bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of brand schematicity on the importance of product cues: self-purchasing versus gift-giving situations
Authors: Carsana Laurence , Jolibert Alain
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of self-purchasing versus gift-giving situations on the importance of product cues and the moderating effect of brand schematicity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via an online survey of 285 French consumers for wine and 139 French consumers for whisky. The interaction effect of the gift-giving situation and brand schematicity on the importance of product cues was then investigated.

Findings

The results differed, depending on the importance of brand cue. For the whisky category (high brand importance), brand schematicity had no influence on the importance of cues. For the wine category (low brand importance), brand schematicity moderated the influence of the gift-giving situation on the importance of extrinsic cues such as commercial brand. Brand schematicity and the situation of gift-giving also influence the number of important cues which consumers take into account when making their choice. In low-involvement purchasing situations, brand-aschematic consumers use fewer choice criteria than brand-schematic consumers, whereas in high-involvement purchasing situations, regardless of their level of brand schematicity, consumers use the same number of criteria to make their selection.

Practical implications

When the commercial brand is a salient cue and regardless of the purchasing situation, it is important to provide information on the brand to consumers through any format, such as social media, leaflets, flash codes, in-store digital display, etc. When the commercial brand is not a salient cue, brand schematicity may be relevant to a segment of consumers because this consumer profile may need more information and will focus on the commercial brand. Brand managers could develop a specific approach to schematic consumers based on brand content, for example, brand managers could provide marketing materials (e.g. leaflets, flash codes, mobile apps) to retail store managers explaining the origin and value of the commercial brand. Consumers could also be provided with digital devices (such as tablets), which they could use to search for information according to these cues before choosing their product. Social media and online brand community could also provide more details about the brand and may provide an interactive area for discussions with consumers.

Originality/value

There has been little research on the effect of brand schematicity on the importance of product cues. To the authors’ knowledge, the interaction between brand schematicity and purchase according to product category has not previously been studied. The influence of brand schematicity changes depending on the importance given to brand cues.
The mitigating role of holistic thinking on choice overload
Authors: Benoit Ilgim Dara , Miller Elizabeth G.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate how and why holistic thinking mitigates the negative impact of large assortments on satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Five between-subject experiments demonstrate the mitigating role of holism on choice overload across a variety of contexts.

Findings

While large assortments create overload feeling, holistic thinking mitigates the negative impact of overload feeling on satisfaction for both chronic (Studies 1a and 1b) and decision-specific (Studies 1b and 1c) holistic thinkers, as well as those who adopt a more holistic thinking style because of the decision goal (Study 2) or incidental priming (Study 3).

Research limitations/implications

This paper introduces a new moderator of choice overload effects – holistic thinking – and shows how it mitigates the negative indirect effect of assortment size on satisfaction. This paper contributes to the literature on assortment size effects and shows that even when assortment size increases overload feeling, this negative impact of assortment size can still be reduced.

Practical implications

Marketers with large assortments can reduce the negative impact of overload feeling and increase satisfaction by promoting the hedonic features of the products and encouraging holistic thinking. Similarly, consumers can reduce the negative impact of overload feeling by approaching their consumption more holistically either because of their individual traits or situational factors.

Originality/value

This research contributes a new moderator to the choice overload literature: holistic thinking. In doing so, it adopts a broader consideration of the decision-making process underlying overload effects and pinpoints how (i.e. by which path) holistic thinking mitigates the negative impact of large assortments.
Long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems (LE-RPAS) support for humanitarian logistic operations
Authors: Tatham Peter , Ball Catherine , Wu Yong , Diplas Peter
Published: March 2017

Purpose

While the use of long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft systems (LE-RPAS) is frequently associated with military operations, their core capabilities of long-range, low-cost and high-quality optics and communications systems have considerable potential benefit in supporting the work of humanitarian logisticians. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to demonstrate how LE-RPAS could be used to improve the logistic response to a rapid onset disaster.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the response to the Cyclone Pam that struck Vanuatu in March 2015 as an example, this paper provides an overview of how LE-RPAS could be used to support the post-disaster needs assessment and subsequent response processes. In addition, it provides a high-level route map to develop the people, process and technology requirements that would support the operational deployment of the LE-RPAS capabilities.

Findings

On the basis of the analysis of the published literature and the resultant assessment of the benefits of LE-RPAS to support humanitarian logistic (HL) operations, it is concluded that a formal “proof of concept” trial should be undertaken, and the results be made available to the humanitarian community.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is conceptual in nature, but has been developed through an analysis of the literature relating to remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and HLs. A route map through which the paper’s conclusions can be validated is also offered.

Practical implications

LE-RPAS have great potential to provide a swifter understanding of the impact of a disaster, particularly those where the location is remote from the main centres of population. This would allow the affected country’s National Disaster Management Organisation, together with those of supporting countries, to react more efficiently and effectively. In particular, it would allow a swifter transition from a “guess-based” push approach to one that more accurately reflects the disaster’s impact – i.e. a pull-based logistic response.

Social implications

Given the military genesis of RPAS, it will be important to ensure that those engaged in their operation are sensitive to the implications of this. In particular, it will be essential to ensure that any humanitarian operations involving RPAS are undertaken in an ethical way that respects, for example, the privacy and safety of the affected population.

Originality/value

While there is some emerging discussion on the humanitarian-related use of RPAS in the literature, this generally reflects the operation of small aircraft with limited range and payload capabilities. Useful though such RPAS unquestionably are, this paper expands the discussion of how such systems can support the humanitarian logistician by considering the benefits and challenges of operating long-endurance aircraft.
#IHateYourBrand: adaptive service recovery strategies on Twitter
Authors: Abney Alexandra K. , Pelletier Mark J. , Ford Toni-Rochelle S. , Horky Alisha B.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Social networks offer consumers the ability to voice their opinions of brands in a real-time, public setting. This represents a unique challenge for firms as brand managers must develop new strategies for properly communicating with consumers, especially in the event of a service failure. The purpose of this research is to explore the impact of various adaptive service recovery strategies via social media, specifically Twitter.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a series of experimental manipulations, four service recovery strategies are tested alongside two variations of consumer complaint tweets. The service recovery responses vary in their degree of adaptiveness, which have differential impacts on numerous consumer outcome variables.

Findings

The findings indicate that highly adaptive recoveries responses positively impact consumers’ evaluations of service recovery satisfaction, leading to greater consumer behavioral intentions. Additionally, the type of tweet the consumer sends may further reveal their expectations for adequate service recovery responses.

Originality/value

This study is the first to empirically test the use of social media platforms in the service failure and recovery context. Although social media is commonly used for such purposes by practitioners, academic research up to this point has predominately focused on social media for generating word-of-mouth. Further, this study seeks to examine how service adaptability is perceived from the customer perspective, as opposed to the more traditional employee viewpoint.
Ethnic stereotyping in service provision
Authors: Gill Tripat , Kim Hae Joo , Ranaweera Chatura
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the expectations and evaluations of services provided by members of an ethnic minority using the lens of ethnic stereotypes. The authors also examine how ethnic service providers (ESPs) are evaluated by customers from the majority group vs the same ethnic group as the provider.

Design/methodology/approach

In Study 1, the authors measure the stereotypes about skills, abilities, and typical professions associated with different ethnic groups (i.e. Chinese, South Asians and white). The authors then measure the effect of these stereotypes on the performance expectations from ESPs in different professional services. In Study 2, the authors manipulate the service domain (stereotypical vs counter-stereotypical) and the level of service performance (good: above average performance vs mediocre: below average) of a Chinese ESP, and subsequently measure the evaluation of the ESP by the same ethnic group (Chinese) vs majority group (white) participants.

Findings

Performance expectations from ESPs closely match the stereotypes associated with the ethnic group. But the performance of an ESP (especially mediocre-level service) is evaluated differently by the same ethnic group vs majority group customers, depending upon the domain of service. A Chinese ESP providing mediocre service in a stereotypical domain (martial arts instructor) is evaluated more critically by same ethnic group (Chinese) participants as compared to white participants. In contrast, a Chinese ESP providing mediocre service in a counter-stereotypical domain (fitness instructor) is evaluated more favourably by same ethnic group (Chinese) participants as compared to white participants. There is no such difference when performance is good.

Research limitations/implications

It is a common practice to employ ESPs to serve same ethnic group customers. While this strategy can be effective in a counter-stereotypical domain even if the ESP provides mediocre service, the findings suggest that this strategy can backfire when the performance is mediocre in a stereotypical service domain.

Practical implications

The results demonstrate the need for emphasizing outcome (vis-à-vis interaction) quality where ESPs are employed to serve same ethnic group customers in a stereotypical service setting. However, when an ESP is offering a counter-stereotypical service, the emphasis needs to be more on the interpersonal processes (vis-à-vis outcome). Firms can gain by taking this into account in their hiring and training practices.

Originality/value

Prior research has primarily used cultural distance to examine inter-cultural service encounters. The authors show that ethnic stereotypes pertaining to the skills and abilities of an ESP can affect evaluations beyond the role of cultural distance alone.
Why do satisfied customers defect? A closer look at the simultaneous effects of switching barriers and inducements on customer loyalty
Authors: Chuah Stephanie Hui-Wen , Rauschnabel Philipp A. , Marimuthu Malliga , Thurasamy Ramayah , Nguyen Bang
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to go beyond satisfaction as an indicator of customer loyalty and propose a holistic model of service switching in a mobile internet setting. The model, which reflects both barriers and inducements of switching, is developed based on the “mooring” and “pull” concepts in the migration literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Focusing on Generation Y mobile internet subscribers, the study analyzed a total of 417 usable questionnaire responses. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to test the research model.

Findings

The results show that first, satisfaction and switching barriers (i.e. a focal firm’s marketing innovation initiatives, switching costs, inertia, and local network effects) are positively related to customer loyalty; second, switching barriers have a stronger influence on customer loyalty compared with satisfaction; third, switching inducements (i.e. competitors’ marketing innovation initiatives, alternative attractiveness, variety-seeking tendencies, and consumers’ susceptibility to social reference group influence) is negatively related to customer loyalty and the relationship is weaker when perceived switching barriers are high.

Originality/value

This study empirically validates multidimensional scales of switching barriers and inducements from a more nuanced perspective, and specifies them as reflective-formative type II models. This study is among the first to use opposing dimensions to measure switching barriers and its counterpart. Hence, it illustrates how the two contrasting mechanisms can coexist in the minds of mobile internet subscribers.
Stimulating employee ambidexterity and employee engagement in SMEs
Authors: Ajayi Oluseyi Moses , Odusanya Kayode , Morton Susan
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the emerging theory of ambidexterity by developing measures to assess employee ambidexterity. Specifically, it identifies and tests the importance of the relationship between the organisational context and employee ambidexterity within small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a survey method to investigate SMEs in Nigeria. Two hundred SMEs were selected from across Nigeria to participate in the study and 72 companies responded, representing a 36 per cent response rate. The study sample comprised 398 shop-floor employees from 72 small and medium-sized manufacturing and service organisations.

Findings

The paper tests a model that sheds insight into the linkages between the organisational context, employee ambidexterity and employee engagement. Specifically, the model portrays significant relationships that exist between organisational context, employee ambidexterity and employee engagement. The results show that understanding the appropriate organisational contexts improves employee ambidexterity. Therefore, SMEs with the appropriate organisational contexts for employee ambidexterity and employee engagement will increase their potential for growth and survival.

Originality/value

The paper develops a conceptual model of the organisational context that improves employee ambidexterity and employee engagement.
Social influence of hubs in information cascade processes
Authors: Kim Joohyun , Kwon Ohsung , Lee Duk Hee
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how hubs’ social influence on social network decisions can cause the behavior of information cascades in a market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors establish understanding of the fundamental mechanism of information cascades through a computational simulation approach.

Findings

Eigenvector centrality, betweenness centrality, and PageRank are statistically correlated with the occurrence of information cascades among agents; the hubs’ incorrect decisions in the early diffusion stage can significantly cause misled shift cascades; and the bridge role of hubs is more influential than their pivotal position role in the process of misled shift cascades.

Originality/value

This implication can be extendable in the field of marketing, sequential voting, and technology, or innovation adoption.
The data-literature interlinking service
Authors: Burton Adrian , Koers Hylke , Manghi Paolo , La Bruzzo Sandro , Aryani Amir , Diepenbroek Michael , Schindler Uwe
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Research data publishing is today widely regarded as crucial for reproducibility, proper assessment of scientific results, and as a way for researchers to get proper credit for sharing their data. However, several challenges need to be solved to fully realize its potential, one of them being the development of a global standard for links between research data and literature. Current linking solutions are mostly based on bilateral, ad hoc agreements between publishers and data centers. These operate in silos so that content cannot be readily combined to deliver a network graph connecting research data and literature in a comprehensive and reliable way. The Research Data Alliance (RDA) Publishing Data Services Working Group (PDS-WG) aims to address this issue of fragmentation by bringing together different stakeholders to agree on a common infrastructure for sharing links between datasets and literature. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the synergic effort of the RDA PDS-WG and the OpenAIRE infrastructure toward enabling a common infrastructure for exchanging data-literature links by realizing and operating the Data-Literature Interlinking (DLI) Service. The DLI Service populates and provides access to a graph of data set-literature links (at the time of writing close to five million, and growing) collected from a variety of major data centers, publishers, and research organizations.

Findings

To achieve its objectives, the Service proposes an interoperable exchange data model and format, based on which it collects and publishes links, thereby offering the opportunity to validate such common approach on real-case scenarios, with real providers and consumers. Feedback of these actors will drive continuous refinement of the both data model and exchange format, supporting the further development of the Service to become an essential part of a universal, open, cross-platform, cross-discipline solution for collecting, and sharing data set-literature links.

Originality/value

This realization of the DLI Service is the first technical, cross-community, and collaborative effort in the direction of establishing a common infrastructure for facilitating the exchange of data set-literature links. As a result of its operation and underlying community effort, a new activity, name Scholix, has been initiated involving the technological level stakeholders such as DataCite and CrossRef.
The market impact of the involvement of the EU/ECB/IMF in crisis-affected countries during the European sovereign debt crisis
Authors: Kousenidis Dimitrios V.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether the release of news about policy interventions by the troika [European Union (EU)/the European Central Bank (ECB)/International Monetary Fund (IMF)] in the crisis-affected EU countries (Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain) and whether the policy responses of these countries’ governments had impacts on the return and risk of stocks in the financial and real-economy sectors of these countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a broad set of news announcements concerning the troika authorities’ policy interventions and the policy responses of the affected Eurozone states’ governments. To test for the risk and return effects of these announcements during the crisis period, a set of regression equations is estimated under a difference-in-difference approach using intercept and slope dummy variables for news releases from troika authorities and from the national governments of the six EU countries. This enables unraveling the effects of the crisis (first difference) and the effects of news announcements (second difference).

Findings

The results indicate that the involvement of the troika managed to reverse some of the unfavourable market effects of the crisis. Moreover, the policy response of national governments was found to have stronger favourable effects in the markets of the affected countries implying that investors likely waited for the response of the national governments before they reacted to the policy actions of the troika. The simultaneous release of news from the troika and from national governments had adverse effects on the returns and risk of the firms in the real economy sectors, suggesting that cross-news announcements conveyed negative information in the markets.

Originality/value

The paper provides evidence on the effects of policy-related news announcements on the development of the recent sovereign debt crisis in Europe. This issue is highly important, as it can reveal the effectiveness of the IMF’s and EU authorities’ policy interventions in affected Eurozone member states during the first major crisis in Europe since the monetary union.
Bank earnings smoothing, audit quality and procyclicality in Africa
Authors: Ozili Peterson K.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine whether the way African banks use loan loss provisions (LLP) to smooth earnings is influenced by capital market motivations and the type of auditor, after controlling for non-discretionary determinants of provisions and fluctuations in the business cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the income smoothing hypothesis, the model was estimated using panel least square with White’s robust standard error correction, as well as, with and without period fixed effect.

Findings

The findings support the income smoothing hypothesis and indicate that African banks use LLP to smooth earnings; listed African banks use LLP to smooth earnings to a greater extent compared to non-listed African banks, possibly, for capital market reasons; income smoothing via LLP is not reduced among African banks with Big 4 auditors; and after controlling for macroeconomic fluctuation, there is evidence that bank provisioning is procyclical with fluctuations in the business cycle.

Research limitations/implications

The findings have three implications. One, listed African banks smooth income because they are more visible to investors; investors do not view stock price fluctuations as a good signal. Securities market regulators in African countries should enforce strict disclosure rules that reduce earnings smoothing practices to improve the transparency of bank earnings in the region. Two, the presence of a Big 4 auditor did not improve the informativeness of LLP estimates among African banks. Three, the evidence for procyclical provisioning suggest the need for dynamic LLP system in Africa.

Originality/value

This paper is the first cross-country African study to investigate whether provisions-based income smoothing decreases with the presence of a Big 4 auditor. The findings indicate that this is not the case among African banks.
Different shaped ball, same financial problems? A holistic performance assessment of English Rugby Union (2006-2015)
Authors: Wilson Rob , Plumley Daniel
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Rugby union’s late move to professionalism in 1995 has led to concerns about the financial development of the game. The purpose of this paper is to extend the knowledge base on professional team sports in the UK by analysing the financial and sporting performance of rugby union clubs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained by dissecting the annual accounts of nine English Premiership rugby clubs between 2006 and 2015. Analysis was performed using the performance assessment model, which analyses both financial and sporting areas of performance and is devised through statistical analysis procedures to provide a holistic measure of overall performance for each club.

Findings

There is financial disparity amongst clubs that has widened over the period of the study. In terms of sporting performance, the data suggest that competition is more equal, something that is less evident in other UK professional team sports such as football and rugby league. Correlation analysis reveals that overall performance varies over time in cycles.

Research limitations/implications

The study has implications for the clubs competing in the English Premiership and for the league organisers themselves, particularly with reference to regulatory procedures such as raising the salary cap and increased broadcasting deals.

Originality/value

The paper has demonstrated the importance of balancing multiple performance objectives in professional team sports and has expanded the academic discussion on the financial health of professional team sports in the UK, particularly with reference to the financial health of rugby union where research has historically been scarce.
Scoring goals in multiple fields
Authors: Parganas Petros , Liasko Roman , Anagnostopoulos Christos
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Professional football clubs currently strive for a number of concurrent goals, ranging from on-field success to profit maximization to fan expansion and engagement. The purpose of this paper, theoretically informed by the social penetration theory, is to analyze the economics behind such goals and examine the association between team performance, commercial success, and social media followers in professional team sports.

Design/methodology/approach

A data set relating to 20 European professional football clubs that combines financial (revenues and costs), sporting, and digital-reach measures for three consecutive football seasons (2013/2014 to 2015/2016) was used. In addition, to elaborate on this data in terms of a descriptive study, the study constructs a range of correlation statistical tests and linear modeling techniques to obtain quantitative results.

Findings

The results indicate that all the three main sources of club revenues (match-day, commercial/sponsorship, and broadcasting) are positive drivers for Facebook followers. Staff investments (staff costs) are also positively related to Facebook followers, albeit to a lesser extent, while higher-ranked clubs seem to follow a constant approach in terms of their revenues and cost structure.

Originality/value

This study seeks to bridge the communication and sport economic research, providing evidence that Facebook followers are part of the cyclical phenomenon of team revenues and team performance. In doing so, it initiates a debate on the relationship between the digital expansion of a football club and its sports and financial indicators.
The 2016 Police and Crime Commissioner elections
Authors: Joyce Peter
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the 2016 elections for Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and to compare them with those that took place in 2012. It seeks to evaluate the background of the candidates who stood for office in 2016, the policies that they put forward, the results of the contests and the implications of the 2016 experience for future PCC elections.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based around several key themes – the profile of candidates who stood for election, preparations conducted prior to the contests taking place, the election campaign and issues raised during the contests, the results and the profile of elected candidates. The paper is based upon documentary research, making particular use of primary source material.

Findings

The research establishes that affiliation to a political party became the main route for successful candidates in 2016 and that local issues related to low-level criminality will dominate the future policing agenda. It establishes that although turnout was higher than in 2012, it remains low and that further consideration needs to be devoted to initiatives to address this for future PCC election contests.

Research limitations/implications

The research focusses on the 2016 elections and identifies a number of key issues that emerged during the campaign affecting the conduct of the contests which have a bearing on future PCC elections. It treats these elections as a bespoke topic and does not seek to place them within the broader context of the development of the office of PCC.

Practical implications

The research suggests that in order to boost voter participation in future PCC election contests, PCCs need to consider further means to advertise the importance of the role they perform and that the government should play a larger financial role in funding publicity for these elections and consider changing the method of election.

Social implications

The rationale for introducing PCCs was to empower the public in each police force area. However, issues that include the enhanced importance of political affiliation as a criteria for election in 2016 and the social unrepresentative nature of those who stood for election and those who secured election to this office in these contests coupled with shortcomings related to public awareness of both the role of PCCs and the timing of election contests threaten to undermine this objective.

Originality/value

The extensive use of primary source material ensures that the subject matter is original and its interpretation is informed by an academic perspective.
An investigation into the walkability problem in Indian cities
Authors: Bharucha Jehangir
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Indian cities have always been cities of walkers. The purpose of this paper is to attempt to examine the walkability of Mumbai city and outlines the problems, challenges and scope for improving its walkability.

Design/methodology/approach

Five typical districts of Mumbai city were chosen for the field study. Within each of these districts, certain walking routes were mapped. A survey of 100 people belonging to the middle class and lower middle class was conducted via a structured questionnaire pertaining to the pedestrian difficulties and solutions. The researcher along with a group of students then actually walked each of the routes and collected more specific information.

Findings

It is observed that Indian cities are becoming increasingly unsafe for pedestrians. Sidewalks and pavements just do not exist. If a pavement exists it is poorly constructed and badly maintained. An attempt was made to derive a walkability rating for the city of Mumbai.

Practical implications

This study highlights several policy recommendations for enhancing the current pedestrian infrastructure and gives pedestrian-focused solutions.

Originality/value

Very little work has been done by the way of theory and methodology to plan and mould walkable cities. A change in focus is needed that puts people at centre stage.
Day services and home care for adults with learning disabilities across the UK
Authors: Hatton Chris
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare data from national social care statistics on day services and home care for people with learning disabilities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Design/methodology/approach

National social care statistics (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) reporting the number of adults with learning disabilities accessing day services and home care were reviewed, with data extracted on trends over time and rate of service use.

Findings

Regarding day services, despite some variations in definitions, the number of adults with learning disabilities in England, Scotland and Wales (but not Northern Ireland) using building-based day services decreased over time. Data from Scotland also indicate that adults with learning disabilities are spending less time in building-based day services, with alternative day opportunities not wholly compensating for the reduction in building-based day services. Regarding home care, there are broadly similar rates of usage across the four parts of the UK, with the number of adults with learning disabilities using home care now staying static or decreasing.

Social implications

Similar policy ambitions across the four parts of the UK have resulted (with the exception of Northern Ireland) in similar trends in access to day services and home care.

Originality/value

This paper is a first attempt to compare national social care statistics concerning day services and home care for adults with learning disabilities across the UK. With increasing divergence of health and social service systems, further comparative analyses of services for people with learning disabilities are needed.
Commentary on “A family’s battle to understand ‘challenging behaviour’”
Authors: Kiernan Joann
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on issues raised in the paper “A family’s battle to understand ‘challenging behaviour’”.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on literature associated with issues identified in the paper this commentary will reflect on the evidence associated with providing specialist support to people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour.

Findings

Families, individuals and services are unable to access timely and appropriate specialist support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour. As individuals go on to develop behaviours associated with a lack of intervention their levels of vulnerability increase due to their exclusion from services and their local communities.

Originality/value

The commentary provides a discussion on the issues faced by individuals and their families in relation to intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour.
Country profile: intellectual and developmental disability in Nigeria
Authors: Sango Precious Nonye
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a contextual and general overview of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a chronological approach, providing an assessment of the understanding and treatment of people with IDD from the pre-colonial era to the present.

Findings

Nigeria has experienced a different historical path in terms of treatment and service provision for people with IDD compared to industrialised and developing countries such as the UK and Brazil.

Originality/value

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with an emerging economy and thus important to review the treatment and social inclusion of people with IDD in the country’s development.
Rapid inversion of data from 2D resistivity surveys with electrode displacements
Authors: Loke M.H. , Wilkinson P.B. , Chambers J.E. , Meldrum P.I.
Published: March 2017

Resistivity monitoring surveys are used to detect temporal changes in the subsurface using repeated measurements over the same site. The positions of the electrodes are typically measured at the start of the survey program and possibly at occasional later times. In areas with unstable ground, such as landslide‐prone slopes, the positions of the electrodes can be displaced by ground movements. If this occurs at times when the positions of the electrodes are not directly measured, they have to be estimated. This can be done by interpolation or, as in recent developments, from the resistivity data using new inverse methods. The smoothness‐constrained least squares optimisation method can be modified to include the electrode positions as additional unknown parameters. The Jacobian matrices with the sensitivity of the apparent resistivity measurements to changes in the electrode positions are then required by the optimisation method. In this paper, a fast adjoint‐equation method is used to calculate the Jacobian matrices required by the least squares method to reduce the calculation time. In areas with large near‐surface resistivity contrasts, the inversion routine sometimes cannot accurately distinguish between electrode displacements and subsurface resistivity variations. To overcome this problem, the model for the initial time‐lapse dataset (with accurately known electrode positions) is used as the starting model for the inversion of the later‐time dataset. This greatly improves the accuracy of the estimated electrode positions compared to the use of a homogeneous half‐space starting model. In areas where the movement of the electrodes is expected to occur in a fixed direction, the method of transformations can be used to include this information as an additional constraint in the optimisation routine.
Invasive seaweeds transform habitat structure and increase biodiversity of associated species
Authors: Dijkstra Jennifer A. , Harris Larry G. , Mello Kristen , Litterer Amber , Wells Christopher , Ware Colin
Published: March 2017

The visual landscape of marine and terrestrial systems is changing as a result of anthropogenic factors. Often these shifts involve introduced species that are morphologically dissimilar to native species, creating a unique biogenic structure and habitat for associated species within the landscape. While community‐level changes as a result of introduced species have been documented in both terrestrial and marine systems, it is still unclear how long‐term shifts in species composition will affect habitat complexity or its potential to influence the biodiversity of species that occur at the base of the food web.

We analysed quadrat photos collected at several subtidal sites in the Gulf of Maine over a 30+ year period, and collected individual seaweed species to determine their complexity and the biodiversity of meso‐invertebrates associated with each species.

By coupling the relationship of 30+ years of shifts in seaweed assemblages, morphological structure of the seaweed assemblage, and their meso‐invertebrates, we determined introduced seaweeds have increased by up to 90%, corresponding to a rise in two‐dimensional (2D) structure, and a decline in canopy height of subtidal rocky habitats. The highly complex two‐dimensional habitat provided by introduced filamentous red seaweeds supports two to three times more meso‐invertebrate individuals and species that form the base of the food web than simpler forms of morphological habitat.

Synthesis. The present study demonstrates a long‐term shift in foundation species towards a dominance of invasive seaweeds that directly reduce canopy height and increase the 2D biogenic structure of the habitat. These introduced seaweeds harbour greater biodiversity of species found at the base of the food web than seaweeds with simpler forms such as the native kelp species. Such shifts in habitat structure will propagate to food webs by influencing the structure of lower trophic‐level meso‐invertebrates and indirectly upper trophic‐level species that feed on these invertebrates and use the seaweed structure as refuge.
Arrhythmic effects of Epac‐mediated ryanodine receptor activation in Langendorff‐perfused murine hearts are associated with reduced conduction velocity
Authors: Li Mengye , Hothi Sandeep S , Salvage Samantha C , Jeevaratnam Kamalan , Grace Andrew A , Huang Christopher L‐H
Published: March 2017

Recent papers have attributed arrhythmic substrate in murine RyR2‐P2328S hearts to reduced action potential (AP) conduction velocities (CV), reflecting acute functional inhibition and/or reduced expression of sodium channels. We explored for acute effects of direct exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac)‐mediated ryanodine receptor‐2 (RyR2) activation on arrhythmic substrate and CV. Monophasic action potential (MAP) recordings demonstrated that initial steady (8 Hz) extrinsic pacing elicited ventricular tachycardia (VT) in 0 of 18 Langendorff‐perfused wild‐type mouse ventricles before pharmacological intervention. The Epac activator 8‐CPT (8‐(4‐chlorophenylthio)‐2′‐O‐methyladenosine‐3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate) (VT in 1 of 7 hearts), and the RyR2 blocker dantrolene, either alone (0 of 11) or with 8‐CPT (0 of 9) did not then increase VT incidence (P>.05). Both progressively increased pacing rates and programmed extrasystolic (S2) stimuli similarly produced no VT in untreated hearts (n=20 and n=9 respectively). 8‐CPT challenge then increased VT incidences (5 of 7 and 4 of 8 hearts respectively; P<.05). However, dantrolene, whether alone (0 of 10 and 1 of 13) or combined with 8‐CPT (0 of 10 and 0 of 13) did not increase VT incidence relative to those observed in untreated hearts (P>.05). 8‐CPT but not dantrolene, whether alone or combined with 8‐CPT, correspondingly increased AP latencies (1.14±0.04 (n=7), 1.04±0.03 (n=10), 1.09±0.05 (n=8) relative to respective control values). In contrast, AP durations, conditions for 2:1 conduction block and ventricular effective refractory periods remained unchanged throughout. We thus demonstrate for the first time that acute RyR2 activation reversibly induces VT in specific association with reduced CV.
Detecting alternatively spliced transcript isoforms from single‐molecule long‐read sequences without a reference genome
Authors: Liu Xiaoxian , Mei Wenbin , Soltis Pamela S. , Soltis Douglas E. , Barbazuk W. Brad
Published: March 2017

Alternative splicing (AS) is a major source of transcript and proteome diversity, but examining AS in species without well‐annotated reference genomes remains difficult. Research on both human and mouse has demonstrated the advantages of using Iso‐Seq™ data for isoform‐level transcriptome analysis, including the study of AS and gene fusion. We applied Iso‐Seq™ to investigate AS in Amborella trichopoda, a phylogenetically pivotal species that is sister to all other living angiosperms. Our data show that, compared with RNA‐Seq data, the Iso‐Seq™ platform provides better recovery on large transcripts, new gene locus identification and gene model correction. Reference‐based AS detection with Iso‐Seq™ data identifies AS within a higher fraction of multi‐exonic genes than observed for published RNA‐Seq analysis (45.8% vs. 37.5%). These data demonstrate that the Iso‐Seq™ approach is useful for detecting AS events. Using the Iso‐Seq‐defined transcript collection in Amborella as a reference, we further describe a pipeline for detection of AS isoforms from PacBio Iso‐Seq™ without using a reference sequence (de novo). Results using this pipeline show a 66%–76% overall success rate in identifying AS events. This de novoAS detection pipeline provides a method to accurately characterize and identify bona fide alternatively spliced transcripts in any nonmodel system that lacks a reference genome sequence. Hence, our pipeline has huge potential applications and benefits to the broader biology community.
Toward a very brief self‐report to assess the core symptoms of depression (VQIDS‐SR5)
Authors: De La Garza N. , John Rush A. , Grannemann B. D. , Trivedi M. H.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To develop a short, 5‐item measure of the core symptoms of depression based on the 16‐item Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology – Self‐Report (QIDS‐SR16) and to evaluate psychometric properties of this new measure (Very Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology – Self‐Report: VQIDS‐SR5).

Method

Using data from a convenience sample of the Combining Medications to Enhance Depression Outcomes (CO‐MED) trial, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the VQIDS‐SR5, its sensitivity to change, and its comparability to the QIDS‐SR16 and clinician‐rated scales (QIDS‐C16 and VQIDS‐C5).

Results

The VQIDS‐SR5 has a single‐factor structure with an acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha: 0.67–0.81). The VQIDS‐SR5 was as sensitive to change as its parent scale, then QIDS‐SR16 and, detected change at an earlier time frame. Additionally, the VQIDS‐SR5 was comparable to the QIDS‐SR16, QIDS‐C16, and VQIDS‐C5.

Conclusion

The VQIDS‐SR5 can effectively evaluate the core symptoms of depression during the course of treatment.
Hospitalized opioid‐dependent patients: Exploring predictors of buprenorphine treatment entry and retention after discharge
Authors: Lee Christina S. , Liebschutz Jane M. , Anderson Bradley J. , Stein Michael D.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Few studies have explored predictors of entry into and retention in buprenorphine treatment following linkage from an acute medical hospitalization.

Methods

This secondary analysis of a completed clinical trial focuses on medically hospitalized, opioid‐dependent patients (n = 72) who were randomized to an intervention including buprenorphine induction and dose stabilization during hospitalization followed by post‐discharge transition to office‐based buprenorphine treatment (OBOT). Predictors included demographics, days hospitalized, prior buprenorphine/methadone treatment, PTSD symptoms, social support, and readiness for drug use cessation. Outcome variables were treatment entry and retention (number of days in OBOT).

Results

Previous buprenorphine treatment, more days hospitalized, and higher PTSD symptoms predicted OBOT entry. Prior treatment, older age, and non‐minority status were associated with a higher mean number of days in OBOT.

Conclusions

OBOT may appeal to patients who have tried buprenorphine in other settings. Linking hospitalized patients to OBOT may improve utilization of addiction treatment.

Scientific Significance

Prior substance treatment, longer hospital stay, and mental health should be examined in future linkage studies. (Am J Addict 2017;26:667–672)
Ovarian reserve after salpingectomy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mohamed Ahmed Aboelfadle , Yosef Ali Haroun , James Cathryn , Al‐Hussaini Tarek Khalaf , Bedaiwy Mohamed Ali , Amer Saad Ali K.S.
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Although there has been a growing concern over the possible damaging effect of salpingectomy on ovarian reserve, this issue remains uncertain. The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to test the hypothesis that salpingectomy may compromise ovarian reserve.

Material and methods

A detailed search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, Dynamed Plus, ScienceDirect, TRIP database and the Cochrane Library from January 2000 to November 2016. All cohort, cross‐sectional and randomized controlled studies investigating changes in circulating anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) after salpingectomy were considered. Thirty‐seven studies were identified, of which eight were eligible. Data were extracted and entered into RevMan software for calculation of the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI. Two groups of studies were analyzed separately: group 1 (six studies, n = 464) comparing data before and after salpingectomy and group 2 (two studies) comparing data in women who have undergone salpingectomy (n = 169) vs. healthy controls (n = 154).

Results

Pooled results of group 1 studies showed no statistically significant change in serum AMH concentration after salpingectomy (WMD, −0.10 ng/mL; 95% CI −0.19 to 0.00, I2 = 0%). Similarly, meta‐analysis of group 2 showed no statistically significant difference in serum AMH concentration between salpingectomy group and controls (WMD, −0.11 ng/mL; 95% CI −0.37 to 0.14, I2 = 77%). Subgroup analyses based on laterality of surgery, type of AMH kit and participants’ age (<40 years) still showed no statistically significant changes in circulating AMH.

Conclusion

Salpingectomy does not seem to compromise ovarian reserve in the short‐term. However, the long‐term effect of salpingectomy on ovarian reserve remains uncertain.