bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extending service brands into products versus services
Authors: Sichtmann Christina , Schoefer Klaus , Blut Markus , Kemp Charles Jurgen
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an empirical investigation into extension category effects on service brand extensions, both to other services (service–service extensions) and to products (service–product extensions), and the extension category’s influence on brand/consumer-level success drivers, as well as the perceived quality of the extension.

Design/methodology/approach

This study included an empirical testing of a conceptual framework using a hierarchical linear modeling approach and testing of hypotheses with a multilevel regression analysis. The data set consisted of 216 respondents reporting on both product and service extensions. Data were collected on three levels, namely, consumer level, parent brand level and extension level.

Findings

The findings indicate a general and consistent extension category-dependent effect that moderates the importance of brand extension success drivers. The influence of parent brand reliance and perceived parent brand quality were found to have stronger effects, whereas parent brand conviction was weaker in the context of service-to-service extensions.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on two brands with four extensions. Further research could replicate the study with a broader range of brands and extensions.

Practical implications

The study provides guidance to service managers to enhance consumers’ extension evaluations through better-positioned communication efforts when extending to different categories.

Originality/value

The study is one of the first empirical investigations into category-extension effects and its moderating role regarding brand and consumer level success drivers. Sparse research has been dedicated to a real-world occurrence of services extending between extension categories; this study thus furthers service brand research in terms of brand management decisions.
Unpacking brand management superiority
Authors: Lee Wai Jin (Thomas) , O’Cass Aron , Sok Phyra
Published: January 2017

Purpose

A strong brand is one that consumers know and perceive as differentiated from competing brands. Building brands with high levels of awareness and uniqueness is critical to ensuring brand strength and sustained competitiveness. To this end, the roles of brand management capability and brand orientation are highlighted. However, given the significance of consistency in branding, firms’ brand management capability and brand orientation alone may not be sufficient, and a mechanism that facilitates branding consistency is required. In the integrating marketing control theory with the resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capabilities (DC) theory, this study aims to examine how a firm’s brand orientation, when supported by formalisation, contributes to building brands with high levels of awareness and uniqueness through the intervening role of brand management capability.

Design/methodology/approach

In testing the hypotheses proposed in this study, survey data were drawn from a sample of firms operating in the consumer goods sector and examined through hierarchical regression analysis.

Findings

This study finds that firms are more likely to build brands with high levels of awareness and uniqueness in the market when their brand orientation is supported by formalisation, because this combination (brand orientation and formalisation) facilitates branding consistency and brand management capability development.

Originality/value

In weaving together the theoretical perspectives of marketing control, RBV and DC, this study extends current knowledge by showing that brand management capability and brand orientation alone are insufficient for building brands with high levels of awareness and uniqueness. Instead, maximising their performance effects requires the support of formalisation.
Managing initial expectations when word-of-mouth matters
Authors: Yi Sangyoon , Ahn Jae-Hyeon
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Consumer expectation not only influences purchase decision but also post-purchase satisfaction and word-of-mouth (WOM). This study aims to develop theories of initial expectation management by suggesting when it is desirable for new products to raise or lower consumer expectations. It systematically examines the interplay of product value and consumer heterogeneity in the dynamic process of new product diffusion under competition.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on traditional diffusion and choice models, this study develops an agent-based model to formalize and analyze how consumers’ initial expectations of a new product influence the interdependent processes of product sales, consumer satisfaction and WOM. The simulation analyses in controlled settings help understand the underlying mechanisms in a stepwise manner.

Findings

The results show that, although the optimal strategy for low-value products is to induce consumer expectations higher than product value, high-value products are better introduced with expectations formed close to it. The results also highlight an important drawback of “under-promising” strategies in reducing the base and volume of WOM. Further, the analysis illustrates how consumer heterogeneities in product valuation and initial expectation affect the effectiveness of expectation management. For high-value products, both heterogeneities reduce the effectiveness of the optimal strategy. For low-value products, however, value heterogeneity enhances the effectiveness, whereas expectation heterogeneity reduces it.

Practical implications

Firms introducing new products should be sensitive to how consumers value the product and form expectations about it. Different from firms that must rely on aggressive advertising to sell inferior products by building up high expectations, those with superior products can rely more on the power of consumer WOM, which is much less costly and thus gives them a competitive advantage. Firms should also pay attention to how diversified the consumers are in product valuation and expectation. The expectation management strategy is more effective when consumers form more similar expectations. Inferior firms may leverage this mechanism to neutralize their disadvantages.

Originality/value

The articulated mechanisms help push forward the research on new product diffusion and consumer expectation management. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies to systematically analyze the impact of consumer heterogeneity on the effectiveness of expectation management.
Think about it – can portrayals of homosexuality in advertising prime consumer-perceived social connectedness and empathy?
Authors: Åkestam Nina , Rosengren Sara , Dahlen Micael
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether portrayals of homosexuality in advertising can generate social effects in terms of consumer-perceived social connectedness and empathy.

Design/methodology/approach

In three experimental studies, the effects of advertising portrayals of homosexuality were compared to advertising portrayals of heterosexuality. Study 1 uses a thought-listing exercise to explore whether portrayals of homosexuality (vs heterosexuality) can evoke more other-related thoughts and whether such portrayals affect consumer-perceived social connectedness and empathy. Study 2 replicates the findings while introducing attitudes toward homosexuality as a boundary condition and measuring traditional advertising effects. Study 3 replicates the findings while controlling for gender, perceived similarity and targetedness.

Findings

The results show that portrayals of homosexuality in advertising can prime consumers to think about other people, thereby affecting them socially. In line with previous studies of portrayals of homosexuality in advertising, these effects are moderated by attitudes toward homosexuality.

Research limitations/implications

This paper adds to a growing body of literature on the potentially positive extended effects of advertising. They also challenge some of the previous findings regarding homosexuality in advertising.

Practical implications

The finding that portrayals of homosexuality in advertising can (at least, temporarily) affect consumers socially in terms of social connectedness and empathy should encourage marketers to explore the possibilities of creating advertising that benefits consumers and brands alike.

Originality/value

The paper challenges the idea that the extended effects of advertising have to be negative. By showing how portrayals of homosexuality can increase social connectedness and empathy, it adds to the discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of advertising on a societal level.
Broadening the brandfest: play and ludic agency
Authors: Kjeldgaard Dannie , Bode Matthias
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Brandfests are conceptualized as marketer-initiated events that facilitate consumers’ individual and social engagements with brands. After its inception in the late 1990s, the concept of brandfests was quickly folded into the concept of brand community, leaving conceptual and strategic opportunities untapped. The purpose of the paper is to suggest a broadened conceptualization of brandfests based on the play theory and the notion of ludic interagency.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper includes a longitudinal study and ethnographic method.

Findings

Unlike previously studied brandfests, this context entails a low-involvement product, a brand that is not the focal point for participants, a broad range of market-facing enactors, shifting roles and the realization of multiple meanings and values for multiple enactors. The findings demonstrate that brand meaning and value can be constituted through ludic engagement of a broad range of market-facing enactors through a ludic spectacle such as a brandfest. Moreover, the authors find that this can go on outside the established spatial and temporal frames normally considered by the marketing literature.

Research limitations/implications

This has implications for theories of emplacement (servicescape) and brand meaning actualization in terms of where, when and whom is involved in brand meaning actualization.

Practical implications

The paper develops four strategic propositions which broaden the type of brandfests that allow managers to define a range of potential strategies for engaging consumers and other enactors in a broader range of brandfests.

Originality/value

The paper reconceptualizes a dormant concept in the marketing literature to develop strategic implications based on the play theory. It challenges the prevalent centrality of the brand and consumer brand involvement.
The role of the academic Library Information Specialist (LIS) in teaching and learning in the 21st century
Authors: Allen Lee E. , Taylor Deborah M.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) usage with mobile technologies and e-learning in academic libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Selection of appropriate resources using the Communication and Mass Media, EBSCO, Web of Science and Library Literature and Information Science Fulltext databases.

Findings

The “Library as place” concept requires libraries to explore and re-purpose its physical space while redefining its virtual, online space to align with the needs of those who are native to the digital age. Library information specialists (LIS) must also be knowledgeable of – and comfortable with – the use of the new technologies introduced. As mobile technologies continue to evolve and advance in developing countries, libraries and LIS may be best positioned to assist students and researchers in accessing information required to be proficient and productive in scholarly pursuits without physical boundaries.

Practical implications

The existing research literature surveyed here implies that the growth of ICT and evolving concepts of libraries require the need for LIS training and greater understanding of the use of mobile technologies in providing academic library services.

Originality/value

Academic librarians are at the forefront of providing aspiring academics and professionals with access to digital collections and e-learning courses using mobile information communication and technology devices; the implications of the research discussed in this survey of the current literature discloses a need for diverse skills for the appropriate and continuing effectiveness to support students and academic researchers.
Testing technology to enhance patient safety in seclusion
Authors: Johnson Paula , Evans David J.W. , Khan Zulaikha
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate whether an example of Seclusion Room Contactless Monitoring Technology (VitalGuardTM) is able to accurately detect the presence of life in a ward seclusion room ensuring patient wellbeing, without interference from background “living noise” (e.g. voices) or “electronic noise” (e.g. other systems).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors assessed the system’s ability to monitor movement caused by human respiration through its ability to discriminate false positives (i.e. presence of an inanimate object ± movement or noise, in the absence of a person in the seclusion room) and false negatives (i.e. failure to detect a human presence) in a ward setting.

Findings

The system displayed 100 per cent validity in terms of determining false positives (six conditions, each n=5) and the system did not alarm under either of the two false negative conditions tested (each n=5).

Research limitations/implications

These findings demonstrate that this example of technology is able to monitor movement caused by human respiration and can accurately and reliably detect the presence of life in seclusion rooms, in the ward setting, without interference from background noise (living and electronic). This was a small evaluation study and further research on its effectiveness in practice would be beneficial in both the intellectual disability forensic setting and other settings of segregation and isolation.

Originality/value

This study suggests that the use of technology in a seclusion room setting can be used as a reliable tool to enhance patient observations and assist in the delivery of care in a safe and unobtrusive manner.
The challenges of working with sexual offenders who have autism in secure services
Authors: MacDonald Shaunagh , Clarbour Jane , Whitton Clare , Rayner Kelly
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Previous literature has reported that working with sexual offenders can impact staff negatively (Hatcher and Noakes, 2010). In addition, working with individuals with intellectual disability also appears to be challenging. There are benefits stated of working with sexual offenders and the purpose of this paper is to seek to highlight the challenges and positive experiences of staff members working with sexual offenders who have autism.

Design/methodology/approach

As working with this population has not been previously investigated, a semi-structured interview was conducted to explore the challenges and benefits of working with this population. Eight participants were interviewed who work on the autism specialist ward at a forensic secure hospital in the UK.

Findings

Template analysis identified three master themes: mediating factors, challenges and consequences, which were incorporated into the Model of Person-Organisation Wellbeing (M-POW). The findings show the specific challenges of working with a population that has not been previously studied.

Research limitations/implications

The study utilised a small, heterogeneous self-selecting sample from one clinical site.

Practical implications

Findings suggest there are a number of specific challenges this staff group face, and steps that can be taken at the personal and organisational level to mediate these. Recommendations are made for how staff are supported in their work from recruitment and induction onwards.

Originality/value

The M-POW highlights mediating factors that can be adjusted to develop more effective coping strategies for working in what, for some, is a challenging environment. This model provides a framework that can be adopted by organisations to ensure that the likelihood of their staff experiencing negative feelings is reduced and also suggests future avenues of research.
Explicating the role of innovation intermediaries in the “unknown”: a contingency approach
Authors: Agogué Marine , Berthet Elsa , Fredberg Tobias , Le Masson Pascal , Segrestin Blanche , Stoetzel Martin , Wiener Martin , Yström Anna
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Innovation intermediaries have become key actors in open innovation (OI) contexts. Research has improved the understanding of the managerial challenges inherent to intermediation in situations in which problems are rather well defined. Yet, in some OI situations, the relevant actor networks may not be known, there may be no clear common interest, or severe problems may exist with no legitimate common place where they can be discussed. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the research on innovation intermediaries by showing how intermediaries address managerial challenges related to a high degree of unknown.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw upon the extant literature to highlight the common core functions of different types of intermediaries. The authors then introduce the “degree of unknown” as a new contingency variable for the analysis of the role of intermediaries for each of these core functions. The authors illustrate the importance of this new variable with four empirical case studies in different industries and countries in which intermediaries are experiencing situations of high level of unknown.

Findings

The authors highlight the specific managerial principles that the four intermediaries applied in creating an environment for collective innovation.

Originality/value

Thereby, the authors clarify what intermediation in the unknown may entail.
Importance of tacit knowledge in incremental innovation
Authors: Okuyama Ryo
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of tacit knowledge in incremental innovation, which has hitherto been neglected.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative case analysis was used to focus on two large Japanese pharmaceutical companies’ development of new antihypertensive drugs. The study uses interview data and documentary research materials to explore the knowledge bases of the companies’ research teams as they refined an existing drug to produce new products – a process of incremental innovation.

Findings

Explicit knowledge (chemical structure of preceding drug) was used in both successful and failed cases of drug discovery. In the two successful cases, the tacit knowledge of key researchers, based on their long-term experience of related research, provided insight into developing compounds with goodin vivoefficacy, which led to successful clinical development.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that tacit knowledge may play an important role in incremental innovation processes, and that its influence on product development should be considered in such ways as team and organization structure.

Originality/value

This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding the impact of tacit knowledge on incremental innovation processes. It is often assumed that incremental innovation is based on existing technology. This study suggests that tacit knowledge may play a hitherto largely unrecognized role in incremental product development.
Governance of open innovation networks with national vs international scope
Authors: Clauss Thomas , Spieth Patrick
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The realisation of joint innovation outcomes in open innovation networks is closely related to an efficient utilisation of governance mechanisms, which coordinate joint processes (e.g. knowledge sharing) and eliminate undesired behaviours (e.g. opportunism). Hence, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the complex effects of multiple governance approaches on outcomes of open innovation networks with a national and an international scope.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on a large-scale survey-based study of 100 mechanical engineering firms involved in open innovation networks. Hypotheses are tested by means of PLS structural equation modelling.

Findings

The evidence shows that the three governance mechanisms: transactional governance, relational governance and institutionalised governance significantly foster innovation outcomes of open innovation networks. In national open innovation networks, only relational governance exerts positive effects, internationally transactional and institutionalised governance is necessary.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to research in multiple ways. First, it shows that governance of open innovation networks is crucial for their innovation performance, thereby providing some explanations for the performance differences between certain networks. Second, the results indicate that the effects of governance mechanisms depend on the scope of the network. By showing that the effect of governance mechanisms varies under different contextual conditions the study also contributes to the ongoing debate on combined effects of governance mechanisms.

Originality/value

The paper fills important gaps in the existing research on the link between governance and performance in open innovation networks and delineates interesting areas for further research.
Do different generations look differently at high performance organizations?
Authors: de Waal André , Peters Linde , Broekhuizen Merel
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Many researchers argue that the shared values of a generation affect people’s attitude, commitment, and ethics toward work. It is also argued that generational differences may cause tension between employees and with that prevent projects – such as a transition to a high performance organization (HPO) – from being completed successfully. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether generational differences in work values influence people’s perceptions of HPO, and if so, in what ways and how management could deal with it. The HPO Framework developed by de Waal (2012b) was used as a starting point for the study.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was performed at a Dutch multinational with a management trainee program. In this program, young talents, all belonging to Generation Y, followed a series of internships in various business units. A questionnaire on HPO was distributed among the trainees and their direct managers (all Generation Xers). The average scores for the five factors described in the HPO Framework were calculated for both groups. In addition, attention points were identified for the multinational, i.e. issues that needed to be addressed by the organization in order for it to become an HPO. The scores and the attention points were discussed in a workshop with both trainees and managers. Finally, the results of the workshop were analyzed and several weeks later presented by the authors to a larger audience, to validate the research findings.

Findings

The research results showed that there was a close match between the opinions of trainees (Generation Yers) and of managers (Generation Xers) concerning the general importance of the HPO factors, the organization’s performance on these factors, and the actions needed to improve on them. There were several explanations for the fact that generational differences did not influence the opinions of both generations on HPO. For example, the corporate culture in a multinational may be predominant over national culture, creating uniform thinking; or new employees adapt quickly to the organization and behave according to established patterns and thereby comply to the accepted way of thinking in the company.

Research limitations/implications

The practical implication of this study is that an organization does not have to target specific groups to convince people of the importance of HPO. It should be sufficient to hold an informative session for all staff on HPO before starting the joint HPO transition process.

Originality/value

This is the first study into how generational differences in work values could influence the opinions of various generations on HPO.
Mind your language!
Authors: Gilfoyle Sharon Ann
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore what is meant by the term recovery language and the use of mental health language in today’s society.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an exploration of the use of recovery language and the application in modern day mental health services.

Findings

The language that is used to describe mental health is often based on a traditional medical model primarily focussing on diagnosis, symptoms and problems. This is a stark difference to the modern day use of recovery orientated language.

Practical implications

This paper can be used as a discussion topic in teams to explore themes around recovery language.

Originality/value

This paper explores issues of language in mental health that are central to recovery and the development of recovery-focussed services.
Impacts of attending recovery colleges on NHS staff
Authors: Perkins Amorette Mae , Ridler Joseph Henry , Hammond Laura , Davies Simone , Hackmann Corinna
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of attending a Recovery College (RC) on NHS staff attitudes towards mental health and recovery, clinical and peer interactions, and personal wellbeing.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative and quantitative data were collected via online surveys from 94 participants. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used.

Findings

Themes were identified for change in attitudes towards mental health and recovery: new meanings of recovery; challenging traditional views on recovery; hope for recovery; and increased parity. The majority felt that the RC positively influenced the way they supported others. Themes relating to this were: using or sharing taught skills; increased understanding and empathy; challenging non-recovery practices; and adopting recovery practices. Responses highlighted themes surrounding impacts on personal wellbeing: connectedness; safe place; self-care; and sense of competency and morale at work. Another category labelled “Design of RC” emerged with the themes co-learning, co-production and co-facilitation, and content.

Research limitations/implications

It is important to understand whether RCs are a useful resource for staff. This research suggests that RCs could help to reconcile Implementing Recovery through Organisational Change’s 10 Key Challenges and reduce staff burnout, which has implications for service provision.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers to directly explore the value of RCs for staff attending as students, highlighting experiences of co-learning.
Impact of knowledge management enablers on knowledge sharing
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Majid Abdul
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of trust in the relationship between knowledge management enablers (i.e. top management support, organizational culture, knowledge management system quality, and openness in communication) on knowledge sharing in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted through self-administered survey of employees of SMEs in Pakistan. Correlation, Baron and Kenny approach (causal steps approach) and PROCESS Macro (normal test theory) developed by Hayes were used to find out the direct and indirect effects of trust among knowledge management enablers and knowledge sharing.

Findings

The results have shown that trust of employees at SMEs was developed through knowledge management enablers which promote knowledge sharing. Therefore, the relationship between knowledge management enablers, trust, and knowledge sharing is positive.

Research limitations/implications

The current study only considered the single aspect of knowledge management system, i.e. knowledge sharing; some other aspects of knowledge management system such as knowledge creation and knowledge utilization can be used for future studies at SMEs sector.

Practical implications

The mediation of trust between top management support, culture, openness in communication, and knowledge sharing provided that trustworthy relationships between the members of an organization would lead to enhance the knowledge sharing activities. In order to promote the knowledge sharing attitudes within the organization, the managers should consider knowledge management enablers (top management support, organizational culture, and openness in communication) along with trustworthy environment as an energetic force for the development of knowledge management systems.

Originality/value

The study confirmed the mediating effect of trust between the relationships of top management support, organizational culture, openness in communication, and knowledge sharing, while there is a partial mediating role of trust between knowledge management system quality and knowledge sharing.
Technology auditing and risk management of technology incubators/science parks
Authors: Wonglimpiyarat Jarunee
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the application of risk management and auditing to technology incubators/science parks. The proposed audit plan focusses on the risk assessment using the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The risk-based audit plan for auditing and managing the risks associated with the operation of technology incubators/science parks is based on the application of the COSO framework.

Findings

The proposed audit plan and performance analysis as a result of COSO application can be used as a risk management tool to improve effective operation of the incubator programmes.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the challenges of new auditing approach. In particular, the study applies the COSO framework to manage the risks of technology incubators/science parks which would help fill the gap in technology auditing. The audit plan and the performance analysis tool provide a new approach to assist R&D managers in performing risk assessments across various aspects of incubation operation.
The impact of personality traits on organizational cynicism in the education sector
Authors: Acaray Ali , Yildirim Seda
Published: January 2017

Purpose

Today’s organizations try to keep their employees loyalty but employees may still feel unsatisfied and adopt negative attitudes. Cynicism, as a negative attitude of employees toward their organization, leads to unwanted outputs such as lower performance or lower loyalties that can appear in every kind of sector. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of personality traits on organizational cynicism in the education sector.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the survey method to collect data and survey forms were distributed to teachers from various private schools in Istanbul, Turkey. With the e-mail survey method, the authors received 254 healthy survey forms from teachers. For personality traits, the five-factor model of personality traits that was developed by McCrae and Costa (1987) was preferred and the organizational cynicism model was evaluated with three basic dimensions as based on Brandes’s (1997) model.

Findings

Based on data from 254 teachers of various private schools in Istanbul, interrelationships amongst personality traits and organizational cynicism were tested. On the basis of the partial least-squares method, the authors found that agreeableness had a negative effect on cognitive cynicism and affective cynicism, conscientiousness had a negative effect on cognitive cynicism and affective cynicism, neuroticism had a negative effect on cognitive cynicism and behavior cynicism, and openness to experience had a positive effect on cognitive cynicism and affective cynicism. Thus, it can be said that personality traits of teachers had a significant effect on organizational cynicism as a result of this study.

Research limitations/implications

This study used two main scales: the scale of McCrae and Costa (1987) for personality traits and the scale of Brandes (1997) for organizational cynicism. The authors adapted both the scales for Turkish culture and the education sector that the results can be considered valid for only this study.

Originality/value

This study shows a significant effect of personality traits on cynicism in the education sector and thus can be considered to be useful for future studies.
Stream nitrogen concentration, but not plant N‐fixing capacity, modulates litter diversity effects on decomposition
Authors: Tonin Alan M. , Boyero Luz , Monroy Silvia , Basaguren Ana , Pérez Javier , Pearson Richard G. , Cardinale Bradley J. , Gonçalves José Francisco , Pozo Jesús
Published: January 2017

We are facing major biodiversity loss and there is evidence that such loss can alter ecosystem functioning. However, the effects of plant diversity on decomposition – a key component of the global carbon cycle – are still unclear. A recent study suggested that a plant trait – their nitrogen (N)‐fixing capacity – could mediate effects of litter diversity on decomposition by means of a microbial transfer of N from N‐fixers to non‐fixers.

We explored this possibility in a microcosm experiment in which we manipulated litter species richness (one, two or four species), N‐fixing capacity (N‐fixer or non‐fixer species), the presence of detritivores (Sericostoma pyrenaicum larvae present or absent) and water N concentration [natural stream water (0·366 mg L−1 of NO3‐N) or elevated N concentration (five times the natural concentration: 1·835 mg L−1)].

We show that litter diversity accelerated decomposition by micro‐organisms and detritivores (by 7% and 15% respectively), mostly through complementarity effects. However, enhanced decomposition did not result in higher detritivore growth, possibly because all litter combinations provided sufficient resources for their maximum growth.

The plant N‐fixing capacity had no effect on decomposition, which varied among species most likely because of differences in a combination of litter traits. Detritivores maximized the consumption of their preferred resource in litter mixtures, but also exploited less preferred resources, and their C : N ratios increased during the experiment regardless of litter type or water N concentration.

Microbial decomposition of litter with low N content was enhanced at elevated water N concentration, suggesting that micro‐organisms used nutrients from the water when those nutrients were limiting in leaf litter. In contrast, detritivore growth was impaired at elevated water N concentration, possibly because a stoichiometric imbalance entails metabolic costs.

Our findings suggest that loss of plant diversity in riparian forests would mostly affect decomposition in streams of high nutrient status, where effects on microbial decomposition would be more evident and detritivore populations may be reduced.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Increasing biodiversity in urban green spaces through simple vegetation interventions
Authors: Threlfall Caragh G. , Mata Luis , Mackie Jessica A. , Hahs Amy K. , Stork Nigel E. , Williams Nicholas S. G. , Livesley Stephen J.
Published: January 2017

Cities are rapidly expanding world‐wide and there is an increasing urgency to protect urban biodiversity, principally through the provision of suitable habitat, most of which is in urban green spaces. Despite this, clear guidelines of how to reverse biodiversity loss or increase it within a given urban green space is lacking.

We examined the taxa‐ and species‐specific responses of five taxonomically and functionally diverse animal groups to three key attributes of urban green space vegetation that drive habitat quality and can be manipulated over time: the density of large native trees, volume of understorey vegetation and percentage of native vegetation.

Using multi‐species occupancy‐detection models, we found marked differences in the effect of these vegetation attributes on bats, birds, bees, beetles and bugs. At the taxa‐level, increasing the volume of understorey vegetation and percentage of native vegetation had uniformly positive effects. We found 30–120% higher occupancy for bats, native birds, beetles and bugs with an increase in understorey volume from 10% to 30%, and 10–140% higher occupancy across all native taxa with an increase in the proportion of native vegetation from 10% to 30%. However, increasing the density of large native trees had a mostly neutral effect. At the species‐specific level, the majority of native species responded strongly and positively to increasing understorey volume and native vegetation, whereas exotic bird species had a neutral response.

Synthesis and applications. We found the probability of occupancy of most species examined was substantially reduced in urban green spaces with sparse understorey vegetation and few native plants. Our findings provide evidence that increasing understorey cover and native plantings in urban green spaces can improve biodiversity outcomes. Redressing the dominance of simplified and exotic vegetation present in urban landscapes with an increase in understorey vegetation volume and percentage of native vegetation will benefit a broad array of biodiversity.
Changes in soil microbial communities due to biological invasions can reduce allelopathic effects
Authors: Li Yang‐Ping , Feng Yu‐Long , Kang Zong‐Li , Zheng Yu‐Long , Zhang Jiao‐Lin , Chen Ya‐Jun
Published: January 2017

Soil microbes are important in mediating allelopathic interactions between invasive and native plants in the field. However, it was not known how these interactions vary in the process of biological invasions and the effects of soil microbes; this knowledge may facilitate understanding the dynamics and mechanisms of biological invasions and managing invaded ecosystems.

We conducted competition and seed germination experiments to determine the allelopathic effects of Ageratina adenophora in soils from 42 sites with varying abundances of the invasive plant. Then we isolated the microbes that could degrade the allelochemicals of the invasive plant and tested their functions.

In both experiments, the allelopathic effects of the invasive plant were much stronger in soils from non‐invaded sites than in soils from invaded sites. Activities of the allelochemical‐degrading microbes were higher and degradation of the allelochemicals of the invasive plant was faster in soils from invaded sites than in soils from non‐invaded sites. In living soils from 30 sites with increasing abundance of A. adenophora, the allelopathic effects of the invasive plant decreased and degradation of the allelochemicals and activity of the allelochemical‐degrading microbes gradually increased.

Two bacterial strains were isolated from the soils. Inoculation of Arthrobacter sp. ZS, which was isolated from soil invaded by A. adenophora, greatly increased the degradation of the allelochemicals, thereby decreasing its allelopathic effects.

Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate that soils may accumulate microbes that can degrade allelochemicals in the process of biological invasions, gradually reducing the allelopathic effects of invasive species. The effects of soil microbes should be considered when studying dynamics and mechanisms of biological invasions. Application of allelochemical‐degrading microbes may facilitate ecological restoration of invaded or newly disturbed ecosystems by alleviating allelopathic inhibition of invasive plants on native plants.
Palmitoleic acid reduces the inflammation in LPS‐stimulated macrophages by inhibition of NFκB, independently of PPARs
Authors: Souza Camila O , Teixeira Alexandre AS , Biondo Luana A , Silveira Loreana S , Calder Philip C , Rosa Neto José C
Published: January 2017

Palmitoleic acid (PM, 16:1n‐7) has anti‐inflammatory properties that could be linked to higher expression of PPARα, an inhibitor of NFκB. Macrophages play a major role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammation, however, the effects of PM on macrophages are underexplored. Thus, we aimed to investigate the effects of PM in activated macrophages as well the role of PPARα. Primary macrophages were isolated from C57BL/6 wild type (WT) and PPARα knockout (KO) mice, cultured under standard conditions and exposed to lipopolysaccharides LPS (2.5 μg/ml) and PM 600 μmol/L conjugated with albumin for 24 hours. The stimulation with LPS increased the production of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐1β while PM decreased the production of IL‐6 in WT macrophages. In KO macrophages, LPS increased the production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and IL‐6 and PM decreased the production of TNFα. The expression of inflammatory markers such NFκB and IL1β were increased by LPS and decreased by PM in both WT and KO macrophages. PM reduced the expression of MyD88 and caspase‐1 in KO macrophages, and the expression of TLR4 and HIF‐1α in both WT and KO macrophages, although LPS had no effect. CD86, an inflammatory macrophage marker, was reduced by PM independently of genotype. PM increased PPARγ and reduced PPARβ gene expression in macrophages of both genotypes, and increased ACOX‐1 expression in KO macrophages. In conclusion, PM promotes anti‐inflammatory effects in macrophages exposed to LPS through inhibition of inflammasome pathway, which was independent of PPARα, PPARϒ and AMPK, thus the molecular mechanisms of anti‐inflammatory response caused by PM is still unclear.
The Use of Laser Microdissection in Forensic Sexual Assault Casework: Pros and Cons Compared to Standard Methods
Authors: Costa Sergio , Correia‐de‐Sá Paulo , Porto Maria J. , Cainé Laura
Published: January 2017

Sexual assault samples are among the most frequently analyzed in a forensic laboratory. These account for almost half of all samples processed routinely, and a large portion of these cases remain unsolved. These samples often pose problems to traditional analytic methods of identification because they consist most frequently of cell mixtures from at least two contributors: the victim (usually female) and the perpetrator (usually male). In this study, we propose the use of current preliminary testing for sperm detection in order to determine the chances of success when faced with samples which can be good candidates to undergo analysis with the laser microdissection technology. Also, we used laser microdissection technology to capture fluorescently stained cells of interest differentiated by gender. Collected materials were then used for DNA genotyping with commercially available amplification kits such as Minifiler, Identifiler Plus, NGM, and Y‐Filer. Both the methodology and the quality of the results were evaluated to assess the pros and cons of laser microdissection compared with standard methods. Overall, the combination of fluorescent staining combined with the Minifiler amplification kit provided the best results for autosomal markers, whereas the Y‐Filer kit returned the expected results regardless of the used method.
Cosmetic facial surgery: the influence of self‐esteem on job satisfaction and burnout
Authors: Kalus Alicia R , Cregan Christina
Published: January 2017

Using knowledge‐based theories of self‐esteem, we investigate the relationship between employed adults' change in self‐esteem following cosmetic facial surgery and changes in their job satisfaction and workplace burnout. Quantitative data are collected from patients who have undergone cosmetic facial surgical procedures within a four‐year period. The survey responses of 106 employed adults are analysed using hierarchical moderator regression. The findings show a positive relationship between change in self‐esteem and change in job satisfaction, and a negative relationship with change in burnout. Cumulative effects are identified. For those who strongly perceive an improvement in their post‐operative self‐esteem, the longer the time since surgery, the greater the increase in job satisfaction and decrease in burnout; for those who strongly perceive their self‐esteem has not improved, the greater the decrease in job satisfaction. These results demonstrate that the influence of change in self‐esteem following surgery extends into the workplace.
Mycotoxin Contamination of Rice in China
Authors: Sun Xiang Dong , Su Ping , Shan Hong
Published: January 2017

Mycotoxin contamination in rice is generally lower than in other cereals such as corn or wheat. However, over 65% of the population in China consumes rice as a staple food. Due to the diversity of the climate across China, the southern region is characterized by high temperatures and humidities, especially in rainy season. Such conditions are optimal for the growth of fungi. The accumulative and transferrable characteristics of fungi mycotoxins pose a great potential threat as confirmed by high incidences of liver cancer in the Yangtze delta region. Major mycotoxins identified in China are aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, as well as fumonisins. The contents of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in rice are varied among different provinces and regions and generally less than 5 μg/kg. Although high incidences of positive aflatoxins samples have widely been detected, few samples were detected as exceeding the national's maximum residue limit (10 μg/kg). Limited information is available on risk assessment of human health hazards of mycotoxins in rice, children should be paid more attention to due to their having the highest mycotoxins exposure level, although the risks are generally at low levels from rice. Mycotoxins are mainly distributed in the outer layer of the paddy rice (also called rough rice, referring to whole rice grain with the hulls), and the AFB1 content in bran is 8.4 times greater than that in brown rice (hulled rice). Further investigation should focus on isolation and identification of mycotoxins‐producing fungal strains, especially unknown mycotoxigenic fungal strains determination. Infection resistant rice breeding of mycotoxigenic fungal species may be a fundamental approach to guaranteeing rice safety in China.