bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of cell cycle kinetics in higher plant root meristem links organ position with cellular fate and chromatin structure
Authors: Pasternak Taras , Kircher Stefan , Palme Klaus
Published: January 2021

Plant root development is a complex spatial-temporal process that originates in the root apical meristem (RAM). To shape the organ’s structure signaling between the different cells and cell files must be highly coordinated. Thereby, diverging kinetics of chromatin remodeling and cell growth in these files need to be integrated and balanced by differential cell growth and local differences in cell proliferation frequency. Understanding the local differences in cell cycle duration in the RAM and its correlation with chromatin organization is crucial to build a holistic view on the different regulatory processes and requires a quantitative estimation of the chromatin geometry and underlying mitotic cell cycle phases’ timing at every cell file and every position. Unfortunately, so far precise methods for such analysis are missing.

This study presents a robust and straightforward pipeline to determine in parallel the duration of cell cycle’s key stages in all cell layers of a plant’s root and their nuclei organization. The methods combine marker-free techniques based on the detection of the nucleus, deep analysis of the chromatin phase transition, incorporation of 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU), and mitosis with a deep-resolution plant phenotyping platform to analyze all key cell cycle events’ kinetics.

In theArabidopsis thalianaL. RAM S-phase duration was found to be as short as 20-30 minutes in all cell files. The subsequent G2-phase duration however depends on the cell type/position and varies from 3.5 hours in the pericycle to more than 4.5 hours in the epidermis. Overall, S+G2+M duration in Arabidopsis under our condition is 4 hours in the pericycle and up to 5.5 hours in the epidermis.

Endocycle duration was determined as the time required to achieve 100% EdU index in the transition zone and estimated to be in the range of 3-4 hours.

Besides Arabidopsis, we show that the presented technique is applicable also to root tips of other dicot and monocot plants (tobacco (Nicotiana tabacumL.), tomato (Lycopersicon esculentumL.) and wheat (Triticum aestivumL.).
Impact of credit market conditions on agriculture productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Shuaibu Mohammed , Nchake Mamello
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study conducts an empirical analysis of the relationship between credit market conditions and agriculture output in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a two-stage least square instrumental variable and difference generalised method of moments dynamic panel model because potential reverse causation and endogeneity are addressed.

Findings

The findings show that better credit market conditions contribute to agriculture productivity. The results also show that better infrastructure and availability of agriculture inputs are associated with productivity improvements. The empirical results are robust when an alternative measure of agriculture productivity is used.

Research limitations/implications

An important research agenda for future studies will be to consider alternative measures of credit market conditions and other intervening variables that influence the nexus. Besides, other methods that account for cross-sectional dependence could also be considered as the impact of credit on agriculture varies across the sub-regions.

Practical implications

The findings make a case for enhancing credit market access to boost agriculture productivity. There is also a need to implement financial education programs for farmers and ensuring continuous engagement with farmers.

Originality/value

Although the issue of agriculture finance has been well documented in the literature, few studies have estimated the elasticity of agriculture productivity to changes in credit conditions. Also, our consideration of the intervening role of infrastructure amongst others is an area that has remained relatively unexplored.
Analysis of embodied carbon and cost profiles of school buildings in Australia
Authors: Perera Srinath , Senaratne Sepani , Rodrigo M.N.N. , Brady Luke
Published: January 2021

Purpose

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on creating sustainable buildings that have a reduced carbon footprint. The primary method to achieve this has been through reducing operational carbon of buildings. However, as the industry aims to produce “carbon neutral” buildings with extremely low operational carbon through measures such as insulation, embodied carbon (EC) component could get increased. As such, it is equally important to understand the state of EC emissions in buildings. The aim of this research was to analyse typical EC and cost profiles of school buildings within Australia to understand which building elements need more attention.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved measuring EC of five classroom blocks in schools in Sydney through a case study research approach and document survey. Bills of quantities from these projects were analysed to estimate the EC and cost profiles of the buildings.

Findings

Results indicated that some elements such as roof, site works, upper floors and substructure had a higher cost also demonstrating an increased EC indicating a possibility of a relationship between carbon and cost. Accordingly, these elements were identified as the typical carbon hotspots within school buildings in Australia, which need greater attention in reducing EC.

Originality/value

The study explores the carbon–cost profile of Australian school buildings and highlights the importance of reducing EC in carbon hotspots.
Positioning construction workers' vocational training of Guangdong in the global political-economic spectrum of skill formation
Authors: Pan Wei , Chen Le , Zhan Wenting
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper explores the vocational training of construction workers in Guangdong Province of China and identifies its position in the global political-economic spectrum of skill formation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews construction vocational education and training (VET) of major political economies to develop a theoretical framework that guides an in-depth case study of Guangdong. Document analysis, field trip observations, meetings and semi-structured interviews were combined to explore the political-economic environment, political stakeholders and quality assurance mechanisms of industrial training in Guangdong's construction sector. The findings were compared with construction VET of other economies reported in the literature.

Findings

Construction training in Guangdong is deeply rooted in the local history and culture, under strong dominance of the state, while continually evolves to respond to the fluid market and therefore can be conceptualised as “market-in-state”. The political stakeholders are embedded within the state to ensure that skills policies are implemented in-line with industry policies. The differences between the training of Guangdong and its foreign counterparts are attributed to their divergent political-economic models.

Research limitations/implications

As the case study was undertaken only with Guangdong, the generalisability of its findings can be improved through future research within a broader context of multiple provinces of China through both qualitative and quantitative research approaches.

Practical implications

Plausible foreign VET approaches are likely adaptable to the Chinese context only when conducive political-economic environment could be enabled. The findings are useful for developing countries to learn from the VET experience of industrialised economies. Construction workers' training in Guangdong can be improved by strengthening labour regulation at lower subcontracting levels and ensuring the presence of industrial associations and unions for collective training supervision.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the field of construction engineering and management with a theoretical framework that guides empirical studies on the influence of the political-economic environment upon the ways political stakeholders develop and participate in construction VET. The exploration based on this framework revealed the position of the vocational training of construction workers in Guangdong in the global political-economic spectrum of skill formation.
Corporate social responsibility disclosures (CSRDs) in the banking industry: a study of conventional banks and Islamic banks in Malaysia
Authors: Lui Tze Kiat , Zainuldin Mohd Haniff , Wahidudin Ahmad Nazri , Foo Chuan Chew
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study aims to empirically examine the corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) levels of conventional and Islamic banks in Malaysia. Additionally, as Malaysian banks have different shareholding patterns that are more highly concentrated than those in the developed economies, this study also investigates the impact of ownership concentration on CSRD in both types of banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs hand-collected corporate social responsibility (CSR) data from the annual and sustainability reports of 21 conventional banks and 16 Islamic banks in Malaysia during 2010–2017. The data are then run using the pooled ordinary least square (OLS) with robust standard errors and robust regressions models together with all possible factors determining CSRD in the banking sector.

Findings

This study discovers that Islamic banks disclose a higher level of total CSRD than their conventional counterparts after controlling a number of important determinants of CSRD. These results remain consistent for four different dimensions of CSRD, i.e. employees, communities, environment and products and services. In relation to the impact of ownership concentration on CSRD level, the results show that high ownership concentration reduces the level of CSRD by Malaysian banks. However, in an additional interaction test, the result exhibits a complementary relationship between Islamic banks and ownership concentration in influencing CSRD level.

Research limitations/implications

This study finds that the principle of Islamic accountability has been internalised by Islamic banks, and shaped them to put equal emphasis on the disclosure of CSR practices and the financial information disclosure.

Practical implications

It is recommended for all banks to ensure the integration of a more comprehensive ethical system, such as theological ethical values in every aspect of their business activities. The findings from this study also highlight the necessity for the central bank to increase their monitoring role, especially towards banks with a more concentrated ownership structure by limiting the size of shareholdings by any particular types of owners.

Originality/value

Only a few studies have compared CSR practices between these two types of banks, and most of them are descriptive and qualitative in nature. This study is the first that uses a robust model with a highR-squared value, which control for all possible factors determining CSRD in the banking sector.
Student as customer concept: an approach to determine Pakistani students' preferences as customers while studying at private universities
Authors: Raza Syed Ali , Qazi Wasim , Khan Komal Akram , Shah Syed Mir Muhammad
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The promising factor for success in a prevailing knowledge-based economy is the excellence in customer service. Private universities are now becoming customer- and service-oriented organizations due to the competition. Therefore, many educational institutions treat their students as customers and restructure their educational practice based on the concept of market consumption. Therefore, many educational institutions treat their students as customers and restructure their educational practice. The purpose of this study is to determine the students' preferences as customers while studying at private universities and factors that affect their intentions to study at private universities when they adopt the student-as-customer concept.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model is analyzed with structural equation modeling. The analysis is done with the application of the measurement model and the structural model. The measurement model is first evaluated by examining scale reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity, whereas the assessment of the structural model is conducted for determining the predictive power and analyzing the hypothesized relationships between the proposed constructs through path analysis.

Findings

In the paper, seven path shows a significant and positive relationship. However, four relationships are positive but insignificant.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature theoretically as well as methodologically. Moreover, it is among the first research that is being conducted in Karachi. Secondly, this study developed a hybrid model by integrating one theory and a conceptual model to determine the factors affecting students' attitudes toward acceptance of the student-as-customer concept and their intentions. Therefore, this paper is useful in filling the gap in the higher education literature and also provides direction for universities to consider and prepare for the consequences of the concept's adoption associated with the number of students who intend to study at their universities.
Do diversity perspectives affect happiness at work? A study of teachers in Turkey
Authors: Arslan Yaser , Polat Soner
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between teachers' perceptions on diversity perspectives in schools and their happiness at work (HAW) levels.

Design/methodology/approach

A correlational survey model was used in the study, and the stratified sample consisted of 768 teachers in public high schools in a province in the west of Turkey.

Findings

The result of hierarchical regression analysis showed that integration-and-learning, colour blindness and fairness diversity perspectives significantly predicted HAW. However, reinforcing homogeneity and access perspectives did not predict HAW. While positive affect, one of the dimensions of HAW, was predicted by integration-and-learning, colour blindness and fairness perspectives, negative affect was predicted by integration-and-learning and colour blindness perspectives. Moreover, fulfilment, the other dimension of HAW, was predicted by integration-and-learning and fairness perspectives.

Originality/value

School administrators can use the findings to increase teacher happiness at schools, developing proactive diversity management perspectives.
An empirical study of assurance in the UK government major projects portfolio: from data to recommendations, to action or inaction
Authors: Vo Hang , Kirkham Richard John , Williams Terry Mervyn , Howells Amanda , Forster Rick , Cooke-Davies Terry
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Effective and robust governance of major projects and programmes in the public sector is crucial to the accountability of the state and the transparency of state spending. The theoretical discourse on governance, in the context of projects and programmes, is not fully mature, although is now sufficiently well developed to warrant an increased scholarly focus on practice. This paper aims to contribute to the empirical literature through a study of assurance routines in the UK Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP).

Design/methodology/approach

A framework analysis approach to the evaluation of a subset of GMPP database generates original insights into (1) the framing of assurance review recommendations, (2) the treatment of assurance review data and (3) the subsequent tracking of the implementation of actions arising from the assurance review process.

Findings

The analysis reveals that the “delivery confidence” of the major projects and programmes included in this study improves during the time that they are assured on the GMPP. This would suggest that “enhanced” governance routines are desirable in programmes and projects that exhibit high degrees of complexity and scale.

Originality/value

The research findings contribute to the wider conversations in this journal and elsewhere on project governance routines and governance-as-practice in the context of government and public services.
Organizational learning and firm performance: a systematic review
Authors: Do Thanh Tung , Mai Ngoc Khuong
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to systematically review empirical research on the relationship between organizational learning (OL) and firm performance (FP) to evaluate how far the field has come.

Design/methodology/approach

This study follows a systematic, transparent and replicable approach suggested by Vom Brocke et al. (2009) to conduct a systematic review. A total of 52 empirical studies published over the years 1999–2019 was retrieved and analyzed.

Findings

Three key themes related to the OL–FP relationship have emerged from the review. First, research on OL and FP has been quantitatively conducted in a variety of countries and sectors. Second, dimensions of OL foster both financial and non-financial performance of firms through their combinations and interactions. Third, the relationship between OL and FP is mediated by organizational innovation.

Research limitations/implications

The literature search returned only quantitative studies on OL and FP, which was accepted within the scope of this review. Future studies are encouraged to systematically examine case studies and qualitative research on OL and FP.

Practical implications

This review demonstrates that FP can be improved through different dimensions of OL. Based on our findings, managers wanting to enhance the performance of their firms can analyze the demand for OL and develop those OL dimensions.

Originality/value

This is among the first systematic literature reviews on OL and FP. The findings of this study also contribute to the previously scattered understanding of OL and FP.
Overview and classification of approaches to productivity measurement
Authors: Günter Andreas , Gopp Ernst
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Productivity is a multidimensional and context-dependent concept. Therefore, many different definitions and consequently, many different approaches to productivity measurement (PM) exist in the literature. As a result, the understanding of productivity and the appropriate use of PM approaches are at a low level. The literature provides some overviews, but these overviews consider only a few selected individual aspects. Therefore, the overviews do not allow a comprehensive comparison and evaluation of existing approaches. This paper aims to give an overview of existing approaches to PM and to classify them according to elaborated criteria based on the main characteristics of productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review for existing approaches to PM using the following keywords: productivity, PM, productivity measure, labour productivity and labor productivity.

Findings

A total of 38 approaches are identified and listed between 1955 and 2020. The main result is a systematic overview and classification of existing approaches to PM.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers can use the overview to determine the development over time, the current state of research in the field of PM and identify research gaps. The classification can also be used to classify new approaches.

Practical implications

Companies can use the classification as a guide to identifying appropriate approaches to measuring productivity in corporate practice.

Originality/value

This paper enables a comprehensive comparison and evaluation of existing approaches to PM. Also, the understanding of the multidimensional character of the productivity concept is enhanced.
Anti-poverty transfers and school attendance: Panama's Red de Oportunidades
Authors: Corrales-Herrero Helena , Him Camaño Martina , Miranda-Escolar Belén , Ogando Canabal Olga
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper seeks to gauge the impact of the Red de Oportunidades programme on the school attendance of children from households that participate in the programme.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to measure the impact of the programme, the authors apply propensity score matching, a quasi-experimental technique that allows us to find an appropriate control group to compare with the treatment group.

Findings

Results show that the programme does not always manage to bring into line school attendance of children from families involved in the programme with that of children from families who are not. Nevertheless, differences are still evident in terms of age, gender and geographical area.

Practical implications

Conditional cash transfer programmes should be designed carefully, taking into account a great variety of factors such as geographical characteristics, educational resources and infrastructure, not only to replicate programmes that have proved to be effective in other countries. In this sense, it seems that the impact of cash transfers on primary school attendance can be wholly attributed to the programme, implying that it is better to allocate more resources to groups in terms of age and gender where education is still not universal.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first time the impact of conditional cash transfers on school attendance has been examined in a country that still displays major geographical differences in terms of poverty, namely, Panama. The Red de Oportunidades programme has barely been studied.
Link between social distancing, cognitive dissonance, and social networking site usage intensity: a country-level study during the COVID-19 outbreak
Authors: Chakraborty Tanusree , Kumar Anup , Upadhyay Parijat , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Social distancing is an important strategy to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, so it is imperative to understand the behavioral impact of social distancing on individuals. This research studied social distancing from a cognitive appraisal of voluntary social distancing compliance (CAVSD) point of view and a non-medical perspective, specifically the psychological impact (PI) of social distancing on the usage intensity of social networking sites (SNS) during the COVID-19 outbreak in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted on 477 SNS users as a full sample and groups based on age, sex and work status. The model was empirically investigated using structural equation modeling.

Findings

CAVSD was negatively associated with PI although it was not a significant predictor, while CAVSD and PI were significant predictors of SNS usage intensity; moreover, SNS usage intensity differed between groups of people.

Practical implications

These findings are significant for organizations, corporations and educational institutions in both the public and private sectors. There is a need to identify subsections of individuals in need of social support and relief from isolation and loneliness. Individuals are relying on social media to handle social distancing and the pandemic, and this shows up in an increase in social networking activity.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by positing social networking as a basic virtual need for socialization, and social media platform assists in that. Cognitive appraisal is an important determinant of individual response.
Drivers for continued use of a direct marketing channel: evidence from Thai farmers
Authors: Iba Haruhiko , Lilavanichakul Apichaya
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to identify the key drivers influencing the success of farmers who employ direct marketing at wholesale markets. The diversification of the distribution system in Thailand has created many challenges for farmers, with diversified farm businesses struggling to survive and to ensure profitability across channels. Direct marketing channels at wholesale markets provide farmers the opportunity to develop a new farm business division.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consists of qualitative and quantitative approaches. First, in-depth interviews with farmers were conducted, and selected case studies were employed to develop a research framework and design the questionnaire. Second, the questionnaire survey was conducted. Using factor analysis and logistic regression, farmers' data were studied to define the factors of success in direct marketing.

Findings

Three key drivers were examined and verified. The findings indicate that the development of direct marketing channels requires farmers to efficiently allocate family labour, possess negotiation skills and manage a farmer network. Particularly, the presence of negotiation skills coupled with digital technology can enable farmers to expand the market and build their network.

Research limitations/implications

Two marketing channels have been explored. However, more choices in marketing channels utilizing digital resources should be addressed in future research.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study to define the drivers leading Thai farmers to continue employing a direct marketing channel.
Vernacular rural heritage in Turkey: an intuitional overview for a new living experience
Authors: Hasgül Esin , Olgun İnci , Karakoç Erhan
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to emphasize passive energy refurbishment of vernacular building heritages and propose new application principles of sustainability from these vernacular heritages into contemporary architecture.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on a research project (The Creation of a Prototype Project within the Application of Traditional Methods in Kastamonu, Küre Rural Settlements, 2017), through which vernacular architecture examples were analyzed, projecting for future interpretations for rural environments. Defining vernacular rural design principles is centrally important for the purposes of this project. As a case study from the Black Sea Region in Turkey, this example is investigated, and the outcomes of the analysis are used to reproduce in contemporary architectural terms the energy efficiency and rural patterns of the flexible rural house experience.

Findings

The research provides design principles for developing a new living experience in rural environments. The overall planning and architectural analysis are made in five neighborhoods in Küre, and three of unique vernacular architecture examples are chosen according to several criteria defined in “Kastamonu-Küre Ersizlerdere Village Design Guideline Project, 2014” to get the optimum data. Materials, orientation, form, spatial organization and building's indoor-outdoor relationship were analyzed by Autodesk's “Ecotect Analysis” simulation program.

Practical implications

Results of the proposed design principles of rural housing will be useful for new housing interpretations related to better rural development.

Originality/value

While defining energy efficiency criteria of vernacular itself, the results of this paper suggest new local solutions to ecological building design and engage with critical regionalism principles referring to the potentials of what traditional dwellings can teach contemporary design.
Inbound international tourists' demographics and travel motives: views from Uzbekistan
Authors: Allaberganov Azizbek , Preko Alexander
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between international tourists' demographics with travel motives to Uzbekistan through the utilization of push and pull theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a convenience sampling technique to collect data from 563 international tourists visiting Uzbekistan. Chi-square test of independence (χ2) was employed to test the association between visitors' demographics and travel motives.

Findings

The results illustrated that nationality and frequency of visitations of the international tourists to Uzbekistan were statistically associated with their travel motives. In terms of gender, age, marital status and religion, no significant association with travel motives was established.

Research limitations/implications

The statistical test and instrument for data collection might limit the generalization of this study to represent the whole population of international tourists in Uzbekistan.

Practical implications

The findings of this study show that in order to develop tourism in Uzbekistan, businesses and practitioners should consider segmenting tourists based on their national background to serve their needs and preferences. As tourist's visitation frequency plays a role in their travel motives, the product and service quality of tour packages must be improved and monitored.

Originality/value

The findings of this study provide valuable insights for businesses, managers, practitioners and policymakers to understand international tourists' motives to Uzbekistan to formulate better policies and tour packages.
Experiences of newly qualified clinical psychologists in CAMHS
Authors: Levinson Simon , Nel Pieter Willem , Conlan Louise-Margaret
Published: January 2021

Purpose

There is a gap in the literature regarding the experiences of newly qualified Clinical Psychologists (NQCPs) working within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the National Health Service (NHS). This paper aims to explore three aspects of newly qualified Clinical Psychologists’ experiences: their transition and development; working in multi-disciplinary teams located in large organisations; and support and coping in the role.

Design/methodology/approach

Seven participants each engaged in one semi-structured interview, and an interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted.

Findings

Three super-ordinate themes emerged from the analysis: A big jump, the transition from trainee to NQCP; The support of home comforts, old and new; and Acknowledging and desiring ongoing development.

Originality/value

Implications and recommendations for both Clinical Psychology training programmes and NHS employers are discussed, to support the development and wellbeing of this staff group, and in turn the clinical population they serve. These include gradually increasing caseloads on training, a staggered workload at the outset of the transition, and CAMHS teams ensuring appropriate supervision for NQCPs.
It will all be over by Christmas
Authors: Mackenzie Christine
Published: January 2021

Purpose

We can slip into a dystopic future and despair, or we can show how libraries can help create a better, more sustainable world. The United Nations 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals are just as relevant as ever and provide a framework for action.

Design/methodology/approach

This article considers the events shaping the world in 2020 and explores the impact on libraries.

Findings

Three examples of new libraries in The Netherlands show to the world what libraries are and can be. They reinterpret the mission of public libraries and encourage us to hold to and champion our values of access to information and knowledge, literacy, learning and innovation.

Originality/value

The views are my own and do not represent an official IFLA view.
Users' affect and satisfaction in a privacy calculus context
Authors: Najjar Mohammad S. , Dahabiyeh Laila , Algharabat Raed Salah
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Mobile device users are frequently faced with a decision to allow access to their personal information that resides on their devices in order to install mobile applications (apps) and use their features. This paper examines the impact of satisfaction on the intention to allow access to personal information. The paper achieves this by acknowledging the affective and cognitive components of satisfaction derived from affect heuristic and privacy calculus theories, respectively.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data was collected from mobile device users who download and install mobile apps on their devices. Overall, 489 responses were collected and analyzed using LISREL 8.80.

Findings

The findings suggest that personal information disclosure decision is mainly a matter of being satisfied with the mobile app or not. We show that perceived benefits are more critical than perceived risks in determining satisfaction, and that perceived benefits influence intention to allow access to personal information indirectly through satisfaction.

Originality/value

This study offers a more nuanced analysis of the influence of satisfaction by examining the role of its two components: the cognitive (represented in perceived benefits and perceived risks) and the affective (represented in affect). We show that information disclosure decision is a complicated process that combines both rational and emotional elements.
Growth and social entrepreneurs: the challenge of conciliating economic and social values
Authors: Pelizza Vier Machado Hilka , Gaiotto Sergio Augusto Vallim , Rovaris Machado Monica Cristina
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This research aimed to describe the phenomenon of the growth of enterprises in the vision of social entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study developed joining eight social entrepreneurs in four organizations, two cooperatives and two associations. Data were obtained in semi structured interviews. Data were analyzed with interpretativist and the classical content analysis.

Findings

The main findings indicated the growth phenomenon presented in five categories: growth intentions, growth meanings, support of other organizations and participation in networks, strategies and difficulties. The results of the research have shown that the growth for the social entrepreneurs is a collective phenomenon, characterized by search of economic value and empowerment.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the research was study only two types of organizations, one garbage cooperative and two association.

Practical implications

The results can help managers of social incubators and stakeholders because it was evidenced the efforts and difficulties that social entrepreneurs face to survive and to search growth.

Social implications

Our findings may contribute to the formulation of public policies oriented to social entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This paper presents the first theoretical contribution about the growth in a specific context, the context of social entrepreneurs.
Detection of ryanodine receptor target‐site mutations in diamide insecticide‐resistant Spodoptera frugiperda in China
Authors: Lv Sheng‐Lan , Shi Yang , Zhang Jia‐Cheng , Liang Pei , Zhang Lei , Gao Xi‐Wu
Published: January 2021

Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a widely distributed pest of corn. Since it invaded China in 2018, it has caused serious damage to local corn production. Chlorantraniliprole, an anthranilic diamide insecticide, has been widely used to control lepidopteran pests. Tetrachloropyramid is a new allosteric modulator insecticide developed based on chlorantraniliprole, so it has a similar mechanism and insecticidal effect. In this study, we investigated resistance levels to chlorantraniliprole and tetrachloropyramid in S. frugiperda from 13 populations in China. Among the populations tested, the relative highest resistance to chlorantraniliprole occurred in the Guangzhou population, and the most susceptible to chlorantraniliprole was found in the Wuhan population. The lethal dosage LD50 value of the Guangzhou population against chlorantraniliprole was 27.8‐fold higher than that of the Wuhan population. Minimal differences were observed among S. frugiperda populations in terms of sensitivity to tetrachloropyramid. Heterozygous mutations at the I4734 site of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) were found, while no mutations were found in the G4891 site. The mutations were detected in only two of the 786 individuals analyzed, one from the Qinzhou population and other from the Anshun population (frequency below 2% in both cases). There were no significant differences in the expression levels of RyR between Guangzhou and Wuhan populations. In summary, our results indicate that: (i) S. frugiperda has low resistance levels to diamide insecticides in China; and (ii) the differences in relative resistance among the 13 populations analyzed are not caused by the mutations in RyR or the expression of RyR.
Pedigree reconstruction and distant pairwise relatedness estimation from genome sequence data: A demonstration in a population of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Petty Lauren E. , Phillippi‐Falkenstein Kathrine , Kubisch H. Michael , Raveendran Muthuswamy , Harris R. Alan , Vallender Eric J. , Huff Chad D. , Bohm Rudolf P. , Rogers Jeffrey , Below Jennifer E.
Published: January 2021

A primary challenge in the analysis of free‐ranging animal populations is the accurate estimation of relatedness among individuals. Many aspects of population analysis rely on knowledge of relatedness patterns, including socioecology, demography, heritability and gene mapping analyses, wildlife conservation and the management of breeding colonies. Methods for determining relatedness using genome‐wide data have improved our ability to determine kinship and reconstruct pedigrees in humans. However, methods for reconstructing complex pedigree structures and estimating distant relatedness (beyond third‐degree) have not been widely applied to other species. We sequenced the genomes of 150 male rhesus macaques from the Tulane National Primate Research Center colony to estimate pairwise relatedness, reconstruct closely related pedigrees, estimate more distant relationships and augment colony records. Methods for determining relatedness developed for human genetic data were applied and evaluated in the analysis of nonhuman primates, including identity‐by‐descent‐based methods for pedigree reconstruction and shared segment‐based inference of more distant relatedness. We compared the genotype‐based pedigrees and estimated relationships to available colony pedigree records and found high concordance (95.5% agreement) between expected and identified relationships for close relatives. In addition, we detected distant relationships not captured in colony records, including some as distant as twelfth‐degree. Furthermore, while deep sequence coverage is preferable, we show that this approach can also provide valuable information when only low‐coverage (5×) sequence data is available. Our findings demonstrate the value of these methods for determination of relatedness in various animal populations, with diverse applications to conservation biology, evolutionary and ecological research and biomedical studies.
Resistance in wild macadamia germplasm to Phytophthora cinnamomi and Phytophthora multivora
Authors: Jeff‐Ego Olumide S. , Topp Bruce , Drenth Andre , Henderson Julianne , Akinsanmi Olufemi A.
Published: January 2021

The four Macadamia species (M. integrifolia, M. tetraphylla, M. ternifolia and M. jansenii) occur naturally in the wild in fragmented habitats in Australia and there is limited information on their vulnerability to pathogens including species of the genus Phytophthora. Macadamias in commercial orchards are affected by Phytophthora cinnamomi and Phytophthora multivora causing stem canker and root rot. Wild germplasm is often regarded as sources of resistance in macadamia breeding programme. We assessed the performance of 152 trees of wild macadamia genotypes in the field using a Phytophthora disease severity rating scale and used in vivo leaf assay to examine their susceptibility to P. cinnamomi and P. multivora. Macadamia ternifolia trees showed the highest Phytophthora disease severity compared with the other species. In the in vivo trial, there were significant variations in disease severity among the genotypes within each Macadamia species. Comparison of the mean leaf lesion area of the Macadamia spp. showed that M. tetraphylla and M. jansenii were the most resistant to P. cinnamomi, whereas M. ternifolia and M. jansenii followed by M. tetraphylla had the least disease severity to P. multivora. The quantitative variations among the genotypes with strong differential effects resulted in demarcation of the wild genotypes into three resistance groups. Overall, a total of 14 M. tetraphylla and 2 M. integrifolia genotypes were identified as resistant to both P. cinnamomi and P. multivora in the in vivo assay.
Ageing promotes early T follicular helper cell differentiation by modulating expression of RBPJ
Authors: Webb Louise M. C. , Fra‐Bido Sigrid , Innocentin Silvia , Matheson Louise S. , Attaf Noudjoud , Bignon Alexandre , Novarino Julien , Fazilleau Nicolas , Linterman Michelle A.
Published: January 2021

Ageing profoundly changes our immune system and is thought to be a driving factor in the morbidity and mortality associated with infectious disease in older people. We have previously shown that the impaired immunity to vaccination that occurs in aged individuals is partly attributed to the effect of age on T follicular helper (Tfh) cell formation. In this study, we examined how age intrinsically affects Tfh cell formation in both mice and humans. We show increased formation of Tfh precursors (pre‐Tfh) but no associated increase in germinal centre (GC)‐Tfh cells in aged mice, suggesting age‐driven promotion of only early Tfh cell differentiation. Mechanistically, we show that ageing alters TCR signalling which drives expression of the Notch‐associated transcription factor, RBPJ. Genetic or chemical modulation of RBPJ or Notch rescues this age‐associated early Tfh cell differentiation, and increased intrinsic Notch activity recapitulates this phenomenon in younger mice. Our data offer mechanistic insight into the age‐induced changes in T‐cell activation that affects the differentiation and ultimately the function of effector T cells.
Effect of prehospital workflow optimization on treatment delays and clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chowdhury Seemub Zaman , Baskar Prithvi Santana , Bhaskar Sonu
Published: January 2021

Background

The prehospital phase is critical in ensuring that stroke treatment is delivered quickly and is a major source of time delay. This study sought to identify and examine prehospital stroke workflow optimizations (PSWOs) and their impact on improving health systems, reperfusion rates, treatment delays, and clinical outcomes.

Methods

The authors conducted a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis by extracting data from several research databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, and Embase) published since 2005. We used appropriate key search terms to identify clinical studies concerning prehospital workflow optimization, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

The authors identified 27 articles that looked at the impact of prehospital workflow optimizations on time and treatment parameters; 26 were included in the meta‐analysis. The PSWO were subgrouped into three categories: improved intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) triage, large‐vessel occlusion (LVO) bypass, and mobile stroke unit (MSU). The salient findings are as follows: improved IVT triage led to significantly improved rates of IVT (relative risk [RR] = 1.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18 to 2.75); however, MSU did not (RR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.98 to 1.52). Improved IVT triage (standard mean difference [SMD] = –0.82, 95% CI = –1.32 to –0.32), LVO bypass (SMD = –0.80, 95% CI = –1.13 to –0.47), and MSU (SMD = –0.87, 95% CI = –1.57 to –0.17) were found to significantly reduce door‐to‐needle time for IVT. MSU was found to significantly reduce call‐to‐needle (SMD = –1.41, 95% CI = –1.94 to –0.88) and onset‐to‐needle (SMD = –1.15, 95% CI = –1.74 to –0.56) times for IVT. MSU additionally demonstrated significant reduction in door‐to‐perfusion (SMD = –0.72, 95% CI = –1.32 to –0.12) as well as call‐to‐perfusion (SMD = –0.73, 95% CI = –1.08 to –0.38) times for EVT. Finally, PSWO did not demonstrate significant improvements in rates of good functional outcome (RR = 1.04, 95% CI = 0.97 to 1.12) or mortality at 90 days (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.76 to 1.31).

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta‐analysis found that PSWO significantly improves several time metrics related to stroke treatment leading to improvement in IVT reperfusion rates. Thus, the implementation of these measures in stroke networks is a promising avenue to improve an often‐neglected aspect of the stroke response. However, the limited available data suggest functional outcomes and mortality are not significantly improved by PSWO; hence, further studies and improvement strategies vis‐à‐vis PSWOs are warranted.
The management and course of eosinophilic oesophagitis in Israeli children
Authors: Rosen Irit , Mahamed Aos , Garah Jamal , Magen‐Rimon Ramit , Shaoul Ron
Published: January 2021

Aim

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory oesophageal disease, which has become more recognised in the past decade. We wanted to characterise our patients and review their course of disease and response to treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of EoE patients from January 2010 to May 2018 in our Gastroenterology Institute. A hundred and two children were included in this study. We investigated the characteristics of patients and the response to three treatment options: proton pump inhibitors, elimination diet and topical steroids. The response to treatment was analysed according to 3 aspects: clinical, endoscopic appearance and histological features.

Results

Clinical improvement was noted in 55%, 75% and 87.5% on PPIs, diet and budesonide, respectively. Endoscopic improvement was noted in 38.4%, 51.4% and 65.4% on PPIs, diet and budesonide, respectively. Histological improvement was noted in 43.7%, 62.2% and 88.5% on PPIs, diet and budesonide, respectively.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that Israeli paediatric EoE patients have characteristics that resemble previous reports. Although there is a correlation between symptoms, endoscopic and histological appearance, we cannot rely on patients reports alone, and therefore, repeated endoscopy and biopsies are mandated. Topical steroids seem to be the most effective treatment option.
Public awareness in Wales of the UK Yellow Card scheme for reporting suspected adverse drug reactions
Authors: Bracchi Robert C. , Tseliou Foteini , Copeland Lauren , Routledge Philip A. , Thomas Alison , Woods Fiona , Adams Alana , Walker Jenna , Jadeja Mitul , Atkinson Mark D. , Ashfield‐Watt Pauline
Published: January 2021

We used the HealthWise Wales (HWW) platform to explore public knowledge about the UK Yellow Card scheme (YCS), the spontaneous reporting scheme for suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and whether a short information video could improve awareness. Members of the public in Wales (n = 1606) completed a questionnaire about the YCS, watched the information video and then completed a follow‐up questionnaire. Almost half (46.5%) of respondents said they had previously experienced an ADR (>90% of the ADRs involving prescribed medicines). Before the video, 18% of respondents knew how to report an ADR via the YCS and of these, 34% were from allied‐health professions. Immediately after watching it, 71% participants reported knowing how to report and 82% reported being confident to report. If this awareness were maintained, such an approach could contribute to improved reporting of suspected ADRs by the public.