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    2819 research outputs found

    Work-Life Blending: The Concept and Potential for Future Research

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    Theoretical Background: Work-Life Blending refers to the dissolution and permeability of boundaries between work and personal life, leading to an integrated experience across these domains. Despite its growing prevalence, a comprehensive conceptualisation of Work-Life-Blending is lacking. Our study addresses this gap by conducting a systematic review to define and clarify the construct, guided by Clark’s (2000) work/family border theory. Research Question: Our study aimed to identify key factors and dimensions of Work-Life Blending, leading to a holistic conceptualisation. Specifically, our review seeks to answer: What are the key factors and dimensions of Work-Life-Blending, and how can they be integrated into a unified concept and definition? We aim to review the current state of knowledge, define and clarify the concept, and propose a future research agenda. Methodology: Following PRISMA guidelines (Liberati et al., 2009; Moher et al., 2009), we analysed 51 relevant articles from an initial pool of 1,400 references. A systematic review approach was used to synthesise existing literature and identify the main factors and dimensions associated with Work-Life Blending. Findings: Our findings revealed a diverse and multifaceted field, structured using Clark’s (2000) key concepts. This framework provided deeper insights into the complex nature of the topic, highlighting significant diversification in the studies. Discussion and Implications: The study provides a strong foundation for further research on Work-Life Blending. By establishing a classification of key determinants, we offer a comprehensive framework for future studies, e.g., to explore which lifestyle principles can enhance work-life integration and address the challenges of modern work arrangements. References: Clark, S. C. (2000). Work/family border theory: A new theory of work/family balance. Human Relations, 53(6), 747-770. Liberati, A., Altman, D. G., Tetzlaff, J., Mulrow, C., Gøtzsche, P. C., Ioannidis, J. P. & Moher, D. (2009). The PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses of studies that evaluate health care interventions: explanation and elaboration. Journal of clinical epidemiology, 62(10), e1-e34

    Breaking the Standard: Can Oxford Nanopore Technologies Sequencing Compete With Illumina in Protistan Amplicon Studies?

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    ABSTRACT Advancements in sequencing technologies have revolutionized environmental research, leading to a superior understanding of ecosystem functions. In recent years, high-throughput sequencing techniques evolved from short-read Illumina sequencing to long-read Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing. While Illumina still dominates the sequencing market and offers high accuracy with low error rates, it is limited by shorter read lengths. ONT provides much longer reads, allowing for greater taxonomic resolution but at the cost of higher error rates. Since existing comparative amplicon analyses deal almost exclusively with prokaryotes, it is uncertain if ONT can serve as a reliable alternative to Illumina regarding protistic metabarcoding approaches. Therefore, this study focuses on comparing error rates, taxonomic classification accuracy, and the community composition of sequences obtained from Illumina and ONT sequencing of the 18S V9 rRNA gene region as well as the full-length 18S rRNA gene from sediment samples. In addition, the applicability of the recently updated Natrix2 amplicon processing pipeline for both sequencing approaches was evaluated. While higher error rates were observed for ONT reads, especially for short reads, the full-length ONT 18S sequences achieved greater taxonomic classification accuracy down to the species level. Illumina V9 sequencing, by contrast, provided reliable classification only down to the phylum level. An analysis of community compositions revealed significant taxonomic differences between the sequencing approaches, with ONT identifying more subtle responses of species to external influences. Nevertheless, the basic community patterns were detectable with all sequencing approaches. To conclude, this study showed for the first time that particularly full-length 18S ONT sequencing can serve as a reliable alternative to Illumina V9 sequencing for protist analysis and may even outperform Illumina depending on the specific research objectives

    Demonstrating Surface and Plasma Chemistry with a Nonthermal Atmospheric Plasma

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    Abstract A low-cost plasma nozzle/setup was developed to allow demonstrations, and it invites hands-on experimentation with nonthermal plasmas of air and other gases. Several high-tech plasma applications, such as surface cleaning and activation, as well as mild but effective sterilization, will be explained and adapted to be eagerly explored by undergraduate and senior high school students. The results were surprisingly similar to those obtained with a commercial plasma treatment system. While the focus is on the experimental introduction to plasma physics and chemistry, it will be highlighted how a multidisciplinary approach enables the study and discussion of important concepts ranging from surface energies and contact angles to environmental or microbiological control

    Processing and Evaluation of an Aluminum Matrix Composite Material

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    Abstract This study signifies the development and characterization of a composite material with a metallic matrix of aluminum reinforced with a steel mesh, utilizing centrifugal casting technology. An evaluation was conducted to ascertain the influence of the formulation process and the presence of the insert on the mechanical behavior with regard to tensile strength. The aluminum matrix was obtained from commercial and scrap alloys, elaborated by advanced methods of degassing and chemical modification. Meanwhile, the steel mesh reinforcement was cleaned, copper plated, and preheated to optimize wetting and, consequently, adhesion. The structural characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses (EDX), which highlighted a well-defined interface and uniform copper distribution. The composite was produced by means of horizontal-axis centrifugal casting in a fiberglass mold, followed by cold rolling to obtain flat specimens. A total of eight tensile specimens were examined, with measured ultimate tensile strengths ranging from 78.5 to 119.8 (MPa). A thorough examination of the fractured specimens revealed a brittle fracture mechanism, devoid of substantial plastic deformation. The onset of failures was frequently observed at the interface between the aluminum matrix and the steel mesh. The use of SEM and EDX investigations led to the confirmation of the uniformity of the copper coating and the absence of significant porosity or interfacial defects. A bimodal distribution of tensile strength values was observed, a phenomenon that is likely attributable to variations in mesh positioning and local differences in solidification. A correlation was established between the experimental results and an analytical polynomial model, thereby confirming a reasonable fit. In sum, the present study provides a substantial foundation for the development of metal matrix composites with enhanced performance, specifically designed for challenging structural applications. This method also demonstrates potential for recycling aluminum scrap into high-performance composites with controlled microstructure and mechanical integrity

    Shadows and spotlights: A postfeminist analysis of women innovators’ experiences with (in)visibility

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    Contrary to the notion that innovation is a universally accessible and meritocratic endeavor, concerns persist over not only women innovators’ numerical underrepresentation but also their (in)visibility. Studying innovation as a social context structured by power, we focus on 18 women innovators in innovation-driving environments. While these women appear to symbolize gender equality and embody contemporary postfeminist ideals of individualism, choice, and empowerment, many have simultaneously experienced (in)visibility and navigated unequal power structures throughout their careers. We investigate how these (in)visibility experiences are reconciled with the promises of postfeminism, exploring how postfeminist ideals are interpreted and negotiated by them to make sense of their own (in)visibility. While (in)visibility has traditionally been theorized in relation to norms and gendered power structures, our findings reveal how postfeminist discourses reframe visibility as an individualized, moralized imperative rooted in self-responsibility. Through this lens, we identify four postfeminist sense-making approaches: meritocratic visibility (embodying postfeminist ideologies), retraditionalized visibility (conforming to femininity), self-disciplined visibility (adapting to gender inequality), and collective-oriented visibility (challenging the status quo). These sense-making approaches highlight the various ways in which postfeminist sensibilities shape subjective experiences, often masking structural inequalities and allowing these to persist in contexts that claim to promote equal opportunities, such as the innovation environment. We point to the need for collective rather than individualized action for structural transformation

    Leaders’ Psychological Costs and Benefits of Servant Leadership: A Conservation of Resources View

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    Servant leadership is widely recognized for its positive effects on followers, but its impact on leaders' mental health remains understudied. This gap is crucial, as servant leadership might place significant demands on leaders' psychological resources, without sufficient social, psychological, or organizational rewards. Drawing on the Conservation of Resources Theory (COR), we investigate how and when servant leadership affects leaders' mental health, viewing its role not only as resource-depleting but also as resource-generating for leaders, depending on the organizational context. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted using leader self-assessments (N = 101; N = 170). Study 1 focused on the relationship between servant leadership, experienced meaningfulness, emotional exhaustion, and flourishing, emphasizing the resource-generating potential of servant leadership. Study 2, examined the moderating effect of the distributive justice climate (DJC) on the link between servant leadership and emotional exhaustion, exploring the possibility of resource depletion under conditions of low organizational fairness. Results. In Study 1, servant leadership was found to mitigate emotional exhaustion by enhancing experienced meaningfulness at work. Moreover, it fostered leaders' flourishing through the same mechanism, suggesting that servant leadership can be a source of leaders’ well-being. Study 2 demonstrated that DJC moderates the servant leadership–emotional exhaustion relationship. Specifically, when DJC is low, servant leaders are more susceptible to emotional exhaustion, indicating that unfair organizational climates can exacerbate the resource-depleting aspects of servant leadership. Servant leadership has the potential to both reduce and exacerbate emotional exhaustion in leaders. While it generates psychological resources like experienced meaningfulness, which enhances well-being, its effectiveness is influenced by the organizational context. In unjust environments, servant leadership's emotional demands may lead to resource depletion. These findings are in line with COR and highlight the complex impact of servant leadership on the well-being of leaders. Limitations remain to issues of causality

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