bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change-efficacy: the glue that connects organizational change with employees’ actions
Authors: Budhiraja Sunil
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The article presents and discusses the concept of employee change-efficacy as an outcome of a series of interactions between employees and their respective line managers.

Design/methodology/approach

The article draws from the extant literature on change-efficacy and builds a procedural framework for achieving change-efficacy based upon the author’s independent viewpoint.

Findings

Most organizations are struggling with change resistance and they are investing in employee readiness to change without following a practical topology. The article prescribes a sequence of steps and a practical guide which integrates the efforts of line managers with employees to strengthen employees’ change-efficacy.

Research implications

The article contributes to the scarce literature on change-efficacy and indicates a framework which can be tested empirically by researchers.

Originality/value

The author introduces change-efficacy as the most important investment for employee readiness for change and suggests how organizations should channelize their change management efforts to successfully implement change.
A Chebyshev convex method for mid-frequency analysis of built-up structures with large convex uncertainties
Authors: Qin Wu , Yin Hui , Yu D.J. , Shangguan Wen-Bin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an efficient numerical method for mid-frequency analysis of built-up structures with large convex uncertainties.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the Chebyshev polynomial approximation technique, a Chebyshev convex method (CCM) combined with the hybrid finite element/statistical energy analysis (FE-SEA) framework is proposed to fulfil the purpose. In CCM, the Chebyshev polynomials for approximating the response functions of built-up structures are constructed over the uncertain domain by using the marginal intervals of convex parameters; the bounds of the response functions are calculated by applying the convex Monte–Carlo simulation to the approximate functions. A relative improvement method is introduced to evaluate the truncated order of CCM.

Findings

CCM has an advantage in accuracy over CPM when the considered order is the same. Furthermore, it is readily to consider the CCM with the higher order terms of the Chebyshev polynomials for handling the larger convex parametric uncertainty, and the truncated order can be effectively evaluated by the relative improvement method.

Originality/value

The proposed CCM combined with FE-SEA is the first endeavor to efficiently handling large convex uncertainty in mid-frequency vibro-acoustic analysis of built-up structures. It also has the potential to serve as a powerful tool for other kinds of system analysis when large convex uncertainty is involved.
Reimagining proactive strategic planning toward patient-centered care: processes and outcomes in a medical school's department of family and community medicine
Authors: Aultman Julie , Kingsbury Diana , Baughman Kristin , Fischbein Rebecca , Boltri John M.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

A detailed strategic planning process is presented that entails several beneficial and effective strategies and goals for interdisciplinary academic, clinical and/or service departments. This strategic planning process emerged due to the need to adapt to organizational and structural changes within an institution of higher medical education.

Design/methodology/approach

A strategic planning framework was developed, along with an inclusive process that used an appreciative inquiry methodology, to examine past and present strengths and potentials in a diverse, interdisciplinary family and community medicine department.

Findings

The success of this strategic plan and relevant approaches is evidenced by the development of a community medicine course, student-run free clinic to meet the needs of underserved patients, an increase in primary care research and increase in student choice of family medicine as specialty choice.

Research limitations/implications

The described strategic planning process serves as an illustration of the benefits and limitations of identified approaches and outcomes useful for other departments and organizations undertaking similar efforts.

Originality/value

The integration of multiple goals and a shared vision in a strategic planning process leads to successful program development and meeting the needs of future healthcare professionals and the patients and communities they serve. The authors have provided a model for such success.
Harmonious workplace climate and employee altruistic behavior: from social exchange perspective
Authors: Bui Hong T.M. , Liu Gordon , Ko Wai Wai , Curtis Amy
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Drawing on the social exchange perspective, the authors explore the roles of satisfaction over material rewards, perceived organizational politics and career ambition in the relationship between harmonious workplace climate and employee altruistic behavior in the context of British public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employed SPSS software to estimate ordinary least squares models to test their hypotheses by analyzing data from 161 supervisor–employee dyads from a UK local government.

Findings

Satisfaction over material rewards mediates the relationship between harmonious workplace climate and employee altruistic behavior. Both perceived organizational politics and career ambition moderate the mediated effect of harmonious workplace climate on employee altruistic behavior via satisfaction over material rewards.

Originality/value

This study advances the social exchange theory by showing that the norm of reciprocity (e.g. harmonious workplace climate in this study) may not be the only key driver of exchange for altruistic behavior among public sector workers. Still, it can be mediated by satisfaction with pay and promotion opportunities and may be conditional upon individuals' career ambition or their perceptions of organizational politics.
Working women with disabilities: evidence from the Jordanian public sector
Authors: Ababneh Raed Ismail , AlShaik Aseel
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify the level of human resource management difficulties (job suitability, training and development, motivation and performance appraisal) women employees with disabilities face in the Jordanian public sector, the satisfaction of the availability of the work facilities, difficulties they face when interacting with supervisors and colleagues as well as with clients at work.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive analytical approach has been used through designing a questionnaire aimed to examine the study dimensions. A random convenient sample of 306 women with disabilities was chosen. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.

Findings

Analysis revealed that the overall level of human resource management difficulties in the Jordanian public sector as perceived by women with disabilities was moderate (mean = 3). The participants reported a moderate level of assessment (mean = 2.80) about the availability of the work facilities. In addition, they showed a moderate level of satisfaction about both the treatment they receive from supervisors and colleagues as well as from clients with mean values of 2.85 and 2.91, respectively. The participants with physical disability and who hold administrative jobs reported higher level of difficulties of human resources management. Data showed that about 82% of women with disabilities were hired based on a social/humanitarian base instead of merit system.

Practical implications

This study has a significant practical contribution in providing information that will help policy makers and human resource managers to identify job-related difficulties and develop policies and programs to alleviate them to provide a better work environment to integrate employees with disabilities.

Originality/value

This study has a crucial value in filling the knowledge gap in examining the work-life of persons with disabilities in Jordan and in the Arab world.
Assessing the feasibility of blockchain technology in industries: evidence from Turkey
Authors: Erol Ismail , Ar Ilker Murat , Ozdemir Ali Ihsan , Peker Iskender , Asgary Ali , Medeni Ihsan Tolga , Medeni Tunc
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study is to assess quantitatively how feasible blockchain is for various industries, such as logistics and supply chain, health, energy, finance, automotive, pharmaceutical and agriculture and food using a comprehensive list of indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

A decision aid was applied to the problem of identifying the feasibility of blockchain in Turkish industries. To this end, first, a set of indicators was identified. Then, the fuzzy AHP and fuzzy TOPSIS were utilized to assess the feasibility comparatively using the data gathered from a group of experts. Finally, a scenario analysis was conducted to ensure the consistency of our evaluation.

Findings

The findings of this study suggest that comparatively, logistics and supply chain, finance and health industries are the most feasible industries for blockchain. This study further suggests that blockchain is the least feasible for the automotive industry compared to the rest of the identified industries.

Research limitations/implications

It is cumbersome to find out the respondents who have sufficient knowledge of both blockchain and the identified industries. Even if we took the utmost care in identifying the right respondents, we limited our search to the biggest industrial hubs of Turkey.

Practical implications

The findings of this research may help various decision-makers employed in governments, conglomerates, software and consulting firms and national research institutions make more informed decisions and allocate their resources more effectively.

Originality/value

To this date, the current studies have solely investigated possible research opportunities in blockchain and demonstrated several blockchain applications in stand-alone cases. To the best of our knowledge, however, no single study exists that evaluates the feasibility of blockchain comparatively and holistically among a group of industries using various indicators.
Mapping post-diagnostic dementia care in England: an e-survey
Authors: Frost Rachael , Walters Kate , Wilcock Jane , Robinson Louise , Harrison Dening Karen , Knapp Martin , Allan Louise , Rait Greta
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Post-diagnostic dementia care is often fragmented in the United Kingdom, with great variation in provision. Recent policies suggest moving towards better community-based care for dementia; however, little is known on how this care is delivered. This study aimed to map the post-diagnostic dementia support provided in England a decade after the introduction of a National Dementia Strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods e-survey (open Nov 2018–Mar 2019) of dementia commissioners in England recruited through mailing lists of relevant organisations was conducted. The authors descriptively summarised quantitative data and carried out thematic analysis of open-ended survey responses.

Findings

52 completed responses were received, which covered 82 commissioning bodies, with representation from each region in England. Respondents reported great variation in the types of services provided. Information, caregiver assessments and dementia navigation were commonly reported and usually delivered by the voluntary sector or local authorities. Integrated pathways of care were seen as important to avoid overlap or gaps in service coverage. Despite an increasingly diverse population, few areas reported providing dementia health services specifically for BME populations. Over half of providers planned to change services further within five years.

Practical implications

There is a need for greater availability of and consistency in services in post-diagnostic dementia care across England.

Originality/value

Post-diagnostic dementia care remains fragmented and provided by a wide range of providers in England.
Heritage luxury brands: insight into consumer motivations across different age groups
Authors: Halwani Lama
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Despite growing attention to the heritage dimension of luxury brands, little research has been undertaken on how motivation may influence the consumption behavior of heritage luxury brand consumers. This study aims to provide insight into the complex interplay between consumers’ age and purchase motivations of heritage luxury brands.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the analysis of interview data with consumers of different age groups, this study takes a closer look at the consumer motivation underlying the consumption behavior of three different consumer age groups: late adolescents (16–25 years old), middle-aged adults (33–40 years) and older adults (67–74 years old).

Findings

This study delivered additional insights to the literature, especially in the areas of knowing how consumers are motivated when heritage is incorporated as a distinct dimension. The findings revealed that consumers themselves identify purchase drivers based on their perception of a brand’s investment values as “monetary appreciation,” “potential to become vintage” and “inheritance value.” Age differences also emerged in how participants discussed these themes and how they related to attitude functions, such as social-adjustive, utilitarian and hedonic.

Practical implications

Luxury brand managers should carefully consider age differences when planning their marketing initiatives. An awareness of consumers’ heritage luxury brand motivations of different ages will help practitioners better position their market offerings. The findings suggest that practitioners must recognize that there are likely to be differences in how different age group consumers respond to marketing initiatives and that consumer’s age is likely to play a key role in shaping the attitude of consumers. For older adult consumers, the optimal market offering would emphasize the inheritance value of heritage luxury brands. To that end, reinforcing attributes of nostalgia through the use of original logos, brand stories and classic designs is likely to be effective in targeting this age group. When targeting adolescents, heritage luxury brand managers need to take account of the changing consumption behavior of this age group, including their need to switch brands and adapt to their social surrounding. To provoke the purchase behavior of late-adolescent consumers, it seems that heritage luxury brand managers should draw on their image of social status enhancers.

Originality/value

In this study, a gap in the literature is addressed by focusing on an overlooked demographic variable as it relates to motivations toward heritage luxury. To the author’s best knowledge, this is the first study of its kind simultaneously considering heritage and luxury brand dimensions by exploring the motivations of consumers of different age groups.
Feeding and damage‐induced volatile cues make beetles disperse and produce a more even distribution of damage for sagebrush
Authors: Karban Richard , Yang Louie H.
Published: May 2020

Induced plant responses to herbivory are common, and we have learned a lot about the mechanisms of induced resistance and their effects on herbivore performance. We know less about their effects on herbivore behaviour and especially on spatial patterns of damage.

Theoretical models predict that induced responses can cause patterns of damage to become aggregated, random or even. A recent model predicted that informed herbivore movement coupled with communication between plants would make damage more even within individual plants. We tested these predictions in the field using a specialist beetle Trirhabda pilosa that feeds on sagebrush Artemisia tridentata. Both the beetle and the plant are well‐documented to respond to damage‐induced volatile cues.

Beetle larvae were more likely to move from damaged leaves and leaves that had been exposed to volatiles from nearby damaged leaves compared to undamaged control leaves. Previous laboratory results indicated that beetles were more likely to choose undamaged leaves compared to damaged leaves or those exposed to volatile cues of damage.

A comparison of damage patterns early in the season and after completion of beetle feeding revealed that variance in damage among branches decreased as the season progressed; that is, damage became more evenly distributed among the branches within a plant. Larvae damaged many leaves on a plant but removed relatively little tissue from each leaf.

Herbivore movement and the spatial patterns of damage that it creates can be important in determining effects on plant fitness and other population processes. Dispersion of damage deserves more consideration in plant–herbivore studies.
The effect of root‐associated microbes on plant growth and chemical defence traits across two contrasted elevations
Authors: Formenti Ludovico , Caggìa Veronica , Puissant Jérémy , Goodall Tim , Glauser Gaétan , Griffiths Robert , Rasmann Sergio
Published: May 2020

Ecotypic differences in plant growth and anti‐herbivore defence phenotypes are determined by the complex interactions between the abiotic and the biotic environment.

Root‐associated microbes (RAMs) are pervasive in nature, vary over climatic gradients and have been shown to influence the expression of multiple plant functional traits related to biomass accumulation and biotic interactions. We addressed how variation in climatic conditions between lowland and subalpine habitats in the Alps and RAMs can independently or interactively affect plant growth and anti‐herbivore defence trait expression.

To address the contribution of climate and RAMs on growth and chemical defences of high‐ and low‐elevation Plantago major ecotypes, we performed a full‐factorial reciprocal transplant field experiment at two elevations. We coupled it with plant functional trait measurements and metabolomics analyses.

We found that local growing climatic conditions mostly influenced how the ecotypes grew, but we also found that the high‐ and low‐elevation ecotypes improved biomass accumulation if in the presence of their own‐elevation RAMs. We also found that while chemical defence expression was affected by climate, they were also more highly expressed when plants were inoculated with low‐elevation RAMs.

Synthesis. Our research demonstrated that root‐associated microbes (RAMs) from contrasted elevations impact how plants grow or synthesize toxic secondary metabolites. At low elevation, where biotic interactions are stronger, RAMs enhance plant biomass accumulation and the production of toxic secondary metabolites.
From quantified to qualculated age: the health pragmatics of biological age measurement
Authors: Moreira Tiago , Hansen Asger Aarup , Lassen Aske Juul
Published: May 2020

There is growing interest, within the social sciences, in understanding self‐quantification and how it affects health practices in contemporary society. There is, however, less research on how ageing and health measurement relate, even though this relationship has become more pertinent with the growing availability of services and devices offering biological, personalised age measurements, from simple online questionnaires to telomere length quantification. Little is known about who uses these devices, why they use them and the socio‐technical implications of such uses. To explore these issues, we conducted semi‐structured interviews and focus groups with users of measurements of biological age (BA) in Denmark. We found that participants engage with the measurements with a degree of scepticism regarding their technical validity, reliability and sensitivity. Rather than seeking an exact biological quantification, participants use measurements as a pragmatic, rough indication of individual health. We develop a conceptual model to understand participants’ engagement with BA measurements, which suggests that, instead of a substitution of chronological age for BA, users gauge the difference between the two to qualify their present and future individual trajectory in a lay model of the relationship between functional capacity and age.
The organizational justice effect among criminal justice employees: A meta‐analysis*
Authors: Wolfe Scott E. , Lawson Spencer G.
Published: May 2020

Organizational justice has been shown to be an important predictor of criminal justice employees’ work‐related perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors. In this study, we take stock of the organizational justice effect on criminal justice employees’ work outcomes by subjecting the literature to a meta‐analysis. Multilevel modeling based on 1,924 effect size estimates drawn from 143 studies (95 independent data sets) was used to establish the empirical status of the organizational justice effect. The results indicate a sizeable relationship between organizational justice and justice system employee work outcomes (Mz = .256, CI = [.230, .283]). The findings also demonstrate that the organizational justice effect size varies slightly across several methodological variations. Specifically, the organizational justice effect size is larger when the concept is measured with scales that contain survey items tapping into all four dimensions of justice. Also, we found that outcome type, presence of confounding mechanisms, research design, and sample characteristics moderate the justice effect. We conclude that organizational justice theory is a useful framework for developing a more theoretically informed understanding of justice system employees’ work outcomes. We discuss the theoretical implications of the meta‐analytic findings and avenues for future research based on the results.
Evaluating the effects of honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) venom on the expression of insulin sensitivity and inflammation‐related genes in co‐culture of adipocytes and macrophages
Authors: Kim Hee‐Yeon , Jo Min Jeong , Nam So Yung , Kim Kwang Min , Choi Moon Bo , Lee Yong‐Ho
Published: May 2020

Obese adipose tissue is characterized by adipocyte hypertrophy and a massive macrophage infiltration. The interaction between macrophages with mature adipocytes releases pro‐inflammatory cytokines. This chronic inflammatory state can contribute to obesity‐related complications, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we can attempt to prevent and treat obesity‐related diseases by inhibiting macrophage infiltration and blocking their interaction with adipocytes. Honey bee (Apis mellifera) venom (BV) has been reported to have anti‐inflammatory effects. Although BV is used to treat chronic inflammatory diseases, few studies have addressed its use in obesity‐associated inflammation. This study examines the inhibitory effects of BV on lipid accumulation in differentiating preadipocytes, inflammation, and insulin resistance in macrophages and adipocyte‐macrophage co‐culture system. We treated 3 T3‐L1 preadipocytes with BV during differentiation. We later measured lipid accumulation and gene expression of master adipogenic transcription factors. After RAW264.7 and 3 T3‐L1 cells were pretreated with BV, RAW264.7 cells were activated with LPS or co‐cultured with pretreated 3 T3‐L1 cells. Gene expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and insulin sensitizing genes was measured in these cells. BV inhibited lipid accumulation and C/EBPα and PPARγ gene expression during intermediate and late 3 T3‐L1 cell differentiation. BV also suppressed gene expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (COX‐2, iNOS, MCP‐1, TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐6) in LPS‐stimulated macrophages, and in co‐culture of 3 T3‐L1 adipocytes and RAW264.7 macrophages. However, adiponectin and GLUT‐4 expression were both significantly increased by BV in co‐culture. These findings demonstrate that BV attenuates adipocyte hypertrophy and improves obesity‐related inflammation and insulin resistance in obese adipose tissue.
Hospitalization Is Less Common in Ambulatory Patients With Acute Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosed Before Emergency Department Referral Than After Arrival
Authors: Vinson David R. , Bath Harjot , Huang Jie , Reed Mary E. , Mark Dustin G. ,   CREST Network
Published: May 2020

Background

Emergency department (ED) patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) may undergo diagnostic pulmonary imaging as an outpatient before referral to the ED for definitive management. This population has not been well characterized.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included ambulatory adults with acute objectively confirmed PE across 21 EDs in an integrated health care system from January 1, 2013, through April 30, 2015. We excluded patients arriving by ambulance. We compared outpatients with diagnostic pulmonary imaging in the 12 hours prior to ED arrival (the clinic‐based cohort) with those receiving imaging for PE only after ED arrival. We reported adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for hospitalization, adjusted for race, presyncope or syncope, proximal clot location, and PE Severity Index class.

Results

Among 2,352 eligible ED patients with acute PE, 344 (14.6%) had a clinic‐based diagnosis. This cohort had lower PE Severity Index classification and were less likely to be hospitalized than their counterparts with an ED‐based diagnosis: 80.8% vs. 92.0% (p < 0.0001). The inverse association with hospitalization persisted after adjusting for the above patient characteristics with aOR of 0.36 (95% CI = 0.26 to 0.50).

Conclusion

In the study setting, ambulatory outpatients with acute PE are commonly diagnosed before ED arrival. A clinic‐based diagnosis of PE identifies ED patients less likely to be hospitalized. Research is needed to identify which patients with a clinic‐based PE diagnosis may not require transfer to the ED before home discharge.
Increased Responding for Alcohol and Resistance to Aversion in Female Mice
Authors: Sneddon Elizabeth A. , Ramsey Olivia R. , Thomas Annemarie , Radke Anna K.
Published: May 2020

Background

More women are being diagnosed with alcohol use disorder (AUD), are increasing the amount of alcohol they are drinking, and are partaking in risky drinking behaviors. Compulsive drinking which persists despite negative consequences is a hallmark of AUD. Preclinical aversion‐resistant models suggest that females may be more vulnerable to the rewarding effects of alcohol such that they show increased compulsivity when drinking is punished with quinine, a bitter tastant.

Methods

Male and female C57BL/6J mice were trained in an operant response task on a first‐order fixed ratio schedule. Experiment 1 tested responding for escalating concentrations (10 to 25%) of ethanol (EtOH). Experiment 2 assessed the effects of increasing concentrations of quinine (100, 250, or 500 μM) on responding for 10% EtOH followed by a 48‐hour 2‐bottle choice quinine preference test. Experiment 3 investigated the effects of increasing concentrations of quinine (100, 250, or 500 μM) on responding for 2.5% sucrose.

Results

Experiment 1 revealed that females respond more than males for 15% EtOH. Experiment 2 showed that females tolerate higher concentrations of quinine in EtOH than males. Males reduced responding for 10% EtOH when adulterated with 250 or 500 µM of quinine, while females did not reduce responding at any concentration of quinine. Males and females also exhibited similar preference for quinine in a 2‐bottle drinking task. Experiment 3 demonstrated that both males and females reduced responding for 2.5% sucrose when quinine (100, 250, or 500 μM) was added.

Conclusions

Females respond more for EtOH at higher concentrations and continue to respond for 10% EtOH at all concentrations of quinine, suggesting that female mice are more motivated to respond for EtOH in an operant self‐administration paradigm than males. Understanding behavioral and mechanistic sex differences in responding for alcohol will allow for the advancement of treatments for women with AUD.
Difficulties in Daily Living Experienced by Adolescents, Transition‐Aged Youth, and Adults With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Authors: McLachlan Kaitlyn , Flannigan Katherine , Temple Valerie , Unsworth Kathy , Cook Jocelynn L.
Published: May 2020

Background

Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience a range of problems in their cognitive, affective, and physical functioning following prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), in addition to multiple complex difficulties in daily living that impact well‐being. Using the Canadian National FASD Database, we sought to profile a range of difficulties in daily living, along with risk factors, in a large cross‐sectional cohort of adolescents, transition‐aged youth, and adults with PAE, of which a subset was ultimately diagnosed with FASD.

Methods

We summarized data for 9 current difficulties in daily living reported at the time of diagnostic assessment for 726 individuals with PAE assessed at 26 FASD diagnostic clinics across Canada, including 443 adolescents (12 to 17 years), 135 transition‐aged youth (18 to 24 years), and 148 adults (25 to 60 years). Difficulties included problems related to school disruption, employment, independent living needs, supportive or sheltered housing, legal problems with victimization, legal problems with offending, incarceration, alcohol misuse, and other substance misuse. Risk factors included age, gender, living placement, postnatal trauma, and neurodevelopmental impairment.

Results

Across the full PAE sample, adolescents, transition‐aged youth, and adults presented with high rates of difficulties in daily living, including independent living support needs (63%), alcohol misuse (38%), other substance misuse (46%), employment problems (37%), legal problems with offending (30%), assisted or sheltered housing (21%), school disruption (18%), legal problems with victimization (4%), and incarceration (3%). Difficulty rates were similar for those with FASD irrespective of diagnosis (e.g., with or without sentinel facial features), but rates greater for adults, and those with low overall intellectual functioning (IQ < 70). Controlling for age and IQ, cumulative difficulty was independently associated with gender, living placement, and neurodevelopmental impairment.

Conclusions

Adolescents, transition‐aged youth, and adults with FASD experienced a range of substantial and complex difficulties at the time of their diagnostic assessment, signaling a high level of service needs. These findings underscore the importance of developmentally informed assessment continued through childhood, as well as ongoing functional and needs‐based service provision as youth with FASD transition to adulthood and beyond.
How Settlement Locations and Local Networks Influence Immigrant Political Integration
Authors: Bratsberg Bernt , Ferwerda Jeremy , Finseraas Henning , Kotsadam Andreas
Published: May 2020

To what extent do early experiences in the host country shape the political integration of immigrants? We argue that the initial neighborhoods immigrants settle in establish patterns of behavior that influence subsequent political participation. Using Norwegian administrative register data, we leverage quasi‐exogenous variation in the placement of refugees to assess the consequences of assignment to particular neighborhoods. We find that the difference in turnout between refugees initially placed in 20th and 80th percentile neighborhoods is 12.6 percentage points, which represents 47% of the participation gap between refugees and residents. To assess the mechanism, we draw on individual‐level data on all neighbors present at the time of each refugee's arrival and then evaluate the relative impact of neighborhood characteristics and available social networks. Our findings suggest that while neighborhood socioeconomic factors play a limited role, early exposure to politically engaged neighbors and peer cohorts increases immigrants' turnout over the long run.
The Boiling Cauldron (an extract from Ask for the Road: A Memoir)
Authors: Grillo Laura S.
Published: May 2020

The very nature of fieldwork constructs the conditions for “exceptional experience.” Learning to inhabit an unfamiliar world and operate outside one’s normal frame of reference makes one vulnerable. The “participant observer” is inevitably changed. This may be especially true when the effort to bridge perspectives involves experimentation of a kind that not only engages the researcher in intense and intimate inquiry but also entangles her as an inextricable part of it. My investigation of the cryptic practice of divination in West Africa was such an entanglement. My memoir, Ask for the Road, is about my fieldwork on divination in Côte d'Ivoire—an investigation that, through the seers’ uncannily accurate readings, quickly turned into an exploration of my haunting past in that country. The diviners’ readings forced me to revisit the demise of my former marriage to an Ivoirian man and its continued hold on me. “The Boiling Cauldron,” a chapter from the memoir, is about a meeting with one of those diviners and a disturbing encounter that helped me decide to take leave of the past once and for all, and claim a new direction.
A functional assessment of the impact of changing grazing management of upland grassland mosaics
Authors: Pakeman Robin J. , Fielding Debbie A.
Published: May 2020

Questions

How do changes in grazing impact functional traits in habitat mosaics? Which habitats are sensitive to management changes?

Location

Mosaic of open upland habitats, including Agrostis–Festucaand Nardus grasslands, Carex and Molinia mires, bracken and wet heath, southern Highlands of Scotland, UK.

Methods

Four grazing treatments were started in 2002: (a) Continued grazing at 0.9 ewe/ha (control); (2) High — 2.7 ewe/ha; (c) Mixed — partial substitution of sheep by cattle; and (d) None. Vegetation was sampled at 25 permanently marked locations per plot every three years. Analysis assessed how grazing affected community‐weighted means of selected traits at the whole plot level and community level.

Results

Whole plot level changes in trait means were negligible apart from a small reduction in height in the High and Mixed treatments and a shift to earlier flowering in the High treatment. At the community level, increased grazing generally led to a reduction in canopy height and earlier flowering. Both increased and reduced grazing reduced leaf dry matter content (LDMC) in the most preferred community, Agrostis–Festucagrassland, but reduced grazing increased LDMC in the least preferred community, wet heath. Cattle grazing reduced LDMC in both Agrostis–Festucagrassland and wet heath and reduced height in bracken.

Conclusions

Despite significant changes in grazing there were only small changes in trait means over 15 years. The most preferred communities were less sensitive to grazing removal than expected; few species present can take advantage of reduced grazing. The least preferred communities were more sensitive to grazing removal than expected; they still contain species capable of exploiting this. The presence of more preferred communities in each plot meant increased grazing has less impact on communities of moderate and low preference. Cattle impacts were highest in the communities most sensitive to trampling, bracken and wet heath.
Unusual but consistent latitudinal patterns in macroalgal habitats and their invertebrate communities across two countries
Authors: Lloyd Hannah B. , Cruz‐Motta Juan J. , Glasby Tim M. , Hutchings Pat A. , Gribben Paul E.
Published: May 2020

Aim

The physical characteristics of biogenic habitats and environmental conditions are important determinants of biodiversity, yet their relative importance can change across spatial scales. We aimed to understand how relationships between the physical characteristics of macroalgal habitats and their invertebrate communities varied across spatial scales and whether general ecological patterns occurred across two countries.

Location

Eighteen sites across the temperate east coasts of Australia (over 1,300 km) and New Zealand (over 1,000 km), with the latitudinal gradient in the two countries overlapping by 6.73 decimal degrees.

Time period

January to early April 2012.

Major taxa studied

Three intertidal macroalgal habitats in each country and the invertebrate communities within them.

Methods

We measured variation in patch‐ and individual‐level characteristics of macroalgal habitats and their invertebrate communities. Patterns in macroalgal characteristics and communities were compared across latitude, and at smaller spatial scales, and correlated with 26 abiotic environmental variables using multiple multivariate analyses.

Results

Separately, macroalgal habitat characteristics and communities showed unusual but consistent nonlinear latitudinal patterns, with greater similarity among sites at the edges of the sampled distribution (i.e., north and south) than at centrally located sites. Macroalgal characteristics did not correlate with a particular set of environmental variables; however, communities were structured by sea surface temperature at the country scale and by macroalgal habitat type and biomass within countries. Anthropogenic variables were also important and may have contributed to the unusual nonlinear patterns observed between macroalgal characteristics and communities across latitude.

Main conclusions

Our results support other studies showing that large‐scale patterns can emerge from systems where there is high local‐scale variability. The results show that communities within macroalgal habitats respond to both the physical characteristics of the habitat and external environmental conditions (e.g., temperature), suggesting that local‐scale environmental factors, including anthropogenic stressors, may modulate environmental gradients over larger scales.
Temporal homogenization of functional and beta diversity in bird communities of the Swiss Alps
Authors: García‐Navas Vicente , Sattler Thomas , Schmid Hans , Ozgul Arpat
Published: May 2020

Aim

Describing the spatio‐temporal dynamics of biotic communities is critical for understanding how environmental change can affect biodiversity. Mountains are especially susceptible to such changes (e.g., climate change) and, consequently, have been identified as ecosystems of conservation concern. With their sharp physical and ecological transitions, altitudinal gradients allow examining the influence of different climatic conditions and land use types on species assemblages across small spatial extents, and thus, they constitute natural laboratories to study diversity–environment relationships.

Location

Switzerland.

Methods

We take advantage of long‐term (20 years) monitoring data and an extensive trait dataset (100 traits) to examine spatial patterns, temporal trends, and spatio‐temporal dynamics in functional and beta diversity of bird communities in the Swiss Alps.

Results

Functional diversity indices showed a congruent pattern over time and across space; most indices decreased over the study period and were strongly correlated with altitude. In agreement with studies from the tropics, we found that communities in the lowlands were functionally over‐dispersed, whereas communities at higher elevations were functionally clustered. High‐altitude communities exhibited high functional originality, low levels of niche differentiation and a high turnover rate. Beta diversity declined over the study period.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that pastoral abandonment does not result in an increase in avian functional diversity as most species colonizing woody‐encroached grasslands are functionally redundant, whereas alpine meadows are inhabited by species exhibiting a high degree of habitat specialization and unique functional traits. Hence, the tree line constitutes a boundary between two well‐differentiated functional groups: one representing a functional continuum from lowlands dominated by agricultural landscape to high‐mountain forests, and the other one composed of alpine communities. Overall, this study reveals a process of biotic homogenization (i.e., increasing functional similarity) across the last two decades in the Swiss Alps, coinciding with the recently reported increases in the abundance of generalist species.
Clinical Questions and Answers on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy during the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Furuta Takahisa , Irisawa Atsushi , Matsumoto Takayuki , Kawai Takashi , Inaba Tomoki , Kanno Atsushi , Katanuma Akio , Kawahara Yoshiro , Matsuda Koji , Mizukami Kazuhiro , Otsuka Takao , Yasuda Ichiro , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Tanaka Shinji , Fujimoto Kazuma , Fukuda Shinsaku , Iishi Hiroyasu , Igarashi Yoshinori , Inui Kazuo , Ueki Toshiharu , Ogata Haruhiko , Kato Mototsugu , Shiotani Akiko , Higuchi Kazuhide , Fujita Naotaka , Murakami Kazunari , Yamamoto Hironori , Ito Tohru , Okazaki Kazuichi , Kitagawa Yuko , Mine Tetsuya , Tajiri Hisao , Inoue Haruhiro
Published: May 2020

Some situations may require endoscopy during the COVID‐19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic. Here, we describe the necessary precautions in the form of clinical questions and answers (Q&A) regarding the safe deployment of gastrointestinal endoscopy in such situations while protecting endoscopy staff and patients from infection. Non‐urgent endoscopy should be postponed. The risk of infection in patients should be evaluated in advance by questionnaire and body temperature. The health of staff must be checked every day. Decisions to employ endoscopy should be based on the institutional conditions and aims of endoscopy. All endoscopic staff need to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The endoscope and other devices should be cleaned and disinfected after procedures in accordance with the relevant guidelines. Optimal management of the endoscopy unit is required. Endoscopy for infected patients or those with suspected infection demands exceptional caution. When a patient who undergoes endoscopy is later found to have COVID‐19, the members of staff involved are considered exposed to the virus and must not work for at least 14 days if their PPE is considered insufficient. When PPE resources are limited, some equipment may be used continuously throughout a shift as long as it is not contaminated. Details of the aforementioned protective measures are described.
Non‐myeloablative matched sibling stem cell transplantation with the optional reinforced stem cell infusion for patients with hemoglobinopathies
Authors: Shin Seung‐Hwan , Park Sung‐Soo , Park Silvia , Jeon Young‐Woo , Yoon Jae‐Ho , Yahng Seung‐Ah , Cho Byung‐Sik , Kim Yoo‐Jin , Lee Seok , Kim Hee‐Je , Min Chang‐Ki , Cho Seok‐Goo , Kim Dong‐Wook , Lee Jong‐Wook , Eom Ki‐Seong
Published: May 2020

Background

The NIH protocol for non‐myeloablative (NMA) conditioning allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) with alemtuzumab and low‐dose total body irradiation corrected the abnormal sickle cell disease (SCD) phenotype without the risk of graft‐versus‐host disease. However, alloSCT using NMA conditioning had been rarely applied to β‐thalassemia major (β‐TM) patients.

Methods

To avoid prolonged immunosuppression, we developed a two‐stage strategy. Mixed donor chimerism was initially achieved using the protocol developed by the NIH protocol. Thereafter, we facilitated donor chimerism using the optional reinforced stem cell (SC) infusion in cases requiring protracted immunosuppression or experiencing impending graft failure.

Results

In this study, β‐TM (n = 9) and SCD (n = 4) patients were equally effectively treated with eradicating the abnormal hemoglobin phenotype. Five patients, including four β‐TM, achieved stable mixed chimerism without receiving optional reinforced SC infusion. All patients that received optional reinforced infusion achieved complete (n = 4) or mixed chimerism (n = 1). The overall survival rate and event‐free survival at 4 years were 91.7% (95% CI; 53.9‐98.8) in both groups, with a thalassemia‐free survival rate in β‐TM patients of 87.5% (95% CI; 38.7‐98.1).

Conclusion

This study is the first to report successful NMA conditioning alloSCT to achieve stable mixed chimerism correcting the abnormal hemoglobin phenotype in adult β‐TM patients.
Adaptation to drought is coupled with slow growth, but independent from phenology in marginal silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) populations
Authors: Csilléry Katalin , Buchmann Nina , Fady Bruno
Published: May 2020

Drought is one of the most important selection pressures for forest trees in the context of climate change. Yet, the different evolutionary mechanisms, and their environmental drivers, by which certain populations become more drought tolerant than others is still little understood. We studied adaptation to drought in 16 silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) populations from the French Mediterranean Alps by combining observations on seedlings from a greenhouse experiment (N = 8,199) and on adult tress in situ (N = 315). In the greenhouse, we followed half‐sib families for four growing seasons for growth and phenology traits, and tested their water stress response in a "drought until death" experiment. Adult trees in the field were assessed for δ13C, a proxy for water use efficiency, and genotyped at 357 SNP loci. SNP data was used to generate a null expectation for seedling trait divergence between populations in order to detect the signature of selection, and 31 environmental variables were used to identify the selective environment. We found that seedlings originating from populations with low soil water capacity grew more slowly, attained a smaller stature, and resisted water stress for a longer period of time in the greenhouse. Additionally, adult trees of these populations exhibited a higher water use efficiency as evidenced by their δ13C. These results suggest a correlated evolution of the growth‐drought tolerance trait complex. Population divergence in bud break phenology was adaptive only in the second growing season, and evolved independently from the growth‐drought tolerance trait complex. Adaptive divergence in bud break phenology was principally driven by the inter‐ and intra‐annual variation in temperature at the geographic origin of the population. Our results illustrate the different evolutionary strategies used by populations to cope with drought stress at the range limits across a highly heterogeneous landscape, and can be used to inform assisted migration programs.
The geography of memory B cell reactivation in vaccine‐induced immunity and in autoimmune disease relapses
Authors: Dhenni Rama , Phan Tri Giang
Published: May 2020

Memory B cells (Bmem) provide an active second layer of defense against re‐infection by pathogens that have bypassed the passive first layer provided by neutralizing antibodies. Here, we review recent progress in our understanding of Bmem heterogeneity in terms of their origin (germinal center‐dependent vs center‐independent), phenotype (canonical vs atypical vs age‐associated B cells), trafficking (recirculating vs tissue‐resident), and fate (plasma cell vs germinal center differentiation). The development of transgenic models and intravital imaging technologies has made it possible to track the cellular dynamics of Bmem reactivation by antigen, their interactions with follicular memory T cells, and differentiation into plasma cells in subcapsular proliferative foci in the lymph nodes of immune animals. Such in situ studies have reinforced the importance of geography in shaping the outcome of the secondary antibody response. We also review the evidence for Bmem reactivation and differentiation into short‐lived plasma cells in the pathogenesis of disease flares in relapsing‐remitting autoimmune diseases. Elucidating the mechanisms that control the Bmem fate decision to differentiate into plasma cells or germinal center B cells will aid future efforts to more precisely engineer fit‐for‐purpose vaccines as well as to treat antibody‐mediated autoimmune diseases.