bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic revision of the Taractrocera ilia (Waterhouse) complex (Lepidoptera : Hesperiidae) from north-western Australia and mainland New Guinea based on morphological and molecular data
Authors: Braby Michael F. , Zwick Andreas
Published: January 2016

The taxonomy of the Taractrocera ilia complex is revised based on evidence from multiple sources, including phenotypic characters (wing colour pattern elements, morphology of adult and immature stages), ecology and molecular data. Three species are recognised in the complex: T. psammopetra Braby, sp. nov. is restricted to north-western Australia where it has a disjunct distribution (Kimberley and the central Arnhem Land plateau); T. ilia (Waterhouse, 1932) sensu stricto is endemic to the central Arnhem Land plateau where it is narrowly sympatric with T. psammopetra; while T. beta Evans, 1934, stat. nov. is allopatric and endemic to mainland New Guinea. Each species is illustrated and diagnosed based on comparative morphology of the adult stage, including androconia and male and female genitalia, and information on type material, biology, distribution and habitat is summarised and discussed. A phylogenetic hypothesis of the Australian species of Taractrocera based on combined analysis of molecular data (2.6 kb: mitochondrial COI and nuclear CAD, MDH, wingless) revealed that T. psammopetra is monophyletic and sister to T. ilia, with an overall mean divergence of 3.4% between the two species; the genus Taractrocera, however, emerged as polyphyletic. For T. psammopetra and T. ilia, the life history, including details of larval food plant specialisation and morphology of the immature stages, is described for the first time. Larvae of T. psammopetra and T. ilia specialise on ‘resurrection’ grasses, Micraira spp. (Poaceae), which typically grow as moss-like, mat-forming pioneer plants on shallow rock surfaces comprising open sandstone pavements or on rock ledges and under rock overhangs of sandstone cliffs. These food plants, together with the butterflies that they support, are a characteristic element of the sandstone plateaux of the Kimberley and central Arnhem Land, and they exemplify patterns of diversification, endemism and adaptation to these unique environments within the Australian monsoon tropics. Facultative larval diapause is recorded for both T. psammopetra and T. ilia in which larvae (all instars, but particularly the final instar) may suspend feeding for up to six months during the dry season when the food plants typically dehydrate. It is hypothesised that larval diapause may be the most flexible strategy to ameliorate seasonal adversity of the dry season and the onset, duration and inter-annual cycle of monsoon rainfall during the wet season, which is highly variable and unpredictable, given that Micraira can revive rapidly from a desiccated state after rainfall. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:51438A5E-048C-4C72-AD22-3FD176ECBA55
Historical resurveys reveal persistence of smoky mouse (Pseudomys fumeus) populations over the long-term and through the short-term impacts of fire
Authors: Burns Phoebe A. , Rowe Karen M. C. , Holmes Benjamin P. , Rowe Kevin C.
Published: January 2016

Context Range contractions are often the first indicator that a species is in decline. However, natural population fluctuations, characteristic of many Australian rodents, make differentiating between natural lows and unsustainable declines challenging. The endangered smoky mouse (Pseudomys fumeus) is a prime example. Surveys have failed to detect the species across much of its range over the past decade, but P. fumeus is known to experience fluctuations in abundance and periods of low detectability. Aims We compared past and current distributions of P. fumeus in the Victoria Range, Grampians–Gariwerd National Park (Victoria, Australia), to assess long-term population persistence over 40 years and short-term population persistence following a high-severity fire. Methods To evaluate the efficacy of surveys in detecting P. fumeus, we conducted analyses to explicitly model detectability using historical (1974, 2002) and modern (2013) survey data. We also tested the short-term impacts of fire on the presence of P. fumeus by surveying burned and unburned sites 3 months prior to, and 7 to 21 months following, a severe wildfire. Key results Our surveys detected P. fumeus at five new sites, confirmed presence at one historical site, and absence from two historical sites. The species persisted in situ through fire, and for at least 21 months following. We detected resident populations in burned and unburned wet drainage systems. Conclusions Despite periods of low density in which the species was undetected, P. fumeus persisted in an 8 km radius area of the eastern escarpment of Victoria Range of the Grampians–Gariwerd National Park for at least four decades through droughts, the presence of invasive predators, and the short-term impacts of wildfire. Implications Although P. fumeus persisted through a severe fire, factors influencing survival must be assessed before generalisations are made about the impacts of wildfire on the species. Management of P. fumeus should recognise that the species survives and breeds in wet drainage systems. Regular resurveys incorporating statistical estimates of detectability are necessary to identify and track distributional changes of threatened species, like P. fumeus, particularly in the context of natural, sustainable fluctuations.
A transcriptional signature of hub connectivity in the mouse connectome
Authors: Fulcher Ben D. , Fornito Alex
Published: January 2016

Significance

Some brain regions are highly connected with other areas, designating them as network hubs. These hubs are also heavily interconnected with each other, forming a dense core that integrates information across different neural systems. Here, we show that the functionally important projections linking hub areas of the mouse brain have a distinct genetic signature that is characterized by the tightly coupled expression of genes regulating the synthesis and metabolism of ATP, the primary energy source for neural activity. Our findings establish a direct link between molecular function and the large-scale organization of neuronal connectivity and suggest that coordinated gene expression between hub areas is closely related to the metabolic demands of these highly active and functionally important regions.
Changes in Treatment Patterns and Overall Survival in Patients With Early-Stage Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer in the United States After the Incorporation of Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy
Authors: Haque Waqar , Szeja Sean , Tann Anne , Kalra Sarathi , Teh Bin S.
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

Technologic developments have made radiation therapy (RT) more effective and have introduced new treatment options, such as stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR). This study sought to determine changes in practice patterns for treatment of stage IA non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after the introduction of SABR into the United States. This population-based study also examined changes in survival during this time period for all patients and specifically for patients treated with RT, surgery, or observation.

Methods:

We included patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database diagnosed with stage IA NSCLC diagnosed between 2004 and 2012. Changes in treatment patterns were assessed. Outcomes were compared across 2 time periods: 2004 to 2008 (pre-SABR) and 2009 to 2012 (post-SABR). Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression were performed to compare overall survival (OS) for patients treated with surgery, RT, or observation.

Results:

A total of 32,249 patients met the specified criteria. Comparing patients diagnosed in 2004 to those diagnosed in 2012, RT use increased from 13% to 29% (P<0.001), surgery use decreased from 76% to 61% (P<0.001), and patients observed decreased from 11% to 10% (P=0.3). There was no significant OS improvement in all patients or those patients who were observed; there were significant improvements in OS for patients treated with RT (hazard ratio=0.768; 95% confidence interval, 0.711-0.829) and those patients treated with surgery (hazard ratio=0.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.855-0.962).

Conclusions:

There has been an increase in RT utilization and decrease in surgical utilization after the incorporation of SABR by radiation oncologists within the United States. In addition, there has been an improvement in OS for patients treated with definitive RT for early-stage NSCLC between 2004 and 2012 that may be associated with increased utilization of SABR.
Heart Transplant Survival Based on Recipient and Donor Risk Scoring: A UNOS Database Analysis
Authors: Trivedi Jaimin R. , Cheng Allen , Ising Mickey , Lenneman Andrew , Birks Emma , Slaughter Mark S.
Published: January 2016

Unlike the lung allocation score, currently, there is no quantitative scoring system available for patients on heart transplant waiting list. By using United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data, we aim to generate a scoring system based on the recipient and donor risk factors to predict posttransplant survival. Available UNOS data were queried between 2005 and 2013 for heart transplant recipients aged ≥18 years to create separate cox-proportional hazard models for recipient and donor risk scoring. On the basis of risk scores, recipients were divided into five groups and donors into three groups. Kaplan–Meier curves were used for survival. Total 17,131 patients had heart transplant within specified time period. Major factors within high-risk groups were body mass index > 30 kg/m2 (46%), mean pulmonary artery pressure >30 mmHg (65%), creatinine > 1.5 mg% (63%), bilirubin > 1.5 mg% (54%), noncontinuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (45%) for recipients and gender mismatch (81%) and ischemia time >4 hours (88%) for donors. Survival in recipient groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 at 5 years was 81, 80, 77, 74, and 62%, respectively, and in donor groups 1, 2, and 3 at 5 years was 79, 77, and 70%, respectively (p < 0.001). Combining donor and recipient groups based on scoring showed acceptable survival in low-risk recipients with high-risk donor (75% at 5 years). A higher recipient and donor risk score are associated with worse long-term survival. A low-risk recipient transplanted with high-risk donor has acceptable survival at 5 years, but high-risk recipient combined with a high-risk donor has marginal results. Using an objective scoring system could help get the best results when utilizing high-risk donors.
Prolonged Support Using a Percutaneous OxyRVAD in a Patient with End-Stage Lung Disease, Pulmonary Hypertension, and Right Cardiac Failure
Authors: Bermudez Christian A. , Lagazzi Luigi , Crespo Maria M.
Published: January 2016

Options for cardiopulmonary support in patients with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) that is not associated with left-sided heart failure are limited. We describe the novel use of prolonged percutaneous venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a right ventricular assist device in a patient presenting with cardiogenic shock because of severe PH decompensation.
Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Schoolchildren in Ecuador
Authors: Játiva Edgar , Velasco‐Benítez Carlos A. , Koppen Ilan J.N. , Játiva‐Cabezas Zahira , Saps Miguel
Published: January 2016

The prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children in Ecuador is unknown. We describe a survey study in 2 schools in Quito, Ecuador, using a Spanish translation of the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms‐Rome III Version (QPGS‐RIII). A total of 417 children (51% boys) with a mean age of 12.0 years were included. FGIDs were present in 95 children (22.8%) and occurred in 25% of girls and in 20.7% of boys (P = 0.296). Functional defecation disorders were found in 12.0% of children, 9.4% had an abdominal pain‐related FGID and 3.8% was diagnosed with a vomiting or aerophagia FGID.
Team-Based Learning for Nursing and Medical Students
Authors: Feather Rebecca A. , Carr Doug E. , Reising Deanna L. , Garletts Derrick M.
Published: January 2016

Past research indicates that inadequacies in health care delivery create substantial preventable quality issues that can be addressed through improving relationships among clinicians to decrease the negative effects on patient outcomes. The purpose of this article is to describe the implementation of an interprofessional education project with senior nursing and third-year medical students working in teams in a clinical setting. Results include data from focus groups conducted at the conclusion of the project.
Prrx1 isoform switching regulates pancreatic cancer invasion and metastatic colonization
Authors: Takano Shigetsugu , Reichert Maximilian , Bakir Basil , Das Koushik K. , Nishida Takahiro , Miyazaki Masaru , Heeg Steffen , Collins Meredith A. , Marchand Benoît , Hicks Philip D. , Maitra Anirban , Rustgi Anil K.
Published: January 2016

The two major isoforms of the paired-related homeodomain transcription factor 1 (Prrx1), Prrx1a and Prrx1b, are involved in pancreatic development, pancreatitis, and carcinogenesis, although the biological role that these isoforms serve in the systemic dissemination of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not been investigated. An epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is believed to be important for primary tumor progression and dissemination, whereas a mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) appears crucial for metastatic colonization. Here, we describe novel roles for both isoforms in the metastatic cascade using complementary in vitro and in vivo models. Prrx1b promotes invasion, tumor dedifferentiation, and EMT. In contrast, Prrx1a stimulates metastatic outgrowth in the liver, tumor differentiation, and MET. We further demonstrate that the switch from Prrx1b to Prrx1a governs EMT plasticity in both mouse models of PDAC and human PDAC. Last, we identify hepatocyte growth factor ( HGF) as a novel transcriptional target of Prrx1b. Targeted therapy of HGF in combination with gemcitabine in a preclinical model of PDAC reduces primary tumor volume and eliminates metastatic disease. Overall, we provide new insights into the isoform-specific roles of Prrx1a and Prrx1b in primary PDAC formation, dissemination, and metastatic colonization, allowing for novel therapeutic strategies targeting EMT plasticity.
Combined deletion of cathepsin protease family members reveals compensatory mechanisms in cancer
Authors: Akkari Leila , Gocheva Vasilena , Quick Marsha L. , Kester Jemila C. , Spencer Alison K. , Garfall Alfred L. , Bowman Robert L. , Joyce Johanna A.
Published: January 2016

Proteases are important for regulating multiple tumorigenic processes, including angiogenesis, tumor growth, and invasion. Elevated protease expression is associated with poor patient prognosis across numerous tumor types. Several multigene protease families have been implicated in cancer, including cysteine cathepsins. However, whether individual family members have unique roles or are functionally redundant remains poorly understood. Here we demonstrate stage-dependent effects of simultaneously deleting cathepsin B (CtsB) and CtsS in a murine pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor model. Early in tumorigenesis, the double knockout results in an additive reduction in angiogenic switching, whereas at late stages, several tumorigenic phenotypes are unexpectedly restored to wild-type levels. We identified CtsZ, which is predominantly supplied by tumor-associated macrophages, as the compensatory protease that regulates the acquired tumor-promoting functions of lesions deficient in both CtsB and CtsS. Thus, deletion of multiple cathepsins can lead to stage-dependent, compensatory mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment, which has potential implications for the clinical consideration of selective versus pan-family cathepsin inhibitors in cancer.
Rapid evolutionary turnover underlies conserved lncRNA–genome interactions
Authors: Quinn Jeffrey J. , Zhang Qiangfeng C. , Georgiev Plamen , Ilik Ibrahim A. , Akhtar Asifa , Chang Howard Y.
Published: January 2016

Many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate chromatin states, but the evolutionary origin and dynamics driving lncRNA–genome interactions are unclear. We adapted an integrative strategy that identifies lncRNA orthologs in different species despite limited sequence similarity, which is applicable to mammalian and insect lncRNAs. Analysis of the roX lncRNAs, which are essential for dosage compensation of the single X chromosome in Drosophila males, revealed 47 new roX orthologs in diverse Drosophilid species across ∼40 million years of evolution. Genetic rescue by roX orthologs and engineered synthetic lncRNAs showed that altering the number of focal, repetitive RNA structures determines roX ortholog function. Genomic occupancy maps of roX RNAs in four species revealed conserved targeting of X chromosome neighborhoods but rapid turnover of individual binding sites. Many new roX-binding sites evolved from DNA encoding a pre-existing RNA splicing signal, effectively linking dosage compensation to transcribed genes. Thus, dynamic change in lncRNAs and their genomic targets underlies conserved and essential lncRNA–genome interactions.
Assessment of megabase-scale somatic copy number variation using single-cell sequencing
Authors: Knouse Kristin A. , Wu Jie , Amon Angelika
Published: January 2016

Megabase-scale copy number variants (CNVs) can have profound phenotypic consequences. Germline CNVs of this magnitude are associated with disease and experience negative selection. However, it is unknown whether organismal function requires that every cell maintain a balanced genome. It is possible that large somatic CNVs are tolerated or even positively selected. Single-cell sequencing is a useful tool for assessing somatic genomic heterogeneity, but its performance in CNV detection has not been rigorously tested. Here, we develop an approach that allows for reliable detection of megabase-scale CNVs in single somatic cells. We discover large CNVs in 8%–9% of cells across tissues and identify two recurrent CNVs. We conclude that large CNVs can be tolerated in subpopulations of cells, and particular CNVs are relatively prevalent within and across individuals.
Targeted deletion of miR-132/-212 impairs memory and alters the hippocampal transcriptome
Authors: Hansen Katelin F. , Sakamoto Kensuke , Aten Sydney , Price Kaiden H. , Loeser Jacob , Hesse Andrea M. , Page Chloe E. , Pelz Carl , Arthur J. Simon C. , Impey Soren , Obrietan Karl
Published: January 2016

miR-132 and miR-212 are structurally related microRNAs that have been found to exert powerful modulatory effects within the central nervous system (CNS). Notably, these microRNAs are tandomly processed from the same noncoding transcript, and share a common seed sequence: thus it has been difficult to assess the distinct contribution of each microRNA to gene expression within the CNS. Here, we employed a combination of conditional knockout and transgenic mouse models to examine the contribution of the miR-132/-212 gene locus to learning and memory, and then to assess the distinct effects that each microRNA has on hippocampal gene expression. Using a conditional deletion approach, we show that miR-132/-212 double-knockout mice exhibit significant cognitive deficits in spatial memory, recognition memory, and in tests of novel object recognition. Next, we utilized transgenic miR-132 and miR-212 overexpression mouse lines and the miR-132/-212 double-knockout line to explore the distinct effects of these two miRNAs on the transcriptional profile of the hippocampus. Illumina sequencing revealed that miR-132/-212 deletion increased the expression of 1138 genes; Venn analysis showed that 96 of these genes were also downregulated in mice overexpressing miR-132. Of the 58 genes that were decreased in animals overexpressing miR-212, only four of them were also increased in the knockout line. Functional gene ontology analysis of downregulated genes revealed significant enrichment of genes related to synaptic transmission, neuronal proliferation, and morphogenesis, processes known for their roles in learning, and memory formation. These data, coupled with previous studies, firmly establish a role for the miR-132/-212 gene locus as a key regulator of cognitive capacity. Further, although miR-132 and miR-212 share a seed sequence, these data indicate that these miRNAs do not exhibit strongly overlapping mRNA targeting profiles, thus indicating that these two genes may function in a complex, nonredundant manner to shape the transcriptional profile of the CNS. The dysregulation of miR-132/-212 expression could contribute to signaling mechanisms that are involved in an array of cognitive disorders.
Embedding components in voltage converter PCB for size reduction and heat management
Authors: Wojcik Mariusz , Witek Dariusz , Klej Tomasz , Ramotowski Edward
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to show physical limitation of embedding standard packaging components into printed circuit board (PCB) which is more reasonable technology for small series productions which is popular in industrial products. Embedding electronic components inside a PCB FR-4 substrate leads to significant size reduction and better heat management. Embedded chip technology is already known in many consumer electronics applications, but it is focused on high volumes and required to order components ready to be embedded.

Design/methodology/approach

– Highly integrated DC/DC converter with standard-package electronic parts (passive and active) was embedded inside a PCB structure. The design and the manufacturing process was based on standard PCB FR-4 technology. Sandwich solution was used to integrate all layers together; one of the main investigations was to focus on how to fill space around components to keep internal stresses on very low level.

Findings

– There were few considerations during choosing the right concept. The first, which occurred during the first producing round, was the distance between thick copper and inner layer. The second one was the way how to fill space between mounted components on inner layer and isolation laminate. A few trials took place and it is decided that it is impossible to fill this space with resin from prepregs; therefore, a casting compound was used.

Originality/value

– Design and manufacturing process which brings 37 per cent of size reduction of complete DC/DC voltage converter PCB with 28.5 W output power comparing to a reference design with standard surface mounted devices (SMD) and copper layout implementation has been achieved during research project.
Application of direct bonded copper substrates for prototyping of power electronic modules
Authors: Grzesiak Wojciech , Maćków Piotr , Maj Tomasz , Synkiewicz Beata , Witek Krzysztof , Kisiel Ryszard , Myśliwiec Marcin , Borecki Janusz , Serzysko Tomasz , Żupnik Marek
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to present certain issues in direct bonded copper (DBC) technology towards the manufacture of Al2O3 or AlN ceramic substrates with one or both sides clad with a copper (Cu) layer.

Design/methodology/approach

– As part of the experimental work, attempts were made to produce patterns printed onto DBC substrates based on four substantially different technologies: precise cutting with a diamond saw, photolithography, the use of a milling cutter (LPKF ProtoMat 93s) and laser ablation with differential chemical etching of the Cu layer.

Findings

– The use of photolithography and etching technology in the case of boards clad with a 0.2-mm-thick Cu layer, can produce conductive paths with a width of 0.4 mm while maintaining a distance of 0.4 mm between the paths, and in the case of boards clad with a 0.3-mm-thick copper layer, conductive paths with a width of 0.5 mm while maintaining a distance of 0.5 mm between paths. The application of laser ablation at the final step of removing the unnecessary copper layer, can radically increase the resolution of printed pattern even to 0.1/0.1 mm. The quality of the printed pattern is also much better.

Research limitations/implications

– Etching process optimization and the development of the fundamentals of technology and design of power electronic systems based on DBC substrates should be done in the future. A limiting factor for further research and its implementation may be the relatively high price of DBC substrates in comparison with typical PCB printed circuits.

Practical implications

– Several examples of practical implementations using DBC technology are presented, such as full- and half-bridge connections, full-wave rectifier with an output voltage of 48 V and an output current of 50 A, and part of a battery discharger controller and light-emitting diode illuminator soldered to a copper heat sink.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a comparison of different technologies used for the realization of precise patterns on DBC substrates. The combination of etching and laser ablation technologies radically improves the quality of DBC-printed patterns.
Evaluation of new technologies and materials for printed circuit boards with improved heat dissipation properties
Authors: Baszynski Michal , Ramotowski Edward , Ostaszewski Dariusz , Klej Tomasz , Wojcik Mariusz , Kohvakka Mikko , Kamari Anssi
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate thermal properties of printed circuit board (PCB) made with use of new materials and technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

– Four PCBs with the same layout but made with use of different materials and technologies have been investigated using thermal camera to compare their thermal properties.

Findings

– The results show how important the thermal properties of PCBs are for providing effective heat dissipation, and how a simple alteration to the design can help to improve the thermal performance of electronic device. Proper layout, new materials and technologies of PCB manufacturing can significantly reduce the temperature of electronic components resulting in higher reliability of electronic and power electronic devices.

Originality/value

– This paper shows the advantages of new technologies and materials in PCB thermal management.
The purpose of variable pay schemes and trade unions
Authors: Trif Aurora , Geary John
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate concerning the compatibility of variable pay schemes (VPS) and trade unions, by investigating the effects of the managerial function (to increase management control over employees) and market function (to attract and retain suitably qualified employees) of VPS for trade unions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A critical case study approach was used to verify how the two varying functions of VPS affect the trade union of a large multi-establishment Irish financial institution. Data are based on a total of 60 in-depth interviews with key informants (trade unions, managers and non-managerial employees) at various levels in the organisational hierarchy and a representative survey of employees.

Findings

– While the findings confirmed the a priori expectation that the managerial function of VPS is more likely to damage unions than the market function, this study revealed that the interplay between the two functions varied over time and across outlets, and was primarily contingent on the disposition of line management towards the use of VPS and the market context.

Research limitations/implications

– The consequences of the shift to a managerial function of VPS following the 2008 economic crisis could only be assessed in a preliminary manner due to the time frame of the study.

Practical implications

– Trade unions, managers and employees need to consider the potential gaps between the intended purposes of VPS and their actual implementation to assess whether they are of potential benefit.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the existing literature in two main ways. First, it adds that the market function of VPS serves managers’ aims not only in aiding them attract, retain and motivate suitably qualified employees as indicated by Flanders (1970), but also in helping them gain great control over labour costs, which in turn, has mixed effects for trade unions. Second, in addition to the pragmatic reasons identified by previous studies, the findings show that a key determinant in unions’ acceptance of VPS involves earlier experiences of unions fighting unsuccessfully against the adoption of VPS.
Women and expatriate assignments
Authors: Varma Arup , Russell Linda
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is twofold – first, to explore the role of perceived organizational support (POS) during the three critical stages of the female expatriate experience, with a view to explaining the disproportionately low numbers of females in expatriate roles; and second, to offer specific suggestions to multi-national enterprises to help them create a level playing field so females can compete for expatriate assignments.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors draw upon the theory of POS to explore how the perceived lack of support from their organization during the critical stages of expatriate assignments affects women’s interest, and potentially their performance, in expatriate assignments. The authors develop and present relevant propositions.

Findings

– This is a conceptual paper that offers a process model of the impact of POS on the three stages of selection of females for expatriates.

Research limitations/implications

– From a theoretical perspective it is clear that POS can play an important role in the willingness of females to accept international assignments. Thus POS can be a critical determinant of the potential levels of female participation in expatriate assignments. Previously, scholars have argued that the low numbers of female expatriates may be a result of a lack of interest on their part, or because they may not be welcomed in many countries. However, subsequent theses have argued, and many studies have shown, that females can be equally successful. The proposed process model helps to better understand how organizations might dismantle the barriers faced by potential female expatriates, by addressing the key issues at each stage.

Practical implications

– Multinational enterprises need to ensure that they are drawing from their full pool of talent, if they are to compete effectively against other multinational enterprises. By paying attention to the suggestions, and adopting and executing the propositions, they will be able to avoid the possibility that their qualified female employees may withdraw from the organization if they believe that they are not likely to be considered for expatriate assignments, simply because of their gender, even though they are interested.

Social implications

– From a societal perspective, it is indeed critical that qualified females are provided the same opportunities that are made available to males. Given that roughly half the population is female, multi-national enterprises that fail to treat their female employees fairly will be seen as poor corporate citizens.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to address the critical issue of low numbers of females on expatriate assignments by drawing upon the tenets of the theory of POS. The authors offer several propositions to help multinational enterprises understand the impact of the gender imbalance in expatriate assignments, and offer suggestions on how organizations might improve the participation of females in expatriate assignments.
Employer-initiated collective bargaining: a case study of the Chinese sweater industry
Authors: Wen Xiaoyi
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– Collective bargaining (CB) in China is perceived as inadequate, thanks to the lack of trade union independence and representation. However, CB of the sweater industry in Wenling, one of the world’s largest manufacturing centre, shows another tendency. Using Wenling as the case, the purpose of this paper is to explore whether a new form of CB is emerging in China.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses a qualitative case study approach, and covers stakeholders, including the government, trade union, sweater association, workers and employers.

Findings

– In China, trade unions are constrained by corporatism and therefore cannot become the effective agents of CB. However, the increased industrial conflicts could in effect push employers to become the engine of change. This paper finds that employers endeavour to use CB as a tool to stabilise employment relations and neutralise workers resistance. Consequently, a gradual transition in labour relations system is on the way, characterised by “disorderly resistance” to “orderly compliance” in the working class.

Research limitations/implications

– The case industry may not be sufficient in drawing the details of CB in China, while it provides the trend of change.

Originality/value

– Conventional wisdom on the Chinese labour relations and CB tends to ignore the employer’s perspective. This paper partially fills in the gap by offering CB and change of employment relations from the aspect of employers.
Adopting interoperability solutions for online tourism distribution
Authors: Reino Sofia , Alzua-Sorzabal Aurkene , Baggio Rodolfo
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that make the adoption of interoperability solutions for online tourism distribution (OTD) more likely by small operators and to develop an evaluation framework for this solutions. Research identifying these determinants is missing. The resulting evaluation framework is then applied to evaluate a number of extant technological solutions focused on interoperability solutions for OTD.

Design/methodology/approach

– In an attempt to address this gap of research, this paper undertakes a series of interviews and focus groups of the European tourism industry.

Findings

– Findings partly aligned with the suggestion made by previous research about technology adoption by micro, small and medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs), they also highlighted some issues which are specific to the adoption of interoperability solutions for OTD. These related to the scarcity of information and communication technology (ICT) applications specifically designed for mini and micro enterprises, the very limited capabilities available for using efficiently ICTs in business-to-business (B2B) operations and the difficulty in collaborating with other companies due to the number of different solutions used in the industry, especially when dealing with large aggregators (global distribution systems (GDSs) or large online travel agencies) and lack of standardization for data.

Research limitations/implications

– The study has important theoretical implications. It provides a better understanding of issues affecting the adoption of interoperability solutions for OTD by SMTEs, such as the scarcity of ICT applications specifically designed for mini and micro enterprises, the very limited capabilities available for using ICTs efficiently in B2B operations and lack of standardization.

Practical implications

– It facilitates making decisions about adopting interoperability solutions for online distribution solutions, both by suppliers and destination managers.

Originality/value

– Limited work has focused on understanding issues affecting the adoption of interoperability solutions for OTD solutions among SMTEs.
A model for managing service encounters for neo-luxury consumers
Authors: Canziani Bonnie , Watchravesringkan Kittichai , Yurchisin Jennifer
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore a theoretical relationship among perceptions of consumer social class, the perceived legitimacy of customer requests for service and the delivery of intangible services. It focuses the discussion on service firm encounters with non-traditional consumers seeking to purchase from luxury brands.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reviews the literature for current trends in strategies of luxury brands and characteristics of evolving global and Asian consumer markets for luxury and neo-luxury goods and draws a theoretic model with propositions.

Findings

– Evidence suggests that service providers can improve efforts to expand services to the newly rich and trading-up neo-luxury consumer markets by focusing on the intangible elements of the service delivery system. Particular emphasis is placed on enhancing employee treatment of neo-luxury customers during service encounters by understanding the influence of employee perceptions of consumer social class and evaluations of the perceived legitimacy of customer requests for service.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to the theoretical discussion in luxury brand management by suggesting that employees are influenced by impressions of customer worth and other attributes when determining responses to customers during service encounters. Implications for practitioners and future research directions for academics based on the framework are presented.
Emerging challenges for branded budget hotels in India
Authors: Rishi Meghna , Joshi Gaurav
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to identify the emerging challenges that are faced by branded budget hotels in India. The paper aims to do this by exploring the expectations as well as challenges faced by the customers and hospitality managers of branded budgets hotels in India.

Design/methodology/approach

– Utilizing a multi-method approach, data were collected through literature review, eight in-depth interviews and 422 customer reviews. Thematic analysis using the hybrid approach brings out the challenges faced by hospitality managers of branded budget hotels in India.

Findings

– Hospitality managers face the following challenges – dipping gross operating profits, higher global distribution systems productivity for international hotel brands, location constraints, high royalty structures for management contracts, regulatory issues, business poaching and unorganized growth, bureaucracy among vendors and contactors and lack of trained manpower. Customer expectations include poor check-in/check-out services, inefficient service management, inconsiderate personnel, poor management of feedback and instances of theft.

Originality/value

– This work adds to the body of knowledge using real customer data and thematic analysis. The authors have not come across any scholarly work, especially in the Indian context, which looks at two stakeholders of the branded budget hotel industry. Hence, recommendations from this work are valuable for hospitality managers as well as researchers.
Reflections on the theme issue outcomes
Authors: Teare Richard , Dioko Leonardo (Don) A.N.
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to profile the Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes (WHATT) theme issue “Services management and the growing number of Asian travellers: what needs re-thinking?” with reference to the experiences of the theme editor and the theme issue outcomes from countries within and beyond Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses structured questions to enable the theme editor to reflect on the rationale for the theme issue question, the starting point, the selection of the writing team and material and the editorial process.

Findings

– This paper reports on research and discussions between academics and practitioners about an issue faced by many countries with established hospitality, tourism and travel industries. Specifically, what are the adjustments needed to mirror the radically changing demographic landscape of inbound tourism – now characterized by more affluent and mobile Asian visitors?

Practical implications

– This paper builds on the outcomes of an international conference on “Managing and Delivering Services in the Asian Century”, and offers a response to the changes needed to better serve Asian travellers.

Originality/value

– It provides guidelines for destinations, hospitality organizations and travel operators that have traditionally relied on European and American source markets to help them re-think their service delivery process, management and operations.
Water‐based correction fluid is a useful skin marker for determination of the tumor margin of basal cell carcinoma under high‐frequency ultrasound
Authors: Hayashi Koichi , Okuyama Ryuhei , Uhara Hisashi
Published: January 2016

We propose a new method to determine the appropriate preoperative surgical margin of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) by using water‐based correction fluid as a skin marker showing the tumor position on the skin under high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS). After a provisional evaluation by dermoscopy, an approximately 2‐mm dot of water‐based correction fluid is applied to the tumor margin. The ultrasound waves are blocked by the dot of correction fluid, and a low‐signal column is observed under the dot of correction fluid. The dots of correction fluid are moved and located as near as possible to the tumor margin, which is shown as a solid hypoechoic area by the HFUS. After confirming that the dots of correction fluid are applied to the circumferential margin, we draw a line in the gaps between the dots. Before the operation, the dots of correction fluid are removed by forceps, and a line for the tumor margin is drawn where the dots were. The surgical margin is set just outside of this line with the use of a measuring device. Water‐based correction fluid is thus a useful skin marker under HFUS to determine the circumferential surgical margin of BCC.
The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 – Secure Colleges and the Legitimation of State Sponsored Violence
Authors: Arthur Raymond
Published: January 2016

The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 empowers staff in secure colleges to subject young people in custody to dangerous force for the purpose of ensuring ‘good order and discipline’. The use of force to restrain young people in custody can cause serious physical injury, profound psychological damage and has contributed to the custodial deaths of two young people in 2004. Despite these dangers, in most youth custodial establishments the use of force remains high and has been increasing. The 2015 Act will further legitimise the use of coercive violence against vulnerable children, consequently sustaining the power imbalance between children and adults, diminishing the special status of childhood and violating the child's human rights. This comment considers the effectiveness of using force and argues that the deliberate infliction of pain should only be used as a last resort and exclusively to prevent harm to the child or others.
Kadi: King‐Slayer or King‐Maker? The Shifting Allocation of Decision‐Making Power between the UN Security Council and Courts
Authors: Hovell Devika
Published: January 2016

This note analyses the twelve‐year span of the Kadi litigation in the European courts. The litigation raises the textbook question of the relationship between international and municipal legal orders, yet demonstrates that it is high time to move the description of this relationship beyond the orthodox yet outdated monist/dualist dichotomy that was seen to provide the answer in less complicated times. The note examines the different approaches taken at the three key phases of the litigation: the ‘supremacy’ position adopted by the Court of First Instance in 2005, the ‘subversive’ approach of the European Court of Justice in 2008 and the ‘subsidiarity’ position of the Court of Justice of the European Union in 2013. Ultimately, the note invites attention to the ‘Solange equivalence’ approach taken by the Advocates‐General and argues that this strikes the best balance in normative terms for an enduring approach to power‐sharing between legal orders.
Diversity, frequency, and geographic distribution of facultative bacterial endosymbionts in introduced aphid pests
Authors: Sepúlveda Daniela A. , Zepeda‐Paulo Francisca , Ramírez Claudio C. , Lavandero Blas , Figueroa Christian C.
Published: January 2016

Facultative bacterial endosymbionts in insects have been under intense study during the last years. Endosymbionts can modify the insect's phenotype, conferring adaptive advantages under environmental stress. This seems particularly relevant for a group of worldwide agricultural aphid pests, because endosymbionts modify key fitness‐related traits, including host plant use, protection against natural enemies and heat tolerance. Aimed to understand the role of facultative endosymbionts on the success of introduced aphid pests, the distribution and abundance of 5 facultative endosymbionts (Hamiltonella defensa, Regiella insecticola, Serratia symbiotica, Rickettsia and Spiroplasma) were studied and compared in 4 cereal aphids (Sitobion avenae, Diuraphis noxia, Metopolophium dirhodum and Schizaphis graminium) and in the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum complex from 2 agroclimatic zones in Chile. Overall, infections with facultative endosymbionts exhibited a highly variable and characteristic pattern depending on the aphid species/host race and geographic zone, which could explain the success of aphid pest populations after their introduction. While S. symbiotica and H. defensa were the most frequent endosymbionts carried by the A. pisum pea‐race and A. pisum alfalfa‐race aphids, respectively, the most frequent facultative endosymbiont carried by all cereal aphids was R. insecticola. Interestingly, a highly variable composition of endosymbionts carried by S. avenae was also observed between agroclimatic zones, suggesting that endosymbionts are responding differentially to abiotic variables (temperature and precipitations). In addition, our findings constitute the first report of bacterial endosymbionts in cereal aphid species not screened before, and also the first report of aphid endosymbionts in Chile.
Becoming‐urban, becoming‐forest: a historical geography of urban forest projects in Australia
Authors: Jones Ryan , Instone Lesley
Published: January 2016

In recent times, local governments in Australia's major cities have embraced the idea that the trees in their streets, parks, and private gardens are parts of a collectiveurban forestthat can be managed to address complex policy problems and create more liveable and sustainable cities. In light of this proposition, applied and critical urban forest researchers have typically focused on questions of quantity with regard to some of the factors that influence the density and distribution of urban tree cover. In a few cases, however, researchers have documented qualitative changes to the urban trees and woodlands that ostensibly constitute the urban forest, suggesting that it might be apprehended in a more mutable and dynamic way. Building on these accounts, we turn to Deleuze and Guattari's theory of becoming to read the urban forest in an active and malleable light, developing a historical geography of urban forestry in Australia that discerns three urban forest projects we call the ‘forest in a city’, the ‘city forest’, and a new but not yet realised, ‘city in a forest’. This finding renders the urban forest in more contingent, multiple, and mutable terms, leading us to finish the paper with a consideration of what seeing the urban forest as becoming means for future research. There, we suggest that Deleuze and Guattari's becoming directs us to different kinds of empirical, political, and ethical concerns that haven't received significant interest in the current literature. These include asking how, why, and with what consequences do particular styles of urban forestry emerge at particular space‐times. How is qualitative difference and urban forest multiplicity dealt with in practice, as well as focusing on affect and everyday embodied encounters between people and trees in different urban places.