Recruitment Sources Research Articles

Color matters: field experiment to explore the impact of facial complexion in Pakistani labor market

This study aims to investigate the role of facial complexion on applicant’s employability in Pakistani labor market. We carried out a resume audit study. In doing so, we sent 1216 fictitious curricula vitae (CVs) against 304 real job advertisements. Four CVs were sent against each advertisement which contained the pictures of fair and dark males and females. The results show that odds of receiving callbacks are 31.5% higher for a fair-skinned applicant compared to the applicant with dark complexion. Moreover, fair females have 28.5% higher probability in receiving (more) callbacks than fair male applicants. This discriminatory pattern in labor market exists across both front and back office jobs, however, the odds of receiving callbacks by fair applicants, particularly females, are higher in front office jobs. Further, we divide our sample into jobs advertised by companies themselves and jobs through recruitment agencies. Our results show that the impact of facial complexion is present in both recruitment sources, nevertheless, it is more pronounced when recruitment is carried out through employment agencies. Lastly, we find the evidence of beauty premium across various occupational categories, except finance and accounting.

Clinical Trial Recruitment and Retention of College Students with Type 1 Diabetes via Social Media: An Implementation Case Study.

We sought to quantify the efficiency and acceptability of Internet-based recruitment for engaging an especially hard-to-reach cohort (college-students with type 1 diabetes, T1D) and to describe the approach used for implementing a health-related trial entirely online using off-the-shelf tools inclusive of participant safety and validity concerns. We recruited youth (ages 17-25 years) with T1D via a variety of social media platforms and other outreach channels. We quantified response rate and participant characteristics across channels with engagement metrics tracked via Google Analytics and participant survey data. We developed decision rules to identify invalid (duplicative/false) records (N = 89) and compared them to valid cases (N = 138). Facebook was the highest yield recruitment source; demographics differed by platform. Invalid records were prevalent; invalid records were more likely to be recruited from Twitter or Instagram and differed from valid cases across most demographics. Valid cases closely resembled characteristics obtained from Google Analytics and from prior data on platform user-base. Retention was high, with complete follow-up for 88.4%. There were no safety concerns and participants reported high acceptability for future recruitment via social media. We demonstrate that recruitment of college students with T1D into a longitudinal intervention trial via social media is feasible, efficient, acceptable, and yields a sample representative of the user-base from which they were drawn. Given observed differences in characteristics across recruitment channels, recruiting across multiple platforms is recommended to optimize sample diversity. Trial implementation, engagement tracking, and retention are feasible with off-the-shelf tools using preexisting platforms.

Veterans as Students in Higher Education: A Scoping Review.

The aim of this study was to determine what is known about military veterans as students in higher education and inform nurse educators. Military veterans are increasingly enrolling in higher education and in nursing programs and may provide a recruitment source for nursing education. A scoping review of literature published after 2011 was performed to determine characteristics of military veterans as students. Twelve sources were identified. Military veterans have multiple strengths yet may also experience barriers to success. As a result, veterans may struggle to transition from the rigid military environment to the more relaxed college setting. Military veterans may provide a recruitment source for the nursing workforce. Gaining knowledge of the strengths and barriers faced by these students may help nurse educators plan strategies for achieving academic success.

Mixed-stock and discriminant models use for assessing recruitment sources of estuarine fish populations in La Plata Basin (South America)

AbstractThe objective of this study was to identify potential recruitment sources of Prochilodus lineatus from freshwater areas (Paraná and Uruguay rivers) to estuarine population of the Río de la Plata Estuary (La Plata Basin, South America), considering young (age-1) and adult (age-7) fish. LA-ICP-MS chemical analysis of the otolith core (nine element:Ca ratios) of an unknown mixed sample from Río de la Plata Estuary (2011 and 2017) was compared with a young-of-year baseline data set (same cohort) and classified into freshwater nurseries (Paraná or Uruguay river) by using maximum classification-likelihood models (MLE and MCL) and quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA). Considering the three models used, the Uruguay River was the most important contributor for both young and adult populations. The young population (2011) was highly mixed with contributions between 31.7 to 68.3%, while the degree of mixing was found to decrease in 2017 (adult fish) from 97.1 to 100% contributions. The three employed methods showed comparable estimates, however, the QDA showed a high similarity with the MCL model, suggesting sensitivity to evaluate small contributions, unlike the MLE method. Our results show the potential application of maximum likelihood mixture models and QDA for determining the relative importance of recruitment sources of fish in estuarine waters of the La Plata Basin.

Injectable freeze-dried chitosan-platelet-rich-plasma implants improve marrow-stimulated cartilage repair in a chronic-defect rabbit model.

Bone-marrow stimulation (BMS) improves knee-joint function but elicits incomplete repair. Liquid chitosan (CS)-glycerol phosphate/blood clots have been shown to improve BMS-based cartilage repair. Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP)-a rich source of growth factors and cytokines-improves recruitment and chondrogenic potential of subchondral mesenchymal stem cells. We hypothesised that repair response in a rabbit chronic-defect model will improve when freeze-dried CS/PRP is used to augment BMS. Bilateral trochlear defects created in New Zealand white rabbits were allowed to progress to a chronic stage over 4weeks. Chronic defects were debrided and treated by BMS in second surgery, then augmented with PRP (BMS+PRP) or freeze-dried CS/PRP implants (BMS+CS/PRP). The quality of 8-week repair tissue was assessed by macroscopic, histological, and micro computed tomography (Micro-CT) analysis. ICRS macroscopic scores indicated fibrocartilaginous or fibrous repair in control defects that were improved in the BMS+CS/PRP group. An overall improvement in repair in BMS+CS/PRP group was further confirmed by higher O'Driscoll scores, %Saf-O and %Coll-II values. Micro-CT analysis of subchondral bone indicated ongoing remodelling with repair still underway. Quality and quantity of cartilage repair was improved when freeze-dried CS/PRP implants were used to augment BMS in a chronic defect model.

Airborne microbial transport limitation to isolated Antarctic soil habitats.

Dispersal is a critical yet poorly understood factor underlying macroecological patterns in microbial communities1. Airborne microbial transport is assumed to occupy a central role in determining dispersal outcomes2,3, and extra-range dispersal has important implications for predicting ecosystem resilience and response to environmental change4. One of the most pertinent biomes in this regard is Antarctica, given its geographic isolation and vulnerability to climate change and human disturbance5. Here, we report microbial diversity in near-ground and high-altitude air above the largest ice-free Antarctic habitat, as well as that of underlying soil microbial communities. We found that persistent local airborne inputs were unable to fully explain Antarctic soil community assembly. Comparison with airborne microbial diversity from high-altitude and non-polar sources suggests that strong selection occurs during long-range atmospheric transport. The influence of selection during airborne transit and at sink locations varied between microbial phyla. Overall, the communities from this isolated Antarctic ecosystem displayed limited connectivity to the non-polar microbial pool, and alternative sources of recruitment are necessary to fully explain extant soil diversity. Our findings provide critical insights into the role of airborne transport limitation in determining microbial biogeographic patterns.

Focused on the Objective: Experience of Male Combat Veterans in BSN Programs

Background Veterans may provide a recruitment source to increase the diversity of the nursing workforce and increase the percentage of baccalaureate-prepared nurses. This study sought to understand the lived experience of male combat veterans in pre-licensure baccalaureate degree nursing programs. Method Using Van Manen's interpretive phenomenology methodology, a purposive sample of seven male combat veterans in pre-licensure baccalaureate degree nursing programs participated through written lived-experience descriptions (n = 2), photo-elicitation (n = 2), and unstructured interviews (N = 7). Findings The essential nature of the phenomenon is focused on the objective and four themes describing the participant's experiences were identified: tools of the trade, identity, turbulent waters, and fuel. Conclusion Despite the presence of barriers and frustrations, participants applied their identity and used the strengths gained through military service along with supports to focus on their objective of becoming a nurse. Thus, this research has implications for nurse educators.

Are students’ mindsets those of typical start-up founders?

Purpose Studies have found that founders of start-up companies are similar to students in certain psychological characteristics. Confirming this similarity would have methodological and phenomenological implications. Phenomenologically, students are a main source for recruitment in start-up companies. Methodologically, students are a more convenient sample to study than start-up founders. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The resemblance between students and start-up founders is tested by analyses of variance of the responses of 1,509 students and 53 start-up founders to a questionnaire survey. Findings The results indicate that, as a population, students are not entirely similar to start-up founders, though similarities were found to exist. The closest resemblance between students and founders was found for managerial, armed forces/police and medicine students; agricultural, humanities and natural science students had the least resemblance. Originality/value Although student samples are commonly used in the study of management phenomena, the validity of this approach has not hitherto been tested, which indicates that the use of student subjects as stand-ins for start-up founders may be a practice without a solid foundation.

Height, Literacy and Survival: A Composite Index of Wellbeing Based on Data from Military Recruitment (1880–1980)

Starting from the same assumptions used for building the Physical Quality of Life Index and the Human Development Index and trying to overcome the deficiencies inherent in the GDP per capita series estimated for Spain before 1955, this article aims to show how an alternative composite index of standard of living can be elaborated through military recruitment sources. More specifically, the research that we propose here, which is based on the existing information for thirty towns and villages in Extremadura, endeavors to combine in one dynamic annual indicator three variables: average height, survival, and literacy rate. The first one comes from the anthropometric information provided by the Records of Classification and Declaration of Soldiers. The second one, calculated as the proportion of recruits who were still alive at the legal age of enlistment to the total born in each generation, derives from the individualized information that, in order to proceed with the calls necessary for the preparation of the aforementioned records, was collected annually by the local or county civil registers and/or the parishes. Finally, the index incorporates an educational variable: the proportion of recruits who were able to read and write over the total ones who attended each call. With the combination of these three variables and following the path of research by Costa, Steckel, Floud, Harris and Crafts, we are able to discern the historical evolution of well-being in the poorest region of Spain and one of the least developed regions of Europe.

Using the Facebook Advertisement Platform to Recruit Chinese, Korean, and Latinx Cancer Survivors for Psychosocial Research: Web-Based Survey Study.

BackgroundEthnic minority cancer survivors remain an understudied and underrepresented population in cancer research, in part, due to the challenge of low participant recruitment rates. Therefore, identifying effective recruitment strategies is imperative for reducing cancer health disparities among this population. With the widespread use of social media, health researchers have turned to Facebook as a potential source of recruitment.ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of purchasing ads on Facebook to recruit Chinese, Korean, and Latinx cancer survivors residing in the United States. We assessed their experience with participating in a Web-based survey and their interest for future research.MethodsWe showed 5 purchased ads in English, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Korean, and Spanish on Facebook. Participants who clicked on the Facebook ad were directed to the study website and asked to submit their emails to receive the link to the 30-minute Web-based survey. Inclusion criteria included being of Asian or Latinx heritage, age ≥18 years, having a cancer diagnosis, and being within 5 years of cancer treatment. Participants who completed the survey were sent a US $10 Walmart eGiftcard.ResultsThe Facebook ads were shown for 48 consecutive days for a total spending of US $1200.46 (US $25/day budget). Overall, 11 East Asian and 15 Latinx cancer survivors completed the study, resulting in an average cost per participant of US $46.17. The East Asian and Latinx cancer survivors did not significantly differ in age, years lived in the United States, education level, generation status, and time since diagnosis. However, Latinx cancer survivors were marginally more likely to have limited English proficiency and lower annual income than East Asian cancer survivors. Both Latinx and East Asian cancer survivors reported that they enjoyed participating in this study and indicated an interest in participating in future psychosocial research studies.ConclusionsThe use of Facebook ads successfully resulted in the recruitment of East Asian and Latinx cancer survivors with different cancer diagnoses who reside in various geographic regions of the United States. We found that East Asian and Latinx cancer survivors recruited through Facebook were interested in participating in future psychosocial research, thereby providing support for the feasibility and effectiveness of using Facebook as a source of recruitment for ethnic minority cancer survivors.

Institutionalization of the political elite: sources of recruitment and career

Institutionalization of the political elite: sources of recruitment and career

Recruiting people with HIV to an online self-management support randomised controlled trial: barriers and facilitators.

Recruitment involved a three-step process. Study sites were recruited, followed by doctors caring for PWHIV at study sites and finally PWHIV. Data were collected from study sites, doctors and patient participants. Factors associated with site enrolment and patient participant recruitment were investigated using regression models. Thirteen study sites, 63 doctor participants and 728 patient participants were recruited to the study. Doctors having a prior relationship with the study investigators (odds ratio (OR) 13.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.0, 58.7; P = 0.001) was positively associated with becoming a HealthMap site. Most patient participants successfully recruited to HealthMap (80%) had heard about the study from their HIV doctor. Patient enrolment was associated with the number of people with HIV receiving care at the site (β coefficient 0.10; 95% CI 0.04, 0.16; P = 0.004), but not with employing a clinic or research nurse to help recruit patients (β coefficient 55.9; 95% CI -2.55, 114.25; P = 0.06). Despite substantial investment in online promotion, a previous relationship with doctors was important for doctor recruitment, and doctors themselves were the most important source of patient recruitment to the HealthMap trial. Clinic-based recruitment strategies remain a critical component of trial recruitment, despite expanding opportunities to engage with online communities.

An Educational Framework for Healthcare Facility Management: Preparing Future Professionals

ABSTRACT Purpose— The purpose of this research is to better understand learning outcomes essential for college students to be effective entry-level healthcare facility managers, establishing a healthcare FM education framework to further open FM academic programs as a sustainable source of new talent for the healthcare FM industry. Design/methodology/approach— A Delphi method was used for this research to draw upon the collective knowledge and experience of 13 experts over three iterative rounds of input. Phone interviews were also employed. Findings— This study shows that gaps exist in student learning outcomes for a comprehensive healthcare FM education; key technical topics specific to the healthcare industry are not being addressed by organizations accrediting construction and facility management academic programs. Many of these student learning outcomes could be readily combined into existing learning outcomes or used to develop a comprehensive healthcare FM education covering accreditation, regulatory and code compliance, infection control, systems in healthcare facilities, healthcare construction project management and methods, and clinical operations and medical equipment. Interestingly, academics in the field of FM generally disagree with industry professionals that these technical topics are important student learning outcomes. Consequently, FM academics prefer to teach students general FM principles with the expectation that specific technical knowledge will be gained in the workplace after graduation from college. Nevertheless, candidates attempting to enter healthcare FM without industry specific knowledge are disadvantaged due to industry perceptions and expectations. University-industry linkage must be improved to successfully attract students into the field of healthcare FM and open colleges and universities as a sustainable recruitment source in helping address FM attrition. Originality/value— This paper is valuable in establishing a healthcare FM education framework to elucidate college student learning outcomes upon graduation for successful employment as an entry-level healthcare facility manager. These student learning outcomes provide a framework for healthcare FM education to be used by industry and academia in preparing future professionals.

Recruitment via social media: advantages and potential biases.

BackgroundAdolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors are under-represented in research. Social media is increasingly used for recruitment given its ability to reach large audiences. Differences in participant characteristics and potential biases due to recruitment source are not well understood.PurposeThis study aimed to: (a) compare recruitment strategies (hospital-based v. social media) in enrollment metrics, and (b) among enrolled participants, evaluate group differences in patient characteristics and patient reported outcomes (PROs).MethodsPreliminary data from a cancer and fertility study with female AYAs were evaluated. Hospital-based recruitment used electronic medical records (EMR) to identify eligible patients. Social media recruitment involved posting on partner organizations’ social media outlets. PROs included validated measures related to the parent study. Descriptive statistics evaluated recruitment metrics. Independent samples t-tests and chi-square identified differences in participant characteristics and PROs based on recruitment.ResultsSocial media yielded a higher enrollment rate (37%; n = 54/146) compared with hospital-based recruitment (7%; n = 21/289) and required fewer study resources. Compared with hospital-based recruitment, participants from social media were more likely to be White (p = 0.01), with a longer time since treatment (p = 0.03); and reported higher levels of reproductive concern (p = 0.004) and negative mood (p = 0.02), and more negative illness perceptions (ps < 0.05).ConclusionRecruitment via social media may be a more effective and efficient strategy compared with hospital-based methods. However, group differences were identified that could bias findings and limit generalizability. Advantages of social media should be considered with an understanding of how methodology may impact enrollment and results.

Guideline adherence in hospital recruited and population based COPD patients

BackgroundEvidence from several studies show poor guideline adherence to COPD treatment, but no such study has been undertaken in Norway. The objectives of this study, was to estimate and compare the guideline adherence to COPD treatment in general population-based and hospital-recruited COPD patients, and find possible predictors of guideline adherence.MethodsFrom the prospective, observational EconCOPD-study, we analysed guideline adherence for 90 population-based COPD cases compared to 245 hospital-recruited COPD patients. Overall guideline adherence was defined as correct pharmacological treatment, and influenza vaccination the preceding year, and having received smoking cessation advice. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed with the dichotomous outcome overall guideline adherence adjusting for relevant variables.ResultsThe overall guideline adherence for population-based COPD cases was 6.7%, significantly lower than the 29.8% overall guideline-adherence amongst hospital-recruited COPD patients. Adherence to pharmacological treatment guidelines was 10.0 and 35.5%, for the two recruitment sources, respectively. GOLD-stage 3 to 4 was associated with significantly better guideline adherence compared to GOLD-stage 2 (OR (95% CI) 18.9 (8.37,42.7)). The unadjusted difference between the two recruitment sources was completely explained by degree of airflow obstruction.ConclusionOverall guideline adherence was very low for both recruitment sources. We call for increased attention from authorities and healthcare personnel to improve the quality of care given to this patient group.

Stock structure of Atlantic spadefish Chaetodipterus faber from Southwest Atlantic Ocean inferred from otolith elemental and shape signatures

The Atlantic spadefish, Chaetodipterus faber, is an economically important species along the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, especially in the southeastern-south Brazil. Despite this, knowledge about stock structure is scarce and, at present, is no formal management strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of the C. faber fishery in Brazil. In order to understand the stock structure of C. faber in the Southwest Atlantic, a total of 100 individuals ranging from 30 to 40 cm total length were collected from the five main fishery regions of Brazil [Espírito Santo (ES), Rio de Janeiro (RJ), São Paulo (SP), Paraná (PR), and Santa Catarina (SC)], between December 2015 and March 2016. The shape outline of each otolith was assessed using Elliptic Fourier descriptors (EFD). Multi-Elemental signatures (MES) of whole otoliths were obtained using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Data were analyzed through uni- and multivariate statistics. Canonical analysis of principal coordinates indicated that spatial differences were mainly driven by Sr/Ca ratios, Ba/Ca ratios and EFD 14. Combining data from both techniques (EFD and MES), the leave-one-out classification re-assigned individuals to their region of origin with an accuracy of 100% (ES), 85% (RJ), 80% (SP), 85% (PR), and 65% (SC). The hereby results indicate that the connectivity between the local population of C. faber in the ES region (20 °S) with the southern populations (>22 °S) is limited; moreover, data suggest the presence of spatially structured semi-discrete groups between 23 °S and 27 °S. Despite the possibility of intermixing C. faber populations in the Brazilian Southwest Atlantic coast, local populations should be regarded as different stocks for fisheries management purposes. However, at present, the degree of intermixing and the contribution that each local population receive from distant recruitment sources is unknown and demands further studies.

Risk of progression to Alzheimer's disease for different neuropsychological Mild Cognitive Impairment subtypes: A hierarchical meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a heterogeneous condition between normal aging and dementia. Upon neuropsychological testing, MCI can be divided into 4 groups: single-domain amnestic MCI (sd-aMCI), multiple-domain amnestic MCI (md-aMCI), single- and multiple-domain nonamnestic MCI (sd-naMCI, md-naMCI). Some controversy exists about whether the risk of progression to Alzheimer's disease (risk-AD) is increased in all MCI subtypes. We meta-analyzed the risk-AD for 4 MCI groups using random-effects metaregression with the Hierarchical Robust Variance Estimator and sample size, criterion for objective cognitive impairment, length of follow-up and source of recruitment as covariates. From a pool of 134 available studies, 81 groups from 33 studies (N = 4,907) were meta-analyzed. All the studies were rated as having a high risk of bias. aMCI is overrepresented in studies from memory clinics. Multivariate analyses showed that md-aMCI had a similar risk-AD relative to sd-aMCI, whereas both sd-naMCI and md-naMCI showed a lower risk-AD compared with sd-aMCI. The risk-AD was significantly associated with differences in sample sizes across studies and between groups within studies. md-aMCI had a similar risk-AD relative to sd-aMCI in studies from memory clinics and in studies in the community. Several potential sources of bias such as blindness of AD diagnosis, the MCI diagnosis approach and the reporting of demographics were associated with the risk-AD. This work provides important data for use in both clinical and research scenarios. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

The Impact of Improved Data Collection at the Ibadan Cancer Registry: Comparison of Two Time Periods (2009-2012 and 2013-2016)

Background and context: The Ibadan cancer registry is a population based registry that actively recruits cases of cancer occurring in eleven local government areas in Ibadan and its environs in Southwest, Nigeria. The registry covers a catchment area with a documented population of 2,549,265. Cases are abstracted from the main teaching hospital, designated private hospitals and clinics representing active practices, National Population Commission and private laboratories. We observed a decline in numbers of cases registered compared with what was projected and moved to effect corrections to this decline. In addition to reviewing our usual sources, we enlisted more sources of case recruitment. Aim: This study was done to assess the impact of additional sources of data collection on the number of cases recorded in the registry. Strategy/Tactics: The registry had improved contact with the local Ministry of Health and local governments administration, identified new facilities that treat cancer patients and new histopathologic laboratories that diagnose cancers. Program/Policy process: The registry enlisted cases from thirty (30) sources during 2009-2012 time period. In the 2013-2016 period, the registry improved the data collection sources to sixty (60) due to good advocacy, improved collaborative effort with our partners and very active case finding. Outcomes: A total of 3116 cases were recorded in the registry during the period 2009-2012. This increased to 3744 in the period 2013-2016 giving a 20% increase in the number of abstracted cases in the latter period. The ranking order of cancer in the population we serve changed from breast, cervix and prostate cancers in 2009-2012 to breast, prostate and cervix in the second time period. The ranking order in both genders did not change significantly. What was learned: Changes in health providing facilities affect the recruitment of new cancer cases into the database of cancer registries. Furthermore, cancer registries must always improve the database of sources where cases are recruited, as this is dynamic. Good advocacy, very active case finding and improved relation with the community have increased the number of cases of cancer recorded in our registry.

Participant Recruitment and Retention in Remote eHealth Intervention Trials: Methods and Lessons Learned From a Large Randomized Controlled Trial of Two Web-Based Smoking Interventions.

BackgroundDespite having many advantages, online eHealth trials are not without challenges—notably, participant recruitment, and outcome data retention. Moreover, publications from these trials rarely provide detailed information on the methods used for recruitment and retention or discuss implications of the methods for future studies.ObjectiveTo address this need for empirical guidance regarding recruitment and outcome data retention planning, we aim to describe the methods and lessons learned from the recruitment and retention procedures used in a large randomized trial of 2 Web-based smoking cessation interventions.MethodsTo ensure a demographically and geographically diverse participant sample, we used the recruitment strategies (1) traditional, (2) Web-based, and (3) online survey panel methods and adaptively modified each in response to recruitment success. At baseline, participants indicated how they heard about the study and answered demographic questions. To maximize trial retention at each of the 3-, 6-, and 12-month assessment points, 4 survey modalities (first Web, followed by phone, mail, and postcard) were sequentially timed over a 30-day period. Participants received US $25 for submitting their responses, regardless of modality, and received an additional US $10 bonus for completing the Web survey within 24h of electronic notification.ResultsWe randomized 2637 smokers in 16 months and achieved 88% retention at 12-months. Participants (79.26% female, 72.60% Caucasian) were recruited from all 50 states. The majority of participants were recruited through Facebook (49.43%), followed by the survey panel (20.85%), free internet sources (14.54%), traditional media (11.34%), and Google ads (3.84%). Descriptively, participant demographics varied by recruitment source. Of the completed follow-up surveys, most were completed by Web (92%). Retention rates did not vary by recruitment source.ConclusionsContinuous monitoring and refinement of multiple recruitment methods, particularly of online advertising campaigns, allowed us to maximize the effectiveness of recruitment strategies in recruiting a large, diverse sample of smokers. Likewise, offering multiple follow-up survey modalities in sequential order along with time-dependent bonus incentives enabled us to obtain outcome data from a very high level of enrolled participants for the duration of the trial protocol. These strategies may be similarly useful in other trials.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01812278; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01812278 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/71gy5GLvO)

Natural tags reveal populations of Conservation Dependent school shark use different pupping areas

Knowledge of reproductive movements and sources of recruitment in highly mobile species is important to understand population-level resilience and to manage recovery in populations depleted by human interference. Management of the school shark Galeorhinus galeus (Linnaeus, 1758), a Conservation Dependent species in Australia subject to a national recovery strategy after stock collapse from overfishing, has long assumed obligate female migration to pupping areas in the southeast of their range. We used post-natal elemental signatures of individuals from 3 cohorts born in 1996 to 1998 as a proxy to test whether females use common pupping areas. Environmental or biological factors that differ among pupping areas can give rise to unique trace element signatures in shark vertebrae that act as natural tags and can be used to assess relative contributions from recruitment sources to adult populations. We compared post-natal signatures from sharks caught in 2 regions, South Australia in the northwest of the species’ range and Bass Strait in the southeast, using laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Signatures were similar between regions for 1 cohort, suggesting high use of shared or similar pupping areas, but differed for the 2 remaining cohorts. Region of capture could also be accurately predicted (>75%) based on post-natal signatures, refuting the long-held view that all females use common pupping areas. We conclude that female movements and reproductive strategies are likely more plastic than previously assumed, highlighting the need to clarify them and their potential effects on resilience and conservation.