bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of the dependence on the work of other auditors on error in analysts’ earnings forecasts
Authors: Noh Minyoung , Park Hyunyoung , Cho Moonkyung
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of audit quality of consolidated financial statements on the accuracy of analysts’ earnings forecasts from the viewpoint of users of financial statements.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates the effect of dependence on the work of other auditors on error in analysts’ earnings forecasts based on samples from 2011 to 2012 (the period since implementation of the International Financial Reporting Standards in Korea). In addition, this paper examines the effects of use of Big 4 auditors, use of auditors with industry expertise and the proportion of overseas subsidiaries in relation to all subsidiaries on the association between dependence on the work of other auditors and error in analysts’ earnings forecasts.

Findings

This paper finds a positive relation between dependence on the work of other auditors and error in analysts’ earnings forecasts, suggesting that more dependence on the work of other auditors decreases the quality of the audit of consolidated financial statements; thus, to the extent that low-quality audits decrease reporting reliability, analysts’ forecasts are less likely to be accurate. This paper also finds that the positive relationship between dependence on the work of other auditors and error in analysts’ earnings forecasts is weakened when the principal auditor is a Big 4 auditor or one with industry expertise, because such auditors provide higher-quality audit services. However, the positive relationship between dependence on the work of other auditors and error in analysts’ earnings forecasts is further strengthened in cases where the proportion of overseas subsidiaries to all subsidiaries is higher. These results suggest that the complexity of the consolidation process increases as the proportion of overseas subsidiaries increases.

Originality/value

The findings are useful in analyzing the effects of adoption of the New ISA, implemented in 2014, which does not allow the division of audit responsibilities between principal auditors and other auditors. This paper also provides insights for regulators and practitioners to improve the auditor appointment system in the future.
Conflict and creativity in inter-organizational teams
Authors: Hu Nan , Chen Zhi , Gu Jibao , Huang Shenglan , Liu Hefu
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of task and relationship conflicts on team creativity, and the moderating role of shared leadership in inter-organizational teams. An inter-organizational team normally comprises employees from collaborated organizations brought together to conduct an initiative, such as product development. Practitioners and researchers have witnessed the prevalence of conflict in inter-organizational teams. Despite significant scholarly investigation into the importance of conflict in creativity, a deep theoretical understanding of conflict framework remains elusive.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted in China to collect data. Consequently, 54 teams, which comprised 54 team managers and 276 team members, were deemed useful for the study.

Findings

By testing our hypotheses on 54 inter-organizational teams, we found that relationship conflict has a negative relationship with team creativity, whereas task conflict has an inverted U-shaped (curvilinear) relationship with team creativity. Furthermore, when shared leadership is stronger, the negative relationship with team creativity is weaker for relationship conflict, whereas the inverted U-shaped relationship with team creativity is stronger for task conflict.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is cross-sectional, which cannot establish causality in relationships. Despite this potential weakness, the present research provides insights into conflict, leadership and inter-organizational collaboration literature.

Practical implications

The findings of this study offer some guidance on how managers can intervene in the conflict situations of inter-organizational teams.

Social implications

Managers are struggling to identify ways to effectively manage team conflict when a team of diverse individuals across organizational boundaries are brought together to solve a problem. The findings of this study offer some guidance on how managers can intervene in the conflict situations of inter-organizational teams.

Originality/value

This paper provides understandings about how relationship and task conflicts affect team creativity in inter-organizational teams.
Understanding top management team conflict, environmental uncertainty and firm innovativeness
Authors: Prasad Bhaskar , Junni Paulina
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of top management team (TMT) processes on firm innovativeness. Firm innovativeness is critical for organizational survival. Yet, the authors’ understanding about the key determinants of firm innovativeness is limited, particularly concerning the role of TMT dynamics. Drawing on upper echelon’s theory, the authors develop and test hypotheses concerning the influence of two TMT processes, namely affective conflict and cognitive conflict, on firm innovativeness. They also explore the boundary conditions of TMT dynamics by examining the moderating effect of environmental uncertainty on the relationship between TMT conflict (affective and cognitive conflict) and firm innovativeness.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected survey-based data from TMT members in 171 information technology organizations based in India. They used multiple regression analyses to test the study hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that TMT affective conflict is negatively associated with firm innovativeness, whereas TMT cognitive conflict has a negative curvilinear relationship with it. Both relationships are stronger in firms operating in environments characterized by a high degree of uncertainty.

Originality/value

This study highlights the role of TMT conflict in the pursuit of firm innovativeness. Significantly, the study shows that both TMT affective conflict and cognitive conflict can affect firm innovativeness. However, their effectiveness is contingent on environmental uncertainty. This contributes to the firm innovation literature by clarifying how specific types of TMT conflict influence firm innovativeness in different environmental conditions.
Examining preconception care-related knowledge and attitudes among Chinese immigrants in Canada
Authors: Teng Jing , Ahmed Rukhsana
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine knowledge and attitudes about preconception health care among Chinese immigrants in Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional internet-based survey, informed by the principles of the health belief model, was administered to a convenience sample in Ottawa, Canada. In total, 76 respondents from the Chinese community participated in the online survey.

Findings

Overall, participants demonstrated: low to moderate awareness of preconception related risk factors and preconception health; neutral to slightly positive attitudes toward carrying out preconception care; considerable confusion over the differences among preconception care, premarital health care (Mainland China), and prenatal health care; great sensitivity to subjective norms related to spouses, parents, and friends; and a strong desire for receiving information and communication from health care professionals.

Practical implications

An emphasis on reducing misperceptions and offering information about the preconception period and potential severe pregnancy-related risks may contribute to a better knowledge and intended behavior toward preconception care among Chinese immigrants, and ultimately optimize both their reproductive health and their future children’s health.

Originality/value

The cultural norms and population policies in the sending country may frame immigrants’ knowledge and attitudes related to preconception health care. This study fills the gap in the literature regarding Chinese immigrants’ knowledge levels and attitudes toward preconception care in Canada and thus offers insights into how to deliver culturally competent care and design effective communication strategies to reach out to ethnocultural communities.
Attitudes of staff members towards development of elder care organizations
Authors: Endriulaitiene Aukse , Stelmokiene Aurelija , Geneviciute-Janoniene Giedre , Gustainiene Loreta , Jarasiunaite Gabija , Buksnyte-Marmiene Loreta
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how perceived leadership effectiveness is related to staff members’ attitudes towards development of elderly care organizations in private and public institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted using self-report questionnaire that contained Modified Leadership Effectiveness Questionnaire (Heck et al., 2000), the scale of attitude towards change from Preziosi’s Organizational Diagnosis Model (1980) and organizational development intentions measure developed for the study. The respondents were 510 Lithuanian social workers and other staff members employed in different public and private elderly care organizations.

Findings

The results revealed that perceived higher leadership effectiveness was associated with more positive employees’ judgements on organization’s readiness to change both in private and public sector elderly care organizations. But perceived leadership effectiveness was not associated with staff members’ intentions to change. Also it was found that different models for private and public sector that explained the importance of particular leadership behaviours in the prediction of employees’ judgements on organizational change and intentions to change were valid.

Originality/value

This study may add to further broaden knowledge on attitudes of staff members towards development of elderly care organization and the role of leadership effectiveness taking into account the type of organization.
The challenges of political representation: gender in a US State legislature
Authors: Spirou Mary Eve
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of women in the Georgia General Assembly and determines the impact of gender on the activities of state legislators, specifically in the areas of committee assignments and sponsored legislation from 2003 to 2014.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach set forth in this analysis seeks to answer four research questions employing quantitative data regarding female legislator involvement in activities of the state legislature and compare these findings with their male colleagues over a ten-year period.

Findings

Some of the key findings include that female representative sponsor fewer bills and participate in fewer committees than their male counterparts. The only legislative area female representatives exercise greater involvement is in government committees. The paper concludes with policy recommendations on how to address the current standing of women in the Georgia General Assembly.

Originality/value

A value of this analysis is that its content can support comparative work that can prove helpful to future research goals. As the most comprehensive analysis of its kind in Georgia, this paper contributes to a better understanding of the state legislature.
Investigating the influence of TQM, service quality and market orientation on customer satisfaction and loyalty in the Indian banking sector
Authors: Pattanayak Durgesh , Koilakuntla Maddulety , Punyatoya Plavini
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of total quality management (TQM) on service quality (SQ), market orientation (MO) and the subsequent effect on customer satisfaction (CS) and customer loyalty (CL). The research also analyses the direct effect of TQM on CS.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from middle managers of retail banking sector in India using survey method. Structural equation modeling is used to analyze the data and to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that TQM is positively associated with SQ, MO and CS. SQ and MO are significantly and positively associated with CS. CS subsequently leads to improved CL.

Practical implications

Enforcing TQM practices in their organizations as a change management tool, banks can achieve a greater degree of MO, improved SQ and higher CS to gain higher CL.

Originality/value

This paper empirically demonstrates that, by proper implementation of TQM in banks, the SQ and MO can be improved. Well implemented quality management practices, better customer service and market-focused attitude of banks will elevate the CS level and improve loyalty of customers toward the banks. With a little study has yet focused on India, the paper offers knowledge to banking professionals for increasing CL by effective implementation of TQM practices.
Total quality management and innovation
Authors: Maistry Kaylasson , Hurreeram Dinesh Kumar , Ramessur Vinaysing
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the relationship between total quality management (TQM) and innovation and the way each impacts on the performance of agricultural research and development (R&D) organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

A gap score survey instrument based on the balanced scorecard approach, 25 most commonly reported TQM practices and two types of innovation were considered for data collection. Structural equation modelling was used for the analysis of the relationships between the surveyed constructs.

Findings

A positive relationship between TQM, innovation and performance was observed. A hypothesised model depicting the complex relationships between the investigated constructs was developed.

Practical implications

The model, which also predicts total effects of various organisational practices on performance, provides an opening for developing a TQM-innovation-performance framework for agricultural R&D organisations.

Originality/value

The survey instrument presents a novel approach for assessment of R&D policies and practices through determination of gap scores.
One-unit repairable systems with active and standby redundancy and fuzzy parameters
Authors: J. Fard Mahtab , Ameri Sattar , Hejazi Syed Reza , Zeinal Hamadani Ali
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a procedure to construct the membership functions for a one-unit repairable system, which has both active and standby redundancy. The coverage factor is the same for the operating and standby unit failure.

Design/methodology/approach

The α-cut approach is used to extract a family of conventional crisp intervals from the fuzzy repairable system for the desired system characteristics. This can be determined with a set of non-linear parametric programing using the membership functions.

Findings

When system characteristics are governed by the membership functions, more information is provided to use by management. On the other hand, fuzzy theory is applied for the redundant system; therefore, the results are more useful for designers and practitioners.

Originality/value

Different from other studies, the authors’ model provides more accurate estimation compared to uncertain environments based on fuzzy theory. The research would help managers and manufactures to make a better decision in order to have the optimal maintenance strategy based on the desired mean time to failure and availability of the systems.
Utilizing Kaizen process and DFSS methodology for new product development
Authors: Awad Mahmoud , Shanshal Yassir A.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new framework for early design stage utilizing the benefits of Kaizen events, and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology. To gain a better understanding of the proposed method, a case study of a diesel engine development was presented where the proposed methodology was followed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes a hybrid Kaizen DFSS methodology consisting of four Kaizen milestone events with pre-work preceding these events. The events are in line with the four phases of DFSS methodology (define, characterize, optimize, and verify).

Findings

In order for the proposed method to succeed, few key enablers should be available such as management buy-in and support, effective resources utilization, and proper planning. However, this methodology should be utilized for key projects where criticality is high and deadlines are nearby.

Practical implications

As proved by two projects, one of them is presented in this paper; the use of the proposed methodology is effective and can bring significant positive changes to an organization.

Originality/value

Although Kaizen is an old and well-known process, it is to the best of the author’s knowledge that Kaizen has not been utilized in the early design stages of new product development projects. In this paper, a hybrid methodology combining traditional DFSS systematic approach conducted using Kaizen improvement events is proposed and supported by a real-life case study.
Reliability estimation in multicomponent stress-strength based on Erlang-truncated exponential distribution
Authors: Gadde Srinivasa Rao
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the estimation of multicomponent stress-strength reliability. The system is regarded as alive only if at least s out of k (s<k) strengths exceed the stress. The reliability of such a system is obtained when strength, stress variates are from Erlang-truncated exponential (ETE) distribution with different shape parameters. The reliability is estimated using the maximum likelihood (ML) method of estimation when samples are drawn from strength and stress distributions. The reliability estimators are compared asymptotically. The small sample comparison of the reliability estimates is made through Monte Carlo simulation. Using real data sets the authors illustrate the procedure.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have developed multicomponent stress-strength reliability based on ETE distribution. To estimate reliability, the parameters are estimated by using ML method.

Findings

The simulation results indicate that the average bias and average mean square error decreases as sample size increases for both methods of estimation in reliability. The length of the confidence interval also decreases as the sample size increases and simulated actual coverage probability is close to the nominal value in all sets of parameters considered here. Using real data, the authors illustrate the estimation process.

Originality/value

This research work has conducted independently and the results of the author’s research work are very useful for fresh researchers.
Resisting neoliberalism: the challenge of activist librarianship in English Higher Education
Authors: Quinn Katherine , Bates Jo
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the political position of academic librarianship in the context of recent changes in English Higher Education. The neoliberalisation of academic librarianship, both as an academic discipline and profession, is considered. The emergence of the Radical Librarians Collective is examined as a potential site through which to counter these developments and foster radical alternatives.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws upon Gramsci’s concepts of hegemony and praxis, and post-structural critiques of neoliberalism, as a theoretical framework to guide data collection and analysis, and observe developments within academic librarianshipvis-à-visbroader processes of neoliberalisation. Empirical data collected through interviews and participant observation are analysed using thematic and critical discourse analysis.

Findings

The research finds that academic librarianship as a discipline and practice is undergoing a process of neoliberalisation. An umbrella organisation of activist librarians, Radical Librarians Collective, is found to be resisting these developments and has some potential to become a space through which radical alternatives to neoliberal hegemony can be explored and fostered.

Research limitations/implications

The research demonstrates the utility of a Gramscian theoretical framework as a lens through which to observe developments in the field of library and information studies (LIS). Further empirical work would deepen the authors’ understanding of such developments across a range of institutions and locales.

Originality/value

The research makes an original contribution to critical research on the struggles around the neoliberalisation of academic librarianship in the UK. The theoretically informed analysis provides original insights into these processes, and makes a methodological contribution to LIS research.
The search-ification of everyday life and the mundane-ification of search
Authors: Sundin Olof , Haider Jutta , Andersson Cecilia , Carlsson Hanna , Kjellberg Sara
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how meaning is assigned to online searching by viewing it as a mundane, yet often invisible, activity of everyday life and an integrated part of various social practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Searching is investigated with a sociomaterial approach with a starting point in information searching as entangled across practices and material arrangements and as a mundane part of everyday life. In total, 21 focus groups with 127 participants have been carried out. The study focusses particularly on peoples’ experiences and meaning-making and on how these experiences and the making of meaning could be understood in the light of algorithmic shaping.

Findings

An often-invisible activity such as searching is made visible with the help of focus group discussions. An understanding of the relationship between searching and everyday life through two interrelated narratives is proposed: a search-ification of everyday life and a mundane-ification of search.

Originality/value

The study broadens the often narrow focus on searching in order to open up for a research-based discussion in information science on the role of online searching in society and everyday life.
The Monty Hyams Archive
Authors: Moore Caitlin , Robinson Lyn
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a new resource for the study of the history of the development of information science and information services in the late twentieth century. The Monty Hyams archives include documents relating to the career of Montagu Hyams (1918-2013), the Founder of Derwent Publications, and an innovator in patents information, chemical and pharmaceutical information, and online information access. The Archive is housed in the Department of Library and Information Science at City, University of London.

Design/methodology/approach

The origins and development of the Monty Hyams Archive are described, and its value examined by an initial analysis of the light it sheds on the development of Derwent’s World Patents Index.

Findings

The newly established Hyams Archive allows analysis of previously private and unseen documents, which reveal the fascinating and complex personalities, issues and negotiations which led to the establishment of some of the most significant information sources and access methods of the pre-internet information environment.

Originality/value

The Monty Hyams Archive is a new and unique resource for the study of the development of the scientific information environment in the last decades of the twentieth century.
Humanitarian–business partnerships in managing humanitarian logistics
Authors: Nurmala N. , de Leeuw Sander , Dullaert Wout
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to conduct a systematic literature review to understand the state of the art of partnerships between humanitarian organizations and business corporations in managing humanitarian logistics.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review is conducted based on the steps proposed by Denyer and Tranfield (2009). The context-intervention-mechanism-outcome (CIMO) logic is applied to identify the state of the art of partnerships between humanitarian organizations and business corporations in humanitarian logistics. Thirty-six papers related to the topic are extracted from recognized journal databases and then classified into four categories based on the CIMO logic: situational context, intervention factors, mechanisms and outcomes.

Findings

The study shows that while the context and mechanisms for developing cross-sector partnerships between the humanitarian and the business sector have been examined and illuminated by many researchers, additional research (in particular, empirical studies) is needed to measure outcomes as well as the contributions of partnerships to the performance of humanitarian logistics. In addition to synthesizing the literature in this area, this study also presents challenges of such partnerships.

Practical implications

The study improves the understanding of the state of cross-sector partnerships in humanitarian logistics as well as identifies opportunities for future research in this area. The study provides reasons and motives of initiating humanitarian–business partnerships in humanitarian logistics as well as their mechanisms and potential outcomes. This may help in developing successful logistics partnerships with each other.

Originality/value

This is the first systematic literature review to examine the nature of partnerships between humanitarian organizations and business corporations in humanitarian logistics using CIMO logic.
Analysis of market conditions for logistics services and tourism: a Caribbean perspective
Authors: Pinnock Fritz , Ajagunna Ibrahim , Casanova Sandra
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is an assessment of logistics services and tourism infrastructure in the Caribbean. The objective is to examine the efficiency and competitiveness of the logistics and tourism environment in the region.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the low levels of implementation of logistics services in Barbados and Jamaica, this study is exploratory, and it is hoped that future studies can build on this assessment of Barbados and Jamaica, and by extension the Caribbean.

Findings

Governments across the Caribbean need to recognize that the development of an effective logistics industry rests with improved technology, a proper legislative framework, the development of competent human resources and modern infrastructure development.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to Barbados and Jamaica, and so it is not representative of the rest of the Caribbean, as economies like Trinidad and Tobago, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic have stronger trans-shipment and cruise tourism activities.

Practical implications

With the low pace of logistics development in the Caribbean, the demand for logistic services, which involve planning, managing and executing the movement of goods and information within global supply chains, will continue to be largely by firms’ desire to outsource some or all logistics-related activities to specialists.

Social implications

The need to plan for the development of a competent and certified pool of human resources to support the development of a logistics and tourism industry is critical. This therefore requires the development of specialized skills, knowledge and the competence of a flexible and agile workforce.

Originality/value

The focus on Barbados and Jamaica provide an adequate picture of the logistics markets and regulatory frameworks in different contexts of the Caribbean, including an economy directly connected with the global marketplace with a relatively diversified product structure, and another less extensively connected and diversified product structure.
Tourism and logistics in an age of unprecedented crime
Authors: Bennett Richard
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the positioning of tourism and logistics and the related impact of crime.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is exploratory in nature and draws extensively on related literature. Data were obtained through primary sources (semi-structured interviews, observation) and additionally draw on the researcher’s own professional experience.

Findings

The findings suggest that both tourism and logistics need a more rigorous security infrastructure and support to keep pace in the current global arena where the range and scale of crime is unprecedented.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study is that the focus is specifically on the Caribbean – though the situation in the Caribbean is no different from international trends.

Practical implications

Jamaican society has been impacted by different forms of crime (drugs, domestic and political) over the past three decades. While tourism has been the major source of foreign exchange for the island, little attention has been given to the impact of crime on tourism. Logistics, like tourism, has been premised as the next agenda for economic growth for the island. Similar to tourism, security has not been emphasized in the promotion of the logistics hub. Therefore, the role of security should be a priority agenda for the country as it works towards establishing a global logistic hub.

Social implications

The social implication of this study is to sensitize both the government and local people on the importance of the tourism and logistics industry and the role that security will play in their sustainability. The proposed logistics hub and the special economic zones will probably double the employment opportunity provided by tourism. Finally, the paper will help inform government policy both at the national and local levels on attitudes to national and private security.

Originality/value

Little has been written on the role of security in tourism and logistics in the Caribbean. As a result, this paper is timely and makes a fresh contribution to what is known on the subject matter.
Tourism development and logistics in the Caribbean: will there be a symbiotic relationship?
Authors: Ajagunna Ibrahim , Pinnock Fritz , Amode Tom M.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical review of the articles included in this theme issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the contributions in this theme issue to one key question: is there a symbiotic relationship between tourism development and logistic services in the Caribbean?

Findings

Even though the papers in this theme issue have focused on examining different interconnections between tourism and other activities, all suggest that tourism development and logistics services are symbiotically related. Each of the contributions has suggested that strategies to improve logistics activities will enhance the development and growth of the tourism industry.

Originality/value

The conclusion presented draws on the analysis of the theme. The conclusion also presents a review of all the papers submitted to the theme issue.
Preventive effects of topical washing with miconazole nitrate‐containing soap to diaper candidiasis in hospitalized elderly patients: A prospective, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Takahashi Hidenori , Oyama Noritaka , Tanaka Izumi , Hasegawa Michiko , Hirano Kaori , Shimada Chieko , Hasegawa Minoru
Published: February 2017

The objective of the present randomized, double‐blind trial was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of daily washing with miconazole nitrate‐containing soap for candidiasis at diaper‐covered sites in elderly subjects under long‐term inpatient care. To confirm the onset and disappearance of candidiasis, we microscopically evaluated the existence of the pseudohyphae and/or blastoconidia of Candida spp. We enrolled 75 elderly patients who wore diapers all day in the hospital or nursing home. Patients were randomly assigned to receive treatment with either miconazole soap or miconazole‐free placebo soap, and 28 patients in the miconazole group and 27 patients in the placebo group were followed for 4 weeks. Although washing with miconazole soap did not affect the frequency of pseudohyphae/blastoconidia‐positive patients, it significantly inhibited the positive conversion of pseudohyphae/blastoconidia compared with the placebo group. As a result, the frequency of patients positive for pseudohyphae/blastoconidia was significantly lower in the miconazole group than in the control group at 4 weeks (17.9% vs 44.4%). Clinically apparent diaper candidiasis did not develop in either group. Washing with miconazole soap was a significant independent factor for reducing the cases positive for pseudohyphae/blastoconidia, while diarrhea and heart failure were significant factors associated with an increase in the positive rate at the end‐point. Severe adverse effects were not found in any patients. Thus, washing with miconazole soap is well‐tolerated and can inhibit the positive conversion of Candida in patients wearing diapers. Therefore, maintenance of genital hygiene using this soap may prophylactically decrease the overall prevalence of patients with diaper candidiasis.
The contrasting roles of Th17 immunity in human health and disease
Authors: Hoe Edwin , Anderson Jeremy , Nathanielsz Jordan , Toh Zheng Quan , Marimla Rachel , Balloch Anne , Licciardi Paul V
Published: February 2017

The human immune system is a tightly regulated network that protects the host from disease. An important aspect of this is the balance between pro‐inflammatory Th17 cells and anti‐inflammatory T regulatory (Treg) cells in maintaining immune homeostasis. Foxp3+ Treg are critical for sustaining immune tolerance through IL‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β while related orphan receptor‐γt+ Th17 cells promote immunopathology and auto‐inflammatory diseases through the actions of IL‐17A, IL‐21 and IL‐22. Therefore, imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells can result in serious pathology in many organs and tissues. Recently, certain IL‐17‐producing cells have been found to be protective against infectious disease, particularly in relation to extracellular bacteria such Streptococcus pneumoniae; a number of other novel IL‐17‐secreting cell populations have also been reported to protect against a variety of other pathogens. In this mini‐review, the dual roles of Treg and Th17 cells are discussed in the context of autoimmunity and infections, highlighting recent advances in the field. Development of novel strategies specifically designed to target these critical immune response pathways will become increasingly important in maintenance of human health.
Functional significance of petals as landing sites in fungus‐gnat pollinated flowers ofMitella pauciflora(Saxifragaceae)
Authors: Katsuhara Koki R. , Kitamura Shumpei , Ushimaru Atushi
Published: February 2017

Despite the well‐known visual attraction function of angiosperm petals, additional roles of these floral organs (e.g. the provision of landing‐site platforms for pollinators) have rarely been examined. This is likely because most petals perform multiple functions, making it difficult to isolate the importance of landing sites in pollination success.

We investigated the landing‐site function of dull‐coloured pinnately branched petals inMitella paucifloraflowers, which are predominantly pollinated by fungus gnats. We conducted a field experiment, in which the effects of experimental petal removal on pollinators’ approach, landing and visit duration and floral reproductive success were examined in naturally pollinated flowers.

According to direct and time‐lapse camera observations, petal removal did not influence pollinators’ approach frequency or visit duration, but did significantly decrease their landings. Fruit set and pollen dispatch both significantly decreased with petal removal, indicating that petals promote female and male reproductive success inM. paucifloraby facilitating pollinator landing.

This demonstrates that inconspicuous petals primarily have a landing‐site function rather than a visual attraction function inM. pauciflora. Discriminating between diverse petal functions is a challenging problem, and new approaches are required to elucidate the functional features of angiosperm flowers.

Alay summaryis available for this article.
Exogenous kisspeptin enhances seasonal reproductive function in male Siberian hamsters
Authors: Bailey Allison M. , Legan Sandra J. , Demas Gregory E.
Published: February 2017

Animals living in temperate climates are faced with the challenge of reproducing only when environmental conditions are suitable for offspring survival. Environmental cues signalling current and future energy availability (e.g., food availability and photoperiod respectively) are used to appropriately time reproduction. The precise neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating reproduction in response to these cues are unknown.

The goal of the present study was to investigate a functional role for kisspeptin, a neuropeptide that shows promise as a key regulator of seasonal reproduction, in integrating multiple environmental cues to regulate reproduction in the Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus). Siberian hamsters undergo robust gonadal regression and terminate reproduction in unsuitable environments [short winter‐like day lengths (photoperiods), low food availability]. Adult male hamsters were housed in short‐day or intermediate photoperiods, received eitherad‐libitumaccess to food or mild food restriction, and were treated with either kisspeptin or a vehicle for 6 weeks to determine the ability of kisspeptin to attenuate gonadal regression.

Hamsters exhibited varying degrees of gonadal regression in response to inhibitory environments (short‐day photoperiod, food restriction). Kisspeptin treatment successfully enhanced testis mass under these inhibitory conditions, but did not affect normal seasonal changes in body mass and food intake. Thus, kisspeptin specifically enhanced reproductive function without altering other, non‐reproductive physiological responses to these environmental treatments.

The inhibitory environmental conditions used in this study caused little if any decline in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone over the course of the experiment. Kisspeptin treatment tended to exacerbate the decline inLHwithin individuals, but there were no significant effects of kisspeptin when comparing changes in the hormone levels amongst groups. The interesting outcome that kisspeptin enhanced testis mass, apparently independently of hypothalamic endocrine mechanisms, suggests the possibility of local kisspeptin action within the gonads.

Overall, we show a functional role for kisspeptin in integrating complex environmental information to specifically support reproduction. Future work should focus on direct effects of kisspeptin at the gonadal level of theHPGaxis as well as its interactions with the metabolic functions and other hormones involved in reproduction, e.g., gonadotropin‐inhibitory hormone (GnIH).

Alay summaryis available for this article.
Ecosystem‐scale impacts of non‐timber forest product harvesting: effects on soil nutrients
Authors: Ruwanza Sheunesu , Shackleton Charlie M.
Published: February 2017

The harvesting of non‐timber forest products (NTFPs) is a global phenomenon, the sustainability of which has been studied for many species at the individual and population level. However, the broader scale impacts ofNTFPharvesting have been acknowledged but rarely examined.

We assessed plant size and the soil attributes undercanopy and in the open, in replicate, paired harvested and non‐harvested sites for threeNTFPs differing in the extent of biomass removed, i.e. timber for firewood from a tree (Acacia karroo), fruits from a cactus (Opunita ficus‐indica) and flowering culms from a grass (Cymbopogon marginatus). Soil variables tested includedpH, resistivity, P, total N, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, K, Na, Ca and Mg.

The extent of loss of soil nutrients decreased across the threeNTFPs relative to the proportion of biomass removed. Thus, significant differences in more soil variables were evident for the firewood species, least for the fruit species and intermediate for the grass species. Lower soilpH, P, C and K were evident in soils collected underneathA. karroo, while losses in cations of Na, Ca and Mg were reported in soils underneathC. marginatus, and onlyNO3N losses were recorded underneathO. ficus‐indica.

Synthesis and applications. Our study reveals that while non‐timber forest product (NTFP) harvesting may affect soil nutrients, this is not uniform between species and is likely to be a function of the extent of biomass removed and harvesting frequency. This indicates the need for caution in generalisations about the ecosystem‐level impacts of NTFP harvesting as well as a concerted effort to better understand impacts at a greater range of scales than has been the case to date.
Seed dispersal distributions resulting from landscape‐dependent daily movement behaviour of a key vector species,Anas platyrhynchos
Authors: Kleyheeg Erik , Treep Jelle , de Jager Monique , Nolet Bart A. , Soons Merel B.
Published: February 2017

Dispersal via animals (zoochory) is a primary mechanism for seed exchange between habitat patches. Recent studies have established that many plant species can survive waterbird gut passage. To quantify the patterns and consequences of waterbird‐mediated dispersal, information on ingestion and gut passage must be combined with bird movement data. Such analysis has recently revealed seed dispersal kernels by migrating waterbirds. However, since many waterbird populations are largely resident, and migrating populations spend only a minor part of the main dispersal season (autumn–winter) on active migration, daily regional‐scale movements probably cause more frequent dispersal.

We synthesized high‐resolution empirical data on landscape‐scale movements and seed gut passage times in a key disperser species, the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), using a spatially explicit, mechanistic model to quantify dispersal distributions resulting from daily autumn–winter movements. We evaluated how landscape composition and seed traits affect these dispersal patterns.

The model indicates that mallards generate highly clumped seed deposition patterns, dispersing seeds primarily between core areas used for foraging and resting. Approximately 34% of all dispersed seeds are transported to communal roost areas, which may function as reservoirs for mallard‐dispersed species, and 7% are transported between foraging areas. Landscape‐dependent movement patterns strongly affect the dispersal distributions, resulting in multi‐modal dispersal kernels, with dispersal distances increasing with fragmentation of freshwater foraging habitat. Seed size‐related gut retention times determine the proportion of seeds being dispersed away from the ingestion area, with larger seeds (20 mm3) having a 8–10% higher potential for long‐distance dispersal than smaller seeds (0·2 mm3), if surviving gut passage. However, twice as many small seeds will finally accomplish long‐distance dispersal due to their higher gut passage survival.

Synthesis. Firstly, this study reveals how seed dispersal patterns resulting from daily waterfowl movements are shaped by landscape‐dependent differences in movement patterns. Secondly, seed survival appears more important than retention time in determining the scale of long‐distance dispersal by non‐migrating mallards. We conclude that the frequent flights of staging waterbirds result in directed dispersal over distances inversely related to wetland availability, indicating that they maintain landscape connectivity across a range from wet to increasingly dry landscapes.
Aggregated recruitment patterns under adult crowns inPhotinia glabra, a bird‐dispersed tree species
Authors: Kuge Ayami , Hirayama Kimiko
Published: February 2017

To clarify recruitment patterns ofPhotinia glabra, which is an evergreen, broad‐leaved, bird‐dispersed tree species, we analyzed spatial distribution inP. glabrarecruits at each growth stage and demography of current‐year seedlings with respect to distributions of adults in a warm‐temperate secondary forest, westernJapan. Although individuals ≥ 5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) that had nearly produced fruits showed a random distribution, seedlings (≥ 1 year old, < 10‐cm stem length [SL]), small saplings (10 ≤ SL < 30 cm) and large saplings (≥ 30‐cmSL, < 5‐cmDBH) were clumped and associated with reproductive adults at approximately 2–3‐m scales, nearly equal to their average crown radius. Based on monitoring the demography of current‐year seedlings, emerged seedling density profoundly decreased, and no seedlings survived at longer than an adult's crown scales, with distance‐dependent mortality as a result of disease and herbivory not greatly affecting the current‐year seedling mortality. Thus, aggregated seed dispersal under the crown of adultP. glabrawould directly influence the distribution of recruits forP. glabrain this forest. Of the bird‐dispersed tree species in this forest,P. glabraproduced the highest amount of fruits during large crop years, and their fruits ripened during the late seasonal period (earlyJanuary), suggesting that birds might be strongly attracted to these species, in turn leading to seeds being deposited mostly under the tree crowns. We propose that dispersal limitation would occur, even in a bird‐dispersed tree species such asP. glabra, owing to plant–bird interactions in the forest.
Foreign Direct Investment with Endogenous Technology Choice
Authors: Dawid Herbert , Zou Benteng
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we analyse the optimal foreign direct investment (FDI) of a firm operating in a duopolistic market. FDI induces technological spillovers to a competitor in the foreign country; the intensity of which depends on the absorptive capacity of the foreign firm and the size of the technological gap. We characterize a technology spillover threshold and show that for an intensity of spillovers below this threshold, there is a unique locally asymptotic stable steady state with a positive capital stock in the developing country. Furthermore, we characterize how optimal foreign investment patterns and the investor's value function depend on the level of technology transferred and characterize the optimal level to be used for the FDI.
Foreign Direct Investment and Democracy: A Robust Fixed Effects Approach to a Complex Relationship
Authors: Desbordes Rodolphe , Verardi Vincenzo
Published: February 2017

We develop a new robust‐to‐outliers dummy estimator that we subsequently apply to investigate the impact of various democratic attributes on foreign direct investment in recent years. We find that democracy has generally a positive impact on foreign direct investment, once outliers are controlled for, but that this relationship is very specific to each host country's characteristics.
Market Efficiency, Heterogeneous Trade Costs and Export‐Only Firms
Authors: Qiu Bin , Yan Zhijun
Published: February 2017

This paper provides a two‐country general equilibrium model under monopolistic competition, in which we incorporate heterogeneous fixed export costs, a non‐zero export tax rebate rate and efficiency asymmetry to explain the existence of export‐only firms. We focus on the impact of efficiency differences on social welfare and the evolution of export‐only activities from autarky to trade. We show that exposure to trade brings a country of larger size and with higher efficiency more welfare gains, including higher industry productivity and greater variety of products. We also find that firms that face lower fixed export costs enjoy greater export tax rebates and firms that are located in more efficient countries have a greater chance of becoming export‐only firms. Further internationalization promotes the prosperity of export‐only activities.