bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The curve of knowledge transfer: a theoretical model
Authors: De Luca Pasquale , Cano Rubio Mirian
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The knowledge transfer plays a key role in the firm’s capability to develop and to maintain a strategic competitive advantage over time. The capability of the firm to develop an efficient and effective process of knowledge transfer increases the internal skills and then the capability to compete in the business with positive effects on the performance. In order to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the knowledge transfer process it must be consider two main variables: the amount of knowledge to be transferred and the speed of the process. In this contest, the purpose of this paper is to developed a theoretical model, defined the knowledge transfer curve, able to evaluate the knowledge transfer process on the basis of its speed.

Design/methodology/approach

The curve of the knowledge transfer is based on the methodology of the learning curve. The curve of the knowledge transfer process can be evaluated on the basis of two main variables: the first is the content of knowledge to be transferred. It refers to the quality and quantity of the information to be transferred within the firm; and the second is the speed of the knowledge transfer process. It refers to the time in which the knowledge transfer can be realized. The function of the knowledge transfer is defined using ordinary differential equation.

Findings

There is an inverse relationship between timetand the variation rater. The higher the variabler, the faster the knowledge transfer toward the levelK. Therefore, the variablermeasures the efficiency and effectiveness of the knowledge transfer process. On the basis of these considerations, manager must evaluate their policies about the knowledge transfer on the basis of their effects on the variabler: only the policy that increases its value can be considered effective for the knowledge transfer process.

Originality/value

The originality resides in the development of a theoretical model that is able to capture and measure the effectiveness and efficiency of the knowledge transfer. It is possible to define a curve of knowledge transfer on the basis of these two variables: content of the knowledge to be transferred and the time of the transfer process, by using an ordinary differential equation.
The AEO status as a source of competitive advantage
Authors: Houé Thierry , Murphy Eileen
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Faced with increasing competition, the ability to secure and optimise global logistics operations should be regarded as a competitive advantage. In the context of the hitherto little explored field of security and safety programmes, the purpose of this paper is to examine how an Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) certificate may affect the creation of a competitive edge for a freight forwarder.

Design/methodology/approach

By using the resource-based view as a theoretical background and a qualitative analysis using an interview grid inspired by the balanced scorecard, this research identifies resources and capabilities linked to the AEO certification.

Findings

The findings show two specific groups of resources that contribute to the creation of a competitive advantage. The first category is a process-type resource obtained through the AEO certification, which leads to more formalised and better-executed processes. The second relates to the freight forwarder’s knowledge, know-how and relational skills.

Research limitations/implications

This research is developed in a logistics service provider context. It should be equally applied in other contexts and with other methods to provide generalisability.

Practical implications

Considering its contribution to an area of study currently under research, the findings may be useful to practitioners as a decision support tool to assess the value of the AEO certification.

Originality/value

This paper comes in the context of a yet little explored field, despite practitioners’ questions about custom certifications.
Why not promote promotion for green consumption?
Authors: Codini Anna Paola , Miniero Giulia , Bonera Michelle
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the effects of regulatory focus (RF) orientation (promotion/prevention) on decisions to purchase green products. The two experimental studies conducted aimed to test whether individuals in a prevention (promotion) state were more (or less) inclined to buy green products.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the effect of RF on green and non-green consumption, the authors carried out two experimental studies (one considering a service – car sharing – the other a physical product – a laundry detergent). The studies are 2 (RF: prevention vs promotion) × 2 (product type: green vs non-green) between factorial design involving 196 and 92 participants, respectively.

Findings

Promotion-focus has a powerful influence on green consumption. In both studies, individuals with a promotion focus seemed to be more inclined to buy green products as opposed to individuals in a prevention state.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of this study first relate to the results of the two experiments. Even though both studies showed that promotion-focused rather than prevention-focused individuals are more inclined to buy green products, the differences between the two orientations in green condition are not statistically significant. As a result, the studies cannot determine whether to reject or accept the two main hypothesis.

Social implications

This paper provides some preliminary indications that could be useful to encourage consumers to adopt “green” styles of consumption. Focusing on an individual’s RF is a useful strategy to induce them to change their consumption choices abruptly. Relying more on a “promotion” rather than a “prevention” focus, individuals would be compelled to take immediate responsible behavior.

Originality/value

This paper aims to fill the gap on the role of RF in green consumption. Contrary to the accepted idea that a prevention state is more compatible with consumer ethics than promotion state, the studies showed the controversial role assumed by a prevention state in green consumption.
The Chinese market as an opportunity to innovate distribution strategies?
Authors: Hu Lala
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the distribution strategies implemented by foreign firms in emerging markets, and to investigate whether they represent an opportunity for firms to innovate their practice. China is selected as the setting of the investigation as distribution is a critical determinant of business success for international firms operating there.

Design/methodology/approach

A multiple-case study approach is adopted by investigating the distribution strategies of four Italian firms in China. The collected data consist of interviews with firm managers and their distributors. To ensure triangulation and cross-verify the findings from the primary data, secondary data consisting of sector reports and newspaper articles were analyzed.

Findings

Results discuss how foreign firms develop their distribution system in China and suggest that emerging markets can enable reverse innovation in their distribution strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The research suffers from the limitations of the generalizability of the findings as the study was carried out on a restricted number of firms, and it considered their strategies in one single market.

Practical implications

Managerial implications are discussed on the extent to which the Chinese distribution system still represents a key issue for foreign firms, but it also provides with opportunity for innovation.

Originality/value

While previous research on innovation in emerging markets has mainly focused on product innovation, this study suggests some areas for distribution innovation.
Inside-out and outside-in mental models: a top executive perspective
Authors: Yrjölä Mika , Kuusela Hannu , Neilimo Kari , Saarijärvi Hannu
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and characterise executives’ inside-out (firm-oriented) and outside-in (market-oriented) mental models. As these two orientations are vital for strategic decision-making, yet potentially contradictory, it is important to understand the role of inside-out and outside-in thinking in executives’ agendas.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative, semi-structured interviews of 15 senior executives were used to capture insights into executives’ mental models. Data analysis was conducted following the principles of abstraction, theory emerging from data and constant comparison.

Findings

Four archetypes of executive mental models are identified and characterised along two dimensions (inside-out or outside-in orientation and focus on rational or emotional aspects).

Practical implications

The study introduces a tentative framework for practitioners to identify and deploy the potential of the mental models that guide executive decision-making.

Originality/value

The study extends prior research on mental models by combining this approach with inside-out and outside-in orientations and customer value propositions. In addition, it introduces four archetypes that illustrate the distinct potential of different mental models.
Human resource management practices to improve project managers’ job satisfaction
Authors: Ling Florence Yean Yng , Ning Yan , Chang Yi Hao , Zhang Zhe
Published: July 2018

Purpose

More attention should be paid to project managers’ (PMs) job satisfaction as they play an important role in ensuring projects are completed successfully. The purpose of this paper is to identify human resource management (HRM) policies and practices that lead to higher PMs’ job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted on PMs who are working in construction firms and project management consultancy firms. Data were collected via random, convenience and snowball sampling. The data collected were analysed using partial least square-structural equation modelling, independent samplest-test and Pearson’s correlation.

Findings

The findings show that PMs who are satisfied with their firms’ HRM practices and job rewards also have higher job satisfaction. Several HRM strategies that give rise to higher job satisfaction are identified, e.g. a system to recognise and develop talent, and taking active steps to identify and develop backups in case of emergency. Unfortunately, some practices are not implemented to a significant extent, and these include: systematically recruiting and retaining talented PMs, encouraging PMs to plan for their careers, offering performance and development coaching, and appraising employees.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations include the low response rate and the relatively small sample size of 81. The profile of respondents is largely from construction companies with more than 150 staff, and, therefore, the findings are more applicable to medium- to large-sized construction firms.

Practical implications

The study identified many HRM practices and policies that are significantly associated with PMs’ job satisfaction, yet many of these are not implemented to a significant extent by the employers. The practical implication is that employers of PMs should systematically implement these in order that their PMs have higher job satisfaction which is important for a project’s success.

Originality/value

The originality of this research is that the HRM practices and policies that are associated with job satisfaction of PMs are uncovered. Its value is in showing that PMs derive greater job satisfaction when HRM policies encompass talent development, career coaching and a personalised management style. Among these important practices, those that have been neglected were also identified. The study offers recommendations on the HRM practices that firms should be put in place for their PMs to experience higher job satisfaction.
What matters for knowledge work productivity?
Authors: Palvalin Miikka
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Knowledge work productivity is a well-studied topic in the existing literature, but it has focussed mainly on two things. First, there are many theoretical models lacking empirical research, and second, there is a very specific research regarding how something impacts productivity. The purpose of this paper is to collect empirical data and test the conceptual model of knowledge work productivity in practice. The paper also provides information on how different drivers of knowledge work productivity have an impact on productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the survey method, data were collected from 998 knowledge workers from Finland. Then, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to confirm the knowledge work productivity dimensions of the conceptual model. Later, regression analysis was used to analyse the impacts of knowledge factors on productivity.

Findings

This paper increases the understanding of what matters for knowledge work productivity, with statistical analysis. The conceptual model of knowledge work productivity consists of two major elements: the knowledge worker and the work environment. The study results showed that the knowledge worker has the biggest impact on productivity through his or her well-being and work practices. The social environment was also found to be a significant driver. The results could not confirm or refute the role of the physical or virtual environment in knowledge work productivity.

Practical implications

The practical value of the study lies in the analysis results. The information generated about the factors impacting productivity can be used to improve knowledge work productivity. In addition, the limited resources available for organisational development will have the greatest return if they are used to increase intangible assets, i.e., management and work practices.

Originality/value

While it is well known that many factors are essential for knowledge work productivity, relatively few studies have examined it from as many dimensions at the same time as this study. This study adds value to the literature by providing information on which factors have the greatest influence on productivity.
Data-based ethical decision making, lateral relations, and organizational commitment
Authors: Valentine Sean Robert , Hollingworth David , Schultz Patrick
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Focusing on ethical issues when making organizational decisions should encourage a variety of positive outcomes for companies and their employees. The purpose of this paper is to determine the degree to which data-based ethical decision making, lateral relations and organizational commitment are interrelated in organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from business professionals employed at multiple locations of a financial services firm operating in the USA. Mediation analysis (based on structural equation modeling) was used to test the proposed relationships.

Findings

Results indicated that employees’ perceptions of data-based ethical decision making were positively related to perceived lateral relations, and that perceived lateral relations were positively related to organizational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

Given that information was collected using only a self-report questionnaire, common method bias could be an issue. In addition, the study’s cross-sectional design limits conclusions about causality. Another limitation involves the study’s homogenous sample, which decreases the generalizability of the findings. Finally, variable responses could have been impacted by individual frames of reference and other perceptual differences.

Practical implications

Results suggest that information flow enhancements should support or be consistent with horizontal information flow enhancements, and that together these factors should increase employee commitment.

Originality/value

Given the dearth of existing research, this interdisciplinary investigation is important because it fills gaps in the management literature. This study is also important because the results could inform decisions regarding the use of data analysis in ethical decisions and lateral forms of organizational structuring to improve work attitudes.
Creativity nurturing behaviour scale for teachers
Authors: Sharma Ekta , Sharma Sandeep
Published: July 2018

Purpose

Today, innovation and creativity are the buzz words in the galore of not only business but also of education. The need to foster creativity and innovation has long been a priority in the educational and corporate spheres. The purpose of this paper is to propose the scale for the measurement of teacher’s creativity nurturing behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consists of 356 primary school teachers from various category, e.g. municipal schools, private schools, Indian Certificate Secondary Education board, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board, regional board. The data are collected through the questionnaire with 15 items and four constructs: abstraction, inquisitiveness, motivation and critical thinking. The data have been analysed through SPSS and AMOS.

Findings

The result shows good fit of the model with four constructs or latent variables.

Originality/value

This paper is original and a scale development for creativity nurturing behavior.
Evaluating the impact of modular product design on flexibility performance and cost performance with delivery performance as a moderator
Authors: Wurzer Thomas , Reiner Gerald
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether modular product design is an appropriate practice to improve manufacturers’ flexibility performance and cost performance as well as to evaluate whether combined effects of modular product design and delivery performance on flexibility performance and cost performance exist.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling with moderating effects is used. Moderating effects allow an evaluation whether combined effects of modular product design and delivery performance exist. For the analysis, data from the international high-performance manufacturing survey are used.

Findings

Analysis results show a positive relationship between modular product design and cost performance, but do not show a significant moderating effect. Thus, no combined effect of modular product design and delivery performance exists in the data at hand.

Research limitations/implications

A potential limitation of this study is the cross-sectional nature of the analysis. In order to test for causal relationships or chronological sequences, longitudinal data are deemed more suitable.

Practical implications

The findings make improvement processes more predictable and help managers to overcome traditional trade-off situations, especially in terms of flexibility performance and cost performance. Manufacturers are still neglecting the implementation of complementary methods for achieving an increase in flexibility while maintaining efficiency.

Originality/value

This paper complements prior research on the effect of improvement practices on operational performance dimensions. It also takes an alternative approach to examine whether a beneficial implementation sequence of improvement practices can be assumed.
Distributed imagining processes in organizational change sensemaking
Authors: Peng Hongxia
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The role of imagination (Gioia et al., 2002; Weick, 1995, 2005, 2006) and the potential of distributed sensemaking (Weicket al., 2005) are highlighted in existing sensemaking studies in a distinct manner. The purpose of this paper is to articulate these two perspectives by observing a specific sensemaking process defined as “distributed imagining process (DIP)” in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

From an observation conducted in 2016 within a French public organization regarding an operation that invited all organizational actors to imagine the future of their work life, this study analyzed 777 collected texts, through an inductive and qualitative approach, for understanding DIP’s functioning and results.

Findings

This study identified that what actors imagine about the future is a self-contextualized observation and an interpretation of the present incorporated into an imagined future. With a distributed modality, individual imagining processes might interact with collective processes for contributing organizational change sensemaking.

Originality/value

Adopting a temporality that positions the future as an imagined interpretative prolongation of the present and the past (Gioiaet al., 2002), this study suggests that the combination of self-contextualized imagining process and distributed modality might be inspiring for exploring more inductive and enriched organizational sensemaking through, on the one hand, the reduction of cognitive constraints implicitly imposed by organizational and temporal contexts and, on the other hand, the incitation of interactions in and between individual and collective sensemaking processes.
The effects of collaborative cultures and knowledge sharing on organizational learning
Authors: Nugroho Mahendra Adhi
Published: July 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of collaborative cultures and knowledge sharing on organization learning.

Design/methodology/approach

This research used a sample of 288 non-profit state-owned organization employees, which was taken using the simple random sampling technique. The hypotheses were tested using the partial least square approach.

Findings

This research provides insights that organizational learning is influenced significantly by knowledge sharing and collaborative cultures existing within the organization. The successfully built theoretical implication provides evidence that knowledge sharing and collaborative cultures within an organization can provide support for the real organizational learning to take place. Knowledge sharing and collaborative cultures prove to be among the determinants for the occurrence of organizational learning. The right culture can promote good organizational learning.

Research limitations/implications

The right culture can promote organizational learning. This research investigates the effects of collaborative cultures and knowledge sharing on organizational learning in a non-profit state-owned organization. Future research can further expand the scope of various types of organizations, both for-profit and non-profit ones.

Practical implications

This research reveals the effects of collaborative cultures and knowledge sharing on organizational learning.

Originality/value

This research provides insights into the factors supporting organizational learning.
How does liquidity in the financial market affect the real estate market yields?
Authors: Kim Kyung-Min , Kim Geon , Tsolacos Sotiris
Published: July 2018

Purpose

After the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, the impact of expanded liquidity in the financial market has drawn attention. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between liquidity in financial markets and office markets across Asian countries. In particular, the research not only examines the effect of normal liquidity on real estate markets, but also the effects of excess liquidity are specifically highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses panel estimation utilizing quarterly data from the first quarter of 2007 to the fourth quarter of 2015. Taking both time and location dimensions into account allows for a more precise estimate of the relationship between liquidity and office market’s yields.

Findings

Per the empirical outcome, an increasing excess liquidity tends to decelerate the value of office yields in six major Asian office market centers due to the positive effect on commercial real estate value. This effect is also identified by comparing the difference between the level of fitted yields and actual yields.

Practical implications

The results enhance the understanding of commercial real estate yield determinants. Furthermore, the results can be used to assess the impacts of liquidity on major office markets in Asia.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to uncover the impact of liquidity in financial markets on the office market yields. To better understand the relationship, the concept of excess liquidity is adopted and further exploration of each office market is conducted by comparing the fitted yields, which is computed considering the effects of excess liquidity on yield levels and actual yields.
Regulatory B cell phenotype and mechanism of action: the impact of stimulating conditions
Authors: Wąsik Magdalena , Nazimek Katarzyna , Bryniarski Krzysztof
Published: July 2018

A diverse population of regulatory B (Breg) cells reportedly exhibits significant immunomodulatory effects in various models of inflammatory responses and infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites. Breg cells contribute to maintenance of homeostasis via IL‐10 production and multiple IL‐10‐independent mechanisms. The current review describes various phenotypic and functional subsets of Breg cells in autoimmune and infectious diseases and discusses the impacts of experimental conditions that have been found to drive Breg cell differentiation.
Left atrial appendage occlusion for stroke prevention in diabetes mellitus patients with atrial fibrillation: Long‐term results
Authors: Litwinowicz Radoslaw , Bartus Magdalena , Ceranowicz Piotr , Brzezinski Maciej , Kapelak Bogusław , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya , Bartus Krzysztof
Published: July 2018

Background

Concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM) in atrial fibrillation (AF) may increase the risk of thromboembolism. Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an alternative treatment in AF patients in whom antithrombotic therapy is ineffective or contraindicated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term efficacy of LAAO in DM patients with AF.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted in 139 patients who had undergone LAAO and were categorized into two groups: 28 patients with DM and 111 patients without DM. Overall, the follow‐up period was 530 patient‐years.

Results

Mean CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores were higher in patients with than without DM (2.6 vs 1.7 [P < 0.001] and 3.5 vs 2.8 [P = 0.056], respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of HAS‐BLED scores and other patient factors (sex, age, heart failure, hypertension, previous stroke or transient ischemic attack, peripheral vascular disease) that may increase the risk of thromboembolism based on CHA2DS2‐VASc. The mean follow‐up period was 51.6 and 50 months in patients with DM and without DM, respectively. Comparing patients with and without DM, there were no significant differences in thromboembolic events (4% vs 1.9%), severe bleeding (0% vs 3.1%), or mortality (4% vs 5.9%). The estimated reductions in thromboembolic and bleeding risk were 77% and 100%, respectively, for patients with DM, compared with 85% and 62%, respectively, for patients without DM.

Conclusion

The present study indicates that LAAO in AF patients with DM has similar safety endpoints and long‐term efficacy as LAAO in patients without DM.
Targeting Ordinary Voters or Political Elites? Why Pork Is Distributed Along Partisan Lines in India
Authors: Thomas Anjali
Published: July 2018

A key finding in the political economy literature is that political elites display partisan biases when allocating public resources. While previous studies posit that such biases are driven by politicians' motivations to target benefits directly to certain groups of ordinary voters, this article develops the argument that national politicians also target pork along partisan lines to win over politicians at lower levels of government whose cooperation they need to ensure the successful implementation of development projects. Using a quasi‐experimental design, the argument is tested with data on thousands of public works projects sanctioned by MPs in North India. The results show that, even controlling for unobserved differences in voter characteristics, MPs systematically favored the constituencies of co‐partisan state legislators when allocating pork specifically under conditions implied by the argument and not otherwise. These results shed new light on the reasons for partisan biases in resource allocation in multilevel systems.
Medical staff tend to underestimate the quality of life in children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kim Seung , Park Sowon , Kang Yunkoo , Kwon Namkyung , Koh Hong
Published: July 2018

Aim

We evaluated how well medical staff or parents understood patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by comparing their evaluation of the patients’ quality of life (QoL) with the patients’ self‐reported QoL.

Methods

This study was carried out at Severance Children's Hospital in Seoul, Korea, in 2017. The children with IBD were recruited from August 2017 to December 2017, and they had a mean age of 16.4 (range 9.3–18.9) years. We asked the 64 children (38 boys), 58 mothers, 16 fathers, three physicians and one IBD nurse to answer the IMPACT‐III questionnaire, which measures QoL, and compared the scores.

Results

The intraclass correlation coefficient of the total IMPACT‐III score was highest for the patient and their father (0.824) and then for the patient and their mother (0.689), physician (0.625) and IBD nurse (0.499). Parents and medical staff thought the patients’ QoL was lower than the patients themselves. The differences in the IMPACT‐III scores of the patients were −10.09 ± 17.86 for physicians, −9.87 ± 15.80 for mothers, −5.72 ± 17.04 for nurses and −3.81 ± 11.82 for fathers.

Conclusion

Parents and medical staff showed some correlation with the QoL documented by adolescent IBD patients, but tended to underestimate the levels.
Editorial: role of leucine‐metformin‐sildenafil combination in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Noureddin M. , Loomba R.
Published: July 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Chalasani et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14674.
Editorial: is sofosbuvir‐based therapy suitable for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease?
Authors: Abdel‐Razek W. , Waked I.
Published: July 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Butt et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14799.
Letter: vedolizumab drug levels in cord and maternal blood in women with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Julsgaard M. , Kjeldsen J. , Brock B. , Baumgart D. C.
Published: July 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Mahadevan et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13960 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14855.
Editorial: proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and primary liver cancer
Authors: Waldum H. L.
Published: July 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Tran et al paper. To view this article visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14796.
Editorial: post‐operative complications in elderly onset inflammatory bowel disease—what is surgery, what is disease, and what is delay of surgery? Authors’ reply
Authors: Savoye G. , Fumery M. , Gower‐Rousseau C.
Published: July 2018

Linked Content

This article is linked to Sacleux et al and Myrelid papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14790 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.14833.
Extracellular prolyl oligopeptidase derived from activated microglia is a potential neuroprotection target
Authors: Natunen Teemu A. , Gynther Mikko , Rostalski Hannah , Jaako Külli , Jalkanen Aaro J.
Published: July 2018

Prolyl oligopeptidase (PREP) is an abundant peptidase in the brain and periphery, but its physiological functions are still largely unknown. Recent findings point to a role for PREP in inflammatory processes. This study assessed the cellular and extracellular PREP activities in cultures of mouse primary cortical neurons, microglial cells and astrocytes, and immortalized microglial BV‐2 cells under neuroinflammatory conditions induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon gamma (IFNγ). Furthermore, we evaluated the neuroprotective effect of a specific PREP inhibitor, KYP‐2047, in a neuroinflammation model based on a coculture of primary cortical neurons and activated BV‐2 cells. The inflammatory insult reduced intracellular and increased extracellular PREP activity specifically in microglial cells, suggesting that activated microglia excretes active PREP. A targeted proteomics approach revealed up‐regulation in PREP protein levels in BV‐2 cell growth medium but down‐regulation in crude membrane‐bound PREP after LPS+IFNγ. In the coculture of BV‐2 cells and primary neurons, an increase in extracellular PREP activity was also detected after inflammation. KYP‐2047 (10 μmol/L) significantly protected neurons against microglial toxicity and reduced the levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha. In conclusion, these data point to an extracellular role for microglial PREP in the inflammatory process. Inhibition of PREP during neuroinflammation is a potential target for neuroprotection. Thus, PREP inhibitors may offer a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders with an inflammatory component including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
The longitudinal effects of induction on beginning teachers’ stress
Authors: Harmsen Ruth , Helms‐Lorenz Michelle , Maulana Ridwan , van Veen Klaas
Published: July 2018

Background

Teaching is a stressful profession especially for beginning teachers. Induction programmes can support beginning teachers. Little is known concerning which elements of induction programmes can influence (the change in) teachers’ stress over time.

Aims

This study aims to investigate the growth of stress causes and stress responses during the first 3 years of professional practice and to reveal the influence of induction arrangement elements on the initial level as well as the change in stress levels over the 2 years that followed.

Sample

Longitudinal data from a sample of 393 beginning teachers (56.5% female) were collected at three measurement occasions. All teachers were offered four different induction arrangement elements.

Method

Results of multiple group confirmatory factor analysis confirmed longitudinal measurement invariance. Multivariate latent growth curve modelling (MLGM) was conducted to examine the initial status, the subsequent linear growth, and the influence of the individual induction arrangement elements on the stress causes and stress responses.

Results

MLGM results show that perceived stress caused by high psychological task demands increases over time (d = 0.22), whereas perceived stress caused by negative pupil aspects decreases over time (d = −0.52). Further, workload reduction decreases the level of perceived high psychological task demands, negative social aspects, and all the stress responses. Perceived support for effective teaching behaviour decreases the level of perceived negative emotions and discontent. Further, school enculturation has an influence on the change in perceived discontent over time.

Conclusions

Perceived stress causes and stress responses can change over time. Specific induction arrangement elements appear to be powerful elements to reduce the level, and the change over time, of specific perceived stress causes and stress responses.
The effects of mind games in math and grammar courses on the achievements and perceived problem‐solving skills of secondary school students
Authors: Demirel Turgay , Karakus Yilmaz Turkan
Published: July 2018

The goal of this study is to determine the effectiveness of mind games played by secondary school sixth grade students as classroom activities in math and grammar courses on their perceived problem‐solving skills and achievements. In the quantitative part of the study, the nonequivalent groups pre‐test–post‐test control group design from single‐factor quasi experimental designs was used. Qualitative data collection and analysis approaches have also been used to support and explain quantitative data. The study's sample group, which was formed using a convenience sampling method, consisted of 48 sixth grade secondary school students who studied in a moderately developed city center in Turkey and their teachers. An achievement test, perceived problem‐solving skills scale and semistructured interview guide were used as the data collection tools. According to the findings, the students in the experimental group who played mind games showed development in their perceived problem‐solving skills and achievements compared to the control group. The opinions of the teachers and students on the effects of the mental practices were also found to be positive.
Digital animation: New conditions for children's development in play‐based setting
Authors: Fleer Marilyn
Published: July 2018

There is increasing recognition of digital childhoods [Danby, S., Fleer, M., Davidson, C., & Hatzigianni, M. (Eds.). (2018). Digital childhood. Amsterdam: Springer] and a corresponding body of research into young child's engagement with digital devices across a broad range of contexts [Marsh, J. A., Plowman, L., Yamada‐Rice, D., Bishop, J., & Scott, F. (2016). Digital play: a new classification. Early Years, 36, 242–253. doi:10.1080/09575146.20161167675]. What is missing from the literature is an understanding of if and how these devices, when used with animation apps in play‐based programs, change pre‐school practices and the developmental conditions of children's play. In drawing upon Vygotsky's [(). Play and its role in the mental development of the child. Voprosy Psikhologii, 12, 62–76] conception of play as the leading motive of pre‐school‐aged children, the naturalistic study reported in this paper seeks to address this gap. Video observations of children (3.3–5.8 years) and teachers digitally engaged across five sites during free‐play time (413.8 h of video observations) were studied using a cultural–historical conception of play [Vygotsky, L. S. (2005). Appendix: from the notes of L.S Vygotsky for lectures on the psychology of preschool children. Journal of Russian and East European Psychology, 43, 90–97]. The findings show that digital animation in a free‐play program where role‐play is featured can enrich the play opportunities of children which in turn promote play complexity and increase social and cognitive demands on children, which together can be theorized as a positive force for children's development. These developmental conditions emerged as a profile of five interrelated key digital practices and psychological characteristics, adding to our understandings of digital play.
Knowledge and Assertion in Korean
Authors: Turri John , Park YeounJun
Published: July 2018

Evidence from life science, cognitive science, and philosophy supports the hypothesis that knowledge is a central norm of the human practice of assertion. However, to date, the experimental evidence supporting this hypothesis is limited to American anglophones. If the hypothesis is correct, then such findings will not be limited to one language or culture. Instead, we should find a strong connection between knowledge and assertability across human languages and cultures. To begin testing this prediction, we conducted three experiments on Koreans in Korean. In each case, the findings replicated prior results observed in Americans and were corroborated by key findings from new replication studies on Americans using materials back‐translated from Korean. These findings support the theory that there is a core, cross‐culturally robust human practice of assertion and that, according to the rules of this practice, assertions should express knowledge.
The Relation Between Factual and Counterfactual Conditionals
Authors: Quelhas Ana Cristina , Rasga Célia , Johnson‐Laird P. N.
Published: July 2018

What is the relation between factual conditionals: If A happened then B happened, and counterfactual conditionals: If A had happened then B would have happened? Some theorists propose quite different semantics for the two. In contrast, the theory of mental models and its computer implementation interrelates them. It postulates that both can have a priori truth values, and that the semantic bases of both are possibilities: states that are possible for factual conditionals, and that were once possible but that did not happen for counterfactual conditionals. Two experiments supported these relations. Experiment 1 showed that, like factual conditionals, certain counterfactuals are true a priori, and others are false a priori. Experiment 2 replicated this result and showed that participants selected appropriate paraphrases, referring, respectively, to real and to counterfactual possibilities, for the two sorts of conditional. These results are contrary to alternative accounts of conditionals.
Cover Image, Volume 20, Issue 8
Authors: Elvert Ralf , Herling Andreas W. , Bossart Martin , Weiss Tilo , Zhang Baohong , Wenski Pierre , Wandschneider Jörn , Kleutsch Sabrina , Butty Uwe , Kannt Aimo , Wagner Michael , Haack Torsten , Evers Andreas , Dudda Angela , Lorenz Martin , Keil Stefanie , Larsen Philip J.
Published: July 2018

The cover image, by Ralf Elvert, et al., is based on the Original Article Running on mixed fuel‐dual agonistic approach of GLP‐1 and GCG receptors leads to beneficial impact on body weight and blood glucose control: A comparative study between mice and non‐human primates, DOI: 10.1111/dom.13212.

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REDUCING PUBLIC‐PRIVATE SECTOR PAY DIFFERENTIALS: THE SINGLE SPINE PAY POLICY AS A NATURAL EXPERIMENT IN GHANA
Authors: Ampofo Akwasi , Doko Tchatoka Firmin
Published: July 2018

Empirical studies have documented the existence of the public‐private pay differentials in both developed and developing countries. The implementation of policies aiming to reduce this gap has however been mitigated or inconclusive. This paper exploits the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP) in Ghana as a natural experiment to examine the effectiveness of wage policies in developing countries. The SSPP was implemented in 2010 by the Government of Ghana to address the public‐private sector wage gap and improve productivity in the public sector. Using a quantile treatment effect approach based on a difference‐in‐difference estimation, we show that the SSPP has yet to reduce the wage gap between the public and private sectors across the entire distribution of earnings in Ghana. The improvement observed is only at the lower tail of the distribution of earnings. However, the SSPP has a larger effect on the earnings of female workers than that of males in the education and health services sectors while male workers have benefited more in the administration sector, suggesting that the policy was successful in reducing the gender wage gap in the education and health services sectors but has widened this gap in the administration sector. Moreover, the SSPP has decreased the productivity of workers across the distribution of earnings, mainly due to a decrease in the effort of female public sector workers in the education and health sectors and male workers in the administration sector. (JEL C31, G15, J24, J31, J45)
High-dimensional macroeconomic forecasting and variable selection via
penalized regression
Authors: Uematsu Yoshimasa , Tanaka Shinya
Published: July 2018

This study examines high-dimensional forecasting and variable selection via folded-concave penalized regressions. The penalized regression approach leads to sparse estimates of the regression coefficients and allows the dimensionality of the model to be much larger than the sample size. First, we discuss the theoretical aspects of a penalized regression in a time series setting. Specifically, we show the oracle inequality with ultra-high-dimensional time-dependent regressors. Then we show the validity of the penalized regression using two empirical applications. First, we forecast quarterly US gross domestic product data using a high-dimensional monthly data set and the mixed data sampling (MIDAS) framework with penalization. Second, we examine how well the penalized regression screens a hidden portfolio based on a large New York Stock Exchange stock price data set. Both applications show that a penalized regression provides remarkable results in terms of forecasting performance and variable selection.
Lifelong population connectivity between large rivers and their tributaries: A case study of shovelnose sturgeon from the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers
Authors: Pracheil Brenda M. , Lyons John , Hamann Ellen J. , Short Patrick H. , McIntyre Peter B.
Published: July 2018

Fishes that depend on large‐river habitats have declined in many regions due to human alteration of both mainstems and tributaries. Conserving these species is often complicated by their dependence on long‐distance movements to complete their life cycle, but the location of key habitats is difficult to assess across multiple life history stages. Movement of large‐river fishes between mainstems and major tributaries is commonly observed, but the role of these exchanges at the population level is uncertain. We used shovelnose sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus platorynchus) as a case study for assessing the lifelong spatial ecology of large‐river fishes. Fin ray microchemistry data indicate that shovelnose sturgeon from the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers represent a unified population that relies on connections among multiple large‐river habitats throughout life history. The tributary serves as an important spawning area, but fin ray chemistry data suggest larvae subsequently drift downstream to nursery habitats in the mainstem; an assertion that is supported by extensive field survey data. Our analyses underscore the lifelong importance of connections within river networks for maintaining viable populations of this, and likely other large‐river species that have been documented to use tributary habitats. These findings support a metapopulation perspective on species that depend on large‐river habitats, many of which are now highly altered and fragmented. For shovelnose sturgeon and species with similar life history, protecting or restoring linkages between mainstem rivers and their tributaries should be a conservation priority.
Exercise capacity and clinical outcomes in adults followed in the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease (CSSCD)
Authors: Badawy Sherif M. , Payne Amanda B. , Rodeghier Mark J. , Liem Robert I.
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To determine the factors associated with exercise capacity in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) and its relationship to hospitalizations and mortality.

Methods

A total of 223 participants in the Cooperative Study of Sickle Cell Disease (CSSCD) (64% female, 70% hemoglobin SS/Sβ0 thalassemia, mean age 43.3 ± 7.5 years) underwent maximal exercise testing using a treadmill protocol with a mean duration of 11.6 ± 5.2 minutes.

Results

Female sex (β = −3.34, 95% CI [−1.80, −4.88], P < 0.001), older age (β = −0.14, 95% CI [−0.24, −0.04], P = 0.005), higher body mass index (β = −0.23, 95% CI [−0.37, −0.10]; P = 0.001), and lower hemoglobin (β = 0.56, 95% CI [0.08, 1.04], P = 0.02) were independently associated with lower fitness, while there was a trend with abnormal pulmonary function testing (β = −1.42, 95% CI [−2.92, 0.07]; P = 0.06). Lower percent‐predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) was independently associated with lower fitness (β = 0.08, 95% CI [0.03, 0.13], P = 0.001). Genotype and hospitalization rates for pain and acute chest syndrome (ACS) prior to testing were not associated with exercise capacity. Baseline exercise capacity predicted neither future pain or ACS nor survival in our cohort. Adults with SCD tolerated maximal exercise testing.

Conclusions

Prospective studies are needed to further evaluate the impact of regular exercise and improved fitness on clinical outcomes and mortality in SCD.