bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary trade-offs in osmotic and ionic regulation and the expression of gill ion transporter genes in high latitude, Neotropical cold clime crabs from the ‘end of the world’
Authors: McNamara John Campbell , Maraschi Anieli Cristina , Tapella Federico , Romero Maria Carolina
Published: February 2022

Seeking to identify consequences of evolution at low temperature, we examine hyper/hypo-osmotic and ionic regulation and gill ion transporter gene expression in two sub-Antarctic Eubrachyura from the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego. Despite sharing the same osmotic niche, Acanthocyclus albatrossis tolerates a wider salinity range (2-65 ‰S) than Halicarcinus planatus (5-60 ‰S); respective lower and upper critical salinities are 4 and 12 ‰S, and 63 and 50 ‰S. Acanthocyclus albatrossis is a weak hyperosmotic regulator, while H. planatus hyper-osmoconforms; isosmotic points are 1,380 and ≈1,340 mOsm kg−1 H2O. Both crabs hyper/hypo-regulate [Cl−] well with iso-chloride points at 452 and 316 mmol L−1 Cl−, respectively. [Na+] is hyper-regulated at all salinities. mRNA expression of gill Na+/K+-ATPase is salinity-sensitive in A. albatrossis, increasing ≈1.9-fold at 5 ‰S compared to 30 ‰S, decreasing at 40 to 60 ‰S. Expression in H. planatus is very low salinity-sensitive, increasing ≈4.7-fold over 30 ‰S, but decreasing at 50 ‰S. V(H+)-ATPase expression decreases in A. albatrossis at low and high salinities as in H. planatus. Na+-K+-2Cl− symporter expression in A. albatrossis increases 2.6-fold at 5 ‰S, but decreases at 60 ‰S compared to 30 ‰S. Chloride uptake may be mediated by increased Na+-K+-2Cl− expression but Cl− secretion is independent of symporter expression. These unrelated eubrachyurans exhibit similar systemic osmoregulatory characteristics and are better adapted to dilute media; however, the gene expressions underlying ion uptake and secretion show marked interspecific divergences. Cold clime crabs may have limited energy expenditure by regulating hemolymph [Cl−] alone, apportioning resources for other metabolic processes.

Summary statement

Sub-Antarctic crabs may skimp on osmoregulatory capabilities to apportion energy for metabolic processes. They regulate chloride but not sodium or osmolality. Transporter gene expressions diverge markedly. Adaptive, differential ion regulation may characterize cold clime crabs.
Non-destructive chemical sensing within bulk soil using 1000 biosensors per gram of matrix
Authors: Fulk Emily M. , Gao Xiaodong , Lu Li Chieh , Redeker Kelly R. , Masiello Caroline A. , Silberg Jonathan J.
Published: February 2022

Gene expression can be monitored in hard-to-image environmental materials using gas-reporting biosensors, but these outputs have only been applied in autoclaved matrices that are hydrated with rich medium. To better understand the compatibility of indicator gas reporting with environmental samples, we evaluated how matrix hydration affects the gas signal of an engineered microbe added to a sieved soil. A gas-reporting microbe presented a gas signal in a forest soil (Alfisol) when hydrated to an environmentally-relevant osmotic pressure. When the gas signal was concentrated prior to analysis, a biosensor titer of 103 cells/gram soil produced a significant signal when soil was supplemented with halides. A signal was also observed without halide amendment, but a higher cell titer (106 cells/gram soil) was required. A sugar-regulated gas biosensor was able to report with a similar level of sensitivity when added to an unsterilized soil matrix, illustrating how gas concentration enables biosensing within a soil containing environmental microbes. These results establish conditions where engineered microbes can report on gene expression in living environmental matrices with minimal perturbation, using biosensor titers that are orders of magnitude lower than the number of cells typically observed in a gram of soil.
Molecular signature of RV cardiac remodeling associated with Polymerase Gamma mutation
Authors: Gorr Matthew W. , Francois Ashley , Marcho Lynn M. , Saldana Ty , McGrail Erin , Sun Nuo , Stratton Matthew S.
Published: February 2022

Aging is associated with metabolic dysfunction and metabolic dysfunction accelerates the course of aging. This is well illustrated by aging-like phenotypes displayed in the Polymerase Gamma mutant mouse. Here, a key residue of the mitochondrial DNA polymerase is mutated (D257A) which hinders proof reading capacity, resulting in mitochondrial DNA mutation and instability. Given known cardiac phenotypes in the POLG mutant mouse, we sought to characterize the course of cardiac dysfunction in the POLG mutant to guide future intervention studies. Including both male and female animals allowed interrogation of sex-specific responses to severe metabolic dysfunction. We also conducted RNA-seq analysis on cardiac right ventricles to broadly identify mechanisms engaged by severe metabolic dysfunction that are associated with RV pathology. Several interesting sex differences were noted. Specifically, female POLG mutants died earlier than male POLG mutants and LV chamber diameters were impacted earlier in females than males. Moreover, male POLG mutants showed LV wall thinning while female POLG mutant LV walls were thicker. Both males and females displayed significant RV hypertrophy. Finally, RNA-seq analysis of the RV tissue indicated that POLG mutation significantly impacted canonical pathways associated with inflammation, fibrosis, and heart failure. Comparison of this RNA-seq dataset with other publically available datasets highlight 1) strong conservation among downregulated genes in models of accelerated cardiac aging, 2) the potential involvement of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response in the POLG mutant, and 3) the ability of zinc dependent HDAC inhibition to rescue the expression of genes downregulated in accelerated cardiac aging.
Induction of senescence upon loss of the Ash2l core subunit of H3K4 methyltransferase complexes
Authors: Bochyńska Agnieszka , Stenzel Alexander T. , Boroujeni Roksaneh Sayadi , Kuo Chao-Chung , Barsoum Mirna , Liang Weili , Bussmann Philip , Costa Ivan G. , Lüscher-Firzlaff Juliane , Lüscher Bernhard
Published: February 2022

Gene expression is controlled in part by post-translational modifications of core histones. Methylation of lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4), associated with open chromatin and gene transcription, is catalyzed by type 2 lysine methyltransferase complexes that require WDR5, RBBP5, ASH2L and DPY30 as core subunits. Ash2l is essential during embryogenesis and for maintaining adult tissues. To expand on the mechanistic understanding of Ash2l, we generated mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) with conditional Ash2l alleles. Upon loss of Ash2l, methylation of H3K4 and gene expression were downregulated, which correlated with inhibition of proliferation and cell cycle progression. Moreover, we observed induction of senescence concomitant with a set of downregulated signature genes but independent of SASP. Many of the signature genes are FoxM1 responsive. Indeed, exogenous FOXM1 was sufficient to delay senescence. Thus, although the loss of Ash2l in MEFs has broad and complex consequences, a distinct set of downregulated genes promotes senescence.
Differences in Ion-RNA binding modes due to charge density variations explain the stability of RNA in monovalent salts
Authors: Henning-Knechtel Anja , Thirumalai Devarajan , Kirmizialtin Serdal
Published: February 2022

The stability of RNA increases as the charge density of the alkali metal cations increases. The molecular mechanism for the stability does not exist. To fill this gap, we performed all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) pulling simulations to dissect the microscopic origin of this phenomenon. We first established that the free energy landscape obtained in the simulations is in excellent agreement with the single-molecule optical tweezer experiments. The origin of the stronger stability in Na+ compared to K+ is found to be due to the differences in the charge-density related binding modes. The smaller hydrated Na+ ion preferentially binds to the highly charged phosphates. In contrast, the larger K+ ions interact with the major grooves. As a result, the electrostatic repulsion between the phosphate groups is reduced more effectively by Na+ ions. Because the proposed mechanism is generic, we predict that the same conclusions are valid for divalent alkaline earth metal cations.
Enhanced sodium channel inactivation by temperature and FHF2 deficiency blocks heat nociception
Authors: Marra Christopher , Hartke Timothy V. , Ringkamp Matthias , Goldfarb Mitchell
Published: February 2022

Transient voltage-gated sodium currents are essential for the initiation and conduction of action potentials in neurons and cardiomyocytes. The amplitude and duration of sodium currents are tuned by intracellular fibroblast growth factor homologous factors (FHFs/iFGFs) that associate with the cytoplasmic tails of voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs), and genetic ablation ofFhfgenes disturbs neurological and cardiac functions. Among reported phenotypes,Fhf2nullmice undergo lethal hyperthermia-induced cardiac conduction block attributable to the combined effects of FHF2 deficiency and elevated temperature on the cardiac sodium channel (Nav1.5) inactivation rate.Fhf2nullmice also display a lack of heat nociception, while retaining other somatosensory capabilities. Here, we use electrophysiological and computational methods to show that the heat nociception deficit can be explained by the combined effects of elevated temperature and FHF2 deficiency on the fast inactivation gating of Nav1.7 and tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium channels expressed in dorsal root ganglion C fibers. Hence, neurological and cardiac heat-associated deficits inFhf2nullmice derive from shared impacts of FHF deficiency and temperature towards Navinactivation gating kinetics in distinct tissues.
Metagenomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal Synergistic Effects of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation and Anti-PD-1 Therapy on Treating Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Huang Jiayuan , Zheng Xing , Kang Wanying , Hao Huaijie , Mao Yudan , Zhang Hua , Chen Yuan , Tan Yan , He Yulong , Zhao Wenjing , Yin Yiming
Published: February 2022

Anti-PD-1 immunotherapy has saved numerous lives of cancer patients; however, it only exerts efficacy in 10-15% of patients with colorectal cancer. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a potential approach to improving the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy, whereas the detailed mechanisms and the applicability of this combination therapy remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the synergistic effect of FMT with anti-PD-1 in curing colorectal tumor-bearing mice using a multi-omics approach. Mice treated with the combination therapy showed superior survival rate and tumor control, compared to the mice received anti-PD-1 therapy or FMT alone. Metagenomic analysis showed that composition of gut microbiota in tumor-bearing mice treated with anti-PD-1 therapy was remarkably altered through receiving FMT. Particularly, Bacteroides genus, including FMT-increased B. thetaiotaomicron, B. fragilis, and FMT-decreased B. ovatus might contribute to the enhanced efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy. Furthermore, metabolomic analysis upon mouse plasma revealed several potential metabolites that upregulated after FMT, including punicic acid and aspirin, might promote the response to anti-PD-1 therapy via their immunomodulatory functions. This work broadens our understanding of the mechanism by which FMT improves the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy, which may contribute to the development of novel microbiota-based anti-cancer therapies.
The effects of word-of-mouth and online review marketing strategies on students’ satisfaction with their housing selection during COVID-19 season
Authors: Avogo Florence Abugtane , Appau Williams Miller , Attakora-Amaniampong Elvis
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of using word-of-mouth and online housing website strategies for student housing selection and building services satisfaction during COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted mixed-methods research approach. An online survey of 975 public and private university students experience on room selection prior to school re-opening in Ghana was used. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multiple regression model (MRM) were used to estimate the satisfaction of using online websites and word-of-mouth strategies (renting housing based on personal recommendation) on student room pricing and building services availability. Telephone interviews were further used to support the results of EFA and MRM.

Findings

The study reveals that most students were satisfied with the word-of-mouth strategy than online review marketing strategy for room selection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, online student housing review marketing strategy provided higher rent which did not reflect the services available. Furthermore, students were more interested in the nature of rooms, lavatories and kitchen in their choice of room than availability of internet, study area, television (TV) room and gym center.

Practical implications

The study suggest that student housing managers require to market their facilities as-it-is than to use one room as an advertising justification for all rooms which does not usually provide a true reflection of the existing situation of room. Again, housing which rely on online marketing strategies need to provide compensation for students who feel they have been misled by their advertisement.

Originality/value

The provision of compensation to students and availability of COVID-19 protection measures determine student room selection. Asides, the introduction of online marketing strategies in student housing in sub-Saharan student housing market is new, and, consequently, this study on it is a novelty.
Exploring the emancipatory role of entrepreneurship in a developing context
Authors: Zayadin Rana , Zucchella Antonella , Anand Amitabh
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The aim of the study is to examine the reciprocal relation between context and emancipatory acts. Context is important in shaping the entrepreneurial action, particularly in a developing region, as it expounds its emancipatory role. At the same time emancipatory acts can affect context as well.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs an inductive research design, applying an open-ended exploratory research and conversation analysis, to elicit the stories of 25 entrepreneurs who are challenging their status quo.

Findings

Acts of emancipation were observed through a dynamic process centred around entrepreneurs' abilities to respond to policy debates. These debates introduced an individual level action towards social and institutional change. The findings present a model of entrepreneurial acts as an enabler in a socially constrained and challenging context.

Originality/value

Through contextual embeddedness, this study captured the entrepreneur's abilities to re-perform and negotiation with their context towards actions of emancipation. The study aims to capture individuals' narratives to enhance our understanding of the contextual and embedded factors that shape the entrepreneurial process towards emancipation. The study presents a model that theorises these narratives and actions.
Blockchain, logistics and omnichannel for last mile and performance
Authors: Naclerio Alessandro Gaetano , De Giovanni Pietro
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This research investigates the effects that blockchain exerts on omnichannel solutions and logistics strategies with the aim of solving the last mile issues and improving performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Research hypotheses are developed according to the literature review and the related gaps. Then, the hypotheses are tested using structural equation modelling and adopting a partial least squares – path modelling technique on a dataset composed of 157 firms.

Findings

Blockchain technology alone is not an effective driver in solving last mile issues and improving performance. Rather, it exerts a positive contribution to both omnichannel and logistics. However, omnichannel is not effective in managing last mile problems and increasing performance without the support of other practices. Firms need to implement a strong logistics system to manage the last mile and get high performance, which can be then reinforced through blockchain and omnichannel solutions.

Originality/value

This research investigates the novel wave of research on blockchain and its impact on logistics management and omnichannel. It combines these ingredients to address the issues of last mile and improve the economic performance. The research provides an empirical verification of a new research stream that currently lacks empirical support.
The role of value added across economic sectors in modulating the effects of FDI on TFP and economic growth dynamics
Authors: Asongu Simplice , Meniago Christelle , Salahodjaev Raufhon
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study investigates (1) the effect of foreign direct investment (FDI) on total factor productivity (TFP) and economic growth dynamics and (2) the relevance of value added from three economic sectors in modulating the established effect of FDI on TFP and economic growth dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

The geographical and temporal scopes are respectively 25 Sub-Saharan African countries and the period 1980–2014. The empirical evidence is based on non-interactive and interactive generalised method of moments.

Findings

The following main findings are established. First, FDI has a positive effect on gross domestic product (GDP) growth, GDP per capita and welfare real TFP. Second, the effect of FDI is negative on real GDP and TFP while the impact is insignificant on real TFP growth and welfare TFP. Third, values added to the three economic sectors largely modulate FDI to produce negative net effects on TFP and growth dynamics.

Practical implications

Policy implications are discussed with particular emphasis on the need to complement added value across various economic sectors in order to leverage on the benefits of FDI in TFP and economic growth.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to assess how value added from various economic sectors affect the relevance of FDI on macroeconomic outcomes.
Rebuilding the workplace to promote young workers' mental health
Authors: Parry Sarah Louise , Carr Natalie A. , Staniford Leanne J. , Walker Lucy
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Young adults have been particularly adversely affected by COVID-19-related disruptions, especially in relation to industries with an over-representation of young adults. This study, a report, aims to discuss the findings from survey data from young adults who reported poorer mental health comparative to older generations prior to the pandemic. Drawing on the international literature and the research findings, the authors propose recommendations for rebuilding the workplace post-pandemic to support young adult's mental health.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 1,999 respondents from 200 organisations in the UK were sought in relation to workplace well-being and mental health through a 15-item multiple choice online survey. Overall, 17% of the sample were senior management, 31% junior management, 37% in non-management roles and a further 15% stated “other”. Exploratory quantitative analyses were undertaken to assess differences in responses to questions between age groups.

Findings

Participants in the 16–25-year-old age group were more likely than any other age group to report that work adversely affected their mental health, that their mental health challenges influenced their performance at work, that they had witnessed colleagues' employment negatively influenced by mental health challenges and they felt more comfortable citing physical health challenges for absence than mental health difficulties.

Originality/value

COVID-19-related disruptions meant a large-scale move to remote working for many people. As we return to physical workplaces, we have an exciting opportunity to reform and improve the status quo. The findings, in relation to the mental health of young adults, highlight key risk factors that need to be addressed.
Impact of Qard-al-Hasan (interest-free loan) program in reducing multidimensional poverty: an evidence from the southwest Bangladesh
Authors: Muneer Farah , Khan Foyasal
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of Qard-al-Hasan (QH) or interest-free loan in reducing multidimensional poverty through examining Fael Khair Waqf (FKW) program as a case.

Design/methodology/approach

A Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) approach has been used in this study, which was conducted over 1,600 households including 1,200 program households in 40 villages and 400 control households in 20 villages of 8 districts in the south-western region of Bangladesh.

Findings

It is found that 38.5% of sample population was multidimensional poor with deprivation of above the cutoff score. However, FKW participants were relatively less multidimensional poor. It was 35.3%. Hence, it is argued that the FKW is an effective program in terms of poverty reduction as it has contributed to higher economic outcomes for their participating households. The econometric result also suggests that the likelihood of the participants of FKW to be MPI poor is around 1.5 times lower than the nonparticipants, and the result is significant at 1% level. This indicates that program has a positive impact in reducing multidimensional poverty.

Practical implications

The analysis in this paper would fill the literature gap by investigating the link between application of QH and poverty alleviation. It will also guide academicians, researchers and decision-makers to design evidence-based policy to alleviate poverty.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there has been no empirical work in Bangladesh on the effectiveness of QH in poverty reduction considering an MPI approach. Hence, this study is a unique contribution to the literature of Islamic social finance.
A study on the effect of team support and emotional exhaustion on organizational citizenship behavior of nurses in COVID-19 pandemic: mediation by team commitments
Authors: Dasgupta Prasanjit
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Nurses need to display organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) for taking care of patients; uninterrupted care to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in a stressful situation may result in emotional exhaustion and it hinders nurses' exercise of OCB. One perceives support when positive exchanges with team leaders and members (LMX) and team and members (TMX) take place for the benefit of self and the unit and lead to a feeling of commitment to the work team; the exchange facilitates the discharge of OCB. The study aims to explore the mediation effect of team commitments on the relationship between these factors with OCB of nurses in handling COVID patients.

Design/methodology/approach

The cross-sectional exercise attempts to find the impact of emotional exhaustion, LMX and TMX on the OCB of the nurses and mediating effects of team commitments on OCB; correlation analysis and multiple regressions are in use for examining the relationships. The use of Sobel test and bootstrapping exercise confirm the mediation and consistency of mediation results on a larger sample.

Findings

The paper finds that LMX, TMX and team commitments significantly relate to OCB; emotional exhaustion negatively impacts OCB and team commitments fully mediate the relationship between emotional exhaustion and OCB and partially mediate the relation between LMX and TMX with OCB.

Originality/value

Tests demonstrate that team commitments can neutralize the effects of emotional exhaustion resulting from handling COVID-19 patients on OCB of the nurses and is an addition to organizational behavior literature. The study also presents a model that shows how positive LMX, TMX and resultant team commitments support generating OCB and offset the impact of emotional exhaustion. Theoretical and managerial implications, limitations and scope for further research discussed in the paper.
Macroeconomic determinants of fiscal policy in East Africa: a panel causality analysis
Authors: Mawejje Joseph , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the dynamic causality linkages between fiscal deficits and selected macroeconomic indicators in a panel of five East African Community countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is based on panel cointegration tests, panel cross-section dependence tests, panel error correction-based Granger causality tests and panel impulse response functions.

Findings

Results show that there is long-run feedback causality among fiscal deficits and each of the variables include gross domestic product (GDP) growth, current account balance, interest rates, inflation, grants and debt service. Short-run Granger causality dynamics indicate that there is feedback causality between fiscal deficits and GDP growth; no causality between fiscal deficits and inflation; no causality between fiscal deficits and current account; no causality between fiscal deficits and interest rates; feedback causality between fiscal deficits and grants; and no causality between fiscal deficits and debt service. Impulse response functions show positive and significant impacts of current account balance, inflation and grants; negative and significant impacts of real GDP growth and lending rates; and insignificant effects of debt service.

Research limitations/implications

While the study examines the dynamic causality between fiscal deficits and selected macroeconomic indicators in the East African Community, the analysis excludes South Sudan due to significant data limitations.

Practical implications

In light of the East African Community's aspirations to achieve convergence on key macroeconomic targets, including the fiscal deficit, this research provides novel insights on fiscal policy determinants and causality dynamics.

Social implications

The dynamic relationships between fiscal policy and macroeconomic variables may have social implications for welfare, equitable growth and distribution of resources.

Originality/value

With a focus on the East African Community, this paper contributes to the literature on the macroeconomic determinants of fiscal deficits in regional economic communities.
Editing assistance tool validation for English language learners
Authors: Lamond Bronwyn , Cunningham Todd
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Editing assistance software programs are computer-based tools that check and make suggestions for the grammar, spelling and style of a piece of writing. These tools are becoming more popular as recommendations for students who struggle with written expression, such as English language learners (ELLs). The purpose of the present study is to compare the performance of four different programs with embedded editing assistance tools in their ability to identify errors in the writing of ELLs.

Design/methodology/approach

Repeated measures ANOVAs were conducted to determine whether there were differences in the number of errors (i.e. spelling, grammar, punctuation and errors that change the meaning of the text) identified by editing assistance programs (i.e. Grammarly, Ginger, Microsoft Word, Google Docs and human raters) for writing by ELLs.

Findings

The results of the present study indicate that the four programs did not differ in their identification of spelling errors. None of the editing assistance programs identified as many errors as the human raters; therefore, editing assistance cannot yet replace effective human editing for ELLs.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations with the present study include manual verification of errors flagged by editing programs, multiple raters, a small sample size and a young sample of students.

Practical implications

The paper includes practical factors to consider when integrating editing assistance software into the classroom, including the development needs of students, the impact of students' first language and student training on the technology.

Originality/value

This paper provides school psychologists, teachers and other professionals working with students with specific, evidence-based recommendations for implementation of editing assistance AT.
Getting the story right: how second-hand stores use storytelling to gain legitimacy with multiple audiences
Authors: Schadenberg Dana , Folmer Emma
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse how sustainable second-hand stores (SSHSs) use storytelling as a legitimization strategy. Second-hand stores have traditionally relied on a charity identity to attract customers. More recently, changing market demands, the growing popularity of second-hand shopping, “vintage” and online shopping have opened up new opportunities for these social enterprises (SEs). This study asks how SSHSs can maintain their legitimacy with incumbent stakeholders while also exploiting these new opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses an abductive approach starting from existing knowledge on how storytelling builds legitimacy in conventional enterprises. The authors collected qualitative data and interviewed owners and managers of second-hand stores in the Netherlands. This paper specifically looked at how second-hand stores are using their web shops to convey stories and build legitimacy with (new) audiences.

Findings

Contrary to the authors’ expectations, they found that the web shop is not used as a site for storytelling the mission of the store but is rather a stage for specific products that tell a story of trendy and vintage shopping. This attracts a new customer segment to the store that conventionally does not shop there. This paper concludes that second-hand stores use vintage products as symbols in storytelling through their web shop to gain access to a new market. By foregoing to tell the story of their mission on the web shop, the second-hand stores are choosing to keep their charity and business identity separate.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper makes an original contribution by analysing how second-hand stores are actively exploiting new opportunities created by a changing market context and seeking to maintain legitimacy while doing so. This paper argues that legitimacy is not a static “reward,” rather, something that evolves with the enterprise. This research adds to the body of literature on legitimacy and more specifically cultural entrepreneurship, which holds that entrepreneurs can actively gain and maintain legitimacy through storytelling.
Mechanical, photoelectric and thermal reliability of SAC307 solder joints with Ni-decorated MWCNTs for flip-chip LED package component during aging
Authors: Zhai Xinmeng , Chen Yue , Li Yuefeng , Zou Jun , Shi Mingming , Yang Bobo
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to study the mechanical, photoelectric, and thermal reliability of SAC307 solder joints with Ni-decorated MWCNTs for flip-chip light-emitting diode (LED) package component during aging. By adding nanoparticles (Ni-multi-walled carbon nanotubes [MWCNTs]) to the solder paste, the shear strength and fatigue resistance of the brazed joint can be improved. However, the aging properties of Ni-modified MWCNTs composite solder joints have not been deeply studied. In this research, the mechanical, photoelectric and thermal reliability of SAC307 packaged flip-chip LEDs with Ni-MWCNTs added during aging were studied.

Design/methodology/approach

Compared with SAC solder alloys, the effects of different contents (0, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 Wt.%) of Ni-MWCNTs on the photoelectric and thermal properties of composite solder joints were examined. To study the aging characteristics of composite solder joints, the solder joints were aged at 85°C/85% relative humidity.

Findings

The addition of an appropriate amount of reinforcing agent Ni-MWCNTs reduces the density of the composite solder to 96% of the theoretical value of the SAC solder alloy. In addition, the microhardness increases and the wetting angle decreases. Two different phase compositions were observed in the solder joints with Ni-MWCNTs reinforcement: Cu3Sn and (Cu, Ni)6Sn5. The solder joints of SAC307-0.1Ni-MWCNTs exhibit the highest luminous flux and luminous efficiency of flip-chip LED filaments, the lowest steady-state voltage and junction temperature. And with the extension of the aging time, its aging stability is the best. In short, when the addition amount of Ni-MWCNTs is 0.1 Wt.%, the solder joints exhibit the best wettability and the thinnest intermetallic compound layer. And the shear strength of the tested solder joints is the best, and the void ratio is the lowest. At this time, the enhancement effect of Ni-MWCNTs on the composite solder has been best demonstrated.

Research limitations/implications

The content range of enhancer Ni-MWCNTs needs to be further reduced.

Practical implications

The authors have improved the performance of Ni-modified MWCNTs composite solder joints.

Originality/value

Composite solder with high performance has great practical application significance for improving the reliability and life of the whole device.
Lead By Example: The Impact of Teleobservation on Social Studies Methods Courses
Authors: O’Connor Katherine A. , Good Amy J. , Greene H. Carol
Published: February 2022

This teleobservation pilot study focuses on an innovative approach for the preparation of elementary social studies preservice teacher candidates through the use of interactive videoconferencing to provide observations of elementary classrooms. Preservice teacher candidates observed social studies lessons team-taught by regular classroom teachers and university professors in public school classrooms via videoconferencing equipment. Preservice teacher candidates remained on campus while another professor guided them through the social studies observation. Qualitative data were collected from preservice teacher candidates completing their social studies methods course through reflective summaries, KWL charts, and archived threaded discussions. The benefits and challenges of teleobservation are discussed along with implications and possibilities for future work. Specifically, the goals of this project included providing future social studies teachers with the following opportunities: 1) observe an elementary classroom in real-time; 2) discuss teaching as it is happening, and 3) observe university social studies professors modeling theory into practice.
Using Family and Community History To Foster Historical Inquiry in the Elementary Grades
Authors: Chick Kay A.
Published: February 2022

This article highlights the use of family and community history in elementary social studies classrooms. Family history stories from early twentieth century Appalachia are shared. The value of historical inquiry is explored, and techniques for initiating an oral history project are discussed as well as interviewing strategies and examples of developmentally appropriate extension activities. Connections to the national social studies standards are emphasized along with recommendations for teachers who wish to provide students with an intimate view of past human experience.
How Is Today's Consumer Affected by the Use of Media in Advertising? A WebQuest
Authors: Courtney Amy , Haas Mary E.
Published: February 2022

Fifth graders will enjoy this WebQuest that challenges their understanding of the role that advertising plays in influencing youth. WebQuest makes use of the multiple types of resources through the internet including historical advertisements in print and video clips of today’s world. The Teacher’s Page sets the context for usage in a larger unit of study.
Historical Scene Investigation (HSI): Engaging Students in Case Based Investigations using Web-Based Historical Documents
Authors: Swan Kathleen Owings , Hofer Mark , Gallicchio Lauren
Published: February 2022

The Historical Scene Investigation (HSI) project builds upon the work of a number of scholars to facilitate the application and acquisition of historical thinking skills in the K-12 classroom. Through a structured yet flexible approach, HSI exercises attempt to provide scaffolding for the analysis of a variety of historical documents to simultaneously develop an understanding of the content focus of the investigation and the historiography skills embedded in their work. HSI exercises are designed to be “interpreted” and edited by classroom teachers in either a low- or high-tech approach. This article explores the background and structure of the model and discussion of the classroom implementation of two examples.
Theocratic Education: Understanding the Islamic Republic of Iran by Analyzing Its Textbooks
Authors: Kaviani Khodadad (Khodi)
Published: February 2022

On February 11, 1979, the monarchy rule in Iran was replaced by an Islamic theocracy, and the new government revised textbooks to promote a new identity based on Shia Islam and the Iranian nationalism. Because textbooks are used throughout the world to create national identities and are of interest to educators, an analysis of texts can provide insights into how a nation views itself, others, and its place in the world. Using discourse analysis, this study analyzes an eighth-grade history textbook used in the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2004 to understand the role of Khomeini vis-à-vis the Shah and how the regime’s adversaries are depicted. Concepts of grievance and framing are used to analyze the textbook.
Notable Trade Book Lesson Plan: It’s Back to School We Go!
Authors: Hubbard Janie
Published: February 2022

It’s Back to School We Go! First Day Stories From Around the World by Ellen Jackson, is a fiction book, using short, first-person narratives to compare the first day of school for 11 children from different countries. The lesson plan, designed for grade levels 3-5, asks students to compare and contrast their own lives with those of the characters in the book. Students learn that humans from diverse cultural environments interpret similar childhood experiences from different, yet interesting, frames of reference. Exchange of perspectives and ideas may assist students in visualizing themselves as world citizens capable of promoting global understanding. The lesson plan includes graphic organizers and examples to implement the lesson.
Termites have wider thermal limits to cope with environmental conditions in savannas
Authors: Woon Joel S. , Atkinson David , Adu‐Bredu Stephen , Eggleton Paul , Parr Catherine L.
Published: February 2022

The most diverse and abundant family of termites, the Termitidae, evolved in African tropical forests. They have since colonised grassy biomes such as savannas. These open environments have more extreme conditions than tropical forests, notably wider extremes of temperature and lower precipitation levels and greater temporal fluctuations (of both annual and diurnal variation). These conditions are challenging for soft‐bodied ectotherms, such as termites, to survive in, let alone become as ecologically dominant as termites have.

Here, we quantified termite thermal limits to test the hypothesis that these physiological limits are wider in savanna termite species to facilitate their existence in savanna environments.

We sampled termites directly from mound structures, across an environmental gradient in Ghana, ranging from wet tropical forest through to savanna. At each location, we quantified both the Critical Thermal Maxima (CTmax) and the Critical Thermal Minima (CTmin) of all the most abundant mound‐building Termitidae species in the study areas. We modelled the thermal limits in two separate mixed‐effects models against canopy cover at the mound, temperature and rainfall, as fixed effects, with sampling location as a random intercept.

For both CTmax and CTmin, savanna species had significantly more extreme thermal limits than forest species. Between and within environments, areas with higher amounts of canopy cover were significantly associated with lower CTmax values of the termite colonies. CTmin was significantly positively correlated with rainfall. Temperature was retained in both models; however, it did not have a significant relationship in either. Sampling location explained a large proportion of the residual variation, suggesting there are other environmental factors that could influence termite thermal limits.

Our results suggest that savanna termite species have wider thermal limits than forest species. These physiological differences, in conjunction with other behavioural adaptations, are likely to have enabled termites to cope with the more extreme environmental conditions found in savanna environments and facilitated their expansion into open tropical environments.
Site‐dependent regulation of breeding success: Evidence for the buffer effect in the common guillemot, a colonially breeding seabird
Authors: Bennett Sophie , Wanless Sarah , Harris Michael P. , Newell Mark A. , Searle Kate , Green Jonathan A. , Daunt Francis
Published: February 2022

Density‐dependent regulation can offer resilience to wild populations experiencing fluctuations in environmental conditions because, at lower population sizes, the average quality of habitats or resources is predicted to increase. Site‐dependent regulation is a mechanism whereby individuals breed at the highest quality, most successful, sites, leaving poorer quality, less successful sites vacant. As population size increases, higher quality sites become limiting but when populations decline, lower quality sites are vacated first, offering resilience. This process is known as the ‘buffer effect’. However, few studies have tested whether such regulation operates in populations experiencing changes in size and trend.

We used data from a population of common guillemots Uria aalge, a colonially breeding seabird, to investigate the relationship between site occupancy probability, site quality and population size and trend. These data were collected at five sub‐colonies spanning a 38‐year period (1981–2018) comprising phases of population increase, decrease and recovery.

We first tested whether site quality and population size in sub‐colonies explained which sites were occupied for breeding, and if this was robust to changes in sub‐colony trend. We then investigated whether disproportionate use of higher quality sites drove average site quality and breeding success across sub‐colony sizes and trends. Finally, we tested whether individuals consistently occupied higher quality sites during periods of decline and recovery.

Higher quality sites were disproportionality used when sub‐colony size was smaller, resulting in higher average site quality and breeding success at lower population sizes. This relationship was unaffected by changes in sub‐colony trend. However, contrary to the predictions of the buffer effect, new sites were established at a similar rate to historically occupied sites during sub‐colony decline and recovery despite being of lower quality.

Our results provide support for the buffer effect conferring resilience to populations, such that average breeding success was consistently higher at lower population size during all phases of population change. However, this process was tempered by the continued establishment of new, lower quality, sites which could act to slow population recovery after periods when colony size was low.
Divergence inHeliconiusflight behaviour is associated with local adaptation to different forest structures
Authors: Dell'Aglio Denise D. , Mena Sebastián , Mauxion Rémi , McMillan W. Owen , Montgomery Stephen H.
Published: February 2022

Microhabitat choice plays a major role in shaping local patterns of biodiversity. In butterflies, stratification in flight height has an important role in maintaining community diversity. Despite its presumed importance, the role of behavioural shifts in early stages of speciation in response to differences in habitat structure is yet to be established.

Here, we investigated variation in flight height behaviour in two closely relatedHeliconiusspecies,H. erato cyrbiaandH. himera, which produce viable hybrids but are isolated across an environmental gradient, spanning lowland wet forest to high‐altitude scrub forest. Speciation in this pair is associated with strong assortative mating, but ecological isolation and local adaptation are also considered essential for complete reproductive isolation.

We quantified differences in flight height and forest structure across the environmental gradient and tested the importance of resource distribution in explaining flight behaviour. We then used common garden experiments to test whether differences in flight height reflect individual responses to resource distribution or genetically determined shifts in foraging behaviour.

We found that the two species fly at different heights in the wild, and demonstrated that this can be explained by differences in the vertical distribution of plant resources. In both the wild and captivity,H. himerachoose to fly lower and feed at lower positions, closely mirroring differences in resource availability in the wild.

Given expectations that foraging efficiency contributes to survival and reproductive success, we suggest that foraging behaviour may reflect local adaptation to divergent forest structures. Our results highlight the potential role of habitat‐dependent divergence in behaviour during the early stages of speciation.
Effects of Medicare advantage on patterns of end‐of‐life care among Medicare decedents
Authors: Park Sungchul , Teno Joan M. , White Lindsay , Coe Norma B.
Published: February 2022

Objective

To examine the effects of Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollment on patterns of end‐of‐life care.

Data sources

We used data from the Master Beneficiary Summary File, the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review, hospice claims, the Minimum Data Set, the Outcome and Assessment Information Set, the Area Health Resources File, and Geographic Variation Public Use File for 2012–2014.

Study design

To address selective enrollment into MA, we exploited a discontinuity in payment rates by county population (urban floor payments) as an instrument.

Data collection/extraction methods

We identified Medicare beneficiaries continuously enrolled in MA or TM during their last year of life between 2012 and 2014 using Medicare administrative data.

Principal findings

We did not find evidence that MA enrollment led to a change in hospital admissions in the last 30 days of life, but MA enrollment decreased hospital as the site of death by 11.0 (95% CI: −13.9 to −8.1) percentage points. Once hospitalized, however, MA enrollment increased use of intensive care by 6.7 (95% CI: 0.3 to 13.1) percentage points and non‐invasive mechanical ventilation by 9.2 (95% CI: 5.5 to 12.9) percentage points. MA enrollment increased hospice use by 6.2 (95% CI: 2.3 to 10.1) percentage points at time of death and 7.7 (95% CI: 3.8 to 11.6) percentage points in the last 30 days of life. Particularly, MA enrollment increased hospice admissions among those who were admitted to the hospital within 30 days prior to hospice admission by 18.8 (95% CI: 13.8 to 23.8) percentage points. However, MA enrollment decreased hospice admissions among those who were admitted to home health within 30 days prior to hospice admission by 18.6 (95% CI: −21.9 to −15.2) percentage points.

Conclusions

MA plans may improve end‐of‐life care by reducing hospital death while also improving access to hospice, especially among recently hospitalized persons.