bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neuromagnetic speech discrimination responses are associated with reading-related skills in dyslexic and typical readers
Authors: Thiede A. , Parkkonen L. , Virtala P. , Laasonen M. , Mäkelä J.P. , Kujala T.
Published: January 2020

Dyslexia is thought to result from poor phonological processing. We investigated neuromagnetic speech discrimination in dyslexic and typical readers with mismatch fields (MMF) and determined the associations between MMFs and reading-related skills. We expected weak and atypically lateralized MMFs in dyslexic readers, and associations between reading-related skills and MMF strength. MMFs were recorded to a repeating pseudoword /ta-ta/ with occasional changes in vowel identity, duration, or syllable frequency from 43 adults, 21 with confirmed dyslexia. Speech-sound changes elicited MMFs in bilateral auditory cortices, with no group differences in source strengths. MMFs to vowel identity and duration changes were left-lateralized. Better verbal working memory was associated with stronger left-hemispheric MMFs across groups, suggesting the relevance of verbal working memory for speech processing. Better technical reading was associated with stronger right-hemispheric MMFs in dyslexic readers, suggesting a right-hemispheric compensatory mechanism for language processing. In conclusion, contrary to prior work, our results did not support deficient speech discrimination in dyslexia. However, in line with previous studies, we observed left-lateralized MMFs to vowel identity and duration changes, and associations of MMFs with reading-related skills, highlighting the connection between neural speech processing and reading and promoting the use of MMFs in investigating reading-related brain processes.

Highlights

Speech-sound changes elicit comparable mismatch fields in dyslexics and controls.

Mismatch fields (MMFs) to vowel identity and duration changes are left-lateralized.

Stronger left MMFs are associated with better verbal working memory across groups.

Stronger right MMFs are associated with better technical reading in dyslexics.

Low-level neural speech discrimination is associated with reading-related skills.
How to implement and use findings from patient experience surveys in Australian general practice: A qualitative expert consultation study
Authors: Song Hyun Jung , Dennis Sarah , Levesque Jean-Frederic , Harris Mark
Published: January 2020

Objective
To identify barriers (patient, provider, practice, and system levels) to consider when implementing patient experience surveys in Australian general practice, and enablers of their systematic use to inform service improvement in clinical practice as well as the broader health system.
Methods and Analysis
An expert consultation and qualitative content analysis of cross-sectional, open-text survey data. Data was collected from key international and Australian experts in the areas of measurement and quality improvement in general practice.
Results
Participants discussed the importance of ensuring value and relevance of surveys to stakeholders. Lack of resources, IT infrastructure, capacity building, and sustained funding were identified as barriers to implementing surveys. Participants discussed the importance of clearly defining and communicating the purpose of surveys and agreed on the value of using patient experience to inform reflective, team-based learning at the practice level. Opinions differed on the use of patient experience data at the system-level, with some questioning its utility or fairness for external performance reporting. Others recommended the aggregation and reporting of this data under certain conditions, including for the purpose of triangulation with other quality and outcome data. The study identified an evidence gap in the assessment and interpretation of patient experience data at all levels, including the analysis and contextualisation of survey findings at the system level.
Conclusion
Patient experience surveys have potential for guiding practice level quality improvement but many barriers to their implementation remain. There is need for greater research and policy efforts to understand how this information can be used at the system level for improving Australian primary care.
Developmental regulation of oocyte lipid uptake via ‘patent’ follicular epithelium inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Row Sarayu , Deng Wu-Min
Published: January 2020

Epithelia form protective permeability barriers that selectively allow the exchange of material while maintaining tissue integrity under extreme mechanical, chemical, and bacterial loads. Here, we report in theDrosophilafollicular epithelium a developmentally regulated and evolutionarily conserved process, ‘patency’, wherein a breach is created in the epithelium at tricellular contacts during mid-vitellogenesis. InDrosophila, patency exhibits a strict temporal range delimited by the transcription factor Tramtrack69, and a spatial pattern regulated by the dorsal-anterior signals of the follicular epithelium. Crucial for lipid uptake by the oocyte, patency is also exploited by endosymbionts such asSpiroplasma pulsonii. Our findings reveal an evolutionarily conserved non-typical epithelial function in a classic model system.
Missing the forest because of the trees: Slower alternations during binocular rivalry are associated with lower levels of visual detail during ongoing thought
Authors: Ho Nerissa Siu Ping , Baker Daniel , Karapanagiotidis Theo , Seli Paul , Wang Hao Ting , Leech Robert , Bernhardt Boris , Margulies Daniel , Jefferies Elizabeth , Smallwood Jonathan
Published: January 2020

Conscious awareness of the world fluctuates, either through variation in the quality with which we perceive the environment, or, when attention switches to information generated using imagination rather than the external environment. Our study combined individual differences in experience sampling, psychophysical reports of perception, and neuroimaging descriptions of structural connectivity, to better understand these changes in conscious awareness. In particular, we (a) examined if aspects of ongoing thought, as measured by multi-dimensional experience sampling during a sustained attention task, are associated with the white matter fibre organization of the cortex as reflected by their relative degree of anisotropic diffusion, and (b) whether these neuro-cognitive descriptions of ongoing experience are related to a more constrained measure of visual consciousness provided by the analysis of bistable perception during binocular rivalry. Individuals with greater fractional anisotropy (FA) in right hemisphere white matter regions involving the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, the superior longitudinal fasciculus and the cortico-spinal tract, described their ongoing thoughts as lacking external details. Subsequent analysis indicated that the combination of low FA in these right hemisphere regions, with reports of high level external details, was associated with the shortest periods of dominance during binocular rivalry. Since variation in binocular rivalry reflects differences between bottom-up and top-down influences on vision, our study suggests that reports of ongoing thoughts with vivid external details may occur when conscious precedence is given to bottom-up representation of perceptual information and that this may partly be rooted in the white matter fibre organization of the cortex.
Rotavirus Induces Intercellular Calcium Waves through ADP Signaling
Authors: Chang-Graham Alexandra L. , Perry Jacob L. , Engevik Melinda A. , Danhof Heather A. , Scribano Francesca J. , Engevik Kristen A. , Nelson Joel C. , Kellen Joseph S. , Strtak Alicia C. , Sastri Narayan P. , Estes Mary K. , Versalovic James , Britton Robert A. , Hyser Joseph M.
Published: January 2020

Rotavirus causes severe diarrheal disease in children by broadly dysregulating intestinal homeostasis. However, the underlying mechanism(s) of rotavirus-induced dysregulation remains incompletely characterized. Here we show that rotavirus-infected cells produce paracrine signals that manifest as intercellular calcium waves (ICWs); which are observed in both cell lines and human intestinal enteroids. Rotavirus ICWs are caused by the release of extracellular adenosine diphosphate (ADP) that activates P2Y1 purinergic receptors on neighboring cells and are blocked by P2Y1 antagonists or CRISPR/Cas9 knockout of P2Y1. Blocking the paracrine ADP signal reduces rotavirus replication, inhibits rotavirus-induced serotonin release and fluid secretion, and reduces diarrhea severity in neonatal mice. This is the first evidence that viruses exploit ICWs to amplify diarrheal signaling; a finding which has broad implications for gastrointestinal physiology.

Rotavirus triggers the extracellular release of ADP from infected cells to dysregulate nearby uninfected cells and activate pro-disease pathways.
Sex differences in central inflammatory pain sensitization are associated with differential expression of glycine receptors and GLP-1 at the spinal cord
Authors: Mariqueo TA. , Améstica G. , Pino J. , Barra R. , Stehberg J. , González W. , Castillo K.
Published: January 2020

Background

Females have higher inflammatory pain representation. However, sex differences in central pain sensitization and the regulation of nociceptive response to peripheral inflammation remain unclear. The central pain sensitization is mediated by inhibitory neurotransmission and glial cell activity dysregulation where spinal glycine and GLP-1 receptors have described play a critical role.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical withdrawal nociceptive threshold with spinal glycine receptor subunits and GLP-1 expression in adult male and female rats after inflammatory hypersensitivity.

Methods

Sex differences in inflammatory nociception were evaluated before and after intraplantar hindpaw Zymosan A injection in Sprague-Dawley rats. Mechanical paw withdrawal thresholds were tested using von Frey filaments.

Western blot was used to measure GlyRs subunits protein levels in the spinal cord. GLP-1 was determined using the Magnetic Luminex Assay.

Results

A reduced nociceptive threshold was observed in males and females rats after 4 hours of inflammatory Zymosan A injection. However, this reduction was significantly major in females. Western blot analysis demonstrated significantly increased α1, α2, α3 and β GlyR subunit levels in male rats. Female rats only increased α3 and β GlyR subunits after Zymosan A injection. GLP-1 was reduced in female spinal tissues after an inflammatory injury.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that sex differences in nociceptive threshold after inflammatory Zymosan A rat pain sensitization is related to the sex differences in glycine receptor subunits and GLP-1 expression at the spinal cord.
Viscous medium-based crystal support in sample holder for fixed-target serial femtosecond crystallography
Authors: Lee Keondo , Lee Donghyeon , Baek Sangwon , Park Jaehyun , Lee Sang Jae , Park Sehan , Chung Wan Kyun , Lee Jong-Lam , Cho Hyun-Soo , Cho Yunje , Nam Ki Hyun
Published: January 2020

Serial femtosecond crystallography (SFX) enables the determination of a room-temperature crystal structure of macromolecules without causing radiation damage, as well as provides time-resolved molecular dynamics data in pump-probe experiments. Fixed-target SFX (FT-SFX) can minimize sample consumption and physical effects to crystals during sample delivery. Various types of sample holders have been developed and applied in FT-SFX; however, no sample holder has been developed that can universally mount crystals of various sizes and shapes. Here, we introduce a viscous media-based crystal support in a sample holder for FT-SFX. Crystal samples were embedded in viscous media such as gelatin and agarose, which were enclosed in a polyimide film. In the vertically placed sample holder, the viscous medium stably supported crystals between the two polyimide films without crystal sinking due to gravity. Using this method, we performed FT-SFX experiments with glucose isomerase and lysozyme embedded in gelatin and agarose, respectively. The room-temperature crystal structures of glucose isomerase and lysozyme were successfully determined at 1.75 and 1.80 Å resolutions, respectively. Viscous media used in this experiment showed negligible background scattering in data processing. This method is useful for delivering crystal samples of various sizes and shapes in FT-SFX experiments.
Taxing land rent, lowering other taxes – the case of Hong Kong
Authors: Ho Lok Sang , Wong Gary Wai Chung
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is threefold: to study if Hong Kong’s fiscal revenue is closely related to land rent; to assess if a fiscal regime relying on taxing land rent is good for the economy; and to explore if Hong Kong adopts a high land price policy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, first, theoretical and conceptual exploration into the Henry George Theorem is made to investigate if a single tax regime is conceptually feasible. Second, time series econometric study investigates into the determinants of Hong Kong’s fiscal revenue and Hong Kong’s public expenditures. Granger causality tests are conducted to study the direction of causality.

Findings

Hong Kong does not have a high land price policy; it uses a multipronged approach to tax land rent, which cannot be precisely identified; its low tax regime is good for the economy and contributes to a virtuous circle: taxing land rent, low taxes, vigorous economy, higher land rent and low taxes.

Originality/value

This study uses a familiar methodology on a subject on a policy area that has not been studied before.
Benchmarking company performance from economic and environmental perspectives
Authors: Zeng Qinqin , Beelaerts van Blokland Wouter , Santema Sicco , Lodewijks Gabriel
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to measuring the performance of motor vehicle manufacturers (MVMs) from economic and environmental (E&E) perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight measures are identified for benchmarking the performance from E&E perspectives. A new company performance index IMVM is constructed to quantitatively generate the historical data of MVMs’ company performance. Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models are built to generate the forecast data of the IMVM. The minimum Akaike information criteria value is used to identify the model of the best fit. Forecast accuracy of the ARIMA models is tested by the mean absolute percentage error.

Findings

The construction of the index IMVM is benchmarked against three frameworks by six benchmark metrics. The IMVM satisfies all of its applicable metrics while the three frameworks are incapable to satisfy their applicable metrics. Out of 15, 4 MVMs are excluded for benchmarking future performance due to their non-stationary time series data. Based on the forecast IMVM data, GM is the best performer among the 15 samples in the FY2018.

Originality/value

This research highlights the environmental perspective during vehicles’ production. The development of this approach is based on publicly available data and transparent about the methods it used. The data out of the approach can benefit stakeholders with insights by benchmarking the historical performance of MVMs as well as their future performance.
Constructive (mis)alignment in team-based experiential entrepreneurship education
Authors: Scott Jonathan Matthew , Pavlovich Kathryn , Thompson John L. , Penaluna Andy
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Little is known about how experiential entrepreneurship education approaches contribute toward enhancing the engagement of students in the learning process. Using a purposive and convenience sample of individual student reflective journals, the purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate how the process of constructive misalignment enhances the level of student engagement through a team-based experiential entrepreneurship education assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from a purposive and convenience sample of reflective journals, an individual “performance assessment” element of three Masters-level courses (courses 1, 2 and 3) that included an “active” group business ideas generation presentation and a report. These texts were analyzed through content analysis that critically evaluates and summarizes the content of data and their messages.

Findings

While expected learning outcomes included teamwork and communication, the higher levels of active learning and student engagement related to innovation and generating a business idea was much more modest. Rather, the study finds that significant learning opportunities were apparent when students experienced unexpected aspects of constructive misalignment, such as linguistic–cultural challenges, nonparticipation and freeriding.

Originality/value

Building on Biggs’ (2003) model of constructive alignment in course design and delivery/assessment, this paper elucidates various unexpected and surprising aspects. It suggests that constructive misalignment could provide major learning opportunities for students and is thus more likely in these team contexts where entrepreneurship students experience constructive misalignment. Educators should, therefore, continue to design experiential entrepreneurship courses and their performance assessments through team-based approaches that achieve higher levels of engagement as well as more active learning.
Australian graduates’ work readiness – deficiencies, causes and potential solutions
Authors: Prikshat Verma , Montague Alan , Connell Julia , Burgess John
Published: January 2020

Purpose

It is widely reported that there is a competence deficit between graduating from Australian higher education (HE) and becoming work ready and that the deficit is becoming more pronounced. The purpose of this paper is to examine the work readiness competencies of Australian HE and vocational education (VE) graduates. The reported competence deficits, the causes of these deficits and the potential strategies to overcome these deficits are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, inductive research design was used to examine Australian graduates’ work readiness competence, potential deficits, their causes and possible solutions to gain some preliminary insights and help shape future research. A multiple case design was used comprising key stakeholders’ in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. In-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gain insights from the key stakeholders.

Findings

The stakeholders reported that the Australian VE and HE sectors do not sufficiently prepare graduates in terms of their work readiness skills. Self-management skills, communication (written and expression), team-work skills, cognitive skills, system thinking and innovation and creativity were the main work readiness competency deficits reported by the stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The research has its limitations in terms of the limited sample and time frame, and the absence of input from graduates. The results of the study indicate the deteriorating state of the Australian graduate labour market and emphasise that an integrated approach is urgently required from all stakeholders to facilitate the transition and reduce the time taken from graduation to employment.

Originality/value

The focus of the study is located in the Australian labour market in terms of the competencies that reportedly are present upon graduation and the competencies that employers are looking for on recruitment. The requisite competency list and the deficits are examined through the lens of four stakeholder groups; government representatives, industry representatives and VE and HE representatives.
Enhancing human capital beyond university boundaries
Authors: Jakubik Maria
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a case about the emergence of human capital (HC) during the master thesis as a work-based learning project.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study uses data from 107 master’s students 2007–2011 and feedback from 91 managers as business advisors 2007–2016.

Findings

The findings show direct contributions of higher education (HE) to intellectual capital (IC) in organisations through the enhanced HC of managers.

Originality/value

The case contributes to the emerging new, fifth stage of IC research by demonstrating how HC develops beyond the boundaries of an educational institution; how it influences an organisation’s IC and how 91 business advisors, as external stakeholders, assessed the achievements and value creation of HE.
Identification of key employability attributes and evaluation of university graduates’ performance
Authors: Abbas Jawad , Sagsan Mustafa
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the managers’ views on the characteristics which university graduates should have to obtain the job and efficiently perform in Chinese industrial organizations, and how are they performing in the industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Mix-method approach was followed to identify the key employability attributes, employers’ expectations and students’ performance. Analysis of interviews and literature provided the foundation for the development of the employability instrument used. In total, 11 identified attributes were grouped into four dimensions, i.e. knowledge, skills, abilities and professional attitude. Structural analysis was performed to test the hypotheses and theoretical model. The importance of the identified attributes was checked via the ranking technique, followed by an evaluation of students’ actual performance and a comparison between them.

Findings

Empirical analyses indicate that the managers in China consider “skills” as the most important dimension for employability in Chinese industrial organizations and “reliability” is the highly demanded subsequent factor. A significant gap has been found in all studied dimensions and 10 out of 11 sub-factors.

Originality/value

This study not only identifies key employability attributes, but also proposes and validates an instrument for measuring students’ industrial performance. It also highlights the factors where industry and academia should focus to improve graduates’ employability and their industrial performance.
Competencies associated with Semestre i and its relationship to academic performance
Authors: Lozano-Rodríguez Armando , García-Vázquez Fernanda Inéz , Zubieta-Ramírez Claudia , Lopez-Cruz Claudia Susana
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Currently, higher education institutions are in charge of the complex task of connecting the knowledge that students acquire in the classroom to the requirements of the working world, preparing the students to face complex situations inherent in professional life. For this reason, the Tecnológico de Monterrey has included as part of the training of its students the modality, Semestre i, sustained through the teaching methodology of challenge-based learning. Recognizing this new way of learning, the purpose of this paper is to address the study of four basic constructs: student engagement, teacher–student relationship, teamwork and time management.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory factor analysis was performed on the factors associated with the Semestre i, as well as a correlational analysis between these and the academic achievement of the students in the 2017 August–December period.

Findings

The results indicate that the four constructs analyzed were potentialized under the modality, Semestre i – time management showing the least difference of the four when compared with the educational experience of students being traditionally taught throughout their semesters.

Originality/value

Semestre i is an innovative educational proposal where the undergraduate students learn in immersive, real-world contexts by experiencing semester challenges planned for them by the teaching body of the institution. Recognizing this new way of learning, this research addresses the study of four basic constructs: student engagement, teacher–student relationship, teamwork and time management.
Numerical investigation of frequency-amplitude effects of dynamic morphing for a high-lift configuration at high Reynolds number
Authors: Marouf Abderahmane , Bmegaptche Tekap Yannick , Simiriotis Nikolaos , Tô Jean-Baptiste , Rouchon Jean-François , Hoarau Yannick , Braza Marianna
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study illustrates the morphing effects around a large-scale high-lift configuration of the Airbus A320 with two elements airfoil-flap in the take-off position. The flow around the airfoil-flap and the near wake are analysed in the static case and under time-dependent vibration of the flap trailing-edge known as the dynamic morphing.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental results obtained in the subsonic wind tunnel S1 of Institut de Mécanique des Fluides de Toulouse of a single wing are discussed with high-fidelity numerical results obtained by using the Navier–Stokes multi-block (NSMB) code with advanced turbulent modelling able to capture the predominant instabilities and coherent structure dynamics. An explanation of the dynamic time-dependent grid deformation is provided, which is used in the NSMB code to simulate the flap’s trailing-edge deformation in the morphing configuration. Finally, power spectral density is performed to reveal the coherent wake structures and their modification because of the morphing.

Findings

Frequency of vibration and amplitude of deformation effects are investigated for different morphing cases. Optimal morphing regions at a specific frequency and a slight deformation were able to attenuate the predominant natural shear-layer frequency and to considerably decrease the width of the von Kármán vortices with a simultaneous increase of aerodynamic performances.

Originality/value

The new concept of future morphed wings is proposed for a large scale A320 prototype at the take-off position. The dynamic morphing of the flap’s trailing-edge is simulated for the first time for high-lift two-element configuration. In addition, the wake analysis performed helped to show the turbulent structures according to the organised eddy simulation model.
Thermal response of cylindrical tissue induced by laser irradiation with experimental study
Authors: Hobiny Aatef , Abbas Ibrahim
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a method for determining the numerical solutions of the thermal damage of cylindrical living tissues using hyperbolic bioheat model. Due to the complex governing equation, the finite element approach has been adopted to solve these problems. To approve the accuracy of the numerical solution, the numerical outcomes obtained by the finite element approach are compared with the existing experimental study. In addition, the comparisons between the numerical outcomes and the existing experimental data displays that the present mathematical models are efficient tools to evaluate the bioheat transfer in the cylindrical living tissue. Numerical computations for temperatures and thermal damage are presented graphically.

Design/methodology/approach

In this section, the complex equation of bioheat transfer based upon one relaxation time in cylindrical living tissue is summarized by using the finite element method. This method has been used here to get the solution of equation (8) with initial conditions (9) and boundary conditions (10). The finite element technique is a strong method originally advanced for numerical solutions of complex problems in many fields, and it is the approach of choice for complex systems. Another advantage of this method is that it makes it possible to visualize and quantify the physical effects independently of the experimental limits. Abbas and his colleagues [26-34] have solved several problems under generalized thermoelastic theories.

Findings

In this study, the different values of blood perfusion and thermal relaxation time of the dermal part of cylindrical living tissue are used. To verify the accuracy of the numerical solutions, the numerical outcomes obtained by the finite element procedure and the existing experimental study have been compared. This comparison displays that the present mathematical model is an effective tool to evaluate the bioheat transfer in the living tissue.

Originality/value

The validation of the obtained results by using experimental data the numerical solution of hyperbolic bioheat equation is presented. Due to the nonlinearity of the basic equation, the finite element approach is adopted. The effects of thermal relaxation times on the thermal damage and temperature are studied.
Re-examining the philosopher’s stone of leadership
Authors: English Fenwick W. , Ehrich Lisa Catherine
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re-examine the phenomenon of leadership at the intersection of aesthetics, identity and self within a dynamic, fluid and interactive compositional mixture which is part of a leader’s continuous process of invention and reinvention.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of this paper is a conceptual analysis and presentation involving some of the extant literature in the field of aesthetics, identity and leadership, including Harold Bloom’s theory of poetry that provides an entrance point to understand the problem of identity. The authors argue that a person, such as a leader, has multiple identities and interactions with others which lead to the co-construction of the self. To demonstrate this argument, the authors explore a case study of the life of the opera diva, Maria Callas.

Findings

An exploratory conceptual model demonstrating the relationship between identity and self, and insights and Bloom’s theory are applied to illuminate the case study of Maria Callas’ life. A key finding of the analysis is that identity is linked to performance and co-constructed in relation to others.

Practical implications

The paper concludes by discussing two implications for developing school leadership performance: the need for an aesthetic perspective of leadership and the need to provide a range of teaching approaches to teach leadership.

Originality/value

There have been few, if any, significant breakthroughs in understanding more about leadership from the traditional methods of social science. It is argued that until and unless researchers move towards working in aesthetic traditions there is not likely to be new understandings of it.
The creation and the dynamics of informal groups
Authors: Brinia Vasiliki , Papadopoulou Georgia , Psoni Paraskevi
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the way informal groups rise and operate in the Teacher Association in a Secondary Vocational School Unit in Greece. More specifically, the way the role of the head teacher, the school culture and teachers’ emotional intelligence impacts these groups is investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research through in-depth interviews with teachers and the head teacher as well as the researchers’ participatory observation has been conducted, in order to support the selected method of the case-study.

Findings

The findings showed how both positive and negative informal groups rise and function in the Teacher Association. The role of the head teacher emerges as a very significant factor that influences the emergence and the preservation of such groups. The school culture has a bidirectional relation with the existence and quality of informal groups. Emotional intelligence also plays an important role in forming informal groups and in the quality of actions of these groups.

Originality/value

This study covers a significant gap in the international literature of group dynamics in a Teacher Association and provides practitioners with valuable insights regarding the underexamined factors that lead to the formation, operation and preservation of informal groups, the study of which can lead to the development of sophisticated scales of measurement of these dynamics by future researchers.
The cultural context of sexual and reproductive health support: an exploration of sexual and reproductive health literacy among female Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Glasgow
Authors: Kaneoka Mari , Spence William
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) incorporates prevention of unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The sourcing, understanding and application of related information are important for health and this defines sexual and reproductive health literacy (SRHL). Health care utilization rates among Asylum Seekers and Refugees (ASRs) may not be high and they are unlikely to seek sufficient SRH information and care in their host countries, leaving some needs unmet. No SRHL research related to Scotland’s Asylum Seeking and Refugee Women (ASRW) exists. In this qualitative study, the purpose of this paper is to explore the SRHL-related views and experiences of adult ASRW living in Glasgow and their views on assistance required to improve their SRHL.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 14 semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed and qualitative thematic analysis employed.

Findings

Five themes and 13 sub-themes with four key findings highlighted: experience of unmet SRHL needs, similarities and differences in the source of SRH information, SRH views and behaviours influenced by cultural and religious factors, barriers and facilitators to accessing SRH information/care and developing SRHL.

Research limitations/implications

This was a small scale qualitative study affording limited transferability. The work addressed a highly sensitive topic among women from conservative home country cultures.

Practical implications

Routine collection of sexual and reproductive health data by the NHS should be explored for this group. NHS staff should be aware of the rights of asylum seekers, Refugees and failed asylum seekers, to NHS healthcare free at the point of delivery in Scotland (National Health Service, 2019; Scottish Government, 2018), and be well trained in the likely religious and cultural norms of these groups. Host communities should consider improving access to SRH information and care in ASRWs first languages.

Social implications

The study identified weaknesses in the opportunities for social integration afforded this group and the coordination of existing social opportunities. The stigmatization of immigrants in the UK is well understood and has repercussions for many individuals and societal organizations implicated in the promotion of this.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a very sensitive topic with women from conservative cultures. With few publications in this area, and none pertaining to Scotland, the paper makes a small but original contribution that might be considered a starting point for researchers and relevant services in Scotland.
Study on fatigue life of ballastless track fastener springs based on a fatigue test
Authors: Wu Zeng , Ma Wei , Xiao Hong-xiu , Zhang Jing-kun
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Fastener technology is one of the key technologies of the ballastless track structure, and the spring strip is the key component to realize the fastener function. Based on the fatigue test of the WJ-7 type fastener of the ballastless track in China, it is concluded that the fatigue damage of an elastic strip is the main reason for the decline of service performance of the fastener. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the fatigue life of the fastener.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a DH3818 static strain tester is used to measure the static strain signal in the elastic strip fatigue test, and then the fatigue limit of the WJ-7 elastic strip is calculated. Finally, the fatigue life of the fastener strip is estimated.

Findings

The findings of the paper are as follows: first, the lowest fatigue life with a survival rate of 99 percent should be taken as a reference for the service times of WJ-7; second, the fatigue life of the modified formula found to be short under the same stress amplitude.

Originality/value

The fatigue test is processed by the authors and the results of elastic strip are obtained based on the test. Meanwhile, the corresponding limit value of the fatigue stress amplitude is calculated based on the tested results.
Exclusion in the workplace: a multi-level investigation
Authors: Sharp Olga L. , Peng Yisheng , Jex Steve M.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to expand the research on workplace mistreatment and its effects on individual employees while taking into account the organizational setting. This cross-level study explores the interaction between the team Civility climate (CC) and individual experience of exclusion and their combined effect on the target’s organization-based self-esteem (OBSE).

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 251 individuals nested in 71 teams (mean team size=4.6) completed surveys. A two-way multi-level interaction model was used to test the moderation hypothesis.

Findings

The cross-level interaction between CC and exclusion was significant, which means that CC influenced the strength of the relationship between exclusion and OBSE. Specifically, it was found that the higher the group-level civility norms, the stronger the negative relationship between exclusion and OBSE.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is its cross-sectional design. All variables were self-reported and collected at one time-point.

Originality/value

The present study contributes to workplace mistreatment literature by using a multi-level design to examine exclusion as a predictor of OBSE and team CC as a cross-level moderator of this relationship.
The dynamic impact of board composition on CSR practices and their mutual effect on organizational returns
Authors: Karim Sitara , Manab Norlida Abdul , Ismail Rusmawati Binti
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it aims to investigate the dynamic impact of board composition (board size, board independence and board diversity) on independent corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices (marketplace, environment, community and workplace). Second, it tends to examine the mutual effect of board composition and CSR practices on organizational returns (return on assets and Tobin’s Q) of 631 Malaysian PLCs listed on Bursa Malaysia during 2006-2017.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic model (system GMM) provided by Arellano and Bond (1991) and Arellano and Bover (1995) is used for estimations that control for potential dynamic endogeneity, reverse causality, unobserved heterogeneity and simultaneity problems.

Findings

Findings reveal weak linkage between board composition and CSR practices where only board diversity is found to be positively linked to marketplace practices of CSR. Further, the mutual impact of board composition and CSR practices on organizational returns suggests board size be positive and board independence to be negative with Tobin’s Q. Board diversity is negative with ROA and positive with Tobin’s Q. Conversely, CSR practices indicate marketplace practices are positive and community practices are negative with Tobin’s Q, environment practices are insignificant with performance, whereas workplace practices are positive with ROA and negative with Tobin’s Q.

Practical implications

This research is practically considerable for Bursa Malaysia, Securities Commission Malaysia, policymakers, stakeholders, investors and managers. For academia, the theoretical linkages between agency theory, resource dependence theory, resource-based view and stakeholder theory are highlighted. Moreover, methodological underpinnings are also novel for academicians as well as for practitioners.

Originality/value

The paper uncovers multiple aspects: first, it elaborates the dynamic relationship between board composition and CSR practices; second, it examines the combined effect of board composition and CSR practices on company’s accounting and market gains; finally, the study controls for dynamic endogeneity that is the main econometric problem for CG-CSR-performance relationships.
Sustainability in Ylläs: one focus, various interpretations
Authors: Cornelisse Miranda
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Stakeholders have divergent views concerning sustainability in the development of tourism in Ylläs. The danger of these differences is that it can result into a conflict that could jeopardize the fragile ecosystem and livelihood of the locals. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore how the quest for authenticity is discursively related to the interpretations of sustainability in tourism, based on a mix of qualitative and quantitative research.

Design/methodology/approach

This was an empirical study, based on a mix of quantitative (surveys) and qualitative (interviews) research methods.

Findings

Despite the different interpretations, almost all stakeholders agree on “sustainability” in the development of tourism, since it is the authentic nature that attracts tourists. Accordingly, the search for authenticity could contribute to the sustainability of the tourist destination Ylläs in the long term. Caution is asked though for the enclave-like construction of tourist destinations, e.g. Ylläs, that currently differentiate from their surrounding peripheries.

Practical implications

Despite the different interpretations, almost all stakeholders agree on “sustainability” in the development of tourism, since it is the authentic nature that attracts tourists. Accordingly, the search for authenticity could contribute to the sustainability of the tourist destination Ylläs in the long term. It is suggested to continue research regarding authenticity in practice.

Social implications

The conditions under which sustainability could become a consideration for tourism development in Ylläs are linked to sustaining tourism business, the most important source of income for Ylläs.

Originality/value

Can the quest for authenticity, insofar as it remains a significant motive in contemporary tourism, contribute to the sustainability of tourist sites? Destinations that actively and continuously discourage tourism on ecological grounds are the most attractive ones for MacCannell’s authenticity-seeking tourist. Considerations regarding sustainability and development in the context of ecological vulnerable and economic valuable regions clash. It is with regard to such areas that the paths of the sustainability and authenticity discourses cross (Cohen, 2002).
A material delivery system built on Internet of Things and the role of libraries
Authors: Hou Hanping , Yang Jianliang , Chen Yong , Yu Mingli
Published: January 2020

Purpose

After the occurrence of natural disasters, the rapid and accurate delivery of geo-afforestation is the key to emergency rescue and is the fundamental solution to the “last mile” problem. It provides technical support for the territorial rapid and accurate delivery. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Through literature and theoretical research, combined with the research experience of scholars, the qualitative research method is adopted. The paper establishes a three-dimensional analysis framework, including disaster predictability, resource availability and transport accessibility, and proposes the integrated delivery triangular technical framework, including integrated monitoring analysis, the territorial virtual public storage and transportation.

Findings

Based on the analysis of the factors affecting the effectiveness of emergency delivery, the paper establishes a three-dimensional analysis framework, including disaster predictability, resource availability and transport accessibility, and proposes the integrated delivery triangular technical framework, including integrated monitoring analysis, the territorial virtual public storage and transportation. The triangular technical characteristics and functions of emergency delivery are studied, providing theoretical basis and technical support for effective rescue and emergency planning.

Originality/value

The territorial emergency delivery refers to the process of rapid and accurate delivery without relying on external territorial supplies. The paper establishes a three-dimensional analysis framework, including disaster predictability, resource availability and transport accessibility, and proposes the integrated delivery triangular technical framework, including integrated monitoring analysis, the territorial virtual public storage and transportation.
Drought survival is positively associated with high turgor loss points in temperate perennial grassland species
Authors: Sun Shanwen , Jung Eun‐Young , Gaviria Julian , Engelbrecht Bettina M. J.
Published: January 2020

Turgor loss point (πtlp) has been suggested to be a key trait for drought resistance in woody species. In herbaceous grassland species, the role of πtlp for species drought survival has not yet been tested, although grasslands are projected to experience more frequent and intense droughts with climate change.

To gain insights into the role of πtlp for drought resistance of temperate perennial grassland species, we assessed πtlp of 41 species common in Germany (20 forbs, 21 grasses). We directly related them to the species’ comparative whole‐plant drought survival and midday leaf water potentials under drought (ΨMD) assessed in a common garden drought experiment, and to species moisture association.

Species drought survival increased with increasing πtlp across all species as well as within forbs or grasses separately. ΨMD was positively related to πtlp and drought survival. Our results imply that high πtlp promotes drought survival of common perennial European temperate mesic grassland species by enabling them to maintain high leaf water potentials under drought, that is, a desiccation avoidance strategy. However, πtlp was not related to species moisture association.

The positive relationship between πtlp and drought survival in herbaceous grassland species was opposite to the negative relationship previously established in woody plants, implying that mechanisms of drought resistance differ between woody and herbaceous species. Our results highlight the necessity of directly testing the relationship of functional traits to whole‐plant drought survival in different plant life forms, before using trait assessments for predicting plant responses to drought.

A free plain language summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
The fungal mitochondrial membrane protein, BbOhmm, antagonistically controls hypoxia tolerance
Authors: He Zhangjiang , Zhao Xin , Gao Yifei , Keyhani Nemat O. , Wang Huifang , Deng Juan , Lu Zhuoyue , Kan Yanze , Luo Zhibing , Zhang Yongjun
Published: January 2020

Adaptation to low‐oxygen (LO) environment in host tissues is crucial for microbial pathogens, particularly fungi, to successfully infect target hosts. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for hypoxia tolerance in most pathogens are poorly understood. A mitochondrial protein, BbOhmm, is demonstrated to limit oxidative stress resistance and virulence in the insect fungal pathogen, Beauveria bassiana. Here, we found that BbOhmm negatively affected hypoxic adaptation in the insect haemocoel while regulating respiration‐related events, heme synthesis and mitochondrial iron homeostasis. A homologue of the mammalian sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins (SREBPs), BbSre1, was shown to be involved in BbOhmm‐mediated LO adaptation. Inactivation of BbSre1 resulted in a significant increase in sensitivity to hypoxic and oxidative stress. Similar to ΔBbOhmm, ΔBbSre1 or the ΔBbOhmmΔBbSre1 double mutant accumulated high levels of heme and mitochondrial iron, regulating the similar pathways during hypoxic stress. BbSre1 transcriptional activity and nuclear import were repressed in ΔBbOhmm cells and affected by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxygen levels. These findings have led to a new model in which BbOhmm affects ROS homeostasis in combination with available oxygen to control the transcriptional activity of BbSre1, which in turn mediates LO adaptation by regulating mitochondrial iron homeostasis, heme synthesis and respiration‐implicated genes.