bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earnings management in China: an exploratory study
Authors: Noronha Carlos , Zeng Yun , Vinten Gerald
Published: April 2008

Purpose

In recent years, China has been making progress in internationalizing its financial reporting system. However, it is believed that earnings management from legitimate accounting choices to fraud that violates generally accepted accounting principles, is common in the mainland. The purpose of this study is to identify the most frequently used earnings management techniques in China and the underlying factors that motivate firms to engage in earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gained through a questionnaire sent to managers and accountants in mainland Chinese companies.

Findings

The results show that the size and form of ownership of companies materially influence earnings management incentives and techniques in China. Public ownership companies have stronger incentives to manage earnings for management compensation, while private ownership companies pay more attention to tax expense savings. Also, several popular techniques employed in China are revealed.

Originality/value

This study presents a general picture of earnings management in China by surveying the opinions of accountants and financial managers in Chinese companies.
A model for a multi‐agency response management system (MARMS) for South Africa
Authors: Reid Pat , van Niekerk Dewald
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The promulgation of disaster management legislation and policy in South Africa necessitates the development of a uniform multi‐agency incident and disaster response system. This paper aims to argue that a uniform response by numerous government agencies in South Africa can only be achieved through the application of an accepted model, which is based on the requirements of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 as well as the National Disaster Risk Management Framework of South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was developed using grounded theory methodology through the use of the internet and focus group interviews with South African as well as international experts. During the process of analysing the data by open and axial coding, key elements emerged which were then clustered into categories from which the core concepts of the model emerged. The emergent core concepts were then dimensionalised, which formed the major constructs of the model thereby ensuring that the model was grounded in the theory. Constant comparisons were drawn with the experiences in the field throughout the process in order to ensure theoretical sensitivity. During the process of axial coding certain intervening conditions emerged which could negatively or positively affect its application. The developed model was therefore subjected to scrutiny by means of a quantitative attitudinal test amongst senior professionals involved in the field of emergency and disaster management, resulting in triangulation.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that in order for the proposed model to be implemented effectively it is necessary to refine each level of response in terms of authority, communication and reporting lines.

Originality/value

This model can be used as the foundation for the development of a comprehensive response management system for South Africa and other similar countries, and that the model can further contribute to the development of a basic training module for inclusion in the curricula of response agency personnel.
Trends in smoking among adolescents and young adults in the United Kingdom
Authors: Sandford Amanda
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine trends in smoking prevalence among adolescents and young adults in the UK and to identify any developments in health education theory and practice relating to adolescent tobacco use since 2000. The implications of such research are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature search was conducted focusing on UK studies covering the period 2000‐2007.

Findings

Since the start of the new millennium a slight downward shift in smoking prevalence has been recorded among 11‐15 year olds after at least two decades of little change. International studies suggest that smoking rates among British adolescents are below the average of other European nations. Greater declines in smoking have been evident in young adult smokers. Smoking uptake occurs in response to a range of factors. Recent research has provided further insight into the psychology of young people although young people's attitudes towards smoking do not necessarily predict smoking uptake. Although there is a correlation between smoking uptake and other substance use, the evidence to support the gateway theory is inconclusive. Youth smoking prevention programmes devised by the tobacco industry may do more harm than good and the motives for providing such schemes are questionable. Despite extensive research, there is little evidence that school‐based smoking education programmes have a lasting impact on youth smoking prevalence. By contrast, population‐wide measures are more likely to result in the de‐normalisation of smoking and have a stronger influence on youth smoking. Health educators should support government and other agency initiatives to reduce smoking across the population as a whole rather than focusing on purely youth‐oriented campaigns.

Originality/value

This paper examines trends in youth smoking in the UK since the millennium. In addition it provides a comparison with international trends and points to the value of population‐wide tobacco control measures. It will be of interest to those involved with health and education.
Ac‐Count‐able HR
Authors: Ward Alison
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper outlines the importance of HR Business Partner using business data in order to contribute at a strategic level.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides evidence for a three year pan‐European case study of the correlated link between a HR influence on employee engagement and customer loyalty and financial performance. Also provides anecdotal insights of HR professional's historical approach to data and a way of using business data strategically.

Findings

Provides two charts ‐ one which demonstrates the link between HR disciplines and the business and one which depicts the different types of data that the HR professional can gain value from.

Practical implications

Urges HR Business Partners to address their knowledge gaps in understanding business data and provides an outline of useful data sources.

Originality/value

Highlights the importance of business data in providing a credible and strategic HR contribution.
What about negotiator styles?
Authors: Ogilvie John R. , Kidder Deborah L.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review research on styles of negotiating and distinguish them from conflict styles and individual difference measures studied in negotiation contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature on negotiating styles is reviewed, a model is presented that synthesizes previous research, and suggestions for future research are presented.

Findings

Previous research has predominantly considered leadership styles in terms of the five conflict‐handling styles (collaborating, competing, compromising, accommodating, and avoiding) from the Dual Concerns Model. While this focus has been useful, the paper also points out that other measures exist that may be more useful for understanding negotiating styles, although they have yet to be validated.

Originality/value

Negotiating styles, as distinct patterns of behavior, are critical for understanding effective negotiations as well as being able to train students in negotiation skills.
Determinants of Bahraini managers' acceptance of business process reengineering
Authors: Kamhawi Emad M.
Published: April 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the possible underlying factors that influence managers' intentions towards adopting business process reengineering (BPR) in a less‐developed country (LDC) context, namely Bahrain.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a survey method to elicit opinions from 104 managers from 14 different big Bahraini businesses.

Findings

The results showed that the existence of some organizational capabilities such as “effective project management experiences” and “the ability to build an organizational‐wide need for change” are important requisites to gain positive salient beliefs toward accepting BPR. Moreover, it showed that “managers' cognitive style” and “level of education” had significant influences on their “intentions to adopt BPR approach.” The findings also suggest that other external factors such as “competitive pressures” and “managers' beliefs about BPR” are significant antecedents to BPR perceived ease of use.

Research limitations/implications

Conclusions are drawn about BPR experiences in countries such as Bahrain. Those experiences are compared and contrasted with the related prior studies, which are mainly from western countries' practices. Possible future research issues are raised to extend the author understanding of how BPR initiatives are promoted in organizations. However, the sample was limited to one LDC, which limits the possibility of generalizing its findings to all less‐developed countries.

Originality/value

The study provides insights into the required organizational capabilities, circumstances, and/or beliefs that ease promoting BPR initiatives in businesses. Accordingly, possible‐related strategies can be devised to enhance BPR practices in organizations.
Understanding dynamics of intellectual capital of nations
Authors: Ståhle Pirjo , Bounfour Ahmed
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The paper aims at creating understanding on the dynamics of intellectual capital (IC), which has emerged recently as one of the major issues on the research agenda. The theme is studied from a national point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis has been conducted using data from the IMD Competitiveness Report covering the data of 51 countries from the years 2000‐2005. Data analysis is aimed at analysing time dependent relationships between intellectual capital and GNP growth. The research provides parameters of four types of effects for a nation's GNP growth: sustaining effects, boosting effects, linear growth potential and exponential growth potential. Based on the developmental stage of the countries they were grouped to: developing; transitional; and developed countries, and the effects of IC was studied within and between these groups.

Findings

The analysis specifies the types of IC factors that have important effects on economic growth on different level of economics. The analysis also provides an analytical framework for designing the context in which IC of nations can be adequately considered in the mid‐long term perspective.

Research limitations/implications

The research has to be considered as exploratory. It has been conducted using only one database with certain limitations. Further research is needed especially by integrating other components of intellectual capital, e.g. reputation, decision‐making processes, and cultural dimension.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective the findings also provide important guidelines and framework for policy makers.

Originality/value

This paper provides a new view on the dynamics of IC at national level by relating IC ingredients to economic performance and specifying under which circumstances IC has important effects on national GNP growth.
A simulation model for evaluating the tariff stability of concession‐based PPP proposals
Authors: Ng S. Thomas , Xie Jingzhu
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to devise a simple but practical model to assist decision makers in evaluating the tariff stability of concession schemes.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop such a model necessitates the identification of parameters that could contribute to an increase or decline in investment return. With that a Monte‐Carlo‐based simulation model is devised to determine the probability that the tariff regime remains unchanged even when the identified risks do occur at the operational stage. Sensitivity analysis is performed to identify the most influential factors to investment return and tariff stability.

Findings

The results of the scenario indicate that the internal rate of return could be profoundly influenced by the risk factors which reaffirm the needs for a more comprehensive model for tariff stability evaluation.

Research limitations/implications

Through the simulation model, a tariff stability indicator is derived and when integrated with the results of sensitivity analysis this could generate a weighted indicator for alternative tariff regimes for use in decision support systems.

Practical implications

With the aid of simulation techniques, decision makers can predict the impact of a range of possible market conditions and/or levels of demand on the investment return and hence the stability of the tariff regime.

Originality/value

The model could be extended to other types of public‐private partnerships schemes upon suitable adjustment
Using wikis and blogs to improve collaboration and knowledge sharing
Authors: Payne Judy
Published: April 2008

Purpose

Leading business thinkers agree that knowing how to collaborate is the key to effective knowledge creation and sharing, and to future business success. But collaboration is voluntary, and difficult to manage for hierarchical organizations accustomed to top‐down control. This is reflected in the difficulties organizations typically encounter when trying to persuade people to use technology tools designed to support collaboration. Social software, such as wikis and blogs, appears to be different. Wikis and blogs have become established outside the business world in phenomena such as Wikipedia and are now moving into mainstream business practice. The purpose of this article is to explore the role of wikis and blogs in supporting collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

The article explores the use of social software in organizations through three case studies produced as part of a Henley Knowledge Management Forum research project.

Findings

The findings suggest that social software has the potential to help organizations develop collaboration capability, but the bottom‐up features that make it attractive to users can also make it unattractive to groups of people with a stake in preserving existing organizational structures.

Originality/value

The paper suggests that the impact of social software in an organization depends on the nature of the existing hierarchy and bureaucracy, and that social software can help organizations break down traditional hierarchies that impede collaboration and knowledge sharing. Preliminary work to develop a framework for understanding and managing these interactions is also presented.
Value‐based localization strategies of automobile subsidiaries in Thailand
Authors: Johri Lalit M. , Petison Phallapa
Published: April 2008

Purpose

To analyse the scope of localization strategies and corresponding benefits of these strategies to subsidiaries of international companies in the automobile industry in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have adopted the case research method to investigate localization strategies of subsidiaries of seven companies (Toyota, Hino, Honda, Isuzu, DaimlerChrysler, BMW, and Auto Alliance) as well as 14 of their dealers and suppliers in Thailand. The information was gathered by conducting in‐depth multiple interviews with 120 local and expatriate employees at various levels in the organizations; by referring to annual reports, policy documents and internal reports of these companies; and by observation during plant visits.

Findings

Contrary to the belief that international companies implement localization strategies to simply match the local market environment, it was found that these companies implement a wide range of localization strategies to achieve multiple benefits. The paper identifies nine areas of localization: localization of strategic decision making; building and exploiting the local knowledge pool; deployment of local human resources; localization of R&D; localization of products; use of local supplier networks; adaptations to manufacturing processes; local deployment of subsidiary profits; and localization of corporate image. These localization strategies are not just based on the principle of “cost‐based localization” but are based on “value‐based localization.” These strategies work in tandem and create value through a system of multiple benefits, such as managements' ability to comprehend and deal with uncertainty in the operating environment; make informed decisions to respond to challenges in developing efficient local assembly and marketing systems; cost reduction; higher degree of commitments by local employees; product customization and acceptance; and greater brand equity and image as a good corporate citizen.

Practical implications

Based on concrete illustrations of seven companies, this study identifies nine distinct areas for planning and implementing localization strategies and their corresponding benefits. The managers of subsidiaries can benefit by focusing their localization efforts in these areas to gain maximum advantage from host country context and then translate these advantages into a competitive international strategy.

Originality/value

CEOs of subsidiaries in emerging markets can learn how to build and harness local advantages for global competitiveness by implementing a wide range of localization strategies.
An evaluation of customers' perception and usage of rural community banks (RCBs) in Ghana
Authors: Owusu‐Frimpong Nana
Published: April 2008

Purpose

To ascertain customers' usage level and perceptions of the image of rural community banks (RCBs) in Ghana. This research examines whether women and men differ in their levels of satisfaction and expectation about the banks' services. It also assesses the contribution of RCBs towards infrastructural development in the rural areas.

Design/methodology/approach

Both desk and primary research methods were employed. Face‐to‐face interviews took place in 15 bank branches in the eastern region of Ghana. Over 170 respondents consisting of 105 males and 65 females co‐operated for this study. Analyses are presented in a statistical format using mean score and t‐test.

Findings

RCBs are perceived as fairly active in rural infrastructural development, and have collaborated with NGOs to help identify, mobilise and educate rural groups in the usage and benefits of banking services. Men and women are gradually cultivating the banking culture. Both genders perceive the quality of financial advice, provision of information and service delivery as areas that need significant improvement. There are no significant differences between both genders in their perceptions and expectation of the banks services.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size was limited to only one part of Ghana and may not be entirely representative.

Practical implications

This study provides a meaningful insight into consumer behaviour in rural banking sector and useful platform for future studies in marketing of financial services in a developing country context.

Originality/value

The study is unique in that it looks at a rural banking service provision in a sub‐Sahara African country, a setting that markedly differs from the traditional high street banks sectors in the developed world. The results will enable financial service providers to consider the changing needs and wants of RCBs customers.
Attitudes and values in Chinese manufacturing companies
Authors: Alas Ruth
Published: April 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate employee values and work‐related attitudes in Chinese manufacturing companies in comparison with values and attitudes in Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper will investigate employee values at the societal level, attitudes toward the employing organization, work and the determinants of pay. A survey was conducted in two plants in the electronics industry in China, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong. A standardised questionnaire comprising 39 items was developed by the Denki Ringo research group.

Findings

The results of an empirical study in Asian manufacturing companies indicate significant differences, as well as similarities, among values at the societal level and job‐related attitudes in China, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong. It is argued that the differences in work‐related attitudes are influenced by the respective societies' historical legacy, and in particular differences in institutional development.

Research limitations/implications

In order to draw broader conclusions, it is necessary to explore alternative explanations and conduct further empirical research in other industries.

Practical implications

Multinationals interested in developing manufacturing in China could benefit from information given in this paper about the work‐related attitudes of Chinese employees compared to employees in other Asian societies, where they may already have experience.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of factors influencing values and work‐related attitudes at the societal, organizational, and individual level.
Alternative stabilities of a proline‐rich antibacterial peptide in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Noto Paul Bart , Abbadessa Giovanni , Cassone Marco , Mateo George D. , Agelan Alexis , Wade John D. , Szabo Dora , Kocsis Bela , Nagy Karoly , Rozgonyi Ferenc , Otvos Laszlo
Published: April 2008

The proline‐rich designer antibacterial peptide dimer A3‐APO is currently under preclinical development for the treatment of systemic infections caused by antibiotic‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria. The peptide showed remarkable stability in 25% mouse serum in vitro, exhibiting a half‐life of ∼100 min as documented by reversed‐phase chromatography. Indeed, after a 30‐min incubation period in undiluted mouse serum ex vivo, mass spectrometry failed to identify any degradation product. The peptide was still a major peak in full blood ex vivo, however, with degradation products present corresponding to amino‐terminal cleavage. When injected into mice intravenously, very little, if any unmodified peptide could be detected after 30 min. Nevertheless, the major early metabolite, a full single‐chain fragment, was detectable until 90 min, and this fragment exhibited equal or slightly better activity in the broth microdilution antimicrobial assay against a panel of resistant Enterobactericeae strains. The Chex1‐Arg20 metabolite, when administered three times at 20 mg/kg to mice infected with a sublethal dose (over LD50) of an extended spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing Escherichia coli strain, completely sterilized the mouse blood, similar to imipenem added at a higher dose. The longer and presumably more immunogenic prodrug A3‐APO, injected subcutaneously twice over a 3‐wk period, did not induce any antibody production, indicating the suitability of this peptide or its active metabolite for clinical development.
Geographic variation in floral scent of Echinopsis ancistrophora (Cactaceae); evidence for constraints on hawkmoth attraction
Authors: Schlumpberger Boris O. , Raguso Robert A.
Published: April 2008

Variation in floral phenotype (color, depth, nectar) suggests incipient specialization for bee or hawkmoth pollination across the geographic distribution of Echinopsis ancistrophora, with flower depth ranging from 4.5 to 24 cm. We used chemical and behavioral analyses to test whether fragrance has evolved in concert with morphology in these Andean cacti. Floral scent (145 total compounds) was collected using dynamic headspace methods and analyzed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, revealing subspecies‐specific odors dominated by sesquiterpenes in E. ssp. ancistrophora and arachnacantha and fatty acid derivatives or aromatics in E. ssp. cardenasiana and pojoensis. Compounds indicative of sphingophily were not consistently found in moth‐pollinated plants, and total scent emissions were significantly lower in populations with nocturnal anthesis. In wind tunnel assays, Manduca sexta moths were attracted to scent of ssp. ancistrophora from both bee and hawkmoth‐pollinated populations, but not to scent of ssp. cardenasiana. However, hawkmoths were most attracted to the methyl benzoate‐dominated scent of a distant relative, Echinopsis mirabilis. Thus, hawkmoth‐pollinated descendants of the E. ancistrophora lineage may be phylogenetically constrained to emit weak, sesquiterpene‐dominated fragrances that are not optimally attractive to hawkmoths, or floral scent may be under stronger selection by destructive flower visitors.
Historical bias in biodiversity inventories affects the observed environmental niche of the species
Authors: Hortal Joaquín , Jiménez‐Valverde Alberto , Gómez José F. , Lobo Jorge M. , Baselga Andrés
Published: April 2008

It is well known that biodiversity data from historical inventories presents important geographic and taxonomic biases. Due to this, current knowledge on the distribution of most species could be incomplete and biased. We assess how the biases in historical biodiversity data might affect the description of the environmental niche of the species, using exhaustive data on the distribution of dung beetles in Madrid as a case study. We describe the historical process of survey and compare such historical data with the results of an exhaustive survey, identifying the environmental biases in the historical surveys during different periods, and assessing the completeness of the environmental niche of the species provided by historical data through time. Events like the Spanish Civil War affect the tempo and spread of surveys, but the exhaustive work since 1970 provides a good, though incomplete, coverage of the region by 1998. In spite of this, the biases in historical data result in a limited knowledge about the niche of an important number of species. Although nearly a half of the species had the 100% of their niche covered by data in 1998, roughly a third had less than 75%, nearly a fourth less than 50%, and 18 species had to be excluded from the analyses due to the lack of data. Our results point out that data from non‐standardized inventories often provide an incomplete description of the environmental responses of most species. Due to this, we highlight that currently predictive models of species distributions present some limitations, since the results of models based in partial information about the environmental niche of the species will be compromised. Therefore, the biases in the available data must be evaluated before constructing predictive maps of species distributions, and taken into account when drawing conclusions or conservation strategies from these maps.
Spatial and temporal patterns of abundance of coral reef gobies (Teleostei: Gobiidae)
Authors: Hernaman V. , Probert P. K.
Published: April 2008

This study investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of abundance of four substratum‐associated species of Gobiidae on a heterogeneous reef flat comprised of four distinct habitat zones, and examined microhabitat use within each zone. Asterropteryx semipunctatus had the widest distribution and was the most abundant species in each habitat zone, followed by Amblygobius bynoensis, Valenciennea muralis and Amblygobius phalaena. Significant temporal and spatial differences in mean density were evident. The highest density of A. semipunctatus (312 individuals 10 m–2) was recorded in a habitat zone dominated by algal‐covered rubble, whereas A. bynoensis and V. muralis were most abundant (mean summer density 5·5–5·8 individuals 10 m–2) in habitats containing both sand and hard substrata. In contrast, A. phalaena was uncommon (mean density ≤ 0·4 individuals 10 m–2) in all four habitat zones. Significant seasonal differences in abundance were due to the large influx of recruits in summer. Ontogenetic shifts in habitat use were not evident at either the macrohabitat (i.e. among habitat zones) or microhabitat scale (i.e. substratum use within zones). At the microhabitat scale, V. muralis consistently exhibited a strong positive association with sand and was rarely associated with hard substrata. In contrast, the two Amblygobius species were commonly associated with both sand and hard substrata, but patterns of microhabitat use differed among habitat zones. Substratum composition at the microhabitat scale may influence spatial patterns of abundance at larger spatial scales by providing essential resources and, or influencing carrying capacity and predation risk.
Factors influencing male mating behaviour in Gambusia affinis (Baird & Girard) with a coercive mating system
Authors: Deaton R.
Published: April 2008

The effects of male and female body size, and correlated characteristics, on male mating behaviour were investigated in the western mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. Because larger females typically have larger broods in Gambusia sp., it was predicted that males would attempt more copulations with larger females. Two‐way ANOVA showed that female body size was a significant predictor of male mating behaviour but male size was not. The effects of a suite of additional traits (both male and female) on male mating attempts were also tested. In a stepwise multiple regression, female standard length (LS), size of the female gravid spot and male testes mass were significant predictors of male mating attempts, accounting for c. 27% of variation in male mating. Path analysis showed that differences between male and female LS, male body condition and male testes mass were significant predictors of male mating attempts, and also accounted for 27% of the variation in male mating attempts. The two statistical models were very similar in their predictive power, but differed slightly in significant predictor variables. Results confirm that factors other than female size are important predictors of male mating behaviour in the western mosquitofish.
Allometric growth and functional development of the gut in developing cod Gadus morhua L. larvae
Authors: Wold P.‐A. , Hoehne‐Reitan K. , Rainuzzo J. , Kjørsvik E.
Published: April 2008

The development of the gut epithelium in cod Gadus morhua was studied during the larval period in intensive rearing systems. Cod larvae were fed enriched rotifers from mouth opening. On 17 days post‐hatch (dph) one group of larvae were fed Artemia sp. nauplii while another group were fed both rotifers and a formulated diet (co‐fed). At the end of the experiment (30 dph) larvae receiving live feed were almost three times larger than the co‐fed larvae, although no clear signs of pathological effects due to feeding regime were found in any larvae sampled for morphological studies. The midgut volume in larvae fed live feed increased by a factor of 38 during the experiment, and in particular volume increased rapidly between 24 and 30 dph. The enterocyte size increased between 12 and 24 dph from 652 ± 64 to 1479 ± 144 μm3 (mean ±s.e.). When enterocytes reached their maximum size, several morphological changes in the gut epithelium were initiated, such as increased number of mitochondria per enterocyte, increased size of the nuclei and a considerable increase in microvilli surface area. The mitochondrial membrane structures changed during the experiment, suggesting a maturation process of the mitochondria. The midgut development was strongly related to larval size rather than age. On 30 dph co‐fed larvae were equal in size to Artemia sp. fed larvae on 24 dph. This was reflected by equal values of estimated midgut volume, midgut length and total number of enterocytes and the number of mitochondria per enterocyte. The microvilli surface area, however, was significantly larger in co‐fed larvae on 24 dph compared to live‐feed larvae on 30 dph. This increase in absorptive surface was probably a response to suboptimal feeding conditions. The strong correlation between gut development and larval size and the lack of clear pathological effects, suggested that the gut tissue is flexible and can withstand periods of suboptimal nutrition at this stage.
Relationship between standard metabolic rate and parasite‐induced cataract of juveniles in three Atlantic salmon stocks
Authors: Seppänen E. , Kuukka H. , Huuskonen H. , Piironen J.
Published: April 2008

The connection between standard metabolic rate (RS) and parasite‐induced cataract was investigated in this study. Oxygen consumption rate and cataract of 1 year‐old fish in three Atlantic salmon Salmo salar stocks: Lake Saimaa, River Neva and River Teno reared at the same fish farm were examined. The measurements were carried out in winter, in spring before transporting the fish to the outside raceways and in autumn after the raceway period. Fish were exposed to natural Diplostomum spp. infection especially during the raceway period. The prevalence of cataract‐bearing fish and cataract intensities (IC) differed between the populations. Most cataract‐bearing individuals were found in the Saimaa stock and, in addition, the Saimaa stock had higher IC than Neva and Teno stocks. These findings support the theory of a parasite being most infective to local population. The RS, however, differed also between the stocks, the Teno stock had higher values compared to the Neva stock in winter. Furthermore, RS and cataract intensity had a statistically significant positive correlation in autumn. Therefore, the results also reveal a possibility that parasite infection affects RS of the fish.
Light–dark variations in plasma melatonin concentrations in the pot‐bellied seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis Lesson, 1827
Authors: Martinez‐Cardenas L. , Porter M. , Purser G. J.
Published: April 2008

A diel plasma melatonin profile measured in adult pot‐bellied seahorses Hippocampus abdominalis showed that this species produces elevated levels of melatonin during the scotophase, returning to basal levels during the photophase.
Effects of varying salinities on Lepeophtheirus salmonis survival on juvenile pink and chum salmon
Authors: Connors B. M. , Juarez‐Colunga E. , Dill L. M.
Published: April 2008

Survival of the sea louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis on juvenile Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha and Oncorhynchus keta was examined with respect to salinity (0, 7, 14, 21 and 28). Rapid mortality was observed in fresh water (0) but motile stage sea lice tolerated higher salinities (7, 14, 21 and 28) for up to 7 days. These findings suggest that salinities juvenile Pacific salmon typically encounter during early marine residence have little affect on motile sea louse survival.
A histological and morphometric study on the tissue and cellular distribution of iron in carp Cyprinus carpio L. during chronic waterborne exposure
Authors: Gregorović G. , Kralj‐Klobučar N. , Kopjar N.
Published: April 2008

The effect of long‐term (77 day) exposure of carp Cyprinus carpio to low concentrations of waterborne iron (1 mg Fe‐dextran l−1) on accumulation and cellular distribution of iron in the liver was assessed using Perl’s staining and histological observations and morphometric measurements. Accumulation of iron in the liver occurred after 14 days of exposure, when the majority of the iron was found in the sinusoidal endothelium with lower amounts in the cytoplasm and nuclei of hepatocytes. Upon further treatment the iron was predominantly distributed in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes either as granules or diffusive iron and in macrophages.
Effects of the rearing environment on average behaviour and behavioural variation in steelhead
Authors: Lee J. S. F. , Berejikian B. A.
Published: April 2008

In the context of conservation hatcheries that seek to bolster wild populations by releasing captively‐reared fishes into the wild, steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss were used to test the hypothesis that naturalistic rearing environments promote adaptive behaviour that might otherwise not develop in typical hatchery environments. When comparisons were made among fish reared in barren, structured or structurally variable environments (i.e. the location of the structure was repositioned every 2–3 days), structure in the rearing environment increased future exploratory behaviour, but only if the structure was stable. Under conditions of high perceived predation risk, the fish no longer exhibited increased exploratory behaviour, suggesting that it is expressed in an adaptive, context‐dependant manner. Another concern with hatcheries is that relaxed selection over multiple generations in captivity can increase maladaptive behavioural variation. Compared to rearing in hatchery‐typical barren environments, rearing in structured‐stable environments decreased behavioural variation. This effect, which occurred during development and did not involve selection, demonstrates a different mechanism for change in behavioural variation in captivity. These experiments show that effects of structure and structural stability occur at the level of both average behaviour and behavioural variation, and suggest that these effects should be considered when fishes are reared in hatcheries for later release into the wild.
Structure of the gut of the racer goby Neogobius gymnotrachelus (Kessler, 1857)
Authors: Jaroszewska M. , Dabrowski K. , Wilczyńska B. , Kakareko T.
Published: April 2008

The morphological and histological features of the gut of juvenile racer goby Neogobius gymnotrachelus [range of body mass 0·2–0·9 g and standard length (LS) 20·0–38·8 mm] were examined in fish collected from the Włocławek Reservoir on the Vistula River, Poland. Evidence is provided of the stomachless nature of the gut of the racer goby. The intestine of the juveniles lacks the intestinal bulb. A particular feature of the racer goby gut is the secretory oesogaster (the transitional region where the secretory oesophagus merges into the intestine) with multicellular alveolar glands that secrete via a common duct to the surface between the mucosal folds. The cells in the secretory oesogaster alveolar glands are periodic‐acid‐Schiff (PAS) positive indicating the presence of neutral mucopolysaccharides. It is hypothesized that the secretory oesogaster is evidence of the loss of the functional stomach in this species. There are two sphincters: the oesogaster–intestinal and the intestinal–rectal in the racer goby gut. It can be concluded that the oesogaster–intestinal sphincter is functionally related to the gastro‐intestinal sphincter described in many fish species having a stomach. Enterocytes with a distinct brush border and only a few goblet cells are observed in the epithelium along the whole intestine. The existence of vacuoles in the supranuclear region of the rectal enterocytes is also confirmed.
High LET radiation enhances apoptosis in mutated p53 cancer cells through Caspase‐9 activation
Authors: Yamakawa Nobuhiro , Takahashi Akihisa , Mori Eiichiro , Imai Yuichiro , Furusawa Yoshiya , Ohnishi Ken , Kirita Tadaaki , Ohnishi Takeo
Published: April 2008

Although mutations in the p53 gene can lead to resistance to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and thermotherapy, high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation induces apoptosis regardless of p53 gene status in cancer cells. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanisms involved in high LET radiation‐induced apoptosis. Human gingival cancer cells (Ca9‐22 cells) containing a mutated p53 (mp53) gene were irradiated with X‐rays, C‐ion (13–100 KeV/µm), or Fe‐ion beams (200 KeV/µm). Cellular sensitivities were determined using colony forming assays. Apoptosis was detected and quantified with Hoechst 33342 staining. The activity of Caspase‐3 was analyzed with Western blotting and flow cytometry. Cells irradiated with high LET radiation showed a high sensitivity with a high frequency of apoptosis induction. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) values for the surviving fraction and apoptosis induction increased in a LET‐dependent manner. Both RBE curves reached a peak at 100 KeV/µm, and then decreased at values over 100 KeV/µm. When cells were irradiated with high LET radiation, Caspase‐3 was cleaved and activated, leading to poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage. In addition, Caspase‐9 inhibitor suppressed Caspase‐3 activation and apoptosis induction resulting from high LET radiation to a greater extent than Caspase‐8 inhibitor. These results suggest that high LET radiation enhances apoptosis by activation of Caspase‐3 through Caspase‐9, even in the presence of mp53. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1455–1460)
Induction of hepatocyte growth factor activator gene expression under hypoxia activates the hepatocyte growth factor/c‐Met system via hypoxia inducible factor‐1 in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Kitajima Yoshihiko , Ide Takao , Ohtsuka Takao , Miyazaki Kohji
Published: April 2008

Hepatocyte growth facor activator (HGFA) is a serine protease that converts hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) into its active form. Our previous study demonstrated that tumor–stromal interaction under hypoxia augments the aggressive invasive features of pancreatic cancer line PK8 through activated HGF/c‐Met signaling. The present study investigated whether or not hypoxia increases HGFA expression in PK8 cells and promotes the processing of HGF, and leads to c‐Met activation. Moreover, HGFA promoter assays were performed to define whether hypoxia inducible factor‐1 alpha (HIF‐1α) directly activates the HGFA promoter in a hypoxia‐dependent fashion. As a result, hypoxia induced the HGFA mRNA and protein expression in PK8 and the elevation under hypoxia was inhibited by the transfection of HIF‐1α siRNA, thus indicating HIF‐1α‐dependent induction of HGFA. The transfection of siRNA against HGFA to PK8 cells suppressed the conversion to the active HGF, which is secreted from fibroblast MRC5. Furthermore, the phosphorylation of c‐Met and cancer invasion of PK8 cells were decreased by the transfection of HGFA siRNA under hypoxia. Using the luciferase reporter system, HIF‐1α was shown to transactivate the HGFA promoter under hypoxia. These experiments demonstrated for the first time that HGFA is a novel HIF‐1 target gene. Under hypoxia, HGFA might be overexpressed and secreted from pancreatic cancer cells, which contributes to accelerate processing of HGF from fibroblast, resulting in the activation of the c‐Met pathway. HGF/HGFA/c‐Met recruited between cancer‐stromal fibroblasts is activated under hypoxic conditions and therefore might play a central role in the aggressive invasion of pancreatic cancer. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1341–1347)
Distinguishing signs of opioid overdose and indication for naloxone: an evaluation of six overdose training and naloxone distribution programs in the United States
Authors: Green Traci C. , Heimer Robert , Grau Lauretta E.
Published: April 2008

Aims  This study assessed overdose and naloxone administration knowledge among current or former opioid abusers trained and untrained in overdose–response in the United States.

Design and participants  Ten individuals, divided equally between those trained or not trained in overdose recognition and response, were recruited from each of six sites (n = 62).

Setting  US‐based overdose training and naloxone distribution programs in Baltimore, San Francisco, Chicago, New York and New Mexico.

Measurements  Participants completed a brief questionnaire on overdose knowledge that included the task of rating 16 putative overdose scenarios for: (i) whether an overdose was occurring and (ii) if naloxone was indicated. Bivariate and multivariable analyses compared results for those trained to untrained. Responses were also compared to those of 11 medical experts using weighted and unweighted kappa statistics.

Findings  Respondents were primarily male (72.6%); 45.8% had experienced an overdose and 72% had ever witnessed an overdose. Trained participants recognized more opioid overdose scenarios accurately (t60 = 3.76, P < 0.001) and instances where naloxone was indicated (t59 = 2.2, P < 0.05) than did untrained participants. Receipt of training and higher perceived competency in recognizing signs of an opioid overdose were associated independently with higher overdose recognition scores. Trained respondents were as skilled as medical experts in recognizing opioid overdose situations (weighted kappa = 0.85) and when naloxone was indicated (kappa = 1.0).

Conclusions  Results suggest that naloxone training programs in the United States improve participants' ability to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses in the community. Drug users with overdose training and confidence in their abilities to respond may effectively prevent overdose mortality.
Women's gender role orientation predicts their drinking patterns: a follow‐up study of Czech women
Authors: Kubička Luděk , Csémy Ladislav
Published: April 2008

Aims  Evaluation of the hypothesis that women's non‐traditional gender role orientation contributes to drinking patterns typical for men.

Design  A two‐wave prospective study with data collected in 1992 and 1997.

Setting  The data reflect Czech women's changing gender role orientation and their drinking patterns during a historical period of post‐totalitarian societal transformation.

Participants  A representative cohort of 497 Prague women aged 30–59 years in 1997.

Measurements  Face‐to‐face interview data on drinking patterns and individually collected original questionnaire on gender role orientation.

Findings  An analysis of the principal components of the gender role orientation questionnaire has led to four components, designated as egalitarianism, liberalism, feminism and hedonism. Constructed role orientation scales had Cronbachs's α reliabilities ranging from 0.57 to 0.74. With possible confounders controlled (thanks mainly to the prospective design), non‐traditional gender role orientation components assessed in 1992 predicted the usual quantities of alcohol women have consumed per occasion in 1997, as well as three hazardous drinking patterns (occasional use of ≥ 96 g alcohol, usual use of ≥ 48 g and daily intake of ≥ 40 g). Specifically, women's usual quantity per occasion and occasional use of ≥ 96 g were predicted by egalitarianism and hedonism, and hedonism predicted usual use of ≥ 48 g as well as average daily intake of ≥ 40 g ethanol.

Conclusions  Women's gender role orientation can be associated with their drinking patterns with non‐traditional gender role identification being associated with greater likelihood of hazardous drinking.