Downsizing and Affective Organisational Commitment: A Contextual Proximity Perspective.

While the dominant literature on downsizing suggests that workforce reductions have a negative impact on employee commitment, knowledge of downsizing is limited by the undifferentiated ways in which downsizing activities are usually approached. This study analyses differences in employee commitment depending on a) the downsizing method used (voluntary redundancies, divestment, layoffs and closure of units) and b) the degree of exposure of employees to the downsizing event. Using downsizing announcements and questionnaires, two distinct families of downsizing methods were identified. Layoffs and closure of units have a negative effect on commitment while voluntary redundancies and divestment have a positive effect. Employee exposure (direct, indirect or not exposed) to the downsizing event accounts for significant differences on commitment. Studying downsizing in a differentiated way shows that assuming that all downsizing is detrimental to commitment is inadequate. We outline the theoretical and practical implications of a more nuanced approach to downsizing

Drug resistance and viral tropism in HIV-1 subtype C-infected patients in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: implications for future treatment options

Article approval pendingDrug resistance poses a significant challenge for the successful application of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) globally. Furthermore, emergence of HIV-1 isolates that preferentially use CXCR4 as a coreceptor for cell entry, either as a consequence of natural viral evolution or HAART use, may compromise the efficacy of CCR5 antagonists as alternative antiviral therapy

Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker initiation on organ support-free days in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

IMPORTANCE Overactivation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may contribute to poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Objective To determine whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) initiation improves outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In an ongoing, adaptive platform randomized clinical trial, 721 critically ill and 58 non–critically ill hospitalized adults were randomized to receive an RAS inhibitor or control between March 16, 2021, and February 25, 2022, at 69 sites in 7 countries (final follow-up on June 1, 2022). INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive open-label initiation of an ACE inhibitor (n = 257), ARB (n = 248), ARB in combination with DMX-200 (a chemokine receptor-2 inhibitor; n = 10), or no RAS inhibitor (control; n = 264) for up to 10 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was organ support–free days, a composite of hospital survival and days alive without cardiovascular or respiratory organ support through 21 days. The primary analysis was a bayesian cumulative logistic model. Odds ratios (ORs) greater than 1 represent improved outcomes. RESULTS On February 25, 2022, enrollment was discontinued due to safety concerns. Among 679 critically ill patients with available primary outcome data, the median age was 56 years and 239 participants (35.2%) were women. Median (IQR) organ support–free days among critically ill patients was 10 (–1 to 16) in the ACE inhibitor group (n = 231), 8 (–1 to 17) in the ARB group (n = 217), and 12 (0 to 17) in the control group (n = 231) (median adjusted odds ratios of 0.77 [95% bayesian credible interval, 0.58-1.06] for improvement for ACE inhibitor and 0.76 [95% credible interval, 0.56-1.05] for ARB compared with control). The posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitors and ARBs worsened organ support–free days compared with control were 94.9% and 95.4%, respectively. Hospital survival occurred in 166 of 231 critically ill participants (71.9%) in the ACE inhibitor group, 152 of 217 (70.0%) in the ARB group, and 182 of 231 (78.8%) in the control group (posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitor and ARB worsened hospital survival compared with control were 95.3% and 98.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this trial, among critically ill adults with COVID-19, initiation of an ACE inhibitor or ARB did not improve, and likely worsened, clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0273570

Because You Matter

I am NOT normal… and neither are you! Whether it's boosting your confidence, building resilience, zapping your critical mind, stopping worrying in its tracks, or putting a halt to debilitating emotions. I dare you to be the you you want to be and celebrate you, boost your motivation, confidence, and success so you can truly SHOW UP, BE SEEN, BE REAL and BE YOU! Not for the faint-hearted or polite, this say it like it is, no bullsh*t book, packed with “Scottish Tourette’s” like outbursts of Positive Psychology and self-help truth is unlike any other. Empowerment Coach Chelle Verite is like ‘CBT on speed!’ written in its real, raw unfiltered story glory, it will transform, empower, and re-energise your life so you can truly LiveLife and BE. “Because YOU Matter” is all about taking charge of your inner world. If you appreciate honesty, truth and want real personal and life-changing gains, can laugh at humour splashed with ‘colourful’ language, and you have a love of cake, tea or wine then you’ve definitely come to the right place. Filled with 21 real Life Lessons will equip you with a real-world applicable motivational toolkit and new mindset full of possibilities, wants and the means to catapult your life into positive action and achieve success. You’ll write everywhere in the book. You’ll laugh, cry, rant, and stomp with Chelle’s heart-warming and heart-breaking stories of overcoming adversity as an adoptee, divorcee, Borderline Personality Disorder sufferer, and life adventurer. Not to mention you’ll meet lots of insightful “Dark Side” catastrophising, meltdown, sabotaging and motivating life characters along the way and learn how to successfully navigate yourself into positivity. Why do it? Why catapult your life into positive action and LiveLife and BE? Simple. Because YOU Matter

Legacy: Ancient Philosophy For Modern Minds

"The journey of thousand miles begins with a single step" - Laozi In "Legacy: Ancient Philosophy for Modern Minds" Phil takes the philosophical approaches of the best and most revered ancient Philosophers and reworks them into methods that can be applied to any modern day challenge. By contrasting this ancient wisdom with a modern twist, Phil provides you with a blueprint for change. Maybe we’re not living longer, maybe we’re just taking longer to die. Each chapter explores a key philosophy and its application to modern living and can be explored on its own or as part of a wider piece of reading. In today's fast moving society, most people want what they don't need and need what they don't want. In taking this journey with Phil, you will learn to: - THINK DIFFERENTLY ACT DIFFERENTLY MAKE CHANGE QUICKLY Drawing upon his service in the elite Royal Marines Commandos, and latterly his career as a world-class Human Performance Coach, Phil shares the ideas and philosophies that have enabled him to help thousands of clients achieve and surpass their desired goals. No quick fixes, no gimmicks, no snake oil. It is the philosophy of applying knowledge daily and repeatedly with relentless commitment

Bad Money FinTech as an Instrument in the Battle for Global Dominance

Veteran FinTech specialist and technology executive, Brad Rigden, takes us on an illuminating journey of how technology and innovation have disrupted not only money and our economy, but our societal fabric on a global scale. This evolution is brought into context amidst the backdrop of cyclic patterns, historical events and behavioural forces, leading us to the precipice of financial entropy. Rigden lifts the veil above the influence and changes that technology is anticipated to bring as the digital century unfolds. This illustrates how technological advancements are being co-opted to serve rogue agendas, thereby surfacing the business strategies and simmering geopolitical forces at play. Whether your interests pique in FinTech, blockchain and crypto-currencies, artificial intelligence, economics, money or geopolitics, this book will arm you with an enduring and entirely new perspective with which to understand the world around us, and navigate where we go from here

The Happipreneur

The book charts his fascinating life from CEO and global Rockstar of Amway to his off the cuff #MicroBizMatters events. Exposing how business owners are conned out of their money by “industry advisers” and often forced into debt. A modern and up to date take on Small is Beautiful by EF Schumacher. Both authors agree that no-one can afford to wait for the revolution any more than they can afford to wait for a vaccine. Johnston explained: ‘As business owners, Tony, myself and all our readers have to just get on with it. It is always a rollercoaster and we expect the unexpected. We hope our guide helps them to avoid the snakes and climb the ladders. Tony’s story of what he has learned from his own businesses and working with many famous entrepreneurs is important for others to know. It is about how to live an enterprising and happy life. We answer the question ‘How to become a Happipreneur?’. We call out the fakes and the scammers and provide a blueprint for the Establishment on why and how they can level the playing field.” An insight into the life of a man who has dedicated the last 30 years to improving the way MicroBiz owners are treated but is also a no-nonsense guide to avoiding the pitfalls small business owners face. “Masturbation is good but Musturbation is bad” Albert Ellis describes the three things that hold us back: I must do well. You must treat me well and the world must be easy. This book is not only an insight into the life of a man who has dedicated the last 30 years to improving the way MicroBiz owners are treated; but is also a no-nonsense guide to avoiding the pitfalls small business owners face. Tony has lived, without a doubt, an incredibly interesting and diverse life, from being the CEO of a huge corporation to almost single-handedly campaigning for the little guy

“Have You Seen This Drivel?” A Comparison of How Common Health Issues Are Discussed within Brachycephalic and Non-Brachycephalic Dog Breed Groups on Social Media

As brachycephalic dog breed ownership increases, there is a growing concern for the welfare of these breeds due to extreme brachycephalism. Understanding the motivations and behaviours of those choosing to own these breeds is important if we wish to address these concerns. The aim of this study was to investigate how owners of brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dog breeds use social media dog breed groups to discuss common health issues. The purpose of Facebook posts in relation to common health issues, owner awareness of health issues and the role of Facebook facilitated social support were explored between brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dog owners. Twelve Facebook breed goups were selected (brachycephalic breed groups, n = 6, non-brachycephalic breed groups, n = 6). Using key word searches we extracted the first twenty posts from each group. Thematic analysis revealed three overarching themes: advice seeking, advice giving and community bonding mechanisms. Whilst the purpose of posting did not differ between groups, non-brachycephalic owners appeared to display greater awareness of breed-specific health issues, whilst social support played a more prominent role in brachycephalic groups. This research highlights that social media groups can act as platforms for knowledge exchange and emotional support. These could be utilised by owners, veterinarians and welfare organisations to more effectively enhance dog health and wellbeing