bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The measurement of worker relations: the development of a three-component scale
Authors: Biggs David Michael , Swailes Stephen , Baker Steven
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– Healthy employee relations are important for individual well-being and are likely to contribute towards job satisfaction and other positive work outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the importance of worker relations and proposes a new three-component model of worker relations which embraces the relationships that employees have with their co-workers, supervisor and the organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

– A 20-item inventory was tested using data collected in a local authority (n=157) and led to the retention of nine items which were embodied in a scale for further evaluation. A second study using data using obtained in an emergency call management service (n=85) were used to further evaluate the factor structure of the scale and assess its predictive validity. A third study (n=70) provided further information on the measure.

Findings

– The new nine-item measure is a viable instrument with adequate reliability for assessing three levels of worker relations. In line with predictions, the three sub-scales (co-worker, supervisor and organisation) were positively correlated with job satisfaction and social relations.

Practical implications

– The new scale provides a freely available and parsimonious alternative to existing measures of worker relations.

Originality/value

– The paper considers the component aspects of worker relations before defining, theorising and developing a general purpose short instrument capable of quantitatively measuring worker relations.
Using modified IPA to define quality improvement strategies
Authors: Ho Li-Hsing , Chang Pi-Yun , Yen Tieh-Min
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a modified Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) model and calculates the performance of quality characteristic for the purpose of defining quality improvement strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study developed modified IPA by introducing the Mahalanobis Distance and multiple regression analysis to evaluate the performance gap and implicit importance of quality characteristics. This paper used a large air-conditioning manufacturer in Taiwan as the case analysis and study targets. It discussed and validated the modified IPA analytical results by studying case history and market analysis.

Findings

– Through the case study, the quality characteristics of air-conditioning product and service needed to be improved immediately are Green product (Q3) and Repair service (Q10), and the Price (Q11) and Serviceability (Q2) could be kept or enhanced to win the market competitive advantages.

Originality/value

– This study developed a modified IPA to help organization identifying key quality characteristics of product and service, and choosing its improvement strategies to win the market competitive advantages effectively.
The leadership criterion: challenges in pursuing excellence in the Jordanian public sector
Authors: Aladwan Shaker A , Forrester Paul
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the challenges that face leaders when implementing business excellence programmes in the Jordanian public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study adopted a content analysis approach to analyse the excellence assessment reports that have been produced by the King Abdullah II Centre for Excellence. The sample comprises ten public organisations which have participated in the King Abdullah Award for Excellence more than once and acknowledge in their reports that they have failed to achieve satisfactory results.

Findings

– The key challenges to effect the implementation of leadership criteria in the public sector in Jordan were found to be poor strategic planning, lack of employee empowerment, weaknesses in benchmarking performance, and a lack of financial resources, poor integration and coordination, and poor measurement system.

Practical implications

– This study proposes a conceptual model for the assessment of challenges that face managers when seeking to implement excellence in leadership in the Jordanian public sector.

Originality/value

– Leadership challenges in the public sector are generally widely studied, but it is important to gain a better understanding of how these challenges can be overcome. In comparison to many existing studies, this research has provided specific and detailed insights these organisational excellence challenges in the public sector and provides a conceptual model for use by other researchers into the future.
Size asymmetry of resource competition and the structure of plant communities
Authors: DeMalach Niv , Zaady Eli , Weiner Jacob , Kadmon Ronen
Published: February 2016

Plant communities show two general responses to gradients of soil resources: a decrease in species richness at high levels of resource availability and an associated shift in species composition from small and slow‐growing species to large and fast‐growing species. Models attempting to explain these responses have usually focused on a single pattern and provided contradicting predictions concerning the underlying mechanisms.

We use an extension of Tilman's resource competition model to investigate the hypothesis that both patterns may originate from the size‐asymmetric nature of light exploitation by competing plants. The only mechanism producing changes in species richness and species composition in our model is mortality due to competition.

Under the framework of the model, asymmetric light exploitation is a necessary and sufficient condition to obtain the empirically observed responses of species richness and species composition to soil resource gradients. This theoretical result is robust to relaxing the simplifying assumptions of the model.

Our model shows that the traits enhancing competitive superiority depend on the mode of resource exploitation: under symmetric exploitation, competitive superiority is achieved by tolerance of low resource levels, while under asymmetric exploitation, it is achieved by the ability to grow fast and attain a large size. This result indicates that a long‐standing debate concerning the traits that enhance competitive superiority in plant communities (the ‘Grime–Tilman debate’) can be reduced into a single parameter of our model – the degree of asymmetry in resource competition.

The model also explains the observed shift from below‐ground to above‐ground competition with increasing productivity, the associated increase in the asymmetry of competitive interactions and the increasing likelihood of competitive exclusion under high levels of productivity. None of these patterns could be obtained under symmetric competition in our model.

Synthesis. The ability of the model to explain a wide range of observed patterns and the robustness of these predictions to its simplifying assumptions suggest that the size asymmetry of competition for light is a fundamental factor in determining the structure and diversity of plant communities.
Organizing for the Big One: A Review of Case Studies and a Research Agenda for Multi‐Agency Disaster Response
Authors: Steigenberger Norbert
Published: February 2016

Disaster response operations require the cooperation of agencies that seldom interact in their daily operations. The result is a complex coordination problem, which has been in the focus of many case studies. In an effort to facilitate cross‐case learning, this study presents a review of empirical studies on the multi‐agency coordination of disaster response operations. The review covers 80 empirical studies and highlights the importance of training, expertise, planning and plan enactment, leadership and personal acquaintance between the actors in emergent multi‐agency response networks. The analysis results also show that while some areas have received extensive coverage in scholarly publications (e.g., training, skills), a number of important topics have yet to be studied in sufficient depth (e.g., leadership and role taking, plan enactment). Based on these insights, a research agenda is proposed and a number of recommendations for practical disaster response management are made.
High‐resolution manometric subtypes as a predictive factor for the treatment of achalasia: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Ou Ying Hua , Nie Xi Ming , Li Li Fu , Wei Zheng Jie , Jiang Bo
Published: February 2016

Objective

To assess manometric subtypes as predictive factors for the treatment efficacies of pneumatic balloon dilatation (PBD) and laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) in patients with achalasia.

Methods

A systematic search of the Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library database was conducted to identify relevant publications on high‐resolution manometric subtypes and different therapies for achalasia with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data on the success rates after PBD or LHM for different manometric subtypes were extracted. The pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for different manometric subtypes were estimated using STATA 13.0.

Results

In all, nine studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 298 patients having achalasia receiving PBD and 429 undergoing LHM were included in the meta‐analysis. The pooled OR between the subtypes of achalasia after PBD or LHM showed that the best and worse treatment outcomes were found in patients with type II and III achalasia, respectively (type I vs type II after PBD: OR 0.16, 95% CI 0.08–0.36, P = 0.000; type I vs type III after PBD: OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.55–8.53, P = 0.003; type II vs type III after PBD: OR 27.18, 95% CI 9.08–81.35, P = 0.000; type I vs type II after LHM: OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12–0.56, P = 0.001; type I vs type III after LHM: OR 1.89, 95% CI 0.80–4.50, P = 0.148; type II vs type III after LHM: OR 6.86, 95% CI 2.72–17.28, P = 0.000).

Conclusion

Type II achalasia shows the best prognosis after PBD and LHM, while type III achalasia has the worst prognosis.
Teaching ultrasound‐guided regional anesthesia remotely: a feasibility study
Authors: Burckett‐St.Laurent D. A. , Cunningham M. S. , Abbas S. , Chan V. W. , Okrainec A. , Niazi A. U.
Published: February 2016

Background

Ultrasound‐guided regional anesthesia (UGRA) requires acquisition of new skills. Learning requires one‐on‐one teaching, and can be limited by time and mentor availability. We investigate whether the skills required for UGRA can be developed and subsequently assessed remotely using a novel online teaching platform. This platform was developed at the University of Toronto to teach laparoscopic surgery remotely and has been termed Telesimulation.

Methods

Anesthesia Site Chiefs at 10 hospitals across Ontario were sent a letter inviting their anesthesia teams to participate in an UGRA remote training program. Four to five anesthetists from each site were recruited from the first four hospitals expressing interest. Simulation models and ultrasound machines were set up at each location and connected via Skype™ and web cameras with the Telesimulation center at our hospital. Training consisted of four online sessions and one offline lecture in order to teach an ultrasound‐guided supraclavicular block. Participants were evaluated before and after training by on‐site and off‐site assessors using a validated Checklist and Global Rating Scale (GRS).

Results

Nineteen staff anesthetists were recruited. Post‐training scores were significantly higher across both assessment tools, on‐site (P < 0.001) and off‐site training locations (P = 0.003). The inter‐rater reliability between on‐site and remote training site ratings was good for the Checklist (ICC = 0.672, 95% CI: 0.369–0.830) and excellent for the GRS (ICC = 0.847, 95% CI: 0.706–0.921).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that UGRA can be taught remotely. Future research will focus on comparing this method to on‐site teaching and its application in resource‐restricted countries.
Trends in forest condition, threats and conservation action as derived from participatory monitoring in coastal Kenya
Authors: Ndang'ang'a Paul K. , Barasa Fred M. , Kariuki Mercy N. , Muoria Paul
Published: February 2016

The coastal forests of Kenya are conservation priorities hosting high levels of biodiversity. Monitoring of biodiversity in these forests is therefore necessary to understand and reverse negative trends in good time. Using the Important Bird Area (IBA) monitoring framework, a participatory approach, state (habitat condition), pressure (threats) and response (conservation action) indicators of twelve coastal Kenya forest IBAs were assessed from 2004 to 2011. Trends for these indicators were assessed at six sites for which sufficient data existed: Arabuko‐Sokoke, Dakatcha Woodlands, Gede Ruins, Lower Tana River, Shimba Hills and Taita Hills, and baselines were described for remaining six. Changes were always small, but state deteriorated in Gede, Lower Tana and Shimba Hills, remained the same (unfavourable) in Arabuko‐Sokoke and Dakatcha, and improved in Taita Hills. Pressure reduced in Arabuko‐Sokoke, Dakatcha and Taita Hills, deteriorated in Lower Tana and Shimba Hills and remained the same (medium) in Gede. Response improved in Dakatcha, remained the same (medium) in Shimba Hills, and deteriorated in the rest. As there was an apparent overall deterioration in the forests assessed, improved management of the protected sites and increased conservation action through community engagement around protected areas and within the nonprotected IBAs are recommended.
Fetal cardiovascular hemodynamics in twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Wohlmuth Christoph , Gardiner Helena M. , Diehl Werner , Hecher Kurt
Published: February 2016

Twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) complicates 10–15% of monochorionic–diamniotic (MCDA) pregnancies. It originates from unbalanced transfer of fluid and vasoactive mediators from one twin to its co‐twin via placental anastomoses. This results in hypovolemia in the donor and hypervolemia and vasoconstriction in the recipient twin. Consequently, the recipient demonstrates cardiovascular alterations including atrioventricular valve regurgitation, diastolic dysfunction, and pulmonary stenosis/atresia that do not necessarily correlate with Quintero‐stages. Selective fetoscopic laser photocoagulation of placental vascular anastomoses disrupts the underlying pathophysiology and usually improves cardiovascular function in the recipient with normalization of systolic and diastolic function within weeks after treatment. Postnatal studies have demonstrated early decreased arterial distensibility in ex‐donor twins, but 10‐year follow up is encouraging with survivors showing normal cardiovascular function after TTTS. However, prediction and appropriate early management of TTTS remain poor. Assessment of the cardiovascular system provides additional insight into the pathophysiology and severity of TTTS and may permit more targeted early surveillance of MCDA pregnancies in future. It should form an integral part of the diagnostic algorithm.
Testing predictive control of movement in children with developmental coordination disorder using converging operations
Authors: Adams Imke L. J. , Lust Jessica M. , Wilson Peter H. , Steenbergen Bert
Published: February 2016

Recent systematic reviews (Wilsonet al., 2013,Dev. Med. Child Neurol.,55, 217; Adamset al., 2014,Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev.,47C, 225) suggest that a common underlying problem in developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is the internal modelling deficit. The study presented here is the first to test this hypothesis using a within‐subject design, assessing motor imagery, action planning, and rapid online control (ROC) in a sample of children screened rigorously forDCD. Participants were 66 children; 33 children (26 boys and seven girls) aged 6–11 years in theDCDgroup and 33 controls (gender and age matched). Motor imagery was assessed with the hand rotation task (HRT), action planning with an end‐state comfort effect test, andROCwith the double‐step pointing task. Results showed that children withDCDwere slower and less accurate than controls in theHRT. Reduced forward planning for comfortable end‐state was also shown inDCD. Finally, no group differences were found on theROCtask. Collectively, children withDCDmanifest deficits in the internal modelling of movements, but this varies under different task constraints, particularly those related to movement complexity.
Brain atrophy in Pelizaeus‐Merzbacher disease
Authors: Inoue Ken
Published: February 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Sarret et al. on pages 706–713 of this issue.
Optimizing diabetes control in people with Type 2 diabetes through nurse‐led telecoaching
Authors: Odnoletkova I. , Goderis G. , Nobels F. , Fieuws S. , Aertgeerts B. , Annemans L. , Ramaekers D.
Published: February 2016

Aims

To study the effect of a target‐driven telecoaching intervention on HbA1c and other modifiable risk factors in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

We conducted a randomized controlled trial in patients receiving hypoglycaemic agents. The primary outcome was HbA1c level at 6 months in the entire sample and in a subgroup with HbA1c levels ≥ 53 mmol/mol (7%) at baseline. Secondary outcomes were HbA1c at 18 months; total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, blood pressure, BMI and proportion of people who had achieved guideline‐recommended targets at 6 and 18 months.

Results

A total of 287 participants were randomized to telecoaching and 287 to usual care. The mean (sd) baseline HbA1c level was 53 (11) mmol/mol [7.0 (1.0)%] overall and 63 (10) mmol/mol [7.9 (0.9)%] in the elevated HbA1c subgroup. At 6 months, the between‐group differences in favour of telecoaching were: HbA1c ‐2 (95% CI ‐4; ‐1) mmol/mol [‐0.2 (95% CI ‐0.3;‐0.1)%; P=0.003] overall and ‐4 (95% CI ‐7; ‐2) mmol/mol [‐0.4 (95% CI ‐0.7; ‐0.2)%; P=0.001] in the elevated HbA1c subgroup; BMI ‐0.4 kg/m2 (95% CI ‐0.6; ‐0.1; P=0.003); total cholesterol ‐6 mg/dl (95% CI ‐11; ‐1, P=0.012). The proportion of participants on target for the composite of HbA1c, LDL and blood pressure increased by 8.9% in the intervention group and decreased by 1.3% in the control group (P=0.011). At 18 months, the difference in HbA1c was: ‐2 (95% CI ‐3;‐0) mmol/mol [‐0.2 (95% CI ‐0.3; ‐0.0)%; P=0.046] overall and ‐4 (‐7; ‐1) mmol/mol [‐0.4 (95% CI ‐0.7; ‐0.1)%; P=0.023] in the elevated HbA1c subgroup.

Conclusion

Nurse‐led telecoaching improved glycaemic control, total cholesterol levels and BMI in people with Type 2 diabetes. Twelve months after the intervention completion, there were sustained improvements in glycaemic control.
Demographic buffering and compensatory recruitment promotes the persistence of disease in a wildlife population
Authors: McDonald Jenni L. , Bailey Trevor , Delahay Richard J. , McDonald Robbie A. , Smith Graham C. , Hodgson Dave J.
Published: February 2016

Demographic buffering allows populations to persist by compensating for fluctuations in vital rates, including disease‐induced mortality. Using long‐term data on a badger (Meles meles Linnaeus, 1758) population naturally infected with Mycobacterium bovis, we built an integrated population model to quantify impacts of disease, density and environmental drivers on survival and recruitment. Badgers exhibit a slow life‐history strategy, having high rates of adult survival with low variance, and low but variable rates of recruitment. Recruitment exhibited strong negative density‐dependence, but was not influenced by disease, while adult survival was density independent but declined with increasing prevalence of diseased individuals. Given that reproductive success is not depressed by disease prevalence, density‐dependent recruitment of cubs is likely to compensate for disease‐induced mortality. This combination of slow life history and compensatory recruitment promotes the persistence of a naturally infected badger population and helps to explain the badger's role as a persistent reservoir of M. bovis.
Sequential process in brain‐derived neurotrophic factor‐induced functional periodontal tissue regeneration
Authors: Konishi Akihiro , Takeda Katsuhiro , Fujita Tsuyoshi , Kajiya Mikihito , Matsuda Shinji , Kittaka Mizuho , Shiba Hideki , Kurihara Hidemi
Published: February 2016

We recently demonstrated that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes periodontal tissue regeneration. The purpose of this study was to establish an essential component of a rational approach for the clinical application of BDNF in periodontal regenerative therapy. Here, we assessed the sequence of early events in BDNF‐induced periodontal tissue regeneration, especially from the aspect of cementum regeneration. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor was applied into experimental periodontal defects in Beagle dogs. The localization of cells positive for neurotrophic tyrosine kinase, receptor, type 2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, osteopontin, integrin αVβ3, and integrin α2β1 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The effects of BDNF on adhesion of cultured human periodontal ligament cells was examined by an in vitro study. The results suggest that BDNF could induce rapid cementum regeneration by stimulating adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of periodontal ligament cells in the early regenerative phase, resulting in enhancement of periodontal tissue regeneration.
Aquatic food security: insights into challenges and solutions from an analysis of interactions between fisheries, aquaculture, food safety, human health, fish and human welfare, economy and environment
Authors: Jennings Simon , Stentiford Grant D , Leocadio Ana M , Jeffery Keith R , Metcalfe Julian D , Katsiadaki Ioanna , Auchterlonie Neil A , Mangi Stephen C , Pinnegar John K , Ellis Tim , Peeler Edmund J , Luisetti Tiziana , Baker‐Austin Craig , Brown Mary , Catchpole Thomas L , Clyne Fiona J , Dye Stephen R , Edmonds Nathan J , Hyder Kieran , Lee Janette , Lees David N , Morgan Owen C , O'Brien Carl M , Oidtmann Birgit , Posen Paulette E , Santos Ana Ribeiro , Taylor Nick G H , Turner Andrew D , Townhill Bryony L , Verner‐Jeffreys David W
Published: February 2016

Fisheries and aquaculture production, imports, exports and equitability of distribution determine the supply of aquatic food to people. Aquatic food security is achieved when a food supply is sufficient, safe, sustainable, shockproof and sound: sufficient, to meet needs and preferences of people; safe, to provide nutritional benefit while posing minimal health risks; sustainable, to provide food now and for future generations; shock‐proof, to provide resilience to shocks in production systems and supply chains; and sound, to meet legal and ethical standards for welfare of animals, people and environment. Here, we present an integrated assessment of these elements of the aquatic food system in the United Kingdom, a system linked to dynamic global networks of producers, processors and markets. Our assessment addresses sufficiency of supply from aquaculture, fisheries and trade; safety of supply given biological, chemical and radiation hazards; social, economic and environmental sustainability of production systems and supply chains; system resilience to social, economic and environmental shocks; welfare of fish, people and environment; and the authenticity of food. Conventionally, these aspects of the food system are not assessed collectively, so information supporting our assessment is widely dispersed. Our assessment reveals trade‐offs and challenges in the food system that are easily overlooked in sectoral analyses of fisheries, aquaculture, health, medicine, human and fish welfare, safety and environment. We highlight potential benefits of an integrated, systematic and ongoing process to assess security of the aquatic food system and to predict impacts of social, economic and environmental change on food supply and demand.
Context dependency in biodiversity patterns of central German stream metacommunities
Authors: Tonkin Jonathan D. , Heino Jani , Sundermann Andrea , Haase Peter , Jähnig Sonja C.
Published: February 2016

Context dependency is an emerging topic that is challenging our understanding of the factors shaping biodiversity in metacommunities. River networks and other dendritic systems provide unique systems for examining variation in the processes shaping biodiversity between different metacommunities.

We examined biodiversity patterns in five benthic invertebrate data sets, from two catchments in central Germany, with the aim of exploring context dependency in these systems. We used variance partitioning to disentangle the variation explained in three biodiversity metrics: taxonomic richness, Simpson's diversity and local contribution to beta diversity (LCBD; a measure of the uniqueness of a site). As explanatory variables, we used proxies of network position (i.e. catchment size and altitude) and habitat conditions.

Contrary to our expectation, we found no evidence of a decline in LCBD downstream in our study. Local habitat conditions and catchment land use played a much stronger role than catchment size and altitude in explaining variation in the three biodiversity metrics. Observed patterns were highly variable between different data sets in our study. These findings suggest that factors shaping biodiversity patterns in these systems are highly context dependent and less related to their position along the river network than local habitat conditions.

Given the clear context dependency between data sets, we urge researchers to focus on disentangling the factors driving the high levels of variability between individual systems through the study of a number of replicate, rather than single, metacommunities.
Benchmarking novel approaches for modelling species range dynamics
Authors: Zurell Damaris , Thuiller Wilfried , Pagel Jörn , Cabral Juliano S. , Münkemüller Tamara , Gravel Dominique , Dullinger Stefan , Normand Signe , Schiffers Katja H. , Moore Kara A. , Zimmermann Niklaus E.
Published: February 2016

Increasing biodiversity loss due to climate change is one of the most vital challenges of the 21st century. To anticipate and mitigate biodiversity loss, models are needed that reliably project species’ range dynamics and extinction risks. Recently, several new approaches to model range dynamics have been developed to supplement correlative species distribution models (SDMs), but applications clearly lag behind model development. Indeed, no comparative analysis has been performed to evaluate their performance. Here, we build on process‐based, simulated data for benchmarking five range (dynamic) models of varying complexity including classical SDMs, SDMs coupled with simple dispersal or more complex population dynamic models (SDM hybrids), and a hierarchical Bayesian process‐based dynamic range model (DRM). We specifically test the effects of demographic and community processes on model predictive performance. Under current climate, DRMs performed best, although only marginally. Under climate change, predictive performance varied considerably, with no clear winners. Yet, all range dynamic models improved predictions under climate change substantially compared to purely correlative SDMs, and the population dynamic models also predicted reasonable extinction risks for most scenarios. When benchmarking data were simulated with more complex demographic and community processes, simple SDM hybrids including only dispersal often proved most reliable. Finally, we found that structural decisions during model building can have great impact on model accuracy, but prior system knowledge on important processes can reduce these uncertainties considerably. Our results reassure the clear merit in using dynamic approaches for modelling species’ response to climate change but also emphasize several needs for further model and data improvement. We propose and discuss perspectives for improving range projections through combination of multiple models and for making these approaches operational for large numbers of species.
Fiscal Competition and Higher Education Spending in Germany
Authors: Fischer Georg-Benedikt , Wigger Berthold U.
Published: February 2016

The present paper studies the determinants of higher education spending by the German federal states with a focus on the interplay between higher education spending of neighboring states. More specifically, the paper asks whether the German federal states free-ride on one another’s higher educational spending or whether they employ higher education spending to attract university graduates. We identify a positive relationship between the states’ higher education spending and conclude that the states compete for graduates rather than free-ride. We also consider the effect of the recent introduction of tuition fees in some, but not all German states. We do not find evidence that tuition fees led to crowding out of public higher education funds.
Behind the Pan‐European Convergence Path: The Role of Innovation, Specialisation and Socio‐economic Factors
Authors: Chapman Sheila , Meliciani Valentina
Published: February 2016

The paper analyses the determinants of regional disparities in per capita gross domestic product (GDP) and their evolution over time in the enlarged European Union (EU). With reference to the literature it groups EU regions on the basis of three different factors—specialisation, socio‐economic features, and innovation. It then analyses regional disparities in per capita GDP (EU‐relative and country‐relative) across groups over 2004–2011 using both non‐parametric tools and traditional regression analysis with spatial effects. The paper finds that EU‐wide convergence actually conceals growing divergenceacrossold member regions andwithinnew members. Coming to the factors that lie at the heart of regional disparities, country factors lose importance for newcomers but become more important for older members, notwithstanding longstanding integration. Socio‐economic factors and innovation instead become increasingly important for all areas, socio‐economic factors lying at the heart ofwithin‐country differences and innovation more of thosebetweenregions. Finally, specialisation appears to have a lower explanatory power.
Increased arterial stiffness predicts cognitive impairment in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Tasmoc Alexandra , Donciu Mihaela‐Dora , Veisa Gabriel , Nistor Ionut , Covic Adrian
Published: February 2016

Introduction Cognitive impairment is a major, but underdiagnosed, risk factor for negative outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The main goal of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the relationship between arterial stiffness and cognitive impairment in a cohort of hemodialysis patients. Methods We prospectively analyzed the cognitive function and pulse wave velocity (PWV) of 72 hemodialysis patients, mean age 56.54 ± 13.96 y, from two Romanian dialysis centers. We administered to all patients the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Trail Making Test Part‐A (TMTA) and Part‐B (TMTB), and Mini‐Cog Test. Radial arterial waveforms during 40 cardiac cycles were recorded in each patient. Findings Mean MMSE score was 25.13 ± 3.47, mean MiniCog score was 3.51 ± 1.18, mean TMTA (sec) was 103.77 ± 53.13 and mean TMTB (sec) was 214.93 ± 112.25. In linear unadjusted regression, PWV values were associated with worse MMSE scores (β = −0.36, P = 0.001, 95% CI: −0.68 to −0.17), and MiniCog scores (β = −0.26, P = 0.02, 95% CI: −0.19 to −0.01). Also, PWV value was significant associated with TMTA test, but not with TMTB. After further adjustments, PWV remained a strong predictor for cognitive impairment measured by MMSE, TMTA, MiniCog, but not for TMTB. Discussion Cognitive impairment was associated with higher PWV values in our cohort. Further evidence is needed in order to support arterial stiffness as a long‐term predictor for cognitive decline in ESRD patients.
ACHIEVING FISCAL BALANCE IN JAPAN*
Authors: İmrohoroğlu Selahattin , Kitao Sagiri , Yamada Tomoaki
Published: February 2016

Japan is aging and has the highest government debt‐to‐output ratio among advanced economies. In this article, we build a micro data‐based, large‐scale overlapping generations model for Japan in which individuals differ in age, gender, employment type, income, and asset holdings, and incorporate the Japanese pension rules. Using existing pension law, current fiscal policy, and medium variants of demographic projections, we produce future paths for government expenditures and tax revenues, with implications for government debt and the public pension fund. Additional pension reform, a higher consumption tax, and higher female labor force participation help achieve fiscal stability.
Post‐Fukushima radiation education for public health nursing students: a case study
Authors: Konishi E. , Nagai T. , Kobayashi M. , Mitsumori Y. , Ono W. , Asahara K. , Porter S. E.
Published: February 2016

Background

The recent Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant accident was one of more than 200 serious nuclear/radiation incidents (accidents and disasters) that occurred worldwide since 1945. The current Fukushima disaster is in the recovery phase with the decreasing levels of radiation in the environment. However, fears and stigma related to the perceived risk of radiation exposure persist among the general population.

Introduction

To improve on students’ preparedness for social and public health challenges after a radiation incidence, radiation education was provided for undergraduate public health nursing students.

Aim

This case study reports the development and implementation of the first class of radiation education in public health nursing, as well as students’ reflections on their class experience.

Methods

We included a 90‐min radiation class in an undergraduate public health nursing course in Tokyo, Japan. Lectures/discussion on technical and environmental aspects provided the minimally essential content for basic radiation knowledge. After class, all the 65 students were invited to freely write their reflections on the class. With their consent, 61 students’ anonymous written accounts were qualitatively analysed.

Results

Five themes emerged: awareness of ignorance about radiation, problems produced by the mass media, becoming knowledgeable about radiation, public health nurses’ role, and trustful and enjoyable lecture.

Discussion

The class inspired students to consider social, psychological and relational aspects of knowing and not knowing about radiation and their future professional role.

Conclusion and implications for nursing

Once radiation is taught at school, nursing students will emerge as professionals with the belief that radiation is within their professional purview. Education is key to disaster prevention, preparation, response and recovery. Given the ubiquitous nature of health challenges after a radiation incident, radiation education is indispensable for nursing students worldwide.
Correlates of range size variation in the Australian seed‐plant flora
Authors: Gallagher Rachael V.
Published: February 2016

Aim

To map and analyse range size variation in the terrestrial seed‐plant flora of Australia in relation to latitude, habitat availability, climate and soils, and to compare mean range size between biomes and growth forms.

Location

Australia.

Methods

Range sizes were estimated from herbarium records using alpha‐hulls for 19,227 species and mapped into a set of 0.5° × 0.5° grid cells across Australia. Ordinary‐least squares regressions were used to test for relationships between mean range size, latitude and habitat availability. Simultaneous autoregressive models (SAR) with spatial error terms were used in a multi‐model framework to assess the role of aridity, mean annual temperature (MAT), soil pH, depth and total P concentration in shaping range size variation. Species‐level differences between growth forms (graminoids, herbs, trees, shrubs, climbers) and biomes were assessed using one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

68% of Australian seed‐plant species have ranges which cover < 1% of the continent. Generally, large ranges are characteristic of graminoids and herbs and are associated with arid and grassland biomes. The smallest ranges were found in Mediterranean ecosystems in the SW corner of the continent, and were typically shrub species. Range size peaked at mid‐latitudes and was not consistently smaller at lower latitudes (contrary to Rapoport's Rule). Increasing aridity, MAT and soil pH were strong predictors of large range size; however, soil depth and P content had little influence in SAR models.

Main conclusions

Aridity and temperature are the primary drivers of range size variation in the Australian flora. Trait syndromes which promote colonization and survival in arid and grassland habitats (e.g. C4 photosynthesis, wind pollination) have allowed grasses and herbs to occupy large areas of the continent. Ranges were not smaller, on average, in the tropics due to the concentration of large‐ranged species in the widespread arid biome in the centre of the continent.
Spatiotemporal diversification of a low‐vagility Neotropical vertebrate clade (short‐tailed opossums, Didelphidae: Monodelphis)
Authors: Pavan Silvia E. , Jansa Sharon A. , Voss Robert S.
Published: February 2016

Aim

To infer historical‐biogeographical patterns and processes in South America based on estimated divergence times and ancestral distributions for a diverse clade of small marsupials (Monodelphis).

Location

South America.

Methods

We estimated a time‐scaled phylogeny using sequence data from four nuclear genes and one mitochondrial gene for most currently recognized species, which we also scored for biome occupancy. We used maximum‐likelihood methods that explicitly model historical‐biogeographical processes to estimate ancestral distributions.

Results

The earliest cladogenetic events in the genus occurred in the late Miocene, with subsequent diversification from the early Pliocene to the late Pleistocene. Model selection suggests an important role for founder‐event speciation, a process seldom accounted for in previous biogeographical analyses of continental clades. Two equivalently optimal models that incorporate this process each reconstruct the most recent common ancestor of Monodelphis as occurring in both Amazonia and the Atlantic Forest, from which the Andes, the Arid Diagonal (Caatinga, Cerrado, Chaco) and other neighbouring biomes were colonized during the Pliocene and Pleistocene.

Main Conclusions

The diversification of Monodelphis was not restricted to a narrow time interval, suggesting that speciation cannot be attributed to a single leading factor such as tectonism or Pleistocene climatic fluctuations. In particular, speciation within the Atlantic Forest biome appears to have occurred in the Neogene, whereas most Amazonian speciation events are substantially younger. Amazonia and/or the Atlantic Forest hosted most diversification events within Monodelphis and were the historical sources of lineages that subsequently colonized other areas. Founder‐event speciation, a concept traditionally associated with long‐distance dispersal among islands, must sustain other interpretations in historical‐biogeographical analyses of non‐vagile organisms in continental contexts. Possible mechanisms for founder‐event speciation in Monodelphis include historically transient connections between currently disjunct biomes and rapid reproductive isolation of populations colonizing adjacent but ecologically disparate biomes.
The geography of speciation in coral reef fishes: the relative importance of biogeographical barriers in separating sister‐species
Authors: Hodge Jennifer R. , Bellwood David R.
Published: February 2016

Aim

To understand how geography has influenced the generation and maintenance of biodiversity. We examined the relative importance of biogeographical barriers in the divergence of extant coral reef fish species.

Location

Pan‐tropical coral reefs.

Methods

Sister‐species were identified from a recent phylogeny encompassing four fish families (Chaetodontidae, Epinephelidae, Labridae and Pomacanthidae) and classified as allopatric or overlapping based on data compiled fromIUCNmaps. Nearest linear distances were mapped as indicators of vicariance and compared with previously identified biogeographical barriers. Congruent vicariance versus regional richness determined the relative influence of barriers. Patterns of overlap among non‐allopatric sister‐species were mapped and assessed.

Results

Congruent vicariance was detected across six previously described biogeographical barriers: the Amazon and Orinoco rivers, Isthmus of Panama, Hawaiian Archipelago, Indo‐Pacific, and a previously understudied barrier separating the Western Indian Ocean from the Central Indo‐Pacific (CIP) termed the Mid‐Indian Ocean Barrier (MIOB). TheMIOBshowed the strongest vicariant signal. None of the barriers had significantly more or less relative influence. The majority of sister‐species were non‐allopatric. Overlap was concentrated in an area concordant with the biodiversity hotspot in theCIP, where sister‐pairs had significantly low overlap.

Main conclusions

Biogeographical barriers may have influenced vicariance of extant species during the past 5 Myr. Older barriers influenced divergence between clades. Turbidity currents produced by outflow from the Ganges and Indus river systems likely explain the strength of theMIOB. Despite the array of described barriers within theCIP, the Sunda Margin Barrier (SMB) was the only vicariant signal detected in the region. Low relative influence of theSMBand significantly low overlap among non‐allopatric sister‐pairs in theCIPhighlights its importance as an area of evolutionary dynamism, where the separation of Indian and Pacific Ocean faunas and their subsequent range expansion has led to increased species overlap and higher regional biodiversity.
Evaluating differences in Pavlovian fear acquisition and extinction as predictors of outcome from cognitive behavioural therapy for anxious children
Authors: Waters Allison M. , Pine Daniel S.
Published: February 2016

Background

Extinction is a key theoretical model of exposure‐based treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This study examined whether individual differences in physiological responses and subjective stimulus evaluations as indices of fear extinction predicted response to CBT.

Methods

Thirty‐two nonanxious comparisons and 44 anxious, 7‐to‐13‐year‐old children completed a Pavlovian conditioning and extinction task. Anxious children then completed group‐based CBT. Skin conductance responses (SCRs) as well as subjective arousal and valence evaluations were measured in response to a conditioned stimulus paired with an aversive tone (CS+) and another conditioned stimulus presented alone (CS−). Both stimuli were presented alone during extinction. Diagnostic and symptom measures were completed before and after treatment.

Results

Like nonanxious comparisons, treatment responders did not acquire conditioned negative stimulus evaluations and displayed elevated SCRs that declined significantly across extinction trials. Nonresponders, by contrast, showed elevated negative stimulus evaluations of both CSs that were sensitive to extinction trials but showed no change in SCRs during extinction. Change in physiological but not evaluative indices of fear extinction predicted better treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

Individual differences in evaluative and physiological indices of fear extinction might moderate response to CBT.
Identification of Entamoeba polecki with Unique 18S rRNA Gene Sequences from Celebes Crested Macaques and Pigs in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Tuda Josef , Feng Meng , Imada Mihoko , Kobayashi Seiki , Cheng Xunjia , Tachibana Hiroshi
Published: February 2016

Unique species of macaques are distributed across Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, and the details of Entamoeba infections in these macaques are unknown. A total of 77 stool samples from Celebes crested macaques (Macaca nigra) and 14 stool samples from pigs were collected in Tangkoko Nature Reserve, North Sulawesi, and the prevalence of Entamoeba infection was examined by PCR. Entamoeba polecki was detected in 97% of the macaques and all of the pigs, but no other Entamoeba species were found. The nucleotide sequence of the 18S rRNA gene in E. polecki from M. nigra was unique and showed highest similarity with E. polecki subtype (ST) 4. This is the first case of identification of E. polecki ST4 from wild nonhuman primates. The sequence of the 18S rRNA gene in E. polecki from pigs was also unique and showed highest similarity with E. polecki ST1. These results suggest that the diversity of the 18S rRNA gene in E. polecki is associated with differences in host species and geographic localization, and that there has been no transmission of E. polecki between macaques and pigs in the study area.
Modified CLIP with objective liver reserve assessment retains prognosis prediction for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shao Yu‐Yun , Liu Tsung‐Hao , Lee Ying‐Hui , Hsu Chih‐Hung , Cheng Ann‐Lii
Published: February 2016

Background and Aim

The Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score is a commonly used staging system for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) helpful with predicting prognosis of advanced HCC. CLIP uses the Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) score to evaluate liver reserve. A new scoring system, the albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) grade, has been proposed as they objectively evaluate liver reserve. We examined whether the modification of CLIP with ALBI retained its prognosis prediction for patients with advanced HCC.

Methods

We included patients who received first‐line antiangiogenic therapy for advanced HCC. Liver reserve was assessed using CTP and ALBI scores, which were then incorporated into CLIP and ALBI‐CLIP, respectively. To assess their efficacies of prognostic prediction, the Cox's proportional hazard model and concordance indexes were used.

Results

A total of 142 patients were included; 137 of them were classified CTP A and 5 patients CTP B. Patients could be divided into four or five groups with different prognosis according to CLIP and ALBI‐CLIP, respectively. Higher R2 (0.249 vs 0.216) and lower Akaike information criterion (995.0 vs 1001.1) were observed for ALBI‐CLIP than for CLIP in the Cox's model predicting overall survival. ALBI‐CLIP remained an independent predictor for overall survival when CLIP and ALBI‐CLIP were simultaneously incorporated in Cox's models allowing variable selection with adjustment for hepatitis etiology, treatment, and performance status. The concordance index was also higher for ALBI‐CLIP than for CLIP (0.724 vs 0.703).

Conclusions

Modification of CLIP scoring with ALBI, which objectively assesses liver reserve, retains and might have improved prognosis prediction for advanced HCC.