Theoretical Rationale Research Articles

Organized crime as a link between inequality and corruption

We study a model that establishes a novel theoretical rationale for the empirically well-documented relation between inequality and corruption. According to our model, inequality can nurture corruption by empowering organized crime because collusion between local police forces and criminal organizations is more likely in societies characterized by high inequality or weak security forces. Law enforcement and organized crime have a strong incentive to collude due to efficiency gains from specialization. However, their agreement breaks down when the mobsters can no longer credibly commit to joint rent maximization and thus start to compete with law enforcement for citizens’ wealth. The mobsters then non-violently monopolize the market for extortion by undercutting the police forces, similar to a strategy of predatory pricing. Criminal collusion is thus not very different from its corporate equivalent; hence, similar policy measures should be promising. In addition, our model also suggests that the criminal organization’s higher efficiency in extracting rents has a greater impact when the relative power between law enforcement and organized crime is rather balanced. Accordingly, when violent conflict becomes less predictable, non-violent elements of relative power become more relevant. Our model also allows for the interpretation that in the absence of strong social norms against corruption, organized crime is more difficult to challenge.

Outcomes and process evaluation of a cluster-randomised participatory organisational intervention among German healthcare workers

BackgroundIn the present investigation the results of the outcome and process evaluation of a participatory workplace intervention are reported. The intervention aimed to increase the workers’ self-assessed physical and mental work ability.MethodsThe intervention was a two-arm, cluster-randomised trial with healthcare workers in 10 hospitals and one elderly care centre in Germany. Outcome data on workers were collected in questionnaires at baseline, and two follow-ups between 2019 and 2021. The intervention consisted of interviews and workshops, in which employees proposed measures for reducing the physical and psychosocial load and strengthening resources at work. Outcome data were analysed with linear-mixed regression models. The process evaluation was based on the thematic criteria proposed in previous literature and the collection of the type of intervention measures and their implementation status.ResultsThe regression analysis did not provide evidence of treatment differences or reductions of psychosocial load in the intervention wards. The process evaluation suggested that the measures did not address specifically the self-assessed work ability. In addition, there was no indication that the intervention measures were causally related to the intended goals.ConclusionsThe planning and implementation of organisational interventions require a careful consideration of the definition of intervention goals, the theoretical rationale of the intervention and a project-oriented action plan during the delivery phase.

Meaningful experiences in tourism: A systematic review of psychological constructs

This study explored the components of meaningful tourist experiences together with their antecedents and outcomes according to a framework of positive psychology and tourism. The theoretical rationale of this systematic literature review was chosen to clarify the synergies between these constructs, wellbeing and mindfulness to understand how tourists derive meaning from their experiences. The scientific platforms Scopus and Web of Science were selected to conduct the search for journal articles. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final sample was comprised of 70 articles. The results evidence the holistic character of meaningful experiences in tourism in terms of personal, emotional, wellbeing, relational and behavioural dimensions that enable a better conceptualisation of the construct. These experiences were significantly assessed on life satisfaction, meaning and purpose, emotions, authenticity and mindfulness. This review highlights the potential of positive psychology to maximise tourists' wellbeing through their experiences. It represents an opportunity for the tourism and hospitality industry as well as other entities to enhance tourists’ experiences, such as researchers, psychologists, resident communities and universities. Therefore, this study contributes to future research to better assess meaningful tourist experiences and to tourism companies so they can manage enhanced experiences considering the multidimensional nature of the construct from a positive psychology perspective.

Inclusive Heritage: Implications for the Church of England

The Church of England’s historic buildings represent the single largest group of heritage sites in the UK, playing a key public-facing role in the church’s ‘cultural witness’. However, they are complex historic environments implicated in the recent focus on ‘contested heritage’ and imperial legacies. The wider heritage sector’s answer to the adversarial nature of this debate has been to turn contested histories into dialogical opportunities; participatory and collaborative approaches to interpretation and curation have become an important feature of much recent secular heritage work. Yet, the CofE has not yet articulated or embraced the value of similar initiatives for its own collections, with guidance at the institutional level aimed primarily at conservation and protection. This paper initiates a discussion about how engagement with sensitive memories enhances the importance of CofE’s cultural heritage. It offers a preliminary report of a research project led by the author titled ‘Inclusive Interpretations of Christian Heritage’, carried out between 2021 and 2022 at iconic churches in central London. After discussing the theoretical context, project rationale, and method, the paper discusses the connections which Christians from ethnic minority or immigrant backgrounds have to ecclesiastical spaces usually associated with national history. The perspectives of previously unrepresented groups can supplement expert assessments concerning a site’s significance, revealing important areas in which the CofE’s cultural assets hold meaning beyond national or aesthetic importance. The paper argues that widening community engagement represents a crucial task for accentuating the social and civic importance of the CofE’s cultural heritage.

Peculiarities of determining the morphogenesis of plants Corylus avellana L. and Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb in vitro culture

ABSTRACT The purpose of the research was to identify the physiological–biochemical and anatomical–morphological peculiarities found during in vitro cultivation of Corylus avellana L. and Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A.Webb, which occur as a result of the action of trophic and phytohormonal determinants. The research was conducted on three hazelnut varieties (Trapezund, Jefferson, Tonda Gentile Romana) and four almond varieties (E5 Borozan, M41 Alex, Georgia, Louise). A theoretical and experimental rationale for their use in the microclonal propagation of these cultures has been developed. The effectiveness of the preparatory stage before introduction into aseptic conditions for growing mother plants in closed soil conditions with scattered artificial lighting and microbiological protection has been proven. This reduced self-intoxication by oxidation products with phenol-like substances and microflora contamination of primary explants. Among the nutrient media compared, the best was Nas and Read (NRM) for hazelnuts and Nas Almond Medium (NAM) for almonds. Passaging on the same media leads to a decrease in regeneration indicators. In regenerants of almonds, the rosette of the shoots was noted, and in hazelnuts, the death of apical buds was also found. To prevent this, alternating NRM and driver and kuniyuki walnut (DKW) media for hazelnuts and NAM and Quirin and Lepoivre (QL) for almonds was effective. Long-term cultivation on media with a high content of synthetic analogues of phytohormones leads to the accumulation of phytotoxic effects with each subsequent passage. The phytotoxic effect of cytokinins was manifested in hyperhydration of shoots and of auxins in callus fertilisation. On comparing the ontogenesis of regenerants from explants isolated from mother plants aged 30–180 days, it was found that the optimal age for hazelnut and almond was 90 days. To reset the trophic and hormonal determinants, the introduction of explant donors into a state of dormancy has been successfully used. At the final fourth stage of microclonal propagation, in order to adapt plants simultaneously with an increase in the number of regenerants, it is effective to use the photoautotrophic method of microclonal propagation with intensive lighting and air enriched with carbon dioxide. For the transition of plants from conventional heterotrophic propagation to autotrophic cultivation, an intermediate stage of pre-adaptation of regenerants in wet chamber conditions is effective.

Life stress and Bipolar Disorder: regarding a clinical case

IntroductionResearch on life stress in bipolar disorder largely fails to account for the possibility of a dynamic relationship between psychosocial stress and episode initiation. The kindling hypothesis states that over the course of recurrent affective disorders, there is a weakening temporal relationship between major life stress and episode initiation that could reflect either a progressive sensitization or progressive autonomy to life stress.ObjectivesTo explore the concept of the Kindling model applied to bipolar disorder and to present a clinical case of a bipolar patient whose latter mood episodes were caused by adverse life events.MethodsWe performed a non-systematic literature review using the most relevant papers found on the database PubMed with the keywords “kindling effect”, “allostatic load”, “bipolar disorder” and “prevention”. Description of the clinical case report.ResultsThe phenomenon of kindling was first discovered by Goddard in 1967 who described it in epilepsy. Later, Post applied it to the bipolar disorder, arguing that the initial episodes of both unipolar and bipolar affective disorders are often precipitated by psychosocial stressors, but after multiple recurrences, not only do precipitated episodes continue to occur, but so do spontaneous ones as well. We present the case report of a 62 years old woman, divorced, diagnosed with type 1 bipolar disorder since she was 20 years old. She always have had poor adherence to her medication and follow-up with Psychiatry consultation, with a non-containing sociofamily environment that does not promote clinical stability. Over the time, her admissions on the Psychiatry ward were more frequent and precipitated by adverse life events, mainly caused by the deteriorated relationship with her children.ConclusionsThe kindling model clarifies aspects of the longitudinal course of episode development, recurrence, and progression to spontaneity, as well as further conceptual and theoretical rationales for intervention in order to prevent illness progression.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Media coverage and stock market returns: Evidence from China Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC)

The primary source of investor interest that disrupts the financial markets is news that reflects the macroeconomy. This study intends to track changes in investors’ positive and negative market attention and their effects on stock market returns by examining the print media portrayal of the China–Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC). We access the daily and weekly coverage of the CPEC by national and international newspapers from the Bloomberg database over the period from January 2015 to December 2019. Using the Harvard psychological dictionary, we categorize the news headlines into positive and negative news sentiments. We then relate the news sentiment to the stock market returns, using quintile analysis, ordinary least squares (OLS), and vector autoregressive (VAR) models. The results show that investors react quickly and significantly to positive news. They pay more for the same stock if the positive news stream increases; hence, the stock market return also increases. In contrast, investors do not react with the same passion to an increase in negative news. These findings are in line with the theoretical rationale of the disposition effect. These outcomes may be useful for active investors and practitioners to devise investment strategies in the presence of the hype surrounding the CPEC in the print media.

If I testify about others, my testimony is valid

Abstract While trustworthiness has been found to exert a vital influence on the success of an online medical crowdfunding (Ba et al. 2021), scarce studies have investigated the concepts and culture of trust in Eastern scenarios like China (Wang 2020). This is the first study aiming to discursively analyze how other-justified discourses, i.e., enhancing objectivity and trustworthiness through other people’s comments, contribute to obtaining potential donors’ trust in Chinese online medical crowdfunding encounters. Through the discourse analysis of 496 other-justified comments on fifty pieces of fully-funded online medical crowdfunding projects, it is found that four different types of people (a family member, a person in the same business or occupation, a classmate, a friend) offer evidence through other-justified discourses oriented towards ethos, experience, and emotion. The Wu-Lun (five ethic orders) in the acquaintance society is the underlying theoretical rationale that supports the credibility of other-justified discourse, which provides a novel research perspective for the dissemination and transitivity of trust in online medical crowdfunding. The findings serve to offer commenters an array of other-justified orientations and identity choices to engage more prospective backers in a medical donative event. The results highlight that crowdfunders not only need to display a compelling narrative strength but also raise awareness to enhance the trustworthiness of their projects, especially focusing on shreds of evidence provided by a third-person comment.

Work-life Integration and Workplace Flexibility on Life Satisfaction, Work Productivity, and Organization Commitment: Contextual Study Shatish RAO

Employees are expressing challenges in keeping the work and life domains separate from each other which had caused them to face burnout and work-life conflicts which eventually ended up in dissatisfaction, poorer well-being, fatigue, and problems in daily functions. Thus, instead of managing both domains as a different entity, it is important for the employees to realize the significance of work-life integration (WLI) as an effective boundary management strategy to manage their resources from both domains. Moreover, employers should also design a workplace with a flexible concept as it can support the practice of work-life integration towards determining the success of the entire organization. In other words, work-life integration in a flexible work environment is the holistic approach recommended solution by this study to share the interest and benefits of employees who can meet their work, family, personal and community obligations. Therefore, in this article, the involvement of WLI and workplace flexibility in influencing employees’ life satisfaction productivity and organizational commitments were discussed through recent literature reviews and a suggested conceptual framework of this study. Many studies in the past had validated the disadvantages, advantages and issues of WLI. However, the findings of this study draw insights into the potential of WLI in determining the influential factors which play important roles in the success of a whole organization. Moreover, the study also contributed by highlighting the workplace flexibility (as a moderator) for the employees which can heavily influence WLI and all the respective outcomes. Although this framework lacks empirical research, it does provide a theoretical rationale for the argument that work-life integration can be the key to the success of employees and organizations, and it can extend its significant influence with the help of work flexibility. Extended research and comprehensive investigations on this framework through empirical research will be the future of this article to increase the predictive value of this study.

Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist

The theoretical rationale of synovectomy is to reduce or eliminate the aggressive inflammatory cell mass, thereby reducing swelling, decreasing pain, and improving joint function. Traditionally, open-wrist synovectomy is the standard treatment, as it allows an inspection of all compartments and extensor tendons. Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist was first introduced by Roth and Poehling in 1990. Since then, it has been successfully performed in selected patients. Arthroscopic synovectomy might be indicated in any disease that leads to long-standing synovitis of the wrist and when other treatment modalities do not provide satisfactory symptom reduction or may be contraindicated. Arthroscopic synovectomy is a surgical procedure with minimal morbidity. It results in less damage to the joint capsule and ligaments, thereby hastening rehabilitation and shortening the hospital stay. Therefore, we think that understanding the surgical technique for wrist arthroscopic synovectomy and appropriately applying it to patients could prevent disease progression in patients with wrist arthritis and overcome incapacitating dysfunction of the upper limb, including the wrist, hand, and forearm.

CSR, Risk Management Practices, and Performance Outcomes: An Empirical Investigation of Firms in Different Industries

This article presents a research model that defines how external drivers impact financial performance outcomes, and the role played by strategic practices (especially CSR) in reducing the negative impact of such external influences. Applying strategic orientation theory, risk management theory, and CSR theory as the encompassing theoretical rationale, the conceptual framework defines the research idea and the research model provides the empirically testable model that identifies key variables with valid instrument measures. The results indicate that although external supply chain risk drivers do negatively impact a firm’s financial performance, the influence of these risk events can be mitigated if firms adopt focused strategic practices. The results highlight the significant role played by CSR strategic practices in enabling firms to develop resilience from disruption events. In our research model, CSR, as an organizational linkage practice, is positioned in between upfront strategic flow and back-end performance flow. It suggests that CSR success is only possible when CSR is implemented broadly throughout organizational processes. Based on the empirical results, lessons and implications are presented for theoretical and managerial insights and future research.

Developing a music-based digital therapeutic to help manage the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia.

The greying of the world is leading to a rapid acceleration in both the healthcare costs and caregiver burden that are associated with dementia. There is an urgent need to develop new, easily scalable modalities of support. This perspective paper presents the theoretical background, rationale, and development plans for a music-based digital therapeutic to manage the neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, particularly agitation and anxiety. We begin by presenting the findings of a survey we conducted with key opinion leaders. The findings highlight the value of a music-based digital therapeutic for treating neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly agitation and anxiety. We then consider the neural substrates of these neuropsychiatric symptoms before going on to evaluate randomized control trials on the efficacy of music-based interventions in their treatment. Finally, we present our development plans for the adaptation of an existing music-based digital therapeutic that was previously shown to be efficacious in the treatment of adult anxiety symptoms.

Do people who highly value happiness tend to ruminate?

Previous studies have suggested that an extremely strong desire for happiness might ironically reduce a person’s well-being, particularly among Western people. According to the goal progress theory and the theory of valuing happiness, rumination might explain the relationship between valuing happiness and well-being. Based on these theoretical rationales, this study examined the following hypotheses: (1) valuing happiness is significantly associated with rumination, (2) people who experience low life stress have a stronger association between valuing happiness and rumination, and (3) people with more interdependent self-construal have a weaker association between valuing happiness and rumination. University students in Japan participated in a cross-sectional study (N = 350; Study 1) and a 4-weeks longitudinal study (N = 329; Study 2). They responded to a packet of questionnaires assessing valuing happiness, trait rumination, depressive symptoms, negative events, and interdependent self-construal. Consistent with our hypothesis, valuing happiness was concurrently and longitudinally associated with increased rumination after controlling for depressive symptoms. However, negative events did not moderate the association between valuing happiness and rumination. Furthermore, Study 1, but not Study 2, indicated that the association between valuing happiness and rumination was stronger among students with highly interdependent self-construal than those with less interdependent self-construal. The preset findings indicated that valuing happiness might be a factor that perpetuates rumination. More sophisticated evidence on the influence of valuing happiness on rumination can lead to effective psychotherapies for decreasing rumination and depression.

When do we share knowledge? A mixed-methods study of helping behaviors and HR management practices

PurposeThe purpose of this work is to investigate the relationship between human resources management practices (HRMP) and altruistic helping behaviors (HB) with knowledge sharing behavior (KSB) following a theoretical rationale supported by the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Social Exchange Theory.Design/methodology/approachThe study explores linear and non-linear relationships between the variables to further understand knowledge sharing in the context of prosocial behaviors. The study sample gathers data from 130 employees coming from service sector companies operating in Portugal. The authors analyze the linear relationship following a structural equation model (SEM) approach using a partial least squares (PLS) analysis. Then, the authors conduct a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze non-linear relationships and provide insight over circumstances where the presence and absence of knowledge sharing behavior is achieved.FindingsQuantitative findings show that HRMP positively impacts KSB outcomes. Similarly, HB also positively impacts KSB. Qualitative findings show a single configuration leading to the presence of KSB, corroborating the quantitative results. On the other hand, findings offer multiple alternative configurations leading to the absence of KSB.Originality/valueFew studies explore the complex combination between HRMP and individual HB impacting knowledge sharing, with lesser studies discussing circumstances leading to the absence of KSB. We explore a) the linear influence of HB and HRMP and, b) their asymmetric combined influence along with employee demographics to better understand KSB complexity – ensuring a conceptual and managerial contribution driving future work and practices.

The Emotion Regulation Mechanism in Neurotic Individuals: The Potential Role of Mindfulness and Cognitive Bias.

Neuroticism is a personality trait that impacts daily life and raises the risk of mental problems and physical illnesses. To understand the emotion regulation mechanism of neurotic individuals, we developed two complementary studies to examine the effects of mindfulness and negative cognitive bias. In Study 1, four scales (EPQ-RSC, FFMQ, CERQ, NCPBQ) were used for assessment. Correlation analysis and structural comparison showed that: (1) the level of neuroticism was positively correlated with negative emotion regulation; (2) negative cognitive bias mediated the relationship between neuroticism and emotion regulation; (3) mindfulness and negative cognitive bias mediated the relationship in a chain. Study 1 showed that cognitive bias may play a key role in the emotion regulation mechanism. Study 2 further explored the cognitive bias of neurotic individuals using three behavioral experiments. A mixed-design ANOVA indicated that individuals with high neuroticism levels exhibited negative attention, memory, and interpretation biases. Our findings extend previous research on emotion regulation problems of neurotic individuals and broaden the field to personality-based emotion disorders. In particular, a theoretical rationale is provided for the application of cognitive behavioral therapy, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), to the emotion regulation of neurotic individuals.

Job Desperation: Scale Development and Construct Validation

We introduce a new construct to the vocational behavior literature: job desperation. Job desperation is defined as a state of despair in which a person feels pressure to find a new job, has a negative evaluation of his/her current employment situation, and will go to extreme lengths to find a new job. Using self-determination theory, we provide a theoretical rationale for job desperation . Across two studies, we developed and validated the job desperation scale (JDS). In Study 1, we generated a pool of items and evaluated them using a combination of psychometric techniques including item response theory. In Study 2, we examined the construct validity of the JDS. Results suggest that job desperation is a strong predictor of job search behavior, predicting unique variance in job search behavior over and above other relevant antecedents such as financial strain and job insecurity. We believe job desperation adds to and expands our knowledge of the antecedents of job search behavior by serving as a unique and relevant explanation for why people search for jobs.

The Theoretical and Practical Rationale for the Role of Regional Development Funds in the Economy

The Theoretical and Practical Rationale for the Role of Regional Development Funds in the Economy

A PARTICIPATORY PEDAGOGICAL MODEL FOR ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING: IDEATION AND IMPLEMENTATION

In spite of its increasing popularity, distance education faces challenges – levels of digital literacy, access to technology, workload and time management, students’ feelings of isolation and disconnection – that can have a significant impact on the experience of the learners. In addressing these issues, we propose a pedagogical model for distance learning which promotes the synergy of eight ingredients – Community, Openness, Multimodality, Participation, Personalisation, Learning, Experience, Technological-Enhancement, with their initial letters generating the acronym COMP-PLETE – for the shaping of a highly participatory online learning experience and the creation of an active and cohesive community characterised by a strong sense of commitment towards the learning of the individuals and that of the group. This paper presents the theoretical rationale for and implementation of COMP-PLETE. It also provides recommendations for researchers and practitioners interested in cultivating an online learning community which responds well to the aforementioned challenges posed by distance education.

Aposentadoria: sobreviver ou se adaptar? Validação do racional de um programa de intervenção

Abstract Objective: This study presents the results of an internal validation of a successful transition and adaptation preparation for a post-career career program for senior adults. Method: A total of 10 judges, with in-depth knowledge in the field of vocational guidance and career development, were asked to decide about the congruence between a set of activities and the dimensions and the development tasks that constitute the rationale of the program. Results: Out of the total of 11 activities that make up the core of the program, eight were unanimously considered to be adequate for the intervention’s objectives, that is, in direct relation to the theoretical rationale, namely the dimensions and relevant development tasks. Conclusion: The results obtained demonstrate a good acceptance of the program by the judges to whom it was presented.

Teaching “Simile” for EFL Learners Based on the Method of Text-based Language Teaching

The method of Text-based Language Teaching centers on texts, which can present diverse forms and highlight authentic texts, so it is frequently used as the guidance for language teaching for EFL learners. However, many teachers fail to effectively employ this method in the practical classroom. Hence, this paper aims to explore how to implement effective teaching of “Simile” in a lesson for one specific group of EFL learners in the classroom based on the method of Text-based Language Teaching. Apart from language features in two authentic written texts, the appropriateness and interestingness of both texts for EFL learners will be mainly investigated. It can be concluded that both chosen texts in this lesson possess theoretical rationale and practical value for EFL learners, thus effectively realizing the research purpose to a large extent. Although Text-based Language Teaching seems to be traditional, teachers should select some proper and interesting texts and apply them into teaching in a productive and innovative way. More importantly, this method combined with other useful teaching methods can work more effectively.