bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mediation effect of quality of worklife, job involvement, and organizational citizenship behavior in relationship between transglobal leadership to employee performance
Authors: Hermawati Adya , Mas Nasharuddin
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to obtain empirical evidence, analyze and explain the mediating effect of the quality of work life (QWL), job-retention engagement and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) on the relationship between transglobal leadership and employee performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The population in this research is all employees of the most outstanding cooperatives in East Java Province. The method used to analyze the data in this study is generalized structural component analysis.

Findings

The main findings of this research show that the effects of mediation variables of QWL, job involvement and OCB in transglobal leadership influence employee performance in cooperatives in East Java. These findings are not in line with the Theory of Leadership by Sharkey et al. (2012), and explains the link between behaviors of transglobal leadership and employee performance. The study finds a need for attention in intervening/mediating variables such as QWL, job involvement and OCB as regard the relationship between transglobal leadership and employee performance.

Research limitations/implications

Transglobal leadership directly affects the QWL, job involvement and OCB: the higher the transglobal leadership, the higher the effect on QWL, job involvement and OCB. However, transglobal leadership has no direct effect on employee performance. Then, QWL, job involvement and OCB are mediating variables between the effects of transglobal leadership on full-mediation employee performance.

Social implications

To improve the performance of employees of cooperatives, some improvements are needed such as an increase in the quality of a leader’s cooperative approach, especially with transglobal leadership style. However, particularly in the approach, factor of quality of work life, job involvement and OCB cannot be ignored or overriden. Improved leadership capacity, priority for improved business intelligence main factor, while the quality of work-life priorities take precedence in the growth and development factors. Job involvement of preferred priority on self-esteem factor performances, while the main priority organizational citizenship behavior on altruism factor. Employee performance will be improved with the aforementioned ideal conditions, especially on the work factor result.

Originality/value

Mediation effect of job involvement and OCB, using Sobel test, for assessing the relationship between translgobal leadership and employee performance has not been studied before.
Investigation of instrument validity
Authors: Solimun Solimun , Fernandes Adji Achmad Rinaldo
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The aim of this research is to investigate the consistency between the criterion validity and the unidimensional validity – case study in management research.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation of construct validity and criterion validity by using confirmatory factor analysis is presented in this paper. Data were found from three dissertations of Doctoral Program of Management on Brawijaya University and Airlangga University. It consists of seven variables. The first data consist of three variables, i.e. X1, X2 and Y1; the second data consist of two variables, i.e. X2 and Y1; and the third data consist of two variables, i.e. X3 and Y1.

Findings

The measurement instrument of latent variables must be valid. There are many methods of construct validity, i.e. unidimensional validity and criterion validity. The criterion validity is less sensitive than unidimensional validity, that is, it is more simple and easy for application.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to only analyzing criterion validity and unidimensional validity.

Practical implications

The unidimensional validity is more sensitive than criterion validity, that is, it is more complex and difficult for application. But if structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to analyze data, the unidimensional validity test must be used; this causes SEM to have constraint, i.e. factor indeterminacy.

Social implications

Majority in Dissertation of Doctoral Program (Brawijaya University and Airlangga University) using criterion validity to investigate the instrument validity, without investigating the unidimensional validity, is included in this paper.

Originality/value

To investigate the instrument validity, no studies have focused on the selection of instrument validity, particularly in the field of management.
Public policy paradox in enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards in BRICS countries
Authors: Bansal Chaman Lal , Aggarwal Shalini
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the specific legislative and judicial approaches of each of the BRICS countries toward recourse to public policy exception in the context of recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards. Further, it points out the critical areas which need immediate attention to make these countries attractive destinations for parking of investments by international parties.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a conceptual paper that provides knowledge of the critical areas which needs immediate attention to make BRICS countries attractive destinations for parking of investments by international parties. The first part of the paper examines a guide map to the international business community to devise their dispute adjudication strategies before committing investments in any of BRICS economies. The second part examined the variegated notions of the concept of public policy exception and the existence of differences in judicial approaches. The next parts analyzed the specific legislative and judicial approaches of each of BRICS countries toward recourse to public policy.

Findings

The BRICS countries need to spell out the universal principles applicable to construing the notion of public policy. It would reduce conflicts between national laws and help the municipal courts in determining the issue of enforceability of foreign awards by reference to a common yardstick. Hence, until a harmonized approach to public policy toward foreign awards is developed at an international level, the BRICS countries may take initiative to set up an inter-regional arbitration council to resolve intricate cases occurring in the field of application of public policy exception to foreign arbitral awards.

Originality/value

The paper is an original work of the author.
Socio-demographics of tax stamp compliance in Upper Denkyira East Municipal and Upper Denkyira West District in Ghana
Authors: Amponsah Stephen , Adu Kofi Osei
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to analyse social and demographic factors that affect tax stamp compliance in Upper Denkyira East Municipal and Upper Denkyira West District in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design to sample 783 micro-taxpayers through the use of multi-stage sampling technique. Primary data were collected from micro-taxpayers by using a structured interview. Ordered logit regression model was used to regress the extent of tax stamp compliance on socio-demographic factors in relation to tax stamp cases in the study area.

Findings

The study found that occupational association status, location, gender, type of business operated, age, level of education and household size are significant predictors of tax stamp compliance in the study area.

Originality/value

The originality of the study is in twofold. First, the study dwells on extant literature on social and demographic factors of tax compliance in general and specifically applies them to a special kind of presumptive tax, tax stamp, in Ghana. The study is also considered as the first of its kind to perform rigorous statistical analysis of social and demographic factors in relation to tax compliance.
Extra-judicial killings and human rights law: Bangladesh perspective
Authors: Hossain Md Sazzad
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the extra-judicial killing situation in Bangladesh by analyzing both national and international human rights law. In addition, this paper will also identify the remedy that is available for the victim’s family for extra-judicial killing by law enforcement agencies, especially the Rapid Action Battalion of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative research where both primary and secondary sources have used to identify the situations of extra-judicial killings in Bangladesh, the human rights instruments and the judicial activism to protect human rights.

Findings

This paper will show impunity of the law enforcement agencies increasing the number of extra-judicial killings of citizens, by violating the Constitutional and International human rights law that deal with “right to life”. The state sovereignty is not hindering the implementation of the international law, but the judiciary of Bangladesh needs to be more efficient in protecting citizens’ human rights, along with bringing criminal prosecution against members of the law enforcement agencies, by providing “effective and adequate” remedy to the victim’s family.

Research limitations/implications

While analyzing the “right to life” under the International Human Rights Conventions, this paper will only deal with the UDHR and the ICCPR, as Bangladesh has ratified those Conventions.

Originality/value

This paper will add value to identify the present rights of the citizen under domestic and international law and to incorporate new legislation through finding the lack of present legislation to protect the right to life and remedy for extra-judicial killings in Bangladesh.
A holistic approach to delivering sustainable design education in civil engineering
Authors: Vemury Chandra Mouli , Heidrich Oliver , Thorpe Neil , Crosbie Tracey
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present pedagogical approaches developed and implemented to deliver sustainable design education (SDE) to second-year undergraduate students on civil engineering programmes in the (then) School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at Newcastle University. In doing so, the work presented offers an example of how to help students understand the contested and contingent nature of sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The research presented takes an action-based approach to the development of a teaching and assessment model centered on problem- and project-based learning in a real-world context.

Findings

Because of the use of a design brief, which addresses a practical infrastructure problem encountered by regional communities, the academic team were able to make arguments related to the three pillars of sustainability more accessible to the students. This suggests that pedagogical instruments based on problem- and project-based learning strategies are effective in delivering SDE.

Practical implications

The successful delivery of SDE requires commitment from the senior management teams leading individual departments as well as commitments embedded in the high-level strategies of Higher Education institutions. It was also found that some students need extra support from the teaching staff if their engagement through SDE is to be successful. This has practical implications for the amount of contact time built into undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.

Originality/value

The teaching and assessment model presented in this paper addresses various substantive and normative issues associated with SDE making it relevant and transferable to courses other than civil engineering.
The preferences of Chinese LIS journal articles in citing works outside the discipline
Authors: Chen Chuanfu , Li Qiao , Deng Zhiqing , Chiu Kuei , Wang Ping
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how Chinese library and information science (LIS) journal articles cite works from outside the discipline (WOD) to identify the impact of knowledge import from outside the discipline on LIS development.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the Chinese LIS’ preferences in citing WOD by employing bibliometrics and machine learning techniques.

Findings

Chinese LIS citations to WOD account for 29.69 percent of all citations, and they rise over time. Computer science, education and communication are the most frequently cited disciplines. Under the categorization of Biglan model, Chinese LIS prefers to cite WOD from soft science, applied science or nonlife science. In terms of community affiliation, the cited authors are mostly from the academic community, but rarely from the practice community. Mass media has always been a citation source that is hard to ignore. There is a strong interest of Chinese LIS in citing emerging topics.

Practical implications

This paper can be implemented in the reformulation of Chinese LIS knowledge system, the promotion of interdisciplinary collaboration, the development of LIS library collection and faculty advancement. It may also be used as a reference to develop strategies for the global LIS.

Originality/value

This paper fills the research gap in analyzing citations to WOD from Chinese LIS articles and their impacts on LIS, and recommends that Chinese LIS should emphasize on knowledge both on technology and people as well as knowledge from the practice community, cooperate with partners from other fields, thus to produce knowledge meeting the demands from library and information practice as well as users.
Small-business financing after the financial crisis – lessons from the literature
Authors: Wille David , Hoffer Adam , Miller Stephen Matteo
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the status of small-business lending following the recession.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors survey the literature and analyze recent surveys of small-business lending.

Findings

The results reinforce the importance of owner equity as a primary source of small-business financing. In addition, the authors find that small firms have been seeking and obtaining less capital since the 2008 financial crisis.

Research limitations/implications

The findings about the main sources of small-business financing will be informative when formulating financial regulation.

Social implications

The available evidence suggests that new regulation of the financial services industry may be restricting access to products that small-business owners rely on and may adversely affect small banks.

Originality/value

The authors offer the most recent analysis of small-business financing, focusing on changes that may have been caused by the recession and major financial regulations.
Human capital, intellectual capital, and government venture capital
Authors: Uzuegbunam Ikenna , Liao Yin-Chi , Pittaway Luke , Jolley G. Jason
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of human and intellectual capital on start-ups’ attainment of government venture capital (GVC). It is theorized that as a result of government predisposition toward enhancing knowledge spillover and certifying underinvested start-ups, different types of human and intellectual capital possessed by start-ups will distinctly affect GVC funding.

Design/methodology/approach

The Kauffman Firm Survey, a panel data set of 4,928 new US firms over a five-year period (2004-2008), serves as the data source. Ordinary least squares regression, coupled with generalized estimating equations to check for robustness, is used to determine the effect of human and intellectual capital on GVC funding.

Findings

Founders’ educational attainment has a greater impact than their occupational experience in GVC funding. While the number of patents owned by the start-up increases GVC funding, the number of trademarks and copyrights negatively influence GVC funding.

Originality/value

By distinguishing between different aspects of human and intellectual capital, this study provides a more nuanced understanding of the influence of new venture resources in the context of GVC.
Macro-environment’s effects on onshore outsourcing: the transition costs approach
Authors: Chanson Guillaume
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Through the literature, the effect of macro-environment on onshore outsourcing decisions appears rather unexplored, despite empirical evidence. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap through an extension of Transaction Cost Economics (TCE) (the main theory of domestic outsourcing).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a framework based on a literature review. It applies this body of knowledge on a new question and provides detailed illustrations (with primary and secondary data).

Findings

This paper builds a theoretical framework, based on the concept of transition costs. This concept, created as a way to make the economizing approach more dynamic, highlights the influences of the macro-environment. This paper presents a clarification of transition costs. It formulates a theoretical proposition: the environment has an effect on outsourcing through the transition costs.

Research limitations/implications

This framework deserves to be tested through an empirical study.

Practical implications

This framework enables domestic providers to take the environment and transition costs into account for the design and timing of outsourced service.

Social implications

This framework enables to consider the importance of social conflicts and political measures on the domestic outsourcing decisions.

Originality/value

First, this paper addresses an unexplored question (the effect of macro-environment on onshore outsourcing decisions). Second, it refines an undertheorized TCE concept: the transition costs. Third, it proposes a new direction in the current debate of the evanishing explanatory power of the TCE on outsourcing (by extending this theory).
The potential role of philanthropy in humanitarian supply chains delivery: the case of Thailand
Authors: Banomyong Ruth , Julagasigorn Puthipong
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework on how strategic philanthropy can be included in humanitarian supply chains delivery. This framework explains the modalities where strategic philanthropy can be successful when collaborating with key humanitarian supply chain actors.

Design/methodology/approach

A philanthropy delivery framework is developed based on the literature related to strategic philanthropy and humanitarian supply chains. The delivery framework is further validated with the real-life case study of a multinational firm during the 2011 Thai floods.

Findings

Procter and Gamble (P&G) was involved in the Thailand flood 2011 relief efforts in three phases: preparation, immediate response, and reconstruction phase. The company supported and distributed a water purifier through a non-governmental relief agency, the Princess Pa Foundation, under the Thai Red Cross Society, that enabled P&G to not only gain the trust of the targeted community during all the phases but in the continued usage of their water purifier after the event. Community leaders and P&G’s modern trade retailers played an important role in collaborating in this humanitarian supply chain to enable the successful delivery and usage of the donated water purifier.

Research limitations/implications

This proposed delivery framework is appropriate for in-kind products and services philanthropy. The case study describes how strategic philanthropy can be implemented in a specific case, i.e. flood disaster.

Practical implications

Academia, practitioners, and companies who are involved in humanitarian reliefs may adopt and adapt this framework in order to enable a win-win situation for all stakeholders in the humanitarian supply chain.

Originality/value

The delivery framework suggests that firms can develop successful strategic philanthropy through systematic humanitarian supply chain collaboration. It explains how a company can operate its philanthropic programs through collaboration with others as well as describes how these different actors can work together.
Information seeking behavior causing satisfaction modification intentions
Authors: G. Rejikumar , Asokan A. Aswathy
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Customer satisfaction in a service encounter mainly depends on quality of the service provided. However, technological advancements and higher internet usage rates led to an over dependence of customers to social media. A research to identify the role played by information in the formation of satisfaction in service encounters is warranted. Thus, this study aims to examine the importance given by customers to various types of information in evaluating a service encounter and attempts to conceptualize the hierarchical process of formation, retention and modification of customer satisfaction under perceived information importance.

Design/methodology/approach

Perceptions of 385 bank customers were collected on their information-seeking behavior (ISB), importance of information on satisfaction, satisfaction modification intentions (SMI) and loyalty using a structured questionnaire. A variance-based structural equation modeling helped to identify significant linkages among variables such as satisfaction developers, satisfaction retainers, satisfaction modifiers, ISB, SMI and information allied loyalty.

Findings

The study could identify three distinct dimensions such as developers, retainers and modifiers for satisfaction construct under perceived importance to information measured using various attributes relevant to a service setting. ISB of customer emerged as an antecedent that cause paradigm changes in satisfaction as well as loyalty feel. The study could also establish that SMI significantly moderates loyalty from satisfaction dimensions even though intensities are different.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, this study examined the manner in which information intervenes in the satisfaction–loyalty link, but many predispositions of the customer about service capabilities of the service provider might have critically influenced their modification intentions.

Practical implications

Providing customers with consistent and reliable information is critical to the development of stable satisfaction judgements. Understanding the true impact of information and its role in modifying satisfaction can help marketers to fine tune their strategies for effective relationship management. Now, to remain competitive, firms must constantly analyze the implications of emerging information and the importance customers assign to such information.

Originality/value

This paper helped marketers to identify new areas to focus their attention to ensure lasting customer loyalty.
Sexual conflicts in panic disorder: a multi-case study
Authors: Munawar Khadeeja , Bokharey Iram Zehra , Choudhry Fahad Riaz
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Problems related to sexual functioning have been reported in patients with anxiety disorders in general and panic disorder in particular. The past literature has shown the association of sexual conflicts of panic disorder patients with sadomasochism, and revealed the themes of: guilt, self-punishment, role of unconscious conflicts about sexuality, anger and separation. The purpose of this paper is to explore sexual conflicts in patients with panic disorder and their beliefs regarding guilt around sexual fantasies and dreams.

Design/methodology/approach

Interpretative paradigm and case study method was employed. For collecting data, semi-structured interviews were recorded, transcribed and subjected to within and cross-case analyses. Clarifying researcher’s bias and rich thick description were used for verification of data.

Findings

Cross-case analyses revealed themes of negative emotions, positive emotions and ambivalence. Negative emotions (i.e. guilt and anger) were experienced as threatening and harmful and caused distress to participants. Positive emotions, such as, satisfaction, pleasure and happiness were revealed in response to questions related to sexual fantasies, thoughts dreams, emotional attachment and sexual relations. Ambivalence was shown in response to questions related with reactions toward sexual fantasies, masturbatory practices, sexual relations and/or emotional attachment.

Research limitations/implications

The participants of this study consisted of two self-selected individuals who had diagnosis of panic disorder with agoraphobia. The main limitation of the study is a small sample size comprising of men only. This research can provide grounds for more Asian studies in future especially by including females.

Practical implications

The findings point toward addressing sexual conflict in therapeutic intervention of panic disorder.

Social implications

The findings have implications in society in expanding the awareness and knowledge about sexual conflicts in clinical population and general population suffering from anxiety symptoms.

Originality/value

This research study adds understanding of psychological issues in Pakistan’s socio-cultural context.
Truth and reconciliation: a welcome dialogue
Authors: Spandler Helen , McKeown Mick
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper is an author’s reply to the article by Cresswell (2017) critiquing the original piece by Spandler and McKeown (2017) on truth and reconciliation (T&R) in psychiatry. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

It continues the dialogue about the nature of reconciliation in mental health services and reflects on distinctions between the nature of historical abuses within the asylum system and the need to understand and prevent further harm within contemporary services.

Findings

Whilst the authors acknowledge the tension between reconciliation and democratic debate they suggest that the process does not have to mean agreement or acquiescence. They reaffirm their optimistic belief that better mental health services are possible and appreciate that true reconciliation is a process that will require both debate and the building of constructive alliances.

Originality/value

A grassroots T&R process might be a form of transitional justice which does not negate the need for wider social and policy changes, but may actually help achieve it.
How ants acclimate: Impact of climatic conditions on the cuticular hydrocarbon profile
Authors: Menzel Florian , Zumbusch Miriam , Feldmeyer Barbara
Published: October 2017

Organisms from temperate zones are exposed to seasonal changes and must be able to cope with a wide range of climatic conditions. Especially ectotherms, including insects, are at risk to desiccate under dry and warm conditions, the more so given the changing climate.

To adjust to current conditions, organisms acclimate through changes in physiology, morphology and/or behaviour. Insects protect themselves against desiccation through a layer of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) on their body surface. Hence, acclimation may also affect the CHC profile, changing their waterproofing capacity under different climatic conditions.

Here, we investigated the acclimation response of two Temnothorax ant species to different climatic conditions. We analysed CHC profiles of queens, nurses and foragers that were acclimated to different humidity × temperature regimes, and tested the beneficial acclimation hypothesis by measuring survival of workers under desiccation‐heat stress.

Both ants possessed a species‐specific CHC profile. Nevertheless, they showed similar acclimation responses concerning changes of certain CHC classes, and finally similar survival rates under desiccation‐heat stress. Warm‐acclimated individuals generally showed longer n‐alkanes, fewer dimethyl alkanes, and more (workers) or less (queens) monomethyl alkanes. In contrast, dry conditions resulted in more n‐alkanes and fewer mono‐ and dimethyl alkanes, but these acclimatory changes were only observed in workers and not in queens. Warm‐ and dry‐acclimated workers survived desiccation‐heat stress better, but we found no species differences.

Our results indicate that both ant species can plastically adjust their cuticular hydrocarbon profile, allowing them to acclimate to different climatic conditions. Although their CHC composition differs in a species‐specific manner, they showed similar chemical adjustments and concomitant changes in survival rate. Hence, chemical plasticity may be critical to determine a species’ climatic range and its survival under changing climatic conditions.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Water restriction causes an intergenerational trade‐off and delayed mother–offspring conflict in a viviparous lizard
Authors: Dupoué Andréaz , Le Galliard Jean‐François , Josserand Rémy , DeNardo Dale F. , Decencière Béatriz , Agostini Simon , Haussy Claudy , Meylan Sandrine
Published: October 2017

Parenting is costly and because the relationship between the mother and embryos is not mutualistic, mother–offspring conflicts may exist whenever resource are scarce. However, intergenerational trade‐offs and conflicts resulting from limited access to water, a vital and depreciable resource, remain largely overlooked.

In this study, we examined the physiological, reproductive and life‐history responses to water restriction in the European Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara). We hypothesized that, under water‐limited conditions, pregnant females experience both short‐term and long‐term physiological impacts (dehydration and stress) underlying an allocation trade‐off for water between mothers and offspring.

Water restriction led to a decrease in body mass, and an increase in plasma osmolality (dehydration) and corticosterone concentration in both males and females. The extent of the dehydration was positively correlated with fecundity in females. This suggests a trade‐off between maternal water balance and allocation of water to developing embryos during reproduction.

Water restriction had no immediate effect on reproductive output or offspring morphology at birth. Yet, water restriction in pregnant females enhanced their reproductive effort the following year but reduced the early life growth and annual survival of their second‐year offspring.

These delayed fitness responses to water restriction in offspring and mothers suggest that water can trigger intergenerational conflicts as demonstrated for energy. Although the mediation of this conflict remains to be clarified, we hypothesized that it represents a selective force that influences reproductive strategies.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
A new mathematical model of asymmetric hydraulic fracture growth
Authors: Mls J. , Fischer T.
Published: October 2017

Hydraulic fractures generated by fluid injection in rock formations are often mapped by seismic monitoring. In many cases, the microseismicity is asymmetric relative to the injection well, which has been interpreted by stress gradient along the direction of the hydraulic fracture. We present a mathematical model of asymmetric hydrofracture growth based on relations between the solid‐phase stress and the fracture hydraulics. For single fracture and single injection point, the model has three parameters, hydraulic conductivities of the fracture wings, and normalised stress gradient and predicts the positions of the fracture tips as functions of time. The model is applied to a set of microseismic event locations that occurred during and after an injection process. Two different methods are suggested that make it possible to delineate the fracture tips from the set of microseismic events. This makes it possible to determine the model parameters and to check the agreement between the model prediction and the measured data. The comparison of the measured and modelled growth of fracture wings supports both the assumption of the non‐zero stress gradient and the existence of the post‐injection unilateral growth.
Telemedicine and the senses: a review
Authors: Lupton Deborah , Maslen Sarah
Published: October 2017

Telemedicine technologies have been presented as solutions to the challenges of equitable, cost‐effective and efficient health service provision for over two decades. The ways in which the sensory dimensions of medical care and the doctor‐patient relationship are mediated via telemedicine can be important contributors to the success, failure or unintended consequences of telemedicine. In this article, we present a review of the relevant literature in social research that provides insights into the sensory dimensions of telemedicine. In addition to considering important relevant work undertaken in the sociology of health and illness, we incorporate perspectives and research from other disciplines and fields that we believe can contribute to the development of scholarship on this topic. We contend that when doctors, patients and other healthcare workers enact telemedicine, sensory judgements have become, in part, a sensing of sensors. Viewing healthcare practitioners and patients as always and already digital data assemblages of flesh‐code‐space‐place‐affect‐senses, demanding certain kinds of body work and data sense‐making, constitutes a productive theoretical approach for future enquiries into telemedicine and other digital health technologies.
Disciplinary power and the process of training informal carers on stroke units
Authors: Sadler Euan , Hawkins Rebecca , Clarke David J , Godfrey Mary , Dickerson Josie , McKevitt Christopher
Published: October 2017

This article examines the process of training informal carers on stroke units using the lens of power. Care is usually assumed as a kinship obligation but the state has long had an interest in framing the carer and caring work. Training carers in healthcare settings raises questions about the power of the state and healthcare professionals as its agents to shape expectations and practices related to the caring role. Drawing on Foucault's notion of disciplinary power, we show how disciplinary forms of power exercised in interactions between healthcare professionals and carers shape the engagement and resistance of carers in the process of training. Interview and observational field note extracts are drawn from a multi‐sited study of a training programme on stroke units targeting family carers of people with stroke to consider the consequences of subjecting caring to this intervention. We found that the process of training informal carers on stroke units was not simply a matter of transferring skills from professional to lay person, but entailed disciplinary forms of power intended to shape the conduct of the carer. We interrogate the extent to which a specific kind of carer is produced through such an approach, and the wider implications for the participation of carers in training in healthcare settings and the empowerment of carers.
Elucidating the impact of microbial community biodiversity on pharmaceutical biotransformation during wastewater treatment
Authors: Stadler Lauren B. , Delgado Vela Jeseth , Jain Sunit , Dick Gregory J. , Love Nancy G.
Published: October 2017

In addition to removing organics and other nutrients, the microorganisms in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) biotransform many pharmaceuticals present in wastewater. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between pharmaceutical biotransformation and biodiversity in WWTP bioreactor microbial communities and identify taxa and functional genes that were strongly associated with biotransformation. Dilution‐to‐extinction of an activated sludge microbial community was performed to establish cultures with a gradient of microbial biodiversity. Batch experiments were performed using the dilution cultures to determine biotransformation extents of several environmentally relevant pharmaceuticals. With this approach, because the communities were all established from the same original community, and using sequencing of the 16S rRNA and metatranscriptome, we identified candidate taxa and genes whose activity and transcript abundances associated with the extent of individual pharmaceutical biotransformation and were lost across the biodiversity gradient. Metabolic genes such as dehydrogenases, amidases and monooxygenases were significantly associated with pharmaceutical biotransformation, and five genera were identified whose activity significantly associated with pharmaceutical biotransformation. Understanding how biotransformation relates to biodiversity will inform the design of biological WWTPs for enhanced removal of chemicals that negatively impact environmental health.
Reappraisal of metallothionein: Clinical implications for patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Park Yongsoo , Zhang Jian , Cai Lu
Published: October 2017

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS and RNS, respectively) are byproducts of cellular physiological processes of the metabolism of intermediary nutrients. Although physiological defense mechanisms readily convert these species into water or urea, an improper balance between their production and removal leads to oxidative stress (OS), which is harmful to cellular components. This OS may result in uncontrolled growth or, ultimately, cell death. In addition, ROS and RNS are closely related to the development of diabetes and its complications. Therefore, numerous researchers have proposed the development of strategies for the removal of ROS/RNS to prevent or treat diabetes and its complications. Some molecules that are synthesized in the body or obtained from food participate in the removal and neutralization of ROS and RNS. Metallothionein, a cysteine‐rich protein, is a metal‐binding protein that has a wide range of functions in cellular homeostasis and immunity. Metallothionein can be induced by a variety of conditions, including zinc supplementation, and plays a crucial role in mediating anti‐OS, anti‐apoptotic, detoxification, and anti‐inflammatory effects. Metallothionein can modulate various stress‐induced signaling pathways (mitogen‐activated protein kinase, Wnt, nuclear factor‐κB, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase, sirtuin 1/AMP‐activated protein kinase and fibroblast growth factor 21) to alleviate diabetes and diabetic complications. However, a deeper understanding of the functional, biochemical, and molecular characteristics of metallothionein is needed to bring about new opportunities for OS therapy. This review focuses on newly proposed functions of a metallothionein and their implications relevant to diabetes and its complications.
Contributions of Academic Emergency Medicine Programs to U.S. Health Care: Summary of the AAAEM‐AACEM Benchmarking Data
Authors: Reznek Martin A. , Scheulen James J. , Harbertson Cathi A. , Kotkowski Kevin A. , Kelen Gabor D. , Volturo Gregory A.
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The societal contribution of emergency care in the United States has been described. The role and impact of academic emergency departments (EDs) has been less clear. Our report summarizes the results of a benchmarking effort specifically focused on academic emergency medicine (EM) practices.

Methods

From October through December 2016, the Academy of Academic Administrators of Emergency Medicine (AAAEM) and the Association of Academic Chairs of Emergency Medicine (AACEM) jointly administered a benchmarking survey to allopathic, academic departments and divisions of emergency medicine. Participation was voluntary and nonanonymous. The survey queried various aspects of the three components of the tripartite academic mission: clinical care, education and research, and faculty effort and compensation. Responses reflected a calendar year from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016.

Results

Of 107 eligible U.S. allopathic, academic departments and divisions of emergency medicine, 79 (74%) responded to the survey overall, although individual questions were not always answered by all responding programs. The 79 responding programs reported 6,876,189 patient visits at 97 primary and affiliated academic clinical sites. A number of clinical operations metrics related to the care of these patients at these sites are reported in this study. All responding programs had active educational programs for EM residents, with a median of 37 residents per program. Nearly half of the overall respondents reported responsibility for teaching medical students in mandatory EM clerkships. Fifty‐two programs reported research and publication activity, with a total of $129,494,676 of grant funding and 3,059 publications. Median faculty effort distribution was clinical effort, 66.9%; education effort, 12.7%; administrative effort, 12.0%; and research effort, 6.9%. Median faculty salary was $277,045.

Conclusions

Academic EM programs are characterized by significant productivity in clinical operations, education, and research. The survey results reported in this investigation provide appropriate benchmarking for academic EM programs because they allow for comparison of academic programs to each other, rather than nonacademic programs that do not necessarily share the additional missions of research and education and may have dissimilar working environments.
Diagnostic and genetic overlap of three common mental disorders in structured interviews and health registries
Authors: Torvik F. A. , Ystrom E. , Gustavson K. , Rosenström T. H. , Bramness J. G. , Gillespie N. , Aggen S. H. , Kendler K. S. , Reichborn‐Kjennerud T.
Published: October 2017

Objective

To investigate whether diagnostic data from structured interviews, primary care and specialist care registries on major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders (AD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) identify the same individuals, yield comparable comorbidity estimates and reflect the same genetic influences.

Methods

Registry data from primary and specialist care were available for 11 727 twins and diagnostic interview data for 2271 of these. We used logistic regression analyses and biometric modelling to investigate the overlap between the data sources.

Results

Most individuals meeting diagnostic criteria at interview were not registered with a corresponding diagnosis. The rates of registration were higher for MDD (36% in primary care and 15% in specialist care) and AD (21% and 18%) than for AUD (3% and 7%). Comorbidity estimated as odds ratios, but not as polychoric correlations, was higher in the registries than in the interviews. Genetic influences on the disorders were highly correlated across data sources (median r = 0.81), bordering unity for MDD and AD.

Conclusion

Prevalence and comorbidity estimates differ between registries and population‐based assessment. Nevertheless, diagnoses from health registries reflect the same genetic influences as common mental disorders assessed in the general population, indicating generalizability of aetiological factors across data sources.
Assessing the impact of vulnerability on perceptions of social cohesion in the context of community resilience to disaster in the Blue Mountains
Authors: Redshaw Sarah , Ingham Valerie , McCutcheon Marion , Hicks John , Burmeister Oliver
Published: October 2017

Objective

To assess the impact of network communications, community participation and elements of vulnerability on the perception of social cohesiveness in the Blue Mountains local government area (Blue Mountains LGA).

Design

A questionnaire was administered to residents of the Blue Mountains LGA. Econometric analysis of the resulting data was undertaken.

Setting

Blue Mountains LGA, Australia.

Participants

One thousand one hundred and three residents of the Blue Mountains LGA responded to the questionnaire.

Main outcome measure(s)

The responses enabled the construction of variables measuring individual perceptions of community cohesiveness, their network communications and community participation. Demographic data and data on the vulnerabilities of individuals were also collected.

Results

The data were used in an econometric model which identified that network communications and community participation impacted positively on perceptions of social cohesiveness while vulnerability factors had a negative impact.

Conclusions

Remedial action to build community cohesiveness and network communications can be expected to have a positive impact on social cohesiveness. In developing strategies to build community cohesiveness and network communication, particular care needs to be taken to ensure the inclusion of those members of society who are regarded as the most vulnerable.
Cockroach is a major cross‐reactive allergen source in shrimp‐sensitized rural children in southern China
Authors: Yang Z. , Zhao J. , Wei N. , Feng M. , Xian M. , Shi X. , Zheng Z. , Su Q. , Wong G. W. K. , Li J.
Published: October 2017

Background

Little is known about the prevalence of food allergy (FA) in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the disparity of FA between urban and rural areas in southern China.

Methods

EuroPrevall questionnaire responses were obtained from 5542 school‐age children in urban Guangzhou and 5319 in rural Shaoguan. A case‐control study enrolled 190 children with adverse reactions (ARs) after food intake as cases and 212 controls in Guangzhou, whereas 116 cases and 233 controls in Shaoguan. These subjects underwent skin prick test (SPT) and serum IgE measurements to food and inhalant allergens. Allergen extracts from shrimp, house dust mite (HDM), and cockroach were prepared for IgE cross‐reactivity testing in 23 Guangzhou and 20 Shaoguan shrimp‐sensitized subjects.

Results

The prevalence of ARs to shrimp was higher in Guangzhou than in Shaoguan children (3.5% vs 1.4%, P < .001). However, sensitization rate to shrimp (SPT: 3.7% vs 11.2%, P = .015; IgE: 12.6% vs 36.2%, P < .001) and cockroach (SPT: 5.3% vs 33.5%; IgE: 2.6% vs 27.6%, P < .001) was lower in Guangzhou. A significant correlation between shrimp and HDM/cockroach IgE was found in Shaoguan children. The proportions of positive IgE to tropomyosin (Pen a 1, Der p 10) were lower than 7.4% in both areas. Cockroach allergen has a significantly higher inhibition rate of binding to IgE to house dust mite allergens in Shaoguan sera.

Conclusion

Shrimp is a common allergic food in southern China. Higher proportion of shrimp sensitization in rural subjects could be explained by cross‐reactivity to cockroach. Tropomyosin was not a major allergen responding to the cross‐reactivity.
Pulmonary adiaspiromycosis in critically endangered northern hairy‐nosed wombats (Lasiorhinus krefftii)
Authors: Schaffer‐White AB , Harper D , Mayhew M , McKinnon A , Knott L , Allavena RE
Published: October 2017

Background

The northern hairy‐nosed wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii) is critically endangered, with only 200 individuals remaining in the wild. Individuals are rarely available for detailed pathological assessment and identification of disease threats to individuals is critically important to species conservation.

Case report

Two male northern hairy‐nosed wombats, part of the Richard Underwood Nature Refuge population, were presented for necropsy, 5 months apart. They were found to have succumbed to adiaspiromycosis caused by the fungus Emmonsia parva. Pathological presentations were of severe pulmonary oedema and fibrosis, and pleuritis, respectively. Characteristic fungal adiaspores were noted on histopathological examination. The wombats had concurrent variably severe ectoparasite and endoparasite burdens.

Conclusion

These are the first reported cases of adiaspiromycosis in northern hairy‐nosed wombats and the organism was associated with significant pathological changes. The rarity and the logistical challenges of presenting northern hairy‐nosed wombats for pathological assessment are a challenge to identifying disease threats in this critically endangered species.