bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Small RNA-Omics for Virome Reconstruction and Antiviral Defense Characterization in Mixed Infections of Cultivated Solanum Plants
Authors: Turco Silvia , Golyaev Victor , Seguin Jonathan , Gilli Céline , Farinelli Laurent , Boller Thomas , Schumpp Olivier , Pooggin Mikhail M.
Published: February 2018

In plants, RNA silencing–based antiviral defense generates viral small RNAs (sRNAs) faithfully representing the viral genomes. We employed sRNA sequencing and bioinformatics (sRNA-omics) to characterize antiviral defense and to reconstruct the full genomic sequences and their variants in the evolving viral quasispecies in cultivated solanaceous plants carrying mixed infections. In naturally infected Solanum tuberosum (potato), one case study revealed a virome comprising Potato virus Y (genus Potyvirus) and Potato virus X (genus Potexvirus), which was reconstructed by de novo–assembling separate genome-size sRNA contigs. Another case study revealed a virome comprising NTN and O strains of Potato virus Y, whose sRNAs assembled in chimeric contigs, which could be disentangled on the basis of reference genome sequences. Both viromes were stable in vegetative potato progeny. In a cross-protection trial of Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), the supposedly protective mild strain CH2 of Pepino mosaic virus (genus Potexvirus) was tested for protection against strain LP of the same virus. Reciprocal mechanical inoculations eventually resulted in co-infection of all individual plants with CH2 and LP strains, reconstructed as separate sRNA contigs. LP invasions into CH2-preinfected plants and vice versa were accompanied by alterations of consensus genome sequences in viral quasispecies, indicating a potential risk of cross-protection measures. Additionally, the study also revealed, by reconstruction from sRNAs, the presence of the mechanically nontransmissible Southern tomato virus (genus Amalgavirus) in some plants. Our in-depth analysis of sRNA sizes, 5′-nucleotide frequencies and hotspot maps revealed similarities in sRNA-generating mechanisms in potato and tomato, differential silencing responses to virome components and potential for sRNA-directed cross-targeting between viral strains which could not, however, prevent the formation of stable viromes.
CE: Malnutrition in Older Adults
Authors: Mangels Ann Reed
Published: February 2018

Older adults are at risk for compromised nutritional status because of physical changes associated with aging, as well as cognitive, psychological, and social factors such as dementia, depression, isolation, and limited income. Malnutrition negatively affects quality of life, increases health care costs, and increases the risk of short-term mortality. Nurses and other members of interdisciplinary health care teams play important roles in preventing malnutrition in community-dwelling older adults and in older adults in long-term care settings. This article provides an overview of screening tools and interventions nurses can use to minimize the risk of malnutrition in older adults.
Reconstruction of Anterior Neck Scar Contracture Using A Perforator-Supercharged Transposition Flap
Authors: Noda Yoshihiro , Kuwahara Hiroaki , Morimoto Maya , Ogawa Rei
Published: February 2018

Reconstruction of the anterior neck requires attention to both aesthetic and functional outcomes. In general, skin grafts are not suitable for anterior neck reconstruction in Asian patients, even when artificial dermis is used before skin grafting. Therefore, we have employed various types of thin flaps for anterior neck reconstruction, including the cervico-pectoral flap. However, we have realized that, to fully release neck contractures and therefore achieve the full range of neck extension, the skin pedicle must be sufficiently wide. Therefore, we have started reconstructing anterior neck scar contractures using wide, thin, and long flaps that are harvested from the anterior chest wall. In this article, we describe the case of a 71-year-old man who presented with a neck contracture and tracheal fistula after receiving extensive burns. A transposition flap bearing the internal mammary artery perforator was harvested from the anterior chest wall to repair the neck wounds that were left after removing the scar. At the same time, the tracheal fistula was covered by the flap. The aesthetic and functional results were acceptable. The effectiveness of supercharged transposition flaps from the anterior chest wall for reconstructing anterior neck scar contraction is discussed.
Associated Malformations in Children with Orofacial Clefts in Portugal: A 31-Year Study
Authors: Pereira Alice V. , Fradinho Nuno , Carmo Sara , de Sousa Juliana M. , Rasteiro David , Duarte Regina , Leal Maria J.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Orofacial clefts are among the most common congenital craniofacial malformations and may be associated with other birth defects. However, the proportion and type of additional anomalies vary greatly between studies. This study assessed the prevalence and type of associated congenital malformations in children with orofacial clefts, who attended the largest cleft lip and palate tertiary referral center in Portugal.

Methods:

Consecutive children with orofacial clefts who attended at least 1 consultation in our Clefts Unit between 1981 and 2012 were studied. Demographic and clinical data regarding the number and type of associated malformations were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

Results:

Of the 701 patients studied, 219 (31.2%) had associated congenital malformations. These malformations were more frequent in children with cleft palate (43.4%) than in children with cleft lip and palate (27.5%) or with cleft lip only (19.4%). Within the group with associated anomalies, 73 cases (33.3%) had conditions related with known chromosomal defects, monogenic syndromes or sequences, and 146 cases (66.7%) had multiple congenital anomalies of unknown origin. From those, head and neck malformations were the most common (60.3%), followed by malformations in the cardiovascular (28.3%) and musculoskeletal systems (26%).

Conclusions:

The overall prevalence of associated malformations of nearly 1 in 3 children with orofacial clefts stressed the need for a comprehensive evaluation of these patients by a multidisciplinary cleft team. Moreover, one-third of the children had multiple congenital anomalies of known origins. Thus, early routine screening for other malformations and genetic counseling might be valuable for orofacial clefts management.
The possible relationship between Campylobacter spp./Arcobacter spp. and patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Akar Mustafa , Aydin Fuat , Yurci Mustafa A. , Abay Seçil , Ateş İhsan , Deniz Kemal
Published: February 2018

Background and aims

The role of bacterial infection in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is under investigation. This study aims to (i) determine the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. and Arcobacter spp. in patients with UC, (ii) identify the antibiotic susceptibility of isolated agents, and (iii) investigate the role of these microorganisms in the pathogenesis and/or activation of UC.

Patients and methods

Eighty patients with UC and 40 healthy individuals were included in the study. Stool samples were used for cultural examination. Direct plating, membrane filtration, and enrichment methods were used for isolation. 16s rRNA sequence analysis was used for definitive identification of isolates that were identified phenotypically.

Results

In the UC group, 20 (25%) patients had proctitis, 40 (50%) patients had left-type involvement, and 20 (25%) patients had extensive involvement. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from four (5%) patients in the UC group and isolates were identified as C. curvus, C. concisus, C. sputorum, and C. jejuni. C. concisus and C. jejuni were found to be resistant to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. C. jejuni was also resistant to tetracycline. All samples were negative for Arcobacter spp. The samples from the control group neither showed the presence of Campylobacter spp. nor Arcobacter spp.

Conclusion

Given the clinical, endoscopic, and bacteriological examination results, it is believed that Campylobacter spp. are agents that cause flare-up clinically by being superimposed on the primary disease, rather than agents that initiate the disease in patients with UC. Arcobacter spp., which are known to cause acute gastroenteritis, were not found to be associated with UC.
Dexrazoxane Significantly Reduces Anthracycline-induced Cardiotoxicity in Pediatric Solid Tumor Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Liesse Kelly , Harris Jamie , Chan Megan , Schmidt Mary L. , Chiu Bill
Published: February 2018

Cardiotoxicity is a dose-limiting and potentially lethal complication of anthracycline administration. Previous studies failed to determine definitive toxic doses or cardioprotective factors. Current dosing strategies may utilize unnecessarily high anthracycline doses, such that survival benefit may not outweigh increased toxicity rates. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and prospective/retrospective studies investigating anthracycline treatment in pediatric solid tumors was performed from PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane databases. Generalized linear models mapping survival, cardiotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity-free survival adjusted for male-to-female ratio, follow-up time, and concomitant chemotherapeutic drugs or cardioprotective agents (dexrazoxane) were generated using R. Survival rose linearly with increasing cumulative anthracycline dose whereas cardiotoxicity demonstrated exponential increases both without (dose, >200 mg/m2) and with (dose, >400 mg/m2) dexrazoxane. Maximum cardiotoxicity-free survival was 268.2 mg/m2 without and 431.8 mg/m2 with dexrazoxane. Despite increasing cardiotoxicity-free dose by >150 mg/m2, dexrazoxane minimally improved projected survival (71.9% vs. 75.4%). Cardiotoxicity increased linearly as a function of follow-up time with rates doubling from 5 to 20 years, without evidence of plateau. On the basis of our model, current dosing regimens—doxorubicin doses >375 mg/m2 without dexrazoxane—overvalue increased anthracycline administration and may contribute to devastating cardiotoxicity. The linear increase of cardiotoxicity without evidence of plateau confirms the necessity for lifelong cardiac monitoring.
Endoscopic Repair of Persistent Oroantral Communications Using the Caldwell-Luc Approach
Authors: Aladag Ibrahim , Gunhan Fatih , Songu Murat , Imre Abdulkadir , Pinar Ercan
Published: February 2018

In this article, a novel endoscopic technique used to close oro-antral fistulas will be described. In the technique described here, 24 cases were surgically treated between May 2011, and November 2014. Under endonasal endoscopic examination following partial inferior uncinectomy, the natural ostium of the maxillary sinus was identified; through this tract, a curved aspirator was advanced into the sinus. If present, we extracted endoscopically tissues causing obliteration of the ostium through the Caldwell-Luc antrostomy, taking care to preserve the integrity of the natural ostium. In the technique described here, endoscopic examination using the Caldwell-Luc approach, the inside of the maxillary sinus is explored fully, existing infection and polyps are eliminated locally, and natural patency of the maxillary sinus ostium can be achieved. The graft used to obliterate the oroantral fistula can be easily harvested from the bone of the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus by accessing the surgical entry tract.
The Accuracy of Portable Ultrasound Bladder Scanner Measurements of Postvoid Residual Volume in Women With Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Authors: Theisen John Graham , Deveneau Nicolette E. , Agrawal Anu , Kinman Casey , Gaskins Jeremy , Meriwether Kate , Francis Sean L.
Published: February 2018

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of portable bladder scanner postvoid residual (PVR) volume measurements in patients with pelvic organ prolapse. A secondary goal was to determine whether covariates such as bladder volume and stage of prolapse affect bladder scanner accuracy.

Study Design

Complex urodynamic studies were performed on 70 patients with stage II or greater prolapse. Complex urodynamic studies included measurement of maximum bladder capacity (MBC) as well as measurement of PVR by urethral catheterization before, and following, complex filling cystometry. For each catheterized PVR, a corresponding bladder scanner measurement was obtained; the primary outcome was the difference between these measurements. In addition, bladder scanner measurements of MBC were compared with MBC by urodynamic pump. Measurements were compared by paired t test. Linear regression was used to assess association between covariates and bladder scanner error.

Results

There was no significant difference between catheter and bladder scanner PVR at the initial (mean difference, 5.94 mL; 95% confidence interval [CI], −3.8 to 15.7) or final (mean difference, 1.37 mL; 95% CI, −10.9 to 13.6) measurements. Maximum bladder capacity measurements by bladder scanner were significantly smaller than catheterized measurements (mean difference, −21.3 mL; 95% CI, −40.3 to −2.3). Stage III/IV prolapse was associated with increased bladder scanner error (P = 0.03).

Conclusions

The portable bladder scanner accurately measures PVR in patients with pelvic organ prolapse and could be considered as an alternative to catheterized assessment. However, stage III/IV prolapse is associated with increased bladder scanner error, which should be considered when determining appropriate candidates for bladder scanner PVR assessment.
Mobile learning in nursing education: catering for students and teachers’ needs
Authors: Li Kam Cheong , Lee Linda Yin-King , Wong Suet-Lai , Yau Ivy Sui-Yu , Wong Billy Tak Ming
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the implementation of mobile learning in a nursing course at The Open University of Hong Kong, and identify the potentials of, and constraints on, introducing mobile technologies in the instructional design of nursing education. The paper also considers the pedagogical implications of the expansion of mobile learning in the field of nursing.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a qualitative approach to obtain the students’ and teacher’s experiences, opinions, and expectations on mobile learning. Two focus groups with 20 student participants were conducted and an in-depth interview with the course teacher was arranged. The Framework for the Rational Analysis of Mobile Education (FRAME) model was used as the research framework to support data collection and analysis.

Findings

The aspects of device usability, interaction learning, and social technology as suggested in the FRAME model were partly fulfilled in the study. Mobile technology enhanced the portability and accessibility of learning information, and networking tools facilitated interaction among students and between students and the teacher. However, the readability of text was limited due to constraints on the user interface and screen size, and concerns over the reliability of learning content were also raised, given the abundance of unfiltered online information. The difficulty in updating the content of multimedia materials and sourcing videos of an appropriate level, together with the problem of device networking, also limited the usefulness of mobile learning. Attention should also be paid to the perceptual differences between students and the teacher on the nature and functions of mobile learning.

Originality/value

This empirical study provides a detailed evaluation of the delivery of mobile learning in a nursing course. The findings reveal the strengths and limitations of using mobile technologies to support the nursing education.
Who wants to be an angel investor? The characteristics of the high net worth individuals in the Chilean resource periphery
Authors: Romaní Gianni , Atienza Miguel , Campos Felipe , Bahamondes Pablo , Hernández Rodrigo
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyse the characteristics of high net worth individuals (HNWI) as potential angel investor in Antofagasta, the main mining resource periphery in Chile.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the resource periphery approach and angel investing, the authors apply a survey to a sample of 37 HNWI in this region. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Findings

Descriptive results show that the characteristics of these individuals do not significantly differ from those exhibited by angel investors in developed countries and that HNWI show a relative high willingness to become angels and to form a network.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has some limitations regarding the size and scope of the sample. It is a relatively short sample that does not allow to make more sophisticated analysis and it is only regional and, therefore, it is not possible to make a comparison at a national level.

Practical implications

From the perspective the design of policies and programmes oriented towards the promotion of a high potential start-ups in resources peripheries, it is essential to know what the characteristics of HNWI are and their propensity to become angel investors.

Originality/value

Research on angel investment has been traditionally based on the experience of core regions in developed countries. This type of funding source, however, can play a significant role in the promotion of development and diversification in resource peripheries due to the limited access that these areas have to traditional capital funds and the orientation of angel investment towards innovative ventures, but studies from this perspective are very scarce. In this sense, this paper is pioneer in this topic in peripheral regions.
Internationalization and performance: the role of depth and breadth
Authors: Velez-Calle Andres , Sanchez-Henriquez Fernando , Contractor Farok
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between multinationality and firm performance (M-P) in Latin American companies, commonly referred to as multilatinas. The study conceptualizes the depth (intensity) and breadth (geographical scope) of internationalization and examines their effect on financial performance. Although scholars have studied how internationalization in various contexts and industries affects performance, little is known about firms in Latin America.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an analysis of the effect of the depth and breadth of multilatina internationalization on financial performance by creating a database using information fromAmerica Economia, a specialized Chilean magazine that publishes an annual ranking of multilatinas. Additional data came from the Osiris database of Bureau Van Dijk and Compustat. The hypotheses were tested using an autoregressive heteroskedastic model.

Findings

The results show that the extent of the depth and breadth of internationalization affects financial performance. Multilatinas’ depth of internationalization has a curvilinear (U-shaped) impact on performance while breadth has an inverted curvilinear impact on performance.

Research limitations/implications

The theory portion and results expand the literature on firm internationalization and performance by distinguishing between two types of international firm expansion, depth and breadth, and discussing how each contributes to different stages of the three-stage theory of multinationality and performance.

Originality/value

The findings indicate that multilatinas benefit from their regional expansion, but outside Latin America, expansion has a negative effect on financial performance. They also show that firms can implement different types of internationalization strategies in terms of intensity and scope to achieve better performance.
Bibliometric analysis of indexed research on corporate social responsibility in Latin America (2000-2017)
Authors: Jaén María Helena , Auletta Nunzia , Bruni Celli Josefina , Pocaterra Melanie
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper presents an overview of Latin American (LA) publications on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and closely related themes that appear in ISI Thompson Reuters Social Science Citation Index journals, in the period 2000-2017. The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first is to understand the institutional context in which this research is being produced, and to reflect on how it can be improved. The second is to map out key research strands in this literature, to discuss its achievements and limitations, and identify opportunities for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative-qualitative systematic review was performed using a standard bibliometric approach. A total of 148 articles from 36 journals, indexed in the ISI Thompson Reuters Social Science Citation Index, were selected and analyzed. A systematic analysis was performed, based on a review protocol, which comprised following eight steps: research objectives, article search, articles selection, article identification, root themes coding, data coding, data coding validation and content analysis.

Findings

Research about CSR Latin America features a very low citation record. It is also very fragmented. Both of these characteristics reflect little conversation amongst scholars publishing on this topic in indexed venues. More generally, participation in these venues reflects the location of scholars working on this topic as peripheral actors in scholarly conversations. The study identifies many opportunities for future research that attend to key issues that are relevant for Latin America and that will stimulate a more dynamic conversation among scholars interested in the region.

Research limitations/implications

First, this study is limited to articles on CSR research on LA published in ISI journals. It does not show the whole trend of other academic and managerial publications in the region. Second, although the articles selected were retrieved based on 17 search terms derived from the theoretical framework, the complexity of CSR-related themes and its evolution could have caused some terms, and therefore publications, to be left out.

Practical implications

Results provide scholars interested in the region with updated information about the state of research on the topic and about opportunities for future research. They also provide business schools in the region with a valuable input for a comprehensive reflection on research policy.

Social implications

In the 30th anniversary of Academia (Revista Latinoamericana de Administración), this study offers recommendations on how research on CRS in Latin America could be made more visible and relevant.

Originality/value

This is the first bibliometric analysis of scholarly publications on CSR and related issues in Latin America. It is also unique in addressing institutional factors that may be conditioning intellectual production on the topic.
Will my own perception be enough?
Authors: Wu Wen , Wang Haihua (Jason) , Lu Lu
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to fill important gaps by using the belongingness theory and examining the effects of individual-level workplace ostracism on members’ voice behavior and the effects of group-level workplace ostracism.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used samples of 77 groups from a high-technological company.

Findings

Individual-level workplace ostracism is detrimental to group members’ promotive and prohibitive voice behavior, and group members’ belongingness mediates such effect; and group-level workplace ostracism is negatively related to group cohesion. The influence of group members’ perception of ostracism on their voice behavior is contingent on overall level of ostracism.

Originality/value

Despite of a growing body of studies on workplace ostracism “the extent to which an individual perceives that he or she is ignored or excluded by others at workplace”, the effects of workplace ostracism on individual’s voice behavior in group settings have received scant attention.
A survey on mining stack overflow: question and answering (Q&A) community
Authors: Ahmad Arshad , Feng Chong , Ge Shi , Yousif Abdallah
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Software developers extensively use stack overflow (SO) for knowledge sharing on software development. Thus, software engineering researchers have started mining the structured/unstructured data present in certain software repositories including the Q&A software developer community SO, with the aim to improve software development. The purpose of this paper is show that how academics/practitioners can get benefit from the valuable user-generated content shared on various online social networks, specifically from Q&A community SO for software development.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was conducted and 166 research papers on SO were categorized about software development from the inception of SO till June 2016.

Findings

Most of the studies revolve around a limited number of software development tasks; approximately 70 percent of the papers used millions of posts data, applied basic machine learning methods, and conducted investigations semi-automatically and quantitative studies. Thus, future research should focus on the overcoming existing identified challenges and gaps.

Practical implications

The work on SO is classified into two main categories; “SO design and usage” and “SO content applications.” These categories not only give insights to Q&A forum providers about the shortcomings in design and usage of such forums but also provide ways to overcome them in future. It also enables software developers to exploit such forums for the identified under-utilized tasks of software development.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind to explore the work on SO about software development and makes an original contribution by presenting a comprehensive review, design/usage shortcomings of Q&A sites, and future research challenges.
Examining positive and negative value-in-use in a complex service setting
Authors: Sweeney Jillian C. , Plewa Carolin , Zurbruegg Ralf
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to advance research and practice on value, and more specifically value-in-use, by enhancing knowledge of not only positive but also negative value-in-use facets in a complex relational context, developing a psychometrically sound measure of these facets and evaluating their effect on various outcome measures across different customer segments.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage study was undertaken in the professional service context of financial planning. Following a qualitative stage identifying positive and negative facets of value-in-use, a measurement scale was developed and tested, and extended analysis was undertaken through two quantitative stages.

Findings

The findings provide converging evidence that clients in the study context realise value-in-use, defined in this study at a benefit rather than outcome level, through nine core facets, four positive (expertise, education, motivation, convenience) and five negative (monetary, time and effort, lifestyle, emotional [financial planner], emotional [situation]). While all nine facets impact on at least one of the investigated outcomes, results show that, overall, positive value-in-use facets outweigh the negative ones, with the impact of facets varying depending on client factors (such as customer participation and time to retirement).

Originality/value

The primary contributions of this paper lie in the conceptualisation and measurement of both positive and negative value-in-use facets and their interplay in generating customer outcomes, as well as in the development of a psychometrically sound measure of this construct. Negative value-in-use facets have not been explored to date, despite consumers being sometimes more concerned with risks than gains. Furthermore, the research offers novel insight into the impact of both positive and negative value-in-use on relevant outcomes, while also offering evidence as to the importance of segmentation dimensions in this context.
Diffusion of corporate social responsibility in the airline industry
Authors: Upadhaya Bedanand , Munir Rahat , Blount Yvette , Su Sophia
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how and why corporate social responsibility (CSR) is diffused within the organisation and investigate the factors that influence the diffusion of CSR in the context of a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the diffusion of innovations theory, data were collected from a Nepalese airline company through semi-structured interviews supported by relevant documentary scrutiny.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that the airline company’s CSR practices are aimed at enhancing organisational performance. The adoption of CSR is also seen as a proactive strategy to avoid any future risk associated with their environmental impact. The findings reveal that organisations’ strategy, cultural values and beliefs and top management support are important predictors of the adoption of CSR.

Practical implications

The empirical findings of this study provide valuable insights into how CSR can enhance organisations’ performance if CSR is used in a strategic way. The study also highlights the important role of cultural values and beliefs in the secondary stage of adoption (or internal diffusion), as successful implementation of CSR is highly unlikely to happen without focusing on appropriate culture within the organisation.

Originality/value

This study extends research on diffusion of innovations literature by focusing on both the initial and post-adoption process (primary and secondary stage of diffusion) of CSR within a single airline company operating in a developing country, Nepal.
Identifying and describing segments of office workers by activity patterns
Authors: Close Michael A. , Lytle Leslie A. , Viera Anthony J. , Chen Ding-Geng , Linnan Laura A. , Valle Carmina G.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and characterize patterns of physical activity among office workers employed in largely sedentary occupations at a major health insurer located in the Southeastern USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used latent class analysis to identify segments of office workers (n=239) based on their self-reported activities of daily living and exercise behaviors. The authors examined the association of demographic characteristics with segment membership, and differences in accelerometer-measured weekly minutes of light and moderate-vigorous physical activity across segments.

Findings

The authors identified two segments and labeled them “exerciser” and “non-exerciser.” Being female was associated with lower odds of membership in the “exerciser” segment (OR=0.18; 95% CI=0.06, 0.52), while those with at least a bachelor’s degree were more likely to be in the “exerciser” segment (OR=2.12; 95% CI=1.02, 4.40). Mean minutes of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week were greater for the “exerciser” segment than the “non-exerciser” segment.

Practical implications

Based on this sample, the authors found that office workers in sedentary occupations were roughly equally divided and distinguished by their engagement in exercise-type behaviors. The findings underscore the need for innovative workplace programming that enhances activity opportunities particularly for those that are not likely to exercise.

Originality/value

A scarcity of research on activity patterns among office workers inhibits development of targeted worksite activity programming. The present research reveals two segments of workers with regard to their activity patterns and suggests ways for worksites to meet their unique needs.
An effect evaluation of the psychosocial work environment of a university unit after a successfully implemented employeeship program
Authors: Saksvik Per Øystein , Faergestad Margrethe , Fossum Silje , Olaniyan Oyeniyi Samuel , Indergård Øystein , Karanika-Murray Maria
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether a successful implementation of an intervention could result in an effect evaluated independently from a process evaluation. It was achieved by evaluating the effects of an intervention, the “employeeship program,” designed to strengthen the psychosocial work environment through raising employees’ awareness and competence in interpersonal relationships and increasing their responsibility for their everyday work and working environment.

Design/methodology/approach

An employeeship intervention program was developed to improve the psychosocial work environment through reducing conflict among employees and strengthening the social community, empowering leadership, and increasing trust in management. An earlier process evaluation of the program found that it had been implemented successfully. The present effect evaluation supplemented this by examining its effect on the psychosocial work environment using two waves of the organization’s internal survey and comparing changes in the intervention unit at two points and against the rest of the organization.

Findings

The intervention was effective in improving the psychosocial work environment through reducing conflicts among employees and strengthening the social community, empowering leadership, and increasing trust in management.

Research limitations/implications

More attention should be paid to developing and increasing positive psychosocial experiences while simultaneously reducing negative psychosocial experiences, as this employeeship intervention demonstrated.

Practical implications

An intervention focusing on employeeship is an effective way to achieve a healthier psychosocial work environment with demonstrable benefits for individuals and the working unit.

Originality/value

Although organizational-level interventions are complex processes, evaluations that focus on process and effect can offer insights into the workings of successful interventions.
A comparison of four stress reduction modalities on measures of stress among university students
Authors: Bennion Erica , Olpin Michael N. , DeBeliso Mark
Published: February 2018

Purpose

High levels of stress reported at college campuses has led to the need for stress management interventions. College students often do not know how to deal with the increase in stress during college which may lead to ineffective ways to manage stress, such as drugs, alcohol, and under the worst circumstance, suicide. Several universities have implemented stress relieving centers where students can participate in various modalities to relax and reduce symptoms of stress. The purpose of this paper is to compare four stress reduction modalities on the amount of physiologic and perceived stress (PS) reduction in a stress relief center.

Design/methodology/approach

Archival information of 5,526 students (2,759 female, 2,767 male) were analyzed. During their time at the relaxation center, these students would participate in one of four relaxation modalities (massage chair, chi machine, rejuvenation lounger, or sitting meditation). Upon entering and exiting the center, PS, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) were measured. The dependent variables were compared from pre- to post-relaxation with paired tests. Gain scores were calculated for each dependent variable and compared between modalities with an ANOVA and post hoc independent t-tests. The α was set at=0.05 for statistical significance.

Findings

Results indicated that all four modalities showed an overall decrease in stress-related symptoms for both men and women (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference in dependent variable gain scores between the relaxation modalities (p>0.05) for men. There was no statistical difference in dependent variable gain scores between the relaxation modalities (p>0.05) for women except for SBP and DBP where the massage chair, chi machine, and sitting meditation all reduced SBP and DBP to a greater degree than the rejuvenation lounger (p<0.05).

Originality/value

The results of this study suggest that the use of these stress reduction modalities (massage chair, chi machine, rejuvenation lounger, or sitting meditation) is effective at transiently reducing physiologic and perceived measures of stress of college students. Universities should recognize the importance of stress relief centers in order to help students manage stress symptoms and effectively manage their daily stress levels.
Test on yields of equivalently-rated bonds
Authors: Ariff Mohamed , Zarei Alireza , Bhatti Ishaq
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to report practice-relevant anomalous investment yield behavior of two types of bonds – Type A, the mainstream bond, and Type B, which isSukuk– both having similar cash-flow-relevant characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Bond valuation theory suggests that yields to investors of similarly rated bonds ought to be same. The authors collected time-series data on A and B bonds, all being coupon-paying bonds with similar rating and similar tenor as two matched samples traded in a bond exchange. To ensure the results are extended to different bond sectors, the data set was separated into treasury bonds as risk-free and corporate bonds as risky ones. The data set was further sub-divided into short-, medium- and long-tenor bonds. As the data straddle the Global Financial Crisis period, the authors use appropriate econometric method to control the possible effect from the crisis.

Findings

The average and median yields on Type A bond are significantly different from those of Type B. The test results show significant and systematic differences: treasury bonds of Type A returns yield lower than treasury bonds of Type B; the yields of corporate mainstream bonds (A) are higher than the yields ofSukuk(B). The authors observe these findings constitute a puzzle, being anomalous to theory.

Originality/value

This paper is original in that it is documenting significant differences in pricing of equivalent bonds. This has both theory and practice implications for fixed-income security market practices. The evidence is very strong to suggest that the identical types of bonds may have missing variable that contributes to the difference. Therefore, further research to identify the missing variable is necessary.
Reconciling contracts and relational governance through strategic contracting
Authors: Petersen Bent , Østergaard Kim
Published: February 2018

Purpose

In an industrial marketing context of manufacturer–distributor collaboration, this law and economics paper aims to contrast two approaches to contracting: conventional and strategic.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on relational rent theory, this paper provides an analytical framework for juxtaposing conventional and strategic contracting. A contingency approach is applied to formulate propositions as to when conventional versus strategic contracting is preferable.

Findings

The distinction between conventional and strategic contracting has implications as to whether relational governance substitutes or complements formal contracts (the substitution versus complements perspectives). Strategic contracting results in complementarity (rather than substitutability) between formal contracts and relational governance.

Research limitations/implications

This paper argues that a more nuanced view on contract types, such as strategic versus conventional, may reconcile the enduring research controversy between the substitution and complements perspectives.

Practical implications

Today, formal contracts with foreign distributors tend to resemble “prenuptial agreements”. The opportunity for relational rent (e.g. manifested in higher export revenues) grows if conventional contracts are superseded by contracts following strategic contracting principles.

Originality/value

This study is interdisciplinary, not only by its combination of marketing, management and contractual economics but also through its law and economics amalgamation.
“Walking the line”: an at-home ethnography of bureaucracy
Authors: Gottwald Markus , Sowa Frank , Staples Ronald
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a specific case of at-home ethnography, or insider research: The German Public Employment Service (BA) commissioned its own research institute (Institute for Employment Research (Institut für Arbeitsmarkt- und Berufsforschung)) to evaluate the daily implementation of its core management instruments (target management and controlling). The aim of the paper is to explain the challenges faced by the ethnographers and to reflect on them methodologically.

Design/methodology/approach

At-home ethnography/insider research.

Findings

In the paper, it is argued to what extent conducting at-home ethnography, or insider research, is like “Walking the Line” – to paraphrase Johnny Cash. When examining a management instrument that is highly contested on the micropolitical level, the researchers have to navigate their way through different interests with regard to advice and support, and become micropoliticians in their own interest at the same time in order to maintain scientific autonomy. The ethnographers are deeply enmeshed in the micropolitical dynamics of their field, which gives rise to the question of how they can distance themselves in this situation. To this effect, they develop the argument that distancing is not so much about seeing what is familiar in a new light, as is mostly suggested in the literature, than about alienating a familiar research environment in order to avoid a bureaucratically contingent othering. It is shown what constitutes a bureaucratically contingent othering and how it should be met by an othering of the bureaucracy. Conclusions are drawn from this with regard to the advice and support required for the bureaucracy and concerning the methods debate surrounding insider research in general.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the method debate with regard to at-home ethnography, or insider research, and particularly addresses organisational researchers and practitioners facing similar challenges when conducting ethnographic research in their own organisation.
Effect of rotation and gravity on generalized thermo-viscoelastic medium with voids
Authors: Othman Mohamed I.A. , Fekry Montaser
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of rotation and gravity on a homogeneous, isotropic, and generalized thermo-viscoelastic material with voids. The problem is studied in the context of the coupled theory, Lord-Shulman theory with one relaxation time, and Green-Lindsay theory with two relaxation times.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical method used was the normal mode analysis technique.

Findings

Numerical results for the physical quantities were analyzed and presented graphically. The graphical results indicated that the effects of rotation and gravity were observable physical effects on the thermo-viscoelastic material with voids. Comparisons were made between the results obtained in the absence and presence of rotation and gravity.

Originality/value

In the present work, the authors investigated the effect of rotation and gravity on thermo-viscoelastic medium with voids. Comparisons were also made between the three theories in the absence and the presence of rotation and gravity. Such problems are very important in many dynamical systems.
Complex care and contradictions of choice in the safety net
Authors: Van Natta Meredith , Burke Nancy J. , Yen Irene H. , Rubin Sara , Fleming Mark D. , Thompson‐Lastad Ariana , Shim Janet K.
Published: February 2018

This article explores the complicated and often‐contradictory notions of choice at play in complex care management (CCM) programmes in the US healthcare safety net. Drawing from longitudinal data collected over two years of ethnographic fieldwork at urban safety‐net clinics, our study examines the CCM goal of transforming frequent emergency department (ED) utilisers into ‘active’ patients who will reduce their service utilisation and thereby contribute to a more rational, cost‐effective healthcare system. By considering our data alongside philosopher Annemarie Mol's (2008) conceptualisation of the competing logics of choice and care, we argue that these premises often undermine CCM teams' efforts to support patients and provide the care they need – not only to prevent medical crises, but to overcome socio‐economic barriers as well. We assert that while safety‐net CCM programmes are held accountable for the degree to which their patients successfully transform into self‐managing, cost‐effective actors, much of the care CCM staff provide in fact involves attempts to intervene on structural obstacles that impinge on patient choice. CCM programmes thus struggle between an economic imperative to get patients to make better health choices and a moral imperative to provide care in the face of systemic societal neglect. (A virtual abstract of this paper can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_979cmCmR9rLrKuD7z0ycA).
Europeanisation and social movements: The case of the Stop TTIP campaign
Authors: CAIANI MANUELA , GRAZIANO PAOLO
Published: February 2018

Over the past years, the economic crisis has significantly challenged the ways through which social movements have conceptualised and interacted with European Union institutions and policies. Although valuable research on the Europeanisation of movements has already been conducted, finding moderate numbers of Europeanised protests and actors, more recent studies on the subject have been limited to austerity measures and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) has been investigated more from a trade unions’ or an international relations perspective. In this article, the TTIP is used as a very promising case study to analyse social movements’ Europeanisation – that is, their capacity to mobilise referring to European issues, targets and identities. Furthermore, the TTIP is a crucial test case because it concerns a policy area (foreign trade) which falls under the exclusive competence of the EU. In addition, political opportunities for civil society actors are ‘closed’ in that negotiations are kept ‘secret’ and discussed mainly within the European Council, and it is difficult to mobilise a large public on such a technical issue. So why and how has this movement become ‘Europeanised’? This comparative study tests the Europeanisation hypothesis with a protest event analysis on anti‐TTIP mobilisation in six European countries (Italy, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Austria) at the EU level in the period 2014–2016 (for a total of 784 events) and uses semi‐structured interviews in Brussels with key representatives of the movement and policy makers. The findings show that there is strong adaptation of social movements to multilevel governance – with the growing presence of not only purely European actors, but also European targets, mobilisations and transnational movement networks – with a ‘differential Europeanisation’. Not only do the paths of Europeanisation vary from country to country (and type of actor), but they are also influenced by the interplay between the political opportunities at the EU and domestic levels.