bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic analysis and novel insights into lens fibre cell differentiation regulated by Gata3
Authors: Martynova Elena , Zhao Yilin , Xie Qing , Zheng Deyou , Cvekl Ales
Published: December 2019

Gata3 is a DNA-binding transcription factor involved in cellular differentiation in a variety of tissues including inner ear, hair follicle, kidney, mammary gland and T-cells. In a previous study in 2009, Maedaet al. (Dev. Dyn.238, 2280–2291;doi:10.1002/dvdy.22035) found that Gata3 mutants could be rescued from midgestational lethality by the expression of a Gata3 transgene in sympathoadrenal neuroendocrine cells. The rescued embryos clearly showed multiple defects in lens fibre cell differentiation. To determine whether these defects were truly due to the loss of Gata3 expression in the lens, we generated a lens-specific Gata3 loss-of-function model. Analogous to the previous findings, our Gata3 null embryos showed abnormal regulation of cell cycle exit during lens fibre cell differentiation, marked by reduction in the expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors Cdkn1b/p27 and Cdkn1c/p57, and the retention of nuclei accompanied by downregulation of Dnase IIβ. Comparisons of transcriptomes between control and mutated lenses by RNA-Seq revealed dysregulation of lens-specific crystallin genes and intermediate filament protein Bfsp2. Both Cdkn1b/p27 and Cdkn1c/p57 loci are occupiedin vivoby Gata3, as well as Prox1 and c-Jun, in lens chromatin. Collectively, our studies suggest that Gata3 regulates lens differentiation through the direct regulation of the Cdkn1b/p27and Cdkn1c/p57 expression, and the direct/or indirect transcriptional control of Bfsp2 and Dnase IIβ.
Self-sustained regimes of liquid aerosol detonation
Authors: Girin Oleksandr G.
Published: December 2019

Main problem of detonation theory, self-sustained regimes finding, is solved for liquid aerosols. Combustion modelling is performed at two scale levels, where the irreversible processes such as aerosol atomization, daughter droplets' evaporation and chemical energy release kinetics are represented at the lower scale. Instability of flow in conjugated boundary layers at drop surface is adopted as mechanism of aerosol atomization. Vapour mixing with oxidizer forms combustible moles, whose chemical induction times are calculated individually, so that the moles are stack-ordered. At the upper scale, equations of overall motion of two-velocity, two-temperature, five-component reacting medium are composed. Two key aspects of the main problem are considered: (i) detonation wave structure in stationary zone is calculated and analysed and (ii) self-sustained regime velocities are determined. The first reveals the existence of two mixture burning modes: explosive kinetic and smooth diffusive, which are separated by conclusive micro-explosion. The second shows the existence of only two front velocity values in aerosol system, at which the interphase processes provide fulfilment of Zeldovich's necessary condition. Explanation is found for incomplete burnout regime: it stands on specific balance between the rate ratio of physical-to-chemical processes, which is reached at such front velocity, when sonic state is attained exactly after the conclusive micro-explosion.
Scattering and radiation of water waves by a submerged rigid disc in a two-layer fluid
Authors: Islam Najnin , Kundu Souvik , Gayen Rupanwita
Published: December 2019

Interaction of water waves with a horizontal rigid disc submerged in the lower layer of a two-layer fluid is studied in three dimensions using linear theory. The governing boundary value problem is reduced to a two-dimensional hypersingular integral equation. This integral equation is further reduced to a one-dimensional Fredholm integral equation of the second kind in terms of a newly defined function. The solution to the latter integral equation is used to compute the total scattering cross section and the hydrodynamic force for the scattering problem and the added mass and the damping coefficient for the radiation problem. Haskind relations connecting the solutions of the radiation and the scattering problems are also derived. The effects of variations of the submergence depth of the disc and the depth of the upper layer on different physical quantities are investigated. We observe amplification of the added mass and the damping coefficient, the total scattering cross section and the hydrodynamic force when the disc goes near the interface or when the height of the upper layer decreases. Known results for a horizontal disc submerged in a single-layer fluid of infinite depth are recovered from the present analysis.
Numerical simulations of turbulent thermal convection with a free-slip upper boundary
Authors: Hay W. A. , Papalexandris M. V.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we report on direct numerical and large-eddy simulations of turbulent thermal convection without invoking the Oberbeck–Boussinesq approximation. The working medium is liquid water and we employ a free-slip upper boundary condition. This flow is a simplified model of thermal convection of water in a cavity heated from below with heat loss at its free surface. Analysis of the flow statistics suggests similarities in spatial structures to classical turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection but with turbulent fluctuations near the free-slip boundary. One important observation is the asymmetry in the thermal boundary layer heights at the lower and upper boundaries. Similarly, the budget of the turbulent kinetic energy shows different behaviour at the free-slip and at the lower wall. Interestingly, the work of the mean pressure is dominant due to the hydrostatic component of the mean-pressure gradient but also depends on the density fluctuations which are small but, critically, non-zero. As expected the boundary-layer heights decrease with the Rayleigh number, due to increased turbulence intensity. However, independent of the Rayleigh number, the height of the thermal boundary layer at the upper boundary is always smaller than that on the lower wall.
Articulating ‘free, prior and informed consent’ (FPIC) for engineered gene drives
Authors: George Dalton R. , Kuiken Todd , Delborne Jason A.
Published: December 2019

Recent statements by United Nations bodies point to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC) as a potential requirement in the development of engineered gene drive applications. As a concept developed in the context of protecting Indigenous rights to self-determination in land development scenarios, FPIC would need to be extended to apply to the context of ecological editing. Without an explicit framework of application, FPIC could be interpreted as a narrowly framed process of community consultation focused on the social implications of technology, and award little formal or advisory power in decision-making to Indigenous peoples and local communities. In this paper, we argue for an articulation of FPIC that attends to issues of transparency, iterative community-scale consent, and shared power through co-development among Indigenous peoples, local communities, researchers and technology developers. In realizing a comprehensive FPIC process, researchers and developers have an opportunity to incorporate enhanced participation and social guidance mechanisms into the design, development and implementation of engineered gene drive applications.
Bite marks and predation of fossil jawless fish during the rise of jawed vertebrates
Authors: Randle Emma , Sansom Robert S.
Published: December 2019

Although modern vertebrate diversity is dominated by jawed vertebrates, early vertebrate assemblages were predominantly composed of jawless fishes. Hypotheses for this faunal shift and the Devonian decline of jawless vertebrates include predation and competitive replacement. The nature and prevalence of ecological interactions between jawed and jawless vertebrates are highly relevant to both hypotheses, but direct evidence is limited. Here, we use the occurrence and distribution of bite mark type traces in fossil jawless armoured heterostracans to infer predation interactions. A total of 41 predated specimens are recorded; their prevalence increases through time, reaching a maximum towards the end of the Devonian. The bite mark type traces significantly co-occur with jawed vertebrates, and their distribution through time is correlated with jawed vertebrate diversity patterns, particularly placoderms and sarcopterygians. Environmental and ecological turnover in the Devonian, especially relating to the nekton revolution, have been inferred as causes of the faunal shift from jawless to jawed vertebrates. Here, we provide direct evidence of escalating predation from jawed vertebrates as a potential contributing factor to the demise and extinction of ostracoderms.
Optimizing coastal restoration with the stress gradient hypothesis
Authors: Fischman Hallie S. , Crotty Sinead M. , Angelini Christine
Published: December 2019

Restoration efforts have been escalating worldwide in response to widespread habitat degradation. However, coastal restoration attempts notoriously vary in their ability to establish resilient, high-functioning ecosystems. Conventional restoration attempts disperse transplants in competition-minimizing arrays, yet recent studies suggest that clumping transplants to maximize facilitative interactions may improve restoration success. Here, we modify the stress gradient hypothesis to generate predictions about where each restoration design will perform best across environmental stress gradients. We then test this conceptual model with field experiments manipulating transplant density and configuration across dune elevations and latitudes. In hurricane-damaged Georgia (USA) dunes, grass transplanted in competition-minimizing (low-density, dispersed) arrays exhibited the highest growth, resilience to disturbance and dune formation in low-stress conditions. In contrast, transplants survived best in facilitation-maximizing (high-density, clumped) arrays in high-stress conditions, but these benefits did not translate to higher transplant growth or resilience. In a parallel experiment in Massachusetts where dune grasses experience frequent saltwater inundation, fewer transplants survived, suggesting that there are thresholds above which intraspecific facilitation cannot overcome local stressors. These results suggest that ecological theory can be used to guide restoration strategies based on local stress regimes, maximizing potential restoration success and return-on-investment of future efforts.
External environment and internal state in relation to life-history behavioural profiles of adolescents in nine countries
Authors: Chang Lei , Lu Hui Jing , Lansford Jennifer E. , Bornstein Marc H. , Steinberg Laurence , Chen Bin-Bin , Skinner Ann T. , Dodge Kenneth A. , Deater-Deckard Kirby , Bacchini Dario , Pastorelli Concetta , Alampay Liane Peña , Tapanya Sombat , Sorbring Emma , Oburu Paul , Al-Hassan Suha M. , Di Giunta Laura , Malone Patrick S. , Uribe Tirado Liliana Maria , Yotanyamaneewong Saengduean
Published: December 2019

The external environment has traditionally been considered as the primary driver of animal life history (LH). Recent research suggests that animals' internal state is also involved, especially in forming LH behavioural phenotypes. The present study investigated how these two factors interact in formulating LH in humans. Based on a longitudinal sample of 1223 adolescents in nine countries, the results show that harsh and unpredictable environments and adverse internal states in childhood are each uniquely associated with fast LH behavioural profiles consisting of aggression, impulsivity, and risk-taking in adolescence. The external environment and internal state each strengthened the LH association of the other, but overall the external environment was more predictive of LH than was the internal state. These findings suggest that individuals rely on a multitude and consistency of sensory information in more decisively calibrating LH and behavioural strategies.
Ancient gene drives: an evolutionary paradox
Authors: Price T. A. R. , Verspoor R. , Wedell N.
Published: December 2019

Selfish genetic elements such as selfish chromosomes increase their transmission rate relative to the rest of the genome and can generate substantial cost to the organisms that carry them. Such segregation distorters are predicted to either reach fixation (potentially causing population extinction) or, more commonly, promote the evolution of genetic suppression to restore transmission to equality. Many populations show rapid spread of segregation distorters, followed by the rapid evolution of suppression. However, not all drivers display such flux, some instead persisting at stable frequencies in natural populations for decades, perhaps hundreds of thousands of years, with no sign of suppression evolving or the driver spreading to fixation. This represents a major evolutionary paradox. How can drivers be maintained in the long term at stable frequencies? And why has suppression not evolved as in many other gene drive systems? Here, we explore potential factors that may explain the persistence of drive systems, focusing on the ancient sex-ratio driver in the flyDrosophila pseudoobscura. We discuss potential solutions to the evolutionary mystery of why suppression does not appear to have evolved in this system, and address how long-term stable frequencies of gene drive can be maintained. Finally, we speculate whether ancient drivers may be functionally and evolutionarily distinct to young drive systems.
Fitness consequences of a non-recombiningsex-ratiodrive chromosome can explain its prevalence in the wild
Authors: Dyer Kelly A. , Hall David W.
Published: December 2019

Understanding the pleiotropic consequences of gene drive systems on host fitness is essential to predict their spread through a host population. Here, we studysex-ratio(SR) X-chromosome drive in the flyDrosophila recens, where SR causes the death of Y-bearing sperm in male carriers. SR males only sire daughters, which all carry SR, thus giving the chromosome a transmission advantage. The prevalence of the SR chromosome appears stable, suggesting pleiotropic costs. It was previously shown that females homozygous for SR are sterile, and here, we test for additional fitness costs of SR. We found that females heterozygous for SR have reduced fecundity and that male SR carriers have reduced fertility in conditions of sperm competition. We then use our fitness estimates to parametrize theoretical models of SR drive and show that the decrease in fecundity and sperm competition performance can account for the observed prevalence of SR in natural populations. In addition, we found that the expected equilibrium frequency of the SR chromosome is particularly sensitive to the degree of multiple mating and performance in sperm competition. Together, our data suggest that the mating system of the organism should be carefully considered during the development of gene drive systems.
Polymorphobacter arshaanensis sp. nov., containing the photosynthetic gene pufML, isolated from a volcanic lake
Authors: Phurbu Dorji , Liu Zi-Xuan , Liu Hong-Can , Lhamo Yungchen , Yangzom Pema , Li Ai-Hua , Zhou Yu-Guang
Published: December 2019

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, yellowish, rod-shaped bacterium, designated DJ1R-1T, was isolated from water sample from a volcanic lake, located on Da Hinggan Ling Mountain, PR China. Growth of DJ1R-1T optimally occurred at pH 7.0, at 22–25 °C and with 0–0.5 % (w/v) NaCl concentration. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that DJ1R-1T was clustered into the genus Polymorphobacter, and showed 96.5 %, 95.9 % and 95.6 % similarities to

Polymorphobacter fuscus

D40PT,

Polymorphobacter multimanifer

262-7T and

Polymorphobacter glacialis

B555-2T, respectively. The predominant polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminophospholipid, three unidentified aminolipids and one unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c / C18 : 1ω6c, 40.0 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c / C16 : 1ω6c, 25.6 %) and C16 : 0 (13.7 %). The respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10. The DNA G+C content was 65.0 % according to the genomic sequencing results. On the basis of the results of the phylogenetic analysis, physiological and biochemical properties comparisons, DJ1R-1T was proposed to represent a novel species of the genus

Polymorphobacter

, with the name Polymorphobacter arshaanensis. The type strain is DJ1R-1T (=CGMCC 1.13788T=KCTC 72014T).
ppGpp functions as an alarmone in metazoa
Authors: Ito Doshun , Kawamura Hinata , Oikawa Akira , Ihara Yuta , Shibata Toshio , Nakamura Nobuhiro , Asano Tsunaki , Kawabata Shun-Ichiro , Suzuki Takashi , Masuda Shinji
Published: December 2019

Guanosine 3’,5’-bis(pyrophosphate) (ppGpp) functions as a second messenger in bacteria to adjust their physiology in response to environmental changes. In recent years, the ppGpp-specific hydrolase, metazoan SpoT homolog-1 (Mesh1), was shown to have important roles for growth under nutrient deficiency inDrosophila melanogaster. Curiously, however, ppGpp has never been detected in animal cells, and therefore the physiological relevance of this molecule, if any, in metazoans has not been established. Here, we report the detection of ppGpp inDrosophilaand human cells and demonstrate that ppGpp accumulation induces metabolic changes, cell death, and eventually lethality inDrosophila. Our results provide the first evidence of the existence and function of the ppGpp-dependent stringent response in animals.
A Population Modelling Approach to Studying Age-Related Effects on Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Human Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Dokuchaev Arsenii , Khamzin Svyatoslav , Solovyova Olga
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Ageing is the dominant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. A great body of experimental data has been gathered on cellular remodelling in the Ageing myocardium from animals. Very few experimental data are available on age-related changes in the human cardiomyocyte. We have used our combined electromechanical model of the human cardiomyocyte and the population modelling approach to investigate the variability in the response of cardiomyocytes to age-related changes in the model parameters. To generate the model population, we varied nine model parameters and excluded model samples with biomarkers falling outside of the physiological ranges. We evaluated the response to age-related changes in four electrophysiological model parameters reported in the literature: reduction in the density of the K+transient outward current, maximal velocity of SERCA, and an increase in the density of NaCa exchange current and CaL-type current. The sensitivity of the action potential biomarkers to individual parameter variations was assessed. Each parameter modulation caused an increase in APD, while the sensitivity of the model to changes in GCaLand Vmax_upwas much higher than to those in the effects of Gtoand KNaCa. Then 60 age-related sets of the four parameters were randomly generated and each set was applied to every model in the control population. We calculated the frequency of model samples with repolarisation anomalies (RA) and the shortening of the electro-mechanical window in the ageing model populations as an arrhythmogenic ageing score. The linear dependence of the score on the deviation of the parameters showed a high determination coefficient with the most significant impact due to the age-related change in the CaL current. The population-based approach allowed us to classify models with low and high risk of age-related RA and to predict risks based on the control biomarkers.
Effects of single mutations on protein stability are Gaussian distributed
Authors: Razban R. M. , Shakhnovich E. I.
Published: December 2019

The distribution of protein stability effects is known to be well-approximated by a Gaussian distribution from previous empirical fits. Starting from first-principles statistical mechanics, we more rigorously motivate this empirical observation by deriving per residue protein stability effects to be Gaussian. Our derivation requires the number of amino acids to be large, which is satisfied by the standard set of 20 amino acids found in nature. No assumption is needed on the protein length or the number of residues in close proximity in space, in contrast to previous applications of the central limit theorem to protein energetics. We support our derivation results with computational and experimental data on mutant protein stabilities across all types of protein residues.

Statement of Significance

Defining the distribution of single mutant stability effects (ΔΔGs) is the first step in modeling the role protein stability plays in evolution. Although empirical fits have been made to elucidate its form, a complete theoretical understanding of ΔΔG distributions is lacking. Here, we derive how a simple Gaussian form can arise, while still including the intricacies of protein sequence and structure. We backup our derivation with previously released computational and experimental ΔΔGs.
Transcriptome and Proteome analysis ofHemidactylus frenatusduring initial stages of tail regeneration
Authors: Pawan Sai , Banu Sarena , Idris Mohammed M
Published: December 2019

Epimorphic regeneration of appendages is a complex and complete phenomenon found in selected animals.Hemidactylus frenatus, the common house gecko has the remarkable ability to regenerate the tail tissue upon autotomy involving epimorphic regeneration mechanism. This study has identified and evaluated the molecular changes at gene and protein level during the regeneration of tail tissue. Based on next generation transcriptomics andDe novoanalysis the transcriptome and proteome library of the gecko tail tissue was generated. A total of 417 genes and 128 proteins were found to be associated with the regeneration of gecko tail tissue upon amputation at 1, 2 and 5-day post amputation against control, 0dpa through differential analysis. The differentially expressed genes and proteins expressed a similar pattern for the commonly identified 36 genes/proteins involved in regeneration of the tail tissue. Similarly, the expression analysis of 50 genes were further validated involving real time PCR to authenticate the transcriptomics analysis. 327 genes/proteins identified from the study showed association for GP6 signaling pathway, Protein kinase A signaling, Telomerase signaling BAG2 signaling, paxiling signaling, VEGF signaling network pathways based on network pathway analysis. This study empanelled list of genes/proteins associated with tail tissue regeneration and its association for the mechanism.
Macromolecular and electrical coupling between inner hair cells in the rodent cochlea
Authors: Jean Philippe , Anttonen Tommi , Michanski Susann , de Diego Antonio MG , Steyer Anna M. , Neef Andreas , Oestreicher David , Kroll Jana , Nardis Christos , Pangršič Tina , Möbius Wiebke , Ashmore Jonathan , Wichmann Carolin , Moser Tobias
Published: December 2019

Inner hair cells (IHCs) are the primary receptors for hearing. They are housed in the cochlea and convey sound information to the brain via synapses with the auditory nerve. IHCs have been thought to be electrically and metabolically independent from each other. We report that, upon developmental maturation, 30% of the IHCs are electrochemically coupled in ‘mini-syncytia’. This coupling permits transfer of fluorescently-labeled metabolites and macromolecular tracers. The membrane capacitance, Ca2+-current, and resting current increase with the number of dye-coupled IHCs. Dual voltage-clamp experiments substantiate low resistance electrical coupling. Pharmacology and tracer permeability rule out coupling by gap junctions and purinoceptors. 3D-electron-microscopy indicates instead that IHCs are coupled by membrane fusion sites. Consequently, depolarization of one IHC triggers presynaptic Ca2+-influx at active zones in the entire mini-syncytium. Based on our findings and modeling, we propose that IHC-mini-syncytia enhance sensitivity and reliability of cochlear sound encoding.
Enhancing generating and collecting efficiency of single particle upconverting luminescence at low-level power excitation
Authors: Ma Chenshuo , Shan Chunyan , Park Kevin , Mok Aaron T. , Yang Xusan
Published: December 2019

Upconverting luminescent nanoparticles are photostable, non-blinking, and low chemically toxic fluorophores that are emerging as promising fluorescent probe at single-molecule level. High luminescence intensity upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is achieved with highly doped rare-earth ions co-doped (20% Yb3+) using high excitation power (>2.5 MW/cm2). However, such particles are inadequate forin-vitrolive-cell imaging and single-particle tracking since high excitation power can cause photodamage. Here, we compared UCNPs luminescence intensities with different dopants concentrations and presented a more efficient (∼7x) UCNPs at low excitation power by increasing the concentrations of Yb3+and Tm3+dopants (NaYF4: 60% Yb3+, 8% Tm3+) and adding a core-shell structure.
The value of undergraduate capstone experiences: stepping stones to future organizational engagement
Authors: Starr-Glass David
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This conceptual article describes the capstone experience. It argues that this final-year undergraduate study, particularly when centered on in-depth research and writing a dissertation, provides significant value for institutions, students, and future employers. It is argued that the criteria for capstone experience success neatly align with the skills and competencies most source by organizational employers.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a short reflection on the present author’s engagement with capstones and business undergraduates. It is limited in scope, reviews the author’s extensive experience and practice, but may have limited generalizability. Nevertheless, it will likely be of value to business educators and to organizational members seeking to hire high-potential business graduates.

Findings

Properly designed and executed, capstones can develop the skills and competencies currently considered the most desirable in organizations. Those who have successfully completed their capstones (in this case, in-depth research and an undergraduate dissertation) have a demonstrated advantage in the hiring process. Students are encouraged to see the capstone as a bridging activity between college and the workplace. This fosters student engagement with targeted organizations and the creation of contacts and networks that provide mutual advantage on graduation.

Originality/value

The article provides novel insights that are personal but informed and considered. It offers original perspectives on the value of the capstone experience for students, educational institutions, and hiring organizations.
Detection avoidance and mis/unclassified, unsolved homicides in Australia
Authors: Ferguson Claire , McKinley Amber
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to begin to explore whether and how the use of detection avoidance (DA) by offenders leads to a so called “dark figure” of unsolved homicides that have been mis/unclassified.

Design/methodology/approach

Australian Coronial data and inquest findings are used to examine how DA impacts on determining homicide, and cases remaining unsolved.

Findings

Results show DA behaviours perpetrated by offenders may be catalysed by other challenges, and may lead to homicides being mis/unclassified and unsolved. Findings indicate there is a small dark figure of mis/unclassified homicides which eventually become known and investigated as homicides in Australia. The number of unsolved homicides may be greater than official data reveals, due to some cases remaining mis/unclassified.

Research limitations/implications

Results are likely to underestimate the prevalence of mis/unclassified homicides due to the invisibility of cases and the difficulty establishing rules to include suspected but unproven homicides. The variable nature and impact of DA behaviours also limits results, along with jurisdictional differences in Coronial data.

Practical implications

This discussion explains DA behaviours impact on determining and investigating homicide and the necessity of future research.

Originality/value

Mis/unclassified homicides as unsolved homicides have not been discussed previously. This discussion is the first to conceptualise mis/unclassified homicides as a dark figure of unsolved cases, and the first to attempt to gauge the problem.
The perceived challenges of working with patients who use new psychoactive substances: a qualitative study in a medium secure unit
Authors: Mckenzie Emma , Harvey Joel
Published: December 2019

Purpose

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are increasingly being used in secure mental health settings. Within these settings, NPS use presents a range of challenges and staff currently lack adequate training to manage these challenges. The purpose of this paper is to explore nursing staffs’ perception of the challenges of working with patients who use NPS and to explore nursing staffs’ perception of their training needs in relation to NPS.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight nursing staff from a medium secure unit (MSU).

Findings

A thematic analysis identified three overarching themes: “There Will Always Be Something”, “We Are Doing Our Best” and “If We Know More, We Can Do More”. The findings describe how nursing staff manage NPS use at present, and their perceptions of how training could improve their management of NPS use in the future.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that MSUs require a local policy for managing NPS use. The research implies that staff training programmes should recognise the existing methods staff use to manage NPS use. The findings also suggest that NPS interventions should target the whole peer group and not just the individual using NPS.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the limited literature on NPS. The findings demonstrate the importance of developing evidence-based mechanisms for managing NPS use. Changes to practice are suggested, with the view of developing ways in which staff currently manage NPS use by complementing this with specific training on NPS.
Segmentation of Brazilian travelers’ mobile purchase behavior
Authors: Falcão Roberto Pessoa de Queiroz , da Costa Filho Murilo Carrazedo Marques , Ferreira Jorge Brantes
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to segment travelers by their predispositions regarding the adoption of smartphones to purchase travel-related services, which is crucial for developing specific marketing strategies for each group of tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with 1,014 Brazilian travelers assessing their smartphone usage frequency and predispositions regarding travel purchases. The authors selected three variables related to the users’ acceptance of technology (perceived usefulness, ease of use and intentions to use smartphones for tourism purchases) and m-commerce perceptions of risk. Segmentation was conducted employing cluster analysis.

Findings

The authors identified three significantly different clusters of travel consumers: “Risk Ignorers,” “Cautious Users” and “Conservatives.” Risk perceptions appeared to be the main discriminating variable, followed by perceptions that smartphone apps are useful and free of effort.

Research limitations/implications

The non-probabilistic snowball sampling technique of Brazilian travelers may limit the generalization of the findings. Also, the use of intentions as one of our clustering variables instead of actual purchase behavior might bring limitations.

Practical implications

Segmentation enables the development of specific marketing strategies for each group, encompassing different risk profiles. Cautious travelers demand the development of safe and trustworthy m-commerce environments, as well as reassuring communication approach to reduce their perceptions of risk in performing mobile-mediated transactions. Conservatives demand marketers to build simpler and more straightforward apps to entice them.

Originality/value

The study reveals more fine-grained nuances to the role of mobile technology and its impact on travelers, unveiling important differences across travelers’ predispositions toward smartphone adoption that is distinctively associated with usage patterns regarding their risk profiles.
Branding for non-profits: explaining new donor decision-making in the charity sector
Authors: Gregory Gary , Ngo Liem , Miller Ryan
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study develops and validates a model of new donor decision-making in the charity sector. Drawing upon dual process theory, the model incorporates brand salience and brand attitude as antecedents of brand choice intention, moderated by donor decision involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 generates measures using interviews with marketing, media and research managers, and new donors from two international aid and relief organizations. Study 2 uses an experimental design to first test scenarios of disaster relief, and then validate and confirm a new donor decision model using large-scale consumer panels for the international aid and relief sector in Australia.

Findings

The results replicated across four leading international aid-related charities reveal that brand salience is positively related to brand choice intention through the mediating effect of brand attitude. Furthermore, the effect of brand salience on brand choice intention is significantly stronger when donor decision involvement is low. Conversely, the effect of brand attitude on brand choice intention is stronger for higher levels of donor decision involvement.

Practical implications

Managers should understand the importance of brand salience/attitudes and the implications for the communication strategy. Managers should also strive to understand the level of decision involvement and the relative influence of brand attitude/salience on brand choice intention.

Originality/value

This study advances the literature on charitable giving by proposing and testing a moderated mediation model of donor choice when selecting a charity for donation. Findings provide new insights into the extent to which brand salience, brand attitude and donor decision-making influence how new donors choose between charities for donation.
The new face of the tourism industry under a circular economy
Authors: Vargas-Sánchez Alfonso
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the evolution of the tourism ecosystem within a circular economy, considering relevant factors that influence the transition towards the circular economy model.

Design/methodology/approach

This reflection is carried out from an organisational perspective and employs a strategic management approach combined with a neo-institutional theoretical lens.

Findings

Four scenarios are identified after selecting several pertinent internal and external dimensions, which will help to understand the form and pace of the expected transition towards a tourism circular economy.

Research limitations/implications

Other variables could have been used for the scenario creation aim, which can be deemed a limitation.

Practical implications

Tourism operators can position themselves within this framework to analyse their conditions in order to address this unavoidable strategic change.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first academic work written in this line of research.
Popular culture shaping tourism
Authors: Reichenberger Ina
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relevance of popular culture in a tourism context, highlighting how it can impact the future of tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon existing research, the popularity of popular culture is discussed, and future developments are transferred to the field of tourism.

Findings

It is expected that the demand for popular culture related tourism activities and experiences will continue to increase, providing opportunities for destinations for visitor dispersal, the distribution of economic benefits across regions, and the tackling of industry-based challenges.

Originality/value

The paper draws attention to the potential of popular culture in positive and tourism development that reduces negative impacts.
Irresponsible responsible tourism; observations from nature areas in Norway
Authors: Heslinga Jasper Hessel , Hartman Stefan , Wielenga Ben
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the trend observed around irresponsible behavior by tourists in nature areas and how this may affect future policy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper illustrates the trend observed based on three major observations from Norway and links the observed trend to the micro-level to meso- and macro-trends.

Findings

As a result, it was found that due to irresponsible behavior the Norwegian allemansratten (Right to Roam) system is under pressure. Because of this, the freedom to enjoy the Norwegian nature risks to be limited by regulations.

Originality/value

The insights presented in this paper contribute to the debate on nature-based tourism, sustainable and responsible tourism and link with the debate on overtourism in the context of nature areas.
Remarkable lives: Robert Lawrence in conversation with Jerome Carson
Authors: Lawrence Robert , Carson Jerome
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to provide a profile of Robert Lawrence.

Design/methodology/approach

Robert provides a short background to his life and is then interviewed by Jerome.

Findings

Robert talks about the slow onset of his condition, his hospital admission and subsequent long journey of recovery.

Research limitations/implications

Case studies are of course only one person’s story. The world of someone experiencing psychosis is so different that we can only really understand it fully through the accounts of sufferers like Robert.

Practical implications

Robert makes a number of points about how services could be improved, such as through quicker and better treatment and a commitment to promote positive mental health.

Social implications

Robert talks about “benefits you can live off.” He notes that some governments have not fully appreciated the reality of mental suffering and its effects on trying to live a “normal” life.

Originality/value

Robert’s story has seen him embark on a long journey. He has now managed to study for a qualification which will hopefully bring him employment as a counsellor.
An examination of the relationship between careerism and organizational commitment, satisfaction, and performance
Authors: Jain Ajay K. , Sullivan Sherry
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Using psychological contract theory as its foundation, the purpose of this paper is to examine the important, but under-explored, relationship between careerism and organizational attitudes among workers in India.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 250 middle-level executives, working in six manufacturing plants of motorbike companies located in Northern India, were surveyed.

Findings

As hypothesized, careerism was found to be negatively related to affective commitment, organization satisfaction and perceived organizational performance. Contrary to expectations, however, careerism was positively related to continuance and normative commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on a cross-sectional survey. Also, because the motorbike industry is male dominated, all the executives surveyed are men.

Practical implications

Despite concerns that employees with more transactional relationships with their employers are no longer loyal to their organizations, this study demonstrates that Indian employees with a higher careerism also have higher levels of normative and continuance organizational commitment.

Originality/value

Prior research has produced conflicting results as to whether employees with more careerist, transactional psychological contracts with their employers have more negative organizational attitudes. This study contributes to research on psychological contract theory and careerism in today’s turbulent career landscape while also answering calls to examine the generalizability of western theories of careers in non-western countries.
Trusting and being trusted
Authors: Bande Belén , Fernández-Ferrín Pilar , Castro-González Sandra
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Although trust is considered a dyadic and bidirectional phenomenon, the majority of trust research has not considered it as such. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to closing this research gap by analyzing the influence of supervisor’s propensity to trust on salesperson trust in supervisor, considering the mediating role of servant leadership (SL). Additionally, the authors delve into the relationship between trust in supervisor and salesperson turnover by examining the moderating effect of perceived ethical climate (EC).

Design/methodology/approach

Information was provided by 145 salesperson–supervisor dyads from 145 companies across various industries. SEM and PROCESS procedures were used to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

The results indicate that a supervisor’s disposition to trust is positively related to employee trust in the leader via its impact on perceived SL behaviors. However and contrary to the expectations, supervisor’s propensity to trust is found to have a direct negative impact on trust in the supervisor, suggesting the presence of additional mediating variables. Finally, the trust dimension of EC moderates the negative influence of trust on salesperson turnover intentions.

Research limitations/implications

The findings highlight the practical benefits of fostering trust in the workplace and confirm the significant role of trust in the identification of servant leaders. In addition, the study shows that a supervisor’s disposition to trust can have a relevant effect on salesperson’s turnover intentions. Moreover, the results demonstrate the beneficial role of an ethical work climate.

Originality/value

This study offers insight into how to improve the retention of efficient employees and the role of trust, analyzed at a dyadic level, in this process. In addition, the findings suggest why servant leaders adopt this leadership style.
Eco‐holobiont: A new concept to identify drivers of host‐associated microorganisms
Authors: Singh Brajesh K. , Liu Hongwei , Trivedi Pankaj
Published: December 2019

Host microbiomes play a critical role in host fitness and health. Whilst the current 'holobiont' concept framework has greatly expanded eco‐evolutionary and functional understanding of host‐microbiome interactions, the important role of biotic interactions and microbial loop (compositional linkage between soil, plant and animal) in shaping host‐microbiome are poorly understood. We proposed an 'eco‐holobiont' concept to fill the knowledge gap.
Teaching assistants managing behaviour – who knows how they do it? Agency is the answer
Authors: Clarke Emma , Visser John
Published: December 2019

This article revisits a previous publication which questioned how Teaching Assistants (TAs) manage behaviour in mainstream English primary schools (Clarke and Visser, 2016). That paper highlighted the lack of specific research in the area and noted, that despite increases in research on TAs work, there remained a lack of understanding in relation to how TAs supported children’s non‐academic or ‘soft skills’. Following on from that, this article details the findings of a doctoral research project that investigated factors that constrained and supported TAs’ management of behaviour. Using the findings from that research, this article offers answers to the to the question I outlined in the previous publication ‘Teaching Assistants managing behaviour – who knows how they do it?’ (Clarke and Visser, 2016). Concepts including TAs’ understanding of their ‘place’, the impact of agency and how consistency in a range of areas influenced the agency TAs experienced in managing behaviour will be discussed.
Using video modelling to teach expected behaviours to primary students
Authors: Naylor Anthea , Spence Sarah E. , Poed Shiralee
Published: December 2019

Video Self‐Modelling (VSM) and Video Peer‐Modelling (VPM) have proved effective when teaching pro‐social behaviours to students with disability, individually and during whole‐class instruction. In Victoria, Australia, this has been achieved in specialist schools using a television programme known as meTV. This study examined the application of both the meTV model and video modelling when teaching expected behaviours in mainstream schools implementing Positive Behavioural Interventions and Supports (PBIS). The trial found that, after minimal viewings, the use of VSM and VPM, as well as the meTV model, were effective interventions for teaching pro‐social skills for all students.
Supporting siblings of children with a special educational need or disability: An evaluation of Sibs Talk, a one‐to‐one intervention delivered by staff in mainstream schools
Authors: Hayden Nikita K. , McCaffrey Monica , Fraser‐Lim Claire , Hastings Richard P.
Published: December 2019

A group often overlooked for specific supports in schools are siblings of children with a disability, special educational needs or a serious long‐term condition (SEND). In this article we review the current sibling research and identify a lack of literature on interventions, particularly within a school context. We then present a description of Sibs Talk, an example of a new school‐based intervention to support siblings. Sibs Talk is a ten‐session, one‐to‐one intervention approach for schools to complete with Key Stage 2 children who have a brother or sister with SEND. Finally, we present an initial evaluation of the effectiveness of Sibs Talk, using a pre and post evaluation format with a sample of 55 children from 11 schools. The data presented in this evaluation indicate that Sibs Talk may have contributed to positive outcomes for participating children.
Care experienced children: what can they tell us about their learning?
Authors: Horsburgh Jacqui
Published: December 2019

This article arises from an EdD thesis (Horsburgh, 2018) that sought to describe research undertaken to address a perceived gap in the literature by carrying out a detailed examination of the classroom learning of seven primary school aged, care‐experienced children. An aspect of the study was that it provided opportunities for younger care experienced children to share their views on their learning. Using individual case studies insights emerged into the support needs of a small group of care experienced children.
Explaining classroom teachers’ attitudes towards inclusive education
Authors: Saloviita Timo
Published: December 2019

Teacher attitudes have been identified as an important resource when striving towards inclusive education as defined in the Salamanca Statement (1994). This study surveyed some key factors associated with teacher attitudes towards inclusion. The participants were 1,456 classroom teachers in Finnish primary schools who were asked about their readiness to include in their classrooms a student with a specified special educational need (SEN). The results were reviewed in association with some background variables, including workload concerns, evaluation of professional skills and the opportunity to get extra support if needed. The results show that classroom teachers’ positive attitudes towards inclusion were associated with their feeling that special classes represent an inappropriate placement for students with SEN, their belief in their ability to get outside support, their reliance on their own professional skills and their lower expectations regarding additional workload.