bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urbanism under dictatorship
Authors: Javanmardi Leila
Published: October 2019

Purpose

By analyzing urbanism products, development plans and the process of modernization in Iran, the purpose of this paper is to critically trace the effect of dictatorial control on urbanism and the emergence of government-imposed urban segregation.

Design/methodology/approach

The main body of this work is concentrated on studying the history of urbanism in Iran, of which collecting data and descriptions played a crucial role. To prevent the limitations associated with singular methods, the methodology of this research is based on methodological triangulation (Denzin, 2017). With the triangulation scheme, the data are gathered by combining different qualitative and quantitative methods such as library, archival and media research, online resources, non-participatory observation and photography. For the empirical part, the city of Tehran is selected as the case study. Moreover, individual non-structured interviews with the locals were conducted to gain more insights regarding the housing projects.

Findings

The results reveal that despite the intense propaganda, the regime policies barely mentioned the urban poor. With the rise of new principles of architecture and urban planning, the regime tried to promote the image of an updated society; restructuring of the urban space was part of this process. However, the majority of the urban projects disregarded the financial ability of low-income groups and eventually benefited only the middle and upper classes. Also, by imposing a physical distance, low-income neighborhoods were located in the south in order to marginalize the urban poor who were in contrast with the idea of a modern city. Under these circumstances, severe economic inequality was provoked, which to this day has transformed into a complex socio-spatial segregation.

Originality/value

The works of general historical studies are not concentrated on urbanism and urban researchers have mostly focused on urbanism products during different periods, regardless, of the importance of urbanism as a tool in the service of hegemony. In other words, the majority of existing research investigates the evolution of urbanism and architecture in modern Iran, by questioning “what has been built?” and has ignored to trace the beneficiaries of the urban projects and to question “built for whom?”. Moreover, urbanism under the government of Mossadegh (1951–1953) has been largely overlooked, which could be due to his short time as Prime Minister of Iran. Mossadegh’s government was the first democratic government in Iran; hence investigating the policies used in this period has a great importance.
A fuzzy-based vulnerability assessment model for infrastructure networks incorporating reliability and centrality
Authors: Zarghami Seyed Ashkan , Gunawan Indra
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to attempt to shift away from an exclusive probabilistic viewpoint or a pure network theory-based perspective for vulnerability assessment of infrastructure networks (INs), toward an integrated framework that accounts for joint considerations of the consequences of component failure as well as the component reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

This work introduces a fuzzy inference system (FIS) model that deals with the problem of vulnerability analysis by mapping reliability and centrality to vulnerability. In the presented model, reliability and centrality are first fuzzified, then 16 different rules are defined and finally, a defuzzification process is conducted to obtain the model output, termed the vulnerability score. The FIS model developed herein attempts to explain the linkage between reliability and centrality so as to evaluate the degree of vulnerability for INs elements.

Findings

This paper compared the effectiveness of the vulnerability score in criticality ranking of the components against the conventional vulnerability analysis methods. Comparison of the output of the proposed FIS model with the conventional vulnerability indices reveals the effectiveness of the vulnerability score in identifying the criticality of components. The model result showed the vulnerability score decreases by increasing reliability and decreasing centrality.

Practical implications

Two key practical implications for vulnerability analysis of INs can be drawn from the suggested FIS model in this research. First, the maintenance strategy based on the vulnerability analysis proposed herein will provide an expert facilitator that helps infrastructure utilities to identify and prioritize the vulnerabilities. The second practical implication is especially valuable for designing an effective risk management framework, which allows for least cost decisions to be made for the protection of INs.

Originality/value

As part of the first contribution, we propose a novel fuzzy-based vulnerability assessment model in building a qualitative and quantitative picture of the vulnerability of INs. The second contribution is especially valuable for vulnerability analysis of INs by virtue of offering a key to understanding the component vulnerability principle as being constituted by the component likely behavior as well as the component importance in the network.
Determinants of total factor productivity in Indian states
Authors: Misra Biswa Swarup
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to compute total factor productivity (TFP) growth for India as well as for its 19 major states and to explore the determinants of TFP at the state level by considering the spillover effects.

Design/methodology/approach

TFP growth has been obtained using growth accounting equation. Further, the TFP growth estimates were used to derive TFP levels using the translog index procedure. Given the policy focus on building infrastructure and expanding financial access, we have estimated the impact of irrigation, electricity, road, health, education and financial depth on TFP using the Spatial Durbin Model to account for spillover effects.

Findings

Computing TFP growth for two sub periods, namely, 2001-2008 and 2009-2015, the study finds a deterioration in TFP growth for India as well as for 10 of the 19 states under study in the post global financial crisis period. The author find that TFP is positively impacted by irrigation, health and road infrastructure. While financial depth and education were statistically insignificant, installed capacity of electricity had a negative impact on state level TFP.

Research limitations/implications

'The author provides rationale for the empirical findings considering the country context. The findings of this study act as pointers for shaping higher growth on a sustained basis in India. The study helps to assess the productivity growth in the new states, namely, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Uttarakhand, that were carved out in 2000 vis a vis their parent states. This assessment is useful especially for the states of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh which were created to address economic backwardness in certain pockets of the parent states.

Originality/value

First, it provides TFPG estimates for India as well as 19 major states during the 2000-2015 period. Second, this study helps to understand how TFPG for India as well as each of the 19 states have behaved in the post global financial crisis period. Third, the study helps to assess the productivity growth in the three newly created states in 2000 vis a vis their parent states. Fourth, this is the first attempt which considers the spatial interdependence among the states to estimate the impact of financial and infrastructural development on productivity in the Indian states.
Risk and resilient architectural practices in informal settlements – the role of NGOs
Authors: Martins A. Nuno , Rocha Aline
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the role played by small-size non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in slum upgrading, building and incremental housing processes in Brazil and Guinea-Bissau, focusing, in particular, on actions to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance community resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method relied on literature review and fieldwork. It included surveys, activities with the communities, interviews and questionnaires. The data collected were subject to cross-disciplinary and comparative analysis.

Findings

The paper analyses the innovative methods and solutions used by NGOs in informal settlement upgrading and housing improvement works related to disaster risk reduction, namely, community mapping and design, and show how they end up building community resilience.

Research limitations/implications

Grasping the impacts of NGOs’ work whether in slums of Brazil or Africa requires staying with communities for a significant amount of time. However, those stays raise many practical problems regarding security, health and related costs.

Originality/value

The existing literature misses to address from a comparative perspective, the methods used by social workers and designers teams in slums. This paper aims at filling this gap in slum studies. Its originality and value rely on the particular experience of the authors, who were personally involved in the NGOs actions and could deepen the connections between vulnerabilities, risk and successful aid-self-help practices.
Multi-criteria decision-making in the evaluation of environmental quality of OECD countries
Authors: Dang Van Thac , Dang Wilson V.T.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use multi-criteria decision-making methods to assess environmental quality of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Weights of criteria are determined by means of entropy weight method. VIKOR method is used to rank different OECD countries based on their environmental quality.

Findings

The results show the best and the worst environmental quality of different OECD countries. The top five countries of environmental quality are Spain, Israel, Belgium, Japan and the USA. These countries have the best quality of environment. By contrast, the worst five countries of environmental quality are Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Chile.

Originality/value

The findings have implications regarding environmental quality. The results suggest that governments should engage in policy-making that improves their environmental quality. Specifically, those having poor quality of environment should protect the environment and reduce the negative impact on environment. For example, reduce emission of CO2 to lessen the impact of climate change, improve the quality of air and water, reduce waste generation, increase biodiversity and enhance forest resources. Improvement of environmental quality will improve our social and economic life as well as health conditions.
Global implications of cause-related loyalty marketing
Authors: Kumar V.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Loyalty programs (LPs) worldwide are maturing even as such programs are growing at a sluggish pace and losing appeal among consumers. This creates a need (and a potential opportunity) for firms to redesign their LPs that better resonates with their customers. The purpose of this paper is to identify that reorienting LPs to focus on societal and environmental causes, in addition to economic causes, can revive the growth of LPs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a triangulation approach to integrate knowledge from past research, managerial insights and the popular press that is used in two ways. First, this study identifies a dominant logic in the evolution of LPs toward a focus on societal and environmental causes. Second, based on this evolving logic, this study advances a framework to design cause-related LPs that is an integration of a firm’s economic, societal and environmental imperatives.

Findings

The proposed framework submits that designing a LP consisting of tangible and intangible characteristics will lead to the increased adoption of LPs by the focal industry firms, and the increased acceptance of LPs by customers across all focal industry firms, while moderated by the competitive pressure faced by firms, and the prevailing regulatory framework. Further, the adoption and acceptance of LPs by firms and customers, respectively, will lead to the realization of established LP outcomes, while moderated by the intensity of customer usage.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the proposed framework, this study identifies important implications for customers, firms, society and the environment worldwide in redesigning their LPs.

Originality/value

By integrating various sources of knowledge (academia, business and press) from multiple domains (e.g. marketing, sociology, environmental studies and finance), this study presents an integrative framework that presents a holistic approach in redesigning LPs.
The impacts of the Oktoberfest on the Santa Cruz do Sul residents’ lives
Authors: Fiuza Thamires Foletto , Zucco Fabricia Durieux , Añaña Edar da Silva , Sohn Ana Paula Lisboa
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically evaluate residents’ perceptions about the impacts caused by Oktoberfest, in Santa Cruz do Sul, Brazil. More specifically, in addition to identifying how the residents of the destination perceive the impacts promoted by the festival, the study also seeks to validate an instrument that allows the objective measurement of the phenomenon over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collection instrument is composed of 25 items adapted from Gursoy et al. (2004), Prayag et al. (2013) and Small (2007), and 10 questions obtaining the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents. In data collection, the authors used a non-probability convenience sampling method. This gathering was in September 2016, reaching up to 520 valid questionnaires. The data analysis included mean tests, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

Results show management and academic implications. Three dimensions were identified representing the festival’s advantages (economic, identity and socio-integrative benefits), and two other factors corresponding to the drawbacks (environmental costs and psychological and social costs), perceived by residents. The analysis of the factors identified through the various demographic cuts identified the existence of some crucial differences of evaluation between the residents of different genders or ethnic groups, and different ages or length of residence in the municipality. On the other hand, no significant differences were found regarding perceived costs and benefits of the event, among respondents from different civil status, schooling levels or family income.

Practical implications

From the academic point of view, the work offers a reliable instrument to measure the costs and benefits of a consolidated festival, in the view of residents, that can be replicated in the destination studied, or even adapted to other tourist destinations.

Originality/value

The present research seeks to contribute to the existing literature on the impacts of festivals in destinations, combining the theme with residents’ perception, seeking not only to identify the residents’ perceptions about the festival but also to relate these to the characteristics of the population.
Conceptual framework for general traceability solution: description and bases
Authors: Bougdira Abdesselam , Ahaitouf Abdelaziz , Akharraz Ismail
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a proposed framework for traceability purpose. Hence, the framework provides a formal and structured way of viewing a traceability solution. This structure lays the required bases for a traceability system before starting development and deployment.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines several traceability publications, including systems and literature review. The study covers the traceability implementation phase. Therefore, this research approaches the traceability issue from three perspectives (description, engineering and executive one). The separation between aspects is essential when describing and comparing traceability systems. This distinction is also helpful when recommending solution improvements.

Findings

The framework identifies six traceability bases: aims, functions, specifications, data classification, processes and procedures. These can establish a basis for a general purpose tool that can enable users to develop an efficient traceability solution. Thus, the first ontology expresses the framework domain and ensures optimal use of it. The second one represents the bases that can serve as a knowledge base to manage the product data.

Research limitations/implications

The suggested framework tackles the implementation of traceability. Therefore, the design emphasizes the importance of technological concerns. Some studied cases could require more research angles (i.e. economic and legislative). Thus, framework enrichment is essential for further improvements.

Practical implications

The framework helps users to develop a general, interoperable and scalable traceability solution. These are important to promote the generalization of traceability systems.

Originality/value

The framework fulfills a requirement for establishing general traceability foundations. Therefore, the guide independently operates of the product or the industry specificity. Moreover, the bases aim to bridge the gap between solution engineering and traceability requirements.
Mobile phone messaging to increase communication and collaboration within the university community
Authors: Ahmad Tashfeen
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share a lecturer’s viewpoint on using mobile phone messaging tools to increase levels of cooperation and collaboration with students and the wider university community.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 145 undergraduate students from a Caribbean university were asked how often do they check their mobile phone for text/voice messages per day and when do they turn off their mobile phones. These two questions were asked to understand how engaged students are with their mobile phones.

Findings

The findings are that students are very engaged with their mobile phones. Students check their mobile phones for text/voice messages multiple times every day. Of the 145 participants in this research, 66.84 % never turned off their mobile phones during the week and carry their phones everywhere, including classrooms.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine how often this university’s students’ check their mobile phone for text/voice messages per day and when do they turn off their mobile phones. These findings will help lecturers and university management in understanding students’ engagement with their mobile phone in this university. This study confirms heavy engagement of students with their phones. Lecturers and university administrators can now consider ways in which mobile phone messaging tools can be used to increase levels of communication and collaboration with students and wider university community.
From transactional to transformational
Authors: Kuntz Joana , Davies Brendan , Naswall Katharina
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether Chief Executive Officers’ (CEOs) discrepant leadership styles are reflected on CEO succession outcomes, operationalised as changes to employee views of the organisation following the succession.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses were tested in a sample of 230 employees who completed an online survey at four time points over a three-year period. Linear mixed models analyses tested for significant changes to alignment, participation, learning culture, organisational commitment and engagement perceptions over time. Qualitative data were content-analysed to ascertain the CEOs’ leadership styles and explore employee views of the organisation.

Findings

While alignment and participation scores did not significantly increase following the CEO succession, learning culture, organisational commitment and engagement increased significantly.

Research limitations/implications

This study adds to the limited research on CEO succession. It suggests that what renders a succession adaptive or disruptive may be contingent on the leadership styles of outgoing and incoming CEOs.

Practical implications

The transition from a transactional to a transformational CEO may have a stronger impact on motivational and attitudinal outcomes (e.g. engagement) than on operational outcomes (e.g. alignment).

Originality/value

This study is the first to longitudinally examine a range employee outcomes of CEO succession considering the incoming and outgoing CEOs’ discrepant leadership styles. It extends the leadership literature by empirically showing that, despite the disruption underlying a succession event, employee views of the organisation improve significantly following the transition from a transactional to a transformational leader.
The multiplicity of international corporate social responsibility standards
Authors: Fransen Luc , Kolk Ans , Rivera-Santos Miguel
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the multiplicity of corporate social responsibility (CSR) standards, explaining its nature, dynamics and implications for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and international business (IB), especially in the context of CSR and global value chain (GVC) governance.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper leverages insights from the literature in political science, policy, regulation, governance and IB; from the own earlier work; and from an inventory of CSR standards across a range of sectors and products.

Findings

This analysis’ more nuanced approach to CSR standard multiplicity helps distinguish the different categories of standards; uncovers the existence of different types of standard multiplicity; and highlights complex trends in their evolution over time, discussing implications for the various firms targeted by, or involved in, these initiatives, and for CSR and GVC governance research.

Research limitations/implications

This paper opens many avenues for future research on CSR multiplicity and its consequences; on lead firms governing GVCs from an IB perspective; and on institutional and market complexity.

Practical implications

By providing overviews and classifications, this paper helps clarify CSR standards as “new regulators” and “instruments” for actors in business, society and government.

Originality/value

This paper contributes by filling gaps in different existing literatures concerning standard multiplicity. It also specifically adds a new perspective to the IB literature, which thus far has not fully incorporated the complexity and dynamics of CSR standard multiplicity in examining GVCs and MNE strategy and policy.
Kinship and collegiality
Authors: Littlefair David , Clifford Swan Joanne , Hudson Karen
Published: October 2019

Purpose

External partnerships are crucial to the functioning of a university education department. The purpose of this paper is to explore the underpinning characteristics of such partnerships. It examines different types of partnerships from those in initial teacher education, to continuing professional development to international. Evidence-based data are gathered from both external partners and university staff who deal with partnership. Softer skills and intellectual kingship are identified as the fundamental drivers of partnership and the subsequent implications for universities are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to explore the nature of these partnerships, a qualitative approach was essential as the focus was in the motives and perspectives of the authors’ partners, the authors’ colleagues and the university as a corporate entity. To this end, questionnaires were designed for use with a broad range of teacher education partners. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with university-based colleagues involved in a range of these partnership activities.

Findings

The institutional reputation on its own does not appear to be the main driver for partnership and as such, the partner bases their decisions and judgements upon the relationship and discussions with the link person they deal with. In turn, those key actors in the university education department also see the wider university as an inhibitor and constraint upon partnership but maintain their relationships by drawing on autonomous forms of professionalism. Thus, intellectual kinship, collegiality and common goals may be argued as key to generating successful external relationships.

Practical implications

It is important to note that a business relationship which relies on an individual is fragile; people move, become ill and change roles. Clear strategies are essential for succession planning across all such partnerships in an institution, if they are to avoid the potential financial and reputational repercussions arising from unplanned change.

Originality/value

This study highlights the significance of effective communication between the department establishing the partnership and those responsible for broader managerial and administrative systems in the institution, as well as the potential importance of shared values across departments in respect of supporting and maintaining international partnerships. Further, institutions should recognise the fundamental importance of the link person, in terms of the boundary-spanning nature of the role, the importance to that role of intellectual kinship and the potential this has for the development of new or expanded relationships.
How boosting people skills helps in digital transformation: a case study
Authors: Brown Michael
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Vanquis Bank has seen a significant uplift to learning engagement levels after launching a mobile micro-learning strategy with a third-party, Netflix style soft skills e-learning platform.

Design/methodology/approach

The platform offers a convenient way to help staff at all levels develop soft skills – like negotiation, dealing with difficult conversations, social media at work, team work, digital skills, leadership and project management.

Findings

Since launching the programme in December 2018, 41 per cent of employees have completed an optional soft skills training course, whereas previously, the figure was 2 per cent of all employees. This represents a 95 per cent uplift in voluntary learning engagement.

Originality/value

Vanquis Bank aims to create a mind-set of “learning in work”, whereby employee development becomes as an intrinsic part of daily working life, rather than something to squeeze into an already very busy schedule.
Outcast conflict
Authors: Bogardus Jason Allan , Dibble John , Garvin John David
Published: October 2019

Research methodology

The case was created via an interview of the protagonist.

Case overview / synopsis

The case describes the dilemma a young leader, Captain Bryson, faces after a few months in his new organization. Amid a routine meeting, two of CPT Bryson’s direct reports get into a verbal (and nearly physical) altercation over a relatively benign issue. CPT Bryson must decide how to handle the conflict at that moment. Further, the organization is resource constrained, so the personnel will be working in the same organization for at least the next six months. Therefore, CPT Bryson must try to diagnose the types and sources of conflict so that he can decide on how to manage the conflict in both the short and long terms.

Complexity academic level

This case is designed for use in undergraduate and graduate level courses on leadership and management. The case is useful for teaching lessons (or electives) on conflict management, developmental communication (counseling), emotional intelligence and power and influence.
Climate‐driven evolutionary change in reproductive and early‐acting life‐history traits in the perennial grass Festuca ovina
Authors: Trinder Sarah , Askew Andrew P. , Whitlock Raj
Published: October 2019

Reproductive and early‐acting life‐history traits are likely to be particularly important determinants of plant fitness under a changing climate. There have, however, been few robust tests of the evolution of these traits under chronic climate change in natural ecosystems. Such studies are urgently needed, to evaluate the contribution of evolutionary change to population persistence.

Here, we examine climate‐driven evolutionary change in reproductive and early‐acting plant life‐history traits in the long‐lived perennial plant, Festuca ovina.

We collected established plants of F. ovina from species‐rich calcareous grassland at the Buxton Climate Change Impacts Laboratory (BCCIL), after 17 years of in situ experimental drought treatment.

P1 plants collected from drought‐treated and control (ambient climate) plots at BCCIL were used to create an open‐pollinated F1 progeny array, which was subsequently validated using microsatellite markers to establish a robust bi‐parental pedigree. We measured the timing of germination and seed mass in the F1 progeny, the P1 paternal contribution to F1 offspring (paternal reproductive success), and assessed the effects of flowering time on the mating system.

F1 seed with ancestry in drought‐treated plots at BCCIL germinated significantly later than seed derived from individuals from control plots. P1 plants from the drought treatment flowered significantly earlier than those from the control plots in summer 2012, but not in 2013. Male reproductive success was also lower in P1 plants collected from drought plots than those from control plots. Furthermore, our pedigree revealed that mating among parents of the F1 progeny had been assortative with respect to flowering time.

Synthesis. Our study shows that chronic drought treatment at Buxton Climate Change Impacts Laboratory has driven rapid evolutionary change in reproductive and early‐acting life‐history traits in Festuca ovina, and suggests that evolutionary differentiation may be reinforced through changes in flowering time that reduce the potential for gene flow.
Design and validation of a scoring model for differential diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy and nondiabetic renal diseases in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Li Li , Yang Yuan , Zhu Xuejing , Xiong Xiaofen , Zeng Lingfeng , Xiong Shan , Jiang Na , Li Chenrui , Yuan Shuguang , Xu Hui , Liu Fuyou , Sun Lin
Published: October 2019

Background

We aim to design a scoring model for differential diagnosis between diabetic nephropathy (DN) and nondiabetic renal disease (NDRD) in type 2 diabetic patients through a combination of clinical variables.

Methods

A total of 170 patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent kidney biopsies were included and divided into three groups according to pathological findings: DN group (n = 46), MIX group (DN + NDRD, n = 54), NDRD group (n = 70). Clinical characteristics and laboratory data were collected and compared among groups. Variables with a significant statistical difference between DN and NDRD patients were analyzed by logistic regression to predict the presence of NDRD; then a scoring model was established based on the regression coefficient and further validated in an independent cohort of 67 patients prospectively.

Results

On biopsy, 72.9% of patients had NDRD, and the most common pathological type was membranous nephropathy. The established scoring model for predicting NDRD included five predictors: age, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, duration of diabetes, and absence of diabetic retinopathy. The model demonstrated good discrimination and calibration (area under curve [AUC] 0.863, 95% CI, 0.800‐0.925; Hosmer‐Lemeshow [H‐L] P = .062). Furthermore, high prediction accuracy (AUC = 0.900; 95% CI, 0.815‐0.985) in the validation cohort proved the stability of the model.

Conclusions

We present a simple, robust scoring model for predicting the presence of NDRD with high accuracy (0.85) for the first time. This decision support tool provides a noninvasive method for differential diagnosis of DN and NDRD, which may help clinicians assess the risk‐benefit ratio of kidney biopsy for type 2 diabetic patients with renal impairment.
The influencing factors of satisfaction and lending intention in online lending investment: an empirical study based on the Chinese market
Authors: Xu Weidong , Zuo Ying , Gao Xin , Yao Minglong
Published: October 2019

This paper develops a platform‐based influencing factors model which considers value perception, risk prevention measure, non‐default experience, trust and incentive gap, to better examine the impact of platforms on investors’ satisfaction and lending intention based on the Chinese market. The results reveal that the first four factors positively influence the satisfaction of the investors, while the incentive gap has a negative impact, and there is a positive association between investors’ satisfaction and lending intention. Some specific features of China’s online lending market are identified, which provides valuable insights for online lending platforms and the government.
Modern Slavery and Freedom: Exploring Contradictions through Labour Scandals in the Thai Fisheries
Authors: Vandergeest Peter , Marschke Melissa
Published: October 2019

This paper examines the modern anti‐slavery movement through the lens of the slavery scandal in Thailand’s fisheries sector. The slavery framing provoked a response on the part of governments, corporations and NGOs that produced improvements in working conditions. Nevertheless, we argue that while the slavery framing was effective in drawing attention and resources to solidarity groups, it provided a poor guide to action because of how it resolves complex and embodied relations of freedom and unfreedom into a simplified opposition that can be used to justify capitalism as the realm of freedom—rather than a cause of unfree labour or slavery. The Work in Fishing Convention (ILO C‐188) has provided a guide for laws and regulations intended to improve working conditions in industrial fishing in Thailand and elsewhere, but it does not address slavery or human trafficking. It also frames work in fisheries as exceptional, and thus allows for working conditions that would be considered unacceptable on land. We suggest that critical scholars be cautious about working with a slavery framing, and that they might want to engage with working conditions in ways that start less with questions of unfree labour, and more with how capitalist labour practices can be constrained.
Is there still a role of macular laser treatment in branch retinal vein occlusion in the era of intravitreal injections?
Authors: Stenner Anne Møller , Frederiksen Katrine Hartmund , Grauslund Jakob
Published: October 2019

We aimed to evaluate whether macular laser still has a role in the treatment of macular oedema (MO) caused by branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) and provide an overview of recent studies on commonly available treatment options. A literature search was last conducted in PubMed on 26 February 2019, limited to human randomized controlled trials published in English since 2008. Seventeen articles addressing 13 trials were included in this assessment. In trials evaluating intravitreal corticosteroid and macular laser, triamcinolone was non‐inferior to laser in regard to visual acuity (VA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) outcomes. Combination treatment of dexamethasone and laser resulted in better VA and lower CRT after 6 months. In trials evaluating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors versus macular laser treatment, or sham and rescue laser, better VA and CRT of VEGF inhibition treatment was consistently reported. Results of combination treatment versus VEGF inhibition monotherapy were inconsistent, with four of six studies reporting comparable outcomes and injection burden. Study comparison was affected by considerable differences in study design and inadequate reporting of laser protocol and rescue laser. Studies evaluating angiostatic treatment as monotherapy largely report the use of rescue laser, indicating that some patients would benefit from supplemental laser treatment even in the era of intravitreal therapy. Thus, we suggest further studies on optimal design of combination therapy prioritizing longer follow‐up time to sufficiently evaluate the delayed effect of laser.
Electrical synapses interconnecting axons revealed in the optic nerve head – a novel model of gap junctions’ involvement in optic nerve function
Authors: Smedowski Adrian , Akhtar Saeed , Liu Xiaonan , Pietrucha‐Dutczak Marita , Podracka Lucia , Toropainen Elisa , Alkanaan Aljoharah , Ruponen Marika , Urtti Arto , Varjosalo Markku , Kaarniranta Kai , Lewin‐Kowalik Joanna
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To characterize newly discovered electrical synapses, formed by connexin (Cx) 36 and 45, between neighbouring axons within the optic nerve head.

Methods

Twenty‐five Wistar rats were killed by CO2 inhalation. Proximal and distal optic nerve (ON) stumps were collected and processed for immunostainings, electron microscopy (EM) with immunogold labelling, PCR and Western blots (WB). Additional 15 animals were deeply anaesthetized, and flash visual evoked potentials (fVEP) after retrobulbar injection of saline (negative control) or 100 μm meclofenamic acid solution (gap junctions’ blocker) were recorded. Human paraffin cross‐sections of eyeballs for immunostainings were obtained from the Human Eye Biobank for Research.

Results

Immunostainings of both rat and human ON revealed the presence of Cx45 and 36 colocalizing with β3‐tubulin, but not with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). In WB, Cx36 content in optic nerve was approximately halved when compared with retina (0.58 ± 0.005 in proximal stump and 0.44 ± 0.02 in distal stump), Cx45 showed higher levels (0.68 ± 0.01 in proximal stump and 0.9 ± 0.07 in distal stump). In immunogold‐EM of optic nerve sections, we found electric synapses (formed mostly by Cx45) directly coupling neighbouring axons. In fVEP, blocking of gap junctions with meclofenamic acid resulted in significant prolongation of the latency of P1 wave up to 160% after 30 min (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Optic nerve (ON) axons are equipped with electrical synapses composed of neuronal connexins, especially Cx45, creating direct morphological and functional connections between each other. This finding could have substantial implications for understanding of the pathogenesis of various optic neuropathies and identifies a new potential target for a therapeutic approach.
Are quiz‐games an effective revision tool in Anatomical Sciences for Higher Education and what do students think of them?
Authors: Wilkinson Kate , Dafoulas George , Garelick Hemda , Huyck Christian
Published: October 2019

Recently, there has been an increased volume of pedagogical research and practice of mobile learning (m‐learning) and gameplay in education. This paper presents the findings of a study that examined the effect on achievement and explored student perception towards quiz‐game play prior to an anatomy assessment in first year Higher Education students. Achievement data was collected over two academic years at all module assessment (A1–A4) points. A1 was used as a baseline, showing no difference between groups or years, A2 and A3 were comparable online assessments done on the lower and upper limbs that followed the same format; A4 was a viva–voce to assess the whole module learning. The optional 15‐minute quiz‐gameplay intervention (G) using a mobile application was initiated prior to A3, those students who chose not to participate performed their traditional study routine; no other changes to assessments were made resulting in a Gameplay and non‐gameplay (G, NG) group for each year. Students were invited to participate in an online focus group (N = 84) and a sample undertook in‐depth interviews (N = 9) to gain qualitative data on their perceptions of the intervention. Students who participated in the gameplay (G) group (N = 87) demonstrated a significant improvement in A3 compared to A2, and the non‐game play (NG) group (N = 164) a significant decrease. A thematic analysis was undertaken on the focus group and interview data revealing key aspects of quiz‐gameplay as a learning tool. This paper offers insight into the potential benefit of encouraging m‐learning gameplay as part of revision or learning for anatomy students. This information could help educators and study support facilitate efficient revision methods as well as initiate further research into the use of anatomy gameplay to enhance the student learning experience.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Repeated and formative quizzing can help memory or knowledge retention.

Gameplay can help student engagement, learning and flow depending on the game in question.

What this paper adds

Using mobile app‐based quiz‐games prior to an anatomy assessment can improve student achievement.

Students tend to play mobile app‐based quiz‐games whilst commuting on public transport, in their free time at home and at university.

Elements of mobile app‐based quiz‐games students identified as important are that they are interactive, allow competition, are visually appealing, provide instant feedback, are user friendly and are facilitated by the teacher.

Implications for practice

Educators should encourage mobile app‐based quiz‐games to increase short‐term learning or revision.

Educators should facilitate mobile learning quiz‐game opportunities to encourage learning outside of the classroom.

Educators wanting to integrate mobile app‐based quiz‐games in their classes should use the game attributes identified in this study.
A decade with whole exome sequencing in haematology
Authors: Hansen Marcus C. , Haferlach Torsten , Nyvold Charlotte G.
Published: October 2019

The first decade of capture‐based targeted whole exome sequencing (WES) has now passed, while the sequencing modality continues to find more widespread usage in clinical research laboratories and still offers an unprecedented diagnostic assay in terms of throughput, informational content and running costs. Until quite recently, WES has been out of reach for many clinicians and molecular biologists, and it still poses issues or is met with some reluctance with regards to cost versus benefit in terms of effective assay costs, hands‐on laboratory work and data analysis bottlenecks. Although WES is used more than ever, it may also be argued that the usage is peaking and that new implementations, or relevance in its current state, will likely be leveling off during the following decade as the price on whole genome sequencing continues to drop. In this review, we focus on the past decade of targeted whole exome sequencing in malignant hematology. We thematically revisit some of the significant discoveries and niches that use next‐generation sequencing, and we outline what and how WES has contributed to the field – from clonal hematopoiesis of the aging bone marrow to profiling malignancies down to the single cell.
Participating in a new group and the identification processes: The quest for a positive social identity
Authors: Cárdenas Diana , de la Sablonnière Roxane
Published: October 2019

Immigrants experience identity shifts; they can identify with the new cultural group and, sometimes, identify less with their group of origin. Previous research suggests that participation in the new cultural group predicts these two identity shifts. However, these studies have exclusively used correlational methodologies. Furthermore, previous research ignored that when a group is negatively valued, individuals may not identify with it, even after participating in it, to preserve a positive social identity. This article tests with an experimental methodology whether participation recreated the identity shifts previously identified (greater identification with the new group and lower identification with the group of origin when perceiving dissimilarity). Furthermore, it tested how a group's value impacted these identity shifts following participation. Immigrants in Quebec (N = 184) either participated in Quebec's culture (watched hockey) or did not (watched basketball). Quebec's value was manipulated by changing whether Quebec won, tied, or lost the game. Compared to watching basketball, watching Quebec's team win or tie showed the hypothesized identity shifts, illustrating the importance of the new group's value when participating.
Monoclonal anti-dsDNA antibody 2C10 escorts DNA to intracellular DNA sensors in normal mononuclear cells and stimulates secretion of multiple cytokines implicated in lupus pathogenesis
Authors: Inoue K , Ishizawa M , Kubota T
Published: October 2019

There have been many studies on the mechanisms of internalization of DNA–anti-DNA immune complexes by cells, including the one used for rheumatoid factor-expressing mouse B cells. In parallel, studies on the role of intracellular DNA sensors in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been conducted, including the one using a mouse model lacking one of the sensors. These and other data have established a framework for understanding the pathogenic role of anti-DNA antibodies, but studies on normal cells are limited. Here, we used the monoclonal anti-dsDNA antibody 2C10, 2-kbp dsDNA and healthy human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to test whether and how 2C10 and/or DNA cause pathology in normal cells. We found that on culture with PBMCs, 2C10 preferentially entered monocytes and that DNA enhanced this internalization. In contrast, DNA alone was not significantly internalized by monocytes, but 2C10 facilitated its internalization. This was suppressed by cytochalasin D, but not by methyl-β-cyclodextrin, chloroquine or an Fc blocker, suggesting the involvement of macropinocytosis in this process. Internalization of 2C10 and DNA together resulted in production of interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-33 by PBMCs. Cytokine production was suppressed by chloroquine and shikonin, but not by RU.521, suggesting dependence on activation of the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-9 and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM-2) pathways. These results established a simple model to demonstrate that anti-DNA antibodies can cause dysregulation of cytokine network mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus in culture of normal PBMCs, and emphasize again the importance of maintaining anti-DNA antibodies at low levels by treatment.
Factors associated with exhaled nitric oxide in children with asthma and allergic rhinitis
Authors: Zhu Zheng , Xia Shu , Chen Xi , Guan Wei‐jie , Guo Zi‐jun , Sun Bao‐qing
Published: October 2019

Background

Factors attributable to the level of fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in different age groups of asthmatic children are still lack of report.

Objective

To evaluate factors associated with FeNO and the response of FeNO to inhaled steroid in different age groups of asthmatic children with allergic rhinitis.

Methods

Asthmatic children aged 5 to 12 years were recruited. FeNO, lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to methacholine, skin prick testing to a panel of aeroallergens, total immunoglobulin E (T‐IgE) in serum and eosinophils in blood were tested. Correlations between FeNO and the measured parameters were assessed. FeNO was measured again after the treatment of combined inhaled corticosteroid and long‐acting beta‐agonist (ICS/LABA) for 4 weeks. Changes in FeNO between different age groups were compared.

Results

A total of 121 eligible subjects were enrolled in and completed this study. Asthmatic children aged 10 to 12 years old had significantly higher FeNO than those between 8 and 9 years and 5 to 7 years of children (both P < 0.01). Greater height/age (P < 0.01) and higher level of total allergen IgE (P < 0.01) are associated with a higher value of FeNO. After 4 weeks of treatment with ICS/LABA, asthma control test scores were significantly increased in all age groups (P < 0.01), while the level of FeNO significantly decreased in the elder age group only (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Height and T‐IgE are well correlated with FeNO in asthmatic children aged 5 to 12 years. Measurement of FeNO is more suitable for evaluating the efficacy of ICS/LABA in elder asthmatic children.