bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term assignment reward (dis)satisfaction outcomes: hearing women’s voices
Authors: Shortland Susan , Perkins Stephen J.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– Drawing upon compensating differentials, equity theory, and the psychological contract, women’s voices illustrate how organisational policy dissemination, implementation and change can lead to unintended assignee dissatisfaction with reward. Implications arise for organisational justice which can affect women’s future expatriation decisions. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative case study methodology was employed. Reward policies for long-term international assignments (IAs) were analysed. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted confidentially with 21 female long-term assignees selected using stratified sampling, and with two managers responsible for international reward policy design/implementation.

Findings

– Policy transparency is required. Women perceive inequity when allowances based on grade are distorted by family status. Women in dual career/co-working couples expect reward to reflect their expatriate status. Reward inequity is reported linked to specific home/host country transfers. Policy change reducing housing and children’s education are major causes of reward dissatisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

– This case study research was cross-sectional and set within one industry. It addressed reward outcomes only for long-term IAs from the perspectives of women who had accepted expatriation in two oil and gas firms.

Practical implications

– Reward policy should be transparent. Practitioners might consider the inter-relationship between policy elements depending on grade and accompanied status, location pairings, and the effects of policy content delivery to dual career/co-working couples.

Originality/value

– This paper advances the field of IA reward by examining compensating differentials, equity and the psychological contract and takes these forward via implications for organisational justice. It identifies reward elements that support women’s expatriation and address their low share of expatriate roles, thereby fostering gender diversity. Future research themes are presented.
The expat-preneur: conceptualizing a growing international career phenomenon
Authors: Vance Charles M. , McNulty Yvonne , Paik Yongsun , D'Mello Jason
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce the emerging international career phenomenon of the “expat-preneur,” an individual temporarily living abroad who initiates an international new venture (self-employment) opportunity in a host country.

Design/methodology/approach

– This analysis is based on the authors’ observance of developing trends that also are showcased in the international management and IHRM literatures.

Findings

– Two general types of expat-preneurs are proposed: first, pre-departure expat-preneurs who move abroad with a preconceived entrepreneurial purpose; and second, transitioned expat-preneurs who, only while abroad, recognize and pursue a new venture opportunity, either from the status of self-initiated expatriates (SIEs) looking for local employment or while serving as organization-assigned expatriates and leaving the organization at the end of the assignment or midstream.

Research limitations/implications

– Distinctions between expat-preneurs and typical business SIEs are explored, and important contributions that expat-preneurs may provide in strengthening local host country economies are considered. Directions for further systematic and empirical research on the expat-preneur international career phenomenon are discussed.

Practical implications

– Important mutually beneficial implications are noted for multinationals in supporting expat-preneurs’ long-term success in host country environments.

Originality/value

– This conceptual study provides a valuable recognition and analysis of an important and growing international career category that has received scant attention in the literature. This research has important implications for the understanding of new international career dynamics associated with the growing trend of international entrepreneurship, especially valuable for emerging markets and of interest to multinational firms interested in the movement of their human capital.
Green consumer behavior: being good or seeming good?
Authors: Aagerup Ulf , Nilsson Jonas
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to expand the emerging field of symbolic green consumer behavior (GCB) by investigating the impact of anticipated conspicuousness of the consumption situation on consumers’ choice of organic products. In addition, the paper also explores whether self-monitoring ability and attention to social comparison information (ATSCI) influence GCB in situations of anticipated high conspicuousness.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experiments test the study’s hypotheses.

Findings

The results of both experiments show that the anticipation of conspicuousness has a significant effect on GCB. Moreover, in Experiment 2, this effect is moderated by consumers’ level of ATSCI but not by their self-monitoring ability.

Research limitations/implications

Because ATSCI significantly interacts with green consumption because of the anticipation of a conspicuous setting, although self-monitoring ability does not, we conclude that social identification is an important determinant of green consumption.

Practical implications

Marketers who focus on building green brands could consider designing conspicuous consumption situations to increase GCB.

Social implications

Policymakers could enact change by making the environmental unfriendliness of non-eco-friendly products visible to the public and thus increase the potential for GCB.

Originality/value

The results validate the emerging understanding that green products are consumed for self-enhancement, but also expand the literature by highlighting that a key motivating factor of GCB is the desire to fit in.
Constructing linkage between libraries and up-to-date news
Authors: Yu Wei , Chen Junpeng
Published: June 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to construct the linkage between libraries and up-to-date news. This study developed a system to recommend libraries’ resources to those daily news readers who are interested in the topics of the target news. The analysis of experiments results served as the reference for the development and improvement of linking libraries’ resources with other web resources.

Design/methodology/approach

– Up-to-date news were gathered through the news feeds to make the integration with the libraries’ records. In task 1, the libraries’ records were linked and recommended to the target libraries’ records which are of the same topics. In task 2, the system aimed to find the relevant libraries’ records for target news. Three recommendation methods were compared in both tasks to find the most effective approach to the system.

Findings

– Experiment results showed that: at first, in task 1, the system can assign the libraries’ records of the related topics effectively; second, in task 2, the recommending system can obtain a satisfied recall hit rate through human evaluation. Therefore, regarding the popularity of the daily news online, the linkage and recommendation with the libraries’ resources can increase the visibility of the libraries’ resources and eventually promote the information consuming in libraries.

Practical implications

– The authors have confirmed, using three matrix factorization methods, that weighted matrix factorization used in the libraries’ records recommendation system, could achieve better performance than the other two. Based on the research, the libraries could incorporate the online news and libraries’ resources in practice.

Originality/value

– To increase the visibility and promote information consuming of libraries, this study proposed a novel method to construct the linkage between library and up-to-date news. The results of data analysis indicate that recommendation of libraries resources through the daily news can achieve effective performance. Thus, it can be inferred that the research results of this study are representative and have practical values in real world practice.
Women representation on boards: a South African perspective
Authors: Willows Gizelle , van der Linde Megan
Published: June 2016

Purpose

By looking at both theoretical and empirical findings, this study aims to investigate whether gender diversity results in improved corporate governance and financial performance for companies.

Design/methodology/approach

An analysis of the board composition of the Johannesburg Securities Exchange Top 40 companies as at 30 June 2013 and a comparison of the financial performance of the company were conducted.

Findings

Female directors were found to make up, on average, 18.78 per cent of the board of directors, with the majority of these women being in non-executive positions. Women representation appears to influence company performance positively when using accounting-based measures of performance (such as return on assets and return on equity), but negatively when using market-based measures (such as Tobin’s Q). The critical mass concept is also assessed and is found to have a positive effect.

Originality/value

These findings are of relevance to the boards of directors adhering to corporate governance requirements by challenging the role of women on the board of directors, as well as that of investors and those in practice, to understand the current status of women representation.
Turnover and balance between exploration and exploitation processes for high-performance teams
Authors: Fernandez Vicenc , Simo Pep , Sallan Jose M.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to use macro-level theories based on the equilibrium between the exploration and exploitation of resources in an organisation to examine the association between turnover and performance through the analysis of a professional football (soccer) team in the Premier League, namely, Manchester United Football Club.

Design/methodology/approach

This study compiles historical data for 24 seasons of the Premier League between 1984-1985 and 2008-2009. Using these data, the authors define measures of performance and player turnover.

Findings

The results show the existence of an inverted U-shaped relationship between exploration and exploitation (turnover processes) and group efficiency under certain conditions, such as the number of work systems considered and the period during which the level of turnover is calculated.

Originality/value

Most research on employee turnover suggests that reductions in turnover have a positive effect on the efficiency of the organisation. However, the present study suggests that worker turnover can be analysed using theories based on the equilibrium between the processes of resource exploitation and exploration, especially for high-performance work groups. These theories predict an inverted U-shaped relationship between turnover and performance, which has been identified through empirical analysis.
All we need is trust: trust and human resource management
Authors: Kidron Aviv , Tzafrir Shay S. , Meshoulam Ilan
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the necessary human resource management (HRM) teamwork processes for achieving HRM integration.

Design/methodology/approach

A research survey was carried out among 233 HRM professionals from 29 HRM teams.

Findings

The findings revealed significant correlation between formal HRM aspects of HRM teams (HRM goals and strategy, formal communication and formalization) and informal HRM aspects (perceived proximity and trust). Another significant correlation was found between trust and HRM integration. Also, trust fully mediated the relationship between informal communication and centralization, on the one hand, and HRM integration, on the other.

Originality/value

The study contributed to the understanding of formal and informal aspects of HRM team (HRMT) processes.
Conflict, individual satisfaction with team, and training motivation
Authors: Medina Michele N.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the mediating effect of an individual’s satisfaction with the team between conflict and training motivation. This study provides understanding regarding how the type of conflict within a team can influence an individual’s team experience which can, in turn, influence that individual’s training motivation and impact future teams.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 498 upper-level business students engaged in a team project. Structural equation modeling examined the serial mediation relationship between perceived diversity, conflict (affective and cognitive), individual satisfaction with the team and training motivation (learning and transfer).

Findings

Individual satisfaction with the team partially mediates the relationship between affective conflict and both training motivation dimensions, and fully mediates the relationship between cognitive conflict and both training motivation dimensions.

Practical implications

To encourage future participation in teams, managers should explore ways to increase an individual’s satisfaction, such as increasing the cognitive conflict by incorporating diversity within teams and reducing the affective conflict within teams. Likewise, by increasing an individual’s satisfaction with the team, managers can increase both the motivation to learn and transfer new knowledge.

Originality/value

This paper illuminates the role that an individual’s satisfaction with the team has between conflict and training motivation. Moreover, this paper demonstrates that more research on an individual’s satisfaction with the team is needed.
Human capital development: perspectives of an expatriate hotel manager in Africa
Authors: Cecchi Marco , Nwosu Belinda
Published: June 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore, from the vantage point of an expatriate manager, some of the issues that surround human capital development (HCD) in the tourism and hospitality industry in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

An informal interview was carried out via email. Marco Cecchi has 33 years experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry in Europe and now in Africa. He was recently appointed General Manager at Hotel Bon Voyage in Lagos under the African Management Service Company (AMSCO), an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme and the International Finance Corporation to help build human capital for sustainable African enterprises.

Findings

The interview offers valuable insights for researchers and practitioners who are seeking to understand cross-cultural differences related to human resources.

Originality/value

The transcript provides a much needed context for understanding the issues facing HCD in the African continent.
Differential induction of type I interferons in macaques by wild‐type measles virus alone or with the hemagglutinin protein of the Edmonston vaccine strain
Authors: Van Nguyen Nguyen , Kato Sei‐ich , Nagata Kyosuke , Takeuchi Kaoru
Published: June 2016

Measles vaccines are highly effective and safe; however, the mechanism(s) underlying their attenuation has not been well understood. In this study, type I IFNs (IFN‐α and IFN‐β) induction in macaques infected with measles virus (MV) strains was examined. Type I IFNs were not induced in macaques infected with wild‐type MV. However, IFN‐α was sharply induced in most macaques infected with recombinant wild‐type MV bearing the hemagglutinin (H) protein of the Edmonston vaccine strain. These results indicate that the H protein of MV vaccine strains may have a role in MV attenuation.
The Sticky Information Phillips Curve: Evidence for Australia
Authors: Gillitzer Christian
Published: June 2016

The Sticky Information Phillips curve (SIPC) provides a theoretically appealing alternative to the sticky price New‐Keynesian Phillips curve (NKPC). This paper assesses the empirical performance of the SIPC for Australia. Estimates of the model's structural parameters indicate rejection of the SIPC over the low‐inflation period, but the SIPC fits the data better over a longer sample period including the disinflation of the early 1990s. Overall, though, the NKPC appears to fit the data better than the SIPC. This is partly because forward‐looking inflation dynamics are more important than implied by the SIPC under plausible parameter values.
Funding and School Accountability: The Importance of Private and Decentralised Public Funding for Pupil Attainment
Authors: Turati Gilberto , Montolio Daniel , Piacenza Massimiliano
Published: June 2016

We discuss the issue of how schools should be financed, concentrating on the role of private funding and public funding via subnational governments as accountability mechanisms in the provision of educational services. The historical evolution of school regulation in Italy and Spain has created differences in the percentage of pupils who attend private schools, the percentage of private school funding coming from public and private sources and the percentage of public school funding that comes from central or local government sources. We take advantage of these institutional diversities rooted in history to estimate the disciplining role of these different sources of funding in the context of an educational production function using Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) data. Our results provide support to both accountability mechanisms and point to the presence of an important interplay between them.
Long‐term spatial memory in Vespula germanica social wasps: the influence of past experience on foraging behavior
Authors: Moreyra Sabrina , D'Adamo Paola , Lozada Mariana
Published: June 2016

Social insects exhibit complex learning and memory mechanisms while foraging. Vespula germanica (Fab.) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) is an invasive social wasp that frequently forages on undepleted food sources, making several flights between the resource and the nest. Previous studies have shown that during this relocating behavior, wasps learn to associate food with a certain site, and can recall this association 1 h later. In this work, we evaluated whether this wasp species is capable of retrieving an established association after 24 h. For this purpose, we trained free flying individuals to collect proteinaceous food from an experimental plate (feeder) located in an experimental array. A total of 150 individuals were allowed 2, 4, or 8 visits. After the training phase, the array was removed and set up again 24 h later, but this time a second baited plate was placed opposite to the first. After 24 h we recorded the rate of wasps that returned to the experimental area and those which collected food from the previously learned feeding station or the nonlearned one. During the testing phase, we observed that a low rate of wasps trained with 2 collecting visits returned to the experimental area (22%), whereas the rate of returning wasps trained with 4 or 8 collecting visits was higher (51% and 41%, respectively). Moreover, wasps trained with 8 feeding visits collected food from the previously learned feeding station at a higher rate than those that did from the nonlearned one. In contrast, wasps trained 2 or 4 times chose both feeding stations at a similar rate. Thus, significantly more wasps returned to the previously learned feeding station after 8 repeated foraging flights but not after only 2 or 4 visits. This is the first report that demonstrates the existence of long‐term spatial memory in V. germanica wasps.
A Comparison of the Burden of Out‐of‐Pocket Health Payments in Denmark, Germany and Poland
Authors: Zawada Anna , Kolasa Katarzyna , Kronborg Christian , Rabczenko Daniel , Rybnik Tomasz , Lauridsen Jørgen T. , Ceglowska Urszula , Hermanowski Tomasz
Published: June 2016

It is important to monitor equity of access to health services in all countries. We assessed the levels of out‐of‐pocket (OOP) health spending in three European countries: Denmark, Germany and Poland. Using data from national databases (i.e., Statistics Denmark, German Socio‐Economic Panel, and National Statistical Office of Poland) for the period 2000–2010, we applied common methods to assess the rate of households with ‘catastrophic’ OOP health spending and the concentration of health spending in income‐ordered groups of citizens. 20.3 per cent of Polish households experienced ‘catastrophic’ expenditure defined by OOP health spending/income ratio >10 per cent, compared to 1.0 per cent of households in Germany and 3.2 per cent of households in Denmark. 8.8 per cent of Polish households experienced ‘catastrophic’ expenditure defined by OOP health spending/capacity to pay ratio >40 per cent, compared to 0.4 per cent of households in Germany and 0.8 per cent of households in Denmark. Concentration indexes for OOP on drugs in 2010 were 0.01978 and –0.114 for Denmark and Poland, respectively. The rate of households with ‘catastrophic’ OOP expenditure in Poland is much higher than in both Denmark and Germany; health spending in Poland is concentrated among the worst‐off groups of citizens while in Denmark and Germany they are distributed more equitably.
Comparison of macular pigment and serum lutein concentration changes between free lutein and lutein esters supplements in Japanese subjects
Authors: Yoshizako Hiroko , Hara Katunori , Takai Yasuyuki , Kaidzu Sachiko , Obana Akira , Ohira Akihiro
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To compare changes in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and serum lutein concentration between free lutein and lutein esters supplements in healthy Japanese individuals.

Methods

Twenty healthy subjects (age range, 22–47 years) were recruited into this prospective, randomized, doubled‐blind comparative study. Individuals were evenly divided into two groups: free lutein group, supplementation with 10 mg of free lutein; or lutein esters group, supplementation with 20 mg of lutein esters equivalent to 10 mg of free lutein. Each participant took either type of oral lutein daily for 3 months. The serum lutein concentrations and MPOD levels were measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months after the start of supplementation.

Results

There were no significant differences in the serum lutein concentrations and MPOD levels at baseline between the groups. The increased serum lutein concentration and MPOD levels at 3 months were respectively, 89% and 38% in the free lutein group and 97% and 17% in the lutein esters group. The serum lutein concentrations in both groups and MPOD levels in the free lutein group increased significantly (p < 0.05) from baseline. No significant differences in serum lutein concentrations and MPOD levels were seen between the groups. Three months after supplementation ended, the serum lutein concentration decreased; the MPOD remained elevated in both groups.

Conclusions

The serum lutein concentrations and MPOD levels increased significantly with either free lutein or lutein esters, and no significant differences were found between the two. Both were considered useful as lutein supplements.
Temporal hollowing and other adverse effects after lateral orbital wall decompression
Authors: Ueland Hans Olav , Haugen Olav H. , Rødahl Eyvind
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the outcome and late postoperative complications after lateral orbital wall decompression in a series of patients with thyroid eye disease (TED).

Methods

One hundred and three patients operated in the period 1999–2013 were invited to participate in the study, and 84 were included after a median (range) follow‐up time of 124 (13–188) months. The patients were interviewed, and preoperative and postoperative data were collected from hospital records. Photographs (‘selfies’) were obtained from 64 patients. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used to evaluate the change in pre‐ and postoperative data.

Results

On average, visual acuity was unchanged with a median value (range) of 1.0 (0.4–1.25) before to 1.0 (0–1.25) after surgery (p = 0.5). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was reduced from a median value (range) of 17 (9–26) to 15 (8–23) mmHg (p < 0.001). Median (range) Hertel values were 23 (15–30) mm preoperatively and 20 (12–26) mm postoperatively (p < 0.001) respectively. Mean (SD) reduction in proptosis was 3.6 (±2.1) mm. Oscillopsia was reported in 24 patients (29%), 42 (50%) experienced a change in temporal sensation, and four (5%) had new‐onset diplopia. In 47 patients (56%), some degree of temporal hollowing was reported. Among 64 photographed patients, 38 (59%) had noticeable hollowing on examination of postoperative pictures. There was agreement of the patient's perception of temporal hollowing and the appearance in photographs in 26 of 37 patients (70%).

Conclusion

Lateral orbital wall decompression has been considered a safe and effective procedure for treatment of TED. Serious side‐effects are infrequent, but in rare circumstances, even blindness may occur. Less serious side‐effects are relatively common. Among others, a significant number of the patients developed temporal hollowing after the procedure. The patients must be informed about the possible complications before surgery.
Effect of esomeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor on the pharmacokinetics of sonidegib in healthy volunteers
Authors: Zhou Jocelyn , Quinlan Michelle , Glenn Kelli , Boss Hildegard , Picard Franck , Castro Henry , Sellami Dalila
Published: June 2016

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of esomeprazole on the pharmacokinetics of sonidegib.

Methods

This Phase I study evaluated the impact of the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) esomeprazole on the oral absorption and pharmacokinetics (PKs) of a single dose of sonidegib under fasted conditions. A total of 42 healthy subjects were enrolled to receive either sonidegib alone (200 mg single dose) or sonidegib in combination with esomeprazole (40 mg pre‐treatment 5 days and combination were given on day 6). Primary PK parameters assessed in the study were area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) from 0–14 days and 0–7 days and maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax).

Results

The plasma exposure (AUC0‐14d, AUC0‐7d and Cmax) of a single 200 mg oral dose of sonidegib was decreased by 32–38% when sonidegib was co‐administered with esomeprazole compared with sonidegib alone, with no apparent change in elimination slope and tmax. Baseline gastric pH was similar between the two arms.

Conclusions

These results suggest a modest reduction in the extent of sonidegib absorption by esomeprazole. There was no obvious metabolic drug–drug interaction between the two agents. Both sonidegib and esomeprazole were well tolerated in the study population.
Organizational attention to corporate social responsibility and corporate social performance: the moderating effects of corporate governance
Authors: Zhao Xiaoping , Chen Shouming , Xiong Chan
Published: June 2016

Many studies have explored the antecedents of corporate social performance (CSP), such as institutional forces and stakeholder pressures. However, few studies examine CSP from a socio‐cognitive perspective. To address this research void, this study adopts an attention‐based approach to examine the relationship between managers' attention to social issues and CSP. More important, this study reports that this relationship will be moderated by governance mechanisms that constrain managerial discretion. Using a sample of Chinese listed firms, this study provides empirical support for these arguments. Therefore, our study adds new insights to the literature addressing CSP from a socio‐cognitive perspective and speaks to the structural features, both inside and outside organizations, that guide managers' attention.
A Statistical Method for Detecting Differentially Expressed SNVs Based on Next-Generation RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Fu Rong , Wang Pei , Ma Weiping , Taguchi Ayumu , Wong Chee-Hong , Zhang Qing , Gazdar Adi , Hanash Samir M. , Zhou Qinghua , Zhong Hua , Feng Ziding
Published: June 2016

In this article, we propose a new statistical method—MutRSeq—for detecting differentially expressed single nucleotide variants (SNVs) based on RNA-seq data. Specifically, we focus on nonsynonymous mutations and employ a hierarchical likelihood approach to jointly model observed mutation events as well as read count measurements from RNA-seq experiments. We then introduce a likelihood ratio-based test statistic, which detects changes not only in overall expression levels, but also in allele-specific expression patterns. In addition, this method can jointly test multiple mutations in one gene/pathway. The simulation studies suggest that the proposed method achieves better power than a few competitors under a range of different settings. In the end, we apply this method to a breast cancer data set and identify genes with nonsynonymous mutations differentially expressed between the triple negative breast cancer tumors and other subtypes of breast cancer tumors.
Does Strike Action Stimulate Trade Union Membership Growth?
Authors: Hodder Andy , Williams Mark , Kelly John , McCarthy Nick
Published: June 2016

Most of the literature on strikes has addressed one of four issues: causation, variation between sectors and countries, trends over time and the relationship between strikes and other forms of collective and individual protest. Very little research has addressed the equally important questions of strike outcomes and trade union membership despite the substantial body of research on the causes of trade union membership decline and strategies for membership growth. In this paper we reverse the usual sequence of trade union membership as a causal factor in the genesis of strikes and examine the impact of strikes on trade union membership levels. After setting out the relevant theory and hypotheses, we use a unique seven‐year dataset of trade union membership joiners and leavers from a major British trade union with a substantial record of strike activity. Controlling for other possible determinants of trade union membership, we find that months in which there is strike action, whether national or local, are associated with a significantly higher rate of membership growth, measured both by the number of joiners and by the ratio of joiners to leavers. Data from new union members suggest that perceived injustice and perceived union effectiveness both motivate the decision to join.
Association of a type 2 diabetes genetic risk score with insulin secretion modulated by insulin sensitivity among Chinese Hans
Authors: Kong X. , Xing X. , Hong J. , Zhang X. , Yang W.
Published: June 2016

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by insulin resistance and impaired insulin secretion. The present study aimed to identify the influence of insulin sensitivity on the genetic risk of impaired insulin secretion among a Chinese Han population. For 3229 controls and 1994 treatment‐naïve T2D, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 24 T2D‐related genomic loci were genotyped and a genetic risk score (GRS) was constructed. Results showed that GRS was associated with insulin secretion and disposition indices in both controls and treatment‐naïve T2Ds. Upon stratifying the participants into tertiles by the Matsuda index, we observed an inhibitory relationship between the GRS and insulin secretion in low insulin sensitive but not in high insulin sensitive controls and treatment‐naïve T2Ds. Moreover, low insulin sensitive individuals exhibited more severe impairment in insulin secretion and beta cell response to insulin sensitivity with an increase in risk alleles. Our findings identified that the association of GRS with insulin secretion was strongly modulated by insulin sensitivity in both controls and T2Ds of Chinese Han. It indicates that insulin sensitization should be emphasized in prevention and treatment of T2D for beta cell protection.
Autogenous demineralized dentin matrix from extracted tooth for the augmentation of alveolar bone defect: a prospective randomized clinical trial in comparison with anorganic bovine bone
Authors: Pang Kang‐Mi , Um In‐Woong , Kim Young‐Kyun , Woo Jae‐Man , Kim Soung‐Min , Lee Jong‐Ho
Published: June 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical efficacy and histological outcome of the autogenous tooth graft material (AutoBT) compared to that of anorganic bovine bone (Bio‐Oss®, Geistlich, Switzerland) in post‐extraction alveolar bone augmentation.

Patients and Methods

A total of 33 graft sites in 24 patients were included in this study. AutoBT was used in 21 sites of 15 patients and Bio‐Oss® was used in 12 sites of 9 patients for alveolar bone augmentation 2–4 weeks after dental extraction. Vertical dimension of grafted bone was measured both at the time of graft placement and at implant fixture placement after 6 months. Trephine cores were harvested for the histomorphometric evaluations during implant placement when feasible. The primary stability of implant fixture was also measured.

Results

Infection of graft material or graft bed was not observed and graft sites healed without any notable complications in both groups. The vertical dimensions of alveolar bone increased by 5.38 ± 2.65 mm in AutoBT group and 6.56 ± 3.54 mm in Bio‐Oss® group at 6 months post‐extraction. Histomorphometrically, new bone formation of AutoBT‐grafted site was 31.24 ± 13.87% while that of Bio‐Oss® was 35.00 ± 19.33%. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) of implants placed in AutoBT‐grafted sites measured 72.80 ± 10.81 while those placed in Bio‐Oss®‐grafted sites measured 70.0 ± 12.86. There were no statistically significant differences between measurements of the two groups.

Conclusion

Autogenous demineralized dentin matrix from extracted tooth grafted to extraction sockets for the augmentation of vertical dimension was as effective as augmentation using anorganic bovine bone. Both groups showed favorable wound healing, similar amount of implant stability, and histologically confirmed new bone formation. Thus, the results of this study suggest that autogenous tooth graft material is a viable option for alveolar bone augmentation following dental extraction.
Baseline characteristics of participants in the Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program: a cluster randomized controlled trial of lifestyle intervention in Asian Indians
Authors: Sathish T. , Oldenburg B. , Tapp R. J. , Shaw J. E. , Wolfe R. , Sajitha B. , D'Esposito F. , Absetz P. , Mathews E. , Zimmet P. Z. , Thankappan K. R.
Published: June 2016

Aims

To describe the baseline characteristics of participants in the Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program.

Methods

The Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program is a cluster randomized controlled trial of lifestyle intervention for prevention of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in India. Participants in the study were those aged 30–60 years who had an Indian Diabetes Risk Score ≥ 60 and who were without Type 2 diabetes on oral glucose tolerance test. Data on demographic, lifestyle, clinical and biochemical characteristics were collected using standardized tools.

Results

A total of 2586 individuals were screened with the Indian Diabetes Risk Score, of these 1529 people (59.1%) had a score ≥ 60, of whom 1209 (79.1%) underwent an oral glucose tolerance test. A total of 202 individuals (16.7%) had undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes and were excluded, and the remaining 1007 individuals were enrolled in the trial (control arm, n = 507; intervention arm, n = 500). The mean participant age was 46.0 ± 7.5 years, and 47.2% were women. The mean Indian Diabetes Risk Score was 67.1 ± 8.4. More than two‐thirds (69.0%) had prediabetes and 31.0% had normal glucose tolerance. The prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors was high, including current tobacco use (34.4% in men), current alcohol use (39.3% in men), no leisure time exercise (98.0%), no daily intake of fruit and vegetables (78.7%), family history of diabetes (47.9%), overweight or obesity (68.5%), hypertension (22.3%) and dyslipidemia (85.4%).

Conclusions

The Kerala Diabetes Prevention Program recruited participants using a diabetes risk score. A large proportion of the participants had prediabetes and there were high rates of cardiometabolic risk factors. The trial will evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle intervention in a population selected on the basis of a diabetes risk score.
Barriers to and motivators for physical activity among people with Type 2 diabetes: patients' perspectives
Authors: Lidegaard L. P. , Schwennesen N. , Willaing I. , Færch K.
Published: June 2016

Aim

To explore barriers to and motivators for physical activity in a group of overweight and obese individuals with dysregulated Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Data were collected from the Steno Diabetes Center's outpatient clinic in Denmark. Four focus groups were conducted including 28 individuals with Type 2 diabetes aged 39–71 years. The facilitators used open‐ended questions and probes such as images, statements and quotations about physical activity to foster active participation and interaction among participants. Focus groups were recorded on video and the discussions were transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

We identified four main themes: 1) the body as a barrier to physical activity because of functional limitations; 2) logistical challenges, including lack of time and awareness of where to exercise in the local area; 3) being physically active with others, providing a sense of mutual commitment and enjoyment; and 4) goal‐setting and self‐tracking, which was seen as an opportunity to track physical improvement over time.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that, once people are active, a high level of social interaction may help maintain their activity levels. Further research is needed to investigate the effect of combining individually tailored exercise plans with the establishment of customized and locally based exercise communities that offer enjoyment and support. Additionally, it is relevant to explore experiences of using self‐tracking technologies to review short‐ and long‐term goals.
Can the New Deal solve the old problem of aid orphans and darlings? Aid effectiveness in fragile states
Authors: Ellison Christine Smith
Published: June 2016

The New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States marks an important ideological shift in development co‐operation. Despite this progress, no practical response has been found to the problem of aid co‐ordination. This article traces the issue of aid allocation and highlights lessons from the ‘aid orphan’ and ‘aid darling’ debate. It examines the significant, yet under‐reported, policy process of the New Deal. It argues that deeper engagement with the concept of trust, and renewed focus on the political elements of the agreement, should be key priorities for the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding.
The influence of temperature and photoperiod on the reproductive diapause and cold tolerance of spotted‐wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii
Authors: Wallingford Anna K. , Lee Jana C. , Loeb Gregory M.
Published: June 2016

Knowledge regarding the reproductive status of spotted‐wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), is of critical importance in predicting potential infestations of this invasive pest, as eggs are laid in ripe or ripening fruit of several commercially important small‐fruit crops. Token environmental stimuli for the induction of reproductive diapause and improved cold tolerance were identified for D. suzukii. Diapause induction was evaluated by assessing, via dissection, the number of mature eggs carried by field‐captured D. suzukii and laboratory‐reared D. suzukii held under various temperature and photoperiod regimes. Egg load decreased over time in females trapped from July to December at sites in Benton County, OR, and Ontario County, NY, both USA, and reached zero eggs by December at all sites. Photoperiods below 14 h of day length led to reduced egg maturation in laboratory‐reared flies held at moderate temperatures (15 or 20 °C). Whereas very few mature eggs were found in females held at 10 °C under short‐ or long‐day photoperiods for several weeks after eclosion, a spontaneous return to ovarian maturity was observed in short‐day‐entrained females after 7 weeks. Diapause termination was investigated by evaluating fecundity in diapausing females returned to optimal environmental conditions. Whereas long‐day‐entrained flies began producing offspring immediately upon return to optimal conditions, short‐day‐entrained flies returned after 1 and 6 weeks at 10 °C were slower to produce offspring than colony flies or short‐day‐entrained flies returned after 7 weeks. Cold tolerance was evaluated by observing chill coma recovery rates after 24 h exposure to −1 °C. Cold‐acclimated (diapausing) females recovered from chill coma faster than cold‐hardened or unacclimated females.
Differential and delayed response of two ant species to habitat fragmentation via the introduction of a pine matrix
Authors: MCCLENAHAN JEFFREY L. , MELBOURNE BRETT A. , CUNNINGHAM SAUL A. , DAVIES KENDI F.
Published: June 2016

1. Ants are a ubiquitous and crucial component of Australian Eucalyptus forests, but responses to long‐term habitat fragmentation remain poorly understood. Two ant species were followed across a 21‐year history of pine plantation establishment and maturation in a southeast Australian Eucalyptus forest.

2. At Wog Wog in southeastern Australia, a Native Eucalyptus forest was clear‐cut to make way for plantation establishment and 12 remnant patches of forest were left intact and subsequently surrounded by a pine matrix. Pitfall traps were placed in the continuous native forest, remnant Eucalyptus patches, and the pine matrix between fragments, and were stratified based on proximity to remnant patch edges and habitat type. Two ant species are focused on that represent the only remaining data for the early years of the experiment.

3. While Leptomyrmex erythrocephalus (Fabricius), the rarer of the two species, was not affected by fragmentation in the short term, 21 years after fragmentation, it was less likely to occur in both the mature pine matrix and fragments than in continuous forest controls. Aphaenogaster longiceps (Smith F.) was equally likely to occur in the fragments, continuous forest, and pine matrix early in the experiment but by year 21 post‐fragmentation was less likely to occur in the pine matrix than fragments or controls.

4. Importantly, we only detected negative impacts of fragmentation on ant occurrence as the pine plantation matrix matured and isolated ant populations on fragments.

5. It is concluded that changes in matrix suitability and specific habitat characteristics influence ant persistence in Eucalyptus fragments.
Low larval densities in northern populations reinforce range expansion by a Mediterranean damselfly
Authors: Therry Lieven , Swaegers Janne , Van Dinh Khuong , Bonte Dries , Stoks Robby
Published: June 2016

Contemporary climate change triggers a poleward range shift in many species. A growing number of studies document evolutionary changes in traits accelerating range expansion (such as growth rate and dispersal‐related traits). In contrast, the direct impact of decreasing conspecific densities towards the very edge of the expansion front has been neglected. Density effects may, however, have a profound direct impact on traits involved in range expansion and influence range dynamics.

In this study, we contrast the effects of high conspecific larval density typical for established populations and low larval density typical for newly founded populations at the edge of the expansion front on a set of larval traits that may affect the range dynamics in the poleward moving damselfly Coenagrion scitulum. We therefore ran an outdoor mesocosm experiment with a low‐ and high‐density treatment close to the species’ northern expansion front. Density effects on survival, growth rate and body size are scored both during the pre‐winter growth period and during the subsequent winter period. Additionally, foraging activity was scored at the end of the pre‐winter period and body condition [size‐corrected body mass, fat content and activity of phenoloxidase (PO)] was scored at the end of the winter period.

The low‐density treatment had strong direct positive effects on survival, growth rate and body size of larvae before winter indicating relaxed competition. Lower foraging activity at the low‐density treatment indicated higher food availability at low conspecific densities. Interestingly, the initial density treatment had stronger effect than densities experienced at the time of quantification on survival during the pre‐freezing winter period and body condition estimates at the end of the experiment, indicating also delayed effects of the initial density treatment. Survival throughout a freezing period indicated extreme winter conditions are not likely a limiting factor in the range expansion of this Mediterranean species.

The increased survival and individual growth rates (through causing shifts in voltinism) at low conspecific density will translate in increased population growth rates. Furthermore, nutritional advantages at low conspecific density may increase investment in dispersal ability. Together, these direct and delayed density‐dependent effects that gradually increase towards the expansion front are expected to accelerate range expansion.
Near‐future pH conditions severely impact calcification, metabolism and the nervous system in the pteropod Heliconoides inflatus
Authors: Moya Aurelie , Howes Ella L. , Lacoue‐Labarthe Thomas , Forêt Sylvain , Hanna Bishoy , Medina Mónica , Munday Philip L. , Ong Jue‐Sheng , Teyssié Jean‐Louis , Torda Gergely , Watson Sue‐Ann , Miller David J. , Bijma Jelle , Gattuso Jean‐Pierre
Published: June 2016

Shelled pteropods play key roles in the global carbon cycle and food webs of various ecosystems. Their thin external shell is sensitive to small changes in pH, and shell dissolution has already been observed in areas where aragonite saturation state is ~1. A decline in pteropod abundance has the potential to disrupt trophic networks and directly impact commercial fisheries. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how pteropods will be affected by global environmental change, particularly ocean acidification. In this study, physiological and molecular approaches were used to investigate the response of the Mediterranean pteropod, Heliconoides inflatus, to pH values projected for 2100 under a moderate emissions trajectory (RCP6.0). Pteropods were subjected to pHT 7.9 for 3 days, and gene expression levels, calcification and respiration rates were measured relative to pHT 8.1 controls. Gross calcification decreased markedly under low pH conditions, while genes potentially involved in calcification were up‐regulated, reflecting the inability of pteropods to maintain calcification rates. Gene expression data imply that under low pH conditions, both metabolic processes and protein synthesis may be compromised, while genes involved in acid–base regulation were up‐regulated. A large number of genes related to nervous system structure and function were also up‐regulated in the low pH treatment, including a GABAA receptor subunit. This observation is particularly interesting because GABAA receptor disturbances, leading to altered behavior, have been documented in several other marine animals after exposure to elevated CO2. The up‐regulation of many genes involved in nervous system function suggests that exposure to low pH could have major effects on pteropod behavior. This study illustrates the power of combining physiological and molecular approaches. It also reveals the importance of behavioral analyses in studies aimed at understanding the impacts of low pH on marine animals.