bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ablation ofEzh2in neural crest cells leads to Hirschsprung's disease-like phenotype in mice
Authors: Kim Hana , Langohr Ingeborg M. , Faisal Mohammad , McNulty Margaret , Thorn Caitlin , Kim Joomyeong
Published: February 2018

In the current study, we examined the role ofEzh2as an epigenetic modifier for the enteric neural crest cell development through H3K27me3.Ezh2conditional null mice were viable up to birth, but died within the first hour of life. In addition to craniofacial defects,Ezh2conditional null mice displayed reduced number of ganglion cells in the enteric nervous system. RT-PCR and ChIP assays indicated aberrant up-regulation ofZic1,Pax3, andSox10and loss of H3K27me3 marks in the promoter regions of these genes in the myenteric plexus. Overall, these results suggest thatEzh2is an important epigenetic modifier for the enteric neural crest cell development through repression ofZic1,Pax3, andSox10.
H3K4 methylation dependent and independent chromatin regulation by JHD2 and SET1 in budding yeast
Authors: Lee Kwan Yin , Chen Ziyan , Jiang River , Meneghini Marc D.
Published: February 2018

Set1 and Jhd2 regulate the methylation state of histone H3 lysine-4 (H3K4me) through their opposing methyltransferase and demethylase activities in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. H3K4me associates with actively transcribed genes and, like both SET1 and JHD2 themselves, is known to regulate gene expression diversely. It remains unclear, however, if Set1 and Jhd2 act solely through H3K4me. Relevantly, Set1 methylates lysine residues in the kinetochore protein Dam1 while genetic studies of the S. pombe SET1 ortholog suggest the existence of non-H3K4 Set1 targets relevant to gene regulation. We interrogated genetic interactions of JHD2 and SET1 with essential genes involved in varied aspects of the transcription cycle. Our findings implicate JHD2 in genetic inhibition of the histone chaperone complexes Spt16-Pob3 (FACT) and Spt6-Spn1. This targeted screen also revealed that JHD2 inhibits the Nrd1-Nab3-Sen1 (NNS) transcription termination complex. We find that while Jhd2’s impact on these transcription regulatory complexes likely acts via H3K4me, Set1 governs the roles of FACT and NNS through opposing H3K4-dependent and -independent functions. We also identify diametrically opposing consequences for mutation of H3K4 to alanine or arginine, illuminating that caution must be taken in interpreting histone mutation studies. Unlike FACT and NNS, detailed genetic studies suggest an H3K4me-centric mode of Spt6-Spn1 regulation by JHD2 and SET1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and transcript quantification experiments show that Jhd2 opposes the positioning of a Spt6-deposited nucleosome near the transcription start site of SER3, a Spt6-Spn1 regulated gene, leading to hyper-induction of SER3. In addition to confirming and extending an emerging role for Jhd2 in the control of nucleosome occupancy near transcription start sites, our findings suggest some of the chromatin regulatory functions of Set1 are independent of H3K4 methylation.
A new paradigm for personalized cancer screening
Authors: Walker Rachel , Enderling Heiko
Published: February 2018

A series of distinct histologic lesions precedes the onset of malignancy in many common cancers, yet early detection remains a major challenge. Many patients still experience late (stage IV) diagnoses and thus poor prognosis and limited options for therapeutic intervention. For cancers with known biomarkers of premalignant progression, optimized patient-specific screening protocols would minimize the risk of undetected progression to advanced stage disease. Here, we propose simple, cost-effective mathematical and statistical approaches to forecasting disease progression that could guide the personalization of optimal screening times for high-risk patients.
Evolution transforms pushed waves into pulled waves
Authors: Erm Philip , Phillips Ben L.
Published: February 2018

Understanding the dynamics of biological invasions is crucial for managing numerous phenomena, from invasive species to tumours. While Allee effects (where individuals in low-density populations suffer lowered fitness) are known to influence both the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of invasions, the possibility that an invader’s susceptibility to the Allee effect might itself evolve on an invasion front has received almost no attention. Since invasion fronts are regions of perpetually low population density, selection should favour vanguard invaders that are resistant to Allee effects. Evolution in response to this pressure could cause invasions to transition from pushed waves, propelled by dispersal from behind the invasion front, to pulled waves, driven by the invasion vanguard. To examine this possibility, we construct an individual-based model in which a trait that governs resistance to the Allee effect is allowed to evolve during an invasion. We find that vanguard invaders rapidly evolve resistance to the Allee effect, causing invasions to accelerate. This also results in invasions transforming from pushed waves into pulled waves, an outcome with consequences for predictions of invasion speed, the population’s genetic structure, and other important behaviours. These findings underscore the importance of accounting or evolution in invasion forecasts, and suggest that evolution has the capacity to fundamentally alter invasion dynamics.
Anamorphic development and extended parental care in a 520 million-year-old stem-group euarthropod from China
Authors: Fu Dongjing , Ortega-Hernández Javier , Daley Allison C. , Zhang Xingliang , Shu Degan
Published: February 2018

Extended parental care (XPC) is a complex reproductive strategy in which progenitors actively look after their offspring up to – or beyond – the first juvenile stage in order to maximize their fitness. Although the euarthropod fossil record has produced several examples of brood-care, the appearance of XPC within this phylum remains poorly constrained given the scarcity of developmental data for Palaeozoic stem-group representatives that would link juvenile and adult forms in an ontogenetic sequence. Here, we describe the post-embryonic growth ofFuxianhuia protensafrom the early Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerstätte, and show parental care in this stem-group euarthropod. We recognize fifteen distinct ontogenetic stages based on the number and shape of the trunk tergites, and their allocation between the morphologically distinct thorax and abdomen. Our data demonstrate anamorphic post-embryonic development inF. protensa, in which tergites were sequentially added from a posterior growth zone. A life assemblage consisting of a sexually matureF. protensaadult alongside four ontogenetically coeval juveniles, constitutes the oldest occurrence of XPC in the panarthropod fossil record. These findings provide the most phylogenetically basal evidence of anamorphosis in the evolutionary history of total-group Euarthropoda, and reveal a complex post-embryonic reproductive ecology for its early representatives.
The integrated stress response regulates BMP signaling through effects on translation
Authors: Malzer Elke , Dominicus Caia S. , Chambers Joseph E. , Mookerjee Souradip , Marciniak Stefan J.
Published: February 2018

Developmental pathways must be responsive to the environment. Phosphorylation of eIF2α enables a family of stress sensing kinases to trigger the integrated stress response (ISR), which has pro-survival and developmental consequences. Mutations of the ISR kinase GCN2 have been implicated in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension, a disorder known to be associated with defects of BMP signaling, but how the ISR and BMP signaling might interact is unknown. Here we show inDrosophilathat GCN2 antagonises BMP signaling through direct effects on translation and indirectly via the transcription factorcrc(dATF4). Expression of a constitutively active GCN2 or loss of the eIF2α phosphatase dPPP1R15 impair developmental BMP signaling in flies. In cells, inhibition of translation by GCN2 blocks downstream BMP signaling. Moreover, loss of d4E-BP, a target ofcrc, augments BMP signalingin vitroand rescues tissue developmentin vivo. These results identify a novel mechanism by which the ISR modulates BMP signaling during development. Since abnormalities of both GCN2 and BMP signaling lead to pulmonary hypertension, these findings may have wider relevance for the development of therapies for this disease.
Longitudinal Epidemiological Study of Autism Subgroups Using Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) Score
Authors: Mahapatra Shreyas , Khokhlovich Edward , Martinez Samantha , Kannel Benjamin , Edelson Stephen M , Vyshedskiy Andrey
Published: February 2018

Here we report the results of the subgroup analyses of an observational cohort of children whose parents completed the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) over the period of several years. A linear mixed effects model was used to evaluate longitudinal changes in ATEC scores within different patient subgroups. All groups decreased their mean ATEC score over time indicating improvement of symptoms, however there were significant differences between the groups. Younger children improved more than the older children. Children with milder ASD improved more than children with more severe ASD in the Communication subscale. There was no difference in improvement between females vs. males. One surprising finding was that children from developed English-speaking countries improved less than children from non-English-speaking countries.
Rab-mediated trafficking in the secondary cells of Drosophila male accessory glands and its role in fecundity
Authors: Prince E. , Brankatschk M. , Kroeger B. , Gligorov D. , Wilson C. , Eaton S. , Karch F. , Maeda R.K.
Published: February 2018

It is known that the male seminal fluid contains factors that affect female post-mating behavior and physiology. InDrosophila,most of these factors are secreted by the two epithelial cell types that make up the male accessory gland: the main and secondary cells. Although secondary cells represent only 4% of the cells of the accessory gland, their contribution to the male seminal fluid is essential for sustaining the female post-mating response. To better understand the function of the secondary cells, here we investigate their molecular organization, particularly with respect to the intracellular membrane transport machinery. We determined that large vacuole-like structures found in the secondary cells are trafficking hubs labeled by Rab6, 7, 11 and 19. Furthermore, these cell-specific organelles are essential for the long-term post-mating behavior of females and that their formation is directly dependent upon Rab6. Our discovery adds to our understanding of Rab proteins function in secretory cells. We have created an online, open-access imaging resource as a valuable tool for the intracellular membrane and protein traffic community.
Yellow fever virus is susceptible to sofosbuvir both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Freitas Caroline S. de , Higa Luiza M. , Sacramento Carolina , Ferreira André C. , Reis Patrícia A. , Delvecchio Rodrigo , Monteiro Fabio Lima , Barbosa-Lima Giselle , Vieira Yasmine Rangel , Mattos Mayara , Hoelz Lucas Villas Bôas , Leme Rennan Papaleo Paes , Bastos Mônica M. , Bozza Fernando A. , Bozza Patrícia T. , Boechat Nubia , Tanuri Amilcar , Souza Thiago Moreno L.
Published: February 2018

Yellow fever virus (YFV) is a member of the Flaviviridae family, that causes major mortality. In Brazil, YFV activity increased in the last years. It has been registered that sylvatic, instead of urban, yellow fever (YF) leads our contemporary public health concern. Low vaccinal coverage leaves the human population near the jangle vulnerable to the outbreak, making it necessary to identify therapeutic options. Repurposing of clinically approved antiviral drugs represents an alternative for such identification. Other Flaviviruses, such Zika (ZIKV) and dengue (DENV) viruses, are susceptible to Sofosbuvir, a clinically approved drug against hepatitis C virus (HCV). Moreover, sofosbuvir has a safety record on critically ill hepatic patients, making it an attractive option. Our data show that YFV RNA polymerase uses conserved amino acid resides for nucleotide binding to dock sofosbuvir. This drug inhibited YFV replication in different lineages of human hepatoma cells, Huh-7 and HepG2, with EC50 value of 4.8 µM. Sofosbuvir protected YFV-infected neonatal Swiss mice from mortality and weight loss. Our pre-clinical results indicate that sofosbuvir could represent an option against YFV.
Engineering bacteria for biogenic synthesis of chalcogenide nanomaterials
Authors: Chellamuthu Prithiviraj , Tran Frances , Silva Kalinga Pavan T. , El-Naggar Moh , Boedicker James Q.
Published: February 2018

Microbes naturally build nanoscale structures, including structures assembled from inorganic materials. Here we combine the natural capabilities of microbes with engineered genetic control circuits to demonstrate the ability to control biological synthesis of chalcogenide nanomaterials in a heterologous host. We transferred reductase genes from both Shewanella sp. ANA-3 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium into an heterologous host (Escherichia coli) and examined the mechanisms that regulate the properties of biogenic nanomaterials. Expression of arsenic reductase genes and thiosulfate reductase genes in E. coli resulted in the synthesis of arsenic sulfide nanomaterials. In addition to processing the starting materials via redox enzymes, cellular components also nucleated the formation of arsenic sulfide nanomaterials. The shape of the nanomaterial was influenced by the bacterial culture, with the synthetic E. coli strain producing nanospheres and conditioned media or cultures of wild type Shewanella sp. producing nanofibers. The diameter of these nanofibers also depended on the biological context of synthesis. These results demonstrate the potential for biogenic synthesis of nanomaterials with controlled properties by combining the natural capabilities of wild microbes with the tools from synthetic biology.
Metaplastic breast cancer in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 and somatic loss of heterozygosity
Authors: Suarez-Kelly Lorena P. , Akagi Keiko , Reeser Julie W. , Samorodnitsky Eric , Reeder Matthew , Smith Amy , Roychowdhury Sameek , Symer David E. , Carson William E.
Published: February 2018

Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is rare and has a poor prognosis. Here we describe genetic analysis of a 41-yr-old female patient with MBC and neurofibromatosis type I (NF1). She initially presented with pT3N1a, grade 3 MBC, but lung metastases were discovered subsequently. To identify the molecular cause of her NF1, we screened for germline mutations disrupting NF1 or SPRED1, revealing a heterozygous germline single-nucleotide variant (SNV) in exon 21 of NF1 at c.2709G>A, Chr 17: 29556342. By report, this variant disrupts pre-mRNA splicing of NF1 transcripts. No pathogenic mutations were identified in SPRED1. A potential association between MBC and NF1 was reported in eight previous cases, but none underwent detailed genomics analysis. To identify additional candidate germline variants potentially predisposing to MBC, we conducted targeted exome sequencing of 279 established cancer-causing genes in a control blood sample, disclosing four rare SNVs. Analysis of her breast tumor showed markedly altered variant allelic fractions (VAFs) for two (50%) of them, revealing somatic loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at germline SNVs. Of these, only the VAF of the pathogenic SNV in NF1 was increased in the tumor. Tumor sequencing demonstrated five somatic mutations altering TP53, BRCA1, and other genes potentially contributing to cancer formation. Because somatic LOH at certain germline SNVs can enhance their impacts, we conclude that increased allelic imbalance of the pathogenic SNV in NF1 likely contributed to tumorigenesis. Our results highlight a need to assess predisposing genetic factors and LOH that can cause rare, aggressive diseases such as MBC in NF1.
(Metformin-κ2N,N′)(salicylato-κ2O,O′)copper(II) trihydrate
Authors: Gutiérrez Ojeda Sandra Julieta , Salazar Kuri Ulises , Bernès Sylvain , Pérez-Benítez Aarón
Published: February 2018

The hydrous title complex [systematic name: (1,1-dimethylbiguanide-κ2N2,N4)(2-oxidobenzoato-κ2O,O′)copper(II) trihydrate], [Cu(C7H4O3)(C4H11N5)]·3H2O, was synthesized electrolytically from an ethanolic solution of metformin hydrochloride, acetylsalicylic acid, Pepto-Bismol and a copper sacrificial anode. Diffraction data were collected at 0.56 Å resolution, allowing the accurate determination of H-atom positions in the neutral metformin ligand. Both imine groups in metformin have very similar N=C bond lengths, 1.2978 (17) and 1.3033 (17) Å, and the salicylate dianion behaves as a chelating ligand. The coordination sphere of the copper(II) cation deviates marginally from a square-planar arrangement. In the crystal, short Cu...Cu separations of 3.5476 (3) Å are observed, along with classical hydrogen-bonding interactions.
Redetermination of the crystal structure of ThI4
Authors: Deubner H. Lars , Kraus Florian
Published: February 2018

Single crystals of ThI4, thorium(IV) tetraiodide, were grown from thorium dioxide and aluminium triiodide. In comparison with the structure model reported previously for this compound [Zalkinet al.(1964).Inorg. Chem.3, 639–644], we have determined the lattice parameters and fractional coordinates to a much higher precision, also leading to a better reliability factor (R= 0.029versus0.09). The coordination number of the ThIVatom is eight. Its coordination polyhedron has the shape of an irregular square antiprism. The I atoms each bridge two ThIVatoms, resulting in the formation of infinite layers parallel to (-101) that can be described with the Niggli formula2∞[ThI6/2I2/2].
Al10Ni3Fe0.83, an Fe-depleted phase in the Al–Ni–Fe system
Authors: Wang Sai , Liu Cong , Fan Changzeng
Published: February 2018

Crystals of the phase Al10Ni3Fe0.83(decaaluminium trinickel iron) were obtained by high-pressure sintering (HPS) of a stoichiometric mixture with nominal composition Al71Ni24Fe5. Al10Ni3Fe0.83adopts the Co2Al5structure type in the space group typeP63/mmcwith the unique Fe site on site 2cpartially occupied (occupancy 0.83).
The adoption of balanced scorecard: an exploration of its antecedents and consequences
Authors: Singh Reetesh K. , Arora Simple Sethi
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the adoption of balanced scorecard (ABSC) as performance management system (PMS). It also proposes a framework for empirically validating the antecedents and consequences of the ABSC as PMS.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the extensive review of BSC literature, the antecedents and consequences factors of BSC adoption as PMS are explored. A conceptual model is derived which hypothesises the relationship between the antecedents and consequences of the ABSC. The data collected by surveying perception of 128 bank employees is empirically tested. Confirmatory factor analysis is used to test the validity of the proposed measurement model, and hypothesised relationships are tested using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings confirmed the hypothesised conceptual model. They indicate that top management involvement and interdepartmental communication are the two prime antecedent factors which significantly lead to ABSC as PMS. In addition to this, the findings validate a strong causal relationship between ABSC and three consequence factors, namely, employees’ behaviour, organisational capabilities and perceived performance.

Research limitations/implications

The current study broadens the understanding of the notion of BSC as PMS in a considerable manner. It overcomes the inadequacy of the previous studies which failed to explore the antecedents and consequences of ABSC in a comprehensive way. The studies’ key limitation is that it is based on the perception of employees which can be overcome by using multiple methods to collect data in future studies.

Originality/value

The current study makes a significant contribution to the BSC literature. It is a first of its kind study to provide empirical validation to the conceptual model of antecedents and consequences of the ABSC as PMS. The research finding offers key implications for both researchers and practitioners.
Reverse technology transfer from the East to the West
Authors: Wolfram Pierre , Agarwal Nivedita , Brem Alexander
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The approach of Western companies to internationalise their R&D by establishing R&D sites in emerging markets (EMs) has led to a discussion about the role of R&D in home markets and host markets. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the evolution of foreign R&D sites of Western companies in EMs and their role using China as the empirical context.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses the State Intellectual Property Office database, and investigates about 2,000 patent families of the top 14 Western patent applicants in China.

Findings

The results indicate a gradual shift from an exploitative to an exploratory role of R&D sites in China. The study also shows evident learning effects on Western R&D from local counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

The paper motivates further research of R&D internationalisation approaches within EMs, and explores the changing role of local subsidiaries. While the study is only focussed on China, the applicability of the results is limited in context of other countries, due to cultural, economic and legislative differences.

Practical implications

This study shows the increasing importance of EMs such as China and how these markets, known for imitations and cheap resources, are gradually moving towards innovations and creating new technologies locally.

Originality/value

Based on the patent analysis, this study shows the growing importance of the local R&D subsidiaries of Western multinationals in China.
Consequences of workplace violence behaviors in Jordanian public hospitals
Authors: Al-Shiyab Ahmed Abdelhalim , Ababneh Raed Ismail
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the consequences of workplace violence against healthcare staff in Jordanian public hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenient sample included 334 physicians and nurses employed in eight different public hospitals, different departments and different working shifts were surveyed by filling the designed questionnaire.

Findings

The findings indicated workplace violence had a clear moderate impact on the respondents’ interaction with patients, performing work responsibilities, ability of making decisions, and professional career. The most frequent workplace violence consequences were damaging staff’s personality and prestige, increasing laziness and unwillingness to serve patients. Workplace violence consequences also included aggressive behavior, fear while dealing with patients, increase job insecurity, and lack of professional responsibility. In addition, demographic variables such as gender, education, job title, working shift, and income showed statistical significant differences in the attitudes of participants toward the consequences of workplace violence.

Practical implications

This study highlighted the necessity of healthcare policy makers and hospital administrators to establish violence free and safe working environments in order to retain qualified healthcare staff that in turn improves the health services quality.

Originality/value

There is a lack of research and documentation on violence in the healthcare settings in developing countries. This study is one of the first to examine the consequences of workplace violence that affect public physicians and nurses.
Are workers with disabilities more likely to be constrained in their working hours?
Authors: Pagan Ricardo
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The mismatch between desired and actual hours of work per week is common among the employed in many countries and has important effects on the adequate functioning of labour markets. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the likelihood of being underemployed, matched or overemployed in terms of hours worked for workers without and with disabilities in Germany by using longitudinal data.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are taken from the German Socio-Economic Panel (1985-2013) for a large sample of salaried workers aged 16-64. The authors have used a “Random-effects ordered probit model” to estimate the impact of being disabled on the likelihood of suffering any type of working time mismatch. Additionally, the authors have estimated a “Tobit Random-effects model” on the number of hours of underemployment and overemployment.

Findings

Females with disabilities are more likely to be overemployed than females without disabilities. In addition, only females with disabilities experience a lower number of hours of underemployment than females without disabilities. As for overemployment, both males and females with disabilities are more likely to report a higher number of hours of overemployment as compared to their non-disabled counterparts.

Originality/value

This paper therefore shows the importance of combating and reducing the hours of overemployment for all workers in general and for males and females with disabilities in particular. A large longitudinal data set has been used in the paper and it is the first attempt to estimate the determinants of being underemployed, matched and overemployed for workers without and with disabilities.
Education, organizational commitment, and rewards within Japanese manufacturing companies in China
Authors: Kokubun Keisuke
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between organizational commitment (OC) and extrinsic, intrinsic, and social rewards, among employees who work for Japanese manufacturing companies in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical regression analysis was utilized to examine survey data obtained from 27,854 employees, who work for 64 Japanese manufacturing companies in China.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the variables measuring extrinsic, social, and intrinsic rewards were strongly related to OC, suggesting that the antecedents of OC in Japanese companies are different from those in other kinds of corporations in China and the West. A further comparison between university graduates and other employees showed that for graduates, extrinsic and intrinsic rewards had a stronger influence on OC than social rewards, compared to non-graduates.

Research limitations/implications

This study used self-report data from individual respondents, which may have resulted in common method bias. Future research might consider including supervisor-rated scales to strengthen the study design and reduce common method bias.

Practical implications

As Japanese companies in China have both Western and Chinese characteristics, they often utilize balanced human resources management (HRM) practices. To enhance their employees’ OC, especially those with less formal education, it is most effective to focus not only on some particular rewards but also on more varieties of rewards. However, balanced HRM may not be equally effective for enhancing the OC of university graduates, who prefer to obtain more extrinsic and intrinsic rewards and fewer social rewards. As Japanese companies are sometimes said to be less attractive workplaces, especially for university graduates, the results of this study could help HR professionals revise their HRM strategies and employ workers who can contribute to their Chinese branches on a long-term basis.

Originality/value

This research investigates how employees of Japanese companies in China could have higher OC, by focusing on the difference between university graduates and non-graduates and utilizing a large volume of their opinion data.
How the parent-adolescent relationship affects well-being in Dutch parents?
Authors: De Rooij Ilona , Gravesteijn Carolien
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The focus of scientific research on the parental well-being has been mainly placed on parents of pre-school children. However, recent findings indicated that parents of pre-school children show lower levels of depression and higher levels of self-efficacy and self-esteem, compared to parents of older children. The purpose of this paper is to establish to what extent the parent-adolescent relationship, coping strategies and co-parent relationship, influences the parental well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted to establish to what extent the parent-adolescent relationship, coping strategies and co-parent relationship, influences the parental well-being of parents in a sample of 310 Dutch parents with children aged 12-18. Participants filled out questionnaires on the parental well-being and coping. Path analysis using a structural equation model (SEM) was performed.

Findings

The SEM revealed that active problem-focused coping strategies were predictive of higher levels of parenting-related well-being. The satisfaction of the relationship with the co-parent predicted both higher levels of parenting- and individual-related well-being. Lower levels of parenting-related well-being were significantly related to more problems in the parent-adolescent relationship, which, in turn, were related to decreased individual-related well-being.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies on the influence of coping strategies and the co-parent relationship satisfaction are recommended to create greater understanding of the underlying mechanisms and their positive effect on the parental well-being.

Practical implications

This study could lead to improvements in the support system for parents raising adolescents.

Originality/value

The present study shows that the parent-child relationship is an important predictive factor in parental well-being. This study also shows that the more highly parents scored on co-parent relationship satisfaction, the less they saw parenting as a burden and the more they felt they had the parenting skills to control the behavior of their child.
Friends drinking together: young adults’ evolving support practices
Authors: Dresler Emma , Anderson Margaret
Published: February 2018

Purpose

Young adult’s drinking is about pleasure, a communal practice of socialising together in a friendship group. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the evolving support practices of drinking groups for better targeting of health communications messages.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative descriptive study examined the narratives of 28 young people’s (age 18-24 years old) experience of a “night out” framed as the Alcohol Consumption Journey.

Findings

The Alcohol Consumption Journey ritual consisted of three phases: preloading, going out and recovery. The participants described multiple forms of support practices located at each phase of the Alcohol Consumption Journey for maximising pleasure, minimising risk, encouraging supportive behaviours, enhancing group cohesion and protecting the drinkers from alcohol-related harm. Hence, support practices played a critical part in constituting and consolidating the drinking group. While the support practices appeared to be structured into the Alcohol Consumption Journey, they were activated differently for young men and young women. Support practices were an important driver in perpetuating the Alcohol Consumption Journey.

Originality/value

The paper extends Vander Ven’s concept of “drunk support” to better understand young adults’ evolving support practices in the ritualised Alcohol Consumption Journey.
Using narrative persuasion to promote positive attitudes toward depression in different cultural contexts
Authors: Ma Zexin , Nan Xiaoli , Qin Yan , Zhou Peiyuan
Published: February 2018

Purpose

China and the USA are among the countries where depression is most prevalent. However, the treatment rate of depression is relatively low in these two countries. Negative attitudes toward depression is one of the major contributor to the low-treatment rate. The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of narratives to promote positive attitudes toward depression in China and the USA. In addition, it examines that the psychological mechanisms underlying narrative persuasion in these two different cultural contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted in both China (n=84) and the USA (n=174). Participants were first asked to complete a short questionnaire about their demographic information and depressive symptoms. They were then asked to read a story featuring a college student with depression. After reading the message, participants completed another questionnaire measuring their attitudes toward depression, transportation (i.e. readers’ involvement with the story), and counterarguing (i.e. the generation of thoughts that dispute the persuasive argument).

Findings

Results from a multi-group analysis suggested that although narrative messages had similar persuasive effects for readers from different cultures, the relation between narrative transportation and counterarguing was different. For the US participants, the more they were transported to the story world, the less counter arguments they generated. However, transportation was not negatively associated with counterarguing for Chinese readers.

Practical implications

Findings provide implications for strategically using narrative persuasion to promote positive attitudes toward depression in different cultural contexts.

Originality/value

This study is the first to test the use of narratives to promote positive attitudes toward depression in different cultural contexts.
Intra-familial stigmatization
Authors: Hoeeg Didde , Grabowski Dan , Christensen Ulla
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To treat childhood obesity, health education interventions are often aimed at the whole family. However, such interventions seem to have a relatively limited effect on weight loss. The purpose of this paper is to examine how families enrolled in a family-based health education intervention manage the intervention in their daily lives and to understand how and why intra-familial conflicts may occur.

Design/methodology/approach

Data consist of 10 in-depth semi-structured family interviews with 25 family members (10 children, 15 parents), who were enrolled in a family-based health education intervention for families with an obese child.

Findings

Actively involving all family members in the intervention proved difficult in many families. Often, the children experienced inconsistent family support, which led to intra-familial conflicts. When parents were unsuccessful in changing unhealthy habits, the responsibility for healthy living was often passed on to the obese child. Thus, several families managed the intervention by making specific rules that only the obese child was required to adhere to. This resulted in several children feeling stigmatized in their own family.

Practical implications

Professionals working with family-based health education interventions should understand that, in order to minimize the risk of intra-familial conflicts and stigmatization of the obese child, all family members must be equally committed to the lifestyle intervention.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature by adding specific knowledge about how and why conflicts occur in these families and what the consequences of these conflicts are.
Hazards and quality control in humanitarian demining
Authors: Ekenberg Love , Fasth Tobias , Larsson Aron
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the adequacy of International Mine Action Standards 09.20 (IMAS 09.20) and the used standards ISO 2859 in the context of demining.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors show how the actual quality level acceptable quality limit (AQL) significantly affects the average total quality cost for one lot with a single sampling plan and, consequently, the average total quality cost, and as AQL increases, the cost of rejecting a lot and the cost of sampling increase.

Findings

The sampling plans for demining are not always optimal given economical and other concerns and that other mechanisms should be considered.

Practical implications

Addressing opportunity costs for adopting wide samplings plans instead of clearing uncleared land per default, as well as balancing producer and consumer consequences seems, therefore, to be highly relevant from a socio-economical perspective.

Originality/value

The general understanding of quality management and the systems involved are limited within the mine action sector. IMAS and most national mine action standards provide only a fairly narrow description of the issue. This implies that the field is missing opportunities to achieve efficiency and effectiveness, as well as to learn from and improve upon past experiences. The authors demonstrate herein that sampling provides little additional confidence as to whether a particular area is free from explosive hazards and substantial savings can be made compared to the current practice.
Vocational education teachers’ personal network at school as a resource for innovative work behaviour
Authors: Messmann Gerhard , Mulder Regina H. , Palonen Tuire
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of characteristics of vocational education teachers’ personal network at the workplace for determining the resources that enable them to cope with innovation-related demands at work.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey study with 48 vocational education teachers is carried out. Social network analysis, correlation analysis, and a comparative descriptive analysis of cluster profiles of teachers’ personal network at the workplace are carried out.

Findings

This study provides evidence for the role of network size as a facilitator of innovative work behaviour (IWB) outside the classroom. However, smaller networks can also support the development of innovations if they contain dense interactions with experienced, innovative professionals.

Research limitations/implications

This study implies to further investigate the role of network size in relation to the kind of network interactions (e.g. density of interactions and experience of members) in the context of larger and versatile work contexts.

Practical implications

This study implies that organisations should provide structures, tasks and events (e.g. interdisciplinary work teams and boundary crossing events) that enable employees to build network connections that help them to manage work-related demands. Employees themselves should reflect on their personal interaction preferences, their specific needs for support and the availability of co-workers who can provide this support.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the discourse on the relationship between professional networks and the development of innovations. Especially, the social work context and its role for IWB have hardly been investigated from a network perspective.
Transformational leadership and voice behaviors
Authors: Chen Shyh-Jer , Wang Miao-Ju , Lee Shih-Han
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that, in situations where transformational leadership (TL) is in effect, perceived meaningfulness in work plays a vital role in generating intrinsic motivation among employees; specifically, this can influence employees to endeavor to benefit their organizations through engaging in voice behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

In this empirical study, a cross-sectional dyad questionnaire method was adopted to collect data from 172 employees from 40 companies.

Findings

The results show that perceiving work as meaningful is positively related, through a direct effect, to promotive and prohibitive voice behaviors. Further, employees perceiving their work as meaningful were found to fully mediate the relationship between TL and promotive voice behavior, but not prohibitive voice behavior. These results indicate that employees under TL who consider their jobs to be meaningful engage in more voice behaviors that might eventually benefit their organizations.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that meaningful work is a considerable predictor of voice behavior. The results show that when a person experiences TL, it increases the chances that they perceive their work as meaningful, which in turn encourages them to engage in voice behavior that can benefit their organization. The findings from this research suggest that organizations can create “win-win” situations that benefit both their employees and the organizations themselves.
When is an Islamic work ethic more likely to spur helping behavior? The roles of despotic leadership and gender
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Haq Inam Ul , Raja Usman , Azeem Muhammad Umer , Mahmud Norashikin
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how employees’ Islamic work ethic might enhance their propensity to help their coworkers on a voluntary basis, as well as how this relationship might be invigorated by despotic leadership. It also considers how the invigorating role of despotic leadership might depend on employees’ gender.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from employees and their supervisors in Pakistani organizations.

Findings

Islamic work values relate positively to helping behaviors, and this relationship is stronger when employees experience despotic leadership, because their values motivate them to protect their colleagues against the hardships created by such leadership. This triggering role of despotic leadership is particularly strong among female employees.

Practical implications

For organizations, the results demonstrate that Islamic work values may be important for creating a culture that promotes collegiality, to a greater extent when employees believe that their leaders act as despots who exploit their followers for personal gain.

Originality/value

This study elaborates how employees’ Islamic work ethic influences the likelihood that they help their coworkers, particularly in work contexts marked by stress-inducing leadership.
Passive leadership and sexual harassment
Authors: Lee Junghyun
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether observed hostility mediates the link between passive leadership and sexual harassment. The study also investigates how workplace gender ratio might moderate this mediated relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used online survey data by recruiting full-time working employees in various US organisations and industries.

Findings

Results suggest that when working under a passive leader, both men and women are more likely to experience sexual harassment. Furthermore, the positive association between hostility and sexual harassment is stronger for female employees who work in a male-dominated organisation (low gender ratio). However, the moderating effects of workplace gender ratio were not significant for male employees.

Practical implications

Organisations seeking to reduce or prevent sexual harassment should monitor and screen out managers who display passive leadership behaviour and create a work environment where collegial and civil interactions are encouraged and valued.

Originality/value

This research advances our knowledge regarding the organisational factors of sexual harassment by examining passive leadership, hostile work context, and workplace gender ratio. Theoretically, the study contributes to the sexual harassment literature by incorporating evidence on passive leadership from a broader field of workplace aggression into sexual harassment research. Practically, the study offers important implications for organisations that seek to minimise sexual harassment.
Developing an authentic personal brand using impression management behaviours
Authors: Thompson-Whiteside Helen , Turnbull Sarah , Howe-Walsh Liza
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into how female entrepreneurs develop and communicate an authentic personal brand. The authors examine the entrepreneurial marketing (EM) activities undertaken by female entrepreneurs and identify the impression management (IM) behaviours and tactics used. The authors explore the risks associated with self-promotion to gain a better understanding of how female entrepreneurs market themselves and their businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA). Using semi-structured interviews, the authors explore the experiences of female entrepreneurs as they engage in IM behaviours. The sample is drawn from female entrepreneurs who have small-scale businesses, which span a range of specialist service sectors. All participants are engaging in personal branding activities. Participants were recruited via a gatekeeper and invited to take part in the study. Data from 11 female business owners were collected and analysed using IPA. Interview transcripts and field notes were analysed for broad patterns, and then initial codes developed, which allowed for themes to emerge, with a number of core themes being identified. These core themes are presented, together with verbatim quotes from participants, to provide a rich insight into the marketing activities of these female entrepreneurs.

Findings

The findings reveal the complex challenges faced by female entrepreneurs as they engage in self-promotion and IM to market their business. Four key themes emerge from the data to explain how female entrepreneurs engage in managing their brand both online and offline: experimental, risk, authenticity and supplication. The study identifies, in particular, that female entrepreneurs use the tactic of supplication in combination with self-promotion to communicate their brand. Additionally, it was found that female entrepreneurs share their personal fears and weaknesses in an attempt to be seen as authentic and manage the risk associated with self-promotion.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the EM literature by extending the understanding of the risks associated with self-promotion for female entrepreneurs. The study also contributes to the IM literature by providing a better understanding of IM beyond organisations and applied to an entrepreneurial domain. The study highlights a number of important implications for entrepreneurial practice and policy.