bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-transcriptomic discovery of a divergent circovirus and a chaphamaparvovirus in captive reptiles with proliferative respiratory syndrome
Authors: Chang Wei-Shan , Li Ci-Xiu , Hall Jane , Eden John-Sebastian , Hyndman Timothy H. , Holmes Edward C. , Rose Karrie
Published: August 2020

Viral pathogens are being increasingly described in association with mass morbidity and mortality events in reptiles. However, our knowledge of reptile viruses and their role in population health remains limited. Herein, we describe a meta-transcriptomic investigation of a mass morbidity and mortality event in a colony of central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) in 2014. Severe, extensive proliferation of the respiratory epithelium was consistently found in affected dragons. Similar proliferative lung lesions were identified in bearded dragons from the same colony in 2020 in association with increased intermittent mortality. Total RNA sequencing of bearded dragon tissue identified two divergent DNA viruses: a reptile-infecting circovirus, denoted bearded dragon circovirus (BDCV), and the first exogeneous reptilian chaphamaparvovirus - bearded dragon chaphamaparvovirus (BDchPV). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that BDCV was most closely related to bat-associated circoviruses, exhibiting 70% amino acid sequence identity. In contrast, the newly discovered BDchPV showed approximately 35-40% identity in the non-structural (NS) protein to parvoviruses obtained from tilapia fish and crocodiles in China. Subsequent specific PCR assays detected BDCV exclusively and comprehensively within animals with proliferative pulmonary lesions and respiratory disease. This study expands our understanding of viral diversity in the context of diseased reptiles in captivity.
N-terminus of the third PDZ Domain of PSD-95 Orchestrates Allosteric Communication for Selective Ligand Binding
Authors: Guclu Tandac F. , Kocatug Nazli , Atilgan Ali Rana , Atilgan Canan
Published: August 2020

PDZ domains constitute common models to study single domain allostery without significant structural changes. The third PDZ domain of PSD-95 (PDZ3) is known to have selective structural features that confer unique modulatory roles to this unit. In this model system two residues, H372 directly connected to the binding site and G330 holding an off-binding-site position, were designated to assess the effect of mutations on binding selectivity. It has been observed that the H372A and G330T/H372A mutations change ligand preferences from class I (T/S amino acid at position −2 of the ligand) to class II (hydrophobic amino acid at the same position). Alternatively, the G330T single mutation leads to the recognition of both ligand classes. We have performed a series of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for wild-type, H372A, G330T single mutants and a double mutant of PDZ3 in the absence and presence of both types of ligands. With the combination of free energy difference calculations and a detailed analysis of MD trajectories, ‘class switching’ and ‘class bridging’ behavior of PDZ3 mutants, as well as their effects on ligand selection and binding affinities are explained. We show that the dynamics of the charged N-terminus plays a fundamental role in determining the binding preferences in PDZ3 by altering the electrostatic energy. These findings are corroborated by simulations on N-termini truncated versions of these systems. The dynamical allostery orchestrated by the N-terminus offers a fresh perspective to the study of communication pathways in proteins.
On the accuracy and precision of X-ray and neutron diffraction results as a function of resolution and the electron density model
Authors: Sanjuan-Szklarz W. Fabiola , Woińska Magdalena , Domagała Sławomir , Dominiak Paulina M. , Grabowsky Simon , Jayatilaka Dylan , Gutmann Matthias , Woźniak Krzysztof
Published: August 2020

X-ray diffraction is the main source of three-dimensional structural information. In total, more than 1.5 million crystal structures have been refined and deposited in structural databanks (PDB, CSD and ICSD) to date. Almost 99.7% of them were obtained by approximating atoms as spheres within the independent atom model (IAM) introduced over a century ago. In this study, X-ray datasets for single crystals of hydrated α-oxalic acid were refined using several alternative electron density models that abandon the crude spherical approximation: the multipole model (MM), the transferable aspherical atom model (TAAM) and the Hirshfeld atom refinement (HAR) model as a function of the resolution of X-ray data. The aspherical models (MM, TAAM, HAR) give far more accurate and precise single-crystal X-ray results than IAM, sometimes identical to results obtained from neutron diffraction and at low resolution. Hence, aspherical approaches open new routes for improving existing structural information collected over the last century.
Charge density waves and degenerate modes in exfoliated monolayer 2H-TaS2
Authors: Zhang Duan , Wu Yecun , Su Yu-Hsin , Hsu Ming-Chien , Ó Coileáin Cormac , Cho Jiung , Choi Miri , Chun Byong Sun , Guo Yao , Chang Ching-Ray , Wu Han-Chun
Published: August 2020

Charge density waves spontaneously breaking lattice symmetry through periodic lattice distortion, and electron–electron and electron–phonon interactions, can lead to a new type of electronic band structure. Bulk 2H-TaS2 is an archetypal transition metal dichalcogenide supporting charge density waves with a phase transition at 75 K. Here, it is shown that charge density waves can exist in exfoliated monolayer 2H-TaS2 and the transition temperature can reach 140 K, which is much higher than that in the bulk. The degenerate breathing and wiggle modes of 2H-TaS2 originating from the periodic lattice distortion are probed by optical methods. The results open an avenue to investigating charge density wave phases in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides and will be helpful for understanding and designing devices based on charge density waves.
Artificial bee colony–based Kalman filter hybridization for three–dimensional position estimation of a quadrotor
Authors: Kaba Aziz , Kiyak Emre
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an artificial bee colony-based Kalman filter algorithm along with an extended objective function to ensure the optimality of the estimator of the quadrotor in the presence of unknown measurement noise statistics.

Design/methodology/approach

Six degree-of-freedom mathematical model of the quadrotor is derived. Position controller for the quadrotor is designed. Kalman filter-based estimation algorithm is implemented in the sensor feedback loop. Artificial bee colony-based hybrid algorithm is used as an optimization method to handle the unknown noise statistics. Existing objective function is extended with a penalty term. Mathematical proof of the extended objective function is derived. Results of the proposed algorithm is compared with de facto genetic algorithm-based Kalman filter.

Findings

Artificial bee colony algorithm-based Kalman filter and extended objective function duo are able to optimize the measurement noise covariance matrix with an absolute error as low as 0.001 [m2]. Proposed method and function is capable of reducing the noise from 2 to 0.09 [m] for x-axis, 3.4 to 0.14 [m] for y-axis and 3.7 to 0.2 [m] for z-axis, respectively.

Originality/value

The motivation behind this paper is to bring a novel optimization-based solution for the estimation problem of the quadrotor when the measurement noise statistics are unknown along with an extended objective function to prevent the infeasible solutions with mathematical convergence analysis.
Does entrepreneurial experience always promote novelty-centered business model design in new venture?
Authors: Wang Lingling , Zhao Wenhong , Wei Zelong , Zhou Changbao
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how intra-industry entrepreneurial experience and failure entrepreneurial experience affect novelty-centered business model design in a new venture. Moreover, the authors also consider whether the contingent value of entrepreneurial experience may differ according to competitive intensity.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey via questionnaire was conducted with 290 entrepreneurs and top managers from Chinese new ventures that provided the research data. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the proposed theoretical hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that intra-industry entrepreneurial experience has an inverted U-shaped effect on novelty-centered business model design, whereas failure entrepreneurial experience has a negative effect on novelty-centered business model design. Furthermore, the authors also find that competitive intensity weakens the inverted U-shaped effect of intra-industry entrepreneurial experience on novelty-centered business model design.

Originality/value

This study offers new insights into the effects of intra-industry entrepreneurial experience and failure entrepreneurial experience on novelty-centered business model design and provides useful suggestions for new ventures to promote business model design.
A constraint-based optimization technique for estimating physical parameters of Jiles – Atherton hysteresis model
Authors: Upadhaya Brijesh , Rasilo Paavo , Perkkiö Lauri , Handgruber Paul , Belahcen Anouar , Arkkio Antero
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Improperly fitted parameters for the Jiles–Atherton (JA) hysteresis model can lead to non-physical hysteresis loops when ferromagnetic materials are simulated. This can be remedied by including a proper physical constraint in the parameter-fitting optimization algorithm. This paper aims to implement the constraint in the meta-heuristic simulated annealing (SA) optimization and Nelder–Mead simplex (NMS) algorithms to find JA model parameters that yield a physical hysteresis loop. The quasi-static B(H)-characteristics of a non-oriented (NO) silicon steel sheet are simulated, using existing measurements from a single sheet tester. Hysteresis loops received from the JA model under modified logistic function and piecewise cubic spline fitted to the average M(H) curve are compared against the measured minor and major hysteresis loops.

Design/methodology/approach

A physical constraint takes into account the anhysteretic susceptibility at the origin. This helps in the optimization decision-making, whether to accept or reject randomly generated parameters at a given iteration step. A combination of global and local heuristic optimization methods is used to determine the parameters of the JA hysteresis model. First, the SA method is applied and after that the NMS method is used in the process.

Findings

The implementation of a physical constraint improves the robustness of the parameter fitting and leads to more physical hysteresis loops. Modeling the anhysteretic magnetization by a spline fitted to the average of a measured major hysteresis loop provides a significantly better fit with the data than using analytical functions for the purpose. The results show that a modified logistic function can be considered a suitable anhysteretic (analytical) function for the NO silicon steel used in this paper. At high magnitude excitations, the average M(H) curve yields the proper fitting with the measured hysteresis loop. However, the parameters valid for the major hysteresis loop do not produce proper fitting for minor hysteresis loops.

Originality/value

The physical constraint is added in the SA and NMS optimization algorithms. The optimization algorithms are taken from the GNU Scientific Library, which is available from the GNU project. The methods described in this paper can be applied to estimate the physical parameters of the JA hysteresis model, particularly for the unidirectional alternating B(H) characteristics of NO silicon steel.
People’s perceptions of sustainable housing in developing countries: the case of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlQahtany Ali
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the people’s perceptions of sustainable housing in Saudi Arabia using Riyadh as a case study. Riyadh was chosen as a case study for two reasons: it is the capital city of Saudi Arabia and the largest city in the country; and there are no major differences between the characteristics of people in Riyadh and other major Saudi cities.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire survey technique was used in this study to achieve the main purpose. The study used descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage) with the aid of the Statistical Package of Social Science Software (SPSS) to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings reveal that there is a lack of people’s awareness about the sustainable housing. However, it shows a positive response regarding people’s willingness to live in sustainable housing in the future as well as to adjust their current houses to be more environmentally friendly houses.

Research limitations/implications

The thoughts of stakeholders who are involved in the housing field, including policymakers and real estate developers, are very significant, however, due to the time limitation it has not been explored in this study. Therefore, future research is recommended to investigate the opinions of different stakeholders to have better insights for delivering sustainable housing.

Originality/value

The study contributes to exploring the people’s perceptions of sustainable housing in Saudi Arabia using Riyadh as a case study. Only a few studies have discussed this issue, so this study was conducted to bridge this research gap and build upon the literature.
Climate change advocacy: exploring links between student empowerment and civic engagement
Authors: Wodika Alicia B. , Middleton Wendi K.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study identified the attitudes and behaviors of college students regarding their advocacy for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Specifically, perceptions of climate change were assessed and advocacy activities were identified for climate change and/or other topics.

Design/methodology/approach

Using convenience sampling, students (n = 440) from three universities in the Midwest, the USA, completed surveys assessing their level of agreement with activities related to civic engagement, climate change and policy. Semantic differential scales focused on “learning about climate change,” “advocating for climate change mitigation” and “advocating for climate change adaptation.” Three open-ended questions were used to identify student experiences with civic engagement and/or service-learning, as well as topics in which they advocate and how they advocate.

Findings

Regarding advocacy in general, over 50% of the sample did not advocate for any topic, with 24.5% of students stating they advocated for the environment/climate change. Students who identified as female, democratic and 1st or 2nd year in school were more likely to be engaged with environmental advocacy. Regarding civic engagement, seniors were more actively engaged with their communities and also more likely to vote in local, state and national elections.

Research limitations/implications

Time of data collection was a potential limitation with schools conducting data collection at different time periods. Students who identified more progressive politically were also more likely to participate in the study.

Originality/value

While research exists regarding student civic engagement levels, this research project identified ways in which students engaged in advocacy, identifying potential links with civic engagement and enhanced participation in climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Influence of lean–green practices on organizational sustainable performance
Authors: Kovilage Manori Pathmalatha
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The key objectives of this study were to investigate the interactions among the lean, green management practices and organizational sustainable performance measures and explore the possibility of simultaneous implementation of these concepts for improving the organizational sustainable performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the interpretive structural modeling (ISM) technique, the interactions among the lean, green practices and organizational sustainable performance measures were established. A focus group which consisted of purposively selected 15 experts was utilized in the primary data collection.

Findings

In Sri Lankan context, water and material consumption reduction, energy efficiency, water pollution and greenhouse gas reduction were identified as the dominant green practices, while pull production, lot size reduction, continuous improvement, preventive maintenance, employee involvement and cycle time reduction were the dominant lean practices. Inventory level, profitability, quality, cost, employee satisfaction, customer satisfaction, lead time, resources consumption (material, water, energy) and waste generation were determined as the dominant sustainable performance measures. The resulting ISM-based structural model which consisted of eight levels concluded that firstly lean practices influence the green practices and afterward green practices affect the sustainable performance measures.

Research limitations/implications

The aim of this study was to develop a hypothetical structural model to explain the interactions among the lean, green management practices and organizational sustainable performance measures. But this hypothetical model was not empirically tested in the current study. So further study is required to empirically test the proposed model.

Practical implications

Currently organizations who practice for sustainable performance engages, lean and green practices separately without understanding on which practices are stared when and how. So, through the findings of this study, organization who desire to improve the sustainable performance are recommended to begin the journey with lean practices and subsequently move in to green and handle both lean and green initiatives through one functional unit.

Originality/value

The existing literature does not possess a model for explaining the lean–green synergy and organizational sustainable performance and this study successfully fills this gap. Also the study proposes for the practitioners, when and how the lean and green practices should be initiated and implemented for rising the sustainable performance of an organization.
Consumption of financial products amongst vulnerable pacific island people in New Zealand
Authors: Gaur Sanjaya Singh , Supramaniam Sivakumari , Yap Sheau Fen , Foliaki Mele
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the attitudes of young Pacific Island adults towards financial products such as debt and money and explore the cultural elements influencing the financial consumption amongst Pacific Island adults.

Design/methodology/approach

Hermeneutic phenomenology has been used to explore and gain insights into the experiences, thought processes, values and aspirations of young Pacific Island adults with regard to their consumption of financial products.

Findings

The findings identify culture as an influential factor in shaping the participants’ attitudes and financial consumption behaviour. Culture not only enabled the individuals to internalize their values, norms and beliefs but also shaped their way of thinking through the effect of communications.

Originality/value

Communication element within culture is identified as an influential factor in shaping the participants’ attitudes and financial consumption behaviour offering an important insight that social marketers should be aware of and be prepared to address when developing their financial educational programs or any other behavioural change interventions.
Goal pursuit practices in high schools: hitting the target?
Authors: Bendikson Linda , Broadwith Mark , Zhu Tong , Meyer Frauke
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This article investigates goal pursuit practices in a sample of 31 New Zealand high schools. It examines goal knowledge of middle and senior leaders, the alignment of this knowledge and factors related to improvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Goals from schools' annual improvement plans were identified and counted at the beginning of the academic year. Senior and middle leaders were asked to recall their school's academic goals from memory. Responses were scored against the goals in the schools' plans to produce an accuracy score for each leader and for each middle and senior leadership team (SLT). At the end of the academic year, leaders recounted their goals and rated and commented on their SLT’s goal focus. Data analysis examined goal knowledge, alignment of middle and senior leaders' goal knowledge and SLT's goal focus. Comments were analyzed thematically in regard to the number and clarity of the goals and how goals were communicated, enacted and monitored.

Findings

Our findings show a lack of goal clarity, persistence across the year and effective strategy hampered the majority of schools in their goal pursuit. Only a few schools had a strong and aligned goal focus. Factors influencing perceived improvement included: fewer and greater clarity of goals, engagement of middle leaders in setting goals, establishing sound supporting structures and regular monitoring of progress.

Originality/value

While annual improvement plans outlining multiple goals are often compulsory for schools, little is known about their impact on practice. This research clarifies the state of goal pursuit in a sample of high schools.
A circular economy for electric vehicle batteries: driving the change
Authors: Ahuja Jyoti , Dawson Louis , Lee Robert
Published: August 2020

Purpose

With the UK’s accelerating plans to transition to electric mobility, this paper aims to highlight the need for policies to prepare for appropriate management of electric vehicle (EV) lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) as they reach the end of their life.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a regulatory review based on projections of EV LIBs coming off the market and associated problems of waste management together with the development of a servitisation model.

Findings

Circular economy in EV LIBs is unlikely to shape itself because LIB recycling is challenging and still in development. LIB volumes are insufficient for recycling to be currently profitable, and a circular economy here will need to be driven by regulatory intervention. Ignoring the problem carries potentially high environmental and health costs. This paper offers potential solutions through new EV ownership models to facilitate a circular economy.

Research limitations/implications

The authors suggest a new EV ownership model. However, despite environmental benefits, re-shaping the fundamentals of market economies can have disruptive effects on current markets. Therefore, further exploration of this topic is needed. Also, the data presented is based on future projections of EV markets, battery lifespan, etc., which are uncertain at present. These are to be taken as estimates only.

Originality/value

The paper proposes regulatory interventions or incentives to fundamentally change consumer ideas of property ownership for EVs, so that EV automotive batteries remain the property of the manufacturer even when the consumer owns the car.
Potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health outcomes in societies with economic and political instability: case of Lebanon
Authors: Jaspal Rusi , Assi Moubadda , Maatouk Ismael
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease that has rapidly spread to most cities in the world since December 2019 causing a rise in global mortality and adverse effects on mental health. This paper aims to examine the potential implications of the pandemic for mental health in societies with economic and political instability, focusing on Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach

Previous empirical research into mental health and COVID-19 was examined in relation to the Lebanese context.

Findings

There is a risk of poor mental health in Lebanon owing to the deleterious effects of military conflict and political instability over several decades. More recently, the country is also experiencing the worst economic crisis in its history with unprecedented rates of unemployment, inflation, poverty, and devaluation of the national currency. It is suggested that the lockdown measures may be depriving the Lebanese people of effective coping strategies, such as group memberships (e.g., religion), social support and community involvement, during the COVID-19 outbreak. This in turn may lead to the deployment of maladaptive coping strategies in the population.

Practical implications

Mental health services are still in their formative phases in Lebanon and mostly run by civil society organizations. There is an urgent need for a national action plan to respond to the potential mental health burden and use of maladaptive coping strategies which may arise in the aftermath of COVID-19.

Originality/value

This paper provides a novel analysis of mental health in Lebanese society through the lens of social, political, economic and psychological factors.
Adequacy of micronutrient fortification in the mandatory fortified food vehicles in Tanzania
Authors: Kiwango Flavia Andrew , Chacha Musa , Raymond Jofrey
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to update the information on the current status of micronutrient fortification for iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin A in mandatory fortified food vehicles such as cooking oil, wheat and maize flours in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study was conducted in five regions to analyze the adequacy of micronutrient fortification in mandatory fortified food vehicles. Samples of fortified edible oil (n = 19), wheat flour (n = 12) and maize flour (n = 5) were sampled conveniently from local markets and supermarkets. Samples were analyzed for vitamins (vitamin A and folic acid) and mineral (iron and zinc) content using high-performance liquid chromatography and microwave plasma-atomic emission spectrometer, respectively. Compliance acceptable ranges between the minimum and maximum levels for each nutrient were used as a basis for compliance.

Findings

The results showed that 83.3% and 80% of wheat and maize flour samples, respectively, complied with iron fortification standards (p = 0.05). Only 25% of wheat flour samples and 40% of maize flour samples were within the acceptable ranges for zinc fortification (p = 0.05). Nearly 17% and 20% of wheat and maize flour samples, respectively, were within the acceptable ranges for folic acid fortification (p = 0.05). Moreover, about 10.5% of the analyzed cooking oils were adequately fortified with vitamin A (p = 0.05). Except for iron in wheat and maize flours, the levels of other micronutrients in mandatorily fortified foods were out of acceptable ranges.

Originality/value

Mandatory fortification is still far from the established standards, and this calls for a review of the current fortification strategies regarding standards, training, monitoring and enforcement in Tanzania.
Determining the impact of service quality on citizens' satisfaction and the role of citizens' demographics. The case of the Greek citizen's service centers
Authors: Psomas Evangelos , Bouranta Nancy , Koemtzi Maria , Keramida Efthalia
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Citizen's service centers (CSCs) are front-end delivery public points which aim to reduce bureaucratic procedures and improve citizens' services. The present study, based on the citizens' perceptions, aims to explore the impact of the CSCs' service quality on citizens' satisfaction and also to identify statistically significant differences with regard to service quality dimensions and citizen satisfaction among different groups of citizens.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was carried out based on the five dimensions of the SERVPERF model. Random sampling was used to acquire a representative and reliable sample of 1,226 respondents. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression analysis, T-test and ANOVA were applied to analyze the data.

Findings

According to the citizens' perceptions, the levels of the service quality dimensions and citizen satisfaction are medium to high. The service quality dimensions have a statistically significant impact on citizens' satisfaction. Moreover, statistically significant differences are observed among groups of citizens in terms of the service quality dimensions and citizen satisfaction.

Originality/value

The present study is stimulated by the existing gap identified in the literature in the field of the public sector and more specifically in the CSCs. Building on the public sector literature, the study examines the relationship between service quality dimensions and citizens' satisfaction from the services provided by the Greek CSCs, which are innovative public service organizations operating all over Greece. It also highlights key implications for public organizations and government policy decision-makers based on citizens' demographic characteristics.
Individual factors affecting attitude toward knowledge sharing: an empirical study on a higher education institution
Authors: Chedid Marcello , Alvelos Helena , Teixeira Leonor
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are currently under pressure, driven by the knowledge society and the internationalization of institutions. Therefore, a positive attitude toward knowledge sharing is required. Considering that the knowledge-sharing attitude is motivated and executed mainly at the individual level, this study aims to examine the relationship between individual factors and the attitude toward knowledge sharing among professors and researchers.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was obtained from 176 completed questionnaires collected through LimeSurvey system. The analysis is based on quantitative methods where descriptive and inferential statistics were used. This study investigated the individual factors that affect attitude toward knowledge sharing among professors and researchers of a HEI.

Findings

The results identified that intrinsic motivation was the factor that most positively affects knowledge-sharing attitude. Given that intrinsic motivation is an activity moved by self-determination, and is free of external pressures or rewards, the finding may be related to the inviolable values, such as freedom and autonomy, existing in this context. Consistent with the concept of extrinsic motivation as a controlled motivation, this factor was not identified as affecting attitude toward knowledge sharing. Networking was the other factor that positively affects attitude on this institution.

Originality/value

In practice, this work can help the institution in defining strategies and developing future actions to promote a knowledge-sharing culture supported through an empirical study. In a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the knowledge increase in the area, as little is known about the attitudes regarding knowledge sharing in HEIs.
Turning narcissists into prosocial agents: explaining young people’s online donation behavior
Authors: Paramita Widya , Septianto Felix , Rostiani Rokhima , Winahjoe Sari , Audita Handini
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to empirically test the proposition that high narcissistic consumers are more likely to perform donation-related behavior, such as the intention to donate and to share the donation link, compared to low narcissistic consumers when the organization’s reputation is high. Built upon the evolutionary psychology theory, this study proposes that narcissism activates the status motive, and the relationship between narcissism, organization reputation and donation-related behavior can be explained by status motive.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research comprises two between-subject experimental studies that use both measured and manipulated narcissism subsequently, whereas the organization’s reputation was manipulated in both studies.

Findings

The results demonstrate that narcissistic consumers are more likely to donate and to share the donation advertisement when the donation organization is perceived as having a high (vs low) prestige. Further, the status motive mediates the effect of narcissism on donation decisions only when the donation organization is perceived as having high (vs low) prestige.

Research limitations/implications

This research’s main limitation is that it only examines two alternate ways to improve perceived organization’s reputation (e.g. highlight the organization’s reputational features and link to reputable entities such as celebrities), although organizational literature suggests that perceived organization reputation can be improved in many ways.

Practical implications

From a practical perspective, social marketers and donation organizations potentially benefit from this research because it demonstrates that high narcissistic consumers potentially involve in donation-related behaviors more than consumers with low narcissism when the organization is perceived as highly reputable.

Originality/value

The current research contributes to the narcissism literature and adds to the evolutionary psychology theory by providing empirical evidence that narcissism, whether manifesting as a trait or a state, can activate a status motive that leads to prosocial behavior, but only when the donation organization is perceived as prestigious.
A thermostable DNA primase‐polymerase from a mobile genetic element involved in defence against environmental DNA
Authors: García‐Quintans Nieves , Baquedano Ignacio , Blesa Alba , Verdú Carlos , Berenguer José , Mencía Mario
Published: August 2020

Primase‐polymerases (Ppol) are one of the few enzymes able to start DNA synthesis on ssDNA templates. The role of Thermus thermophilus HB27 Ppol, encoded along a putative helicase (Hel) within a mobile genetic element (ICETh2), has been studied. A mutant lacking Ppol showed no effects on the replication of the element. Also, no apparent differences in the sensitivity to DNA damaging agents and other stressors or morphological changes in the mutant cells were detected. However, the mutants lacking Ppol showed an increase in two to three orders of magnitude in their transformation efficiency with plasmids and genomic DNA acquired from the environment (eDNA), independently of its origin and G + C content. In contrast, no significant differences with the wild type were detected when the cells received the DNA from other T. thermophilus partners in conjugation‐like mating experiments. The similarities of this behaviour with that shown by mutants lacking the Argonaute (ThAgo) protein suggests a putative partnership Ppol‐ThAgo in the DNA–DNA interference mechanism of defence, although other eDNA defence mechanisms independent of ThAgo cannot be discarded.
How Contact with French Drove Patient‐Lability in English
Authors: Ingham Richard
Published: August 2020

This paper examines whether the argument structure of English verbs of change of state/location was influenced by contact. Scandinavian as a source of influence is rejected for not having had suitable properties. In Old French, including its insular variety, Anglo‐Norman, verbs of change of state/location were labile in the late 13th and 14th c., the period of contact via intense bilingualism. It is proposed that contact with Old French provided models for the generalisation of lability across these English verb classes. Using standard lexicographical resources, change‐of‐state/location verbs are shown to display a great expansion of lability after Old English, reaching a level of 75 per cent attestation of such verbs as labile by 15th c. Middle English. This outcome is taken to be an effect on English of the later medieval bilingual contact situation in England, where French was increasingly used by bilingual speakers, who replicated in English the argument realisations of French verbs expressing change‐of‐state/location concepts. The effect was particularly strong with French loan verbs, where contact influence involved borrowing not only forms and their semantic denotation, but also the borrowed verb's argument structure; lability also increased very markedly with native verbs.
Agency and Sovereignty: Georges Bataille's Anti-Humanist Conception of Child
Authors: Hunter Sharon
Published: August 2020

Georges Bataille (1887–1962) is one of the most significant thinkers of the 20th century, whose anti-humanist anthropology influenced subsequent existentialist and post-structuralist philosophy. His wide-ranging writings (across philosophy, archaeology, economics, sociology, poetry, erotica and history of art) frequently mention children, childhood and childishness, and yet there has hitherto been little to no attention paid to this aspect of his work. This article opens up a neglected theme in Bataille studies, and also explores the consequences of Bataille's presentation of the human condition for our understanding of the pedagogical relationship. Of particular interest is the idea of the agentic child, which occupies such an important place in childhood studies, educational theory and public policy. In the light of Bataille's anthropology, I shall explore the idea that the pursuit of children's agency is the victim of its vaunting ambition.
Governance assessment of small‐scale inland fishing: The case of Lake Itezhi‐Tezhi, Zambia
Authors: Kapembwa Sydney , Gardiner Alan , Pétursson Jόn G.
Published: August 2020

The small‐scale fishing sector in sub‐Saharan Africa is experiencing multiple challenges, mainly related to various governance issues. This study assessed the governance approach at a small‐scale Lake Itezhi‐Tezhi fishery, Zambia and how it relates to sustainable fishing. Data were collected through a mixed‐methods approach. The governance approach was assessed by legitimacy criterion. The study revealed that there was no co‐management in place but a dual governance approach—fishing community‐based approach and central government‐controlled approach. Both were ineffective, mainly due to lack of adherence to the legislation for local community participation in fisheries governance and an inadequate policy framework to guide the governance process. Also, the governance approaches lacked legitimacy with stakeholders. As such, unsustainable fishing practices had continued. To move towards sustainable fishing at the fishery, the study suggested the following measures: active stakeholders' collaboration and engagement with the government for prompt implementation of legislation that promotes active local fishers' participation; establishment of an appropriate fisheries policy; and ultimately, a transformation of the current governance approach into a legitimate co‐management governance approach. These suggested recommendations might be useful to other African small‐scale inland fisheries with similar governance challenges, and also towards meeting Sustainable Development Goal 14 on sustainable fishing.
Association of obesity with inflammation, disease severity and cardiovascular risk factors among patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Chen Chun‐Hsiung , Chen Hung‐An , Liu Chin‐Hsiu , Liao Hsien‐Tzung , Chou Chung‐Tei , Chen Chen‐Hung
Published: August 2020

Aim

To investigate total and central obesity in ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and assess the association with inflammation, disease severity and cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

There were 105 AS patients enrolled. Anthropometry was measured to determine total (body mass index [BMI]) and central obesity (waist circumference [WC], waist‐to‐height ratio [WHtR]). We evaluated patients’ disease activity, functional ability, global assessment, physical mobility, radiographic damage and health index. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and blood biochemistry profile were tested. Retrospective radiographic change was assessed in 39 patients. Presence of diabetes and hypertension were examined.

Results

The obese AS patients had higher inflammation (CRP), disease activity (Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score [ASDAS] ‐ CRP), physical mobility (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index [BASMI]), radiographic damage (modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score [m‐SASSS]), liver function and blood pressure (all P < .05). Obesity (BMI, WC, WHtR) positively correlated with inflammation (CRP), physical mobility (BASMI), radiographic damage (m‐SASSS), health index (Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society Health Index), liver function and blood pressure (all P < .05). Moreover, presence of central obesity (WC, WHtR) had correlation with disease activity (ASDAS‐CRP) (r = .218, P = .027; r = .221, P = .025), and predicted longitudinal radiographic change (m‐SASSS) (standard coefficient = 0.300, P = .041; standard coefficient = 0.288, P = .045). Importantly, central obesity was better in predicting high inflammation, disease activity, physical mobility, radiographic damage and health index in AS, and WHtR was the best for predicting m‐SASSS (area under the curve = 0.734, P < .001). Obesity was associated with increased risk of diabetes and hypertension in AS.

Conclusion

Obesity was associated with higher inflammation, disease activity, physical mobility, radiographic damage, health index, liver function and cardiovascular risk factors in AS. Central obesity could predict a patient's longitudinal radiographic change. Central obesity is a useful predictor for high disease severity in AS.
Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitor consolidation after chemoradiation in patients of Asian ethnicity with unresectable stage III non‐small cell lung cancer: Chinese multicenter report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Tao , Xu Kunpeng , Bi Nan , Zhang Li , Jiang Wei , Liang Jun , Deng Lei , Wang Xin , Wang Jianyang , Wang Jie , Wang Luhua
Published: August 2020

Background

The PACIFIC study has defined a new standard of care for patients with unresectable stage III non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the form of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) consolidation therapy. However, there is little specific data pertaining to the safety and efficacy of this approach in Chinese NSCLC patients.

Methods

This was a prospective multicenter cohort study. Between September 2018 and January 2020, patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC that had undergone chemoradiation therapy (CRT) and ICI consolidation treatment were enrolled in this study. The short‐term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of ICI combination with CRT were evaluated in these patients.

Results

Of the 20 Chinese patients eligible for inclusion, 17 (85.0%) underwent concurrent CRT treatment. In these patients, a median period of 40.5 days (range: 1–85 days) passed between the end of CRT and initiation of consolidation therapy. Pneumonitis occurred in 80.0% of patients, with seven (35.0%) being diagnosed with grade 1 pneumonitis and nine (45.0%) with grade 2 pneumonitis. No patients experienced grade 3 or higher pneumonitis or other ICI‐related toxicities. Lung V20 ≥ 20% was associated with higher grade 2 pneumonitis (77.8%; ≥20% vs. 18.2%; <20%, P = 0.027). The overall response rate (ORR) in these patients was 95.0%. Over a median follow‐up period of 11.3 months (range: 6.2–21.8 months), 12‐month PFS of these patients were 89.5% (95% CI: 76.7–100.0%), and 12 months OS was 100.0%.

Conclusions

These data indicate that ICI consolidation therapy can achieve favorable short‐term efficacy, while exhibiting good safety and acceptable toxicity profiles in Chinese patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

This is the first report evaluating the safety and efficacy of ICI consolidation therapy after chemoradiotherapy in China. Our results indicate that ICI consolidation is associated with favorable efficacy and no severe pneumonitis incidence in Chinese patients undergoing both anti‐PD‐1 and anti‐PD‐L1 monoclonal antibody consolidation.

What this study adds

Post‐hoc analysis of the Japanese subgroup in the PACIFIC study suggested that consolidation therapy may be associated with increased pneumonitis incidence in Asian patients. However, our findings indicate that consolidation therapy is safe and tolerable in Chinese patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC.
Assessment of the impact of implementation of a zero blood alcohol concentration law in Uruguay on moderate/severe injury and fatal crashes: a quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Davenport Steven , Robbins Michael , Cerdá Magdalena , Rivera‐Aguirre Ariadne , Kilmer Beau
Published: August 2020

Background and aims

Debates regarding lowering the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers are intensifying in the United States and other countries, and the World Health Organization recommends that the limit for adults should be 0.05%. In January 2016, Uruguay implemented a law setting a zero BAC limit for all drivers. This study aimed to assess the effect of this policy on the frequency of moderate/severe injury and fatal traffic crashes.

Design

A quasi‐experimental study in which a synthetic control model was used with controls consisting of local areas in Chile as the counterfactual for outcomes in Uruguay, matched across population counts and pre‐intervention period outcomes. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted.

Setting

Uruguay and Chile.

Cases

Panel data with crash counts by outcome per locality‐month (2013–2017).

Intervention and comparator

A zero blood alcohol concentration law implemented on 9 January 2016 in Uruguay, alongside a continued 0.03 g/dl BAC threshold in Chile.

Measurements

Per‐capita moderate/severe injury (i.e. moderate or severe), severe injury and fatal crashes (2013–2017).

Findings

Our base synthetic control model results suggested a reduction in fatal crashes at 12 months [20.9%;P‐value = 0.018, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.340, −0.061]. Moderate/severe injury crashes did not decrease significantly (10.2%,P = 0.312, 95% CI = −0.282, 0.075). The estimated effect at 24 months was smaller and with larger confidence intervals for fatal crashes (14%;P = 0.048, 95% CI = −0.246, −0.026) and largely unchanged for moderate/severe injury crashes (−9.4%,P = 0.302, 95% CI = −0.248, 0.058). Difference‐in‐differences analyses yielded similar results. As a sensitivity test, a synthetic control model relying on an inferior treatment–control match pre‐intervention (measured by mean squared error) yielded similar‐sized differences that were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Implementation of a law setting a zero blood alcohol concentration threshold for all drivers in Uruguay appears to have resulted in a reduction in fatal crashes during the following 12 and 24 months.
(Dis)placement of Anthropological Legal Activism, Racial Justice and the Ejido Tila, Mexico
Authors: Mora Mariana
Published: August 2020

Through an analysis of a land‐dispute case involving indigenous Ch´ol community members in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, this article critically examines the role of anthropological knowledge in the production of the judicial arena as a terrain through which are disputed not only collective rights claims but also a sense of justice. The case of the Ch´olejido, or communal land holding, of Tila reached Mexico's Supreme Court in 2010. Yet five years later, tired of the excruciatingly slow pace of the judicial apparatus, Ch´olejidoauthorities rendered their own verdict by way of an assembly decision that reclaimed the 130 hectares under dispute as their own. This para‐state legal verdict unsettled the pre‐ascribed role of different political actors—the state judicial apparatus, human rights organizations, and anthropologists—whose interplay grants certain cohesion and sediment to the current judicial arena in the country when indigenous communities are implicated. The assembly decision and subsequent actions in theejidoTila displaced these actors, including the Supreme Court judges, and in doing so rendered visible the racialized hierarchies that neither human rights organizations nor anthropologists were effectively able to subvert. [legal activism, cultural expert witness reports, Indigenous territorial claims, racial justice, Latin America]