bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of commitment and climate strength on the relationship between trust and performance in cross-functional project teams
Authors: Buvik Marte Pettersen , Tvedt Sturle Danielsen
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to shed more light on the complex relationship between trust and performance in the context of cross-functional project teams. This study presents a moderated mediation model that investigates the impact of team trust on team performance mediated by project commitment and moderated by climate strength (the consensus among team members on the level of trust).

Design/methodology/approach

To test the proposed model, data were collected from 179 project team members in 31 Norwegian construction project teams.

Findings

Results indicated that project commitment fully mediates the relationship between propensity and trustworthiness and team performance, while it partially mediates the relationship between cooperation and team performance. For monitoring, there results showed no mediation. The results yielded no support for the moderation effects of climate strength, suggesting that the mean-level approach to studying trust at the team level still is important.

Research limitations/implications

Cross-sectional survey data suffer from being unable to test causality and samples are relatively small. Future research should test the models on other samples and in combination with data other than self-report. Longitudinal and multilevel studies are also warranted.

Practical implications

The results suggest that trust has an impact on project commitment and both directly and indirectly on team performance. Interventions to develop a high trust climate in project teams can thus contribute to improved project performance.

Originality/value

This study offers new insight into the complex relationship between trust and performance and improves our understanding of trust in cross-functional project teams.
Ethics, workforce practices and sustainability by multinationals in Nigeria
Authors: Ogunyemi Kemi , Laguda Emem
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to carry out a thematic review of literature on ethics, governance and sustainable practices with regard to workforce engagement and development in the Nigerian hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The review covered the available conceptual and empirical research articles along with a number of alternative sources containing helpful information, such as industry reports and news articles. The review suggests that, for the Nigerian hospitality industry, extant research on ethics, governance and sustainability with regard to workforce management can be categorized into five themes adapted from the categorization of ethical constructs in the work of Tucker et al. (1999) on codes of conduct. These five themes are integrity, equality, economic efficiency and equivalence, distributive and contributive justice and environmental concern.

Findings

There appeared to be a high incidence of unethical behaviour in the industry, the most common being maltreatment by employers and dishonesty of employees.

Research limitations/implications

Impressions derived from the study could be inaccurate, given the dearth of research publications in this regard in Nigeria. More empirical research must be done to better understand where industry players need help to be more responsible and sustainable in their business practices and in the way they engage and develop their workforce.

Practical implications

A number of recommendations were made regarding how to entrench ethics and sustainability in hospitality organizations and to develop the workforce in line with this.

Originality/value

The paper is important because of the high reliance on people for competitive advantage in this industry.
The hospitality business in Nigeria: issues, challenges and opportunities
Authors: Adeola Ogechi , Ezenwafor Kennedy
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to advance cooperation and collaboration as solutions to problems in the Nigerian hospitality industry. The issues and challenges plaguing the hospitality industry in Nigeria are discussed in the context of the case company, a small independent restaurant in Lagos.

Design/methodology/approach

Phenomenological research strategies guided the approach to this study. The authors identified a specific problem and gathered information, primarily through one-on-one interviews and a focus group, to learn how individuals within a defined industry experienced the ramifications of the phenomenon.

Findings

The operating environment of the hospitality sector in Nigeria has an effect on the supply of skills and the financial performance of the case restaurant and similar hospitality businesses. To improve overall performance of the industry, private-public partnerships between government agencies, hospitality colleges and hospitality businesses, strategic partnerships between expert hospitality institutions and business schools, cooperation among hospitality business owners and improvement in managerial practices could be strategic moves for an industry operating under heavy institutional hindrances peculiar to Nigeria.

Research limitations/implications

The authors analysed the environmental trickle-down effect that could impact the profits of the restaurant. Organisational qualities such as leadership styles, the psychology of employment and the operations or policies of the company are not viewed in this context. The issues of the restaurant and a few hospitality businesses in Lagos were flagged as a representation for the industry in Nigeria.

Practical implications

Predisposing factors contributing to the attributed negative trickle-down effect on the enabling business environment for the industry, strategic partnerships, attaining high standards for curriculum development at educational institutions and enhanced training, with the goal of assuring creditable skills within the hospitality industry.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to examine the critical issues, challenges and opportunities facing the hospitality industry in Nigeria.
Human capital development in the hospitality industry in Nigeria
Authors: Adeola Ogechi
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify weaknesses in human capital development (HCD) in the hospitality industry in Nigeria and to find implementable solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws on the literature on HCD and the hospitality industry, as well as her experience working with practitioners to enlighten the discussion.

Findings

Deficiencies in HCD in the Nigerian hospitality industry are the result of a lack of sound and forward-thinking educational development, lack of a supportive environment for the meaningful employment of graduates of the educational system and social bias against vocational education, as well as inadequate hospitality skills of employees, insufficient empowerment or support from the government and hospitality industry participants.

Practical Implications

This paper summarises the key issues in HCD in the hospitality industry in Nigeria and the implementable solutions. The roles of the government, society and the hospitality industry are highlighted to demonstrate that HCD in the industry is a collective responsibility.

Originality/value

HCD has increasingly been a prominent goal of research policy in Nigeria and elsewhere but has not yet engendered much discussion in the hospitality literature.
Reflections on the theme issue outcomes
Authors: Teare Richard
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to profile the Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes issue “What are the issues facing human capital development in the hotel industry in Nigeria and how might they be addressed?” with reference to the experiences of the theme editors, contributors from industry and academia and the theme issue outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editors to reflect on the rationale for their theme issue question, the starting-point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.

Findings

Concerns have been raised about the absence of a strategic government policy for human capital development in Nigeria’s tourism sector, a task that individual businesses address in a fragmented and inefficient manner – and sometimes not at all. Likewise, a weak regulatory framework has given rise to imbalances in the employment relationship and business operations that do not create an enabling environment, a primary condition for developing knowledge, skills and attitude to acceptable service levels.

Practical implications

This paper reflects a sustained dialogue between leading Nigerian academics and senior industry practitioners about the barriers to workforce development and ways of unlocking the potential that exists for employment and professional development in hospitality and tourism.

Originality/value

This paper reports on the first comprehensive set of discussions between academics and practitioners about the human capital development challenges facing the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria. Specifically, the theme issue identifies key action steps needed to keep pace with industry development in Nigeria – the largest and fastest growing market in Africa.
Serological survey of viral diseases relating to reproductive failure among Artiodactyla in Ethiopian Camelus dromedarius
Authors: Melaku Simenew Keskes , Regassa Fekadu , Tessema Tesfaye Sisay , Dawo Fufa , Oguma Keisuke , Nagayama Kumiko , Sentsui Hiroshi
Published: June 2016

Serological surveys were performed on Ethiopian camels with a history of abortion to investigate the presence of antibodies against viruses that infect animals classified in the order Artiodactyla. In 2013, 120 serum samples were collected from camels in various parts of Ethiopia. Several viruses related to abortion in ruminants were prevalent. In particular, antibodies against bluetongue virus, were detected at a high rate (76.7% of samples). Additionally, antibodies against Akabane virus and Japanese encephalitis virus were also detected in samples from more than 40% of the camels; however, their antibody titers were relatively low.
Glutamate protects against Ca2+ paradox‐induced injury and inhibits calpain activity in isolated rat hearts
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Ying , Kong Ling‐Heng , Lai Dong , Jin Zhen‐Xiao , Gu Xiao‐Ming , Zhou Jing‐Jun
Published: June 2016

This study determined the effects of glutamate on the Ca2+ paradoxical heart, which is a model for Ca2+ overload‐induced injury during myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion, and evaluated its effect on a known mediator of injury, calpain. An isolated rat heart was retrogradely perfused in a Langendorff apparatus. Ca2+ paradox was elicited via perfusion with a Ca2+‐free Krebs‐Henseleit (KH) solution for 3 minutes followed by Ca2+‐containing normal KH solution for 30 minutes. The Ca2+ paradoxical heart exhibited almost no viable tissue on triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and markedly increased LDH release, caspase‐3 activity, cytosolic cytochrome c content, and apoptotic index. These hearts also displayed significantly increased LVEDP and a disappearance of LVDP. Glutamate (5 and 20 mmol/L) significantly alleviated Ca2+ paradox‐induced injury. In contrast, 20 mmol/L mannitol had no effect on Ca2+ paradox. Ca2+ paradox significantly increased the extent of the translocation of μ‐calpain to the sarcolemmal membrane and the proteolysis of α‐fodrin, which suggests calpain activation. Glutamate also blocked these effects. A non‐selective inhibitor of glutamate transporters, dl‐TBOA (10 μmol/L), had no effect on control hearts, but it reversed glutamate‐induced cardioprotection and reduction in calpain activity. Glutamate treatment significantly increased intracellular glutamate content in the Ca2+ paradoxical heart, which was also blocked by dl‐TBOA. We conclude that glutamate protects the heart against Ca2+ overload‐induced injury via glutamate transporters, and the inhibition of calpain activity is involved in this process.
Perceptions of high‐involvement work practices and burnout: the mediating role of job demands
Authors: Kilroy Steven , Flood Patrick C. , Bosak Janine , Chênevert Denis
Published: June 2016

This study examined the impact of perceived high‐involvement work practices on job demands (role conflict, role overload and role ambiguity) and burnout (emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation). The study was conducted in a Canadian general hospital. Findings from structural equation modelling (N = 545) revealed that perceived HIWPs were significantly and negatively related to job demands and burnout. Role conflict and role overload have a significant positive association with emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. Finally, role conflict and role overload partially mediate the relationship between perceived HIWPs and burnout. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of these findings for our understanding of how HIWPs influence the job demands and burnout of employees.
Diagnostic reference levels for common paediatric fluoroscopic examinations performed at a dedicated paediatric Australian hospital
Authors: Bibbo Giovanni , Balman Debbie , Linke Rebecca
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Diagnostic reference levels (DRL) of procedures involving ionising radiation are important tools for optimising radiation doses delivered to patients and to identify cases where the levels of dose are unusually high. This is particularly important for paediatric patients undergoing fluoroscopic examinations as these examinations can be associated with a high radiation dose. In this study, a large amount of paediatric fluoroscopic data has been analysed to:

establish local DRL,

identify the most significant factors determining radiation dose to patients, and

modify fluoroscopic techniques to optimise the examination protocols.

Methods

Paediatric fluoroscopic studies performed at our institution from April 2010 to May 2015 have been retrospectively analysed to determine range, mean, 75th and 95th percentiles of Dose–Area Product (DAP) and fluoroscopic screening time for Micturating Cystourethrography (MCU), Airway, Airway and Swallow, Barium Swallow and Meal, Barium Follow Through and Barium Enema studies.

Results

Currently, no Australian paediatric fluoroscopic DRL data are available for comparison and thus our data can only be compared with international published data. No major changes to examination protocols or modification to fluoroscopic techniques were found necessary as our data compared well with the international published values.

Conclusion

The dose delivered to patients depend on a number of factors particularly the experience of the operators. However, DRL are also important, as shown in this study, as they enable best practice by providing feedback to the operators on their performance and benchmarking the institution with other institutions.
Patterns of resource distribution among conspecific larvae in two fruit fly species: Anastrepha fraterculus and Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Liendo María C. , Devescovi Francisco , Boca Teresa , Cladera Jorge L. , Vera Maria T. , Segura Diego F.
Published: June 2016

Anastrepha fraterculus (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) are fruit fly pests whose larvae are frequently found sharing the same fruit with conspecifics. Because larvae are incapable of leaving the fruit in search of non‐infested fruit, they are forced to share nutritional resources and eventually compete with other larvae for these.

In the present study, we investigated the effect of intraspecific competition on the development of A. fraterculus and C. capitata larvae, and compared the strategies adopted by these species.

To this end, newly‐hatched larvae were transferred into a container with a fixed amount of larval diet at increasing larval densities and several developmental parameters were measured.

The two species showed similarities and differences in the way in which they responded to an increasing density. In A. fraterculus, pupal weight and the duration of the larval stage decreased as the competition levels increased. Larvae of C. capitata showed a consistent reduction in pupal weight and larval survival as the larval density increased. In A. fraterculus, the reduction in pupal weight was heterogeneous, with most pupae showing a marked decrease in weight and only few pupae showing slight negative effects or no effect at all, whereas, in C. capitata, the reduction was similar for all pupae.

The differences in the way in which these species responded to competition suggest that there are different patterns of resource distribution among conspecific larvae. The implications of these findings for oviposition behaviour and the life history of the two species are discussed.
Neutral detergent fiber increases endogenous ileal losses but has no effect on ileal digestibility of amino acids in growing pigs
Authors: Mariscal‐Landín Gerardo , Reis de Souza Tércia Cesária , Bayardo Uribe Alejandro
Published: June 2016

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) on endogenous amino acids and protein ileal losses; and also apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids and crude protein. Sixteen barrows were fed four protein‐free diets containing graded NDF levels in Experiment 1. NDF was a mixture of sugarcane bagasse and corn leaves (SBCL). Twenty‐four barrows were fed diets with soybean protein concentrate (SPC) or casein as protein sources and SBCL or corncobs (CC) as NDF sources in Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, a linear increase (P < 0.05) in endogenous amino acid and protein ileal losses was observed with increased NDF levels, except for arginine, histidine, methionine and proline. In Experiment 2, protein (P < 0.001) and NDF (P < 0.01) sources significantly affected AID of dry matter, which was higher in casein diets (71.7%) and CC diets (70.7%). Protein and NDF sources significantly affected (P < 0.05) SID of crude protein, which was higher in casein diets (92.8%) and CC diets (92.7%). NDF source had no effect (P > 0.05) on SID of amino acids. Overall, this study showed that NDF increased endogenous amino acid and protein ileal losses, but did not affect ileal digestibility of amino acids.
Performance of trigger tools in identifying adverse drug events in emergency department patients: a validation study
Authors: Karpov Andrei , Parcero Catherine , Mok Catherine P.Y. , Panditha Chandima , Yu Eugenia , Dempster Linda , Hohl Corinne M.
Published: June 2016

Aims

Trigger tools are retrospective surveillance methods that can be used to identify adverse drug events (ADEs), unintended and harmful effects of medications, in medical records. Trigger tools are used in quality improvement, public health surveillance and research activities. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of trigger tools in identifying ADEs.

Methods

This study was a sub‐study of a prospective cohort study which enrolled adults presenting to one tertiary care emergency department. Clinical pharmacists evaluated patients for ADEs at the point‐of‐care. Twelve months after the prospective study's completion, the patients' medical records were reviewed using eight different trigger tools. ADEs identified using each trigger tool were compared with events identified at the point‐of‐care. The primary outcome was the sensitivity of each trigger tool for ADEs.

Results

Among 1151 patients, 152 (13.2%, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 11.4, 15.3%) were diagnosed with one or more ADEs at the point‐of‐care. The sensitivity of the trigger tools for detecting ADEs ranged from 2.6% (95% CI 0.7, 6.6%) to 15.8% (95% CI 10.6, 22.8%). Their specificity varied from 99.3% (95% CI 98.6, 99.7) to 100% (95% CI 99.6, 100%).

Conclusion

The trigger tools examined had poor sensitivity for identifying ADEs in emergency department patients, when applied manually and in retrospect. Reliance on these methods to detect ADEs for quality improvement, surveillance, and research activities is likely to underestimate their occurrence, and may lead to biased estimates.
A framework for aligning needs, abilities and affordances to inform design and practice of educational technologies
Authors: Antonenko Pavlo D. , Dawson Kara , Sahay Shilpa
Published: June 2016

This paper addresses the need for enhancing our awareness of user‐centered design in educational technology through a more explicit and systematic alignment between the needs of educational technology users (learners and educators) and the affordances provided by the technology. First, we define the term “affordance” and discuss it from the perspectives of cognitive psychology and user interaction design. Next, we propose a taxonomy of functional affordances that builds on prior research and reflects the current trends in the design of educational technologies. The paper is concluded with an illustration of how explicit alignment of needs, abilities, and affordances can inform the evaluation of an educational technology designed to support dyslexic readers. The four‐step framework applied in this analysis helps (a) define user needs, (b) identify a potentially appropriate technology, (c) understand the abilities the technology affords and (d) align technological affordances with the specific needs of the target users. This framework is a step toward increased recognition of the importance of user‐centered design of educational technologies; it provides the needed guidance and structure for aligning needs, abilities, and affordances during the design, implementation, and evaluation of technologies for learning and teaching.
THE RISK PREFERENCES OF ENTREPRENEURS IN INDONESIA
Authors: Sohn Kitae
Published: June 2016

Entrepreneurship is known to be important for innovation and economic growth, but relatively little attention has been paid to entrepreneurs in developing countries. We examined an important aspect of entrepreneurship: risk‐taking. We analysed the Indonesian Family Life Survey and compared risk preferences between entrepreneurs and non‐entrepreneurs. We found that risk tolerant workers were more likely to be entrepreneurs than risk averse workers by about 5 percentage points, or about 20 percent of the proportion of entrepreneurs in the labour force. The results imply that not all entrepreneurs in Indonesia are pushed into the sector; some actively take risks and seek innovations.
The association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and suicide attempts in a population‐based study
Authors: Fuller‐Thomson E. , Baird S. L. , Dhrodia R. , Brennenstuhl S.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To further our understanding of the relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and suicidal behaviour, this study investigates the association between three types of ACEs and lifetime suicide attempts, while considering potential gender‐specific and mediating effects.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey‐Mental Health (CCHS‐MH), a cross‐sectional, population‐based survey comprised of respondents aged 18 or older who provided self‐reported data on past experiences of suicide attempts, as well as childhood sexual abuse (CSA), childhood physical abuse (CPA) and parental domestic violence (PDV) (n = 22 559). After testing for ACE by gender interactions, we estimated the odds of lifetime suicide attempts for each ACE and then investigated whether depression, anxiety, substance abuse and chronic pain acted as mediators of the relationship.

Results

The odds of suicide attempts are significantly higher among those with a history of CPA (OR = 3.29; 99.9% CI 2.33–4.64), CSA (OR = 4.42; 99.9% CI 3.14–6.23) or PDV (OR = 2.52; 99.9% CI 1.69–3.76), when ACEs are mutually adjusted. There is little evidence that gender acts as a moderator; however, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and chronic pain appear to partially mediate the associations. Depression alone accounts for about a quarter of the associations with CSA and CPA.

Conclusions

Mental health factors and chronic pain appear only to partially mediate relationships between ACEs and lifetime suicide attempts. Future research should look at other pathways with the goal of developing multi‐level interventions.
Adult vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria: the European perspective
Authors: Weinberger B
Published: June 2016

Besides immunizations against influenza, Streptococcus pneumoniae and herpes zoster, which are recommended specifically for elderly people, regular booster vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria and in some cases pertussis and polio are recommended in many European countries for adults, including elderly people. Vaccination recommendations for adults differ greatly between individual countries and coverage data is scarce. Tetanus-specific antibody concentrations are generally higher than diphtheria-specific antibodies, and a substantial proportion of adults, and particularly of elderly people, do not have protective antibody concentrations against diphtheria. Antibody levels increase upon booster vaccination in all age groups, but diphtheria-specific antibody concentrations remain below protective levels in some older individuals, even immediately after vaccination and long-term protection is frequently not achieved. Future vaccination strategies should therefore include regular and well-documented booster shots, e.g. against tetanus and diphtheria, throughout life.
Nd:YAG laser radiation (1.064 nm) accelerates differentiation of osteoblasts to osteocytes on smooth and rough titanium surfaces in vitro
Authors: Karoussis Ioannis K. , Kyriakidou Kyriaki , Psarros Costas , Lang Niklaus P. , Vrotsos Ioannis A.
Published: June 2016

Background

A number of studies revealed beneficial effects of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) regarding cell proliferation and differentiation.

Aim

To investigate the effect of Nd:YAG (1.064 nm) laser radiation in the proliferation and differentiation potential of MG‐63 osteoblast‐like cells. Additionally, the effects of the surface configurations were to be evaluated.

Material and methods

MG‐63 osteoblast cells were cultured on different surfaces: plastic tissue culture, smooth (polished) titanium‐PT and rough titanium‐SLA. The effects of both titanium surfaces and low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on cell adhesion were evaluated by the gene expression of molecules involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and MTT proliferation assays were used to examine cell morphology and proliferation, respectively.

Results

Compared to smooth (PT) surfaces, SLA surfaces favoured MG‐63 cell differentiation. Following the application of Nd:YAG laser irradiation, cells yielded statistically significantly improved differentiation on both smooth and SLA surfaces compared with non‐irradiated surfaces.

Conclusions

The findings of this present study suggest that both surface morphology and Nd:YAG laser irradiation influence the proliferation and differentiation potential of MG‐63 cells.
Sleep biosignature of Type 2 diabetes: a case–control study
Authors: Lecube A. , Romero O. , Sampol G. , Mestre O. , Ciudin A. , Sánchez E. , Hernández C. , Caixàs A. , Vigil L. , Simó R.
Published: June 2016

Aim

To determine whether or not the sleep disturbances associated with Type 2 diabetes affect the structure of sleep.

Methods

We designed a case–control study in 76 patients with Type 2 diabetes and 76 control subjects without Type 2 diabetes, matched by age, gender, BMI and waist and neck circumferences. A subgroup of 32 patients with Type 2 diabetes was also matched with 64 control subjects without Type 2 diabetes according to apnoea‐hypopnoea index score. Examination included an overnight full polysomnography.

Results

No differences in the percentage of time spent in either rapid eye movement or non‐rapid eye movement sleep were observed between groups; however, patients with Type 2 diabetes had more microarousal events during sleep than control subjects [41.4 (total range 4.0–104.4) vs 20.7 (total range 1.3–94.5) events/h; P < 0.001]. These differences were mainly observed during the non‐rapid eye movement sleep [7.4 (total range 0–107.2) vs 0.2 (total range 0–65.2) events/h; P < 0.001]. In addition, sleep variables related to oxygen saturation measures, such as the percentage of time spent with oxygen saturation ≤90%, were significantly greater during the rapid eye movement sleep in patients with Type 2 diabetes [20.3 (total range 0–99.2) vs. 10.5 (total range 0–94.0)%; P = 0.047]. This pattern was maintained in the subgroup of patients matched by apnoea‐hypopnaea index. Finally, stepwise regression analyses showed that apnoea‐hypopnoea index, the presence of Type 2 diabetes and fasting plasma glucose value were independently associated with the number of microarousals (R2=0.667).

Conclusions

Type 2 diabetes is associated with an altered sleep structure, with different effects according to rapid eye movement (increase in nocturnal hypoxia) or non‐rapid eye movement (increase in sleep fragmentation) sleep.
An empirically derived short form of the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey II
Authors: Grabman J. , Vajda Bailey K. , Schmidt K. , Cariou B. , Vaur L. , Madani S. , Cox D. , Gonder‐Frederick L.
Published: June 2016

Aims

To develop an empirically derived short version of the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey II that still accurately measures fear of hypoglycaemia.

Methods

Item response theory methods were used to generate an 11‐item version of the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey from a sample of 487 people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subsequently, this scale was tested on a sample of 2718 people with Type 1 or insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes taking part in DIALOG, a large observational prospective study of hypoglycaemia in France.

Results

The short form of the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey II matched the factor structure of the long form for respondents with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, while maintaining adequate internal reliability on the total scale and all three subscales. The two forms were highly correlated on both the total scale and each subscale (Pearson's R > 0.89).

Conclusions

The short form of the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey II is an important first step in more efficiently measuring fear of hypoglycaemia. Future prospective studies are needed for further validity testing and exploring the survey's applicability to different populations.
Identifying the independent effect of HbA1c variability on adverse health outcomes in patients with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Prentice J. C. , Pizer S. D. , Conlin P. R.
Published: June 2016

Aims

To characterize the relationship between HbA1c variability and adverse health outcomes among US military veterans with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used Veterans Affairs and Medicare claims for veterans with Type 2 diabetes taking metformin who initiated a second diabetes medication (n = 50 861). The main exposure of interest was HbA1c variability during a 3‐year baseline period. HbA1c variability, categorized into quartiles, was defined as standard deviation, coefficient of variation and adjusted standard deviation, which accounted for the number and mean number of days between HbA1c tests. Cox proportional hazard models predicted mortality, hospitalization for ambulatory care‐sensitive conditions, and myocardial infarction or stroke and were controlled for mean HbA1c levels and the direction of change in HbA1c levels during the baseline period.

Results

Over a mean 3.3 years of follow‐up, all HbA1c variability measures significantly predicted each outcome. Using the adjusted standard deviation measure for HbA1c variability, the hazard ratios for the third and fourth quartile predicting mortality were 1.14 (95% CI 1.04, 1.25) and 1.42 (95% CI 1.28, 1.58), for myocardial infarction and stroke they were 1.25 (95% CI 1.10, 1.41) and 1.23 (95% CI 1.07, 1.42) and for ambulatory‐care sensitive condition hospitalization they were 1.10 (95% CI 1.03, 1.18) and 1.11 (95% CI 1.03, 1.20). Higher baseline HbA1c levels independently predicted the likelihood of each outcome.

Conclusions

In veterans with Type 2 diabetes, greater HbA1c variability was associated with an increased risk of adverse long‐term outcomes, independently of HbA1c levels and direction of change. Limiting HbA1c fluctuations over time may reduce complications.
Plan Colombia: illegal drugs, economic development and counterinsurgency – a political economy analysis of Colombia's failed war
Authors: Franz Tobias
Published: June 2016

This article examines the socioeconomic effects of the illegal drug industry on economic and social development in Colombia. It shows that illegal drugs have fostered violence and have had a negative effect on economic development. This article also shows that the Plan Colombia anti‐drug policy has been an ineffective strategy in terms of decreasing drug production, generating economic development and reducing violence. Since this study includes both a statistical analysis of the effects that violence and illegal drugs have on the economic growth of Colombia, along with an evaluation of the Plan Colombia policy programme, it fills the gap between existing empirical studies of the Colombian illegal drug industry and specific analyses of Plan Colombia.
Democracy and human development: recent legislation in India
Authors: Ghosh Sujay
Published: June 2016

Human Development (HD) requires that development must accompany fundamental human concerns that make life worth living. It is surprising that despite being a democracy, India performs poorly on HD. In this backdrop, four pieces of legislation of different orientations have been passed since 1998–99: ‘Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana’, the ‘Right to Information’, the ‘National Rural Employment Guarantee Act’ and the ‘Right to Education’. Where successful, they have empowered the beneficiaries. Though not expressed as such, nor exclusively directed to this end, these pieces of legislation are bound together with democracy's demand for HD: they are influenced externally by various aspects of globalisation; internally, development is continuously interrogated by democracy, competitive politics and social activism.
What future for the Global Aid for Trade Initiative? Towards an assessment of its achievements and limitations
Authors: Hynes William , Holden Patrick
Published: June 2016

As with any form of contemporary global governance, the impact of the global Aid for Trade Initiative (2006) has been mixed. However, to dismiss it as a failure would be premature. The co‐ordination system established was based on best‐practice techniques of governance in a diverse non‐hierarchical environment, such as the international development community. This form of co‐operation cannot overcome global economic and political asymmetries, but it can be effective in several respects. In particular, the Initiative led to increased funding for AfT and kick‐started a range of initiatives and technical advances; while the monitoring process has evolved significantly to give voice to new actors and issues. Although the future of the AfT Initiative is uncertain, its achievements merit careful consideration.
Italian Chapter of the International Society of Cardiovascular Ultrasound expert consensus document on coronary computed tomography angiography: overview and new insights
Authors: Sozzi Fabiola B. , Maiello Maria , Pelliccia Francesco , Parato Vito Maurizio , Canetta Ciro , Savino Ketty , Lombardi Federico , Palmiero Pasquale ,   the Italian Chapter of the International Society of Cardiovascular Ultrasound
Published: June 2016

Coronary computed tomography angiography is a noninvasive heart imaging test currently undergoing rapid development and advancement. The high resolution of the three‐dimensional pictures of the moving heart and great vessels is performed during a coronary computed tomography to identify coronary artery disease and classify patient risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The technique provides useful information about the coronary tree and atherosclerotic plaques beyond simple luminal narrowing and plaque type defined by calcium content. This application will improve image‐guided prevention, medical therapy, and coronary interventions. The ability to interpret coronary computed tomography images is of utmost importance as we develop personalized medical care to enable therapeutic interventions stratified on the bases of plaque characteristics. This overview provides available data and expert's recommendations in the utilization of coronary computed tomography findings. We focus on the use of coronary computed tomography to detect coronary artery disease and stratify patients at risk, illustrating the implications of this test on patient management. We describe its diagnostic power in identifying patients at higher risk to develop acute coronary syndrome and its prognostic significance. Finally, we highlight the features of the vulnerable plaques imaged by coronary computed tomography angiography.
Patterns in Varroa destructor depend on bee host abundance, availability of natural resources, and climate in Mediterranean apiaries
Authors: LEZA M. MAR , MIRANDA‐CHUECA MIGUEL A. , PURSE BETHAN V.
Published: June 2016

1. Varroa destructor Linnaeus (Acari: Varroidae) is one of the greatest threats to apiculture. This study examines the role of host density, natural resource availability for bees, the management and climate in driving spatial and annual variability in the abundance of Varroa, and the occurrence of colony losses, recorded in apiaries across a Mediterranean island over a 2‐year period, using a hierarchical generalised linear model framework.

2. The seasonal abundance of Varroa showed a bimodal pattern with two peaks, the first one being in spring and larger than the second one located in summer/autumn. In contrast, bee colony losses were mainly concentrated in autumn/winter.

3. The abundance patterns of Varroa were best explained by models combining host, climate, and resource availability. A key novel finding was that low availability of natural flowering resources leads to high levels of infestation of Varroa, highlighting the importance of preserving natural resources around apiaries for the maintenance of pollination services in the landscape. Varroa abundance was also found to increase as bee density increased, probably as a result of the greater brood availability. Moreover, Varroa abundance increased as temperatures decrease and decreases as relative humidity increases, which is consistent with previous studies. Anti‐varroa treatments were only found to impact Varroa levels in the second 6 months of the year. Organic treatments outperformed synthetic treatments.

4. Empirical research on optimal seasonal timing and combinations of treatments, as well as impacts of climate and resource availability on natural dynamics of bees and Varroa in different climate zones, is urgently required.
Environmental changes define ecological limits to species richness and reveal the mode of macroevolutionary competition
Authors: Ezard Thomas H. G. , Purvis Andy
Published: June 2016

Co‐dependent geological and climatic changes obscure how species interact in deep time. The interplay between these environmental factors makes it hard to discern whether ecological competition exerts an upper limit on species richness. Here, using the exceptional fossil record of Cenozoic Era macroperforate planktonic foraminifera, we assess the evidence for alternative modes of macroevolutionary competition. Our models support an environmentally dependent macroevolutionary form of contest competition that yields finite upper bounds on species richness. Models of biotic competition assuming unchanging environmental conditions were overwhelmingly rejected. In the best‐supported model, temperature affects the per‐lineage diversification rate, while both temperature and an environmental driver of sediment accumulation defines the upper limit. The support for contest competition implies that incumbency constrains species richness by restricting niche availability, and that the number of macroevolutionary niches varies as a function of environmental changes.
Does Morphology Play an Important Role in L2 Chinese Vocabulary Acquisition?
Authors: Zhang Haomin (Stanley)
Published: June 2016

The present study examined the role of morphological awareness in second language (L2) Chinese vocabulary acquisition through an investigation of linguistic universality and specificity underlying morphological awareness. Morphological awareness in this study was conceptualized as a universal and sharable cognitive resource as well as a language‐dependent metalinguistic skill. College‐level Chinese as a second language learners (N = 171) participated in this study. Assessments of universal morphological awareness (morpheme recognition and morpheme discrimination), language‐specific morphological awareness (compound structure analysis and compound structure discrimination), and vocabulary knowledge (word‐meaning knowledge and character knowledge) were administered to the participants. A structural equation modeling analysis indicated that language‐universal morphological awareness and language‐specific morphological awareness jointly predicted L2 Chinese vocabulary knowledge. More important, a follow‐up regression analysis verified the relative contribution of multifaceted morphological awareness to vocabulary knowledge. The findings revealed that language‐specific morphological awareness in the form of compound structure awareness predicted a significant but small proportion of variance after universal morphological awareness was controlled for. The importance of morphological awareness and pedagogical implications is discussed.
Light availability regulates the response of algae and heterotrophic bacteria to elevated nutrient levels and warming in a northern boreal peatland
Authors: Gu Lily Y. , Wyatt Kevin H.
Published: June 2016

Light attenuation associated with elevated levels of dissolved organic matter (i.e. browning) is likely to affect the response of benthic biofilms to nutrient enrichment and warmer temperatures expected for northern aquatic ecosystems with climate change. To examine how these factors will interact to regulate the association between algae and heterotrophic bacteria in northern peatlands, we manipulated light (100%, 60%, 30%, 20% and 5% of ambient), nutrients (unenriched, enriched) and temperature (ambient, warming), in a full factorial design by shading nutrient diffusing substrates inside mesocosms with or without warming (3 °C) in an Alaskan fen.

After 12 days of experimental conditions, there was no effect of light or temperature on the abundance of algae or bacteria in the absence of nutrient enrichment. Enrichment with a combination of nitrogen and phosphorus significantly increased the abundance of algae and heterotrophic bacteria at ambient light levels (418 μmol m−2 s−1), and warming significantly enhanced the positive effects of nutrients on algal accrual. Although warming enhanced the effects of nutrient enrichment on bacterial growth, the magnitude of the effect was not statistically significant compared to nutrient enrichment alone. The positive influence of nutrient enrichment and the synergistic effects of nutrients and warming on algae and bacteria were lost at ≤30% ambient light (below 125 μmol m−2 s−1).

We conducted a separate laboratory incubation using recirculating water baths maintained at either ambient or elevated water temperature (warming of 5 °C) to evaluate the effects of warming on the use of algal exudates by heterotrophic bacteria. During the 16‐day assay, the abundance of heterotrophic bacteria increased rapidly in the presence of a common solution of algal exudates and the rate of exudate assimilation by bacteria was significantly enhanced by warming compared with ambient temperature.

The positive association between light availability and heterotrophic bacteria, coupled with accelerated bacterial growth in the presence of algal exudates, support bacterial dependence on algal subsidies in the presence of recalcitrant organic substrates in this northern peatland. Within a predictive context, our results demonstrate that greater light attenuation associated with browning of surface water may reduce the positive influence of warmer temperatures and elevated nutrient levels on the microbial loop by reducing algal production on submerged surfaces in northern peatlands.
Juvenile coho salmon track a seasonally shifting thermal mosaic across a river floodplain
Authors: Baldock Jeffrey R. , Armstrong Jonathan B. , Schindler Daniel E. , Carter Jackie L.
Published: June 2016

Seasonal variation in river water levels creates a shifting mosaic of habitat conditions associated with variables such as water temperature, chemistry and prey availability to consumers. Previous work has shown that fishes can exploit spatial variation in water temperature, but less is known about how they respond to shifts in the spatial arrangement of habitat conditions through time.

Juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) are the numerically dominant fish species in many southwest Alaskan streams, which exhibit seasonal variation in water level and temperature due to changes in precipitation and snowmelt. We assessed the degree to which juvenile coho salmon exploit the associated shifting mosaic of water temperature by monitoring the spatial distribution of water temperatures and juvenile coho salmon in the lake‐influenced reaches of a southwest Alaskan stream. We also monitored the diets of juvenile coho salmon relative to the spatial distribution of prey taxa.

Juvenile coho salmon exhibited two scales of movement to track spatiotemporal variation in habitat conditions. First, over the course of 6 weeks, individuals moved among off‐channel units, tracking shifts in the location of warm water habitat caused by receding water level. Second, individuals moved at diel time scales, foraging on benthic macroinvertebrates in the cold thalweg of the stream at night and then digesting prey in warmer off‐channel habitats during the day.

Seasonally asynchronous variation in water temperature among off‐channel habitat units produced portfolio effects in habitat conditions, such that coho salmon had continual access to warm habitat for digestion despite its ephemeral availability at discrete locations.

Our study demonstrates that behavioural thermoregulation by juvenile fishes can be important throughout the growing season and is not restricted to ephemeral events such as resource pulses or heat stress. Our results have implications for the conservation of highly connected, heterogeneous landscapes, and their ability to support economically and ecologically important species such as coho salmon.