bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Work‐family conflict and job and family satisfaction
Authors: Rathi Neerpal , Barath M. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the relationship of work‐family conflict (work‐to‐family conflict and family‐to‐work conflict) with job and family satisfaction among police personnel. Moreover, this study focuses on exploring the moderating effect of social support from co‐workers on the relationship of work‐family conflict dimensions with job and family satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThis study is quantitative in nature. The data for the present study were collected from a total of 148 police personnel based in India.FindingsThe results of the study indicate that work‐to‐family and family‐to‐work conflict are negatively correlated with job satisfaction. Moreover, social support from co‐workers is observed to significantly moderate the relationship of work‐to‐family and family‐to‐work conflict with family satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe research has a few limitations like cross‐sectional nature of the study, use of self‐reported measures for data collection, and use of homogenous sample in the study.Practical implicationsThis paper provides valuable insights into understanding the work‐family conflict among police personnel. A few measures are suggested that higher authorities in the police department can adopt to minimize the work‐family conflict, which can lead to better work‐life balance among police personnel.Originality/valueThis study explores the phenomenon of work‐family conflict and its effect on job and family satisfaction among police personnel in India. The Indian police system is unique in many ways; like, police personnel face high political interference in their day‐to‐day functioning, face very high job demands, work and live in unhygienic conditions, and receive very little support from higher authorities. These atypical working and living conditions of police personnel make it interesting and informative to understand their work and family life, and how and to what extent their life is influenced by the support from co‐workers.
Reflections from EDI conferences: consistency and change
Authors: Myers Barbara , Pringle Judith K. , Giddings Lynne S. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeRich research discussion that occurs at conferences is rarely made accessible after the event. This paper aims to report on two “equality diversity and inclusion” (EDI) conferences held in Auckland, New Zealand, in 2008 and 2011. It summarises, compares and contrasts the processes and content of the conferences as well as identifying research trends and suggesting future research directions.Design/methodology/approachText from the abstracts and transcribed audio recordings of conference discussions and presentations were analysed for similarities and differences. Two of the authors completed individual analyses of each of the conferences before reaching consensus on the overall themes.FindingsEnduring EDI concerns over the two conferences were: identity, change practices and context. At the 2008 conference, three linked categories permeated discussion: methodologies, identity and practices for effective change. Over the intervening three years, research volume grew and differentiated into speciality areas. At the 2011 conference, methodological enquiry was less visible, but was intertwined through content areas of differentiated identities (sexuality, ethnicity, and gender), roles (leadership and management) and context (country, sport, and practice).Research limitations/implicationsThis paper distils research trends from two conferences and suggests directions for research.Originality/valueThe paper provides a bounded overview of developments and changes in the EDI sub‐discipline. Rich research discussion often occurs informally at conferences but is not made widely available. This paper aims to share conference discussions, research trends and potential directions for research.
Career persistence of women software professionals in India
Authors: Srinivasan Vasanthi , Murty L.S. , Nakra Monisha 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore career centrality, belief in gender disadvantage, and career success definition as the determinants of career persistence among women software professionals in emerging economies like India. The control variables used are marital and parental status.Design/methodology/approachA survey questionnaire was administered to 190 software women professionals and statistical analyses were used to test the hypotheses.FindingsBelief in gender disadvantage and objective success definition are differentiators for career persistence while career centrality is not. Marital status and parental status are relevant control variables.Research limitations/implicationsFurther exploration is needed of the dimensions of career centrality constructs and control for demographic variables.Practical implicationsOrganizations should consider investments in child care support and other flexible work options so that women continue to remain in their careers.Originality/valueThis is the first known study to explore career persistence among women with a focus on culture unique to Asian countries like India.
Estonian housing market: affordability problem and regulatory framework
Authors: Kallakmaa‐Kapsta Angelika , Kolbre Ene 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study was – first, to find out how to evaluate affordability of housing in the Estonian market and, second, to assess the regulatory framework decisions' impact on the housing market in Estonia.Design/methodology/approachThis article seeks answers to how to define housing affordability for the Estonian housing market. It also describes the regulatory framework and policy decisions made by the government.FindingsCalculations show that there is an affordability problem, and political decisions have helped to make housing loans affordable for households, but at the same time the high debt burden has weakened households' financial position.Research limitations/implicationsIt could be possible to research the market using the databases of credit institutions, but the given data is under the protection of banking confidentiality.Practical implicationsThe HAI index, proposed by the authors, could be calculated regularly and it could be used as a possible indicator to evaluate the capability of the population to take on household loans in the Estonian household market as a whole.Social implicationsThe problem of housing affordability is very important for all households, and there is a need to continue with research in this field. Some households cannot buy a house, some have loan repayment problems.Originality/valueNo research has been done in trying to find an answer for the affordability problem in the housing market in Estonia. Also there are no analyses about the impact of the regulatory framework on the housing market – whether the government goals are achieved or not.
ERP and precautionary ethics: harnessing critical thinking to engender sustainability
Authors: Saravanamuthu Kala , Brooke Carole , Gaffikin Michael 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review critical emancipatory literature to identify a discourse that could be used to successfully customise generic Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to particular user‐needs. The customisation exercise is posited in the context of contemporary society, which has to try to become more sustainable amidst uncertainty about the complex interrelationships between elements of the ecosystem. It raises new challenges for the customisation exercise, that of fostering the precautionary ethos and engaging realistically with complexity and uncertainty inherent in emergent knowledge about ecological resilience.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper that draws on published research papers to tease out political constructs which are vital for facilitating sustainable decisions.FindingsThis paper argues that the critical emancipatory influence on systems design has generated attempts to formulate socio‐ethical information systems. However, these systems are limited by their inability to engage with the politics of asymmetrical distribution of power, even though these systems rely on bottom‐up participation to change the status quo. Hence, it is suggested that systems design should learn from Gandhi's experiences in mobilising social reform to instil a precautionary ethos in the context of asymmetrical power relations. The discourse used to customise ERP should facilitate social learning about ecological resilience as it affects the capacity to reform in the interest of sustainable outcomes. It is proposed that the discourse be socially constructed on the vocabulary of integrated risk because it would enable management to take advantage of lived experiences and enhance the organisation's capacity to learn about formulating sustainable business practices.Practical implicationsThe recommended approach to identifying user‐needs (in customising ERP) is based on Gandhi's tried‐and‐tested approaches of mobilising bottom‐up participation in social reform.Originality/valueThis paper brings in Eastern philosophy (namely Advaitic thinking) into the predominately Western‐dominated systems design arena. Its value lies in its practical applicability to real‐world design challenges.
From neuromorphic sensors to a chip under skin
Authors: Palese Emma 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the sense of choice in our contemporary world.Design/methodology/approachTaking cue from the research of the Institute of Neuroinformatics of Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, and University of Zürich, this paper is meant to highlight that the contemporary individual is gradually abandoning his own freedom of choice: the principle of moral responsibility, and – consequently – sign of humanity.FindingsIf today the smartphone is the most used tool, in the future we will soon benefit from a chip under skin which could delegate our choices. It is a piece of technology that is not only inspired by biology to create robots, but could also change our life.Originality/valueFrom the massive use of the cell phone to the robots which apparently ‘‘feel’’ and show emotions like humans do. From the wearable exoskeleton to the prototype reproducing the artificial sense of touch, technological progress explodes to the extent of embodying itself in our nakedness.
Undergraduates' use of internet capable handheld devices at Babcock University, Nigeria
Authors: Adetoro 'Niran , Sodipe Opeyemi 
Published: May 2013

PurposeEmerging technologies are shaping the way we use information and undergraduates are early adopters of technology; however the purpose of their use of these devices has been of concern. The purpose of this paper is to examine use of internet capable handheld devices among Information Resources Management (IRM) undergraduates at Babcock University, Ilisan, Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachNon‐experimental ex post facto design was adopted for the study. Total enumeration was used to capture 220 IRM undergraduates. Using an adapted ECAR study, six questionnaire with reliability value (x=0.89) were administered; all questionnaires administered were retrieved and used for the study.FindingsThe study revealed that the majority (90 per cent) own handheld devices, used mainly for social networking, checking of information, instant messaging and e‐mails. Most of the students (70 per cent) are frequent users of their devices for internet activities, expending about 2‐100 h on a weekly basis. Factors which include slow network connection, limited access, and other ways of internet access, battery life and cost hinder use of the internet via handheld devices.Originality/valueThe use of internet capable mobile technology is crucial in engaging higher education students.
Cap‐and‐trade emission allowances and US companies' balance sheets
Authors: Griffin Paul A. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThis study aims to examine the impact of the emission allowances granted under California's cap‐and‐trade program (AB 32) – the first major program of its kind in the USA – on the balance sheets and income statements of the S&P 500. So far there has been little discussion of what a cap‐and‐trade program would mean for the US companies' financial statements.Design/methodology/approachThe author states and tests an economic model of the relation between greenhouse gas emissions and financial statement variables at the individual company level and use this model to predict emission allowances and obligations for the S&P 500.FindingsThe author's analysis suggests that the average S&P 500 company's balance sheet and net income will be adversely affected under several different accounting treatments for emission allowances, with the greatest impacts in the utilities, energy, and materials sectors.Practical implicationsUS and European regulators have yet to set a single standard for emissions accounting. Without a single standard, companies acting in their own interests may use diverse or unclear accounting treatments for similar economic benefits. This can raise the cost of capital and hurt investors.Originality/valueThis is the first study of which the author is aware to document how the emission allowances under the AB 32 cap‐and‐trade program will affect American companies' balance sheets.
Strategic policy, planning and assessment for sustainability: insights from Victoria, Australia
Authors: Coffey Brian 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess recent strategic sustainability policy, planning and assessment efforts in Victoria, Australia.Design/methodology/approachAn interpretive approach to policy analysis provides the methodological foundation for the analysis. Evidence is drawn from the analysis of policy texts and semi‐structured interviews.FindingsSustainability attracted considerable policy attention in Victoria during the first decade of the 21st century, with stated ambitions for Victoria to become “the sustainable state” and “world leaders in environmental sustainability”. In pursuing these ambitions, Victoria's efforts centred on hosting a summit, articulating medium‐term directions and priorities, releasing a whole of government framework to advance sustainability, and establishing a Department of Sustainability and Environment, and a Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability. However, the evidence indicates these efforts would have benefited from greater public engagement and input, stronger governance arrangements, and a broader conceptualisation of sustainability.Practical implicationsThe evidence presented highlights the implications associated with efforts to promote sustainability through strategic policy and planning processes.Originality/valueThis paper provides an informed, yet policy relevant, analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and possibilities associated with pursuing sustainability at the sub‐national level. It also highlights the ways in which policy objectives can be frustrated by failing to establish the solid foundations necessary for building a robust approach to promoting sustainability. The value of progressing sustainability within a strategic improvement cycle is also highlighted.
Is parasitoid acceptance of different host species dynamic?
Authors: Hopper Keith R. , Prager Sean M. , Heimpel George E. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Parasitoid acceptance of host individuals that differ in suitability is dynamic, varying with physiological state and experience. Female parasitoids with high egg loads and low life expectancy (i.e. time limited) are more willing to accept hosts with low suitability for progeny development than females with low egg loads and high life expectancy (i.e. egg limited). However, studies of dynamic acceptance behaviour in parasitoids have only considered high‐ vs. low‐suitability host individuals within the same host species.

Here, we report the first results on whether acceptance of individuals from different host species that vary in suitability is also dynamic, using two aphid parasitoid species in the genus Aphelinus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae).

Stressors (starvation and age) and experience that increase time limitation did not affect the acceptance of low‐suitability host species by two Aphelinus species with reciprocal specificities.

Oviposition in a high‐suitability host species increased with egg load, but did not vary with egg load for females exposed to low‐suitability host species. This is an unexpected pattern since it results in proportionally higher acceptance of low‐suitability hosts with decreasing egg load.

The stability of behavioural host specificity in these parasitoids under very stressful conditions might be explained by (i) frequent transient egg limitation, (ii) higher fitness from egg resorption than oviposition or (iii) neural constraints on host recognition.

If neural constraints restrict the ability of these specialists to change their behaviour under stress, we predict that generalist species of Aphelinus should show greater dynamism in acceptance of low‐suitability hosts. We are testing this prediction using Aphelinus species with very broad host ranges.
Community dynamics of cellulose‐adapted thermophilic bacterial consortia
Authors: Eichorst Stephanie A. , Varanasi Patanjali , Stavila Vatalie , Zemla Marcin , Auer Manfred , Singh Seema , Simmons Blake A. , Singer Steven W. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryEnzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose is a key process in the global carbon cycle and the industrial conversion of biomass to biofuels. In natural environments, cellulose hydrolysis is predominately performed by microbial communities. However, detailed understanding of bacterial cellulose hydrolysis is primarily confined to a few model isolates. Developing models for cellulose hydrolysis by mixed microbial consortia will complement these isolate studies and may reveal new mechanisms for cellulose deconstruction. Microbial communities were adapted to microcrystalline cellulose under aerobic, thermophilic conditions using green waste compost as the inoculum to study cellulose hydrolysis in a microbial consortium. This adaptation selected for three dominant taxa – theFirmicutes,BacteroidetesandThermus. A high‐resolution profile of community development during the enrichment demonstrated a community transition fromFirmicutesto a novelBacteroidetespopulation that clusters in theChitinophagaceaefamily. A representative strain of this population, strainNYFB, was successfully isolated, and sequencing of a nearly full‐length 16SrRNAgene demonstrated that it was only 86% identical compared with other validated strains in the phylumBacteroidetes. StrainNYFBgrew well on soluble polysaccharide substrates, but grew poorly on insoluble polysaccharide substrates. Similar communities were observed in companion thermophilic enrichments on insoluble wheat arabinoxylan, a hemicellulosic substrate, suggesting a common model for deconstruction of plant polysaccharides. Combining observations of community dynamics and the physiology of strainNYFB, a cooperative successional model for polysaccharide hydrolysis by theFirmicutesandBacteroidetesin the thermophilic cellulolytic consortia is proposed.
A New Approach for the Carbon Monoxide (CO) Exposure Diagnosis: Measurement of Total CO in Human Blood Versus Carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO)
Authors: Varlet Vincent , De Croutte Emma Lagroy , Augsburger Marc , Mangin Patrice 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe aim of the study is to present the application of a headspace–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐GC‐MS) method for the determination of the carbon monoxide (CO) blood concentration and to compare it with carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) saturation. In postmortem cases, the HbCO measured by spectrophotometry frequently leads to inaccurate results due to inadequate samples or analyses. The true role of CO intoxication in the death of a person could be misclassified. The estimation of HbCO from HS‐GC‐MS CO measurements provides helpful information by determining the total CO levels (CO linked to hemoglobin (HbCO) and CO dissociated from hemoglobin). The CO concentrations were converted in HbCO saturation levels to define cutoff blood CO values. CO limits were defined as less than 1 μmol/mL for living persons, less than 1.5 μmol/mL for dead persons without CO exposure, and greater than 3 μmol/mL for dead persons with clear CO poisoning.
Alcohol‐Induced Blackout as a Criminal Defense or Mitigating Factor: An Evidence‐Based Review and Admissibility as Scientific Evidence
Authors: Pressman Mark R. , Caudill David S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAlcohol‐related amnesia—alcohol blackout—is a common claim of criminal defendants. The generally held belief is that during an alcohol blackout, other cognitive functioning is severely impaired or absent. The presentation of alcohol blackout as scientific evidence in court requires that the science meets legal reliability standards (Frye, FRE702/Daubert). To determine whether “alcohol blackout” meets these standards, an evidence‐based analysis of published scientific studies was conducted. A total of 26 empirical studies were identified including nine in which an alcohol blackout was induced and directly observed. No objective or scientific method to verify the presence of an alcoholic blackout while it is occurring or to confirm its presence retrospectively was identified. Only short‐term memory is impaired and other cognitive functions—planning, attention, and social skills—are not impaired. Alcoholic blackouts would not appear to meet standards for scientific evidence and should not be admissible.
The Survival of Gunshot Residues in Cremated Bone: An Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry Study
Authors: Amadasi Alberto , Merli Daniele , Brandone Alberto , Poppa Pasquale , Gibelli Daniele , Cattaneo Cristina 
Published: May 2013

AbstractGunshot residue (GSR) has been sought and demonstrated on many types of material and with many techniques. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) could be a useful method on difficult substrates, but a systematic study on burnt material has never been performed. Hence, this study aims at evaluating the usefulness and reliability of this method on burnt samples. Sixteen adult bovine ribs (eight with soft tissues, eight totally skeletonized) were shot using two kinds of projectile (both 9 mm full metal‐jacketed or unjacketed). Then, every sample was led to complete calcination in an electric oven. The area of the gunshot entrance wound was swabbed and analyzed byICP‐OES; the results were also correlated with a previously published parallel study by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an SEM–energy dispersive X‐ray analyzer.ICP‐OESproved to be very sensitive and reliable even on degraded material and can be an appropriate nondestructive method for detecting residues on difficult and delicate substrates such as burnt bone.
Ultrafast Amplification of DNA on Plastic Microdevices for Forensic Short Tandem Repeat Analysis
Authors: Lounsbury Jenny A. , Landers James P. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe majority of microfluidic devices used as a platform for low‐cost, rapid DNA analysis are glass devices; however, microchip fabrication in glass is costly and laborious, enhancing the interest in polymeric substrates, such as poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), as an inexpensive alternative. Here, we report amplification in PMMA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) microchips providing full short tandem repeat profiles (16 of 16 loci) in 30–40 min, with peak height ratios and stutter percentages that meet literature threshold requirements. In addition, partial profiles (15 of 16 loci) were generated using an ultrafast PCR method in 17.1 min, representing a ~10‐fold reduction in reaction time as compared to current amplification methods. Finally, a multichamber device was demonstrated to simultaneously amplify one positive, one negative, and five individual samples in 39 min. Although there were instances of loci dropout, this device represents a first step toward a microfluidic system capable of amplifying more than one sample simultaneously.