bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An exploratory study on low-concentration hexavalent chromium adsorption by Fe(III)-cross-linked chitosan beads
Authors: Wu Yaoguo , Zhang Yuanjing , Qian Jin , Xin Xu , Hu Sihai , Zhang Shuai , Wei Jianguo
Published: November 2017

In this study, Fe(III)-cross-linked chitosan beads (Fe(III)-CBs) were synthesized and employed to explore the characteristics and primary mechanism of their hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) adsorption under low concentration Cr(VI) (less than 20.0 mg l
−1
) and a pH range from 2.0 to 8.0. Batch tests were conducted to determine the Cr(VI) adsorption capacity and kinetics, and the effects of pH and temperature on the adsorption under low concentration Cr(VI) and a pH range from 2.0 to 8.0. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to explore the characteristics of Fe(III)-CBs and their Cr(VI) adsorption mechanisms. The results show that, unlike the adsorption of other absorbents, the Cr(VI) adsorption was efficient in a wide pH range from 2.0 to 6.0, and well described by the pseudo-first-order model and the Langmuir–Freundlich isotherm model. The capacity of Cr(VI) adsorption by Fe(III)-CBs was as high as 166.3 mg g
−1
under temperature 25°C and pH 6.0. The desorption test was also carried out by 0.1 mol l
−1
NaOH solution for Fe(III)-CBs regeneration. It was found that Fe(III)-CBs could be re-used for five adsorption–desorption cycles without significant decrease in Cr(VI) adsorption capacity. Ion exchange was confirmed between functional groups (i.e. amino group) and Cr(VI) anions (i.e.

CrO
4

2
−

). The amino-like functional groups played a key role in Cr(VI) distribution on the Fe(III)-CBs surface; Cr(VI) adsorbed on Fe(III)-CBs was partially reduced to Cr(III) with alcoholic group served as electron donor, and then formed another rate-limiting factor. So, Fe(III)-CBs has a good prospect in purifying low concentration Cr(VI) water with a pH range from 2.0 to 6.0.
Does dynamic stability govern propulsive force generation in human walking?
Authors: Browne Michael G. , Franz Jason R.
Published: November 2017

Before succumbing to slower speeds, older adults may walk with a diminished push-off to prioritize stability over mobility. However, direct evidence for trade-offs between push-off intensity and balance control in human walking, independent of changes in speed, has remained elusive. As a critical first step, we conducted two experiments to investigate: (i) the independent effects of walking speed and propulsive force (
F
P
) generation on dynamic stability in young adults, and (ii) the extent to which young adults prioritize dynamic stability in selecting their preferred combination of walking speed and
F
P
generation. Subjects walked on a force-measuring treadmill across a range of speeds as well as at constant speeds while modulating their
F
P
according to a visual biofeedback paradigm based on real-time force measurements. In contrast to improvements when walking slower, walking with a diminished push-off worsened dynamic stability by up to 32%. Rather, we find that young adults adopt an
F
P
at their preferred walking speed that maximizes dynamic stability. One implication of these findings is that the onset of a diminished push-off in old age may independently contribute to poorer balance control and precipitate slower walking speeds.
Skill not athleticism predicts individual variation in match performance of soccer players
Authors: Wilson Robbie S. , David Gwendolyn K. , Murphy Sean C. , Angilletta Michael J. , Niehaus Amanda C. , Hunter Andrew H. , Smith Michelle D.
Published: November 2017

Just as evolutionary biologists endeavour to link phenotypes to fitness, sport scientists try to identify traits that determine athlete success. Both disciplines would benefit from collaboration, and to illustrate this, we used an analytical approach common to evolutionary biology to isolate the phenotypes that promote success in soccer, a complex activity of humans played in nearly every modern society. Using path analysis, we quantified the relationships among morphology, balance, skill, athleticism and performance of soccer players. We focused on performance in two complex motor activities: a simple game of soccer tennis (1 on 1), and a standard soccer match (11 on 11). In both contests, players with greater skill and balance were more likely to perform better. However, maximal athletic ability was not associated with success in a game. A social network analysis revealed that skill also predicted movement. The relationships between phenotypes and success during individual and team sports have potential implications for how selection acts on these phenotypes, in humans and other species, and thus should ultimately interest evolutionary biologists. Hence, we propose a field of evolutionary sports science that lies at the nexus of evolutionary biology and sports science. This would allow biologists to take advantage of the staggering quantity of data on performance in sporting events to answer evolutionary questions that are more difficult to answer for other species. In return, sports scientists could benefit from the theoretical framework developed to study natural selection in non-human species.
Transmission patterns of hyper-endemic multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Cambodian neonatal unit: a longitudinal study with whole genome sequencing
Authors: Smit Pieter W. , Stoesser Nicole , Pol Sreymom , van Kleef Esther , Oonsivilai Mathupanee , Tan Pisey , Neou Leakhena , Turner Claudia , Turner Paul , Cooper Ben S
Published: November 2017

Background

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important and increasing cause of life-threatening disease in hospitalised neonates. Third generation cephalosporin resistance (3GC-R) is frequently a marker of multi-drug resistance, and can complicate management of infections. 3GC-R K. pneumoniae is hyper-endemic in many developing country settings, but its epidemiology is poorly understood and prospective studies of endemic transmission are lacking. We aimed to determine the transmission dynamics of 3GC-R K. pneumoniae in a newly opened neonatal unit (NU) in Cambodia.

Methods

We performed a prospective longitudinal study between September and November 2013. Rectal swabs from 37 consented patients were collected upon NU admission and every three days thereafter. Morphologically different colonies from swabs growing cefpodoxime-resistant K. pneumoniae were selected for whole-genome sequencing (WGS).

Results

32/37 (86%) patients screened positive for 3GC-R K. pneumoniae and 93 colonies from 119 swabs were sequenced. Isolates were resistant to a median of six (range 3-9) antimicrobials. WGS revealed high diversity; pairwise distances between isolates from the same patient were either 0-1 SNV or >1,000 SNVs; 19/32 colonized patients harboured K. pneumoniae colonies differing by >1000 SNVs. Diverse lineages accounted for 18 probable importations to the NU and nine probable transmission clusters involving 19/37 (51%) of screened patients. Median cluster size was 5 patients (range 3-9).

Conclusions

The epidemiology of 3GC-R K. pneumoniae was characterised by multiple introductions and a dense network of cross-infection, with half of screened neonates part of a transmission cluster. Efforts to reduce the 3GC-R K. pneumoniae disease burden should consider targeting both processes.
Phylogenomics of montane frogs of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest supports a scenario of isolation in sky islands followed by relative climatic stability
Authors: Pie Marcio R. , Faircloth Brant C. , Ribeiro Luiz F. , Bornschein Marcos R. , McCormack John E.
Published: November 2017

Despite encompassing a relatively small geographical area, montane regions harbor disproportionately high levels of species diversity and endemism. Yet, relatively little is known about the evolutionary mechanisms ultimately leading to montane diversity. In this study, we use target capture of ultraconserved elements to investigate the phylogenetic relationships and diversification patterns of Melanophryniscus (Bufonidae) and Brachycephalus (Brachycephalidae), two frog genera that occur in sky islands of the southern Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Specifically, we test whether diversification of montane species in these genera can be explained by a single climatic shift leading to isolation in sky islands, followed by relative climatic stability that maintained populations in allopatry. In both genera, the topologies inferred using concatenation and coalescent-based methods were concordant and had strong nodal support, except for a few recent splits. These recent splits tended to be supported by more informative loci (those with higher average bootstrap support), suggesting that, while individual trees may be well resolved, the relationships they recover are being obscured by non-informative data. Divergence dating of a combined dataset using both genera is consistent with concordant timing of their diversification. These results support the scenario of diversification-by-isolation in sky islands, and suggest that allopatry due to climatic gradients in montane regions are an important mechanism for generating species diversity and endemism in these regions.
The Functional Connectivity between the Locust Leg Pattern Generating Networks and the Subesophageal Ganglion Higher Motor Center
Authors: Knebel Daniel , Rillich Jan , Nadler Leonard , Pflueger Hans-Joachim , Ayali Amir
Published: November 2017

Interactions among different neuronal circuits are essential for adaptable coordinated behavior. Specifically, higher motor centers and central pattern generators (CPGs) induce rhythmic leg movements that act in concert in the control of locomotion. Here we explored the relations between the subesophageal ganglion (SEG) and thoracic leg CPGs in the desert locust. Backfill staining revealed about 300 SEG descending interneurons (DINs) and some overlap with the arborization of DINs and leg motor neurons. In accordance, inin-vitropreparations, electrical stimulation applied to the SEG excited these neurons, and in some cases also induced CPGs activity. Additionally, we found that the SEG regulates the coupling pattern among the CPGs: when the CPGs were activated pharmacologically, inputs from the SEG were able to synchronize contralateral CPGs. This motor output was correlated to the firing of SEG descending and local interneurons. Altogether, these findings point to a role of the SEG in both activating leg CPGs and in coordinating their oscillations, and suggest parallels between the SEG and the brainstem of vertebrates.
The modular small-angle X-ray scattering data correction sequence
Authors: Pauw B. R. , Smith A. J. , Snow T. , Terrill N. J. , Thünemann A. F.
Published: November 2017

Data correction is probably the least favourite activity amongst users experimenting with small-angle X-ray scattering: if it is not done sufficiently well, this may become evident only during the data analysis stage, necessitating the repetition of the data corrections from scratch. A recommended comprehensive sequence of elementary data correction steps is presented here to alleviate the difficulties associated with data correction, both in the laboratory and at the synchrotron. When applied in the proposed order to the raw signals, the resulting absolute scattering cross section will provide a high degree of accuracy for a very wide range of samples, with its values accompanied by uncertainty estimates. The method can be applied without modification to any pinhole-collimated instruments with photon-counting direct-detection area detectors.
The Shift_and_Fix procedure in EXPO: advances for solving ab initio crystal structures by powder diffraction data
Authors: Altomare Angela , Cuocci Corrado , Moliterni Anna , Rizzi Rosanna , Corriero Nicola , Falcicchio Aurelia
Published: November 2017

The Shift_and_Fix procedure is a new method which has been developed for improving the quality of a structure model obtained by the ab initio solution process from powder diffraction data. The main features of the new approach, which is fully automatic, are as follows: (a) the structure model usually attained at the end of the phasing process by direct methods is shifted partly and randomly; (b) a combination of Fourier map calculation and least-squares cycles has been designed for relocating the shifted atoms onto positions which can finally be moved onto the true ones by the standard model optimization approaches; (c) the Fourier map is calculated using coefficients which depend on the chemical content of the compound under study. When the figure of merit for selecting the best set of phases derived by direct methods does not work well, the ALLTRIALS strategy can be applied: it aims to investigate, automatically and sequentially, all the stored direct methods phasing sets and pick up the correct solution. The Shift_and_Fix method has been applied for improving the structure model calculated by each one of the phasing sets processed by ALLTRIALS. It has been implemented in the computer program EXPO and proved to be effective in providing a better ALLTRIALS outcome and increasing the probability of succeeding in the ab initio powder solution.
Interaction of intercultural service encounters
Authors: Ihtiyar Ali
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the impact of intercultural communication and personality on customer satisfaction and loyalty in grocery retailing. In this endeavour, this study illustrates the unique context of intercultural communication to highlight several improvements in the literature and to encourage the advancement of the intercultural communication in the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

To initiate the research, a survey approach was taken. In total, 681 questionnaires were returned out of 1,100 that were distributed within selected grocery retailers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The measurement of the constructs and their interrelationships is examined based on partial least square-structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings validate the proposed framework with statistically significant relationships among all constructs. Furthermore, it exposes additional insights into some practical and conceptual solutions for addressing the intercultural communication of culturally diverse encounters in the Malaysian grocery retail industry. These contributions postulate an impetus for future research in various service settings.

Originality/value

Based on role, interdependence and cognitive consistency theory, this study assesses the role of the personality of grocery retail consumers on intercultural communication competence (ICC) and its impact on inter-role congruence (IRC) and interaction comfort (IAC). It is anticipated that by filling this knowledge gap, the research will assist in strengthening retail communication strategies, which require intercultural communication adjustments in a multicultural business environment. The ICC is expected to improve the retail industry competitiveness when it positively influences IRC and IAC among customers.
How website quality affects online impulse buying
Authors: Akram Umair , Hui Peng , Kaleem Khan Muhammad , Tanveer Yasir , Mehmood Khalid , Ahmad Wasim
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of website quality on online impulse buying behavior (OIBB) in China, and assess the moderating roles of sales promotion and credit card use.

Design/methodology/approach

An online and personal survey from 1,161 online shoppers belonging to three big cities of China – Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing – was conducted. A random sampling technique was utilized for data collection. Data were analyzed using validity and reliability tests, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling.

Findings

Three major findings discovered are: first, the website quality positively affects the OIBB; second, the sales promotion significantly influences OIBB and acts as a strong moderator on the relationship between website quality and online impulse buying; and third, the online impulse purchases are positively influenced by use of credit card, and the use of credit card enhances the relationship between website quality and online impulse buying.

Research limitations/implications

First, the website quality positively affects the OIBB; second, the sales promotion significantly influences OIBB and acts as a strong moderator in the relationship between website quality and online impulse buying; and third, online impulse purchases are positively influenced by credit card use. Moreover, credit card use enhances the relationship between website quality and online impulse buying.

Originality/value

This research is the first to investigate the relationship between website quality and OIBB in China, with sales promotion and credit card use as moderators.
An improved algorithm for personalized recommendation on MOOCs
Authors: Wang Yuqin , Liang Bing , Ji Wen , Wang Shiwei , Chen Yiqiang
Published: November 2017

Purpose

In the past few years, millions of people started to acquire knowledge from the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). MOOCs contain massive video courses produced by instructors, and learners all over the world can get access to these courses via the internet. However, faced with massive courses, learners often waste much time finding courses they like. This paper aims to explore the problem that how to make accurate personalized recommendations for MOOC users.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a multi-attribute weight algorithm based on collaborative filtering (CF) to select a recommendation set of courses for target MOOC users.

Findings

The recall of the proposed algorithm in this paper is higher than both the traditional CF and a CF-based algorithm – uncertain neighbors’ collaborative filtering recommendation algorithm. The higher the recall is, the more accurate the recommendation result is.

Originality/value

This paper reflects the target users’ preferences for the first time by calculating separately the weight of the attributes and the weight of attribute values of the courses.
Invisible hand and visible management
Authors: Farmer David John
Published: November 2017

This paper explores the relevance of Adam Smith’s invisible hand and the remainder of his legacy for public management. The paper’s central claim is that, by approaching Adam Smith and his legacy, public managers can assist themselves to do what they should do - examine their latent assumptions. The first of three challenges in approaching Adam Smith’s ideas is to get Smith right, because he has been widely misunderstood. The second is to question Smith’s account of conceptual space; it is desirable to go beyond him. The third challenge is to explore in specific terms the potential for public management of an understanding of Smith and his legacy
Street-level leadership in the public sector: a case study of the challenges
Authors: Dicke Lisa A.
Published: November 2017

This article suggests that leadership does not just occur in the higher echelons of a bureaucratic hierarchy, but is endemic throughout the organization and is present even at the basic rank and file level. Street-level leaders emerge when the need arises for quick decisions and responses to complex stimuli. These relatively "informal" leaders can exert a significant influence on how and what things get done. Many of these decisions involve transactional decisions between leaders and followers. However, to deal with more complex challenges, street-level leaders may need to incorporate transformational leadership strategies, similar to leaders higher in the hierarchy. To test this thesis this article reports the survey findings of a study of state agency of disabilities and their contractor provider organizations.
Fiscal constitutionalism in the economic and Monetary Union
Authors: Bräuninger Thomas
Published: November 2017

The Maastricht process sets up economic and fiscal criteria that member states of the European Union are expected to meet in the preparation for and when having joined the third stage of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). According to EMU rules, the Commission monitors the fiscal behavior of the participants but member states themselves-as members of the Council of Ministers-finally vote on the Commission recommendations. It is therefore questionable whether these criteria actually constrain member states from running excessive deficits. This paper adopts a constitutionalist perspective to address this question by asking how member states will interpret or even change the fiscal rules of the EMU in the future. Council decision-making in the area of EMU politics is analyzed using data on the fiscal positions of old and new member states of the European Union. The findings suggest that the recent enlargement will shift policy outcomes, but, if compared to the situation at the time of the signing of the Maastricht treaty, the effect is rather marginal.
Examining barriers to negotiated environmental agreements
Authors: Ramus Catherine A. , Marcus Alfred A.
Published: November 2017

We bring together disparate negotiation theory research in order to identify a composite set of potential barriers to reaching agreement in environmental negotiations. This framework builds on behavioral decision theory, showing barriers that arise from personal values and institutional values and norms, as well as from situational elements that influence individual behaviors and organizational strategies. We contribute to the literature on organizational behavior by making explicit the relationship between the strength of the situation and organizational behavior related to negotiations. The elements of situational strength have not been addressed adequately in prior negotiation literature. We incorporate this concept into a comprehensive set of barriers to offer explanations for the intractability of many environmental disputes.
The behavioral reactions of victims to different types of workplace bullying
Authors: Djurkovic Nikola , McCormack Darcy , Casimir Gian
Published: November 2017

The relationships between different types of workplace bullying and the reactions of victims were examined using six categories of bullying (threat to professional status, destabilization, isolation, overwork, verbal taunts, and violence) and three categories of reactions (assertiveness, avoidance, and seeking formal help). Participants were 127 employed undergraduates. Descriptive statistics and correlations were used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that avoidance reactions were the most common, followed by assertiveness and seeking formal help. As hypothesized, different types of bullying were associated with different types of reactions. Several practical implications derived from the findings were discussed suggesting that prevention is better than intervention.
Beyond the mainstream: foucault, power and organization theory
Authors: Abel Charles F.
Published: November 2017

While mainstream organization theory has contributed to making organizations a productive part of society, they have simultaneously contributed to the creation of a “dark side” of organizational existence that stifles the individual, frustrates the attainment of desired social ends and distorts many core values of democratic societies. Mainstream theory recognizes this “dark side,” but has been unsuccessful at suggesting how it might be ameliorated or avoided. The writings of Foucault, however, reveal not only how the “dark side” arises but also how it might be avoided so that organizations may develop and pursue interests in common with both society and the individual.
Redefining the role of the public service under neoliberal states in developing nations
Authors: Haque M. Shamsul
Published: November 2017

This article explains that in the current global context dominated by market ideology, there has been a significant shift in the nature of the state based on promarket neoliberal principles in most countries, including those in the developing world. Under this emerging neoliberal state characterized by the primacy of market forces and adoption of market-driven policies and programs, the role of the public service has also changed in terms of its increasing concern for streamlining public sector activities, enhancing economic efficiency, improving customer satisfaction, and so on. After exploring such impacts of the current neoliberal state formation on the public service's role, the article briefly examines the socio-political consequences of this changing role, especially in developing nations.
Work and family conflict: Can home-based teleworking make a difference?
Authors: Madsen Susan R.
Published: November 2017

Research has shown that, when employees’ work-family conflict levels are reduced, performance in the workplace can increase. How to reduce these levels, however, is a complex task. The purpose of this empirical study was to investigate the differences in work-family conflict between full-time worksite employees and full-time teleworking employees (individuals who teleworked from home at least two days per week). Employees (n = 308) in seven for-profit companies in Minnesota were sampled and surveyed using a slightly revised version of the Carlson and Kacmar (2000) work-family conflict scale. The findings indicate that teleworkers had lower levels of overall work-family conflict as well as most of the other work-family conflict variables explored (i.e., strain-based, time-based, work interference with family, family interference with work)
Value consciousness and public management
Authors: Jørgensen Torben Beck
Published: November 2017

Many changes taking place in the public sector raise value questions. Examples are New Public Management, mixed governance forms, globalised recipes on good governance, transnationalisation of public organisations and clashes between Christian and Islamic values in most European states. How to deal with value confusion and value conflicts, thus, is an important challenge for the public manager. Stated in 10 normative prescriptions, various strategies are suggested in the paper. The basic questions addressed are two. How can public management distinguish the central values from those of lesser interest? And how can public management handle value conflicts and organisational design conflicts
Effect of privatization on firm competitiveness a game theory model with application in the automotive industry
Authors: Chalhoub Michel Soto
Published: November 2017

This paper develops and proposes a game theory model that illustrates the effect of privatization on firm competitiveness using cases from the automotive industry. We first provide the mathematical derivation of the model for a competitive industry then address the special case of a duopoly. We chose the automotive industry as it is a relevant illustration of global competitive pressures pushing firms to develop strategic alliances or consolidate. The model shows that privatization has (1) a positive effect on firm performance given that managerial incentives are well defined, and (2) facilitates the firmʼs entry into strategic alliances. We then turn to discuss Renaultʼs empirically observed success factors in the European - and gradually global - markets over the last three decades despite the economic cycles.
All in the name of change: effects of organizational change on performance measures of customer service in the health care industry
Authors: Tang Thomas Li-Ping , Timmer Linda S.
Published: November 2017

This research examines the effects of organizational change (i.e., change of the hospital name, chief executive officer (CEO), and ownership) on objective performance measures of customer services (hospital beds, payroll, full-time employees, and patients served) in the health care industry. Archival data were collected from 155 Hospitals in the State of Tennessee for four consecutive years. During that time period, there were a lot of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and organizational changes in the health care industry in Tennessee. Results suggested that there was a significant reduction of hospital beds and a significant increase of payroll during the four-year period. These changes were more significant in urban hospitals than in rural hospitals. In the four-year period, a change of the hospital name resulting from a merger had increased the efficiency of serving customers (patient/FTE ratio), while those without the change had decreased the efficiency. Our results reveal some evidences that acquisitions may be related to short-term financial benefits as expected
Executive Leadership: Securing The Future of Black Colleges and Universities
Authors: Schexnider Alvin J.
Published: November 2017

This article addresses the critical need for exceptional leaders to shepherd the nationʼs Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in a post-Brown era where African American students enjoy unlimited access to higher education in the United States. The article spotlights the many contributions Black colleges and universities have made to American society against insuperable odds since their inception in the mid-nineteenth century. It studies selected examples of HBCUs whose graduates have distinguished themselves in areas where other institutions enjoy centers of excellence. The article traces the historical inequities between major and minority institutions, the challenges HBCUs face in surmounting these disparities, and the growing tendency of Black students to exercise their options by enrolling at White colleges and universities. With the loss of a pure monopoly on African American students, Black colleges now must find leaders of exceptional talent and vision in order to ensure their survival. The article recommends strategies designed to surmount hurdles and enhance the viability of Black colleges and universities in an increasingly competitive environment.
Identifying targets of scientific inquiry: obstacles to the advancement of organization science
Authors: Newman Jerry M. , Lillis Michael P. , Waite Melissa L. , Krefting Linda A.
Published: November 2017

In many colleges and universities, publication is a key factor in evaluating the academic productivity of faculty. Moreover, the pressure to publish may drive scholars to identify research questions that are believed to have a greater probability of being published rather than being driven by their interests in an important research question that will advance the field. A critical question then, is to what extent publication outlets reinforce a pattern of publications that are well-suited to the research enterprise − encouraging contributions that extend the frontiers of what is already known. Analysis of both accepted and rejected empirical manuscripts from two leading journals in organization science reveal that novel research is less likely to be published, but more likely to be cited. Results are used as a basis for making inferences about the publication process and for commentary related to the advancement of organization science as a field of study.
Values in public administration: the role of organizational culture
Authors: Molina Anthony DeForest
Published: November 2017

This article argues that the field of public administration, academics and practitioners alike, would benefit by more explicitly addressing the role that values play in administrative behavior and decision making. It reflects on the extent to which values are embedded in the work of public administrators, and their role in serving as normative criteria for action. Because the values associated with democracy and bureaucracy are often in competition, though, the challenge for administrators is to arrive at a workable balance consistent with our constitutional tradition. To that end, the insights offered by an organizational culture perspective are helpful in understanding how particular values can be promoted in organizations. This article concludes with a brief discussion of some implications that such an approach has for how we study, teach, and practice public administration.
From liquid life to A politics of the subject; or public administration for A fragile planet
Authors: Catlaw Thomas J.
Published: November 2017

The enormity of the challenges and changes the world is facing demand that we reimagine the very notion of “government.” While sometimes useful, traditional sectoral divisions of labor (e.g. government, market, civil sphere) are an impediment to this reimagining. This essay argues that we need a dynamic, relational understanding of governing and different conceptualization of the relationship of the self to governing. This entails a revolution, initially, less in the formal political institutions than a transformation in the way in which we think about living together and labor to create a life in common.
The feudal model and the study of modern organizations
Authors: Woods Joshua , Shlapentokh Vladimir
Published: November 2017

This article investigates the possibility of studying modern organizations with the feudal model. We introduce feudalism as an ideal type and explain why it is necessary for understanding organizations. The model synthesizes several perspectives on intra-organizational conflict. After defining the feudal model and tracing its theoretical roots, we review several empirical studies to identify the conditions under which feudal conflicts arise. These factors include decentralization, structural interdependence, uncertainty and informal power. The feudal model highlights several overlooked aspects of organizations, including personal relations, the manipulation of formal rules, bribery, corruption and sabotage. However, given the model's limitations, we propose a “segmented approach” to social analysis, which emphasizes the need for multiple models to explain any organization, past or present.
Public administration and modernism revisited: a maquette of narrative construction
Authors: Cawley R. McGreggor
Published: November 2017

Twenty years ago, Hindy Schachter (1989) posed a question about the foundation we use to structure the Public Administration theory narrative. Would an approach based on an art model, rather than the more common science model, produce a narrative with less distortion? This essay employs a definition of modernism developed by Thomas Vargish and Delo Mook outside the purview of public administration and a famous M. C. Escher lithograph as a basis for proposing an alternate way to construct the narrative. It then applies the alternative approach to Frederick Taylor and Elton Mayo.
Cross-national variation in the determinants of job satisfaction: how far do our results “travel”?
Authors: Timming Andrew R.
Published: November 2017

Using a large-scale dataset on working conditions across 31 European countries, this paper examines the nature and scope of crossnational variation in the determinants of job satisfaction. The author employs multi-group ordinary least squared regression analyses in order to unpack the extent to which a set of "established" predictors of job satisfaction are robust cross-nationally. The results of the research point to widespread variation in the factors that promote and obstruct job satisfaction. It is concluded that the findings of single-sample studies, which constitute by far the vast majority of empirical research, cannot be readily generalized across populations. The paper has philosophical and sociological implications in respect to the processes of knowledge dissemination in the social sciences.
A bridge to nowhere: connecting representative and radical models of democracy
Authors: Kaswan Mark J.
Published: November 2017

“Democracy” can be defined in different ways, each of which offers a different way of looking at the relationship between democracy and governance. Mark Bevir’s (2010) Democratic Governance offers a genealogical account of the development of this relationship from the late 19th century, focusing on the role of particular theories of social science, and raising serious questions about the degree to which contemporary practices conflict with democratic ideals. Bevir suggests a more radical, participatory approach as a way of resolving this conflict. Here I extend his genealogical account to include two thinkers, Jeremy Bentham and William Thompson, who laid much of the groundwork for modern social science, but with very different ideas about democracy. Extending the genealogy to Bentham and Thompson opens the way for a consideration of some aspects of the relationship between democracy and governance not included in Bevir’s account, and raises questions as to whether the different models of democracy can be integrated in the way he suggests.
The role of leadership in learning culture and patient safety
Authors: Kim Yong-Mi , Newby-Bennett Donna
Published: November 2017

Patient safety improvement through management has been a prime issue since 2000, when the Institute of Medicine reported that preventable mismanagement was responsible for the majority of medical errors. Learning culture, interdisciplinary action teams, and punitive culture have been discussed as viable ways to address these errors. While these individual factors have been found to be significant, we have yet to understand the interactions of these elements. The role of leadership, which has been overlooked, is critical to facilitate or constrain these elements. The interactions of these three elements and the role of leadership were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Our finding revealed the three elements were closely knitted, and leadership roles had considerable impact in nurturing learning culture and constraining punitive culture, which in turn enhanced patient safety
The influence of covariates on latent job performance ratings from differing sources: A mimic modeling approach
Authors: Whitaker Brian G.
Published: November 2017

The potential for differential functioning of performance assessments across ratings sources has gained recent research interest. This study used multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) to examine whether measures of task and contextual performance are invariant across both supervisors and subordinates. As an extension, multiple indicators multiple causes modeling (MIMIC) was used to examine potential covariates of task and contextual performance ratings on latent task and contextual performance variability. Consistent with previous research, I found measurement invariance across subordinate- and supervisor ratings. Moreover, MIMIC results showed supervisor and subordinate demographic variables systematically influenced latent task and contextual performance variability despite measurement invariance over these rating sources. Implications for multi-source performance systems are discussed.
Work-life and life-work conflicting croatian companies: Some perspectives
Authors: Mušura Andrijana , Koričan Mirna , Krajnović Siniša
Published: November 2017

With the rapid use of new technologies and longer working hours, balancing work and one’s personal life is becoming more important from the employees’ and employers’ perspective. Research suggests that employees who have greater work-life balance perform better and are less likely to leave the organization. Additionally, the satisfaction and balance of life and work also becomes a predictor of job satisfaction and productivity in the workplace. When organizations put increasing pressure on their employees and do not manage the above mentioned balances appropriately, work-life conflict may appear. Work-life and life-work conflict consequently negatively affects employees, as well as their employers. To analyze which antecedents can predict work-life balance and conflict in Croatian companies an online survey was conducted on a sample of 107 respondents. The results showed that work stress factors, job satisfaction, work-life balance company policies, and level of self-esteem influence worklife and life-work conflict.
Making it up as we go: A conceptual model of improvisation in organizations
Authors: Zarankin Tal G. , Wang Shu
Published: November 2017

This paper focuses on individuals' improvisation in organizations. The extant literature in this area examines improvisation as either a predictor or an outcome variable. However, there is still considerable confusion about the essence of improvisation and its individual-level determinants. To address these deficiencies, we discuss the differences between improvisation, creativity, and intuition, integrating insights and theories from those fields. Then, we propose a comprehensive model describing a process that includes contextual and individual level variables, which leads to improvisation. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our model and suggest avenues for future research.
Identifying organizational agility and leadership dimensions using Delphi technique and factor analysis
Authors: Sanatigar Hoda , Hadi Peikani Mehraban , Gholamzadeh Daryoosh
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the organizational agility components and factors in Iranian’s pension funds as an example of service organizations in the public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study can be categorized in the realm of developmental studies as to its research purposes, and employed the descriptive survey method to collect data using the combination of both qualitative and quantitative methods (exploratory mixed-method design).

Findings

Finally, a three-level model of organizational agility construct (modeled as 6 components, 23 factors, and 83 indicators) was analyzed and confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis by means of the smart PLS software. Overall, this study provided a new method for the analysis, measurement and development of organizational agility construct in public service organizations in Iran.

Originality/value

Through using text content analysis and opinion of experts (interviews and Delphi technique), qualitative data were extracted to design an organizational agility model, whereas quantitative data were obtained through a questionnaire to test the model. To determine the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, expert opinions and Cronbach’s α (0.977) were used, respectively.
Factors facilitating user projects success in co-innovation communities
Authors: Zheng Qing , Guo Wei , An Weijin , Wang Lei , Liang Ruoyu
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Many users build personal projects in co-innovation community to accomplish their innovations. However, very few projects from such communities are successful and understanding of this phenomenon is limited. The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors facilitating user projects success in online co-innovation communities.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the theories of persuasion and diffusion of innovation (DOI), a conceptual model is proposed to explain how project success likelihood is affected by the creator, project and user participation characteristics. Then, the model and hypotheses are tested through binary logistic regression on a secondary data set of 572 projects collected from a typical user co-innovation community, Local Motors.

Findings

The results show that creator characteristics (prior success rate), project characteristics (project popularity, length and duration) and user participation characteristics (participation users and degree) have significant and positive impacts on project success likelihood. The number of prior projects, which can hardly represent the creator’s credibility in open and unrestricted situations, has no significant influence on the project success likelihood.

Practical implications

This study offers project creators the keys to increase their projects successful possibility. Besides, this study recommends a new way to attract users and helps to identify creative and effective users for community practitioners.

Originality/value

This study expands the research scope in online co-innovation community by focusing on user personal projects. In addition, it combines persuasion theory and DOI theory to add the holistic understanding of user project success likelihood.
Envisioning the future role of librarians: skills, services and information resources
Authors: Mwaniki Philomena W.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize the future of academic libraries in the era of new user needs, new skills for staff and services offered. The literature shows the evolution of new technologies and the implications they have on the staff, library services and new user needs. The discussions in this paper are surrounded by conceptualization of what the library products and services will be in future academic libraries. It also looks at future studies that explore opportunities for librarians to advance their professional role.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a literature-based conceptual paper that draws on a wide range of literature that hypothetically looks at the future roles of professional librarians, the collection, services and the evolution of technology on the new user needs.

Findings

The library today will give the basis for the future librarian’s role, the emerging user needs and impact of service delivery. Technological advances have also affected the establishment of library systems and services offered. The emerging future roles will generally depend on how advanced the libraries are in the region or country including Kenya.

Originality/value

This paper adds a flexible approach to the skills, services as a role of future librarians.
Blended skills and future roles of librarians
Authors: Cherinet Yared Mammo
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify insightfully future roles and skills required by librarians to meet the ever changing users’ need in the modern library landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative approach. It deployed the Delphi technique and other knowledge elicitation techniques, such as systematic literature review, in-depth key informants interviews, formal and informal discussions, and own experience. Data collection was quitted when it reached to the theoretical saturation. Content analysis was used to analyze the gathered data. Triangulation of methods was also employed to complement one another, and enhance the credibility and validity of the results.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that some of the roles and skills required by librarians are evolutionary, while others are revolutionary, but the ultimate future role of librarians is to change knowledge revolution into society (to create informed society) through re-socializing and shaping the young generations. The result also confirmed that a synergy of passion, knowledge, skills and cultural intelligence yield blended librarians that fit the future library landscape. To be a librarian is more than just equipped with knowledge and skills; it requires passion and solid discipline. For librarians, unlearning is equally relevant skills like learning.

Originality/value

Instead of the usual skills assessment, this study approached it in a new perspective and divulged a synergy of passion, knowledge, skills, cultural intelligence, professionalism, and discipline as essential assets for the twenty-first century librarians.