bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Serpico Mark R. , Boyle Brendan M. , Kemper Kathi J. , Kim Sandra C.
Published: March 2016

Objectives:

The prevalence of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are both common and increasing. The definition of CAM therapy among both practitioners and patients is variable. The aim of our study was to update our understanding of how pediatric IBD patients use, perceive, and define CAM therapies.

Methods:

We surveyed families of patients with IBD followed in the Gastroenterology Division at Nationwide Children's Hospital in summer 2014 during a routine clinic visit. The survey included questions about the following demographic and disease information; use and side effects associated with prior conventional therapies (CT); and attitudes toward, and use of CAM.

Results:

The questionnaire was completed by 104 of 118 patients approached (14 ± 3 years; 43% women). Patients had previously used an average of 3 CT. CAM therapy was used by 84% of patients surveyed, although only 24% of patients/families considered themselves to be using CAM. Common CAM therapies included vitamins/supplements, stress management techniques, and/or dietary changes. Factors associated with using specific CAM therapies included self‐reported prior CT‐related side effects (P < 0.01) and moderate/severe disease activity (P < 0.01). Most families (77%) desired to learn more about CAM.

Conclusions:

Patients seen in a tertiary care center for pediatric IBD frequently integrated CAM therapies into their treatment regimen. Patients with prior side effects from CT or more severe disease were more likely to use CAM. Given the high prevalence of CAM use, pediatric gastrointestinal physicians should be knowledgeable and open to discussions about CAM therapies with their patients.
Cardiorespiratory fitness and cognitive functioning following short-term interventions in chronic stroke survivors with cognitive impairment: a pilot study
Authors: Blanchet Sophie , Richards Carol L. , Leblond Jean , Olivier Charles , Maltais Désirée B.
Published: March 2016

This study, a quasi-experimental, one-group pretest–post-test design, evaluated the effects on cognitive functioning and cardiorespiratory fitness of 8-week interventions (aerobic exercise alone and aerobic exercise and cognitive training combined) in patients with chronic stroke and cognitive impairment living in the community (participants: n=14, 61.93±9.90 years old, 51.50±38.22 months after stroke, n=7 per intervention group). Cognitive functions and cardiorespiratory fitness were evaluated before and after intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up visit (episodic memory: revised-Hopkins Verbal Learning Test; working memory: Brown–Peterson paradigm; attention omission and commission errors: Continuous Performance Test; cardiorespiratory fitness: peak oxygen uptake during a symptom-limited, graded exercise test performed on a semirecumbent ergometer). Friedman’s two-way analysis of variance by ranks evaluated differences in score distributions related to time (for the two groups combined). Post-hoc testing was adjusted for multiple comparisons. Compared with before the intervention, there was a significant reduction in attention errors immediately following the intervention (omission errors: 14.6±21.5 vs. 8±13.9, P=0.01; commission errors: 16.4±6.3 vs. 10.9±7.2, P=0.04), and in part at follow-up (omission errors on follow-up: 3.4±4.3, P=0.03; commission errors on follow-up: 13.2±7.6, P=0.42). These results suggest that attention may improve in chronic stroke survivors with cognitive impairment following short-term training that includes an aerobic component, without a change in cardiorespiratory fitness. Randomized–controlled studies are required to confirm these findings.
Sonographic Diagnosis of Periorbital Dermoid Cyst
Authors: Whittle Carolina , Retamal Andres , Kramer Daniela , Silva Claudio
Published: March 2016

Periorbital dermoid cysts occur mainly in children. Sonography is useful for the noninvasive, nonionizing evaluation of soft tissue lesions in infants and children without requiring sedation or anesthesia. We report the sonographic appearance of 25 periorbital dermoid cysts and identified that all are avascular oval lesions located below the aponeurotic plane. Nonaggressive bone remodeling was present in 52% of the cases. These finding in pediatric periorbital lesions are highly suspicious of a periorbital dermoid cyst.
The Clinical Application of Preexpanded and Prefabricated Super-Thin Skin Perforator Flap for Reconstruction of Post-Burn Neck Contracture
Authors: Wang Chunmei , Zhang Junyi , Yang Sifen , Hyakusoku Hiko , Song Ping , Pu Lee L.Q.
Published: March 2016

Objective

Based on our previous animal study, we applied the “bridging effect” to the neighboring axial flap through preexpansion and prefabrication of a skin perforator flap as a new method to reconstruct a large skin defect after release of severe neck burn scar contracture.

Methods

Twelve patients suffering from severe post-burn cervical contractures underwent reconstruction of large skin defects after surgical release of severe scar contractures with preexpanded and prefabricated super-thin skin perforator flaps supplied primarily by a number of perforators via the “bridging effect” from the branches of the adjacent arteries as 2-stage procedures. During the first-stage operation, 2 tissue expanders were placed accordingly, and this was followed by a subsequent second-stage procedure where an expanded super-thin skin perforator flap was transposed to reconstruct a large neck skin defect. Follow-up was between 6 months and 3 years in this series.

Results

All super-thin skin perforator flaps survived in this series with primary healing except one with a distal flap necrosis that was treated with a subsequent skin graft. All patients have had a good contour with improved range of motion in the neck.

Conclusions

The preexpansion and prefabrication of a super-thin skin perforator flap can possibly improve the anastomoses between neighboring subdermal vascular plexuses and extend the supplying area of these vessels to the flap. This method may provide a favorable super-thin skin flap that can be used for reconstruction of large neck defects after release of post-burn cervical scar contracture as demonstrated in this case series.
Evaluation Indicators of Aesthetic Effects on Hair Transplantation
Authors: Miao Yong , Liu Bing-cheng , Fan Zhe-xiang , Hu Zhi-qi
Published: March 2016

Hair transplantation involves the transplantation of hair, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair. Based on our experience, the aesthetic result of hair transplantation mainly relies on 4 indicators, including selection of the donor site, direction and angle of grafted hairs, density, and survival rate of implanted hair follicles. We believe that good results can be achieved as long as attention is paid to the above 4 points.
An autopsic art: drawings of ‘Dr Granville's mummy’ in the Royal Society archives
Authors: Riggs Christina
Published: March 2016

In 1821 Augustus Bozzi Granville FRS unwrapped and dissected an ancient Egyptian mummy, presenting the results of his examination to the Royal Society in 1825. He commissioned artist Henry Perry to draw the process in stages; these drawings were subsequently engraved by James Basire for publication in
Philosophical Transactions
. This article presents the original drawings for the first time, allowing comparison with their engravings. Taken together with Granville's accounts of the unwrapping of the mummy, the drawings demonstrate the significant role of illustration and other visual practices in anatomical argumentation in the early nineteenth century, as well as the prestige that commissioned illustrations lent to the performance and dissemination of scientific expertise. Moreover, the drawings include one of the key visual tropes of race science—a skull in left-facing profile, mapped with a facial angle—and thus indicate the early incorporation of Egyptian mummies into typologies of race.
Adaptive-projection intrinsically transformed multivariate empirical mode decomposition in cooperative brain–computer interface applications
Authors: Hemakom Apit , Goverdovsky Valentin , Looney David , Mandic Danilo P.
Published: March 2016

An extension to multivariate empirical mode decomposition (MEMD), termed adaptive-projection intrinsically transformed MEMD (APIT-MEMD), is proposed to cater for power imbalances and inter-channel correlations in real-world multichannel data. It is shown that the APIT-MEMD exhibits similar or better performance than MEMD for a large number of projection vectors, whereas it outperforms MEMD for the critical case of a small number of projection vectors within the sifting algorithm. We also employ the noise-assisted APIT-MEMD within our proposed intrinsic multiscale analysis framework and illustrate the advantages of such an approach in notoriously noise-dominated cooperative brain–computer interface (BCI) based on the steady-state visual evoked potentials and the P300 responses. Finally, we show that for a joint cognitive BCI task, the proposed intrinsic multiscale analysis framework improves system performance in terms of the information transfer rate.
Understanding deep convolutional networks
Authors: Mallat Stéphane
Published: March 2016

Deep convolutional networks provide state-of-the-art classifications and regressions results over many high-dimensional problems. We review their architecture, which scatters data with a cascade of linear filter weights and nonlinearities. A mathematical framework is introduced to analyse their properties. Computations of invariants involve multiscale contractions with wavelets, the linearization of hierarchical symmetries and sparse separations. Applications are discussed.
Does linked selection explain the narrow range of genetic diversity across species?
Authors: Coop Graham
Published: March 2016

The relatively narrow range of genetic polymorphism levels across species has been a major source of debate since the inception of molecular population genetics. Recently Corbett-Detig et al found evidence that linked selection strongly constrains levels of polymorphism in species with large census sizes. Here I reexamine this claim and find weak support for this conclusion. While linked selection is an important determinant of polymorphism levels along the genome in many species, we currently lack compelling evidence that it is a major determinant of polymorphism levels among obligately sexual species.
Engineered kinesin motor proteins amenable to small molecule inhibition
Authors: Engelke Martin F. , Winding Michael , Yue Yang , Shastry Shankar , Teloni Federico , Reddy Sanjay , Blasius T. Lynne , Soppina Pushpanjali , Hancock William O. , Gelfand Vladimir I. , Verhey Kristen J.
Published: March 2016

The human genome encodes 45 kinesins that drive cell division, cell motility, intracellular trafficking, and ciliary function. Determining the cellular function of each kinesin would be greatly facilitated by specific small molecule inhibitors, but screens have yielded inhibitors that are specific to only a small number of kinesins, likely due to the high conservation of the kinesin motor domain across the superfamily. Here we present a chemical-genetic approach to engineer kinesin motors that retain microtubule-dependent motility in the absence of inhibitor yet can be efficiently inhibited by small, cell-permeable molecules. Using kinesin-1 as a prototype, we tested two independent strategies to design inhibitable motors. First, we inserted the six amino acid tetracysteine tag into surface loops of the motor domain such that binding of biarsenic dyes allosterically inhibits processive motility. Second, we fused DmrB dimerization domains to the motor heads such that addition of B/B homodimerizer cross-links the two motor domains and inhibits motor stepping. We show, using cellular assays that the engineered kinesin-1 motors are able to transport artificial and natural kinesin-1 cargoes, but are efficiently inhibited by the addition of the relevant small molecule. Single-molecule imagingin vitrorevealed that inhibitor addition reduces the number of processively moving motors on the microtubule, with minor effects on motor run length and velocity. It is likely that these inhibition strategies can be successfully applied to other members of the kinesin superfamily due to the high conservation of the kinesin motor domain. The described engineered motors will be of great utility to dynamically and specifically study kinesin function in cells and animals.
A feasibility study of full-field X-ray orientation microscopy at the onset of deformation twinning
Authors: Viganò Nicola , Nervo Laura , Valzania Lorenzo , Singh Gaurav , Preuss Michael , Batenburg Kees Joost , Ludwig Wolfgang
Published: March 2016

Three-dimensional X-ray orientation microscopy based on X-ray full-field imaging techniques such as diffraction contrast tomography is a challenging task when it comes to materials displaying non-negligible intragranular orientation spread and/or intricate grain microstructures as a result of plastic deformation and deformation twinning. As shown in this article, the optimization of the experimental conditions and a number of modifications of the data analysis routines enable detection and three-dimensional reconstruction of twin lamellae down to micrometre thickness, as well as more accurate three-dimensional reconstruction of grains displaying intragranular orientation spreads of up to a few degrees. The reconstruction of spatially resolved orientation maps becomes possible through the use of a recently introduced six-dimensional reconstruction framework, which has been further extended in order to enable simultaneous reconstruction of parent and twin orientations and to account for the finite impulse response of the X-ray imaging detector. The simultaneous reconstruction of disjoint orientation domains requires appropriate scaling of the scattering intensities based on structure and Lorentz factors and yields three-dimensional reconstructions with comparable density values for all the grains. This in turn enables the use of a global intensity-guided assembly procedure and avoids problems related to the single-grain thresholding procedure used previously. Last but not least, carrying out a systematic search over the list of known twin variants (forward modelling) for each of the indexed parent grains, it is possible to identify additional twins which have been left undetected at the previous stage of grain indexing based on diffraction spot peak positions. The enhanced procedure has been tested on a 1% deformed specimen made from a Ti–4% Al alloy and the result has been cross-validated against a two-dimensional electron backscatter diffraction orientation map acquired on one of the lateral sample surfaces.
Detection of an ordered-structure fraction in amorphous silicon
Authors: Wang Xiao-Dong , Chen Bo , Wang Hai-Feng , Zheng Xin , Liu Shi-Jie , Wang Jun-Bo , Li Bo , Yu Shan-Meng , Cui Zhong-Xu
Published: March 2016

Amorphous silicon (a-Si) films were prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering. Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) was utilized to detect an ordered-structure fraction in a-Si. The SE analysis of a-Si films with different thicknesses (7.0–140.0 nm) demonstrates that no more than 2.81% of medium-range order exists in the samples, and interestingly, there is a thickness dependence of optical constants for a-Si in the range of 1.5–5.0 eV.
So, who really is a “noted author” within the accounting literature? A reflection on Benson et al. (2015)
Authors: Deegan Craig
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the propensity of some researchers within the accounting research community (and elsewhere) to ignore potentially rich insights available from other paradigms, and the implications this has for the advancement of knowledge both from an educational and a social perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis is based on a review of a paper published in the Australian Journal of Management by Benson et al. (2015) together with a synthesis of other work which cautions against dismissing conflicting “world views”.

Findings

– The analysis suggests that the propensity of some accounting researchers to dismiss, or ignore, research undertaken by researchers outside of their paradigm is still apparently “alive and well” within today’s accounting research community. The implications associated with ignoring or dismissing rich interdisciplinary insights are highlighted.

Research limitations/implications

– The implications of the research are that many rich insights are apparently being ignored by a segment of the accounting research community and this has implications for the advancement of knowledge, education and society. The limitations of this commentary are that the views are based on personal opinion which by its very nature is biased and based on the political views of the author.

Practical implications

– The practical implications are that in highlighting a propensity to ignore potentially valuable research from alternative paradigms the commentary encourages researchers to consider other world views, as well as the political foundations inherent in their own work. This can have positive implications for the advancement of knowledge, and of society.

Social implications

– By highlighting the propensity of some researchers to potentially dismiss entire areas of research as not being “notable” it is hoped that there will be a revision of this tendency and this will have possible implications for the advancement of knowledge.

Originality/value

– The commentary highlights how certain elements of the accounting research community continue to appear to have a propensity to forget/ignore that potentially useful insights are available from people who undertake research beyond the confines of their research paradigm.
Community disclosures in a developing country: insights from a neo-pluralist perspective
Authors: Soobaroyen Teerooven , Mahadeo Jyoti Devi
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse changes in community disclosures by listed companies in Mauritius.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors carried out a quantitative and qualitative assessment of annual report disclosures over the period 2004-2010. In particular, the authors consider the influence of a corporate governance code and a government intervention to first persuade and subsequently mandate corporate social responsibility investment (known as a “CSR Levy”).

Findings

– From a predominantly limited and neutral form of communication, narratives of community involvement morph into assertive and rhetorical statements, emphasising commitment, permanency and an intimate connection to the community and a re-organisation of activities and priorities which seek to portray structure and order in the way companies deliver community interventions. Informed by Gray et al.’s (1995) neo-pluralist framework and documentary evidence pertaining to the country’s social, political and economic context, the authors relate the change in disclosures to the use of corporate impression management techniques with a view to maintain legitimacy and to counter the predominant public narrative on the insufficient extent of community involvement by local companies.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors find that community disclosures are not only legitimating mechanisms driven by international pressures but are also the result of local tensions and expectations.

Originality/value

– This study provides evidence on forms of “social” – as opposed to environmental – disclosures. Furthermore, it examines a unique setting where a government enacted a legally binding regime for greater corporate social involvement.
Motivations of manufacturing reshoring: an interpretative framework
Authors: Fratocchi Luciano , Ancarani Alessandro , Barbieri Paolo , Di Mauro Carmela , Nassimbeni Guido , Sartor Marco , Vignoli Matteo , Zanoni Andrea
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a framework for the analysis of reshoring. The framework is then applied to analyze motivations for reshoring, as they emerge from extant literature and from new evidence collected.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors start by formulating a literature-grounded definition of reshoring and reviewing some key theoretical approaches for international manufacturing location. In light of these theories, the authors then propose an interpretative framework for the analysis of reshoring motivations. Finally, the authors provide new evidence on this phenomenon, by presenting the findings of an extensive data collection of reshoring cases built on secondary data.

Findings

– The authors show that a vast array of single drivers of reshoring can be extracted from extant literature; however, the interpretative framework eventually highlights four main typologies of reshoring motivations, thus allowing for a more sound comprehension of why the phenomenon happens. The empirical investigation proves also useful in comparing the relative importance of these motivations, as it reveals that value-driven and country-specific motivations prevail over efficiency-driven and firm-specific ones, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is based on the analyses of secondary data extracted from newspapers and magazine sources. Some motivations (and especially those that configure a “correction of a previous erroneous decision”) could have been underestimated. In addition, certain industries (e.g. clothing and footwear), certain countries (USA and China), and certain firms (large companies and MNCs) could have more visibility to the media. Another possible limitation is due to the fact that the classification work inherently implied some discretion and individual judgment. The authors however spent considerable efforts in cross-validating the assessments through extensive discussion within the research team.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper that summarizes the motivations of the rising reshoring phenomenon and interprets them based on an original theory-derived classification framework.
Effective logistics alliance design and management
Authors: Brekalo Lisa , Albers Sascha
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to argue that the productive analyses of logistics alliances in the literature have led to a multitude of heterogeneous contributions. These should be consolidated and systematized in order to synthesize the existing findings in a meaningful way and guide future research for effective design and management; and improve logistics alliance performance in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a systematic literature review to screen and consolidate current knowledge on effective design and management of logistics alliances.

Findings

– This paper categorizes the logistics literature on vertical and horizontal alliances into four key areas in order to systematically consolidate key performance factors, their sub-constructs and performance effects to identify implications for both research and practice.

Research limitations/implications

– Within the research agenda, the authors develop concrete research opportunities in four areas: horizontal logistics alliances; vertical logistics alliances; transfer of new research streams into the context of logistics alliances; and the incorporation of impediments and negative effects.

Practical implications

– By consolidating existing research results, the authors provide guidance for managers looking to establish or adapt logistics alliance structures and management systems.

Originality/value

– The consolidation of key performance impact factors on logistics alliances (both vertical and horizontal) provides a platform for further research. The developed agenda offers specific research opportunities to improve the understanding of logistics alliance performance.
Predicting technology integration and performance in transition economies: insights from Russia
Authors: Davis-Sramek Beth , Krotov Konstantin , Germain Richard
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine a traditional information technology (IT) integration-performance framework in the transition economy of Russia, which has undergone significant and tumultuous institutional shifts. The research incorporates variables not previously utilized in the supply chain literature but underscore significant roles in the context of the Russian institutional environment to examine the drivers of IT integration.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Moscow-based, Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) was contracted to collect data from Russia manufacturing firms with 100 or more employees, and the effort resulted in 769 responses from Russian private sector firms. This primary survey data were combined with two secondary data sets to test the model using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– Overall, the results indicate that firms in developed economies must pay special attention to specific contextual nuances in transition economy firms that can affect their ability to successfully navigate this significantly different supply chain environment. Specifically, the results show that spatial distance from Moscow hampers a firm’s ability to integrate its logistics IT capabilities, suggesting that “modern” logistics IT (and possibly supply chain practice in general) initiate from the Moscow core and spread outward. Further, results find that growth in the number of foreign competitors in a firm’s primary industry over the prior five-year period associates with greater integrated logistics IT. It appears that increasing foreign competition creates a sense of urgency for managers within Russian firms to focus on cost reduction and improvements in logistics efficiencies by way of greater IT integration.

Originality/value

– A significant portion of research related to supply chain management and firm performance takes place in the economically developed West, but there are questions about whether these findings are applicable in transition economies that have a significantly different set of institutional dynamics. This research highlights how the unique contexts in transition economies such as Russia can present challenges for firms as they adapt to the realities of global market dynamics.
Financial instruments and equity structures for raising capital in co-operatives
Authors: Mamouni Limnios Elena Alexandra , Watson John , Mazzarol Tim , Soutar Geoffrey N.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– A key issue faced by co-operative enterprises is how to raise external equity capital without compromising member control. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential of a special type of financial instrument called a Cooperative Capital Unit (CCU) introduced into the Australian legislation to facilitate external investment while maintaining member control.

Design/methodology/approach

– A Delphi panel and six focus groups were used to provide an understanding of the challenges associated with cooperative governance and financing and to aid the development of a conceptual framework for the implementation of CCUs.

Findings

– The findings from these Delphi panel and six focus groups were used to develop a proposed framework that the authors believe will be useful in structuring equity-like instruments depending on the purposes they might serve. In particular, the authors propose a new form of cooperative ownership and equity structure that could: better align member and investor interests; provide a mechanism to strengthen one role over the other depending on the needs of the cooperative; and provide investors with a better sense of security while retaining member control.

Originality/value

– To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the cooperative ownership and equity structure proposed in this study are novel and not currently found in theory or practice. The insights provided by this study should, therefore, be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders, including cooperatives; professional advisors to these businesses; government regulators; investors; and researchers.
Socializing accounting practices in governing boards: dairy co-operatives down-under
Authors: VanPeursem Karen , Old Kevin , Locke Stuart
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the accountability practices of the directors in New Zealand and Australian dairy co-operatives. An interpretation of their practices, which focus on the relationship between directors and their farmer-shareholders, is informed by Roberts’ (2001a) understandings of a socializing accountability.

Design/methodology/approach

– The fieldwork consists of interviews with 23 directors, including all chief executive officers and chairmen, of six dairy co-operatives together with observations and document analysis. These co-operatives together comprise a significant portion of the regional dairy industry. The methodology draws from Eisenhardt’s (1989) qualitative approach to theory formation.

Findings

– The authors find that these directors engage in a discourse-based, community-grounded and egalitarian form of socializing accountability. As such, their practices adhere generally to Roberts (2001a) hopes for a more considerate and humble relationship between an accountor and an accountee.

Social implications

– Findings add to the small pool of research on the lived experiences of co-operative boards and to a parsimonious literature in socializing accountability practices. The contributions of the study are in advancing real understandings of alternative forms of accountability, in evaluating the conditions in which these alternatives may be likely to arise and in anticipating the challenges and opportunities that arise therefrom.

Originality/value

– The originality of the project arises from accessing the views of these industry leaders and, through their frank expressions, coming to understand how they achieve a form of a socializing accountability in their relationships with farmer-shareholders.
Making the most of children centre management data: a researcher-practitioner partnership approach
Authors: Tunstill Jane , BLewett James
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe a collaboration between independent researchers and an English local authority to develop a framework for understanding and measuring outcomes in children centres.

Design/methodology/approach

– The project was based on developing a system for collecting quantitative and qualitative data that would reflect the multi-dimensional services delivered by children centres. This was called the Early Intervention Performance Outcomes Framework. It utilised the concept of interim outcomes and in so doing the aim was to create a system that would provide evidence for the difference these services could make to children and their families’ lives. It was also important for the system to enhance and not detract from service capacity in a period of austerity.

Findings

– The paper reports on the project when it had generated its first year of data. The paper describes the overall success of the project, the on-going challenges it faces and provides some examples of how interim outcomes represented “steps along the way” for children and families.

Originality/value

– The innovative collaboration described in this paper provides a positive example of how research methods can enhance both service design and delivery. It will be of interest to both those who work and manage children’s services and those engaged in research.
A randomised controlled trial comparing the effects of directive and non-directive parenting programmes as a universal prevention programme
Authors: Chan Stanley , Leung Cynthia , Sanders Matthew
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare the effectiveness of directive programmes led by professionals where parents were taught specific parenting knowledge and strategies (Triple P – Positive Parenting Program) and non-directive parenting programmes in the form of mutual-aid support group as a universal prevention programme.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study employed a randomised controlled trial design. Participants included 92 Hong Kong Chinese parents with preschool children recruited from eight kindergartens and a local church. They were randomised into Group Triple P, non-directive group and control group. They completed measures on their perception of child behaviour problems and their parental stress before and after intervention.

Findings

– At post-intervention, results indicated significantly greater decrease in child disruptive behaviours among participants in the Triple P group than those in the non-directive group and control group while no significant group difference was found between the latter two groups. No significant difference was found in post-intervention parental stress level among the three groups.

Originality/value

– This study provides empirical evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of a directive parenting programme vs a non-directive one.
Leadership development practices as drivers of employee attitudes
Authors: Khoreva Violetta
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between leadership development practices and the following employee attitudes: affective commitment, commitment to acceptance of increasing performance demands and commitment to building competencies. Building on social exchange theory, the study seeks to reveal whether affective commitment mediates the relationship between leadership development practices and both commitment to acceptance of increasing performance demands and commitment to building competencies.

Design/methodology/approach

– Structural equation modelling was utilized to analyse survey data representing a sample of 332 high-potential employees in eight Nordic multinational corporations.

Findings

– The study findings show that by means of affective commitment, organizations can expect an induced commitment to acceptance of increasing performance demands as well as an induced commitment to building relevant competencies among employees who engage in leadership development practices.

Research limitations/implications

– Given the cross-sectional nature of the study, future research is encouraged to look into how the relationship between leadership development practices and employee attitudes evolves over time.

Originality/value

– The study provides insights into the underlying processes by which leadership development practices become reflected in desired employee attitudes. It offers a useful point for future efforts to explore the impact of human resource management (HRM) on employees and organizations through various mediators with the purpose of establishing the current trends within HRM and avoiding tensions in future.
Abusive supervision: subordinate personality or supervisor behavior?
Authors: Brees Jeremy , Martinko Mark , Harvey Paul
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether employees’ personalities are associated with their perceptions of abusive supervision.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 756 working adults provided data. Subjects’ began by taking personality assessments and then received a performance evaluation via a video role-play. Subjects then provided their perceptions of how abusive the supervisor was. The data were analyzed with regression analysis.

Findings

– The results illustrated that respondents’ hostile attribution styles, negative affectivity, trait anger, and entitlement were positively and significantly associated with perceptions of abusive supervision.

Research limitations/implications

– The results imply that judgments of supervisory abuse and interventions to ameliorate the negative consequences associated with abusive supervision should consider subordinates’ characteristics.

Originality/value

– This study controlled supervisor behavior via a video vignette to assess how multiple subordinates’ perceive the same supervisor behavior. This study contributes to a more complete understanding of how personality is associated with perceptions of abusive supervision.
Pre-employment good impression and subsequent job performance
Authors: Lanyon Richard Ian , Goodstein Leonard D
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Previous research has not demonstrated a consistent relationship between pre-employment measures of good impression (GI) response bias and subsequent job performance. The purpose of this paper is to study the likelihood that such effects would be present for the extremes of the GI dimension, noting that opposite predictions about these effects would be made from the two competing conceptions of GI: motivational and positive self-presentation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three groups were studied in which the job performance was investigated for high and low pre-employment GI scorers (
>
1 and
<
−1 SD) and also for extreme high and low SD scorers (approximately the highest and lowest 5 percent). Participants included two groups of nurses and one of chain store managers.

Findings

– The low GI groups showed consistently poorer-than-average job performance, and the highest GI scorers showed a trend toward better performance. The extreme highest and lowest groups showed greater differences than the high and low groups.

Originality/value

– This study demonstrates that extreme pre-employment GI scores are relevant to performance, and support the self-presentation rather than the motivational conception of GI, at least for these employment groups. Attention is drawn to the practical relevance of low GI scores in predicting poorer work performance.
How and when customer feedback influences organizational health
Authors: Kipfelsberger Petra , Herhausen Dennis , Bruch Heike
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how and when customers influence organizational climate and organizational health through their feedback. Based on affective events theory, the authors classify both positive and negative customer feedback (PCF and NCF) as affective work events. The authors expect that these events influence the positive affective climate of an organization and ultimately organizational health, and that the relationships are moderated by empowerment climate.

Design/methodology/approach

– Structural equation modeling was utilized to analyze survey data obtained from a sample of 178 board members, 80 HR representatives, and 10,953 employees from 80 independent organizations.

Findings

– The findings support the expected indirect effects. Furthermore, empowerment climate strengthened the impact of PCF on organizational health but does not affect the relationship between NCF and organizational health.

Research limitations/implications

– The cross-sectional design is a potential limitation of the study.

Practical implications

– Managers should be aware that customer feedback influences an organization’s emotional climate and organizational health. Based on the results organizations might actively disseminate PCF and establish an empowerment climate. With regard to NCF, managers might consider the potential affective and health-related consequences for employees and organizations.

Social implications

– Customers are able to contribute to an organization’s positive affective climate and to organizational health if they provide positive feedback to organizations.

Originality/value

– By providing first insights into the consequences of both PCF and NCF on organizational health, this study opens a new avenue for scientific inquiry of customer influences on employees at the organizational level.
Work-life balance and its relationship with organizational pride and job satisfaction
Authors: Mas-Machuca Marta , Berbegal-Mirabent Jasmina , Alegre Ines
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between work-life balance, organizational pride and job satisfaction. When evaluating employee work-life balance the present paper takes into consideration two relevant antecedents: supervisor support and job autonomy; and explores their link with organizational pride and job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

– To verify the hypothesis, a questionnaire survey was used to collect data in a Spanish pharmaceutical organization; 374 responses were obtained. Structural equation modeling was used for the data analysis.

Findings

– Data confirms the relationship between the analyzed constructs. The results support the hypothesized relationships of supervisor work-life balance support and autonomy with employee work-life balance. In addition, employee work-life balance is positively related with organizational pride and job satisfaction.

Practical implications

– This study provides a useful measurement model that employers and employees can use to evaluate and improve work-life balance through job autonomy and supervisor support. Companies should pay attention to employee work-life balance to enhance organizational pride and job satisfaction. The research tries to help companies to more effectively use their human capital resources.

Originality/value

– The paper addresses gaps in the current literature in work-life, organizational pride and job satisfaction. The results may serve as the criteria for managers to better enhance employee job satisfaction in organizations.
Reimagining overqualified human resources to promote organizational effectiveness and competitive advantage
Authors: Sikora David M. , Thompson Katina W. , Russell Zachary A. , Ferris Gerald R.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Many organizations hold the traditional view that due to the potential of higher job dissatisfaction and employee turnover rates, hiring overqualified job candidates is risky. The purpose of this paper is to take an alternative perspective, using Human Capital and Resource-based theories to propose that hiring overqualified job candidates adds to a firm’s human capital depth. This additional human capital depth, in turn, enables firms to improve near term organizational effectiveness, and ultimately, build long-term competitive advantage. However, the ability of the firm to sustain this competitive advantage is dependent upon the retention of the overqualified human capital. The authors propose that job and career development opportunities made available to the overqualified will increase commitment and reduce turnover intentions, resulting in a long-term competitive advantage. Thus, the conceptual framework makes reference to deployment of the overqualified as an under used source of human capital. Finally, the implications of the proposed conceptualization and directions for future research are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reviews theory and proposes a conceptual framework for reimaging overqualified human resources.

Findings

– There are powerful benefits to hiring overqualified job candidates, but by not hiring overqualified job candidates, organizations are missing out on a large, easily available, and potentially lower cost source of highly skilled human capital.

Practical implications

– The authors propose that job and career development opportunities made available to the overqualified will increase commitment and reduce turnover intentions, resulting in a long-term competitive advantage. Thus, the conceptual framework makes reference to deployment of the overqualified as an under used source of human capital.

Originality/value

– This paper uses Human Capital and Resource-Based theory to propose a conceptual framework which makes four key contributions. First, the authors propose that hiring overqualified job candidates increases an organization’s human capital depth. Next, this increased human capital leads to near term improvements in employee performance and organizational effectiveness. In turn, firms using career development exercises such as job crafting, mentoring, and/or informal leadership to retain overqualified human capital are more likely to covert near term organizational effectiveness into long-term competitive advantage. Finally, the authors offer a conceptual framework that bridges the overqualification and strategic human resources management literatures.
Relationships at work, burnout and job satisfaction: a study on Irish psychologists
Authors: Roncalli Silvia , Byrne Michael
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the levels of job satisfaction (JS) and burnout among psychologists working in Irish community mental health teams (CMHTs), and the relationships between these factors and three relational predictors: teamwork, liaison with management/supervisor and relationships among co-workers. Associations with absenteeism and participants’ turnover potential were also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

– Participants were 77 psychologists currently working in CMHTs nationwide or who had left a CMHT in the previous three years.

Findings

– Liaison with management/supervisor and teamwork emerged as significant predictors of JS but not of burnout. Relationships among co-workers emerged as a significant predictor of two dimensions of burnout. JS and burnout levels had no overall significant association with absenteeism or turnover potential.

Practical/implications

– This study confirmed that well-known associations between relational aspects of one’s job and the levels of JS and burnout were also present in this sample of psychologists, highlighting the vulnerability of these professionals to the same risks that affect workers in positions requiring comparatively lower psychological-mindedness. Service providers need to consider this important factor in their efforts to enhance productivity and prevent turnover, and it can be addressed at no extra costs by optimising the use of existing resources.

Originality/Value

– This study is one of the first to focus on relational aspects of CMHTs considering a sample of psychologists. Furthermore, while the three relational factors considered have been examined before in their individual relationships to JS and burnout, this study investigates their interactions with each other.