bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling external debt – growth nexus: how relevant is governance?
Authors: Shittu Waliu Olawale , Ismail Nor Asmat , Abdul Latiff Abdul Rais , Musibau Hammed Oluwaseyi
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Amongst the major concerns of sub-Sahara Africa are the rising external debt and poor performances in governance. This paper aims to lend a voice to the relevance of governance on the relationship between external debt and economic growth in selected five sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using available data from the World Governance and Development Indicators, between 1996 and 2016, the study uses the fully-modified OLS technique after establishing the absence of unit root and existence of long-run relationship amongst the variables of the model.

Findings

The findings confirm a non-linear relationship between external debt and economic with a positive net effect of $5.05 increase in economic performance for a US$ rise in external debt. While the index of governance depicts a negative association with economic growth, the indicators show mixed results. The interaction effect of external debt and governance on economic performance explain that improved governance quality reduces its negative effect on economic performance by US$1.288 (with a total effect of –4.180 + 1.288*EXDBT); it equally enhances the (net) positive impact of external debt by US$1.288 (with a total effect 5.05 + 1.288*IQ).

Practical implications

The governments of the selected countries are, therefore, advised to seek other means of financing their expenditure while curbing financial mismanagement and its long-term impacts on growth. Also, governance infrastructures should be improved to restore both domestic and foreign investors’ confidence so that more private capitals may be attracted in lieu of excessive borrowings.

Originality/value

The research is the first to comprehensively examine the nexus between external debt, governance and economic growth in the selected countries, given their external debt position in SSA. This includes examining the impacts of each of the governance indicators and the comprehensive index of governance on growth. Furthermore, the study adds to the literature by examining the interaction effects of external debt and governance on economic growth of these countries. This gives both the partial and total estimates of the effects of external debt and governance on economic growth in the countries under consideration.
Ethnicisation of corruption in Nigeria
Authors: Arowolo Dare Ezekiel
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the ethnicisation of corruption in Nigeria. This paper examines the role of ethnicity in promoting corruption, the impact of ethnicity on corruption and the challenge it poses for its combat.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses descriptive analysis and evidence-based research.

Findings

The paper found evidence that corruption was deeply rooted in various ethnic groups that people Nigeria, and this is the major factor militating against measures to combat it. The findings are relevant for understanding the dynamics of corruption and strategies to combat it.

Originality/value

The paper’s uniqueness is its departure from the overly researched problems, consequences and causes of corruption to a new area of linking ethnicity to the virulent nature of corruption in Nigeria. It shows a number of evidences of ethnic dimension to corruption escalation in the country.
Mobile technology to give a resource-based knowledge management advantage to community health nurses in an emerging economies context
Authors: Fletcher-Brown Judith , Carter Diane , Pereira Vijay , Chandwani Rajesh
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Knowledge is a key success factor in achieving competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to examine how mobile health technology facilitates knowledge management (KM) practices to enhance a public health service in an emerging economies context. Specifically, the acceptance of a knowledge-resource application by community health workers (CHWs) to deliver breast cancer health care in India, where resources are depleted, is explored.

Design/methodology/approach

Fieldwork activity conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with frontline CHWs, which were analysed using an interpretive inductive approach.

Findings

The application generates knowledge as a resource that signals quality health care and yields a positive reputation for the public health service. The CHW’s acceptance of technology enables knowledge generation and knowledge capture. The design facilitates knowledge codification and knowledge transfer of breast cancer information to standardise quality patient care.

Practical implications

KM insights are provided for the implementation of mobile health technology for frontline health-care professionals in an emerging economies context. The knowledge-resource application can deliver breast cancer care, in localised areas with the potential for wider contexts. The outcomes are valuable for policymakers, health service managers and KM practitioners in an emerging economies context.

Social implications

The legacy of the mobile heath technology is the normalisation of breast cancer discourse and the technical up-skilling of CHWs.

Originality/value

First, this paper contributes three propositions to KM scholarship, in a public health care, emerging economies context. Second, via an interdisciplinary theoretical lens (signalling theory and technology acceptance model), this paper offers a novel conceptualisation to illustrate how a knowledge-resource application can shape an organisation’s KM to form a resource-based competitive advantage.
Perception versus reality: Iranian banks and international anti-money laundering expectations
Authors: Molla Imeny Vahid , Norton Simon D. , Salehi Mahdi , Moradi Mahdi
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Iran has been ranked by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as one of the foremost countries in the world for money laundering. However, Iranian banks claim that they comply with international standards for reporting suspicious activity, risk management and training. This paper aims to investigate this dichotomy between perception and reality.

Design/methodology/approach

A Wolfsberg-style questionnaire was sent to partners in Iranian accounting firms, which have audited domestic banks over the past five years to investigate the adequacy of risk management systems.

Findings

Most Iranian banks have anti-money laundering (AML) systems, which compare favourably with those of international counterparties. Banks take a risk-based approach to potential criminal behaviour. The negative perception of Iranian banks is principally attributable to the government’s unwillingness to accede to “touchstone” international conventions. In spite of having in place AML laws, which are comparable in intent with those of the UK and the United States of America (USA), weak enforcement remains a significant impediment of which the political establishment is aware.

Practical implications

Measures required to bring Iranian banks into compliance with international standards may be less extensive than perceptions suggest. However, failure of the government to accede to conventions stipulated by the FATF means that banks may remain ostracised by foreign counterparties for the foreseeable future.

Originality/value

This study provides a unique insight into the extent of AML compliance in Iranian banks as verified by external auditors.
Aging and the preference for the human touch
Authors: Wu Ruomeng , Liu Meng , Kardes Frank
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effect of chronological age on the likelihood to choose a service provider with technological machines versus humans in the context of services.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental studies were used to collect data. In both experiments, scripts were devised to depict a food ordering situation. The studies, each of which represents two between-subject conditions, were presented to a total of 312 participants.

Findings

The results of studies show that as age increases, consumers show a higher visit likelihood with human servers as compared to self-ordering machines. This effect emerges because as age increases, people find it more comfortable and convenient to order from human servers. Nevertheless, when a self-ordering machine is the only option, older and younger people find it equally comfortable and convenient.

Research limitations/implications

This research indicates that as age increases, consumers tend to choose human servers. However, age does not impact willingness to use technology when human service is not available. A limitation of our research is that we look at food ordering contexts only. Another limitation is that most participants were between 18 and 60 years of age.

Practical implications

With a better understanding of the effect of age on preference for service types and the reason behind it, this research helps implement and manage service technologies that may elicit favorable judgments and decisions from consumers.

Originality/value

It demonstrates how, when and why age affects the intention to visit service providers that adopt self-service technologies. This research suggests that as age increases, consumers like human service better, but they do not resist self-service technology.
Corporate social responsibility, market reaction and accounting conservatism
Authors: Shen Xixi , Ho Kung-Cheng , Yang Lu , Wang Leonard Fong-Sheng
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Non-financial information disclosure may reflect the quality of corporate financial reports or disclosure policy choices. The authors examine the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and accounting conservatism and also investigate channels through which such effects are transmitted. The purpose of this paper is to explore how CSR, as non-financial information that has received widespread attention, affects choices regarding corporate financial policy.

Design/methodology/approach

Using ordinary least squares regression, the authors analyze China CSR Score data for 2010–2018. They control certain influencing variables related to the nature and characteristics of enterprises and discover that CSR can effectively increase accounting conservatism. Then, they extract the components of market reactions to CSR and study the market reaction path of CSR as it affects financial policy. They also conduct a robustness test to ensure that the results are not accidental in a complex environment.

Findings

The results reveal the influence of non-financial information on firms’ financial policy. In addition, the results confirm the attraction of liquidity and investor attention as the major market reaction channels by which CSR significantly promotes accounting conservatism. Additionally, other critical paths of influence deserve further exploration. The results remain robust for alternate measures of accounting conservatism, different components of CSR, other proxies on CSR, endogenous testing and alternate estimation methods.

Originality/value

The study represents the first analysis of the influence of CSR information disclosure on accounting conservatism in emerging markets, and it undertakes a preliminary exploration to clarify the mechanism of CSRs’ role in accounting conservatism. The results also provide a policy reference for external supervision and internal governance of enterprises. Thus, the results can help company managers maintain a favorable corporate image and establish a high-level investor protection mechanism.
Blockchain challenges in adoption
Authors: Gaur Nitin
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Blockchain technology can be used to record virtually anything of value – your identity, a will, a deed or almost any type of secure transfer of information. But in many respects, blockchain is lacking some critical capabilities to make it ready for widescale adoption by business. This paper on IBM blockchain attempts to uncover the promise of blockchain for enterprise, which goes beyond its role as an industry disruptor. It also has tremendous potential to improve existing business processes, as well as to improve efficiencies in existing transaction systems, leading to exponential cost saving for the enterprise and the end consumer. Disintermediation and disruption is the investment magnet for blockchain-related ideas, riding on the success of the business and underpinned by peer-to-peer and crowdsourcing models. Blockchain technology promises a similar explosion in trade, ownership and trust, as the tenets of both technologies rely on principles of distributed governance and rules established for a time-tested protocol.

Design/methodology/approach

The idea behind defining the path to blockchain enterprise adoption is to ensure that we have a microscopic focus on a singular use case and that we distill the existing business into a blockchain paradigm. This implies both business and technology models. We take a singular use case that has an industry and enterprise impact and apply business and technology acumen to the problem domain.

Findings

The result is a well-thought-out business architecture and technology blueprint, along with requirements for compliance, audit and enterprise integration. The point of this exercise is to expend time and energy with the right business domain expertise and blockchain technology expertise to derive an adoption model that enlists and surfaces hurdles, challenges and factors in the costs and economic viability of the blockchain solution.

Originality/value

The resulting artifacts/collateral of the blockchain client led engagement are envisioned to be instrumental in socialization and in providing a blueprint for a business seeking executive sponsorship and the necessary funding for first project.
The moderating effect of movie production efficiency on the relationship between eWOM and review helpfulness
Authors: Lee Sangjae , Choeh Joon Yeon
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to intend to study the effect of movie production efficiency on eWOM and the moderating effect of efficiency on the relationship between eWOM and review helpfulness for movies.

Design/methodology/approach

Production efficiency is suggested by comparing the power of movie resources (e.g. the power of actors, directors, distributors, production companies) against box-office revenue through a data envelopment analysis (DEA).

Findings

The study results present that the number of reviews, the number of reviews by reviewers and review extremity are greater in an efficient subsample than in an inefficient subsample. For efficient movies, the review depth and the strength of the sentiments in the reviews are more positively related to review helpfulness. The prediction results for review helpfulness using the k-nearest neighbor method and automatic neural networks show that the efficient subsample provides a significantly lower prediction error rate than the inefficient subsample. The study results can support the effective facilitation of helpful online movie reviews.

Originality/value

As the numbers of online reviews are increasingly used to provide purchase decision support, it becomes crucial to understand which attributes represent average helpful reviews for movies. While previous studies have examined eWOM (online word-of-mouth) variables as predictors of helpfulness on movie websites, the role of the production efficiency of movies has not been examined considering the relationship between eWOM and review helpfulness for movies.
Design and validation of an instrument of measurement for corporate social responsibility practices in small and medium enterprises
Authors: Lechuga Sancho María Paula , Larrán Jorge Manuel , Herrera Madueño Jesus
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide an initial, valid and reliable measure of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in small companies from the theoretical perspective of the stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

To design the multi-item scale or measure a factorial analysis was used. This helped the authors develop the CSR assessment tool, measurement instrument and formalize the model connecting observable phenomena to theoretical attributes.

Findings

The results of the analysis provided a four-dimensional structure of CSR, including, employees, customers, the environment and society. Specifically, the authors concluded with an original scale of 24 validated indicators that measures CSR in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The observed results confirmed the validity of the measure proposed to evaluate the commitment of SMEs to CSR through the level of practices developed with their stakeholders.

Originality/value

The scale developed to assess the level of CSR practices in SMEs stands not only as a valid and reliable measure for future research studies but also as a perfect guide for SMEs managers that want to develop CSR practices in their firms.
Interorganizational learning: a strategic framework for service networks
Authors: Peronard Jean-Paul
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the link between the organizing of service networks and interorganizational learning strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

By deepening the conceptual understanding of service networks and their central properties, an overview of the learning challenges for improved performance is provided. The implications of learning are then discussed using four conceptual types to advance our understanding of learning in various service networks. Two different frameworks are combined, one designed to analyze the properties of service delivery and the other to understand their interorganizational learning implications for different types of service networks.

Findings

This paper examines the central properties of service network delivery and explains their implications for interorganizational learning strategy operationalized in a service network typology.

Practical implications

The proposed framework deepens the understanding of the concept of service networks and brings attention to properties that have implication for interorganizational learning. Knowing the central properties in detail and their major organizing challenges allows for learning strategies to improve service network performance.

Originality/value

The value lies in the deepening the understanding of interorganizational learning in service networks, which is much needed in the growing body of literature on both concepts.
Sustainable development and the circular economy in Greece: case examples from Costa Navarino and Grecotel
Authors: Khodaiji Justin Darayus , Christopoulou Dimitra
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and analyse sustainable development in the Greek hospitality industry. Drawing on an evaluation of two leading hotel groups in Greece, TEMES S.A. and Grecotel Hotels and Resorts and their respective landmark hotels Costa Navarino and Grecotel (Lux Me) Rhodos, the authors focussed on the role that the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have played in the industry and in a country heavily reliant on its tourism industry. Additionally, this paper examines and assesses the concepts of the triple bottom line and the circular economy and suggests practical approaches by which hotels may achieve sustainability. The recommendation relies on the belief that the two concepts are interconnected in tackling and achieving a successful vision of the future of sustainability through until 2030.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study focus with regard to the two hotel groups relied heavily on their respective 2018 sustainability reports. Additionally, further secondary research was conducted via several journal databases from 2013 to 2020. Third-party sites were also leveraged including the UN and Forbes.

Findings

It is evident that hotel companies often highlight their sustainability programmes online so that they are accessible to consumers and other stakeholders – including investors. This enables companies to create and close business loops in innovative ways. Their actions on sustainable development help the local economy and in turn help the country. This paper showcases examples of two leading Greek hotel groups, TEMES and Grecotel already working towards a more sustainable operating future.

Originality/value

In spite of research that was limited to secondary sources, the topic of sustainability in Greece is of great value as it is yet to be fully explored. This paper does yield some practical insights that will be of interest to the industry as to how to use the UN’s SDGs as pathway drivers for a successful circular economy.
Detection of Pb, Ba, and Sb in Cadaveric Maggots and Pupae by ICP‐MS*
Authors: Costa Rayana A. , dos Santos Nayara A. , Corrêa Thayná S. M. , Wyatt Nathália L. P. , Chamoun Carlos A. , Carneiro Maria T. W. D. , Romão Wanderson
Published: August 2020

The concentrations of lead (Pb), barium (Ba), and antimony (Sb), characteristic of GSR, were determined in soil sediments and immature (larvae) of cadaveric flies of the family Calliphoridae, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). This research refers to a case study from two real crime scenes in which the corpses were in an advanced state of decomposition. In case 1, the victim had holes similar to gunshot wounds, and in case 2, there was no evidence of perforations in the corpse. Soil sediment collection was performed at three different points of the terrain, at a minimum distance of 10 m from the corpse, for cases 1 and 2. In relation to the collection of immatures, larvae were collected in regions of the mouth, nose, and orifices similar to the entry of firearms projectile into the body, for case 1, and collection of larvae and pupae, located on the body and underneath it, for case 2. It was possible to detect and quantify the three elements of interest (Pb, Ba, and Sb) by ICP‐MS in both sediment and cadaveric larvae. Concentrations of 4.44, 8.74, and 0.08 μg/g were obtained for Pb, Ba, and Sb, respectively, in the soil for case 1. For the case 2, the concentrations in Pb, Ba, and Sb were from 16.34 to 26.02 μg/g; from 32.64 to 57.97 μg/g and from 0.042 to 0.30 μg/g, respectively. In the larvae, Pb, Ba, and Sb were quantified in cases 1 and 2 with a concentration of 6.28 and 1.78 μg/g for Pb, 1.49 and 2.94 μg/g for Ba, 0.50 μg/g and <LD for Sb, respectively. These new results present the detection of characteristic elements of GSR in cadaveric larvae in humans in a real crime scene, besides highlighting the importance of the study of immature flies, using the ICP‐MS technique in forensic analysis.
Cellular and humoral immune interactions betweenDrosophilaand its parasitoids
Authors: Yang Lei , Qiu Li‐Ming , Fang Qi , Stanley David W. , Ye Gong‐Yin
Published: August 2020

The immune interactions occurring between parasitoids and their host insects, especially inDrosophila–wasp models, have long been the research focus of insect immunology and parasitology. Parasitoid infestation inDrosophilais counteracted by its multiple natural immune defense systems, which include cellular and humoral immunity. Occurring in the hemocoel, cellular immune responses involve the proliferation, differentiation, migration and spreading of host hemocytes and parasitoid encapsulation by them. Contrastingly, humoral immune responses rely more heavily on melanization and on the Toll, Imd and Jak/Stat immune pathways associated with antimicrobial peptides along with stress factors. On the wasps’ side, successful development is achieved by introducing various virulence factors to counteract immune responses ofDrosophila. Some or all of these factors manipulate the host's immunity for successful parasitism. Here we review current knowledge of the cellular and humoral immune interactions betweenDrosophilaand its parasitoids, focusing on the defense mechanisms used byDrosophilaand the strategies evolved by parasitic wasps to outwit it.
Secondary metabolites from plant‐associated Pseudomonas are overproduced in biofilm
Authors: Rieusset Laura , Rey Marjolaine , Muller Daniel , Vacheron Jordan , Gerin Florence , Dubost Audrey , Comte Gilles , Prigent‐Combaret Claire
Published: August 2020

Plant rhizosphere soil houses complex microbial communities in which microorganisms are often involved in intraspecies as well as interspecies and inter‐kingdom signalling networks. Some members of these networks can improve plant health thanks to an important diversity of bioactive secondary metabolites. In this competitive environment, the ability to form biofilms may provide major advantages to microorganisms. With the aim of highlighting the impact of bacterial lifestyle on secondary metabolites production, we performed a metabolomic analysis on four fluorescent Pseudomonas strains cultivated in planktonic and biofilm colony conditions. The untargeted metabolomic analysis led to the detection of hundreds of secondary metabolites in culture extracts. Comparison between biofilm and planktonic conditions showed that bacterial lifestyle is a key factor influencing Pseudomonas metabolome. More than 50% of the detected metabolites were differentially produced according to planktonic or biofilm lifestyles, with the four Pseudomonas strains overproducing several secondary metabolites in biofilm conditions. In parallel, metabolomic analysis associated with genomic prediction and a molecular networking approach enabled us to evaluate the impact of bacterial lifestyle on chemically identified secondary metabolites, more precisely involved in microbial interactions and plant‐growth promotion. Notably, this work highlights the major effect of biofilm lifestyle on acyl‐homoserine lactone and phenazine production in P. chlororaphis strains.
Formation Age of the Sujiagou Komatiites in Western Shandong: Further Constraints from SHRIMP U‐Pb Zircon Dating on Granitic Dykes
Authors: WAN Yushneg , DONG Chunyan , XIE Hangqian , WANG Shijin
Published: August 2020

Komatiites are presented as direct evidence for higher mantle temperatures during the Archean. In the North China Craton, komatiites with spinifex structure have been identified only at one locality, i.e. the Sujiagou area, western Shandong. They were considered as formed during the early Neoarchean mainly based on their association with supracrustal rocks considered to be that age. This study carried out SHRIMP U‐Pb zircon dating on metamorphosed trondhjemitic and monzogranitic dykes intruding the Sujiagou komatiites, and they have magmatic zircon ages of 2592 ± 12 Ma and 2586 ± 13 Ma respectively. This provides direct evidence that the komatiites formed during the early Neoarchean.
Subduction and Collision of the Jinsha River Paleo‐Tethys: Constraints from Zircon U‐Pb Dating and Geochemistry of the Ludian Batholith in the Jiangda–Deqen–Weixi Continental Margin Arc
Authors: HE Juan , WANG Baodi , WANG Qiyu
Published: August 2020

The Jiangda–Deqen–Weixi continental margin arc (DWCA) developed along the base of the Changdu–Simao Block and was formed as a result of the subduction of the Jinsha River Ocean Slab and the subsequent collision. The Ludian batholith is located in the southern part of the DWCA and is the largest batholith in northwest Yunnan. Granite samples from the Ludian batholith yield an early Middle Permian age of 271.0 ± 2.8 Ma. The geochemical data of the early Middle Permian granitoids show high Si2O, low P2O5 and MgO contents that belong to calc‐alkaline series and peraluminous I‐type rocks. Their ∊Hf(t) values range from –5.01 to +0.58, indicating that they were formed by hybrid magmas related to the subduction of the Jinsha River Tethys Ocean. The monzonite and monzogranite samples yield Late Permian ages of 250.6 ± 1.8 Ma and 252.1 ± 1.3 Ma, respectively. The Late Permian granitoids are high‐K calc alkaline and shoshonite series metaluminous I‐type rocks. Their ∊Hf(t) values range from –4.12 to –1.68 and from –7.88 to –6.64, respectively. The mixing of crustal and mantle melts formed the parental magma of the Late Permian granitoids. This study, combined with previous work, demonstrates the process from subduction to collision of the Jinsha River Paleo‐Tethys Ocean.
Holocene Vegetation and Climate Changes in the Huangqihai Lake Region, Inner Mongolia
Authors: TIAN Fei , WANG Yong , ZHAO Zhili , LI Yang , DONG Jin , LIU Jin , LING Yuan , YUAN Lupeng , YE Mengni
Published: August 2020

A consensus on Holocene climate variability at the modern northern fringe of the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) region remains elusive. Here, we present a pollen‐based reconstruction of vegetation history and associated climate variations of a sediment core from Huangqihai Lake, central Inner Mongolia. During 10.7 to 8.8 cal kaBP, typical steppe with small patches of forest dominated the lake area, suggesting a moderately wet climate, followed by ameliorating climatic conditions until 8.0 cal kaBP as deduced by the expansion of forest. Typical steppe recovered the lake area between 8.0 and 7.2 cal kaBP, reflecting a deterioration of climatic conditions; in combination with other proxy records in the study region, we noticed that severe aridity was prevailed in the lake area between 8.0 and 7.6 cal kaBP. During 7.2 to 3.2 cal kaBP, abundant tree pollen indicated dominance of forest‐steppe around the lake, marking regionally wet conditions. A notable absence of broadleaved trees after 5.2 cal kaBP reveals a slight drying trend, and climate deterioration from 4.5 to 4.1 cal kaBP might be linked to the 4.2 ka event. After 3.2 cal kaBP, a transition to steppe was associated with dry conditions in the region. Based on our pollen record and prior paleoclimatic reconstructions in the Huangqihai Lake region, there was a generally‐accepted, stepwise shift to a wet climate during the early Holocene, an overall humid climate from 7.2 to 3.2 cal kaBP, and then severe drought for the rest of the Holocene. Moreover, regional comparisons among pollen records derived from lakes situated in the temperate steppe region suggested a roughly synchronous pattern of vegetation and climate changes during the Holocene and demonstrated an intensified EASM during the middle Holocene.
Transgressive Events since the Late Pleistocene in the Yellow River Delta: Grain‐size Distribution and Palynological Results
Authors: LU Jingfang , LIU Jian , HUANG Wei , HU Gang , ZHANG Daolai , BIRKS John
Published: August 2020

This study deals with the relationship between sea‐level changes and paleoclimatic fluctuations based on the analysis of stratigraphy, grain sizes, palynology, and radiometric dating of the Yellow River delta since the Late Pleistocene. Evidence from the sedimentary record, grain sizes, and pollen provides a paleoenvironmental history of the Late Pleistocene from the boreholes of the delta. Based on a combination of grain‐size analysis with lithological studies, marine deposit units contain the intervals of 13.85–16.9, 18.5–19.69, 27.9–34.8, 36.4–37.2, 48.4–51.6, and 54.1–55.9 m, and transitional facies units contain the intervals of 10.25–13.85, 16.9–18.5, 19.69–27.9, 34.8–36.4, 37.2–48.4, 51.6–54.1, and 55.9–60 m, compared with fluvial (terrestrial facies) deposit units (3.36–10.25 m). Based on pollen analysis and pollen assemblages, there were three warm‐wet periods from 9.1–0.16 ka BP, 16.1–60 ka BP, and 90.1–94.6 ka BP From the top to the bottom of the borehole, the paleoclimate has an evident fluctuation: warm and moist (Holocene Optimum) —cool and dry (Younger Dryas Event)—mild semi cool—cool and dry—warm and moist. There were three warm‐wet periods from 9.1–0.16 ka BP, 16.1–60 ka BP, and 90.1–94.6 ka BP, corresponding to the Holocene Optimum stage, MIS 3, and MIS 5, respectively. The warm period allowed monsoonal evergreen and broadleaved deciduous forests that corresponded to Holocene hypsithermal climatic conditions and the Late Pleistocene climatic Optimum. Three warm‐wet periods occurred in marine deposit units from 9.1–0.16 ka BP, 60.1–16.1 ka BP, and 94.6–90.1 ka BP. These periods correspond to the Cangzhou transgression, Xianxian transgression, and Huanghua transgression, respectively. From 90.1–60.1 ka BP, 17.5–9.1 ka BP, and 0. 16 ka BP–1855 AD, three dry and cold phases are recognized. The phases indicate the fluvial (flood plain) sedimentary environment, corresponding to cooler and mild dry periods based on palynological results and grain‐size distribution.
Zircon U–Pb Geochronology and Petrogenesis of Early–Midlle Permian Arc–Related Volcanic Rocks in Central Jilin: Implications for the Tectonic Evolution of the Eastern Segment of Central Asian Orogenic Belt
Authors: SHI Chenglong , DING Xiaozhong , LIU Yanxue , ZHOU Xiaodong , NIE Lijun
Published: August 2020

This paper presents age and geochemical data of a recently identified Late Paleozoic volcanic sequence in central Jilin Province, with aims to discuss the petrogenesis and to constrain the tectonic evolution of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt in this area. Firstly, the volcanic rocks have zircon U‐Pb ages of 290–270 Ma. Secondly, they are characterized by (a) ranging in composition from the low‐K tholeiite series to high‐K calc‐alkaline series; (b) enrichment in light rare earth elements and depletion of heavy rare earth elements, with negative Eu anomalies; and (c) negative Nb, Ta, and Ti anomalies. Finally, the volcanic rocks yield ∊Hf(t) values of +7.1 to +17. These data suggest that the central Jilin volcanic rocks were possibly derived from predominant partial melting of a depleted lithospheric mantle that might have been modified by subducted slab–derived fluids. Combined with previous studies, the Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic magmatism in Central Jilin can be divided into two stages: (a) a volcanic arc stage (290–270 Ma) represented by low‐K to high–K, tholeiite to calc–alkaline plutons and (b) a syn–collisional stage (260–240 Ma) represented by high‐K calc–alkaline I‐type granites. Furthermore, the timing and the tectonic setting of the above magmatic rocks show that the arc was probably produced by the northward subduction of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean and that the final closure of the Paleo‐Asian Ocean occurred prior to the Early Triassic.
Evaluation of relationship between DNA methyltransferase 3 β gene and the risk of hip osteoarthritis: A case–control study based on a Han Chinese population
Authors: Wang Baohui , Sun Yindi , Liu Hongliang , Cao Yi , Lei Tao
Published: August 2020

Aim

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease. Early studies have indicated that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the risk of OA. However, the etiology of OA remains unknown. Our study aimed to evaluate the association of DNMT3B gene with the risk of hip OA in Han Chinese individuals.

Methods

A total of 2070 subjects were recruited into the study, including 658 patients with hip OA and 1412 healthy controls. Twelve tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected and genotyped in our samples. Genetic associations between DNMT3B gene and the risk of hip OA were examined at both the single marker and haplotype levels. Cis‐expression quantitative trait loci signals that achieve genome‐wide significance of targeted SNPs from multiple types of human tissues were extracted from the GTEx database.

Results

Significant signals were identified for SNP rs2424905 in 4 genetic models. The T allele was significantly associated with an increased risk of hip OA (odds ratio = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.28‐1.83). The T allele was also significantly associated with higher Kellgren–Lawrence grade in the patients with hip OA (χ2 = 32.70, P = 1.37 × 10−6). Moreover, SNP rs2424905 was significantly associated with the gene expression level of multiple genes, including DNMT3B, C20orf203, COMMD7, EFCAB8, MAPRE1, and RP5‐1085F17.3, from several types of human tissues.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that rs2424905 of DNMT3B gene contributed to the risk of hip OA and its clinical severity in a Han Chinese population. These findings suggested that rs2424905 of DNMT3B could be a promising genetic marker to assess susceptibility to hip OA in Han Chinese populations.
GABA concentrations in the anterior cingulate and dorsolateral prefrontal cortices: Associations with chronic cigarette smoking, neurocognition, and decision making
Authors: Durazzo Timothy C. , Meyerhoff Dieter J.
Published: August 2020

Chronic cigarette smoking is associated with regional metabolite abnormalities in choline‐containing compounds, creatine‐containing compounds, glutamate, and N‐acetylaspartate. The effects of cigarette smoking on anterior frontal cortical gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration are unknown. This study compared chronic smokers (n = 33) and nonsmokers (n = 31) on anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) GABA+ (the sum of GABA and coedited macromolecules) concentrations and associations of GABA+ levels in these regions with seven neurocognitive domains of functioning, decision making, and impulsivity measures. Smokers had significantly lower right DLPFC GABA+ concentration than nonsmokers, but groups were equivalent on ACC GABA+ level. Across groups, greater number of days since end of menstrual cycle was related to higher GABA+ level in the ACC but not right DLPFC GABA+ concentration. In exploratory correlation analyses, higher ACC and right DLPFC GABA+ levels were associated with faster processing speed and better auditory‐verbal memory, respectively, in the combined group of smokers and nonsmokers; in smokers only, higher ACC GABA+ was related to better decision making and auditory‐verbal learning. This study contributes additional novel data on the adverse effects of chronic cigarette smoking on the adult human brain and demonstrated ACC and DLPFC GABA+ concentrations were associated with neurocognition and decision making/impulsivity in active cigarette smokers. Longitudinal studies on the effects of smoking cessation on regional brain GABA levels, with a greater number of female participants, are required to determine if the observed metabolite abnormalities are persistent or normalize with smoking cessation.
Camera traps reveal the predation of artificial nests by free‐ranging Azara’s agoutis, Dasyprocta azarae Lichtenstein, 1823, in central Brazil
Authors: Guimaraes‐Silva Marco Antônio , de Morais Alessandro Ribeiro , de Carvalho Fábio Martins Vilar , Moreira Jânio Cordeiro
Published: August 2020

Agoutis, Dasyprocta spp., are medium‐sized rodents distributed in Neotropical region. Their diet is usually described as granivorous/frugivorous, and agoutis are recognised as important seed dispersers. Here, we present two spatially and temporally independent records of egg predation by Azara’s agouti, Dasyprocta azarae, in fragments of Cerrado savanna forest. In both cases, the agoutis ingested quail eggs that had been placed in artificial nests at ground level, 100 m from the edge of the forest. As Dasyprocta is a herbivorous rodent, this predatory behaviour is unexpected and may represent an opportunistic foraging strategy. These observations provide important new insights into the feeding biology of agoutis and highlight the value of camera traps as a tool for the collection of data on the behavioural ecology and natural history of vertebrates in general.
The Increasing Prevalence of Fentanyl: A Urinalysis‐Based Study Among Individuals With Opioid Use Disorder in New York City
Authors: Martinez Suky , Jones Jermaine D. , Brandt Laura , Campbell Aimee N. C. , Abbott Rebecca , Comer Sandra D.
Published: August 2020

Background and Objectives

Opioid‐related overdose deaths in North America have increased drastically, partially due to the increased prevalence of illicitly manufactured fentanyl. The current study sought to assess the prevalence and intentionality of fentanyl use among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Methods

For this secondary analysis (study 1) we screened a total of 1118 urine samples from 316 participants with OUD from 2016 to 2019. Fentanyl knowledge and intentionality of use were assessed in a separate OUD sample (study 2; N = 33).

Results

In study 1, 34.6% of all urine samples tested positive for fentanyl. Overall, 149 (47.2%) participants provided more than or equal to one urine sample that tested fentanyl‐positive, and 93 (29.4%) provided more than or equal to two fentanyl‐positive samples. The number of fentanyl‐positive samples, relative to the number of samples tested each year, increased by 330% from year 1 to 3. Study 2 found all participants had pre‐existing knowledge that drugs may be adulterated with fentanyl, yet 67% were surprised by their own fentanyl‐positive test result.

Discussion and Conclusions

Like previous studies, our data indicate the high prevalence of fentanyl exposure and low perception of fentanyl‐related risk among individuals with OUD, respectively, suggesting that opioid overdose harm reduction efforts may need to focus more on drug users’ understanding of risks related to fentanyl use and adulteration of drugs.

Scientific Significance

The current studies provide longitudinal data on fentanyl exposure prevalence and risk perception that is uniquely granular by assessing OUD treatment status, and by identifying potential associations between fentanyl exposure with the presence of other drug use and nonfatal overdose. (Am J Addict 2021;30:65–71)
Market Structure and the Local Effects of Ethanol Expansion on Land Allocation: A Spatially Explicit Analysis
Authors: Wang Yanbing , Delgado Michael S. , Sesmero Juan , Gramig Benjamin M.
Published: August 2020

We investigate how the structures of local corn procurement markets shape the effect of expansion in ethanol production on corn planting decisions in surrounding areas. We first characterize competition intensity as a function of the spatial structure of plant capacities and then econometrically estimate the response in corn acreage to competition intensity at the grid‐cell level. We use the estimated parameters to conduct factual and counterfactual experiments quantifying the effect of different sources of capacity expansion on competition intensity and, ultimately, spatial patterns of land cover. We find that an expansion of ethanol capacity of a given magnitude can have disparate effects on total land conversion to corn depending on its source, that is, whether it is due to plant entry, expansion of an incumbent plant, or the location where the expansion occurs. Expansions that increase competition intensity the most also trigger the most land conversion. This is because, as spatial competition for corn intensifies, plants are forced to procure more from the intensive margin, where additional corn can only be obtained from land conversion. We also find that competitive spillovers trigger land conversion in grid cells that are not within the procurement area of a new plant or of a plant that expands capacity. Our results underscore the importance of considering market structure when quantifying local land use changes associated with ethanol capacity expansion.
Optimizing Pension Outcomes Using Target‐Driven Investment Strategies: Evidence from Three Asian Countries with the Highest Old‐Age Dependency Ratio*
Authors: Bai Zefeng , Wallbaum Kai
Published: August 2020

As a response to unforeseeable market turbulence—such as the 2008 financial crisis and the most recent market drawdown triggered by the COVID‐19 pandemic—we propose a new pension investment strategy that could better protect a long‐term pension plan in volatile market conditions. Over a hypothetical 20‐year pension scheme and various target volatility scenarios, we show that our newly proposed strategy, which attaches a target volatility mechanism to a lifecycle strategy, could provide more effective capital protection and risk control for pension investment vehicles. Our results are robust with a consideration of transaction costs.
Measurement of airway pressure during high‐flow nasal therapy in apnoeic oxygenation: a randomised controlled crossover trial*
Authors: Riva T. , Meyer J. , Theiler L. , Obrist D. , Bütikofer L. , Greif R. , Nabecker S.
Published: August 2020

It is recognised that high‐flow nasal therapy can prevent desaturation during airway management. Studies in spontaneously breathing patients show an almost linear relationship between flow rate and positive airway pressure in the nasopharynx. Positive airway pressure has been suggested as one of the possible mechanisms explaining how high‐flow nasal therapy works. However, data on pressures generated by high‐flow nasal therapy in apnoeic adults under general anaesthesia are absent. This randomised controlled crossover trial investigated airway pressures generated by different flow rates during high‐flow nasal therapy in anaesthetised and paralysed apnoeic patients, comparing pressures with closed and open mouths. Following induction of anaesthesia and neuromuscular blockade, a continuous jaw thrust was used to enable airway patency. Airway pressure was measured in the right main bronchus, the middle of the trachea and the pharynx, using a fibreoptically‐placed catheter connected to a pressure transducer. Each measurement was randomised with respect to closed or open mouth and different flow rates. Twenty patients undergoing elective surgery were included (mean (SD) age 38 (18) years, BMI 25.0 (3.3) kg.m‐2, nine women, ASA physical status 1 (35%), 2 (55%), 3 (10%). While closed mouths and increasing flow rates demonstrated non‐linear increases in pressure, the pressure increase was negligible with an open mouth. Airway pressures remained below 10 cmH2O even with closed mouths and flow rates up to 80 l.min−1; they were not influenced by catheter position. This study shows an increase in airway pressures with closed mouths that depends on flow rate. The generated pressure is negligible with an open mouth. These data question positive airway pressure as an important mechanism for maintenance of oxygenation during apnoea.
Making Real Estate Markets: The Co‐Production of Race and Property Value in Early 20thCentury Appraisal Science
Authors: Zaimi Rea
Published: August 2020

Analysing the standardisation of appraisal alongside the development of modern real estate markets in the early 20thcentury, this article demonstrates that the construction of a racialised proper(tied) economic subjectivity was pivotal for realtors’ ability to secure legitimacy and profit as a burgeoning profession. Appraisal embedded racial logics within real estate markets such that their routine functioning could generate the submarket differentiation necessary for the realisation of class‐monopoly rent. This study’s focus on appraisal before federal redlining addresses key lacunae in the historiography of segregation by foregrounding markets’ historical function as infrastructures that produce and spatialise the social difference crucial for profit in real estate. This article also seeks to inform engagements with contemporary processes of land speculation, commodification, and financialisation shaping US cities by advocating attention to the specific mechanisms that constitute race as a modality for the appropriation of surplus by real estate capital.
Editorial: impact of the introduction of direct‐acting anti‐viral drugs on hepatocarcinogenesis—a prospective serial follow‐up MRI study
Authors: Ito Takanori
Published: August 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to the Kumada et al and Kumada papers. To view
these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15825 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15939
Letter: genetic associations of non‐alcoholic fatty liver, malignancies and heart disease
Authors: Lankarani Kamran B.
Published: August 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to the Carlsson et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15738
Editorial: palliative long‐term abdominal drains in refractory ascites—a step in the right direction, but not the complete solution. Authors' reply
Authors: Macken Lucia , Bremner Stephen , Sheridan David , Verma Sumita ,   the REDUCe Study Team
Published: August 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to the Macken et al and Hudson papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15802 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15894