bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kidney and Lung ACE2 expression after an ACE inhibitor or an Ang II receptor blocker: implications for COVID-19
Authors: Wysocki Jan , Lores Enrique , Ye Minghao , Soler Maria Jose , Batlle Daniel
Published: May 2020

Background

There have been concerns that ACE inhibitors and Ang II receptor blockers may cause an increase in ACE2, the main receptor for SARs-CoV-2.

Methods

Kidneys from two genetic models of kidney ACE ablation and mice treated with captopril or telmisartan were used to examine ACE2 in isolated kidney and lung membranes.

Results

In a global ACE KO mice, ACE2 protein abundance in kidney membranes was reduced to 42 % of wild type, p < 0.05. In ACE 8/8 mice that over-expresses cardiac ACE protein but also has no kidney ACE expression, ACE2 protein in kidney membranes was also decreased (38 % of the WT, p<0.01). In kidney membranes from mice that received captopril or telmisartan for 2 weeks there was a reduction in ACE2 protein (37% in captopril treated p<0.01) and 76% in telmisartan treated p <0.05). In lung membranes the expression of ACE2 was very low and not detected by western blotting but no significant differences in terms of ACE2 activity could be detected in mice treated with captopril (118% of control) or telmisartan (93% of control).

Conclusions

Genetic kidney ACE protein deficiency, suppressed enzymatic activity by Captopril or blockade of the AT1 receptor with telmisartan are all associated with a decrease in ACE2 in kidney membranes. ACE2 protein in kidney or lungs is decreased or unaffected by RAS blockers indicating that these medications can not pose a risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection related to amplification of ACE2 at these two target sites for viral entry.
Abelson kinase’s intrinsically disordered linker plays important roles in protein function and protein stability
Authors: Rogers Edward M. , Allred S. Colby , Peifer Mark
Published: May 2020

The non-receptor tyrosine kinase Abelson (Abl) is a key player in oncogenesis, with kinase inhibitors serving as paradigms of targeted therapy. Abl also is a critical regulator of normal development, playing conserved roles in regulating cell behavior, brain development and morphogenesis. Drosophila offers a superb model for studying Abl’s normal function, because, unlike mammals, there is only a single fly Abl family member. Abl has multiple roles in embryonic morphogenesis, and we and others have begun to take Abl apart as a machine. This revealed many surprises. For instance, kinase activity, while important, is not crucial for all Abl activities, and the C-terminal F-actin binding domain plays a very modest role. This turned our attention to less well-known feature—the long intrinsically-disordered region (IDR) linking Abl’s kinase and F-actin binding domains. The past decade revealed unexpected, important roles for IDRs in diverse cell functions, by mediating multivalent interactions, enabling assembly of biomolecular condensates via phase separation. Previous work deleting conserved regions revealed an important role for a PXXP motif in the IDR, but did not identify any other essential regions. Here we extend this, deleting the entire IDR. This revealed essential roles for the IDR in embryonic and adult viability, and in cell shape changes and cytoskeletal regulation during embryonic morphogenesis. Strikingly, AblΔIDR acts as dominant negative, worsening the phenotype of the null mutant. AblΔIDR accumulates at >10-fold higher levels than wildtype Abl in both Drosophila embryos and cultured cells, suggesting important roles for the IDR in modulating protein stability.
Alk1mutant endothelial cells undergo clonal expansion in mouse brain arteriovenous malformations
Authors: Shaligram Sonali S. , Zhang Rui , Zhu Wan , Ma Li , Winkler Ethan , Luo Man , Li Qian , Arnold Thomas , Santander Grez NG , McDougall Cameron M. , Wong Julia , Liang Rich , Barbosa Do Prado Leandro , Tang Chaoliang , Su Hua
Published: May 2020

Rationale

Mutation in human arteriovenous malformation (AVM) causative genes in a fraction of endothelial cells (ECs) causes AVMs in mice. It is unclear how a small number of mutant ECs can lead to AVM formation.

Objective

To understand how a fraction of mutant ECs causes AVM, we tested the following hypotheses: (1) activin receptor-like kinase 1 (Alk1orAcvlr1) mutant brain ECs undergo clonal expansion upon angiogenic stimulation, (2)Alk1mutant ECs display growth advantage, (3) the burden ofAlk1 mutant ECs correlates with AVM severity, and (4)Alk1mutant bone marrow (BM) derived ECs alone is sufficient to cause AVM.

Methods and Results

We usedPdgfbiCreER;Alk1f/f;confetti+/−mice which express an EC-specific tamoxifen (TM)-inducible Cre recombinase, a Cre-regulated confetti transgene, andAlk1floxed alleles. Brain AVMs were induced by direct brain injection of an adeno-associated viral vector expressing vascular endothelial growth factor (AAV-VEGF) followed with intra-peritoneal injection of TM two weeks later. Color-predominance of confetti reporter in AVMs compared to control brain ECs suggested that clonal expansion was associated with AVM development. We treatedPdgfbiCreER;Alk1f/fwith different doses of TM to create a mosaic of wild-type (WT) and mutant ECs and found that equal numbers of Alk1+and Alk1−ECs were proliferating. Increase of TM dose increased the number of Alk1−ECs, the abnormal vessels in brain AVMs, the number of arteriovenous shunts in the intestines, and mouse mortality. To test if mutation of Alk1 in BM-derived ECs can cause brain AVM, we transplanted WT mice with BM ofPdgfbiCreER;Alk1f/fmice. After AAV-VEGF and TM treatment, these mice developed AVMs in their brains and arteriovenous shunts in their intestines.

Conclusion

Clonal expansion ofAlk1mutant ECs could partly explain why a fraction of mutant ECs causes AVM. Mutation of AVM causal genes in BM-derived ECs is sufficient to cause AVM formation.
UAP56/DDX39B is a major cotranscriptional RNA–DNA helicase that unwinds harmful R loops genome-wide
Authors: Pérez-Calero Carmen , Bayona-Feliu Aleix , Xue Xiaoyu , Barroso Sonia I. , Muñoz Sergio , González-Basallote Víctor M. , Sung Patrick , Aguilera Andrés
Published: May 2020

Nonscheduled R loops represent a major source of DNA damage and replication stress. Cells have different ways to prevent R-loop accumulation. One mechanism relies on the conserved THO complex in association with cotranscriptional RNA processing factors including the RNA-dependent ATPase UAP56/DDX39B and histone modifiers such as the SIN3 deacetylase in humans. We investigated the function of UAP56/DDX39B in R-loop removal. We show that UAP56 depletion causes R-loop accumulation, R-loop-mediated genome instability, and replication fork stalling. We demonstrate an RNA–DNA helicase activity in UAP56 and show that its overexpression suppresses R loops and genome instability induced by depleting five different unrelated factors. UAP56/DDX39B localizes to active chromatin and prevents the accumulation of RNA–DNA hybrids over the entire genome. We propose that, in addition to its RNA processing role, UAP56/DDX39B is a key helicase required to eliminate harmful cotranscriptional RNA structures that otherwise would block transcription and replication.
Logistic regression modeling of implementation of corporate safety policy in international infrastructures
Authors: Zhang Qing-Wen , Chong Heap-Yih , Liao Pin-Chao , Wan Yao-Lin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to determine the influences of explanatory factors on the efficacy of the implementation of corporate safety policy (CSP) in international projects from the perspective of international contractors.

Design/methodology/approach

Four explanatory factors were identified for the implementation of CSP in international projects based on literature review. A questionnaire survey was then conducted among Chinese organizations that have been involved in international projects. In total, 121 valid responses were received from the questionnaire survey and were modeled using logistic regression to examine the impact of each factor on the observed event of interest.

Findings

The factors related to the effectiveness of implementing CSP, including “attitudes toward safety management measures (ASMM),” “operational mechanism for safety regulations (OM),” “safety knowledge management system (SKMS)” and “systematic safety training scheme (STS),” were selected. The results revealed that OM and SKMS were significant predictors (p < 0.05) of the odds of implementation satisfaction of CSP, but ASMM and STS were not. The probability of satisfactory CSP implementation increased as the value of SKMS increased, whereas the probability of unsatisfactory implementation improved as the value of OM increased.

Research limitations/implications

The questionnaire was distributed to respondents in international contractors headquartered in China. Other types of international organizations can be covered in future research. Furthermore, other factors, such as the local construction environment, should be considered in future studies.

Practical implications

The results provide new insights on CSP implementation overseas. Effective implementation of CSP contributes to the improvement of the safety performance of contractors. The practical significance of interpreting the influence factors is that the contractors can implement more efficient and targeted approaches and tools in the execution of their CSP. The impact of OM reminds safety managers of the synchronization of CSP as well as its implementation environment and characteristics. The effect of ASMM encourages contractors to adopt Web-based and digital knowledge management systems to improve the implementation efficiency of CSP.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in the selection of factors and their impacts on CSP implementation in international projects. This study has also extended knowledge on normative safety in international projects based on quantitative modeling.
Fabrication and characterization of friction stir processed Al 6061 reinforced with TiB2-Al2O3
Authors: Rao Ch. Mohana , Rao K. Mallikarjuna
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The objective of the paper is to evaluate the fabrication process and to study the influence of process parameters of friction stir processing of 6061-TiB2-Al2O3 Aluminum alloy surface composite on microhardness tensile strength, and microstructure.

Design/methodology/approach

Friction stir processing method is used for attaining the desired mechanical properties, and selectively processed reinforcements to fabricate the samples. The Taguchi technique was used to optimize rotational speed, travel speed and volume percentage of reinforcement particles to enhance the mechanical properties of 6061-TiB2-Al2O3 Aluminum alloy composite.

Findings

The fabrication of surface composites through FSP allows new inventions in terms of material with enhanced surface layers without changing the base metal.

Practical implications

To examine the behavior of the surface of the composites in the different zones, the practical implication consists of the use of different characterization techniques like optical microscopy and scanning microscopy for microstructural behavior and the measurement of hardness and tensile tests for mechanical behavior.

Originality/value

The research work consists of tool design and process parameters, which can affect the final product (microstructural changes), and the performance of the modified surface layer behavior was studied and presented.
Institutional pressures and the extent of cross-channel integration: the moderating effect of enterprise's capabilities
Authors: Zhang Guangling , Liu Chenchen , Wang Hui
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Currently, the issues of cross-channel integration (CCI) have become the attentive focus. However, little research based on institutional theory details the drivers of and obstacles to adopt CCI strategy. Combined with resource-based view (RBV) and institutional theory, this thesis studies the effect of institutional pressures on the manufactures' extent of CCI, through exploring the moderating effects of firm's technology competence and relationship governance capabilities on the relationship between institutional pressures and the extent of CCI.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey data of 249 valid research samples were obtained from Chinese manufacturing enterprises. Statistical software such as SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 18.0 was used to analyze the data and test the conceptual model and relevant research hypotheses from an empirical perspective.

Findings

The results of empirical study from 249 manufacturers indicate that the mimetic, coercive and normative pressures perceived by enterprises can significantly promote their extent of CCI; relationship governance capabilities attenuate the positive impact of mimetic pressures on the extent of CCI, but strengthen that of normative pressures on the extent of CCI; besides, technology competence can attenuate the positive effect of mimetic pressures on the extent of CCI, but enhance that of normative pressures on the extent of CCI.

Originality/value

Few studied the impact of the interaction of internal capabilities and external institutional pressures on CCI of enterprises. This study combines institutional theory and resource-based view to fill the theoretical gap in this regard.
Public perceptions of police crime control in South Korea
Authors: Brown Ben
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine public perceptions of police efforts to control crime in South Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were gathered from surveys administered to college students in the Seoul-Gyeonggi Province metropolitan area. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of gender, fear of crime and perceived risk of victimization on diffuse and specific perceptions of police performance.

Findings

The respondents did not view the police favorably. Fewer than half the respondents reported that the police do a good job of controlling drunk driving, approximately a quarter reported that the police do a good job of controlling burglary and investigating homicide and roughly a fifth reported believing that the police effectively control crime. Violent victimization and fear of violent victimization had a significant negative impact on confidence in the police.

Practical implications

The data suggest that informing the public about the low risk of violent victimization and other publicity campaigns designed to reduce fear of violence may foster confidence in the police.

Originality/value

This study identifies subtle similarities and differences in the structure of public perceptions of the police between Eastern and Western nations. Additionally, the data indicate there is a need for greater specificity in measures of public perceptions of the police.
Inclusivity of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial attitude among young community: evidence from India
Authors: Agarwal Sucheta , Ramadani Veland , Gerguri-Rashiti Shqipe , Agrawal Vivek , Dixit Jitendra Kumar
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In India, many promotional policies and educational institutions have focused on entrepreneurship education (EE) for the development of future entrepreneurs. Through the survey from a region of Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, this paper aims to study the young community’s entrepreneurial attitude (EA) towards entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected from a young community of various universities and colleges in different regions of UP, India to find out that “Does the EE help in developing a positive EA among young community towards entrepreneurship”. Firstly, 23 interviews have been conducted to explore about EE and EA. Further data was collected from 341 respondents through a structured questionnaire and undertaken done with the descriptive analysis: exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression method to explore the result of this study.

Findings

After the analysis, it was found that EE played an important role in developing EA of the young community towards entrepreneurship. All the coefficients in the regression model are positive, which means that all the factors of EE (awareness, enterprise knowledge and practical skills) have a positive impact on EA (affective, cognitive and behavioural).

Practical implications

This study provides a futuristic direction to various academic institutes and government organizations on how they prepare future entrepreneurs by inculcating EA among them. Creative minds generate innovative products and services, create jobs, alleviate poverty and maintain the GDP of a nation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to identify the relationship between EE and EA with the help of qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Dry sliding wear performance on self-healing Al6061 composites
Authors: Gupta Nitin Kumar , Thakre Gananath Doulat , Kumar Manoj
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the tribological performance of the developed self-healing Al6061 composite and to optimize the operating conditions for enhanced tribo-performance of the developed material.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique procedure has been adopted to convert the sand casted Al6061 into self-healing material by piercing a low melting point solder material with and without MoS2. Taguchi-based L9 orthogonal array has been used to optimize the number of experiments and analyze the influence of operating parameters such as speed, sliding distance and load on material wear.

Findings

The results reveal that the paper shows the self-healing and self-repair is possible in metal through piercing low melting point alloy. Then, the load has a significant influence over other input parameters in predicting the wear behavior of developed material. Moreover, addition of MoS2 does not affect the tribo-performance of the developed material. The study concludes that the developed self-healing Al6061 has huge potential to be used in mechanical industry.

Research limitations/implications

The concept of self-healing in metals are very challenging task due to very slow diffusion rate of atoms at room temperature. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to explore the other new techniques to create self-healing in metals.

Practical implications

The self-healing materials had shown huge potential to be used in mechanical industry. The current investigation established a structural fabrication and testing procedure to understand the effects of various parameters on wear. The conclusion from the experimentation and optimization helps researchers to developed and create self-healing in metals.

Originality/value

The previous research works were not focused on the study of tribological property of self-healing metal composite. With the best of author’s knowledge, no one has reported tribological study, as well as optimization of parameters such as speed, load and sliding distance on wear in self-healing metals composite.
The role of natural resources in economic growth: new evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Shabbir Aiza , Kousar Shazia , Kousar Farzana
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of natural resources in economic growth by taking evidence from Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Total five variables are used in this study, i.e. GDP, population density, water renewable resources, deforestation and the emissions of CO2, based on time series data from 1972 to 2016. The annual data is collected from World Development Indicators, Food and Agriculture Organization and Pakistan Economic Survey. Vector error correction model technique is applied to find out the long-run results.

Findings

Results depict that all variables have a negative and significant relationship over the long run at 5% level of significance. It is observed that 1% increase in population accordingly will degrade GDP by 0.334496%. Correspondingly, 1% increase of water renewable resources will degrade GDP by 0.450647%. Findings are aligning with the study of. Moreover, 1% increase in deforestation will diminish GDP by 0.127821%. If we increase 1% of CO2, GDP will be reduced by 0.802420%.

Research limitations/implications

Results depict that all variables have a negative and significant relationship over the long run at 5% level of significance. It is observed that 1% increase in population accordingly will degrade GDP by 0.334496%. Correspondingly, 1% increase of water renewable resources will degrade GDP by 0.450647%. Findings are aligning with the study of. Moreover, 1% increase in deforestation will diminish GDP by 0.127821%. If we increase 1% of CO2, GDP will be reduced by 0.802420%.

Practical implications

Family planning may be our last hope. Viable and fruitful family planning ought to be introduced. Status of ladies should be brought up in the society by providing education and employment opportunities. Time of marriage ought to be brought up to 25 years in case of males and 23 in case of females; this can help in decreasing the number of births. Having a large population will not automatically translate into economic prosperity. Investment in well-being, education, sound economic policies and good governance will bring about accelerated economic growth.

Originality/value

In recent years, the issue of worldwide water shortage has attracted increasing consideration within scholarly community, non-administrative organizations and the media. Water shortage is a significant and ever-increasing danger to the environment, human well-being, advancement, energy security and the worldwide food supply. This work will introduce real issues and requirements relating to water, environmental changes and their impact on economic growth of Pakistan.
The choice to disclose (or not) mental health ill-health in UK higher education institutions: a duoethnography by two female academics
Authors: Fox Joanna , Gasper Roz
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to review how the mental ill-health of academic staff is regarded in higher education institutions (HEIs) and explore the decision to disclose (or not) a mental health condition whilst working in this sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The choice to disclose is explored by using duoethnography undertaken by two female academics working in this context who both experience mental ill-health. Both authors recorded their experiences, which were then shared with each other and analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The themes that emerged from the authors’ reflections comprise: a discussion of the connection between work-life identities and the impact of mental ill-health in the workplace; a consideration of the elements that influence our decision to disclose (or not) mental health diagnoses within HEI; and an examination of the additional burden of identity work for those who experience mental ill-health.

Originality/value

The study contributes to this evidence base by exploring the choice to disclose a mental health diagnosis in HEIs. It investigates this highly personal decision and suggests that this choice depends on the context in which we are located and how we experience our different identities in the workplace. Furthermore, it highlights the importance for HEIs to develop positive employment practices to support academic staff with mental ill-health to disclose a mental health condition and to achieve a good workplace environment whilst emphasising the need for more empirical work to explore the decision to disclose (or not) in this sector.
Analysing the role of information technology towards sustainable cities living
Authors: Romanelli Mauro
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the pathway that leads to cities to proceeding towards urban sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

This study intends to propose a theoretical analysis on the city as sustainable community that drives urban development adopting a smart vision for urban growth.

Findings

Cities as sustainable urban communities develop smartness as a vision for change understanding and developing the potential offered by information technology reinforcing the community by shaping collaborative governance.

Research limitations/implications

Cities using information technology as a source for urban sustainability develop smartness to evolve as smart communities following a managerial and organizational view towards sustainability as a source for continuous innovation and change within urban ecosystem.

Originality/value

Cities identify a sustainability-oriented and community-driven pathway as a vision for continuous change that helps to improve urban competitiveness, innovation and democracy ensuring high quality of life by strengthening the potential offered by technology-enabled and human-centred smartness.
Diversity climate perceptions and its impact on multicultural team innovation and performance
Authors: Kadam Raavee , Rao Srinivasa A. , Kareem Abdul Waheed , Jabeen Shazi Shah
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of diversity climate perceptions (DCPs) on team member’s contribution to team innovation and team performance in a multicultural team (MCT). The authors also investigate the moderating effect of cultural intelligence on these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors draw upon the interactional model for cultural diversity to build their hypotheses. Data was gathered from 43 teams consisting of 217 members using a structured questionnaire. Ratings were obtained from both team members and supervisors. The data collected was analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Results indicated that when team members have positive DCPs, it had a positive impact on their innovation and performance in the team. Cultural intelligence was also found to have a direct impact on team member innovation but not on team member performance. Furthermore, cultural intelligence was found to positively moderate the DCPs – team member performance relationship but not the DCPs – team member innovation relationship.

Practical implications

Managing diversity is a key concern for organizations worldwide given the exponentially rising cultural diversity within the workforce. This study would enable practitioners to understand that developing positive DCPs and cultural intelligence of team members are critical to the success of MCTs.

Originality/value

Literature has documented mixed results pertaining to team diversity and its effect on performance, resulting in scholars urging the need to explore how the negative effects of team diversity can be mitigated. This research establishes that positive DCPs and cultural intelligence as two key factors contributing to the performance of MCTs.
Engagement-oriented design: a study of New Zealand public cultural heritage institutions crowdsourcing platforms
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth , Liew Chern Li
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a set of design recommendations for crowdsourcing platforms with a focus on user engagement. A sample of New Zealand (NZ) cultural heritage institutions (CHIs) crowdsourcing platforms were assessed, with the aim of offering insights into how they have been designed to encourage dialogue and engagement and to sustain participation.

Design/methodology/approach

The design recommendations were derived from a review of related works. Following this, 12 crowdsourcing projects overseen by libraries, museums and an archive in NZ were assessed against the recommendations through content analysis.

Findings

The recommendations were classified into four main categories. These were promote ease of use, attract and sustain user interest, foster a community of users and show users that their work is contributing to the institution and society. The findings indicated that the sample of crowdsourcing projects assessed were generally successful at displaying the credibility and significance of their projects, and promoting their crowdsourced collections. Many of the projects could nevertheless benefit from providing further support to promoting dialogues and engagement with their users and contributors and sustaining offline community interaction.

Research limitations/implications

The content analysis conducted was focused on the functionality of design elements of the crowdsourcing platforms. The design recommendations derived from the analysis were intended as a starting point for discussion and they would need to be validated in further studies. Other relevant project information such as funding and staffing, promotion and outreach efforts were not solicited in this study. Such information could provide important contextualisation. Future research could take the form of in-depth case studies, including surveying those involved in the projects and stakeholders to investigate such contextual aspects of crowdsourcing projects.

Originality/value

Previous research on crowdsourcing in NZ CHIs consisted of single case studies. This study provides a wider snapshot and insights into digital crowdsourcing platforms from public NZ CHIs. The study findings have practical implications for project managers and Web designers involved in crowdsourcing projects, particularly those in the cultural heritage sector.
Assessment of residents’ destination image and their pro-tourism development behaviour: perspectives on the China–Pakistan economic corridor
Authors: Nazneen Shama , Xu Hong , Ud Din Nizam
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Based on Butlers’ Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) model and stakeholder theory, this paper aims to propose an integrative model to examine the perceived impacts of cross-border mega-infrastructure development within the China–Pakistan economic corridor (CPEC). It was hypothesised that these perceptions may be predictors of residents’ perceived destination image (RPDI) and pro-tourism development behaviour (PTDB).

Design/methodology/approach

Interviewer adopted a self-administered questionnaire method and a descriptive technique to analyse the data.

Findings

The empirical results of 800 questionnaires in SEM indicates that, perceived CPEC benefits positively effects RPDI and PTDB. Further, the perceived CPEC costs positively influenced RPDI but had a negative relationship with PTDB. Moreover, RPDI partially mediated between perceived CPEC benefits and PTDB but fully mediated between perceived CPEC costs and PTDB.

Originality/value

In residents’ destination image studies, there is a paucity of the application of Butlers’ TALC model. Therefore, application of Butlers’ TALC model in residents’ destination image study in the context of cross-border mega-infrastructure development project of CPEC is entirely new.
Assessing sustainability marketing from macromarketing perspective: a multistakeholder approach
Authors: Abutaleb Soha , El-Bassiouny Noha
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The paper examines three main stakeholders in the market and their roles toward achieving sustainability marketing. Those stakeholders are consumers, companies and policymakers. The current study is examining consumers’ attitudes toward sustainability marketing and their purchase intentions of sustainable products through the use of theory of planned behavior. The paper is also examining the role of companies and policymakers in encouraging consumers to consider sustainability in their purchasing decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Concurrent research study is applied, where qualitative and quantitative research methods are conducted at the same time for different purposes with equal weights. Qualitative interviews were applied with fast-moving consumer goods companies and policymakers, while quantitative surveys were applied with Egyptian consumers.

Findings

The results showed that companies are taking serious and effective steps in transforming their marketing strategies into sustainable marketing ones. The government role is still limited as there are no strict laws and regulations that force companies and factories in Egypt to develop sustainability marketing strategies. Consumers’ attitudes were highly affected by firms' sustainable practices as well as subjective norms that led to influencing their intentions toward purchasing sustainable products.

Originality/value

Although the topic of sustainability marketing is considered by a plenty of researchers in the academic discipline, there are no studies that have combined the main three stakeholders' roles in achieving sustainability marketing in one study. The study highlights the impact of government role and firms' role on consumers' attitudes and purchase intentions toward sustainable products, especially convenient products. This was done through the adoption of the theory of planned behavior.
Soil microbes of an urban remnant riparian zone have greater potential for N removal than a degraded riparian zone
Authors: Middleton Jen A. , de Sosa Laura L. , Martin Belinda C. , Jones Davey L. , Gleeson Deirdre B.
Published: May 2020

Soils in the riparian zone, the interface between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, may decrease anthropogenic nitrogen (N) loads to streams through microbial transformations (e.g., denitrification). However, the ecological functioning of riparian zones is often compromised due to degraded conditions (e.g., vegetation clearing). Here we compare the efficacy of an urban remnant and a cleared riparian zone for supporting a putative denitrifying microbial community using 16S rRNA sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction of archaeal and bacterial nitrogen cycling genes. Although we had no direct measure of denitrification rates, we found clear patterns in the microbial communities between the sites. Greater abundance of N‐cycling genes was predicted by greater soil ammonium (N‐NH4), organic phosphorus, and C:N. At the remnant site, we found positive correlations between microbial community composition, which was dominated by putative N oxidisers (Nitrosomonadaceae, Nitrospiraceae and Nitrosotaleaceae), and abundance of ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA), nirS, nirK and nosZ, whereas the cleared site had lower abundance of N‐oxidisers and N cycling genes. These results were especially profound for the remnant riparian fringe, which suggests that this region maintains suitable soil conditions (via diverse vegetation structure and periodic saturation) to support putative N cyclers, which could amount to higher potential for N removal.
Strategic Alliance Research in the Era of Digital Transformation: Perspectives on Future Research
Authors: He Qile , Meadows Maureen , Angwin Duncan , Gomes Emanuel , Child John
Published: May 2020

The emerging digital transformation in the twenty‐first century is rapidly and significantly changing the business landscape. The fast‐changing activities, expectations and new modes of collaboration suggest it is time to review the current theoretical insights from strategic alliance (SA) research, which are based on assumptions from a different era. We therefore aim to stimulate multidisciplinary debate and theoretical reflections to better understand emerging paradoxes and challenges that contemporary firms face in the formation, evolution and dissolution of strategic alliances. Specifically, we offer alternative visions of SA research and suggest fresh applications or supplements of existing theoretical perspectives and research methods that can better address the research questions emerging from an era of digital transformation.
Plant architectural responses in simultaneous maize/soybean strip intercropping do not lead to a yield advantage
Authors: Li Shuangwei , Evers Jochem B. , van der Werf Wopke , Wang Ruili , Xu Zhaoli , Guo Yan , Li Baoguo , Ma Yuntao
Published: May 2020

Maize/soybean strip intercropping is a commonly used system throughout China with high crop yields at reduced nutrient input compared to sole maize. Maize is the taller crop, and due to its dominance in light capture over soybean in the intercrop, maize is expected to outperform maize in sole cropping. Conversely, soybean is the subordinate crop and intercropped soybean plants are expected to perform worse than sole soybean. Crop plants show plastic responses in plant architecture to their growing conditions to forage for light and avoid shading. There is little knowledge on plant architectural responses to growing conditions in simultaneous (non‐relay) intercropping and their relationship to species yields. A two‐year field experiment with two simultaneous maize/soybean intercropping systems with narrow and wide strips was conducted to characterise architectural traits of maize and soybean plants grown as intercrop and sole crops. Intercropped maize plants, especially those in border rows, had substantially greater leaf area, biomass and yield than maize plants in sole crops. Intercropped soybean plants, especially those in border rows, had lower leaf area, biomass and yield than sole soybean plants. Overall intercrop performance was similar to that of sole crops, with the land equivalent ratio (LER) being only slightly greater than one (1.03–1.08). Soybean displayed typical shade avoidance responses in the intercrop, such as greater internode elongation and changes in specific leaf area, but these responses could not overcome the consequences of the competition with the taller maize plants. Therefore, in contrast to relay intercrop systems, in the studied simultaneous maize/soybean system, plastic responses did not contribute to practically relevant increases in resource capture and yield at whole system (i.e., intercrop) level.
Ecological and life‐history traits may say little about birds’ vulnerability to high‐amplitude climatic fluctuations
Authors: Mac Nally Ralph , Horrocks Gregory F.B. , Bennett Joanne M. , Yen Jian D.L. , Selwood Katherine E. , Thomson James R. , Lada Hania
Published: May 2020

Species‐specific ‘resistance’ to impacts, such as accelerated climate change, and ‘resilience’ (if pressures are released), have important implications for long‐term persistence. There have been some reports that species’ traits may be related to resistance and resilience. We sought to determine whether guild membership, ecological versatility or life‐history traits of woodland birds were related to species’ resistance and resilience in the face of high‐amplitude climatic fluctuations over two decades. There were four extensive survey programmes in temperate woodlands in Victoria, Australia, spanning the longest, most intense drought on record in the region (Big Dry: 1996–2010), a short, intense wet period (Big Wet: 2010–2012) and a return to very dry conditions (post‐Big Wet: 2012–2016). We used species‐specific reporting rates (RRs) to identify species having low resistance to the Big Dry, high resilience (recovery) during the Big Wet and low resistance over the whole survey period (1996–2016). Species falling into these three groups were compared with species not showing those responses, and the contrasting groups evaluated for systematic differences in ecological and life‐history traits. Neither ecological nor life‐history traits accounted for much variation in the three contrasts, suggesting that Big Dry‐ and overall‐resistant species and Big Wet‐resilient species were not coherent subsets of the terrestrial avifaunas. Given that species’ traits were not related to vulnerability or to immunity from climatic pressures, we probably need to concentrate on species directly rather than groups defined by common life‐history or ecological traits. Moreover, it almost certainly will be more useful to focus conservation management on reducing pervasive, manageable pressures (e.g. natural resource extraction, land‐use change, reductions of greenhouse gas emissions), which is likely to provide assemblage‐wide benefits for birds and other taxa.
Alexithymia, Emotion‐Regulation Strategies, and Traumatic Experiences in Prenatally Cocaine‐Exposed Young Adults
Authors: Morie Kristen P. , Zhai Zu Wei , Potenza Marc N. , Mayes Linda C.
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives

Exposure to early‐life trauma may lead to maladaptive characteristics such as alexithymia, and thus to poorer emotional regulation. This relationship may also be influenced by exposure to substances prenatally. We hypothesized that increased alexithymia would be seen in those with prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE). Additionally, we hypothesized that early‐life trauma would be associated with alexithymia, and that alexithymia would be associated with poor emotional reappraisal and emotional suppression.

Methods

A moderated mediation model was developed to examine whether the hypothesized indirect relationship between trauma and emotional reappraisal through alexithymia was different in young adults with and without PCE (Total N = 57). Thirty‐seven young adults with PCE and 20 with no such exposure, all of whom were members of a longitudinal cohort, were recruited for the study, and data concerning childhood trauma, alexithymia, and emotional regulation were collected. Intercorrelations were performed between the scores on each measure and moderated mediation models were constructed separately with emotional neglect or emotional abuse as the independent variable and emotional reappraisal or emotional suppression as the dependent variable.

Results

PCE status was associated with alexithymia, and alexithymia mediated the relationship between emotional neglect and emotional reappraisal in individuals with PCE but not those without.

Discussion and Conclusions

The data suggest that alexithymia is a mechanism underlying poor use of emotional reappraisal in PCE individuals.

Scientific Significance

Individuals with early‐life trauma and substance exposure may represent a vulnerable population, and alexithymia may play a key role in the development of emotional regulation skills in this population. (Am J Addict 2020;29:492–499)
Substance Use and Mental Health in Emerging Adult Vs Older Adult Men and Women With Opioid Use Disorder
Authors: Barbosa‐Leiker Celestina , Campbell Aimee N.C. , Pavlicova Martina , Scodes Jennifer , Burlew A. Kathleen , Hatch‐Maillette Mary , Mennenga Sarah E. , Mitchell Shannon G. , Novo Patricia , Nunes Edward V. , Rotrosen John , Greenfield Shelly F.
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives

We examined age differences across genders in clinical characteristics in emerging adult (≤25 years) vs older adult patients (26+ years) with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Methods

Participants (N = 570; 30% female) entering a comparative effectiveness medication trial of buprenorphine vs extended‐release naltrexone.

Results

Differences in clinical characteristics in emerging adult vs older participants were similar across genders. However, women 26+ years reported more mental health problems compared with women ≤25, while men ≤25 years reported more mental health problems compared with men 26+ years.

Discussion and Conclusion

Different strategies for emerging adult and older patients seeking OUD treatment may be necessary to address psychiatric comorbidities that differ across genders in this population.

Scientific Significance

Comprehensive psychiatric assessment should be systematically included in OUD treatment for all genders. Treatment should focus on the emerging adult developmental phase when appropriate, with psychiatric treatment tailored for women and men, separately, across the lifespan. (Am J Addict 2020;29:536–542)
Mixed methods analysis of factors influencing change in clinical behaviours of non‐physician anaesthetists in Kenya following obstetric anaesthesia training
Authors: Lilaonitkul M. , Mishra S. , Pritchard N. , Andhoga J. , Olang’ P. , Kibet E. B. , Walker I. A. , Hart J. , Byrne‐Davis L.
Published: May 2020

Maternal mortality rates in low‐middle income countries remain high, with sub‐Saharan Africa accounting for two‐thirds of global maternal deaths. Inadequate staff training is one of the main contributors to anaesthesia‐related deaths and the Association of Anaesthetists developed the Safe Anaesthesia from Education course in collaboration with the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists to address this training gap. We aimed to evaluate the impact of this course among Kenyan participants. Mixed methodologies and secondary analyses of anonymised data were used to study translation of learning into practice. In total, 103 participants from 66 facilities who attended courses between 2016 and 2017 were analysed. Ninety (87%) participants who were followed up completed knowledge tests. Baseline median (IQR [range]) knowledge test score was 41 (37–43 [21–46]). There was a significant improvement in median (IQR [range]) knowledge test score immediately post‐course (43 (41–45 [33–48]); p < 0.001) which was sustained at 3–6 month follow‐up (43 (41–45 [32–50]); p < 0.001 compared with baseline). Eighty‐four of the 103 participants were observed in their workplace and capability, opportunity and motivation‐behaviour framework was used to study the barriers and facilitators to practice change. Psychological capability and reflective motivation were the main factors enabling positive behaviour change such as team communication and pre‐operative assessment, whereas physical and social opportunity accounted for the main barriers to behaviours such as performing the surgical safety checklist. Our study demonstrates that the Safe Anaesthesia from Education obstetric course is relevant in the low‐resource setting and may lead to knowledge translation in clinical practice.
The stomach of the wild herbivorous hystricomorph rodent Lagostomus maximus: A comparative histomorphological and histochemical study of the cardiac and pyloric regions
Authors: Tano de la Hoz María Florencia , Longo María Victoria , Vidal Mariana Elena , Flamini Mirta Alicia , Díaz Alcira Ofelia
Published: May 2020

The plain viscacha (Lagostomus maximus) has been used as an animal model because it has unusual anatomical–physiological characteristics in eutherian mammals. The aim of this work was to contribute to a better understanding of the digestion of L. maximus based on the description of the macroscopic structure of the stomach, and the histologic characterization and glycosylation pattern of the cardiac and pyloric regions. The stomach of L. maximus is monocavitary with an entirely glandular mucosa. This organ presented an acute angular incisura, so the cardiac and the pyloric regions got close together forming a “U” shaped stomach. The techniques applied put into evidence marked variations—according to the anatomical region analysed—in the histochemical profile of the mucous cells of the secreting epithelium, the gastric pits and glands. Moreover, the glycosylation pattern of mucous cells varied along the longitudinal axis of the cardiac and pyloric glands: differences between cells near the gastric pits (superficial zone of the glands) and those near the muscularis mucosae (deep zone of the glands) were observed. The information produced in the present work could be used as a relevant biological tool, contributing to the morphological bases for future anatomical and histophysiological analyses of the species.