bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Presence in Flue-Cured Tobacco Using Yellow Sticky Traps
Authors: McPherson Robert M. , Riley David C.
Published: September 2017

The thrips-borne tomato spotted wilt tospovirus is a serious economic threat to Georgia's flue-cured tobacco crop. Two thrips vectors, Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) and F. occidentalis (Pergande), are commonly encountered on tobacco foliage and blooms, respectively. Yellow sticky traps were monitored after a 48-h field exposure from March through June in 2003–2005 to assess thrips movement and species composition in the tobacco farm scape. During March each year there were similar numbers of F. fusca and the flower thrips complex [F.occidentalis, F. tritici (Fitch) and F. bispinosa (Morgan), combined] captured on sticky cards. During April, May and June, the flower thrips complex steadily became more abundant comprising around 60, 70, and 95% of the trap capture, respectively. Thrips vector species were captured throughout the entire sampling period. In April and May, F. fusca captures on stick traps related to F. fusca population densities on tobacco foliage. Some sampling periods had differences in thrips captures relative to a north, south, east, or west orientation, with each direction having the highest thrips numbers at least once each season. However, the overall seasonal mean capture was higher on the eastward direction all 3 yrs and on the westward direction on 2 of the 3 yrs, compared to the southern and northern directions. In a time-of-day study, very few thrips were captured between 1830 h and 0,700 h the following morning. Thrips movement increased in midmorning and peaked during midafternoon. It appears that sticky cards can be used to monitor early colonization of thrips species in tobacco fields plus monitor thrips movement throughout the day, thus providing information on when potential vectors arrive and move within the field. Sticky trap monitoring provides an alternative to direct plant observation for predicting thrips abundance on tobacco foliage and the need for thrips controls.
Mortality of the Corn Earworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) on Sorghum Panicles in Georgia
Authors: Tillman P. Glynn
Published: September 2017

The mortality of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), on sorghum panicles in Georgia was determined in a 2-yr study. Percent total real mortality (rx) of H. zea exceeded 99% for each year and planting date. Percent total real mortality was highest for eggs followed by 1st instars. Parasitization and predation were the primary mortality factors for eggs on sorghum panicles. Larval mortality was due in part to predation, parasitization, and infection by pathogens. Trichogramma pretiosum Riley was the only egg parasitoid observed on sorghum panicles. Orius insidiosus (Say) was the predominant predator of H. zea. Other predators observed feeding on H. zea included the big-eyed bug, Geocoris punctipes (Say), the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris (Say), green lynx spiders, Peucetia viridans (Hentz), and lady beetles (mainly Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville). A variety of parasitoids attacked larvae on sorghum. The braconid Cotesia marginiventris (Cresson) parasitized small to medium-sized larvae. The tachinids Eucelatoria rubentis Coquillett and Archytas marmoratus (Townsend) parasitized large larvae. Two pathogens, HzNPV, a naturally-occurring nuclear polyhedrosis virus of H. zea, and the fungus, Entomophthora aulicae (Reichardt) G. Winter, caused mortality of larvae. In conclusion, biological control by natural enemies of H. zea on sorghum panicles resulted in significant mortality for this pest.
Effect of Imidacloprid on Settling Behavior of Frankliniella occidentalis and Frankliniella fusca (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) on Tomato and Peanut
Authors: Riley David G.
Published: September 2017

The effect of a systemic application of imidacloprid (Admire 2F®) on the settling of Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (western flower thrips) and Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) (tobacco thrips) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) was studied with leaf-choice tests in peanut and tomato. Settling behavior of F. occidentalis was significantly increased (by 48%) in peanut, but was not affected in tomato with a systemic application of imidacloprid by soil drench. Settling of F. fusca was significantly reduced by the same imidacloprid treatment in tomato (by 32%), but not in peanut. These results indicate that at-planting soil-applied imidacloprid in the field can increase the presence of flower thrips (F. occidentalis) in peanut, but decrease foliage thrips (F. fusca) in tomato. Thus, where early-season transmission of virus by F fusca is a primary concern in tomato, imidacloprid could provide some benefit in thrips vector management by reducing the amount of thrips settling on leaves.
Competitive Interactions Between the Yellow Crazy Ant and the Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Zheng Jihuan , Mao Runqian , Zhang Runjie
Published: September 2017

The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, was first detected in southern mainland China in 2005. The yellow crazy ant, Anoplolepis gracilipes (F. Smith), also occurs in southern China. We studied the interspecific interaction of these 2 invasive pest ants at food resources. Our observations showed that A. gracilipes workers were more aggressive than S. invicta workers when competing for cricket baits. Anoplolepis gracilipes successfully excluded S. invicta at almost 90% of the cricket baits at which the 2 species occurred simultaneously by attacking, killing, or successfully repelling foraging S. invicta workers. Such competitive interactions did not occur at baits composed of ham, thus suggesting that A. gracilipes would be a potent competitor with S. invicta when the food preferences of the 2 species overlap.
Descriptions of Three New Species of the Genus Gyrophaena Mannerheim (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) from Korea
Authors: Kim Yoon-Ho , Ahn Kee-Jeong
Published: September 2017

Three new species of the genus Gyrophaena Mannerheim are described from Korea: Gyrophaena ashei new species (type locality – Mt. Odaesan, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Prov., Korea), G. naejangsanensis new species (type locality – Mt. Naejangsan, Jeongeup-city, Jeonbuk Prov., Korea), and G. tubula new species (type locality – Mt. Gaebangsan, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon Prov., Korea). The types and paratypes of the new species are designated. Similarities and differences among Korean Gyrophaena species are discussed. The habitus is illustrated, with line drawings of diagnostic characters.
Changes In Special Items And Future Firm Growth
Authors: Shin Young Zik , Lee Yong Gyu
Published: September 2017

This study examines the effect of changes in special items on future firm growth. We find that a decrease in special items reverses almost completely through one-year-ahead earnings, whereas an increase in special items is positively associated with the next year’s earnings growth. We also find that the information embedded in changes in special items is incremental to that of fundamental signals documented in the literature, thereby identifying changes in special items as an additional fundamental signal. Furthermore, we find that both an increase and a decrease in special items lead to decreases in future sales and net operating assets, suggesting an inverse U-shaped relation between changes in special items and growth in these measures. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of considering various growth measures in understanding the implication of changes in special items for future firm growth.
The Effect Of Internal Capital Market Of Korean Large Business Groups On Investment Efficiency
Authors: Lee Minwoo , Choi Yuwon , Moon Sanghyuk
Published: September 2017

This study examines whether the effect of funding through internal capital markets on investment efficiency is differentiated by the incentives of controlling shareholders as measured by the divergence between cash flow rights and voting rights of controlling shareholders (hereafter, wedge).

To empirically analyze hypotheses of this study, 1,189 firm-year observations were collected from Korean firms listed on the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) belonging to a large business group designated by the Korea Fair Trade Commission over the period from 2005 to 2012. The results of the analysis are as follows.

First, we find that the magnitude of internal funding, as measured by total payables to the related parties, is positively (+) associated with investment inefficiency. Second, the interaction variables of total payables to the related parties and the wedge have a significant positive (+) effect on investment inefficiency. In other words, the deterioration of investment efficiency due to the increase in total payables to the related parties was mainly caused by firms with a big wedge. This result suggests that the effect of internal capital markets on investment efficiency of large business groups may be differentiated by the wedge that is proxy of the controlling shareholder’s incentive.

This study provides additional evidence on previous studies on the investment efficiency of large business groups by considering both the internal capital market and incentives for funding using the internal capital market, which are important factors affecting the investment of large corporate groups. Also, the results of this study are expected to provide implications for the regulatory policy of large business groups which have recently become an issue in Korea.
High-Performance Work Systems And Firm Performance: Moderating Effects Of Organizational Communication
Authors: Lee Gyeonghwan , Lee Myeongju , Sohn Yoonhwan
Published: September 2017

This study examines the relationship between high-performance work systems (HPWS) and organizational performance and how the relationship differs by type of communication within organizations. Using data on publicly traded manufacturing firms in Korea from the Human Capital Corporate Panel survey, we find that HPWS are positively related to organizational performance, and importantly, this relationship varies by the level of vertical and horizontal communication. The positive effect of HPWS on organizational performance is more apparent when vertical and horizontal communications are relatively high. These results emphasize the role of internal communication as an important organizational context for the implementation of HPWS.
Expatriates Cultural Adjustment: Empirical Analysis On Individual Cultural Orientation
Authors: Kassa Tsegaye Wondwossen , Su Qin
Published: September 2017

Previous researches have shown that expatriates` failure rate has steadily increased in recent years. The failure of expatriates mainly related with the cross-cultural challenges. The purpose of this study was to identify factors which have a paramount implication on expatriates’ cultural adjustment. Hierarchical regression and MANCOVA were applied in data analysis. Hofstede’s (1980) cultural dimension scores were used to measure culture at national level. The individual cultural orientation was measured using a scale that used Hofstede (1980) dimensions as a framework. Moreover, a recently developed model was adopted to analyze the expatriate adjustment. Cultural adjustment found to be affected more by individual cultural orientation than national culture differences among expatriates` home and host countries. The alignment of the expatriate cultural orientation with the national culture found to be critical for effective expatriate cultural adjustment. The result indicated that gender difference does not have a significant role in expatriate cultural adjustment. This research would have a conceptual contribution in comprehensively assessing individual cultural orientation with cognitive expatriate adjustment. The study indicated factors that MNCs managers would use for effective selection and assignment of expatriates.
Determinants Of The Use Of Special Purpose Companies (SPCs) On Pre- And Post-IFRS: Empirical Evidence From Korea
Authors: Kim Su-In , Shin Heejeong , Shin Hyejeong
Published: September 2017

We investigate which factors determine the use of a special purpose company (SPC) by a sponsoring company and whether those determinants differ before and after IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) adoption. Using financial data from Korean listed companies, our results indicate that use of an SPC is associated with financial reporting incentives (e.g., lowering leverage) and economic benefits (e.g., fundraising). However, the effect of leverage on the use of SPCs is not significant after the adoption of the IFRS. These results suggest that, although companies are generally motivated to use SPCs for both financial reporting and economic purposes, only economic motivation influences the use of SPCs after IFRS adoption. This implies that the regulation for reporting an SPC’s consolidated financial statement under IFRS plays a role in decreasing the use of SPCs for financial reporting discretion. We extend the prior literature on SPCs by documenting the effects of IFRS adoption on the determinants of the use of SPCs.
The Effect Of Affiliate Loan Guarantees On Cost Of Debt: Evidence From Korea
Authors: Woo Yong-Sang
Published: September 2017

A loan guarantee occurs when a company guarantees payment of an affiliate’s loan. Conflicting arguments regarding loan guarantees provided to affiliates have prevailed. First, some suggest that loan guarantees provided to affiliates would decrease firm value because they are contingent liabilities (Shim, 1996; Berkman, Cole & Fu, 2009). Second, others suggest firm value is high when the amount of loan guarantees provided to affiliates is large because loan guarantees would be regarded as a positive indicator of future cash flow (Lee, 2005). The purpose of this study was to present additional empirical evidence of these arguments.

The result of this study showed that cost of debt is high when the amount of loan guarantees provided to affiliates is large. This result indicates that creditors demand higher risk premiums when the amount of loan guarantees provided to affiliates is large because they regard loan guarantees as contingent liabilities. Therefore, this result supports the assertion that loan guarantees decrease firm value.
The Effect Of Service-Driven Market Orientation On Service Innovation: Literature Review And New Research Framework
Authors: Ratny Seng , Arshad Arif Mohammad , Gaoliang Tian
Published: September 2017

The aim of this paper is to analyse the literature regarding the association between service-driven market orientation and innovation in service organizations as well as create conceptual framework about this relationship. Scholars have suggested that the service firms implementing service-driven market orientation can perform significantly better than traditional market-orientation and become increasingly aware of market demands better than their competitors. The service firms need to react quickly and effectively to changing customers’ demands. Bring in the service-driven market orientation model for service sector leads to critical advantages and particularly their benefits on service innovation. The recent work examined the market orientation-innovation relationship regarding the service industries. An examination regarding the market orientation in service organization is presented along with the conceptual framework and conceptual model is recommended.
Nature Of Information Provided And Quality Of Sustainability Reports Assurance Statements Of Fortune Global 500 Companies
Authors: Achmad Tarmizi , Faisal Faisal , Ulum Muhammad Bahrul
Published: September 2017

The objective of this study is to investigate how the quality of assurance statement varies among the different assurance providers (accounting versus non-accounting firms). The sample consists of one hundred thirty-five of Fortune Global 500 companies for the year 2014. Independent sample t-test is used to determine how the quality of assurance statement differs among various assurance providers.

The result shows that accounting firms still dominate the sustainability report assurance market (75.56 per cent), while non-accounting firms is 24.44 per cent. However, in terms of quality score of assurance statement, non-accounting assurance providers (consultant) value higher than accounting firms for all aspects of report content (reporting format, assurance procedures and recommendations and opinion). 

The implication of this finding suggests that the company not only to consider the reputation of the assurance provider, but the more important thing is competence and expertise in the field of sustainability reporting. Despite the growing interest research in assurance, this study is one of the few studies that measure assurance quality by content analysis.
The Effects Of Business Strategy On The Association Between R&D Expenditure And Future Firm Performance
Authors: Chung Anjung , Choi Manseek
Published: September 2017

Research and Development (R&D) expenditure is one of the most essential factors for firm’s sustainable growth. Business strategy describes long-term business planning of a company, and chosen business strategy will have a significant impact on the financial status and performance of a firm. This study examines whether the business strategy affects the association between R&D and firm performance, defined as earnings persistence, earnings growth, and firm value. Like Jermias (2008), product differentiation and cost leadership strategies are classified by the cluster analysis using three ratios: R&D intensity, asset turnover, and profit margin ratio.

Our findings are as follows. (1) the effect of R&D expenditure on earnings persistence according to the business strategy appeared to be almost insignificant. (2) the effects of R&D expenditure on earnings growth up to three consecutive years are stronger in firms with product differentiation strategy than in firms with cost leadership strategy. These results indicate that R&D are more important and have greater impacts on future performance for product differentiation firms than for cost leadership firms. (3) R&D expenditure of product differentiation firms are more closely related to the firm value than R&D expenditure of cost leadership firms. The results of this study will be useful to practitioners when they are making R&D-related decisions based on their business planning. Also, this study provides useful empirical results to financial analysts and accounting academics when they are analyzing profitability and firm value.
Do children with supraventricular tachycardia treated with ablation therapy have similar quality of life as healthy children?
Authors: Szafran Emilia , Baszko Artur , Bukowska-Posadzy Anna , Łaźniak Agata , Moszura Tomasz , Siwińska Aldona , Walkowiak Jarosław , Bobkowski Waldemar
Published: September 2017

Introduction. There are a few available studies evaluating quality of life (QoL) in pediatric patients with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) treated with ablation but they are based on small groups of patients. The aim of the paper was to compare the QoL in children with SVT treated with successful ablation with the group of healthy children.Materials and Methods. The study included 122 SVT children who underwent a successful ablation therapy and 83 healthy children. The Qol was assessed, using the WHOQOL-BREF and the Pediatric Arrhythmia Related Score (PARS) - a specific questionnaire developed by the authors, related to patients' own feelings and observations concerning arrhythmia.Results. On the basis of WHOQOL-BREF no significant differences were found in all the measured domains. On the basis of PARS in SVT-group the patients still reported significantly increased symptoms within physical domain in comparison with the healthy group (1.8 ± 0.5 vs 1.6 ± 0.3; p = 0.0195) as well as increased negative feelings within psychological domain (2.3 ± 0.7 vs 2.1 ± 0.6; p= 0.0172). Conclusions. On the basis of the general questionnaire all scores in SVT group are comparable with healthy children. When analyzing PARS questionnaire six months after the ablation procedure the physical and psychological functioning of SVT children was still worse than in the group of healthy children. On the basis of the performed analysis we believe that PARS questionnaire is a more useful and sensitive tool than WHOQOL-BREF when evaluating ablation influence on patients’ QoL.
Alternatives for domestic water tariff policy in the municipality of Chania, Greece, toward water saving using game theory
Authors: Varouchakis E. A. , Apostolakis A. , Siaka M. , Vasilopoulos K. , Tasiopoulos A.
Published: September 2017

As defined in the EU Water Framework Directive, every water tariff policy should be fair toward customers, generate legitimate revenue, and motivate consumers toward water saving. In the city of Chania, Greece, the inhabitants have asked for a fairer tariff policy and exhibited the intention to save water under the implementation of stricter measures. Therefore, a two-person zero-sum game was proposed, involving a conflict of interest between the Municipal Enterprise for Water and Sewage of Chania (MEWS) (Player 1) and the city's approximately 108,000 residents (Player 2). Three scenarios for the gradual reduction of the fixed charges and the gradual increase of volumetric charges were developed, assuming a different degree of change in water consumption behavior by each consumption block of consumers. The payoff matrices, for each scenario, incorporated two clear cost strategies for Player 1, in terms of changing the current tariff policy, and four clear cost strategies for Player 2, regarding the change in consumers’ behavior. The optimal decision for both players, derived from the identification of the equilibrium point, demonstrated that domestic water consumption may be reduced by up to 4.6% while maintaining the MEWS's profit. The proposed model can provide a guide for other similar applications.
Eco-environmental effects of water resources development and utilization in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China
Authors: Wang Zilong , Jiang Qiuxiang , Fu Qiang , Jiang Xi , Mo Kaiyue
Published: September 2017

Water resources development and utilization (WRDU) is an important way for humans to utilize natural resources, and has a deep effect on ecological environments. Flat topography, groundwater dependence and a high proportion of agricultural water are the main features of WRDU in Sanjiang Plain. Due to large-scale development in the last 60 years, the ecological environment of Sanjiang Plain has changed significantly. In order to identify the eco-environmental problems and make regional ecological environment and water resources sustainable, trend and correlation analyses were performed to analyze the eco-environmental effects of WRDU from the aspects of water resources, land resources, vegetation and climate. The results show that the regional eco-environmental effects caused by WRDU in Sanjiang Plain are significant. The quantity and quality of groundwater resources and the social and ecological functions of land resources are significantly affected by the regional development and utilization of water resources, while the effect of surface water resources is not obvious. The changes of vegetation and climate are also significant, but the response mechanism to WRDU requires further study. With the changes of extent, pattern and degree of surface water utilization in Sanjiang Plain, the effect of surface water resources is becoming more and more prominent.
Developing a shuffled complex evolution algorithm using a differential evolution algorithm for optimizing hydropower reservoir systems
Authors: Nezhad Omid Bakhtiari , Najarchi Mohsen , NajafiZadeh Mohammad Mahdi , Hezaveh S. Mohammad Mirhosseini
Published: September 2017

The aim of this study is to improve the performance of the shuffled complex evolution (SCE) algorithm used in the optimization of hydropower generation in reservoirs as a complex issue in water resources. First, the SCE algorithm is merged with the differential evolution (DE) algorithm to form the SCE-DE algorithm. Then, a complex mathematical function is used as a benchmark to evaluate the performance and validate the SCE-DE algorithm and the outcomes are compared with the original SCE algorithm to show the superiority of the proposed SCE-DE algorithm. In addition, the two-reservoir system of Dez-Gotvand is considered as a real optimization problem to evaluate the performance of the SCE-DE algorithm. It is revealed that optimization by SCE-DE is much better than SCE. In conclusion, the results show that the proposed SCE-DE algorithm is a reasonable alternative to optimizing resource systems and can be used to solve complex issues of water resources.
SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION, AND ANTIBACTERIAL STUDY OF ZINC OXIDE-GRAPHENE NANOCOMPOSITES
Authors: Kumar Harish , Kumari Manisha
Published: September 2017

Objectives: A novel facile synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) and zinc-graphene oxide nanocomposites (ZnGONC) was achieved by modified sol-geltechnique for their pharmaceutical and therapeutic use.Materials and Methods: Spherical, crystalline, defect-free Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) with diameter 70-90 nm were synthesized by modifiedsol-gel technique. Reduced graphene oxide was synthesized by modified Hummers method. ZnGONC were synthesized by in situ method. The crystallinenature, size, shape, and dimensions of the NPs, graphene oxide, and nanocomposites were studied by X-ray diffraction method. Transmission electronmicroscopy analysis was carried out to examine the morphology of NPs and nanocomposites.Results: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirms that the ZnO NPs are surrounded by oxygen and silicon atoms. Antibacterialactivity of ZnO NPs and ZnGONC was investigated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Zone of inhibition shown by ZnO NPs andZnGONC was found to be higher than six investigated standard antibiotics.Conclusion: Synthesized ZnO NPs and nanocomposites can be used as antibacterial agents. This eco-friendly method of synthesis of ZnO NPs andZnGONC could be a viable solution for industrial applications in the future and therapeutic needs.
Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Affects Stimulus-Secretion Coupling of Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Undank Sabrina , Kaiser Julia , Sikimic Jelena , Düfer Martina , Krippeit-Drews Peter , Drews Gisela
Published: September 2017

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) influences glucose homeostasis and possibly acts as a link between the cardiovascular system and metabolism, especially in metabolic disorders like diabetes. The current study evaluated effects of ANP on β-cell function by the use of a β-cell–specific knockout of the ANP receptor with guanylate cyclase activity (βGC-A-KO). ANP augmented insulin secretion at the threshold glucose concentration of 6 mmol/L and decreased KATP single-channel activity in β-cells of control mice but not of βGC-A-KO mice. In wild-type β-cells but not β-cells lacking functional KATP channels (SUR1-KO), ANP increased electrical activity, suggesting no involvement of other ion channels. At 6 mmol/L glucose, ANP readily elicited Ca2+ influx in control β-cells. This effect was blunted in β-cells of βGC-A-KO mice, and the maximal cytosolic Ca2+ concentration was lower. Experiments with inhibitors of protein kinase G (PKG), protein kinase A (PKA), phosphodiesterase 3B (PDE3B), and a membrane-permeable cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) analog on KATP channel activity and insulin secretion point to participation of the cGMP/PKG and cAMP/PKA/Epac (exchange protein directly activated by cAMP) directly activated by cAMP Epac pathways in the effects of ANP on β-cell function; the latter seems to prevail. Moreover, ANP potentiated the effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) on glucose-induced insulin secretion, which could be caused by a cGMP-mediated inhibition of PDE3B, which in turn reduces cAMP degradation.
Pharmacologic Differences of Sulfonylureas and the Risk of Adverse Cardiovascular and Hypoglycemic Events
Authors: Douros Antonios , Yin Hui , Yu Oriana Hoi Yun , Filion Kristian B. , Azoulay Laurent , Suissa Samy
Published: September 2017

OBJECTIVE

Sulfonylureas have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events and hypoglycemia, but it is unclear if these risks vary with different agents. We assessed whether the risks of acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, and severe hypoglycemia differ between sulfonylureas grouped according to pancreas specificity and duration of action.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using the U.K. Clinical Practice Research Datalink, linked with the Hospital Episodes Statistics and the Office for National Statistics databases, we conducted a cohort study among patients with type 2 diabetes initiating monotherapy with sulfonylureas between 1998 and 2013. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, comparing use of pancreas-nonspecific, long-acting sulfonylureas (glyburide/glimepiride) to pancreas-specific, short-acting sulfonylureas (gliclazide/glipizide/tolbutamide).

RESULTS

The cohort included 17,604 sulfonylurea initiators (mean [SD] follow-up 1.2 [1.5] years). Compared with specific, short-acting sulfonylureas (15,741 initiators), nonspecific, long-acting sulfonylureas (1,863 initiators) were not associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (HR 0.86; CI 0.55–1.34), ischemic stroke (HR 0.92; CI 0.59–1.45), cardiovascular death (HR 1.01; CI 0.72–1.40), or all-cause mortality (HR 0.81; CI 0.66–1.003), but with an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia (HR 2.83; CI 1.64–4.88).

CONCLUSIONS

The nonspecific, long-acting sulfonylureas glyburide and glimepiride do not have an increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events compared with the specific, short-acting sulfonylureas gliclazide, glipizide, and tolbutamide. However, nonspecific, long-acting sulfonylureas glyburide and glimepiride have an increased risk of severe hypoglycemia.
Exploring Factors Related to Completion of an Online Undergraduate-Level Introductory Statistics Course
Authors: Zimmerman Whitney Alicia , Johnson Glenn
Published: September 2017

Data were collected from 353 online undergraduate introductory statistics students at the beginning of a semester using the Goals and Outcomes Associated with Learning Statistics (GOALS) instrument, an abbreviated form the Statistics Anxiety Rating Scale (STARS), a survey of expected grade and expected time commitment, and the first lesson quiz. At the end of the semester, whether or not each student successfully completed the course with a grade of D or higher was recorded. It was hypothesized that students who successfully completed the course would have had favorable ratings on each of these variables. While there were no significant differences between students who did and did not successfully complete the course in terms of anxiety, attitudes, or expected time commitment, students who completed the course had higher scores on the GOALS, higher expected grades, and higher scores on the first quiz of the semester. Stepwise logistic regression found that students’ attitudes towards statistics teachers and scores on the first quiz of the semester could be used to predict whether or not students would successfully complete the course. Based on these findings, suggestions for online instructors are given.
Understanding Faculty Use of the Learning Management System
Authors: Rhode Jason , Richter Stephanie , Gowen Peter , Miller Tracy , Wills Cameron
Published: September 2017

The learning management system (LMS) has become a critical tool for nearly all institutions of higher education, and a driving force in online learning. According to a 2014 report by the Educause Center for Analysis and Research, 99% of higher education institutions have an LMS in place, and the LMS is used by 85% of faculty and 83% of students. This was not always the case, however. There was a time in the not-so-distant past when using an LMS was considered highly innovative. Understanding the growth and adoption of the LMS is a stepping stone to understanding how faculty may choose to adopt other technological and pedagogical innovations. This study was conducted at a large, research-intensive public university in the Midwest, which has used the same LMS for 15 years. From a small pilot, adoption has grown to nearly universal use. This study used system logs and database queries to examine how faculty used the LMS. The results identified the features that were used most frequently and how usage had changed over time. In addition, the study compared the usage data for face-to-face and online courses to determine if there are differences in LMS use due to course modality. Based on this, it is possible to better understand the role the LMS plays in higher education and online learning, to inform development of next generation learning systems or other innovative technologies.
Theories and Frameworks for Online Education: Seeking an Integrated Model
Authors: Picciano Anthony G
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis article examines theoretical frameworks and models that focus on the pedagogical aspects of online education. After a review of learning theory as applied to online education, a proposal for an integrated Multimodal Model for Online Education is provided based on pedagogical purpose.  The model attempts to integrate the work of several other major theorists and model builders such as Anderson (2011).
Beyond Being There: Practices that Establish Presence, Engage Students and Influence Intellectual Curiosity in a Structured Online Learning Environment
Authors: Orcutt Janice Marie , Dringus Laurie P
Published: September 2017

To fully understand teaching presence and its implications for the intellectual climate of an online classroom it is necessary to explore the phenomenon from the perspective of the instructors who experience it. Informed by the theoretical perspective of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) model, the actions, intentions and perceptions of instructors were investigated through a collective case study. The goal of this study was to examine the decision processes employed in establishing teaching presence in a structured online environment in order to make a contribution to the body of knowledge from a practical pedagogical perspective. Using the lived experiences of instructors enabled the exploration of the influence pedagogical choices had on the creation of an intellectual climate in the online context. Using semi-structured interviews as the main source of data, the study utilized the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method as an analytical tool to address concerns of rigor in the qualitative interpretation of experiential data.  Results of the collective case revealed student engagement and intellectual curiosity were influenced most greatly by an instructor’s active interest and passion for teaching, an ability to identify the relevance of course topics to the student, and the encouragement for a shared responsibility in the learning process. The findings showed that the shared goal of learning extended beyond the stated learning objectives and expected outcomes of a course and served as a foundation in the creation of authentic relationships between instructor and students. In addressing the overarching research question of how instructors establish teaching presence and inspire intellectual curiosity in a structured teaching environment, the findings of this study contribute to knowledge related to the nature of teaching presence and its role in setting an academic climate in an online classroom.
Using Design-Based Research in Higher Education Innovation
Authors: Ford Cristi , McNally Darragh , Ford Kate
Published: September 2017

This paper discusses the design-based research approach used by the Center for Innovation in Learning and Student Success at the University of Maryland (CILSS), University College. CILSS is a laboratory for conducting applied research that focuses on continuous improvements to the university's instruction of curriculum, learning models, and student support to identify promising innovations for underserved populations in adult higher education; to drive adoption of next-generation transformational online learning; to develop new educational models based on learning science, cutting edge technology, and improved instructional methods; to help more UMUC adult students succeed by increasing retention and graduating more students in shorter time frames (thus reducing their costs). As such, leveraging technology and pedagogy in innovative ways is key to the Center's work. CILSS serves as the research and development arm for the university, promoting innovative ideas and breakthroughs in learning. The paper details one interpretation of design-based research (DBR) and how it can be applied by an innovation center working within a university for program evaluation. This paper also posits that the conceptual framework and assumptions of andragogy (Knowles, 1984) has applicable relevance to the instructional shifts that include adaptive learning in the curriculum. A review of the literature on DBR explores the central features of this approach. A review of andragogy as the conceptual framework for this paper highlights what we believe to be the central features of the evaluation approach of adaptive learning software. We then present the model used by CILSS when designing and testing a pilot project. To illustrate the approach, we provide the example of a recent pilot that uses the adaptive learning software RealizeIt in UMUC’s Principles of Accounting I course, a course that traditionally has lower than average success rates.
Gap Analysis: An Innovative Look at Gateway Courses and Student Retention
Authors: Swan Karen , Bloemer William , Day Scott
Published: September 2017

In this paper we argue that simply identifying gateway courses in which a large number of students fail or withdraw and focusing attention on them is not the best use of limited resources.  No matter what we do, there will always be courses with high D/F/W rates simply because of the nature of their content and the preparation of the students who must take them.  However, some gateway courses defy expectations and produce fewer DFWs than predicted while others produce more.  Moreover, the timing of course taking can make a difference between success or failure for particular types of students, and failing or withdrawing from a course does not always lead to stopping out.  In this paper we use examples from our work with the analyses of student records to show how one can use student type and point in their academic life to predict success in particular gateway courses.  Relating predictions to observed DFW rates can highlight courses exceeding expectations and those which fall below them, and support a more nuanced understanding where attention is needed.
A Formative Case Evaluation for the Design of an Online Delivery Model Providing Access to Study Abroad Activities
Authors: Howard Wendy , Perrotte Gino , Lee Minyoung , Frisone Jenna
Published: September 2017

Despite the pressure from potential employers and higher education administrators to develop students’ global and intercultural competence, traditional study abroad programs simply are not feasible for many postsecondary students (Berdan & Johannes, 2014; Fischer, 2015). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an online delivery model for study abroad activities. Building upon the findings of an initial exploratory program using Adobe Connect web conferencing tools, this evaluative case study was the second in a series of design based research studies intended to identify effective practices and develop recommendations to further refine the model through an iterative evaluation process. Using the Online Learning Consortium’s Quality Framework, each of the Five Pillars that support successful online learning was evaluated through a combination of anonymous surveys, pre/post assessments, observations, and student & instructor interviews. Regarding access, 26 students who were enrolled in an intercultural communication course were able to participate in a study abroad experience in Italy; 10 students participated in the traditional study abroad trip while the other 16 participated virtually. The online students were able to join the live meetings, thus expanding their access to international experiences that normally would be closed to them. In terms of student and faculty satisfaction, both groups of students and the instructor reported specific areas of satisfaction, offered critical feedback, and felt that the concept was a viable one. While the students who traveled to Italy had a far more immersive experience, both groups demonstrated gains in learning. Using Morais and Ogden’s (2010) global citizenship pre/post assessment, both groups showed improvement on the self-awareness and intercultural communication scales, and when comparing the two groups the online students improved more on the social responsibility scale while the students who traveled improved more on the global knowledge scale. Both groups submitted assignments of similar quality, engaged in communications between the abroad and online groups, and interacted with the instructor and experts in the field. In terms of differences in student engagement, students had differing opinions on the interaction with the technology and the online group asked more questions during live meetings. The implications of this pilot study should inform the planning of the next case evaluation and are important for other educators who wish to implement a similar approach to internationalizing the curriculum through online instruction.
Blended Learning From Design to Evaluation: International Case Studies of Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Vaughan Prof. Norman D. , Reali Aline , Stenbom Stefan , Jansen Van Vuuren Marieta , MacDonald David
Published: September 2017

This study compares and contrasts four international faculty development programs for blended learning in order to understand the benefits, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations from such initiatives. The benefits identified for faculty members, who participated in these programs, were that they became more reflective of their teaching practice and began to make a role adjustment from being a content provider to a designer and facilitator of learning for students. The biggest challenge appeared to be a lack of common institutional definition and understanding of blended learning as well as a lack of time and resources to support faculty in the redesign of their courses. With regards to lessons learned, each program emphasized the need for all institutional stakeholders to be involved in supporting the initiative and that blended learning does not simply imply adding digital technologies to an existing face-to-face course. The key recommendation from this study is that a faculty development program for blended learning needs to be clearly aligned with the institution’s vision and mission.
Introduction to Section II
Authors: Shea Peter
Published: September 2017

This section of the new issue contains six articles from the general pool of papers submitted to the journal. In these articles authors investigate theoretical frameworks, retention, modality preferences, and language learning in online settings.
PERAN ORGANISASI MASYARAKAT (ORMAS) DAN LEMBAGA SWADAYA MASYARAKAT (LSM) DALAM MENOPANG PEMBANGUNAN DI INDONESIA
Authors: Herdiansah Ari Ganjar
Published: September 2017

Tulisan ini menguraikan tentang tinjauan kritis peran Organisasi masyarakat (Ormas) dan Lembaga Swadaya Masyarakat (LSM) dalam menopang pembangunan di Indonesia. Ormas dan LSM merupakan perwujudan dari berlangsungnya masyarakat sipil yang berfungsi menjembatani, memperjuangkan, dan membela kepentingan rakyat dari dominasi kepentingan modal dan politik praktis. Dengan kekuatan kolektivitas, kemampuan, dan pengorganisasian massa, Ormas dan LSM berfungsi mengawasi dan terlibat dalam kebijakan-kebijakan atau program-program pembangunan demi kepentingan publik. Di samping itu, Ormas dan LSM juga memiliki fungsi menjaga stabilitas politik dan sosial. Mereka menengahi berbagai kepentingan yang terjadi di antara kelompok masyarakat sehingga dapat meminimalisir potensi konflik sosial. Namun demikian, pada praktiknya kondisi sosial ekonomi di Indonesia yang masih rendah telah memaksa beberapa pihak menggunakan Ormas dan LSM untuk meraih kepentingan mereka. Karena itu, memperbaiki dan meluruskan kembali peran Ormas dan LMS merupakan tantangan untuk memperkuat peran mereka dalam rangka turut menciptakan pembangunan dan demokrasi yang lebih baik.
Pengelolaan Sampah Berbasis Modal Sosial Masyarakat
Authors: Syahli Rio , Sekarningrum Bintarsih
Published: September 2017

Sampah merupakan permasalahan utama yang dihadapi Indonesia terutama di kota-kota besar yang memiliki tingkat aktivitas dan kepadatan tinggi serta pembangunan infrastruktur yang pesat. Salah satu cara menghadapi permasalahan sampah di kota besar adalah memberlakukan sistem  pengelolaan sampah di masyarakat dan membangun sarana tempat pengolahan sampah terpadu (TPST). Penelitian  bertujuan mendeskripsikan pengelolaan sampah melalui modal sosial masyarakat. Metode yang digunakan yaitu kualitatif. Informan adalah aparat pemerintah, tokoh masyarakat, kelompok dan warga masyarakat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pada aspek jaringan, dengan adanya kesamaan latar belakang (bonding), adanya kerjasama antara berbagai pihak (Bridging), dan relasi sosial (Linking) antara berbagai pihak dalam pelaksanaan  pengelolaan sampah, maka sistem pengelolaan sampah dapat disosialisasikan dan diterapkan. Pada aspek norma, pengelolaan sampah berjalan sesuai dengan aturan bersama dan nilai yang berlaku. Pada aspek kepercayaan, adanya respon positif dari masyarakat terhadap pengelolaan sampah khususnya dalam mewujudkan Kawasan Bebas Sampah (KBS). Simpulan penelitian, sistem penegelolaan sampah akan efektif apabila berbasiskan modal sosial masyarakat. Modal sosial merupakan kekuatan sosial masyarakat dalam mencapai tujuan bersama yaitu Kawasan Bebas Sampah.
Resensi Buku : Liquid Surveillance: A Conversation
Authors: Sutrisno Budi
Published: September 2017

Pengawasan (surveillance) terus mengalami perkembangan sebagaimana dunia yang erus mengalami transformasi dari generasi ke generasi. Pengawasan itu sendiri menjadi salah satu ciri mendasar didalam dunia modern. Masyarakat modern dikarakteristikan oleh kehidupannya yang begitu mengalir (fluid) yang kemudian memberikan gagasan bahwa kehidupan sedang berada pada tahap yang semakin cair (liquid) dimana segala sesuatunya selalu bergerak namun secara tidak pasti serta tidak kekal ikatannya. Saat ini, setiap warga negara, pekerja, konsumen bahkan turis setiap gerakannya selalu dilacak, diikuti dan dimonitor. Pengawasan tersebut juga mulai menyelinap ke tingkatan negara (liquid state).
Al-Andalus: tomo 16 (1951).
Authors: Ontañón de Lope Paciencia
Published: September 2017

Se reseñó: Al-Andalus: tomo 16 (1951).
Al-Andalus: tomo 17 (1952).
Authors: Ontañón de Lope Paciencia
Published: September 2017

Se reseñó: Al-Andalus: tomo 17 (1952).
Taste
Authors: Brownlie Keith
Published: September 2017

Aesthetics are a well discussed aspect of bridge design but the influence of regional culture, ie taste, is not. The subject of subjectivity is inherently difficult to define but for bridge designers working across geographical and cultural borders, an awareness of cultural context is an essential if inaccurate tool. Variances in regional thinking significantly alter the way a design is perceived and cultural pitfalls abound. This paper examines issues of taste observed through the experience of an ‘international' designer working across disparate locations and diverse cultures. The nature of the subject is such that the discussion can serve only to highlight the significance and wildly varying nature of taste, not to act as a field guide. A key observation is the broad correlation between climate and taste articulated in the ‘couplet' “latitude = attitude”