bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of prostate cancer index lesions with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp‐MRI) using whole‐mount histological sections as the reference standard
Authors: Russo Filippo , Regge Daniele , Armando Enrico , Giannini Valentina , Vignati Anna , Mazzetti Simone , Manfredi Matteo , Bollito Enrico , Correale Loredana , Porpiglia Francesco
Published: July 2015

Objective

To evaluate the sensitivity of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mp‐MRI) for detecting prostate cancer foci, including the largest (index) lesions.

Patients and Methods

In all, 115 patients with biopsy confirmed prostate cancer underwent mp‐MRI before radical prostatectomy. A single expert radiologist recorded all prostate cancer foci including the index lesion ‘blinded’ to the pathologist's biopsy report. Stained whole‐mount histological sections were used as the reference standard. All lesions were contoured by an experienced uropathologist who assessed their volume and pathological Gleason score. All lesions with a volume of >0.5 mL and/or pathological Gleason score of >6 were defined as clinically significant prostate cancer. Multivariate analysis was used to ascertain the characteristics of lesions identified by MRI.

Results

In all, 104 of 115 index lesions were correctly diagnosed by mp‐MRI (sensitivity 90.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 83.5–95.1%), including 98/105 clinically significant index lesions (93.3%; 95% CI 86.8–97.3%), among which three of three lesions had a volume of <0.5 mL and Gleason score of >6. Overall, mp‐MRI detected 131/206 lesions including 13 of 68 ‘insignificant’ prostate cancers. The multivariate logistic regression modelling showed that pathological Gleason score (odds ratio [OR] 11.7, 95% CI 2.3–59.8; P = 0.003) and lesion volume (OR 4.24, 95% CI 1.3–14.7; P = 0.022) were independently associated with the detection of index lesions at MRI.

Conclusions

This study shows that mp‐MRI has a high sensitivity for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer index lesions, while having disappointing results for the detection of small‐volume, low Gleason score prostate cancer foci. Thus, mp‐MRI could be used to stratify patients according to risk, allowing better treatment selection.
Species traits and climate velocity explain geographic range shifts in an ocean‐warming hotspot
Authors: Sunday Jennifer M. , Pecl Gretta T. , Frusher Stewart , Hobday Alistair J. , Hill Nicole , Holbrook Neil J. , Edgar Graham J. , Stuart‐Smith Rick , Barrett Neville , Wernberg Thomas , Watson Reg A. , Smale Dan A. , Fulton Elizabeth A. , Slawinski Dirk , Feng Ming , Radford Ben T. , Thompson Peter A. , Bates Amanda E.
Published: July 2015

Species' ranges are shifting globally in response to climate warming, with substantial variability among taxa, even within regions. Relationships between range dynamics and intrinsic species traits may be particularly apparent in the ocean, where temperature more directly shapes species' distributions. Here, we test for a role of species traits and climate velocity in driving range extensions in the ocean‐warming hotspot of southeast Australia. Climate velocity explained some variation in range shifts, however, including species traits more than doubled the variation explained. Swimming ability, omnivory and latitudinal range size all had positive relationships with range extension rate, supporting hypotheses that increased dispersal capacity and ecological generalism promote extensions. We find independent support for the hypothesis that species with narrow latitudinal ranges are limited by factors other than climate. Our findings suggest that small‐ranging species are in double jeopardy, with limited ability to escape warming and greater intrinsic vulnerability to stochastic disturbances.
Patterns of sulfur isotope fractionation during microbial sulfate reduction
Authors: Bradley A. S. , Leavitt W. D. , Schmidt M. , Knoll A. H. , Girguis P. R. , Johnston D. T.
Published: July 2015

Studies of microbial sulfate reduction have suggested that the magnitude of sulfur isotope fractionation varies with sulfate concentration. Small apparent sulfur isotope fractionations preserved in Archean rocks have been interpreted as suggesting Archean sulfate concentrations of <200 μm, while larger fractionations thereafter have been interpreted to require higher concentrations. In this work, we demonstrate that fractionation imposed by sulfate reduction can be a function of concentration over a millimolar range, but that nature of this relationship depends on the organism studied. Two sulfate‐reducing bacteria grown in continuous culture with sulfate concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 6 mm showed markedly different relationships between sulfate concentration and isotope fractionation. Desulfovibrio vulgaris str. Hildenborough showed a large and relatively constant isotope fractionation (34εSO4‐H2S ≅ 25‰), while fractionation by Desulfovibrio alaskensis G20 strongly correlated with sulfate concentration over the same range. Both data sets can be modeled as Michaelis–Menten (MM)‐type relationships but with very different MM constants, suggesting that the fractionations imposed by these organisms are highly dependent on strain‐specific factors. These data reveal complexity in the sulfate concentration–fractionation relationship. Fractionation during MSR relates to sulfate concentration but also to strain‐specific physiological parameters such as the affinity for sulfate and electron donors. Previous studies have suggested that the sulfate concentration–fractionation relationship is best described with a MM fit. We present a simple model in which the MM fit with sulfate concentration and hyperbolic fit with growth rate emerge from simple physiological assumptions. As both environmental and biological factors influence the fractionation recorded in geological samples, understanding their relationship is critical to interpreting the sulfur isotope record. As the uptake machinery for both sulfate and electrons has been subject to selective pressure over Earth history, its evolution may complicate efforts to uniquely reconstruct ambient sulfate concentrations from a single sulfur isotopic composition.
Silencing of protease‐activated receptors attenuates synovitis and cartilage damage following a joint bleed in haemophilic mice
Authors: Nieuwenhuizen L. , Schutgens R. E. G. , Coeleveld K. , Mastbergen S. C. , Schiffelers R. M. , Roosendaal G. , Biesma D. H. , Lafeber F. P. J. G.
Published: July 2015

Introduction and aim

Joint bleeding results in blood‐induced arthropathy. We investigate whether a joint bleed alters protease‐activated receptor (PAR) expression, and whether treatment with small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeted against PAR1–4 attenuates synovitis and cartilage damage.

Methods

Protease‐activated receptor expression was evaluated upon a joint bleed in haemophilic mice and in humans. In addition, mice with a joint bleed were randomized between treatment with PAR1–4 siRNA or control and evaluated for the presence of synovitis and cartilage damage. Also, human cartilage was transfected with PAR1–4 siRNA or control, and evaluated for plasmin‐induced cartilage damage.

Results

Following a joint bleed, we observed an increase in synovial PAR1, ‐2 and ‐4 expression, and an increase in chondrocyte PAR2 and ‐3 expression in mice (all P < 0.05). Also an increase in synovial PAR1 and chondrocyte PAR4 expression in patients was observed (both P < 0.05). Treatment of a joint bleed in haemophilic mice with PAR1–4 siRNA attenuates synovitis and cartilage damage (both P < 0.01). Treatment of human cartilage tissue explants with PAR1–4 siRNA reduced plasmin‐induced cartilage damage (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that synovial and chondrocyte PAR expression is altered upon a joint bleed, and that treatment with PAR1–4 siRNA attenuates synovitis and plasmin‐induced cartilage damage.
Influence of different pulsed electric field strengths on the quality of the grapefruit juice
Authors: Aadil Rana Muhammad , Zeng Xin‐An , Ali Amjad , Zeng Feng , Farooq Muhammad Adil , Han Zhong , Khalid Saud , Jabbar Saqib
Published: July 2015

Grapefruit juice was investigated using pulsed electric fields (PEF) with (electric field strengths: 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 kV cm−1; flow rate: 80 mL min−1; pulse frequency: 1 kHz at 40 °C for 600 μs). Total phenolics, DPPH, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total anthocyanins, total carotenoids, sugars and physicochemical properties of grapefruit juice were studied. In addition, the effect of PEF treatment on micro‐organisms was also observed. Results indicated that no significant change was observed in pH, Brix, titratable acidity, sugars, total anthocyanins and colour attributes with the increase in pulsed electric strength as compared to control treatment. However, significant decrease in nonenzymatic browning (NEB) and viscosity while an increase in cloud value, DPPH, TAC, total phenolics and total carotenoids, while reduction in the activity of micro‐organisms, was also observed with the increase in pulsed electric strength as compared to control treatment. This study suggested that PEF at 25 kV cm−1 could improve the quality of grapefruit juice.
The polypeptide composition, structural properties and antioxidant capacity of gluten proteins of diverse bread and durum wheat varieties, and their relationship to the rheological performance of dough
Authors: Janković Marijana , Barać Miroljub , Pešić Mirjana , Dodig Dejan , Kandić Vesna , Žilić Slađana
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to compare five bread and five durum wheat genotypes for gliadins and glutenins profiles, the concentration of free sulphhydryl groups and disulphide bonds, antioxidant capacity of gluten proteins and their bread‐making performance. On average, bread wheat had significantly higher concentration of total sulphur‐rich (S‐rich) and sulphur‐poor (S‐poor) subunits of gliadins, as well as total low molecular weight (LMW) and high molecular weight (HMW) subunits of glutenins than durum wheat. However, durum wheat had higher concentration of S‐rich γ‐gliadins and S‐poor D‐LMW‐glutenins, but did not possess S‐poor ω‐gliadins. The concentration of disulphide bonds and total cysteine was higher in the durum gluten than that in the bread gluten, as well as antioxidant capacity (on average 90.6 vs. 85.9 mmol Trolox Eq kg−1, respectively). In contrast to the bread wheat, the concentration of HMW‐glutenins was negatively associated with extensibility, as well as resistance to extension in durum wheat flour dough.
Influence of ann‐3long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid‐enriched diet on experimentally induced synovitis in horses
Authors: Ross‐Jones T. N. , McIlwraith C. W. , Kisiday J. D. , Hess T. M. , Hansen D. K. , Black J.
Published: July 2015

Dietaryn‐3long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) supplementation has previously been shown to modify joint‐related inflammation in several species, although information in the horse is lacking. We investigated whether dietary supplementation withn‐3LCPUFAwould modify experimentally induced synovitis in horses. Twelve, skeletally mature, non‐pregnant mares were randomly assigned to either a control diet (CONT) or ann‐3long‐chain fatty acid‐enriched treatment diet (N3FA) containing 40 g/day ofn‐3LCPUFAfor 91 days. Blood samples taken on days 0, 30, 60 and 90, and synovial fluid collected on days 0 and 90 were processed for lipid composition. On day 91, joint inflammation was stimulated using an intra‐articular (IA) injection of 100 ng of recombinant equineIL‐1beta (reIL‐1β). Synovial fluid samples taken at post‐injection hours (PIH) 0, 4, 8 and 24 were analysed for prostaglandin E2(PGE2), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and routine cytology. Synovium and articular cartilage samples collected atPIH8 were analysed for gene expression ofMMP1 andMMP13, interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1β), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2), tumour necrosis factor‐alpha and the aggrecanases, a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)‐4 andADAMTS‐5. A 90‐day feeding period ofn‐3LCPUFAincreased serum phospholipid and synovial fluid lipid compositions of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) compared toCONThorses. The reIL‐1βinjection caused an inflammatory response; however, there was no effect of dietary treatment on synovial fluidPGE2 content andMMPactivity. Synovial tissue collected from N3FAhorses exhibited lower expression ofADAMTS‐4 compared toCONThorses. Despite the presence ofEPAandDHAin the synovial fluid of N3FAhorses, dietaryn‐3LCPUFAsupplementation did not modify synovial fluid biomarkers compared toCONThorses; however, the lowerADAMTS‐4mRNAexpression in N3FAsynovium warrants further investigation ofn‐3LCPUFAas a joint therapy.
Content and distribution of different phosphorus forms in broiler chickens
Authors: Li X.‐K. , Wang J.‐Z. , Zhang C.‐H. , Li X. , Tang C.‐H.
Published: July 2015

To understand the background value of phosphorus in chickens, the quantitative distribution of different phosphorus forms, including total phosphorus (TP), free phosphate (FP) and phospholipid (PL), in viscera, blood and bones of broiler chickens was investigated. Results showed that phosphorus contents exhibited significant differences in different parts of chickens.TPcontent of breast and thigh meat was over 5.0 g/kg, in which most of the phosphorus was in the form of water‐soluble phosphates.TPcontent in viscera was higher than that in meat, and spleen was observed to contain the highest amount of phosphorus (10.0 g/kg). In all tested organs,FPandPLcontents in liver were the highest, ranging between 1207–1989 and 81–369 mg/kg respectively.TPcontent in chicken bone was in the range of 52 716–136 643 mg/kg, andFPcontent in the bone was relatively lower than that in chicken meat.
What does health activism mean in Venezuela's Barrio Adentro program? Understanding community health work in political and cultural context
Authors: COOPER AMY
Published: July 2015

Launched in 2003 by the leftist government of Hugo Chávez, Venezuela'sBarrio Adentro(Inside the Poor Neighborhood) health care program is deeply dependent on local community health workers to implement and administer clinics and various health initiatives. Based on ethnographic research conducted between 2006 and 2009, this article analyzes the experiences ofBarrio Adentrocommunity health workers (promotores) in a working‐class neighborhood in Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela. My research reveals that community health workers understood their relationship to the state as fraught, but fundamentally collaborative. In contrast, they viewed local residents as the main threat to achieving their community health goals, based on perceptions that some residents were apathetic or politically opposed to the government's programs to promote social change. In situating this analysis in the broader social and historical context, I show how community health workers represent one of the most significant forms of state‐supported activism in a country that has radically expanded social and political participation for historically marginalized groups in the name of “21st century socialism.” I argue that the state's antineoliberal discourse, substantial investment in public health care, and employment of Cuban doctors distinguish community health work inBarrio Adentrofrom the experiences of community health work in other areas of Latin America, where community participation has also been framed as a form of empowerment but often serves as a mechanism to devolve state responsibilities for health care onto local communities. In focusing on the broader social, political, and economic context that gives meaning toBarrio Adentroactivists, this analysis offers insights that may be applied to community health initiatives in other settings.
Shifting identities:
Authors: MAUPIN JONATHAN N.
Published: July 2015

Guatemala is one of the first countries in the Americas to establish community health worker (CHW) programs, and CHWs have served a central role in both large‐scale national programs and small‐scale nongovernmental organization (NGO) projects. The role of CHWs, including their training, responsibilities, and idealized identities, has never been uniform, and has fluctuated over time in response to changing international health paradigms, national socioeconomic and political processes, and local‐level power structures and expectations of the position. In this paper, I examine the changing nature of CHWs in the Central Highlands of Guatemala by focusing on the case of the Behrhorst Clinic in Chimaltenango, Guatemala. The Behrhorst Clinic was one of the first to implement a CHW program in Guatemala, and is one of the few NGOs in the region to operate continuously since the 1960s, providing a unique case study to examine the history and transformation of CHWs in three distinct sociopolitical periods: the Primary Health Care era (1960s–1970s); the sociopolitical violence (1970s–1980s); and the aftermath of the violence (1980s–2000s). This longitudinal analysis of the Behrhorst health promoter program highlights central, ongoing issues facing CHW programs in Guatemala and beyond including: the political susceptibility of community participation and empowerment programs; community participation and representation; and the long‐term and intergenerational impact of CHW positions that function as a mechanism for socioeconomic advancement through the provision of curative services.
Hydrogen desorption kinetics for aqueous hydrogen fluoride and remote hydrogen plasma processed silicon (001) surfaces
Authors: King Sean W. , Davis Robert F. , Carter Richard J. , Schneider Thomas P. , Nemanich Robert J.
Published: July 2015

The desorption kinetics of molecular hydrogen (H2) from silicon (001) surfaces exposed to aqueous hydrogen fluoride and remote hydrogen plasmas were examined using temperature programmed desorption. Multiple H2 desorption states were observed and attributed to surface monohydride (SiH), di/trihydride (SiH2/3), and hydroxide (SiOH) species, subsurface hydrogen trapped at defects, and hydrogen evolved during the desorption of surface oxides. The observed surface hydride species were dependent on the surface temperature during hydrogen plasma exposure with mono, di, and trihydride species being observed after low temperature exposure (150 °C), while predominantly monohydride species were observed after higher temperature exposure (450 °C). The ratio of surface versus subsurface H2 desorption was also found to be dependent on the substrate temperature with 150 °C remote hydrogen plasma exposure generally leading to more H2 evolved from subsurface states and 450 °C exposure leading to more H2 desorption from surface SiHx species. Additional surface desorption states were observed, which were attributed to H2 desorption from Si (111) facets formed as a result of surface etching by the remote hydrogen plasma or aqueous hydrogen fluoride treatment. The kinetics of surface H2 desorption were found to be in excellent agreement with prior investigations of silicon surfaces exposed to thermally generated atomic hydrogen.
EXERCISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CROSS-INDUSTRY INNOVATION: HOW TO SUPPORT ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY IN DISTANT KNOWLEDGE PROCESSING
Authors: HEIL SEBASTIAN , ENKEL ELLEN
Published: July 2015

Organisational-level cognitive distance between the source of knowledge and the applying firm is positively related to radical innovation, but hinders processing of distant knowledge as it is constrained by the firms absorptive capacity. We examine how determinants of absorptive capacity foster processing of distant knowledge from other industries. Using survey data from 125 firms across industrial sectors, structural equation modelling indicates that the relationship between a firms potential absorptive capacity and its cross-industry innovation outcomes and performance is fostered by collaborative learning activities and deliberate integration mechanisms. There is a direct negative effect of potential absorptive capacity on cross-industry innovation outcomes. Our results extend research on absorptive capacity to the context of cross-industry innovation. They reveal that although firms may have high levels of potential absorptive capacity, they may fail to exercise opportunities for cross-industry innovation. We provide means for managers to enhance absorptive capacity when moving beyond industry boundaries.
Tempol, a Superoxide Dismutase-Mimetic Drug, Ameliorates Progression of Renal Disease in CKD Mice
Authors: Ding Wei , Wang Bin , Zhang Minmin , Gu Yong
Published: July 2015

Background: Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and antioxidants may ameliorate disease progression. We investigate the beneficial effect of Tempol, a superoxide dismutase-mimetic drug, on progression of disease in a mouse model of CKD. Methods: CKD was surgically induced in c57BL/6 mice by 5/6 nephrectomy. Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham group, 5/6 nephrectomized group (Nx) and Nx+Tempol (2 mmol/l in drinking water). Mice were sacrificed at the end of 12 weeks. Renal function, structure as well as expression of key molecules involved in the pathogenesis of inflammation, fibrosis and progression in mice were measured. Results: Reduced body weight and impaired renal function (elevation on serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, urine albumin, segmental sclerosis and tubulointerstitial damage) was demonstrated in Nx mice but was significantly improved by Tempol administration. Nx animals exhibited significantly elevated proinflammatory and profibrotic factors, activation of NF-κB, increased expression of NADPH oxidase related subunits (p47phox, p67phox, gp91phox), and elevated activation of TGF-ß/Smad3, EGFR, MAPK signaling pathway. Tempol inhibited NF-κB mediated inflammation, TGF-ß/Smad3-induced renal fibrosis as well as EGFR and MAPK signaling pathway activation. Conclusions: Tempol administration attenuated renal injury in CKD mice through NF-κB, TGF-ß/Smad3, redox-senstive EGFR activation and c-Raf/MEK/ERK pathways.
Optimal Management of a 2-Hour-Old Newborn With Severe Congenital Subglottic Stenosis and Multiple Congenital Heart Diseases
Authors: Alshammari Jaber , Alanazy Sultan
Published: July 2015

Introduction:

Congenital subglottic stenosis (C-SGS) is the third most common congenital anomaly of the larynx. It necessitates tracheotomy in newborns if it causes severe airway obstruction. When the negative impact of tracheostomy cannot be tolerated, as in presence of congenital heart disease requiring further surgical intervention, other alternative procedures are required. This case report is the first of its kind reporting airway expansion in a neonate in the first few hours after birth.

Case Report:

A 38-week-fetus male was born with multiple congenital heart anomalies and C-SGS of grade III. Single-stage laryngotracheoplasty (SS-LTP) with anterior thyroid alar cartilage (TAC) grafting was performed. Our team was fully aware of all potential risks during SS-LTP procedure in such debilitated patient.

Discussion:

Treatment of C-SGS in premature neonates is tracheostomy to avoid prolonged intubation. In some cases, tracheostomy is not a good option as in presence of congenital heart disease necessitating urgent further surgical interventions. Among all surgical procedures to augment the airway without tracheostomy, SS-LTP with placement of anterior TAC graft was our choice.

Conclusion:

This case report demonstrated that SS-LTP with anterior TAC graft can be performed in a newborn with severe C-SGS and congenital heart disease. It can alleviate the need for tracheostomy and avoid unnecessary delay for subsequent cardiac interventions. However, further study is likely needed to make a definitive statement of its safety and efficacy.
Diversity Management
Authors: Ivancevich John M. , Gilbert Jacqueline A.
Published: July 2015

There are now more new faces and diversity among the workforce than ever before and this trend is expected to continue into the 21st century. Managers in public and private organizations are searching for and experimenting with various approaches to more effectively deal with increasing workforce diversity. This article briefly reviews the history of diversity management and calls for a new agenda that encourages more collaboration between scholars and administrators, increased researcher on-site observation of workplace reactions to diversity management initiatives, more informative and rigorous case studies, and more third-party evaluations of diversity management initiatives.
Reverse Discrimination and Remedial Affirmative Action in Employment
Authors: Gullett Carlos Ray
Published: July 2015

Public sector employers are governed by two standards in the design and application of voluntary remedial affirmative action plans: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended) and the equal protection provisions of the Constitution. Since these plans are subject to challenge under reverse discrimination claims, they must be carefully designed to avoid vulnerability to such charges under either a statutory or constitutional claim. However, the Supreme Court has interpreted the legal acceptability of voluntary affirmative action differently under the statute than under the Constitution. Title VII allows a more permissive standard than does the 14th or 5th amendments. An analysis and comparison of Court rulings under both standards illustrate these differences. To avoid successful challenge of a voluntary remedial plan, a public employer must abide by the more conservative criteria of the Constitution. In so doing, some kinds of remedial action available to those in the private sector is barred to their public sector counterparts. Further Court rulings may clarify these apparent differences.
An Empirical Examination of Resources in a Diverse Environment
Authors: Gilbert Jacqueline A.
Published: July 2015

The objective of this research is to empirically assess antecedents of resources within a diverse work environment. Specifically, 83 managerial employees were surveyed in a branch of a federal government agency located in a large metropolitan city in the southwestern United States. Multiple regression analysis showed that perceived resource availability was positively associated with outcomes of empowerment and work group integration. Additionally, racial minorities perceived that fewer resources were available to them at work. Implications for human resource mangers and changing work force demography are discussed.
Building on Success: Transforming Organizations through an Appreciative Inquiry
Authors: Johnson Gail , Leavitt William
Published: July 2015

Appreciative Inquiry, developed by David Cooperrider and colleagues at Case Western Reserve University and The Taos Institute, is an organizational transformation tool that focuses on learning from success. Instead of focusing on deficits and problems, the Appreciative Inquiry focuses on discovering what works well, why it works well, and how success can be extended throughout the organization. It is both the vision, and the process for developing this vision, that create the energy to drive change throughout the organization. In 1998, the City of Hampton, Virginia, already nationally recognized as an innovative government, initiated an Appreciative Inquiry process to re-energize its workforce in bringing about their desired vision for the 21st century. 1 The Appreciative Inquiry process was successfully modified to meet the needs of the city government.
Does Performance Appraisal Contribute to Heightened Levels of Employee Burnout? The Results of One Study
Authors: Gabris Gerald T. , Ihrke Douglas M.
Published: July 2015

This study examines the relationship between employee perceptions of performance appraisal and both employee burnout and experienced job satisfaction in a county government. More specifically, the authors examine whether the following aspects of performance appraisal are related to burnout and job satisfaction: instrument validity, distributive justice, and procedural justice. The results indicate a modest relationship between these three independent variables and job satisfaction, as well as a modest relationship between procedural and distributive justice and job burnout for a sample (N = 134) of professional county employees. The implications of these findings for managers are also explored.
Perceived Impacts of Family Leave Policy: Do Organizational Factors Matter?
Authors: Kim Soonhee
Published: July 2015

A pressing public management concern, as we move into the 21st century, is the ability of employees to balance their commitments to both work and family. Despite some recent studies that point toward the importance of organizational culture and management support for family leave policy, a significant gap remains in our understanding of the contextual and organizational factors that contribute to the success or failure of such a policy in public organizations. How do organizational factors affect the implementation of family leave policy? This case study finds that work units' support and teamwork management are associated with employee perceptions regarding the positive impacts of family leave on organizational commitment, work satisfaction, reduced work stress, and productivity. In addition, the results of stakeholder interviews show that supervisors' support and personnel administrators' commitments to family leave policy facilitate the Implementation of family leave. A discussion of the implications of the findings from this study for public personnel management and organizational leadership concludes the paper.
Creating a Leadership Development Program: Nine Essential Tasks
Authors: Pernick Robert
Published: July 2015

Empirical research supports common sense—leadership matters to an organization's effectiveness. Leadership skills can be learned; although learning on the job is too haphazard a way to ensure an organization's viability. A leadership development program (LDP) requires nine overlapping tasks, which should be managed by HR professionals. Each task answers a basic question: 1. What kind of candidates is the organization looking for? 2. What does it take to be a good leader in the organization? 3. How does one become a program participant? 4. How does the participant stack up as a leader right now? 5. What specific actions should the participant take to become a better leader? 6. In what ways is the LDP reinforced by other HR systems? 7. How can the participant's work group be part of the developmental process? 8. Is there a leadership succession plan? 9. Is the LDP giving a satisfactory return on investment?
Communication Theory and Training Approaches for Multiculturally Diverse Organizations: Have Academics and Practitioners Missed the Connection?
Authors: Arai Marguerite , Wanca-Thibault Maryanne , Shockley-Zalabak Pamela
Published: July 2015

While a number of articles have looked at the importance of multicultural training in the workplace over the past 30 years, there is little concrete agreement that documents the common fundamental elements of a “successful” diversity initiative. A review of the training literature suggests the importance of human communication theory and practice without including important research, methodologies, and practice from the communication discipline. This article examines formal diversity approaches, provides examples from the literature of several successful diversity initiatives in larger organizations, identifies the limited use of communication-based approaches in diversity training, and discusses the importance of integrating communication theory and practice in future training efforts.
Differential Approaches to Human Resource Management Reform in the Public Services of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Bissessar Ann Marie
Published: July 2015

The introduction of New Public Management in the public services of many countries brought with it not only changes in epistemology but new methods and techniques for managing resources.1, 2, 3, 4 With the advent of New Public Management, for instance, techniques such as contracting out, divestment, and the disaggregation of the public services into separate self contained units were employed by many governments to increase output and reduce cost in the public sector. However, it was also recognized that another resource, namely how employees are managed, needed to be reformed as well. This concern for proper management of human resources was implicit in one of the primary tenets of New Public Management, which stressed that managers should be “free to manage.”5 This “freedom to manage” principle involved more than changes in the process of decision-making. Indeed, it led to a radical attempt on the part of various states to replace the former systems of personnel administration with the “new” private sector system of human resource management. This article examines the attempts to reform, human resource management systems in the public services of two of the larger countries in the Commonwealth Caribbean—Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. It argues that although these two countries share a remarkable commonality in terms of historical backgrounds, and political and economic developments, the human resource systems that were introduced under the wider ambit of administrative reform varied. Moreover, it was evident that Jamaica was far more successful in the actual implementation of human resource systems than Trinidad and Tobago. What is even more striking is the fact that reformers in both countries took only what they wanted from the reform package and in some cases amended them in the light of factors such as ethnicity, political culture, party dominance, or levels of economic development.
Performance Appraisal Systems, Productivity, and Motivation: A Case Study
Authors: Mani Bonnie G.
Published: July 2015

One would expect a valid, reliable performance evaluation system to give employees and managers data about employees' strengths and needs for development. If these data are used to reinforce employees' strengths and to plan and provide developmental assignments in areas of need, then one might also expect improvements in morale, motivation, and productivity. This paper explores employees' and administrators' perceptions of a system with these goals, a system specifically designed to appraise performance of North Carolina “Subject to the Personnel Act” (SPA) employees at East Carolina University. The data show that a large proportion of employees, but no supervisors, are dissatisfied with the system; that neither the number of subordinates nor the time spent evaluating employees under the system affects supervisors' satisfaction with the system; and that employees' perceptions of the fairness of the system is related to trust and satisfaction with their supervisors but not with compliance with the program's procedures. Although various factors motivate employees and supervisors, pay is very important. So the legislature's failure to appropriate funds to reward employees who excel undermines the system's effectiveness. There is a need for further research to explore the relationships between employees' ratings and their race and sex. Introduction
Performance Management: Pariah or Messiah
Authors: Glendinning Peter M.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this inquiry is to examine the copious, and sometimes quite contradictory information on the subject of Performance Management. To do so, a cross-sectional survey was conducted of members of a Human Resource Professional association. This group was chosen because, in their position, they are the individuals who would develop, manage, and live with the consequences of Performance Management systems. In addition to testing the premises of the professional literature and observing their degree of penetration into actual practice, additional information was gathered on the subject by garnering the opinions of these professionals.
Measuring Return-on-Investment in Government: Issues and Procedures
Authors: Chmielewski Todd L. , Phillips Jack J.
Published: July 2015

During recent years, the application of business concepts and practices to the federal government has grown in popularity. The trend has been fueled by national reinvention initiatives and has led to a demand for government agencies to become more accountable in their performance. As a result, many federal agencies are faced with a need for sound methods by which to measure results and demonstrate fiscal responsibility. One method shown to be effective at assessing the value of agency programs has been the return-on-investment (ROI) process. This article examines the basic issues of ROI and its applicability in government.
Strategic Marketing of Training Initiatives in Underdeveloped Countries: The Case of Swaziland
Authors: Daly John L.
Published: July 2015

At the dawn of the 21st Century, there is growing interest in the sharing of policy and management “success” stories and innovative training methodologies. This is an important part of addressing public policy problems. Global training is gaining increased application especially in underdeveloped nations. This article offers eight strategies for increased participant acceptance of training when provided in other cultural settings.
Personality of Law Enforcement Officials: A Comparison of Law Enforcement Officials' Personality Profiles Based on Size of Community
Authors: Surrette Michael A. , Ebert Joseph M. , Willis Michael A. , Smallidge Tara M.
Published: July 2015

This research was designed to assess the personality profiles associated with law enforcement officials from communities of varying size. Participants were from three separate law enforcement agencies (N=40). The agencies were selected based on their community size/type. Participants were from an urban department, a rural department or a college campus department. All participants were administered the Employee Personality Inventory (EPI) to assess their personality characteristics. Analysis revealed a significant difference among departments on three of the five personality dimensions measured by the EPI.
Exit Surveys as Assessments of Organizational Ethicality
Authors: Giacalone Robert A. , Jurkiewicz Carole L. , Knouse Stephen B.
Published: July 2015

This article introduces the Ethics Exit Survey (EES), an empirical instrument organizations can use to effectively diagnose ethical problems in their environments. Both the content and process of the EES are discussed here, along with a critical examination of how common deficiencies in the traditional exit survey can be avoided with the new device. Emphasis is placed upon the strategic role an EES system can play in efficient, responsive and accountable management.
Empirical Findings on the Impact of Affirmative Action on the Training and Development of Black Managers for Corporate Organizations in South Africa
Authors: Jinabhai Dinesh C.
Published: July 2015

The implementation of affirmative action is an important consideration in organizational dynamics and a strategic priority in South Africa. Training and developing blacks to fill managerial positions is also fraught with the concern to avoid tokenism and is compounded by the shortage of skilled black managers. Some organizations have adopted a proactive stance to accelerate the advancement of blacks into supervisory and managerial roles. Companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and elicited from a special survey of top companies were the target population for the study. The simple random sampling technique was used to draw a sample. Primary data for the survey were collected by means of a structured questionnaire, which was personally administered by trained field research assistants. A response rate of 83 percent was obtained. Key findings emerged with regard to the implementation of affirmative action as a strategic business intervention.
GeorgiaGain or GeorgiaLoss? The Great Experiment in State Civil Service Reform
Authors: Sanders Robert M.
Published: July 2015

After guiding Georgia through several successful yet controversial reforms as governor, Senator Zell Miller enacted his greatest change by reorganizing the state's personnel system. The overhaul, entitled “GeorgiaGain,” immediately created the most dramatic reforms in state public service since the Pendleton Act of 1883. Georgia would become the only state to dismantle its civil service and create a totally unclassified labor force hired through a decentralized personnel structure. Through the new program, many traditional employee protections were eliminated, with salaries determined by revised evaluations and a pay-for-performance system. State officials assert that efficiency has improved. Findings indicate that the largest raises have been given only to employees rated as outstanding, while the amount of “habitual” outstanding annual evaluations has decreased. Pay increases across the board also decreased, and more inadequate workers have departed since reform. However, overall, all types of employees have resigned in greater numbers each year, with the majority being the average employee, even though average workers received the greatest number of promotions. Survey findings illustrate that many state workers have also challenged GeorgiaGain's claims of enhanced evaluations, compensation and productivity.
Bright Shining Stars: The Mediating Effect of Organizational Image on the Relationship between Work Variables and Army Officers' Intentions to Leave the Service for a Job in High-Tech Industry
Authors: Vigoda-Gadot Eran , Ben-Zion Eyal
Published: July 2015

This study examined two aspects of organizational image, namely Current Organization Image (COI) and Alternative Organization Image (AOI), and the way they contribute to our understanding of intentions to leave the organization. We hypothesized that organizational image mediates the relationship between various work variables (e.g., job satisfaction, person-organization fit, job stress) and intentions to leave a current position in military service for a new job in the high-tech industry. The study used a sample of 224 Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) personnel from a special navy unit. This unit consists of a high-quality human potential with ideal characteristics for high-tech industry (young, educated, and innovative individuals). Organizational image (both COI and AOI) was found to mediate the relationship between work variables and intentions to leave. We concluded that organizational image, especially AOI, plays a central role in determining individuals' decisions to leave the military service and join a high-tech firm. Implications of the study are set out theoretically and practically for the Israeli and for the wider international context.
Delivering Better Government: Assessing the Effectiveness of Public Service Training in India
Authors: Vyas Lina
Published: July 2015

This article examines the effectiveness of training delivered by Lal Bhadur Shastri Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in India. The dawn of new public management has brought with it a number of changes that affect the compilation and approach of public services. The emphasis on performance of training institutes and the satisfaction of their customers has become even more crucial. The most common approach of evaluating the performance of public agencies is to obtain the attitude of the consumers (trainees) of a particular training. LBSNAA conducts different levels of evaluation involving the participation of its clients, i.e. the trainees and the organization they serve, to evaluate the effectiveness in improvising enhanced administration.
A Strategic Guide for Building Effective Teams
Authors: Mealiea Laird , Baltazar Ramon
Published: July 2015

Managers must recognize that they play a central role in effective team building. However, to be successful, managers require a framework to guide their activities. The purpose of this paper is to provide such a framework in the form of a seven-step process that can guide managers in their team-building efforts. The model itself is built upon the assumption that there are identifiable team characteristics that, if present, will help ensure team success. The model presents a set of decision strategies for the selection and sequencing of team-building efforts and interventions. The model is an iterative, multi-staged effort that requires considerable planning and environmental knowledge to successfully implement.
Preparing for the Unthinkable: Managers, Terrorism and the HRM Function
Authors: Perry Ronald W. , Mankin Lawrence D.
Published: July 2015

Particularly since the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, there has been renewed interest in emergency planning in both the private and public sectors. Government emergency planning tends to be conducted by specialized agencies and offices, such as fire departments, police departments or emergency management. Traditionally, most of this planning is oriented toward protecting the public and public structures. Selectively over the decades, some of this planning was oriented toward insuring that government could continue to function following a disaster. At the federal level during the Cold War, much attention was given to the problem of post-nuclear attack government functioning under the rubric of “government continuity.” In the past decade, private sector businesses have begun to plan for business continuity following a variety of disasters including terrorist attacks. In spite of sporadic research indicating that local governments are particularly vulnerable, little attention has been paid to planning for government continuity following disasters or terrorism. This paper reviews the literature on historic disasters and terrorist events to establish the level of danger faced by local government. Then six key planning measures for insuring post-emergency operations are reviewed. Data are presented from a large southwestern U.S. city on levels of municipal department emergency preparedness. The paper closes with a discussion of how human resources departments may be mobilized to make critical and unique contributions to local government preparations for terrorism and disasters.
A Comparison of Two Methods for Scoring an In-Basket Exercise
Authors: York Kenneth M. , Strubler David S. , Smith Elaine M.
Published: July 2015

The “in-basket exercise” has been used for both selection and management development for a wide variety of jobs in both the public and the private sector. One drawback to its use is the time and cost to develop and score. Traditionally, assessors must evaluate candidates based on the actions the candidates say they would take on each item. If an easier-to-score form of the traditional in-basket could be developed, which is statistically equivalent and has no adverse impact, more organizations might make use of it.
Alternative Approaches to Interest Arbitration: Lessons from New York City
Authors: Lipsky David B. , Katz Harry C.
Published: July 2015

Scholars have not taken adequate account of variation in the interest arbitration process in their research on the effects of interest arbitration on bargaining outcomes. There are two fundamental approaches to interest arbitration, which they term the “judicial prototype” and the “negotiation prototype.” The recent cases involving the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association (PBA) of New York City and the city of New York illustrate the differences in these two approaches. There is a relationship between the arbitration prototype and the bargaining power of the parties. A party with greater bargaining power should prefer the negotiation prototype in interest arbitration. The New York City police cases—especially the effects of the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001—are analyzed to determine whether changes in the parties' bargaining power affected their approach to interest arbitration.