bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental health commissioning: master or subject of change?
Authors: Miller Robin , Rees James
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore change within the commissioning of third sector mental health services in England.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study methodology based on survey and interview data of a sample of third sector organisations and commissioners within an English conurbation.

Findings

– Normative commissioning models based on sequential cycles were not fully implemented with the main focus being on the procurement and contracting elements. There were examples of commissioning being an enabler of service improvement but overall it seems to have been limited in its ability to bring about whole system change. Barriers included commissioners’ capacity and competence, ineffectual systems within their organisations, and fragmentation in commissioning processes between user groups, organisations and sectors.

Research limitations/implications

– The case study conurbation may not represent practice in all urban areas of England and there may be particular issues of difference within rural localities. The view of private and public sector providers and those working in Commissioning Support Units were not sought.

Practical implications

– To lead whole system change the commissioning function needs to be adequately resourced and skilled with better integration across public sector functions and organisations. Greater emphasis needs to be placed on implementing the full commissioning cycle, including the engagement of relevant stakeholders throughout the process and the practical application of outcomes.

Originality/value

– This research adds to the limited body of empirical work regarding commissioning in mental health.
Bringing formative classroom assessment to schools and making it count
Authors: W. Gordon Edmund , V. McGill Michael , Iceman Sands Deanna , M. Kalinich Kelley , W. Pellegrino James , Chatterji Madhabi
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to present alternative views on the theory and practice offormative assessment (FA), or assessment to support teaching and learning in classrooms, with the purpose of highlighting its value in education and informing discussions on educational assessment policy.

Methodology/approach

– The method used is a “moderated policy discussion”. The six invited commentaries on the theme represent perspectives of leading scholars and measurement experts juxtaposed against voices of prominent school district leaders from two education systems in the USA. The discussion is moderated with introductory and concluding remarks from the guest editor and is excerpted from a recent blog published byEducation Week. References and author biographies are presented at the end of the article.

Findings

– While current assessment policies in the USA push for greater accountability in schools by increasing large scale testing of students, the authors underscore the importance of FA integrated with classroom teaching and learning. They define what formative classroom assessment means in theory and in practice, consider barriers to more widespread use of FA practices and address what educational policy makers could do to facilitate a FA “work culture” in schools.

Originality/value

– The commentators, representing scholar and practitioner perspectives, examine the problem in a multi-faceted manner and offer research-based, practical and policy solutions to the observed issues in FA. Dialogue among stakeholders, as presented here, is a key first step in enacting assessment reforms in the directions discussed.
The production-based PhD: an action research model for supervisors
Authors: Phillips Gail
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to demonstrate how action research methodologies can help to define and clarify the pedagogical role of the supervisor in production-based research (PBR). A major challenge in supervising practice-related research is trying to disentangle and articulate the theory embedded within practical projects. In journalism, which is still a relatively new discipline in academe, supervisors and students are often operating in under-theorised areas with no pre-existing theoretical roadmap. Action research has shown itself to be a useful methodology for structuring and explaining practice-related research, which in journalism would encompass PBR in the field. This paper shows how the action research paradigm is equally useful in describing and clarifying the supervisor’s role in these sorts of projects.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper looks first at practice-related research and the main challenges for candidates and supervisors in trying to align PBR with academic paradigms. Using examples from the author’s experience in supervising journalism research, it then illustrates how the main supervision tasks of project management, research mentoring and the writing-up process fit into the action research model.

Findings

– In reflecting on the dynamics between candidates and supervisors in PBR, this paper shows how supervision of production-based PhDs is a dynamic research process in itself, presenting opportunities for pedagogical reflection.

Originality/value

– The paper helps to clarify the role of the supervisor in this specialist research area which is still trying to establish itself within academe. It provides one way for supervisors to conceptualise their experiences and so contribute to a corpus of knowledge on which others can draw and build. By showing how the action research methodology applies to the supervision process in production-based research (PBR), this paper articulates a way for supervisors to understand and manage their role in this still-evolving research area. Building on previous scholarship and applying this knowledge to journalism production, the paper shows how action research may provide a way of addressing many of the issues and dilemmas others have encountered and identified in their pedagogical practice.
Bank officers’ perceptions and uses of qualified audit reports
Authors: Sormunen Nina
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to provide insights into the perceptions and uses of qualified audit reports in financial statements of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As there is a long-standing debate on the usefulness of auditor’s going-concern reports, this study aims to provide insights into the factors that affect how banks perceive and use going-concern reports.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews with bank officers were conducted.

Findings

– The study findings demonstrated that bank officers considered that the going-concern report provided information, although they did not regard the information as being particularly useful. The main factors affecting the usefulness of information are use of other information sources and bank officers’ perceptions of auditing. Other factors are also presented and discussed in the current research paper.

Practical implications

– Regulators have taken the action to improve the auditor’s reporting model, and the findings provided by this study are important because they provide a deeper understanding of the perceptions and uses of audit reports from smaller companies. The study also contributes knowledge about the role of audit reports in the context of SMEs finance.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first studies to use a qualitative approach to examine factors that affect the use of going-concern reports.
Creditable behaviour? The intra-firm management of trade credit
Authors: Boden Rebecca , Yassia Paul Salima
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the reasons for the apparent failure of many UK firms to achieve the competitive advantages indicated in largely positivist literature through the management of their trade credit positions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper utilises data from a set of semi-structured interviews with trade credit managers in firms and is the first substantial qualitative study of the intra-firm aspects of trade credit management in the UK. Through this approach, we explore the reasons why the theoretical promise of trade credit may or may not be realised.

Findings

– The principal findings relate to the importance of three organisational attributes (skills/awareness, communication and structural position of the activity in the firm). That is, trade credit management should be regarded as a relational activity and not merely a narrow technical function. The paper finds that there is no generic formulation of these attributes that can deliver on the promise of trade credit identified in the extant literature. Rather, individual firms must adapt themselves to suit their circumstances.

Practical implications

– This paper will be of interest to and is relevant for companies, accounting professionals and policymakers. Trade credit represents a significant area of commercial risk, and the problems experienced with its effective management have previously proved somewhat intractable.

Originality/value

– This paper reports on the first substantial piece of UK work to look at the actualities of how trade credit is managed within firms and what the implications of this are.
Spirituality and learning disability: a review of UK Government guidance
Authors: Nonye Sango Precious , Forrester-Jones Rachel
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– Despite spirituality being a key aspect of quality of life, it appears to remain a low-priority area for social and health care government policy. The purpose of this paper is to identify and describe what, if at all, UK policy says about spirituality in relation to the care of people with learning disabilities (LD).

Design/methodology/approach

– A systematic policy review using three government databases: legislation.gov.uk; Department of Health and Directgov (now known as gov.uk) was carried out.

Findings

– The review identified policy gaps and a general lack of government directives in relation to the spiritual care of people with LD. Whilst research in this area is gathering momentum, practical implementation which makes a real difference to the spiritual experiences of people with LD appears to be sparse.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic policy review on this subject area, highlighting the need for spirituality to become a more supported aspect of social care within LD services.
Private lives, public policy – a commentary on “Spirituality and learning disability: a review of UK Government guidance”
Authors: Camden-Smith Claudia
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “Spirituality and learning disability: a review of UK Government guidance” by Sango and Forrester-Jones.

Design/methodology/approach

– The commentary examines the interplay between spirituality and health care in caring for people with a learning disability from a personal perspective and considers the reasons why healthcare professionals and caregivers may not facilitate expression of spirituality in this group.

Findings

– Carers with a religious affiliation of their own are more likely to engage people with learning disability in exploration of religion and spirituality than those with no religious affiliation. Although government policy in this area is limited, spirituality is an integral part of holistic care and should be addressed by all healthcare professionals and paid carers.

Originality/value

– This paper explores reasons why carers may find it hard to talk about spirituality and provides guidance and resources for talking about spirituality to people with learning disability.
Access to cancer screening by people with learning disabilities in England 2012/13: information from the Joint Health and Social Care Assessment Framework
Authors: Glover Gyles , Christie Anna , Hatton Chris
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present information from the Joint Health and Social Care Self-Assessment Framework (JHSCSAF) on reported rates of cervical cancer, breast cancer and bowel cancer screening for eligible people with learning disabilities in England in 2012/2013 compared to screening rates for the general population.

Design/methodology/approach

– Between 94 and 101 Learning Disability Partnership Boards, as part of the JHSCSAF, provided information to allow the calculation of rates of cervical cancer, breast cancer and bowel cancer screening in their locality, for eligible people with learning disabilities and for the population as a whole.

Findings

– At a national level, reported cancer screening coverage for eligible people with learning disabilities was substantially lower than for the population as a whole (cervical cancer screening 27.6 per cent of people with learning disabilities vs 70 per cent of total population; breast cancer screening 36.8 per cent of people with learning disabilities vs 57.8 per cent of total population; bowel cancer screening 28.1 per cent of people with learning disabilities vs 40.5 per cent of the general population). There were considerable geographical variations in reported coverage for all three screening programmes.

Originality/value

– Consistent with previous research, localities in England report cancer screening rates for eligible people with learning disabilities considerably below those of the general population. There is an urgent need to address data availability and quality issues, as well as reasonable adjustments to cancer screening programmes to ensure uniformly high rates of cancer screening for people with learning disabilities across England.
Linking niche theory to ecological impacts of successful invaders: insights from resource fluctuation‐specialist herbivore interactions
Authors: Gidoin Cindy , Roques Lionel , Boivin Thomas
Published: October 2014

Theories of species coexistence and invasion ecology are fundamentally connected and provide a common theoretical framework for studying the mechanisms underlying successful invasions and their ecological impacts. Temporal fluctuations in resource availability and differences in life‐history traits between invasive and resident species are considered as likely drivers of the dynamics of invaded communities. Current critical issues in invasion ecology thus relate to the extent to which such mechanisms influence coexistence between invasive and resident species and to the ability of resident species to persist in an invasive‐dominated ecosystem.

We tested how a fluctuating resource, and species trait differences may explain and help predict long‐term impacts of biological invasions in forest specialist insect communities. We used a simple invasion system comprising closely related invasive and resident seed‐specialized wasps (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) competing for a well‐known fluctuating resource and displaying divergent diapause, reproductive and phenological traits.

Based on extensive long‐term field observations (1977–2010), we developed a combination of mechanistic and statistical models aiming to (i) obtain a realistic description of the population dynamics of these interacting species over time, and (ii) clarify the respective contributions of fluctuation‐dependent and fluctuation‐independent mechanisms to long‐term impact of invasion on the population dynamics of the resident wasp species.

We showed that a fluctuation‐dependent mechanism was unable to promote coexistence of the resident and invasive species. Earlier phenology of the invasive species was the main driver of invasion success, enabling the invader to exploit an empty niche. Phenology also had the greatest power to explain the long‐term negative impact of the invasive on the resident species, through resource pre‐emption.

This study provides strong support for the critical role of species differences in interspecific competition outcomes within animal communities. Our mechanistic‐statistical approach disentangles the critical drivers of novel species assemblages resulting from intentional and non‐intentional introductions of non‐native species.
Unveiling equal importance of two 14‐3‐3 proteins for morphogenesis, conidiation, stress tolerance and virulence of an insect pathogen
Authors: Liu Qian , Li Jin‐Gen , Ying Sheng‐Hua , Wang Juan‐Juan , Sun Wen‐Liang , Tian Chao‐Guang , Feng Ming‐Guang
Published: October 2014

Two conserved 14‐3‐3 proteins orthologous to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Bmh1/2 are poorly understood in filamentous fungi. Here we show that Bmh1 and Bmh2 contribute equally to the fundamental biology and physiology of Beauveria bassiana by targeting many sets of proteins/enzymes. Single Bmh deletion caused similar upregulation of another. Excellent knockdown (∼91%) expressions of Bmh1 in ΔBmh2 and Bmh2 in ΔBmh1 resulted in equally more severe multiphenotypic defects than the single deletions, including G2/M transition, blastospore size, carbon/nitrogen utilization, conidiation, germination and conidial tolerances to high osmolarity, oxidation, cell wall stress, high temperature and UV‐B irradiation. All the deletion and deletion/knockdown mutants showed similar defects in blastospore yield and density, hyphal septation and cell size, hyphal responses to most chemical stresses and virulence. All the defects were evident with altered transcripts of phenotype‐related genes and well restored by each Bmh complementation. Our Bmh1‐ and Bmh2‐specific transcriptomes generated under osmotic and oxidative stresses revealed up to 6% genes differentially expressed by at least twofold in the fungal genome. Many of those were greatly depressed or co‐depressed in ΔBmh1 and ΔBmh2. Our findings provide a thorough insight into the functions and complementary effects of the two 14‐3‐3 proteins in the filamentous entomopathogen.
Developing an Elite Formation Index for Comparative Elite Studies: The Case of the Schooling of Irish and UK Cabinet Ministers
Authors: O'Rourke Brendan K. , Hogan John , Donnelly Paul F.
Published: October 2014

Elites and their formation have become a matter of increasing public concern and research interest in recent years. The lessons from such research can be made more generalisable if a measure of elite formation could be developed that is comparable across different elite formation systems, whether they differ by elite, time or country. But, the nature of elite formation renders this a complex task. Nevertheless, in this article, by building upon measures employed in other fields such as industrial economics, indices are constructed that facilitate the comparison of elite formation systems. This is illustrated through a comparison of the schooling of Irish and British cabinet ministers.
Good on paper: the gap between programme theory and real‐world context in Pakistan's Community Midwife programme
Authors: Mumtaz Z , Levay A , Bhatti A , Salway S
Published: October 2014

Objective

To understand why skilled birth attendance—an acknowledged strategy for reducing maternal deaths—has been effective in some settings but is failing in Pakistan and to demonstrate the value of a theory‐driven approach to evaluating implementation of maternal healthcare interventions.

Design

Implementation research was conducted using an institutional ethnographic approach.

Setting and population

National programme and local community levels in Pakistan.

Methods

Observations, focus group discussions, and in‐depth interviews were conducted with 38 Community Midwives (CMWs), 20 policymakers, 45 healthcare providers and 136 community members. A critical policy document review was conducted. National and local level data were brought together.

Main outcomes

Alignment of programme theory with real‐world practice.

Results

Data revealed gaps between programme theory, assumptions and reality on the ground. The design of the programme failed to take into account: (1) the incongruity between the role of a midwife and dominant class and gendered norms that devalue such a role; (2) market and consumer behaviour that prevented CMWs from establishing private practices; (3) the complexity of public–private sector cooperation. Uniform deployment policies failed to consider existing provider density and geography.

Conclusions

Greater attention to programme theory and the ‘real‐world’ setting during design of maternal health strategies is needed to achieve consistent results in different contexts.
Metabolic syndrome after pregnancies complicated by pre‐eclampsia or small‐for‐gestational‐age: a retrospective cohort
Authors: Al‐Nasiry S , Ghossein‐Doha C , Polman SEJ , Lemmens S , Scholten RR , Heidema WM , Spaan JJ , Spaanderman MEA
Published: October 2014

Objective

To study the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women after a pregnancy complicated by pre‐eclampsia or small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA), both epitomes of placental syndrome.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Single tertiary centre for maternal medicine in the Netherlands.

Population

Women with a history of pre‐eclampsia in absence of SGA (n = 742) or pregnancy complicated by normotensive SGA (n = 147) between 1996 and 2010.

Methods

Women were routinely screened for underlying cardiometabolic and cardiovascular risk factors at least 6 months postpartum. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio for each group. Adjustments were made for age, maternal height, smoking, parity, and interval between delivery and measurement.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of the metabolic syndrome.

Results

The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in our population was two‐fold higher for women with a history of pre‐eclampsia (13.9%) compared with women with a history of SGA (7.6%). Calculated odds ratios for metabolic syndrome, fasting insulin, HOMA, and microalbuminuria were all higher for women with a history of pre‐eclampsia compared with women with SGA. This difference persisted after adjustment for confounding factors: metabolic syndrome (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 2.11; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 1.00–4.47) and hyperinsulinaemia (aOR 1.78; 95% CI 1.13–2.81) insulin resistance (HOMAIR; aOR 1.80; 95% CI 1.14–2.86). Microalbuminuria (aOR 1.58; 95% CI 0.85–2.93) did not reach the level of significance after adjustment for confounding factors.

Conclusions

A history of pre‐eclampsia, rather than SGA, was associated with metabolic syndrome, suggesting that it relates to maternal rather than fetal etiology of placental syndrome.
Corporate governance and the informativeness of disclosures in Australia: a re‐examination
Authors: Beekes Wendy , Brown Philip , Zhang Qiyu
Published: October 2014

We re‐examine the association between corporate governance and disclosures reported by Beekes and Brown (2006), using an extended time series of Australian data. Since the ASX corporate governance guidelines were introduced in 2003, firms generally have increased their disclosure frequency and demonstrated an improvement in the timeliness of bad news relative to good news, indicating a levelling of disclosure practices and greater transparency. Better governed firms have become more cautious in their disclosure practices. However, they continue to be more balanced with respect to good and bad news timeliness. Changes to disclosure laws have also influenced company practices.
Information Asymmetry, Corporate Governance, and Shareholder Wealth: Evidence from Unfaithful Disclosures of Korean Listed Firms
Authors: Han Seung Hun , Kim Minhee , Lee Duk Hee , Lee Sangwon
Published: October 2014

In this study, we investigate firms that the Korea Exchange claims have made unfaithful disclosures. We find that such firms experience significantly negative stock price returns, suggesting that their managements exploit the information asymmetry involved in unfaithful disclosures to expropriate shareholder wealth. Our evidence shows that firms with higher management ownership experience a smaller decline in stock returns following notices of unfaithfulness, implying that corporate governance could improve the overall information environment and thus eventually help mitigate the information asymmetry associated with investors’ lack of timely and correct information. An evaluation of idiosyncratic volatility, a direct measurement of information asymmetry, confirms our results.
The Volatility Dynamics of the Greater China Stock Markets
Authors: Hong Min‐Goo , Yoon Byung‐Jo , Chang Kook‐Hyun
Published: October 2014

This paper examines whether the stock markets of Greater China (i.e., those in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia) have factors in common with stock markets in Mainland China. We use the Dynamic Linear Latent Factor Model to verify the common existence of heteroscedasticity and systematic jump risk in the Greater China stock markets. Using data from a sample of Greater China stock markets from 2001 to 2012, this paper finds that the Greater China stock markets have both GARCH effects and the systematic jump risk in common. Jump risk occurs every 0.86 trading day in the Greater China stock markets. Approximately 26% of the common factors of the Greater China stock market can be explained by the risk of the Mainland China stock market. More specifically, the common factors of the Greater China stock markets are related more closely to the A‐share market than the B‐share market. Finally, a substantial number of the common factors of the Greater China stock markets can be explained by the risk of the U.S. stock market. The effect of the U.S. stock market is dominant over that of Mainland China during the sample period, but Mainland China has been a significant factor since March 2007.
Informing learning design with learning analytics to improve teacher inquiry
Authors: Persico Donatella , Pozzi Francesca
Published: October 2014

This paper proposes an analysis of current research in learning design (LD), a field aiming to improve the quality of educational interventions by supporting their design and fostering the sharing and reuse of innovative practices among educators. This research area, at the moment, focuses on three main strands: the representations that can be used as a common language to communicate about pedagogical plans and other half‐fabricates of the design process, the methodological approaches to LD and the tools that support the LD process. For each of the three strands, the current landscape is discussed, pointing at open issues and indicating future research perspectives, with particular attention to the contribution that learning analytics can make to transform LD from a craft, based on experience, intuition and tacit knowledge, into a mature research area, grounded on data concerning the learning process and hence supporting enquiry while teachers design, run and evaluate the learning process.
Revealing the making of OpenStreetMap: A limited account
Authors: Lin Wen
Published: October 2014

OpenStreetMap (OSM), an open source mapping platform aiming to provide a free world map by registered users, has often been recognized as one of the prime examples of volunteered geographic information (VGI) construction. This is reflective of the recent exponential growth of user‐generated geographic data facilitated by Web 2.0 technologies and location‐aware devices. Notable efforts have been taken to investigate OSM developments and associated socio‐political implications. However, still little is known about those less active contributors who constitute the majority of the contributors or long tail contributors in OSM and many other VGI initiatives. I therefore present an account of the dynamics of OSM mapping practices including these long tail contributors. Based on this investigation, I argue for a broader conceptualization of “interactivity” in VGI mappings, one that moves beyond a narrow focus on the mapping interface regarding the encounters between these VGI contributors and VGI initiatives. I suggest that this is helpful to better capture these dynamic and heterogeneous mapping practices constituting the data and representation in OSM, which in turn may have wider implications for everyday mapping and knowledge production.
Functional Non‐Nucleoside Adenylyl Cyclase Inhibitors
Authors: Lelle Marco , Hameed Abdul , Ackermann Lisa‐Maria , Kaloyanova Stefka , Wagner Manfred , Berisha Filip , Nikolaev Viacheslav O. , Peneva Kalina
Published: October 2014

In this study, we describe the synthesis of novel functional non‐nucleoside adenylyl cyclase inhibitors, which can be easily modified with thiol containing biomolecules such as tumour targeting structures. The linkage between inhibitor and biomolecule contains cleavable bonds to enable efficient intracellular delivery in the reductive milieu of the cytosol as well as in the acidic environment within endosomes and lysosomes. The suitability of this synthetic approach was shown by the successful bioconjugation of a poor cell‐permeable inhibitor with a cell‐penetrating peptide. Additionally, we have demonstrated the excellent inhibitory effect of the compounds presented here in a live‐cell Förster resonance energy transfer‐based assay in human embryonic kidney cells.
Effects of the long‐term administration of alendronate on the mechanical properties of the basal bone and on osseointegration
Authors: Verzola Mario Henrique A. , Frizzera Fausto , de Oliveira Guilherme J. P. L. , Pereira Rosa M. R. , Rodrigues‐Filho Ubirajara P. , Nonaka Keico Okino , Orrico Silvana R. P.
Published: October 2014

Objective

To evaluate the effect of the long‐term administration of alendronate on the mechanical properties of the basal bone and on osseointegration.

Material and methods

One hundred and sixty female rats were randomly allocated into two equally sized groups: the control (CTL) group, which received the subcutaneous administration of saline solution, and the alendronate (ALD) group, which received the subcutaneous administration of alendronate (1 mg/kg/week). After 120 days of these therapies, one implant was placed in each rat tibia. Ten animals in each group were euthanized at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 45, or 60 days after surgery. The tibias with implants evaluated regarding the removal torque, bone‐implant contact (BIC), the bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO), and Ca/P ratio. The femurs were evaluated regarding bone mineral density (BMD) and using mechanical tests to evaluate the maximal force of fracture, stiffness, and tenacity.

Results

The ALD group presented statistically significant higher BMD (all periods except 15 days), maximal force of fracture (at 20, 30, and 45 days), tenacity (at 10, 20, 30, and 45 days), stiffness (45 days), removal torque (at 20, 25 and 30 days), BIC (at 20 and 60 days), and BAFO (at 20, 30, and 45 days) than the CTL group. No differences were found between the groups regarding the Ca/P ratio.

Conclusion

Previous long‐term therapy with alendronate caused an increase in the BMD, maximal force of fracture of the bone without changing the inorganic composition and elastic deformability of this tissue. Furthermore, the ALD therapy enhanced osseointegration.
Global diversity patterns of freshwater fishes – potential victims of their own success
Authors: Pelayo‐Villamil Patricia , Guisande Cástor , Vari Richard P. , Manjarrés‐Hernández Ana , García‐Roselló Emilio , González‐Dacosta Jacinto , Heine Jürgen , González Vilas Luis , Patti Bernardo , Quinci Enza María , Jiménez Luz Fernanda , Granado‐Lorencio Carlos , Tedesco Pablo A. , Lobo Jorge M.
Published: October 2014

Aim

To examine the pattern and cumulative curve of descriptions of freshwater fishes world‐wide, the geographical biases in the available information on that fauna, the relationship between species richness and geographical rarity of such fishes, as well as to assess the relative contributions of different environmental factors on these variables.

Location

Global.

Methods

ModestR was used to summarize the geographical distribution of freshwater fish species using information available from data‐based geographical records. The first‐order jackknife richness estimator was used to estimate the completeness of such data in all terrestrial 1‐degree cells world‐wide. An α‐shape procedure was used to build range maps capable of providing relatively accurate species richness and geographical rarity values for each grid cell. We also examined the explanatory capacity of a high number of environmental variables using multiple regressions and Support Vector Machine.

Results

Cumulative species description curves show that a high number of species of freshwater fishes remain to be discovered. Completeness values indicate that only 199 one‐degree grid cells, mainly located in eastern North America and Europe, could be considered as having relatively accurate inventories. Range maps provide species richness values that are positively and significantly related to those resulting from the first‐order jackknife richness estimator. The relationship between species richness and geographical rarity is triangular, so that these species‐rich cells are those with a higher proportion of distributionally rare species. Species richness is predicted by climatic and/or productivity variables but geographical rarity is not.

Main conclusions

In general, species‐rich tropical areas harbour a higher number of narrowly distributed species although comparatively species‐poor subtropical cells may also contain narrowly distributed species. Historical factors may help to explain the faunistic composition of these latter areas; a supposition also supported by the low predictive capacity of climatic and productivity variables on geographical rarity values.
The Comparative Advantages of Firms, Markets and Contracts: a Unified Theory
Authors: Wernerfelt Birger
Published: October 2014

The most efficient labour market mechanism depends on the advantages of specialization, workers’ costs of switching between entrepreneurs, and the frequency with which needs change. Multilateral mechanisms are more efficient when specialization is more advantageous, when it is cheap for workers to switch between entrepreneurs, and when individual entrepreneurs cannot occupy a worker on a full‐time basis. Given a bilateral mechanism, employment (a firm) is more efficient than contracts when in‐process adjustments arise more frequently. There exist three regions in which firms, markets and sequences of bilateral contracts are weakly more efficient than all other mechanisms in a big class.
Bimodal cue complex signifies suitable oviposition sites to gravid females of the common green bottle fly
Authors: Brodie Bekka , Gries Regine , Martins Alysha , VanLaerhoven Sherah , Gries Gerhard
Published: October 2014

Gravid females of the common green bottle fly,Lucilia sericataMeigen (Diptera:Calliphoridae), readily locate recently deceased vertebrates as oviposition sites, particularly when these animals have been injured. We investigated semiochemical and visual cues that mediate attraction of gravid females to fresh rat carrion. Female flies were more strongly attracted to incised rat carrion than to intact carrion. They were also attracted to Porapak Q headspace volatile (HSV) extract of incised rat carrion. Analyzing aliquots of Porapak QHSVextract by gas chromatographic‐electroantennographic detection revealed nine components [phenol,para‐ and/ormeta‐cresol (could not be separated), guaiacol, dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), phenylacetaldehyde, (E)‐2‐octenal, nonanal, and tetramethyl pyrazine] that consistently elicited responses from blow fly antennae. In laboratory experiments, a synthetic blend of these nine components was as attractive to gravid females as Porapak QHSVextract, but blend attractiveness was due entirely toDMTS. In both laboratory and field experiments, increasing doses ofDMTSattracted increasingly more flies. Coupled withDMTS, carrion‐type color cues (dark red, black) were more effective than bright color cues (white, yellow) in attracting flies. In field experiments, dark traps baited withDMTScaptured a total of 214 calliphorid flies (200L. sericata, 10Lucilia illustrisMeigen, threeCalliphora vicinaRobineau‐Desvoidy, oneCalliphora vomitoriaL.), all of which were gravid females. These results support the conclusion thatDMTSand dark color represent a bimodal cue complex that signifies suitable oviposition sites to gravid calliphorid females, particularlyL. sericata.
Indicators for the estimation of vulnerability to land degradation derived from soil compaction and vegetation cover
Authors: Imbrenda V. , D'emilio M. , Lanfredi M. , Macchiato M. , Ragosta M. , Simoniello T.
Published: October 2014

The increasing incidence of soil degradation requires monitoring strategies adapted to the scale of interest. We propose an innovative approach to the large‐scale investigation of predominantly green areas where healthy vegetation is the clue to identifying vital and protected soil. We started with the well‐established environmentally sensitive areas (ESA) model, which provides an evaluation of overall land vulnerability that is based on structural, biophysical and socio‐economic indicators. To improve the estimation of soil vulnerability, we integrated information on the potential extent of compaction caused by agricultural machinery. To differentiate the degree of degradation in areas that show similar potential vulnerability we included information on the temporal variation of photosynthetic activity in the model for early detection of the soil's reduced ability to carry out ecosystem services and functions. Satellite data were used to obtain vegetation cover properties to integrate into the ESA model to improve estimation of land degradation in southern Italy, where both natural and agricultural areas are widespread. Inclusion of the temporal dimension is essential for discriminating between different degrees of soil productivity in areas characterized by similar structural conditions. Our procedure is adaptable, user‐friendly and easily transferable.
Knowing the risk of SUDEP: Two family's perspectives and The Danny Did Foundation
Authors: Stevenson Mark J. , Stanton Thomas F.
Published: October 2014

There is much debate in the epilepsy community about whether neurologists should discuss the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) with their patients and family members. Those in favor purport that patients have a right to know about SUDEP. Opponents say the risk is so low that discussions only worry patients and families, especially if there is nothing that can be done to prevent SUDEP. North American surveys show that the epilepsy community knows little about SUDEP and neurologists are unlikely to talk about it. However, surveys of those bereaved by SUDEP show that an overwhelming majority of the parents, spouses, and family members want to be told about SUDEP immediately after the diagnosis of epilepsy. This article is written by two families bereaved by SUDEP and their strong belief that neurologists should have the discussion about the risk of SUDEP soon after the diagnosis of epilepsy.
Scaling Up Family Therapy in Fragile, Conflict‐Affected States
Authors: Charlés Laurie L.
Published: October 2014

This article discusses the design and delivery of two international family therapy‐focused mental health and psychosocial support training projects, one in a fragile state and one in a post‐conflict state. The training projects took place in Southeast Asia and the Middle East/North Africa. Each was funded, supported, and implemented by local, regional, and international stakeholders, and delivered as part of a broader humanitarian agenda to develop human resource capacity to work with families affected by atrocities. The two examples illustrate how task‐shifting/task‐sharing and transitional justice approaches were used to inform the scaling‐up of professionals involved in each project. They also exemplify how state‐citizen phenomena in each location affected the project design and delivery.
Corporate Philanthropy, Research Networks, and Collaborative Innovation
Authors: Bereskin Frederick L. , Campbell Terry L. , Hsu Po‐Hsuan
Published: October 2014

Using a unique data set of corporate philanthropic activities, we find that direct giving activities are positively associated both with higher levels of innovation and innovation that is more influential, collaborative, and original. Our results suggest that much of what is ostensibly promoted as philanthropy actually reflects research‐related networking activities. The effect of direct giving on innovation is more pronounced in more opaque firms and more innovative and competitive industries. These findings provide evidence of the distinct motives by which firms choose between direct giving and foundation giving. Our study suggests that firms can use direct philanthropy to expand firm‐boundaries by developing innovation with research partners.
KCNK18 (TRESK) Genetic Variants in Italian Patients With Migraine
Authors: Rainero Innocenzo , Rubino Elisa , Gallone Salvatore , Zavarise Paola , Carli Daniela , Boschi Silvia , Fenoglio Pierpaola , Savi Lidia , Gentile Salvatore , Benna Paolo , Pinessi Lorenzo , Dalla Volta Giorgio
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of KCNK18 gene mutations in a dataset of Italian migraineurs, with and without aura, and in healthy controls, and to investigate in silico the functional effects of the mutations.

Background

A role for the KCNK18 gene encoding for TRESK, a member of the family of potassium channel, has been recently suggested in migraine with aura.

Methods

We sequenced the KCNK18 gene in 425 migraineurs (255 with aura and 170 without aura) and 247 healthy controls.

Results

Five genetic variants (R10G, C110R, Y163Y, S231P, and F372L) were found in 13 (5.1%) out of 255 migraine with aura patients, and 6 variants (R10G, D46D, C110R, Y163Y, S178T, and S231P) were identified in 12 (7.1%) out of 170 migraine without aura patients. In 2.8% of controls, the R10G and L20V substitutions were found. In silico analysis suggested that C110R, S178T, S231P, and F372L mutations may have potential damaging effect on channel function, whereas the remaining mutations may have low damaging effect.

Conclusions

Our study shows the presence of several KCNK18 gene mutations in both migraine with aura and migraine without aura. However, the precise role of this gene in migraine predisposition deserves further studies.
Enzymatically interesterified fats based on mutton tallow and walnut oil suitable for cosmetic emulsions
Authors: Kowalska M. , Mendrycka M. , Zbikowska A. , Stawarz S.
Published: October 2014

Synopsis

Objective

Formation of emulsion systems based on interesterified fats was the objective of the study. Enzymatic interesterification was carried out between enzymatic mutton tallow and walnut oil in the proportions 2 : 3 (w/w) to produce fats not available in nature. At the beginning of the interesterification process, the balance between the interesterification and fat hydrolysis was intentionally disturbed by adding more water to the catalyst (Lipozyme IR MR) of the reaction to produce more of the polar fraction monoacylglycerols [MAGs] and diacylglycerols [DAGs]. To obtain a greater quantity of MAGs and DAGs in the reaction environment via hydrolysis, water was added (11, 13, 14, 16 w‐%) to the enzymatic preparation. The obtained fats were used to form emulsions.

Methods

The emulsions were evaluated with respect to sensory and skin moisturizing properties by 83 respondents. Determination of emulsion stability using temperature and centrifugal tests was carried out. Morphology and the type of emulsions were determined.

Results

The respondents described the skin to which the emulsions in testing were applied as smooth, pleasant to touch and adequately moisturized.

Conclusions

The work has demonstrated that interesterification of a mutton tallow and walnut oil blend resulted in new fats with very interesting characteristics of triacylglycerols that are not present in the environment. The results of the present work indicate the possibility of application of fats with the largest quantity of MAGs and DAGs as a fat base of emulsions in the cosmetic industries. The hypothesis assumed in this work of producing additional quantities of MAGs and DAGs (in the process of enzymatic interesterification) responsible for the stability of the system was confirmed. It should be pointed out that the emulsions based on interesterified fats exhibited a greater level of moisturization of the skin than the emulsions containing non‐interesterified fat. Also, in the respondents' opinion, the emulsion containing fat, which was modified during enzymatic interesterification when 13% of water was added to the enzymatic preparation, exhibited the best sensory profile.
Shaping safe drinking cultures: evoking positive emotion to promote moderate‐drinking behaviour
Authors: Previte Josephine , Russell‐Bennett Rebekah , Parkinson Joy
Published: October 2014

Social marketing by Western governments that use fear tactics and threatening information to promote anti‐drinking messages has polarized ‘binge drinking’ and ‘moderate drinking’ through a continuum that implies benefits and harms for both individuals and society. With the goal of extending insights into social marketing approaches that promote safer drinking cultures in Australia, we discuss findings from a study that examines alcohol consumers' moderate‐drinking intentions. By applying the theory of planned behaviour and emotions theory, we discuss survey results from a sample of alcohol consumers, which demonstrate that positively framed value propositions that evoke happiness and love are more influential in the processing of an alcohol moderation message for alcohol consumers. The key limitations of this study are the cross‐sectional nature of the data and the focal‐dependent variable being behavioural intentions rather than behaviours. Research insight into the stronger influence of positive emotions on processing an alcohol moderation message establishes an important avenue for future social marketing communications that moves beyond negative, avoidance appeals to promote behaviour change in drinkers. These research findings will benefit professionals involved in developing social change campaigns that promote and reinforce consumers' positive intentions, with messages about the benefits of controlled, moderate drinking.
Effect of oven temperature profile and different baking conditions on final cake quality
Authors: Shahapuzi Nur Syafikah , Taip Farah Saleena , Ab Aziz Norashikin , Ahmedov Anvarjon
Published: October 2014

This study discusses the effect of airflow on oven temperature profiles, the internal cake temperature and the final cake quality. It was found that the presence of airflow reduced the oscillation in the oven temperature profile from 12.98–30.27% to 3.17–4.02%. The bottom of the oven chamber experienced the greatest reduction in temperature oscillation in the presence of airflow. During the second stage of baking with airflow, the heating rate was increased from 5.07 to 7.52 °C min−1 and 8.35 °C min−1 to the increase of the baking temperature from 160 to 170 °C and 180 °C, respectively. The cake volume expansion rate was also increased 5–10% during second stage when baking with airflow condition. The cakes baked in the presence of airflow had a more porous crumb texture and lower moisture content compared to the cakes baked without airflow.