bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene-rich X chromosomes implicate intragenomic conflict in the evolution of bizarre genetic systems
Authors: Anderson Noelle , Jaron Kamil S. , Hodson Christina N. , Couger Matthew B. , Ševčík Jan , Weinstein Brooke , Pirro Stacy , Ross Laura , Roy Scott William
Published: October 2020

Haplodiploidy and paternal genome elimination (HD/PGE) are common in invertebrates, having evolved at least two dozen times, all from male heterogamety (i.e., systems with X chromosomes). However, why X chromosomes are important for the evolution of HD/PGE remains debated. The Haploid Viability Hypothesis posits that X-linked genes promote the evolution of male haploidy by facilitating purging recessive deleterious mutations. The Intragenomic Conflict Hypothesis holds that conflict between genes drives genetic system turnover; under this model, X-linked genes could promote the evolution of male haploidy due to conflicts with autosomes over sex ratios and genetic transmission. We studied lineages where we can distinguish these hypotheses: species with germline PGE that retain an XX/X0 sex determination system (gPGE+X). Because evolving PGE in these cases involves changes in transmission without increases in male hemizygosity, a high degree of X linkage in these systems is predicted by the Intragenomic Conflict Hypothesis but not the Haploid Viability Hypothesis. To quantify the degree of X linkage, we sequenced and compared 7 gPGE+X species’ genomes with 11 related species with typical XX/XY or XX/X0 genetic systems, representing three transitions to gPGE. We find highly increased X linkage in both modern and ancestral genomes of gPGE+X species compared to non-gPGE relatives, and recover a significant positive correlation between percent X linkage and the evolution of gPGE. These are among the first empirical results suggesting a role for intragenomic conflict in the evolution of novel genetic systems like HD/PGE.

Significance Statement

Sex determination systems such as haplodiploidy, in which males’ gene transmission is haploid, are surprisingly common, however, the evolutionary paths to these systems are poorly understood. X chromosomes may play a particularly important role, either by increasing survival of males with only maternal genomes, or due to conflicts between X-chromosomal and autosomal genes. We studied X-chromosome gene richness in three arthropod lineages in which males are diploid as adults but only transmit their maternally-inherited haploid genome. We find that species with such atypical systems have far more X chromosomal genes than related diploid species. These results suggest that conflict between genetic elements within the genome drives the evolution of unusual sex determination systems.
Validated B Vitamin Quantification from Lentils by Selected Reaction Monitoring Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Haixia , De Silva Devini , Dissanayaka Dilanganie , Warkentin Thomas D. , Vandenberg Albert
Published: October 2020

A validated method for B vitamin separation and quantification from lentil seeds using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-selected reaction monitoring mass spectrometry (UPLC-SRM MS) was reported. The use of three enzymes (acid phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and rat serum) with a 4 h incubation was sufficient to convert bound B vitamins into their free forms. Twenty B vitamers were selected and a 5-min UPLC-SRM MS method was optimized for rapid analysis. This method was applied to quantify B vitamin concentration during lentil seed germination over a 5-day period. Total B vitamins increased up to 1.5-fold on day 5 (from 39.2 µg/g to 60.6 µg/g of dry weight) comparing with dry seeds. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) was the most abundant B vitamin in both dry seeds (34.2%) and in germinated seeds (17.7%-24.5% of total B vitamins); B8 (biotin) and B12 (cyanocobalamin) were not detected in lentil samples.
Food networks and urban informality in Mumbai, India
Authors: Kotval-K Zeenat
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Traditionally, urban informality has been discussed in terms of housing and markets, usually along the periphery of urban areas where there is disinvestment and decline. This article looks at urban informality through the lens of informal fresh food retail throughout the city of Mumbai, India. In India, fresh produce has traditionally been sold in informal street markets comprising vendors that operate through carts and make-shift stalls set-up on the streets. This article aims to assess the conditions surrounding fresh produce retail that fuel its informality.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed methods approach by spatially analyzing the location of informal fresh food vendors in ArcGIS, developing a qualitative analysis of the level of proliferation of this network through interviews conducted with vendors and conducting surveys of residents' access patterns and purchasing habits for fresh produce in the city.

Findings

Results from this study indicate that the role of density, transportation systems, domestic/household structure, cultural traditions and a bureaucratic system rife with its own challenges have resulted in a distinct infrastructure of food retail networks that has harvested forms of inequalities and injustices that inherently fuel this informal economy.

Originality/value

There is no published study to date that has been done to spatially assess the informal food network in any dense city in India, let alone Mumbai to date. Urban informality, by its nature, is hard to capture, and yet this study takes a holistic view of the food systems in Mumbai, by addressing the location, supply (through vendor interviews) and demand factors (through resident surveys).
Organizational change as tension management: a grounded theory
Authors: Ghiringhelli Cristiano , Virili Francesco
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Implementing automatic sorting operations in the parcel delivery industry can dramatically improve both capacity and service quality but demands radical and complex organizational change. The present in-depth grounded theory study examined a change process of this kind within one of the few global companies in the parcel delivery sector, focusing on three European hubs where automatic sorting had recently been introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

Grounded theory methodology, which facilitates the gradual emergence and dialogical interpretation of empirically grounded theoretical concepts, was particularly suited to the current project's open-ended research design and the hybrid (prescriptive but also constructive) nature of the change process under study. The investigation comprised iterative cycles of data collection, open coding, selective coding and theoretical coding over a three-year period.

Findings

In keeping with the dual nature of the change underway, a set of tensions were identified between pairs of opposite poles: manual vs automated, planned vs emergent and corporate vs site. The management of these tensions, which leveraged both prescriptive and sensemaking approaches, was found to trigger knowledge production, facilitating a gradual transition from high to low uncertainty and, consequently, progressive movement along the continuum between each pair of competing poles. Within this process, the industrial engineering function acted as an agent of change with a key orchestrating role.

Originality/value

As one of the first in-depth grounded theory analyses of tension management, this study contributes to the relatively recent debate on the recognition, analysis and handling of tensions and paradoxes in organizational change, suggesting innovative criteria for successful change management and identifying promising new avenues for research. From a managerial perspective, the study outcomes suggest that explicit recognition of uncertainty and tensions in organizational change can pave the way for solutions based on agility and continuous organizational learning.
A Tale of Two Tragedies: Bhopal Gas Leak in India and BP Oil Spill in US
Authors: Sharma Dheeraj
Published: October 2020

The case deals with comparison of two events namely Bhopal Gas Tragedy and BP Oil Spill Tragedy. Specifically, the case compares the negotiation process and its outcome. In other words, the case compares how negotiation was carried out on behalf of victims of these tragedies and resulted in optimal outcomes in one situation and sub-optimal outcomes in another situation. It case also provides insights into cross-cultural issues in negotiation process as one of the events took place in emerging economy (India) and other one in a developed economy (USA). The case gives insight for individuals on how handle communication process during the course of negotiation.
Airtel Zero: Data Pricing, Two Sided Markets Led Business Models and Net Neutrality
Authors: Sahay Arvind
Published: October 2020

Airtel, the leading mobile operator in India was going to launch the “Airtel Zero” platform that would charge service providers and OTT providers on the internet for mobile data traffic but would allow end consumers free access to the web sites that were signed up for the platform. The case revolves around the questions of pricing these data services to the service providers in a market where the price to one set of customers (the end consumer) was not independent of the price to another set of customers (the OTT service providers) - typical of two sided markets. Issues of net neutrality and competition have been considered alongside.
The Quest for Gold: Communications Challenge
Authors: Tripathi Sanjeev , Dhandhania Kopal Agrawal
Published: October 2020

OGQ was founded by Geet Sethi and Prakash Padukone with the mission to support potential Olympic medal winners, in achieving their dream, with the help of all the stakeholders; and the vision to scout for potential talent and identify their needs. It had eminent personalities from sports who understood the problems with Indian sports and from industry who had a passion for sports and supported it. OGQ supported its athletes for the 2012 London Olympics through voluntary contributions and its athletes won four medals. For the 2016 Olympics, OGQ had a target of eight Olympic medals and was scaling up its support to athletes. Viren Rasquinha, the CEO of OGQ, knew that he had to focus on getting more contributions as he needed more resources to support the athletes. For this OGQ needed to review its communication strategy to the current and potential donors.
A modified Arrhenius model for as-quenched Al-Mg-Si alloy considering the effect of cooling rate
Authors: Guo Ruichao , Wu Jianjun , Ren Yinxiang
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Accurate prediction of residual stress requires precise knowledge of the constitutive behavior of as-quenched material. This study aims to model the flow stress behavior for as-quenched Al-Mg-Si alloy.

Design Methodology Approach

In the present work, the flow behavior of as-quenched Al-Mg-Si alloy is studied by the hot compression tests at various temperatures (573–723 K), strain rates (0.1–1 s−1) and cooling rates (1–10 K/s). Flow stress behavior is then experimentally observed, and an Arrhenius model is used to predict the flow behavior. However, due to the fact that materials parameters and activation energy do not remain constant, the Arrhenius model has an unsatisfied prediction for the flow behavior. Considering the effects of temperatures, strain rates and cooling rates on constitutive behavior, a revised Arrhenius model is developed to describe the flow stress behavior.

Findings

The experimental results show that the flow stress increases by the increasing cooling rate, increasing strain state and decreasing temperature. In comparison to the experimental data, the revised Arrhenius model has an excellent prediction for as-quenched Al-Mg-Si alloy.

Originality Value

With the revised Arrhenius model, the flow behaviors at different quenching conditions can be obtained, which is an essential step to the residual stress prediction when the model is implemented in a finite element code, e.g. ABAQUS, in the future.
Numerical simulation of methane spreading in porous media after leaking from an underground pipe
Authors: Wang Ji , Yan Yuting , Li Junming
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Natural gas leak from underground pipelines could lead to serious damage and global warming, whose spreading in soil should be systematically investigated. This paper aims to propose a three-dimensional numerical model to analyze the methane–air transportation in soil. The results could help understand the diffusion process of natural gas in soil, which is essential for locating leak source and reducing damage after leak accident.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical model using finite element method is proposed to simulate the methane spreading process in porous media after leaking from an underground pipe. Physical models, including fluids transportation in porous media, water evaporation and heat transfer, are taken into account. The numerical results are compared with experimental data to validate the reliability of the simulation model. The effects of methane leaking direction, non-uniform soil porosity, leaking pressure and convective mass transfer coefficient on ground surface are analyzed.

Findings

The methane mole fraction distribution in soil is significantly affected by the leaking direction. Horizontally and vertically non-uniform soil porosity has a stronger effect. Increasing leaking pressure causes increasing methane mole flux and flow rate on the ground surface.

Originality/value

Most existing gas diffusion models in porous media are for one- or two-dimensional simulation, which is not enough for predicting three-dimensional diffusion process after natural gas leak in soil. The heat transfer between gas and soil was also neglected by most researchers, which is very important for predicting the gas-spreading process affected by the soil moisture variation because of water evaporation. In this paper, a three-dimensional numerical model is proposed to further analyze the methane–air transportation in soil using finite element method, with the presence of water evaporation and heat transfer in soil.
Association among school refusal behavior, self-esteem, parental school involvement and aggression in punctual and truant school-going adolescents: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Aqeel Muhammad , Rehna Tasnim
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence and association among school refusal behavior, self-esteem, parental school involvement and aggression in punctual and truant school-going adolescents.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive sampling technique and cross-sectional design were used in the current study. Participants comprised three heterogeneous sub-groups: school truant students, park truant students and punctual students.

Findings

This study’s findings indicated that father and mother’s school involvement was related to more elevated level of self-esteem for school truant students. Results also indicated that male truant students had more significant probability to school refusal behavior and physical aggression as compared to female truant students. Moreover, results revealed that physical aggression fully mediated among mother’s school involvement, academic self and school refusal behavior in punctual students and school truant students.

Originality/value

There is more need to develop indigenous school-based preventions and interventions aimed at decreasing school truancy in Pakistani context by tackling the predisposing vulnerable factors and supporting and encouraging the protective family and internal factors.
The impact of knowledge management capabilities on innovation in entrepreneurial companies in Jordan
Authors: Qandah Ramiz , Suifan Taghrid Saleh , Masa'deh Ra'ed , Obeidat Bader Yousef
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to identify and clarify the important variables in knowledge management capabilities that affect product/service innovation in entrepreneurial companies in Jordan.

Design/methodology/approach

A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was designed for measuring knowledge-based (infrastructural and dynamic) capabilities and product/service innovation in entrepreneurial companies in Jordan that specialized in information and communication technology. A questionnaire was distributed to 297 individuals in 40 companies, and only 202 questionnaires were completely filled and returned by the entrepreneurs at King Hussein Business Park and Al Hassan Business Park. Structural equation modeling was applied to statistically test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The research findings showed that knowledge-based infrastructural capabilities are a prerequisite for knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. On the other hand, knowledge combination capabilities have a statistically significant mediating effect between knowledge based infrastructural capabilities and product/service innovation.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by studying and investigating the key variables in knowledge management that affect product/service innovation and by providing a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge management capabilities and innovation in entrepreneurial companies. This research provides academicians with a framework for better understanding of the different factors of knowledge management capabilities and how they affect product/service innovation.
Schemata and creative thinking ability in cool-critical-creative-meaningful (3CM) learning
Authors: Wahyudi Wahyudi , Waluya Stevanus Budi , Suyitno Hardi , Isnarto Isnarto
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to describe how creative thinking ability could be improved through correcting the thinking schemata using cool-critical-creative-meaningful (3CM) learning model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study implemented mixed methods with explanatory sequential, which means a study that was conducted by collecting quantitative and qualitative data, consecutively. The creative thinking ability was measured through tests and then triangulated with the student teachers answers in the interviews. The qualitative data consisted of creative thinking schemata that were collected with task analysis and think aloud method. The data were analyzed in two stages. Quantitative data analysis was used to identify the effectiveness of 3CM learning. Qualitative data analysis was conducted using Miles and Huberman’s analysis.

Findings

The findings presented that 3CM learning model is significantly effective to improve the creative thinking ability of pre-service primary teacher; students with formal, content and linguistic schemata that are good and complete will also have good mathematical creative thinking ability; the mathematical creative thinking ability of student is determined by the completeness of their schemata; and a good and complete schemata (formal, content and linguistic) will help the students to produce several problem-solving alternatives.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

The results of this study suggest lecturers to give their students a great opportunity to develop their creativity in solving mathematical problems. Lecturers could give the students the opportunity to think systematically by beginning by criticizing the interesting contextual problems and ending with meaningful reflection with adequate learning resources.

Originality/value

3CM learning model is a model that is proven to be effective in helping the students in shaping the thinking schemata well and able to improve the creative thinking ability of the students.
Artificial intelligence and the future of work – lessons from the sociology of expectations
Authors: Vicsek Lilla
Published: October 2020

Purpose

What is the future of work going to look like? The aim of this paper is to show how the sociology of expectations (SE) – which deals with the power of visions – can make important contributions in terms of thinking about this issue by critically evaluating the dominant expert positions related to the future-of-employment- and artificial intelligence (AI) debate.

Design/methodology/approach

After providing a literature review regarding SE, an approach based on the latter is applied to interpret the dominant ideal-type expert positions in the future of work debate to illustrate the value of this perspective.

Findings

Dominant future scripts can be characterized by a focus on the effects of AI technology that give agency to technology and to the future, involve the hype of expectations with polarized frames, and obscure uncertainty. It is argued that these expectations can have significant consequences. They contribute to the closing off of alternative pathways to the future by making some conversations possible, while hindering others. In order to advance understanding, more sophisticated theorizing is needed which goes beyond these positions and which takes uncertainty and the mutual shaping of technology and society into account – including the role expectations play.

Research limitations/implications

The study asserts that the dominant positions contain problematic assumptions. It makes suggestions for helping move beyond these current framings of the debate theoretically. It also argues that scenario building and backcasting are two tools that could help move forward thinking about the future of work – especially if this is done in a way so as to build strongly on SE.

Practical implications

The arguments presented herein enhance sense-making in relation to the future-of-work debate, and can contribute to policy development.

Originality/value

There is a lack of adequate exploration of the role of visions related to AI and their consequences. This paper attempts to address this gap by applying an SE approach and emphasizing the performative force of visions.
Adoption of electronic supply chain management systems: the mediation role of information sharing
Authors: Pu Xiaodie , Wang Zhengxu , Chan Felix T.S.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Based on structural embeddedness theory and resource dependence theory, this research aims to examine the mediation role of information sharing in the relationship between deendency structures and electronic supply chain management system (eSCM) adoption and a firm's intention to adopt eSCMs.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was undertaken from 212 companies based in Mainland China. Three-stage least squares (3SLS) regression was employed to test the research model.

Findings

The results from 3SLS regressions showed that the effect of interdependence on eSCM adoption intention is fully mediated through information sharing when relationship duration is either below or about the mean. Interdependence and dependence disadvantage was shown to have significant positive effects on eSCM adoption while the effect of dependence advantage was statistically insignificant. Relationship duration was found to negatively moderate the relationship between information sharing and adoption intention.

Originality/value

Through investigating factors of inter-organizational relationships, this study fills the knowledge gap in the traditional paradigms which ignore the collaborative nature of eSCM and analyse related problems based on a single firm's point of view.
The response to Covid-19 in England: political accountability and loss of trust
Authors: Broadbent Jane
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect upon the nature of some elements of the UK Government’s response to COVID-19 in England.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a reflective commentary based on a conceptual framing that reflects in turn on the use of performance measures in the building of trust and the author’s experience as a citizen.

Findings

The English Government approach to controlling the progress of COVID-19 has been characterised by long-standing tenets of New Public Management that have undermined rather than created trust in their actions.

Originality/value

Originality can be found in the application of existing understandings to the novel situation of seeking to control the COVID-19 pandemic in England.
How gratitude improves relationship marketing outcomes for young consumers
Authors: Fazal-e-Hasan Syed , Mortimer Gary , Lings Ian , Kaur Gurjeet
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Relationship marketing is about developing, maintaining and sustaining mutually beneficial customer–organisation relationships as measured by economic gains. Yet, a purely economic focus does not fully offer a psychological explanation of relationship marketing outcomes. In this regard, this paper has considered gratitude as a significant component of personal relationships, which offers insights into a customer–organisation relationships. Accordingly, this study aims to examine gratitude as a mechanism to predict relationship marketing outcomes, such as overall satisfaction, trust and commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 1,093 millennial consumers across three university campuses.

Findings

Results indicate that gratitude is a mediating mechanism that can explain the relationship between young consumers’ perceptions of relationship marketing investments and overall satisfaction, trust and commitment. Perceived benevolence strengthens the relationship between perceived relationship marketing investments and customer gratitude.

Originality/value

The gratitude model contributes an alternative understanding of how young consumers’ perceptions of an organisation’s marketing investments are important in achieving a high degree of relationship marketing outcomes. This paper further incorporates the moderating roles of customer cynicism and perceptions of benevolence, key individual and relational characteristics, that influence the level of gratitude individuals to experience in response to the investments made by organisations.
A novel integrated approach for ranking solar energy location planning: a case study
Authors: Mostafaeipour Ali , Qolipour Mojtaba , Rezaei Mostafa , Jahangiri Mehdi , Goli Alireza , Sedaghat Ahmad
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Every day, the sun provides by far more energy than the amount necessary to meet the whole world’s energy demand. Solar energy, unlike fossil fuels, does not suffer from depleting resource and also releases no greenhouse gas emissions when being used. Hence, using solar irradiance to produce electricity via photovoltaic (PV) systems has significant benefits which can lead to a sustainable and clean future. In this regard, the purpose of this study is first to assess the technical and economic viability of solar power generation sites in the capitals of the states of Canada. Then, a novel integrated technique is developed to prioritize all the alternatives.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, ten provinces in Canada are evaluated for the construction of solar power plants. The new hybrid approach composed of data envelopment analysis (DEA), balanced scorecard (BSC) and game theory (GT) is implemented to rank the nominated locations from techno-economic-environmental efficiency aspects. The input data are obtained using HOMER software.

Findings

Applying the proposed hybrid approach, the order of high to low efficiency locations was found as Winnipeg, Victoria, Edmonton, Quebec, Halifax, St John’s, Ottawa, Regina, Charlottetown and Toronto. Construction of ten solar plants in the ten studied locations was assessed and it was ascertained that usage of solar energy in Winnipeg, Victoria and Edmonton would be economically and environmentally justified.

Originality/value

As to novelty, it should be clarified that the authors propose an effective hybrid method combining DEA, BSC and GT for prioritizing all available scenarios concerned with the construction of a solar power plant.
Rewiring the STEM pipeline - a C-B-E framework to female retention
Authors: Roemer Carina , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Pang Bo , David Patricia , Kim Jeawon , Durl James , Dietrich Timo , Carins Julia
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Females are underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), both in the workforce and in universities. Low self-efficacy and limited access to role models are key factors preventing retention of female STEM students enrolled in university degrees. This paper aims to report on one social marketing pilot programme that was co-designed to increase self-efficacy in females currently enrolled in STEM programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

The Co-create, Build and Engage (C-B-E) framework was applied. Process and outcome evaluations were conducted using a repeated measure design to assess pilot programme effectiveness.

Findings

A significant increase in self-efficacy and high satisfaction rates were observed for STEM students that attended the bias literacy workshop. Social advertisements raised awareness for available STEM specific university services.

Originality/value

This paper outlines the application of the C-B-E framework. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study delivers the first scientific paper reporting an outcome evaluation for a social marketing programme seeking to retain women enrolled in university STEM degrees.
Smart business: the element of delay in the future of smart tourism
Authors: Ballina Francisco Javier
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Smart tourism (ST) needs the development of smart business. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the future of the smart component of tourism companies, what their perspectives are and what factors can help to accelerate it.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 133 managers of tourist companies is the basis of the empirical information. The study was a personal survey carried out during FITUR 2019 International Tourism Fair of Madrid. The main element of the study is the future development of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and smart tourism (ST) in business.

Findings

The results indicate that there is little development at present of the smart business eco-system and that development will continue to be slow in the future. Moreover, this is not a critical issue in the agendas of companies. It was found that tourists pressure tourism through the extensive use of their smartphones, but only at the level of tourism resources. Furthermore, it will be the consolidation of the smart tourism destination that marks the medium and long-term design of smart business.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations concern the problems of a sampling procedure. Firstly, it operates with a database of managers’ opinions; secondly, there are specificities of each company in particular.

Practical implications

The design of the smart tourism destination must incorporate the integration of tourism companies, both with a useful vision of ICTs towards the creation of experiences.

Originality/value

Research on smart business tourism is very scarce compared to smart destination and smart tourists. Also, the data are supported by managers of important tourism companies, as their companies are present at FITUR.
Post-COVID-19 crisis travel behaviour: towards mitigating the effects of perceived risk
Authors: Matiza Tafadzwa
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the on-going COVID-19 pandemic and its potential influence on tourist behaviour in the short- to medium-term. While the influence of the pandemic on tourist’s perceived risk and its impact on their future travel behaviour is understandably yet to be established, the present paper discusses the potential nexus. Additionally, this paper provides tourism practitioners with some recommendations for mitigating the effect of potential heightened perceived risk on travel and tourism decision-making post the COVID-19 crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper synthesises contemporary academic literature on perceived risk and post-crisis tourism with emerging information associated with the unfolding COVID-19 crisis.

Findings

This paper draws empirical evidence from studies related to previous health crises and their impact on tourism, as well as tourist behaviour. By discussing previous studies within the context of the on-going COVID-19, it is possible to anticipate the influence that perceived risk associated with the pandemic may have on the post-crisis behaviour of tourists. Also, short-term measures to mitigate the effects of risk on tourism are posited to guide practitioners in the future recovery of the sector.

Research limitations/implications

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented and on-going crisis for the global tourism industry. Hence, the present paper serves as a primer to a broader discussion within the tourism discourse and provides theoretical direction for future tourism research.

Practical implications

Key to the recovery of the global tourism industry will be encouraging both domestic and international tourism activity. However, while the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on tourist behaviour is yet to be substantiated, previous research predicts a situation of heightened perceived risk and the potential cognitive dissonance that may negatively influence tourist decision-making. To mitigate this potential effect, governance, augmented immigration policy, destination media profiling, recovery marketing and domestic tourism will be critical interventions.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to discuss the potential influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the post-crisis decision-making process of tourists and their conative behaviour. As a primer to further empirical research, this paper sets a pertinent research agenda for academic inquiry within an evolving and increasingly uncertain global tourism market.
Improvement of health performance through clinical risk management: the maternal and child pathway
Authors: Sardi Alberto , Sorano Enrico , Guerrieri Anna , Fiandra Umberto
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To improve the performance both in terms of patient safety and quality of treatments, this research studies one of the most delicate processes of health organizations, that is to say, the clinical risk management in maternal and child pathway. This paper aims to analyze the accidents that occurred in a complex health facility through the standard mapping of this pathway included in the CartoRisk, i.e. a risk assessment tool for the a priori analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses the case study methodology, as it explores a complex process in which a lot of variables and actors are involved. It analyzes the accidents occurred in the largest health facility at national and European level.

Findings

After a presentation of the regulatory framework and the studied health organization, the research analyzes the accidents occurred in maternal and child pathway from 2014 to 2018. It showed the main risks according to the standard mapping of the maternal and child pathway. Furthermore, it identified 11 new risks mainly associated with physiologic birth and Caesarean birth.

Originality/value

This study presents the regulatory framework, the health facility and the accidents of a health organization. Moreover, besides the accident analysis, the research integrates further risks into the standard mapping adopted to carry out this study and proposes a risk management approach. Therefore, the value of the research for operators will consist of the integration of the standard mapping used for a priori analysis to be reused in the hospitals where they work, while for researchers it will represent a deep knowledge of a real case.
BNDES loans and the financial constraints of Brazilian publicly traded companies
Authors: Eclache da Silva Walter , Kayo Eduardo , Martelanc Roy
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze whether companies that contracted loans from the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) between 2002 and 2014 were able to invest more than companies that did not. The literature on financial constraints, particularly that based on the investment-cash flow sensitivity model, is among the most studied and controversial in the area of finance, and the discussion on the role of development banks is equally controversial.

Design/methodology/approach

The main econometric model of this study was based on the investment-cash flow sensitivity model, with the incorporation of a binary variable that captures the role of the BNDES. This model is applied to a sample of companies listed on the B3 from 2002 to 2014.

Findings

This study shows that loans from the BNDES amplify the effects of cash flow on investments, generating a kind of credit multiplier. An important role of development banks is to reduce the financial constraints typical of developing countries.

Research limitations/implications

The use of the cash flow sensitivity model in companies that contracted loans from the BNDES is a relevant instrument to test the effect of the BNDES on companies with financial constraints.

Practical implications

The contracting of BNDES loans by companies can affect both capital structure and cash generation, particularly in companies or years in which there was financial constraint.

Social implications

Due to the nature of the BNDES as a development bank, there are ramifications in terms of the generation of employment and income inherent to the mission of this type of institution. Knowing the multiplier effect on the cash flow potential of companies has a direct impact on their preservation, enabling them to maintain and expand the supply of jobs.

Originality/value

This study is the first to integrate two important areas of study. From the theoretical perspective, this study provides evidence on the relationship between the BNDES and company financial constraints that open new avenues of research. From the managerial point of view, the evidence of the multiplier effect is highly important for the management of the capital structure and cash flow of companies.
COVID-19 and gender infectivity-mortality rate among Pakistani population
Authors: Zia Sadia
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper includes regional, behavioral and biological issues of men that lead them to high mortality rate in Pakistan. The study was design to factories the major cause of gender inequality of infection. This study focused on regional, behavioral and biological issues of men that lead to high mortality rate.

Design/methodology/approach

The statistical datum was collected from the official fact finding documents of Government of Pakistan to analyze the gender-based infection rate and mortality count. It was found that among the population of men in Pakistan, the mortality rate is very high.

Findings

The epidemiological studies are more threatening because mostly the population which is under real panic comprises older men.

Originality/value

The author declares that all the data was collected from the most authentic source and applied according to their background and biological, behavioral and logical knowledge.
Ecoimmunology at spatial scales
Authors: Forbes Kristian M.
Published: October 2020

In Focus

Becker, D. J., Albery, G. F., Kessler, M. K., Lunn, T. J., Falvo, C. A., Czirják, G. Á., Martin, L. B., & Plowright, R. K. (2020). Macroimmunology: The drivers and consequences of spatial patterns in wildlife immune defence.Journal of Animal Ecology,89, 972–995. Ecoimmunology seeks to identify and explain natural variation in immune function. Most research so far has focused on differences among individuals within populations, which are often driven by trade‐offs in resource allocation between energetically costly immunity and competing processes such as reproduction. In their review article, Becker et al. (2020) have proposed a framework to explicitly address habitat‐ and population‐level differences in wildlife immune phenotypes. Termed macroimmunology, this concept integrates principles from ecoimmunology and macroecology. Becker et al. (2020) have highlighted three non‐mutually exclusive habitat features that are likely to vary at spatial scales and influence immune function: (a) parasite pressure, (b) abiotic and biotic factors and (c) anthropogenic changes. However, a large and robust body of literature suitable for synthesis to detect macroimmunology patterns and effect sizes is not yet available. Through their systematic review and critical assessment, Becker et al. (2020) identified common problems in existing research that hinders spatial inferences, such as a need for spatial replication in study design and statistical analyses that account for spatial dependence. Overall, macroimmunology has the potential to identify and even predict spatial patterns in immune phenotypes that form the mechanistic underpinnings of important wildlife disease processes, and this review represents an important step to realizing these goals.
Iron facilitates the RetS‐Gac‐Rsm cascade to inversely regulate protease IV (piv) expression via the sigma factor PvdS in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Peng Juan , Chen Gukui , Xu Xuejie , Wang Tietao , Liang Haihua
Published: October 2020

Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces several proteases, such as an elastase (LasB protease), a LasA protease, and protease IV (PIV), which are thought as significant virulence factors during infection. Regulators of LasA and LasB expression have been identified and well characterized; however, the molecular details of this regulation of protease IV (PIV) remained largely unknown. Here, we describe the interaction between protease IV and the RetS/Rsm signalling pathway, which plays a central role in controlling the production of multiple virulence factors and the switch from planktonic to biofilm lifestyle. We show that the expression of piv was reduced in ΔretS or ΔrsmA strain grown under restrictive conditions but was induced in ΔretS or ΔrsmA mutant grown under rich conditions as compared with wild‐type parent. We compare the expression of piv under various conditions and found that iron facilitates RetS/Rsm system to lead this inverse regulation. Moreover, we reveal that the RetS/Rsm pathway regulates PIV production dependent on the alternative sigma factor PvdS. Collectively, this study extends the understanding of the RetS/Rsm regulatory cascade in response to environmental signals and provides insights into how P. aeruginosa adapts to the complex conditions.
Empowering to Reduce Intentions to Resist Future Change: Organization‐Based Self‐esteem as a Boundary Condition
Authors: Neves Pedro , Pires Daniela , Costa Sandra
Published: October 2020

Research examining resistance to change usually focuses on what happens during (or immediately prior to) implementation. However, researchers also acknowledge that organizational life, including change events, do not occur in a vacuum and that individuals form intentions to resist future change based on their prior experiences. Building on uncertainty reduction theory, we examined the role of empowering leadership in the reduction of intentions to resist future change. Using a time‐lagged design, we found that empowering leadership reduces behavioural intentions to resist future change via structural empowerment. The indirect effect on cognitive and affective intentions was significant only for high organization‐based self‐esteem (OBSE) individuals. We also found a positive effect on cognitive intentions via psychological empowerment, again only for high OBSE individuals. These findings suggest that, to anticipate and prevent potential resistance to change, organizations should take a long‐term approach to change management, namely by stimulating empowering leadership during times of stability.
Vaginal Er:YAG laser application in the menopausal ewe model: a randomised estrogen and sham‐controlled trial
Authors: Mackova K , Mazzer AM , Mori Da Cunha MGMC , Hajkova Hympanova L , Urbankova I , Kastelein AW , Vodegel E , Vander Linden K , Fehervary H , Guler Z , Roovers JP , Krofta L , Verhaeghe J , Deprest J
Published: October 2020

Objective

To describe effects of non‐ablative erbium‐doped:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet (Er:YAG) laser on vaginal atrophy induced by iatrogenic menopause in the ewe.

Design

Animal experimental, randomised, sham and estrogen‐treatment controlled study with blinding for primary outcome.

Setting

KU Leuven, Belgium.

Sample

Twenty‐four ewes.

Methods

Menopause was surgically induced, after which the ewes were randomised to three groups receiving vaginal Er:YAG laser application three times, with a 1‐month interval; three sham manipulations with a 1‐month interval; or estrogen replacement and sham manipulations. At given intervals, ewes were clinically examined and vaginal wall biopsies were taken. Vaginal compliance was determined by passive biomechanical testing from explants taken at autopsy.

Main outcome measures

Vaginal epithelial thickness (primary), composition of the lamina propria (collagen, elastin, glycogen and vessel content), vaginal compliance, clinical signs.

Results

Animals exposed to Er:YAG laser application and sham manipulation, but not to estrogens, displayed a significant and comparable increase in vaginal epithelial thickness between baseline and 7 days after the third application (69% and 67%, respectively, both P < 0.0008). In laser‐treated ewes, temporary vaginal discharge and limited thermal injury were observed. Estrogen‐substituted ewes displayed a more prominent increase in epithelial thickness (202%; P < 0.0001) and higher vaginal compliance (P < 0.05). None of the interventions induced changes in the lamina propria.

Conclusions

Vaginal Er:YAG laser has comparable effect to sham manipulation in menopausal ewes.

Tweetable abstract

Vaginal Er:YAG laser has comparable effect to sham manipulation in menopausal ewes #LASER #GSM #RCT.
Three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed titanium sternum replacement: A case report
Authors: Wang Wenzhang , Liang Zhaoru , Yang Shiyan , Feng Qing , Nie Xuewei , Su Guang , Yuan Wenjie , Han Yi
Published: October 2020

After sternal tumor resection, reconstruction of chest wall defects is still a challenging part of thoracic surgery. Three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed titanium alloy prosthesis implants provide an effective solution. The bionic bone trabecular micropore structure, which is beneficial to the human body, increases stability and robustness of the prosthesis. Here, we report a successful case of a customized prosthesis using a 3D‐printed titanium alloy to repair and reconstruct bone defects in a patient with sternal osteosarcoma who underwent radical resection of the whole sternum.
Cloning short DNA into plasmids by one‐step PCR
Authors: Tao Cheng‐Cheng , Yang Ying , Li Fang , Qiao Ling , Wu Yue , Sun Xiao‐Dong , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Li Chang‐Long
Published: October 2020

Background

Plasmid construction of small fragments of interest (such as insertion of small fragment marker genes, expression of shRNA, siRNA, etc) is the basis of many biomolecular experiments. Here, we describe a method to clone short DNA into vectors by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), named one‐step PCR cloning. Our method uses PCR to amplify the entire circular plasmid. The PCR was performed by the primers containing the gene of short DNA with overlapping sequences between 10–15 bp. The PCR products were then transformed into E. coli and cyclized by homologous recombination in vivo.

Methods

The pEGFP‐N1‐HA plasmid was constructed by one‐step PCR and transformation. Cells were transfected with pEGFP‐N1‐HA and pEGFP‐N1 plasmid using TurboFect transfection reagent. Protein expression was detected by western blotting and the HA‐GFP fusion protein was detected by confocal microscopy.

Results

The pEGFP‐N1‐HA plasmid was successfully constructed and HA expression in cells.

Conclusions

Free from the limitations of restriction enzyme sites and omitting the ligation process, our method offers a flexible and economical option of plasmid construction.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

A method to clone short DNA into plasmids was found.

What this study adds

Our study provides a flexible and economical option to clone short DNA into plasmids.