bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complement C3 and C3aR mediate different aspects of emotional behaviours; relevance to risk for psychiatric disorder
Authors: Westacott Laura J. , Humby Trevor , Haan Niels , Brain Sophie A. , Bush Emma-Louise , Toneva Margarita , Baloc Andreea-Ingrid , Moon Anna L. , Reddaway Jack , Owen Michael J. , Hall Jeremy , Hughes Timothy R. , Morgan B. Paul , Gray William P. , Wilkinson Lawrence S.
Published: June 2019

Complement is a key component of the immune system with roles in inflammation and host-defence. Here we reveal novel functions of complement pathways impacting on emotional reactivity of potential relevance to the emerging links between complement and risk for psychiatric disorder. We used mouse models to assess the effects of manipulating components of the complement system on emotionality. Mice lacking the complement C3a Receptor (C3aR-/-) demonstrated a selective increase in unconditioned (innate) anxiety whilst mice deficient in the central complement component C3 (C3-/-) showed a selective increase in conditioned (learned) fear. The dissociable behavioural phenotypes were linked to different signalling mechanisms. Effects on innate anxiety were independent of C3a, the canonical ligand for C3aR, consistent with the existence of an alternative ligand mediating innate anxiety, whereas effects on learned fear were due to loss of iC3b/CR3 signalling. Our findings show that specific elements of the complement system and associated signalling pathways contribute differentially to heightened states of anxiety and fear commonly seen in psychopathology.
FAAH, SLC6A4, and BDNF variants are not associated with psychosocial stress and mental health outcomes in a population of Syrian refugee youth
Authors: Clukay Christopher J. , Matarazzo Anthony , Dajani Rana , Hadfield Kristin , Panter-Brick Catherine , Mulligan Connie J.
Published: June 2019

The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) hypothesis posits that early childhood stressors disproportionately impact adult health. Numerous studies have found adult mental health to be associated with childhood adversities and genetic variants, particularly in genes related to neurochemistry. However, few studies have examined the way interactive effects may manifest over time and fewer still include protective factors, like resilience. Our group has previously found associations between the monoamine oxidase A gene, MAOA, and a contextually-specific measure of resilience with a measure of perceived psychosocial stress over time in Syrian refugee youth. In this study, we work with the same sample of adolescents to test genetic variants in three additional candidate genes (FAAH, the 5-HTTLPR region of SLC6A4, and BDNF) for associations with six psychosocial stress and mental health outcomes. Using multi-level modeling, we find no association between variants in these candidate genes and psychosocial stress or mental health outcomes. Our analysis included tests for both direct genetic effects and interactions with lifetime trauma and resilience. Negative results, such as the lack of genetic associations with outcome measures, provides a more complete framework in which to better understand positive results and associations.
Monopoly behavior of China’s manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Wang Guidong
Published: June 2019

Purpose

With the increase of state capital, corporate total factor productivity (TFP) has a tendency to jump up at first and then slowly decrease. Generally, no significant “productivity paradox” can be observed in China’s manufacturing industry. With the increase of export density, corporate TFP also shows a trend of initial jump growth and subsequent slow decline. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the 1996–2013 China Industrial Enterprise Database, this paper studies the monopolistic behavior of Chinese manufacturing enterprises through the measurement of TFP and corporate monopoly power.

Findings

Results show that China’s manufacturing monopoly enterprises are generally innovation-oriented rather than rent-seeking. However, there are certain differences between diversified types of monopoly enterprises: the ones with state capital are more inclined to innovate than those without, whereas the ones with export delivery value are more inclined to seek rent than those without.

Originality/value

Therefore, the government should implement differentiated policies for diversified types of monopoly enterprises, and do so in a targeted manner fully reflecting the containment of rent-seeking and the encouragement of innovation.
Newtonian heat and mass conditions impact in thermally radiated Maxwell nanofluid Darcy–Forchheimer flow with heat generation
Authors: Waqas Muhammad , Gulzar M. Mudassar , Khan Waqar Azeem , Khan Muhammad Ijaz , Khan Niaz B.
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to elaborate the characteristics of magneto-Maxwell nanoliquid toward moving radiated surface. Flow analysis subject to Darcy–Forchheimer concept is studied. Newtonian heat/mass conditions and heat source aspects are taken into account for modeling. Apposite transformations are introduced for non-dimensionalization process.

Design/methodology/approach

Optimal homotopy analysis method is implemented to compute convergent solutions of nonlinear ordinary differential equations.

Findings

Temperature field increments when thermophoresis, heat generation and Brownian movement parameters are increased, whereas reverse situation is noticed for larger Prandtl number. The results also witness that concentration distribution has opposite characteristics for larger thermophoresis and Brownian movement parameters. Furthermore, the presented analysis reduces to traditional Darcy relation in the absence of local inertia coefficient.

Originality/value

As per the authors’ knowledge, no such analysis has been yet reported.
Understanding the emergence of entrepreneurial passion
Authors: Stenholm Pekka , Nielsen Mette Søgaard
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Recent research acknowledges entrepreneurial passion’s outcomes, but far less is known about how entrepreneurial passion comes about. In this study, the authors are interested in the emergence of entrepreneurial passion, and how competences and social network are associated with entrepreneurial passion. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigate whether entrepreneurial passion emerges out of socialisation, entrepreneurial experience or various combinations thereof. The authors tested the hypotheses on a data set of entrepreneurs who started their businesses with government financial support (n=1150).

Findings

The findings show that within a social environment, perceived emotional support is positively associated with entrepreneurial passion. Moreover, entrepreneurs’ task-related competence moderates this relationship positively. By investigating the emergence of entrepreneurial passion, the authors contribute to prior passion literature, which has mainly focused on its consequences.

Originality/value

The findings demonstrate both how entrepreneurial passion is associated with and how perceived emotional support can stem from unexpected sources, such as from a government-based start-up grant. For entrepreneurs, an increased awareness of passion’s emergence could better encourage them in their entrepreneurial endeavours. To people who are engaged in promoting entrepreneurship, our findings emphasise the symbolic and emotional aspects of instruments intended to support entrepreneurship.
Assistive technology and schizophrenia
Authors: Devlin Hannah , Nolan Clodagh , Turner Niall
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Assistive technology (AT) has been highlighted as a tool that can support self-management for people living with schizophrenia. A gap in the literature exists regarding the views held by the stakeholders involved in the health care of an individual living with schizophrenia regarding the potential use of AT to enable the self-management of this condition. The purpose of this paper is to explore how individuals living with schizophrenia, their relatives and their mental health care professionals view AT as a tool to facilitate self-management.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed methods research paper will discuss the findings of the second stage of a two-stage research study. The paper will discuss the findings of questionnaires that were disseminated to service users living with schizophrenia, their relatives and the health-care professionals of a community mental health service in the Greater Dublin area.

Findings

The results indicate that the introduction of AT for the self-management of schizophrenia would be accepted by key stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

As AT continues to develop, it is clear from the findings presented in this paper that the main stakeholder groups involved in the care of an individual living with schizophrenia are amenable to the use of AT to facilitate the self-management of this condition. Further research is required to explore correct policing and management of its implementation.

Originality/value

This study is the first study of its kind within an Irish context to explore the use of assistive technology as a tool for self-management from the perspective of those experiencing schizophrenia, their relatives and the health-care professionals working alongside them.
A medical transportation robot for carrying and positioning patients between different devices
Authors: Wang Weidong , Du Chengjin , Du Zhijiang
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a prototype of medical transportation robot whose positioning accuracy can reach millimeter-level in terms of patient transportation. By using this kind of mobile robot, a fully automatic image diagnosis process among independent CT/PET devices and the image fusion can be achieved.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, a large-load 4WD-4WS (four-wheel driving and four-wheel steering) mobile robot for carrying patient among multiple medical imaging equipments is developed. At the same time, a specially designed bedplate with self-locking function is also introduced. For further improving the positioning accuracy, the authors proposed a calibration method based on Gaussian process regression (GPR) to process the measuring data of the sensors. The performance of this robot is verified by the calibration experiment and Image fusion experiment. Finally, concluding comments are drawn.

Findings

By calibrating the robot’s positioning system through the proposed GPR method, one can obtain the accuracy of the robot’s offset distance and deflection angle, which are 0.50 mm and +0.21°, respectively. Independent repeated trials were then set up to verify this result. Subsequent phantom experiment shows the accuracy of image fusion can be accurate within 0.57 mm in the front-rear direction and 0.83 in the left-right direction, respectively, while the clinical experiment shows that the proposed robot can practically realize the transportation of patient and image fusion between multiple imaging diagnosis devices.

Practical implications

The proposed robot offers an economical image fusion solution for medical institutions whose imaging diagnosis system basically comprises independent MRI, CT and PET devices. Also, a fully automatic diagnosis process can be achieved so that the patient’s suffering of getting in and out of the bed and the doctor’s radiation dose can be obviated.

Social implications

The general bedplate presented in Section 2 that can be mounted on the CT and PET devices and the self-locking mechanism has realized the catching and releasing motion of the patient on different medical devices. They also provide a detailed method regarding patient handling and orientation maintenance, which was hardly mentioned in previous research. By establishing the positioning system between the robot and different medical equipment, a fully automatic diagnosis process can be achieved so that the patient’s suffering of getting in and out of the bed and the doctor’s radiation dose can be obviated.

Originality/value

The GPR-based method proposed in this paper offers a novel method for enhancing the positioning accuracy of the industrial AGV while the transportation robot proposed in this paper also offers a solution for modern imaging fusion diagnosis, which are basically predicated on the conjoint analysis between different kinds of medical devices.
“Mind the gap”: to succeed in marketing politics, think of social media innovation
Authors: Anim Patrick Amfo , Asiedu Frederick Okyere , Adams Matilda , Acheampong George , Boakye Ernestina
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the relationships between political marketing via social media and young voters’ political participation in Ghana. Additionally, this study examines the mediating role political efficacy plays in enhancing the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

With a positivist mindset, and adopting the survey strategy, data gathered from the questionnaire administered from the sampled 320 young voters (18-29 years) in Greater Accra were quantitatively analyzed. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to assess and confirm the proposed scales validity and the relationships of the research model.

Findings

The study revealed that a political party or candidate’s ability to achieve political participation from Ghanaian young voters’ is dependent on how effective they build customer relationship or gaining visibility through social media. In addition, the study showed that political efficacy mediates the relationship between customer relationship building or gaining visibility through social media and political participation among Ghana young voters. Thus, young voters in Ghana must see themselves to have a say in the affairs of political parties through the political messages they gather from social media platforms to enhance their political participation activities.

Practical implications

The results of this paper will enable political marketers and politicians not only in Ghana but across the globe, to better understand how social media as a communication tool could be used to positively influence users’ political participation.

Originality/value

Considering the uniqueness of this study in a Ghanaian context, this paper is the first of its kind to use the social capital theory in examining the mediating role political efficacy plays in enhancing the relationship between political marketing on social media and young voters’ political participation.
Professional and peer support preferences for women who self-harm in custody
Authors: Griffiths Louise , Bailey Di , Slade Karen
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Peer and professional support are important for women in prison to help them tackle a range of issues including self-harm. To date, research has not explored in any depth how women experience peer support provided in prison to help them manage their self-harm including peer support provided through the Listeners Scheme. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a case study in one women’s prison employing mixed, qualitative methods. These included a questionnaire distributed to women and staff, a focus group with prison listeners, semi-structured interviews with women who self-harmed and semi-structured interviews with prison staff, together with a series of observations in the prison site.

Findings

While women in prison welcomed both professional and peer support their support preferences were influenced by how serious women considered their self-harm to be and the degree to which they regarded their relationships with staff as trusting and/or supportive. The therapeutic community (TC) that operated in the prison facilitated different relationships between women who self-harmed in prison and staff, than have hitherto been reported in the research literature. These relationships described by women and staff as “more open” allowed women to seek staff support when managing their self-harm behaviours. Women sought peer support from listeners in addition to staff support particularly at times when staff were unavailable for example at evenings and weekends.

Research limitations/implications

The case study design was conducted in one women’s prison which operated a TC. The principles of the TC that operated in the prison are supported by the wider literature on TCs as conducive to good mental health. Findings are thus relevant for establishments with TCs .

Originality/value

Women opted for support from staff for helping them to manage their severe self-harm, over and above the peer support available through the prison Listener Scheme. This finding contrasts with previous research that suggests women trying to manage their self-harm in prison prioritise support from their peers because staff are often found to harbour unhelpful attitudes to women’s self-harm that makes seeking support difficult.
The reading background of Goodreads book club members: a female fiction canon?
Authors: Thelwall Mike , Bourrier Karen
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Despite the social, educational and therapeutic benefits of book clubs, little is known about which books participants are likely to have read. In response, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the public bookshelves of those that have joined a group within the Goodreads social network site.

Design/methodology/approach

Books listed as read by members of 50 large English-language Goodreads groups – with a genre focus or other theme – were compiled by author and title.

Findings

Recent and youth-oriented fiction dominate the 50 books most read by book club members, whilst almost half are works of literature frequently taught at the secondary and postsecondary level (literary classics). Whilst J.K. Rowling is almost ubiquitous (at least 63 per cent as frequently listed as other authors in any group, including groups for other genres), most authors, including Shakespeare (15 per cent), Goulding (6 per cent) and Hemmingway (9 per cent), are little read by some groups. Nor are individual recent literary prize winners or works in languages other than English frequently read.

Research limitations/implications

Although these results are derived from a single popular website, knowing more about what book club members are likely to have read should help participants, organisers and moderators. For example, recent literary prize winners might be a good choice, given that few members may have read them.

Originality/value

This is the first large scale study of book group members’ reading patterns. Whilst typical reading is likely to vary by group theme and average age, there seems to be a mainly female canon of about 14 authors and 19 books that Goodreads book club members are likely to have read.
Exploring green banking performance of Islamic banks vs conventional banks in Bangladesh based on Maqasid Shariah framework
Authors: Julia Taslima , Kassim Salina
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Environmental degradation has been identified as one of the major impediments for development in Bangladesh. The World Health Organization has ranked Bangladesh fourth among the most polluted countries in the world. Faced with this challenge, the Government of Bangladesh introduced the Green Financing Policy and encouraged banks to participate in offering green financing as part of the efforts to promote environment-friendly economic activities for sustainable economic development. This study aims to examine the financial performance of selected commercial banks that offered green financing in Bangladesh in the period from 2012 to 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

In achieving this objective, the paper has divided the various sections of green banking policy under Maqasid Shariah framework of Imam Al-Ghazali, which is preserving faith, life, intellect, posterity and wealth. After that, green performance is compared between five conventional banks and five Islamic banks, according to the secondary data gathered from the annual reports and sustainability reports, as well as verified based on interviews. Finally, based on quantitative and qualitative thematic analysis approach, it is identified which banks meet most of the Shariah objectives along with performing sustainably.

Findings

The study finds that none of the banks fully meet the green/sustainable policy requirements; however, the Islamic banks are ahead in preserving faith, intellect and wealth circulation.

Research limitations/implications

This research is mostly based on secondary data; banks’ non-disclosure of green data was an impediment to run in-depth and fair comparisons. However, to check the reliability and validity of secondary data, two heads of sustainable banking department from conventional bank and two from Islamic bank have been interviewed.

Practical implications

Based on the findings, several recommendations are made on ways to expedite green financing, which can ultimately enhance contribution of Islamic banks toward the sustainable economic growth of the country while fulfilling Maqasid Shariah.

Social implications

Because the green banking policy aim is very much in line with Maqasid Shariah which is the aim of Islamic banks, Islamic banks can presumably contribute more to the sustainable economic growth of the country by aligning their entire operations with green policies.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is perhaps the earliest initiative to compare Islamic and conventional banks’ green performances in Bangladesh.
Development of Islamic banks’ brand personality (IBBP) model: a conceptual study in Malaysia
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad , Ali Syed Ahmad , Jan Muhammad Tahir , Hassan Arif
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Organizations today strive to differentiate themselves from others with the help of various tools. Aaker’s brand personality model is one of them. It comprises five components namely, sincerity, excitement, sophistication, competence and ruggedness. This model has been tested and supported by various scholars in the past. Similarly, it also attracted a lot of criticism especially in terms of generalizability across countries and cultures. The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to study Aaker’s model from an Islamic perspective; second, considering the dearth of brand personality knowledge in the services sector, to develop Islamic Banks’ Brand Personality (IBBP) model.

Design/methodology/approach

To propose IBBP model, traits in Aaker’s model have been investigated in the light of selected Quranic verses and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (ahadith). Later on, content validation was conducted as a pilot study with experts from the relevant fields.

Findings

Findings exhibit that Quran and hadith clearly elaborate and support majority dimensions of the existing model. Importantly, three new dimensions, namely, trustworthiness, justice and Shariah compliance, were added to develop a comprehensive IBBP model. Once the dimensions of IBBP model were finalized, the underlying items were content validated from 12 experts. Most of the items were approved; some were recommended for amendments and a few items were eliminated.

Practical implications

This research contributes to the branding as well as bank marketing literature as it is the first Islamic banks’ brand personality framework. With the help of IBBP model, Islamic banks can create a better brand image, use advertising strategies effectively and ultimately retain existing and attract more potential customers.

Social implications

This research elaborates the personality traits of Muslim consumer market. Following IBBP model, financial needs of Muslim consumer market can be catered effectively.

Originality/value

The IBBP model being first of its kind is significant for Islamic banking industry as it reflects dimensions that are supported by the Quran and hadith, and therefore suits Muslim customer market.
Experimental investigation on the compressive strength of PFGP-covered concretes exposed to high temperature
Authors: Keykha Amir Hamzeh
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effect of high temperature (600°C) on the compressive strength of concrete covered with a mixture of polypropylene fiber and gypsum plaster (PFGP).

Design/methodology/approach

To study the compressive strength of concrete specimens exposed to temperature, 16 cubic specimens (size: 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm) were made. After 28 days of processing and gaining the required strength of specimens, first, polypropylene fiber was mixed with gypsum plaster (CaSO4.2H2O) and then the concrete specimens were covered with this mixture. To cover the concrete specimens with the PFGP, the used PFGP thickness was 15 mm or 25 mm. The polypropylene rates mixed with the gypsum plaster were 1, 3 and 5 per cent. A total of 14 specimens, 12 of which were covered with PFGP, were exposed to high temperature in two target times of 90 and 180 min.

Findings

The results show that the PFGP as covering materials can improve the compressive strength lost because of the heating of the concrete specimens. The results also show that the presence of polypropylene fiber in gypsum plaster has the effect on the compressive strength lost because of the heating of the PFGP-covered concrete. The cover of PFGP having 3 per cent polypropylene fiber had the best effect on remained strength of the specimens.

Originality/value

The cover of PFGP having 3 per cent polypropylene fiber has the best effect on remained strength of the PFGP covered specimens exposed to temperature.
How does the team expertise heterogeneity improve entrepreneurial performance?
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Wanhong
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between team heterogeneity and team performance in entrepreneurial team and is also of significance in guiding the management practice of an entrepreneurial team.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is carried out based on an experiment, in which a 2×2 experimental group is devised to collect data concerned with the heterogeneity of entrepreneurial team’s expertise and the attitude toward heterogeneity.

Findings

The entrepreneurial team’s heterogeneity has a significant effect on entrepreneurial performance; the entrepreneurial team’s heterogeneity influences entrepreneurial performance through team task conflict; attitudes toward heterogeneity play a mediating role in the above process.

Originality/value

This paper is carried out based on an experiment which can be used to determine the mediating effects of team conflict on the relationship between team expertise heterogeneity and the entrepreneurial performance.
Library capacity for data curation services: a US national survey
Authors: Yoon Ayoung , Donaldson Devan Ray
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the landscape of data curation services among public and academic libraries in the USA, with a focus on library capacity for providing data curation services.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online survey by employing stratified sampling from the American Library Directory. A total of 198 responses were analyzed.

Findings

The authors’ findings provide insight into the current landscape of libraries’ data curation services. The survey participants evaluated six capacity dimensions for both public and academic libraries – value, financial, administrative, technical infrastructure, human resources and network. The ratings the participants gave to these capacity dimensions were significantly different between academic and public libraries.

Practical implications

This study suggests several areas in which libraries will benefit from further developing their capacity to successfully run data curation services.

Originality/value

This is among the first research study to address the concept of capacity in the context of libraries’ data curation services.
The influence of integrated reporting and stakeholder information needs on the disclosure of social information in a state-owned enterprise
Authors: Farneti Federica , Casonato Federica , Montecalvo Monica , de Villiers Charl
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how social disclosures are influenced by the adoption of integrated reporting (IR), focusing on the three social capitals in the international IR framework, namely, intellectual, human and social and relationship capital.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes the form of a single case study involving content analyses of annual reports and integrated reports from 2009 to 2017 (i.e. before and after IR adoption in 2013), as well as in-depth, semi-structured interviews with key preparers of the integrated report at New Zealand Post, to study changes in disclosures towards different stakeholder groups, from an internal organisation perspective. The empirical evidence is analysed through the lens of stakeholder theory.

Findings

This study provides empirical evidence that contributes to our understanding of IR’s influence on the disclosure of social information and enhanced stakeholder relations in a public sector context. The study shows that the IR framework promoted a materiality assessment approach with stakeholders, which led to a reduction in social disclosures, while the materiality focus led to the disclosure of social matters more relevant to stakeholders.

Social implications

IR led to meaningful stakeholder engagement, which led to social disclosure that are more relevant to stakeholders.

Originality/value

This study assesses the influence of IR on social disclosures. The findings will be of interest to organisations seeking to enhance stakeholder relations and/or undertake IR and/or social disclosures.
The contingency of performance measurement systems in Moroccan public institutions and enterprises
Authors: Ibrahimi Mohammed , Naym Siham
Published: June 2019

Purpose

In the framework of contingency theory, this paper aims to study the contextual variables that influence the variety of the contents of a performance measurement system, specifically the use of non-financial indicators in Moroccan public institutions and enterprises (MPIE).

Design/methodology/approach

Aiming to study the factors which influence the use of financial and non-financial indicators within MPIEs, the authors attempted to identify all performance indicators used by the MPIEs in the sample. They selected 23 MPIEs with an industrial and commercial character and analyzed their reports for the period from 2010 to 2015. To evaluate the variety of performance indicators within these organizations, they used the multi-dimensional definition of performance recommended by Kaplan and Norton (1998) and used linear regressions to explain their relationship with the contextual variables.

Findings

Three hypotheses were developed regarding these contingency factors, predicting a positive relationship between the age, the size and the competitive environment of the organization, on one hand, and the use of non-financial indicators on the other hand. Following the study of MPIEs, the authors found that these organizations normally use financial indicators. However, the use of non-financial indicators is influenced by the age of the organization alone.

Originality/value

The scientific contribution of this paper is twofold: first, the authors seek to fill the gap in studies of performance measurement systems for MPIEs; second, they wish to enrich the scientific literature for underdeveloped countries which suffer from lack of data. Its managerial contribution is also dual: first, the authors aim to provide managers of MPIEs with a clearer understanding of non-financial measures that fully address the different management needs of their organizations; second, they encourage the government control using non-financial aspects alongside financial aspects.
A path from bullying at work to alienation: a multi-level view
Authors: Kerse Gökhan , Babadag Mustafa
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define the outcomes of bullying at work. In that sense, the study tries to define the effect of bullying at work on work alienation and the roles of political behavior perception and organizational alienation in this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collects data from lecturers from a university in Turkey by using questionnaires. Structural equation model is used to test hypotheses.

Findings

The findings of the study show that political behavior perception has a mediating role over the effect of bullying at work on work alienation, and also that organizational alienation has a mediating role over the effect of political behavior perception on work alienation.

Practical implications

The study confirms that perception of bullying at work is determinant on the level of work alienation; thus, it is important to minimize bullying perception. This study shows both researchers and organizations that further potential vital problems to arise as a result of bullying will diminish once bullying at work is decreased.

Originality/value

The research tries to define the consecutives of bullying within a multi-level point of view. Additionally, as per the authors’ knowledge, there are no other studies in the literature that handle the related variables altogether.
The effect of components of tax saving on tax disclosure
Authors: Mgammal Mahfoudh Hussein
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of tax planning (TP), which measured by the component of tax saving (TS), namely, permanent differences (PDs), temporary differences (TDF), foreign tax rates (FTRs) differentials and tax losses (TLOS) on tax disclosure (TD).

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses panel data set from sample consisted of 286 non-financial listed companies in the main market of Bursa Malaysia (formerly known as Kuala Lumpur stock exchange) for three years 2010-2012. The empirical understanding of TD depends on publicly source of data in the financial statement, characterized in the aggregated note of tax expenses. TD was measured using modified effective tax rate reconciling items, as it is appropriate in the Malaysian environment. The paper uses multivariate statistical analyses on this sample.

Findings

The empirical results of the multivariate regressions indicated that TD exhibits significant positive association with the TLOS component of TS but has significant negative relationship related to the PDs component of TS and TDFs component of TS.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends the prior-related literature by examining the relation between TD and component of TS. This study depends on both the signaling theory and the Scholes–Wolfson framework. These are the main theories concerned with TD and TP (TSs), respectively. Therefore, from a theoretical side, the authors adds to the current theories by verifying that users are the party influenced whether positively or negatively, by the extent of TD or the extent of activities of TP through Malaysian organizations.

Practical implications

The evidence found by this study has important policy and practical knowledge implications for a minimum of three parties, namely, authorities, researchers in academic field and decision-makers and firm managers. The findings can provide them some relevant insights on the importance of TS actions from companies’ perspective and contribute to the discussion of who verifies and deduces from TD directed by companies.

Originality/value

This study is regarded as the first attempt to examine the impact of the component of TS, namely: PDs, TDFs, FTRs differentials and TLOS on TD in a developing nation such as Malaysia. In spite of this paper focuses on a single country, it contributes significant insights to the debate about TD.
The role of Chinese people’s political consultative conference in environmental governance
Authors: Zhou Yankun , Zhi Xiaoqiang , Wu Huiying , Li Yongqing
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a political advisory body in China, in addressing environmental challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 457 CPPCC environmental proposals across 160 cities for the period of 2013 to 2015 and a mediation effect model to examine the effect of CPPCC environmental proposals on environmental quality.

Findings

This study shows that CPPCC environmental proposals improve environmental quality; and the relationship between CPPCC environmental proposals and environmental quality is partially mediated by enforcement of environmental laws and regulations only although the proposals positively influence both law enforcement and environmental public budget expenditures.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may examine how the interaction between the government and other important stakeholders such as non-governmental organizations can help improve environmental quality. In addition, future research may examine whether other policy tools such as pollution tax and fees, environmental subsidies, and emissions trading can play a role in dealing with environmental issues.

Practical implications

This study provides evidence that supports CPPCC members to take an even more active role in public governance by engaging with both the government and the public.

Social implications

The CPPCC’s participation in public governance helps the government respond to critical issues more effectively. The government should pay close attention to CPPCC proposals when making public policies. Furthermore, the government probably needs to review its policies in relation to environmental expenditures.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine the role of the CPPCC, a political advisory body, in addressing environmental challenges through functioning as a bridge between government and the public, whereas the extant literature has predominantly focused on the role of government, market and the public.
Setting and achieving individualized social communication goals for people with acquired brain injury (ABI) within a group treatment
Authors: Behn Nicholas , Marshall Jane , Togher Leanne , Cruice Madeline
Published: June 2019

Background

Cognitive–communication disorders are common following an acquired brain injury (ABI). Remediation should involve individualized goal‐setting, yet few reports describe the effectiveness of setting communication goals in a group setting.

Aims

To describe a process for setting and achieving goals for people with ABI.

Methods & Procedures

A total of 21 participants with ABI participated in a group treatment (triads and dyads) over 6 weeks (20 h in total). Specific social communication goals were set using goal attainment scaling (GAS) with the participant and their communication partner. Goals targeted strategy use that accounted for existing cognitive abilities. The participant and their communication partner evaluated the goals post‐treatment and 6–8 weeks later. Data were analysed using Friedman's test to identify the achievement of GAS goals.

Outcomes & Results

A total of 20 participants recalled goals independently post‐treatment. Significant improvement post‐treatment on GAS goals was rated by both the participant (p < 0.001) and their communication partner (p < 0.001). This improvement was maintained at follow‐up. No significant differences in ratings were found between participants and their communication partners at either time point.

Conclusions & Implications

Individualized social communication goals can be set and achieved for people with ABI in group treatment, even when participants are several years post‐injury. GAS offers a method for structuring and quantifying goal progress. Involving communication partners and cognitive strategies were effective in improving communication.
Disseminated cutaneous‐only histoplasmosis in a patient with AIDS
Authors: Lin Matthew J , Mazzoni Daniel , Gin Douglas
Published: June 2019

Histoplasmosis is an opportunistic fungal infection that occurs predominantly in immunocompromised patients. Cutaneous lesions in histoplasmosis are rare and typically occur in the absence of extra‐cutaneous manifestations. We present a rare case of disseminated cutaneous‐only histoplasmosis in a patient with recently diagnosed AIDS.
Letter: programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1)‐targeted immunotherapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: efficacy and safety data from an international multicentre real‐world cohort—more questions than answers
Authors: Kung Tzu‐Hsiang , Wang Chia‐Chi
Published: June 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Scheiner and Scheiner and Pinter papers.
To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15245 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15334.
Editorial: the increasing burden of microscopic colitis
Authors: Guagnozzi Danila , Tontini Gian Eugenio , Pastorelli Luca
Published: June 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Fernandez‐Bañares et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13477.
The impact of diagnostic wait time on the survival of patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: effect modification by the International Prognostic Index
Authors: Lee Shin , Fujita Kei , Negoro Eiju , Morishita Tetsuji , Yamauchi Hideaki , Oiwa Kana , Ueda Takanori , Yamauchi Takahiro
Published: June 2019

Despite the importance of a prompt diagnosis to improve cancer patients’ survival, little has been reported on diagnostic delay in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). A single‐centre, retrospective study was conducted to examine the association between diagnostic wait time (DWT), the interval from the initial hospital visit to diagnosis, and survival in patients with DLBCL. A total of 193 patients were enrolled from 2007 to 2017 in our institution. A covariate‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards model with restricted cubic spline was used to evaluate the impact of DWT on survival, with a subgroup analysis according to the International Prognostic Index (IPI). DWT was not associated with survival in the entire DLBCL population, but the impact of DWT on survival differed between IPI < 3 and ≥ 3; prolongation of DWT steadily exacerbated the prognosis in patients with IPI ≥ 3, whereas there was a patient population with IPI < 3 who had a high mortality rate despite rather early diagnosis. The opposite trend in the effect of DWT on survival between patients with IPI < 3 and ≥ 3 offset survival in all DLBCL patients. DWT had no observable impact on outcomes in the entire DLBCL population, but longer DWT worsened the prognosis, particularly in patients with IPI ≥ 3.
Type 2 diabetes is associated with the accumulation of senescent T cells
Authors: Lau E Y M , Carroll E C , Callender L A , Hood G A , Berryman V , Pattrick M , Finer S , Hitman G A , Ackland G L , Henson S M
Published: June 2019

Type 2 diabetes is a global health priority, given that it is driven, in part, by an ageing population, the role of immune senescence has been overlooked. This is surprising, as the functional impairments of senescent T cells show strong similarities to patients with hyperglycaemia. Immune senescence is typified by alterations in T cell memory, such as the accumulation of highly differentiated end-stage memory T cells, as well as a constitutive low-grade inflammation, which drives further immune differentiation. We show here in a preliminary study that people living with type 2 diabetes have a higher circulating volume of senescent T cells accompanied with a higher level of systemic inflammation. This inflammatory environment drives the expression of a unique array of chemokine receptors on senescent T cells, most notably C-X-C motif chemokine receptor type 2. However, this increased expression of migratory markers does not translate to improved extravasation owing to a lack of glucose uptake by the T cells. Our results therefore demonstrate that the presence of senescent T cells has a detrimental impact on immune function during type 2 diabetes.
Reconsidering Collective Efficacy: The Roles of Perceptions of Community and Strong Social Ties
Authors: Carbone Jason T. , McMillin Stephen Edward
Published: June 2019

Collective efficacy is an often–studied concept, yet theoretical differences and confusing terminology lead to an inability to translate the concept across disciplines. Utilizing a nationally representative sample, this study employs structural equation modeling combined with a series of hierarchical models to test the hypotheses that the focal independent variables of neighborhood perceptions, strong social ties, and civic engagement as a proxy for weak social ties are each positively associated with collective efficacy while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Findings show that all the focal independent variables were positively associated with collective efficacy. The full model accounts for nearly half the variance in collective efficacy. These results support other, recent research findings that the collective efficacy measure is more highly associated with respondent perceptions of the community and strong social ties than originally theorized.
Effect of constant versus variable small‐group facilitators on students’ basic science knowledge in an enquiry‐based dental curriculum
Authors: Zahra Daniel , Bennett Jon , Belfield Louise , Ali Kamran , Mcilwaine Clare , Bruce Malcolm , Jones Gill , Brookes Zoe L. , Coelho Catherine , Zaric Svetislav
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The role of small‐group facilitators is of pivotal importance for the success of curricula based on active learning. Disorganised tutorial processes and superficial study of the problem have been identified as main hindering factors for students’ learning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of consistency of facilitation on students’ performance in knowledge‐based basic science assessments in a hybrid, enquiry‐based (EBL) undergraduate dental curriculum.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective study of 519 first‐ and second‐year undergraduate dental students, enrolled at Peninsula Dental School between 2013 and 2018. Twice in each academic year, students sat a 60‐item single‐best‐answer, multiple‐choice examination. Percentage and Z‐scores were compared between students whose EBL groups had the same facilitator throughout the academic year, and those whose EBL group was facilitated by different members of staff. All EBL facilitators were dentally qualified but with different levels of expertise in basic dental sciences, prior EBL facilitation, involvement in the curriculum design and university affiliation.

Results

No statistically significant difference was observed in the percentage or Z‐scores of students whose EBL sessions were supported by consistent or variable facilitators in any of the 18 MCQ tests. Z‐scores of first‐year students were more variable than for second‐year students. In addition, pairwise comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences in students' Z‐scores between any of the permanent facilitators’ groups.

Conclusions

The results of our study may influence the design and delivery of enquiry‐based curricula as well as human resources management by shifting the focus from maintaining facilitator consistency to ensuring comparable training and approaches across facilitators.