bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring digital library usage for getting information from the ELM perspective
Authors: Zha Xianjin , Li Li , Yan Yalan , Wang Qian , Wang Gang
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The elaboration likelihood model (ELM) provides a general framework for understanding the basic processes underlying the effectiveness of persuasion. The purpose of this paper is to utilize the ELM to understand the basic processes underlying the effectiveness of persuasion to use digital libraries for getting information.

Design/methodology/approach

– The survey data collection was conducted in one comprehensive university. The partial least squares structured equation modelling was employed to verify the research model.

Findings

– Source credibility and reputation have positive effects on information usefulness which further significantly impacts digital library usage for getting information. The effect of information quality on information usefulness is overpowered by reputation. Information need positively moderates the effect of information quality on information usefulness and negatively moderates the effect of reputation on information usefulness.

Practical implications

– Digital libraries enormously influence the way how individuals gather information over the world. However, the important status of digital libraries as conventional information sources in practice invites appreciation by more and more people. The authors believe the findings of this study provide useful insights for facilitating digital libraries to be fully accessed and utilized.

Originality/value

– This study explores the effects of the central route (information quality) and the peripheral route (source credibility and reputation) on digital library usage for getting information by extending the ELM with information need as a motivation variable, presenting a new lens for digital library research and practice alike.
Downsize or rightsize? Changing KESC to K-ELECTRIC (Case A)
Authors: Ansari Nyla Aleem
Published: May 2016

Subject area

Organizational restructuring strategy such as downsizing and rightsizing and their effects on organizational performance.

Study level/applicability

The case can be taught to graduate students of a business administration program for change management or human resources management courses.

Case overview

The case discusses a structural change strategy followed by a crisis management situation of a Pakistani state-owned enterprise with hierarchical structures, unclear work roles and workplace corruption and its shift toward a profitable company with rebranded mission and values. With the management takeover by the Abraaj Group, several issues were identified as major blocks to K-ELECTRIC’s performance. Drastic changes included information technology advancement, investment in infrastructure of generation capacity, marketing campaigns and corporate social responsibility initiatives with a record profit in 2011-2012, for the first time in 17 years. But, the greatest challenge to quality service and profitability was faced by the human resources department, to retrench 4,459 workers by offering a voluntary separation scheme to non-core management staff in 2009. However, disregarding the successful impact on business performance, only 300 workers (approximately) had accepted the package in early 2010, while the rest questioned the decision of outsourcing non-core jobs and demanded reinstatement with the company, followed by a series of protests in January 2010. K-ELECTRIC needed to make some sensitive and timely decisions to ensure efficient and quality service to its customers as its top agenda.

Expected learning outcomes

The outcomes include: to understand the challenges faced by a recently privatized public utility service to become lean and efficient without compromising on its public mission of providing electricity to the residents of the city; to analyze the factors that influence choice of restructuring strategies and their effects on the employment relationship and organizational performance; to recognize the critical role of leadership in choosing a voluntary downsizing strategy and analyzing the sense of urgency needed to execute the decision; and to recognize the role of legal and organizational consultancy needed in critical decision-making to prevent workplace violence.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes and teaching guide.
ICON stores: managing a new business venture
Authors: Ali Umrani Waheed , Khaliq Doudpota Abdul , Ahmed Umair
Published: May 2016

Subject area

Entrepreneurship.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate – Entrepreneurship.

Case overview

The case concerns to an entrepreneur named Aamir Ghouri, a US graduate, who is concerned about managing the growth of his newly established venture named ICON Stores. The case presents the idea of entrepreneurial mindset characteristics and motivation besides which, it also explains the typical venture creation process in Pakistan and the general rubrics used to measure the entrepreneurial success in the economy.

Expected learning outcomes

The case is designed to help students to understand entrepreneurial mindset, characteristics and motivation; to understand entrepreneurial venture creation process; to learn the common practices regarding the measurement of entrepreneurial success of new venture; and to outline as to how growth of a new venture could be managed profitably.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
An investment decision dilemma
Authors: Mukherjee Sulagna , Durga Prasad M. , Kumar Sudeep S.
Published: May 2016

Subject area

Financial Accounting and Corporate Finance.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate, Post Graduate and Executive Education.

Case overview

T.A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), a leading B School in South India had established its new campus in Badagabettu village, about 5 km away from Manipal, Udupi District, Karnataka. Though the campus housed about a thousand inmates, comprising students, staff and faculty members, a proper public transport system did not develop commensurate with other facilities. The TAPMI administration was flooded with requests from various stakeholders to find a solution to this vexed problem. The Dean Administration had three options before him namely convincing the existing private bus operator to run a new bus en route TAPMI, TAPMI purchases the bus by either paying cash or availing loan from a bank or TAPMI can take a bus on lease. The predicament before Dean was to find out the most economically viable solution.

Expected learning outcomes

At the end of this case discussion, the participants will be able to: understand the application of breakeven analysis; prepare income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement and forecast of cash flows; evaluate financing and investing decisions by using various techniques; discuss and debate the different alternatives available to the organization.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.
Are rules of origin protective measures under preferential trade agreements?
Authors: Kim Young-Han , Ha Eui-Hyun
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Rules of origin (ROOs) are often cited as major trade barriers even after tariff barriers are removed with the formation of preferential trade agreement (PTA) as shown in a survey result that a large number South Korean firms in the textile industry give up utilizing tariff-free exports to the USA after the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) due to ROOs. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of ROOs on the equilibrium FTA regime and the welfare effects.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors determine the impact of ROOs on the equilibrium FTA regime based on an oligopolistic model where there are asymmetry in production technologies of intermediate goods and the capacity of outsourcing intermediate goods.

Findings

– The authors demonstrate that ROOs are used as a protective trade policy against the FTA member country with an outsourcing option for technologically dominant intermediate goods.

Practical implications

– The non-cooperative features of ROOs found in this paper necessitates the introduction of an international coordination mechanism to avoid the prisoners’ dilemma-type implementation of ROOs.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a theoretical frame to analyze the protective effects of ROOs under PTAs.
Environmental assessment of radon levels in Cyprus
Authors: Soteriades Elpidoforos S , Petrokokkinos Loukas , Talias Michael A , Zissimos Andreas , Kolovou Maria , Potiriadis Constantinos , Kamenopoulou Vasiliki , Georgiou Evangelos
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Radon is responsible for approximately 50 per cent of public exposure to environmental radiation. The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively assess indoor radon levels in Cyprus.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 500 passive radon detectors were used to estimate radon levels in the areas of Nicosia (capital), Paphos, Nisou and Famagusta. A total of 240 different public and private buildings were randomly selected in the above districts and two passive radon detectors were placed inside each building. The detectors were collected on average, three months following placement.

Findings

– The average radon level from all passive detectors was 53.7 and 49.2 Bq/m3 after excluding the seven highest values. The two highest measurements were observed in Paphos, Tsada-Kili elementary school (429 Bq/m3) and Emba, Paphos district (410 Bq/m3), respectively. Differences were also seen in public buildings compared to private buildings (p=0.058). In addition, rural buildings had higher radon levels compared to urban buildings (p=0.001). Predictive multilevel regression models for logarithmic radon levels were employed and differences were seen on point estimates regarding building- and district-level radon measurements. Most of the random variability observed was due to building-level variation.

Practical implications

– Residents from different geographic areas in Cyprus are reassured about the safety of indoor radon levels in public and private buildings.

Originality/value

– The estimation of indoor radon levels was done by the optical microscopy technique using a specific mathematical formula. Observed radon levels do not raise concern regarding residents’ radon exposure in Cyprus. Paphos district and Nisou area may require further investigation.
Predictors of young consumer’s green purchase behaviour
Authors: Joshi Yatish , Rahman Zillur
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that predict green purchase behaviour of young educated consumers in Delhi.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was carried out on a sample of 1,502 young educated consumers. Structural equation modelling was used to assess the predictive power of considered variables towards green purchasing.

Findings

– Results indicate that the variables under study predicted green purchase behaviour of young educated consumers of Delhi in the following descending order: social influence, attitude towards green purchase, perceived environmental knowledge, recycling participation, ecolabelling and exposure to environmental messages through the media.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample considered in the study was restricted to Delhi only. Further, the predictive power of only a few variables was examined.

Practical implications

– The paper identifies key predictors of consumers’ green purchase behaviour, enabling practitioners to understand which factors influence young educated consumers in their decision making regarding green purchases. This knowledge will help marketing managers design effective strategies to encourage green purchase behaviour among such consumers.

Social implications

– Policy makers and government organizations may use the findings of this study to run awareness campaigns for disseminating information and promoting green purchase behaviour among larger sections of society. Such initiatives may help in minimizing the negative consequences of irresponsible consumption practices on environment and society.

Originality/value

– The present study is the first which applies reciprocal deterministic theory to predict green purchase behaviour of educated young consumers in India. Moreover, this is the first study to investigate the influence of consumers’ exposure to environmental messages through the media on their green purchase behaviour.
Exploring rainwater harvesting opportunities in Malta
Authors: Bezzina Frank H , Scicluna Laiviera Ian
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential for a rainwater harvesting (RWH) strategy in Malta and tries to identify management practices required to implement it.

Design/methodology/approach

– This qualitative study adopts the concept of sustainable development in its framework whilst incorporating the specific physical and climatic realities of Malta. After sifting through the relevant literature, semi-structured interviews were conducted with key experts from four governmental/non-governmental Maltese entities that deal with policy and managerial implementation for water resources.

Findings

– The study identifies the major issues surrounding water scarcity, its use and misuse and the barriers currently hindering RWH implementation in Malta. The paper argues that the key lies in rethinking innovative ways to work with the natural features and to use technology to enhance possible net beneficial effects by giving multipurpose solutions, whilst touching base on the validity and use of indigenous knowledge systems. Hence, a gauged implementation of water catchment using micro and macro approaches could bring compounded beneficial effects.

Originality/value

– Malta has the highest possible baseline water stress index, yet empirical research on RWH in Malta is relatively lacking. This study addresses this gap and provides suggestions/recommendations related to the adoption of effective management practices and reforms promoting RWH that could better guide Maltese and other environmental policy makers to add resilience for coping with future water-related risks/uncertainties and to avert the impending water crisis.
Experiment-based validation and uncertainty quantification of coupled multi-scale plasticity models
Authors: Stevens Garrison , Atamturktur Sez , Lebensohn Ricardo , Kaschner George
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Highly anisotropic zirconium is a material used in the cladding of nuclear fuel rods, ensuring containment of the radioactive material within. The complex material structure of anisotropic zirconium requires model developers to replicate not only the macro-scale stresses but also the meso-scale material behavior as the crystal structure evolves; leading to strongly coupled multi-scale plasticity models. Such strongly coupled models can be achieved through partitioned analysis techniques, which couple independently developed constituent models through an iterative exchange of inputs and outputs. Throughout this iterative process, biases, and uncertainties inherent within constituent model predictions are inevitably transferred between constituents either compensating for each other or accumulating during iterations. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A finite element model at the macro-scale is coupled in an iterative manner with a meso-scale viscoplastic self-consistent model, where the former supplies the stress input and latter represents the changing material properties. The authors present a systematic framework for experiment-based validation taking advantage of both separate-effect experiments conducted within each constituent’s domain to calibrate the constituents in their respective scales and integral-effect experiments executed within the coupled domain to test the validity of the coupled system.

Findings

– This framework developed is shown to improve predictive capability of a multi-scale plasticity model of highly anisotropic zirconium.

Originality/value

– For multi-scale models to be implemented to support high-consequence decisions, such as the containment of radioactive material, this transfer of biases and uncertainties must be evaluated to ensure accuracy of the predictions of the coupled model. This framework takes advantage of the transparency of partitioned analysis to reduce the accumulation of errors and uncertainties.
Reverse resource exchanges in service supply chains: the case of returnable transport packaging
Authors: Selviaridis Kostas , Matopoulos Aristides , Thomas Szamosi Leslie , Psychogios Alexandros
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how reverse resource exchanges and resource dependencies are managed in the service supply chain (SSC) of returnable transport packaging (RTP).

Design/methodology/approach

A single case study was conducted in the context of automotive logistics focusing on the RTP SSC. Data were collected through 16 interviews, primarily with managers of a logistics service provider (LSP) and document analysis of contractual agreements with key customers of the packaging service.

Findings

Resource dependencies among actors in the SSC result from the importance of the RTP for the customer’s production processes, the competition among users for RTP and the negative implications of the temporary unavailability of RTP for customers and the LSP (in terms of service performance). Amongst other things, the LSP is dependent on its customers and third-party users (e.g. the customer’s suppliers) for the timely return of package resources. The role of inter-firm integration and collaboration, formal contracts as well as customers’ power and influence over third-party RTP users are stressed as key mechanisms for managing LSP’s resource dependencies.

Research limitations/implications

A resource dependence theory (RDT) lens is used to analyse how reverse resource exchanges and associated resource dependencies in SSCs are managed, thus complementing the existing SSC literature emphasising the bi-directionality of resource flows. The study also extends the recent SSC literature stressing the role of contracting by empirically demonstrating how formal contracts can be mobilised to explicate resource dependencies and to specify, and regulate, reverse exchanges in the SSC.

Practical implications

The research suggests that logistics providers can effectively manage their resource dependencies and regulate reverse exchanges in the SSC by deploying contractual governance mechanisms and leveraging their customers’ influence over third-party RTP users.

Originality/value

The study is novel in its application of RDT, which enhances our understanding of the management of reverse exchanges and resource dependencies in SSCs.
Factors that influence interorganizational use of information and communications technology in relationship-based supply chains: evidence from the Macedonian and American wine industries
Authors: Mirkovski Kristijan , Lowry Paul Benjamin , Feng Bo
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand how interorganizational relationships influence information and communications technology (ICT)-enabled supply chain (SC) interactions of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developed versus developing economies through the theoretical lens of transaction cost economics and social exchange theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses case study data to examine SMEs operating in both a developing economy, the Republic of Macedonia, and a developed economy, the USA.

Findings

Insights reveal that the institutional context (i.e. environmental uncertainty) has significant indirect influence on ICT use by SMEs from rule-based and relationship-based SCs in the wine industry through contractual and relational mechanisms (i.e. contracts and social bonds).

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to the body of SC knowledge by providing a comparative qualitative analysis of interorganizational factors (i.e. information sharing, collaboration, trust, contractual governance, relational governance and environmental uncertainty) that influence ICT use by SMEs in upstream wine SCs from developing and developed economies.

Practical implications

This paper provides valuable implications for the SC participants (e.g. grape suppliers, wineries and other suppliers) and industries (e.g. Macedonian and American wine industries) related to ICT use and non-use.

Originality/value

This study makes a novel contribution by being the first to qualitatively explore ICT use by SMEs from the wine industry and to identify the importance of legal institutional environment in buyer–supplier exchanges from developed versus developing economies.
Transient therapeutic communities: the “living-learning experience” trainings
Authors: Lees Jan , Haigh Rex , Lombardo Aldo , Rawlings Barbara
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe transient therapeutic communities (TCs) and their value for training.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a descriptive account which includes the findings of two field study evaluations, and direct participant feedback. It is an exploration of the application of TC and group analytic theory to transient TCs.

Findings

– The transient TC format is an excellent training format for creating a powerful and effective environment for learning and personal development in the very short time frame of three days.

Practical implications

– These courses are a very efficient and effective way of promoting reflective practice, enabling environments, and emotionally safe working practices. The trainings are useful for a wide range of people from mental health professions, those working in human resources, and those in senior positions in industrial, commercial and public sector fields.

Social implications

– This paper will raise awareness that target-driven training is insufficient to improve quality of services beyond a certain point. A relational focus of training is needed to deal with issues of complexity which cannot be resolved by simple managerial methods. This experiential training can help to meet the need for inculcating compassion, kindness, and empathy in its participants.

Originality/value

– Although other psychotherapy and group relations courses exist, and are used beyond the mental health field, the focus on generating an experience of belonging, emotional safety and democratic empowerment in the relational field of the course itself – by use of TC methodology – is novel, and could be of considerable value more widely.
WaterHealth International in India: crafting sustainable solutions for potable water
Authors: Dzharova Hristina Kostadinova , Gupta Sudheer , Ganesh Jai
Published: May 2016

Synopsis

The case features WaterHealth International India (WHIN) – a subsidiary of WaterHealth International (WHI) Inc. WHIN was launched in 2006 with the vision to “be the leader in providing scalable, safe, and affordable water solutions to underserved populations through an innovative business model.” The company incorporated a Build-Operate-Transfer model with decentralized production and distribution. Following a successful pilot project, WHIN installed its WaterHealth Centers in 175 sites throughout rural India by 2009, and attracted a $15 million investment from the International Finance Corporation to further expand its operations in India. Mr Vikas Shah, the Chief Operating Officer of the company, is faced with the issue of assessing scalability and sustainability of the company's business model. He needs to examine and evaluate the company's value proposition, resources and capabilities, and decide how to generate economic value while maintaining a focus on its social vision. The latter entails an ability to create shared value for stakeholders as an important contributor toward the company's sustainability. Additionally, Mr Shah is evaluating alternative public-private partnerships in terms of their suitability for the Indian context and viability to drive profitability.

Research methodology

The case uses primary and secondary data, i.e. interviews with company representatives, company reports, presentations, and consulting papers.

Relevant courses and levels

The case is written for graduate (and advanced undergraduate) students that enroll in classes with a focus on emerging markets, sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Examples are courses in Entrepreneurship and Innovation (especially those that include one or more sessions on the social dimensions) as well as those in Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development.
Spatiotemporal modelling of crown‐of‐thorns starfish outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef to inform control strategies
Authors: Vanhatalo Jarno , Hosack Geoffrey R. , Sweatman Hugh
Published: May 2016

Cyclical outbreaks of pests can impact the functioning of entire ecosystems. An eminent example is outbreaks of crown‐of‐thorns starfish (COTS; Acanthaster planci) that cause substantial coral mortality on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR).

We analyse COTS abundance and outbreaks with a Bayesian spatiotemporal model applied to a long‐term survey of the GBR (1985–2014). We assess the relative increase in COTS abundance beyond that explained by a reef's location and explanatory covariates, and thereby incorporate local reef characteristics into the identification of outbreaks, while allowing for both randomness and predictable patterns in the development of outbreaks.

The model results confirm that waves of COTS outbreaks originate near Lizard Island (14·67⁰S) and progress in a northwesterly or southeasterly direction, with the southward wave progressing about 60 km year−1.

The model reveals several previously unidentified hotspots with high average COTS abundance. The abundance of COTS may also have decreased on reefs protected from fishing after an expansion of protected areas within the GBR Marine Park in 2004, which suggests that closing reefs to fishing may help control COTS.

Synthesis and applications. In this study, we use 30 years of data from the Great Barrier Reef to show that the timing and geographic location of crown‐of‐thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks can be modelled by incorporating covariates, spatial and spatiotemporal dependence within a single coherent framework. The model can be used to identify areas of high average COTS abundance, to assess the impact of fishery management actions such as no‐take areas and to identify areas where waves of outbreaks may originate. The identification of outbreaks from noisy long‐term spatially extensive data may help managers choose appropriate control strategies. This modelling approach is applicable to other ecosystems where outbreaks of damaging pests occur.
“Fair go” for all? Wealth and Risk Aversion of Australian Households*
Authors: Tsigos Stamatios , Daly Kevin
Published: May 2016

A mean‐variance framework is applied to Australian household financial portfolios in order to provide estimates of relative risk aversion in the economy. Controlling for various socio‐economic characteristics, we explore whether risk aversion heterogeneity is a function of wealth heterogeneity. In contrast to most studies, we find evidence of very high risk aversion amongst the majority of households of poor households but vastly lower risk aversion amongst the high percentiles in the wealth distribution. Applying a first differences model across three survey waves spanning 2002 to 2010, we find that risk tolerance increases significantly with wealth. Risk tolerance is positively associated with mortgage payments, but rental payments have no relationship. In addition, we found no evidence that holding a university education has any discernible impact on risk aversion. Lastly, we present some preliminary findings as to the impact of financial advice on observed risk aversion. Financial advice is found to accentuating risk aversion, particularly amongst the wealthiest households. The findings have potential implications for the distribution of wealth in Australia that has received renewed interest recently.
Potential Health Outcome and Vulnerability Indicators of Climate Change for Australia: Evidence for Policy Development
Authors: Navi Maryam , Pisaniello Dino , Hansen Alana , Nitschke Monika
Published: May 2016

There is a growing need to develop health‐related indicators for climate change to assist in policy, planning, and evaluation of preventive measures. To date, no environmental health indicators of climate change have been developed specifically for Australia. We conducted a review of the Australian literature relevant to climate change health impacts to find out which exposure–response relationships could be readily used as indicators. The bulk of the literature relates to direct health‐related outcomes of extreme heat, and indirect outcomes associated with air pollution and infectious disease agents. Based on this information, evidence‐based indicators were chosen using the modified Driving force‐Pressure‐State‐Exposure‐Effect‐Action framework. Three groups of health outcome indicators are proposed: direct heat related, air pollution related, and climate‐sensitive infectious diseases. Indicators of human vulnerability to these outcomes are also included. The potential usefulness of and barriers to their use are discussed in the context of relevance for policy makers.
England, Englishness and Brexit
Authors: Henderson Ailsa , Jeffery Charlie , Liñeira Robert , Scully Roger , Wincott Daniel , Wyn Jones Richard
Published: May 2016

In the 1975 referendum England provided the strongest support for European integration, with a much smaller margin for membership in Scotland and Northern Ireland. By 2015 the rank order of ‘national’ attitudes to European integration had reversed. Now, England is the UK's most eurosceptic nation and may vote ‘Leave’, while Scotland seems set to generate a clear margin for ‘Remain’. The UK as a whole is a Brexit marginal. To understand the campaign, we need to make sense of the dynamics of public attitudes in each nation. We take an ‘archaeological’ approach to a limited evidence‐base, to trace the development of attitudes to Europe in England since 1975. We find evidence of a link between English nationalism and euroscepticism. Whatever the result in 2016, contrasting outcomes in England and Scotland will exacerbate tensions in the UK's territorial constitution and could lead to the break‐up of Britain.
The Vocal Euro‐outsider: The UK in a Two‐speed Europe
Authors: Adler‐Nissen Rebecca
Published: May 2016

The EU is divided between member states that have adopted the euro and those that have not. This article looks at the issue of differentiated integration with particular reference to eurozone integration and the euro‐outsiders. I explore the recent public debate in the UK on euro‐outsiderness, comparing this with debates in Denmark. The article highlights some striking differences between the UK and Denmark when it comes to the actual management of euro‐outsiderness in Brussels as well as some of the dilemmas facing euro‐outsiders such as the UK, Denmark, Sweden and Poland as the EU struggles to exit its crises. Finally, I discuss the future of two‐speed European integration and the UK's possible exit from the EU. The UK cannot escape the dilemma of favouring either influence or autonomy; whether the UK remains in or leaves the EU, it will need to allow the eurozone to proceed in order to prevent further eurozone crises.
Open Nomenclature in the biodiversity era
Authors: Sigovini Marco , Keppel Erica , Tagliapietra Davide
Published: May 2016

The uncertainty or the provisional status of a taxonomic identification can be expressed by a set of terms and abbreviations known as Open Nomenclature (ON) qualifiers. This approach is widely applied across biological disciplines, and a high amount of biodiversity data left in ON can be found in literature and data bases. However, there is no consensus about ON qualifiers and their meaning.

The use of ON qualifiers has been reviewed in order to provide a summary and guide to current practice in zoology. Some recommendation is given to avoid inconsistencies or vagueness. A flow chart is proposed to clarify the sources of uncertainties during identification and to facilitate the application of ON qualifiers.

This review provides a guide for taxonomists and ecologists currently involved in biomonitoring and biodiversity programmes, as well as for researchers dealing with biodiversity data infrastructures and tools, offering a starting point for a methodological harmonization.
Farmers’ risk preferences and pesticide use decisions: evidence from field experiments in China
Authors: Gong Yazhen , Baylis Kathy , Kozak Robert , Bull Gary
Published: May 2016

China faces health and environmental problems associated with the use of agricultural chemicals, including pesticides. While previous studies have found that risk aversion affects pesticide use in China, they have focused primarily on commercial cotton farmers. In this study, we consider the case of smaller, semisubsistence and subsistence farmers in a poor and landlocked province of China (Yunnan). We use a field experiment to measure risk aversion and collect detailed data on farm production and input use to specifically ask whether risk aversion affects pesticide use, and whether this effect differs for subsistence farmers producing exclusively for home consumption versus semisubsistence farmers who produce both for home and the market. We find that risk aversion significantly increases pesticide use, particularly for subsistence farmers and for market plots by semisubsistence farmers. Further, this effect of risk aversion significantly decreases with farm size for subsistence farmers, but not for semisubsistence farmers, implying that pesticide use may be used to ensure sufficient food supply for home consumption. Finally, we find barriers to the use of pesticides for subsistence farmers, both in terms of financial constraints and economies of scale. This finding implies that risk‐mitigation strategies, such as crop insurance, may not target food security concerns of subsistence farmers. Given these different motivations for pesticide use, policymakers may wish to consider effective tools to support rural food security for farmers in the poorer regions of China in order to decrease pesticide use.
Improving Adherence to Post‐Cervical Biopsy Sexual Abstinence in Kenyan Female Sex Workers
Authors: Lajoie Julie , Boily‐Larouche Genevieve , Doering Kelsie , Cheruiyot Juliana , Oyugi Julius , Broliden Kristina , Kimani Joshua , Fowke Keith R.
Published: May 2016

Problem

Cervical biopsies offer a unique opportunity for studying local immune response. To investigate hormonally induced immune fluctuations in cervical tissues of Kenyan female sex workers, we improved biopsy sampling protocol safety. Here, we report on steps taken to minimize exposure to HIV following two cervical biopsies.

Methods of study

Women were asked to abstain from vaginal intercourse to limit HIV exposure during wound healing with financial compensation. A comprehension tool for informed consent, on‐site detection of prostate‐specific antigens indicating unprotected intercourse within 48 hr, and bi‐weekly text message reminders were implemented.

Results

The implemented methods improved compliance with post‐procedure abstinence by two times (P = 0.013). Fourteen days following a cervical biopsy, no sign of genital inflammation or change in HIV T‐cell target proportion were observed.

Conclusions

This study provides new tools for limiting HIV exposure in studies requiring biopsy sampling among women at risk of acquiring HIV.
Clustering Multivariate Functional Data with Phase Variation
Authors: Park Juhyun , Ahn Jeongyoun
Published: May 2016

When functional data come as multiple curves per subject, characterizing the source of variations is not a trivial problem. The complexity of the problem goes deeper when there is phase variation in addition to amplitude variation. We consider clustering problem with multivariate functional data that have phase variations among the functional variables. We propose a conditional subject-specific warping framework in order to extract relevant features for clustering. Using multivariate growth curves of various parts of the body as a motivating example, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The found clusters have individuals who show different relative growth patterns among different parts of the body.
Preschoolers' Preference for Syntactic Complexity Varies by Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Corriveau Kathleen H. , Kurkul Katelyn , Arunachalam Sudha
Published: May 2016

Two experiments investigated whether 4‐ and 5‐year‐old children choose to learn from informants who use more complex syntax (passive voice) over informants using more simple syntax (active voice). In Experiment 1 (N = 30), children viewed one informant who consistently used the passive voice and another who used active voice. When learning novel words from the two informants, children were more likely to endorse information from the passive informant. Experiment 2 (N = 32) explored whether preference for the passive informant varied by socioeconomic status (SES; eligibility for free/reduced lunch). Although higher SES children selectively preferred the passive informant, lower SES children preferred the active informant. Explanations are discussed for why SES might moderate children's sensitivity to syntactic complexity when choosing from whom to learn.
Face Detection and the Development of Own‐Species Bias in Infant Macaques
Authors: Simpson Elizabeth A. , Jakobsen Krisztina V. , Damon Fabrice , Suomi Stephen J. , Ferrari Pier F. , Paukner Annika
Published: May 2016

In visually complex environments, numerous items compete for attention. Infants may exhibit attentional efficiency—privileged detection, attention capture, and holding—for face‐like stimuli. However, it remains unknown when these biases develop and what role, if any, experience plays in this emerging skill. Here, nursery‐reared infant macaques' (Macaca mulatta; n = 10) attention to faces in 10‐item arrays of nonfaces was measured using eye tracking. With limited face experience, 3‐week‐old monkeys were more likely to detect faces and looked longer at faces compared to nonfaces, suggesting a robust face detection system. By 3 months, after peer exposure, infants looked faster to conspecific faces but not heterospecific faces, suggesting an own‐species bias in face attention capture, consistent with perceptual attunement.
Spinocerebellar ataxia: relationship between phenotype and genotype – a review
Authors: Sun Y.‐M. , Lu C. , Wu Z.‐Y.
Published: May 2016

Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) comprises a large group of heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorders inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. It is characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia with oculomotor dysfunction, dysarthria, pyramidal signs, extrapyramidal signs, pigmentary retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, cognitive impairment and other symptoms. It is classified according to the clinical manifestations or genetic nosology. To date, 40 SCAs have been characterized, and include SCA1–40. The pathogenic genes of 28 SCAs were identified. In recent years, with the widespread clinical use of next‐generation sequencing, the genes underlying SCAs, and the mutants as well as the affected phenotypes were identified. These advances elucidated the phenotype–genotype relationship in SCAs. We reviewed the recent clinical advances, genetic features and phenotype–genotype correlations involving each SCA and its differentiation. The heterogeneity of the disease and the genetic diagnosis might be attributed to the regional distribution and clinical characteristics. Therefore, recognition of the phenotype–genotype relationship facilitates genetic testing, prognosis and monitoring of symptoms.
Isolation of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in asymptomatic lung transplant recipients: effects of treatment on eradication and outcome
Authors: Hofmann Patrick , Hombach Michael , Seifert Burkhardt , Schuurmans Macé M. , Bürgi Urs , Isenring Bruno , Mueller Nicolas J. , Kohler Malcolm , Benden Christian , Huber Lars C.
Published: May 2016

In this retrospective, single‐center data analysis, we audited our clinical practice to treat Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in asymptomatic lung transplant recipients (LTRs). Eighteen LTRs with confirmed isolation of S. maltophilia were identified. Twelve of these LTRs have been treated with antibiotics, while 6 were managed without treatment. Treatment was based on antibiograms (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole [TMP/SMX] (8/12), levofloxacin (1/12), or both (3/12). Clearance (12/12 vs 6/6), eradication (10/12 vs 3/6, P=.27), and freedom from S. maltophilia recurrence (83%±11% vs 40%±22% after one year, log‐rank P=.09) were not found to differ significantly between treated and untreated patients. None of the patient groups showed significant changes in lung function or biochemical variables. Creatinine levels at the end of the study period were found to be higher in treated patients compared to the untreated group (P=.049). De novo acquired TMP/SMX resistance in S. maltophilia strains was not observed. These results indicate no evidence that antibiotic treatment for S. maltophilia in asymptomatic LTRs alters lung function or the clinical outcome.
Off‐premise alcohol purchasing in Australia: Variations by age group, income level and annual amount purchased
Authors: Jiang Heng , Callinan Sarah , Livingston Michael , Room Robin
Published: May 2016

Introduction and Aims

To delineate what type and how much alcohol is purchased from different types of off‐licence premises and how this varies across demographic sub‐groups, as a basis for public debate and decisions on pricing and planning policies to reduce alcohol‐related harm in Australia.

Design and Methods

The data on alcohol purchasing from off‐licence premises are taken from the Australian Alcohol Consumption and Purchasing survey—a nationally representative landline and mobile telephone survey in 2013 on the experiences with alcohol consumption and purchasing of 2020 Australians aged 16+. The present analysis uses data from 1730 respondents who purchased alcohol from off‐licence premises in the previous 6 months.

Results

The majority (54%) of alcohol purchased from off‐licence premises was sold from liquor barns (large warehouse‐style alcohol stores), with bottle shops (31%) the second most common outlet. Cask wine was the cheapest alcohol available at off‐licence premises in Australia. Respondents in higher alcohol purchasing quintiles and with those with lower income purchased a higher percentage of cheaper alcohol in their total volume of purchasing than lower purchasing quintiles and those with middle and higher income, and younger respondents purchased more expensive alcohol than older age groups.

Discussion and Conclusions

A minimum unit price or increasing alcohol taxes may effectively reduce alcohol purchasing for lower income heavy alcohol purchasers and older age groups from off‐licence premise sources, and may be less effective on younger age groups. [Jiang H, Callinan S, Livingston M, Room R. Off‐premise alcohol purchasing in Australia: Variations by age group, income level and annual amount purchased. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:210–219]
Impact of thrombolysis in acute ischaemic stroke without occlusion: an observational comparative study
Authors: Ajili N. , Decroix J. P. , Preda C. , Labreuche J. , Lopez D. , Bejot Y. , Michel P. , Sévin‐Allouet M. , Sibon I. , Vergnet S. , Wang A. , Sanda N. , Mazighi M. , Bourdain F. , Lapergue B.
Published: May 2016

Background and purpose

The impact of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV‐rtPA) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) but no arterial occlusion is currently a matter of debate. This study aimed to assess functional outcome of such patients with respect to IV‐rtPA use.

Methods

A retrospective case−control analysis was performed comparing the outcome of AIS patients without arterial occlusion with or without IV‐rtPA use. Patients were selected from prospective consecutive observational registries of five European university hospitals. The primary study outcome was excellent outcome at 3 months after stroke, as defined by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–1.

Results

A total of 488 patients without arterial occlusion documented by angiography were included in the present study; 300 received IV‐rtPA and 188 did not. No between‐group difference was found for excellent outcome before and after adjustment for baseline characteristics (adjusted odds ratio for no IV‐rtPA use 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.51–1.24, P = 0.31). Similar results were found for favourable outcome (defined as a 90‐day mRS of 0–2) whereas a higher rate of early neurological improvement was found in IV‐rtPA‐treated patients (adjusted odds ratio 1.99; 95% confidence interval 1.29–3.07, P = 0.002). Sensitivity analyses yielded similar results.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that AIS patients without visible arterial occlusion treated with IV‐rtPA may have no better outcome at 3 months than those untreated. However, only a randomized controlled trial would provide a definitive answer about the impact of rtPA in acute stroke patients without occlusion. Until then, these patients should be treated by rtPA as recommended.
A novel de novo mutation in LAMB3 causes localized hypoplastic enamel in the molar region
Authors: Kim Young‐Jae , Shin Teo J. , Hyun Hong‐Keun , Lee Sang‐Hoon , Lee Zang H. , Kim Jung‐Wook
Published: May 2016

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a collection of diseases characterized by hereditary enamel defects and is heterogeneous in genetic etiology and clinical phenotype. In this study, we recruited a nuclear AI family with a proband having unique irregular hypoplastic pits and grooves in all surfaces of the deciduous molar teeth but not in the deciduous anterior teeth. Based on the candidate gene approach, we screened the laminin subunit beta 3 (LAMB3) gene and identified a novel de novo mutation in the proband. The mutation was a frameshift mutation caused by a heterozygous 7‐bp deletion in the last exon (c.3452_3458delAGAAGCG, p.Glu1151Valfs*57). This study not only expands the mutational spectrum of the LAMB3 gene causing isolated AI but also broadens the understanding of genotype–phenotype correlations.
The Role of Parents in Defining Collective Identity of Arab Adolescents in Israel
Authors: Aboud‐Halabi Yasmin , Shamai Michal
Published: May 2016

Arab adolescents in Israel must form a collective identity while living in both a social context that tends to vilify their existence and in a traditional family context that generally shuns modern Israeli society. The authors examined the relationship between perceptions of parental political socialization and the formation of collective identity among 1,241 Arab adolescents living in Israel. The findings suggest that Israeli Arab adolescents' perception of parental political (religious, national Arab–Palestinian, and Israel civic) socialization is statistically associated with the collective identity of adolescents. As hypothesized, parental political socialization mediated the relationship between parent–adolescent relationship quality and adolescents' collective identity. The results indicate a correlation between parental political socialization and collective identity of adolescents. The discussion focuses on the special place of family in the social context of ethno‐religious minorities in a country where the majority perceives the minority as an enemy that endangers the existence of the state.