In this work, the effect of a custom-made, Na- and Ca-free flux on the melt quality of an Al–5Mg–2Fe alloy was studied. The composition of the flux mixture was designed based on thermodynamic calculations as well as previous studies. Melt quality was assessed by using (i) reduced pressure tests with density measurements and Bifilm Index analysis, (ii) microscopic investigation of K-mold samples, and (iii) tensile testing. Defects on fracture surfaces and the microstructure of tensile specimens were investigated by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tensile data were analyzed via Weibull statistics. Results indicated that flux addition improved melt quality indices and tensile data only slightly, mainly due to the disappearance of old, coarse oxide films from the fracture surfaces of K-mold and tensile specimens. However, further improvements are needed for a more complete elimination of defects to increase the reliability of mechanical properties. This study provides insight into how fluxing treatments can alleviate the contribution of entrainment defects to the degradation of the mechanical properties of Al–Mg–Fe alloys.
Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich presents a profound examination of how conformity erodes moral life and how renewal becomes possible. This paper reads the novella as a philosophical case of moral collapse and recovery, integrating existential ethics with moral psychology. We reframe the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory as a moral-existential account, in which catalysts transform crises of conscience into a renewed moral life. Within this structure, Gerasim, Ivan’s young caretaker, functions as a catalyst and moral center. By accepting finitude and practicing unadorned care, he restores coherence where avoidance prevails. Ivan’s death exposes the emptiness beneath social success and opens a path to clarity through honest confrontation. We connect this vision to organizational life, where busyness, bureaucracy, and procedural thinking mirror Ivan’s mistaken ideals. We conclude by proposing a cyclical model of moral balance that links philosophy, literature, and management practice, showing how the Catalyst can trigger regression back to Avoidance if ignored and how Authenticity can still emerge within systems of disengagement.
Purpose This study aims to investigate how perceived coworker dark triad (DT) traits − narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy − contribute to employee burnout through the mediating role of job stress. Drawing on conservation of resources (COR) theory, the study conceptualises toxic peer behaviour as a chronic interpersonal stressor that depletes emotional and psychological resources, undermining employee well-being. Design/methodology/approach Survey data were collected from 540 professionals employed in US professional service firms. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to establish construct validity, and structural equation modelling was used to test the hypothesised relationships. Indirect effects were assessed using bootstrapping with 5,000 resamples. Findings Perceived coworker Machiavellianism and psychopathy were positively associated with job stress, which in turn predicted burnout. Direct relationships between these traits and burnout were nonsignificant, indicating full mediation through stress. These findings show that peer-driven toxicity contributes to burnout indirectly by sustaining resource depletion, as reflected in elevated stress. Practical implications Organisations should attend to peer-level social dynamics alongside workload and leadership factors. Monitoring toxic interpersonal patterns and intervening early may help protect shared psychological resources and sustain employee engagement and well-being. Originality/value This study reframes burnout as a socially transmitted, peer-driven process that develops through routine interactions with coworkers. By applying COR theory to peer-level DT exposure, this study extends burnout research beyond hierarchical explanations and highlights lateral social climates as a critical source of strain.
Preparing for Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation requires extensive faculty engagement, yet the literature offers limited guidance on operational strategies to cultivate collaboration and mentorship during this process. This article describes the Keigwin School of Nursing's adaptation of Benner's novice to expert framework and Haverkamp et al.'s (2018) “map for accreditation” to design a collaborative approach for developing the self-study report and preparing for a site visit. Junior faculty were paired with experienced mentors in dyads, assigned to analyze key elements of the CCNE Standards, and reported findings back to cross-program Standard Teams. This structure fostered faculty development, enhanced understanding of accreditation processes, and promoted succession planning. Standardized meeting minutes, end-of-year committee reports, and the use of stoplight tracking tools provided systematic evidence of continuous quality improvement. Faculty-wide meetings and individualized support further strengthened readiness and confidence for site visit engagement. The outcome was full faculty participation, successful alignment of undergraduate and graduate program reaccreditation cycles, and no accreditation compliance concerns reported for any program. These results underscore the value of mentorship, collaboration, and succession planning in accreditation preparation and highlight the potential to address national challenges in faculty shortages, destabilization of higher education, and the need for a unified nursing faculty voice in academic advocacy.
