bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finite-sample genome-wide regression p-values (GWRPV) with a non-normally distributed phenotype
Authors: Connor Gregory , O’Neill Michael
Published: October 2017

This paper derives the exact finite-sample p-value for univariate regression of a quantitative phenotype on individual genome markers, relying on a mixture distribution for the dependent variable. The p-value estimator conventionally used in existing genome-wide association study (GWAS) regressions assumes a normally-distributed dependent variable, or relies on a central limit theorem based approximation. The central limit theorem approximation is unreliable for GWAS regression p-values, and measured phenotypes often have markedly non-normal distributions. A normal mixture distribution better fits observed phenotypic variables, and we provide exact small-sample p-values for univariate GWAS regressions under this flexible distributional assumption. We illustrate the adjustment using a years-of-education phenotypic variable.
Free Aerial Imagery as a Resource to Monitor Compliance with the Endangered Species Act
Authors: Malcom Jacob , Kim Tiffany , Li Ya-Wei
Published: October 2017

Compliance monitoring is an integral part of law and policy implementation. A lack of compliance monitoring for the Endangered Species Act (ESA), driven in part by resource limitations, may be undercutting efforts to recover threatened and endangered species. Here we evaluate the utility of freely available satellite and aerial imagery as a cost-efficient component of ESA compliance monitoring. Using data on actions authorized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) under section 7 of the ESA, we show that approximately 40% of actions can be found in remotely sensed imagery. Some types of actions, such as residential and commercial development, roadwork, and forestry, show substantially higher observability. Based on our results and the requirements of compliance monitoring, we recommend FWS standardize data collection requirements for consultations; record and publish terms and conditions of consultations; and encourage their staff to use technology such as remotely sensed data as a central part of their workflow for implementing the ESA.
Estimation of neuronal firing rate using Bayesian Adaptive Kernel Smoother (BAKS)
Authors: Ahmadi Nur , Constandinou Timothy G. , Bouganis Christos-Savvas
Published: October 2017

Neurons use sequences of action potentials (spikes) to convey information across neuronal networks. In neurophysiology experiments, information about external stimuli or behavioral tasks has been frequently characterized in term of neuronal firing rate. The firing rate is conventionally estimated by averaging spiking responses across multiple similar experiments (or trials). However, there exist a number of applications in neuroscience research that require firing rate to be estimated on a single trial basis. Estimating firing rate from a single trial is a challenging problem and current state-of-the-art methods do not perform well. To address this issue, we develop a new method for estimating firing rate based on kernel smoothing technique that considers the bandwidth as a random variable with prior distribution that is adaptively updated under a Bayesian framework. By carefully selecting the prior distribution together with Gaussian kernel function, an analytical expression can be achieved for the kernel bandwidth. We refer to the proposed method as Bayesian Adaptive Kernel Smoother (BAKS). We evaluate the performance of BAKS using synthetic spike train data generated by biologically plausible models: inhomogeneous Gamma (IG) and inhomogeneous inverse Gaussian (IIG). We also apply BAKS to real spike train data from non-human primate (NHP) motor and visual cortex. We benchmark the proposed method against the established and previously reported methods. These include: optimized kernel smoother (OKS), variable kernel smoother (VKS), local polynomial fit (Locfit), and Bayesian adaptive regression splines (BARS). Results using both synthetic and real data demonstrate that the proposed method achieves better performance compared to competing methods. This suggests that the proposed method could be useful for understanding the encoding mechanism of neurons in cognitive-related tasks. The proposed method could also potentially improve the performance of brain-machine interface (BMI) decoder that relies on estimated firing rate as the input.
Onset of natural selection in auto-catalytic heteropolymers
Authors: Tkachenko Alexei V. , Maslov Sergei
Published: October 2017

Reduction of information entropy along with ever-increasing complexity are among the key signatures of living matter. Understanding the onset of such behavior in early prebiotic world is essential for solving the problem of origins of life. To elucidate this transition, we study a theoretical model of information-storing heteropolymers capable of template-assisted ligation and subjected to cyclic non-equilibrium driving forces. We discover that this simple physical system undergoes a spontaneous reduction of the information entropy due to the competition of chains for constituent monomers. This natural-selection-like process ultimately results in the survival of a limited subset of polymer sequences. Importantly, the number of surviving sequences remains exponentially large, thus opening up the possibility of further increase in complexity due to Darwinian evolution. We also propose potential experimental implementations of our model using either biopolymers or artificial nano-structures.
An olfactogenetic approach identifies olfactory neurons and brain centers directing negative oviposition decisions inDrosophila
Authors: Chin Sonia G. , Maguire Sarah E. , Huoviala Paavo , Jefferis Gregory S.X.E. , Potter Christopher J.
Published: October 2017

The sense of smell influences behaviors in animals, yet how odors are represented in the brain remains unclear. The nose contains different types of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), each expressing a particular odorant receptor, and OSNs expressing the same receptors converge their axons on a brain region called a glomerulus. InDrosophila, second order neurons (projection neurons) typically innervate a single glomerulus and send stereotyped axonal projections to the lateral horn. One of the greatest challenges to studying olfaction is the lack of methods allowing activation of specific types of olfactory neurons in an ethologically relevant setting. Most odorants activate many olfactory neurons, and many olfactory neurons are activated by a variety of odorants. As such, it is difficult to identify if individual types of olfactory neurons directly influence a behavior. To address this, we developed a genetic method inDrosophilacalled olfactogenetics in which a narrowly tuned odorant receptor, Or56a, is ectopically expressed in different olfactory neuron types. Stimulation with geosmin (the only known Or56a ligand), in anOr56amutant background leads to specific activation of only the target olfactory neuron type. We used this approach to identify which types of olfactory neurons can directly guide oviposition decisions. We identified 5 OSN-types (Or71a, Or47b, Or49a, Or67b, and Or7a) that, when activated alone, suppress oviposition. Projection neurons partnering with these OSNs share a region of innervation in the lateral horn, suggesting that oviposition site-selection might be encoded in this brain region.

Significance Statement

The sense of smell begins by activation of olfactory neurons in the nose. These neurons express an olfactory receptor that binds odorants (volatile chemicals). How the sense of smell is encoded in the brain remains unclear. A key challenge is due to the nature of olfactory receptors themselves - most respond to a wide range of odorants - so it is often impossible to activate just a single olfactory neuron type. We describe here a novel approach inDrosophilacalled ‘olfactogenetics’ which allows the specific experimental activation of any desired olfactory neuron. We use olfactogenetics to identify olfactory neurons and brain regions that guide egg-laying site selection. Olfactogenetics could be a valuable method to link olfactory neuron activities with circuits and behaviors.
GABA regulates resonance and spike rate encoding via a universal mechanism that underlies the modulation of action potential generation
Authors: Kirst Christoph , Ammer Julian , Felmy Felix , Herz Andreas , Stemmler Martin
Published: October 2017

Different mechanisms for action potential (AP) generation exist that shape neuronal coding and network dynamics. The neuro-transmitter GABA regulates neuronal activity but its role in modulating AP dynamics itself is unclear. Here we show that GABA indeed changes the AP mechanism: it causes regularly firing hippocampal CA3 neurons to bistably switch between spiking and quiescence, converts graded discharge-to-current relationships to have abrupt onsets, and induces resonance. Modeling reveals that A-currents enable these GABA-induced transitions. Mathematically, we prove that this transition sequence originates from a single universal principle that generically underlies the modulation of AP dynamics in any conductance-based neuron model. Conductance clamp experiments in hippocampal and brainstem neurons show the same transitions, confirming the universal theory. In simulated networks, synaptically controlled AP dynamics, permits dynamic gating of signals and targeted synchronization of neuronal sub-ensembles. These results advance the systematic understanding of AP modulation and its role in neuronal and network function.
High potential programs and employee outcomes
Authors: Malik Amina Raza , Singh Parbudyal , Chan Christopher
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how and under what conditions employees’ participation in high potential (HiPo) programs leads to various employee outcomes (i.e. affective commitment, job satisfaction, organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs), and turnover intent).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by a cross-sectional survey among 242 employees who had HiPo programs in their current organizations.

Findings

Findings provided support for the mediating role of commitment-focused HiPo attributions in the relationships between HiPo program participation and employee outcomes (affective commitment, job satisfaction, OCBs, and turnover intent). The results also demonstrated significant interaction effects of HiPo program participation and organizational trust on commitment-focused attributions. Additionally, the results provided support for several mediated-moderated models.

Research limitations/implications

This study opened the “black box” by examining the processes through which talent management (TM) shapes employee attitudes and behaviors, and demonstrated that these relationships are not necessarily direct.

Practical implications

To ensure employees’ career success, organizations need to build trustworthy relationships with their employees, and must consider the processes related to the talent identification, as well as the messages this identification communicates to employees about their contributions.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine employees’ attributions about their participation in HiPo programs. Further, this study is also the first to empirically investigate the role of employees’ perceptions of organizational trust in the context of TM.
Whose fault is it?
Authors: Rummelhagen Katja , Benkenstein Martin
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This research paper aims to provide an understanding of how customers evaluate other customers’ misbehavior, considering the attribution of responsibility and how service employees should react in the respective situation.

Design/methodology/approach

Two sequential studies using written scenarios are conducted, including manipulations for responsibility (deviant customer vs employee) and employee effort (high vs medium).

Findings

The results show that observing customers perceive misbehavior caused by the deviant customer as more severe and feel more intense negative emotions than when an employee is attributed as being responsible. Employee responsibility, however, elicits higher recovery expectations, which in turn decide the level of employee effort required to ensure observing customers’ satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the exploratory research objective and the use of a restricted sample and written scenarios, the studies may be subject to restrictions. Further studies will ensure generalizability.

Practical implications

Because different customer expectations arise from the respective responsibility for customer misbehavior, service employees should be encouraged to differentiate their efforts when approaching misbehavior. In case of their own responsibility, employees need to exert higher efforts to restore a functional service encounter, whereas in cases of customer responsibility, medium efforts are sufficient to stop the misbehaving customer.

Originality/value

This research contributes to understanding of cognitive and emotional responses to customer misbehavior considering the attribution of responsibility and indicates how service employees may handle these situations.
Uncertainty avoidance and the exploration-exploitation trade-off
Authors: Broekhuizen Thijs L.J. , Giarratana Marco S. , Torres Anna
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how a firm’s uncertainty avoidance – as indicated by the headquarters’ national culture – impacts firm performance by affecting exploratory (product innovation) and exploitative (brand trademark protection) activities. It aims to show that firms characterized by high levels of uncertainty avoidance may be less competitive in the exploratory product development stage, but may be more competitive in the exploitative commercialization stage by producing more durable brands.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from US Software Security Industry (SSI) trademarks, registered by firms from 11 countries during 1993–2000, that provide 2,911 trademarks and a panel of 18,213 observations. It uses the SSI database to identify the number of product innovations introduced by firms.

Findings

Results show that uncertainty avoidance lowers the rate of product innovation, but helps firms to appropriate more value by greater protection of their brands. Uncertainty avoidance thus creates an exploration–exploitation trade-off.

Practical implications

This study provides useful insights for managers regarding where to locate a firm’s front-end development (product innovation) activities and commercialization (brand trademarking protection) activities.

Originality/value

This is the first study to demonstrate the influence of a cultural trait on both explorative and exploitative stages simultaneously. As a methodological contribution, it shows how objective, longitudinal brand trademark data can be used to analyze the long-term impact of marketing activities on firm performance.
The future adaptivity of nineteenth century heritage buildings
Authors: Conejos Sheila , Chew Michael Y.L. , Yung Esther H.K.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Designing for the future sustainability and adaptability of building assets contributes to waste and emission reduction. Moreover, sustainable design and conservation principles are necessary for achieving sustainable and adaptable built heritage. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the improved adaptSTAR model in regards to maximising the future adaptive reuse and sustainability of existing built heritage and its surroundings.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparative study of two iconic nineteenth century heritage assets in Australia and Hong Kong is undertaken to highlight the need to forecast the future adaptation of heritage buildings in order to guarantee their continuous reuse and sustainability in an urban context.

Findings

Findings show that the functional, technological and legal attributes of these two nineteenth century heritage buildings require improvement so as to ensure their future adaptivity. The upgrading of heritage buildings for environmental sustainability is also deemed necessary.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper pertains to the advancement of the adaptSTAR tool in evaluating the future adaptivity of existing built heritage as well as new built environments whilst considering their economic, environmental and social values.
Corporate culture and long-term survival of Spanish innovative firms
Authors: Tejeiro Koller Manuel Ramón , Morcillo Ortega Patricio , Rodríguez Antón José Miguel , Rubio Andrada Luís
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze how firms can enhance their innovative capabilities and become more resilient. The current business environment requires a specific type of management for companies to remain competitive and innovation plays a key role in this respect. However, this means that a particular kind of corporate culture must promote innovation in the firm. This innovation culture is likely to be present in innovative companies that have survived in the long term (at least 50 years) and be the source of an adaptive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

Using innovative Spanish firms, which were established at least 50 years ago, an exploratory factorial analysis was conducted to verify the existence of an innovation culture. Thereafter, a cluster analysis was undertaken to study differences in performance to be able to detect and identify their adaptive advantage.

Findings

The findings offer a detailed profile of old and innovative firms created in Spain. Results show that most of the studied firms (88 per cent) have an innovation culture. Furthermore, two separate groups were identified, in which one showed higher profitability and a lower adjustment to an innovation culture, while the other showed the reverse results. This suggests that innovation culture helps companies be more resilient but does not necessarily lead to higher returns.

Practical implications

Corporate culture is identified as a useful management tool in the search for more resilient enterprises. Specific cultural traits are recommended and a benchmarking tool is applied and made available upon request.

Originality/value

Although there are a number of studies which consider the concept of adaptive advantage and resilience on the one side, and on corporate innovation culture on the other, this paper seems to be the first to empirically explore the relationship of both these concepts.
The application of shipbuilding contract and refund guarantee
Authors: Ahn Keon-Hyung , Kim Pil Joon
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of independence principle of refund guarantees (RGs) and how to make the best of an arbitration clause in the guarantees so that a Korean shipbuilder, a guarantor and an export credit agency (ECA) may possibly protect themselves from buyers’ unlawful demand.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper firstly introduces a brief elucidation about RG and the concept of independence principle. By way of presenting factual backgrounds, legal and policy evaluation and analyses, this paper covered all issues and disputes arising out of one shipbuilding contract and the independent RG drawn from the shipbuilding contract, through in-depth cases studies of a judicial case on the matter of independence principle of RG between the beneficiary (the buyer or its assignee) and the guarantor reviewed by an English court, an arbitration case regarding whether the beneficiary (the buyer or its assignee) has any right of refund in the event of the acceptance of a repudiatory breach by the applicant (the builder) in the London Maritime Arbitrators Association, and the beneficiary (the buyer or its assignee)’s appeal to an English court against the award and a judicial case reviewing whether the guarantor has right of reimbursement in accordance with the terms of the export bond insurance with the Korean ECA.

Findings

While most RGs, in practice, are drawn as an independent guarantee which is payable on call without any evidence of default, there is another payment scheme in RGs, such as payment upon the submission of an arbitral award which may enhance the application of RGs in shipbuilding contracts. The paper suggested that under these circumstances, Korean builders may opt to make their shipbuilding contract be governed by Korean laws, with the Korean Commercial Arbitration Board as a competent arbitral jurisdiction and forum as far as possible.

Originality/value

This paper proposes prudent approaches and considerations in the issuance and application of RGs which are independent from shipbuilding contracts. The hope is to increase awareness in the utility of arbitration system as well as for fiduciary Korean banks and ECAs to play a more pivotal role in guiding shipbuilding industry stakeholders.
Incremental and radical open service innovation
Authors: Myhren Per , Witell Lars , Gustafsson Anders , Gebauer Heiko
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Open service innovation is an emergent new service development practice, where knowledge on how to organize development work is scarce. The purpose of the present research is to identify and describe relevant archetypes of open service innovation. The study views an archetype as an organizing template that includes the competence of participants, organizing co-creation among participants and ties between participants. In particular, the study’s interest lies in how open service innovation archetypes are used for incremental and radical service innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

For the research, a nested case study was performed, in which an industrial firm with nine open service innovation groups was identified. Forty-five interviews were conducted with participants. For each case, first a within-case analysis was performed, and how to perform open service innovation in practice was described. Then, a cross-case analysis identifying similarities and differences between the open service innovation groups was performed. On the basis of the cross-case analysis, three archetypes for open service innovation were identified.

Findings

The nested case study identified three archetypes for open service innovation: internal group development, satellite team development and rocket team development. This study shows that different archetypes are used for incremental and radical service innovation and that a firm can have multiple open service innovation groups using different archetypes.

Practical implications

This study provides suggestions on how firms can organize for open service innovation. The identified archetypes can guide managers to set up, develop or be part of open service innovation groups.

Originality/value

This paper uses open service innovation as a mid-range theory to extend existing research on new service development in networks or service ecosystems. In particular, it shows how open service innovation can be organized to develop both incremental and radical service innovations.
EssentialPIM: personal information manager for everyone
Authors: Sawant Sarika
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to review the EssentialPIM app, a personal information manager that helps in organization and maintenance of personal information collections in which information items, such as print documents, electronic documents, email messages, Web references, handwritten notes, etc., are stored for later use and repeated re-use.

Design/methodology/approach

Google Play Store was reviewed to find out personal information manager which is useful for everyone.

Findings

EssentialPIM is an Android version of highly popular on Windows platform personal information manager. It allows one to manage calendars, tasks, notes, contacts and passwords. It restores the backup data with ease onto existing or any other Android device.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the best information manager with their features and one that is useful to librarians, students and research scholars, business owners, etc.
Procedural dungeon generation in RPG games
Authors: David David , Agung Albertus , Tirana Yudy
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and evaluate a procedural dungeon generation application that created a variant dungeon floor. Procedural dungeon generation makes it easy for a designer to design a level. The result shows that the algorithm can create a variant dungeon based on the parameter on the game. This game also has a high re-playability, thanks to the generation process.

Design/methodology/approach

Research methods include methods of data collection, design and implementation. Data collection was done through research literature, questionnaires and analyzing some similar applications. Designing game application using game design document and implementation was the done using the waterfall model and the unity game engine.

Findings

Procedural dungeon generation is important when designing the game. If done correctly, it will reduce the designer’s time to design the map especially in dungeon, where in the dungeon, there are many floors and each floor must be designed differently based on the difficulty level of the game. The application uses the combined algorithm to create a variant dungeon, where each algorithm has its own advantages that the designer can use to design the variety of the dungeon. It also opens more algorithms to be used when creating the dungeon.

Originality/value

This paper uses the combined algorithm for procedural dungeon generation, and the result shows that a player has high re-playability to the game.
How Moroccan institutional investors view dividend policy
Authors: Baker H. Kent , Jabbouri Imad
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how Moroccan institutional investors view dividend policy. It discusses the importance these investors attach to the dividend policy of their investee firms, how much influence they exercise in shaping investee firms’ dividend policies, their reactions to changes in dividends, and their views on various explanations for paying dividends.

Design/methodology/approach

A mail survey provides a respondent and firm profile and responses to 28 questions involving various explanations for paying dividends and 30 questions on different dividend issues.

Findings

Institutional investors attach substantial importance to dividend policy and prefer high dividend payments. Although liquidity needs are a major driver, taxes play little role in shaping dividend preferences. Respondents agree with multiple explanations for paying dividends giving the strongest support to catering, bird-in-the-hand, life cycle, signaling, and agency theories.

Research limitations/implications

Despite a high response rate, the number of respondents limits partitioning the sample and testing for significant differences between different groups.

Practical implications

The lack of communication between Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE) listed firms and institutional investors may depress stock prices and increase volatility. The results suggest agency problems and a weak governance environment at the CSE.

Originality/value

This study documents the importance that institutional investors place on dividend policy, their reactions to changes in their investees’ dividend policy, and the methods used to influence these firms. It extends previous research by reporting the level of support Moroccan institutional investors give to various explanations for paying dividends.
Examining need for uniqueness in emerging markets
Authors: Sharma Dheeraj , Verma Varsha , Sharma Subhash
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a five-country study of consumers’ need for uniqueness (CNFU) and examine its research and practical implications. Most studies examining CNFU have used single country or US-based samples. To promote cross-cultural research, the authors test the cross-cultural reliability and validity of the CNFU scale using data from the USA, a developed economy, Brazil, India, Thailand, and Mexico, all emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The original CNFU scale was developed in the USA. Therefore, to cross-validate the scale, data were collected from consumers in the USA, Brazil, India, Thailand, and Mexico as these countries demonstrate important socio-economic and cultural differences. The scale was tested using confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The scale was estimated and validated in all five countries and the analysis reveals that the CNFU scale has sound psychometric properties. Further, the authors find that CNFU is a cross-cultural phenomenon that has a significant impact on market mavenism (MM), and this relationship is moderated by usage variety (UV).

Research limitations/implications

The results indicate generality of all the scale items, and demonstrate that CNFU is a cross-cultural phenomenon. Greater nomological validity of the CNFU construct could be established by investigating its relationship with more constructs.

Originality/value

The authors provide empirical evidence on the cross-cultural validity of the CNFU scale; examine its effect on MM; and role of UV on the relationship between CNFU and MM.
The case for uniform ban-the-box laws
Authors: Nichols Robert S. , Dodds Amber K.
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the public policy benefits of ban-the-box laws, the administrative burden for employers created by disparate approaches to these laws among various states and cities and the value of adopting a federal ban-the-box law with a preemptive effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a descriptive research method that examines statistical data regarding the recidivism and sustained employment and examples of states’ laws regarding restrictions or requirements of when criminal history inquiries can be made during the hiring process, notice requirements related to use of criminal history information and limitations on employment decisions based on criminal history information.

Findings

The paper finds that, given the public policy interests at stake and the relationship observed between recidivism and sustained employment, it is difficult to argue that states and local ban-the-box requirements are not rational and well-intentioned. However, a federal ban-the-box law with preemptive effect is likely the only viable solution for employers overburdened by this disparate approach to ban-the-box.

Originality/value

This paper provides an examination of why a federal ban-the-box law with preemptive effect is an attractive alternative to the current disparate approach to regulating criminal history inquiries by different states and local governments.
New training strategies for a new day
Authors: Eikenberry Kevin
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the current landscape of training strategies being implemented and a view of the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper was written based on the findings and observations from our consulting work with organizational clients, placing them in an historical perspective.

Findings

While technologies change, how we learn does not. If you want to be strategic about the technologies you use, look for the underlying principles of learning upon which they are built.

Originality/value

This paper can help an organization be more thoughtful and intentional about the training/learning strategies they use rather than be drawn to the new shining object or latest fad of trend.
Learning and the digital workplace: What? So what? Now what?
Authors: Noonan Melissa , Richter Gina , Durham Larry , Pierce Eric
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The paper aims to describe the macro-level realities driving change for learning organizations and professionals including: volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA) environment; information explosion; flattening organization; mobile and virtual workforce; and generational mix. It also describes implications for these realities and the critical shift from learning development to enablement via practices like learning curation, learning personalization, social learning and new and diverse learning modalities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for a review of marketplace, business and industry trends, as well as reviews of specific primary research and current publications, to support its viewpoint.

Findings

The VUCA of global; social; governmental; and economical systems is catalyzing the need for systemic change in the learning and development (L&D) industry. This will change the learning content that organizations will need to offer and the processes by which L&D leaders will need to identify and curate it.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills the need to explain the necessity of changes required in skill sets and best practices for the modern learning organization.
Elevated salinity blocks pathogen transmission and improves host survival from the global amphibian chytrid pandemic: Implications for translocations
Authors: Clulow Simon , Gould John , James Hugh , Stockwell Michelle , Clulow John , Mahony Michael
Published: October 2017

Emerging infectious diseases are one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity. Chytridiomycosis in amphibians is perhaps the most extreme example of this phenomenon known to science. Translocations are increasingly used to fight disease‐induced extinctions. However, many programmes fail because disease is still present or subsequently establishes in the translocation environment. There is a need for studies in real‐world scenarios to test whether environmental manipulation could improve survival in populations by generating unfavourable environmental conditions for pathogens. Reintroductions of amphibians impacted by chytridiomycosis into environments where the disease persists provide a scenario where this paradigm can be tested.

We tested the hypothesis that manipulating environmental salinity in outdoor mesocosms under near‐identical environmental conditions, present in a nearby translocation programme for an endangered amphibian, would improve survival and determine the mechanisms involved. One hundred and sixty infected and 288 uninfected, captive‐bred, juvenile frogs were released into 16 outdoor mesocosms in which salinity was controlled (high‐ or low‐salinity treatment). The experiment was run for 25 weeks from the mid‐austral winter to the mid‐austral summer of 2013 in a temperate coastal environment, Australia.

Increasing salinity from c. 0.5 ppt to 3.5–4.5 ppt reduced pathogen transmission between infected and uninfected animals, resulting in significantly reduced mortality in elevated salt mesocosms (0.13, high‐salt vs. 0.23, low‐salt survival at 23 weeks). Increasing water temperature associated with season (from mean 13 to 25°C) eventually cleared all surviving animals of the pathogen.

Synthesis and applications. We identified a mechanism by which environmental salinity can protect amphibian hosts from chytridomycosis by reducing disease transmission rates. We conclude that manipulating environmental salinity in landscapes where chytrid‐affected amphibians are currently translocated could improve the probability of population persistence for hundreds of species. More broadly, we provide support for the paradigm that environmental manipulation can be used to mitigate the impact of emerging infectious diseases.
The social play, social skills and parent–child relationships of children with ADHD 12 months following a RCT of a play‐based intervention
Authors: Barnes Gabrielle , Wilkes‐Gillan Sarah , Bundy Anita , Cordier Reinie
Published: October 2017

Background/aim

There is an urgent need to investigate the long‐term impact of social skill interventions for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Interventions targeting the social skills of children with ADHD have limited short‐term effectiveness and rarely investigate the long‐term impact. Furthermore, these interventions are most frequently conducted in the clinic setting, without including the child's natural settings and interactants, such as their regular playmates and parents.

Methods

The present study investigated the social play, social skills and parent–child relationships of children with ADHD and their playmates (n = 13/group) aged 5–13 years. A two‐group before and after design with a longitudinal component was applied. Participant data compared over two time points, immediately following a randomised, controlled trial (RCT) of a play‐based intervention and 12 months post‐RCT.

Results

From immediately following the RCT to the 12‐month follow‐up, children with ADHD maintained social play skill gains in the home environment. Playmates maintained social play skill gains across the home and clinic environments. Children scored within a developmentally appropriate range, falling within 1 standard deviation of the mean for social skills and most parent–child relationship scales using norm‐based assessments.

Conclusion

Results support the long‐term effectiveness of the intervention.
A critical interpretive synthesis: Use of the occupational justice framework in research
Authors: Benjamin‐Thomas Tanya Elizabeth , Rudman Debbie Laliberte
Published: October 2017

Background

The occupational justice framework was established in the late 1990s with an agenda to spur occupational therapists to take action against injustices pertaining to occupation.

Methods

A critical interpretive synthesis of 23 texts was undertaken to examine how the occupational justice framework has been utilised in research, with a particular focus on how such research is located on a knowledge to action continuum and the extent to which it enacts the call to remediate occupational injustices.

Results

Within the texts reviewed, the occupational justice framework was predominantly used to interpret research findings, and only four studies explicitly used an action research approach. There was also a dominant tendency to individualise situations of occupational justice, but with some examples attending to the social and political production of injustices. Absences and silences related to the locations of the research in developed regions and a focus on conceptualisations of justice commensurate with a Western worldview were evident.

Conclusions

Full realisation of the potential contributions of the occupational justice framework requires challenging traditional modes of research that focus primarily on knowledge generation, and expanding into modes of research that embrace a knowledge to action continuum. This expansion, which will enable occupational justice research to more fully embrace action‐oriented work, requires practicing epistemological reflexivity, adopting a critical stance, incorporating a participatory action research approach and collaborating with scholars from different disciplines.
Is there an occupational therapy employment crisis within Australia? An investigation into two consecutive cohorts of occupational therapy graduates from a single Victorian University identifying trends in employment
Authors: Fay Pearse , Adamson Lynne
Published: October 2017

Background

Within the context of growing concerns about a potential oversupply of occupational therapist, this research examines when, where and how long new graduates take to gain employment and identifies influences upon the health and university systems.

Method

A mixed method research design, using an online survey was adopted to investigate the topic. Two consecutive cohorts of graduates from a single university program were invited to participate.

Results

Seventy‐five (58%) responses were received, with 63 (84%) currently employed in an occupational therapy role. Of the 12 (16%) not employed, only 3 (4%) described themselves as actively seeking employment in an occupational therapy role. A wide spread of employment settings and scope of practice areas was reported.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that occupational therapy graduates are gaining employment in a range of settings and practice areas, relatively quickly. This research adds evidence to the conversation around graduate employment within a region of Australia. The Australian population, health system and university changes are possible factors influencing employment. The research reveals the difficulties in understanding the current situation with limitations in data collected, varied terminology and an ever changing job seeking environment. The research provides a starting point for the occupational therapy profession to further understand the directions the profession is taking. University programs may also benefit by using the research to tailor course content to assist graduates in gaining employment or to present students with the prospects of new employment opportunities.
HRM and performance—The role of talent management as a transmission mechanism in an emerging market context
Authors: Glaister Alison J. , Karacay Gaye , Demirbag Mehmet , Tatoglu Ekrem
Published: October 2017

This paper investigates the link between HRM practices, talent management (TM), and firm performance and examines the role of HRM/business strategy alignment in an emerging market context. Through survey evidence gathered from 198 respondent firms, this study shows that TM, when focused on a series of practices aimed at developing workforce networks and social capital, is a key transmission mechanism mediating the relationship between HRM and firm performance. HRM strategy and business strategy alignment increases these performance impacts but is not an essential component in the HRM‐TM‐performance link.
Consumer Perception of Retail Pork Bacon Attributes Using Adaptive Choice‐based Conjoint Analysis and Maximum Differential Scaling
Authors: McLean K. G. , Hanson D. J. , Jervis S. M. , Drake M. A.
Published: October 2017

Bacon is one of the most recognizable consumer pork products and is differentiated by appearance, flavor, thickness, and several possible product claims. The objective of this study was to explore the attributes of retail bacon that influence consumers to purchase and consume bacon. An Adaptive Choice‐Based Conjoint (ACBC) survey was designed for attributes of raw American‐style bacon. An ACBC survey (N = 1410 consumers) and Kano questioning were applied to determine the key attributes that influenced consumer purchase. Attributes included package size, brand, thickness, label claims, flavor, price, and images of the bacon package displaying fat:lean ratio. Maximum Difference Scaling (MaxDiff) was used to rank appeal of 20 different bacon images with variable fat:lean ration and slice shape. The most important attribute for bacon purchase was price followed by fat:lean appearance and then flavor. Three consumer clusters were identified with distinct preferences. For 2 clusters, price was not the primary attribute. Understanding preferences of distinct consumer clusters will enable manufacturers to target consumers and make more appealing bacon.

Practical Applications

Adaptive Choice‐Based Conjoint (ACBC) is a research technique that allows consumers to react to assembled products and identify product attributes that they prefer. Kano questions allow researchers to look at the individual aspects of a product and understand consumer sentiment and expectations towards those product qualities while Maximum Difference scaling allows consumers to directly rank single attributes of a product relative to one another. A combination of these 3 approaches can provide key understandings on consumer perception of retail bacon allowing companies to optimize and maximize their development and advertising resources.
The impact of endogenous content, replicates and pooling on genome capture from faecal samples
Authors: Hernandez‐Rodriguez Jessica , Arandjelovic Mimi , Lester Jack , de Filippo Cesare , Weihmann Antje , Meyer Matthias , Angedakin Samuel , Casals Ferran , Navarro Arcadi , Vigilant Linda , Kühl Hjalmar S. , Langergraber Kevin , Boesch Christophe , Hughes David , Marques‐Bonet Tomas
Published: October 2017

Target‐capture approach has improved over the past years, proving to be very efficient tool for selectively sequencing genetic regions of interest. These methods have also allowed the use of noninvasive samples such as faeces (characterized by their low quantity and quality of endogenous DNA) to be used in conservation genomic, evolution and population genetic studies. Here we aim to test different protocols and strategies for exome capture using the Roche SeqCap EZ Developer kit (57.5 Mb). First, we captured a complex pool of DNA libraries. Second, we assessed the influence of using more than one faecal sample, extract and/or library from the same individual, to evaluate its effect on the molecular complexity of the experiment. We validated our experiments with 18 chimpanzee faecal samples collected from two field sites as a part of the Pan African Programme: The Cultured Chimpanzee. Those two field sites are in Kibale National Park, Uganda (N = 9) and Loango National Park, Gabon (N = 9). We demonstrate that at least 16 libraries can be pooled, target enriched through hybridization, and sequenced allowing for the genotyping of 951,949 exome markers for population genetic analyses. Further, we observe that molecule richness, and thus, data acquisition, increase when using multiple libraries from the same extract or multiple extracts from the same sample. Finally, repeated captures significantly decrease the proportion of off‐target reads from 34.15% after one capture round to 7.83% after two capture rounds, supporting our conclusion that two rounds of target enrichment are advisable when using complex faecal samples.
Atelectasis is inversely proportional to transpulmonary pressure during weaning from ventilator support in a large animal model
Authors: Gudmundsson M. , Perchiazzi G. , Pellegrini M. , Vena A. , Hedenstierna G. , Rylander C.
Published: October 2017

Background

In mechanically ventilated, lung injured, patients without spontaneous breathing effort, atelectasis with shunt and desaturation may appear suddenly when ventilator pressures are decreased. It is not known how such a formation of atelectasis is related to transpulmonary pressure (PL) during weaning from mechanical ventilation when the spontaneous breathing effort is increased. If the relation between PL and atelectasis were known, monitoring of PL might help to avoid formation of atelectasis and cyclic collapse during weaning. The main purpose of this study was to determine the relation between PL and atelectasis in an experimental model representing weaning from mechanical ventilation.

Methods

Dynamic transverse computed tomography scans were acquired in ten anaesthetized, surfactant‐depleted pigs with preserved spontaneous breathing, as ventilator support was lowered by sequentially reducing inspiratory pressure and positive end expiratory pressure in steps. The volumes of gas and atelectasis in the lungs were correlated with PL obtained using oesophageal pressure recordings. Work of breathing (WOB) was assessed from Campbell diagrams.

Results

Gradual decrease in PL in both end‐expiration and end‐inspiration caused a proportional increase in atelectasis and decrease in the gas content (linear mixed model with an autoregressive correlation matrix; P < 0.001) as the WOB increased. However, cyclic alveolar collapse during tidal ventilation did not increase significantly.

Conclusion

We found a proportional correlation between atelectasis and PL during the ‘weaning process’ in experimental mild lung injury. If confirmed in the clinical setting, a gradual tapering of ventilator support can be recommended for weaning without risk of sudden formation of atelectasis.