Individual Roles Research Articles

Mechanisms of Organizational Imprinting: From Entrepreneur to Organization

Entrepreneurs can have a long-lasting impact on organizations they found, despite significant changes in the environment. Imprinting theory offers an explanation for this. Yet, knowledge of how imprinting occurs is still limited. Scholars have therefore called for more attention to processes and micro-level theories of imprinting, including the role of individuals. I therefore ask, how do entrepreneurs imprint organizations? Drawing on material from company archives, I conducted a longitudinal, historical case study of Zeiss, a German manufacturer of optical instruments, covering the period 1846–1990. I show how individual blueprints of the founder and his business partner were translated into persistent features of the organization through early decisions, teaching, role modeling, and formalized rules, which left structural, behavioral, and product imprints. The article extends theory on imprinting by shedding light on blueprints as sources of imprints, the multiple mechanisms by which individuals persistently shape core features of an organization, and the multiple organizational dimensions on which imprints are left.

Exploring the Relationship Between Fear of Positive Evaluation and Social Anxiety: Mediating Role of Self-Focus.

Recent studies have shown that fear of positive evaluation (FPE) is closely associated with social anxiety. However, studies examining the unique role of FPE and investigating the nature of the relationship between FPE and social anxiety are limited. This article presents two studies to address this gap. The first study (N = 314) examines the individual role of FPE on social anxiety while controlling for fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and maladaptive cognitions. The second study (N = 342) investigates the mediating role of self-focused attention in the relationship between FPE and social anxiety. Results of Study 1 demonstrated that FPE explains additional variances in social anxiety above and beyond FNE and maladaptive cognitions. Study 2 found that self-focus mediates the relationship between FPE and social anxiety when FNE is controlled. The current findings highlight the critical role of FPE on social anxiety and provide valuable information on how FPE contributes to social anxiety.

Selective Hydroformylation of 1,3-Butadiene to Adipic Aldehyde Enabled by a Ligand-Relay Catalysis.

The hydroformylation of 1,3-butadiene for the selective synthesis of adipic aldehyde (AA) has been a long-standing challenge due to its intricate reaction network, resulting in low reaction efficiency and poor chemo- and regioselectivity. Herein, we propose a dual ligand-relay catalysis strategy for the selective hydroformylation of 1,3-butadiene to an AA. This strategy entails a one-pot and two-step process, commencing with a Rh-catalyzed 1,3-butadiene hydroformylation, followed by Rh-catalyzed isomerizing hydroformylation. The reaction is facilitated by using two distinct biphosphites as auxiliary ligands, each with a specific individual role in the process. Remarkably, an unprecedented chemo- and regioselectivity of up to 65.9% toward AA was achieved with complete conversion of 1,3-butadiene, marking the highest value compared to the previous state-of-the-art catalyst systems thus far. Furthermore, the process also produced a 26.5% selectivity for n-valeraldehyde as the major byproduct, a key compound of industrial importance. This study therefore represents a significant advancement in the hydroformylation of 1,3-butadiene, showcasing the potential of this ligand-relay catalysis strategy for improving selectivity in the reaction.

Spatial Correlation Network Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Industrial Carbon Emission Efficiency of Cities in Pearl River Basin

China has experienced rapid development of urbanization and industrialization, and urban industrial carbon reduction has become the key to green and sustainable development. Exploring urban industrial carbon emissions and its spatial correlation characteristics is of great importance for promoting collaborative cooperation between cities and achieving the "dual carbon" goal. Considering 49 cities in the Pearl River Basin as research objects, the super slacks-based measure model was used to measure the urban industrial carbon emission efficiency from 2010 to 2020, and exploratory spatiotemporal data analysis was used to explore its spatial pattern. On this basis, we used social network analysis and quadratic assignment procedure （QAP） methods to explore the spatial correlation network characteristics and influencing factors of urban industrial carbon emission efficiency. The results indicated that the industrial carbon emission efficiency of the Pearl River Basin showed a downward trend. Additionally, a strong spatial imbalance and heterogeneity was observed. The Pearl River Delta Region always dominated the spatial correlation network of carbon emission efficiency, forming a multi-level composite network system with the core network as the primary component and the conventional network as the auxiliary component. Economically developed cities, such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Dongguan have long been in the center of the network and have extensive connections with other cities, while playing an intermediary role. The level of urbanization, science and technology, and industrialization have an increasingly significant positive impact on the strength of the connection between urban industrial carbon emission networks. The Pearl River Basin industrial carbon emission efficiency network has significant individual differences and hierarchical characteristics. According to the individual centrality, network role, and clustering characteristics, combined with the corresponding influencing factors, the Pearl River Basin urban collaborative carbon emission reduction strategy was formulated. This study can provide reference for the formulation and implementation of regional low-carbon collaborative development strategies.

Neglecting Transparency in the Qur'an Recitation Test for Legislative Candidates in Aceh

This research examines the neglect of the principle of transparency in Qur'an literacy tests for legislative candidates in Aceh, which has hindered voters from making informed decisions. It explores two key questions: What forms does the neglect of transparency take in the Qur'an literacy test for legislative candidates in Aceh? And what are the causes and impacts of this neglect? The findings reveal that the neglect of transparency occurs in two primary forms: first, the establishment of subjective score standards, and second, the refusal of the Independent Electoral Commission (KIP) Aceh to publicly announce the test results. This issue arises from the absence of regulatory mechanisms that would require KIP Aceh to disclose the test outcomes and from the closed process by which the score standards are determined in collaboration with the Qur'an Reading Test Team. The impact of this neglect is the limited public access to vital information needed to elect legislators with religious competence, a quality of significant importance in Aceh, where religious knowledge plays a key role in qualifying individuals for public office.

Predictors of attachment in early- and late-placed adoptees

Although early experiences with primary caregivers have been recognised to play a significant role in individuals’ attachment relationships, little is known about adoptees’ attachment trajectories once placed within their respective adoptive families. This study aims to address this by investigating how attachment representations might be explained by early predictors including childhood attachment representations and other pertinent pre-placement variables. In early childhood, the Story Stem Assessment Profile (SSAP) is used to capture these representations, whilst in adolescence, an attachment-orientated interview (Friends and Family Interview; FFI) is employed. The sample here consisted of 35 early adoptees, placed before 12 months of age, and 35 maltreated, late-adoptees, placed between four and nine years old. Regression models were statistically significant for three out of four FFI constructs ( Security, Disorganisation, Coherence), though most of these effects were driven by IQ. When exploring the late adoptees alone, all regression models were significant in explaining variance in adolescent attachment, with SSAP Defensive Avoidance and Abuse as the strongest predictors. When examining the early adoptees alone, only two models were statistically significant, with most of these effects from IQ. These findings add to current knowledge on the role of childhood variables in predicting attachment and suggest potential areas to improve adoptees’ outcomes.

Alasan dan Implikasi Penilaian Ulama’ Hadis Terhadap Pendongeng (Al-Quṣṣās) serta Orang Soleh (Al-Ṣālihīn)

The storytellers (quṣṣāṣ) and righteous individuals (al-Ṣāliḥīn) are among those who frequently narrate hadiths, but Nawawi in the introduction of Sahih Muslim doubts the authenticity of their narrations, as they are considered to often fabricate hadiths. Therefore, this article will attempt to answer how the criteria for storytellers (quṣṣāṣ) and righteous individuals (al-Shalihin) are viewed by hadith scholars and the implications of both on hadith criticism. Through literature review, whether through classical texts, journals, or relevant books on the topic, the author found that there are two typologies of storytellers: the official storytellers (al-qussas al-rasmi) and the unofficial storytellers (al-qussas tatahwwu’i syakhsyi). Meanwhile, the role of the righteous individuals (al-Ṣāliḥīn) here is portrayed as spreading the fabrications of the storytellers (al-Quṣṣāṣ).

Tideglusib Enhances ALP Activity and Upregulates RANKL Expression in Osteoblast-Macrophage Co-Cultures within a 3D Collagen Scaffold.

Tideglusib (Tx) is known for its osteogenic potential, yet its effects on the interplay between osteoblasts and M1 macrophages remain underexplored. This in vitro study aimed to isolate and evaluate both the individual and combined roles of M1 macrophages and osteoblasts in macrophage differentiation and osteoblast function, specifically focusing on how these interactions influence protein expression of osteogenesis and osteoclastogenesis in the presence or absence of Tx. Osteoblast and macrophage cells were co-cultured in direct contact for 24 and 48 h, with or without the presence of Tx. ALP activity, the expression of inflammatory-related genes using RT-qPCR, and histological analyses were performed. Co-culturing osteoblasts and M1 macrophages with Tx increased alkaline phosphatase production, indicative of enhanced osteoblast activity. Histological assessments revealed that Tx treatment contributed to the stability and maintenance of cell morphology within the scaffold, suggesting a supportive environment for cell viability and function. Tx significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory markers, such as TNF-α and IL-1β, in the co-culture at both 24 and 48 h. Tx also effectively inhibited osteoclastogenic differentiation in macrophages, thereby diminishing their pro-inflammatory phenotype. Tx increased ALP activity and produced a significant up-regulation of RANKL expression, indicating enhanced osteoblast differentiation and osteoclast activation. Tx mitigates macrophage-driven inflammation. Tx may enhance bone regeneration by modulating inflammatory responses and preserving cell integrity.

Collective effect of self-learning and social learning on language dynamics: a naming game approach in social networks.

Linguistic rules form the cornerstone of human communication, enabling people to understand and interact with one another effectively. However, there are always irregular exceptions to regular rules, with one of the most notable being the past tense of verbs in English. In this work, a naming game approach is developed to investigate the collective effect of social behaviours on language dynamics, which encompasses social learning, self-learning with preference and forgetting due to memory constraints. Two features that pertain to individuals' influential ability and affinity are introduced to assess an individual's role of social influence and discount the information they communicate in the Bayesian inference-based social learning model. Our findings suggest that network heterogeneity and community structure significantly impact language dynamics, as evidenced in synthetic and real-world networks. Furthermore, self-learning significantly enhances the process of language regularization, while forgetting has a relatively minor impact. The results highlight the substantial influence of network structure and social behaviours on the transition of opinions, from consensus to polarization, demonstrating its importance in language dynamics. This work sheds new light on how individual learners adopt language rules through the lenses of complexity science and decision science, advancing our understanding of language dynamics.

Postpartum Women's Perceptions of the Concept of Motherhood: A Metaphorical Study

Objective: The aim of this research is to discover postnatal women's conceptions of 'becoming a mother' using metaphors. Methods: The study was conducted using the phenomenological design, which is one of the qualitative research methods. The study's data were collected between 31 March 2023 and 29 June 2023 by utilizing a personal information form as well as a semi-structured interview form with 88 women living in Konya province, between 4-12 months postpartum, who voluntarily participated in the study. Each participant was asked to complete the sentence's blanks 'Being a mum.........because it's similar'. The data were analysed using qualitative (content analysis) and quantitative research methods. Ethics committee permission was obtained to conduct the research. Results: When the participants' sociodemographic data were investigated, it was discovered that the average age was 28.28±4.93, 40.9% were university graduates or above, 75% lived in the provincial centre, 71.6% has a medium income, and 60.2% had a cesarean section. The participants were found to have produced 65 analogies pertaining to the idea of "motherhood." 86.15% of the metaphors associated with the idea of motherhood were found to be conceptualized as opinions. Conclusions: It shows that women in the postpartum period perceive the role of motherhood as a social and individual role positively. It is suggestion that nurses and midwives should support and contribute to the development of women's maternal role.

A PROPOSED CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK OF PHILANTHROPIC BEHAVIOUR WITHIN THE ISLAMIC CONTEXT

Research on philanthropic behaviour has identified several key factors that motivate individuals to contribute. For Muslims, the belief that good deeds and contributions will be rewarded in the hereafter serves as a significant motivator. In essence, religiosity plays a crucial role in encouraging individuals to act benevolently. A study conducted by Hanudin Amin (2016) associated giving behaviour with the feelings of blessing which is interconnected with religion. While Ibrahim Sulaiman Alhidari (2013) asserted that philanthropic behaviour is significantly correlated and affected by other variables. This study aimed at proposing three theories to define the scope of philanthropic behaviour among alumni, namely the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Expectancy Theory and Investment Model. From the theories proposed, 16 variables and 15 hypotheses have been deduced. Other than that, this paper also discussed the Islamic view of intention, motivation and commitment, which were the mediating variables in the conceptual framework proposed.

”It’s like being chained up“: the oral mucositis experiences of children and young people with cancer, their parents, and healthcare professionals– a qualitative study

ObjectiveThe objective is to explore the experiences of children and young people (CYP) with cancer, their parents, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in their care of oral mucositis.DesignA qualitative study...

How individuals apply and perceive sunscreen: Empirical evidence from Germany.

This study explores how individuals in Germany use and perceive sunscreen, aiming to identify the factors that influence their sunscreen choices. The research focuses on key elements such as convenience, environmental awareness, openness to new technologies, and preferences for different sunscreen products. The findings reveal that the majority of participants prioritize convenience when selecting sunscreen, often choosing products that are easy to apply and carry. Detailed information about the sunscreen's ingredients or health benefits tends to be less important in their decision-making process. Notably, many participants did not consider important factors such as the environmental impact of sunscreen or its effectiveness after reapplication, suggesting a gap in awareness regarding these issues. Additionally, the study investigates the relationship between demographic factors, including age and gender, and sunscreen usage patterns. It was found that these demographic variables do play a role in shaping individuals' attitudes and behaviors regarding sunscreen. For instance, younger participants showed more openness to new technologies and innovative products, while older individuals tended to rely on traditional options. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into how people perceive and use sunscreen in Germany, highlighting the need for further studies to delve deeper into these factors. Understanding these perceptions is crucial for developing effective public health strategies and enhancing product design to better meet the needs and preferences of consumers.

Smartphone pregnancy apps: systematic analysis of features, scientific guidance, commercialization, and user perception

BackgroundOver 50% of pregnant women use pregnancy applications (apps). Some app s lack credibility, information accuracy, and evidence-based clinical advice, containing potentially harmful functionality. Previous studies have only conducted a limited analysis of pregnancy app functionalities, expert involvement/evidence-based content, used commercialization techniques, and user perception.MethodsWe used the keyword “pregnancy” to scrape (automatically extract) apps and app information from Apple App Store and Google Play. Unique functionalities were derived from app descriptions and user reviews. App descriptions were screened for evidence-based content and expert involvement, and apps were subsequently analyzed in detail. Apps were opened and searched for used commercialization techniques, such as advertisements or affiliate marketing. Automated text analysis (natural language processing) was used on app reviews to assess users’ perception of evidence-based content/expert involvement and commercialization techniques.ResultsIn total, 495 apps were scraped. 226 remained after applying exclusion criteria. Out of these, 36 represented 97%/88% of the total market share (Apple App Store/Google Play), and were thus considered for review. Overall, 49 distinct functionalities were identified, out of which 6 were previously unreported. Functionalities for fetal kick movement counting were found. All apps are commercial. Only 15 apps mention the involvement of medical experts. 10.3% of two-stars user reviews include commercial topics, and 0.6% of one-/two-/three-/five stars user reviews include references to scientific content accuracy.ConclusionProblematic features and inadequate advice continue to be present in pregnancy apps. App developers should adopt an evidence-based development approach and avoid implementing as many features as possible, potentially at the expense of their quality or over-complication (“feature creep”). Financial incentives, such as grant programs, could support adequate content quality. Caregivers play a key role in pregnant individuals’ decision-making, should be aware of potential dangers, and could guide them to trustworthy apps.

Learning to ‘sit in the fire’: Staying with the discomfort of transformative learning

In view of the deep social and ecological crises of our time, many scholars are calling for forms of learning and change that are predicated on establishing qualitatively different relationships between human beings, and between humans and the rest of the living world, as well as on a deeper awareness of systemic social justice issues. This is notably advocated within the field of Transformative Learning. This article investigates how such forms of transformation may happen, and what factors may enable them, in the under-researched context of small and self-directed adult inquiry groups. Through the case study of a social learning evaluation conducted within one such group, enabling factors for transformative learning and the fostering of critical social consciousness are examined. The role of particular individuals within the group – ‘key enablers’ of transformative learning – is highlighted as an important social learning element in this regard, which may be particularly helpful in situations of discomfort within self-directed groups.

‘Incense is the one that keeps the air fresh’: indoor air quality perceptions and attitudes towards health risk

BackgroundAir pollution is of significant environmental and public health concern globally. While much research has historically focused on outdoor air pollution, indoor air pollution has been relatively under-explored despite its strong connection with health outcomes, particularly respiratory health. Studies on air pollution exposure mitigation consistently reveal a significant knowledge gap between the understanding of air pollution as a health risk among lay individuals and expert scientists. This study aimed to assess how people define and understand the concept of ‘clean air’ within their home setting.MethodsWe adopted a mixed-methods approach which used a guided questionnaire designed to elicit both quantitative and qualitative data, collected as digital voice notes. The total sample (n = 40) comprised data from two socially different sites of science and non-science events. We compared whether the notion of clean air inside homes differs between these two different social contexts and how views and ‘sense’ of indoor air pollution are formed. The concept of ‘place’ facilitated fluidity in our explorative analysis. Insights allowed us to assess the extent to which context mediates individuals’ perceptions of indoor air pollution and attitudes towards health risk.ResultsWe found that individuals’ insights were embodied in repetitive day-to-day activities (e.g. cleaning and cooking). Three key themes emerged (1) Stimulative Effects, (2) Contextual Conditions, and (3) Risk Attitudes. Sensory perceptions such as sight, smell and temperature primarily motivated participants to assess air quality inside their homes. These perceptions were shaped by contextual conditions, influencing how individuals perceived their health risk and were subsequently motivated to spend personal time considering or seeking information about household air pollution, or improving their home air quality.ConclusionsOur insights revealed that social, geographical, and contextual factors play a crucial role in individuals’ understandings of indoor air pollution. These dimensions should be integrated into designs of effective public health risk communication strategies. Our findings highlight that common lay perceptions and practices intended to improve air quality may pose health risks. Therefore, risk communication about household air pollution must extend beyond objective information by considering contextual factors that shape how people interpret and respond to air quality issues.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

Work-family interference and life satisfaction: the role of life goals

ABSTRACT The interface between work and family domains has received considerable scholarly attention in recent decades due to its substantial impact on outcomes related to work, family, health, and well-being. However, individuals experience this impact differently, with some demonstrating resilience while others are more vulnerable to negative effects. In this study, we investigate the role of individuals’ life goals and gender in the work-family interface, using the framework of the work-home resources model and selfregulation theory. Using Structural Equation Modeling with data from Waves 8 and 10 of the German Family Panel (pairfam), we found that life goals significantly moderate these effects: individuals prioritizing agentic goals feel the detrimental impact of work-to-family interference (WtFI) on life satisfaction more intensely than those who prioritize communal goals and those whose goals are balanced. In contrast, the effect of family-to-work interference (FtWI) on life satisfaction was significant only for individuals prioritizing communal goals, with no significant moderation effect observed across the other life goal groups. We observed no significant gender difference in the impact of either WtFI or FtWI on life satisfaction. We also discuss potential theoretical and practical implications in light of our findings.

The Barbara Procession Among Burgenland Croats in Horvátkimle in the 20th and 21st Centuries

AbstractThe term “Burgenland Croats (Gradišćanskih Hrvati)” was coined by vicar, poet and scholar Mate Mersich Miloradić in 1921, after the majority of Western Hungary's Croatian population became annexed to Austria. By the interwar period an extended use of the term became the norm – it had come to refer to all Croatians living in the remaining areas of the Croatian diaspora, such as Western Hungary, Western Slovakia and Moravia, who had settled in these parts after fleeing the ravages of the anti-Ottoman wars of the 16th century. Worries about the mere existence and survival of the identity of the Burgenland Croat population has been a concern for well over two hundred years. It is fair to ask the question what kind of traditions the collector can expect to find and whether traditions are still in a collectable state in the 21st century, as we approach the 500th anniversary of the re-settlement of this population in Western Hungary. In the present paper I take the example of a specific custom, the Barbara procession of Horvátkimle, to show what it means for a community if one of their practices comes to be included on the ethnographic map of the country. We explore what sort of chances a community has to revive traditions that it had believed to be lost time and time again, and how it affects the life of the community if it succeeds in breathing new life into old traditions by accepting and adapting to the spirit of the times. The paper focuses not on the vanishing traditions, but on resilient tradition constructs that have proved flexible enough to survive. It concentrates not on the signs of the disappearance and assimilation of an ethnic community, but on the scenes and means of preserving such identity. I shed light on the role of individuals and of ethnographic scholarship in the process of preserving traditions.

Aversion to Human Intervention: Why Food in Complex Packaging Design Is Perceived as Less Healthy

ABSTRACTPackaging plays a crucial role in shaping individuals’ food choices. This research introduces the “visual complexity‐intervention inference effect” through five primary studies and two supplemental studies spanning diverse food categories. We demonstrate that complex packaging designs, characterized by more decorative elements, signal increased human intervention, which diminishes the perceived healthiness of the packaged food. This perception subsequently leads to decreased consumption, particularly among consumers with heightened health consciousness. The study advances the research on food packaging and design aesthetics, offering insights and recommendations for leveraging packaging design complexity to promote healthier food choices.

Financial Challenges Faced by IELTS Test-Takers in Sylhet, Bangladesh: An Exploration of Family Support and Assistance

This study explores the sources of financial assistance available to IELTS test-takers, the motivating factors for taking the test, and the influence of family background on these decisions. The research has adopted a tabular analysis study design to collect the required data and information about IELTS test-takers. Quantitative techniques were applied to gather the necessary primary data and information. This study also adopted In-depth Interview (IDI), Case Studies, and Document Review techniques. Data were collected in Sylhet through coaching centers and an online Google form between June and October 2024, specifically from six centers in Modina Market, Amborkhana, Zindabazar, and Uposhohor. The questionnaire was distributed to 190 individuals, comprising 132 participants currently preparing for a retake. After excluding data of 14 participants due to missing information, 176 responses were analyzed. MS Excel and STATA were employed for data classification and interpretation. Authors used MS Excel for data entry, data cleaning, and tabular analysis and STATA-16 for summary statistics. Female participation in IELTS test preparation is impressive and closely comparable to that of male participants. Additionally, a higher number of students take the IELTS exam in Sylhet district compared to the other three districts. Most of the time, 76.70% of the participants’ family (Parents/Brother/Sister) covered their whole cost of IELTS test and Family members often play a key role in encouraging individuals to pursue the test. IELTS test-takers from low-income families face significant difficulties in covering tuition fees and other expenses related to their preparation, coaching such as the cost of academic materials and center fees. The findings reveal that many test-takers struggle to afford the costs of preparing for the exam. As a student in a low-income country, Bangladesh, many individuals face challenges in covering expenses beyond necessities like food and shelter. Therefore, the study recommends scholarship opportunities and special consideration for participants who are facing financial challenges. The researchers and policy makers of IELTS test, should give a focus to their test fee which will be helpful for students of a developing country.