bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring professors’ experiences supporting graduate student well-being in Ontario faculties of education
Authors: Woloshyn Vera , Savage Michael J. , Ratkovic Snezana , Hands Catherine , Martinovic Dragana
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore Ontario education professors’ perceptions of well-being, document ways in which they support graduate students’ well-being and discuss perceived challenges in doing so.

Design/methodology/approach

A basic interpretative design was used, with participants consisting of seven (four females, three males) tenured professors from five faculties of education in Ontario, Canada. Participants completed one to two semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed for member checking and read holistically to identify emergent themes across participants.

Findings

Participants provided multifaceted representations of well-being and reported that supporting graduate students’ psycho-socio-emotional well-being was a critical aspect of their role. They discussed the intentional use of specific strategies including creating inclusive learning environments, nurturing caring relationships, providing academic accommodations and promoting relevant on-campus supports and services. Finally, participants identified factors that challenged their abilities to support graduate students’ wellness including institutional norms and expectations, shifting student demographics and uncertainties with respect to professional capacities.

Practical implications

Graduate student mentorship should be included in the faculty reward system. The provision of private, specialized services offered by trained personnel is also recommended. Future research is needed to explore faculty experiences supporting and mentoring diverse groups of graduate students.

Originality/value

While limited in participant numbers and educational jurisdiction, this research extends current mentoring models by adding a mental health and well-being component, thus bridging gaps between well-being and graduate mentorship in higher education.
Viral marketing and purchase intentions of mobile applications users
Authors: Hendijani Fard Morteza , Marvi Reza
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In the preceding decades, due to the advancement of social media, traditional marketing has become less significant. Managers and entrepreneurs are seeking novel, effective and efficient ways both for new and technological products/services. Drawing on the theory of reasoned action, information adoption model and technology acceptance model, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of viral marketing on purchase intentions of mobile applications users in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

Statistical population includes those Iranian users who have used two social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Line, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Telegram, Twitter, Viber, WeChat and WhatsApp) at least. Invalid questionnaires are excluded and 624 are used for the data analysis. Structural equations modelling is used to test the proposed model.

Findings

The findings show that the most effective factor on apps perceived usefulness is argument quality of information, followed by source credibility and quantity of information. Perceived usefulness is also predicted by perceived ease of use through the indirect effect of argument quality. Furthermore, it is also found that purchase intention is affected by perceived ease of use, followed by perceived usefulness through attitude towards the purchase.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to the Iranian mobile apps market. Future studies on viral marketing in app markets should collect data from multiple industries and multiple countries in order to achieve a more comprehensive perspective on the effects and consequences of viral advertising. Furthermore, rather than social networks, similar research can be conducted on different communication channels of the internet such as blogs, e-mails, chat rooms, online communities, discussion boards, corporate websites, e-commerce and social commerce websites (e.g. Amazon). It is also suggested that the conceptual model of the research can be extended considering other useful factors on purchase intentions than attitude (e.g. subjective norms and perceived behavioural control). Furthermore, future research should consider the role of mobile apps features in forming purchase intentions.

Practical implications

For the firms that develop mobile applications (particularly in Iran’s app market), increasing sales requires exploiting social media viral marketing to effectively change potential customers’ perceptions about usefulness and ease of use of their products. The findings suggest that a viral marketing strategy should be developed with high argument quality, followed by high source credibility and a large amount of information on social media.

Originality/value

This is one of the earliest studies investigating the viral effects of social networks on purchase intention in the mobile applications context. Although very few papers practically recognised the impact of viral marketing on purchase intention, the effect of this concept on mobile applications purchase intention had remained unknown.
Pricing behaviour of the New World wine exporters
Authors: Balogh Jeremiás Máté
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In recent decades, New World winemakers have increased their wine export to European markets and became considerable market players in the EU. Therefore, this paper aims to explore whether the major New World wine producers are able to exploit its market power at European destination markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper applies the pricing-to-market (PTM) model of trade in respect of asymmetric effect of exchange rate changes by using monthly bilateral wine data between January 2000 and December 2016.

Findings

First, there is evidence of PTM in three New World wine exporters, namely, Chile, South Africa and the USA. Chile was able to apply price discrimination across Danish, German, Dutch and the British wine markets. Second, South Africa set their prices in Belgian, Dutch and Swedish markets, while the USA discriminated their wine prices in Denmark and Sweden. In contrast, this advantage was not observable in the case of Argentina and Australia. Third, the local-currency price stability was explored in Chilean wine import prices (exported to Belgium, the Czech Republic), South African wine prices (exported to France, Denmark, Germany), in US wine prices (sold in Germany and the UK). Furthermore, the analysis of the asymmetric effects of exchange rate changes suggests that depreciation of the exporter’s currency relative to the Euro had not a significant impact on EU wine import prices. On the whole, the estimated pricing to market model indicates that a non-competitive pricing behaviour of New World exporters was limited and was rather due to the market-specific characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

The research provides multiple advice for New World wine producers. First, in general, European consumers do not pay an extra price for the New World bottled wines. Second, only Chilean, South African and North American wine exporters can expect higher prices for its wines from European buyers only. Moreover, European wine markets are fairly competitive where New World wine exporters do not have significant market dominance. Therefore, New World wine exporters should strengthen its wine marketing and branding strategy to gain higher market share in Europe and to attract attention to its wines. Finally, exchange rates relative to Euro should be continuously monitored by the New World wine exporters because it might deviate the wine export prices significantly.

Originality/value

The study applies the pricing-to-market model to major New World wine exporters on the European Union’s destination market. The paper also makes valuable contributions to the wine literature by testing the asymmetric effects of exchange rate changes on wine import prices. It analyses the nature of price discrimination, whether it is market-specific or exchange rate influenced, or both.
Customer satisfaction with sommelier services of upscale Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong
Authors: Lau Tommy , Cheung Man Lai , Pires Guilherme D. , Chan Carol
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The abolishment of the wine tax in Hong Kong has led to increased wine consumption and increased demand for wine-related professionals, such as sommeliers. Yet the importance of sommeliers’ value-adding performance in the context of upscale Chinese restaurants has not been examined. To address this gap, the SERVQUAL framework is adopted to examine the influence of sommeliers’ service quality (SQ) on customer satisfaction (CS) and loyalty in the context of upscale Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey method is used to collect data from 302 units of the population of interest, partial least square-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) is used to test the links between constructs.

Findings

Four of the seven dimensions of sommeliers’ service quality, namely, empathy, tangibles, credibility and assurance, have a significant positive impact on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty, whereas the impact of perceived value and responsiveness on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty is positive but only marginally significant. Reliability has a weak and non-significant impact on customer satisfaction and customer loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

Examining a small number of upscale Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong limits generalisation of the findings to other contexts. Replication of the research in different contexts will enhance generalizability. In terms of implications, the discussion highlights the importance of sommeliers’ service performance on customers’ SQ perceptions SQ, CS and loyalty, all of which are important variables for restaurateurs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of the influence of the quality of sommelier’s SQ on CS and loyalty in upscale Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong. Given the lack of attention to this service role in the literature, the study contributes theory from which further understanding can develop.
Go local or go global: how local brands promote buying impulsivity
Authors: De Vries Eline L.E. , Fennis Bob M.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Using food brands as a case in point, the purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between a local vs global brand positioning strategy and buying impulsivity, as well as the mediating role of construal level. The findings add a psychological argument to the array of reasons for firms to opt for a local instead of a global brand positioning strategy: local food brands promote higher levels of buying impulsivity than global brands by lowering consumers’ level of construal.

Design/methodology/approach

Five experiments use student and nonstudent samples, different construal level indices and generic and brand-specific buying impulsivity measures to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Local food brands promote higher levels of buying impulsivity than global brands by lowering consumers’ level of construal. Because local brands are proximal to consumers’ lifestyles, values, preferences and behaviors, they decrease the psychological distance between the brand and the consumer, compared with global brands. The smaller psychological distance lowers consumers’ construal level and renders the immediate, concrete, appetitive attributes of the product more salient, thus making consumers more prone to impulsively buy a local brand than a global one.

Practical implications

For the choice between a global or local brand positioning strategy, this paper argues in favor of the latter. Local (food) branding is a concrete brand positioning mechanism that can influence and benefit from consumers’ buying impulsivity.

Originality/value

The research reveals heretofore unknown but important implications of local vs global brand positioning strategies for consumers’ construal level and buying impulsivity.
Participation as a methodological and ethical issue in child protection research
Authors: Kiili Johanna , Moilanen Johanna
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how children have been involved in research activities in recent international child protection research and what kinds of ethical and methodological decisions are made by researchers regarding children’s participation.

Design/methodology/approach

In the paper, the complexity of children’s participation in research activities is analysed through an integrative literature review.

Findings

Children’s right to self-determination and the right to make informed decisions were the most challenging ethical principles to implement in practice. The study shows that researchers usually decide on the research design, and child welfare professionals and parents assess the eligibility of the children as research subjects.

Originality/value

More ethical reflection and critical discussion on the rights that adults, both parents and professionals, have in deciding the involvement of children in research activities is required.
Epidemiological situations and control strategies of vector-borne diseases in Nepal during 1998–2016
Authors: Shrestha Shanker Bahadur , Pyakurel Uttam Raj , Khanal Mukti , Upadhyay Murari , Na-Bangchang Kesara , Muhamad Phunuch
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate epidemiology and control strategies of the four priority vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in Nepal, i.e. malaria, Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis), lymphatic filariasis (LF) and dengue fever/dengue hemorrhagic fever.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was a retrospective design to collect data during 1998–2016 from VBDs endemic districts of Nepal. All data were reviewed and epidemiological information of the four VBDs were analyzed.

Findings

The number of malaria cases during 1998–2016 of the 13 affected districts was declined from 8,498 to 991 cases with no record of deaths since 2012. The number of cases and deaths in the 12 kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) affected districts in 1998 was 1,409 and 42 cases, respectively, but was dramatically decreased in 2016 to 213 and 2 cases, respectively. LF cases of the 61 affected districts in 2011, 2014 and 2016 were 28,855, 30,000 and 33,517 cases, respectively. In total, 25 districts achieved elimination target and the remaining are expected to complete the needful cycles by 2018. Dengue incidence of the 31 affected districts during 2006–2015 was under controlled with reported cases of 642, 356 and 136 cases in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively, and only one death in 2015. Implementation of control strategies particularly disease management and community peoples’ awareness significantly reduced the cases and deaths of the target VBDs.

Practical implications

The results of this study clearly suggest that the current control strategies have been worked effectively. However, in particular of the VBDs, health education in communities in the endemic areas should be adopted for better community participation in the context of the primary health care approach and increase the effectiveness of disease control.

Originality/value

VBDs, i.e., malaria, kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis), LF and dengue fever/dengue hemorrhagic fever, are major causes of morbidity and mortality in the least developed countries which include Nepal. Globalization of travel and trading, unplanned urbanization, environmental and climate change are having a significant impact on disease transmission. Therefore, the Ministry of Health of Nepal had brought some changes in strategies based on activities for disease control, vector control, preventive and preparedness for outbreak response. Consequently, the cases and deaths due to malaria, kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis), lymphatic filaiasis and dengue fever/dengue hemorrhagic fever have been brought down markedly.
Application of the Tayyib concept among Malaysian muslim consumers
Authors: Zainol Zuraidah , Yahaya Rusliza , Osman Juliana , Omar Nor Asiah
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to determine the effect of health knowledge on nutrition-label use and attitude, and consequently on healthy food choice among Malaysian Muslim consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the positivist, deductive and quantitative approach. A sample consisting of 257 Muslim consumers, at least 15 years old, were selected using systematic street-intercept sampling method. Data collected using a self-administered questionnaire were analysed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

The findings reveal the significant positive effect of health knowledge on nutrition-label use and attitude towards nutrition label, but only attitude towards nutrition label significantly predicts healthy food choice.

Research limitations/implications

Though the findings add to the existing literature, provide useful information on how nutrition label could guide the consumer to make healthier food choices and serve as a reference point that could stimulate and guide future researchers and other relevant parties, this study is limited by several factors that require replication in future research.

Originality/value

This research is perhaps one of the first attempts to consider the role of nutrition label as one of the ways to comply with the Tayyib principle.
Influence of internal audit reporting line and implementing internal audit recommendations on financial reporting quality
Authors: Alzeban Abdulaziz
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to explore the influence of internal audit (IA) reporting lines and the implementation of IA recommendations (IMPLEMENT) on financial reporting quality (FRQ).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from the annual reports of 201 UK listed companies, and also from survey questionnaires completed by the chief audit executives working within those companies. Two measures are used as proxies of FRQ: abnormal accruals and accrual quality.

Findings

Findings indicate that when IA reports directly to the audit committee (AC), there is a significant positive influence upon FRQ. Conversely, when IA reports to the chief executive officer (CEO) or chief financial officer (CFO), there is a negative impact on FRQ. It is further shown by the results that lower income-increasing accruals are evident when there is greater IMPLEMENT, thereby showing an accompanying positive influence on FRQ. Moreover, the results indicate that greater adoption of such recommendations is also associated with internal reporting lines, i.e. when IA reports directly to the AC, FRQ results improved.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the literature in the field of IA reporting, by introducing new insights regarding reporting lines and IMPLEMENT, and the influence of these on FRQ, and by establishing those insights through empirical work undertaken in the UK where little research on this issue has been reported.
Characterization of embedded membrane in corrugated silicon microphones for high-frequency resonance applications
Authors: Auliya Rahmat Zaki , Buyong Muhamad Ramdzan , Yeop Majlis Burhanuddin , Mohd. Razip Wee Mohd. Farhanulhakim , Ooi Poh Choon
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an alternative approach to improve the performance of microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs) silicon (Si) condenser microphones in terms of operating frequency and sensitivity through the introduction of a secondary material with a contrast of mechanical properties in the corrugated membrane.

Design/methodology/approach

Finite element method from COMSOL is used to analyze the MEMS microphones performance consisting of solid mechanic, electrostatic and thermoviscous acoustic interfaces. Hence, the simulated results could described the physical mechanism of the MEMS microphones, especially in the case of microphones with complex geometry. A 2-D model was used to simplify computation by applying axis symmetry condition.

Findings

The simulation results have suggested that the operating frequency range of the microphone could be extended to be operated beyond 20 kHz in the audible frequency range. The data showed that the frequency resonance of the microphone using a corrugated Si membrane with SiC as the embedded membrane is increased up to 70 kHz compared with 63 kHz for the plane Si membrane, whereas the microphone’s sensitivity is slightly decreased to −79 from −76 dB. Furthermore, the frequency resonance of a corrugated membrane microphone could be improved from 26 to 70 kHz by embedding the SiC material. Last, the sensitivity and frequency resonance value of the microphones could be modified by adjusting the height of the embedded material.

Originality/value

Based on these theoretical results, the proposed modification highlighted the advantages of simultaneous modifications of frequency and sensitivity that could extend the applications of sound and acoustic detections in the ultrasonic spectrum with an acceptable performance compared with the typical state-of-the-art Si condenser microphones.
Emotional labour strategies and employee performance: the role of emotional intelligence
Authors: Kamassi Ahmed , Boulahlib Loutfi , Abd Manaf NoorHazilah , Omar Azura
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between emotional labour (EL) strategies and employees’ performance by considering the role of emotional intelligence (EI) as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focused on the administrative staff of International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) who deal with students and guests from different countries. A total of 186 valid questionnaires were gathered from administrative staff selected using random sampling. Structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses of this study.

Findings

The results showed significant relationships of EL strategies with administrative staff performance. Furthermore, moderation analyses revealed that EI moderates the relationships between EL strategies and staff performance.

Originality/value

The study extends the current research on the effects of EL strategies on work performance and tests the moderating role of EI in these relationships in higher learning institutions. Moreover, it examines the performance of EL strategies and EI in cross-cultural context.
Exploring the inclusion of risk in management accounting and control
Authors: Nielsen Steen , Pontoppidan Iens Christian
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the construction of a framework that makes risk management (RM) more effective and visible. This is done by investigating how the concept of “risk” is included in various activities in the management accounting and control (MA&C) system.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional analysis of 72 Danish organisations extracted from an alumni database is conducted together with a factor analysis and a partial least squares structural equation modelling approach.

Findings

The authors find four latent variables, namely, expectation, attitude, subjective norms, processes and culture, which all have risk activities in MA&C as the depending variable. Attitude seems to be a powerful antecedent, whereas supporting processes and culture play a crucial partial mediator role for the inclusion of risk.

Research limitations/implications

The findings add to the understanding of the interrelationships between risk and MA&C. An important caveat is that the authors use soft and self-reported data for the dependent variable and for the various independent variables.

Practical implications

The authors propose a dynamic and holistic framework for the analysis of risk. This framework eliminates the limitations found in many prior studies that have neglected the interrelated importance of attitude and supporting processes and culture. The results of this study also provide valuable insights for managers who wish to consider and to explore the interrelations of a number of antecedent risk issues that influence different risk activities in MA&C.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the few papers that assess the impact of different risk issues on firms’ different MA&C activities by including the theory of planned behaviour. The potential key role that supporting processes and culture play as partial mediators for risk inclusion is particularly interesting. The research extends prior research by constructing a framework that makes that implementation of RM processes in the MA&C system more effective. It also proposes a validation process that can lessen the model risk possible.
The HR decision-maker’s emotional intelligence and SME performance
Authors: Cuéllar Molina Deybbi , Déniz-Déniz Mª Cruz , García-Cabrera Antonia M.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of the emotional intelligence (EI) of the human resources (HR) decision-maker on firm performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as the possible mediating role of the use of a system of HR practices in that relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involves a sample of 157 managers responsible for HR in SMEs. SMEs are examined because in these firms, decisions are not usually adopted on a collegiate basis. It makes these firms an ideal context for studying the relationship between HR decision-maker’s EI and firm performance.

Findings

Results show that the HR decision-maker’s EI determines firm performance in terms of generation of valuable HR and financial outcomes. They also confirm the mediating role of the system of HR practices in that relationship.

Research limitations/implications

This research suggests that an adequate understanding of the importance of EI can guide efforts to boost SMEs competitiveness. Thus, as SMEs are an important part of the business fabric in the majority of developed economies, the implications of this study are significant.

Originality/value

Findings in this research suggest that the workplace is not managed exclusively on a cognitive basis since emotional competences may play an important role in the HR management and SMEs’ performance.
Tourist events and satisfaction: a product of regional tourism competitiveness
Authors: Teixeira Sérgio Jesus , Ferreira João J.M. , Almeida António , Parra-Lopez Eduardo
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the contribution of tourist event and satisfaction with tourism events as a product of regional tourism competitiveness, as well as evaluate factors of competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The research followed a quantitative methodology by conducting a questionnaire on the four largest tourist events in Madeira (Carnival, Flower Festival, Atlantic Festival and Wine Festival), an insular island located in Portugal.

Findings

The sample consisted of 2,262 tourists surveyed during the year 2017 and structural equation models were used as the statistical method. Results showed that satisfaction is reflected in the client's loyalty to the choice of a tourist destination and also contributes directly and indirectly to the regional tourist competitiveness.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the valorization of local and regional events, perceived by the level of satisfaction and loyalty of tourists, as products of regional competitiveness of a tourist destination.
Assessing the influence of knowledge management practices on organizational performance
Authors: Meher Jamini Ranjan , Mishra Rohita Kumar
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the contribution of knowledge management (KM) enablers for the organizational performance. It is difficult to measure the KM enablers, but there is sufficient reason for the contribution to employee empowerment, and indirect effects to employee commitment and organizational performance can be accessed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper has addressed the following questions: What are the key attributes for the contribution of organizational performance? What is the role of KM enablers to the organizational performance? A systematic literature review was used to identify the KM enablers that drive organizational performance. The knowledge officers and software developers were invited to participate and respond to a survey based questionnaire to establish the important attributes of KM effectiveness. Interpretive-structural modelling was used to develop and determine the relationship between the identified enablers.

Findings

Organizational learning, clients’ review and organizational culture are the important variables for the implementation of KM practices. Moreover, both knowledge sharing and knowledge integration are responsible for employee empowerment and indirectly they accelerate the essence of employee commitment and organizational performance. Clients’ review plays a vital role in identifying the quality issues of the product and services.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings and conclusions must be seen in the context of profiles of the respondents and the organization they belongs to. The respondents are limited to HR professionals of IT firms and software developers.

Practical implications

KM enablers can lead to minimization of clients complain and make them satisfied for using the product. KM effort can also redirect toward the innovation for the improvement of product design and quality.

Originality/value

The study used interpretive-structural modelling for identifying the enablers and making a proper plan for the systematic knowledge acquisition process. The study is useful for KM professionals in developing and implementing KM systems and processes in the field of their respective domains to improve organizational performance.
Cryptic petal coloration decreases floral apparency and herbivory in nocturnally closing daisies
Authors: Kemp Jurene E. , Ellis Allan G.
Published: August 2019

Floral apparency is shaped by both mutualistic and antagonistic interactions that can act in opposing ways. Pollinators are expected to select for more visually apparent flowers, but this likely trades off against the potentially severe fitness costs of damage to apparent flowers by floral herbivores. One way in which flowers that close during parts of the day might circumvent this trade‐off is by evolving less visible lower petal surfaces that are inconspicuous to herbivores when flowers are closed.

Here, we used visual system modelling and herbivory experiments to test whether petal surfaces that are exposed when flowers are closed are cryptically coloured. We collected lower and upper petal surface spectra for 77 Asteraceae species from Namaqualand, South Africa. This included closing species that expose their lower petal surfaces for 5–6 daylight hours and non‐closing species that do not expose their lower surfaces. We used these contrasting groups to test the expectation of reduced conspicuousness of lower petal surfaces in closing, but not non‐closing species.

By modelling reflectance spectra of petal surfaces against a green leaf background in various visual systems, we showed (a) that conspicuousness of upper petal surfaces to pollinators and various herbivores was strongly correlated, suggesting the potential for fitness trade‐offs between attracting mutualists and antagonists to open flowers, (b) that closing species' lower petal surfaces were less visible to herbivores against a leaf background than those of non‐closing species and (c) that closing species had larger differences between upper and lower petal surface coloration than non‐closing species. Behavioural experiments with tortoise herbivores demonstrated that flowers are easily detected when upper surfaces are exposed, but that tortoises were unable to distinguish lower petal surfaces against a leaf background, resulting in reduced flower herbivory.

These results are consistent with selection by herbivores for cryptic coloration of lower petal surfaces, and divergence of coloration between lower and upper petal surfaces in species with closing flowers. Visual crypsis of flowers may be an effective anti‐herbivory strategy during times when pollinators are inactive, and provides an alternative to chemical defence, which often involves costs to pollination.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Probing of mortality rate by staying alive: The growth‐reproduction trade‐off in a spatially heterogeneous environment
Authors: Ejsmond Anna , Kozłowski Jan , Ejsmond Maciej J.
Published: August 2019

In many annual plants, mollusks, crustaceans and ectothermic vertebrates, growth accompanies reproduction. The growth curves of these organisms often exhibit a complex shape, with episodic cessations or accelerations of growth occurring long after maturation. The mixed allocation to growth and reproduction has poorly understood adaptive consequences, and the life‐history theory does not explain if complex growth in short‐lived organisms can be adaptive.

We model the trade‐off between growth and reproduction in a short‐lived organism evolving in a metapopulation. Individuals occupy risky or safe sites throughout their lives, but are uncertain regarding the risk of death. Modelled organisms are allowed to grow and produce offspring at specified time points (moults), although we also consider scenarios that approximate continuous growth and reproduction.

Certain combinations of risky to safe sites select for strategies with mixed allocation to growth and reproduction that bet‐hedge offspring production in safe and risky sites. Our model shows that spatially heterogeneous environments select for mixed allocation only if safe sites do not become the prevailing source of recruits, for example, when risky sites are frequent. In certain conditions, growth curves are multi‐phasic, with allocation to growth that stops, remains constant or accelerates during adult life. The resulting complex growth curves are more likely to evolve in short‐lived organisms that moult several times per adult life.

Our work shows that spatial heterogeneity can select for growth that accompanies reproduction and provides insights into the adaptive significance of complex growth curves. Short‐lived crustaceans are particularly predisposed to exhibit complex growth patterns as an adaptive response to spatially heterogeneous environments. Our results suggest that standard statistical growth models assuming adult growth rate to only decelerate over life are not well suited to approximate growth curves of short‐lived crustaceans.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Accounting for individual‐specific variation in habitat‐selection studies: Efficient estimation of mixed‐effects models using Bayesian or frequentist computation
Authors: Muff Stefanie , Signer Johannes , Fieberg John
Published: August 2019

Popular frameworks for studying habitat selection include resource‐selection functions (RSFs) and step‐selection functions (SSFs), estimated using logistic and conditional logistic regression, respectively. Both frameworks compare environmental covariates associated with locations animals visit with environmental covariates at a set of locations assumed available to the animals. Conceptually, slopes that vary by individual, that is, random coefficient models, could be used to accommodate inter‐individual heterogeneity with either approach. While fitting such models for RSFs is possible with standard software for generalized linear mixed‐effects models (GLMMs), straightforward and efficient one‐step procedures for fitting SSFs with random coefficients are currently lacking.

To close this gap, we take advantage of the fact that the conditional logistic regression model (i.e. the SSF) is likelihood‐equivalent to a Poisson model with stratum‐specific fixed intercepts. By interpreting the intercepts as a random effect with a large (fixed) variance, inference for random‐slope models becomes feasible with standard Bayesian techniques, or with frequentist methods that allow one to fix the variance of a random effect. We compare this approach to other commonly applied alternatives, including models without random slopes and mixed conditional regression models fit using a two‐step algorithm.

Using data from mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus) and Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra), we illustrate that our models lead to valid and feasible inference. In addition, we conduct a simulation study to compare different estimation approaches for SSFs and to demonstrate the importance of including individual‐specific slopes when estimating individual‐ and population‐level habitat‐selection parameters.

By providing coded examples using integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLA) and Template Model Builder (TMB) for Bayesian and frequentist analysis via the R packages R‐INLA and glmmTMB, we hope to make efficient estimation of RSFs and SSFs with random effects accessible to anyone in the field. SSFs with individual‐specific coefficients are particularly attractive since they can provide insights into movement and habitat‐selection processes at fine‐spatial and temporal scales, but these models had previously been very challenging to fit.
Effect of chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia on heart rate variability in conscious rats
Authors: Shi Zhang‐Jing , Cheng Ming , Liu Ying‐Cai , Fan Xin‐Rong , Zhang Yi , Wei Yan
Published: August 2019

To examine the effect of chronic intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (CIHH) on heart rate variability (HRV), male adult Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to hypoxia (oxygen 11.1%) in a hypobaric chamber for 42 days, 6 hours each day, simulating an altitude of 5000 m. The body weight and blood pressure of rats were recorded once a week, electrocardiograms were analyzed continuously using biotelemetry, before, during and after CIHH treatment each day, and HRV was evaluated using spectrum analysis. No significant difference of body weight and blood pressure was found between CIHH and control rats. After 4 weeks of CIHH treatment, total power (TP) and very low‐frequency component (VLF) were lower in CIHH rats than in control rats under hypobaric hypoxia condition. During CIHH treatment, low frequency (LF) was higher in 1 week and lower in 5–6 weeks in CIHH rats than control rats under hypobaric hypoxia, but not normoxic conditions. The high‐frequency component (HF) was not changed during CIHH treatment, so LF/HF increased initially, and then recovered under the hypobaric hypoxia condition following 3 weeks of CIHH treatment. In addition, the HR was increased in CIHH rats after 4 weeks of CIHH treatment compared with control rats. Furthermore, HRV was altered significantly in control rats, but not in CIHH rats exposed to acute normobaric hypoxia. These data suggest that CIHH treatment modulates cardiac autonomic activity adaptively and inhibits the acute normobaric hypoxia‐induced changes in HRV.
Endometriosis and the microbiome: a systematic review
Authors: Leonardi M , Hicks C , El‐Assaad F , El‐Omar E , Condous G
Published: August 2019

Background

The aetiology and pathogenesis of endometriosis are still under investigation. There is evidence that there is a complex bidirectional interaction between endometriosis and the microbiome.

Objective

To systematically review the available literature on the endometriosis–microbiome interaction, with the aim of guiding future inquiries in this emerging area of endometriosis research.

Search strategy

MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science were searched through May 2019. A manual search of reference lists of relevant studies was also performed.

Selection criteria

Published and unpublished literature in any language describing a comparison of the microbiome state in mammalian hosts with and without endometriosis.

Data collection and analysis

Identified studies were screened and assessed independently by two authors. Data were extracted and compiled in a qualitative synthesis of the evidence.

Main results

Endometriosis appears to be associated with an increased presence of Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus spp. and Escherichia coli across various microbiome sites. The phylum Firmicutes and the genus Gardnerella also appear to have an association; however, this remains unclear.

Conclusions

The complex bidirectional relationship between the microbiome and endometriosis has begun to be characterised by the studies highlighted in this systematic review. Laboratory and clinical studies demonstrate that there are indeed differences in the microbiome composition of hosts with and without endometriosis.

Tweetable abstract

Review findings show endometriosis associated with increased Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus and Escherichia coli across various microbiome sites.
Changes in Fingerprints and the Quantity of Material Forming the Print Depending on Hand Cleanliness, Gender, and Ambient Conditions
Authors: Czech Anna , Gryszczyk Nicole , Szabelak Aleksandra , Sowiński Artur
Published: August 2019

Impressions of friction ridges left on a surface are important evidence for identifying an individual and can be used to confirm his or her presence at the scene of an incident. Factors influencing the durability of fingerprints include the physiological characteristics and cleanliness of the individual, environmental factors, and time. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of atmospheric factors, gender, hand cleanliness and time on the width of friction ridge impressions and the amount of material forming the print. The research shows that factors such as gender, ambient conditions, and hand cleanliness affect the width of the ridge impressions and the quantity of material forming the print. The passage of time significantly reduces both the width of the ridge impressions and the quantity of the material forming the print.
Alcohol dehydrogenase 5 of Helicoverpa armigera interacts with the CYP6B6 promoter in response to 2‐tridecanone
Authors: Zhao Jie , Wei Qian , Gu Xin‐Rong , Ren Su‐Wei , Liu Xiao‐Ning
Published: August 2019

Alcohol dehydrogenase 5 (ADH5) is a member of medium‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase family and takes part in cellular formaldehyde and S‐nitrosoglutathione metabolic network. 2‐tridecanone (2‐TD) is a toxic compound in many Solanaceae crops to defend against a variety of herbivory insects. In the broader context of insect development and pest control strategies, this study investigates how a new ADH5 from Helicoverpa armigera (HaADH5) regulates the expression of CYP6B6, a gene involved in molting and metamorphosis, in response to 2‐TD treatment. Cloning of the HaADH5 complementary DNA sequence revealed that its 1002 bp open reading frame encodes 334 amino acids with a predicted molecular weight of 36.5 kD. HaADH5 protein was purified in the Escherichia coli Transetta (pET32a‐HaADH5) strain using a prokaryotic expression system. The ability of HaADH5 protein to interact with the 2‐TD responsive region within the promoter of CYP6B6 was confirmed by an in vitro electrophoretic mobility shift assay and transcription activity validation in yeast. Finally, the expression levels of both HaADH5 and CYP6B6 were found to be significantly decreased in the midgut of 6th instar larvae after 48 h of treatment with 10 mg/g 2‐TD artificial diet. These results indicate that upon 2‐TD treatment of cotton bollworm, HaADH5 regulates the expression of CYP6B6 by interacting with its promoter. As HaADH5 regulation of CYP6B6 expression may contribute to the larval xenobiotic detoxification, molting and metamorphosis, HaADH5 is a candidate target for controlling the growth and development of cotton bollworm.
Validation and examination of the Ohio Youth Assessment System with juvenile sex offenders
Authors: Papp Jordan , Campbell Christina A. , Miller William T.
Published: August 2019

Research Summary

In this study, we examined the use of an actuarial risk assessment tool—the Ohio Youth Assessment System‐Disposition Tool (OYAS‐Disposition Tool)—with juvenile sex offenders. Specifically, the main goals of the study were to (a) examine the predictive validity of the tool with sex offenders and (b) explore the nature of the use of professional discretion used to override the tool. The sample consisted of 3,235 youth from a large juvenile county court in the Midwest. The results indicated that the OYAS‐Disposition Tool was a significantly better option for predicting general recidivism for sex offenders than it was for non–sex offenders. The tool was also an effective method for predicting sexual recidivism. Most importantly, however, the use of professional overrides significantly reduced the ability of researchers to apply the tool to predict new court petitions and adjudications to nonsignificant levels. Finally, several justifications were commonly used for overrides: treatment needs, offense seriousness, and use of an alternative sex‐offender–specific assessment.

Policy Implications

The findings in this study highlight several important policy implications that would improve the assessment process for juvenile sex offenders. First, agencies using specialized risk assessments designed for sex offenders may consider applying a general risk assessment tool to identify a broader set of criminogenic needs and to predict risk of general recidivism. Second, there is a need to evaluate policies and practices that allow for the use of professional discretion with sex offenders given that they reduce the predictive validity of the risk tool evaluated. The high rate of overrides for juvenile sex offenders and justification for their use go against best practices in corrections. For instance, overrides were often justified based on offense seriousness; however, focusing on evidence‐based criminogenic risk factors provides the best accuracy in predicting future offending. In this study, we call into question court policies that allow for overrides based on crime type or based on a practitioner's professional judgment concerning a juvenile's level of service needs. Last, agencies should consider validation research within their agency before full adoption of a general risk assessment tool to quell concerns about the use and accuracy of a tool for special populations like juvenile sex offenders.
Blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum): A Review on Chemistry, Processing, and Health Benefits
Authors: Cortez Regina E. , Gonzalez de Mejia Elvira
Published: August 2019

Blackcurrants (BC; Ribes nigrum) are relatively new to the U.S. market; however, they are well known and popular in Europe and Asia. The use of BC has been trending worldwide, particularly in the United States. We believe that demand for BC will grow as consumers become aware of the several potential health benefits these berries offer. The objectives of this review were to provide an up‐to‐date summary of information on BC based on articles published within the last decade; furthermore, to provide the food industry insights into possibilities for the utilization of BC. The chemistry, processing methods, and health benefits have been highlighted in addition to how the environment and variety impact the chemical constituents of BC. A search for journal publications on BC was conducted, which included keywords such as chemical characterization, health benefits, processing, technologies, anthocyanins (ANC), and proanthocyanidins. This review provides up‐to‐date information available on the subject. In conclusion, BC and their products have industrial uses from which extractions can be made to produce natural pigments to be used as food additives. BC contain flavonoids, specifically ANC, which provide the fruits with their purple color. BC are a rich source of phytochemicals with potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Also, BC have the potential to improve overall human health particularly with diseases associated with inflammation and regulation of blood glucose.