bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A thermostable and alkaline GDSL-motif esterase from Bacillus sp. K91: crystallization and X-ray crystallographic analysis
Authors: Ding Junmei , Zhu Hujie , Ye Yujia , Li Jie , Han Nanyu , Wu Qian , Huang Zunxi , Meng Zhaohui
Published: January 2018

The esterase Est8 from the thermophilic bacterium Bacillus sp. K91 belongs to the GDSL family and is active on a variety of acetylated compounds, including 7-aminocephalosporanic acid. In contrast to other esterases of the GDSL family, the catalytic residues Asp182 and His185 were more pivotal for the catalytic activity of Est8 than the Ser11 residue. To better understand the biochemical and enzymatic properties of Est8, recombinant Est8 protein was purified and crystallized. Crystals of Est8 were obtained by the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion method using 2.0 M ammonium sulfate, 5%(v/v) 2-propanol as the crystallization solution. X-ray diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 2.30 Å with an R
merge of 16.4% from a crystal belonging to space group P41212 or P43212, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 68.50, c = 79.57 Å.
Destination website quality, users’ attitudes and the willingness to participate in online co-creation experiences
Authors: Jiménez-Barreto Jano , Campo-Martínez Sara
Published: January 2018

Purpose

An official destination website (ODW) is a key component for tourist’s decision-making processes. ODW acts as a direct channel where users may share experiences and opinions about previous or future travels. At the same time, it drives user participation in destination branding activities. In this context, it is crucial to identify how the destination website, using Web 2.0 technologies, could motivate user’s participation with the brand. The purpose of this paper is to propose and evaluate a model that posits the destination website quality as a determinant factor to predict users’ attitudes toward the website and their willingness to participate in co-creation experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a combined qualitative and quantitative method, this paper provides an exploratory research that examines the role of destination website quality on attitudes toward the website and the willingness to participate in online co-creation experiences.

Findings

Findings confirm that there is a direct and significant relationship between website quality, attitudes toward the website and willingness to participate in online co-creation experiences. Moreover, attitudes toward the website partially mediate relationships between destination website quality and willingness to participate in online co-creation experiences.

Originality/value

The literature of value co-creation is trying to identify which factors drive consumer’s participation with brands across different consumption contexts. This study provides evidence that confirms, from a tourism destination website point of view, that website quality is one of these key factors that motives user’s co-creation with a destination.
Constructing an index to examine house price misalignment with fundamentals in Malta
Authors: Micallef Brian
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compute an aggregate misalignment index using a multiple indicator approach to identify under- or over-valuation of house prices in Malta based on fundamentals.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of six indicators are used that capture households, investors and system-wide factors: the house price-to-Retail Price Index ratio, the price-to-hypothetical borrowing volume ratio, price-to-construction costs ratio, price-to-rent ratio, dwelling investment-to-GDP ratio and the loan bearing capacity. The weights are derived using principal component analysis. The analysis is performed using both the house price indices of the National Statistics Office (NSO) and the Central Bank of Malta (CBM), which are based on contract and advertised prices, respectively.

Findings

House prices in Malta were overvalued by around 20 to 25 per cent in the pre-crisis boom. This disequilibrium started to be corrected following the decline in house prices, with the CBM and NSO house price cycles reaching a trough in 2013 and 2014, respectively. At the trough, house prices were undervalued by around 10 to 15 per cent. Since then, house prices started to recover although the recovery in advertised prices was more pronounced compared to that based on contract prices. In mid-2017, advertised house prices were slightly overvalued, while contract prices still have to reach their equilibrium level. The dynamics from the misalignment index, including its peaks and troughs, are remarkably similar to the range derived from statistical filters.

Practical implications

Estimates of house price misalignment have both economic and financial stability implications.

Originality/value

This paper allows for a decomposition of the house price cycle, tailored for the particular characteristics of the Maltese housing market. It also takes into account the relationship between house prices and private sector rents, which in recent years have been buoyed, among other factors, by the high inflow of foreign workers and changing patterns in the tourism industry.
Health promotion in a prison setting: an exploratory study on why and how to do it
Authors: de Castro Rodrigues Andreia , Jólluskin Glória , Silva Isabel
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Developing interventions in challenging contexts should imply proper discussion from its theoretical framework to implementation details. The purpose of this paper is to examine health promotion in prison settings as a mean of improving inmates’ rights concerning physical/emotional well-being, empowering inmates both to reclusion and re-entry challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The development of a health promotion program, implemented in a prison setting with an initial group of 11 inmates, is described. The program design followed professionals’ and inmates’ inputs and previous similar interventions taking a peer education, community-based and participative approach.

Findings

Although some prison settings present major constraints to interventions’ development, the authors were able to perform the program and reinforced the idea that prisons can and should be health-promoting contexts. The authors found several specific needs that must be addressed when people are under custody, if we want imprisonment to be developmental instead of detrimental experiences.

Research limitations/implications

As a single-year-funded program, its replication and valid evaluation were enabled. Being external to the system also complicated the process agility, and conditioned inmates’ selection and compliance.

Practical implications

This paper promotes a best-practices forum in this issue; it addresses prison health agents’ training, who may assume an institutional essential role; it concerns inmates’ rehabilitation and ultimately, community health and safety.

Originality/value

The use of a peer education approach in these contexts is an innovative feature, since it has been developed in other institutional contexts and social groups. Nevertheless, the authors maintain the strong adequacy of this methodology to work with inmates and inside prison settings.
Dayah collectively as a social movement
Authors: Hanafiah Hanafiah
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore, find and formulate a mechanism and strategy in social process in Dayah, which can be developed to be a model of new social process applied in public school.

Design/methodology/approach

The main objective of this research was to examine the strategy and mechanism of social reproduction in Dayah. The strategy and mechanism of social reproduction in public schools were also observed for comparison. The public schools were high school or vocational high school equivalent to the class in Dayah Mudi Mesra. The selected high schools as the object of comparison were SMAN 1 Samalanga and SMAN 2 Tanjungan, Samalanga. The selected public schools were public schools with similar sociological and psychological background and culture with Dayah Samalanga. This study is a social study using a qualitative approach with phenomenological design. The method used is the case study method; case studies are used as a comprehensive explanation related to the various aspects of a person, group, organization, program, or community situation that is studied, attempted and explored as deeply as possible.

Findings

Dayah with Islamic culture promises an effective social movement in Acehnese society. Dayah potential power was on the agents or social actor as the initiators of the idea of the creation of a network of social movements among Dayahs in Aceh. The stages of the creation of a social movement until movement crystallization can be modelled by utilizing their expert elite agents that are owned by Dayah in Aceh which is the intellectual elites and clerical elites. In addition, Dayah is a form of Acehnese local wisdom in education and religion that enables social movements to walk more naturally, democratically and educationally. Dayah ability related to Islamic culture as a broader social movement even has been tested at the level of the state and the nation of Indonesia. It is indicated by the creation of democratic process in Indonesia, which is activated by a community of Islam with democratic values as religion doctrine. As social movements, religious communities are able to construct perceptions, thoughts and attitudes in the lower class in response to the post-Suharto democratic change. Collins mentioned that social movements, which are derived from Islamic organizations, are able to show their presence at the local and national level.

Originality/value

The sociological wisdom is its unique social process. Based on preliminary studies, social processes in Dayah are closely related to the cosmopolitan value of Islam. This cosmopolitan value appears in the social order in the Dayah subculture, which appears to be more open to the role of the individual in society as an agent who can achieve a new social class. In this case, Dayah education can be a counter attack against negative social reproduction trends in general education.
Mortalities and morbidities due to traffic accidents: the unknown criminal
Authors: Khodadadi-Hassankiadeh Naema , Kouchakinezhad-Eramsadati Leila , Tavakkoli Maryam , Yousefzadeh-Chabok Shahrokh , Kiakalayeh Ali Davoudi , Rad Enayatollah Homaie
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Studying the relationship between crime and traffic accidents in different geographical regions is very critical since varying relationships have been reported to exist in diverse areas. The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between crime with injuries and deaths due to road traffic accidents in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, macro-level panel data between 2007 and 2013 were used. The number of folders due to crimes in each province was used as explanatory variables to show the amount of crime in each province. The number of fatal and injury death was used as outcome variables. The models were estimated using fixed effect panel regression estimator.

Findings

The results of this study showed that the number of records in courts (Cr) had a significant positive relationship with fatal accidents (coefficient=0.006). In the injury accidents model, Cr coefficient was 0.008 and significant. In addition, GINI had positive relationship with fatal accidents (coefficient: 1.396), while it had no significant relationship with injury accidents.

Originality/value

A positive association was found between crime and mortalities and morbidities due to traffic accidents. Traffic accidents and crimes are derived from a similar nature. So traffic accidents could be categorized as crime and it is important to increase more prohibitions to decrease traffic accidents. Prevention programs should focus on population groups with high social distinction and criminals, especially traffic offenses.
Short food supply chains and the issue of sustainability: a case study of French fruit producers
Authors: Enjolras Geoffroy , Aubert Magali
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the manifestations and interactions at work between the ecological, environmental and social dimensions of sustainable development and the development of short food supply chains (SFSCs) in French fruit production.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is based on the theoretical framework associated with SFSCs and each pillar of sustainability. The authors use an original database of 176 surveys of peach and apricot producers from the major French production regions. Three composite indicators, one for each traditional pillar of sustainability, are calculated to evaluate a degree of sustainability at farm level. A simultaneous equations model is estimated on the basis of the calculated indicators.

Findings

The results show that in the choice of a supply chain design in the agricultural sector, the search for economic sustainability is opposed to a rationale of environmental and social sustainability, the latter appearing to be independent of one another.

Originality/value

This paper complements the previous studies on the issue of sustainability in agriculture and more specifically the relationship between the adoption of SFSCs and the pillars of sustainable development. The model reveals significant interdependencies, thus emphasizing an issue in reconciling economic imperatives with social or environmental requirements.
Who are sustainably minded apparel shoppers? An investigation to the influencing factors of sustainable apparel consumption
Authors: Chang Hyo Jung , Watchravesringkan Kittichai (Tu)
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Consumers’ environmental behaviours are not only the result of their positive attitudes towards environments, but also different reasons and motivations exist. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to find out important factors affecting sustainable apparel buying behaviour. Applying the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study further examines how knowledge about sustainable apparel, perceived money availability, and perceived accessibility to the store influence sustainable apparel consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a purposive college student sample, 235 usable responses were collected to answer the questions. An exploratory factor analysis with principal component analysis was first performed followed by confirmatory factor analysis, and a structural equation modelling analysis.

Findings

Results revealed that the TPB was successfully applied in the context of sustainable apparel buying behaviour. Furthermore, it was found that consumers’ perceived money availability and perceived store accessibility are important factors that affect control beliefs and sustainable consumption.

Research limitations/implications

This study found the needs of educating college students for contexts of environmental apparel and textiles issues.

Originality/value

Even though previous literature often found the gap between the behavioural intentions and the actual behaviour, this study found the respondents of this study walk their talk. This study successfully applied the TPB to explain consumers’ sustainable apparel buying behaviour.
The value of the Disney College Program internship and students’ loyalty intentions
Authors: Murphy Kevin
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine student interns’ experience by considering perceived value, satisfaction and loyalty in the context of the Disney College Program internship experience for international students. The study incorporates the perceived value of the learning experience based on the interrelationships with satisfaction and loyalty intentions for students from various hospitality colleges in Korea and China.

Design/methodology/approach

Asian university students who had completed an international internship experience responded to a post-internship survey. The survey gauged the students’ perception of their internship experience, overall satisfaction, loyalty intentions and value dimensions. The proposed model was estimated by using partial least squares path modeling.

Findings

The findings of the hypotheses testing show that the value interns get and give is a significant indicator of satisfaction and loyalty intentions. The value of an international internship experience, especially the get component, has a significant effect on the students’ loyalty intentions for their international internship experience and satisfaction with their experience. Overall, students demonstrate a high degree of attitudinal loyalty.

Originality/value

No other study has examined international student interns’ value, satisfaction and loyalty intentions perceptions of the Disney College Program internship program. Students’ loyalty is expressed mainly as favorable word of mouth for their university and the internship program. They recommend not only their university but also the international internship program in which they participated. They also recommend the internship university to other students.
The ghost in the legal machine: algorithmic governmentality, economy, and the practice of law
Authors: Harkens Adam
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate algorithmic governmentality – as proposed by Antoinette Rouvroy – specifically in relation to law. It seeks to show how algorithmic profiling can be particularly attractive for those in legal practice, given restraints on time and resources. It deviates from Rouvroy in two ways. First, it argues that algorithmic governmentality does not contrast with neoliberal modes of government in that it allows indirect rule through economic calculations. Second, it argues that critique of such systems is possible, especially if the creative nature of law can be harnessed effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper, with a theory-based approach, that is intended to explore relevant issues related to algorithmic governmentality as a basis for future empirical research. It builds on governmentality and socio-legal studies, as well as research on algorithmic practices and some documentary analysis of reports and public-facing marketing of relevant technologies.

Findings

This paper provides insights on how algorithmic knowledge is collected, constructed and applied in different situations. It provides examples of how algorithms are currently used and how trends are developing. It demonstrates how such uses can be informed by socio-political and economic rationalities.

Research limitations/implications

Further empirical research is required to test the theoretical findings.

Originality/value

This paper takes up Rouvroy’s question of whether we are at the end(s) of critique and seeks to identify where such critique can be made possible. It also highlights the importance of acknowledging the role of political rationalities in informing the activity of algorithmic assemblages.
Multi-professional approved clinicians’ contribution to clinical leadership
Authors: Ebrahim Selma
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how multi-professional approved clinicians (MPACs), responsible for the care of patients detained under the Mental Health Act (2007), can enable clinical leadership in mental health settings.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was completed by clinical psychology and mental health nursing practitioners in a mental health trust in the UK working towards or having gained approved clinician (AC) status, identifying barriers to implementation of the roles and enablers. Qualitative interview data were also gathered with psychiatrists, clinical psychologist and Mental Health Nurse ACs (three in each group).

Findings

There are a number of barriers and enablers of distributed leadership promoted by the MPAC role. Themes identified focused on enabling person-centred care, clinical leadership and culture change more broadly within mental health care. The AC role is supporting clinical leadership by a range of professionals, promoting patient choice by enabling access to clinicians with the appropriate skills to meet needs. Clinical leadership roles are promoting links between organisational priorities, teams and patient care, fostering distributed leadership in practice.

Research limitations/implications

This project reflects the views of a limited number of practitioners within one organisation which limits generalisabilty.

Practical implications

Organisations need clear strategies linked to workforce development and implementation of the roles to capitalise on their potential to support clinical leadership and person-centred care.

Originality/value

This study provides initial qualitative data on potential benefits and challenges of implementing the role.
Can an interactive e-learning training package improve the understanding of personality disorder within mental health professionals?
Authors: Lamph Gary , Sampson Mark , Smith Debra , Williamson Gary , Guyers Mark
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Personality disorder is reported to elicit strong emotional responses and negative attitudes in mental health staff (Bodner et al., 2015). The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the design and development of a co-produced e-learning training package for personality disorder awareness and an evaluation of its effectiveness. This study was carried out to explore if e-learning is an effective mode of training delivery for raising personality disorder awareness.

Design/methodology/approach

The e-learning was uniquely developed by subject matter experts working in co-production with people with lived experience. Self-reported measures were completed at three separate intervals to evaluate the effectiveness of the training: at pre-, post- and three-month follow up. Quantitative data were collected via these questionnaires.

Findings

The results from this evaluation show that e-learning is an effective mode of delivery for raising the awareness of personality disorder among mental health professionals, achieving similar outcomes to those reported following face-to-ace training.

Research limitations/implications

Attrition at follow-up phase was high which was consistent with other similar studies. The evaluation was led by the lead contributors and in the geographical area of its development. The study was relatively small and the participants were self-selected, therefore findings should be treated with caution.

Practical implications

E-learning can provide flexible training to compliment and act as an alternative to face-to-face personality disorder training. E-learning may provide an alternative refresher course to knowledge and understanding framework or other face-to-face methods. Co-produced training can be mirrored within an e-learning programme, careful planning to ensure the service user voice is heard and that their lived experience is embraced is required.

Originality/value

This is the first evaluation of a co-produced e-learning only personality disorder awareness training. It is also the first paper to carry out a review of the published evaluations of personality awareness training in the UK with comparisons explored across the studies.
Nurse perceptions of the use of seclusion in mental health inpatient facilities: have attitudes to Māori changed?
Authors: Drown Chris , Harding Thomas , Marshall Robert
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the results of New Zealand initiatives to reduce seclusion rates and report the attitudes of mental health nurses to seclusion, factors involved in seclusion use, and alternatives to seclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was circulated to mental health inpatient staff. Data from the Ministry of Health for seclusion numbers and rates for Ma¯ori and non-Ma¯ori were also collected.

Findings

The major barriers to reducing the use of seclusion related to staffing issues, a lack of management and medical support, and physical characteristics of the facility. Data from the Office of the Director of Mental Health annual reports from 2007-2014 clearly show a reduction in the total seclusion events, the number of patients secluded, and the percentage of total patients secluded. However, the percentage of Ma¯ori secluded compared to the total number of patients secluded showed little change from 2007 to 2013.

Originality/value

Further analysis of the nurse’s responses showed that four of the six least-used strategies incorporated Ma¯ori cultural approaches. The authors surmise that an inability to provide culturally sensitive care, either through staffing or education factors, may be implicated in the lack of change in the seclusion rates for Ma¯ori. This may also be pertinent to seclusion rates for indigenous peoples in other countries.
Implementation of the enterprise architecture through the Zachman Framework
Authors: Iyamu Tiko
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a guide through which the Zachman Framework can be used to address challenges and for successful implementation of enterprise architecture (EA) in an organisation that deploys it.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research methods were followed, within which the case study approach was applied. The interpretive method was used in the analysis of the qualitative data.

Findings

Based on the findings, a method is proposed through which EA can be implemented in an organisation by using the Zachman Framework.

Originality/value

This is an original research work. Also, the paper has not been submitted to other journal for review and possible publication.
Effects of ethical leadership on bullying and voice behavior among nurses
Authors: Islam Talat , Ahmed Ishfaq , Ali Ghulam
Published: January 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the effects of ethical leadership on employee’s bullying and voice behavior, considering poor working conditions, organizational identification and workload as mediating variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire survey design was used to elicit responses of 564 nurses from hospitals located in various cities of Pakistan.

Findings

Analysis through structural equation modeling proved that ethical leadership has a positive and significant impact on both organizational identification and voice behavior, but a negative and significant impact on workload, poor working conditions and bullying at the workplace. Furthermore, organizational identification, poor working conditions and workload proved to be partial mediators.

Originality/value

The study adds value to the limited literature on ethical leadership, bullying and voice behavior in nursing. Additionally, organizational identification, workload and poor working conditions have not previously been examined as mediators.
Maximising resilience resources for mental healthcare staff
Authors: Gevaux Nicole S. , Petty Stephanie
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate optimal resources to promote resilience in staff working in inpatient mental health services. The study also provides an example of card sorting methodology used as an efficient way to identify the most helpful resources for resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 25 clinical staff participated in the study. A preliminary focus group and brief literature search identified resources used in two tasks. Two card sorting tasks identified resources participants found helpful vs unhelpful and abundant vs scarce, and resources they would find valuable to use more often.

Findings

The results indicate that most resources helpful to resilience and available to staff were personal resources (relating to positive outlooks or ways of working), whereas resources valuable to resilience but scarce in the working environment were organisational resources (relating to management or social workplace culture). Resources found to not be valuable to resilience were largely personal tangible resources (e.g. smoking, massages).

Practical implications

The findings and method may be generalisable to other mental health services, giving insight into promoting resilience within individuals and organisations. This information could serve as guidelines to streamline the allocation of organisational resources to best promote resilience across various mental health settings.

Originality/value

Staff resilience to working in mental health services contributes to high-quality, sustainable patient care. This study provides further insight into how personal and organisational resources are both vital to resilience in staff working in highly challenging environments.
Killing ourselves with laughter … mapping the interplay of organizational teasing and workplace bullying in hospital work life
Authors: Mortensen Mille , Baarts Charlotte Andreas
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the interplay of organizational humorous teasing and workplace bullying in hospital work life in order to investigate how workplace bullying can emerge from doctors and nurses experiences of what, at first, appears as “innocent” humorous interactions.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an ethnographic field study among doctors and nurses at Rigshospitalet (University Hospital of Copenhagen, Denmark) field notes, transcriptions from two focus groups and six in-depth interviews were analyzed using a cross-sectional thematic analysis.

Findings

This study demonstrates how bullying may emerge out of a distinctive joking practice, in which doctors and nurses continually relate to one another with a pronounced degree of derogatory teasing. The all-encompassing and omnipresent teasing entails that the positions of perpetrator and target persistently change, thereby excluding the position of bystander. Doctors and nurses report that they experience the humiliating teasing as detrimental, although they feel continuously forced to participate because of the fear of otherwise being socially excluded. Consequently, a concept of “fluctuate bullying” is suggested wherein nurses and doctors feel trapped in a “double bind” position, being constrained to bully in order to avoid being bullied themselves.

Originality/value

The present study add to bullying research by exploring and demonstrating how workplace bullying can emerge from informal social power struggles embedded and performed within ubiquitous humorous teasing interactions.
Workplace bullying and redress procedures: experiences of teachers in Ireland
Authors: Mannix McNamara Patricia , Fitzpatrick Kathleen , MacCurtain Sarah , O’Brien Michael
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the experiences of redress seeking and organisational responses for targets of bullying.

Design/methodology/approach

A phenomenological research design was adopted. In total, 22 primary teachers (seven males, 15 females) in Ireland were self-selected for interview, following an advertisement detailing the study in a national teacher union magazine. Data were analysed utilising an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework.

Findings

All those interviewed had made official complaints as per available procedures for addressing workplace bullying in their schools. All participants had engaged in Stages 1 and 2 of the official complaints procedures including uptake of recommended counselling. Three participants ceased engagement at Stage 2. In total, 18 participants had engaged in Stage 3 with 12 ceasing engagement at this stage. Seven participants had proceeded to Stage 4. It is noteworthy that no participant articulated satisfaction with the outcome, but conversely all had articulated further upset and acceptance of the reality that redress would not be forthcoming. These participants who had exercised agency in attempting to seek redress were met with power abuses and cultures of collusion.

Research limitations/implications

This is a small-scale study with self-selecting teachers. The data point to some problematic assumptions underpinning anti-bullying policies in small organisations.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to discourses of power/agency in workplace bullying. It challenges researchers and policy makers to elucidate more carefully the issues surrounding seeking redress for bullying.
Playing with power
Authors: Patterson Eileen , Branch Sara , Barker Michelle , Ramsay Sheryl
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of power in cases of upwards bullying by examining the bases of power that staff members use, and how these bases create power imbalances.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six managers from several organisations. After completion of each interview, verbatim transcripts were created and examined using NVivo, allowing in-depth thematic analysis. The broad coding schema, developed through a review of the literature, was refined as analysis progressed.

Findings

Three major themes emerged: a loss of legitimate power, coercive power, and structural power. The findings suggest a “power cycle” exists in upwards bullying episodes, which is presented diagrammatically. Discussion focusses on the processes that commence with a decrease or loss of a manager’s legitimate power, associated with a lack of organisational support, and staff members’ perceptions of illegitimacy. Managers indicated vulnerability to inappropriate behaviours by staff members, and the potential for greater power imbalances to build due to these behaviours triggering a feedback mechanism, with managers experiencing a further loss of legitimate power.

Originality/value

The study recommends that research into the perspectives of staff members (such as alleged perpetrators) can further strengthen our understanding of the use of power in workplace bullying, and in upwards bullying in particular. Given the applicability of the outcomes of this research to our understanding of workplace bullying, such theory development can also foster practical approaches to addressing workplace bullying within organisations. Understanding the nature of power within workplace bullying processes can inform organisational strategies to disrupt the cycle of inappropriate behaviours, upwards and otherwise.
Analyzing the effect of spinning process variables on blow room blended cotton melange yarn quality
Authors: Ray Suchibrata , Ghosh Anindya , Banerjee Debamalya
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The use and importance of mélange yarn in apparel sector is increasing day by day. With the gradual increase in market share, achieving the desired quality level of mélange yarn remains a challenge for yarn manufacturing industry. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of raw material (dyed fiber percentage in the mixing), important spinning process variable (yarn twist multiplier) and productivity (spindle rpm of ring frame) on properties of cotton mélange spun yarn.

Design/methodology/approach

Box and Behnken Design of experiment has been used to investigate the important yarn quality parameters like evenness, imperfection, hairiness, breaking strength and breaking elongation of blow room blended cotton mélange yarn. The quadratic regression model is used to derive the statistical inferences about sensitivity of the yarn quality parameters to the different process variables. The response surfaces are constructed for depicting the geometric representation of yarn quality parameters plotted as a function of process variables.

Findings

The study shows that shade depth and spindle speed have significant effects on the mélange yarn unevenness and imperfections. Mélange yarn strength and hairiness are significantly affected by shade depth and yarn twist multiplier (TM). Yarn elongation at break is only influenced by the spindle speed. A darker shade is responsible for higher yarn unevenness, imperfection, hairiness and lower yarn strength. A higher spindle speed is also liable for deterioration of yarn quality.

Practical implications

Many spinning industries are planning to convert their existing spindles from normal gray yarn production to mélange yarn manufacturing. The outcome of this study will lead to achieve better mélange yarn quality and productivity by the industry.

Originality/value

Research on mélange yarn is itself scant. This study is exclusively conducted to analyze the individual and interactive effect of various process parameters on the mélange yarn quality.
Translating Research into Action: involving older people in co-producing knowledge about age-friendly neighbourhood interventions
Authors: Doran Patty , Buffel Tine
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Developing what has been termed “age-friendly” cities has become a significant issue for public policy. To date, however, there is limited knowledge about how older people can be involved in the co-production of age-friendly initiatives. The Translating Research into Action project worked with a group of older co-researchers who examined the age-friendliness of their neighbourhood, with the aim of translating the findings into practice and policy recommendations that can help improve the quality of life of older people in urban neighbourhoods. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper synthetises the data collected through focus groups, interviews conducted by co-researchers and a public dissemination event. The analysis focussed on identifying the suggestions for action and change that could improve the social and physical environment for older people in urban neighbourhoods.

Findings

Physical and social issues were found to be contingent on each other and mutually reinforcing, and should therefore not be considered in isolation. However, the findings highlighted physical environmental issues as a major concern; transport was a dominant overarching theme.

Research limitations/implications

Three key areas in need of improvement when developing local level age-friendly policies and practices are discussed: improving and diversifying communication and information; promoting accessibility; and, ensuring a range of meeting opportunities for different groups.

Originality/value

The paper illustrates how co-produced research can be translated into age-friendly interventions, and will be of interest to a wide range of local and (inter)national organisations wishing to research and provide advocacy to older people.
Constraint‐based modelling captures the metabolic versatility of Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Authors: Flowers Jason J. , Richards Matthew A. , Baliga Nitin , Meyer Birte , Stahl David A.
Published: January 2018

A refined Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough flux balance analysis (FBA) model (iJF744) was developed, incorporating 1016 reactions that include 744 genes and 951 metabolites. A draft model was first developed through automatic model reconstruction using the ModelSeed Server and then curated based on existing literature. The curated model was further refined by incorporating three recently proposed redox reactions involving the Hdr‐Flx and Qmo complexes and a lactate dehydrogenase (LdhAB, DVU 3027‐3028) indicated by mutation and transcript analyses to serve electron transfer reactions central to syntrophic and respiratory growth. Eight different variations of this model were evaluated by comparing model predictions to experimental data determined for four different growth conditions ‐ three for sulfate respiration (with lactate, pyruvate or H2/CO2‐acetate) and one for fermentation in syntrophic coculture. The final general model supports (i) a role for Hdr‐Flx in the oxidation of DsrC and ferredoxin, and reduction of NAD+ in a flavin‐based electron confurcating reaction sequence, (ii) a function of the Qmo complex in receiving electrons from the menaquinone pool and potentially from ferredoxin to reduce APS and (iii) a reduction of the soluble DsrC by LdhAB and a function of DsrC in electron transfer reactions other than sulfite reduction.
A mixed methods analysis of experiences and expectations among early‐career medical oncologists in Australia
Authors: Wong W. K. Tim , Kirby Emma , Broom Alex , Sibbritt David , Francis Kay , Karapetis Christos S. , Karikios Deme , Harrup Rosemary , Lwin Zarnie
Published: January 2018

Aim

A viable and sustainable medical oncology profession is integral for meeting the increasing demand for quality cancer care. The aim of this study was to explore the workforce‐related experiences, perceptions and career expectations of early‐career medical oncologists in Australia.

Methods

A mixed‐methods design, including a survey (n  =  170) and nested qualitative semistructured interviews (n  =  14) with early‐career medical oncologists. Recruitment was through the Medical Oncology Group of Australia. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed and for the survey results, logistic regression modeling was conducted.

Results

Early‐career medical oncologists experienced uncertainty regarding their future employment opportunities. The competitive job market has made them cautious about securing a preferred job leading to a perceived need to improve their qualifications through higher degree training and research activities. The following themes and trends were identified from the qualitative and quantitative analyses: age, career stage and associated early‐career uncertainty; locale, professional competition and training preferences; participation in research and evolving professional expectations; and workload and career development opportunities as linked to career uncertainty.

Conclusion

Perceived diminished employment opportunities in the medical oncology profession, and shifting expectations to be “more qualified,” have increased uncertainty among junior medical oncologists in terms of their future career prospects. Structural factors relating to adequate funding of medical oncology positions may facilitate or inhibit progressive change in the workforce and its sustainability. Workforce planning and strategies informed by findings from this study will be necessary in ensuring that both the needs of cancer patients and of medical oncologists are met.
In Vitro Comparison of Pediatric Oxygenators With and Without Integrated Arterial Filters in Maintaining Optimal Hemodynamic Stability and Managing Gaseous Microemboli
Authors: Moroi Morgan , Force Madison , Wang Shigang , Kunselman Allen R. , Ündar Akif
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this study was to compare the Capiox FX15 oxygenator with integrated arterial filter to the Capiox RX15 oxygenator with separate Capiox AF125 arterial filter in terms of hemodynamic properties and gaseous microemboli (GME) capturing. Trials were conducted at varying flow rates (2.0 L/min, 3.0 L/min, 4.0 L/min), temperatures (30°C, 35°C), and flow modalities (pulsatile, nonpulsatile). Pressure and flow waveforms were recorded using a custom‐made data acquisition system. GME data were recorded using an Emboli Detection and Classification Quantifier after injecting a 5 mL air bolus into the venous line. Maximum instantaneous pre‐oxygenator flows reached 7.4 L/min under pulsatile conditions when the roller pump was set to a flow rate of 4 L/min. Mean pressure drops were slightly greater in the FX15 group (P < 0.0001), and the diverted flow from the arterial purge line was slighter greater in the FX15 group at 3 L/min and 4 L/min (P < 0.0001). There was a slight generation of surplus hemodynamic energy (SHE) at the pre‐oxygenator site for both oxygenators under “nonpulsatile mode.” However, higher pre‐oxygenator SHE levels were recorded for both groups with “pulsatile mode.” The RX15 and FX15 groups were both able to remove all microemboli from the circuit at 2 L/min and 3 L/min in “nonpulsatile mode.” Microemboli were delivered to the patient at 4 L/min with pulsatile flows in both groups. The RX15 oxygenator with separate AF125 arterial filter and FX15 oxygenator with integrated arterial filter performed similarly in terms of hemodynamic performance and microemboli capturing. Pulsatile flows at 4 L/min produced instantaneous flow rates that surpassed the documented maximum flow rates of the oxygenators and might have contributed to the delivery of GME to the pseudo‐patient.
Review article: the physiological effects and safety of peppermint oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders
Authors: Chumpitazi B. P. , Kearns G. L. , Shulman R. J.
Published: January 2018

Background

Peppermint oil has been used for centuries as a treatment for gastrointestinal ailments. It has been shown to have several effects on gastrointestinal physiology relevant to clinical care and management.

Aim

To review the literature on peppermint oil regarding its metabolism, effects on gastrointestinal physiology, clinical use and efficacy, and safety.

Methods

We performed a PubMed literature search using the following terms individually or in combination: peppermint, peppermint oil, pharmacokinetics, menthol, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, gallbladder, colon, transit, dyspepsia, nausea, abdominal pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. Full manuscripts evaluating peppermint oil that were published through 15 July 2017 were reviewed. When evaluating therapeutic indications, only randomised clinical trials were included. References from selected manuscripts were used if relevant.

Results

It appears that peppermint oil may have several mechanisms of action including: smooth muscle relaxation (via calcium channel blockade or direct enteric nervous system effects); visceral sensitivity modulation (via transient receptor potential cation channels); anti‐microbial effects; anti‐inflammatory activity; modulation of psychosocial distress. Peppermint oil has been found to affect oesophageal, gastric, small bowel, gall‐bladder, and colonic physiology. It has been used to facilitate completion of colonoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Placebo controlled studies support its use in irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, childhood functional abdominal pain, and post‐operative nausea. Few adverse effects have been reported in peppermint oil trials.

Conclusion

Peppermint oil is a natural product which affects physiology throughout the gastrointestinal tract, has been used successfully for several clinical disorders, and appears to have a good safety profile.
Overcoming barriers: Myanmar's recent elections and women's political participation
Authors: Loring Nicole
Published: January 2018

Myanmar's 2015 elections have been credited with bringing about a myriad of changes within the country. Much has been written about the changing political climate within Myanmar. One topic which has not yet been discussed adequately, however, is the role of Burmese women in these recent elections. This paper seeks to examine women's political participation in Myanmar's recent move towards democratisation. Using rates of female candidacies in Burmese elections, comparing these figures with rates of female participation in other Southeast Asian countries, and ethnographic research with the Burmese voting public, this paper will contribute to the sparse scholarship regarding the role of women in new democracies and regime transitions. This paper finds that beliefs about traditional gender roles, rooted in traditional Buddhism, still shape the way both men and women in Myanmar view women's political participation. While women are better represented in Myanmar's government than they were in the past, this paper suggests that measures such as quotas or reserved seats based on gender may be the best way to increase Burmese women's political representation in the future.