How job function characteristics impact performance of diverse teams in high-tech industry

This study examines the effect of diversity in the technology industry across different technical job functions and the possible moderating factors. One-on-one interviews were conducted with 16 participants who have different demographic characteristics and different job roles across multiple companies in the United States. It was found that about two-thirds of participants do not perceive diversity as having any positive or negative impact on the outcomes of work teams. The other participants believe that there are positive effects, but it is inconclusive when it comes to whether certain types of diversity result in better team outcomes. The results also reflect how one’s job function might affect his or her view on the effect of diversity. The study findings and their implications may be useful to practitioners working on DEI initiatives in the technology industry

The Effect of Exercise on Cravings and Ad libitum Smoking Following Concurrent Stressors

Quitting smoking itself is a stressor; it is likely that other stressors occur concurrently and deplete self-regulatory resources. Failure to cope leads to smoking relapse. Exercise has been shown to attenuate cravings and withdrawal symptoms in previous research and has yet to be examined following concurrent stressors. This study examined the effect of an acute bout of moderate intensity exercise on psychological withdrawal symptoms (PWS), cravings and ad lib smoking after concurrent stressors (i.e., temporary abstinence and depletion). Twenty-five smokers were randomized into exercise or passive conditions. Results showed PWS were significantly exacerbated after temporary abstinence and again after depletion for both conditions. A significant group x time interaction effect was found for cravings favouring exercise. Exercise had no effect on ad lib smoking. This is the first study to show craving reductions after exercise following concurrent stressors and represents a more ecologically valid lab-based scenario

The synthesis and coordination chemistry of methylene bridge-substituted calix[4]arenes

Chapter 1 presents an overview of the history of calix[n]arenes. There is particular focus on calix[4]arene and its conformational properties, as well as modification at the upper-, lower-rim and methylene bridge positions. Molecular magnetism is then discussed with important literature examples described. Finally, the coordination chemistry of metal clusters formed from calix[4]arenes are discussed. Chapter 2 covers the synthesis and characterisation of a calix[4]arene derivative that has been mono-substituted at all methylene bridge positions with 2-methylfuran groups. The coordination chemistry with 3d, 4f, and 3d-4f ions was then investigated. The clusters isolated from these reactions were analysed by X-ray diffraction studies and their structures compared with those previously obtained within this research group. Chapter 3 focusses on the further derivatisation of a furan-substituted calix[4]arene in order to synthesise other heterocyclic-containing calix[4]arenes. This work was carried out with a particular emphasis on expanding the library of methylene bridge-substituted calix[4]arenes. The synthesis and characterisation of these compounds are described. Chapter 4 presents work that was carried out by the candidate on placement at the University of Edinburgh in collaboration with the Lusby group. In this section the pyridyl-substituted calix[4]arene synthesised in Chapter 3 was utilised in cage-forming reactions with a view to forming metal-organic assemblies. The results of which are described in detail with supporting evidence in the form of Diffusion Ordered NMR Spectroscopy studies. Chapter 5 describes the post-synthetic modification of a [MnIII2MnII2] cluster through the addition of chelating co-ligands. The results are that the ligated solvent molecules of the cluster have been displaced by various co-ligands, resulting in a new family of clusters. X-ray diffraction studies were carried out on the resultant clusters in order to determine the stability of the crystalline material upon removal from the mother liquor. Chapter 6 presents a summary of the work described in this thesis and future work to be carried out in relation to this project

GAINING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE BY INTEGRATION OF BUSINESS STRATEGY & COPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY (A Study of an American Investment Management based in Singapore)

Investment management industry is a highly competitive. Due to the financial crisis, the once highly preferred investment tool, is now subjected to scrutiny from investors and regulators. The lost in consumer confidence has caused an impact on the investment performances. This study will address the question on how an investment management can utilise CSR to gain competitive advantage. Research results shows there is low CSR initiatives by companies in Singapore. The low activity rate is due to the country’s infrastructure and government’s intervention which reduces the need of its business to contribute. Employees are sceptical of CSR activities since it takes up time and is no value adding to their job. However, later findings show that if the right type of CSR strategies is use, it will create the company with a more attractive position in the industry and higher retention rate. This dissertation will be a study of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the context of an investment management based in Singapore

Differences in psychosocial determinants of hand hygiene between health care professional groups: insights from a mixed-methods analysis

Background: Good hand hygiene (HH) prevents health care-associated infections. We compared psychosocial and organizational factors associated with HH compliance and perceived need for improvement among physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals (AHPs). Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study in a 1,600-bed adult tertiary-care hospital in Singapore. Seven focus group discussions were conducted and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The subsequent cross-sectional survey involved 1,064 staff members. Principal components analysis was performed to derive the latent factor structure that was applied in multivariable analyses. Results: All staff members acknowledged that HH was an integral part of their work, but were noncompliant due to competing priorities. Physicians were forgetful but appreciated reminders. Nurses were intrinsically motivated for HH. After adjusting for gender, staff category, seniority, and dermatitis history, having positive knowledge-attitudes-behaviors (odds ratio [OR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-1.69), personal motivators-enablers (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.38-1.86), and emotional motivators (OR, 1.62; 95% CI 1.40-1.88) were positively associated with good HH compliance. Women (OR, 3.91; 95% CI, 1.37-11.11), seniors (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.08-7.68), nurses (OR, 4.05; 95% CI, 1.51-10.87), and staff with personal motivators-enablers for HH (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.08-2.37) were more likely to perceive a need for improvement. Conclusions: Factors influencing self-reported HH differed between health care professional groups. Group-specific interventions are needed to improve compliance

The lift industry in Hong Kong : regulatory action and capacity building

published_or_final_versionPolitics and Public AdministrationMasterMaster of Public Administratio

The past and current updates on diagnostic aspects of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive joint disease leading to the destruction of joint structures, which in turn causes severe and chronic pain to the patient. Since OA is a troubling and disruptive disease, numerous researches have been done into diagnosing this disease, both in the early and the late stages of the disease. Diagnostic modalities such as radiography, computed-tomography (CT), micro-computed tomography (μ-CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used in OA research. Not only that, more advance measurements and criteria have been established to standardize OA research. Currently, the OA research has been delving into proteomic studies to search for potential disease biomarkers. Biomarkers such as urinary C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type 2 (uCTX-II) and cartilage oligometric protein (COMP) have shown potential to be both diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. For this review paper, the developments in diagnostic modalities are discussed focusing more on proteomic and biomarker studies

Maternal Serum and Breast Milk Vitamin D Levels: Findings from the Universiti Sains Malaysia Pregnancy Cohort Study

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has become a global health issue in pregnant women. This study aimed to assess the adequacy of maternal vitamin D status by measuring maternal serum and breast milk 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and to determine the association between maternal serum and milk 25(OH)D levels. Methods: Data was obtained from the Universiti Sains Malaysia Pregnancy Cohort Study. This study was conducted from April 2010 to December 2012 in the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. Blood samples from pregnant women aged 19 to 40 years were drawn in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, while breast milk samples at delivery, 2, 6 and 12 months postpartum were collected to analyze for 25(OH)D levels. A total of 102 pregnant women were included in the analysis. Results: Vitamin D deficiency [25(OH)D ,50 nmol/L] was detected in 60% and 37% of women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. There were 6% and 23% of women who reached normal level of vitamin D status in the second trimester and the third trimester, respectively. Multivitamin intakes during pregnancy were significantly associated with higher serum 25(OH)D levels in the second trimester (b = 9.16, p = 0.005) and the third trimester (b = 13.65, p = 0.003). 25(OH)D levels in breast milk during the first year of lactation ranged from 1.01 to 1.26 nmol/L. Higher maternal serum 25(OH)D level in the second trimester of pregnancy was associated with an elevated level of 25(OH)D in breast milk at delivery (b = 0.002, p = 0.026). Conclusions: This study shows that high proportions of Malay pregnant women are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Maternal vitamin D status in the second trimester of pregnancy was found to influence vitamin D level in breast milk at delivery