bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green market segmentation and consumer profiling: a cluster approach to an emerging consumer market
Authors: Jaiswal Deepak , Kaushal Vikrant , Singh Pankaj Kumar , Biswas Abhijeet
Published: November 2020

Purpose

In the present era of green consumerism, consumers are shifting towards sustainable consumption with the rising demand of green products. Despite consumers' demand of such products, their attitudes towards eco-friendly practices can neither be the same for different consumer groups nor can be treated as they all are equally green. The purpose of this study is to operationalize the green market segmentation based on demographic, psychographic and behavioural characterization in the Indian context of green consumerism.

Design/methodology/approach

The deductive approach of questionnaire survey method has been adapted to collect the responses from convenience sampling of Indian consumers using the measured constructs concerning to green consumer psychology. The data were analyzed by applying multivariate techniques of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), cluster and discriminant analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that the three distinctive set of consumer groups are evolved as “keen greens”, “moderate greens” and “reluctant greens” based on the eight cognitive variables used in this study, namely environmental concern (EC), perceived environmental knowledge (PEK), perceived consumer effectiveness (PCE), perception of eco-label, perception of eco-brand and environmental advertisements, green purchase intention (GPI) and green purchasing behaviour (GPB) in the Indian context.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings may lack its generalizability in the Indian context, as the survey strategy is confined with the most populated territory of India. To provide its robustness, the future studies need more heterogeneous sample across the country. The research findings could provide the key insights into policymakers and enterprises in the framing of marketing strategies to promote green consumerism in the setting of emerging economies.

Originality/value

There is dearth of literature concerning to green consumer segmentation based on the “attitude–intention–behaviour” approach in the Indian context. Therefore, the present study endeavours to manifest a holistic description of green consumer classification based on demographic, psychographic and behavioural characterization. At Prima facie, the study is the first that elucidates consumers' segments profile by incorporating environmental cognitive factors from both the perspectives; “consumers” inner stimuli' and “external green marketing cues”, especially in the indigenous Indian setting.
Lean-green performance management in Indian SMEs: a novel perspective using the best-worst method approach
Authors: Ahmad Shaad , Abdullah Ahmad , Talib Faisal
Published: November 2020

Purpose

In a globalized environment, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are facing formidable challenges. Not only do they have to keep up their profitability, but there is also a pressure from various stakeholders to add to their environmental and quality performance .The solution obviously lies in continuously adopting and improving upon lean-green practices in their operations. This work aims at identifying, classifying and building up a duly tested robust ranked-order model of such “enablers”, related to lean-green practices, that puts them (the enablers) in an order of being the most significant to being the least significant further to be accorded the same or similar weight in strategy formulation and implementation stage by Indian SMEs for enhancing their overall organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study identifies 20 enablers (12 lean and 08 green manufacturing enablers) through extensive literature review and experts' opinion survey and classifies them into three main categories. The ranking and significance of each of the main and subcategory enablers is evaluated according to its weight which is determined by the best-worst method (BWM) approach, one of the novel multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. Further, the results have been drawn after running accuracy check of the rankings (based upon optimal weights) and testing the robustness of the ranked-order model through sensitivity analysis.

Findings

The results of this study reveal that out of the three main category enablers, “operational performance enablers (E1)” and “quality performance enablers (E3)” are the most and the least significant enablers, while in the group of 20 subcategory enablers, “Kaizen (E17)” and “environment emission control (E28)” are the most and the least significant subcategory enablers, respectively.

Practical implications

The prioritization model or ranked-order model of the lean-green manufacturing enablers proposed through this study may serve as a standard model to managers to help them decide and allocate their efforts and resources accordingly in managing their operations. This will also help them adopt high-ranking lean-green manufacturing enablers in their firms and benchmark and standardize their existing practices accordingly, leading to greater competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The study identifies various green-lean manufacturing enablers in SMEs, classifies them into three main categories and ranks them using BWM approach. The findings of this study should be extremely relevant to managers, manufacturing engineers and practitioners in Indian SMEs from the perspective of developing deeper appreciation of these enablers as per their relative ranked importance to further formulating an effective and efficient strategy for their implementation resulting in optimal results.
Enhancing lifetime of wireless multimedia sensor networks using modified lion algorithm–based image transmission model
Authors: Wankhade Mahesh P. , Jondhale KC
Published: November 2020

Purpose

In the past few decades, the wireless sensor network (WSN) has become the more vital one with the involvement of the conventional WSNs and wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs). The network that is composed of low-power, small-size, low-cost sensors is said to be WSN. Here, the communication information is handled using the multiple hop and offers only a simple sensing data, such as humidity, temperature and so on, whereas WMSNs are referred as the distributed sensing networks that are composed of video cameras, which contain the sector sense area. These WMSNs can send, receive and process the video information data, which is more intensive and complicated by wrapping with wireless transceiver. The WSNs and the WMSNs are varied in terms of their characteristic of turnablity and directivity.

Design/methodology/approach

The main intention of this paper is to maximize the lifetime of network with reduced energy consumption by using an advanced optimization algorithm. The optimal transmission radius is achieved by optimizing the system parameter to transmit the sensor information to the consequent sensor nodes, which are contained within the range. For this optimal selection, this paper proposes a new modified lion algorithm (LA), the so-called cub pool-linked lion algorithm (CLA). The next contribution is on the optimal selection of cluster head (CH) by the proposed algorithm. Finally, the performance of proposed model is validated and compared over the other traditional methods in terms of network energy, convergence rate and alive nodes.

Findings

The proposed model's cost function relies in the range of 74–78. From the result, it is clear that at sixth iteration, the proposed model’s performance attains less cost function, that is, 11.14, 9.78, 7.26, 4.49 and 4.13% better than Genetic Algorithm (GA), Dragonfly Algorithm (DA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Glowworm Swarm Optimization (GSO) and Firefly (FF), correspondingly. The performance of the proposed model at eighth iteration is 14.15, 7.96, 4.36, 7.73, 7.38 and 3.39% superior to GA, DA, PSO, GSO, FF and LA, correspondingly with less convergence rate.

Originality/value

This paper presents a new optimization technique for increasing the network lifetime with reduced energy consumption. This is the first work that utilizes CLA for optimization problems.
Big data, technology capability and construction project quality: a cross-level investigation
Authors: Sang Linhua , Yu Mingchuan , Lin Han , Zhang Zixin , Jin Ruoyu
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Embracing big data has been at the forefront of research for project management. Although there is a consensus that the adoption of big data has significantly positive impact on project performance, far less is known about how this innovative information technology becomes an effective driver of construction project quality improvement. This study aims to better understand the mechanism and conditions under which big data can effectively improve project quality performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Adopting Chinese construction enterprises as samples, the theoretical framework proposed in this paper is verified by the empirical results of the two-level hierarchical linear model. The moderated mediation analysis is also conducted to test the hypotheses. Finally, the empirical findings are validated by a comparative case study.

Findings

The results show that big data facilitates the development of technology capability, which further produces remarkable quality performance. That is, a project team's technology capability acts as a mediator in the relationship between organizational adaptability of big data and predictive analytics and project quality performance. It is also observed that two types of project team interdependence (goal and task interdependence) positively moderate the mediation effect.

Research limitations/implications

The questionnaire study from China only represents the relationship within a short time interval in the current context. Future studies should apply longitudinal designs to properly test the causality and use multiple data sources to ensure the validity and robustness of the conclusions.

Practical implications

The value of big data in terms of quality improvement could not be determined in a vacuum; it also depends on the internal capability development and elaborate design of project governance.

Originality/value

This study provides an extension of the existing big data studies and fuels the ongoing debate on its actual outcomes in project management. It not only clarifies the direct effect of big data on project quality improvement but also identifies the mechanism and conditions under which the adoption of big data can play an effective role.
Testing a social-psychological model of public acceptance towards highway infrastructure projects: a case study from China
Authors: Ge Yujia , Cui Caiyun , Zhang Chunqing , Ke Yongjian , Liu Yong
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To test a social-psychological model of public acceptance of highway infrastructure projects in the Chinese architecture/engineering/construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a comprehensive literature review, we established a social-psychological model of public acceptance related to benefit perception, risk perception and public trust. We empirically validated our model by using structural equation model analysis based on a questionnaire survey in the S35 Yongjin Highway Infrastructure Project in Yunnan Province, China.

Findings

Benefit, trust and risk perception had a significant influence on local residents' public acceptance of highway infrastructure projects; benefit perception and trust perception had a greater influence than risk perception. Public acceptance among local male residents over the age of 35 or those with higher education levels was more likely to be determined by the relative dominance of risk and benefit perceived.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes empirical evidence to the theoretical literature related to locally unwanted land use (LULU) siting and stakeholders in the field of project management from the public perspective. This study also suggests valuable practical implications to authorities, project managers and the public in decision-making and risk communication.

Originality/value

Although previous studies addressed factors affecting public acceptance towards potentially hazardous facilities, understanding of the implications of these social-psychological factors and their effects are still far from sufficient. This study bridges this gap by exploring the determinants of public acceptance towards highway infrastructure projects based on a selected case in China.
Sustainability perceptions of home modification service providers for older Australians
Authors: Hu Xin
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The majority of older Australians prefer living in their own home. Home modifications support older adults' ageing-in-place through mitigating environmental hazards of their home, and there is an increased interest in modifying older adults' residential environment in sustainable ways. However, an in-depth understanding of sustainability perceptions of home modification service providers (HMSPs) is lacking in Australia. Thus, the study aims to address this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative content analysis was adopted to identify sustainability perceptions through analyzing the retrieved home modification business information from the selected HMSPs' official websites. The results of qualitative content analysis were further analyzed by using independent-samples t-test and chi-square contingency table analysis to investigate the relationships between HMSP type and sustainability.

Findings

In total, 54 sustainability perceptions were identified, with the crucial ones being safe living environment, independent living and service diversity. Overall, there are no significant differences in sustainability perceptions between charitable and non-charitable HMSPs. Nevertheless, charitable HMSPs place more importance on social sustainability in comparison with non-charitable HMSPs.

Originality/value

The study results facilitate understanding about HMSPs' sustainability perceptions and sustainable home modifications in the ageing society, which facilities theory advancement and industry practice in the home modification area.
Board gender diversity and environmental, social and governance performance of US banks: moderating role of environmental, social and corporate governance controversies
Authors: Shakil Mohammad Hassan , Tasnia Mashiyat , Mostafiz Md Imtiaz
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Gender diversity in corporate boards is broadly studied in existing corporate governance literature. However, the role of board gender diversity on environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance of the banks is still unaccounted for. Drawing on resource dependence and legitimacy theory, this study addresses this pressing research issue. Moreover, investigation of ESG controversies as a moderator paves the existing corporate governance research to the new avenues.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were sourced from Refinitiv database on 37 US banks from the period of 2013 to 2017. This study employs static and dynamic panel regression models that include random effects, fixed effects and dynamic generalised method of moments (GMMs) to test the hypotheses. Furthermore, system GMM is used to reduce the issue of endogeneity, measurement error, omitted variables bias and bank-specific heterogeneity.

Findings

We identify a significant positive relationship between board gender diversity and the ESG performance of US banks. However, the result propounds non-significant moderating effect of ESG controversies on the board gender diversity–ESG performance nexus.

Originality/value

Literature on board gender diversity and ESG separately and predominantly explains firm/bank's financial performance. This study is one of the pioneering attempts to explain the role of board gender diversity on ESG performance. Although incremental, however, this study also contributes to the literature on ESG in the US context.
Competitive advantage through Six Sigma in sand casting industry to improve overall first-pass yield: a case study of SSE
Authors: Solanki Mihir , Desai Darshak
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how Six Sigma methodology has been applied in a small-scale foundry industry to improve the overall first-pass material yield and quality, with a view to the product and the process.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers have reported this paper based on a case study carried out in industry using the Six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) and its application in improving the manufacturing process of a foundry shop.

Findings

Identified root causes are validated and countermeasures are implemented for improvement. As a result of this case study, the overall first-pass yield of the sand casting process is improved to 78.88% from the previous yield of 67%. For product-specific case, yield is improved by 18% through the improved gating system design. Sigma level of the process is improved to 3.08 from baseline 2.21. Key lessons learned from this case study are mentioned in the current study.

Research limitations/implications

This case study provides a standard road map and motivates small-scale foundry industries to implement Six Sigma methodology for productivity improvement, especially in jobbing foundry. The presented paper is based on a single case study, and the results are limited to the company only. Also, one of the reasons for low process yield is slag creation, which is not covered here, as it is a concern of the material quality supplied by the vendor. However, the approach of this paper is generic for learning perspective.

Practical implications

This case study provides a standard road map and motivates small-scale foundry industries to implement Six Sigma methodology for productivity improvement, especially in jobbing foundry. Through the effective application of Six Sigma quality initiative, how a quantum jump in financial aspect could be gain, has been demonstrated.

Originality/value

This research study showcases step-by-step implementation of Six Sigma-DMAIC methodology at a small-scale foundry industry. This paper could serve as a unique roadmap for practitioners and academicians to improve the material productivity of the foundry industry both ways, product and process.
Effects of COVID-19 related restrictive measures on parents of children with developmental difficulties
Authors: Lučić Lana , Brkljačić Tihana , Brajša-Žganec Andreja
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Social distancing and school closures have changed the lives of many parents around the globe. In addition to these problems, parents of children with developmental difficulties (DD) have faced additional stressors that make them even more susceptible to higher stress levels and the onset or worsening of anxiety or depression. Consequentially, these stressors may have an indirect effect on parental functioning and children with DD owing to the spillover effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to parents of children with DD through an overview of possible additional stressors that have appeared during the coronavirus pandemic in Croatia. In writing this viewpoint paper, three sources were consulted: official state documents, communication with professionals (e.g. speech therapists) and online support groups for parents of children with DD.

Findings

Restrictive measures during the lockdown led to a lack of both formal and informal support for parents of children with DD. Moreover, the possibility of infection led to higher levels of fear among these parents; children with DD also encountered problems coping with both the restrictive measures and the demands of distance learning.

Practical implications

This paper may present a good starting point for both governments and NGOs when discussing and planning further advancement in the quality of response to the COVID-19 pandemic and a “recovery” response after the crisis. This overview may provide better insight into COVID-19–related consequences among parents of children with DD, which is vital to increasing the effectiveness of future measures and actions.

Originality/value

Although some negative effects of the pandemic on children have already been discussed by several authors, little attention has been paid to parents, and even less so to parents of children with DD. This paper may even represent a pioneering work in exploring the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on this population group.
Coping with domestic violence: women's voices in Bangladesh
Authors: van der Putten Marc , Nur-E-Jannat Amee
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims offer a benchmark by providing an account of women's experiences with domestic violence in Bangladesh and develops illustrations on coping with abuse.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study design was adopted, applying an emic perspective in employing a qualitative research approach to explore and describe women's experiences with and perceptions about domestic violence and their ways of coping in Sherpur District, Bangladesh. In total 25 recently married women participants were purposively sampled by snowballing. In-depth interview data facilitated a latent thematic content analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that women adopt a range of responses to domestic violence. Two key aspects of coping surfaced in the narratives: (1) emotion-driven and (2) problem-driven approaches to abusive situations. Findings point to a range of research issues that require further study such as domestic violence and taboo; somatization; structural gender inequalities; male perpetrators; family dynamics and the intersections of these issues and contexts.

Originality/value

A more proactive way of coping resulted in resilience amidst an abusive environment, whereas passive ways of coping led to a life in distress. It is important however, to understand ways of coping as a continuum rather than a dichotomy.
Perceptions and performance of knowledge workers transitioning from single-cell offices to shared workspaces: evidence from panel data
Authors: Morrison Rachel Lopes , Stahlmann-Brown Philip
Published: November 2020

Purpose

to evaluate the experiences of knowledge workers who work in shared workspaces and those who moved from single-cell offices to shared workspaces.

Design/methodology/approach

Knowledge workers were surveyed before and after 34% moved from single-cell offices to shared workspaces. The authors exploit this panel design in the analysis.

Findings

Shared offices were rated as providing more distraction, less privacy and worsened indoor environment quality (IEQ) (p < 0.05). Perceptions of collaboration and networking also declined in shared workspaces. Distraction and a lack of privacy were negatively associated with self-reported productivity (p < 0.10). Neither IEQ nor collaboration nor networking was significantly associated with productivity. The perceptions of those who moved to shared workspaces and those who had worked in shared workspaces all along were statistically indistinguishable.

Research limitations/implications

The quasi-experimental control provides evidence that it is the office type, not the experience of moving, that accounts for the evaluative changes. There are limitations inherent in using a self-rating performance measure.

Practical implications

Organisations should be aware that the positive outcomes ascribed to shared spaces may not be apparent and that demands may outweigh benefits.

Originality/value

Knowledge workers are particularly impacted by distraction and interruptions to concentrated work. The quasi-experimental design controlled for the Hawthorne effect, demonstrating that it is the office type, not the move, that accounts for differences in perceptions.
Co-design of a stakeholders’ ecosystem: an assessment methodology by linking social network analysis, stakeholder theory and participatory mapping
Authors: Cottafava Dario , Corazza Laura
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The need for stakeholder theory has been widely highlighted in the literature to develop solid strategies for a large organization. However, there is still a lack of user-friendly visualization tools and no unique approach exists to identify and engage stakeholders. This paper aims to propose a general methodology to co-design the sustainability ecosystem at the local scale, to explore it and to assess the impact of a large organization within the identified ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology consists of two main processes: identifying an ontological map of the sustainability topics network and designing the local sustainability stakeholders ecosystem. Both processes are based on a nodes identification phase and a nodes prioritization phase. The identification phase was achieved by engaging 160 citizens, for the topics network and nearly 40 relevant stakeholders, for the stakeholders’ ecosystem, with a collaborative participatory mapping process. The prioritization phase was conducted because of three indicators, i.e. the closeness, the betweenness and the eigenvector centrality.

Findings

Betweenness centrality results to be the best indicator to assess the importance of a stakeholder with respect to the whole network, while eigenvector centrality highlights the quality of the already engaged stakeholders of an organization, as it mainly depends on the number of links of the first order neighbors. On the contrary, the closeness centrality, when applied to a small network, seems to be not appropriate to assess the centrality of a stakeholder.

Research limitations/implications

This approach revealed some criticalities in the mapping process, as in the weighting link procedure. Further investigations are needed to generalize the approach to a dynamic one, to allow real-time mapping and to develop a robust interconnection among centrality degrees and the power, interest and legitimacy concept of stakeholder theory.

Practical implications

Obtained results for a case study, i.e. the position of the University of Turin Green Office within the City of Turin sustainability ecosystem, are discussed showing how social network analysis centrality degrees can be used to quantitatively assess the role of an organization within a stakeholders’ ecosystem.

Social implications

Centrality analysis allows identifying emergent topics/stakeholders within a network of words/actors that, at a first sight, should not be considered by decision-makers and managers.

Originality/value

A new methodology for stakeholder identification and prioritization is proposed exploiting online data visualization tools, participatory mapping and social network analysis.
Drought legacy affects microbial community trait distributions related to moisture along a savannah grassland precipitation gradient
Authors: Leizeaga Ainara , Hicks Lettice C. , Manoharan Lokeshwaran , Hawkes Christine V. , Rousk Johannes
Published: November 2020

Ecosystem models commonly use stable‐state assumptions to predict responses of soil microbial functions to environmental change. However, past climatic conditions can shape microbial functional responses resulting in a ‘legacy effect’. For instance, exposure to drier conditions in the field may shape how soil microbial communities respond to subsequent drought and drying and rewetting (DRW) events.

We investigated microbial tolerance to low moisture levels (‘resistance’) and ability to recover after a DRW perturbation (‘resilience’) across a steep precipitation gradient in Texas, USA.

Although differences in precipitation regime did not result in differences in resistance and resilience of soil microbes, microbial communities appeared to be generally resilient and resistant across the gradient, suggesting that frequent exposure to drought had characterised the trait distributions of microbial communities. Moreover, microbial communities from historically drier sites used carbon more efficiently during a DRW perturbation suggesting that long‐term drought history leaves a legacy effect on microbial functions. This may have been due to an indirect effect of drought caused via precipitation‐induced differences in primary productivity, influencing the availability of soil organic matter to microbes. Alternatively, different exposures to drought might have shaped the microbial ‘readiness’ to cope with the DRW disturbance. Microbial community composition was also linked to drought history, but was unrelated to variation in function.

Synthesis. Exposure to drought can have both direct and indirect effects on soil microbial communities, which can result in lasting legacy effects on the functions they control.
How men step back – and recover – from suicide attempts: A relational and gendered account
Authors: Ridge Damien , Smith Hannah , Fixsen Alison , Broom Alex , Oliffe John
Published: November 2020

Men account for three‐quarters of suicide deaths in the UK, yet we know little about how at‐risk men construct their experiences of moving towards – and then subsequently stepping back from – suicide, nor the part played by relational factors therein. An inductive thematic analysis was used to examine narrative interviews with eleven UK men who self‐reported serious thoughts, plans and up‐to and including suicide attempts in progress, but who consciously decided against carrying out an attempt. Their accounts suggest a highly social process of movements towards and away from suicide (e.g. frustrated help‐seeking). Stepping back from suicide represents not a discrete issue, but a linked process in suicidality and wider recovery. Here, the use of military metaphors in particular (e.g. waging war, fighting back) highlights the gendered nature of the issue. Additionally, our article illuminates a range of social relations and forces that circulate in and around suicidality, which itself is embedded in varying forms of relationality, normativity and gendered practices.
Predicational and (Quasi‐)Specificational Constructions with Fronted Adjectival Predicates in French1
Authors: Lauwers Peter , Tobback Els
Published: November 2020

This paper deals with fronting of predicative adjectives (e.g., Big was his surprise) in French. From the present‐day usage emerge two main constructions, both with their own surface forms and syntactic, semantic and information‐structural properties. The first one, CxA, is a quasi‐specificational copular construction, with narrow focus on the post‐copular subject. The second one is a predicational copular construction, though with inverted word order, yielding sentence focus, hence thetic constructions. In the second part of the paper, we define the lexical profile (and the semantics) of both constructions by means of a collostructional analysis, and their productivity. CxA is more productive and seems to become even more productive in the newspaper corpus, while CxB exhibits symptoms of lexicalization.
Assimilate, process and analyse thermal dissipation sap flow data using the TREX r package
Authors: Peters Richard L. , Pappas Christoforos , Hurley Alexander G. , Poyatos Rafael , Flo Victor , Zweifel Roman , Goossens Willem , Steppe Kathy
Published: November 2020

A key ecophysiological measurement is the flow of water (or sap) along the tree's water‐transport system, which is an essential process for maintaining the hydraulic connection within the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum. The thermal dissipation method (TDM) is widespread in the scientific community for measuring sap flow and has provided novel insights into water use and its environmental sensitivity, from the tree‐ to the forest‐stand level. Yet, methodological approaches to determine sap flux density (SFD) from raw TDM measurements remain case‐specific, introducing uncertainties and hampering data syntheses and meta‐analyses.

Here, we introduce the r package TREX (TRee sap flow EXtractor), incorporating a wide range of sap flow data‐processing procedures to quantify SFD from raw TDM measurements. TREX provides functions for (a) importing and assimilating raw measurements, (b) data quality control and filtering and (c) calculating standardized SFD outputs and their associated uncertainties according to different data‐processing methods.

A case study using a Norway spruce tree illustrates TREX's functionalities, featuring interactive data curation and generating outputs in a reproducible and transparent way. The calculations of SFD in TREX can, for instance, use the original TDM calibration coefficients, user‐supplied calibration parameters or calibration data from a recently compiled database of 22 studies and 37 species. Moreover, the package includes an automatic procedure for quantifying the sensitivity and uncertainty of the obtained results to user‐defined assumptions and parameter values, by means of a state‐of‐the‐art global sensitivity analysis.

Time series of plant ecophysiological measurements are becoming increasingly available and enhance our understanding of climate change impacts on tree functioning. TREX allows for establishing a baseline for data processing of TDM measurements and supports comparability between case studies, facilitating robust, transparent and reproducible large‐scale syntheses of sap flow patterns. Moreover, TREX facilitates the simultaneous application of multiple common data‐processing approaches to convert raw data to physiological relevant quantities. This allows for robust quantification of the impact (i.e. sensitivity and uncertainty) of user‐specific choices and methodological assumptions, which is necessary for process understanding and policy making.
Radiographic assessment of carpal conformation in the horse: Technique development and validation of the consistency of measurements
Authors: Olusa Timothy A. O. , Ismail Sa'ad M. Y. , Murray Christina M. , Davies Helen M. S.
Published: November 2020

Carpal conformation is often considered as a contributory factor to performance and lameness in the horse; however, few attempts have been made to objectively measure radiographic variations of carpal conformation in horses due to insufficient measurable carpal parameters. This pilot study used carpal radiographic images acquired from 10 cadaveric equine forelimbs transected at the antebrachial midshaft from 7 adult horses (7.2 ± 2.6 years), positioned at ‘zero lateromedial’ (ZLM) and ‘zero dorsopalmar’ (ZDP) views, to investigate the anatomy of the equine carpus and develop parameters that could be objectively used to assess carpal conformation in horses. Dorsal carpal angle (DCA: 176.61 ± 0.66º), distal radial slope carpal angle (DRSCA: 145.59 ± 2.19º), intermediate carpal bone proximal tuberosity‐radial angle (CiPxTRA: 115.69 ± 3.15º) and third carpal bone palmar facet angle (C3PalFCA: 84.43 ± 1.13º) were all developed from the ZLM view while medial carpal angle (MCA: 183.34 ± 1.02º), disto‐dorsal slope angle of the third carpal bone (C3DDSA: 8.27 ± 0.92º) and width ratio of distal radius to proximal metacarpus (WDR:WPM = 1.13±0.03) were 3 of the 10 parameters developed from the ZDP view. Easy to identify and measurable parameters will help to provide quantitative assessment of carpal conformation in the horse with potential of eliminating subjective observational variation errors between clinicians. These newly developed parameters will be useful in further studies to measure variations in the conformation of the equine carpus in live horses and comparison between subjective visual assessment and objective radiographic evaluation methods.
Effects of a gestational level of estradiol on cellular transition, migration, and inflammation in cervical epithelial and stromal cells
Authors: Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus G. , Richardson Lauren S. , Menon Ramkumar
Published: November 2020

Problem

Estrogen (E2) is one of the main steroid hormones associated with pregnancy and parturition. High levels of E2 increase uterine contractions, promote fetal membrane weakening, and induce degradation of the cervical extracellular matrix (ECM). Current evidence supports the role of E2 in epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inflammation in different cell types; however, its effects on the cellular components of the cervix are still unknown.

Method of study

In this study, we assessed the effects of gestational levels of E2 in: (a) the cellular transition of endocervical epithelial cells (EEC) and cervical stromal cells (CSC) in vitro using immunocytochemical staining and Western blot analyses for EMT markers (cytokeratin‐18, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin, SNAIL, and vimentin); (b) cell migration using in vitro scratch assays; (c) inflammatory cytokine (interleukin 1β and TNF‐α) and MMP9 production under untreated and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated conditions using immunoassays.

Results

E2 treatment and co‐treatment with LPS as a proxy for infection maintained the metastate of EEC (expression of both cytokeratin and vimentin) and the mesenchymal state of CSC. E2 delayed wound healing, which mimics the tissue remodeling process, in EEC and CSC. E2 led to persistently elevated levels of vimentin throughout the EEC wound healing process. E2 did not affect inflammatory cytokine production by EEC and CSC but increased MMP9 production by EEC.

Conclusion

Collectively, these results show that third trimester levels of E2 may permit localized inflammation, increase MMP‐9 production, and cause an EMT‐mediated impairment of the remodeling process in the cervix in vitro. These data suggest a potential contribution of E2 in cervical ripening.
Electrocardiogram in Friedreich's ataxia: A short‐term surrogate endpoint for treatment efficacy
Authors: Mastroianno Sandra , Germano Michele , Maggio Angela , Massaro Raimondo , Potenza Domenico Rosario , Russo Aldo , Carella Massimo , Di Stolfo Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Friedreich's ataxia is a rare degenerative neuromuscular disorder, caused by a homozygous GAA triplet repeat expansion in the frataxin (FXN) gene, with a broad clinical phenotype characterized by progressive gait and limb ataxia, dysarthria, and loss of lower limb reflexes; cardiac involvement is represented by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac deaths. Currently, no definite therapy is available, while many drugs are under investigation; for this reasons, we need markers of short‐ and long‐term treatment efficacy acting on different tissue for trial evaluation. We describe the case of a 21‐year‐old patient affected by Friedreich's ataxia on wheel‐chair, with initial cardiac involvement and electrocardiographic features characterized by thiamine treatment‐related negative T wave and QTc variations. We discuss plausible physiopathology and potential ECG role implications as an intermediate marker of treatment response in future clinical trials considering patients affected by Friedreich's ataxia.
Evaluation of Quantitative XRF Analysis Applied to Determine Cobalt Sources in Chinese Blue‐and‐White Porcelain
Authors: Ma Q. , Pollard A. Mark , Jiang J. , Weng Y.
Published: November 2020

A method using the ratios between MnO, Fe2O3and CoO to differentiate the cobalt sources for Chinese blue‐and‐white porcelain was developed in Oxford in the 1950s using X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis directly on the glaze. In this paper, six blue‐and‐white porcelain sherds from the Luomaqiao kiln were analysed by XRF on the glaze and by scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectrometry (SEM‐EDS) in cross‐section. The ratios between MnO, Fe2O3and CoO calculated by quantitative XRF and EDS analyses are different. The analysis depths for MnO, Fe2O3and CoO are < 60 μm by XRF analysis. However, the average glaze thickness of samples is > 400 μm, and the MnO, Fe2O3and CoO mainly remain in the lower layer of the glaze, which is beyond the analysis depths of XRF analysis. The limitations of major and minor quantitative analyses for differentiating cobalt sources are discussed.
No Surrender. No Challenge. No Protest Paradigm: A Content Analysis of the Canadian News Media Coverage of the “Yellow Vest Movement” and the “United We Roll Convoy”
Authors: De Cillia Brooks , McCurdy Patrick
Published: November 2020

This study's exhaustive content analysis (N= 538) examines how Canada's mainstream news media covered the nascent yellow vest movement from the first Canadian protests in December 2018 culminating in the February 2019 cross‐country United We Roll convoy. We demonstrate that Protest Paradigm scholarship does not offer a useful analytic for understanding the coverage of this right‐wing social movement whose tactics were banal and law abiding. Furthermore, we argue that Canadian news media coverage of the protest movement was largely uncritical and decidedly hegemonic, raising questions about normative watchdog conceptions of the news media in Canadian democracy.
“Say It Loud, Say It Clear…”: Concerting Solidarity in the Canadian Refugees Welcome Movement (2015–2016)
Authors: Bakardjieva Maria
Published: November 2020

The Canadian Refugees Welcome Movement (2015–2016) was one of the most sizeable, visible, and effective instances of collective action in recent Canadian history. It had a nationwide scope and grassroots initiation. It comprised a wide variety of participants and actively employed social media in its constitution. This article reports the results of a multimethod case study that seeks to explain how collective action frames emerged in the context of the Canadian Refugees Welcome Movement; which actors were involved in their articulation; and how they generated a following, collective action and humanitarian and political effect. The focus is on the discursive processes of construction of solidarity across difference as they unfolded in the social media environment. The Facebook event pages calling for rallies in support of Syrian refugees, it argues, served as a discursive space that helped transform the moral shock experienced by members of distinct moral communities into a process of concerting of voices and construction of solidarity and collective action frames across differences.
Exercise‐based rehabilitation strategies in heart transplant recipients: Focus on high‐intensity interval training
Authors: Masarone Daniele , Melillo Enrico , Petraio Andrea , Valente Fabio , Gravino Rita , Verrengia Marina , Pacileo Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Despite progressive improvement in medical therapy and standard care, the exercise capacity of heart transplant recipients is reduced compared with age‐matched healthy individuals. Exercise‐based rehabilitation programs have been shown to improve the exercise capacity of transplant patients through a multifactorial effect. In this context, high‐intensity interval exercise is a growing field of research, with current evidence suggesting a major benefit in heart transplant recipients compared with a conventional training protocol. Therefore, this study aimed to provide an overview of the mechanisms involved in the reduced exercise capacity of heart transplant patients and a review of current rehabilitation strategies with a special focus on the mechanisms and clinical effects of high‐intensity interval training exercise.
Rent Sharing, Investment, and Collective Bargaining: Evidence from Employee‐Level Data in Vietnam
Authors: Bach Thang Ngoc , Le Canh Quang , Nguyen Thang Van
Published: November 2020

Previous studies on collective bargaining have largely been conducted in developed countries where trade unions are relatively independent from employers and government and have the necessary capacity for bargaining. In the absence of market institutions that support trade unions' independence and capacity to bargain, the role of trade unions could be different. Using employee‐level data with firm's characteristics, we examine for the first time the relationship between collective bargaining and rent sharing in Vietnamese small and medium‐sized enterprises. While the results show a direct monitoring effect of trade unions on wages, and some degree of rent sharing with firms' past performance, trade unions play a limited bargaining role of this kind. There is also a causal negative moderating effect of collective bargaining on employees' earnings in firms having investment activities. For long‐term employment security, unionized employees appear to share the risk by accepting lower wages in firms with investment activities.
Rubber–fibre composite modelling and its influence on fatigue damage assessment
Authors: Oman Simon , Nagode Marko , Klemenc Jernej
Published: November 2020

A novel multiaxial energy‐based approach is presented and used to demonstrate the influence of different finite element (FE) modelling techniques on the prediction of the fatigue life of a rubber composite with long oriented fibres. It is shown that the simplest modelling methods using 2‐D elements with rebar layers, layered 2‐D elements or layered 3‐D elements do not allow for a precise determination of the critical location and damage value. In contrast, modelling methods with 3‐D matrix and discrete reinforcement provide much better results. The predicted critical location corresponds to the measured one, although the predicted fatigue life still differs from the measured results. The most complex microscopic modelling method shows the best agreement between the predicted and measured fatigue life. Because microscopic modelling is not suitable for modelling larger products made of rubber–fibre composite, it is also noted that modelling techniques with 3‐D matrix and discrete reinforcing elements can be used with the same accuracy if the fatigue life curve is obtained from measurements on the specimens made of composite material rather than the specimens made of the critical base material (rubber).
Endothelial activation is associated with intestinal epithelial injury, systemic inflammation and treatment regimen in children living with vertically acquired HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Choudhury B , Brown J , Ransy DG , Brophy J , Kakkar F , Bitnun A , Samson L , Read S , Soudeyns H , Vaudry W , Houston S , Hawkes MT
Published: November 2020

Background

Premature development of cardiovascular disease in children living with HIV‐1 (CLWH) may be associated with compromised gut barrier function, microbial translocation, immune activation, systemic inflammation and endothelial activation. Biomarkers of these pathways may provide insights into pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease in CLWH.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of CLWH enrolled in the multicentre Early Pediatric Initiation‐Canadian Child Cure Cohort (EPIC4) who were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) with undetectable viral load. Plasma biomarkers of intestinal epithelial injury [intestinal fatty acid binding protein‐1 (IFABP)], systemic inflammation [tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6)] and endothelial activation [angiopoietin‐2 (Ang2), soluble vascular endothelial growth factor‐1 (sVEGFR1) and soluble endoglin (sEng)] were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation and factor analysis of biomarkers were used to examine associations between innate immune pathways.

Results

Among 90 CLWH, 16% of Ang2, 15% of sVEGFR1 and 23% of sEng levels were elevated relative to healthy historic controls. Pairwise rank correlations between the three markers of endothelial activation were statistically significant (ρ = 0.69, ρ = 0.61 and ρ = 0.65, P < 0.001 for all correlations). An endothelial activation index, derived by factor analysis of the three endothelial biomarkers, was correlated with TNF (ρ = 0.47, P < 0.001), IL‐6 (ρ = 0.60, P < 0.001) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein‐1 (ρ = 0.67, P < 0.001). Current or past treatment with ritonavir‐boosted lopinavir (LPV/r) was associated with endothelial activation (odds ratio = 5.0, 95% CI: 1.7–17, P = 0.0020).

Conclusions

Endothelial activation is prevalent in CLWH despite viral suppression with combination ART and is associated with intestinal epithelial injury, systemic inflammation and treatment with LPV/r.