bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of corporate social responsibility amongst immigrant entrepreneurs
Authors: Azmat Fara , Zutshi Ambika
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the understanding of the term corporate social responsibility (CSR) by Sri Lankan immigrant entrepreneurs in Australia. It also seeks to investigate the importance the entrepreneurs place on CSR, their understanding of stakeholders, the types of CSR activities undertaken by them, and the issue of social capital.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with Sri Lankan entrepreneurs based in Victoria, Australia.

Findings

The interviewees were aware of the term CSR but, nevertheless, had different interpretations of its meaning. However, CSR was considered important and all the interviewees were, in some way, involved in CSR activities and also had a good understanding of the importance of their stakeholders. Findings also highlighted the significance attached to social capital by the entrepreneurs such as informal relationships and trustworthiness which build the intangible attributes of CSR. The present findings can be attributed to immigrant entrepreneurs behaving partly to adapt to the host country, by changing their beliefs, values, traditions and partly by being influenced by their home country culture as found in the extended part of this current study.

Research limitations/implications

This paper addresses gaps in the fields of both CSR and immigrant entrepreneurship literature. However, the small sample size is a limitation and further research is required in order to generalize the findings.

Originality/value

It is important to have an understanding of the interpretation of social responsibility amongst immigrant entrepreneurs. Despite the steadily growing number of Sri Lankan immigrant entrepreneurs and their potential impact on the Victorian and Australian socio‐economic context, this area remains under‐researched. This paper addresses this gap in the literature and makes an attempt to provide insight into this area that can be used as a catalyst for future research.
Business social responsibility: how are SMEs doing in Gauteng, South Africa?
Authors: Watson Ladzani Mmboswobeni , Matshonisa Seeletse Solly
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to establish the extent to which small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in Gauteng, South Africa involve business social responsibility (BSR) in their practices. It also aims to bring awareness of the importance that BSR has amongst SMEs. The objectives are to measure the involvement of SME's BSR on management performance, identify strengths and areas that need improvement of BSR and expose the potential usefulness of BSR in South African SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative comparative design was used to collect primary data from 326 respondents from 64 randomly selected SMEs in the study area. Structured interviews were used.

Findings

The findings revealed that SMEs in Gauteng had performed worst in the area of BSR out of the ten management performance scores measured. The study further found that most owner‐managers of the sampled businesses had university qualifications and most of these businesses had passed the survival stage.

Research limitations/implications

The study excluded major components of BSR, and cannot be generalized to the remaining eight provinces.

Practical implications

It is recommended that SMEs in the study area strengthen BSR as a marketing tool to grow their businesses. Furthermore, SMEs researchers should focus on bringing the benefits of BSR to SMEs operations.

Originality/value

Many SMEs seem to understand that BSR is to be carried out only by large enterprises. This study exposes Gauteng SMEs to BSR since those that incorporated BSR in their operations were not doing enough.
Indonesia's low concern for labor issues
Authors: Roman Cahaya Fitra , Porter Stacey A. , Tower Greg , Brown Alistair
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This study aims to advance explanations of the communication level of labor disclosures of Indonesian listed companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Year‐ending 2007 Annual report disclosures of 223 Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) listed companies are analyzed. The labor practices and decent work disclosure component of the 2006 Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines are used as the benchmark disclosure index checklist.

Findings

The results show a low level of voluntary disclosure (17.7 per cent). The highest level of communication is for issues related to skills management and lifelong learning programs for employees. Very few companies disclosed information about health and safety committee and agreements, and salary of men to women. Statistical analysis reveals that government ownership and international operations are positively significant predictors of “labour” communication. Isomorphic institutional theory partially explains the variability of these disclosures. Bigger companies also provide more labor practices and decent work disclosures.

Research limitations/implications

The main implications of the findings are that Indonesian companies are not clearly communicating labor responsibility issues as a key precondition of corporate social responsibility (CSR). They may be obfuscating some information to protect their image and reputation.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into the disclosure practices of labor issues, a specific social disclosure theme which is rarely examined in prior literature, under the umbrella of institutional theory. The research also includes “goal factor” to be tested as one of the independent variables.
The linkages among leadership, trust, and business ethics
Authors: Trong Tuan Luu
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This study aims to endeavor to bridge a gap in literature by examining the three constructs – leadership, organizational trust, and degree of unethical behavior in conjunction through the data from consumer goods firms in Vietnam.

Design/methodology/approach

From the responses by 214 pairs of sales directors and sales managers to self‐administered structured questionnaires, data were collated and processed through analysis of variance and structural equation model to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings revealed that transactional leadership is correlated with calculus‐based trust. Transformational leadership, on the other hand, shapes identity‐ and knowledge‐based trust, which are correlated with less degree of unethical behavior. Calculus‐based trust, by contrast, is associated with greater degree of unethical behavior. A direct bridge between transformational leadership and less degree of unethical behavior is also detected.

Originality/value

The research offers insight into the linkage pattern of leadership, organizational trust, and degree of unethical behavior that could be applied in other industries and other geographic markets. The value of this research resides in its significance to practitioners that ethical behaviors can be cultivated by transformational leadership and identity‐based trust or knowledge‐based trust, the former of which can be trained to contribute to the development of the latter.
Environmentally friendly parenting: are cloth nappies a step too far?
Authors: Pendry Louise F. , Mewse Avril J. , Burgoyne Carole B.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The present research aims to investigate parental attitudes towards using either cloth or disposable nappies, to better understand whether and how pro‐cloth initiatives might impact parental decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Focus groups were conducted with both cloth and disposable nappy users to gain a better understanding of the factors that underlie their choice. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The paper finds that parents using disposable nappies believed they were marketed as offering a popular, efficient, healthy, good value system. They acknowledged the environmental impact but rationalised this by referring to the equivocal nature of these consequences, and the ability to off‐set this by engaging in other pro‐environment behaviours. Parents choosing cloth nappies did so initially because they were more environment‐friendly and cost‐effective and disposables were disliked. Once using cloth, parents noted additional benefits: performance, fashion, formation of bonds with other users, and getting a buzz out of using them. This reinforced their reasons for continued use.

Practical implications

Cloth nappies are unlikely to gain mass appeal, but findings suggest a bigger take up if parents are better informed, and subsidies are provided to reduce set‐up and laundering costs to tackle the “ease of use” barrier. The positive aspects of cloth nappies should be better promoted.

Social implications

Marketing initiatives need to buy into the current “designer parents” trend and play to the aspirational, fashionable aspects of cloth nappies.

Originality/value

This paper, the first to report on parental attitudes and decisions regarding both nappy types, could inform public policy and marketing decisions.
Using brand character when targeting children: what for? An exploration of managers' and children's viewpoints
Authors: Hémar‐Nicolas Valérie , Gollety Mathilde
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Brands that target children frequently use a brand character to improve children's recall and recognition and to develop a relationship with young consumers. This paper aims to explore the reasons why marketers use brand characters to target children and how children perceive and understand them.

Design/methodology/approach

This work investigates both managers' and children's experiences, in order to compare them. Two studies are carried out: one with managers in charge of brand characters and another one with children aged between six and ten. In both cases, a qualitative approach based on semi‐focused interviews is adopted.

Findings

This research contributes to a better understanding of the way children infer brand image from brand character. Second, it highlights a success key factor of brand character: its ability to build a close relationship with children. In addition it points out how this relationship can be fostered.

Originality/value

By exploring managers' and children's viewpoints, this research suggests some levers to build children's relationship with brand character and improve children's brand loyalty. This article gives an insight into the way brand character establishes a close relationship with children. In particular, it underlines that a child feels all the closer to a character if the character is used in the long‐term and has experiences that resonate with his/her life.
Investigating relationships between adolescents' liking for an apparel brand and brand self congruency
Authors: Rhee Jongeun , Johnson Kim K.P.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how adolescents' self‐concept and brand image congruency are related to their level of liking for an apparel brand. It also aims to examine whether this relationship varies depending on adolescents' gender and identity development.

Design/methodology/approach

Self‐image congruency theory was used to investigate whether adolescents' liking for an apparel brand was related to perceived congruency between aspects of self‐concept and apparel brand. Male and female adolescents (n=140) between 14 and 18 years of age participated.

Findings

Adolescent consumers liked apparel brands that they linked to their ideal social self‐concept. This connection was particularly strong for male adolescents with less established identities.

Research limitations/implications

Adolescents liked an apparel brand when they reported a link between the brand and ideal social self‐concept. These adolescents may have used apparel brands to shape the views others formed of them.

Originality/value

Many questions concerning the basis for adolescents' apparel brand preferences have not been answered. Our research documents how male and female adolescents use branded apparel products in relation to their identity development status.
Power plays: what Shakespeare can teach on leadership
Authors: Etzold Veit
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to look at Shakespearean characters and to help managers to discover their strengths and weaknesses and learn from Shakespeare, one of the best psychologists of all time.

Design/methodology/approach

Six manager types according to Shakespeare are examined in this piece and comparisons to famous managers of today are drawn.

Findings

It was found that Shakespeare's heroes, in their glory and their faults, do not differ too much from today's managers. So if you study Shakespearean leaders, you can prevent errors you may otherwise make as a manager.

Practical implications

The paper shows that managers can: learn more about themselves through Shakespeare; use a story as an indirect approach; prevent errors Shakespearean leaders already made; and understand that Shakespeare is one of the best psychologists and executive coaches.

Originality/value

While there have been some works on leadership in Shakespeare, this paper helps managers to find out more about themselves via Shakespeare. What might look like a detour will turn out to be a shortcut, as it is easier to talk about other people's faults (here: Shakespeare's leaders) than about your own.
Anatomy of dysfunctional working relationships
Authors: Kaufman Barbara
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The objective of this paper is o explore the negative consequences of dysfunctional working relationships on individuals, teams and organizations as a whole. More importantly, this article will equip leaders with the insights necessary to recognize the symptoms of this negative behavior and the skills leaders need to develop in order to minimize its impact on organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Illustrate the consequences of dysfunctional working relationships through real‐word examples and offer practical suggestions for identifying and eliminating the resulting negative behavior.

Findings

Dysfunctional working relationships can wreak havoc on organizational effectiveness. But, there are early warning signs that leaders can recognize in order to intervene with appropriate action.

Practical implications

In today's environment of corporate downsizing and a sluggish economy, there is increased pressure to produce more innovative solutions to problems with fewer resources. This confluence of factors creates a climate ripe for the growth of dysfunctional relationships.

Originality/value

While harmony and cooperation are important, we have lost sight of the positive impact that healthy and constructive conflict can bring in terms of developing and applying optimal problem solving skills. Conflict, however, must be managed properly and not allowed to spiral into dysfunctional behavior.
Overachieving leaders: when an “A” is not good enough
Authors: Kaufman Barbara
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the negative consequences of excessive overachieving behavior on leaders, their peers, their subordinates and the organization. Readers will learn to recognize overachiever behaviors and develop the skills to channel that behavior more effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Illustrate the consequences of overachievers through research and real‐word examples and offer practical suggestions that overachievers can utilize to maximize their potential for success.

Findings

When organizations learn to recognize when overachieving behaviors are strengths and when they become an Achilles heel, organizations create healthier environments, which allow a greater number of employees to succeed in achieving organizational goals.

Practical implications

Our society is producing more overachievers than ever before which conflicts with the changing business environment that requires more innovation and collaboration for better decision making.

Originality/value

Overachievers are a tremendous asset to an organization when, and only when, the dark side of overachieving behavior is recognized, understood and managed appropriately.
Vested outsourcing: a flexible framework for collaborative outsourcing
Authors: Vitasek Kate , Manrodt Karl
Published: March 2012

Purpose

Research and studies of successful, collaborative outsourcing relationships have uncovered commonalities that researchers codified into a methodology designed to structure aligned, innovative and cooperative outsourcing arrangements. This paper aims to describe a new methodology for establishing successful collaborative outsourcing relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The design is based on seven years of field research into successful strategic outsourcing agreements completed by the authors and additional colleagues.

Findings

Research into successful collaborative outsourcing relationships has uncovered commonalities that researchers have identified as normative rules which, when followed, lead to aligned, innovative and cooperative relationships. This paper identifies five rules and ten elements that together form a flexible framework for implementing an effective outsourcing partnership. This approach is called “vested outsourcing” because the nature of most highly successful relationships is based on a high degree of collaboration and aligned incentives where the buyer and supplier have a vested interest in each other's success.

Originality/value

The conclusions and principles derived from the original research and fieldwork are described in two books (Vested Outsourcing: Five Rules that Will Transform Outsourcing and The Vested Outsourcing Manual). This paper provides a review of the authors' current research, rather than new research findings.
Innovation returns and the economics of offshored IT R&D
Authors: Datta Pratim , Bhattacharyya Kuntal
Published: March 2012

Purpose

How appropriate are the innovation returns from offshored information technology (IT) research and development (R&D)? In light of the emergence and spate of IT R&D offshoring, this paper aims to investigate the mechanics of governance in attracting IT R&D inflow in offshored hosts and, more importantly, whether R&D offshoring provides instrumental and legitimate IT innovation returns (intellectual property (IP)) to outsourcing countries as investors.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors combine the calculus of host‐country governance and IT R&D inflows with IT innovation returns to the US from its offshored IT R&D investments. They argue on the basis of the golden mean – a principle of moderation where too little or too stringent governance deters IT R&D investments; more importantly, too little and too much IT R&D investments fail to stimulate IT innovation returns to the investors.

Findings

An analysis of 81 World Trade Organization (WTO) countries underscores the authors' argument that the calculus between governance and IT innovation productivity is mediated by IT R&D investments. However, the relationship is non‐linear with diminishing marginal returns‐to‐scale.

Research limitations/implications

The non‐linear relationships between governance, R&D foreign direct investments (FDI) and patent‐level returns show a threshold effect often overlooked by existing research. Together, this article points out the need for researchers to consider diminishing returns to scale from overarching emphases on governance or IT R&D over‐investments.

Practical implications

As multinational companies in developed countries increasingly offshore IT‐related R&D, this investigation is relevant, current, and disconcerting – implying the need for multinationals to revisit their IT R&D offshoring strategies and priorities.

Originality/value

These research findings do not support the “win‐win” pitch for IT R&D offshoring. Instead, this research points to the fact that, while there are some economic benefits derived from R&D FDI, there are inflection points beyond which innovations returns diminish. Where the inflection point lies depends on countries as well as specific firms and industries.
Innovation returns from offshored IT R&D: a response article
Authors: Oshri Ilan
Published: March 2012

Purpose

This paper aims to serve as a response to the article “Innovation returns from offshored IT R&D”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper highlights two aspects relating to captive centres and R&D offshoring: what R&D is offshored, and understanding foreign direct investment decisions in the context of captives.

Findings

Many captive centres have gone through a complex evolutionary path during which they have evolved from a cost centre to become a profit centre. WNS and Genpact are just two examples of such behaviour. Such an approach, and in many cases a reality, should change our approach as to how we assess the returns on offshoring investment by simply taking into account the strategic intent behind such an investment.

Originality/value

This article serves as a response to the research paper “Innovation returns from offshored IT R&D” by Datta and Bhattacharyya in this issue.
Prioritization of outsourcing risks from a systemic perspective
Authors: Jimmy Gandhi Shereazad , Gorod Alex , Sauser Brian
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is so that project managers can use a systemic approach to prioritizing the risks of outsourcing including an understanding of the external factors that could affect the prioritization.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was designed by the authors and distributed to 2,500 outsourcing professionals from different organizations and the hypotheses were tested using the data from these surveys. The logic for forming the hypothesis is discussed for each hypothesis and so are the demographics of the respondents

Findings

External factors such as the type of technology involved, type of market targeted, location of outsourcing and the amount of experience the outsourcing professional had, did affect the prioritization of the outsourcing risks. Furthermore, trends were identified among the ranking of the outsourcing risks.

Research limitations/implications

One of the constraining factors of this research, as in the majority of empirical research initiatives, was the limited sample size, which could potentially affect the rating. An increased sample size could have also provided the researchers with a more detailed insight into the interrelationships between the various outsourcing risks.

Originality/value

For the first time, the outsourcing risks have been prioritized using a systemic approach. The systemic approach has been used in the financial industry while analyzing risk but the authors have applied it to prioritization of outsourcing risks. This includes understanding the interrelationships between the risks and also the effect that external factors can have on the prioritization of those risks.
Editor's perspective
Authors: Khilji Shaista E.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper (editorial) is to provide a balanced contextual overview of several South Asian countries, in order to present their relevance in international business research.

Design/methodology/approach

The author argues that South Asia offers a rich context for studying and advancing international business theory and practice.

Findings

South Asia presents an interesting paradox; where dynamism and growing challenges (of poverty, corruption, inadequate governance and extremism) exist side by side. The author also discusses that using South Asia as a context of the study is likely to add relevance and rigor to international business theory, therefore addressing the recent calls by many scholars.

Research limitations/implications

Countries in South Asia are under‐researched by many accounts. Hence an exploration of business and management issues is likely to expose phenomena that have the potential to advance international business theory and practice.

Originality/value

This editorial highlights the regional importance of South Asia in international business research. It places South Asian Journal of Global Business Research, with its emphasis on South Asian economies, organizations, diaspora and people, as an important journal for developing a body of knowledge relating to South Asian business practices, deepening our understanding of South Asia, broadening our view of international business theory and research, identifying new phenomena, exploring indigenous methodological tools and increasing the output of research focused on the region that appears in and also has an impact on global research.
Market concentration and pricing behaviour of Sri Lankan banks
Authors: Perera Shrimal , Skully Michael , Nguyen My
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the level of market concentration in Sri Lanka's banking sector is positively associated with bank‐specific interest spreads after controlling for other bank‐specific and exogenous influences.

Design/methodology/approach

A pooled, time‐series and cross‐section model is utilized which distinguishes between banks’ dominance in loan and deposit market segments. Results are presented for the total sample as well as for a truncated sample of private‐owned banks.

Findings

Changes in industry concentration do not affect bank‐level interest margins of Sri Lankan banks. Nevertheless, the dominant Sri Lankan banks seem to extract them and banks’ cost structures are priced in their interest spreads. The less‐capitalized, high risk banks operate with narrow interest margins, possibly due to the relatively higher deposit rates they pay to attract deposits. Although regulatory changes seem to have no effect, the growing capital market exerts negative pricing pressure on Sri Lankan banks.

Practical implications

The regulators should closely watch banks with larger loan and deposit market shares because they seem to exploit their dominant presence and geographical reach to extract higher spreads. Similarly, state‐owned banks should also draw regulatory attention for they extract higher interest margins, possibly, in lieu of their high operational inefficiency levels.

Originality/value

The authors employ an extended time‐series and cross‐section model which controls for sample heterogeneity using proxies for cost structures, risk profiles, regulatory restrictions and other environmental influences. Moreover, as far as it could be ascertained, this is the first such study on Sri Lanka's banking sector.
Analyzing HRD and NHRD: the road ahead for Afghanistan
Authors: Demartis Walter , Matthews Candice D. , Khilji Shaista E.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concepts of national human resource development (NHRD) and human resource development (HRD) in order to demonstrate their mutually reinforcing strategic value in the nation building process of Afghanistan.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted an analysis of the national context and organizational context of an international aid agency in relation to Afghanistan's nation building challenges.

Findings

The authors propose NHRD as an effective strategic approach to progressing Afghanistan's nation building strategy to be simultaneously used by the Afghan government and UNDP. Effective deployment of HRD principles in the selected international aid agency may further contribute to the nation building effort within Afghanistan by helping maximize organizational and workforce performances. In conjunction, these human development strategies can assist Afghan government's policy makers, and international aid agencies to successfully achieve human development goals.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that it is increasingly important for policy makers to understand the significant contribution of NHRD in nation building and organizational development. The authors propose some recommendations toward a sustainable modernization of a nation specifically in the context of the developing country.

Social implications

The paper advances the mutually reinforcing value of NHRD and HRD and highlights their contribution towards human development, abatement of social injustices and building democracies around the world.

Originality/value

The paper explores a complex environment such as Afghanistan in which human development challenges are a shared responsibility between the national government and the international community. The authors’ discussion can serve as an example to demonstrate the role of NHRD in other post‐war and transitioning countries. This paper is also important for HRD scholars interested in exploring new and challenging contexts as it highlights HRD's role as a valuable policy tool in the context of national and international development.
Radiosensitization effect of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibition in cells exposed to low and high liner energy transfer radiation
Authors: Hirai Takahisa , Shirai Hidenori , Fujimori Hiroaki , Okayasu Ryuichi , Sasai Keisuke , Masutani Mitsuko
Published: March 2012

Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP)‐1 promotes base excision repair and DNA strand break repair. Inhibitors of PARP enhance the cytotoxic effects of γ‐irradiation and X‐irradiation. We investigated the impact of PARP inhibition on the responses to γ‐irradiation (low liner energy transfer [LET] radiation) and carbon‐ion irradiation (high LET radiation) in the human pancreatic cancer cell line MIA PaCa‐2. Cell survival was assessed by colony formation assay after combination treatment with the PARP inhibitor AZD2281 and single fraction γ‐irradiation and carbon‐ion irradiation (13 and 70 keV/μm [LET 13 and LET 70]). The DNA damage response (DDR) was assessed by pulse field gel electrophoresis, western blotting and flow cytometry. Treatment with a PARP inhibitor enhanced the cytotoxic effect of γ‐irradiation and LET 13 and LET 70 carbon‐ion irradiation. Moreover, the radiosensitization effect was greater for LET 70 than for LET 13 irradiation. Prolonged and increased levels of γ‐H2AX were observed both after γ‐irradiation and carbon‐ion irradiation in the presence of the PARP inhibitor. Enhanced level of phosphorylated‐p53 (Ser‐15) was observed after γ‐irradiation but not after carbon‐ion irradiation. PARP inhibitor treatment induced S phase arrest and enhanced subsequent G2/M arrest both after γ‐irradiation and carbon‐ion irradiation. These results suggest that the induction of S phase arrest through an enhanced DDR and a local delay in DNA double strand break processing by PARP inhibition caused sensitization to γ‐irradiation and carbon‐ion irradiation. Taken together, PARP inhibitors might be applicable to a wide therapeutic range of LET radiation through their effects on the DDR. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1045–1050)
The phenotype and course of inflammatory bowel disease in UK patients of Bangladeshi descent
Authors: Goodhand J. R. , Kamperidis N. , Joshi N. M. , Wahed M. , Koodun Y. , Cantor E. J. , Croft N. M. , Langmead F. L. , Lindsay J. O. , Rampton D. S.
Published: March 2012

Background

We have tested the hypotheses that compared with local white Caucasians, UK‐resident patients of Bangladeshi descent develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at a younger age; more often have Crohn's disease than ulcerative colitis (UC); and have a more aggressive disease course.

Aim

To test the hypotheses that compared to white Caucasian patients of English, Scottish or Welsh descent, patients of Bangladeshi descent develop IBD at a younger age; more often have Crohn's disease; and have a more aggressive disease course by screening case‐records of these patients.

Methods

We screened the case‐records of 132 Bangladeshi and 623 white Caucasian consecutive out‐patients. We then matched each Bangladeshi to a patient of white Caucasian descent for age at diagnosis and disease duration. Data on migration status, phenotype, disease course, treatments and extra‐intestinal manifestations and complications were obtained.

Results

No differences were seen in the adjusted age at diagnosis of IBD between Bangladeshi and white Caucasian patients. More Bangladeshis than white Caucasian patients (P < 0.01) were diagnosed with Crohn's disease than UC. Crohn's phenotype at diagnosis was similar in both groups. However, multivariate Cox logistic regression analyses showed that Bangladeshis developed perianal complications (HR [95% confidence interval CI] 8.6 [1.4, 53.1], P = 0.02), and received anti‐TNFs (HR [95% CI] 3.0 [1.2, 7.7], P = 0.02) earlier and underwent surgery later (HR [95% CI] 0.4 [0.2, 0.9], P = 0.03) than white Caucasians. More Bangladeshis with UC had extensive disease (24/40 [60%]) than white Caucasians (16/49 [33%], P = 0.02). Overall, more Bangladeshis were anaemic and vitamin D deficient.

Conclusions

Bangladeshi patients with IBD more frequently have Crohn's than UC. Bangladeshis with Crohn's more frequently develop perianal disease, have earlier medication escalation and undergo surgery later than white Caucasians. Bangladeshis have more extensive UC than white Caucasians. The relative contributions of genotype and environmental factors, including vitamin D, to these phenotypic differences require additional study.
Neotropical C3/C4 grass distributions – present, past and future
Authors: Bremond Laurent , Boom Arnoud , Favier Charly
Published: March 2012

Changes in C4 grass distribution and abundance are frequently observed in Quaternary, Holocene and future environmental‐change scenarios. However, the factors driving these dynamics are not fully understood, and conflicting theories have been reported. In this paper, we present a very large dataset of modern altitudinal distribution profiles of C3 and C4 grasses covering the entire Neotropical Andes, which was compared with actual climate data. The results of multivariate analysis demonstrate that, in the Neotropical Andes, mean annual temperature is the main factor governing the modern altitudinal distribution of C3 and C4 grass species. The C3 and C4 grass distributions were compared with simulations based on the Lund‐Potsdam‐Jena dynamic global vegetation model (LPJ‐DGVM), which allowed the present grass distribution to be estimated. Finally, the DGVM was employed to simulate past and future scenarios, using the IPCC's climate projections for 2100 and PMIP2 models for the Holocene Optimum (HO, 6000 years bp) and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 21 000 years bp). The results were found to be significantly different from those obtained using a simple photosynthetic model. According to LPJ forced with the PMIP2 models for the LGM, during the LGM, the C4 grasses would not have reached higher altitudes than found in the present day.
Evaluating drivers of vulnerability to climate change: a guide for insect conservation strategies
Authors: Arribas Paula , Abellán Pedro , Velasco Josefa , Bilton David T. , Millán Andrés , Sánchez‐Fernández David
Published: March 2012

Ongoing global climate change presents serious challenges in conservation biology, forcing us to revisit previous tools and principles based on how species may respond to novel climatic conditions. There is currently a major gap between predictions of species vulnerability and management strategies, despite the fact that linking these areas is fundamental for future biodiversity conservation. Herein, we evaluate what drives vulnerability to climate change in three Iberian endemic water beetles, representing three independent colonizations of the same habitat, employing comparative thermal physiology, species distribution models and estimations of species dispersal capacity. We derive conservation strategies for each species based on their differential capacity to persist and/or potential to shift their ranges in response to global warming. We demonstrate that species may be affected by climatic warming in very different ways, despite having broadly similar ecological and biogeographical traits. The proposed framework provides an effective complement to traditional species vulnerability assessments, and could aid the development of more effective conservation strategies in the face of global warming.
Utility of hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1β as a diagnostic marker in ovarian carcinomas with clear cells
Authors: Kao Yu‐Chien , Lin Ming‐Chieh , Lin Wei‐Chou , Jeng Yung‐Ming , Mao Tsui‐Lien
Published: March 2012

Kao Y‐C, Lin M‐C, Lin W‐C, Jeng Y‐M & Mao T‐L  (2012) Histopathology 61, 760–768

Utility of hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1β as a diagnostic marker in ovarian carcinomas with clear cells

Aims:  Overexpression of hepatocyte nuclear factor‐1β (HNF‐1β) has been found in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) but not in other types of ovarian carcinoma. The aim of this study was to clarify whether the overexpression of HNF‐1β is specific for OCCC, and does not occur in ovarian carcinoma with clear cell change.

Methods and results:  Immunohistochemistry was performed on 178 ovarian carcinomas with clear cells (80 OCCCs, 60 high‐grade serous, 25 endometrioid, and 13 mixed endometrioid and clear cell), 22 ovarian high‐grade serous carcinomas without clear cells, 41 renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) and 20 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) with clear cytoplasm. Results were evaluated using an H‐score (percentage × intensity). Most OCCCs were diffusely and strongly positive (mean H‐score 15.1). High‐grade serous carcinoma and endometrioid carcinoma with clear cells were usually negative or focally and weakly positive (mean H‐scores 1.5 and 1.7, respectively). High‐grade serous carcinoma without clear cells had a mean H‐score of 0.77. The mean H‐scores of the endometrioid and clear cell components in mixed endometrioid and clear cell carcinoma were 6.2 and 15.7, respectively. HNF‐1β was expressed in 95.1% of RCCs and in 30% of HCCs.

Conclusions:  The diagnosis of ovarian carcinomas with clear cells can be made with greater accuracy by using the intensity and extent of immunoreactivity for HNF‐1β.
Landscape simplification and altitude affect biodiversity, herbivory and Andean potato yield
Authors: Poveda Katja , Martínez Eliana , Kersch‐Becker Monica F. , Bonilla Maria A. , Tscharntke Teja
Published: March 2012

1. The simplification of agricultural landscapes through the increase in cropped area has caused the loss of habitats for many species that fulfil important ecosystem services such as pest control and production. Evidence for detrimental effects on ecosystem services is scarce, particularly in tropical regions.

2. We studied the effect of the percentage of cropped land in the landscape and altitude in tropical agro‐ecosystems in relation to crop pest regulation and yield. In the Colombian Andes, we established potato Solanum tuberosum plots along gradients of altitude and increasing proportion of cropped area to assess the effects on herbivores, their natural enemies, potato production and overall biodiversity.

3. Increasing altitude and percentage cropped land reduced the richness and abundance of herbivores and their natural enemies, except for the specialist Guatemalan potato moth Tecia solanivora, which showed the opposite response.

4. Potato yield was negatively affected by the presence of the Guatemalan potato moth, which increased in density as the percentage of cropped land and altitude increased. Other herbivores and natural enemies did not affect yield.

5. Synthesis and applications. Tropical landscapes at lower altitude or with smaller areas of cropped land suffered less from the presence of the potato moth, which had a negative effect on yield. Our results suggest that conservation of natural habitats like the endangered Andean ecosystems would benefit farmers through ecosystem services such as reduced pest damage, higher yield and increased functional biodiversity.
Good morning creativity: task reactivation during sleep enhances beneficial effect of sleep on creative performance
Authors: RITTER SIMONE M. , STRICK MADELIJN , BOS MAARTEN W. , VAN BAAREN RICK B. , DIJKSTERHUIS AP
Published: March 2012

Both scientists and artists have suggested that sleep facilitates creativity, and this idea has received substantial empirical support. In the current study, we investigate whether one can actively enhance the beneficial effect of sleep on creativity by covertly reactivating the creativity task during sleep. Individuals’ creative performance was compared after three different conditions: sleep‐with‐conditioned‐odor; sleep‐with‐control‐odor; or sleep‐with‐no‐odor. In the evening prior to sleep, all participants were presented with a problem that required a creative solution. In the two odor conditions, a hidden scent‐diffuser spread an odor while the problem was presented. In the sleep‐with‐conditioned‐odor condition, task reactivation during sleep was induced by means of the odor that was also presented while participants were informed about the problem. In the sleep‐with‐control‐odor condition, participants were exposed to a different odor during sleep than the one diffused during problem presentation. In the no odor condition, no odor was presented. After a night of sleep with the conditioned odor, participants were found to be: (i) more creative; and (ii) better able to select their most creative idea than participants who had been exposed to a control odor or no odor while sleeping. These findings suggest that we do not have to passively wait until we are hit by our creative muse while sleeping. Task reactivation during sleep can actively trigger creativity‐related processes during sleep and thereby boost the beneficial effect of sleep on creativity.
Delivery of Echinococcus granulosus antigen EG95 to mice and sheep using recombinant vaccinia virus
Authors: DUTTON S. , FLEMING S. B. , UEDA N. , HEATH D. D. , HIBMA M. H. , MERCER A. A.
Published: March 2012

The tapeworm Echinococcus granulosus is the causative agent of hydatid disease and affects sheep, cattle, dogs and humans worldwide. It has a two‐stage life cycle existing as worms in the gut of infected dogs (definitive host) and as cysts in herbivores and humans (intermediate host). The disease is debilitating and can be life threatening where the cysts interfere with organ function. Interruption of the hydatid life cycle in the intermediate host by vaccination may be a way to control the disease, and a protective oncosphere antigen EG95 has been shown to protect animals against challenge with E. granulosus eggs. We explored the use of recombinant vaccinia virus as a delivery vehicle for EG95. Mice and sheep were immunized with the recombinant vector, and the result monitored at the circulating antibody level. In addition, sera from immunized mice were assayed for the ability to kill E. granulosus oncospheres in vitro. Mice immunized once intranasally developed effective oncosphere‐killing antibody by day 42 post‐infection. Antibody responses and oncosphere killing were correlated and were significantly enhanced by boosting mice with either EG95 protein or recombinant vector. Sheep antibody responses to the recombinant vector or to EG95 protein mirrored those in mice.
Granule ripples in the Kumtagh Desert, China: Morphology, grain size and influencing factors
Authors: QIAN GUANGQIANG , DONG ZHIBAO , ZHANG ZHENGCAI , LUO WANYIN , LU JUNFENG
Published: March 2012

Granule ripples are found mainly in four regions of the Kumtagh Desert in China; they are characterized by an asymmetrical shape, with gentle lower slopes on both sides and abrupt crests. The ripples tend to be oriented perpendicular to the prevailing winds, except when they form near obstacles such as yardangs. The wavelengths (λ) range between 0·31 m and 26 m and heights (h) range from 0·015 m to 1 m. The relationship between wavelength and height can be described by a simple linear function, and the mean ripple index (λ/h) is about 20·4 for the study sites. The sediments are poorly sorted, with negative to very negative skewness at lee and stoss slopes and between‐ripple troughs, which confirms the ‘poured in’ and ‘shadow’ appearance described by previous researchers. The bimodal or trimodal distributions of grains (with modes of −1·16φ, −0·5φ and 3·16φ) and the enrichment of coarse particles at the ripple surface (with coarse granule contents ranging between 5·2% and 62·1%) indicate that the underlying layer is the original sediment source and that the granule ripples resist erosional processes. Although the impact of saltating particles and, consequently, the creep and reptation of coarse grains are responsible for granule ripple initiation at a micro‐scale, however, the characteristics of local sediments, wind regimes and topographical obstacles, as well as the feedbacks among bedform and airflow, more strongly affect the development and alignment of granule ripples at a macro‐scale.
Repeated short‐term warming of red blood cell concentrates has minimal effect on their quality
Authors: Thomas S. , Hancock V. , Cardigan R.
Published: March 2012

Background and objectives  Blood components must be stored under controlled temperature conditions, for reasons of component quality and safety. However, there are occasions when components may be exposed to conditions outwith the defined limits. This study aimed to generate prospective data on the effect of red cell exposure to extremes of temperature.

Materials and methods  Study 1: red cell concentrates (RCC) in saline, adenine, glucose and mannitol (SAGM), made after ambient overnight hold of whole blood, were exposed to either +22°C or −2°C for up to three periods of 3 h on days 3, 8 and 15 of storage, followed by a 5 h exposure on day 29. Study 2: RCC in SAGM were exposed to 25°C for 24 or 48 h from day 2. In vitro markers of cell quality were measured during storage to 43 days, and compared with control units that had been stored at 2–6°C.

Results  Multiple short‐term exposures to +22°C or −2°C did not cause any significant changes to pH, haemolysis, supernatant potassium, cellular ATP, 2,3‐DPG, or deformability, when compared to control units. Exposure of RCC to 25°C for 24 or 48 h caused a significant fall in pH, ATP, and deformability.

Conclusion  Red cells may be damaged by prolonged exposure to warm temperatures, but repeated short‐term exposure to 22°C or −2°C does not appear to affect the in vitro quality of RCC. It is important to note that no bacterial growth studies were performed during this study.
Transvaginal posterior colporrhaphy combined with laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy for isolated Grade III rectocele: a prospective study of 27 patients
Authors: van der Hagen S. J. , van Gemert W. G. , Soeters P. B. , de Wet H. , Baeten C. G.
Published: March 2012

Aim  The aim of this study was to evaluate prospectively transvaginal posterior colporrhaphy (TPC) combined with laparoscopic ventral mesh rectopexy (LVR) in patients with a symptomatic isolated rectocele.

Method  Patients with these complaints underwent dynamic and static MRI. All consecutive patients with a Grade III (4 cm or more) rectocele and without internal/external rectal prolapse, enterocele and external sphincter damage were operated on. The patients completed the Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) score and the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score (CCIS). All tests were repeated after treatment. Dynamic disorders of the pelvic floor detected by MRI were recorded.

Results  In 27 patients [median age 67 (46–73) years], TPC combined with LVR was feasible. Complications were limited to port site infection in two patients. Sexual discomfort (n = 8) due to prolapse diminished in six (75%) patients and in one (4%) de novo dyspareunia developed after treatment. The median follow‐up was 12 (10–18) months. The median CCIS was 12 (10–16) before treatment and 8 (7–10) after (P < 0.0001). The median ODS score was 19 (17–23) before and 6 (3–10) after treatment (P < 0.0001). There was no change in urinary symptoms.

Conclusion  TPC combined with LVR for obstructed defaecation and faecal incontinence in patients with Grade III rectocele significantly relieves the symptoms of these disorders.