bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The validity of health belief model variables in predicting behavioral change
Authors: Sulat Jaelan Sumo , Prabandari Yayi Suryo , Sanusi Rossi , Hapsari Elsi Dwi , Santoso Budiono
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The health belief model (HBM) is the behavioral change theory most widely used in health behavior studies. Several studies have identified the limitations of this model, one of which concerns the validity in predicting behavioral changes. The purpose of this paper, scoping review, is to map the validity of HBM variables in predicting behavioral changes based on available synthesized evidences.

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. PubMed, Health Evidence, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar were searched using a combination of keywords: health belief model, review, systematic review and meta-analysis between February 15 and March 18, 2016.

Findings

Of the 1,457 articles, 4 met the inclusion criteria. All results showed that HBM variables were consistently related to behaviors and the strength of the correlation were varied. Perceived barriers and perceived benefits were the strongest predictor, while perceived severity was the weakest. The association between HBM variables and behaviors was moderated by some aspects of behavioral outcomes, the study design and the time interval between measurement of the HBM variables and behavior.

Originality/value

Although the four main variables of HBM have been shown to be related to behavior, the overall outcomes are varied and have not demonstrated conclusive evidence during the last ten years. The results of this scoping review imply the need for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the results of recent studies. In addition, more longitudinal studies are needed to ensure the validity of HBM variables by considering any possible moderators.
The moderating role of cultural factors in the adoption of mobile banking in Brazil
Authors: Goularte Alexandre da C. , Zilber Silvia Novaes
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the impact of country culture, represented by Hofstede cultural dimensions, in the adoption of Brazilian mobile banking services.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the replication of a theoretical model previously tested in Mozambique (Africa) that combines the extended version of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) with the five Hofstede cultural dimensions, this study tested that model in another emerging country, Brazil, using partial least squares (PLS) as a modeling method.

Findings

Replication showed that the cultural dimensions do not present strong significance in the moderation of the use of mobile banking. In fact, out of the five dimensions tested, three were not significant and two showed weak significance (p < 0.10): collectivism and short-term orientation. Those results, contrasting with that one presented by Baptista and Oliveira (2015), made sense under Ajzen’s theory (1991) – the TPB, leading to the conclusion that the moderation of cultural dimensions on behavior use is not applicable.

Originality/value

The authors concluded that the tested model may not be adherent, finding a theoretical gap to be explored in future studies: the moderation of the behavioral intention by cultural variables proposed by Hofstede. That finding supported the proposition of a new theoretical model, which considers the moderation of cultural dimensions in another place: behavioral intention to use mobile banking instead of the behavior use, as proposed by Baptista and Oliveira (2015). So, based on the research results and based on some authors cited in this study (Choi et al., 2014; Chou, 2013; Srite and Karahanna, 2006), it is proposed to insert Hofstede cultural variables as moderators of independent variables on the behavioral intention.
Investigating the benefits of online peer mentoring for student confidence and motivation
Authors: Fayram Jo , Boswood Nel , Kan Qian , Motzo Anna , Proudfoot Anna
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of an online peer-mentoring initiative for language students at the Open University, UK. The communities of practice (CoP) model (Wenger, 2010) was used as a theoretical framework within which to explore the nature and extent of mentor and mentee participation; and the impact of the scheme on student confidence and motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

Within a qualitative paradigm, multi-data sources were employed to collect and analyse data. Participation was measured from analysis of online interaction, while participant views were captured through interviews, forum posts and surveys.

Findings

Findings revealed that mentors were perceived by students who used the scheme to be instrumental in building confidence and motivation. In addition, varying participation patterns indicated that students used the online learning communities to meet their differing needs during their studies. These needs involved passively reading posts as well as actively posting.

Research limitations/implications

Any direct statistical correlation between student confidence and motivation and online peer mentoring was beyond the scope of this study and could be the focus of future research. Additionally, research might also explore the impact of student mentors on student participation in wider CoPs.

Practical implications

Practical recommendations from the study include the importance of mentor training to develop effective communication strategies and to differentiate the role from that of tutor moderators, whose remit is to respond to academic content-related queries in module-wide forums.

Originality/value

There is little research into the nature and impact of online peer mentoring on student motivation and confidence. This study aimed to bridge this gap.
Search, sense making and learning: closing gaps
Authors: Marchionini Gary
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss how search, sense making and learning have become more closely integrated, as search services have leveraged new technologies and large and media-diverse data streams.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews progress in search over the past 60 years, summarizes different theories of sense making and learning and proposes a framework for integrating these activities.

Findings

The arguments are supported with examples from search in 2018 and suggest that even as search becomes an automated process during learning, search strategies must continue to evolve to insure that complex information needs can be met.

Research limitations/implications

The work is limited to search that uses electronic search systems. Implications include the need to understand that multiple levels of system inferences/estimates are used to present search results and that different kinds of learning processes are affected by search systems.

Social implications

The importance of information literacy is implied.

Originality/value

This paper will provide readers with an understanding of how search services and systems have evolved and their implications for human learning.
Television advertising’s influence on parents’ gift-giving perceptions
Authors: Holiday Steven , Norman Mary S. , Cummins R. Glenn , Hernandez Terri N. , Holland Derrick , Rasmussen Eric E.
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine factors, beyond child requests, that influence parents’ perceptions of the most important gifts to give their children by assessing the influence of television advertising on children’s programming.

Design/methodology/approach

Using agenda-setting as a theoretical and methodological template, a content analysis of 7,860 commercials in children’s programming was compared using a questionnaire to 143 parents of 240 children to test the transfer of salience between advertising and parents’ perceptions. The study also examined the role of child purchase requests in this relationship.

Findings

The product categories that most prevalently advertised on children’s television had a significant relationship with the product categories that parents perceived to be the most important to give their children as gifts. Furthermore, the results indicate that this relationship was not contingent upon parental advertising mediation or child product requests.

Research limitations/implications

The results are limited to a single broadcast market during the Christmas season. Strategically, the research suggests that advertising through children’s television programming may be an effective way to directly inform parents’ gift-giving consideration sets, and this target and outlet should be strategically evaluated in subsequent campaign decisions about the marketing mix.

Originality/value

The findings add new insights to the gift-giving literature, indicating that advertising in children’s programming may be an alternative direct influence on parents’ perceptions. This research also extends research on advertising agenda setting into the new context of commercial advertising of consumer products.
Developing a consumer relationship model of corporate social performance
Authors: Eveland Vicki Blakney , Crutchfield Tammy Neal , Rynarzewska Ania Izabela
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to address the complex nature of social performance (CSP/CSR) in building a trust-based consumer relationship. The relative and aggregate influence of corporate functional performance, corporate social performance (CSP) and shared values within a trust-based customer–brand relationship and their impact on behavioral loyalty in the forms of retention, referral and ease of voice are empirically tested.

Design/methodology/approach

Respondents were recruited to participate in a study on ice cream shop preferences. Structural equation modeling was used to simultaneously test the effects of independent variables on dependent variables.

Findings

Shared values mediate the effect that CSP has on trust and all loyalty behaviors. Trust has a significant influence on one behavior:retention.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may be specific by industry, product type or consumer involvement. Further tests should be performed with varying levels of each.

Practical implications

Millennial consumers expect organizations/brands to engage in CSR activities, and, because of increased CSP reporting, are aware of an organization’s CSR efforts. If the CSP does not reflect the customer’s value system (shared values), the long-term relationship can be impacted negatively. Firms must strategically consider the values communicated by their CSR activities to build and care for long-term relationships with their target consumer.

Originality/value

This research is the first to integrate and test a comprehensive consumer relationship model of CSP.
Family factors and fruit and vegetable consumption in Chinese preschool children living in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Ruth , Yeung Suey , Leung Cynthia , Lo Sing Kai , Tsang Sandra
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the association of various family factors with children’s fruit and vegetable (FV) intake.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional analysis of data from 601 parent-child dyads with children aged three to six years old was conducted. Parents completed questionnaires on child’s FV intake, parenting styles, parental feeding practices, family functioning, television viewing at mealtimes and frequency of family meals. Logistic regression was used to assess the association between various family factors and the likelihood of meeting the child’s daily FV recommendation with adjustment for different demographic variables.

Findings

Multivariate model adjusting for sociodemographic data indicated that meeting vegetable recommendation was associated with lower frequency of dining with grandparents (Odds ratio (OR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.89–0.99,p=0.031) and positively associated with parents using more desirable parental feeding practices (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.09–1.21,p<0.001). Meeting fruit recommendation was associated with parents using more desirable parental feeding practices (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.09–1.17,p<0.001), higher frequency of dining with grandparents (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00–1.10,p=0.041), lower frequency of dining with father (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.82–0.98,p=0.014) and higher score on authoritative parenting style (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01–1.08,p=0.009).

Originality/value

This study highlights the potential protective roles of various family factors, in particular authoritative parenting style and parental feeding practices, such as role modeling, moderate restrictive practices for less healthy foods, avoidance of forced feeding, and not using junk food as reward in relation to meeting FV recommendation in children. The role of grandparents in influencing the young children’s eating behaviors within the Chinese family warrants further investigation.
Improving defense innovation programs to enhance force readiness
Authors: Bresler Amanda
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate Department of Defense (DoD)-backed innovation programs as a means of enhancing the adoption of new technology throughout the armed forces.

Design/methodology/approach

The distribution of 1.29 million defense contract awards over seven years was analyzed across a data set of more than 8,000 DoD-backed innovation program award recipients. Surveys and interviews of key stakeholder groups were conducted to contextualize the quantitative results and garner additional insights.

Findings

Nearly half of DoD innovation program participants achieve no meaningful growth in direct defense business after program completion, and most small, innovative companies that win follow-on defense contracts solely support their initial sponsor branch. Causes for these program failures include the fact that programs do not market participants’ capabilities to the defense community and do not track participant companies after program completion.

Practical implications

Because the DoD does not market the capabilities of its innovation program participants internally, prospective DoD customers conduct redundant market research or fail to modernize. Program participants become increasingly unwilling to invest in the DoD market long term after the programs fail to deliver their expected benefits.

Originality/value

Limited scholarship evaluates the efficacy of DoD-backed innovation programs as a means of enhancing force readiness. This research not only uses a vast data set to demonstrate the failures of these programs but also presents concrete recommendations for improving them – including establishing an “Innovators Database” to track program participants and an incentive to encourage contracting entities and contractors to engage with them.
Christian entrepreneurial activities and micro women entrepreneurship development
Authors: Quagrainie Fanny Adams , Opoku Mensah Abigail , Adom Alex Yaw
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Review of literature suggests mixed findings on the relationship between the church and micro women entrepreneurship development. This signals that questions remain about the roles of churches in entrepreneurial development. Thus, this paper aims to explore what entrepreneurial activities are provided by churches to their micro women entrepreneurs and how do these activities influence their entrepreneurial start up and growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Phenomenological research methodologies were used to purposive collected data from 38 women entrepreneurs and four church administers in Tema. Results were analyzed using the emergent strategy.

Findings

The results suggest that churches provided four entrepreneurial activities which are categorized as finance, networking, promotion of self-confidence and impartation of ethical values. These factors promoted the growth of women entrepreneurial growth but not the start-up of entrepreneurial ventures. The study concluded that the church should provide more support for new entrepreneurial ventures. Therefore, embeddedness because of membership of a church is a critical part of women entrepreneurship development.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies will need to replicate these findings with other types of businesses, in other locations.

Practical implications

This study suggests that policymakers should be working in conjunction with churches in a bid to promote micro women entrepreneurship development.

Originality/value

Limited research has been conducted on church entrepreneurial activities in the development of micro women entrepreneurs in developing economies such as Ghana. This empirical research provides important insights into this field.
Exchange characteristics, capability upgrading and innovation performance: evidence from Latin America
Authors: Nuruzzaman N. , Singh Deeksha
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to attempt to examine the effect of firm-customer exchange characteristics, frequency and specificity, on the likelihood of the firm to generate customer-driven innovation. The authors draw from social capital theory and argue that repetitive and customer-specific exchange improves the trusts between firm and customers, which in turn ease the flows of tacit knowledge from customers to the firm. From the perspective of customer knowledge management, the authors contribute by examining the mechanism by which a firm can acquire knowledge from and about customers. The authors further argue that a firm’s ability to absorb knowledge from customers and turn them into innovation also depends on its internal capability. A firm that consistently upgrades its capacity is more likely to generate customer-driven innovation than those that do not. Also, the authors argue that the joint effect of exchange characteristics and internal capability upgrading can further increase the likelihood of customer-driven innovation. Such a joint force implies the positive moderating effect of internal capability upgrading to the relationship between exchange characteristics and customer-driven innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors test the hypotheses on 3,000 firms from six countries in Latin America. They take advantage of the 2017 World Bank Enterprises Survey. This most recent of the survey asks questions on various types of innovation and firm-customers exchange characteristics and other firm-level variables.

Findings

The authors find support for our hypotheses that repeated exchange and exchanges tailored to specific customers have a positive effect on customer-driven innovation. Also, they find the support that internal capability upgrading, in the form of investment in product design, marketing and organizational development has a positive effect on customer-driven innovation. The authors also find that investment in product design positively moderates the impact of exchange characteristics on the likelihood of customer-driven innovation.

Originality/value

While past studies focus on strategies to acquire and manage customers’ knowledge, little has been said about how exchange attributes can encourage or discourage innovation? This question is important because various theoretical perspectives may have a different prediction on the effect of firm-customer relationship and innovation. This study attempts to bridge such theoretical tension.
The intelligent library
Authors: Cox Andrew M. , Pinfield Stephen , Rutter Sophie
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The last few years have seen a surge of interest in artificial intelligence (AI). The purpose of this paper is to capture a snapshot of perceptions of the potential impact of AI on academic libraries and to reflect on its implications for library work.

Design/methodology/approach

The data for the study were interviews with 33 library directors, library commentators and experts in education and publishing.

Findings

Interviewees identified impacts of AI on search and resource discovery, on scholarly publishing and on learning. Challenges included libraries being left outside the focus of development, ethical concerns, intelligibility of decisions and data quality. Some threat to jobs was perceived. A number of potential roles for academic libraries were identified such as data acquisition and curation, AI tool acquisition and infrastructure building, aiding user navigation and data literacy.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers to examine current expectations around the impact of AI on academic libraries. The authors propose the paradigm of the intelligent library to capture the potential impact of AI for libraries.
Investigation of challenges in academic institutional repositories
Authors: Joo Soohyung , Hofman Darra , Kim Youngseek
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the breadth of the challenges and issues facing institutional repositories in academic libraries, based on a survey of academic librarians. Particularly, this study covers the challenges and barriers related to data management facing institutional repositories.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a survey method to identify the relative significance of major challenges facing institutional repositories across six dimensions, including: data, metadata, technological requirements, user needs, ethical concerns and administrative challenges.

Findings

The results of the survey reveal that academic librarians identify limited resources, including insufficient budget and staff, as the major factor preventing the development and/or deployment of services in institutional repositories. The study also highlights crucial challenges in different dimensions of institutional repositories, including the sheer amount of data, institutional support for metadata creation and the sensitivity of data.

Originality/value

This study is one of a few studies that comprehensively identified the variety of challenges that institutional repositories face in operating academic libraries with a focus on data management in institutional repositories. In this study, 37 types of challenges were identified in six dimensions of institutional repositories. More importantly, the significance of those challenges was assessed from the perspective of academic librarians involved in institutional repository services.
Towards building circular economy
Authors: Gaur Jighyasu , Mani Venkatesh , Banerjee Pratyush , Amini Mehdi , Gupta Ritu
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Extant literature provides insights about consumers’ purchase intentions (PI) and willingness to pay for reconstructed products but does not capture cross-cultural differences. The purpose of this paper is to understand consumers’ PI for reconstructed products in a cross-cultural setting for the development of circular economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes consumers from two diverse societies (India and the USA). The authors conduct two sets of analyses in this paper. The first analysis attempts to identify the difference between the Indian and US consumers’ PI for reconstructed products, who are residing permanently in their home countries. In the second analysis, the authors investigate the impact of socio-cultural norms on PI, for reconstructed products, of the Indian (USA) consumers relocated to the USA (India). In-depth interviews are conducted for data collection. Subsequently, data analysis was carried out using thematic analysis approach.

Findings

The results indicate that US consumers: possess altruistic buying behavior; are eco-centric toward waste disposal; strictly follow the regulations and socio-cultural norms; and have harmony orientation toward nature. In contrast, Indian consumers: possess utilitarian buying behavior; demonstrate anthropocentric attitude toward waste disposal; do not necessarily follow the regulations; and have mastery orientation toward nature.

Practical implications

At policy level, government in emerging economies should formulate regulations that promote the use of reconstructed products. At firm level, firms should exploit promotional and advertisement efforts to enhance awareness about reconstructed products.

Originality/value

The study is an early attempt in the literature to capture cross-cultural differences for reconstructed products.
Improving the profit by using a mixed after-sales service as a market segmentation
Authors: Sun Miao , Tian Ye , Yan Yufei , Liao Yi
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to study the mixed after-sales service which simultaneously offers return and replacement services. The authors develop a model to propose what kind of after-sales service the firm should choose and how to make the after-sales service policy to improve the profit. The study aims to extend the literature on the mixed after-sales service and give some support to the managers to make decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors use the optimization modeling method to describe the situations of a firm offering two exclusive after-sales service policies and a mixed after-sales service policy, respectively. They compare the results in different cases and analyze the impact of different parameters on the boundary values and other results. Finally, the authors include three numerical examples to illustrate the major results.

Findings

The authors find that the mixed after-sales service can successfully segment the market, meet various customers’ distinct needs and differentiate the service prices to improve the total profit. Moreover, the authors find the boundary values which indicate the optimal interval for each service. Then, for a certain situation, they can clearly tell which after-sales service dominates and provides the optimal selling price, order quantity and total profit. Besides, the authors show the impact of different parameters on the boundary values and other results.

Originality/value

This paper combines after-sales service into traditional models and provides a new mixed service to segment the market and improve total revenue. It provides some managerial implications for the decision-makers.
Multilatinas: a systematic literature review
Authors: Lopez-Morales Jose Satsumi
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a systematic literature review on the subject of multilatinas during 2007-2017, through a review of 55 papers published in 35 journals.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative technique for conducting a systematic literature review was used. To systematize and make the literature review more accurate, it was divided in four stages: data collection, coding, analysis and interpretation of data. Several tables and figures were developed to provide a better interpretation of the literature.

Findings

The phenomenon of multilatinas is still a regional topic. Nine specific gaps in the literature were identified: the role of the state; impact of “home-country reputation”; the role of the host country in the expansion of multilatinas; multilatina selection of markets with geographical closeness and cultural affinity; multilatinas from small economies (mainly Central American countries); studies of multilatinas operating in the service sector; the role of family ownership; studies analysing the multinationality–performance relationship; and the study of collaboration networks between researchers.

Research limitations/implications

The access of academic databases, where more published studies may have been available, and the level of precision in the search for papers that meet the necessary characteristics were included in the review.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to not only the body of knowledge about multilatinas but also, in a wide scope, to the knowledge of multinationals from emerging countries. Furthermore also this paper provide some research directions for academics interested in multinationals.

Originality/value

The general contribution of this paper is in its addressing the topic of multinationals from emerging economies such as Latin America, a less-studied emerging region. Moreover, this work specifically contributes to understanding multilatinas and identifies research gaps and characteristics of the scientific papers on this phenomenon, potentially increasing knowledge about multinationals from emerging countries, and specifically Latin America.
Reasons, motives and motivations for completing a PhD: a typology of doctoral studies as a quest
Authors: Skakni Isabelle
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine how PhD students with diverse profiles, intentions and expectations manage to navigate their doctoral paths within the same academic context under similar institutional conditions. Drawing on Giddens’ theory of structuration, this study explores how their primary reasons, motives and motivations for engaging in doctoral studies influence what they perceive as facilitating or constraining to progress, their strategies to face the challenges they encounter and their expectations regarding supervision.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative design, the analysis was conducted on a data subset from an instrumental case study (Stake, 2013) about PhD students’ persistence and progression. The focus is placed on semi-structured interviews carried out with 36 PhD students from six faculties in humanities and social sciences fields at a large Canadian university.

Findings

The analysis reveals three distinct scenarios regarding how these PhD students navigate their doctoral paths: the quest for the self; the intellectual quest; and the professional quest. Depending on their quest type, the nature and intensity of PhD students’ concerns and challenges, as well as their strategies and the support they expected, differed.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the discussion about PhD students’ challenges and persistence by offering a unique portrait of how diverse students’ profiles, intentions and expectations can concretely shape a doctoral experience.
Organizational learning as a moderator of the effect of employee participation on academic results
Authors: Tran Huy Quang , Pham Ngoc Thi Bich
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Higher education institutions are centers for knowledge creation and transfer, but most are not considered effective learning organizations, as their knowledge resources are not highly used. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating role of organizational learning on the relationship between employee participation and academic results in higher education institutions to promote learning in such organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from 1,050 faculties and managers at 139 Vietnamese universities were aggregated and used for analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical multiple regression techniques were applied to test the moderating role of organizational learning in the relationship between employee participation and academic results.

Findings

The results provide support for the view that organizational learning positively moderates the relationship between employee participation and academic results in higher education institutions.

Originality/value

The paper explores the concept of organizational learning in the higher education context and clarifies its moderating role to enhance Vietnamese university performance through learning.
An investigation of age and gender differences in children’s preferences underlying choice
Authors: Yeh Marie A. , Jewell Robert D. , Zamudio Cesar
Published: November 2018

Purpose

This study aims to investigate age and gender differences in young consumers’ attribute preferences that underlie their choice decisions. This research proposes and finds that attribute preferences are moderated by age but not gender. Understanding how children at different ages evaluate a product’s attributes is essential to new children’s product development.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical Bayesian choice-based conjoint analysis was used to assess attribute importance via a series of choice tasks among children and adults. Adults completed the study by survey, whereas children were interviewed and led through the choice tasks.

Findings

This research finds that the preference structure for a product’s attributes differs systematically based on the age of children. Younger children chose based on perceptually salient attributes of a product, whereas older children chose based on cognitively salient attributes. When children’s attribute preferences are compared to adults, older children value attributes more similarly to adults than younger children. While gender differences were proposed and found, further analysis indicated that these differences were driven by adults in the sample and that no gender differences existed in the children’s age categories.

Originality/value

This study is the first to study children’s preference structure in complex choices with different ages preferring different attributes. By using conjoint analysis, this research is able to understand children’s underlying decision process, as utility scores are obtained providing a level of precision for understanding the underlying process of children’s choices that other studies have not used.
DNA barcodes identify 99 per cent of apoid wasp species (Hymenoptera: Ampulicidae, Crabronidae, Sphecidae) from the Western Palearctic
Authors: Schmid‐Egger Christian , Straka Jakub , Ljubomirov Toshko , Blagoev Gergin A. , Morinière Jérôme , Schmidt Stefan
Published: November 2018

The apoid wasps have traditionally been regarded as a paraphyletic assemblage of four families (Ampulicidae, Crabronidae, Heterogynaidae and Sphecidae) that are closely related to the bees (Anthophila). The present study covers the three families of apoid wasps known to occur in Europe, that is, the Ampulicidae, Crabronidae and Sphecidae. DNA barcode sequences of 3,695 specimens of apoid wasps were analysed for the present study, including 21 specimens of Ampulicidae, 3,398 Crabronidae and 276 Sphecidae. The sequences of the dataset represent 661 species of apoid wasps, including two species of Ampulicidae, 613 of Crabronidae and 46 species of Sphecidae. The dataset includes DNA barcodes of 240 species of German apoid wasps, representing 88% of the German fauna, and 578 European species, representing 65% of the European apoid wasp fauna. The study demonstrates that virtually all species of the three examined families can be reliably identified by DNA barcodes. The implications of highly congruent results between traditional taxonomy and DNA barcoding for the reliable application of DNA‐based identifications are discussed.
Blood transfusion following intended vaginal birth after cesarean vs elective repeat cesarean section in women with a prior primary cesarean: A population‐based record linkage study
Authors: Pont Sarah , Austin Kathryn , Ibiebele Ibinabo , Torvaldsen Siranda , Patterson Jillian , Ford Jane
Published: November 2018

Introduction

There is a lack of evidence around the risk of transfusion following vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) compared with elective repeat cesarean section (ERCS); this is important for decision‐making about birth options. The aim of this study was to determine transfusion rates and risk of transfusion following intended VBAC and ERCS.

Material and methods

Women with a primary cesarean who had a subsequent birth at term (≥37 weeks) in New South Wales between 2000 and 2012, were identified from the New South Wales Perinatal Data Collection. Blood transfusions were identified from linked hospital records. Women deemed ineligible for VBAC were excluded. Modified Poisson regression was used to determine transfusion risk associated with intended VBAC compared with ERCS. Intended mode of birth was classified as: (1) intended VBAC and vaginal birth, (2) intended VBAC and cesarean, (3) intended ERCS and (4) “intention uncertain”.

Results

A total of 90 439 women were eligible for VBAC. Rates of transfusion were: 1.4% for intended VBAC and vaginal birth (n = 17 849); 1.2% for intended VBAC and cesarean (n = 7648); 0.3% for intended ERCS (n = 60 471); and 1.1% for “intention uncertain” (n = 4471). After adjusting for maternal and pregnancy characteristics, risk of transfusion was almost four times higher for women classified as intended VBAC than intended ERCS (adjusted risk ratio = 3.73, 95% confidence interval 2.90‐4.78).

Conclusions

Following a prior primary cesarean, there was a higher risk of transfusion associated with attempting VBAC compared with ERCS. Though the absolute risk is small, it is important for women considering VBAC to choose birthing facilities with ready access to blood products.
Opening the box? Tourism planning and development in Myanmar: Capitalism, communities and change
Authors: Clifton Julian , Hampton Mark P. , Jeyacheya Julia
Published: November 2018

Myanmar (formerly Burma) is emerging from almost six decades of international isolation into a period of rapid economic growth. Following moves towards increasing democratisation since 2011, Myanmar's tourism industry has been propelled from ‘tourism pariah’ to rising ‘tourism star’ and is experiencing an extraordinary growth in tourism arrivals with associated revenues and investment. The unique rapidity of Myanmar's recent transition enables an examination of how contemporary forces of globalisation and neoliberalism determine the direction and mode of tourism development from its beginnings. We show how tourism is perceived by the national government as an engine for rural development, conservation and livelihood creation for poor and rural communities. We then demonstrate how this is re‐shaped by a globalised tourism industry into a socially and economically exclusive model which capitalises upon weak governance and disempowered local stakeholders. We conclude with observations which may point towards a more sustainable and responsible tourism industry.
Initial outcomes of local anaesthetic freehand transperineal prostate biopsies in the outpatient setting
Authors: Kum Francesca , Elhage Oussama , Maliyil Jed , Wong Kathie , Faure Walker Nicholas , Kulkarni Meghana , Namdarian Benjamin , Challacombe Benjamin , Cathcart Paul , Popert Rick
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the histopathological outcomes, morbidity and tolerability of freehand transperineal (TP) prostate biopsies using the PrecisionPoint™ access system (Perineologic, Cumberland, MD, USA) under local anaesthetic (LA) in the day surgery and outpatient environments, as systematic and targeted biopsies can be taken with the potential for reduced morbidity, particularly sepsis.

Patients and Methods

In all, 176 patients underwent freehand TP prostate biopsies from May 2016 to November 2017. The procedure was carried out either under LA alone or with the addition of sedation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were reported using the Prostate Imaging‐Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS), version 2. Tolerability was assessed using a visual analogue scale pain score for each procedural stage. Histopathological outcomes and complications were recorded.

Results

The mean (range) age was 65 (36–83) years, median (range) prostate‐specific antigen level was 7.9 (0.7–1374) ng/mL, and the mean (range) prostate volume 45 (15–157) mL. Biopsies were taken under LA alone (160 patients, 90%) or under LA with sedation (16, 9%). The main indication for biopsy was primary diagnosis (88.6%). In all, 91 (52%) patients underwent systematic TP biopsies (mean 24.2 cores). Cognitive MRI‐targeted biopsies alone were performed in 45 patients (26%; mean 6.8 cores), and 40 (23%) had both systematic and target biopsies (mean 27.9 cores). Of the 75 patients who had primary systematic biopsies alone, 46 (61%) were positive, and 28/46 (60.9%) were diagnosed with clinically significant disease (Gleason ≥3+4). VAS pain scores were greatest during LA administration. There were five complications (2.8%, Clavien–Dindo Grade I/II). No patients developed urosepsis.

Conclusions

Freehand TP biopsies using the PrecisionPoint access system is a safe, tolerable and effective method for systematic and targeted biopsies under LA in the outpatient setting. It has replaced transrectal biopsies in our centre and has potential to transform practice.
Performance Improvement (Pi) score: an algorithm to score Pi objectively during E‐BLUS hands‐on training sessions. A European Association of Urology, Section of Uro‐Technology (ESUT) project
Authors: Veneziano Domenico , Canova Antonio , Arnolds Michiel , Beatty John D. , Biyani Chandra S. , Dehò Federico , Fiori Cristian , Hellawell Giles O. , Langenhuijsen J.F. , Pini Giovannalberto , Rodriguez Faba Oscar , Siena Giampaolo , Skolarikos Andreas , Tokas Theodoros , Van Cleynenbreugel Ben S.E.P. , Wagner Christian , Tripepi Giovanni , Somani Bhaskar , Lima Estevao
Published: November 2018

Objective

To evaluate the variability of subjective tutor performance improvement (Pi) assessment and to compare it with a novel measurement algorithm: the Pi score.

Materials and Methods

The Pi‐score algorithm considers time measurement and number of errors from two different repetitions (first and fifth) of the same training task and compares them to the relative task goals, to produce an objective score. We collected data during eight courses on the four European Association of Urology training in Basic Laparoscopic Urological Skills (E‐BLUS) tasks. The same tutor instructed on all courses. Collected data were independently analysed by 14 hands‐on training experts for Pi assessment. Their subjective Pi assessments were compared for inter‐rater reliability. The average per‐participant subjective scores from all 14 proctors were then compared with the objective Pi‐score algorithm results. Cohen's κ statistic was used for comparison analysis.

Results

A total of 50 participants were enrolled. Concordance found between the 14 proctors' scores was the following: Task 1, κ = 0.42 (moderate); Task 2, κ = 0.27 (fair); Task 3, κ = 0.32 (fair); and Task 4, κ = 0.55 (moderate). Concordance between Pi‐score results and proctor average scores per participant was the following: Task 1, κ = 0.85 (almost perfect); Task 2, κ = 0.46 (moderate); Task 3, κ = 0.92 (almost perfect); Task 4 = 0.65 (substantial).

Conclusion

The present study shows that evaluation of Pi is highly variable, even when formulated by a cohort of experts. Our algorithm successfully provided an objective score that was equal to the average Pi assessment of a cohort of experts, in relation to a small amount of training attempts.
Narrative Matters: Suicide – Thirteen Reasons Why
Authors: Bates Gordon David Lyle
Published: November 2018

Representations of suicide in all media change across time and society. This provocative essay examines depictions in Western culture in general and 13 Reasons Why, specifically. The role of culture and society in the development of suicidal behaviour is also considered.
Long‐term follow‐up of single crowns supported by short, moderately rough implants—A prospective 10‐year cohort study
Authors: Rossi Fabio , Lang Niklaus P. , Ricci Emanuele , Ferraioli Lorenzo , Baldi Niccolò , Botticelli Daniele
Published: November 2018

Objectives

To evaluate prospectively the clinical and radiographic outcomes after ten years of short (6 mm) implants with a moderately rough surface supporting single crowns in the posterior region.

Material and Methods

Forty 6 mm modified sandblasted large‐grit acid‐etched (mod‐SLA), soft tissue level implants were installed in the distal segments of 35 consecutive patients. After 6 weeks of healing, abutments were tightened, and single porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal crowns were cemented. Implant survival, marginal bone loss, and clinical crown/implant ratio were evaluated at various time intervals up to 10 years after loading.

Results

Two out of the 40 implants were lost before loading, one implant was lost after 7 years because of peri‐implantitis. One patient with two implants died and was excluded from analysis. Two patients did not come at the 10‐year follow‐up and were considered as drop out (2 implants). The survival rate was 91.7% (n = 36). Thirty‐three implants were available for marginal bone loss evaluation. A mean marginal bone loss after 10 years of function was 0.8 ± 0.7 mm. Between 5 and 10 years, the loss was 0.2 ± 0.4 mm. No technical complications were registered during the 10‐year period. The clinical crown/implant ratio increased with time from 1.6 at the delivery of the prosthesis to 2.0 after 10 years of loading with no increase between 5 and 10 years.

Conclusion

Short (6 mm) implants with a moderately rough surface supporting single crowns in the posterior region and loaded after 6–7 weeks maintained full function for at least 10 years with low marginal bone resorption.
Reconciling pest control, nature conservation, and recreation in coniferous forests
Authors: Hagge Jonas , Leibl Franz , Müller Jörg , Plechinger Martin , Soutinho João Gonçalo , Thorn Simon
Published: November 2018

Protected areas are not only crucial for biodiversity and natural processes but also for recreation. Although a benign neglect strategy of dealing with natural disturbances in protected areas is beneficial for nature, public debate on avoiding increased pest population growth has intensified. We evaluated the effect of mechanical pest control measures in decreasing populations of insect pests, maintaining nontarget biodiversity, retaining high recreational value, and keeping economic costs low. Debarking and bark scratching or gouging effectively prevented infestation of felled trees by European spruce bark beetles (Ips typographus) and controlled the beetles in recently infested trees. Bark scratching or gouging retained biodiversity at natural levels, whereas debarking decreased biodiversity by 54% with higher economic costs. The public rated bark‐gouged trees more positively than debarked trees. We thus urge authorities to promote bark scratching or gouging in the control of bark beetles in protected areas instead of salvage logging and debarking.
IL‐33 guides osteogenesis and increases proliferation and pluripotency marker expression in dental stem cells
Authors: Kukolj Tamara , Trivanović Drenka , Mojsilović Slavko , Okić Djordjević Ivana , Obradović Hristina , Krstić Jelena , Jauković Aleksandra , Bugarski Diana
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Soluble IL‐33 (interleukin (IL)‐1‐like cytokine) acts as endogenous alarm signal (alarmin). Since alarmins, besides activating immune system, act to restore tissue homeostasis, we investigated whether IL‐33 exerts beneficial effects on oral stem cell pull.

Materials and Methods

Clonogenicity, proliferation, differentiation and senescence of stem cells derived from human periodontal ligament (PDLSCs) and dental pulp (DPSCs) were determined after in vitro exposure to IL‐33. Cellular changes were detected by flow cytometry, Western blot, immunocytochemistry and semiquantitative RT‐PCR.

Results

IL‐33 stimulated proliferation, clonogenicity and expression of pluripotency markers, OCT‐4, SOX‐2 and NANOG, but it inhibited ALP activity and mineralization in both PDLSCs and DPSCs. Higher Ki67 expression and reduced β‐galactosidase activity in IL‐33‐treated cells were demonstrated, whereas these trends were more conspicuous in osteogenic medium. However, after 7‐day IL‐33 pretreatment, differentiation capacity of IL‐33‐pretreated cells was retained, and increased ALP activity was observed in both cell types. Results showed that IL‐33 regulates NF‐κB and β‐catenin signalling, indicating the association of these molecules with changes observed in IL‐33‐treated PDLSCs and DPSCs, particularly their proliferation, pluripotency‐associated marker expression and osteogenesis.

Conclusions

IL‐33 treatment impairs osteogenesis of PDLSCs and DPSCs, while increases their clonogenicity, proliferation and pluripotency marker expression. After exposure to IL‐33, osteogenic capacity of cells stayed intact. NF‐κB and β‐catenin are implicated in the effects achieved by IL‐33 in PDLSCs and DPSCs.