic value orientation. The findings also reveal the intersections of care and minority ethnicity, and how – to varying extents – these intersections shape the participants' perceptions of how they are recognised and acknowledged in encounters where dignity is especially important, such as in the receiving of care. With these perceptions come various levels of engagement, avoidance or acceptance of the need for extra care or support.

Originality/value

Exploratory in nature, this study investigates the importance of paying attention to the impact that cultural and ethnic identity (and accompanying belief systems) may have on how notions of dignity and of care (both personal and communally mediated) are understood. It seeks to contribute to the body of evidence on ways of working with “seldom‐heard” groups and the importance of building trust and establishing long‐term, community‐based research networks.
Integration of health and social care – what can Wales learn … and contribute?
Authors: Morgan Gareth
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to present a review on health and social care service integration, drawing on experience from the United Kingdom, Europe and Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature was undertaken and critical summaries of the findings are presented.

Findings

It seems no country can put forward a universal set of principles that are applicable in all settings.

Practical implications

Each country has their own challenges, so perhaps this encourages Welsh professionals to learn from their own experience.

Originality/value

This paper adds value by drawing together the literature and providing a contribution from Wales.
Involving people with dementia in the work of an organisation: Service User Review Panels
Authors: Tooke Jane
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This purpose of this paper is to provide details of a project to involve people with dementia in reviewing pieces of work being undertaken by Alzheimer's Society staff. Service User Review Panels (SURPs) were developed as a way to orientate participation around the requirements of service users with dementia.

Design/methodology/approach

SURPs took account of the specific communication and other needs highlighted in the literature on involving people with dementia. The underlying principles of SURPs concerned the quality of the relationship between the facilitator and the participants, the process of consent, the types of communication used, and the establishment of ownership. These principles were evaluated using observation of meetings, focus groups with panel members, and semi structured interviews with participating staff.

Findings

During the pilot, SURPs fed into the work of the organisation in a number of ways including helping to set organisational priorities, and reviewing the content of tools, materials and policies. They also created increased opportunities for contact between staff and people with dementia. This paper details three examples that illustrate some of the processes involved, the issues that arose, and the learning that resulted. It concludes by outlining some of the factors of success and some of the limitations of SURPs.

Originality/value

These findings might be of use to researchers and practitioners wanting to involve people with dementia in their work or their organisation.
Multi‐criteria supply chain performance evaluation
Authors: Vaidya Omkarprasad , Hudnurkar Manoj
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Understanding the significance of supply chain, demands need of multiple criteria for its performance evaluation. The aim of this paper is to propose an approach to evaluate the performance of supply chain using multiple criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐criteria decision making tool, like analytic hierarchy process is used to develop an eight step methodology for performance evaluation. The proposed methodology is also elucidated with an illustration and a case from Indian chemical company.

Findings

Supply chain performance number is computed, suggesting the present performance status of the supply chain. The methodology also helps rank the various links according to its performance. The analysis leads in computation of supply chain performance number (SCPN): the value lies between 0 and 1.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology can be suitably modified to accommodate any number of criteria and supply links, given the structure of the supply chain.

Practical implications

A case from an Indian chemical industry is presented in this paper. The findings of which, are encouraging and have benefited the practicing mangers in various ways.

Originality/value

This paper presents a unique approach for supply chain performance evaluation considering multiple criteria, with a flexibility to modify and analyze using the available data sets.
Ukrainian prisoners and community reentry challenges: implications for transitional care
Authors: Morozova Olga , Azbel Lyuba , Grishaev Yevgeny , Dvoryak Sergii , Wickersham Jeffrey A. , Altice Frederick L.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The study aims to assess reentry challenges faced by Ukrainian prisoners and to determine the factors associated with having a greater number of challenges in order to suggest pre‐ and post‐release interventions with the aim of facilitating community reintegration.

Design/methodology/approach

A representative national cross‐sectional study with a sample size of 402 prisoners was conducted among imprisoned adults within six months of release. The study consisted of interviews and biological testing for infectious diseases. Anticipated reentry challenges were assessed using a structured questionnaire.

Findings

The most difficult and relatively important challenges identified were finding a job or a stable source of income and staying out of prison following release. Risk‐specific challenges pertinent to drug users and HIV‐infected individuals were assessed as difficult, but generally less important. Similarly, challenges associated with reducing drug relapse were ranked as less important, with only 0.6 percent identifying opioid substitution therapy as a helpful measure. In the multivariate analysis, having a greater number of challenges is associated with previous incarcerations, drug use immediately before incarceration and lower levels of social support.

Practical implications

To facilitate community re‐integration, it is vital to design interventions aimed at reducing recidivism and improvement of social support through comprehensive case management as well as to improve understanding about and address drug dependence issues among inmates by implementing evidence‐based treatment both within prisons and after release.

Originality/value

This is the first comprehensive assessment of community reentry challenges by prisoners in the former Soviet Union.