bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridge and redundant ties in networks: the impact on innovation in food SMEs
Authors: Shiri Ghasem , Sauvée Loïc , Abdirahman Zam-Zam
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of networks diversity on innovation activity of firms. It aims to review the structural issue in innovation networks and to distinguish different structures of networks for product and process innovation through an empirical research.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a data set of 348 European agri-food firms, the authors study the impact of bridge and redundant ties on product and process innovation of firms. This is an empirical research based on an online survey in five European countries.

Findings

– The finding shows that bridge ties (measured by the number of heterogeneous networks in which firm participate) always facilitate product innovation in firms. The authors found also that a high number of heterogeneous ties in term of partners (simultaneous presence of redundant and non-redundant ties) motivate both product and process innovation in firms. Furthermore, the authors found a positive impact of network competence on process innovation.

Research limitations/implications

– The measures of bridge ties and redundant ties are indirect measures. This choice is a willing choice. Direct measurement of bridge and redundant ties always requires in-depth interviews with firms managers and thereby are limited by the number of observations.

Originality/value

– Research on innovations networks are dominated by case studies and researches with limited number of observations. Studying the networking behaviour, particularly the tie selection, of a wide range of firms brings additional knowledge in this field of research.
The outset of U-I R & D relationships: the specific case of biological sciences
Authors: Pinheiro Miguel Linhares , Pinho José Carlos , Lucas Cândida
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to draw insights from the actors-resources-activities (ARA) model and social capital literature to identify relevant activities shared by university-industry (U-I) actors prior to R & D cooperation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a qualitative methodology, a series of interviews were carried out with researchers from the biological sciences domain.

Findings

– This study found that, at the outset of U-I links, companies’ motivations are strongly organizational, while academics are motivated at a personal level. The interactions grow from low-risk activities to partnerships on complex tasks, and depend on relational resources framed within the ARA and social capital theories. Results showed that shared interests are present at the outset of U-I links and grow thereafter. Trust and commitment were not ubiquitous at the outset, but rather at later stages of the cooperation, as a result of the developed interdependencies.

Research limitations/implications

– The combination of the ARA model and social capital in U-I links highlighted the different relationship levels (individual vs organizational), the disparities between early and established ties, and the interplay between low- and high-investment activities underlying researchers’ relationships. Several managerial contributions are presented for universities to promote greater integration with industry partners.

Originality/value

– A new direction of research is presented towards lower levels of U-I cooperation, taking into account the relational resources and the activities shared in each level. This work distinguished the different actors’ motivations and clarified the role of trust and commitment at the outset of U-I links. This first assessment of Portuguese U-I interactions within the biological sciences provided valuable insights for both academics and practitioners.
The influence of research and development policy: the case of Estonia in the EU
Authors: Reiljan Janno , Paltser Ingra
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the international position of Estonia among the member states of the EU and countries closely associated with the EU, from the perspective of the effect of research and development (R
&
D) policy on innovation activities in the business sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on existing scientific research literature on the relationships between R
&
D policy and business sector R
&
D activities and innovation performance, a set of indicators describing R
&
D policy measures was created for the business sector. Using principal component analysis (PCA) method, independent robust dimensions of R
&
D policy were brought out. After eliminating the problem of multicollinearity in R
&
D policy indicators, robust multiple regression models were conducted to present a comprehensive empirical description of the shaping of business sector R
&
D and innovation activities in the sample of investigated countries.

Findings

– Based on the literature, the influences of R
&
D policy measures on business sector R
&
D activities and innovation performance were systemised; public R
&
D policy dimensions were empirically defined; the intensity of R
&
D policy influence on business sector R
&
D activities was estimated; the differences between real and prognostic values of business sector performance indicators in Estonia were calculated in order to characterise the efficiency of Estonian R
&
D policy and the influence of the socioeconomic environment.

Research limitations/implications

– The lack of comparable data describing R
&
D policy and R
&
D activities and innovation performance in the business sector limits the comprehensiveness of the analysis (i.e. the number of analysed indicators).

Practical implications

– The assessment and comparative analysis of the influence of R
&
D policy components on business sector R
&
D activities and innovation performance in different countries makes it possible to identify directions for increasing the efficiency of R
&
D policy under the specific influence of the socioeconomic environment, especially in new member states of the EU.

Originality/value

– Using the PCA method significantly increased the robustness of the macro-quantitative description of R
&
D policy dimensions. By combining the set of new synthetic R
&
D policy indicators created by the PCA with the multiple regression analysis method, a significant increase in the robustness of model coefficients (i.e. the assessments of influence intensity) was achieved. These robust models create the basis for reliable empirical assessment of the influence of R
&
D policy and a comparative analysis of the results.
Does digital proximity between countries impact entrepreneurship?
Authors: Alderete Maria Veronica
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to determine if there is a spatial dependence in the entrepreneurial activity among countries. The existence of a “digital proximity” could explain the spatial pattern of entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

– This question is empirically addressed by using a five-period, 2008-2012, panel data for 35 countries. A spatial fixed effects panel data model is estimated by using the total entrepreneurial activity published by the global entrepreneurship monitor as the dependent variable.

Findings

– A significant negative influence of the digital proximity on the entrepreneurial activity is observed. Mobile broadband (MB) direct effect is positive while the indirect effect (the spatial spillovers) is negative, leading to a negative total effect on the total entrepreneurial activity. This result is contrary to non-spatial models’ results. Besides, a higher MB penetration in a country would lead to a competitive advantage fostering its opportunities for entrepreneurship, but reducing those of its neighbours’.

Originality/value

– This paper examines the relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) and entrepreneurship, by introducing the spatial effects is the main contribution. This paper expands the scant literature on the ICT impact on entrepreneurship. Results obtained support policies towards enforcing innovation, education and reducing entry regulations for encouraging entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, MB policies could counteract the entrepreneurial policies’ results due to the spatial dependence.
Facebook advertising’s influence on intention-to-purchase and purchase amongst Millennials
Authors: Duffett Rodney Graeme
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of behavioural attitudes towards the most popular social medium in the world, Facebook, amongst Millennials in South Africa (SA), and to determine whether various usage and demographic variables have an impact on intention-to-purchase and purchase perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Quantitative research was conducted by means of a survey among a sample of over 3,500 respondents via self-administered structured questionnaires in SA. A generalised linear model was used to analyse the data.

Findings

– The results confirm that advertising on Facebook has a positive influence on the behavioural attitudes (intention-to-purchase and purchase) of Millennials who reside in SA. The usage characteristics, log on duration and profile update incidence, as well as the demographic influence of ethnic orientation also resulted in more favourable perceptions of Facebook advertising.

Research limitations/implications

– Research on Facebook advertising was only conducted in SA, whereas other emerging countries warrant further investigation to establish if they share the slight positive sentiment towards intention-to-purchase and purchase. This inquiry only provides a “snap shot” of behavioural attitudes, usage and demographic factors towards social media advertising, whereas future research could consider the development of cognitive, affective and behavioural attitudes towards Facebook advertising by employing longitudinal and qualitative research designs.

Practical implications

– Organisations and managers should consider that their existing Facebook advertising strategies may only have a limited effect on intention-to-purchase and purchase in SA. However, certain usage characteristics, namely the more time spent logged on to Facebook and the greater frequency of profile update incidence, as well as the demographic variable, namely black and coloured Millennials, resulted in more favourable behavioural attitudes towards Facebook advertising. Hence, organisations and managers should be prepared to alter or adapt their Facebook advertising tactics accordingly when targeting the notoriously fickle Millennials.

Originality/value

– This investigation found that Facebook advertising has a nominal positive influence on behavioural attitudes among Millennials, which is in congruence with the communications of the effect pyramid model that was established through traditional advertising research. This paper also makes a noteworthy contribution to attitudinal research in emerging countries where there is a dearth of research in social media advertising.
Cyber bullying and teachers’ awareness
Authors: Sezer Baris , Yilmaz Ramazan , Karaoglan Yilmaz Fatma Gizem
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the awareness levels of teachers with regard to cyber bullying. In line with this purpose, the extent of awareness levels of teachers in general, regarding the issue of personal cyber security in their daily lives and the precautions that can be taken in this context have been measured.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey method is used in this study. The participants of this research were 184 teachers working at various provinces in Turkey during 2012-2013 academic year. A scale was used in this study.

Findings

– The findings of the study reveal that the teachers in the sample group of the study have an average level of awareness on cyber bullying, in general. According to the findings of the study, based on branch, gender and frequency of internet use, there are statistically significant differences among teachers’ awareness levels on cyber bullying.

Research limitations/implications

– The data collection tool used for the study is a self-report scale and it is restricted to determining the awareness levels of teachers with respect to personal cyber security within the context of cyber bullying awareness and the precautions that need to be taken in this respect.

Practical implications

– The data obtained from the study, the authors have conducted, can contribute to updating in-service and pre-service educational contents developed for teachers and prospective teachers, by providing insight for the policy makers.

Originality/value

– It is believed that this research will contribute to the literature. On the other hand, this study will guide the policy makers/implementers in Turkey, as well.
WeChat in the library: promoting a new virtual reference service using a mobile app
Authors: Pun Raymond
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address how New York University Shanghai Library utilizes WeChat to support students’ research and information needs. WeChat is a mobile text and voice messaging communication service developed in China. Released in 2011, it currently has over 355 million users worldwide. The paper explores the information exchanges and interactions as well: what are students asking and what they can gain from this app; and features of the app are explored: WeChat can send files, support video-chat and group and voice messaging. By examining the opportunities and challenges of this app, the paper offers best practices to maximize WeChat as a library virtual service.

Design/methodology/approach

– The design approach of this paper is to analyze the information exchanges and interactions from participants. By collecting and analyzing the responses, the paper presents the opportunities of the app in supporting patrons who are often mobile and also how the app can be used for student engagement that is beyond reference services.

Findings

– From virtual reference to social media outreach, this paper finds that the app can offer a wide range of support and service through the library. Based on the positive daily interactions in the app, the research notes that the app can be utilized in many contexts: to support virtual service, to create student engagement, to promote library services and to create an online community of student users.

Originality/value

– This paper introduces in the context of an American institution and how this app can be utilized to support virtual reference and student engagement. The most important feature of this work is to demonstrate how to use this app to promote and to provide library services remotely. The paper introduces an alternative virtual reference service that can be utilized in any university setting.
An examination of linkages between CSR and cross-buying
Authors: Vyas Vishal , Raitani Sonika
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to probe into the linkages between the corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices of banks and the cross-buying intentions of banking customers. Though the authors could not find any direct link between these two concepts on theoretical ground, but an effort has been made to identify the impact of CSR on cross-buying intentions through corporate reputation and relationship quality. Like other industries, the Indian banking industry has also witnessed a balance between its social-environmental responsibilities and its clearly defined economic responsibility to earn profit.

Design/methodology/approach

– The universe for the present study constitutes the customers of the entire Indian banking industry. Considering the cost and time constraints, the study was limited to a sample of 347 public and private bank customers in the Rajasthan region based on the convenience sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through structural equation modeling. CSR measures included philanthropic and ethical responsibility.

Findings

– Results revealed that corporate reputation and relationship quality both play a mediating role in the linkages between CSR and cross-buying intentions.

Practical implications

– The study suggests integrating marketing strategy with its CSR strategies to encourage cross-buying intentions. While making the cross-selling agenda, they should bear reputation in mind because at the relationship development phase, customers generally rely on reputation than their evaluation of bank’s products for cross-buying.

Originality/value

– This study is the first in marketing literature which relates the concept of CSR and the cross-buying.
Corporate sustainability: an IS approach for integrating triple bottom line elements
Authors: Venkatraman Sitalakshmi , Nayak Raveendranath Ravi
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the inter-relationships among three triple bottom line (TBL) outcomes of corporate sustainability, namely, corporate environmental performance outcome (CEPO), corporate social performance outcome (CSPO) and corporate financial performance outcome (CFPO), with the aid of an empirical study conducted in Australian businesses. The paper also aims to provide a roadmap for integrating sustainable business practices using information systems (IS) approach of continuous improvement lifecycle. Current business practices try to achieve economic, social and ecological goals independently as silos due to the individual operational challenges posed by each of these TBL principles.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research design mainly adopts a quantitative research methodology with data collected by means of a survey questionnaire that included both descriptive and exploratory flavour. The empirical study examines the relationships of TBL elements as perceived by 85 different Australian-based large, medium as well as small business organisations. The data collected were analysed by performing factor analysis on 21 items, resulting in three latent factors that were aligned to TBL outcomes and the correlations among them were analysed to assess their inter-relationships.

Findings

– The results of the study report weak and positive relationships existing between the TBL elements, with insights gained through the study leading towards useful implications that are well-supported by the qualitative feedback. The empirical study has also resulted in providing practical recommendations and an implementation framework consisting of a four-step roadmap with the participation of quality circles within an IS approach.

Practical implications

– The study focuses on inter-relationships and integration of TBL elements in Australian businesses. This could be extended to other businesses in different countries. The proposed roadmap with a continuous improvement cycle of system implementation steps facilitates any organisation to adopt an incremental integration of the social responsibility and environment protection practices within its core business operations for achieving corporate sustainability.

Originality/value

– While most of the TBL studies conducted worldwide focus on predominantly assessing large organisations towards responsible and sustainable business practices, this paper considers large, medium and small businesses. The research methodology adopted in this study as well as the proposed IS approach with quality circles add value to a growing body of literature with a recent increasing focus on integrated approaches for corporate sustainability.
Strategic actions against climate change of institutional entrepreneurs: a case study in the Spanish renewable energy sector
Authors: González-González José María , Zamora-Ramírez Constancio , García-Hernández Ignacio
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to improve the knowledge about the strategic actions of institutional entrepreneurs in the configuration of the institutional pillars of an emerging field such as the Spanish renewable energy sector, as well as to illustrate the role of these actors in the fight against climate change.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper presents a single case study conducted in a company that entered the renewable energy sector in the ‘90s, and currently is a national and international reference in the generation of thermosolar power. The results of this case study are analysed and interpreted according to the New Institutional Sociology.

Findings

– The paper identifies and analyses the strategic actions developed by the company to configure the regulative, normative and cognitive pillars of its institutional context, such as the establishment of inter-actors relationships, the mobilisation of constituent actors, the use of sanctions and rewards, the employment of consultants and the public dissemination of knowledge and social awareness.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to the development of the specialised literature about the institutional entrepreneurship which is very scarce in relation to the actions of institutional entrepreneurs in emerging fields. Likewise, this study allows managers to know the role of those entrepreneurs to configure the behaviour patterns that could be accepted and assumed by those entering the sector later on.
Learning crisis unit through post-crisis: characteristics and mechanisms
Authors: Chebbi Hela , Pündrich Aline Pereira
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to identify the characteristics that a crisis unit should have to achieve effective learning after crisis. Literature has identified many relations between learning organizations and crisis; yet, there is a dearth of research on specific studies about crisis units and their post-crisis learning features. Thus, this paper aims to fill such a gap by giving some practical answers to this question: How can the crisis unit reduce defensiveness phase and extend openness and forgetfulness while learning after the crisis?

Design/methodology/approach

– This research mobilizes a framework composed by three theoretical grids: the post-crisis learning cycle (Kovoor-Misra and Nathan, 2000); the characteristics of a learning organization (Senge, 1990); and the mechanisms of crisis learning (Mitki and Herstein, 2011). A qualitative investigation is conducted to study a crisis within an oil company (PON).

Findings

– This paper shows that the duration of the learning cycle depends not only on the organization context but also on the characteristics of the crisis unit. Along with the cognitive, structural and procedural mechanisms, which contributed differently in each phase, the mixed framework allowed operationalizing Senge’s dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

– The elaboration of a single case study could be considered as a limitation, although it allows a deeper analysis of events within the organization.

Practical implications

– This paper pinpoints the characteristics that organizations should have as well as the learning mechanisms they should use during each phase of the post-crisis learning cycle.

Originality/value

– This paper analyzes crisis units as learning structures, which has not been seen yet in known literature.
Assessing Consumer Emotional Responses in the Presence and Absence of Critical Quality Attributes: A Case Study with Chicken Eggs
Authors: Wardy Wisdom , Sae‐Eaw Amporn , Sriwattana Sujinda , No Hong Kyoon , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: July 2015

Effects of attribute presence and absence on the emotional profile and consumer acceptability of products with varying qualities were assessed using eggs as an example. An online survey (n = 320) was used to evaluate emotional responses and acceptability to 5 types of egg quality attributes: intrinsic, aesthetic, extrinsic, expediency, and wholesome/safety, for both present and absent conditions. Attribute absence rather than presence evoked greater consumer discriminating emotions associated with eggs. Mean emotion intensity elicited by the presence of all quality attributes ranged from 1.67 (intrinsic; guilty) to 4.05 (wholesome; good) versus 2.01 (wholesome; satisfied) to 3.29 (wholesome; disgusted) when absent. Key positive emotions elicited by presence of attributes were active, calm, good, interested, happy, safe, and satisfied; while dominant negative emotions elicited by absence of attributes included disgusted and worried. Wholesome quality (constituted by egg freshness, “packing/best‐before‐date” and absence of visible cracks) exhibited the highest liking (7.65) and emotion intensities, while the emotional responses to both the presence and absence of intrinsic quality (constituted by nutrient‐fortified egg, organic egg, and USDA‐certified farm egg) were similar, reflecting their dynamic effects on emotions. Emotions and acceptability were more correlated for attribute absence than presence; and good, happy, and satisfied emotions were strongly related to egg acceptability (r ≥ 0.6). Egg product/packaging design can be oriented toward emphasizing wholesome and expedient attributes, since they enhance good, safe, and satisfied emotions, while minimizing disgust, worry, and boredom. The use of emotional responses and hedonic testing regarding attribute presence and absence would allow for improved selection of attributes critical to consumer acceptance of products.
Pulmonary effects of expiratory‐assisted small‐lumen ventilation during upper airway obstruction in pigs
Authors: Ziebart A. , Garcia‐Bardon A. , Kamuf J. , Thomas R. , Liu T. , Schad A. , Duenges B. , David M. , Hartmann E. K.
Published: July 2015

Novel devices for small‐lumen ventilation may enable effective inspiration and expiratory ventilation assistance despite airway obstruction. In this study, we investigated a porcine model of complete upper airway obstruction. After ethical approval, we randomly assigned 13 anaesthetised pigs either to small‐lumen ventilation following airway obstruction (n = 8) for 30 min, or to volume‐controlled ventilation (sham setting, n = 5). Small‐lumen ventilation enabled adequate gas exchange over 30 min. One animal died as a result of a tension pneumothorax in this setting. Redistribution of ventilation from dorsal to central compartments and significant impairment of the distribution of ventilation/perfusion occurred. Histopathology demonstrated considerable lung injury, predominantly through differences in the dorsal dependent lung regions. Small‐lumen ventilation maintained adequate gas exchange in a porcine airway obstruction model. The use of this technique for 30 min by inexperienced clinicians was associated with considerable end‐expiratory collapse leading to lung injury, and may also carry the risk of severe injury.
Comparing four ovarian reserve markers – associations with ovarian response and live births after assisted reproduction
Authors: Brodin Thomas , Hadziosmanovic Nermin , Berglund Lars , Olovsson Matts , Holte Jan
Published: July 2015

Introduction

We compared the ability of four different ovarian reserve tests (ORTs) to predict live births per started in vitro fertilization–intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF‐ICSI) cycle, and poor and excessive response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

Material and methods

This was a cohort study in a private infertility center in collaboration with Uppsala University, comprising 1230 IVF‐ICSI cycles in 892 consecutive women between April 2008 and June 2011. Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, antral follicle counts (AFC), combinations of basal levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and menstrual cycle lengths were analyzed for correlation and treatment outcome prediction in age‐adjusted statistical models. Stepwise multivariable generalized estimating equation analyses were carried out in a sub‐group with complete data on all four ORTs (620 cycles in 443 women). Odds ratios and c‐statistics were calculated in the largest available set of data for each significant variable. Primary outcomes were live birth rate per started cycle and poor and excessive ovarian response to controlled ovarian hyper‐stimulation (defined by the ovarian sensitivity index).

Results

All ORTs correlated significantly with each other, with the strongest correlation between AFC and AMH (r = 0.71, p < 0.0001). Univariately, AMH and age equivalently predicted live birth (c‐statistic 0.61), and together they provided a significantly better model (c‐statistic 0.64). For prediction of poor and excessive response the best model included AMH, AFC and age (c‐statistic 0.89).

Conclusions

AMH improves the ability to estimate live birth rates after assisted reproduction compared with female age alone. AMH, AFC and age together constituted the best model for prediction of ovarian response.
Systematic review: the effects of long‐term proton pump inhibitor use on serum gastrin levels and gastric histology
Authors: Lundell L. , Vieth M. , Gibson F. , Nagy P. , Kahrilas P. J.
Published: July 2015

Background

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have a well‐established safety profile. However, concerns have been raised about a potential relationship betweenPPI‐induced hypergastrinaemia and the development of enterochromaffin‐like (ECL) cell hyperplasia, neuroendocrine tumours and gastric cancer during long‐term therapy.

Aim

To review the effects of long‐termPPIuse on serum gastrin levels and gastric histopathology.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed on 21 April 2015 to identify studies reporting the effects of long‐term (defined as >3 years)PPIuse on gastrin levels and gastric histopathology.

Results

A total of 16 studies (1920 patients) met the inclusion criteria. During long‐termPPItherapy, mean gastrin levels rose to one to three times the upper limit of the normal range (~100 pg/mL), and an increased prevalence ofECLcell hyperplasia was observed (+7.8–52.0%).Helicobacter pylori‐positive patients had a significantly increased risk of developingECLlinear/micronodular hyperplasia compared withH. pylori‐negative patients [OR: 2.45 (95%CI: 1.47–4.10),P = 0.0006]; however, no evidence of neoplastic changes was found. The risk of corpus atrophy was markedly higher inH. pylori‐positive patients than inH. pylori‐negative patients [OR: 11.45 (95%CI: 6.25–20.99),P < 0.00001]. Not a single case of gastric adenocarcinoma was found.

Conclusions

Long‐termPPItherapy induced moderate hypergastrinaemia in most patients and an increased prevalence ofECLcell hyperplasia.H. pylori‐positive patients receiving long‐termPPItherapy were exposed to a higher risk of corpus atrophy thanH. pylori‐negative patients. No neuroendocrine tumours or gastric cancers were found.
An evaluation of a behavioural support team for adults with a learning disability and behaviours that challenge from a multi‐agency perspective
Authors: Christopher Rose , Horsley Sarah
Published: July 2015

Accessible Summary

Dudley Behaviour Support Team aims to help make areas of life better for people with behaviours that challenge. It also aims to help their carers support them better.

This project looked at whether the Behaviour Support Team is meeting guidelines set out by the government to ensure services are doing their job well.

Staff who work with the Behaviour Support Team were asked to take part in the study by answering questions about how well the team does.

This study found that the Behaviour Support Team is meeting the government guidelines to a high standard.

The Dudley Behavioural Support Team (BST) was set up based on Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) principles to support individuals with behaviours that challenge. The Winterbourne Review emphasises the importance of developing high‐quality specialist community services and the Ensuring Quality Services (Local Government Association & NHS England, Ensuring quality services, London, 2014) document was released to guide the commissioning of such services. The document sets out standards and guidance for those supporting individuals with behaviour that challenges. This evaluation aimed to investigate whether the BST meets the guidance set out in Ensuring Quality Services from the perspective of other services. A questionnaire was developed to collect data from 19 staff members from services with experience of working with the BST, to address the points raised in Ensuring Quality Services. The quantitative results indicated that the BST are meeting the guidance to a high standard and qualitative data suggested this is achieved through a focus on joint working and a fluid, flexible approach. In conclusion, the BST appears to be a valuable resource from the perspective of services working with them to support individuals with behaviours that challenge.
The Unique and Shared Genetic and Environmental Contributions to Fear, Anger, and Sadness in Childhood
Authors: Clifford Sierra , Lemery‐Chalfant Kathryn , Goldsmith H. Hill
Published: July 2015

This study examined the extent to which subordinate dimensions of negative emotionality were genetically and environmentally distinct in a sample of 1,316 twins (51% female, 85.8% Caucasian, primarily middle class,Mage = 7.87 years,SD = .93), recruited from Wisconsin hospital birth records between 1989 and 2004. Cholesky, independent pathway, and common pathway models were fitted for mother report, father report, and in‐home observation of temperament. Although findings support the use of negative emotionality, there were heritable aspects of anger and fear not explained by a common genetic factor, and shared environmental influences common to anger and sadness but not fear. Observed fear was independent from observed anger and sadness. Distinctions support specificity in measurement when considering implications for child development.
CTSA Consortium Consensus Scientific Review Committee (SRC) Working Group Report on the SRC Processes
Authors: Selker Harry P. , Buse John B. , Califf Robert M. , Carter Robert , Cooper Dan M. , Davis Jonathan , Ford Daniel E. , Galassetti Pietro , Guay‐Woodford Lisa , Huggins Gordon S. , Kasper Amanda , Kieburtz Karl , Kirby Aaron , Klein Andreas K. , Kline Joel , O’ Neill Robert T. , Rape Marie , Reichgott Douglas J. , Rojevsky Svetlana , Rosenthal Gary E. , Rubinstein Eric P. , Shepherd Amy , Stacy Mark , Terrin Norma , Wallace Mark , Welch Lisa
Published: July 2015

Human research projects must have a scientifically valid study design, analytic plan, and be operationally feasible in order to be successfully completed and thus to have translational impact. To ensure this, institutions that conduct clinical research should have a scientific review process prior to submission to the Institutional Review Committee (IRB). This paper reports the Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Consortium Scientific Review Committee (SRC) Consensus Working Group's proposed framework for a SRC process. Recommendations are provided for institutional support and roles of CTSAs, multisite research, criteria for selection of protocols that should be reviewed, roles of committee members, application process, and committee process. Additionally, to support the SCR process effectively, and to ensure efficiency, the Working Group recommends information technology infrastructures and evaluation metrics to determine outcomes are provided.
Severe hypoglycaemia in adults with insulin‐treated diabetes: impact on healthcare resources
Authors: Heller S. R. , Frier B. M. , Hersløv M. L. , Gundgaard J. , Gough S. C. L.
Published: July 2015

Aims

To assess resource utilization associated with severe hypoglycaemia across three insulin regimens in a large phase 3a clinical programme involving people with Type 1 diabetes treated with basal–bolus insulin, people with Type 2 diabetes treated with multiple daily injections and people with Type 2 diabetes treated with basal–oral therapy.

Methods

Data relating to severe hypoglycaemia events (defined as episodes requiring external assistance) from the insulin degludec and insulin degludec/insulin aspart programme (15 trials) were analysed using descriptive statistics. Comparators included insulin glargine, biphasic insulin aspart, insulin detemir and sitagliptin. Mealtime insulin aspart was used in some regimens. This analysis used the serious adverse events records, which documented the use of ambulance/emergency teams, a hospital/emergency room visit ≤ 24 h, or a hospital visit > 24 h.

Results

In total, 536 severe hypoglycaemia events were analysed, of which 157 (29.3%) involved an ambulance/emergency team, 64 (11.9%) led to hospital/emergency room attendance of ≤ 24 h and 36 (6.7%) required hospital admission (> 24 h). Although there were fewer events in people with Type 2 diabetes compared with Type 1 diabetes, once a severe episode occurred, the tendency to utilize healthcare resources was higher in Type 2 diabetes vs. Type 1 diabetes. A higher proportion (47.6%) in the basal–oral therapy group required hospital treatment for > 24 h versus the Type 1 diabetes (5.0%) and Type 2 diabetes multiple daily injections (5.3%) groups.

Conclusion

This analysis suggests that severe hypoglycaemia events often result in emergency/ambulance calls and hospital treatment, incurring a substantial health economic burden, and were associated with all insulin regimens.
Monodisc strobilation in Japanese giant box jellyfish Morbakka virulenta (Kishinouye, 1910): a strong implication of phylogenetic similarity between Cubozoa and Scyphozoa
Authors: Toshino Sho , Miyake Hiroshi , Ohtsuka Susumu , Adachi Aya , Kondo Yusuke , Okada Shoma , Hirabayashi Takeshi , Hiratsuka Tatsuya
Published: July 2015

Both sexes of the Japanese giant box jellyfish Morbakka virulenta were collected from the Seto Inland Sea, western Japan in December 2011, in order to observe the developmental processes from polyps to medusae. The medusa production in M. virulenta is up to now a unique process in cubozoans in that it exhibits a form of monodisc strobilation where the polyp is regenerated before the medusa detaches. This mode of medusa production was previously thought to be exclusive to scyphozoans. The general shape of young medusae resembles that of other cubozoans such as Alatina moseri and Copula sivickisi, but is differentiated from these by the short capitate tentacles and the lack of gastric filaments in the stomach. The unique medusa production of M. virulenta highly implies a phylogenetic similarity between cubozoans and scyphozoans.
Appendage‐patterning genes regulate male and female copulatory structures in horned beetles
Authors: Macagno Anna L.M. , Moczek Armin P.
Published: July 2015

Explaining the extraordinarily rapid diversification of insect copulatory structures has been a longstanding objective in evolutionary biology. However, remarkably little is known about the developmental genetic underpinnings of their formation. Furthermore, recent work has questioned whether male genitalic structures in beetles are serially homologous to appendages, or even homologous to the genitalia of other orders. Using RNA interference, we demonstrate that several cardinal appendage‐patterning genes regulate the formation of copulatory structures in Onthophagus beetles of both sexes. These results are in strong disagreement with previous findings in the model beetle species Tribolium castaneum, but congruent with earlier studies in true bugs and flies. Our results support the hypotheses that genitalic development is largely conserved across insect orders, and that genitalia constitute serial appendage homologues. Moreover, we identify two patterning genes with striking phenotypic effects in both sexes. In these cases, the affected structures are known to interact functionally during copulation, but are not homologous to each other. This suggests that shared developmental regulation of male and female copulatory structures may extend beyond components related by descent to those related by function.
Caterpillars escape predation in habitat and thermal refuges
Authors: KARBAN RICHARD , GROF‐TISZA PATRICK , MCMUNN MARSHALL , KHAROUBA HEATHER , HUNTZINGER MIKAELA
Published: July 2015

1. Climate and, therefore, abiotic conditions, are changing rapidly, and many ecological interactions depend on them. In this study, how abiotic conditions mediate a predator–prey interaction were examined.

2. Caterpillars of Platyprepia virginalis (Boisduval) (Arctiidae) were found previously to be more abundant in wet habitats and thick litter cover compared with drier habitats and little or no litter. We hypothesised that wet litter provided caterpillars with refuges from an important ant predator, Formica lasioides. It was further hypothesised that caterpillars would be able to move at lower temperatures than ants, thus providing them with a thermal refuge.

3. In the lab, caterpillars were more likely to escape ant predation and survive on wet litter and at lower temperatures. At all temperatures, ant recruitment was lower in wet litter than dry litter although ants were more active on litter than bare soil. Thus, wet litter may serve as a habitat refuge for caterpillars from ants.

4. Caterpillars were able to maintain activity at temperatures 8–14 °C lower than F. lasioides. Thus colder temperatures may serve as a thermal refuge for caterpillars from ants.

5. It was hypothesised that caterpillars can escape ant predation when precipitation causes wet litter and at temperatures that they experience commonly in the field. This mismatch between caterpillars and their predators in ability to tolerate wet litter and low temperatures may affect their field distribution and abundance. Expected future warmer and drier conditions may not provide these refuges.
Family Peacemaking with an Interdisciplinary Team: A Therapist's Perspective
Authors: Gamache Susan J.
Published: July 2015

Interdisciplinary teams provide an unparalleled opportunity for peacemaking in families within the consensual dispute resolution continuum. This interdisciplinary environment was born out of the integration of Collaborative Law, in which lawyers limit the scope of their services to settlement by way of a signed agreement, and Collaborative Divorce, a team approach to divorce services that includes a lawyer for each party along with a Collaborative Divorce Coach for each party, a neutral financial specialist, and a neutral child specialist. Taken together, Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice supports the resolution of legal issues out of court as well as addressing any emotional, relational, or behavioral problems that create obstacles to the successful resolution of the separation process.

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Collaborative Practice creates legal representation in a consensual environment limiting services to settlement negotiations by way of a written agreement.

The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals includes 5,000 members in twenty‐five countries.

Legal representation in a consensual environment together with interdisciplinary teams create endless possibilities for dispute resolution processes.

Collaborative Lawyers, Collaborative Divorce Coaches, child specialists, and financial specialists can create custom‐fit interdisciplinary teams that work together out of court to support families through marital transition.

Interdisciplinary teams are family centric, bridging appropriate disciplines and resources to the needs of the family to address the vast majority of divorce‐related problems.

Divorcing families are moving targets, learning and evolving through the process.

Therapeutic teams support families with more complex relational, emotional, and mental health problems to find resolutions out of court.

Divorce is a mainstream event in Western culture; we need supportive processes to encourage the best possible outcomes for all family members, especially the children.
Adoptions Gone Awry: Enhancing Adoption Outcomes Through Postadoption Services and Federal and State Laws Imposing Criminal Sanctions for Private Internet Rehoming
Authors: Nobile Johnathan James
Published: July 2015

The federal government should invest in adopted children who make up the future of the country and are in dire need of rehabilitation and therapy because of their past circumstances. If the government steps in to rescue vulnerable children from inadequate or abusive birth parents by removal, it should also intervene when adopted families are faced with behavioral problems of adopted children that the adopted parents cannot address on their own. Postadoption services need to be accessible and effective to ensure the success of adopted families. Assisting families in crisis postadoption will lower the instances of dissolution and rehoming and keep adoptive families intact. In cases in which postadoption services fail, uniform federal legislation is necessary to make it a federal crime to advertise children for adoption on the Internet without proper certification and state legislation is required to make it a crime to pass on adopted children to strangers without judicial consent, to dissuade Internet rehoming. Internet rehoming of adopted children should be a serious crime as it is tantamount to child trafficking.© 2014 Association of Family and Conciliation Courts

Key Points for the Family Court Community:

Postadoption services need to be more accessible and more narrowly tailored to the needs of adoptive families to ensure the success of adoptions.

Better postadoption services create better adoptive families and adoptive parents will not reach the point of dissolution or private Internet rehoming.

Adoptive parents should be provided with information regarding all available postadoption resources after adoption is finalized and a government Web site should be created that lists all available resources.

The federal government needs to provide funding to states that specifically target postadoption services.

A uniform federal statute is required to punish parties who use Internet forums to avoid government oversight and privately rehome their adopted children.

States should enact laws that criminalize the unauthorized interstate placements of children.
Regulation of the Na+‐K+‐2Cl− cotransporter by cGMP/cGMP‐dependent protein kinase I after furosemide administration
Authors: Limmer Franziska , Schinner Elisabeth , Castrop Hayo , Vitzthum Helga , Hofmann Franz , Schlossmann Jens
Published: July 2015

Sodium chloride reabsorption in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle is mediated by the Na+‐K+‐2Cl− cotransporter (NKCC2). The loop diuretic furosemide is a potent inhibitor of NKCC2. However, less is known about the mechanism regulating the electrolyte transporter. Considering the well‐established effects of nitric oxide on NKCC2 activity, cGMP is likely involved in this regulation. cGMP‐dependent protein kinase I (cGKI; PKGI) is a cGMP target protein that phosphorylates different substrates after activation through cGMP. We investigated the potential correlation between the cGMP/cGKI pathway and NKCC2 regulation. We treated wild‐type (wt) and cGKIα‐rescue mice with furosemide. cGKIα‐rescue mice expressed cGKIα only under the control of the smooth muscle‐specific transgelin (SM22) promoter in a cGKI deficient background. Furosemide treatment increased the urine excretion of sodium and chloride in cGKIα‐rescue mice compared to that in wt mice. We analyzed the phosphorylation of NKCC2 by western blotting and immunostaining using the phosphospecific antibody R5. The administration of furosemide significantly increased the phosphorylated NKCC2 signal in wt but not in cGKIα‐rescue mice. NKCC2 activation led to its phosphorylation and membrane translocation. To examine whether cGKI was involved in this process, we analyzed vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein, which is phosphorylated by cGKI. Furosemide injection resulted in increased vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation in wt mice. We hypothesize that furosemide administration activated cGKI, leading to NKCC2 phosphorylation and membrane translocation. This cGKI‐mediated pathway could be a mechanism to compensate for the inhibitory effect of furosemide on NKCC2.