bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What should services for people with autism look like?
Authors: Povey Carol
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the key components and approaches which contribute to good autism services.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reviews some of the literature around quality of life in autism services and describes the approach taken by The National Autistic Society.

Findings

– There is minimal research to enable service providers to shape their services according to what is most important for people with autism. The SPELL framework used by The National Autistic Society provides an approach which can be adapted to individual needs. Good autism services need to be based on a sound and practical understanding of autism.

Practical implications

– People on the autism spectrum should be involved in determining what outcomes are most important to them, and services should then be based around those needs. Services therefore need to be individualised and person centred, underpinned by an in-depth knowledge and understanding of autism.

Originality/value

– This review highlights the importance of people being involved in determining what is important to them and how services which support them should be shaped and delivered.
Investor protection and market liquidity revisited
Authors: Shi Xiaofeng , Dempsey Michael , Duong Huu Nhan , Kalev Petko S.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to establish the relation between corporate governance – as represented by investor protection at both the legal and firm levels – and stock market liquidity.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper avails of the unique features of Hong Kong- and China-based stocks that are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange so as to test whether differences between “common law” and “civil law” legal environments contribute to differences in stock liquidity. In addition, by constructing an internal corporate governance index score for each firm based on board size, board independence and information on the audit and remuneration committee, we document whether firms with better corporate governance scores have narrower spreads, greater depth and higher trading volumes.

Findings

– Overall, results provide support for a linkage between corporate governance issues – as investor rights protection at both the environment and firm protection levels – and stock market liquidity.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper recognizes that investor protection constitutes a single component of the desirability of investing in a firm’s stock. Nevertheless, it does appear to constitute an important component of a stock’s attractiveness.

Practical implications

– The practical implications are clear, namely, that good corporate governance of firms leads to their attractiveness as investment vehicles (for both the shorter and the longer terms).

Social implications

– The paper has clear social implications. In particular, the paper serves to highlight that prospects for enduring wealth creation are contingent on the safeguards accorded to the equity ownership of a firm’s stock.

Originality/value

– The originality lies in taking advantage of the unique features of the Chinese and Hong Kong firms on the Hong Kong Exchange, so as to examine the contrasting influences of common law and civil law on stock liquidity. Thus, the authors allow for the effects of corporate governance across the two legal environments (China and Hong Kong) to be compared and contrasted while maintaining other influences unchanged across Chinese and Hong Kong shares.
CEO social capital and contingency pay: a test of two perspectives
Authors: Fralich Russell , Fan Hong
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide greater understanding of how the composition of pay reduces agency cost to the shareholders by examining how firms pay their chief executive officers (CEOs). More specifically, this study examines the relationship between CEOs’ social capital, measured as external directorships, and their contingency pay, the proportion of their compensation that depends on achieving long-term performance goals.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a panel sample of Standard & Poor 500 CEOs to test two contrasting theoretical perspectives. From a board perspective, boards attempt to retain executives with more social capital working longer for the firms to utilize executives’ social capital and pay them more in the form of contingency pay. The CEO power perspective argues that CEOs wield social capital as a form of power to lower contingency pay in an attempt at preserving wealth.

Findings

– CEO social capital does not exacerbate agency pressures. Boards reward the long-term benefits of social capital accumulated by CEOs through higher proportions of contingency pay.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors considered CEOs of well-capitalized, publicly-traded US-based firms. So the results may not generalizable to other contexts.

Practical implications

– Boards do recognize and reward CEOs for their social capital, and use higher levels of contingency pay to lock in CEOs with social capital.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to explicitly examine the impact of CEO social capital on both non-equity and equity compensation.
Directors’ role in inter-organizational networks
Authors: Caiazza Rosa , Simoni Michele
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate if existing theories really explain interlocking directorates in several countries. Literature on interlocking directorates is huge and fragmented. Articles in the principal management and sociological journals easily number in the hundred. However, the question that still remains is if interlocking directorates are firm’s strategic choices or derivate phenomenon whose explanation comes from other drivers underestimated in literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– At the aim to fill literature gap, the authors realize a longitudinal and cross-national analysis of existing studies on interlocking directorates.

Findings

– The authors investigate if existing literature really explains interlocking directorates. Then, the authors offer new perspective for future researches.

Originality/value

– The paper offers new perspectives on interlocking directorates’ explanations.
The relationship between corporate social responsibility and corporate reputation in a turbulent environment: Spanish evidence of the Ibex35 firms
Authors: Fernández Sánchez José Luis , Luna Sotorrío Ladislao , Baraibar Diez Elisa
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to provide more knowledge about the model to generate reputation and its relationship in the long term with companies’ strategy of social responsibility. Particularly, research is done to test whether there is a positive effect of firms’ social behaviour (corporate social responsibility [CSR]), analysing differences of intensity and consistency, on their corporate reputation (CR) and whether the current financial crisis is a factor that has changed the relationship between both variables (moderator factor).

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses a sample of 26 Spanish large firms of the Ibex35 index and covers an eight-year period from 2004 to 2011. To test the hypotheses of this research, a fixed-effects model was estimated using moderating regression analysis.

Findings

– The results obtained show that, for the Spanish Ibex35 companies, CSR practices according to their consistency have a significant positive effect on CR and in turbulent environments, as in the current financial crisis, it has had a significant positive influence on the CSR-CR relationship.

Originality/value

– Although a substantial number of empirical studies have examined the relationship between firms’ strategy and their performance, only a few of them have analysed the impact of the external environment on this relationship, whereby there is a need for longitudinal studies with different economic scenarios to achieve better knowledge of the CSR–CR relationship.
Institutional framework, concentration of ownership and results of large family corporations in Latin America and Spain
Authors: Galve-Górriz Carmen , Hernández-Trasobares Alejandro
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to clarify the relationship between institutional framework, concentration of ownership in family firms and results.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data comprises two samples of family firms from eight Latin American countries and Spain in the year 2010. The first sample contains the largest 20 corporations from each country. The second comprises the 20 largest listed family corporations in each country. To test the hypothesis, the study uses ordinary least squares.

Findings

– First, firms located in countries with a higher than average quality of the institutional and regulatory frameworks are less concentrated in ownership than firms located in countries with lower than average quality and development of institutional and regulatory framework. Second, the influence of the concentration of the ownership in the performance is more important in countries with higher developed institutional and regulatory frameworks. Finally, first-generation large family firms obtain higher results than large family firms in second generation or beyond.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is limited to one year and there are few family firms in Latin American countries. The study only considers some features of ownership, and there is no information about board of directors
'
composition.

Practical implications

– Institutional framework determines concentration of ownership in family firms and the influence of concentration of ownership in performance.

Originality/value

– The study provides new evidence in areas of corporate governance and family firms, analysing a sample of Latin American and Spanish firms, representatives of the civil legal system and a weaker institutional framework. The study uses the corruption perception index like a control variable.
Model of acceptance of Web 2.0 technologies for increased participation in learning activities
Authors: Usoro Abel , Echeng Razep
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to find out how to encourage the use of Web 2.0 in learning in higher education by investigating factors that would relate to and would encourage such behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three existing theories of technology acceptance underpinned this research and six constructs selected from these existing theories and one new construct from a pilot study were used to develop a conceptual model which constructs were operationalized into an online questionnaire (open and closed ended questions). Copies of this questionnaire were electronically distributed to all students in a higher institution of learning in Scotland. In total, 203 responded. Correlation and regression analyses were performed on the quantitative data collected so as to validate the research model. A focus group of ten volunteer students provided opportunity for a follow-up interview that produced in-depth information which provided strategies for enhancing the use of Web 2.0 tools for learning in higher education.

Findings

– All the factors of the model, except perceived ease of use, positively relate significantly with use behaviour. The factors are perceived usefulness, facilitating conditions, motivation, prior knowledge, performance expectancy and social factors.

Research limitations/implications

– The study was performed at only one institution in Scotland. The implication of the study is that predictor variables (mentioned above in the findings) of the model should be taken into consideration when introducing Web 2.0 to students of higher learning.

Practical implications

– In the paper are discussed specific strategies and these include assigning roles to users with little participation, checking to ensure irregular users have access and e-mailing them to encourage participation.

Originality/value

– This is apparently the first time the key technology acceptance models have been synthesised and tested in Scotland with regards to the acceptance of Web 2.0 tools in learning in higher education.
A fine wine instrument – an alternative for segmenting the Australian wine market
Authors: Johnson Trent E. , Bastian Susan E.P.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the study was to devise an instrument, labelled the Fine Wine Instrument (FWI), to measure the fine wine behaviour of respondents and then use that base to segment the consumer sample. The behaviour of those respondents who scored highly on the FWI was examined in detail.

Design/methodology/approach

– An online survey collected quantitative information from a convenience sample of Australian wine consumers (n = 1,017). Using the FWI as the segmentation base, cluster analysis identified three segments of consumers, denoted “Wine Enthusiasts”, “Aspirants” and “No Frills” wine drinkers, and their respective wine-related behaviours were examined.

Findings

– The Wine Enthusiasts’ segment consumed more wine, spent more money on wine and were more knowledgeable about wine than the other two segments. The demographics of the Wine Enthusiasts’ segment indicated that the members were not consistent with the conventional view of wine connoisseurs, as many were under the age of 35. Their lifetime value to the wine industry was highlighted along with potential targeting strategies. Some structural elements of the Australian domestic wine market were also noted.

Practical implications

– A segmentation base of a wine market is presented, which the authors argue provides a more sophisticated analysis than other commonly used segmentation bases.

Originality/value

– This study was the first to segment the Australian market using the recently developed FWI. The study provides the latest information on this market and deeper consumer insights that may permit better business-to-consumer engagement.
Communication management on social networking sites
Authors: Ruehl Christopher Hendrik , Ingenhoff Diana
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Over the last years, many corporations have started to maintain profile pages on social networking sites (SNS), but research on how and why organizational stakeholders use these profile pages has not kept pace. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study applies a combined perspective of uses-and-gratifications (U
&
G) and social cognitive theory (SCT) to investigate the reasons why politicians and digital natives consume and interact with corporations on SNS. In total, 65 semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

– Results suggest that the two stakeholder groups differ in their motivations, as well as behavior to use corporate profile pages. Digital natives seem to prefer Facebook to interact with companies, politicians prefer Twitter. Corporate YouTube pages are almost not important to any of the groups.

Research limitations/implications

– The qualitative nature of the study does not allow for generalizations of the findings to larger populations. Suggestions for further research are addressed in the discussion section.

Practical implications

– The study results have numerous implications for the practice of communication management. Fans on SNS do not tend to interact with corporations to a large extent, but are loyal followers. Once a connection between an individual and a company is established, it is likely to last. This enables corporations to gain rich information from their networks to be included in customer service, product development, issues management and recruiting.

Originality/value

– This is the first study in the field of communication management, which applies a micro-level approach to interviewing users of corporate communication; in order to reveal the reasons why and how they use corporate social networking profile pages.
Using Twitter in crisis management for organizations bearing different country-of-origin perceptions
Authors: Xu Jie , Wu Yiye
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of using Twitter on American stakeholders’ crisis appraisal for organizations originated from two foreign countries with distinctively different perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses a 2 (medium: Twitter vs news release)×2 (country-of-origin: China vs France) factorial experiment. The participants (n=393) are recruited through the Amazon Mechanical Turk system (Mturks).

Findings

– The findings suggest that using Twitter substantially mitigates participants’ negative evaluation of the organization undergoing a crisis. Country-of-origin affects how individuals perceive the organization after it has experienced a crisis. In addition, participants’ product involvement intensifies the reputational threat specifically for the organization with a less favorable country-of-origin perception.

Originality/value

– This study is one of the few empirically based studies in international public relations research, using an experiment to extrapolate the effects of social media and country-of-origin on consumers’ crisis appraisal. This investigation reinforces the need to consider social media not just at the individual level, but also as a form of communication that can have broader consequences at the organizational level. In addition, it is important for company leaders to understand that the organization’s home country image may exacerbate the negative management outcomes during a crisis. It is expected that this study yields theoretically indicative, empirically informative, and culturally relevant results.
Anti-social media: executive Twitter “engagement” and attitudes about media credibility
Authors: Porter Michael C , Anderson Betsy , Nhotsavang Mary
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to take the results of two studies to hypothesize about practice and recommend research/debate on business leaders’ use and perceptions of social media. Data were considered under the umbrella of current senior management practice, with the purpose to make suggestions for better practice, but primarily to theorize about the probable evolution of social media value and credibility for executives.

Design/methodology/approach

– The first study presents results from a qualitative content analysis of Fortune and Inc. 500 CEOs’ use of Twitter in terms of: activity and engagement; tweet subject matter; frequency of opinions expressed; and level of formality. The second considers the credibility of social media against traditional media and personal information sources within one quantitative survey.

Findings

– Senior executives using social media (Twitter) tend to engage in one-sided conversations in a two-way medium. Further, most CEOs appear to be using more formal language than general Twitter users. These factors, combined with the low credibility and value of social media by senior managers, may indicate the best future hope for social media credibility with executives will be neutral.

Practical implications

– In examining a combination of current literature and the data from these separate studies, the authors posit a number of underlying challenges in realizing the potential of the evolving social media environment that may deserve specific research.

Originality/value

– Discussion touches on implications for future adoption of social media tools by business leaders, as well as one-way vs two-way communication tendencies. This paper proposes a starting-point for theory development regarding this significant emerging area of communication.
This blog brought to you by … exploring blogger perceptions of a product endorsement policy and reviews
Authors: Walden Justin , Bortree Denise , DiStaso Marcia
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore how a change to a US policy about product testimonials affected bloggers and to understand bloggers’ perceptions of the organization-blogger relationship (OBR).

Design/methodology/approach

– This study utilizes a survey (n=173) with closed and open-ended questions, and both quantitative and qualitative data are analyzed.

Findings

– Bloggers’ decisions to accept compensation for a review may influence how much control they feel they have over the OBR. Qualitative data indicate that even as bloggers seek access to products to review, they prefer to maintain editorial control over the review process.

Research limitations/implications

– The study extends the transparency literature in public relations and relationship management theory by exploring the relationship between bloggers and public relations professionals through the lens of a disclosure policy.

Practical implications

– Recommendations are offered for public relations professionals in how to maintain transparent relationships with bloggers.

Social implications

– Qualitative data reveal concern among bloggers about efforts to persuade them and what they should disclose; this may impact the trust that consumers have in reviews at blogs.

Originality/value

– The study demonstrates the effects of review behaviors on the OBR and offers an organic explanation of how this relationship evolves. This is important as consumers are increasingly consulting blogs for product information. This issue also has relevance to public relations professionals, who are encouraged to broach the issue of transparency with bloggers.
Relationship maintenance strategies on the Facebook pages of current US Senators
Authors: Kim June Yung , Park Jung Min , Im Jin Sook
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how current US senators utilize their Facebook pages to promote positive relationships with their public in terms of relationship maintenance strategies: positivity, openness, access, assurance, sharing of tasks, and networking. Interactivity of their Facebook pages is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

– Content analysis was conducted for 89 Facebook pages of the US senators of the 112th Congress. Levels of six relationship maintenance strategies and interactivity of the Facebook pages were examined.

Findings

– Among six relationship maintenance strategies, positivity and openness are the most frequently used strategies while access and assurance are the least observed. In total, 70 percent of the senators’ Facebook pages show a low level of interactivity.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is limited to the samples of the current US senators.

Practical implications

– This study provides a useful insight for political public relations practitioners that features associated with relationship management strategies can be employed to develop better social network sites for political actors, in order to build or enhance relationships with public.

Originality/value

– Despite the importance of relationship management among political actors/organizations and public, and potential to establish relationships via social networking sites, only a few studies have tried to explore the relationship maintenance strategies on social network sites in the political arena.
Working in partnership: making it happen for high risk personality disordered offenders
Authors: Logan Caroline , Ramsden Jo
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The implementation of the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) strategy requires partnership between NHS providers and custodial and community-based practitioners in the National Offender Management Service (NOMS). What this partnership looks like is dependent on the nature and resources of involved services. However, what it is meant to achieve – reduced reoffending, a more knowledgeable workforce, and a more engaged client group – is clearer. It is fundamental to the OPD strategy that these outcomes are delivered through partnership so as to minimise harmful transitions between services, and to effectively share the expertise required for the holistic case management of personality disordered (PD) offenders. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The implementation of the OPD strategy is ongoing, and data will be forthcoming in due course that will allow for the empirical test of the hypothesis that working together is better than working separately. However, with the emphasis on public protection and workforce development, some of the crucial partnership issues may remain less well understood or explored. This paper overviews the services in which the authors are involved, describing their initiation and operation.

Findings

– The paper articulates how NHS/NOMS partnerships have been developed and experienced.

Practical implications

– The paper concludes with a discussion of a number of principles for partnership work in relation to the OPD strategy.

Originality/value

– This paper is intended to assist developing services to make the most of collaborative working across the PD pathway in England and Wales.
Collective narrative practice in forensic mental health
Authors: Gardner-Elahi Catherine , Zamiri Sannam
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– Narrative Therapy offers thinking and practices which can support the development of narratives of desistance and recovery. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the two ways in which collective narrative practice has been used in a Low Secure Forensic Recovery Service: The Tree of Life and the Knowledge Group, including the evaluation of the Knowledge Group.

Design/methodology/approach

– The therapeutic approach taken was collective narrative practice. The evaluation design for the Knowledge Group was service user led, resulting in a qualitative approach: a focus group that was thematically analysed.

Findings

– Collective narrative practice offered service users the opportunity to enhance their narratives of strength and desistance, and to contribute socially by sharing this with others. This encouraged the development of identities beyond the “patient” and “offender” identities. It gave service users the opportunity to take a position of expertise and power where they were listened to and respected.

Research limitations/implications

– There is a wide range of possibility for the creative use of these strategies in forensic settings. They are a useful addition to the forensic practitioner’s toolkit.

Practical implications

– There is a wide range of possibility for the creative use of these strategies in forensic settings. They are a useful addition to the forensic practitioner’s toolkit.

Social implications

– Collective narrative practice positions service users as taking social action, for example sharing their experiences with other services users, in educational contexts and for wider social understanding.

Originality/value

– The therapeutic interventions described offer a promising approach which has not yet been fully exploited for use in forensic mental health services, including a novel approach to collective narrative practice.
Structured community activity for forensic mental health – a feasibility study
Authors: Roberts Catherine , Davies Jason , Maggs Richard G.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The restrictive nature of low secure mental health settings and the issues associated with risk management and safe practice raise numerous challenges which need to be overcome for individuals to engage in community-based programmes. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two community-based schemes are described. The first uses the natural environment as a medium in which to deliver opportunities to develop vocational skills. The second provides exercise-based activity to promote healthier living. This paper aims to explore the acceptability, feasibility and sustainability of the projects along with the views and achievements of participants.

Findings

– Both schemes were well-attended with positive views from participants and others. Planned positive risk taking enabled individuals to participate in a safe and structured way. Initial evaluation of the projects suggest that they were viewed as acceptable by the service and valued by participants. Participation led to some individuals engaging in new opportunities for vocational and leisure activities.

Practical implications

– Fostering access to community-based occupational opportunities for those in low secure mental health services can be achieved safely and with numerous apparent benefits. Research is now needed to determine further the nature and extent of the gains made through such activity.

Originality/value

– This is the first known study of its kind utilising inter-agency collaboration to address the needs of those residing in a low secure mental health facility. Within the forensic mental health population, the standards of care recommend a comprehensive, recovery-focused approach aimed at building resilience and preventing relapse, with the need for thorough intervention for physical health needs. This study supports these recommendations by providing opportunities for planned positive risk taking, opportunities for social inclusion, skills development, increased access to physical exercise to address overall wellbeing.
Response of mountain Picea abies forests to stand‐replacing bark beetle outbreaks: neighbourhood effects lead to self‐replacement
Authors: Zeppenfeld Thorsten , Svoboda Miroslav , DeRose Robert J. , Heurich Marco , Müller Jörg , Čížková Pavla , Starý Martin , Bače Radek , Donato Daniel C.
Published: July 2015

Large, severe disturbances drive many forest ecosystems over the long term, but pose management uncertainties when human experience with them is limited. Recent continent‐scale outbreaks of bark beetles across the temperate Northern Hemisphere have raised major concerns as to whether coniferous forests will regenerate back towards pre‐outbreak condition and meet possible reforestation objectives. To date, however, analyses of post‐outbreak regeneration across broad spatial and temporal scales have been rare, and entirely lacking for many regions.

Following a series of large, severe ( 99% overstorey mortality) outbreaks of spruce bark beetles Ips typographus in Central Europe, we capitalized on an extensive forest inventory data set (n = 615 plots across 7000 ha) to evaluate regeneration dynamics in Norway spruce Picea abies forests across the Bohemian Forest Ecosystem (spanning Germany and the Czech Republic). We asked whether neighbourhood effects (conspecific advance regeneration of spruce) would support prompt regeneration back to spruce forest, or whether the rapid, severe canopy mortality would overwhelm this influence and promote pioneer and broadleaf species. We tracked 15 years of post‐outbreak regeneration dynamics (occupancy, density, height, composition) of all tree species and evaluated initial variations in successional pathway and structure.

Median tree regeneration density increased from 400 trees ha−1 at the time of outbreak to 2000 trees ha−1 within a decade, and occupancy increased from 58% to 76%. The increases were driven by spruce, which primarily recruited from advance regeneration, gradually occupying greater height classes. Only one broadleaf/pioneer species increased in relative proportion, for a brief (<3‐year) period before declining again. Nevertheless, both pure spruce and spruce–broadleaf stands were common and, coupled with wide variations in density and height, contributed to diverse early‐successional structure.

Synthesis and applications. Contrary to common expectations, spruce beetle outbreaks in Central Europe effectively promoted their host in the long term. Outbreak‐affected forests are naturally self‐replacing even after severe canopy mortality, when positive neighbourhood effects of conspecific advance regeneration lead to rapid replacement of the dominant species. Thus, natural regeneration may be considered among the most effective ways to meet possible reforestation objectives in forests destroyed by beetles.
Species assignment from trace DNA sequences: an in silico assessment of the test used to survey for foxes in Tasmania
Authors: MacDonald Anna J. , Sarre Stephen D.
Published: July 2015

Diagnostic DNA tests have become important for species detection from environmental samples and are increasingly applied to the analysis of ecological systems and in wildlife management. The availability of reference DNA sequences from many taxa enables the development of diagnostic PCR primers.

Where there is a high risk of false‐positive PCR amplification, or where even a low rate of false positives has serious management implications, DNA sequencing is crucial for accurate specimen identification. The ability of DNA sequencing to discriminate among target and non‐target species must be explored for each system.

The red fox Vulpes vulpes is an invasive pest in Australia. A fox‐specific PCR and sequencing test has been applied to a systematic survey of scats collected in Tasmania, where the management of a recent fox incursion remains controversial.

We investigated the risk that DNA sequences obtained using this test might be mistakenly assigned to fox in cases of non‐specific amplification, or mistakenly assigned to another species when fox DNA was correctly amplified. We conducted an analysis of barcoding efficacy using cytochrome b sequences from 74 vertebrates.

In our analysis, no non‐fox sequences were identified as fox (false positives) and no genuine fox sequences were misidentified (false negatives). This two‐stage DNA test, including PCR screening and sequencing steps, can reliably discriminate fox DNA from that of other Australian species.

Synthesis and applications. DNA tests are attractive to wildlife managers interested in detecting species that are cryptic or difficult to identify. When DNA data directly influence management decisions, it is important to understand the limitations of the genetic markers and the likely causes of failed identifications or erroneous species assignments. We show that short cytochrome b sequences can provide high specificity for vertebrate species assignment. We highlight the importance of developing appropriate reference sequence data bases for each study system, and of evaluating the potential for misidentification of different taxa.
Regulate Yourself
Authors: Lloyd John
Published: July 2015

The Leveson Inquiry recommended that a new press regulator be created, with a statutory backing—which the government and opposition agreed should be a Royal Charter. Presently, a Press Recognition Panel, backed by the Charter, has been created, but has attracted no requests for recognition. Only one regulator has been set up—IPSO: it has a membership of most of the newspaper and magazine groups in the UK, but will not ask for recognition, since it does not wish to have any formal link with the state. Though the campaign against the Royal Charter has been grossly overblown, the press is right to refuse to join an institution which is guaranteed by the state. State‐backed regulation, in any form, will not in the UK lead to tyranny, censorship or any more than occasional meddling. But a link to the state is a bad idea for an independent press. Not only does this set a bad precedent, opening up a temptation for behind‐the‐scenes pressure, but more importantly it misses the point. Bad and abusive journalism is not improved by regulation. It is improved by journalists understanding the main task of journalism is to report and analyse accurately and neutrally. This complements robust debate and opinion and contributes greatly to a well‐informed citizenry.
Vertical integration, foreclosure, and productive efficiency
Authors: Reisinger Markus , Tarantino Emanuele
Published: July 2015

We analyze the consequences of vertical integration by a monopoly producer dealing with two retailers (downstream firms) of varying efficiency via secret two‐part tariffs. When integrated with the inefficient retailer, the monopoly producer does not foreclose the rival retailer due to an output‐shifting effect. This effect can induce the integrated firm to engage in below‐cost pricing at the wholesale level, thereby rendering integration procompetitive. Output shifting arises with homogeneous and differentiated products. Moreover, we show that integration with an inefficient retailer emerges in a model with uncertainty over retailers' costs, and this merger can be procompetitive in expectation.
Injectable Progestin‐Only Contraception is Associated With Increased Levels of Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokines in the Female Genital Tract
Authors: Deese Jennifer , Masson Lindi , Miller William , Cohen Myron , Morrison Charles , Wang Meng , Ahmed Khatija , Agot Kawango , Crucitti Tania , Abdellati Saïd , Van Damme Lut
Published: July 2015

Problem

Genital inflammatory changes may be a mechanism of increased HIV risk among injectable progestin‐only contraception (IPC) users.

Method of Study

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of 376 Kenyan and South African women. Genital cytokines and secretory leukocyte peptidase inhibitor concentrations in a reference population were compared to IPC users and women with reproductive tract infections.

Results

No significant variability in marker concentrations was observed by age or site. Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) users had significantly higher MIP‐1α, MIP‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IP‐10, and RANTES concentrations. Norethisterone oenanthate users had significantly higher IL‐6, IL‐8, and RANTES concentrations. Women with sexually transmitted infections had variable inflammation, and women with bacterial vaginosis exhibited a mixed profile of up and downregulation.

Conclusion

The finding of substantial mucosal inflammation among DMPA users provides evidence which, combined with the results of prior studies, suggests that DMPA may create an immune environment conducive to HIV target cell recruitment and inhibitory for antiviral activity.
Tear film proteins deposited on high water content contact lenses identified with two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry
Authors: Nielsen Kim , Vorum Henrik , Ehlers Niels , Aagaard Nicolaj , Hjortdal Jesper , Honoré Bent
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Tear film proteins adhere to the surface of contact lenses (CLs). While the proteins in the tears have been extensively studied with various proteomic techniques, adhered proteins to CLs are less studied. In this pilot study, we have separated proteins with 2D gel electrophoresis prior to the conventional mass spectrometry (MS) in order to analyse the deposited proteins on hydrogel CLs from myopic patients.

Methods

pHEMA and PVA hydrogel CLs worn by 3 patients for different time lengths were analysed. After wear, the CLs were frozen at −20°C. Proteins were extracted in lysis buffer, separated on 12% polyacrylamide gels and silver‐stained. Protein spots were excised and identified with liquid chromatography – tandem MS.

Results

Deposited proteins were extracted with a yield of 26–66 μg and separated by 2D gel electrophoresis. The silver‐stained gels showed similar protein patterns independent of the patient, hydrogel type and wear time. Seventy‐two spots were analysed with MS, representing at least 12 different tear film proteins or protein fragments.

Conclusions

Deposited tear film proteins from a single set of CLs worn for 1 day can successfully be analysed first with 2D gel electrophoresis and subsequently with MS, thus making examination of individual patients possible. The protein composition appeared homogeneous between the test persons which is a necessity for additional comparison analysis. The molecular masses of the identified proteins indicate that protein degradation occurs only as a minor event. Myopic patients were investigated in this pilot study, but the combined techniques can easily be applied to other eye diseases.
Three ethical frames of reference: insights into Millennials' ethical judgements and intentions in the workplace
Authors: Culiberg Barbara , Mihelič Katarina Katja
Published: July 2015

The paper investigates the ethical decisions of Millennials, who are not only part of an expanding cohort of the workforce, but also represent potential future managers with a growing influence on work practices and employment relationships. In the conceptual model, we propose that three ethical frames of reference, represented by perceived organisational ethics, perceived employee ethics and reflective moral attentiveness, antecede ethical judgements, which further influence the ethical intentions of Millennials. Using structural equation modelling, we test the model for three different business ethics scenarios: paying a consulting fee, dumping hazardous waste, and running an offensive advertising campaign. The findings confirm the link between ethical judgements and intentions across the board, while the influence of the ethical frames of reference varies among the scenarios. We propose that the differences in the predictive ability of the ethical frames of reference depend on the nature of the ethical issue, which holds important implications for today's managers in their attempts to encourage ethical behaviour of Millennial employees.
Molecular Analysis of Pediatric Oligodendrogliomas Highlights Genetic Differences with Adult Counterparts and Other Pediatric Gliomas
Authors: Nauen David , Haley Lisa , Lin Ming‐Tseh , Perry Arie , Giannini Caterina , Burger Peter C. , Rodriguez Fausto J.
Published: July 2015

Oligodendroglioma represents a distinctive neoplasm in adults but similar neoplasms occur rarely in children. We studied 20 cases of pediatric oligodendroglioma by SNP array (median age 9 years, range 1–19; 15 grade II and 5 grade III). Cytogenetic abnormalities were present in 8 (53%) grade II and all five anaplastic oligodendrogliomas. Most changes were in the form of deletion and copy neutral loss of heterozygosity (LOH). The most common abnormality was 1p deletion (n = 5). Whole arm 1p19q co‐deletion was present in three cases from adolescent patients and 9p loss in 3, including one low‐grade oligodendroglioma with CDKN2A homozygous deletion. Common losses were largely limited to the anaplastic subset (n = 5) and included 3q29 (n = 3), 11p (n = 3), 17q (n = 3), 4q (n = 2), 6p (n = 2), 13q (n = 2), 14q (n = 2), 17p (n = 2) and whole Ch 18 loss (n = 2). Gains were non‐recurrent except for whole Ch 7 (n = 2) and gain on 12q (n = 2) including the MDM2 locus. Possible germ line LOH (or uniparental disomy) was present in seven cases (35%), with one focal abnormality (22q13.1‐13.2) in two. BRAF‐KIAA1549 fusions and BRAF p.V600E mutations were absent (n = 13 and 8). In summary, cytogenetic alterations in pediatric oligodendrogliomas are characterized mostly by genomic losses, particularly in anaplastic tumors.
Exploring the oral health experiences of homeless people: a deconstruction–reconstruction formulation
Authors: Coles Emma , Freeman Ruth
Published: July 2015

Objective

To explore qualitatively, using a grounded theory approach, homeless people's awareness of their oral health needs and how they access dental services using a deconstruction–reconstruction formulation, and provide recommendations for service designers and dental professionals who work with people experiencing homelessness.

Methods

A qualitative study using grounded theory methodology was conducted. A purposive sample of homeless people was recruited from health facilities and organizations serving homeless populations in four Scottish cities and towns. Participants were interviewed about their oral health within the wider context of their experiences of homelessness. Initial research questions were open and focused on social processes such as oral health practices and interaction with dental services. Data collection and analysis were carried out simultaneously and iteratively, with emerging findings informing subsequent cycles. Data analysis was guided by Glaser and Strauss's grounded theory methodology and involved constant comparison, coding of transcripts and detailed memo‐writing.

Results

Thirty‐four homeless people took part. Participant experiences were conceptualized as a journey into and through the stages of homelessness, towards ‘reclaiming life’. Oral health experiences were mapped as a parallel 3‐stage journey from the deconstruction of self‐care, to the construction and maintenance of the neglected dentine, and finally to the reclamation of oral health resulting in a reconstructed functioning dentition.

Conclusions

This qualitative exploration using a deconstruction–reconstruction formulation has added to the understanding of homeless people's oral health awareness and dental treatment access while permitting an examination of the wider socioeconomic and psychosocial issues that disrupt their intentions to attend for treatment. These findings provide service designers and dental professionals with recommendations for the provision of responsive, acceptable and appropriate dental health services for those experiencing homelessness.
Diesel exhaust particles exacerbate allergic rhinitis in mice by disrupting the nasal epithelial barrier
Authors: Fukuoka A. , Matsushita K. , Morikawa T. , Takano H. , Yoshimoto T.
Published: July 2015

Background

Diesel exhaust particles (DEP), traffic‐related air pollutants, are considered environmental factors that affect allergic diseases adversely. However, the exact effect of DEP on allergic rhinitis (AR) is unclear.

Objective

We thought to investigate the effect of DEP on seasonal AR using a mouse model.

Methods

Ragweed‐pollen‐sensitized mice were nasally challenged with ragweed pollen in the presence or absence of DEP. The frequency of sneezing was evaluated immediately after each nasal challenge. The expression of a tight junction (TJ) protein, zonula occludens‐1 (ZO‐1), was examined by immunohistochemistry in AR mice. RPMI 2650 cells were used for in vitro examination of paracellular permeability.

Results

Mice challenged with ragweed pollen plus DEP showed increased frequency of sneezing compared with mice challenged with pollen alone. Interestingly, intranasal DEP pretreatment before ragweed pollen challenge increased ragweed‐pollen‐induced sneezing to levels comparable with the co‐administration group. In vitro examination revealed that DEP reduced ZO‐1 expression in RPMI 2650 cells. In addition, intranasal administration of DEP, but not ragweed pollen, disrupted nasal mucosal TJs in vivo. The effect of a single DEP treatment on ragweed‐induced sneezing and ZO‐1 expression persisted for at least 4 days and was inversely correlated. Finally, an antioxidant substance, N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine, inhibited DEP‐mediated TJ disruption and exacerbation of sneezing in AR.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

DEP disrupts TJs by a reactive oxygen species‐mediated pathway, leading to the increased permeability of nasal epithelial cells. This may result in the promotion of allergen delivery into subepithelial tissues contributing to the exacerbation of immediate allergic responses.