bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Host migration impacts on the phylogeography of Lyme Borreliosis spirochaete species in Europe
Authors: Vollmer Stephanie A. , Bormane Antra , Dinnis Ruth E. , Seelig Frederik , Dobson Andrew D. M. , Aanensen David M. , James Marianne C. , Donaghy Michael , Randolph Sarah E. , Feil Edward J. , Kurtenbach Klaus , Margos Gabriele
Published: August 2010

The geographic patterns of transmission opportunities of vector‐borne zoonoses are determined by a complex interplay between the migration patterns of the host and the vector. Here we examine the impact of host migration on the spread of a tick‐borne zoonotic disease, using Lyme Borreliosis (LB) spirochaetal species in Europe. We demonstrate that the migration of the LB species is dependent on and limited by the migration of their respective hosts. We note that populations of Borrelia spp. associated with birds (Borrelia garinii and B. valaisiana) show limited geographic structuring between countries compared with those associated with small mammals (Borrelia afzelii), and we argue that this can be explained by higher rates of migration in avian hosts. We also show the presence of B. afzelii strains in England and, through the use of the multi‐locus sequence analysis scheme, reveal that the strains are highly structured. This pattern in English sites is very different from that observed at the continental sites, and we propose that these may be recent introductions.
Mind the gap: how do climate and agricultural management explain the ‘yield gap’ of croplands around the world?
Authors: Licker Rachel , Johnston Matt , Foley Jonathan A. , Barford Carol , Kucharik Christopher J. , Monfreda Chad , Ramankutty Navin
Published: August 2010

Aim  As the demands for food, feed and fuel increase in coming decades, society will be pressed to increase agricultural production – whether by increasing yields on already cultivated lands or by cultivating currently natural areas – or to change current crop consumption patterns. In this analysis, we consider where yields might be increased on existing croplands, and how crop yields are constrained by biophysical (e.g. climate) versus management factors.

Location  This study was conducted at the global scale.

Methods  Using spatial datasets, we compare yield patterns for the 18 most dominant crops within regions of similar climate. We use this comparison to evaluate the potential yield obtainable for each crop in different climates around the world. We then compare the actual yields currently being achieved for each crop with their ‘climatic potential yield’ to estimate the ‘yield gap’.

Results  We present spatial datasets of both the climatic potential yields and yield gap patterns for 18 crops around the year 2000. These datasets depict the regions of the world that meet their climatic potential, and highlight places where yields might potentially be raised. Most often, low yield gaps are concentrated in developed countries or in regions with relatively high‐input agriculture.

Main conclusions  While biophysical factors like climate are key drivers of global crop yield patterns, controlling for them demonstrates that there are still considerable ranges in yields attributable to other factors, like land management practices. With conventional practices, bringing crop yields up to their climatic potential would probably require more chemical, nutrient and water inputs. These intensive land management practices can adversely affect ecosystem goods and services, and in turn human welfare. Until society develops more sustainable high‐yielding cropping practices, the trade‐offs between increased crop productivity and social and ecological factors need to be made explicit when future food scenarios are formulated.
ET come home: potential evapotranspiration in geographical ecology
Authors: Fisher Joshua B. , Whittaker Robert J. , Malhi Yadvinder
Published: August 2010

Aim  Many macroecological analyses are based on analyses of climatological data, within which evapotranspiration estimates are of central importance. In this paper we evaluate and review the use of evapotranspiration models and data in studies of geographical ecology to test the likely sensitivity of the analyses to variation in the performance of different metrics of potential evapotranspiration.

Location  Analyses are based on: (1) a latitudinal transect of sites (FLUXNET) for 11 different land‐cover types; and (2) globally gridded data.

Methods  First, we review the fundamental concepts of evapotranspiration, outline basic evapotranspiration models and describe methods with which to measure evapotranspiration. Next, we compare three different types of potential evapotranspiration models – a temperature‐based (Thornthwaite type), a radiation‐based (Priestley–Taylor) and a combination (Penman–Monteith) model – for 11 different land‐cover types. Finally, we compare these models at continental and global scales.

Results  At some sites the models differ by less than 7%, but generally the difference was greater than 25% across most sites. The temperature‐based model estimated 20–30% less than the radiation‐based and combination models averaged across all sites. The combination model often gave the highest estimates (22% higher than the radiation‐based model averaged across all sites). For continental and global averages, the potential evapotranspiration was very similar across all models. However, the difference in individual pixels was often larger than 150 mm year−1 between models.

Main conclusions  The choice of evapotranspiration model and input data is likely to have a bearing on model fits and predictions when used in analyses of species richness and related phenomena at geographical scales of analysis. To assist those undertaking such analyses, we provide a guide to selecting an appropriate evapotranspiration model.
Using biodiversity deconstruction to disentangle assembly and diversity dynamics of understorey plants along post‐fire succession in boreal forest
Authors: Azeria Ermias T. , Bouchard Mathieu , Pothier David , Fortin Daniel , Hébert Christian
Published: August 2010

Aim The study aims to decipher the co‐occurrence of understorey plant assemblages and, accordingly, to identify a set of species groups (diversity deconstruction) to better understand the multiple causal processes underlying post‐fire succession and diversity patterns in boreal forest.

Location North‐eastern Canadian boreal forest (49°07′–51°44′ N; 70°13′–65°15′ W).

Methods Data on understorey plant communities and habitat factors were collected from 1097 plots. Species co‐occurrence was analysed using null model analysis. We derive species groups (i.e. biodiversity deconstruction) using the strength of pairwise species co‐occurrences after accounting for random expectation under a null model and cluster analyses. We examine the influence of a set of spatiotemporal environmental variables (overstorey composition, time‐since‐fire, spatial location and topography) on richness of species groups using Bayesian model averaging, and their relative influence through hierarchical partitioning of variance.

Results Understorey plant assemblages were highly structured, with co‐occurrence‐based classification providing species groups that were coherently aggregated within, but variably segregated between, species groups. Group richness models indicate both common and distinct responses to factors affecting plant succession. For example, Group 2 (e.g.Rhododendron groenlandicumandCladina rangiferina) showed concurrent contrasting responses to overstorey composition and was strongly segregated from Groups 3 (e.g.Clintonia borealisandMaianthenum canadense) and 4 (e.g.Epilobium angustifoliumandAlnus rugosa). Groups 3 and 4 showed partial similarity, but they differed in their response to time‐since‐fire, drainage and latitude, which were more important for Group 1 (e.g.Ptilium crista‐castrensisandEmpetrum nigrum). A single successional model based on total richness masked crucial group‐level relationships with factors that we examined, such as latitude.

Main conclusions By demonstrating the co‐occurrence structure and linking to causal factors, the results from this study characterize both common and distinct responses of understorey plants to biophysical attributes of sites, and potential interspecific interactions, behind non‐random assemblage structure during post‐fire succession. A biodiversity deconstruction approach could offer a concise and explicit framework to gain a better understanding of the complex assembly of ecological communities during succession.
Assessing the effect of prevalence on the predictive performance of species distribution models using simulated data
Authors: Santika Truly
Published: August 2010

Aim  The proportion of sampled sites where a species is present is known as prevalence. Empirical studies have shown that prevalence can affect the predictive performance of species distribution models. This paper uses simulated species data to examine how prevalence and the form of species environmental dependence affect the assessment of the predictive performance of models.

Methods  Simulated species data were based on various functions of simulated environmental data with differing degrees of spatial correlation. Seven model performance measures – sensitivity, specificity, class‐average (CA), overall prediction success, kappa (κ), normalized mutual information (NMI) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) – were applied to species models fitted by three regression methods. The response of the performance measures to prevalence was then assessed. Three probability threshold selection methods used to convert fitted logistic model values to presence or absence were also assessed.

Results  The study shows that the extent to which prevalence affects model performance depends on the modelling technique and its degree of success in capturing dominant environmental determinants. It also depends on the statistic used to measure model performance and the probability threshold method. The response based on κ generally preferred models with medium prevalence. All performance measures were least affected by prevalence when the probability threshold was chosen to maximize predictive performance or was based directly on prevalence. In these cases, the responses based on AUC, CA and NMI generally preferred models with small or large prevalence.

Main conclusions  The effect of prevalence on the predictive performance of species distribution models has a methodological basis. Relevant factors include the success of the fitted distribution model in capturing the dominant environmental determinant, the model performance measure and the probability threshold selection method. The fixed probability threshold method yields a marked response of model performance to prevalence and is therefore not recommended. The study explains previous empirical results obtained with real data.
Status and distribution of mangrove forests of the world using earth observation satellite data
Authors: Giri C. , Ochieng E. , Tieszen L. L. , Zhu Z. , Singh A. , Loveland T. , Masek J. , Duke N.
Published: August 2010

Aim  Our scientific understanding of the extent and distribution of mangrove forests of the world is inadequate. The available global mangrove databases, compiled using disparate geospatial data sources and national statistics, need to be improved. Here, we mapped the status and distributions of global mangroves using recently available Global Land Survey (GLS) data and the Landsat archive.

Methods  We interpreted approximately 1000 Landsat scenes using hybrid supervised and unsupervised digital image classification techniques. Each image was normalized for variation in solar angle and earth–sun distance by converting the digital number values to the top‐of‐the‐atmosphere reflectance. Ground truth data and existing maps and databases were used to select training samples and also for iterative labelling. Results were validated using existing GIS data and the published literature to map ‘true mangroves’.

Results  The total area of mangroves in the year 2000 was 137,760 km2 in 118 countries and territories in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Approximately 75% of world's mangroves are found in just 15 countries, and only 6.9% are protected under the existing protected areas network (IUCN I‐IV). Our study confirms earlier findings that the biogeographic distribution of mangroves is generally confined to the tropical and subtropical regions and the largest percentage of mangroves is found between 5° N and 5° S latitude.

Main conclusions  We report that the remaining area of mangrove forest in the world is less than previously thought. Our estimate is 12.3% smaller than the most recent estimate by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. We present the most comprehensive, globally consistent and highest resolution (30 m) global mangrove database ever created. We developed and used better mapping techniques and data sources and mapped mangroves with better spatial and thematic details than previous studies.
Exploring the ‘public goods game’ model to overcome the Tragedy of the Commons in fisheries management
Authors: Kraak Sarah B M
Published: August 2010

In situations of declining or depleted fish stocks, exploiters seem to have fallen prey to the Tragedy of the Commons, which occurs when the maximisation of short‐term self‐interest produces outcomes leaving all participants worse off than feasible alternatives would. Standard economic theory predicts that in social dilemmas, such as fishing from a common resource, individuals are not willing to cooperate and sacrifice catches in the short term, and that, consequently, the resource is overharvested. However, over the last decades, a multitude of research has shown that humans often achieve outcomes that are ‘better than rational’ by building conditions where reciprocity, reputation, and trust help to overcome the temptations of short‐term self‐interest. The evolution of the natural human tendency to cooperate under certain conditions can be explained, and its neuro‐physiological and genetic bases are being unravelled. Nevertheless, fisheries management still often deploys top‐down regulation and economic incentives in its aim to regulate fisher behaviour, and under‐utilizes the potential for spontaneous responsible fisher behaviour through setting conditions that enhance natural cooperative tendencies. Here I introduce this body of knowledge on how to overcome the Tragedy of the Commons to the audience of fisheries scientists, hoping to open up novel ways of thinking in this field. I do this through a series of thought experiments, based on actual published experiments, exploring under what conditions responsible and cooperative fisher behaviour can be expected. Keys include reputation‐building and indirect reciprocity, face‐to‐face communication, knowledge on the state of the resource, and self‐decision on rules and sanctions.
Narratives in managers’ corporate finance decisions
Authors: Coleman Les , Maheswaran Krishnan , Pinder Sean
Published: August 2010

This article uses the extended case method to explore senior executives’ corporate finance decisions. We quantified firm’s finance practices using a mail survey, and then – to resolve puzzles in managers’ decision processes – conducted face‐to‐face interviews with chief finance officers of large listed firms. The interviews identified six themes as consistent influences on finance decisions: pressures imposed by clienteles; constraints on resources; risk management; heuristics; real options; and sustainability. We conclude that managers are logical and rational in their decisions, but employ a wider range of criteria than assumed in conventional finance theories.
First session solution‐focused brief therapy with families who have a child with severe intellectual disabilities: mothers' experiences and views
Authors: Lloyd Helen , Dallos Rudi
Published: August 2010

This exploratory paper aimed to shed light on the experience of first session solution‐focused brief therapy (SFBT) for families who have a child with intellectual disabilities (ID). The therapist interviewed the participants, all mothers, two weeks after their initial session. The Helpful Aspects of Therapy Questionnaire (Llewelyn, 1988) was used with structured recall (Elliot and Shapiro, 1988), a procedure in which participants listen to excerpts from their therapeutic sessions identified by them as helpful or unhelpful. Interview transcripts were analysed by the therapist using interpretive phenomenological analysis (Smith, 2003).

Three superordinate themes emerged from the interviews: (1) SFBT brought to mind the idea of ‘making the best of it’. (2) Examination of wishful thinking. (3) Therapeutic relationship. In addition, self‐efficacy recurred as a sub‐theme throughout. The ‘miracle question’ was perceived as irrelevant by the mothers and was the most frequently cited unhelpful event. It also seemed to be associated with shifts in wishful thinking. These mothers' experiences suggest that SFBT is a useful structure for first sessions particularly as it seems to build a useful therapeutic relationship, highlights self‐efficacy and may encourage helpful coping styles.
The role of romantic attachment and self‐criticism and dependency for the relationship satisfaction of community adults
Authors: Lowyck Benedicte , Luyten Patrick , Demyttenaere Koen , Corveleyn Jozef
Published: August 2010

This article aims to investigate the role of romantic attachment versus the personality dimensions related to self‐definition and relatedness for relationship satisfaction. Self‐report instruments measuring romantic attachment, self‐criticism and dependency, severity of depression, negative life events and relationship satisfaction were administrated to 266 community adults. As expected, results showed that secure romantic attachment was positively and insecure romantic attachment was negatively associated with relationship satisfaction, and this was the case even when controlling for self‐criticism and dependency, severity of depression and negative life events. Implications of these findings for couple therapy are discussed.
Building bridges: home visits to multi‐stressed families where professional help reached a deadlock
Authors: Van Lawick Justine , Bom Hans
Published: August 2010

Work with ‘multi‐stressed’ families is often overwhelming for therapists. This is partly due to the frustrating experiences these families have had which contributes to an attitude of distrust towards the outside world. The authors describe methods used in the Netherlands to engage these families in treatment. These methods include home visits, collaborative practice and respect for the resources that the families already have.
Relational risk‐taking, men and affairs
Authors: Mason Barry
Published: August 2010

This paper is about clinical work with heterosexual men who have had affairs which have ended and who wish to resume the relationship with their partners. An approach is proposed which emphasizes the exploration and development of relational risk‐taking by the men concerned. A rationale and ideas for involvement of the partners of the men is also addressed.
Parenting adult children – invisible ties that bind?
Authors: Gower Myrna , Dowling Emilia
Published: August 2010

This paper presents the authors' ideas about parenting adult children, describes some of the results of a larger qualitative research study and explores possible implications for practice. The study is based on in‐depth analyses of narratives from interviews of a non‐clinical population of parents of adult children. It represents part of an ongoing study to develop an understanding of an under‐researched area of family life.
The cost‐effectiveness of family therapy: a summary and progress report
Authors: Russell Crane D.
Published: August 2010

This paper provides a summary of the cost‐effectiveness research for family therapy. Data were available from four different sources in the United States: (1) a health maintenance organization with 180,000 subscribers; (2) the Medicaid system of the State of Kansas; (3) CIGNA Behavioral Health, a division of a health insurance company with nine million subscribers; and (4) a family therapy training clinic. Results suggest that family therapy reduces the number of healthcare visits, especially for high utilizers. The studies suggest that including family therapy as a treatment option does not significantly increase healthcare costs.
Systemic therapy and attachment narratives
Authors: Vetere Arlene , Dallos Rudi
Published: August 2010

In this paper we describe how we bring together three major systems of thought: attachment theory; family systems theories; and theories of narrative development, in an integrated approach to systemic practice that we call attachment narrative therapy (ANT). ANT provides a four‐stage framework for practice: creating a secure base; exploring narratives and attachment experiences within a systemic framework; considering alternatives and taking action; and the future and maintenance of the therapeutic base. Formulation, especially regarding the role of emotions and attachments in family dynamics and narratives, is at the heart of our approach and helps us hold ourselves accountable for our particular weave of theory and practice.
Researching African Statehood Dynamics: Negotiability and its Limits
Authors: Doornbos Martin
Published: August 2010

A focus on ‘negotiating statehood’ offers an alternative set of lenses on evolving transitions and transformations in African state–society relations to other more teleological perspectives. Notions of ‘negotiation’ and the ‘negotiability’ of authority structures allow recognition of the pliability of emerging state forms and may help in focusing on the dynamic processes through which statehood may be refounded and rationalized. This article presents a preliminary assessment of the analytical and empirical scope for employing the notion of ‘negotiating statehood’. The main argument is that although one can conceive of many processes as being negotiated, in (empirical) reality these particular lenses will be more appropriate for some situations than for others. The article therefore seeks to explore the limits of the conceptual framework associated with the idea of ‘negotiated’ statehood. It will do so through a review of selected historical and empirical contexts within which one might expect such particular dimensions to be highlighted, in contrast to situations where for one reason or another no such interactions (can) take place. In this connection the article also highlights the limitations the broader context places on the scope for realizing various state‐building designs.
The Party and the State: Frelimo and Social Stratification in Post‐socialist Mozambique
Authors: Sumich Jason
Published: August 2010

This contribution examines the relationship between the ruling Frelimo party and the state it controls in post‐socialist Mozambique. It argues that while democratic reforms may have altered state structures since the end of single‐party socialism in 1992, power remains concentrated in Frelimo, which has actually increased its hold and become more deeply entrenched during the liberal period. The party is not only the dominant political force in the nation, but its structures provide a layered form of social stratification within the nation and also one of the major routes of social mobility available to many Mozambicans. Democratization has largely allowed the party to become one of the primary ‘arenas of negotiation’ in Mozambique by channelling various demands and interests through its internal structures.
Ethical Manoeuvring: Why People Avoid Both Major and Minor Lies
Authors: Shalvi Shaul , Handgraaf Michel J. J. , De Dreu Carsten K.W.
Published: August 2010

This research examines whether and why people manoeuvre their unethical behaviour so as to maximize material gains at a minimal psychological cost. Employing an anonymous die‐under‐cup paradigm, we asked people to report the outcome of a private die roll and gain money as a function of their reports. Supporting self‐concept maintenance theory, results showed that people avoid both major lies (i.e. over‐reporting the highest possible outcome) and minor lies (yielding little material gain), but did over‐report intermediate outcomes when this implied a substantial increase compared to a walk‐away value. Results suggest that lying is psychologically costly. We propose that organizations allowing freedom of choice while narrowing the available ways to unethically boost personal profit should see a decrease in unethical behaviour among their employees.
The Top Management Team, Reflexivity, Knowledge Sharing and New Product Performance: A Study of the Irish Software Industry
Authors: MacCurtain Sarah , Flood Patrick C. , Ramamoorthy Nagarajan , West Michael A. , Dawson Jeremy F.
Published: August 2010

In the present study, we develop a model to predict new product performance incorporating the literature on top management team (TMT) composition, trustworthiness, knowledge sharing and task reflexivity in organizations. We hypothesize that diversity and trustworthiness in the TMT should influence knowledge sharing and reflexivity and reflexivity and knowledge sharing would be positively associated with new product performance. We test the model using data collected from 39 indigenous software firms in Ireland. Results indicate that age diversity was positively related to knowledge sharing ability while educational level, tenure and functional diversity of the TMT did not have any direct effect on reflexivity or knowledge sharing ability or motivation. However, educational level of TMT, tenure and age diversity had indirect effects on reflexivity and knowledge sharing through the intervening variable of TMT trustworthiness. Further, knowledge sharing and task reflexivity had direct effects on market new product performance. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Virtual Communities for Innovation: Influence Factors and Impact on Company Innovation
Authors: Schröder Annika , Hölzle Katharina
Published: August 2010

An extensive body of literature indicates the growing influence of virtual communities not only on social interaction, spending free time and working, but also on the interaction of companies with their customers to exchange information on products and to develop innovative ideas. However, engaging in virtual communities poses certain challenges to companies which more often than not results in failure to establish a successful collaboration with customers. This leads to the following questions: What are virtual communities and how can companies establish successful interaction? Why and how can interaction with a community lead to an improvement of the innovation process? This article develops a comprehensive concept of the collaboration between companies and virtual communities called community–company interaction quality (CCIQ). Based on insights from academic literature, this paper reviews factors influencing the quality of community–company interaction, suggesting an integrative framework. After developing a working definition for virtual communities in innovation, a summary of findings regarding interaction quality in context of human–technology interaction and behaviour related to innovation is proposed.
How Open is Open Source? – Software and Beyond
Authors: Balka Kerstin , Raasch Christina , Herstatt Cornelius
Published: August 2010

Traditionally the protection of intellectual property is regarded as a precondition for value capture. The rise of open source (OS) software and OS tangible products, so‐called open design, has challenged this understanding. Openness is often regarded as a dichotomous variable (open‐source vs. closed‐source) and it is assumed that online developer communities demand full opening of the product's source. In this paper we will explore openness as a gradual and multi‐dimensional concept. We carried out an Internet survey (N = 270) among participants of 20 open design communities in the domain of IT hardware and consumer electronics. We find that open design projects pursue complex strategies short of complete openness and that communities value openness of software more highly than openness of hardware. Our findings suggest that open design companies can successfully implement strategies of partial openness to safeguard value capture without alienating their developer community.
Netnography as a Method of Lead User Identification
Authors: Belz Frank‐Martin , Baumbach Wenke
Published: August 2010

Lead users are rare subjects, which are difficult to detect. In theory and practice, mass screening is the main method of lead user identification. It is a standardized, quantitative approach, based on screening a large number of potentially relevant users. Shortcomings of screening are low sample efficiency, high search costs and the reliance on the self‐assessment of respondents. Thus, the elaboration of lead user identification methods is still a major challenge to researchers in the field. In this paper, we propose netnography as a new method of lead user identification. Netnography, made up of internet and ethnography, is an approach to analyse online communities systematically. The empirical results of our explorative study of the online community utopia show that 9 out of 40 of the most active online community members possess lead user attributes (22.5 per cent). Hence, we may conclude that netnography is a viable method of lead user identification, which relies on external assessments instead of self‐assessments and is probably less costly than mass screening.
Stuck between Surplus and Shortage: Demand for Skills in Russian Industry
Authors: Gimpelson Vladimir , Kapeliushnikov Rostislav , Lukiyanova Anna
Published: August 2010

In order to remain competitive, firms need to keep the quantity and composition of jobs close to optimal for their given output. Since the beginning of the transition period, Russian industrial firms have been widely reporting that the quantity and composition of hired labour is far from being close to optimal. This paper discusses what kinds of firms in the Russian manufacturing sector are unable to optimize their employment and why. The main conclusion is that the key issue is an excess of non‐viable firms and a shortage of highly efficient firms because of weak selection mechanisms. The major solution is seen in creating institutional conditions that stimulate a more efficient reallocation of labour. The analysis presented in this paper is based on data from a large‐scale survey of Russian manufacturing firms.
The Effect of Having More Children on Women's Labour Force Participation in Korea: An Analysis Using Instrument Variables
Authors: Nam Kigon
Published: August 2010

The objective of this study was to examine the causal relations between having more children and women's labour force participation using Korean data. Given the strong preference for sons in Korea, variables regarding the number of daughters were used as instrument variables for having more children. The results using 1980s data showed that having a third child had a significantly positive impact on women's labour force participation in the ordinary least squares analysis, whereas the coefficient value was significantly negative in the two‐stage least squares analysis. Such results imply that, unlike in the western societies such as the USA and the UK, the ordinary least squares analysis results might underestimate the negative correlations between having more children and women's labour force participation in a developing country such as Korea.
Effort Observability, Incentive Systems, and Organizational Forms
Authors: De Paola Maria , Scoppa Vincenzo
Published: August 2010

This paper analyses the choice between a centralized and a decentralized organizational structure focusing on the relationship existing between the allocation of decision rights, the degree of observability of effort and the use of different compensation systems. Profitable production is realized thanks to good information being available during the project selection stage and hard work being performed in the implementation stage. Selection of projects may be made by the principal (hierarchy) or by the agent (delegation). Under the hierarchical system, the principal's participation in the design of projects allows her to gather useful information for the design of a more accurate compensation system. Therefore, we analyse the trade‐off between optimal use of available information and accuracy of incentive systems, which emerges in the choice of organizational form.
Following in Your Parents’ Footsteps? Empirical Analysis of Matched Parent–Offspring Test Scores*
Authors: Brown Sarah , Mcintosh Steven , Taylor Karl
Published: August 2010

In this article, we explore whether an intergenerational relationship exists between the reading and mathematics test scores, taken at age 7, of a cohort of individuals born in 1958 and the equivalent test scores of their offspring measured in 1991. Our results suggest that how the parent performs in reading and mathematics during their childhood is positively related to the corresponding test scores of their offspring as measured at a similar age. The results further suggest that the effect of upbringing is mainly responsible for the intergenerational relationship in literacy, although genetic effects seem more relevant with respect to numeracy.
Mean Reversion in Profitability for Non‐listed Firms
Authors: Nordal Kjell Bjørn , Næs Randi
Published: August 2010

The presence of mean reversion in profitability at the firm level is important for valuation and prediction of growth and earnings. We investigate the mean reversion in accounting profitability for Norwegian non‐listed firms for the period 1988–2006. We find a mean reversion rate of about 0.44 per year. This is higher than found in other studies. We also find that small firms have a higher mean reversion rate than large firms. Our results should have important practical implications for the difficult task of valuing non‐listed firms. Previously, price‐to‐book ratios have been used to investigate changes in profitability over time for listed firms. We examine bankruptcy risk as an alternative variable for unlisted firms. We find that bankruptcy risk may help explain changes in profitability, but the results are not as strong as found in previous work.
Cross‐Cultural Integrity Testing as a Marker of Regional Corruption Rates
Authors: Fine Saul
Published: August 2010

Despite the extensive research on integrity testing in personnel psychology, very little cross‐cultural evidence is currently available. The present study compares mean integrity test scores across 27 countries, based on data collected from 60,952 job applicants, and examines the relationship between these scores and a comparative index of country‐level corruption as a broad measure of cross‐cultural validity. G. S. Hofstede's cultural dimension indices are then used to explain these findings. The results indicate significant variance between cross‐cultural integrity test scores overall, and that this variance is significantly related to country levels of corruption (r=−.48), as well as Hofstede's power distance and collectivism dimensions, as hypothesized. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Selecting Predictor Subsets: Considering validity and adverse impact
Authors: De Corte Wilfried , Sackett Paul , Lievens Filip
Published: August 2010

The paper proposes a procedure for designing Pareto‐optimal selection systems considering validity, adverse impact and constraints on the number of predictors from a larger subset that can be included in an operational selection system. The procedure determines Pareto‐optimal composites of a given maximum size thereby solving the dual task of identifying the predictors that will be included in the reduced set and determining the weights with which the retained predictors will be combined to the composite predictor. Compared with earlier proposals, the simultaneous consideration of both tasks makes it possible to combine several strategies for reducing adverse impact in a single procedure. In particular, the present approach allows integrating (a) investigating a large number of possible predictors (such as multitest battery of ability tests, or a collection of ability and nonability measures); (b) explicit predictor weighting within feasible test procedures of a given limited size.
Organizational Attractiveness of Foreign‐Based Companies: A country of origin perspective
Authors: Froese Fabian Jintae , Vo Anne , Garrett Tony C.
Published: August 2010

Attracting high‐quality applicants is a crucial activity for the success of an organization. In today's globalized world, multinational enterprises need to attract talent not only in the domestic market but also in overseas markets. This exploratory study introduces the country of origin image framework from marketing literature to the context of recruitment in order to examine why foreign companies are (not) attractive to local job seekers, exemplified by the case of Japanese and US companies in Vietnam. Survey results of more than 300 participants confirmed the robustness of our postulated framework. Symbolic images such as the technological development and images of people of a country predicted the attractiveness of foreign companies above and beyond instrumental images of job characteristics. Detailed explanations and practical implications are provided.
The Impact of Passing the Professional in Human Resources Exam on Early Career Success for Undergraduates Entering the Human Resource Field
Authors: Lester Scott W. , Mencl Jennifer , Maranto Cheryl , Bourne Kristina A. , Keaveny Timothy
Published: August 2010

This study investigates the impact of passing the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification exam on the early career success of recent college graduates. Data were gathered from alumni of three Midwestern universities who earned an undergraduate degree in business administration (i.e., BBA) with a major in human resources. The survey was designed to measure early career success indicators including finding a job in the HR field, starting salary, and number of promotions. Results reveal that the probability of one's first job after graduation being in human resources was significantly greater for those who had passed the PHR exam compared with those who did not pass or did not take the exam. Passing the PHR exam was not associated with significant differences in starting salary or early career promotions. Implications, study strengths and limitations, and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Applicant Reactions in Selection: Comprehensive meta‐analysis into reaction generalization versus situational specificity
Authors: Anderson Neil , Salgado Jesús F. , Hülsheger Ute R.
Published: August 2010

This paper reports a comprehensive quantitative summary into applicant reactions to popular methods of employee selection. A detailed search of published and unpublished studies resulted in a final sample (k) of 38 independent samples covering 10 popular candidate assessment methods. Applicant reactions primary studies included samples from 17 countries internationally. Counter to previous suggestions for the situational specificity of applicant reactions, findings showed considerable similarity supporting the reaction generalizability hypothesis. Reaction favorability was structurally similar across countries and revealed a three‐tier clustering of overall favorability perceptions –most preferred (work samples, interviews), favorably evaluated (resumes, cognitive tests, references, biodata, personality inventories), and least preferred (honesty tests, personal contacts, graphology). Some differences in applicant reactions to dimension‐specific perceptions were found, however. Further analyses revealed strong positive correlations between favorability ratings and their validity and international usage. Implications for future research and ramifications for practice are considered in conclusion.
Range Shrinkage of Cognitive Ability Test Scores in Applicant Pools for German Governmental Jobs: Implications for range restriction corrections
Authors: Lang Jonas W. B. , Kersting Martin , Hülsheger Ute R.
Published: August 2010

Range restriction corrections require the predictor standard deviation in the applicant pool of interest. Unfortunately, this information is frequently not available in applied contexts. The common strategy in this type of situations is to use national‐norm standard deviation estimates. This study used data from 8,276 applicants applying to nine jobs in German governmental organizations to compare applicant pool standard deviations for two cognitive ability tests with national‐norm standard deviation estimates, and standard deviations for the total group of governmental applicants. Results revealed that job‐ and organizational context‐specific applicant pool standard deviations were on average about 10–12% smaller than estimates from national norms, and about 4–6% smaller than standard deviations for the total group of governmental applicants.
Clinic and home parent training of a mother with mental handicap caring for three children with developmental delay
Authors: Tymchuk Alexander J. , Andron Linda
Published: August 2010

There have been few intervention studies with mothers with mental handicaps and their children, but recently there has been more interest in this population. Previous work has focused upon a limited number of behaviours and only upon interactions between a mother and one child, even though some mothers had several children.

This study reports on parent training efforts with a mother of three children, each with behavioural and/or medical and cognitive delays. Training occurred first in a clinic setting and then in the home, the mother being instructed with each child singly and then as a group. Using a multiple baseline procedure the results showed that the interactions were positively changed in both settings. Great difficulty in developing more positive styles of interaction, especially with the eldest daughter, led the authors to expect that the gains would not be fully maintained and additional training would be required. However, there was some maintenance in the positive aspects of the mother's behaviour as well as for some of each child's behaviour.

The data support the contention that mothers with mental handicaps can be successfully trained to care for several (even delayed) children. Given the manifold problems of the mother studied and of other mothers with similar handicaps, and the consequent large expenditure of professional effort, it is apparent that other training programmes should be examined. These may require relatively short, periodic maintenance training sessions for a long duration. The efficacy of differing methodologies to meet individual parents' needs must be examined.
Dog phobia in people with mental handicaps: anxiety management training and exposure treatments
Authors: Lindsay William R. , Michie Amanda M. , Baty Frances J. , McKenzie Karen
Published: August 2010

The present paper describes the development of anxiety management training and exposure treatments for dog phobia with people with mental handicaps. The treatment procedures have several components including: increased contact with dogs; changing dogs as treatment progresses; graded exposure to dogs; eliciting anxiety from an early stage in the programme; modelling reasonable reactions to dogs; encouraging individuals to have control over dogs; and promoting generalisation of coping behaviours. The procedures are illustrated by the cases of two women who were assessed on overall ratings of fear, number of positive approaches to a dog, number of negative reactions to a dog, number of requests to remove a dog, and self‐assessments of anxiety. Both women responded to treatment. The results are discussed in terms of the patterning of the women's responses as treatment progressed. Finally, the study suggests that exposure treatments may be a successful way of helping people with mental handicaps overcome their phobic anxiety.
Research interviews with people with mental handicaps
Authors: Atkinson Dorothy
Published: August 2010

In any study of the lives and life styles of people with mental handicaps it is essential to make every effort to obtain the consumers' own perspective of their own social situation and personal circumstances. There is a growing body of literature on the challenges faced by researchers who seek the viewpoint of consumers and some ideas are now emerging about how to meet those challenges most effectively. This paper looks at this growing body of literature, and notes some points of consensus.

The paper then describes the research methods used in a follow‐up study of people with mental handicaps living in the community, in which personal views were sought. An attempt is made to describe the challenges met, not only at the design stage but also during the research interviews. Some key issues emerged from the study, and these are discussed in some detail. Illustrative interview material is included to highlight points made about the interaction between researchers and respondents, and to suggest some ways forward for others embarking in this field.
Manipulative competence in children with mental handicaps: theory, findings, and intervention
Authors: Moss Stephen C. , Hogg James
Published: August 2010

The article reviews studies carried out by the authors on fine motor skill development in children with mental handicaps. From a theoretical perspective, a distinction is drawn between the evidence for programmed movement in animals, characterised by rigidly invariant patterns of movement, and the concept of motor programming as applied to human motor learning. Some studies on human motor programming have suggested that skilled action is characterised by increasing predictability, and that children's motor learning is characterised by the development of a repertoire of stable units of action, called subroutines, which can be combined into longer action sequences. In a series of studies, however, the authors found little evidence for such an interpretation. Rather than showing increasing consistency as proficiency improves, repetition of a task by a skilled performer demonstrates a variety of distinctly different motor patterns. In accordance with this finding of variability in skilled action, an approach to the teaching of motor skills is presented which is based on the development of generalised competence through the application of general case instruction.
Evaluating the quality of life of people with mental handicaps: A SOCIAL VALIDATION STUDY
Authors: Stanley Brian , Roy Ashok
Published: August 2010

This paper describes an attempt to evaluate quality of life using standards set by the local community. Several parameters derived from community psychology, such as actual levels of functioning and degree of satisfaction within several life domains, are used to develop a social validation approach. This avoids certain methodological pitfalls common to this type of evaluation.