bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex differences in verbal aggression use in romantic relationships: a meta‐analytic study and review
Authors: Stockdale Laura , Tackett Sarah , Coyne Sarah M. 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe current study aimed to investigate potential sex differences in the use of verbal aggression in romantic relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe current study used meta‐analytic methodology to analyze 20 studies to understand gender differences in the use of verbal aggression in romantic relationships.FindingsThe results found that women used more verbal aggression than men in romantic relationships; however, overall levels of verbal aggression use were relatively high regardless of sex.Research imitations/implicationsLimitations of the current research, such as calling for less exploratory research and the need for theories grounded in human coupling research, and suggestions for future research are provided.Practical implicationsAdvice for clinicians and practitioners regarding verbal aggression in romantic relationships is discussed with particular emphasis on the possibility of including measures against verbal aggression in interventions on positive couple communication.Originality/valueThe current study adds to the literature by addressing which sex uses more verbal aggression in romantic relationships and providing a critical review of the existing literature with recommendations and limitations of the field.
Service‐dominant networks
Authors: Löbler Helge 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThis article seeks to advance a novel service network perspective, based on the service‐dominant logic, designated as service‐dominant networks (SDN).Design/methodology/approachService‐dominant logic components serve to build and describe SDN. Specifically, resources and actors are key components, combined with activities and the process by which they become resources. A case study details the features of SDNs.FindingsService‐dominant networks exhibit unique, previously unaddressed features. According to the service‐dominant logic, components only become resources when they are integrated; thus, they disappear as resources after their integration, which means SDNs are fugacious: they (be‐)come and go. In addition, SDNs comprise one or more main intended activities that explain their existence, though these intended activities do not necessarily initiate any particular SDN. Rather, other critical incidents can initiate SDNs.Research limitations/implicationsThe features of SDNs proposed in this article have not been a focus of prior research. In particular, the dynamics and fugaciousness of SDNs are challenges for research and management.Originality/valueThis article offers the first proposal of a novel, service‐dominant network perspective. In a very general and abstract form, it identifies the features of SDNs.
Relative importance of satisfaction dimensions on service performance
Authors: Frimpong Kwabena , Wilson Alan 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the relevance of some existing Western motivation and job design theories in explaining employees' service performance, termed service orientation in delivery, in a developing country context.Design/methodology/approachThe satisfaction‐performance thesis and the two factor theory (motivation and hygiene factors) are tested using a case study from a developing economy, Ghana. Survey data were collected from 535 retail bank employees of two large commercial banks across 85 branches in the final phase of the research. Multiple and hierarchical regression as well as split sample analyses were used to examine data.FindingsOverall, the findings indicate some support for the validity and relevance of the satisfaction‐service performance thesis even in a non‐developed economy. Some outcomes, however, seem to challenge the validity of the two factor theory: context/hygiene satisfaction elements emerged as better predictors of service performance than content/motivator factors. In particular, context satisfaction dimension relating to co‐workers appeared to be the most important predictor. Satisfaction with pay and rewards, however, appeared unimportant to the service performance of the bank employees surveyed.Research limitations/implicationsAs the research was limited to the banking sector from only one developing country, generalisations and applications of its findings should be made with caution. Future studies which provide broader conceptual and empirical views, in terms of how specific co‐worker attitudes and behaviours motivate or discourage service‐oriented performances in multi‐country studies, could be useful.Practical implicationsDespite its limitations, the confirmation of the satisfaction‐performance thesis in this paper may indicate to managers that some, if not all, of the management theories taught in American/European schools may be equally relevant to developing economies such as Ghana. In addition, the findings provide managers with insights regarding the potential importance of context satisfaction elements to employees' service performance.Originality/valueOverall, the broad findings from the study indicate some support for the relevance of the satisfaction‐service performance thesis even in a non‐developed economy, characterised by relatively challenging economic conditions. However, some outcomes reported in this paper seem to challenge the validity of the two factor theory and its relevance for job motivation and design.
Facing the challenge of mental ill health in the workplace
Authors: Joyce Jill 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to outline the extent and cost of work‐related mental ill health and the challenges it causes in the workplace. It focuses on what employers can do to facilitate an early return to work for those absent from work. It argues for a proactive approach to the management of mental ill health in the workplace and highlights the important role of the line manager. Good practice from Europe is reported.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews evidence from the HSE, EU_OSHA and IOSH.FindingsRather than only dealing reactively with cases of mental ill health in the workplace, it is more effective for an employer to adopt a proactive approach, recognising that employees are a valuable asset, assessing psychosocial risks and promoting health and wellbeing. This involves not only protecting their employees from work‐related health and safety risks, but also helping employees with minor conditions to stay at work, for example, by negotiating flexible hours. Employees also need opportunities to look after their own health and wellbeing at work. Finally, it is important to create a culture where working with a mental health condition is accepted by other employees as normal.Originality/valueThe paper highlights the importance of a proactive management approach to managing mental ill health.
Forward from Foresight: the uses of the new economics foundation's well‐being work
Authors: Michaelson Juliet 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to first introduce, and then review the uses of, the Five Ways to Well‐being communication messages and the dynamic model of well‐being, developed by the new economics foundation (nef) for the 2008 Foresight Project on Mental Capital and Wellbeing.Design/methodology/approachThe article describes an informal review of those uses of the Five Ways to Well‐being and the dynamic model of well‐being which have come to nef's attention.FindingsThe Five Ways to Well‐being messages are found to have been widely used, both in public health and a variety of other settings. They have been used: to directly promote well‐being to individuals; to help frame organisational strategy; and indirectly, in initiatives with headline objectives other than promoting well‐being. A number of examples of their use are given in different contexts. The dynamic model of well‐being is shown to be a deep influence on nef's continuing well‐being work and the work of those influenced in turn by nef, particularly in ensuring that policy and practice takes account of both external conditions as well as personal resources; and of people's feelings as well as their functioning.Practical implicationsFuture directions for nef's work are highlighted, particularly measurement of involvement in the Five Ways to Well‐being activities and exploration of the ways in which different well‐being measures impact on policy.Originality/valueThe article provides, for the first time, an overview of how nef's contributions to the Foresight Project have been used since their publication, and will be of interest to those in a range of policy and practice settings who value real‐life examples of the implementation of a “well‐being approach”.
Firm size and risk taking in Malaysia's insurance industry
Authors: Hock Ng Tuan , Lee Chong Lee , Ismail Hishamuddin 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide insights on how a firm's size is related to risk taking of Malaysia's insurance companies, from 2000‐2010.Design/methodology/approachThe sample used for empirical testing in this study comprised direct insurance firms licensed under Malaysia's Insurance Act 1996, for the time frame between 2000 and 2010. Pearson's correlation, fixed and random effects models, and the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) method were used in this study.FindingsBoth the fixed effects and the system GMM panel data regression models suggested a positive link between the insurance firm size and underwriting risk. For the robustness test, the results of the analysis using changes in data broadly resemble the outputs of the levels estimation.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample of this study is limited to Malaysia's insurance sector only.Originality/valueAdvocates of the too‐big‐to‐fail (TBTF) theory believe that government support and the guarantee of a financial bailout are warranted for large financial institutions facing crises, for the main purpose of avoiding disruptions within a country's economy. The drawback, however, may be that the TBTF doctrine is the culprit behind excessive risk taking by insurance firms of large proportions. A number of regulatory concerns have been raised and addressed from this study.
The mental health surveillance of adolescents, within a school setting
Authors: Sinclair John , Holden Stephanie 
Published: July 2013

PurposeThis article aims to demonstrate a different approach to identify and assess adolescents experiencing mental health problems, within a school setting. Presently we rely on primary care professionals to identify mental health problems and adolescents are often reluctant to access such services. One of the benefits of utilising a mental health surveillance screening tool is to identify mental health problems in adolescents and to implement early intervention.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐sectional survey of school pupils from a secondary school was conducted, using the Paediatric Symptom Checklist for Youths (PSCY). The self‐administered questionnaire was completed and identified adolescents were then assessed by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). Out of 247 pupils, 84 per cent of the adolescents completed the questionnaire.FindingsFrom the screening tool, 25 per cent were identified for assessment. During their assessment 64 per cent of the young people were given self‐help guides and health promotion advice. The remaining 26 per cent of the adolescents were provided treatment sessions by CAMHS or by Children's Service Worker. Only 10 per cent of these adolescents had been previously seen within the CAMHS.Research limitations/implicationsThe PSCY is a useful tool for identifying and assessing adolescents with mental health problems. However, these results are the preliminary findings of a feasibility study. This subject area is a rich source for future research.Practical implicationsFindings from this project will influence wider mental health surveillance of our adolescent population.Social implicationsThis approach will also influence future service provision, for such a vulnerable population.Originality/valueNo comparative studies of this nature were found in the United Kingdom.
Central European hardwood trees in a high‐CO2 future: synthesis of an 8‐year forest canopy CO2 enrichment project
Authors: Bader Martin K.‐F. , Leuzinger Sebastian , Keel Sonja G. , Siegwolf Rolf T.W. , Hagedorn Frank , Schleppi Patrick , Körner Christian 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Rapidly increasing atmospheric CO2 is not only changing the climate system but may also affect the biosphere directly through stimulation of plant growth and ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling. Although forest ecosystems play a critical role in the global carbon cycle, experimental information on forest responses to rising CO2 is scarce, due to the sheer size of trees.

Here, we present a synthesis of the only study world‐wide where a diverse set of mature broadleaved trees growing in a natural forest has been exposed to future atmospheric CO2 levels (c. 550 ppm) by free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE). We show that litter production, leaf traits and radial growth across the studied hardwood species remained unaffected by elevated CO2 over 8 years.

CO2 enrichment reduced tree water consumption resulting in detectable soil moisture savings. Soil air CO2 and dissolved inorganic carbon both increased suggesting enhanced below‐ground activity. Carbon release to the rhizosphere and/or higher soil moisture primed nitrification and nitrate leaching under elevated CO2; however, the export of dissolved organic carbon remained unaltered.

Synthesis. Our findings provide no evidence for carbon‐limitation in five central European hardwood trees at current ambient CO2 concentrations. The results of this long‐term study challenge the idea of a universal CO2 fertilization effect on forests, as commonly assumed in climate–carbon cycle models.
The Legionella pneumophila kai operon is implicated in stress response and confers fitness in competitive environments
Authors: Loza‐Correa Maria , Sahr Tobias , Rolando Monica , Daniels Craig , Petit Pierre , Skarina Tania , Gomez Valero Laura , Dervins‐Ravault Delphine , Honoré Nadine , Savchenko Aleksey , Buchrieser Carmen 
Published: July 2013

SummaryLegionella pneumophila uses aquatic protozoa as replication niche and protection from harsh environments. Although L. pneumophila is not known to have a circadian clock, it encodes homologues of the KaiBC proteins of Cyanobacteria that regulate circadian gene expression. We show that L. pneumophila kaiB, kaiC and the downstream gene lpp1114, are transcribed as a unit under the control of the stress sigma factor RpoS. KaiC and KaiB of L. pneumophila do not interact as evidenced by yeast and bacterial two‐hybrid analyses. Fusion of the C‐terminal residues of cyanobacterial KaiB to Legionella KaiB restores their interaction. In contrast, KaiC of L. pneumophila conserved autophosphorylation activity, but KaiB does not trigger the dephosphorylation of KaiC like in Cyanobacteria. The crystal structure of L. pneumophila KaiB suggests that it is an oxidoreductase‐like protein with a typical thioredoxin fold. Indeed, mutant analyses revealed that the kai operon‐encoded proteins increase fitness of L. pneumophila in competitive environments, and confer higher resistance to oxidative and sodium stress. The phylogenetic analysis indicates that L. pneumophila KaiBC resemble Synechosystis KaiC2B2 and not circadian KaiB1C1. Thus, the L. pneumophila Kai proteins do not encode a circadian clock, but enhance stress resistance and adaption to changes in the environments.
Parallel patterns and trends in functional structures in extinct island mammals
Authors: VAN DER GEER Alexandra A. E. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEndemic mammalian species on islands are generally known to have followed a different evolutionary pathway than their mainland relatives. General patterns, such as body size trends, have been described regularly. However, most island mammal species are unique and each of them is adapted to a specific local niche as part of an equally specific ecological assemblage. Therefore, comparing island species across taxa, islands and time is inherently dangerous without understanding the adaptational value of the studied feature in the compared taxa and without taking the ecological setting of the taxa into account. In this contribution, general and recurring patterns are described per taxon. Some features, like body mass change and sturdy limbs, are relatively general, whereas most features, like bone fusions and change of orbital axis, occur only in a very few taxa. Some features are even contradictory, such as brain size and degree of hypsodonty, with each taxon having its own particular design. In conclusion, general patterns are more often than not just trends and need to be applied with caution.
Environmental distribution of two widespread uncultured freshwater Euryarchaeota clades unveiled by specific primers and quantitative PCR
Authors: Restrepo‐Ortiz Claudia X. , Casamayor Emilio O. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryQuantitative environmental distribution of two widely distributed uncultured freshwater Euryarchaeota with unknown functional role was explored by newly designed quantitative PCR primers targeting the 16S rRNA gene of clades Miscellaneous Euryarchaeota Group (MEG, containing the groups pMC2A384 and VALII/Eury4) and Deep‐Sea Euryarchaeotal Groups (DSEG, targeting the cluster named VALIII containing the DHVE‐3/DSEG, BC07‐2A‐27/DSEG‐3 and DSEG‐2 groups), respectively. The summer surface plankton of 28 lakes was analysed, and one additional dimictic deep alpine lake, Lake Redon, was temporally and vertically surveyed covering seasonal limnological variability. A trophic range between 0.2 and 5.2 μg l−1 Chl a, and pH span from 3.8 to 9.5 was explored at altitudes between 632 and 2590 m above sea level. The primers showed to be highly selective with c. 85% coverage and 100% specificity. Only pH significantly explained the changes observed in gene abundances and environment. In Lake Redon, DSEG bloomed in deep stratified waters both in summer and early spring, and MEG at intermediate depths during the ice‐cover period. Overall, MEG and DSEG showed a differential ecological distribution although correlational analyses indicated lack of coupling of both Euryarchaeota with phytoplankton (chlorophyll a). However, an intriguing positive and significant relationship was found between DSEG and putative ammonia oxidizing thaumarchaeota.
Use of locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) regression to study selection signatures inPiedmontese andItalianBrown cattle breeds
Authors: Pintus Elia , Sorbolini Silvia , Albera Andrea , Gaspa Giustino , Dimauro Corrado , Steri Roberto , Marras Gabriele , Macciotta Nicolò P. P. 
Published: July 2013

SummarySelection is the major force affecting local levels of genetic variation in species. The availability of dense marker maps offers new opportunities for a detailed understanding of genetic diversity distribution across the animal genome. Over the last 50 years, cattle breeds have been subjected to intense artificial selection. Consequently, regions controlling traits of economic importance are expected to exhibit selection signatures. The fixation index (Fst) is an estimate of population differentiation, based on genetic polymorphism data, and it is calculated using the relationship between inbreeding and heterozygosity. In the present study, locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) regression and a control chart approach were used to investigate selection signatures in two cattle breeds with different production aptitudes (dairy and beef).Fstwas calculated for 42 514SNPmarker loci distributed across the genome in 749 Italian Brown and 364 Piedmontese bulls. The statistical significance ofFstvalues was assessed using a control chart. TheLOWESStechnique was efficient in removing noise from the raw data and was able to highlight selection signatures in chromosomes known to harbour genes affecting dairy and beef traits. Examples include the peaks detected forBTA2 in the region where themyostatingene is located and forBTA6 in the region harbouring theABCG2locus. Moreover, several loci not previously reported in cattle studies were detected.
Should bypass or stoma creation be undertaken for unresectable stage IV colorectal carcinoma?
Authors: Liang Jennifer , Church James M. , Stocchi Luca , Fazio Victor , Kiran Ravi P. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundWhen patients with stage IV colorectal cancer are deemed to have an unresectable primary colorectal cancer or extensive metastases at surgery, bypass or stoma creation may be the only surgical options. Whether this surgical approach provides extra months of life or instead leads to prohibitive post‐operative morbidity and mortality has not previously been well characterized. This study was conducted to evaluate early and long‐term outcomes for stage IV colorectal cancer patients with unresectable primary tumour.MethodsPatients with unresectable colorectal cancer who underwent palliative bypass or stoma creation were identified from a prospective colorectal cancer database. Early and long‐term outcomes were evaluated. Survival was determined using Kaplan–Meier survival curves.ResultsFrom 1980 to 2008, 81 patients with stage IV colorectal cancer had an unresectable primary or extensive metastases and underwent palliative bypass or stoma creation. Mean age was 61.5 ± 13.9 years, 44 (54.3%) were male. Location of the colorectal cancer was left‐sided in 82.7%. Of the patients, 38.3% had emergency or urgent surgery. Sixty‐two (76.5%) patients underwent a diverting stoma, 15 (18.5%) underwent enteric bypass procedures and 4 (4.9%) had both a diverting stoma and proximal bypass created. Twenty‐five complications occurred in 24 patients (29.6%) with 2 patients (2.5%) requiring further re‐operation. There was no anastomotic leak. Mean length of hospital stay was 13.8 ± 11.2 days. Thirty‐day mortality rate was 16%. The median overall survival was 4.7 months, while the overall survival at 1 year was 24.7%. At 2 years, 6.1% patients were alive, all with a stoma.ConclusionPalliative bypass or stoma creation is associated with survival for several months for a significant proportion of patients with stage IV colorectal cancers, who have unresectable primaries or extensive metastases. The findings of this study support the use of bypass or diversion when faced with an unresectable primary in patients with colorectal cancer with metastases.
The Effect of Executive Function on Biological Reasoning in Young Children: An Individual Differences Study
Authors: Zaitchik Deborah , Iqbal Yeshim , Carey Susan 
Published: July 2013

There is substantial variance in the age at which children construct and deploy their first explicit theory of biology. This study tests the hypothesis that this variance is due, at least in part, to individual differences in their executive function (EF) abilities. A group of 79 boys and girls aged 5–7 years (with a mean age of 6½ years) were presented with two test batteries: (a) a biology battery that probed their understanding of life, death, and body functions and (b) an EF battery that tested working memory, inhibition, and set‐shifting skills. Individuals' EF scores significantly predict their biology scores, even after controlling for age and verbal IQ.