bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the effect of nanoparticles diameter on turbulent flow and heat transfer properties of non-Newtonian carboxymethyl cellulose/CuO fluid in a microtube
Authors: Rahimi Gheynani Ali , Ali Akbari Omid , Zarringhalam Majid , Ahmadi Sheikh Shabani Gholamreza , Alnaqi Abdulwahab A. , Goodarzi Marjan , Toghraie Davood
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Although many studies have been conducted on the nanofluid flow in microtubes, this paper, for the first time, aims to investigate the effects of nanoparticle diameter and concentration on the velocity and temperature fields of turbulent non-Newtonian Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)/copper oxide (CuO) nanofluid in a three-dimensional microtube. Modeling has been done using low- and high-Reynolds turbulent models. CMC/CuO was modeled using power law non-Newtonian model. The authors obtained interesting results, which can be helpful for engineers and researchers that work on cooling of electronic devices such as LED, VLSI circuits and MEMS, as well as similar devices.

Design/methodology/approach

Present numerical simulation was performed with finite volume method. For obtaining higher accuracy in the numerical solving procedure, second-order upwind discretization and SIMPLEC algorithm were used. For all Reynolds numbers and volume fractions, a maximum residual of 10−6 is considered for saving computer memory usage and the time for the numerical solving procedure.

Findings

In constant Reynolds number and by decreasing the diameter of nanoparticles, the convection heat transfer coefficient increases. In Reynolds numbers of 2,500, 4,500 and 6,000, using nanoparticles with the diameter of 25 nm compared with 50 nm causes 0.34 per cent enhancement of convection heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number. Also, in Reynolds number of 2,500, by increasing the concentration of nanoparticles with the diameter of 25 nm from 0.5 to 1 per cent, the average Nusselt number increases by almost 0.1 per cent. Similarly, In Reynolds numbers of 4,500 and 6,000, the average Nusselt number increases by 1.8 per cent.

Research limitations/implications

The numerical simulation was carried out for three nanoparticle diameters of 25, 50 and 100 nm with three Reynolds numbers of 2,500, 4,500 and 6,000. Constant heat flux is on the channel, and the inlet fluid becomes heated and exists from it.

Practical implications

The authors obtained interesting results, which can be helpful for engineers and researchers that work on cooling of electronic devices such as LED, VLSI circuits and MEMS, as well as similar devices.

Originality/value

This manuscript is an original work, has not been published and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. About the competing interests, the authors declare that they have no competing interests.
Brazilian women’s entrepreneurial profile and intention
Authors: Krakauer Patricia Viveiros de Castro , de Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes , Coda Roberto , Berne Davi de França
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the existence of typical preferred behaviours that might characterize Brazilian women’s entrepreneurial profile and whether this profile influences their motivation to undertake a venture.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the evolution of the literature on women entrepreneurship, the study criticizes the rational view that conceives entrepreneurship as a universal phenomenon and immune to gender. A quantitative approach based on multivariate data analysis (structural equation modelling) was applied to a sample of 418 women entrepreneurs with regard to six hypotheses associated with a specifically conceived conceptual model.

Findings

The behavioural categories tested in the model that most influence Brazilian women’s entrepreneurial profile are planning, identifying opportunities, sociability and leadership, corroborating the results of other international studies. Behaviours connected with persistence did not correlate to Brazilian women’s entrepreneurial profile. The hypothesis that women’s entrepreneurial profile positively influences their entrepreneurial intention was confirmed.

Research limitations/implications

As the study is based on an intentional, non-probabilistic sample, further research needs to be conducted using other forms of sampling, extending the findings to other contexts internationally and to other Brazilian regions.

Practical implications

Women can perceive whether their behavioural profile is suited to embracing entrepreneurship challenges, helping them to make effective career choices.

Originality/value

The study provides a robust model with high explanatory value. It contributes to the women’s entrepreneurship literature from the perspective of a Latin American developing country, offering valuable insights regarding the impact of entrepreneurial behavioural profile on women’s entrepreneurial activities.
Second-generation gender bias
Authors: Opoku Alex , Williams Ninarita
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The eradication of gender discrimination at work has been a prominent feature
of the UK political and business agenda for decades; however, the persistent
business gender leadership gap remains. The concept of second-generation
gender bias has recently been proposed as the primary cause. This paper aims
to evaluate how women experience second-generation gender bias in
construction organisations. It examines key manifestations of
second-generation gender bias and how it impacts women’s career
progression into leadership positions in the UK construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a broad feminist interpretative lens aligned with the
general aims of feminist critical inquiry through semi-structured interviews
with 12 women experiencing career journeys of at least five years in the
construction industry.

Findings

This paper reveals that second-generation gender bias hinders the career
development and leadership identity of some women and the persistent
business gender leadership gap is unlikely to change without addressing
it.

Originality/value

There is little or no research that speaks exclusively to the experience of
second-generation gender bias and female managers working within the UK
construction. This paper provides further insight into the barriers women
face when attempting to progress into senior management roles, particularly
in construction.
An empirical study of purchase behaviour on social platforms
Authors: Benson Vladlena , Ezingeard Jean-Noel , Hand Chris
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Social media users’ purchasing behaviour is yet to be fully understood by research. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how purchase intention is affected by social media user traits, cognitive factors (such as perceived control and trust) and individual beliefs, such as risk propensity and trustworthiness.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose and empirically test a model of purchase intention on social platforms. The study of over 500 active social media users finds the links between risk propensity, trust, technical efficacy and perceived control and explores the moderating effect of age and gender.

Findings

Purchase intention on social platforms is influenced by demographic factors, cognitive factors and beliefs. Both age and gender moderate the effects of beliefs and cognitive factors: age is a determinant of purchase intention for men, while beliefs are significant for younger women and cognitive factors are significant for older women.

Research limitations/implications

This study involved a cross-sectional design via online survey of social networking users. Gender differences in purchase intentions are found which are, in turn, influenced by age. Further empirical testing of social purchase intention could include less experienced users or non-users.

Practical implications

The results of this study provide guidance for SNS providers and technology developers in social networking commerce in terms of the different drivers of purchase intention.

Originality/value

Social media users’ purchasing behaviour is yet to be fully understood. The study shows that purchase intention antecedents vary between genders and age groups of users. The identified connection between users’ perceptions of social networking sites (SNS) usage of personal information and purchase behaviour has an impact on the likelihood of user engagement in social transactions.
Evaluation of vehicle lightweighting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with focus on magnesium substitution
Authors: Kulkarni Siddharth , Edwards David John , Parn Erika Anneli , Chapman Craig , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Cornish Richard
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Vehicle weight reduction represents a viable means of meeting tougher regulatory requirements designed to reduce fuel consumption and control greenhouse gas emissions. This paper aims to present an empirical and comparative analysis of lightweight magnesium materials used to replace conventional steel in passenger vehicles with internal combustion engines. The very low density of magnesium makes it a viable material for lightweighting given that it is lighter than aluminium by one-third and steel by three-fourth.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural evaluation case study of the “open access” Wikispeed car was undertaken. This included an assessment of material design characteristics such as bending stiffness, torsional stiffness and crashworthiness to evaluate whether magnesium provides a better alternative to the current usage of aluminium in the automotive industry.

Findings

The Wikispeed car had an issue with the rocker beam width/thickness (b/t) ratio, indicating failure in yield instead of buckling. By changing the specified material, Aluminium Alloy 6061-T651 to Magnesium EN-MB10020, it was revealed that vehicle mass could be reduced by an estimated 110 kg, in turn improving the fuel economy by 10 per cent. This, however, would require mechanical performance compromise unless the current design is modified.

Originality/value

This is the first time that a comparative analysis of material substitution has been made on the Wikispeed car. The results of such work will assist in the lowering of harmful greenhouse gas emissions and simultaneously augment fuel economy.
The effect of leverage on the performance of real estate companies
Authors: Morri Giacomo , Jostov Karoline
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of leverage on the total shareholder return of European publicly traded real estate vehicles in three periods: Crisis Period (2007-2009), Rebound Period (2009-2014) and the Whole Period.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional analysis is used and the leverage effect on the performance is controlled for seven other independent variables (local market risk premium, size, book-to-market, short-term debt, cash); moreover, regional differences are accounted for.

Findings

It is established that during the Crisis Period, leverage levels are negatively associated with performance: this relationship also holds throughout the Whole Period, implying that for real estate securities, the cost of financial distress is larger than the potential gain from taxation, although the economic significance of it is limited. The Fama and French (1992) three factors, including size, book-to-market and local market risk premium, are found to be relevant, which is consistent with the literature. In addition, the UK and Sweden regions are identified as significant.

Originality/value

Even if there is sizeable body of literature on determinants of leverage and determinants of asset returns, little work has been done on how leverage affects the returns of European real estate companies. In addition, this paper takes advantage of observations from a full economic cycle and the possible effects of the crisis period.
Governing integrated care networks through collaborative inquiry
Authors: Mitterlechner Matthias
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a theory of governing in integrated care networks. Asking how and why the governance of these networks emerges and evolves over time, it responds to calls for more innovative thinking in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

Data result from a rare longitudinal qualitative case study conducted with the Healthcare Centre Lower Engadin, the lead organisation of pioneering health and social care network in a rural Swiss region.

Findings

Actors governed the network through repetitive sequences of collaborative inquiry, a practice through which they defined and addressed recurrent problems of network governance and joint network action in creative and experimental ways.

Research limitations/implications

Explaining how and why the governance of integrated care networks emerges and evolves, this study adds a dynamic theory to previous research, which has studied the determinants of effective network governance without considering their temporal evolution. It also contributes to the wider network literature, drawing attention to the pivotal role of meaning making, creativity and experimentation for understanding network governance dynamics.

Practical implications

The study invites practitioners to reflect on how they want to design collaborative inquiry in their own contexts. Important design levers include the creation of communication forums, trust and information transparency.

Originality/value

The study adds a rare longitudinal perspective on the governance of integrated care networks.
Clinicians as novice facilitators: a SIMPLE case study
Authors: Young Adrienne M. , Keller Heather H. , Barnes Rhiannon , Bell Jack J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance understanding about the facilitation process used in complex implementation projects, by describing the function of novice clinician facilitators, and the barriers and enablers they experience, while implementing a new model of care for managing hospital malnutrition.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with local facilitators (n=7) involved in implementing The SIMPLE Approach (Systematised Interdisciplinary Malnutrition Pathway Implementation and Evaluation) in six hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Facilitator networks and training supported the clinicians acting as novice facilitators.

Findings

Key functions of the facilitator role were building relationships and trust; understanding the problem and stimulating change through data; negotiating and implementing the change; and measuring, sharing and reflecting on success. “Dedicated role, time and support” was identified as a theme encompassing the key barriers and enablers to successful facilitation.

Practical implications

When implementing complex interventions within short project timelines, it is critical that novice clinician facilitators are given adequate and protected time within their role, and have access to regular support from peers and experienced facilitators. With these structures in place, facilitators can support iterative improvements through building trust and relationships, co-designing strategies with champions and teams and developing internal capacity for change.

Originality/value

This case study extends the knowledge about how facilitation works in action, the barriers faced by clinicians new to working in facilitator roles, and highlights the need for an adapt-to-fit approach for the facilitation process, as well as the innovation itself.
Interdisciplinary knowledge cohesion through distributed information management systems
Authors: Kaltenthaler Daniel , Lohrer Johannes-Y. , Richter Florian , Kröger Peer
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Interdisciplinary linkage of information is an emerging topic to create knowledge by collaboration of experts in diverse domains. New insights can be found by using the combined techniques and information when people have the chance to discuss and communicate on a common basis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes RMS Cloud, an information management system which allows distributed data sources to be searched using dynamic joins of results from heterogeneous data formats. It is based on the well-known Mediator architecture, but reverses the connection of the data sources to grant data owners full control over the data.

Findings

Data owners and learners are enabled to retrieve information and to cross-connect domain-extrinsic knowledge and enhances collaborative learning with a search interface that is intuitive and easy to operate.

Originality/value

This novel architecture is able to connect to differently shaped data sources from interdisciplinary domains into one common retrieval interface.
Orchestrating service brand touchpoints and the effects on relational outcomes
Authors: Sultan Abdullah J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This research aims to identify critical brand touchpoints that generate value for customers and brands and examine their effects on two relational outcomes: relationship quality and word of mouth (WOM).

Design/methodology/approach

Three studies combining qualitative and quantitative research provide evidence distinguishing four different stages of customer experience in the telecom industry and develop a research model of staged customer experience; structural equation modeling analyses are used to validate the proposed model and test for the examined effects.

Findings

Customer experience in the telecom industry consists of four related but distinct stages (i.e. pre-touch, in-touch, post-touch and service failure) and these stages have direct and indirect effects on WOM. Furthermore, the effects of customer experience stages on WOM are partially mediated by relationship quality.

Research limitations/implications

The research model introduced here will allow academics and practitioners to focus their efforts on important touchpoints that influence relationship quality and WOM. Future research should examine the proposed model of staged customer experience in different applications and industries.

Practical implications

A common myth among marketers is that firms should design a painless experience if they want a superior market position. While avoiding a drain on financial resources, the prime objective should be to provide a holistic customer experience that is valuable to customers and the brand alike. Marketers should disregard touchpoints and stages that do not provide noticeable value.

Originality/value

This research answers the call for a more appropriate model to elucidate the factors that link customer experience with relational outcomes.
Financial fraud detection and big data analytics – implications on auditors’ use of fraud brainstorming session
Authors: Tang Jiali , Karim Khondkar E.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the application of Big Data analytics to the brainstorming session in the current auditing standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the literature related to fraud, brainstorming sessions and Big Data, and propose a model that auditors can follow during the brainstorming sessions by applying Big Data analytics at different steps.

Findings

The existing audit practice aimed at identifying the fraud risk factors needs enhancement, due to the inefficient use of unstructured data. The brainstorming session provides a useful setting for such concern as it draws on collective wisdom and encourages idea generation. The integration of Big Data analytics into brainstorming can broaden the information size, strengthen the results from analytical procedures and facilitate auditors’ communication. In the model proposed, an audit team can use Big Data tools at every step of the brainstorming process, including initial data collection, data integration, fraud indicator identification, group meetings, conclusions and documentation.

Originality/value

The proposed model can both address the current issues contained in brainstorming (e.g. low-quality discussions and production blocking) and improve the overall effectiveness of fraud detection.
The determinants of audit report lag: a meta-analysis
Authors: Durand Giselle
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to further the understanding of the determinants of audit report lag, which is the number of days from a company’s fiscal year-end to the date of its auditor’s report, by synthesizing extant literature. Audit report lag has been a variable of interest in many studies due to its use as a proxy for the occurrence of auditor-client management negotiations and audit efficiency and because long audit report lags delay the release of earnings information to the market.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses meta-analysis to examine commonly identified predictors of audit report lag to determine if the prior research provides a consistent portrayal of audit report lag drivers.

Findings

The author finds that a number of variables relating to client profitability and financial condition, client complexity and audit opinion modifications increase audit report lag. In addition, audit report lag decreases with client size, when clients have positive earnings news to report and when the auditor has long tenure and provides non-audit services. Several variables, such as those relating to corporate governance and various auditor characteristics, have been little explored and would benefit from future research.

Originality/value

These results will be useful to researchers when selecting control variables for future audit report lag studies and provide insights into the key factors that contribute to the delay in audit reporting.
Investigation on surface roughness of sintered PA2200 prototypes using Taguchi method
Authors: Mavoori Naveen Kumar , Vekatesh Sriram , M. Manzoor Hussain
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to optimize the process parameters of selective laser sintering process, and the sintered parts of PA2200 prototypes are built with minimum surface roughness within the range of 10-12 microns using the Taguchi design of experiments approach.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research paper, a 3D model is created using catia V5 and exported to rapid prototype machine, and the 3D model file was repaired by using Magics software to remove the facets and saved with file extension .stl (standard triangulation language).Taguchi design of experiments approach L9 orthogonal array was selected with three factors at three levels each and total nine experiments were conducted with the quality index lower-the-better signal-to-noise ratio to produced better quality prototypes by optimizing the process parameters like laser power, layer thickness and temperature and tested on surface tester for surface roughness. The experimental results of surface roughness were compared with Regression Analysis, S/N Ratio, Analysis of Mean and predicted model on sintered prototypes.

Findings

The experimental results obtained after testing on the surface tester compared with mathematical model for the quality index lower-the-better signal-noise ratio with optimal process parameters operating at Temperature at level 3, Layer thickness at level 3, and Laser power at level 3, regression analysis, and predictive model the output response variable surface roughness, is with in the range of 9-10.5 microns are all most same and from ANOM (Analysis of Mean), temperature at leve1, layer thickness at level 2, laser power at level 2 is 9 -9.6 microns.

Research limitations/implications

The process parameters such as beam diameter and table speed were not considered on output response variable surface roughness in this research paper.

Originality/value

All the experiments were conducted and the parts are produced by using the material PA2200 in the powder from and sintered by Co2 laser by varying the process parameters with optimal settings to produce minimum surface roughness the out put from this paper is the influence of process parameters on surface roughness can be predicted at optimal settings with in less time and cost.
Integrated reporting: perspectives of corporate report preparers and other stakeholders
Authors: Adhariani Desi , de Villiers Charl
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the perspectives of corporate report preparers and other stakeholders on integrated reporting (IR) in a major Southeast Asian economy.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey is used to explore perspectives on IR.

Findings

There is a limited level of knowledge regarding IR, but a high level of interest. Corporate report preparers paradoxically state that they can see the benefits of IR, yet they are reluctant to implement it.

Practical implications

Changes to university curricula, training sessions, seminars and conferences may be needed to disseminate information regarding IR.

Social implications

IR implementation may be stymied by the low levels of knowledge in Southeast Asia and hence lack of demand from stakeholders. High-quality reporting generally supports capital flows into a region and thus influences economic and social well-being. The integrated financial and non-financial information needs of stakeholders thus have an indirect impact on society.

Originality/value

Southeast Asia is an economic powerhouse and home to hundreds of millions of people. It is important to understand the potential for IR in this region. This is the first survey of its kind to explore these matters.
Reusability analytics tool for end-of-life assessment of building materials in a circular economy
Authors: Akanbi Lukman , Oyedele Lukumon , Davila Delgado Juan Manuel , Bilal Muhammad , Akinade Olugbenga , Ajayi Anuoluwapo , Mohammed-Yakub Naimah
Published: October 2018

Purpose

In a circular economy, the goal is to keep materials values in the economy for as long as possible. For the construction industry to support the goal of the circular economy, there is the need for materials reuse. However, there is little or no information about the amount and quality of reusable materials obtainable when buildings are deconstructed. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to develop a reusability analytics tool for assessing end-of-life status of building materials.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the extant literature was carried out to identify the best approach to modelling end-of-life reusability assessment tool. The reliability analysis principle and materials properties were used to develop the predictive mathematical model for assessing building materials performance. The model was tested using the case study of a building design and materials take-off quantities as specified in the bill of quantity of the building design.

Findings

The results of analytics show that the quality of the building materials varies with the building component. For example, from the case study, at the 80th year of the building, the qualities of the obtainable concrete from the building are 0.9865, 0.9835, 0.9728 and 0.9799, respectively, from the foundation, first floor, frame and stair components of the building.

Originality/value

As a contribution to the concept of circular economy in the built environment, the tool provides a foundation for estimating the quality of obtainable building materials at the end-of-life based on the life expectancy of the building materials.
Big data platform for health and safety accident prediction
Authors: Ajayi Anuoluwapo , Oyedele Lukumon , Davila Delgado Juan Manuel , Akanbi Lukman , Bilal Muhammad , Akinade Olugbenga , Olawale Oladimeji
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the use of the big data technologies for health and safety risks analytics in the power infrastructure domain with large data sets of health and safety risks, which are usually sparse and noisy.

Design/methodology/approach

The study focuses on using the big data frameworks for designing a robust architecture for handling and analysing (exploratory and predictive analytics) accidents in power infrastructure. The designed architecture is based on a well coherent health risk analytics lifecycle. A prototype of the architecture interfaced various technology artefacts was implemented in the Java language to predict the likelihoods of health hazards occurrence. A preliminary evaluation of the proposed architecture was carried out with a subset of an objective data, obtained from a leading UK power infrastructure company offering a broad range of power infrastructure services.

Findings

The proposed architecture was able to identify relevant variables and improve preliminary prediction accuracies and explanatory capacities. It has also enabled conclusions to be drawn regarding the causes of health risks. The results represent a significant improvement in terms of managing information on construction accidents, particularly in power infrastructure domain.

Originality/value

This study carries out a comprehensive literature review to advance the health and safety risk management in construction. It also highlights the inability of the conventional technologies in handling unstructured and incomplete data set for real-time analytics processing. The study proposes a technique in big data technology for finding complex patterns and establishing the statistical cohesion of hidden patterns for optimal future decision making.
Ecological interactions shape the adaptive value of plant defence: Herbivore attack versus competition for light
Authors: de Vries Jorad , Evers Jochem B. , Dicke Marcel , Poelman Erik H.
Published: October 2018

Plants defend themselves against diverse communities of herbivorous insects. This requires an investment of limited resources, for which plants also compete with neighbours. The consequences of an investment in defence are determined by the metabolic costs of defence as well as indirect or ecological costs through interactions with other organisms. These ecological costs have a potentially strong impact on the evolution of defensive traits, but have proven to be difficult to quantify.

We aimed to quantify the relative impact of the direct and indirect or ecological costs and benefits of an investment in plant defence in relation to herbivory and intergenotypic competition for light. Additionally, we evaluated how the benefits of plant defence balance its costs in the context of herbivory and intergenotypic competition.

To this end, we utilised a functional‐structural plant (FSP) model of Brassica nigra that simulates plant growth and development, morphogenesis, herbivory and plant defence. In the model, a simulated investment in defences affected plant growth by competing with other plant organs for resources and affected the level and distribution of herbivore damage.

Our results show that the ecological costs of intergenotypic competition for light are highly detrimental to the fitness of defended plants, as it amplifies the size difference between defended and undefended plants. This leads to herbivore damage counteracting the effects of intergenotypic competition under the assumption that herbivore damage scales with plant size. Additionally, we show that plant defence relies on reducing herbivore damage rather than the dispersion of herbivore damage, which is only beneficial under high levels of herbivore damage.

We conclude that the adaptive value of plant defence is highly dependent on ecological interactions and is predominantly determined by the outcome of competition for light.

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Ectomycorrhizal fungi inoculation alleviates simulated acid rain effects on soil ammonia oxidizers and denitrifiers in Masson pine forest
Authors: Li Yan , Chen Zhan , He Ji‐Zheng , Wang Qing , Shen Congcong , Ge Yuan
Published: October 2018

Acid rain can cause severe effects on soil biota and nutrient biogeochemical cycles in the forest ecosystem, but how plant‐symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungi will modulate the effects remains unknown. Here, we conducted a full factorial field experiment in a Masson pine forest by simultaneously controlling the acidity of the simulated rain (pH 5.6 vs. pH 3.5) and the ectomycorrhizal fungi Pisolithus tinctorius inoculation (non‐inoculation vs. inoculation), to investigate the effects on ammonia oxidizers and denitrifiers. After 10 months, compared with the control (rain pH 5.6, and non‐inoculation), simulated acid rain (pH 3.5) reduced soil nutrient content, decreased archaeal amoA gene abundance and inhibited denitrification enzyme activity. Also, simulated acid rain altered the community compositions of all the examined functional genes (archaeal amoA, bacterial amoA, nirK, nirS and nosZ). However, inoculation with ectomycorrhizal fungi under acid rain stress recovered soil nutrient content, archaeal amoA gene abundance and denitrification enzyme activity to levels comparable to the control, suggesting that ectomycorrhizal fungi inoculation ameliorates simulated acid rain effects. Taken together, ectomycorrhizal fungi inoculation – potentially through improving soil substrate availability – could alleviate the deleterious effects of acid rain on nitrogen cycling microbes in forest soils.
Novel Caudovirales associated with Marine Group I Thaumarchaeota assembled from metagenomes
Authors: López‐Pérez Mario , Haro‐Moreno Jose M. , de la Torre José R. , Rodriguez‐Valera Francisco
Published: October 2018

Marine Group I (MGI) Thaumarchaeota are some of the most abundant microorganisms in the deep ocean and responsible for much of the ammonia oxidation occurring in this environment. In this work, we present 35 sequences assembled from metagenomic samples of the first uncultivated Caudovirales viruses associated with Thaumarchaeota, which we designated marthavirus. Most of the sequences were obtained from cellular metagenomes confirming that they represent an important tool to study environmental viral communities due to cells retrieved while undergoing viral lysis. Metagenomic recruitment showed that this viral population is formed by very divergent entities with high intrapopulation homogeneity. However, metatranscriptomic analyses revealed the same differential expression profile with the capsid as major transcript, indicative of viruses during the lytic cycle. The cobalamine biosynthesis gene cobS, an auxiliary metabolic gene, was also highly expressed during the infection. These analyses expand our understanding of the global diversity of archaeal viruses.
Political entrepreneurship in the field of Māori sovereignty in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: O’Brien Thomas
Published: October 2018

Individual actors have the potential to shape political outcomes through creative use of opportunities. Political entrepreneurship identifies how such actors recognize and exploit opportunities, for personal or collective gain. The existing literature focuses on individuals operating within institutional settings, with less attention paid to other types of actors. In this article, I argue for an expansion of the political entrepreneurship framework, by considering individuals in the electoral and protest arenas. An examination of the field of Māori sovereignty, or tino rangatiratanga, in Aotearoa New Zealand allows exploration of prominent actors’ innovative strategies and practices. The findings highlight the actors’ reliance on identity in mobilizing support within the community, to press claims. Broadening the application of political entrepreneurship demonstrates the roles of social, cultural and political capital in influencing outcomes, by identifying opportunities available to individuals embedded in the community and according to the context of the arena.
A Negative Effect of Cost‐Reducing Public Investment: The Role of Firms’ Entry
Authors: Matsumura Toshihiro , Yamagishi Atsushi
Published: October 2018

We investigate public infrastructure investment that reduces production costs in oligopoly markets. The government decides on its public investment based on conventional cost–benefit analysis that considers the direct effect (the benefit estimated as a reduction in production costs). If the entry barriers are significant, this estimation is conservative because the positive indirect effect of the subsequent production expansion is ignored. In free‐entry markets, by contrast, the indirect effect can be negative depending on the demand and cost functions. Thus, conventional cost–benefit analysis is conservative in the presence of entry barriers, buy may be too optimistic without entry barriers.
Chinese migration, consumption, and housing in twenty‐first century Australia
Authors: Ting Christina Y.P. , Newton Peter W. , Stone Wendy
Published: October 2018

International migration has changed the demographics and dynamics of Australia's population since European settlement. It continues to be a principal driver in the growth of its cities, including a projected doubling of major city populations by mid‐century. The influence of migrants on metropolitan housing markets—and urban consumption more generally—has been significant, and the socio‐spatial influence of migration in Australia has been the focus of regular geographical research. Less researched is the impact that “importing” half of the nation's population growth each year has on consumption of urban resources and environmental impact, including via housing consumption practices. Evidence has also been lacking on changed consumption behaviours of migrants moving from developing to developed, high‐income societies—a barometer, perhaps, of a future trajectory of consumption within developing societies. The largest cohort of recent immigrants to Australian cities has been from China, and this trend can be expected to continue. This paper focuses on a comparison of urban consumption patterns (with particular focus on housing) among a group of 61 China‐born households prior to their migration to Melbourne post‐1995 and following their settlement in an established middle‐ring suburb of Melbourne (Box Hill). Using ecological footprint as the metric of consumption, results are striking. Not only do China‐born migrants “catch up” to Australian levels of urban consumption but they also surpass it in many cases. Findings are examined in relation to housing and urban context and a range of household sociocultural factors.
A suggested framework for conducting esophageal cancer screening in China
Authors: Li Yuan Yuan , Du Ling Bin , Hu Xiao Qian , Jaiswal Sanjay , Gu Shu Yan , Gu Yu Xuan , Dong Heng Jin
Published: October 2018

Esophageal cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide. Because of its challenging clinical characteristics, esophageal cancer is a major disease burden on the economy, society, and individuals. There is an urgent need to establish a beneficial policy to reduce the burden and to improve the health‐related quality of life of patients. Primary prevention with smoking cessation and reduction of drinking alcohol are highly recommended. Screening, early diagnosis and treatment are suggested. This study intended to establish a modified future screening model from the social perspective that deploys different strategies for different populations. Risk assessment and community‐based screening are proposed for high‐risk populations. Health education in low‐risk areas could help promote primary prevention to mitigate lifestyle factors and to increase public awareness and potentially to increase screening and early detection.
The modifying effect of the MTHFR genotype on the association between folic acid supplementation and pulse wave velocity: Findings from the CSPPT
Authors: Yang Xin , Zhang Minghua , Song Rensheng , Liu Changfu , Huo Yong , Qian Geng
Published: October 2018

Objective

In a subgroup analysis of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial, we aimed to explore the impact of folic acid supplementation on arterial stiffness and assess the modifying effect of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in Chinese patients with hypertension.

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 2529 hypertensive Chinese patients. Participants were randomized to receive treatment with either a combination of enalapril and folic acid or enalapril. Brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured by trained medical staff using PWV instruments at both baseline and exit visits, approximately 5 years after enrollment. This trial was registered with clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00794885).

Results

During the follow‐up, change in folate was significantly and independently correlated with change in ba‐PWV in study patients (β = −1.31, P < 0.001). Individuals with CC genotype had a significantly greater PWV response to folic acid supplementation than did carriers of the T allele (β = −2.79, P < 0.001 for CC homozygotes compared with β = −0.56, P = 0.464 for TT homozygotes). The positive effect of folic acid on improved PWV was modified by the MTHFR genotype (P for interaction = 0.034).

Conclusion

In a subgroup of Chinese hypertensive patients who had received 5‐year antihypertensive therapy, increases in folate status were associated with higher reductions in PWV, and individuals with the CC genotype showed greatest PWV response to folic acid supplementation.
DRD2 methylation is associated with executive control network connectivity and severity of alcohol problems among a sample of polysubstance users
Authors: Hagerty Sarah L. , YorkWilliams Sophie L. , Bidwell L. Cinnamon , Weiland Barbara J. , Sabbineni Amithrupa , Blaine Sara K. , Bryan Angela D. , Hutchison Kent E.
Published: October 2018

Chronic exposure to alcohol and other drugs of abuse has been associated with deleterious consequences, including functional connectivity deficits within neural networks associated with executive control. Altered functional connectivity within the executive control network (ECN) might underlie the progressive inability to control consumption of alcohol and other drugs as substance use disorders progress. Genetic and epigenetic factors have been associated with substance use disorders (SUDs). For example, dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2) functioning has been associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and related phenotypes, including correlates of executive functioning. The present study aims to explore the relationship between a continuous measure of alcohol‐related problems, epigenetic markers (methylation) within the DRD2 gene, and functional connectivity within the ECN among a sample of polysubstance users. A community sample of 658 subjects, whose consumption of alcohol, nicotine, and cannabis span across a spectrum of quantity and frequency of use, were obtained across previous studies in polysubstance using populations. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging was analyzed to identify intrinsic connectivity networks using a priori regions of interest. Methylation measurement of functionally relevant sites within the DRD2 gene was achieved via pyrosequencing. Regression‐based models, including mediation and moderation models, tested the association between DRD2 methylation, functional connectivity within intrinsic neural networks (including the ECN), and severity of alcohol problems. Results suggest that average DRD2 methylation was negatively associated with right ECN (RECN) and left ECN (LECN) connectivity, but not associated with other networks tested, and DRD2 methylation was significantly associated with alcohol problems severity. Mediation models were not supported, although moderation models suggested that connectivity between edges within the RECN moderated the relationship between DRD2 methylation and AUD severity. Results support a theoretical model in which epigenetic factors are associated with neurobiological correlates of alcohol consumption among a sample of polysubstance users.
Risk factors for oral health in young, urban, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Authors: Butten K , Johnson NW , Hall KK , Anderson J , Toombs M , King N , O'Grady KF
Published: October 2018

Background

The caries process follows a strong social gradient which can commence in the first years of life. Yet data on young children remain limited. This study reports the potential risk factors and indicators in urban, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged less than 5 and estimates the prevalence of caries.

Methods

Demographic and risk factor and risk indicator data were collected at baseline in a cohort study of children attending a health clinic in north Brisbane. Dentulous children received a basic oral examination to explore the presence of decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft). Descriptive analyses were performed. A backwards stepwise logistic regression model was performed to identify potential associations with dmft status.

Results

In this study, 180 children enrolled: 111 children received the oral examination, of whom 14 (12.6%) (mean age 35 months) were estimated to have dmft >0. There was a high prevalence of socio‐economic, dietary and behavioural risk factors/indicators present for children. Due to the small sample size, planned regression was not performed.

Conclusions

Overall, the prevalence of risk factors and risk indicators for caries in the study population is high. More culturally appropriate resources that support preventive care need to be invested before children are school aged.
The Five Refusals of White Supremacy
Authors: Gibbons Andrea
Published: October 2018

This article draws on the work of Charles Mills to posit white supremacy as a global political, economic, and cultural system. Resistance among people of color is, and has always been, widespread. The focus here, however, is on what Mills (1997: 18) describes as the “epistemology of ignorance” among whites themselves, serving to preserve a sense of self as decent in the face of privileges dependent upon obvious injustices against (nonwhite) others. Five themes are identified within a broad and multidisciplinary range of literature, described here as the “five refusals” of white supremacy. These are points at which white ignorance must be actively maintained in order to preserve both a sense of the self and of the wider structures of white privilege and dominance. There is a refusal of the humanity of the other—and a willingness to allow violence and exploitation to be inflicted. There is a refusal to listen to or acknowledge the experience of the other—resulting in marginalization and active silencing. There is a refusal not just to confront long and violent histories of white domination, but to recognize how these continue to shape injustice into the present. There is a refusal to share space, particularly residential space, with resulting segregated geographies that perpetuate inequality and insulate white ignorance. Finally there is a refusal to face structural causes—capitalism as it has intertwined with white supremacy from its earliest beginnings. To undo one requires the undoing of the others. For each refusal there is a potential affirmation, presented here in the hope that each might provide an understanding of the breadth of work required to dismantle white supremacy and of the multiple points for intervention.a