bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring macroevolution using modern and fossil data
Authors: Benton Michael J.
Published: June 2015

Macroevolution, encompassing the deep-time patterns of the origins of modern biodiversity, has been discussed in many contexts. Non-Darwinian models such as macromutations have been proposed as a means of bridging seemingly large gaps in knowledge, or as a means to explain the origin of exquisitely adapted body plans. However, such gaps can be spanned by new fossil finds, and complex, integrated organisms can be shown to have evolved piecemeal. For example, the fossil record between dinosaurs andArchaeopteryxhas now filled up with astonishing fossil intermediates that show how the unique plexus of avian adaptations emerged step by step over 60 Myr. New numerical approaches to morphometrics and phylogenetic comparative methods allow palaeontologists and biologists to work together on deep-time questions of evolution, to explore how diversity, morphology and function have changed through time. Patterns are more complex than sometimes expected, with frequent decoupling of species diversity and morphological diversity, pointing to the need for some new generalizations about the processes that lie behind such patterns.
Ants adjust their pheromone deposition to a changing environment and their probability of making errors
Authors: Czaczkes Tomer J. , Heinze Jürgen
Published: June 2015

Animals must contend with an ever-changing environment. Social animals, especially eusocial insects such as ants and bees, rely heavily on communication for their success. However, in a changing environment, communicated information can become rapidly outdated. This is a particular problem for pheromone trail using ants, as once deposited pheromones cannot be removed. Here, we study the response of ant foragers to an environmental change. Ants were trained to one feeder location, and the feeder was then moved to a different location. We found that ants responded to an environmental change by strongly upregulating pheromone deposition immediately after experiencing the change. This may help maintain the colony's foraging flexibility, and allow multiple food locations to be exploited simultaneously. Our treatment also caused uncertainty in the foragers, by making their memories less reliable. Ants which had made an error but eventually found the food source upregulated pheromone deposition when returning to the nest. Intriguingly, ants on their way towards the food source downregulated pheromone deposition if they were going to make an error. This may suggest that individual ants can measure the reliability of their own memories and respond appropriately.
Maternal–fetal conflict, genomic imprinting and mammalian vulnerabilities to cancer
Authors: Haig David
Published: June 2015

Antagonistic coevolution between maternal and fetal genes, and between maternally and paternally derived genes may have increased mammalian vulnerability to cancer. Placental trophoblast has evolved to invade maternal tissues and evade structural and immunological constraints on its invasion. These adaptations can be co-opted by cancer in intrasomatic selection. Imprinted genes of maternal and paternal origin favour different degrees of proliferation of particular cell types in which they reside. As a result, the set of genes favouring greater proliferation will be selected to evade controls on cell-cycle progression imposed by the set of genes favouring lesser proliferation. The dynamics of stem cell populations will be a particular focus of this intragenomic conflict. Gene networks that are battlegrounds of intragenomic conflict are expected to be less robust than networks that evolve in the absence of conflict. By these processes, maternal–fetal and intragenomic conflicts may undermine evolved defences against cancer.
Solutions to Peto's paradox revealed by mathematical modelling and cross-species cancer gene analysis
Authors: Caulin Aleah F. , Graham Trevor A. , Wang Li-San , Maley Carlo C.
Published: June 2015

Whales have 1000-fold more cells than humans and mice have 1000-fold fewer; however, cancer risk across species does not increase with the number of somatic cells and the lifespan of the organism. This observation is known as Peto's paradox. How much would evolution have to change the parameters of somatic evolution in order to equalize the cancer risk between species that differ by orders of magnitude in size? Analysis of previously published models of colorectal cancer suggests that a two- to three-fold decrease in the mutation rate or stem cell division rate is enough to reduce a whale's cancer risk to that of a human. Similarly, the addition of one to two required tumour-suppressor gene mutations would also be sufficient. We surveyed mammalian genomes and did not find a positive correlation of tumour-suppressor genes with increasing body mass and longevity. However, we found evidence of the amplification of
TP53
in elephants,
MAL
in horses and
FBXO31
in microbats, which might explain Peto's paradox in those species. Exploring parameters that evolution may have fine-tuned in large, long-lived organisms will help guide future experiments to reveal the underlying biology responsible for Peto's paradox and guide cancer prevention in humans.
A metabolic perspective of Peto's paradox and cancer
Authors: Dang Chi V.
Published: June 2015

The frequency of cancer is postulated to be proportional to the number of cells an animal possesses, as each cell is similarly exposed to mutagens with every cell division. Larger animals result from more cell divisions with more mutagenic exposure, and hence are expected to have higher frequencies of cancer. Yet, as stipulated by Peto's paradox, larger animals do not have the higher rates of cancers seen in smaller animals despite the significant differences in cell numbers and a longer lifetime that would expose larger animals to more mutagens. The rates of cancer appear to be inversely proportional to animal body size, which scales inversely with specific metabolic rates of mammals. Studies over the past 20 years have linked oncogenes and tumour suppressors to alterations in cancer metabolism, and conversely, mutations in metabolic genes have been documented to trigger tumorigenesis. The by-products and intermediates of metabolism, such as reactive oxygen species, oxoglutarate, citrate and acetate, all have the potential to mutate and alter the genome or epigenome. On the basis of these general observations, it is proposed that metabolic rates correlate with mutagenic rates, which are higher in small animals and give the mechanistic basis for Peto's paradox. The observations discussed in this overview collectively indicate that specific metabolic rate varies inversely with body size, which seems to support the hypothesis that metabolism drives tumorigenesis and accounts for Peto's paradox.
Infection and cancer in multicellular organisms
Authors: Ewald Paul W. , Swain Ewald Holly A.
Published: June 2015

Evolutionary considerations suggest that oncogenic infections should be pervasive among animal species. Infection-associated cancers are well documented in humans and domestic animals, less commonly reported in undomesticated captive animals, and rarely documented in nature. In this paper, we review the literature associating infectious agents with cancer to evaluate the reasons for this pattern. Non-malignant infectious neoplasms occur pervasively in multicellular life, but oncogenic progression to malignancy is often uncertain. Evidence from humans and domestic animals shows that non-malignant infectious neoplasms can develop into cancer, although generally with low frequency. Malignant neoplasms could be difficult to find in nature because of a low frequency of oncogenic transformation, short survival after malignancy and reduced survival prior to malignancy. Moreover, the evaluation of malignancy can be ambiguous in nature, because criteria for malignancy may be difficult to apply consistently across species. The information available in the literature therefore does not allow for a definitive assessment of the pervasiveness of infectious cancers in nature, but the presence of infectious neoplasias and knowledge about the progression of benign neoplasias to cancer is consistent with a widespread but largely undetected occurrence.
Towards cancer-aware life-history modelling
Authors: Kokko Hanna , Hochberg Michael E.
Published: June 2015

Studies of body size evolution, and life-history theory in general, are conducted without taking into account cancer as a factor that can end an organism's reproductive lifespan. This reflects a tacit assumption that predation, parasitism and starvation are of overriding importance in the wild. We argue here that even if deaths directly attributable to cancer are a rarity in studies of natural populations, it remains incorrect to infer that cancer has not been of importance in shaping observed life histories. We present first steps towards a cancer-aware life-history theory, by quantifying the decrease in the length of the expected reproductively active lifespan that follows from an attempt to grow larger than conspecific competitors. If all else is equal, a larger organism is more likely to develop cancer, but, importantly, many factors are unlikely to be equal. Variations in extrinsic mortality as well as in the pace of life—larger organisms are often near the slow end of the fast–slow life-history continuum—can make realized cancer incidences more equal across species than what would be observed in the absence of adaptive responses to cancer risk (alleviating the so-called Peto's paradox). We also discuss reasons why patterns across species can differ from within-species predictions. Even if natural selection diminishes cancer susceptibility differences between species, within-species differences can remain. In many sexually dimorphic cases, we predict males to be more cancer-prone than females, forming an understudied component of sexual conflict.
Participatory modeling to support gender equality
Authors: Bleijenbergh Inge , Van Engen Marloes
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Interventions to support gender equality in organisations are often unsuccessful. Stakeholders disagree about the causes and problem definition of gender equality or pay lip service to the principle of gender equality, but fail to implement gender equality in practice. The purpose of this paper is to examine participatory modelling as an intervention method to support stakeholders in: reaching a shared problem definition and analysis of gender inequality; and identifying and implementing policies to tackle gender inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors apply participatory modelling in case studies on impediments to women’s careers in two Dutch universities.

Findings

– This study shows that participatory modelling supported stakeholders’ identification of the self-reinforcing feedback processes of masculinity of norms, visibility of women and networking of women and the interrelatedness between these processes. Causal loop diagrams visualise how the feedback processes are interrelated and can stabilise or reinforce themselves. Moreover, they allow for the identification of possible interventions.

Research limitations/implications

– Further testing of the causal loop diagrams by quantifying the stocks and the flows would validate the feedback processes and the estimated effects of possible interventions.

Practical implications

– The integration of the knowledge of researchers and stakeholders in a causal loop diagram supported learning about the issue of gender inequality, hereby contributing to transformative change on gender equality.

Originality/value

– The originality of the paper lies in the application of participatory modelling in interventions to support gender equality.
In our own backyard: when a less inclusive community challenges organizational inclusion
Authors: Humberd Beth K. , Clair Judith A. , Creary Stephanie J.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to build insight into how the local community impacts an organization’s ability to develop an inclusive culture. The paper introduces the concept of inclusion disconnects as incongruent experiences of inclusion between an organization and its community. Then, using the case of teaching hospitals, the paper empirically demonstrates how individuals and organizations experience and deal with inclusion disconnects across the boundaries of organization and community.

Design/methodology/approach

– A multi-method qualitative study was conducted in hospitals located in the same city. Focus groups were conducted with 11 medical trainees from underrepresented backgrounds and semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten leaders involved with diversity efforts at two hospitals. Data analysis followed an iterative approach built from Miles and Huberman (1994).

Findings

– The findings demonstrate how boundary conflicts arise from disconnected experiences of organizational and community inclusiveness. Such disconnects create challenges for leaders in retaining and supporting minority individuals, and for trainees in feeling like they could build a life within, and outside of, their organizations. Based on findings from the data, the paper offers insights into how organizations can build their capacity to address these challenges by engaging in boundary work across organizational and community domains.

Research limitations/implications

– Future research should build upon this work by further examining how inclusion disconnects between communities and organizations impact individuals and organizations.

Practical implications

– The paper includes in-depth insight into how organizations can build their capacity to address such a deep-rooted challenge that comes from a less inclusive community.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to an understanding of how forces from the community outside an organization can shape internal efforts toward fostering inclusion and individuals’ experiences of inclusion.
Information security culture – state-of-the-art review between 2000 and 2013
Authors: Karlsson Fredrik , Åström Joachim , Karlsson Martin
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to survey existing information security culture research to scrutinise the kind of knowledge that has been developed and the way in which this knowledge has been brought about.

Design/methodology/approach

– Results are based on a literature review of information security culture research published between 2000 and 2013 (December).

Findings

– This paper can conclude that existing research has focused on a broad set of research topics, but with limited depth. It is striking that the effects of different information security cultures have not been part of that focus. Moreover, existing research has used a small repertoire of research methods, a repertoire that is more limited than in information systems research in general. Furthermore, an extensive part of the research is descriptive, philosophical or theoretical – lacking a structured use of empirical data – which means that it is quite immature.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings call for future research that: addresses the effects of different information security cultures; addresses the identified research topics with greater depth; focuses more on generating theories or testing theories to increase the maturity of this subfield of information security research; and uses a broader set of research methods. It would be particularly interesting to see future studies that use intervening or ethnographic approaches because, to date, these have been completely lacking in existing research.

Practical implications

– Findings show that existing research is, to a large extent, descriptive, philosophical or theoretical. Hence, it is difficult for practitioners to adopt these research results, such as frameworks for cultivating or assessment tools, which have not been empirically validated.

Originality/value

– Few state-of-the-art reviews have sought to assess the maturity of existing research on information security culture. Findings on types of research methods used in information security culture research extend beyond the existing knowledge base, which allows for a critical discussion about existing research in this sub-discipline of information security.
Excellent prospects for beautiful minds: marketing international education
Authors: Vuori Johanna
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how Finnish higher education institutions communicate market differentiation on the admissions webpages of their international business and technology programmes when attempting to appeal to prospective students and distinguish themselves from other institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample included admissions webpages of 68 bachelor’s and master’s programmes representing both Finnish universities and universities of applied sciences. The analysis method was a qualitative content analysis.

Findings

– The international programmes heavily accentuated their labour market relevance in their advertising and generated strong claims regarding the future career prospects of the graduates. In addition, the programmes emphasised their pedagogical methods and international atmosphere. References to non-academic life were not observed.

Research limitations/implications

– The analysis was only based on text and included two study fields.

Practical implications

– The results of this study can be used by marketers to critically examine their own marketing differentiation efforts and promises made to students.

Social implications

– Finnish business and technology programmes send an unequivocal marketing message that education has an instrumental value and students are considered consumers of education.

Originality/value

– This study is the first comprehensive study of the marketing communication practices of international higher education programmes in Finland. Moreover, this study contributes to the study of global international market mechanisms and research on marketing communication practised by higher education institutions.
Impacts of capital regulation and market discipline on capital ratio selection: evidence from China
Authors: Xu Lei , Lee Shih-Cheng , Fu Yishu
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of capital regulation and market discipline when China imposed most of the Basel I requirements between 2004 and 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following Barrios and Blanco (2003) and Rime (2001), the authors apply disequilibrium and simultaneous measurements to identify the financial safety net underlying capital movements as well as the changes in credit risk levels in China’s banking sector.

Findings

– The authors discover that capital regulation outweighs market discipline by an average probability of 0.65-0.35 in the contribution to bank capital movements when banks significantly improve their capital buffers. In addition, the banking sector lowered its risk levels in the sample period.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings suggest that the largest bank-based economy has consolidated its financial system for future expansion.

Originality/value

– China’s banking sector requires closer examination of capital and risks provided by its emerging significance in the financial world. Thus, this study contributes to current literature.
Working capital management and SMEs profitability: Portuguese evidence
Authors: Pais Maria Amélia , Gama Paulo Miguel
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence on the effects of working capital management on the profitability of small and medium-sized Portuguese firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– Panel regressions (fixed effects) and instrumental variables were used to model a sample of 6,063 Portuguese small and medium-sized firms (SMEs), covering the time period 2002-2009. Also, industry-demeaned values and industry-specific dummy variables allow for industry-specific effects robustness tests.

Findings

– Results indicate that a reduction in the inventories held and in the number of days that firms take to settle their commercial liabilities and to collect payments from its customers are associated to higher corporate profitability. Similar results are obtained when industry-specific effects are controlled, supporting the robustness of the previous analysis. The relevance of quadratic dependences of the profitability on some variables was also identified and suggests a decreasing trend of return on assets with increasing values of the working capital management characteristic variables.

Practical implications

– The practice of more aggressive working capital management policies increase firms’ profitability. Moreover, the importance of a good practice in working capital management is stressed by the evidence suggesting the existence of an optimal level for the working capital components.

Originality/value

– The consensus that SMEs play a crucial role in the development of the national economy, the lack of published industry wide studies of this type for the case of Portugal, justifies the importance of the present study.
A conceptual model of the holistic effects of atmospheric cues in fashion retailing
Authors: Ballantine Paul W , Parsons Andrew , Comeskey Katrina
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how the holistic atmospheric cues encountered in a retail environment contribute to the creation of a retail experience. The interaction between these cues, and how they impact on the various stages of the retail experience is also explored.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative methodology was employed, using protocol analysis and in-depth semi-structured interviews that were conducted with 18 participants. Data were collected in the context of the women’s fashion sector.

Findings

– The findings highlight the importance of store owners ensuring atmospheric cues create a store image congruent with their target market’s self-image. A model is also developed which highlights how atmospheric cues are able to affect successive stages of the retail experience.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a holistic understanding of how retail atmospheric cues are able to influence the overall retail experience; from how a retail store is initially evaluated through to the intention to purchase.
The role of the flagship store location in luxury branding. An international exploratory study
Authors: Arrigo Elisa
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the strategic role of the flagship store geographic location in improving luxury brand positioning.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on the literature review on flagship store format, retail geography and place marketing, the study adopted a qualitative research design based on case studies of six luxury fashion retailers. A conceptual framework of flagship store location has been proposed, and the flagship store locations of these case studies have been examined in six worldwide capitals.

Findings

– The presence and the geographical proximity of many flagship stores in the same particular urban area contribute to developing a “luxury sense of place” related to their brands. Thus, through a co-branding strategy inherent in the selection of the best site for their flagship stores, luxury firms improve their brands’ positioning by the generated “luxury sense of place”.

Research limitations/implications

– The principal limitation of the research is the scale of the case studies, but the findings show the feasibility of extending the research basis to a larger number of luxury retailers.

Originality/value

– This study addresses an under-researched area in the retail literature, investigating the relationship between flagship store location and luxury branding. It is the only research to explore the social dimension of the geographic location of luxury flagship stores and the first one to examine cities in terms of flagship store density.
Explaining knowledge sharing with social capital theory in information systems development projects
Authors: Lee Seyoon , Park Jun-Gi , Lee Jungwoo
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Owing to their complex and knowledge-intensive nature, information systems development (ISD) projects require effective collaboration between business and technology experts. In this regard, social capital theory may provide a valuable framework and insight into explaining knowledge sharing behavior in an ISD context. The purpose of this paper is to expand the theory of knowledge sharing as developed thus far in the ISD project context using the full-blown team social capital theory.

Design/methodology/approach

– The expertise and communication effectiveness of business and technology professionals were posited as antecedents of team social capital and knowledge sharing. The research model for this study integrates expertise, communication, knowledge sharing, social capital, and team performance into a structural equation modeling. The research model was empirically tested with a data set from business and technology professional pairs collected from 115 ISD project teams.

Findings

– The results indicated that team social capital and knowledge sharing have significant influences on team performance. Team social capital appears to have a stronger influence on knowledge sharing than business and technology expertise. Communication effectiveness and technology expertise are important antecedents to raise team social capital.

Originality/value

– In this study, the social capital theory is applied toward enhancing the theory of knowledge sharing in ISD project teams. General social capital construct and measures are adopted and modified into the team social capital measures and validated empirically.
The role of digital channels in industrial marketing communications
Authors: Karjaluoto Heikki , Mustonen Nora , Ulkuniemi Pauliina
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this research is to investigate industrial marketing communications tools and the role of digital channels. The research draws from the literature on industrial marketing communications to examine its goals and intended utilization in industrial firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– An empirical multiple case study conducted among six industrial firms examines the current state of digital marketing communications (DMC).

Findings

– The study gleans three research insights. First, although DMC is one of the most important industrial marketing communication tools, firms have not yet used it to its full potential. Second, firms use DMC to enhance customer relationship communications, support sales and create awareness. Third, firms have not used social media tools as a part of DMC as widely as traditional digital tools.

Research limitations/implications

– Although the findings mirror those in DMC literature in general and industrial marketing communications in particular, they put more emphasis on the role of DMC in customer relationship communications and sales support.

Practical implications

– DMC provides an opportunity to deliver various marketing objectives, such as creating brand awareness, increasing and supporting sales and improving communication with existing customers. Different DMC tools are required for each of these objectives.

Originality/value

– This study is among the first ones examining the rapidly changing communications landscape and the spread of digital channels in industrial marketing communication.
Financial regulation, collective cognition, and nation state crisis management
Authors: Forbes William Patrick , Donohoe Sheila O , Prokop Jörg
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this cross-national study is to evaluate the communality and differences in experiences and policy responses in the run up to the 2007-2009 credit crisis and during its critical early stages in Germany, Ireland and the UK. The importance of shared cognitive illusions regarding the power and stability of financial markets is emphasised.

Design/methodology/approach

– A multiple case study approach is used which draws on publicly available information to trace developments leading up to bank failures (or near failures) and the evolution of government responses drawing upon alternative paradigms used to justify State intervention.

Findings

– Findings emphasise the role of state regulatory bodies and their response to the crisis as a primary source of the “rules of the game” in financial markets, here it is the “game of bank bargains” and a potential source of repair. Given the degree of interconnectedness, opacity and complexity of financial markets investors/politicians/regulators will fall victim to cognitive biases which affect their decisions.

Research limitations/implications

– This case study method allows identification of patterns in decision-makers’ behaviour and yields richer insights than a quantitative approach but is limited in its generalisability.

Practical implications

– This paper offers practical implications in suggesting that a pivotal step in effective crisis management requires directly addressing sources of uncertainty, namely, time pressure, complexity and opacity of underlying cause–effect relationships, empowering decision-makers to act responsibly.

Originality/value

– This paper is novel in its illustration of the collective cognitive paradigm for justifying regulatory action across three countries using six case studies.
Ownership concentration, board characteristics and firm performance
Authors: Gaur Sanjaya S. , Bathula Hanoku , Singh Deeksha
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to advance the understanding of the relationship between firm-level governance mechanisms and firm performance using a contingency framework. The contingency framework is based on an integration of agency theory, stewardship theory, resource dependence theory and stakeholder theory of firm governance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors test the arguments on a sample of all the listed firms on the New Zealand Stock Exchange between 2004 and 2007. Given the longitudinal nature of the data, the authors employ random effects, generalized least square estimation to run the regression models.

Findings

– The authors find that the presence of internal directors, CEO duality, board size and presence of professional directors leads to superior firm performance. A lack of ownership concentration leads to agency problems resulting in inferior performance. However, the positive effect of board independence on firm performance reduces in firms that have a high-ownership concentration. Additionally, a high-ownership concentration attenuates the positive effects of board size and board competence.

Originality/value

– This study helps reconcile some of the conflicting findings on firm governance-performance relationship. As the findings suggest, the effectiveness of a particular governance mechanism (such as board members) may depend on the presence or absence of another governance mechanism (such as ownership concentration). The integrative, multi-theoretic model that the authors propose in this paper is a unique contribution to the governance literature.
Empirical study on the relationship between entrepreneurial cognitions and strategic change momentum
Authors: Yang Lin
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Due to the scanty of theoretical attempts to link entrepreneurial cognitions to strategic change momentum (SCM) and to explore moderating effects of organizational knowledge structures in the relationship, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between entrepreneurial cognitions and SCM, as well as the moderating effects of organizational knowledge structures by drawing on the institutional theory and resource-based view.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using analysis of covariance, multivariate analysis of variance, and hierarchical regression analysis, the data of 229 enterprise samples are used to empirically test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The empirical results indicate that two dimensions of entrepreneurial cognitions, arrangement and willingness cognitions, will positively influence SCM, with organizational knowledge structures as a moderator. Specifically, explicit knowledge decreases the positive relationship between entrepreneurial arrangement cognitions and SCM, and tacit knowledge increases the positive relationship between entrepreneurial arrangement, willingness and ability cognitions and SCM. However, entrepreneurial ability cognitions have no significant effect on SCM, and explicit knowledge does not moderate the relationship between entrepreneurial willingness and ability cognitions and SCM.

Practical implications

– From the results of this study, the paper can derive some important managerial implications that entrepreneurs should holistically understand the concept of entrepreneurial cognitions in Chinese context as well as strengthen the innovation of their internal management institutions and consolidate their institutional platforms for improving entrepreneurial cognitive efficacy. Moreover, strategic control ability should be further enhanced for China’s entrepreneurs, and also the dynamic balances during the conversion process between tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge should be promoted so as to optimize the organizational knowledge structures.

Originality/value

– By integrating entrepreneurial cognitions, organizational knowledge structures, and SCM into a unified theoretical framework, the paper empirically examines the theoretical problems about the interactions among the three variables involved. The findings can broaden the research perspectives and deepen the research field of strategic change, and also provide managerial implications for cultivating entrepreneurs and optimizing organizational knowledge structures under the context of China.
Effect of short term administration of konjac glucomannan hydrolysates on adult blood lipid parameters and glucose concentrations
Authors: Suwannaporn Prisana , Tester Richard Frank , Al-Ghazzewi Farage H. , Artitdit Paponpat
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to evaluate the effect of depolymerised glucomannan in regulating blood lipid and glucose concentrations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Twenty adult volunteers were recruited. Blood samples were taken at Day 0. The volunteers consumed drinks containing 3.0 g active glucomannan hydrolysates (AMH) for 14 days, after which time blood samples were retaken (Day 15). Blood samples were analysed to determine the blood lipid and glucose concentrations.

Findings

– The average fasting blood glucose at the start of the trial was 2.54 mmol/L but reduced slightly to 2.49 mmol/L after consumption of the glucomannan. The total average cholesterol at the start of the trial was higher (6.69 mmol/L) than desirable (
<
5.0 mmol/L). This was reduced after consuming the glucomannan to 6.44 mmol/L (3.74 per cent). The triglyceride content was also higher initially than recommended (2.88 mmol/L) but was reduced by 11.5 per cent. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was within the desirable range before and after consumption (1.57 and 1.52 mmol/L, respectively), while the average low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was higher than recommended (
<
3.0 mmol/L), representing 4.55 mmol/L and 4.40 mmol/L before and after consumption, respectively. Both parameters were reduced by over 3.0 per cent. The consumption of the glucomannan hydrolysates also reduced the total cholesterol/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios.

Originality/value

– The AMH was effective in lowering blood cholesterol and glucose concentrations. Consumption of such carbohydrates could prove useful for these physiological disorders. Further studies are desirable to characterise the exact mechanism.
Taking notes at the reference desk: assessing and improving student learning
Authors: Swoger Bonnie J. M. , Hoffman Kimberly Davies
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to assess student perceptions of their learning during reference transactions and to evaluate a note-taking strategy developed to improve the quality of learning during reference encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

– Students were surveyed following a reference interaction and were asked, “What did you learn today?”. Based on the authors results, librarians developed a Reference Notes form encouraging librarians and students to take notes during reference transactions, highlighting terms, concepts and strategies. The forms were assessed with a modified version of the initial student survey to determine their effectiveness. Student survey results were analyzed, and librarians also provided feedback via surveys and discussions.

Findings

– Initial results indicated that students retained concrete concepts like the names of previously unknown databases. With the implementation of Reference Notes, students were more likely to report learning broad-based concepts like narrowing a search, brainstorming keywords and search mechanics. Librarians and students felt the form was an effective reference tool.

Research limitations/implications

– This is an indirect method of assessing student learning, relying on students’ self-reports. Without the opportunity to pre-define learning objectives for a reference transaction, the authors were unable to assess student learning directly.

Practical implications

– Many librarians write down some information during reference transactions. A more systematic approach to taking notes may improve the learning potential of the reference encounter.

Originality/value

– This project demonstrates that student learning assessment is an important tool for evaluating reference services. Through student learning assessment, librarians can develop strategies, such as the authors Reference Notes forms, to increase the quality of learning during reference transactions.
A qualitative study on the introduction of mindfulness based relapse prevention (MBRP) into a therapeutic community for substance abusers
Authors: Harris Anita Helen
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Research has shown mindfulness-based therapies to be an effective therapeutic intervention for a wide range of illnesses and disorders. However, little is known about how it may be helpful to individuals with addiction problems. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate by qualitative approach the impact of the newly introduced mindfulness-based relapse prevention programme (MBRP) programme on the TC to which it was introduced and to explore clients perception of and attitude to the programme. More specifically it aimed to examine how it may be helpful for individuals with substance abuse problems.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative approach was drew upon using both focus group methods and individual semi-structured interviews with clients of the TC to which it was introduced. Thematic analysis was performed on data collected.

Findings

– Notwithstanding implementation issues, findings suggest MBRP to be a valuable and worthwhile programme with real perceived benefits.

Research limitations/implications

– Clients’ detoxing cited real perceived gains as a result of participating which has clear implications for a TC which offers methadone detoxification.

Originality/value

– It is noted that MBRP research is in its infancy, and whilst a number of quantitative studies have been carried out, little qualitative research exists. If MBRP is to be considered an effective relapse prevention strategy, research must clarify the process underlying participant’s use of mindfulness in a drug-free setting.
Tobacco‐Control Policies in Tobacco‐Growing States: Where Tobacco Was King
Authors: FALLIN AMANDA , GLANTZ STANTON A.
Published: June 2015

Policy Points:

The tobacco companies prioritized blocking tobacco‐control policies in tobacco‐growing states and partnered with tobacco farmers to oppose tobacco‐control policies.

The 1998 Master Settlement Agreement, which settled state litigation against the cigarette companies, the 2004 tobacco‐quota buyout, and the companies’ increasing use of foreign tobacco led to a rift between the companies and tobacco farmers.

In 2003, the first comprehensive smoke‐free local law was passed in a major tobacco‐growing state, and there has been steady progress in the region since then.

Health advocates should educate the public and policymakers on the changing reality in tobacco‐growing states, notably the major reduction in the volume of tobacco produced.

Context

The 5 major tobacco‐growing states (Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia) are disproportionately affected by the tobacco epidemic, with higher rates of smoking and smoking‐induced disease. These states also have fewer smoke‐free laws and lower tobacco taxes, 2 evidence‐based policies that reduce tobacco use. Historically, the tobacco farmers and hospitality associations allied with the tobacco companies to oppose these policies.

Methods

This research is based on 5 detailed case studies of these states, which included key informant interviews, previously secret tobacco industry documents (available athttp://legacy.library.ucsf.edu), and media articles. This was supplemented with additional tobacco document and media searches specifically for this article.

Findings

The tobacco companies were particularly concerned about blocking tobacco‐control policies in the tobacco‐growing states by promoting a pro‐tobacco culture, beginning in the late 1960s. Nevertheless, since 2003, there has been rapid progress in the tobacco‐growing states’ passage of smoke‐free laws. This progress came after the alliance between the tobacco companies and the tobacco farmers fractured and hospitality organizations stopped opposing smoke‐free laws. In addition, infrastructure built by National Cancer Institute research projects (COMMIT and ASSIST) led to long‐standing tobacco‐control coalitions that capitalized on these changes. Although tobacco production has dramatically fallen in these states, pro‐tobacco sentiment still hinders tobacco‐control policies in the major tobacco‐growing states.

Conclusions

The environment has changed in the tobacco‐growing states, following a fracture of the alliance between the tobacco companies and their former allies (tobacco growers and hospitality organizations). To continue this progress, health advocates should educate the public and policymakers on the changing reality in the tobacco‐growing states, notably the great reduction in the number of tobacco farmers as well as in the volume of tobacco produced.
Effect of sludge age on methanogenic and glycogen accumulating organisms in an aerobic granular sludge process fed with methanol and acetate
Authors: Pronk M. , Abbas B. , Kleerebezem R. , van Loosdrecht M. C. M.
Published: June 2015

The influence of sludge age on granular sludge formation and microbial population dynamics in a methanol‐ and acetate‐fed aerobic granular sludge system operated at 35°C was investigated. During anaerobic feeding of the reactor, methanol was initially converted to methane by methylotrophic methanogens. These methanogens were able to withstand the relatively long aeration periods. Lowering the anaerobic solid retention time (SRT) from 17 to 8 days enabled selective removal of the methanogens and prevented unwanted methane formation. In absence of methanogens, methanol was converted aerobically, while granule formation remained stable. At high SRT values (51 days), γ‐Proteobacteria were responsible for acetate removal through anaerobic uptake and subsequent aerobic growth on storage polymers formed [so called metabolism of glycogen‐accumulating organisms (GAO)]. When lowering the SRT (24 days), Defluviicoccus‐related organisms (cluster II) belonging to the α‐Proteobacteria outcompeted acetate consuming γ‐Proteobacteria at 35°C. DNA from the Defluviicoccus‐related organisms in cluster II was not extracted by the standard DNA extraction method but with liquid nitrogen, which showed to be more effective. Remarkably, the two GAO types of organisms grew separately in two clearly different types of granules. This work further highlights the potential of aerobic granular sludge systems to effectively influence the microbial communities through sludge age control in order to optimize the wastewater treatment processes.
Evolutionary rates across gradients
Authors: Weir Jason T. , Lawson Adam
Published: June 2015

A key question in the fields of macroecology and evolution is how rates of evolution vary across gradients, be they ecological (e.g. temperature, rainfall, net primary productivity), geographic (e.g. latitude, elevation), morphological (e.g. body mass), etc. Evolutionary rates across gradients (evorag 2.0) is a new software package provided as open source in the r language (and available from CRAN) that tests whether rates of trait evolution vary continuously across such continuous gradients.

The approach uses quantitative trait data for a series of sister‐pair contrasts (i.e. sister species or other types of sister taxa) and applies Brownian Motion and Ornstein Uhlenbeck models in which parameter (evolutionary rate and constraint) values vary as a function of discrete variables (e.g. male vs. female) and/or continuous variables (e.g. latitude, temperature, body size).

We used simulation to test performance of the models in EvoRAG. Our gradient models accurately estimate parameter values, have very low levels of bias, and low rates of model misspecification.

The modelling framework developed here provides great flexibility in designing models that test how rates of evolution vary across gradients. We provide an example where both discrete (songbird vs. suboscine) and continuous (latitude) effects on evolutionary rate in avian song were simultaneously estimated.
Group sessions with Paro in a nursing home: Structure, observations and interviews
Authors: Robinson Hayley , Broadbent Elizabeth , MacDonald Bruce
Published: June 2015

Aim

We recently reported that a companion robot reduced residents' loneliness in a randomised controlled trial at an aged‐care facility. This report aims to provide additional, previously unpublished data about how the sessions were run, residents' interactions with the robot and staff perspectives.

Methods

Observations were conducted focusing on engagement, how residents treated the robot and if the robot acted as a social catalyst. In addition, 16 residents and 21 staff were asked open‐ended questions at the end of the study about the sessions and the robot.

Results

Observations indicated that some residents engaged on an emotional level with Paro, and Paro was treated as both an agent and an artificial object. Interviews revealed that residents enjoyed sharing, interacting with and talking about Paro.

Conclusion

This study supports other research showing Paro has psychosocial benefits and provides a guide for those wishing to use Paro in a group setting in aged care.
Chemerin Expression in the Peritoneal Fluid, Serum, and Ovarian Endometrioma of Women with Endometriosis
Authors: Jin Chan Hee , Yi Kyong Wook , Ha Young Ran , Shin Jung‐Ho , Park Hyun Tae , Kim Tak , Hur Jun‐Young
Published: June 2015

Problem

Inflammation is an essential process in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

Method of study

Serum and peritoneal fluid (PF) samples were collected from women with endometriosis (n = 31) and women without endometriosis (n = 48). Chemerin, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels in serum and PF samples were determined with a specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Eutopic endometrial tissue from controls and ovarian endometriotic cysts were obtained during surgery. Expression of chemerin and chemerin receptors in ectopic and eutopic endometrial tissues was measured on real‐time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. Protein expression was examined with Western blot and densitometric analysis.

Results

Chemerin concentrations were higher in PF from women with endometriosis than that in that from controls. PF chemerin concentrations were significantly correlated with both TNF‐α and IL‐6 levels in PF. The mRNA and protein of chemerin and its receptor were significantly increased in the ovarian endometrioma tissue compared with eutopic endometrium of controls.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that chemerin plays a role in endometriosis‐related pelvic inflammation.