bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond nationality
Authors: Kim Chipoong , Chung Chul , Brewster Chris
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The literature on international staffing in multinational enterprises (MNEs) often focuses on staffing choices based on nationality categories (e.g. parent-country nationals, host-country nationals, third-country nationals) for key positions in subsidiaries when examining their impacts on subsidiary outcomes. Considering both nationality and international experience, the purpose of this paper is to suggest an integrative typology to identify and classify various types of traditional and alternative subsidiary staffing options and evaluate them in relation to social capital and knowledge flows across MNE organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a social capital view of MNEs, the authors propose a typology of subsidiary staffing options founded on the dimensions of nationality and the location of prior international experience of incumbents of key positions. Then traditional as well as alternative staffing options from the literature are identified and evaluated corresponding to each type of staffing option in the framework.

Findings

The typology identifies nine types of subsidiary staffing options. It includes and classifies the traditional and alternative staffing options, while highlighting types which need further research. The study also suggests impacts of the traditional and alternative staffing type on social capital and knowledge flows in MNEs.

Originality/value

The new typology identifies various types of subsidiary staffing options comprehensively and evaluates them systematically. HRM specialists can classify subsidiary managers based on the typology and examine which staffing option would be desirable given a specific subsidiary context. The research also provides novel insights on what needs to be considered to select and develop subsidiary managers who can build internal and external social capital in MNEs.
Quantitative assessment of academic value and demand of journals and determination of core journals for a discipline
Authors: Sui Gui Ling , Yao Bin
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach of quantitative assessment of academic value and demand of journals for a discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

This study defines relative citation rate (RCR) and utilization rate (UR) of journals cited by a discipline with a case of inorganic chemistry discipline in Jilin University, ranks the journals in decreasing order of RCR and UR, and analyzes the RCR and UR curves with mathematical statistics and physics.

Findings

The RCR and UR curves can be expressed as: RCR(n)=N1exp(−n/t(N1))+N2exp(−n/t(N2))=64.54exp(−n/1.98)+31.14exp(−n/23.11) and UR(n)=Y1exp(−n/t(Y1))+Y2exp(−n/t(Y2))=85.06exp(−n/108.6)+12.94exp(−n/705.8). The parameters t(N1), t(N2), t(Y1) and t(Y2) can be used to assess quantitatively academica value and demand of journal for a discipline and to determine core journals of the discipline.

Research limitations/implications

This approach is used to quantitatively assess academic value and demand of journals for a discipline.

Practical implications

This approach may provide useful information for journal management of library.

Originality/value

The present work is original.
Developing ethical leadership for business organizations
Authors: Sharma Avnish , Agrawal Rakesh , Khandelwal Utkal
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the growing construct of ethical leadership and its related concepts that focus on the importance of the moral aspect of leadership. It focuses on the idea of ethical leadership, personality attributes of ethical leaders and develops a conceptual framework including various propositions related to the antecedents and outcomes of ethical leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a review paper based on a synthesis of leadership literature from existing research journals and articles on ethical leadership. Authors analyzed selected papers on ethical leadership to propose a conceptual framework that shows the antecedents and outcomes of ethical leadership.

Findings

An ethical leader is one who strongly believes in following the right set of values and ideals in their decisions, actions and behavior. One has to be honest with high integrity, with people orientation and communicates assertively. Among the other attributes of an ethical leader, one needs to be responsible for taking unbiased decisions in benefit and overall interest of people and organization. This ethical leadership plays a vital role in developing positive outcomes such as followers’ organizational commitment and organizational identification. Trust in leadership can moderate this relationship.

Practical implications

This paper offers opportunities for researchers to explore discoveries in leadership style and also helps to understand the ways the organizations can develop ethical leaders at the workplace. An effective and efficient leader integrates ethics with leadership and thus makes its presence felt and emerges as a role model to play a more positive and valuable role in an organization.

Originality/value

This paper helps the strategist and educators to conceptualize ethical leadership and its framework including leaders’ ideal traits, similarities and differences of ethical leadership with other leadership styles and its role in developing positive outcomes in an organization. It presents a framework of ten testable propositions about ethical leadership that are relevant for both the practitioners and the scholars.
Formulation of pseudospectral meshless radial point Hermit interpolation for the Motz problem and comparison to pseudospectral meshless radial point interpolation
Authors: Shivanian Elyas
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop pseudospectral meshless radial point Hermit interpolation (PSMRPHI) for applying to the Motz problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The author aims to propose a kind of PSMRPHI method.

Findings

Based on the Motz problem, the author aims also to compare PSMRPHI and PSMRPI which belong to more influence type of meshless methods.

Originality/value

Although the PSMRPHI method has been infrequently used in applications, the author proves it is more accurate and trustworthy than the PSMRPI method.
Time-related work stress and counterproductive work behavior
Authors: De Clercq Dirk , Haq Inam Ul , Azeem Muhammad Umer
Published: September 2019

Purpose

With a basis in the conservation of resources theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between employees’ experience of time-related work stress and their engagement in counterproductive work behavior (CWB), as well as the invigorating roles that different deviant personality traits might play in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

Two-wave survey data with a time lag of three weeks were collected from 127 employees in Pakistani organizations.

Findings

Employees’ sense that they have insufficient time to do their job tasks spurs their CWB, and this effect is particularly strong if they have strong Machiavellian, narcissistic or psychopathic tendencies.

Originality/value

This study adds to extant research by identifying employees’ time-related work stress as an understudied driver of their CWB and the three personality traits that constitute the dark triad as triggers of the translation of time-related work stress into CWB.
Investigation of photovoltaic properties of dye-sensitized solar cells based on azo dyes contain various anchoring groups
Authors: Hosseinnezhad Mozhgan , Shaki Hanieh
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the substituent effect in dye-sensitized solar cells’ (DSSCs) performance. For this end, three new metal organic dyes with DPA structure were synthesized. For investigation of the substituent effect, two different anchoring groups, namely, 1,3-dioxo-1Hbenz[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl)benzenesulfonamides and 1,8-naphthalimide, were used.

Design/methodology/approach

Three organic dyes based on azo were selected, which contain various electron donor groups. Absorption properties of purified dyes were studied in solution and on photoelectrode (TiO2 and ZnO) substrate. DSSCs were prepared to determine the photovoltaic performance of each photosensitizer.

Findings

The results showed that all organic dyes form J-aggregation on the photoanode substrate. Cyclic voltammetry results for all organic dyes ensured an energetically permissible and thermodynamically favorable charge transfer throughout the continuous cycle of photo-electric conversion. The results illustrate conversion efficiencies of cells based on solution Dyes 1, 2 and 3 and TiO2 as 3.44, 4.71 and 4.82 per cent, respectively. The conversion efficiencies of cells based on solution Dye 1, 2 and 3 and ZnO are 3.21, 4.09 and 4.14 per cent, respectively.

Practical implications

In this study, the development of effect of assembling materials, offering improved photovoltaic properties.

Social implications

Organic dye attracts more and more attention because of its low-cost, facile route synthesis and less-hazardous properties.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the effect of anchoring agent and nanostructure on DSSCs performance was investigated for the first time.
The challenge
Authors: Raar Jean , Barut Meropy , Azim Mohammad Istiaq
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to re-kindle debate about finding a conceptual and pragmatic basis for accounting and accountability researchers and to incorporate biodiversity management into the internal practices, routines and communication of organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative interplay of theories, particularly structuration theory, applied to an interdisciplinary, communitarian and eco-centric perspective will be used to demonstrate the need for change: for researchers and practitioners to interact with other disciplines and adapt their professional, institutional and governance practices to incorporate biodiversity management and reporting within organizational structures.

Findings

Collective community action can be undertaken by aligning physical biodiversity and its setting with the interrelationship between external information structures, accountability and internal information structures, agent behaviour and the reporting of outcomes. This should assist in reducing the loss of species and richness triggered by unsound economic decision-making.

Practical implications

This is perhaps one of the few accounting studies which discuss theoretical frameworks for the integration of accounting/accountability systems and biological diversity information through a conceptual rethinking.

Social implications

This should assist in reducing the loss of species and richness triggered by unsound economic decision-making.

Originality/value

This paper re-opens the debate regarding the need for an alternative conceptual approach through which biodiversity management can be incorporated into the complexities of business interactions, and the social and natural systems, by using management accounting as a primary vehicle. This is perhaps one of the few accounting studies which discuss theoretical frameworks for the integration of accounting/accountability systems and biological diversity information through a conceptual rethinking.
Thermal decomposition of binary mixtures of organic activators used in no-clean fluxes and impact on PCBA corrosion reliability
Authors: Piotrowska Kamila , Li Feng , Ambat Rajan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the decomposition behavior of binary mixtures of organic activators commonly used in the no-clean wave flux systems upon their exposure to thermal treatments simulating wave soldering temperatures. The binary blends of activators were studied at varying ratios between the components.

Design/methodology/approach

Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were used to study the characteristics of weak organic acid (WOA) mixtures degradation as a function of temperature. The amount of residue left on the surface after the heat treatments was estimated by gravimetric measurements as a function of binary mixture type, temperature and exposure time. Ion chromatography analysis was used for understanding the relative difference between decomposition of activators in binary blends. The aggressivity of the left residue was assessed using the acidity indication gel test, and effect on reliability was investigated by DC leakage current measurement performed under varying humidity and potential bias conditions.

Findings

The results show that the typical range of temperatures experienced by electronics during the wave soldering process is not sufficient for the removal of significant activator amounts. If the residues contain binary mixture of WOAs, the final ratio between the components, the residue level and the corrosive effects depend on the relative decomposition behavior of individual components. Among the WOA investigated under the conventional wave soldering temperature, the evaporation and removal of succinic acid is more dominant compared to adipic and glutaric acids.

Practical implications

The findings are attributed to the chemistry of WOAs typically used as flux activators for wave soldering purposes. The results show the importance of controlling the WOA content and ratio between activating components in a flux formulation in relation to its tendencies for evaporation during soldering and the impact of its residues on electronics reliability.

Originality/value

The results show that the significant levels of flux residues can only be removed at significantly higher temperatures and longer exposure times compared to the conventional temperature range used for the wave soldering process. The potential corrosion issues related to insufficient flux residues removal will be determined by the residue amount, its composition and ratio between organic components. The proper time of thermal treatment and careful choice of fluxing formulation could ensure more climatically reliable product.
The impact of peer evaluation on team effort, productivity, motivation and performance in global virtual teams
Authors: Tavoletti Ernesto , Stephens Robert D. , Dong Longzhu
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to assess the effect of peer evaluations on team-level effort, productivity, motivation and overall team performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores the impact of a peer evaluation system on 895 multicultural and transnational global virtual teams (GVTs) composed of 5,852 university students from 130 different countries. The study uses a quasi-experiment in which the group project is implemented under two conditions over two sequential iterations. In the first condition, team members do not receive peer evaluation feedback during the project. In the second condition, participants completed detailed peer evaluations of their team members and received feedback weekly for eight consecutive weeks.

Findings

Results suggest that when peer evaluations are used in GVTs during the project, teams show: higher levels of group effort; lower levels of average productivity and motivation; and no clear evidence of improved team performance. Results cast doubts on the benefits of peer evaluation within GVTs as the practice fails to reach its main objective of improving team performance and generates some negative internal dynamics.

Practical implications

The major implication of the study for managers and educators using GVTs is that the use of peer evaluations during the course of a project does not appear to improve objective team performance and reduces team motivation and perception of productivity despite increases in teams’ perceptions of effort and performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the scanty literature regarding the impact of peer evaluation systems on group-level dynamics and performance outcomes.
Toward more rapid and efficient peer review: A case study on publication in Ecological Research
Authors: Okuzaki Yutaka , Nakamura Shoko , Nakaoka Masahiro
Published: September 2019

The peer‐review system ensures the reliability of academic publication. However, authors may be unsatisfied with the duration of peer‐review and/or the reviewers' comments, whereas both reviewers and editors have many concerns over peer‐reviewing. To provide information to increase the efficiency of the peer‐review process for authors, reviewers and editors, we analyzed recent trends in publication and peer‐review processes in Ecological Research, and asked Editorial Board members to answer an online questionnaire. The acceptance rate of “Original Articles,” which accounted for 89.2% of all submissions, was 20.1%, whereas those of “Special Features,” “Data Papers,” and “Technical Reports” were 76.3, 73.7 and 38.3%, respectively. The median number of days to final decision was 168 for accepted manuscripts. The stage when handling editors invited reviewers to review was the longest stage during the peer‐review process. This stage was prolonged when potential reviewers declined the invitations to review. The results of the questionnaire revealed that both editors and reviewers felt burdened by the load of peer‐reviewing. Most editors encountered declining of peer‐review invitations. As the period of assigning reviewers is the most important step in determining the number of days to the final decision, the editorial office should support handling editors to locate reviewers. Motivating reviewers to review manuscripts is another way to speed up the process. Since many respondents indicated that improvements in the logical structure and English standard of manuscripts would facilitate review, authors could improve the process by carefully preparing their manuscripts with consideration to readers, including voluntary reviewers and editors.
Simple nonlethal identification criteria for two endangered freshwater pearl mussels, Margaritifera laevis and Margaritifera togakushiensis, in Hokkaido, northern Japan
Authors: Miura Kazuki , Ishiyama Nobuo , Kawajiri Keita , Atsumi Keisuke , Tachibana Michikusa , Nagasaka Yu , Machida Yoshiyasu , Yiyang Gao , Negishi Junjiro N. , Koizumi Itsuro , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: September 2019

Species identification is a fundamental process for ecological studies and conservation practices, and simple nonlethal identification criteria are important for endangered species. This study developed species identification criteria for two endangered freshwater pearl mussels (Margaritifera laevis and Margaritifera togakushiensis) based on linear discriminant functions (LDFs) that were established considering intraspecific regional morphological differences from sites at Hokkaido, northern Japan. We collected a total of 1,110 mussels from 52 rivers across 32 watersheds in two geographical regions (east and west). Shell morphologies (length, height, and width) of the collected mussels were measured, followed by species identification with gel electrophoresis banding patterns of 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction products. LDFs were constructed for two size classes (≥40 mm and < 40 mm) using forward stepwise procedures to determine key morphological differences between the two species and consideration of whether regional morphological differences improved identification accuracies. The LDFs revealed that the morphologies of the two species were clearly distinguished by the relationship between height and length for both size classes. Region‐specific LDFs produced better identification accuracies. Regardless of region, the maximum length of M. laevis exceeded 100 mm, whereas all M. togakushiensis were < 100 mm in length. Identification accuracies of the established LDFs were high for each of the five length classes (0–20 mm, 20–40 mm, 40–60 mm, 60–80 mm, and 80–100 mm) with 85–96% (mean: 92%) accuracy in the east and 67–96% (mean: 80%) in the west. These criteria for species identification will progress future ecological studies and conservation practices for freshwater mussels.
Compatibility of early natural enemy introductions in commercial pepper and tomato greenhouses with repeated pesticide applications
Authors: Dáder Beatriz , Colomer Ignacio , Adán Ángeles , Medina Pilar , Viñuela Elisa
Published: September 2019

Successful integrated pest management in protected crops implies an evaluation of the compatibility of pesticides and natural enemies (NE), as control strategies that only rely on one tactic can fail when pest populations exceed NE activity or pests become resistant to pesticides. Nowadays in Almería (Spain), growers release NE prior to transplanting or early in the crop cycle to favor their settlement before pest arrival because this improves biocontrol efficacy, although it extends pesticide exposure periods. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the compatibility of two applications of pesticides with key NE in 2‐year trials inside tomato and sweet pepper commercial greenhouses: Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae), Orius laevigatus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) and Amblyseius swirskii (Athias‐Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae). In tomato, flubendiamide and chlorantraniliprole (IOBC category 1) were compatible with N. tenuis, but chlorpyrifos‐methyl and spinosad (IOBC categories 2–3), which effectively reduced Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) density, compromised its predatory activity. In sweet pepper, chlorantraniliprole (IOBC category 1) was the only pesticide compatible with O. laevigatus while chlorantraniliprole, emamectin benzoate, spirotetramat and pymetrozine were harmless (IOBC category 1) to Amblyseius swirskii, and sulfoxaflor slightly harmful (IOBC category 2) to this phytoseiid predator.
A Powderization Process for Encapsulating with Functional Biomaterials Using Nozzleless Electrostatic Atomization
Authors: Mori Chinatsu , Kadota Kazunori , Shimosaka Atsuko , Yoshida Mikio , Shirakawa Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2019

Powderization of oils has been used as a method to enhance the stability of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Previously, we successfully powderized soybean oil via nozzleless electrostatic atomization. The process of nozzleless electrostatic atomization process was applied to the one‐step process of encapsulating oil in wall materials. The encapsulation of oils in powder is dependent on the wall materials. The present study aimed to resolve the behavior of oil encapsulated in particles using a novel method of electrostatic atomization, and to investigate the effect of wall materials on the oil content in the encapsulated formulations. The size of particles surrounding oil was dependent on the type of wall materials used for encapsulation, and the oil content within the encapsulation decreased with increase in particle size. Furthermore, wall materials with higher hydrophobicity increased the oil content within the encapsulation, as more hydrophobic particles could absorb the oil more effectively.

Practical Application

Nozzleless electrostatic atomization is a new method for preparing encapsulation of oil using various wall materials.
Comparison of mRNA expression from Y‐chromosome X‐degenerate region genes in taurine cattle, yaks and interspecific hybrid bulls
Authors: Wu Y. , Zhang W.‐X. , Zuo F. , Zhang G.‐W.
Published: September 2019

The yattle (dzo) is an interspecific hybrid of the taurine cattle (Bos taurus) and the domestic yak (Bos grunniens). F1 hybrid yattle bulls are sterile due to spermatogenic arrest and have misregulation of spermatogenesis genes in the testes. However, the expression pattern of Y chromosome‐linked genes in cattle, yaks and yattle testes is still unknown. In this study, we analyzed the mRNA expression pattern of 10 genes known to be present as single copies in the X‐degenerate region of the bovine male‐specific region of the Y chromosome. Using male‐specific primers and reverse transcription quantitative PCR, the ubiquitously transcribed tetratricopeptide repeat gene, Y‐linked (UTY), oral‐facial‐digital syndrome 1, Y‐linked (OFD1Y) and ubiquitin specific peptidase 9, Y‐linked (USP9Y) genes were ubiquitously expressed and significantly more highly expressed in yattle than in cattle and yaks testes (P < 0.001). RNA binding motif protein, Y‐linked (RBMY) had testes‐specific expression, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 1A, Y‐linked (EIF1AY) was expressed mainly in testis, whereas yattle and cattle did not show significant differences with respect to the expression of RBMY and EIF1AY. Thus, based on the model of yattle bull sterility, the high expression of UTY, OFD1Y and USP9Y may be associated with yattle infertility.
Genome‐wide detection of genetic loci and candidate genes for teat number and body conformation traits at birth in Chinese Sushan pigs
Authors: Zhou L. , Zhao W. , Fu Y. , Fang X. , Ren S. , Ren J.
Published: September 2019

Body conformation at birth and teat number are economically important traits in the pig industry, as these traits are usually explored to evaluate the growth and reproductive potential of piglets. To detect genetic loci and candidate genes for these traits, we performed a GWAS on 269 pigs from a recently developed Chinese breed (Sushan) using 38  128 informative SNPs on the Affymetrix Porcine SNP 55K Array. In total, we detected one genome‐wide significant (P = 1.31e‐6) SNP for teat number on chromosome X and 15 chromosome‐wide significant SNPs for teat number, body weight, body length, chest circumference and cannon circumference at birth on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18. The most significant SNP had an additive effect of 0.74 × total teat number, explaining 20% of phenotypic variance. Five significant SNPs resided in the previously reported quantitative trait loci for these traits and seven significant SNPs had a pleiotropic effect on multiple traits. Intriguingly, 12 of the genes nearest to the significant SNPs are functionally related to body conformation and teat number traits, including SPRED2, MKX, TMSB4X and ESR1. GO analysis revealed that candidate genes proximal to the significant SNPs were enriched in the G‐protein coupled receptor and steroid hormone‐mediated signaling pathway. Our findings shed light on the genetic basis of the measured traits and provide molecular markers especially for the genetic improvement of teat number in Sushan and related pigs.
International external quality assessment for measurements of direct oral anticoagulants: results and recommendations
Authors: Hollestelle Martine J. , Meijer Piet
Published: September 2019

There is limited information regarding the performance of tests for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). To generate more knowledge, the accuracy of DOAC tests were evaluated using external quality assessment data from multiple years. This data demonstrated a good correlation for the tests with a small overall interlaboratory variability (10% for dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban and 12% for edoxaban). The greatest differences between the various reagents were observed for rivaroxaban, especially for concentrations below 100 ng/ml. In conclusion, the results show overall reliable DOAC levels with some differences between reagent groups. Important finding: clinical decision criteria could be affected by the choice of reagent.
Zombie Firms and Debt Accumulation: A Theoretical Framework and Chinese Experience
Authors: Zhu He , He Fan , Wang Shennan , Ye Qianlin , Liang Chen
Published: September 2019

In recent years, as China has grappled with rising debt and broad economic restructure, the prevalence of zombie firms has become a critical problem. This paper provides a theoretical framework illustrating the rationale behind the occurrence of zombie firms from the perspective of banks. We develop differential equations to model a bank's expectation and the ex ante estimate that underlies its decision to refinance an insolvent borrower. An optimistic expectation is essential in zombie lending and is intrinsic to the countercyclical pattern of zombie firms. Our model also predicts that debt can build up to an unsustainable level if recovery of profitability is sluggish or the initial debt burden is too high. Examining the Chinese experience of zombie firms over 2007–2017, this paper highlights two findings. First, the share of zombie firms among Shanghai and Shenzhen A‐share listed companies demonstrates a countercyclical pattern. Second, the positive correlation between zombie share and debt accumulation across manufacturing sectors sheds light on the link between zombie firms and the rising corporate debt in China. To deal with the “zombie” problem, the government should carefully weigh its policies to avoid further distortions because the occurrence of zombie firms may be inevitable and impossible to eliminate.
Diagnosis of mycobacterial skin infections
Authors: Kromer Christian , Fabri Mario , Schlapbach Christoph , Schulze Marco H. , Groß Uwe , Schön Michael P. , Buhl Timo
Published: September 2019

The diagnosis of cutaneous mycobacterial infections may be challenging. Owing to the broad spectrum of their clinical presentations, mycobacterioses have to be considered as differential diagnoses to many inflammatory dermatoses. Diagnostic measures comprise histology including special staining, cultures and molecular microbiological examinations as well as the detection of cellular immune reactions of the patient by means of interferon‐γ release assays and skin testing. Clinicians should know the appropriate use and combination of procedures to diagnose mycobacterioses quickly and correctly and to avoid costs and delays caused by unnecessary examinations. This mini review summarizes advantages, limitations, and pitfalls of diagnostic methods for mycobacterial skin infections.
CONSEQUENCES OF OFFSHORING TO DEVELOPING NATIONS: LABOR‐MARKET OUTCOMES, WELFARE, AND CORRECTIVE INTERVENTIONS
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Subhayu , Basu Arnab K. , Chau Nancy H. , Mitra Devashish
Published: September 2019

Our parsimonious two‐country (developed country and developing country) model of offshoring provides nuanced results. These include cases where wages monotonically improve, as well as where wages exhibit an inverted‐U relationship with offshoring cost reductions. We identify conditions under which these relationships hold. Since global welfare always rises with improvements in offshoring technology, we find that there is a role for a minimum wage (alternatively, wage tax) in the developing country. We derive such a policy's optimal level. There is also the possibility of a developed country optimal offshoring tax for extracting terms‐of‐trade benefits. We, finally, analyze the two‐country Nash equilibrium in policies. (JEL F11, F13, F16, F66, O19, O24)
Developmental bias in horned dung beetles and its contributions to innovation, adaptation, and resilience
Authors: Hu Yonggang , Linz David M. , Parker Erik S. , Schwab Daniel B. , Casasa Sofia , Macagno Anna L. M. , Moczek Armin P.
Published: September 2019

Developmental processes transduce diverse influences during phenotype formation, thereby biasing and structuring amount and type of phenotypic variation available for evolutionary processes to act on. The causes, extent, and consequences of this bias are subject to significant debate. Here we explore the role of developmental bias in contributing to organisms’ ability to innovate, to adapt to novel or stressful conditions, and to generate well integrated, resilient phenotypes in the face of perturbations. We focus our inquiry on one taxon, the horned dung beetle genusOnthophagus, and review the role developmental bias might play across several levels of biological organization: (a) gene regulatory networks that pattern specific body regions; (b) plastic developmental mechanisms that coordinate body wide responses to changing environments and; (c) developmental symbioses and niche construction that enable organisms to build teams and to actively modify their own selective environments. We posit that across all these levels developmental bias shapes the way living systems innovate, adapt, and withstand stress, in ways that can alternately limit, bias, or facilitate developmental evolution. We conclude that the structuring contribution of developmental bias in evolution deserves further study to better understand why and how developmental evolution unfolds the way it does.
Are kea prosocial?
Authors: Heaney Megan , Bastos Amalia P. M. , Gray Russell D. , Taylor Alex H.
Published: September 2019

Prosocial behaviour is widespread in humans, but evidence for its occurrence in other species is mixed. We presented a parrot species, the kea (Nestor notabilis) with a series of experiments to test whether they exhibit prosocial tendencies. Across the first round of testing, in our first condition, two of the four kea acted prosocially, as they preferred to choose a prosocial token which rewarded both themselves and a partner, rather than a token that rewarded only themselves. Three of the four kea then showed a preference for the prosocial token in a second condition where they alternated taking turns with a partner. However, no kea showed a decrease in the third yoked control condition in which the experimenter replicated the token choice made by the partner in the previous alternating trials. This yoked condition was used to dissociate truly reciprocal behaviour, whereby the actor made choices based on their partner's choices, from a response to the amount of rewards conferred to the partner. Finally, three of the four kea continued to choose the prosocial token in the fourth asocial control condition where no partner was present. However, in round two of testing, one kea changed its token choices to a similar pattern to that expected if kea are prosocial, in that it preferred the prosocial token in the initial condition, showed a trend for the prosocial token when turns were alternated, but chose at chance in the yoked and asocial conditions. This study therefore found no evidence of spontaneous reciprocity in kea but further testing is required before we can conclude that kea are not capable of prosocial behaviour at all.
Rhabdomyolysis in organic acidemia patients manifesting with metabolic decompensation
Authors: Kido Jun , Matsumoto Shirou , Sawada Takaaki , Endo Fumio , Nakamura Kimitoshi
Published: September 2019

Several metabolic disorders are related to rhabdomyolysis, but their association with methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) and propionic acidemia (PA) is unclear. Eleven patients with MMA and four patients with PA were treated and/or followed up in Kumamoto University Hospital between January 2009 and December 2018. Three patients with MMA and one patient with PA developed rhabdomyolysis at 1–2 weeks after onset of metabolic crisis. Cases 1 and 4 initially developed rhabdomyolysis after withdrawal from continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF), and cases 2 and 3 developed rhabdomyolysis at the time of onset and had recurrent rhabdomyolysis during the recovery phase after withdrawal from CHDF. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with rhabdomyolysis. The rhabdomyolysis in patients with MMA and PA may have been attributed to a defect in energy production because of a secondary mitochondrial disorder. Therefore, physicians should closely follow patients with MMA and PA, especially after withdrawal of hemodialysis therapy, and provide supportive care for their mitochondrial function.
Five‐layer border dressings as part of a quality improvement bundle to prevent pressure injuries in US skilled nursing facilities and Australian nursing homes: A cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Padula William V. , Chen Yutong H. , Santamaria Nick
Published: September 2019

The BORDER III trial found that five‐layer silicone border dressings effectively prevented pressure injuries in long‐term care, but the value of this approach is unknown. Our objective was to analyse the cost‐effectiveness of preventing facility‐acquired pressure injuries with a quality improvement bundle, including prophylactic five‐layer dressings in US and Australian long‐term care. Markov models analysed the cost utility for pressure injuries acquired during long‐term care from US and Australian perspectives. Models calibrated outcomes for standard care compared with a dressing‐inclusive bundle over 18 monthly cycles or until death based on BORDER III outcomes. Patients who developed a pressure injury simulated advancement through stages 1 to 4. Univariate and multivariate probabilistic sensitivity analyses tested modelling uncertainty. Costs in 2017 USD and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) were used to calculate an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER). Dressing use yielded greater QALYs at slightly higher costs from perspectives. The US ICER was $36 652/QALY, while the Australian ICER was $15 898/QALY, both of which fell below a willingness‐to‐pay threshold of $100 000/QALY. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis favoured dressings as cost‐effective for most simulations. A quality improvement bundle, including prophylactic five‐layer dressings, is a cost‐effective approach for pressure injury prevention in all US and Australia long‐term care residents.
Imiquimod regulating Th1 and Th2 cell‐related chemokines to inhibit scar hyperplasia
Authors: Chen Baoguo , Li Huichao , Xia Wei
Published: September 2019

Immunological factors play important roles in the occurrence of hypertrophic scars. Imiquimod can be used as an immunosuppressive agent to regulate the function of T‐helper (Th) cell subsets Th1 and Th2. In this article, we explored the impact of imiquimod on scar hyperplasia through Th cells. A rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model was built. Four round wounds were cut in each rabbit's ears ventrally with a diameter of 1 cm and bilateral symmetry. All the right ear wounds were treated with 5% imiquimod cream. The blank control group contained all the left ear wounds, which were treated with Vaseline ointment at the same time. Haematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining showed that imiquimod collagen deposition was significantly reduced compared with the control group, scar index (SEI) showed that the proliferative degree reached its peak on the 28th day after operation in blank group, and the degree of hyperplasia was significantly higher than that of the imiquimod group (P < .05). Real‐time Polymerase chain reaction results showed that the imiquimod induced the expression of Th2 cell‐related chemokines CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL7, and CCL13 at each time point, which were significantly lower than that of the blank control group, and the expressions of Th1 cell‐associated chemokines CXCL10 and CXCL12 at each time point was significantly higher than the blank control group (P < .05). Imiquimod can be used to regulate the expression of Th1 and Th2 cell‐associated chemokines to control scar hyperplasia.
Characterisation and diagnosis of ulcers in inpatient dermatology consultation services: A multi‐centre study
Authors: Haynes Dylan , Hammer Phoebe , Malachowski Stephen J. , Kaffenberger Benjamin , Yi Jonathan S. , Vera Nora , Calhoun Cody , Shinohara Michi M. , Seminario‐Vidal Lucia , Trinidad John C. , Keller Jesse J. , Ortega‐Loayza Alex G.
Published: September 2019

Accurate and prompt diagnosis of skin ulcers is critical to optimise management; however, studies in hospitalised patients are limited. This retrospective review of dermatologic consultations included 272 inpatients with skin ulcers between July 2015 and July 2018 in four U.S. academic hospitals. The median age was 54 years and 45% were male. In 49.3% of the patients, skin ulcers were considered the primary reason for admission. Ulcers of 62% were chronic and 49.6% were located on the lower extremities. Pyoderma gangrenosum (17.3%), infection (12.5%), and exogenous causes (11.8%) were the leading aetiologies; 12% remained diagnostically inconclusive after consultation. Diagnostic agreements pre‐dermatology and post‐dermatology consult ranged from 0.104 (n = 77, 95% CI 0.051‐0.194) to 0.553 (n = 76, 95% CI 0.440‐0.659), indicating poor‐modest agreement. This study highlights the diagnostic complexity and relative incidences of skin ulcers in the inpatient setting.
Pruritus in patients with chronic leg ulcers: A frequent and often neglected problem
Authors: Jockenhöfer Finja , Zaremba Anne , Wehrmann Caren , Benson Sven , Ständer Sonja , Dissemond Joachim
Published: September 2019

There is a paucity of studies regarding pruritus in patients with chronic leg ulcers. Data were collected using newly developed questionnaires for patients and physicians to evaluate pruritus in individuals with chronic leg ulcers. The results show that a total of 50 patients with chronic leg ulcers were included in this prospective study. Frequent pruritus was observed in 32.0% of the participants, while 36.0% reported occasional pruritus. The average pruritus intensity was 3.5 points (0‐10 numeric rating scale [NRS]) and was found to increase with age. Patients experiencing pruritus achieved a higher Wound‐quality of life (QoL) score (32.1) as that of patients without pruritus (25.8). Additional dermatological findings around the wounds included xerosis (26.0%), eczema (4.0%), and excoriations (2.0%). Pruritus was reported by all subjects with eczema and 84.6% of those with xerosis. The pruritus lasted significantly longer in women (average 98.4 months) vs men (average 37.5 months). Interestingly, men reported more intense pruritus than women (4.4 vs 2.8). Females reported more frequent use of skin care products than males. In conclusion, the current data show that two‐thirds of patients with chronic leg ulcers suffer from moderate intense pruritus. Therefore, pruritus is a frequent and often neglected problem that should be regularly evaluated in all patients with chronic leg ulcers and considered in future therapy concepts.
Using Serious Games to Facilitate Collaborative Water Management Planning Under Climate Extremes
Authors: Bathke Deborah J. , Haigh Tonya , Bernadt Tonya , Wall Nicole , Hill Harvey , Carson Andrea
Published: September 2019

Sustainable management is a complex process that involves balancing the competing interests of the human, plant, and animal communities that depend on watershed resources. It involves developing and implementing plans, programs, and projects that sustain and enhance watershed functions while taking into account the natural, social, political, economic, and institutional factors operating within the watershed and other relevant regions. Examples of such factors include crosscutting mandates by different levels of government, conflicting objectives across sectors, and the constraints and uncertainty of the availability and accessibility of the resources within the watershed. One way to address these complexities is with public participation processes designed to share knowledge among disciplinary experts, policy‐makers, and local stakeholders and provide outcomes, which inform the creation of sustainable watershed management plans. Serious games (i.e., games played for purposes other than pure entertainment) are an example of such processes. Here, we present a case study of how a serious game, called the multi‐hazard tournament, was used to facilitate watershed management by promoting social learning, cross‐sectoral dialogue, and stakeholder participation in the planning process.
Protective role of melatonin in early‐stage and end‐stage liver cirrhosis
Authors: Hu Chenxia , Zhao Lingfei , Tao Jingjing , Li Lanjuan
Published: September 2019

The liver is composed of hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, Kupffer cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and dendritic cells; all these functional and interstitial cells contribute to the synthesis and secretion functions of liver tissue. However, various hepatotoxic factors including infection, chemicals, high‐fat diet consumption, surgical procedures and genetic mutations, as well as biliary tract diseases such as sclerosing cholangitis and bile duct ligation, ultimately progress into liver cirrhosis after activation of fibrogenesis. Melatonin (MT), a special hormone isolated from the pineal gland, participates in regulating multiple physiological functions including sleep promotion, circadian rhythms and neuroendocrine processes. Current evidence shows that MT protects against liver injury by inhibiting oxidation, inflammation, HSC proliferation and hepatocyte apoptosis, thereby inhibiting the progression of liver cirrhosis. In this review, we summarize the circadian rhythm of liver cirrhosis and its potential mechanisms as well as the therapeutic effects of MT on liver cirrhosis and earlier‐stage liver diseases including liver steatosis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis. Given that MT is an antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory agent that is effective in eliminating liver injury, it is a potential agent with which to reverse liver cirrhosis in its early stage.
The End of Exceptionalism and a Strengthening of Coherence? Law and Legal Integration in the EU Post‐Brexit
Authors: Cardwell Paul James
Published: September 2019

The EU's legal system has been built on the principle of a single legal order. Undeniably, however, differentiation has crept in. The UK has been at the forefront of seeking opt‐outs and exceptions to the euro, the Schengen area and so on. After Brexit, will requests by member states for special treatment continue, or will the Brexit experience strengthen the legal order? Is the EU's legal system capable of absorbing differentiation in its fabric? This article argues that differentiation can be accommodated only so far in the Treaty arrangements without a wholescale re‐evaluation of the purpose of EU law. The UK's departure removes the member state most ready to challenge some of the fundamentals of the legal order, but the article urges caution against a full re‐characterization of the nature of EU law post‐Brexit. Instead, the article foresees a continuation of the status quo, in which differentiation exists in various forms but as exceptions to the rule, rather than the rule itself.
Differentiated (Dis)integration in Practice: The Diplomacy of Brexit and the Low Politics of High Politics
Authors: Svendsen Øyvind , Adler‐Nissen Rebecca
Published: September 2019

This article advances a practice approach to differentiated (dis)integration in European security and defence in light of Brexit. We propose that understanding how differentiation in the area of security and defence is given meaning on the ground requires examining the everyday social practices of officials and military professionals. Therefore, we focus on the ‘low politics’ of security and defence cooperation in Europe. We do so by entering the diplomatic engine room in the EU's Political and Security Committee (PSC). We show how arguments that Brexit will either be the ultimate death blow to the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) or that it will be the catalyst for deeper military cooperation fail to take account of the social dynamics and the historical path of security and military cooperation in Europe. Future research on differentiation should pay particular attention to how such dynamics play out in the everyday social negotiation of meaning among practitioners.