43 research outputs found
Exploring Social Exchange Theory (SET): The Effects of Internal Communication between Select Staff and Managers at Yale University
No full textThis qualitative study explores the impact of internal communication on employee engagement and productivity between a select group of non-academic staff and managers at Yale University, using Social Exchange Theory (SET) as a theoretical framework. SET posits that interpersonal relationships are shaped by the exchange of resources, both tangible and intangible. While SET has been widely applied in organizational studies, there is limited research on its application within higher education, particularly concerning how communication dynamics influence employee engagement and productivity. This study seeks to contribute to the academic literature by examining the communication practices between a select group of non-academic staff and managers at Yale University, focusing on how internal communication channels and interpersonal interactions foster or hinder reciprocal relationships.
Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a select group of non-academic university staff and managers, providing insights into communication patterns and perceived rewards and costs within the working relationship. The findings highlight the significant role of effective communication in promoting employee engagement, trust, and productivity. This study contributes to the broader understanding of SET in academic workplaces and offers practical recommendations for higher education administrators aiming to enhance organizational communication strategies
Perceived stress may mediate the relationship between antenatal depressive symptoms and preterm birth: A pilot observational cohort study
No full textBackground
Screening for changes in pregnancy-related anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy may further our understanding of the relationship between these two variables and preterm birth.
Objectives
To determine whether changes in pregnancy-related anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy influence the risk of preterm birth among Pakistani women; explore whether perceived stress moderates or mediates this relationship, and examine the relationship between the various components of pregnancy-related anxiety and preterm birth.
Methods
A prospective cohort study design was used to recruit a diverse sample of 300 low-risk pregnant women from four centers of Aga Khan Hospital for Women and Children in Karachi, Pakistan. Changes in pregnancy-related anxiety and depressive symptoms during pregnancy were tested. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine a predictive model for preterm birth. We then determined if the influence of perceived stress could moderate or mediate the effect of depressive symptoms on preterm birth.
Results
Changes in pregnancy-related anxiety (OR = 1.1, CI 0.97–1.17, p = 0.167) and depressive symptoms (OR = 0.9, CI 0.85–1.03, p = 0.179) were insignificant as predictors of preterm birth after adjusting for the effects of maternal education and family type. When perceived stress was added into the model, we found that changes in depressive symptoms became marginally significant after adjusting for covariates (OR = 0.9, CI 0.82–1.01, p = 0.082). After adjusting for the mediation effect of change in perceived stress, the effect of change in depressive symptoms on preterm birth were marginally significant after adjusting for covariates. Among six different dimensions of pregnancy-related anxiety, mother’s concerns about fetal health showed a trend towards being predictive of preterm birth (OR = 1.3, CI 0.97–1.72, p = 0.078).
Conclusions
There may be a relationship between perceived stress and antenatal depressive symptoms and preterm birth. This is the first study of its kind to be conducted in Pakistan. Further research is required to validate these resultsarticl
ACR appropriateness criteria jaundice
No full textFull author list omitted for brevity. For the full list of authors, see article.A fundamental consideration in the workup of a jaundiced patient is the pretest probability of mechanical obstruction. Ultrasound is the first-line modality to exclude biliary tract obstruction. When mechanical obstruction is present, additional imaging with CT or MRI can clarify etiology, define level of obstruction, stage disease, and guide intervention. When mechanical obstruction is absent, additional imaging can evaluate liver parenchyma for fat and iron deposition and help direct biopsy in cases where underlying parenchymal disease or mass is found. Imaging techniques are reviewed for the following clinical scenarios: (1) the patient with painful jaundice, (2) the patient with painless jaundice, and (3) the patient with a nonmechanical cause for jaundice. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In those instances where evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion may be used to recommend imaging or treatment. rights reserved
New data on the fatigue and ultimate limit state of grouted tubular joints
No full textThis paper was selected for presentation by the OTC Program Committee following review of information contatned in an abstract submitted by the author(sl. Contents of the paper as presented, have not been revuewed by the Offshore Technology Conference and are subject to correction by the authorlsl. The material, as presente& does not necessarily reflect any position of the Offshore Technology Conference or uts officers. Permussuon to copy us restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words. Illustrations may not be copued. The abstract should contain consptcuous acknowledgement of where and bv vvhom the paper was presente
Equifax: Understanding Its Actions through Situational Crisis Communication Theory
No full textabstract: The Equifax data breach took place in 2017 and was the largest data breach of its time. The breach affected 143 million individuals and caused large amounts of confidential and sensitive data, such as credit cards, birthdays, addresses, and social security numbers to be stolen (Brinkley-Badgett, 2018). This paper will closely analyze the Equifax data breach. Specifically, Equifax’s background, crisis history, and breach timeline will be broken down. These three components are all important when it comes to understanding Equifax’s actions. Timothy Coombs is a founder of Situational Crisis Communication Theory, and his interpretation of the theory will be used as a framework for this paper. Both his book, Ongoing Crisis Communication and article, Protecting Organization Reputations During a Crisis: The Development and Application of Situational Crisis Communication Theory, will be heavily referenced. Using Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT) as a framework, these components will be assessed and categorized. “SCCT provides a mechanism for anticipating how stakeholders will react to a crisis in terms of the reputational threat posed by the crisis” (Coombs, 2007). By identifying the crisis type and crisis response strategies, Equifax’s actions will be analyzed and measured. The size, timeline, and media response will help identify what type of crisis Equifax falls into, and why their actions caused them to be categorized so. After analyzing the Equifax data breach, two other breaches will be analyzed and compared. The comparison of Equifax to Capital One and Home Depot, will help determine how Equifax could have been more effective through crisis response strategies. Capital One and Home Depot are two data breaches that were able to implement “effective” uses of crisis management and meet consumer expectations. Through the comparative analysis, recommendations as to what Equifax could have done differently will be made. The comparisons of their crisis type, actions, and response strategies will help shape recommendations for Equifax’s past crisis
In vivo functions of myeloid cell TRAF3
No full textTumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) is a member of the TRAF family of cytoplasmic adaptor proteins that is ubiquitously expressed in various cell types of the immune system. It is shared for signaling by a variety of adaptive and innate immune receptors as well as cytokine receptors. Previous studies examining conditional TRAF3-deficient mouse models that have the traf3 gene specifically deleted in B lymphocytes or T lymphocytes have revealed the diverse and critical in vivo functions of TRAF3 in adaptive immunity. Although in vitro evidence points to a pivotal and indispensable role for TRAF3 in type I interferon production induced by pattern recognition receptors in macrophages and dendritic cells, the in vivo functions of TRAF3 in myeloid cells had long remained unclear. My dissertation research has addressed this gap in knowledge by generating and characterizing myeloid cell-specific TRAF3-deficient (M-TRAF3-/-) mouse model, which allowed us to gain insights into the in vivo functions of TRAF3 in myeloid cells. We found that TRAF3 ablation did not affect the maturation or homeostasis of myeloid cells in young adult mice, even though TRAF3-deficient macrophages and neutrophils exhibited constitutive NF-B2 activation. However, in response to injections with LPS (a bacterial mimic) or polyI:C (a viral mimic), M-TRAF3 /- mice exhibited an altered profile of cytokine production. M-TRAF3 /- mice immunized with T cell-independent (TI) and -dependent (TD) antigens displayed elevated TI IgG3 as well as TD IgG2b responses. Interestingly, 15-22 months old M-TRAF3-/- mice spontaneously developed chronic inflammation and tumors including TRAF3-sufficient B lymphoma and hepatocellular adenoma and TRAF3-deficient histiocytic sarcoma. Moreover, diseased M-TRAF3 /- mice displayed expanded population of myeloid derived suppressor cells that were highly immunosuppressive and blocked the proliferation of CD8 T cells in vitro. To further investigate the role of TRAF3 in MDSC physiology, we developed a new chronic inflammatory model in young adult M-TRAF3-/- mice using repeated injections of heat-killed BCG. Our results obtained from this model established TRAF3 as a suppressor of MDSC expansion and showed that chronic inflammation led to greater de novo synthesis of MDSC in the spleen of M-TRAF3-/- mice as compared to littermate control mice. In addition, characterization of B lymphomas spontaneously developed in aging M-TRAF3 /- mice confirmed their germinal center or post-germinal center origin as they displayed somatic hypermutations and had undergone Ig isotype switching. Interestingly, we discovered reactivation of endogenous retroviruses in these B lymphomas. Furthermore, we found that antibiotic treatment of mice prevents chronic inflammation and B lymphoma development in aging M-TRAF3-/- mice, indicating the requirement of commensal bacteria for the development of chronic inflammation and B lymphomas in these mice. Importantly however, antibiotic treatment did not affect the development of histiocytic sarcomas in aging M-TRAF3-/- mice, demonstrating a cell intrinsic role of TRAF3 in suppressing the oncogenesis of this tumor type. Taken together, the results from my dissertation research has established myeloid cell TRAF3 as a critical regulator of innate immune responses and a potent inhibitor of chronic inflammation, MDSC expansion and tumor development. Our findings suggest that restoration of TRAF3 signaling pathways in myeloid cells could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of a variety of human diseases, including chronic inflammatory diseases, chronic infectious diseases and cancers.Ph.D.Includes bibliographical referencesby Almin Iqbalali Lalan
Return to work with chronic pain: employers' and employees' views
No full textThis conference papers given to the Society of Occupational Medicine's Annual Scientific Meeting discusses tensions and some possible ameliorating activities from our 2013 paper of the same name., published in their journal: Wainwright, E., Wainwright, D., Keogh, E. and Eccleston, C. Return to work with chronic pain: employers’ and employees’ views. Occupational Medicine 2013: doi:0.1093/occmed/kqt109. The conference homepage is here;http://www.som-asm.org.uk/Programme_SOM_ASM.aspAbstractBackgroundThe sickness certification and return to work (RTW) of people with chronic pain are important health and economic issues for employees, employers, taxpayers and the UK government. The ‘fit note’ and a national educational programme promoting RTW were introduced in 2010 to curb rising rates of sickness absence. AimsTo investigate employers’ and employees’ experiences of managing RTW when someone has taken sick leave for chronic pain, and to explore the perceived efficacy of the fit note.MethodsA qualitative study, comprising semi-structured interviews with employers who had managed sick leave cases and employees who had experienced sick leave for chronic pain. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and the data analysed using constructivist grounded theory principles.ResultsFive themes were elicited. Firstly, frequent enquiry after health status was seen as intrusive by some employees but part of good practice by employers and acknowledging this difference was useful. Secondly, being able to trust employees due to their performance track record was helpful for employers when dealing with complex chronic pain conditions. Thirdly, feeling valued increased employees’ motivation to return to work. Fourthly, guidelines about maintaining contact with absent employees were useful if used flexibly. Finally, both parties valued the fit note for its positive language, interrogative format and biomedical authority. ConclusionsThe fit note was perceived to be helpful if used in combination with other strategies for managing sick leave and RTW for people with chronic pain. These strategies may be applicable to other fluctuating, long-term conditions with medically unexplained elements. <br/
Clinical outcomes and costs among patients with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and orthopedic device infections
No full textWe evaluated costs and outcomes of patients with S. aureus bacteremia and orthopedic device infections (ODI). Patients with ODI had higher relapse of S. aureus infection, compared to bacteremic patients without ODI. Costs and outcomes were similar among ODI patients undergoing device removal and those treated with debridement and retention.Barberan J, 2006, AM J MED, V119; Barberan J, 2006, CLIN MICROBIOL INFEC, V12, P93, DOI 10.1111-j.1469-0691.2006.01400.x; Chu Vivian H, 2005, Am J Med, V118, P1416; DRANCOURT M, 1993, ANTIMICROB AGENTS CH, V37, P1214; Kowalski TJ, 2007, CLIN INFECT DIS, V44, P913, DOI 10.1086-512194; Lee J, 2006, J BONE JOINT SURG AM, V88A, P1705, DOI 10.2106-JBJS.E.01156; Marculescu CE, 2006, CLIN INFECT DIS, V42, P471, DOI 10.1086-499234; Murdoch DR, 2001, CLIN INFECT DIS, V32, P647, DOI 10.1086-318704; Zimmerli W, 2004, NEW ENGL J MED, V351, P1645, DOI 10.1056-NEJMra040181; Zimmerli W, 1998, JAMA-J AM MED ASSOC, V279, P1537, DOI 10.1001-jama.279.19.153715121
Spirituality and mental health-applying SOPHIE as a therapeutic reflexive tool
No full textOntological explorations into the personal sense of “being and becoming” are key for learning and practicing person-centered care. It allows practitioners to engage with philosophical reasoning associated with the meaning to self and others. Humanistic psychological perspectives based on existential approaches are also effective in articulating an understanding of the purpose and meaning in life to promote resilience and post-traumatic growth. However, incorporating spirituality, developing spiritual care competencies, and integrating transformative ontological perspectives into healthcare education and practices remains challenging. Recognizing the centrality of ontological development to this area, the author has developed a reflective framework for mental health practitioners and educators about spirituality, which also addresses existential and cultural issues within a broadly humanistic framework: Self-exploration through Ontological, Phenomenological, Humanistic, Ideological, and Existential Expressions (SOPHIE). This paper presents case studies showcasing SOPHIE's application in diverse global contexts, where participants across different community settings found it helpful in addressing and reflecting upon their existential and spiritual care needs. Participants reported a personal sense of hope and loss through meaning making using art and blog writing as narrative inquiry methods to develop reflexivity. An integrated and spiritually competent holistic care approach is highly recommended to embrace transformative care philosophies in education and professional practices
Daptomycin compared to standard therapy for the treatment of native valve endocarditis
No full textIntroduction: In a recent randomized trial of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and native valve endocarditis, daptomycin was found not inferior to standard therapy. We summarized findings in the subgroup of patients with endocarditis according to the Duke criteria. Methods: Patients were randomly assigned to receive daptomycin 6 mg-kg-day or standard therapy (vancomycin 1 g every 12 h or antistaphylococcal penicillin 2 g every 4 h, both with gentamicin 1 mg-kg every 8 h for the first 4 days). The primary end point was success in the modified intent-to-treat population 6 weeks after the end of therapy. Results: Fifty-three patients were included: 35 with right-sided endocarditis (RIE) and 18 with left-sided endocarditis (LIE). The success rates in patients with RIE were similar between daptomycin and the comparator (42percent vs 44percent). Patients with RIE with septic pulmonary infarcts responded similarly to treatment with daptomycin and standard therapy (60percent vs 67percent). In the LIE population, treatment success rates were poor in both arms (11percent vs 22percent). Conclusion: Daptomycin is an efficacious and well-tolerated alternative to standard therapy in the treatment of RIE. Patients with LIE had a poor outcome regardless of the treatment received. Daptomycin is also effective in treating endocarditis with septic pulmonary infarcts. © 2009 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.Aksoy O, 2007, CLIN INFECT DIS, V44, P364, DOI 10.1086-510583; Arbeit RD, 2004, CLIN INFECT DIS, V38, P1673, DOI 10.1086-420818; Cabell CH, 2004, AM HEART J, V147, P582, DOI 10.1016-j.ahj.2003.06.005; Campbell SJ, 2008, J CLIN MICROBIOL, V46, P678, DOI 10.1128-JCM.01822-07; Critchley IA, 2003, J ANTIMICROB CHEMOTH, V51, P639, DOI 10.1093-jac-dkg130; Darouiche RO, 2004, NEW ENGL J MED, V350, P1422, DOI 10.1056-NEJMra035415; Fowler VG, 2006, NEW ENGL J MED, V355, P653, DOI 10.1056-NEJMoa053783; Fowler VG, 2005, JAMA-J AM MED ASSOC, V293, P3012, DOI 10.1001-jama.293.24.3012; Giamarellou H, 2002, J HOSP INFECT, V50, P91, DOI 10.1053-jhin.2001.1144; Hasbun R, 2003, JAMA-J AM MED ASSOC, V289, P1933, DOI 10.1001-jama.289.15.1933; Hsu RB, 2005, INFECT CONT HOSP EP, V26, P654, DOI 10.1086-502597; KORZENIOWSKI O, 1982, ANN INTERN MED, V97, P496; Lagakos SW, 2006, NEW ENGL J MED, V354, P1667, DOI 10.1056-NEJMp068070; Li JS, 2000, CLIN INFECT DIS, V30, P633, DOI 10.1086-313753; Lutz Larissa, 2003, Braz J Infect Dis, V7, P224, DOI 10.1590-S1413-86702003000300008; MATHEW J, 1995, CHEST, V108, P73, DOI 10.1378-chest.108.1.73; MATHEW J, 1995, ARCH INTERN MED, V155, P1641, DOI 10.1001-archinte.155.15.1641; Miro JM, 2005, CLIN INFECT DIS, V41, P507, DOI 10.1086-431979; Moise PA, 2000, INT J ANTIMICROB AG, V16, pS31; MORTARA LA, 1993, INFECT DIS CLIN N AM, V7, P53; Mouly S, 2002, J INFECTION, V45, P246, DOI 10.1053-jinf.2002.1058; Naimi TS, 2003, JAMA-J AM MED ASSOC, V290, P2976, DOI 10.1001-jama.290.22.2976; Ribera E, 1996, ANN INTERN MED, V125, P969; Sakoulas G, 2004, J CLIN MICROBIOL, V42, P2398, DOI 10.1128-JCM.42.6.2398-2402.2004; Silverman JA, 2005, J INFECT DIS, V191, P2149, DOI 10.1086-430352; TERPENNING MS, 1988, ARCH INTERN MED, V148, P1601, DOI 10.1001-archinte.148.7.1601; Wang GQ, 2006, J CLIN MICROBIOL, V44, P3883, DOI 10.1128-JCM.01388-06; Wisplinghoff H, 2004, CLIN INFECT DIS, V39, P309, DOI 10.1086-421946116
