Occupational Background Research Articles

Perceived Family Influences in Talent Development Among Artistically Talented Teenagers in Singapore

Though there have been quite a number of research studies focusing on how Singaporean families promote literacy and instill values of academic excellence inside the home, little has been written about how families nurture the gifts of teenagers talented in the arts in the Singaporean context. This article highlights how the family influences the talent development of teacher-nominated teenagers who are identified to be among the top in visual arts, dance, theater, music, and academics. Through in-depth interviews conducted with the 14 talented teenagers, the researcher highlights their family's involvement and interest in the arts, their parents' occupational backgrounds, as well as family values and activities that the young artists-in-training perceive to be influential in shaping the development of their artistic talents. Reflections on patterns of childrearing in the Asian context are likewise discussed.

Party Affiliation Rather than Former Occupation: The Background of Central Bank Governors and its Effect on Monetary Policy

In this paper, we analyze the relationship between certain characteristics of incumbent central bank governors and their interest-rate-setting behavior. We focus on (i) occupational backgrounds, (ii) party affiliation, and (iii) experience in office and estimate augmented Taylor rules for 20 OECD countries and the period 1974-2008. Our findings are as follows. First, the tenures of central bank governors who are affiliated with a political party are characterized by a relatively dovish monetary policy stance, irrespective of their partisan ideology. Second, party affiliation appears to be more important than occupational background, i.e., all bankers with(out) a party affiliation behave very similarly to each regardless of their specific occupational background. Third, party members react significantly less to inflation and more to output the longer they stay in office.

Occupational diseases in Poland — An overview of current trends

The number of occupational diseases (OD) recorded in Poland in the 1990's rapidly increased, and the number of recognized cases has steadily decreased until now. Hence, it was decided to demonstrate the trends of selected pathologies which in Poland are "underestimated" in comparison to other countries. The presented data may constitute a basis for further research into the dependence of OD on socio-economic factors. Occupational Disease Reporting Forms, completed and sent obligatorily by the state health inspectors to the Central Register of Occupational Diseases were used as source documents for analysis. This work analyzes changes in the incidence of chronic poisonings, asbestosis, voice organ diseases, cancers, viral hepatitis, asthma and the musculoskeletal disorders over the years 1998-2011. In 1998, the total number of registered diseases reached the maximum - 12,017 cases, which fell in the subsequent years to 2,562 cases in 2011. During that period, the incidence rate decreased by 6 cases per year per 100,000 employees. A considerable decrease, exceeding 90% of cases, was observed in voice organ disorders, hearing loss, chronic poisonings and viral hepatitis. The abovementioned changes, as well as improved detection of asbestos-related diseases through implementing a medical examination program of former asbestos processing plant workers, are advantages of the current situation in the epidemiology of OD. However, the disadvantages include underestimation, in comparison to other countries, of asthma, cancer and pathologies of the musculoskeletal system. The reported data indicates the need to assess the occupational fraction of the underestimated pathologies present in the work environment in Poland, as well as the need for studies aimed at clarifying the effect of systemic factors on identifying their occupational background.

A Case-Study Survey of an Eight-year Cluster of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Referrals in a Rural English Village: Exploring Possible Aetiological Influences in a Hypothesis Stimulating Study

Objective: To test whether the Village incidence of new cases of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) over an 8-year period, is significantly different from those in the County to serve as a pilot study to identify possible interactive multienvironmental aetiology. Design: Between September 2003-June 2011, Village MND cases were compared with the County’s in people aged >54 years. The incidence of MND was determined and Odds ratios calculated. The Village MND mortality rates were juxtaposed against England & Wales MND deaths over the period. Setting: A rural Village flanked by Electro-Magnetic-Fields (EMF) close to an active airfield. The Village population has remained relatively stable, plane-take off from the airfield is at a low angle for 3-4 miles, with radar TACAN beams pulsed every 4 seconds. Participants: General population (>54 yrs) in Village and County. Main outcome measures: Cases and deaths of MND. Results: Of the County’s 236 MND cases, 11came from the Village, equal to 1 MND case per 410 people, County rate was 1: 1,844, yielding an Odds ratio of 4.5:1. Village MND deaths compared to England & Wales gave an Odds ratio of 2.3: 1; England & Wales MND deaths were double the County’s. Conclusion: The disproportionate incidence of Village MND, with its relatively intensive exposure to EMF and petrochemicals, leads us to a speculative hypothesis of possible multi-interactive environmental influences. Despite limitations inherent in cluster studies, these indicative results suggest that a more detailed national study of geographic, occupational, life-style and family background is merited and feasible.

Perceived job insecurity and workplace friendship

Job insecurity is an organisational means for facing and managing rapid changes in external and internal environments of the day. It motivates an employee’s effort/performance, but negatively influences employee attitudes/ perceptions at work. This study is intended to unravel the paradox concerning employees’ motivator by job insecurity and their friendship at work, a motivator for team effort/performance. Three competing hypotheses are proposed (specifically, inverted-U-shaped, positive and negative relationships between perceived job insecurity and workplace friendship). Data were collected from 269 full-time employees with a variety of occupational backgrounds. Results indicated that perceived job insecurity facilitated workplace friendship. Also, an explanation of perceived job insecurity by the job’s standard operation procedures gained empirical support. Our findings provide significant implications for organisations’ change management by means of job insecurity and teamwork in today’s changing environments. Human resource approaches for organisations emphasising job security are also proposed.

The Technical Competence of Economic Policy-Makers in Developed Democracies

When are “technically competent” economic policy-makers appointed? Our model considers when a specialist in economics is preferable over a generalist with more political skills (demand) and when such individuals are available (supply). We analyze educational and occupational background data for 1200 policy-makers from EU and OECD democracies since 1973. Eurozone leaders are unlikely to have an economics education. New democracies and presidential systems select more technically competent finance ministers. The longer a government is in office, the less technically competent are finance ministers appointed, with the reverse pattern for central bank governors. Left leaders appoint central bankers with more economics training than right ones, while finance ministers from right parties are more likely to have a financial industry background and less economics training. We also examine whether banking, currency, and debt crises affect appointments. There is some evidence for a link, but these findings are less robust.

How Do Board Size and Occupational Background of Directors Influence Social Performance in For-profit and Non-profit Organizations? Evidence from California Hospitals

This study investigates how board size and occupational background of directors differentially influence social performance in for-profit and non-profit organizations. Using data from California hospitals, we develop a quantitative measure of social performance and provide the following empirical evidence. First, board size is negatively (positively) associated with social performance in for-profit (non-profit) hospitals. Second, the presence of government officials on the board is negatively (positively) related to social performance in for-profit (non-profit) hospitals. Third, representation of physicians on the board is positively associated with social performance in for-profit hospitals, whereas their presence is not significantly related to social performance in non-profit hospitals. Our findings highlight the different effects of governance mechanisms on social performance in for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Retraction Note to: Retraction: Organizational level and friendship expectation at work

The literature on interpersonal interactions/relationships in work organizations indicates that personnel at higher organizational levels are more sociable and yet have workplace impersonality. This study unravels previous inconsistencies by examining employees’ friendship expectations across organizational levels. Data were collected from 222 full-time employees with a variety of occupational backgrounds in Taiwan. The results indicated that expectations of instrumental friendship at work did not differ across organizational levels. However, higher-level employees had lower expectations of expressive friendship at work, which provides personal emotional satisfaction, while detracting from workplace competitive advantage. The findings of this study shed new light on previous inconsistencies and the mutually contradictory organizational stances on workplace friendship. Significant implications are provided for dilemmas concerning isolated offices, ‘management by walking around’ and workplace relationships.

“I Wouldn't Stay Here”: Economic Crisis and Youth Mobility in Ireland

AbstractIn this paper, I explore an important aspect of Irish youth migration, in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, namely the mobility intentions of tertiary‐educated youth during the recent economic crisis. Building on prior work that I completed in 2007, I conducted quantitative and qualitative research with a total of 400 university students in Dublin, Belfast and Cork during 2010. Analysis of the data reveals that the majority of these young people (62%) intend to leave Ireland in the future, moving predominantly to other English‐language speaking countries, with such plans being more prevalent in the Republic of Ireland (72%) compared to Northern Ireland (52%). Further quantitative analysis and a series of qualitative interviews help explain what has influenced the mobility decision‐making of these young people. The results emphasize the importance of factors such as parental occupational background and locality, as well as the role of family relationships in encouraging and discouraging mobility. The impact of the economic crisis is, however, less clear, with the mobility intentions of young people planning to migrate tending to be influenced more by personal than economic considerations.

Characterization and risk factors of vancomycin-resistantEnterococci(VRE) among animal-affiliated workers in Malaysia

This study determined the risk factors and characteristics of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) among individuals working with animals in Malaysia. Targeted cross-sectional studies accompanied with laboratory analysis for the identification and characterization of resistance and virulence genes and with genotype of VRE were performed. VRE were detected in 9·4% (95% CI: 6·46-13·12) of the sampled populations. Enterococcus faecium, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus gallinarum were isolated, and vanA was detected in 70% of the isolates. Enterococcus faecalis with vanB was obtained from one foreign poultry worker. At least one virulence gene was detected in >50% of Ent. faecium and Ent. faecalis isolates. The esp and gelE genes were common among Ent. faecium (58·3%) and Ent. faecalis (78%), respectively. The VRE species showed diverse RAPD profiles with some clustering of strains based on the individual's background. However, the risk factors found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of VRE were age (OR: 5·39, 95% CI: 1·98-14·61) and previous hospitalization (OR: 4·06, 95% CI: 1·33-12·35). VRE species isolated from individuals in this study have high level of vancomycin resistance, were genetically diverse and possessed the virulence traits. Age of individuals and history of hospitalization rather than occupational background determined VRE colonization. This study provides comprehensive findings on the epidemiological and molecular features of VRE among healthy individuals working with animals.

Individuals’ Decision to Co-Donate or Donate Alone: An Archival Study of Married Whole Body Donors in Hawaii

BackgroundHuman cadavers are crucial to numerous aspects of health care, including initial and continuing training of medical doctors and advancement of medical research. Concerns have periodically been raised about the limited number of whole body donations. Little is known, however, about a unique form of donation, namely co-donations or instances when married individuals decide to register at the same time as their spouse as whole body donors. Our study aims to determine the extent of whole body co-donation and individual factors that might influence co-donation.Methods and FindingsWe reviewed all records of registrants to the University of Hawaii Medical School’s whole body donation program from 1967 through 2006 to identify married registrants. We then examined the 806 married individuals’ characteristics to understand their decision to register alone or with their spouse. We found that married individuals who registered at the same time as their spouse accounted for 38.2 percent of married registrants. Sex differences provided an initial lens to understand co-donation. Wives were more likely to co-donate than to register alone (p = 0.002). Moreover, registrants’ main occupational background had a significant effect on co-donations (p = 0.001). Married registrants (regardless of sex) in female-gendered occupations were more likely to co-donate than to donate alone (p = 0.014). Female-gendered occupations were defined as ones in which women represented more than 55 percent of the workforce (e.g., preschool teachers). Thus, variations in donors’ occupational backgrounds explained co-donation above and beyond sex differences.ConclusionsEfforts to secure whole body donations have historically focused on individual donations regardless of donors’ marital status. More attention needs to be paid, however, to co-donations since they represent a non-trivial number of total donations. Also, targeted outreach efforts to male and female members of female-gendered occupations might prove a successful way to increase donations through co-donations.

Organizational level and friendship expectation at work

The literature on interpersonal interactions/relationships in work organizations indicates that personnel at higher organizational levels are more sociable and yet have workplace impersonality. This study unravels previous inconsistencies by examining employees’ friendship expectations across organizational levels. Data were collected from 222 full-time employees with a variety of occupational backgrounds in Taiwan. The results indicated that expectations of instrumental friendship at work did not differ across organizational levels. However, higher-level employees had lower expectations of expressive friendship at work, which provides personal emotional satisfaction, while detracting from workplace competitive advantage. The findings of this study shed new light on previous inconsistencies and the mutually contradictory organizational stances on workplace friendship. Significant implications are provided for dilemmas concerning isolated offices, ‘management by walking around’ and workplace relationships.

Diagnostic tests for Alzheimer disease

![Graphic][1]</img> Imaging with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) offers excellent insights into regional brain dysfunction but fails to deliver tangible benefits in most clinical settings in persons with suspected cognitive impairment. The radiation exposure from a single FDG-PET brain scan is 1.3 rem, equivalent to about 3 chest X-rays or 4 months of background radiation; therefore, while unnecessary exposure to radiation is to be avoided, my view is not driven by risks of PET scanning. It is the realities of clinical diagnostics and the lack of potent interventions for specific dementing illnesses that limit the value of FDG-PET. Diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia are entirely based on information obtained from the history and cognitive examination. Distinguishing abnormal cognition from normal cognition can sometimes be very challenging. As clinicians, we are often confronted with patients who report cognitive complaints that seem discordant with their level of daily functioning. Because there is a wide range of what is considered normal based on education, occupation, and cultural background, and because mood or motivation issues sometimes cloud performance, the distinction between normal and impaired can be very difficult. An FDG-PET scan will not solve this problem. The availability of FDG-PET offers a seductive but flawed logic that goes something like this: “Even though I don't know clinically whether the person has cognitive impairment or not, an abnormal FDG-PET would confirm that the cognitive complaints … [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif

The trend in sport participation among Dutch retirees, 1983–2007

ABSTRACTThis paper investigates the trend in sport participation among retirees between 1983 and 2007. Sport participation is important for retirees because of its health benefits and the opportunities it offers for social interaction. Factors that influence sport participation such as educational level, physical limitations, and occupational background have changed during the last decades, possibly accounting for changes in sport participation. Data are from the Amenities and Services Utilization Survey (AVO), a nationally representative Dutch survey with seven observations between 1983 and 2007. The trend in sport involvement, sports club membership, and competition was investigated in a sample of 2,497 male and 1,559 female retirees aged 58–67 years. Increases in participation were observed in sport involvement and sports club membership. This trend can partially be explained by increases in educational level, decreases in the number of retirees with physical limitations, and in those retiring from sedentary jobs. Yet, sport participation seems to have increased for all retirees, regardless of their socio-economic background and health status. Alternative explanations for the observed trend are discussed.

Starting technologically innovative ventures: reasons, human capital, and gender

PurposeGiven the importance of technology in competitive advantage, this paper seeks to better understand the factors associated with entrepreneurs' decision to incorporate innovative technologies in new ventures. It aims to explore three questions: “Are the reasons given for starting technologically innovative new ventures (TINVs) different from those given for starting ventures based on traditional technologies?”; “What is the role of human capital in the TINV startup decision?”; and “Do gender differences exist in the reasons and human capital associated with starting a TINV?”.Design/methodology/approachData were obtained from the Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics II (PSED II), which is a national database of individuals in various stages of starting a business. The overall sample consisted of 950 individuals. Non‐parametric methods and logistic regressions were used to test hypotheses.FindingsResults show that men start the TINV for self‐realization reasons, and that wealth seeking and employment reasons are negatively associated with the technology startup decision among women, but not among men. Human capital positively predicts the decision to start TINV, but gender differences exist as well: specific human capital (industry and occupational background) positively predicts the technology startup decision among men, whereas general human capital (education and employment breadth) positively predicts the decision among women.Practical implicationsBetter understanding of the factors that motivate and encourage entrepreneurs to utilize innovative technologies is useful for policymakers, practitioners, and educators. This understanding can help when allocating resources for the purpose of encouraging innovation and when trying to train entrepreneurs to enhance competitiveness of new ventures.Originality/valueThe study highlights some of the factors associated with the decision to start firms that are technologically innovative. Given that incorporating technology in new venture is often considered a key factor in sustainability and long term competitive advantage, the study provides possible explanations for potential sources of competitive advantage. Implications for the role of motives and human capital in the startup decision and in the decision to incorporate technology are discussed, with specific reference for male and female owned business.

The value of board diversity in banking: evidence from the market for corporate control

We examine the value of board diversity in the US banking industry as a mechanism to enhance the decision-making capabilities of a board. We employ a sample of mergers to assess if measures of diversity as displayed by the bidding bank's board are linked to the market performance of acquisitions. We find positive announcement returns to mergers approved by boards whose members are diverse in terms of their occupational background. By contrast, age and tenure diversity are associated with wealth losses surrounding acquisition announcements, while gender diversity does not lead to measurable value effects. Interestingly, boards with more banking expertise are not more effective at monitoring bank managers. Our results do not support calls for more representation of industry-specific expertise on bank boards and, instead, show that occupational diversity may play an important role in protecting shareholder wealth.

The Pursuit of Elite High Schools and Colleges among Second-Generation Korean Americans

This study examines the educational achievements and attainments of 1.5 and second-generation Korean Americans. Drawing from the 1998 New York and the 2004 IIMMLA surveys as well as forty follow-up in-depth interviews (selected among the 1998 New York survey participants), the study finds that second-generation Korean Americans are attaining high levels of education similar to the educational attainments of their immigrant parents. A high proportion of second-generation Korean Americans also attend elite high schools and colleges, giving the impression of them as model minorities. Closer analysis, however, suggests a more complex dynamic at work, one that involves Korean immigrants’selective educational and occupational background and the particularities of adolescent life. School-related factors, especially teachers’expectations, peers, and degree of socializing, have considerable impact, both positive and negative, on the educational attainments of second-generation Korean Americans.

Rich Man Poor Man, Pioneer, Thief: Rethinking Earthfast Architecture in New Jersey

Recent archaeological excavations and documentary research have shed light on a once-vibrant and long-lasting tradition of earth fast architecture in New Jersey. This tradition persisted in the state from the period of initial settlement into the 19th century and was utilized by individuals of varied social, economic, ethnic, and occupational backgrounds. Earth fast architecture proved advantageous when masonry building materials were scarce, household economies were meager, skilled masons were expensive, and land tenure was questionable. The use of this architectural technique in New Jersey appears to have reflected a set of phenomena different than that previously identified in the Chesapeake region to the south, and was one of many options available to builders erecting vernacular structures from the 17th into the 19th century.

Emerging themes in the everyday ethics of primary care: a report from an interdisciplinary workshop

We report key themes arising from a postgraduate workshop organized by the King's Interdisciplinary Discussion Society (KIDS) held in April 2011. KIDS believe that health is a phenomenon that transcends disciplinary boundaries, and therefore issues relating to health care and medical ethics are best addressed with an interdisciplinary approach. The workshop, entitled ‘Everyday Ethics and Primary Healthcare’, included poster presentations and oral presentations from participants from a range of disciplines and occupational backgrounds which highlighted the challenges faced by primary health-care workers. Three common themes emerged: the impersonal and cumbersome work environment that can result from the encroachment of rationalizing tools; the tension between ‘ethical practice as an ongoing sensibility’ and ‘ethical practice as “box-ticking”’; and the contested nature of what constitutes ‘health’. Participants felt that the interdisciplinary perspective was helpful in elucidating the various ethical issues arising in primary health care.

Elderly in ‘Super Traders’ Family

In this globalized world, societal change has impacted on family structure and the roles and relationships of its family members. In recent times extreme competitiveness amongst family members has given rise to a new structure known as the ‘super trader’ family rather than the traditional nuclear, joint or extended family. One hundred people over 60 years old from rural and urban areas at a ratio 1: 1 through simple purposive random sampling have been studied to examine the current social situation of the elderly. The study was concentrated on the social, educational, occupational and marital background of the elderly people to assess their living situation. The elderly living in urban or rural areas are facing an unhealthy, lonely and unhappy existence. Often they are accommodated in their families, but are mostly separated from the younger family members. They may be psychologically ill and unhappy because their position in the family is not respected and is undervalued. They are often seen as the structural head, but are non-functional in terms of participation in power and decision-making process in the family. In order to protect the elderly and their lifelong experiences it is important that they are respected and their value is recognized by the younger members of the family.