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Current Challenges (current + challenge)
Selected AbstractsEveryday Family Life: Dimensions, Approaches, and Current ChallengesJOURNAL OF FAMILY THEORY & REVIEW, Issue 2 2009Anna Rönkä The aim of this systematic literature review was to identify, categorize, and evaluate the empirical research that has been conducted on everyday family life. Fifty-three empirically based articles focusing on everyday family life were included in the analysis, which focused on the conceptual, empirical, and theoretical content. According to our review, everyday family life comprises three dimensions: emotions, actions, and temporality. It is a continuously constructed process in which family members transmit emotions, engage in activities, and schedule timetables in the course of interactions with each other and with the wider social context. Three empirical or theoretical approaches were identified: the emotion transmission approach, the cultural activity approach, and the constructionist approach, all of which adopt research methods and concepts sensitive to daily fluctuations. [source] Personality Assessment with the MMPI-2: Historical Roots, International Adaptations, and Current ChallengesAPPLIED PSYCHOLOGY: HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, Issue 1 2009James N. Butcher The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) is the most widely used personality test in psychological practice. Although originally developed during the middle of the last century in the United States, its use today extends around the world. The MMPI-2 is a robust measure given its strong empirical tradition and many innovations. Recent years have seen controversial changes to this standard of psychological assessment. New scales were added in 2003 (i.e. the Restructured Clinical or RC Scales) and the Fake Bad Scale (FBS) was included in the MMPI-2 in 2007. A new instrument called the MMPI-2 Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) was released in 2008 with the RC Scales replacing the well-validated MMPI-2 Clinical Scales; 40 per cent of its items eliminated; a shortened FBS included; and most of its 50 scales introduced for the first time. This article traces the history of the evolving MMPI-2 with special attention to its international applications, and offers a perspective on the radical departure from past MMPI-2 research represented by the RC Scales, FBS, the MMPI-2-RF, and other recent changes to this standard in the field. [source] Detecting Tropical Forests' Responses to Global Climatic and Atmospheric Change: Current Challenges and a Way ForwardBIOTROPICA, Issue 1 2007Deborah A. ClarkArticle first published online: 21 DEC 200 ABSTRACT Because of tropical forests' disproportionate importance for world biodiversity and for the global carbon cycle, we urgently need to understand any effects on these ecosystems from the ongoing changes in climate and atmosphere. This review, intended to complement existing data reviews on this topic, focuses on three major classes of challenges that we currently face when trying to detect and interpret directional changes in tropical forests. One is the very limited existing information on the historical context of study sites. Lasting effects from past climate, natural disturbances, and/or human activities could be significantly affecting current-day processes in tropical forests and need to be investigated for all active field sites. Second, while progress has been made in recent years on standardizing and refining research approaches, a number of methods- and data-limitations continue to affect efforts both to detect within-forest changes and to relate them to ongoing environmental change. Important outstanding needs are improved sampling designs, longer time-series of observations, filling key data gaps, and data access. Finally, forest responses to ongoing environmental change are complex. The effects of many simultaneously changing environmental factors are integrated by the plants, and their responses can involve significant lags, carryovers, and non-linearities. Specifying effects of individual environmental changes, however, is required for accurate ecosystem-process models and thus for projecting future impacts on these forests. After discussing these several types of challenges and ways to address them, I conclude with a priority agenda for this critical area of research. Abstract in Spanish is available at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/btp. RESUMEN Debido a la importancia desproporcionada de los bosques tropicales para la biodiversidad mundial y para el ciclo global del carbono, es urgente identificar los impactos sobre estos ecosistemas provocados por los cambios actuales en el clima y en la atmósfera. Este artículo de revisión, escrito con el propósito de complementar otras revisiones recientes, se enfoca en tres principales clases de retos que enfrentamos actualmente en la detección e interpretación de cambios direccionales en los bosques tropicales. Primero es la gran escasez de información histórica acerca de los sitios de estudio. Los procesos actuales en los bosques tropicales pueden reflejar los efectos prolongados del pasado climático, las perturbaciones naturales y/o las actividades humanas, por lo que deben de ser investigados en todos los sitios actuales de estudio. Segundo, a pesar de avances recientes en la estandarización y el refinamiento de los métodos de investigación, nuestra habilidad para detectar cambios en los bosques y ligarlos a los grandes cambios ambientales sigue siendo limitada. Para garantizar avances en el área se requiere mejorar los diseños de muestreo, extender las series de observación en el tiempo a plazos mayores, llenar ciertos vacíos claves en el conocimiento, y facilitar el acceso a los datos existentes. Por último, se requiere de enfoques que tomen en cuenta la complejidad de las respuestas de los bosques a los cambios ambientales. Las plantas integran los efectos de cambios simultáneos en múltiples factores ambientales, y sus respuestas pueden ser no lineales e incluir efectos de retraso y acarreo. No obstante, es importante también especificar los efectos individuales de los diferentes cambios ambientales para afinar los modelos de procesos a nivel del ecosistema, y así poder proyectar los impactos futuros sobre estos bosques. Después de discutir dichos retos y estrategias para enfrentarlos, concluyo con una agenda de prioridades para esta área crítica de investigación. [source] Current challenges of pharmacovigilance in bleeding disorders: converting the burden to benefitHAEMOPHILIA, Issue 2 2010R. LASSILA Summary., Safety surveillance studies have proven essential in research and development of new biological therapies for bleeding disorders as well as other diseases. Although product safety regarding HIV, hepatitis, and other blood-borne infections is currently excellent, potential new infectious agents require continued vigilant monitoring. Inhibitor development is the most common serious side effect of haemophilia replacement therapy. Several aetiological factors associated with inhibitors have been identified, but their true impact is still largely unknown. Moreover, whether plasma-derived and recombinant factor products differ in their immunogenic profiles is an unresolved issue. Coagulation factor products under development and those currently on the market require uniform, long-term surveillance. The European Haemophilia Safety Surveillance (EUHASS) project was recently established to meet these goals. The pharmaceutical industry and clinicians face common challenges complying with these requirements. In rare diseases like haemophilia, obtaining adequate patient numbers poses a challenge. Another challenge is a lack of methods for assessing disease severity, a surprising deficiency in the era of modern medical and laboratory technology. National and international registries can be used to gather required safety surveillance information. Simultaneously, clinicians benefit from well-organized registry data in their daily practice and harmonize the quality of comprehensive haemophilia care by homogeneous follow-up platforms. Experience with such registries comes, for example, from Europe (PEDNET), the USA (CDC/UDC), the UK (UKHCDO), and Sweden (Malmö). It is important to commit to future pharmacovigilance efforts, aiming at high-quality safety surveillance programmes at both the pharmaceutical research community and clinical levels. [source] Air pollution: Current challenges and future opportunitiesAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 2 2005Christian Seigneur First page of article [source] Current challenges in children with type 1 diabetesPEDIATRIC DIABETES, Issue 2007Thomas Danne No abstract is available for this article. [source] Microbial contaminants in food: a big issue for a working group of the MoniQA NoE projectQUALITY ASSURANCE & SAFETY OF CROPS & FOOD, Issue 2 2009A. Hoehl Abstract Introduction The MoniQA Network of Excellence is an EC funded project working towards the harmonization of analytical methods for monitoring food quality and safety along the food supply chain. This paper summarises both the structure and tasks of the working group on microbial contaminants within the MoniQA NoE and specifically focuses on harmonisation strategies important in the microbiological analysis of food. Objectives There is a need for rapid microbiological methods in order to quickly and efficiently identify harmful pathogens in food sources. However, one of the major problems encountered with many new methods is their market acceptance, as they have to pass extensive validation/standardisation studies before they can be declared as official standard methods. Methods The working group on microbiological contaminants aims to contribute towards speeding up these prerequisites by collecting information on food law, quality assurance, quality control, sampling, economic impact, measurement uncertainty, validation protocols, official standard methods and alternative methods. Results The present report provides an overview of currently existing methodologies and regulations and addresses issues concerning harmonisation needs. One of the deliverables of the working group is the development of extended fact sheets and reviews based on relevant ,hot' topics and methods. The selection of food borne analytes for these fact sheets have been selected based on global, local and individual parameters. The working group has identified 5 groups of stakeholders (governmental bodies, standardisation/validation organisations, test kit/equipment manufacturers, food industry and consumers). Conclusion Current challenges of food microbiology are driven by new analytical methods, changes in the food market and altered consumer desires. The MoniQA NoE is contributing in overcoming these risks and challenges by providing a profound platform on microbiological rapid methods in food analysis to all stakeholders and it is expected that strong interaction within the network and beyond will foster harmonization. [source] Current challenges for FDA-regulated bioanalytical laboratories for human (BA/BE) studies.QUALITY ASSURANCE JOURNAL, Issue 1 2007FDA GMP to bioanalytical laboratories, Part I: defining the appropriate compliance standards, application of the principles of FDA GLP Abstract This article is the first of a three-part series that deals with current compliance issues/challenges for bioanalytical laboratories performing analysis for bioavailability/bioequivalence studies. Part 1 of this series provides the application of key elements from the Food and Drug Administration Good Laboratory Practices and the current Good Manufacturing Practices regulations as the framework for the implementation of sound quality systems in a bioanalytical laboratory to be in compliance with current regulatory expectations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] On the economics of agricultural production,AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL & RESOURCE ECONOMICS, Issue 4 2008Jean-Paul Chavas Agriculture is in the business of using ecosystem services to produce food. Examining how agro-ecosystems function provides useful insights into the economics of agriculture. Of special interest are the presence and nature of scale effects, complementarity effects and convexity effects in ecosystem functioning. Implications for agricultural productivity and the economics of agriculture are evaluated. At the farm level, this helps to better understand the current trend toward greater specialisation. Current challenges for agricultural contracts, markets and policy are explored. [source] Topical dose delivery in the reptilian egg treatment modelENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2007Jennifer K. Muller Abstract Developing assays to detect endocrine-mediated toxicity from in ovo or in utero exposure is a current challenge in regulatory toxicology. Some species of reptiles exhibiting a unique mode of sex determination, in which the incubation temperature during a critical period determines gonadal sex, have been explored as an in ovo model to screen environmental contaminants for endocrine effects. We critically review published egg-exposure studies and conclude that data regarding the pharmacokinetics of topically applied substances are insufficient to validate dose,response relationships for the effects of chemicals on in ovo endocrine function or gender determination in reptiles. The insufficiencies in these data largely result from methodological failures, including lack of measurement verification, failure to investigate and control extraneous factors affecting the measurements, and lack of independent replication of results. Considerable additional research will be necessary to alleviate these methodological inadequacies. Given the current status of the data, topical treatment of reptilian eggs cannot be considered to be a valid means of establishing causal relationships between chemical treatment and biological outcome. [source] Effect of acetic acid and pH on the cofermentation of glucose and xylose to ethanol by a genetically engineered strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiaeFEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 4 2010Elizabeth Casey Abstract A current challenge of the cellulosic ethanol industry is the effect of inhibitors present in biomass hydrolysates. Acetic acid is an example of one such inhibitor that is released during the pretreatment of hemicellulose. This study examined the effect of acetic acid on the cofermentation of glucose and xylose under controlled pH conditions by Saccharomyces cerevisiae 424A(LNH-ST), a genetically engineered industrial yeast strain. Acetic acid concentrations of 7.5 and 15 g L,1, representing the range of concentrations expected in actual biomass hydrolysates, were tested under controlled pH conditions of 5, 5.5, and 6. The presence of acetic acid in the fermentation media led to a significant decrease in the observed maximum cell biomass concentration. Glucose- and xylose-specific consumption rates decreased as the acetic acid concentration increased, with the inhibitory effect being more severe for xylose consumption. The ethanol production rates also decreased when acetic acid was present, but ethanol metabolic yields increased under the same conditions. The results also revealed that the inhibitory effect of acetic acid could be reduced by increasing media pH, thus confirming that the undissociated form of acetic acid is the inhibitory form of the molecule. [source] Dealing with urban terror: heritages of control, varieties of intervention, strategies of researchINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF URBAN AND REGIONAL RESEARCH, Issue 3 2003Harvey Molotch The events of September 11th bring urgency to problems of urban security, both in terms of finding ways to protect cities from attacks by terrorists and also protecting urban life from repressive measures that form in reaction to those attacks. We outline a rationale for urbanists to participate in analysis and policy-formulation on security issues and examine the utility of past urban research strategies, including criminology, in terms of their relevance to the current challenge. We suggest principles to guide future urban policy in light of past experiences. Les événements du 11 septembre rendent urgents les problèmes de sécurité urbaine, à la fois pour trouver des façons de protéger les villes contre des attaques terroristes et pour préserver la vie urbaine de mesures répressives en réponse à ces attaques. L'article argumente en faveur de la participation d'urbanistes à l'analyse et à la formulation d'une politique publique sur les questions de sécurité. Il examine le parti à tirer des stratégies de recherches urbaines antérieures (y compris en criminologie) en fonction de leur pertinence par rapport au défi actuel. De plus, il suggère des principes permettant d'orienter la politique urbaine future à la lumière des expériences passées. [source] Preparation of polyacrylonitrile with improved isotacticity and low polydispersityJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 5 2010Jianguo Jiang Abstract The preparation of a polymer with both low polydispersity and high tacticity is one current challenge we face and warrants thorough investigation from both the theoretical and experimental standpoints. In this study, we synthesized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with simultaneously controlled molecular weight and tacticity on the basis of the strategy of the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of acrylonitrile (AN) in the presence of Lewis acids. A new combined initiation system of 3-bromopropionitrile (3-BPN)/Cu2O/N,N,N,,N,-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) was used for the ATRP of AN for the first time. When the polymerization was performed with the ratio [AN]0/[Initiator]0/[Cu2O]0/[TMEDA]0 = 190/1/0.5/1.5 (where the subscript 0 indicates the initial conditions) in ethylene carbonate at 60°C for 48 h, the polydispersity of the obtained PAN was 1.13, and the molecular weight was up to 13,710. The polymerization kinetics results show that the polymerizations proceeded with a living/controlled nature except that an induction period existed during the polymerization process because of the lower initiating activity of 3-BPN. Also, two kinds of Lewis acid, AlCl3 and yttrium trifluororomethanesulflnate, were used in the ATRP system of AN for the tacticity control. The addition of 0.01 equiv (relative to AN) of the Lewis acid AlCl3 in the polymerization afforded PAN with an improved isotacticity [meso/meso triad (mm) = 0.32] and a very narrow polydispersity (1.06). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010 [source] A comparative view on mechanisms and functions of skeletal remodelling in teleost fish, with special emphasis on osteoclasts and their functionBIOLOGICAL REVIEWS, Issue 2 2009P. Eckhard Witten ABSTRACT Resorption and remodelling of skeletal tissues is required for development and growth, mechanical adaptation, repair, and mineral homeostasis of the vertebrate skeleton. Here we review for the first time the current knowledge about resorption and remodelling of the skeleton in teleost fish, the largest and most diverse group of extant vertebrates. Teleost species are increasingly used in aquaculture and as models in biomedical skeletal research. Thus, detailed knowledge is required to establish the differences and similarities between mammalian and teleost skeletal remodelling, and between distantly related species such as zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes). The cellular mechanisms of differentiation and activation of osteoclasts and the functions of teleost skeletal remodelling are described. Several characteristics, related to skeletal remodelling, distinguish teleosts from mammals. These characteristics include (a) the absence of osteocytes in most species; (b) the absence of haematopoietic bone marrow tissue; (c) the abundance of small mononucleated osteoclasts performing non-lacunar (smooth) bone resorption, in addition to or instead of multinucleated osteoclasts; and (d) a phosphorus- rather than calcium-driven mineral homeostasis (mainly affecting the postcranial dermal skeleton). Furthermore, (e) skeletal resorption is often absent from particular sites, due to sparse or lacking endochondral ossification. Based on the mode of skeletal remodelling in early ontogeny of all teleosts and in later stages of development of teleosts with acellular bone we suggest a link between acellular bone and the predominance of mononucleated osteoclasts, on the one hand, and cellular bone and multinucleated osteoclasts on the other. The evolutionary origin of skeletal remodelling is discussed and whether mononucleated osteoclasts represent an ancestral type of resorbing cells. Revealing the differentiation and activation of teleost skeletal resorbing cells, in the absence of several factors that trigger mammalian osteoclast differentiation, is a current challenge. Understanding which characters of teleost bone remodelling are derived and which characters are conserved should enhance our understanding of the process in fish and may provide insights into alternative pathways of bone remodelling in mammals. [source] Technology and innovation in the psychosocial treatment of methamphetamine use, risk and dependenceDRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW, Issue 3 2008FRANCES J. KAY-LAMBKIN Abstract Issues. The dramatic increase in methamphetamine use has led to the urgent need for high-quality, effective treatments and management strategies for methamphetamine use problems to be developed and disseminated. Although some evidence exists for the use of psychological, pharmacological and other approaches to treatment for problematic methamphetamine use, other evidence suggests that many methamphetamine users do not access these treatment options due to a range of individual and service-level barriers. Approach. A review of available research literature was undertaken to identify treatment strategies for methamphetamine users, which overcome the problems associated with treatment access for this important target group and involve technological and other innovative approaches. Key Findings. Several approaches to addressing problematic methamphetamine use have been suggested, including assertive engagement strategies, flexibility in the provision of treatment and retention strategies and use of a multi-focused intervention package, such as stepped care, perhaps including new technologies as alternatives or supplements to face-to-face-delivered treatments. No research currently exists to examine the possible benefit of these strategies for people with methamphetamine use problems. Implications. The use of stepped-care intervention packages has the potential to address many of the current challenges faced by both clinicians and clients in treating methamphetamine use problems. Conclusions. Although promising, these approaches require further attention and research effort, particularly among the specific group of methamphetamine users. [source] From language to reading and dyslexia,DYSLEXIA, Issue 1 2001Margaret J. Snowling Abstract This paper reviews evidence in support of the phonological deficit hypothesis of dyslexia. Findings from two experimental studies suggest that the phonological deficits of dyslexic children and adults cannot be explained in terms of impairments in low-level auditory mechanisms, but reflect higher-level language weaknesses. A study of individual differences in the pattern of reading skills in dyslexic children rejects the notion of ,sub-types'. Instead, the findings suggest that the variation seen in reading processes can be accounted for by differences in the severity of individual children's phonological deficits, modified by compensatory factors including visual memory, perceptual speed and print exposure. Children at genetic risk who go on to be dyslexic come to the task of reading with poorly specified phonological representations in the context of a more general delay in oral language development. Their prognosis (and that of their unaffected siblings) depends upon the balance of strengths and difficulties they show, with better language skills being a protective factor. Taken together, these findings suggest that current challenges to the phonological deficit theory can be met. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis: current challenges and threatsFEMS IMMUNOLOGY & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Amita Jain Abstract Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) is defined as tuberculosis caused by a Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain that is resistant to at least rifampicin and isoniazid among the first-line antitubercular drugs (multidrug-resistant tuberculosis; MDR-TB) in addition to resistance to any fluroquinolones and at least one of three injectable second-line drugs, namely amikacin, kanamycin and/or capreomycin. Recent studies have described XDR-TB strains from all continents. Worldwide prevalence of XDR-TB is estimated to be c. 6.6% in all the studied countries among multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains. The emergence of XDR-TB strains is a reflection of poor tuberculosis management, and controlling its emergence constitutes an urgent global health reality and a challenge to tuberculosis control activities in all parts of the world, especially in developing countries and those lacking resources and as well as in countries with increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS. [source] Prospects for Alkaline Anion-Exchange Membranes in Low Temperature Fuel Cells,FUEL CELLS, Issue 2 2005J. R. Varcoe Abstract This article introduces the radical approach of applying alkaline anion-exchange membranes (AAEMs) to meet the current challenges with regards to direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). A review of the literature is presented with regards to the testing of fuel cells with alkaline membranes (fuelled with hydrogen or methanol) and also to candidate alkaline anion-exchange membranes for such an application. A brief review of the directly related patent literature is also included. Current and future research challenges are identified along with potential strategies to overcome them. Finally, the advantages and challenges with the direct electrochemical oxidation of alternative fuels are discussed, along with how the application of alkaline membranes in such fuel cells may assist in improving performance and fuel efficiency. [source] Challenges and Options for the UK Agri-Environment: Presidential AddressJOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS, Issue 3 2000Martin Whitby After fifteen years of agri-environment policy it is now appropriate to take stock of these policies. This is important because these policies are scheduled to expand in the coming decade, their benefits are likely to continue growing and the demand for benefits is also likely to expand. This paper therefore reviews the current agri-environmental situation, isolating some of the current challenges to the schemes implemented in the UK, and compares main options for their amelioration. Finally it focuses particularly on the "end of contract problem" arising from the weak sustainability of the policy benefits from short-term voluntary contracts. [source] Psychotherapy in Argentina: A clinical case from an integrative perspectiveJOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY, Issue 8 2007Beatriz GómezArticle first published online: 29 JUN 200 The article describes psychotherapy practice in Argentina. It outlines the main features of training and regulation of clinical psychologists. A brief description of the main treatment approaches and the major current challenges is presented. Subsequently it delineates the probable treatment locations and options for a 30-year-old woman, Mrs. A, seeking psychological help in Argentina. The case is then considered from an integrative perspective starting with the intake process, which includes a comprehensive pretreatment assessment followed by the treatment plan. Its course is described as composed of four stages: (1) psychoeducational initial intervention, (2) psychotherapy for symptom alleviation, (3) marital treatment, and (4) psychoeducational final intervention. Posttreatment evaluation and possible outcome and prognosis are presented, as well as factors that might prevent improvment. The article ends with a hopeful view of the future role of psychotherapy in Argentina. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 63: 713,723, 2007. [source] The challenges forensic nurses face when their patient is comatose: Addressing the needs of our most vulnerable patient populationJOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING, Issue 3 2008Jennifer Pierce-Weeks RN, SANE-A, SANE-P Abstract Since 1996, the American Nurses Association has recognized forensic nursing as a formal specialty. Despite this recognition, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners and Emergency Department nurses struggle with incorporating evidence collection into the care they give the unconscious or comatose patient they suspect has been sexually assaulted. Through case example, this article provides an abbreviated review of the circumstances under which these patients present for care, current challenges, and barriers in upholding the standard of forensic nursing care, as well as proposed interventions for the practicing forensic nurse. [source] Factors affecting the next generation of women leaders: Mapping the challenges, antecedents, and consequences of effective leadershipJOURNAL OF LEADERSHIP STUDIES, Issue 2 2009Rene P. McEldowney This article introduces a conceptual model for understanding how young women perceive the current challenges of leadership. Numerous studies and articles claim that women are better educated, more experienced, and better suited for leadership positions than ever before. This news is encouraging, but the number of women in leadership roles in American politics gained less than one percentage point this year, hovering around 22%, while in the private sector many organizations have yet to place a single woman on their board. The proportion of women on corporate boards is 16%, with no evidence that this is likely to grow in the near future. What is even more discouraging is that these low numbers are not significantly higher than those in many developing nations. It is evident that women are underrepresented in top leadership positions and must intensely challenge the status quo. This article presents results of a study based on in-depth interviews with college women who are seeking paths to leadership. The researchers employ qualitative analytical research tools to explore the complexities of the phenomena. The findings bring a greater understanding of the antecedents and consequences that lie beneath the challenges affecting the next generation of women leaders. [source] The mediating effect of burnout on the relationship between structural empowerment and organizational citizenship behavioursJOURNAL OF NURSING MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2010STEPHANIE GILBERT MSc gilbert s., laschinger h.k.s. &leiter m (2010) Journal of Nursing Management18, 339,348 The mediating effect of burnout on the relationship between structural empowerment and organizational citizenship behaviours Aim, We used Kanter's (1977) structural empowerment theory to examine the influence of structural empowerment and emotional exhaustion on healthcare professionals' use of organizational citizenship behaviours directed at the organization (OCBO) and peers (OCBI). Background, Organizational citizenship behaviours (OCB) are discretionary behaviours that are not rewarded directly by the organization but have been linked to positive outcomes, such as increased job satisfaction and lower turnover intentions. Promoting OCB can help employees and organizations flourish despite current challenges in the healthcare system. Structural empowerment may influence the frequency and type of OCB by reducing burnout. Method, We conducted multiple mediated regression analyses to test two hypothesized models about relationships between empowerment, emotional exhaustion and two types of OCB (OCBI and OCBO) in a sample of 897 healthcare professionals in five Canadian hospitals. Results, Emotional exhaustion was found to be a significant mediator of the relationship between empowerment and OCBO. The predicted mediation of the empowerment/OCBI relationship by emotional exhaustion was not supported. Conclusions, Exhaustion was an important mediator of empowering working conditions and OCBO, but was not significantly related to OCBI. Empowerment was significantly related to both OCBO and OCBI. Implications for nursing management, Promoting empowerment among healthcare workers may decrease burnout and promote OCB. Specific managerial strategies are discussed in the present study. [source] Viral peptide immunogens: current challenges and opportunitiesJOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE, Issue 12 2007Ali Azizi Abstract Synthetic peptide vaccines have potential to control viral infections. Successful experimental models using this approach include the protection of mice against the lethal Sendai virus infection by MHC class I binding CTL peptide epitope. The main benefit of vaccination with peptide epitopes is the ability to minimize the amount and complexity of a well-defined antigen. An appropriate peptide immunogen would also decrease the chance of stimulating a response against self-antigens, thereby providing a safer vaccine by avoiding autoimmunity. In general, the peptide vaccine strategy needs to dissect the specificity of antigen processing, the presence of B-and T-cell epitopes and the MHC restriction of the T-cell responses. This article briefly reviews the implications in the design of peptide vaccines and discusses the various approaches that are applied to improve their immunogenicity. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] An analysis of all the relevant facts and arguments indicates that enzyme catalysis does not involve large contributions from nuclear tunnelingJOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2010Shina C. L. Kamerlin Abstract Enzymatic reactions are crucial toward controlling and performing most life processes, and, as such, understanding how they really work has both fundamental and practical importance. Thus, one of the major current challenges of biophysics involves understanding the origin of the enormous catalytic power of enzymes, an issue that is still not widely understood and remains controversial within the scientific community. Several proposals have been put forth to try to explain the origin of enzyme catalysis, one of which is the idea that enzyme catalysis involves special factors such as nuclear quantum mechanical (NQM) effects, and, in particular, nuclear tunneling. Here, we will discuss both the factors for and against this proposition, and demonstrate that an analysis of all the relevant facts and arguments seems to establish that enzyme catalysis does not involve large contributions from nuclear tunneling. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] The constitution and the politics of national identity in SpainNATIONS AND NATIONALISM, Issue 1 2010ENRIC MARTÍNEZ-HERRERA ABSTRACT. The 1978 Spanish Constitution enshrined the recognition of linguistic, cultural, and some degree of ,national' pluralism in the country and outlined procedural mechanisms for the creation of regional ,autonomies', which has given rise to a de facto asymmetrical federal state. This article begins by analyzing the compromise over issues of national identity embedded in the Constitution and the process by which this was forged. It highlights the articulation among political forces of contending conceptions of national identity and different projects for reorganising the territorial structure within and/or against the Spanish state. It also describes the social bases of support for the respective projects. Next, the article examines recent challenges to the parameters of the constitutional compromise. It shows that citizens' support for the basic parameters of the 1978 compromise remains high and has even become stronger. It emphasises that the preferences of the general public stand in sharp contrast with the preferences of influential sections of the Basque and Catalan regional political establishment, and it concludes that current challenges to the constitutional compromise are driven by political elites. [source] GIS and spatial data analysis: Converging perspectivesPAPERS IN REGIONAL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2004Michael F. Goodchild GIS; spatial data analysis; spatial modelling; geostatistics; point processes Abstract. This article identifies some of the important developments in GIS and spatial data analysis since the early 1950s. Although GIS and spatial data analysis started out as two more or less separate areas of research and application, they have grown closer together over time. We argue that the two areas meet in the field of geographic information science, with each supporting and adding value to the other. The article starts off providing a critical retrospective of developments over the past 50 years. Subsequently, we reflect on current challenges and speculate about the future. Finally, we comment on the potential for convergence of developments in GIS and spatial data analysis under the rubric of geographic information science (GIScience). [source] Implementing principles of the integrated control concept 50 years later,current challenges in IPM for arthropod pestsPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 12 2009Steven J Castle No abstract is available for this article. [source] Managing the Challenges of Complex Interdependence: China and the United States in the Era of GlobalizationASIAN POLITICS AND POLICY, Issue 1 2010Quansheng Zhao This article examines the increasing complex interdependence of China and the United State in an era of globalization. Deng Xiaoping's strategy of reform and opening requires a peaceful international environment. The normalization of relations with Washington was critical for China's move toward modernization. As China opens its door wider, Sino-American relations have matured to a much higher level. As the recent Strategic Economic Dialogue between Beijing and Washington indicate, bilateral relations have become truly interdependent. Interdependence creates both sensitivity and vulnerability. Lampton has described U.S.-China relations in terms of "same bed, different dreams" (tongchuang yimeng). Considering the common challenges of global financial crisis and international terrorism, perhaps it is more appropriate to think of China and the United States as strategic partners sailing in the same boat (tongzhou gongji). The complex interdependence between the two countries is particularly critical in an age of global turbulence. This article analyzes the current challenges of China-U.S. relations in the context of turbulent globalization. [source] Biometry and the IBS,Strength through DiversityBIOMETRICS, Issue 1 2009Andrew Mead Summary The International Biometric Society (IBS) brings together members from a diversity of cultural backgrounds, organized into geographically based Regions and National Groups, and covering a diverse range of interests, in terms of both methodological topics and application areas. We briefly reflect on how the historical development of our science, society, and international conferences reflects this diversity, with a focus on the history of the British and Irish Region of the IBS. Then, by considering the cultural/geographical diversity of the society, and the scientific diversity of the society and biometricians, we identify both some strengths of the society (diverse topics for meetings arranged across the world, application of biometrical methods to diverse application areas, management of the society by members from a diversity of backgrounds) and also some current challenges (electronic delivery of journals and other information, the diversity of application areas addressed by members of the society, improving links with the scientific societies of those who motivate our research). Finally, we illustrate the diversity of scientific problems that each of us face in our roles as biometricians. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||