bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The origin and remolding of genomic islands of differentiation in the European sea bass
Authors: Duranton Maud , Allal François , Fraïsse Christelle , Bierne Nicolas , Bonhomme François , Gagnaire Pierre-Alexandre
Published: November 2017

Speciation is a complex process that leads to the progressive establishment of reproductive isolation barriers between diverging populations. Genome-wide comparisons between closely related species have revealed the existence of heterogeneous divergence patterns, dominated by genomic islands of increased divergence supposed to contain reproductive isolation loci. However, this divergence landscape only provides a static picture of the dynamic process of speciation, during which confounding mechanisms unlinked to speciation can interfere. Here, we used haplotype-resolved whole-genome sequences to identify the mechanisms responsible for the formation of genomic islands between Atlantic and Mediterranean sea bass lineages. We show that genomic islands first emerged in allopatry through the effect of linked selection acting on a heterogeneous recombination landscape. Upon secondary contact, preexisting islands were strongly remolded by differential introgression, revealing variable fitness effects among regions involved in reproductive isolation. Interestingly, we found that divergent regions containing ancient polymorphisms conferred the strongest resistance to introgression.
Analysis of fMRI data using noise-diffusion network models: a new covariance-coding perspective
Authors: Gilson Matthieu
Published: November 2017

Since the middle of the 1990s, studies of resting-state fMRI/BOLD data have explored the correlation patterns of activity across the whole brain, which is referred to as functional connectivity (FC). Among the many methods that have been developed to interpret FC, a recently proposed model-based approach describes the propagation of fluctuating BOLD activity within the recurrently connected brain network by inferring the effective connectivity (EC). In this model, EC quantifies the strengths of directional interactions between brain regions, viewed from the proxy of BOLD activity. In addition, the tuning procedure for the model provides estimates for the local variability (input variances) to explain how the observed FC is generated. Generalizing, the network dynamics can be studied in the context of an input-output mapping - determined by EC - for the second-order statistics of fluctuating nodal activities. The present paper focuses on the following detection paradigm: observing output covariances, how discriminative is the (estimated) network model with respect to various input covariance patterns? An application with the model fitted to experimental fMRI data - movie viewing versus resting state - illustrates that changes in excitability and changes in brain coordination go hand in hand.
Habitat complexity and benthic predator-prey interactions in Chesapeake Bay
Authors: Glaspie Cassandra N. , Seitz Rochelle D.
Published: November 2017

In Chesapeake Bay, the soft-shell clamMya arenaria(thin-shelled, deep-burrowing) exhibits population declines when predators are active and persists at low densities. In contrast, the hard clamMercenaria mercenaria(thick-shelled, shallow-burrowing) has a stable population and age distribution. We examined the potential for habitat and predators to control densities and distributions of bivalves in a field caging experiment (Myaonly) and laboratory mesocosm experiments (both species). In the field, clams exposed to predators experienced 76.3% greater mortality as compared to caged individuals, and blue crabs were likely responsible for most of the mortality of juvenileMya. In mesocosm experiments,Myahad lower survival in sand and seagrass than in shell hash or oyster shell habitats. However, crabs often missed one or more prey in seagrass, shell, and oyster shell habitats. Predator search times and encounter rates declined when prey were at low densities, likely due to the added cost of inefficient foraging; however, this effect was more pronounced forMyathan forMercenaria.Mercenariahad higher survival thanMyain mesocosm experiments, likely because predators feeding onMercenariaspent less time foraging than those feeding onMya.Myamay retain a low-density refuge from predation even with the loss of structurally complex habitats, though a loss of habitat refuge may result in clam densities that are not sustainable. A better understanding of density-dependent predator-prey interactions is necessary to prevent loss of food-web integrity and to conserve marine resources.
Differences across farm typologies in capital investment during 1996-2013
Authors: Stutzman Sarah Anne
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of changes in farm economic conditions and macroeconomic trends on US farm capital expenditures between 1996 and 2013.

Design/methodology/approach

A synthetic panel is constructed from Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) data. A dynamic system GMM regression model is estimated for farms as a whole and separately within farm typology categories. The use of farm typologies allows for comparison of the relative magnitudes of these estimates across farms by farm sales level and the operator’s primary occupation.

Findings

Changes in gross farm income levels, tax depreciation rates, and interest rates have a significant impact on crop farm investment, while changes in output prices, net cash farm income levels, tax depreciation rates, and farm specialization levels have significant impacts on livestock farm capital investment. The relative significance and magnitudes of these impacts differ within farm typologies. Significant differences include a greater responsiveness to change in tax policy variables for residential crop farms, greater responsiveness to changes in output prices and debt to asset ratios for intermediate livestock farms, and larger changes in commercial crop and livestock farm investment given equivalent changes in farm sales or the returns to investment.

Research limitations/implications

These findings are of interest to agricultural economists when constructing farm investment models and employing pseudo panel methods, to those in the agricultural equipment and manufacturing sector when constructing models to manage inventories and plan for production needs across regions and over time, to those involved in drafting tax policy and evaluating the potential impacts of tax changes on agricultural investment, and for those in the agricultural lending sector when designing and executing agricultural capital lending programs.

Originality/value

This study uniquely identifies differences in the level of investment and the magnitude of investment responsiveness to changes in farm economic conditions and macroeconomic trends given differences in income levels and primary operator occupation. In addition, this study is one of the few which utilizes ARMS data to study farm capital investment. Utilizing ARMS data provides a rich panel data set, covering producers across many different crop production types and regions. Finally, employing pseudo panel construction methods contributes to efforts to effectively employ cross-sectional data and dynamic models to study farm behavior across time.
Food waste reduction practices in German food retail
Authors: Hermsdorf David , Rombach Meike , Bitsch Vera
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate food retailers food waste reduction practices in Germany. The focus is on selling and redistributing agricultural produce with visual impairments and other surplus food items. In addition, drivers and barriers regarding the implementation of both waste reduction practices are explored.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 12 in-depth interviews with managerial actors in the food retail sector and a food bank spokesperson were recorded, transcribed and analyzed through a qualitative content analysis.

Findings

In contrast to organic retailers, conventional retailers were reluctant to include agricultural produce with visual impairments in their product assortments, due to fears of negative consumer reactions. Another obstacle was EU marketing standards for specific produce. All retailers interviewed engaged in redistribution of surplus food. Logistics and the regulatory framework were the main barriers to food redistribution.

Originality/value

The present study adds to the existing body of literature on food waste reduction practices as it explores selling produce with visual impairments and elaborates on the legal background of food redistribution in German retail. The results are the foundation for providing recommendations to policy makers and charitable food organizations.
Measuring and explaining multi-directional inefficiency in the Malaysian dairy industry
Authors: Mohd Suhaimi Nurul Aisyah Binti , de Mey Yann , Oude Lansink Alfons
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to measure the technical inefficiency of dairy farms and subsequently investigate the factors affecting technical inefficiency in the Malaysian dairy industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses multi-directional efficiency analysis to measure the technical inefficiency scores on a sample of 200 farm observations and single-bootstrap truncated regression model to define factors affecting technical inefficiency.

Findings

Managerial and program inefficiency scores are presented for intensive and semi-intensive production systems. The results reveal marked differences in the inefficiency scores across inputs and between production systems.

Practical implications

Intensive systems generally have lowest managerial and program inefficiency scores in the Malaysian dairy farming sector. Policy makers could use this information to advise dairy farmers to convert their farming system to the intensive system.

Social implications

The results suggest that the Malaysian Government should redefine its policy for providing farm finance and should target young farmers when designing training and extension programs in order to improve the performance of the dairy sector.

Originality/value

The existing literature on Southeast Asian dairy farming has neither focused on investigating input-specific efficiency nor on comparing managerial and program efficiency. This paper aims to fill this gap.
The development dynamics of business networks
Authors: Wegner Douglas , Silva Susana C. , De Rossi Greice
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the development dynamics of two business networks initially created to promote the internationalization of its members. Wines of Brasil – a Brazilian wineries network – was established in 2002 and remains active, while Vitrocristal (VtC) – a Portuguese network of glass producers – was established in 1994 and is already closed.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 14 interviews, with network managers and representatives of companies with different sizes and participation times. Information obtained was compared with the life cycle model of Wegneret al.(2015) and enabled the authors to understand the dynamic development of each network and its current stage in the life cycle.

Findings

The results allowed the authors to describe the development pattern of both business networks, showing that the Brazilian network is in the consolidation stage while the Portuguese one finished its activities in 2007 after a period of financial constraints due to the end of governmental support.

Practical implications

The comparison of the two cases shows that the experience of the Portuguese business network may be useful for networks in emerging markets, as it displays several difficulties that the management of such networks may face during their life cycle.

Originality/value

This study provides a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the dynamics of change in business networks. The cases confirm the life cycle stages proposed by Wegneret al.(2015) and shed more light on the development process of business networks, by describing how exogenous variables such as public support may affect cooperation.
Modelling the influence of velocity on wet friction-element friction in clutches
Authors: Wang Yanzhong , Guo Chao , Li Yuan , Li Guoxing
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This study aims to establish a friction coefficient model relative to the rotation speed of a wet clutch engagement, which can predict friction coefficient under different stages of slipping velocity and different load pressures. In particular, the model has been improved by accounting the speed effect for the perdition of wet friction-element boundary friction, which is significant for understanding the friction mechanisms and for supporting the development of more efficient and related products.

Design/methodology/approach

This research investigated the mechanism of wet friction in a wet clutch engagement. A mixed friction model is established based on the asperity model and Newton’s law of viscosity. To obtain a friction coefficient computed by the model, the normal load shared by both asperities and lubrication fluid needs to be determined. Therefore, rough surface contact mechanism is analysed; a surface topography model is established; and surface parameters are obtained by means of surface topography measurement and reconstruction. Finally, verification of the mixed friction model is achieved.

Findings

Friction will be generated by both the asperity contact and the lubrication film shear relative to the rotation speed. And, the higher the relative speed, the larger the shearing power of lubrication film. It is caused by decrease in contact area of asperity. Surface morphology of a sintered bronze friction disk was obtained by a Laser-Micro-Test. The predicted results by the established model show that the total friction coefficient slightly reduced and then increased suddenly with speed. The surface topography model is responsible for the nonlinear behaviour of the asperity friction. Results of the simulation model are in agreement with those of the wet clutch engagement experiments.

Originality/value

This research is original and it is supported by the national defence project. The wet friction element which is applied on tracked vehicles is analysed for the first time. Through the model, the trend of the friction coefficient can be more accurately predicted. The problem of the wet friction plate modelling difficult is solved by using the mixed friction model.
A numerical study on the contact fatigue life of a coated gear pair under EHL
Authors: Zhou Ye , Zhu Caichao , Liu Huaiju , Song Chaosheng , Li Zufeng
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Coatings are widely used in gears to keep interface from wearing excessively. The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of coating properties and working conditions on the pressure, the shear traction, stresses as well as the fatigue life of spur gear.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical contact fatigue life model of a coated spur gear pair under elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) is developed based on the characteristics of gear geometry and kinematics, lubrication conditions and material properties. Frequency response functions and the discrete convolute and fast Fourier transform (DC-FFT) algorithm are applied to obtain elastic deformation and stress. Mutil-axial fatigue criteria are used to evaluate the contact fatigue life based upon the predicted time-varying stress fields of coated bodies.

Findings

The maximum Mises stress decreases while the fatigue life increases as the coating modulus decreases. A thinner coating leads to a longer life and a smaller maximum Mises stress for hard coatings. The load has more significant effect on the contact fatigue life of soft coatings.

Originality/value

The developed model can be used to evaluate the contact fatigue life of coated gear under EHL and help designers analyze the effect of coating elastic modulus and thickness on the contact pressure, film thickness and stress.
A fast computing approach concerning recess pressure
Authors: Liang Peng , Lu Changhou , Yang Fazhan
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a new method for fast calculation of the recess pressure for hydrostatic bearing compensated by orifice restrictor.

Design/methodology/approach

Three methods (new method, old method and finite difference method) are used to calculate recess pressure for hydrostatic bearing at different eccentricity ratios and radial clearances, and the results with the three methods are compared.

Findings

From the results, the conclusion is that the new method has a simple calculation process and a quick calculation speed.

Originality/value

The new method can be used to calculate the recess pressure of hydrostatic bearing with high precision and simple computing process.
A multi-platform collaboration innovation ecosystem: the case of China
Authors: Su Yu-Shan , Zheng Zong-Xi , Chen Jin
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Innovation ecosystem is an emerging and popular concept in both academic and industrial circles. It offers a new perspective for enterprise strategy positioning. A business can create more value through a healthy innovation ecosystem. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors utilize a new triple-layer core-periphery framework to analyze Insigma Group’s multi-platform collaboration innovation ecosystem, in order to explore the architecture and heterogeneous functions inside an innovation ecosystem.

Findings

The authors illustrate the components and working mechanisms of the four platforms, which function as ideation, entrepreneurship, financing and investment, and innovation, inside Insigma’s innovation ecosystem in detail, and explain how they interact and collaborate toward a shared aim of the whole innovation ecosystem.

Research limitations/implications

The innovation ecosystem is an emerging concept. In this study, the authors combined two existing analytical frameworks of innovation ecosystem, and proposed a triple-layer core-periphery framework, which enable us to analyze the heterogeneity inside an innovation ecosystem.

Practical implications

The authors discussed the role of government and its policies in shaping the innovation ecosystem at the enterprise level.

Originality/value

The authors believe that this paper provides a holistic study of Insigma’s innovation ecosystem. The triple-layer core-periphery framework can be used to study other enterprise innovation ecosystem in the future.
Identifying the focal role of top management paradoxical cognition in ambidextrous firms
Authors: Venugopal Aparna , T.N. Krishnan , Kumar Manish
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Past studies have associated top management’s paradoxical cognition and actions with the ambidextrous performance of firms. Compared to large firms, the top management members of small firms play a focal role in resolving the paradoxical tensions of explorative and exploitative innovation strategies. Anchored in the upper echelons perspective, the purpose of this paper is to explore the influences of two top management team (TMT) processes on organizational ambidexterity: TMT behavioral integration and TMT involvement in small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The research is set in the context of 78 hi-tech SMEs across IT, biotech, and electronics industry. Multiple responses were collected from each firm. The authors used hierarchical regression analysis to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings from this paper demonstrate that the process of TMT behavioral integration enhances organizational ambidexterity. However, the results show that neither the top management’s involvement, nor the interaction of the top management’s involvement with the behavioral integration of a TMT, enhances organizational ambidexterity.

Research limitations/implications

The limited examination of two TMT processes has restricted the scope of this paper. The study has also been unable to measure paradoxical cognition in the TMT objectively and without proxy measures.

Originality/value

The results from this study add to the existing literature on paradoxical cognition, ambidexterity, and behavioral integration. The results from this study also lend support to the upper echelons perspective. Further, the findings from this paper present significant practical implications by throwing light on the senior team processes necessary for small ambidextrous firms in emerging economies. The volatile and rather unpredictable nature of emerging economies underscore the relevance of examining the facilitating conditions of small ambidextrous firms in these countries.
Determinants of psychological contract breach: an empirical study of Vietnamese employees
Authors: Tran Huy Phuong , Takahashi Kiyoshi
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This study aims to verify the entire process of psychological contract breach (PCB). It investigates organizational variables such as organizational performance, previous employee performance, participative performance appraisal systems and leader power as the antecedents of perceived unfulfilled promises. It then examines whether perceived failure to fulfill contracts leads to the perception of PCB, and the possible moderating impacts of perceived self-fulfillment and individual differences on the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study uses cross-sectional design. Data have been collected from 364 full-time employees who enrolled in evening MBA courses in Vietnamese universities. Multiple regression and moderation analyses were used.

Findings

Participative performance appraisal, past performance, perception of leader’s power and overall organizational performance influenced perceived failure to fulfill promises, which contributed to contract breach. Furthermore, perceived self-fulfillment, equity sensitivity and self-esteem moderated the relationship between perceived failure to fulfill promises and PCB.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study include a sampling technique which only focuses on MBA students, and cross-sectional research design.

Practical implications

The study confirms the role of individual traits in the PCB development. Vietnamese companies should collect information concerning employees’ personalities to focus on fulfilling promises that matter most to each type of employees.

Originality/value

The study distinguishes between perception of unmet promises and PCB. Furthermore, the moderating impacts of perceived self-fulfillment on the relationship between unmet promises and breach were examined.
Using colour semiotics to explore colour meanings
Authors: Kauppinen-Räisänen Hannele , Jauffret Marie-Nathalie
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The impact of colour is acknowledged within the marketing field. However, research on colour communication is limited, with most prior studies focusing on pre-defined meanings or colour associations. The purpose of this paper is to reveal insights into colour meaning and propose an alternative view to understanding colour communication.

Design/methodology/approach

The study takes a conceptual approach and proposes Peircean semiotics to understand colour communication. The proposed framework is applied to analyse a set of colour meanings detected by prior colour research.

Findings

The study elucidates the underlying mechanism of how colour is read and interpreted in various marketing activities, and how meaning is conveyed. This study addresses this mechanism by identifying colour semantics and colour as a symbolic, iconic and indexical sign.

Research limitations/implications

The study contributes to the scholarly knowledge of colour in marketing. It enriches the understanding of how consumers interpret representations of single visual signs expressed in contexts such as products, brands and brand packaging to make informed product decisions.

Practical implications

By understanding consumer interpretation as a stage in the communication process, marketers can develop more informed marketing activities to communicate the intended meanings. This may well strengthen the brand identity and contribute to the perceived brand value.

Originality/value

By elaborating on how colours convey meanings and the mechanism that explains such meanings, this study demonstrates that colour meaning is far more than mere association. The study contributes to the current knowledge of colour by facilitating a deeper understanding of how consumers interpret representations of single visual cues expressed in various contexts.
Assessing visual survey protocols to capture brand-related emotional insights
Authors: Ganassali Stéphane , Matysiewicz Justyna
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the assessment of different self-reported approaches that can be used to identify and measure consumers’ emotional responses towards brands. The goal is to determine whether visual and spontaneous protocols are able to generate deeper insights than only closed groups of scales, and to consider pictorial tools as innovative and challenging measurement techniques for brand value assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

Three versions of the same consumer online survey dedicated to identifying some brand-related consumer emotional insights were created to be compared in terms of quality of responses, interviewees’ evaluation and richness of insights.

Findings

Visual protocols provide more specific emotional responses and are considered as useful for “capturing deep contextual meanings of consumer experience”. They clearly provide deeper insights and better emotional granularity. It can be generally concluded that different emotions’ self-report measurements are adapted to some diverse research questions or situations.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on research with a limited number of participants. It focuses on the use and consumer emotional insights delivered by three tested protocols rather than detailed analysis of the specific profiles of consumers.

Practical implications

The authors provide some recommendations of different research techniques, which can be used to identify and measure consumers’ emotional reactions towards brands.

Social implications

Their paper encourages a critical reflection about researchmethods that are deployed for marketing and consumer behaviour purposes. Their work promotes a hybrid and not dogmatic approach, centred around the perception andmotivation of the respondentsmore than on the expectations of the researcher only.

Originality/value

Research outcomes among different self-reported protocols using internet technologies are compared. Quality of responses and richness of insights are measured in a quite innovative and comprehensive way. The paper also gives detailed recommendations to researchers interested in consumers’ emotional reactions towards brands measurements.
Understanding racial/ethnic meaning making
Authors: Azizova Zarrina Talan , Felder Pamela P.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the racial and ethnic aspects of the doctoral socialization to provide a meaningful insight into the belief systems and decision-making processes related to academic success and degree completion. This paper addresses a gap in literature focusing on the racial and ethnic aspects of the doctoral student experience as they relate to student agency.

Design/methodology/approach

This narrative research of four doctoral students uses a postmodern active interview method to foreground the role of a doctoral agency as manifested in the ways students make meaning of their experiences as members of the science, technology, engineering, agriculture and math academic community. A dialectical approach to the traditional socialization models provides the framework for understanding the meaning-making processes within a critical context of academia.

Findings

Findings present the intrinsic foundations for a doctoral agency and forces that shape key decision-making processes for doctoral students.

Research limitations/implications

Implications for research and practice provide guidance for faculty, graduate school administrators and organizations interested in supporting degree completion for historically marginalized doctoral students.

Originality/value

This study examines doctoral socialization as a meaning-making process of racial/ethnic students in engineering and agricultural programs. Narrative research design provides depth into the individual experiences and the role of racial/ethnic histories in students’ socialization (meaning-making) processes in a predominantly White academic environment.
Total quality environmental management: adoption status in the Chinese manufacturing sector
Authors: Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Yu Mingyang , Kumar Vikas , Upadhyay Arvind
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To address the critical sustainability challenges currently faced by China, manufacturers in this country have committed to improve their environmental performance. To support this commitment, evidence suggests that Chinese manufacturers have mainly turned to the implementation of environmental management approaches such as ISO 14001, cleaner production, green supply chain management, circular economy and green lean. However, the adoption of other approaches such as total quality environmental management (TQEM) by Chinese manufacturers is less clear. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap by providing light into fundamental issues regarding the implementation of TQEM in the manufacturing sector of China.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey-based exploratory study was conducted based on 119 Chinese manufacturing companies, and the data obtained were analysed using a combination of descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

The results revealed that in general, there is less awareness of TQEM in the Chinese manufacturing sector than other environmental and quality/operations improvement approaches such as green supply chain management, reverse logistics, ISO 9000, Six Sigma and lean Six Sigma. Thus, its degree of implementation is also lower than these approaches as well as ISO 14001. The results also indicate that although a company’s size is not associated with the implementation of TQEM, it is mainly large organisations and those that have adopted TQM those which will be mainly aware and have implemented TQEM. The study also reveals the drivers, results and challenges of TQEM implementation.

Originality/value

The paper extends the currently limited knowledge on TQEM, and its results are beneficial for managers who aim at effectively adopting TQEM to simultaneously improve the environmental, operational and financial performance of their organisations. The paper can also motivate organisations not currently embarked on the “green wagon” to contemplate the benefits that implementing TQEM, or any other environmental management approach, may bring to their operations and business.
Advancing a culture of effective energy statistics and information management
Authors: Green Earl , DeLisser Charmaine D.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and analyze the issues associated with the use of modern energy statistics and information management (ESIM) constructs as information sharing and decision-making mechanisms in the Caribbean community (CARICOM). The study focuses on the strategies required for advancing accepted regional goals of the creation and utilization of ESIM systems in the CARICOM energy sector, a vital precursor to national and regional generation and integration of energy information.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary and secondary data from CARICOM countries were analyzed, supported by an assessment methodology which examines the impact of the current state of the environment, and the policy imperatives on the data.

Findings

The research findings suggest that the creation and usage of energy statistics and information in the region is minimal. Several issues impact negatively on utilization, including political, visibility, awareness, resource, and cultural factors.

Originality/value

There are several possible alternatives for improving the state of ESIM in the region, and better understanding the peoples of the region, and the approaches to regional integration and development are instructive in deciding on the best approach. The solutions articulated in this paper are intended to achieve more inclusive high-value modalities of operation, optimize skills development and knowledge transfer, and positively impact the decision-making processes at both regional and state levels.
Simulating R&D decision for critical subsystems in defence R&D projects
Authors: Roy Soumen Kumar , Sarkar A.K. , Mahanty Biswajit
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of a critical subsystem development indigenously on the outcome of an Indian defence R&D project. Indigenous development of the critical subsystem requires the development of a number of technologies; hence the study is taken up for indigenously development of critical subsystem.

Design/methodology/approach

A simulation-based approach is used in this paper for studying the effect of indigenization decisions. A defence R&D project with the critical subsystems is modeled in Graphical Evolution and Review Technique (GERT) networks, and simulated in Arena simulation software using discrete event simulation model. The simulation model is thereafter experimented with decision options for the critical subsystem. Data were collected from the project management office (PMO) of short range homing guided missile (SRHGM) for this simulation study.

Findings

It has been found in this case that timely development of technology plays a key role in the Indian defence R&D projects. While indigenization of critical components reduces cost of development, the trade-off lies in much increased project development time. It is imperative that project teams should identify critical components early and work out appropriate strategies of indigenous development to avoid time overrun of the projects.

Research limitations/implications

The accuracy of results of the study could perhaps be affected on account of the extent of data forthcoming from the PMO. However, GERT framework presented in this paper is realistically derived from the practices used in the SRHGM project.

Originality/value

The study would help the project teams to identify critical subsystems early and work out appropriate strategies of indigenous development to avoid time overrun of the projects. This study would also make the project as well as the R&D teams aware of the causes for delays and cost overruns, and assist to deliver a product meeting end-user requirements.
Women who had positive relationships with their own mothers reported good attachments to their first child before and after birth
Authors: Tani Franca , Castagna Valeria , Ponti Lucia
Published: November 2017

Aim

Bowlby's attachment intergenerational transmission theory suggests that a woman's attachment to her parents, particularly her mother, plays an important role in her future parenting. We studied whether there was any association between pregnant women's attachment to their baby before and after birth and their relationships with their mothers.

Methods

A longitudinal study was carried out in 2015 on 201 first‐time mothers recruited in the maternity ward of the level two Misericordia e Dolce Hospital in Prato, Italy. At 32 weeks of pregnancy, the women filled in the Parental Bonding Instrument and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory and their spontaneous attachment behaviour towards their newborn infants were observed in the nursery during the first two days after childbirth.

Results

Having a good relationship with their own mothers was a positive predictor for the women's prenatal attachment to their baby and caregiving and attachment behaviour to their newborn infants. In addition, the mothers’ prenatal attachment positively predicted their behavioural attachment pattern after birth.

Conclusion

We found that women who had positive relationships with their own mothers also had positive attachments to their unborn babies and in the period immediately after birth. Our findings supported Bowlby's attachment intergenerational transmission theory.
Mapping college students’ location knowledge of environmental events: Empirical evidence from Ethiopia and the USA
Authors: Kassahun Waktola Daniel , Sishaw Emiru Tegegne
Published: November 2017

This study analyses college students’ locational knowledge of environmental events, based on empirical evidence from Ethiopia and the USA – countries that occupy opposite margins on the socioeconomic, cultural and technological spectrum. Based on geo‐referenced data generated through a map‐embedded questionnaire survey from 200 students in higher learning institution, we employed multiple ring buffer analyses and standard distance functions of ArcGIS 10.3 and produced the spatial distance of target estimates on local and global scales. The finding disclosed a low level of accuracy in locating local and global environmental targets by the study participants in both countries. The USA students, however, modestly closed their inherent geographic knowledge gap, partly due to the unlimited access to geospatial tools and the concurrent expansion of map usage in their local media outlets. GIS helped not only to visualise and compare the accuracy of locational estimates by the study participants but also enabled to capture estimates that fall in the grey area between accurate and inaccurate precision levels in the environmental awareness studies.
Standing still: Walking interviews and poetic spatial inquiry
Authors: Palmgren Ann‐Charlotte
Published: November 2017

In this hybrid poem, the voices of four teenage girls, a 36‐year‐old gender scholar, a shopping mall and scholars on place and walking interviews share space and rhythms. Drawing on data generated during interviews with the girls about their relationships to a shopping mall in Turku, Finland, the author examines (walking) interviews as a method and power dynamics related to movement and non‐movement, interviewer and interviewee, as well as inclusion and exclusion. Utilising Lefebvre's rhythmanalysis, this experimental, poetic and reflexive spatial inquiry shows tensions related to the place where the research is conducted.
A qualitative investigation of physical activity compensation among older adults
Authors: Gray Phillip , Murphy Marie , Gallagher Alison , Simpson Ellen Elizabeth Anne
Published: November 2017

Objectives

This study explored the mechanisms of physical activity (PA) compensation among older adults who recently reduced their non‐exercise physical activity (NEPA) in response to a structured PA intervention.

Design

A post‐trial, retrospective qualitative process evaluation using interviews was employed.

Methods

Levels of PA compensation were determined by comparing NEPA prior to and during the final week of a 4‐week structured PA intervention. Those who reduced their NEPA by 10% or greater were considered as compensators. Interviews were conducted with older adult compensators (mean age = 58.56 ± 3.88 years; n = 9), employing thematic analysis to identify potential mechanisms of PA compensation.

Results

The findings suggest that the majority of participants were unaware that they had compensated in their PA, suggesting that this may be a non‐volitional process. Most participants perceived PA compensation to hold negative implications for health and well‐being. Physiological processes of fatigue and delayed onset of muscle soreness were cited as the principal cause of PA compensation, whereas psychological processes including a drive to be inactive, fear of overexertion, deficient motivation, and perceived time constraints were cited to a lesser extent.

Conclusion

A range of physiological and psychological compensatory barriers were identified. Implications of and methods to overcome these compensatory barriers are discussed.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Physical activity compensation holds negative implications for physical activity promotion and health.

Older adults are an age group more likely to compensate in their physical activity levels.

What does this study add?

Physical activity compensation may be a result of a range of physiological and psychological processes including fatigue and delayed onset of muscle soreness, compensatory health beliefs, fear of overexertion, deficient motivation, and perceived time constraints.

Most older adult compensators may be unaware they are compensating and, however, agree that physical activity compensation has negative implications for health and well‐being.
A survey of staffing levels in paediatric diabetes services throughout the UK
Authors: Charalampopoulos D. , Amin R. , Warner J. T. , Viner R. M. , Campbell F. , Edge J. A. , Stephenson T.
Published: November 2017

Aims

To assess staffing levels of healthcare professionals involved in the care of children and young people with diabetes in the UK.

Methods

A web‐based questionnaire was distributed to lead consultant paediatricians from all paediatric diabetes services in the UK between October and December 2014. Data on staffing levels and other aspects of diabetes services were collected and differences between the four nations of the UK and across the 10 English diabetes networks were explored.

Results

Some 175 services (93%) caring for 29 711 children and young people aged ≤ 24 years with diabetes participated in the survey. Northern Ireland and Wales had the lowest ratio of total staff to patient population. Nursing caseloads per one whole‐time equivalent (WTE) nurse ranged from 71 patients in England to 110 patients in Northern Ireland with only 52% of the UK services meeting the Royal College of Nursing recommended nurse‐to‐patient ratio of > 1 : 70. Scotland and Northern Ireland had the highest ratio of consultants and fully trained doctors per 1000 patients (3.5 WTE). Overall, 17% of consultants had a Certificate of Completion of Training in Endocrinology and Diabetes. Some 44% of dietitians were able to adjust insulin dose. Only 43% of services provided 24‐h access to advice from the diabetes team and 82% of services had access to a psychologist. Staffing levels adjusted for volume were not directly related to glycaemic performance of services in England and Wales.

Conclusions

Wide variations in staffing levels existed across the four nations of the UK and important gaps were present in key areas.
Attitudes Toward Parental Disclosures to Children and Adolescents by Divorced and Married Parents
Authors: Kang Youngjin , Ganong Lawrence , Chapman Ashton , Coleman Marilyn , Ko Kwangman
Published: November 2017

Objective

To examine individuals' attitudes about parental disclosures to children.

Background

Parents' disclosures can either help or hinder children's coping with family‐related stressors. Knowing what is appropriate to disclose, however, is not always clear.

Method

We examined judgments about parental disclosures using a mixed‐methods approach. In 18 factorial vignettes, information about a parent's marital status and gender and a child's age and gender were randomly varied; a convenience sample of 561 individuals evaluated the appropriateness of parental disclosures. An open‐ended question asked respondents to explain their answers.

Results

Quantitative data indicated that children's ages and parents' gender affected attitudes about disclosures, but parents' marital status and children's gender did not. Qualitative responses indicated that participants were concerned about parental disclosures putting children in the middle of parents' problems. Disclosures about sexual issues were considered inappropriate for school‐aged children but appropriate for adolescents.

Conclusion

There is consensus on evaluations of the appropriateness of specific parental disclosures. Negative disclosures are perceived as potentially harmful to offspring regardless of parents' marital status. Some topics are seen as more acceptable to disclose to adolescents than to younger children, and evaluations of specific disclosures differ for fathers and mothers.

Implications

A better understanding of how people evaluate parental disclosures may be useful to family therapists, parent educators, and others who work with families.
Relationship between deterioration of glycated hemoglobin‐lowering effects in dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor monotherapy and dietary habits: Retrospective analysis of Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Kuwata Hitoshi , Okamoto Saki , Seino Yusuke , Murotani Kenta , Tatsuoka Hisato , Usui Ryota , Hamamoto Yoshiyuki , Kurose Takeshi , Seino Yutaka , Yabe Daisuke
Published: November 2017

The present study was designed to assess possible relationships between deterioration of the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)‐lowering effects in dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (DPP4i) monotherapy and macronutrient intake among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes patients who began and continued DPP4i monotherapy without any prescription change for 1 year were retrospectively stratified into two groups: (i) patients who maintained their HbA1c levels during the 0.5‐ to 1‐year period after DPP4i initiation (group A, ΔHbA1c [1–0.5 year] <0.4%, n = 53); and (ii) those whose HbA1c levels increased [group B, ΔHbA1c (1–0.5 year] ≥0.4%, n = 10). Group B had significantly higher ΔHbA1c (1–0.5 year), Δbodyweight (1–0.5 year) and fat intake, especially of saturated and monounsaturated fats; the carbohydrate and protein intake were similar between groups. Multiple regression analyses showed that fat intake, especially saturated fat intake, was significantly correlated with ΔHbA1c (1–0.5 year). Thus, dietary habits, especially saturated fat intake, might well contribute to deterioration of the HbA1c‐lowering effects in DPP4i monotherapy.
Tween Television and Peers: Reinforcing Social Agents in Early Adolescents' Body Surveillance and Self‐Objectification
Authors: Rousseau Ann , Eggermont Steven
Published: November 2017

Sociocultural models of body image posit that the media and peers play a role in early adolescents' body dissatisfaction. Introducing a sociocultural perspective on youth sexualization, the present three‐wave panel study (N = 968, Mage = 11.30) sought to examine the role of tween television and peer appearance conversations in early adolescents' body surveillance and self‐objectification over time. Special attention was given to the mediating role of media internalization in these relationships. The results showed evidence for a reciprocal interaction between media internalization and peer appearance conversations and identified this reciprocal interaction as the underlying mechanism linking tween television exposure to higher levels of body surveillance and self‐objectification 1 year later. Implications for body image and media literacy programs are discussed.
An ontology of power and leadership
Authors: Martins Nuno Ornelas
Published: November 2017

In this article I draw upon the social ontologies developed by John Searle, Roy Bhaskar, Margaret Archer and Tony Lawson in order to distinguish between power and leadership. To do so, I distinguish the different organizing principles behind natural phenomena, collective phenomena and institutional phenomena, and argue that an understanding of those different organizing principles is essential to a clearer conceptualization of power and leadership. Natural power and cultural power, as I argue, depend upon the organizing principles of natural phenomena, and differ depending on whether those organizing principles have been transformed by humans, in which case it becomes cultural power, or not, in which case it simply is natural power. Leadership emerges with the ability of making other humans share mental states through collective intentionality. Institutional power, in contrast, is connected to the creation of a deontology of rights and obligations that provide what Searle calls desire‐independent reasons for action.