bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blade stacking and clocking effects in two-stage high-pressure axial turbine
Authors: Touil Kaddour , Ghenaiet Adel
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to characterize the blade–row interaction and investigate the effects of axial spacing and clocking in a two-stage high-pressure axial turbine.

Design/methodology/approach

Flow simulations were performed by means of Ansys-CFX code. First, the effects of blade–row stacking on the expansion performance were investigated by considering the stage interface. Second the axial spacing and the clocking positions between successive blade–rows were varied, the flow field considering the frozen interface was solved, and the flow interaction was assessed.

Findings

The axial spacing seems affecting the turbine isentropic efficiency in both design and off-design operating conditions. Besides, there are differences in aerodynamic loading and isentropic efficiency between the maximum efficiency clocking positions where the wakes of the first-stage vanes impinge around the leading edge of the second-stage vanes, compared to the clocking position of minimum efficiency where the ingested wakes pass halfway of the second-stage vanes.

Research limitations/implications

Research implications include understanding the effects of stacking, axial spacing and clocking in axial turbine stages, improving the expansion properties by determining the adequate spacing and locating the leading edge of vanes and blades in both first and second stages with respect to the maximum efficiency clocking positions.

Practical implications

Practical implications include improving the aerodynamic design of high-pressure axial turbine stages.

Originality/value

The expansion process in a two-stage high-pressure axial turbine and the effects of blade–row spacing and clocking are elucidated thoroughly.
Talent management research in Africa: towards multilevel model and research agenda
Authors: Anlesinya Alex , Amponsah-Tawiah Kwesi , Dartey-Baah Kwasi
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to systematically review talent management research in Africa with the aim of developing a multilevel talent management model and defining future research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review is performed utilising studies published on the topic from 2008 to 2019 in various research databases.

Findings

The findings highlighted various talent management contributions and challenges in the African context. They further revealed major issues with the nature of research method adopted in talent management research in Africa. Moreover, contextually, apart from Southern Africa sub-region, talent management research is highly under-researched in the North African, West African and Eastern African sub-regions of the continent. Therefore, talent management research in Africa can be described as being at an embryonic stage.

Practical implications

Effective talent management has significant transformative and growth power through its varied positive contributions. Talent management in Africa is faced with numerous organisational and macro-level challenges and requires attention from relevant stakeholders, if African talents are to be harnessed to facilitate the development of the continent.

Originality/value

This systematic review on talent management is the first of its kind focusing solely on Africa. Also, this study contributes further evidence by proposing a multilevel talent management model based on the synthesised evidence since multilevel research in the field of talent management is very limited.
Farmer preference for swine price index insurance
Authors: Zhang Yanyuan , Hu Wuyang , Zhan Jintao , Chen Chao
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine farmer preference for swine price index insurance in China focusing on whether Chinese farmers are willing to consider purchasing swine price index insurance, the premium they would like to pay, as well as the extend of heterogeneity in their preferences.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 443 swine farmers in Jiangsu and Henan provinces is collected and analyzed. An Ordered Probit model is used to analyze farmers’ willingness to buy swine price index insurance and a Tobit model is used to analyze farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for insurance premium.

Findings

Results show that some farmers are not willing to purchase swine price index insurance. However, WTP of majority of farmers is higher than what is prescribed in the current insurance policy. Factors affecting farmers’ willingness to buy varied between two provinces. Experience in purchasing traditional swine insurance and risk perception affect farmers’ willingness to buy in Jiangsu province, while joining agricultural cooperatives, experience in purchasing traditional swine insurance and understanding of swine price index insurance affect farmers’ willingness to buy in Henan province. Farmers with non-agricultural income, longer years of swine breeding, higher degree of specialization, experience in purchasing traditional insurance, higher understanding of swine price index insurance and trust in local governments, stronger risk perception and risk preference, and not being a member of agricultural cooperatives have higher WTP.

Originality/value

Few studies have been conducted on swine price index insurance in China. Even less information, to the authors’ knowledge, is available on farmer preferences. The research provides a timely contribution to understand the Chinese swine price index insurance market from the perspectives of farmers.
Economic validity analysis of housing reverse mortgages in China
Authors: Han Wei , Jiang Yushi
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically analyze the investment and pension functions of housing reverse mortgages (HRM) with redemption option and raise the participation initiative of the Chinese elderly for the HRM model and enhance their cognition of this financial product.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the perspective of the financial decisions of the elderly, this study designs an analysis model of the economic validity of HRM, and takes Shanghai (a pilot city for HRM loans in China) as an example, using data from the Shanghai real-estate index and market interest rates from January 1998 to December 2018, as well as the contract data of HRM, for empirical analysis.

Findings

The results show that the HRM with redemption option has the characteristics of European call option and can obtain the value of implicit option from the perspective of the elderly. Considering the present value of the accumulated pension income, the present value of the redemption option and the present value of the final housing value, the elderly can obtain investment income from HRM with redemption option. Therefore, for Chinese seniors, the HRM with redemption option has economic validity.

Research limitations/implications

From the perspective of the demand of the elderly, participation in the HRM with redemption option can increase the life expectancy annuity for various pension expenditures and improve economic status while meeting the demand of inheritance motivation.

Practical implications

This study helps to clarify the financial decision-making process for elderly people who participate in HRM. On the one hand, it helps policy makers to optimize the implementation mode of HRM and promote the healthy and rapid development of HRM; on the other hand, it is conducive to raising the awareness of Chinese elderly people on this financial products and enhancing their enthusiasm for participating in HRM.

Originality/value

Few studies have directly analyzed the financial decision process of the HRM model from the perspective of the demand of the elderly. This study enriches the research viewpoint and method of HRM and accumulates data about the Chinese experience with HRM.
Hybrid nanofluid flow and heat transfer past a vertical thin needle with prescribed surface heat flux
Authors: Waini Iskandar , Ishak Anuar , Pop Ioan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the steady mixed convection hybrid nanofluid flow and heat transfer past a vertical thin needle with prescribed surface heat flux.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing partial differential equations are transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations by using a similarity transformation. The transformed equations are then solved numerically using the boundary value problem solver (bvp4c) in Matlab software. The features of the skin friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number as well as the velocity and temperature profiles for different values of the governing parameters are analyzed and discussed.

Findings

It is found that dual solutions exist for a certain range of the mixed convection parameter where its critical values decrease with the increasing of the copper (Cu) nanoparticle volume fractions and for the smaller needle size. It is also observed that the increasing of the copper (Cu) nanoparticle volume fractions and the decreasing of the needle size tend to enhance the skin friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number on the needle surface. A temporal stability analysis is performed to determine the stability of the dual solutions in the long run, and it is revealed that only one of them is stable, while the other is unstable.

Originality/value

The problem of hybrid nanofluid flow and heat transfer past a vertical thin needle with prescribed surface heat flux is the important originality of the present study where the dual solutions for the opposing flow are obtained.
A novel model of plane waves of two-temperature fiber-reinforced thermoelastic medium under the effect of gravity with three-phase-lag model
Authors: Othman Mohamed I.A. , Said Samia , Marin Marin
Published: August 2019

Purpose

In the present paper, the three-phase-lag (3PHL) model, Green-Naghdi theory without energy dissipation (G-N II) and Green-Naghdi theory with energy dissipation (G-N III) are used to study the influence of the gravity field on a two-temperature fiber-reinforced thermoelastic medium.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytical expressions for the displacement components, the force stresses, the thermodynamic temperature and the conductive temperature are obtained in the physical domain by using normal mode analysis.

Findings

The variations of the considered variables with the horizontal distance are illustrated graphically. Some comparisons of the thermo-physical quantities are shown in the figures to study the effect of the gravity, the two-temperature parameter and the reinforcement. Also, the effect of time on the physical fields is observed.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this model is a novel model of plane waves of two-temperature fiber-reinforced thermoelastic medium, and gravity plays an important role in the wave propagation of the field quantities. It explains that there are significant differences in the field quantities under the G-N II theory, the G-N III theory and the 3PHL model because of the phase-lag of temperature gradient and the phase-lag of heat flux.
Natural convection heat transfer of nanofluid inside a cavity containing rough elements using lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Mohebbi Rasul , Izadi Mohsen , Che Sidik Nor Azwadi , Najafi Gholamhassan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to study the natural convection of a nanofluid inside a cavity which contains obstacles using lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The results have focused mainly on various parameters such as number and aspect ratio of roughness elements and different nanoparticle volume fraction. The isotherms and streamlines are presented to describe the hydrodynamics and thermal behaviors of the nanofluid flow throughout the enclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of this paper consists of mathematical model, statement of the problem, nanofluid thermophysical properties, lattice Boltzmann method, LBM for fluid flow, LBM for heat transfer, numerical strategy, boundary conditions, Nusselt (Nu) number calculation, code validation and grid independence.

Findings

Natural convection heat transfers of a nanofluid inside cavities with and without rough elements have been studied. Lattice Boltzmann technique has been used as numerical approach. The results showed that at higher Rayleigh number (Ra = 106), there are denser streamlines near the left (source) and right wall (sink) which results in better cooling and enhances convective heat rejection to the heat sink. After a distinctive aspect ratio of rough elements (A = 0.1), change in streamline pattern which arises from increasing of aspect ratio does not have an important effect on isotherms. Results indicate that for lower Rayleigh number (Ra = 103), no variation in average Nu is observed with increasing in number of roughness, while for higher one (Ra = 106) average Nu decreases from N = 0 (smooth cavity) up to N = 4 and then remains constant (N = 6).

Originality/value

Currently, no argumentative and comprehensive extraction can be concluded without fully understanding the role of different arrangement of roughness. Some geometrical parameters such as aspect ratio, number and position of rough elements have been considered. Also, the effect of nanoparticle concentration was studied at different Ra number. Briefly, using LBM, this paper aims to investigate the natural convection of a nanofluid flow on the thermal and hydrodynamics parameters in the presence of rough element with various arrangements.
Analysis of dusty Casson fluid flow past a permeable stretching sheet bearing power law temperature and magnetic field
Authors: Hasnain Jafar , Abbas Zaheer , Sheikh Mariam , Aly Shaban
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to present an analysis on heat transfer attributes of fluid-particle interaction over a permeable elastic sheet. The fluid streaming on the sheet is Casson fluid (CF) with uniform distribution of dust particles.

Design/methodology/approach

The basic steady equations of the CF and dust phases are in the form of partial differential equations (PDEs) which are remodeled into ordinary ones with the aid of similarity transformations. In addition to analytical solution, numerical solution is obtained for the reduced coupled non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) to validate the results.

Findings

The solution seems to be influenced by significant physical parameters such as CF parameter, magnetic parameter, suction parameter, fluid particle interaction parameter, Prandtl number, Eckert number and number density. The impact of these parameters on flow field and temperature for both fluid and dust phases is presented in the form of graphs and discussed in detail. The effect on skin friction coefficient and heat transfer rate is also presented in tabular form. It has been observed that an increase in the CF parameter curtails the fluid velocity as well as the particle velocity however enhances the heat transfer rate at the wall. Furthermore, comparison of the numerical and analytical solution is also made and found to be in excellent agreement.

Originality/value

Although the analysis of dusty fluid flow has been widely examined, however, the present study obtained both analytical and numerical results of power law temperature distribution in dusty Casson fluid under the influence of magnetic field which are new and original for such type of flow.
Three-dimensional modelling of natural convection and entropy generation in a vertical cylinder under heterogeneous heat flux using nanofluids
Authors: Rashidi Iman , Kolsi Lioua , Ahmadi Goodarz , Mahian Omid , Wongwises Somchai , Abu-Nada E.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate a three-dimensional computational modelling of free convection of Al2O3 water-based nanofluid in a cylindrical cavity under heterogeneous heat fluxes that can be used as a thermal storage tank.

Design/methodology/approach

Effects of different heat flux boundary conditions on heat transfer and entropy generation were examined and the optimal configuration was identified. The simulation results for nanoparticle (NP) volume fractions up to 4 per cent, and Rayleigh numbers of 104, 105 and 106 were presented.

Findings

The results showed that for low Ra (104) the heat transfer and entropy generation patterns were symmetric, whereas with increasing the Rayleigh number these patterns became asymmetric and more complex. Therefore, despite the symmetric boundary conditions imposed on the periphery of the enclosure (uniform in Ɵ), it was necessary to simulate the problem as three-dimensional instead of two-dimensional. The simulation results showed that by selecting the optimal values of heat flux distribution and NP volume fraction for these systems the energy consumption can be reduced, and consequently, the energy efficiency can be ameliorated.

Originality/value

The results of the present study can be used for the design of energy devices such as thermal storage tanks, as both first and second laws of thermodynamics have been considered. Using the optimal design will reduce energy consumption.
The effect of the valence of sponsorship information on consumers’ attitudes toward the sponsor brand
Authors: Dick Christopher
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To date, research on sponsorship considers the effects of only positive or only negative sponsorship information on consumers’ attitudes toward the sponsor brand. However, in practice, sometimes mixed information (positive and negative) is available that influences consumers’ sponsor evaluations. To mirror the information situation of the real world, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how the valence of sponsorship information (only positive vs mixed vs only negative) and the strength of sponsorship information (weak vs strong) influence the consumers’ attitudes toward the sponsor brand.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses an experimental research design (n=210). Data were collected among students of a German university.

Findings

The results reveal that when the strength of information was weak, attitudes in the mixed information condition were not significantly worse than in the only positive condition and significantly better than in the only negative condition. In addition, when the strength of information was strong, attitudes in the mixed information condition were significantly worse than in the only positive condition and significantly better than in the only negative condition.

Practical implications

This study offers several practical recommendations regarding the sponsors’ evaluation of their investments and the decision to maintain or exit the sponsorship of a controversial object.

Originality/value

This study expands the research on the effects of available sponsorship information on consumers’ sponsor evaluation. The present research highlights the effects of different types of sponsorship information on consumers’ attitudes and considers the strength of information as a boundary condition of these effects.
Assessing tourism business resilience in Virginia Beach
Authors: Usher Lindsay E. , Yusuf Juita-Elena (Wie) , Covi Michelle
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the resilience of tourism businesses in a coastal city in the USA to coastal hazards and severe weather events. The researchers developed a framework for assessing the resilience of coastal tourism businesses and demonstrated the applicability of the framework using the case study of Virginia Beach.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers conducted structured, face-to-face interviews with tourism business owners and managers, using an instrument based on an assessment framework with five components: vulnerability, business planning and operations, preparation and recovery planning, communications and workforce. In total, 32 participants representing 42 businesses in the accommodations, restaurants, retail and activities sectors at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront were interviewed.

Findings

Many participants did not feel highly vulnerable due to structural mitigation efforts taken by the city. Larger businesses undertook more strategic planning, preparedness and recovery planning. All businesses had effective ways of communicating with staff and customers, and through membership in local organizations, had access to resources. While not all businesses prioritized training for employees, they recognized the importance of providing support for staff during severe weather events.

Originality/value

As one of the few studies on tourism resilience in the USA, this study highlights the variability of resilience among tourism businesses within a destination.
Entrepreneurial marketing: an analytical viewpoint on perceived quality and customer delight
Authors: Dubey Prince , Bajpai Naval , Guha Sanjay , Kulshreshtha Kushagra
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Entrepreneurial marketing is a hybrid concept of entrepreneurship and marketing defining business for future challenges. This study aims to examine the following two issues of entrepreneurial marketing concerning impact of perceived quality on customer delight: first, identifying entrepreneurial marketing factors of delight and customer perceived quality to develop the model; second, applying the aforesaid model to discriminate customer delight in categories of gender as male delight and female delight.

Design/methodology/approach

In this endeavour, the authors examined the data collected from survey of Indian mobile users. In total ten perceived quality predictor variables are used to measure customer delight. Further, for identifying the difference in male delight and female delight, discriminant analysis is used.

Findings

The conceptual and empirical vantage point of study provides a framework to entrepreneurs emphasizing on male and female customers distinctly during marketing.

Research limitations/implications

The results are used to sketch the profile of male and female customer segment, and innovative applications are discussed for business success. Though proposed approach is limited to gender, mobile users still open the avenue for researchers to work on other demographic factors and product categories.

Practical implications

The theoretical underpinnings warrant practical applications of quality dimensions in telecom market for creation of customer delight. The present gender classification of customer delight will assist the entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and product developers in developing the competitive business policy.

Social implications

The classification of male and female delight suggests the female segment of Indian telecom market is socially important and as similar to the male segment.

Originality/value

The study is a novel assessment of customer delight on gender quality perception contributing the newly explored concept of entrepreneurial marketing.
Measuring the librarians’ quality of working life in the Iranian public libraries
Authors: Kazemi Koohbanani Hamta , Zarei Atefeh , Erfani Nasrolah
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the librarians’ quality of working life (QWL) in the Iranian public libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study is an applied research in terms of purpose and an analytical survey in terms of data collection and analysis method. The Walton standard questionnaire was used as the data collection tool. The statistical population of this research consists of librarians in the Iranian public libraries. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in order to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings showed that the dimensions of organizational social integration, constitutionalism in the organization and the capacity for human development are at a good level; the dimensions of the environment opportunity for continued growth and security and safe and healthy work are at a moderate level. Finally, the dimensions of fair and adequate payment, social relevance of work life and total life space are at a weak level are shown.

Originality/value

The findings of the confirmed hypothesis indicated that the librarians at the Iranian public libraries have a desirable (high) QWL.
Management of institutional repositories (IR) in higher education perspective
Authors: Ukwoma Scholastica Chizoma , Osadebe Ngozi E. , Dim Chibuzor Livina
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the management of institutional repository (IR) in Nigerian universities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study took the form of a descriptive survey, gathering data from academics and repository mangers from 15 universities that have their IR captured on OpenDOAR.

Findings

The results showed that most academics submit their work for archiving in IR, and the types of materials submitted are mostly journal articles and conference proceedings. Contents are archived, using self-archiving and mediated submission. Some universities do not provide support and motivation towards the research works of their staff.

Practical implications

The implication of the study lies in the adoption and implementation of the framework presented in this work to ensure the growth and sustainability of IR.

Originality/value

The study is based on the findings presented a framework to guide repository managers to ensure effective management of IR.
Leader–member exchange and employee health: an exploration of explanatory mechanisms
Authors: Gregory Brian , Osmonbekov Talai
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The impact of employee health on organizations, individual employees and society as a whole is vast. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between leadership–member exchange (LMX) and employee mental and physical health. Additionally, two variables with strong empirical and theoretical ties to employee health (empowerment and stress) are explored as potential mediators.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey responses from 182 employees across two organizations were collected to measure study variables. Structural equation modeling techniques were used to analyze data and test hypotheses.

Findings

An association between LMX and employee health was found to be fully mediated by both empowerment and stress.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the literature by providing evidence of the association between leadership and both the mental and physical health of employees. This phenomenon highlights the significant impact that leaders have on subordinates both at work and in their general lives outside of the workplace. Understanding the mediating pathways through which leadership comes to impact employee health creates new knowledge regarding the manner in which constructs as disparate as leadership and employee health come to form an association.
Process porosity and mechanical performance of fused filament fabricated 316L stainless steel
Authors: Damon James , Dietrich Stefan , Gorantla Sasidhar , Popp Uwe , Okolo Brando , Schulze Volker
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the correlation between build orientation characteristics, part porosity and mechanical properties of the fused filament fabrication (FFF) process to provide insight into pore formation mechanisms and to establish guidelines for optimal process configurations.

Design/methodology/approach

Micro computed tomography and metallographic sections provide the basis for a correlation between porosity and extrusion path. Using the correlations found in this study, the way to improve printing strategies and filament properties can be deduced directly from an analysis of the print path and the final influence on mechanical performance.

Findings

With metal-FFF 3D printing technology, near-dense parts (0.5 Vol.%) can be fabricated. The pore architecture is strongly connected to the build direction and print strategy with parallel, elongated pore channels. Mechanical values of FFF samples are similar to metal injection-molded (MIM) parts, except the elongation to fracture. The high difference of yield strength of sintered samples compared to laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) samples can be attributed to the finer grains and a Hall–Petch hardening effect. The conclusions derived from this study are that the presented process is capable of producing comparable part qualities compared to MIM samples, with higher build rates in comparison to LPBF processes.

Originality/value

316L stainless steel was successfully manufactured via FFF. This paper also addresses the effects of scanning strategies on the resulting porosity and proposes improvements to reduce residual porosity, thus increasing the mechanical performance in the future.
Working toward a culture of instructional assessment
Authors: Smith Meghan Wanucha
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper describes the development of a culture of assessment in an academic library’s information literacy program offered through its Research and Instructional Services department.

Design/methodology/approach

Incorporating components from change management, adult learning and organizational authority approaches offers opportunities for those without managerial duties to encourage others to incorporate student learning assessment into their work. Over a three-year period, instruction assessment was refreshed and renewed in an information literacy program and individual sessions through workshops, new assessment techniques and reflective activities.

Findings

Approaching cultural change through small, incremental activities can be a useful method for encouraging buy-in and engagement from library workers. Efforts at one academic library resulted in increased rates of assessment in instruction sessions and self-reported willingness to use assessment techniques in the future.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is limited to the analysis and building of an assessment culture within a single academic library department.

Originality/value

Changing organizational culture is a complex undertaking, particularly for those without supervisory duties. This paper applies approaches of change leadership and assessment from existing literature to an instruction program through the lens of “coordinator syndrome.” Librarians from institutions where assessment is dispersed throughout an organization or where assessment has been seen in a negative light may find a similar incremental approach useful in their own context.
Benchmarking of European smart cities – a maturity model and web-based self-assessment tool
Authors: Warnecke Danielle , Wittstock Rikka , Teuteberg Frank
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Benchmarks provide a strategic tool for assessing the sustainability impacts of urban development. Addressing the need for practitioners to evaluate their initiatives, track progress and determine their competitive position, this paper aims to introduce the conception and implementation of a smart city maturity assessment and benchmarking tool.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a design science approach, application objectives are defined based on a review of literature and related benchmarking tools. Focusing on a subset of functions for the prototype version, these objectives are operationalized by development of a smart mobility maturity model, indicator set and survey. A two-step evaluation by means of a test run using data of five cities and expert interviews confirms the tool’s functionality.

Findings

Compliance with the defined objectives is achieved by implementation of a Web-based self-assessment tool using objective indicators. Future development iterations are to integrate additional smart city action fields.

Practical implications

Delivering a city’s maturity level, the tool enables stakeholders to measure the impact of their initiatives. Benchmarking functions for tracking progress and comparison with other projects are provided in the form of graphical analyses. Ac-tionable guidance is supplied for improving the city’s standing.

Social implications

Strategies supporting a sustainable lifestyle are crucial for smart city development, as the shaping of attractive living spaces and a reliable information and communication technology and physical infrastructure form major selling points for attracting skilled workers, businesses, tourists and citizens.

Originality/value

Enabling practitioners to self-evaluate their initiatives, providing the option to track progress and supplying guidance for improving a city’ standing, the proposed solution represents a novel form of knowledge transfer.
The cryptic regulation of diversity by functionally complementary large tropical forest herbivores
Authors: Villar Nacho , Siqueira Tadeu , Zipparro Valesca , Farah Fabiano , Schmaedecke Gabriela , Hortenci Luana , Brocardo Carlos Rodrigo , Jordano Pedro , Galetti Mauro
Published: August 2019

Tropical forests hold some of the world's most diverse communities of plants. Many populations of large‐bodied herbivores are threatened in these systems, yet their ecological functions and contribution towards the maintenance of high levels of plant diversity are poorly known. The impact of these herbivores on plant communities through antagonistic seed and seedling predation has received much attention, whilst their relevance as seed dispersal agents has been largely overlooked in experimental studies.

Here, we tested how two key and functionally distinct large generalist mammalian herbivore species (the tapir Tapirus terrestris – a solitary browser and generalist seed disperser, and the white‐lipped peccary Tayassu pecari – a group‐living generalist seed/seedling predator) affect spatiotemporal patterns of diversity of seedling communities in tropical forests. We conducted a long‐term multi‐region landscape‐scale exclusion experiment across four regions of the Atlantic forest of Brazil, representing a functional gradient of defaunation where these species were either present and absent in isolation and in combination.

Our results indicate that mammalian herbivores have a substantial role in regulating beta diversity in space and time. Seedling recruitment was strongly limited by the presence of the seed/seedling predator species (the peccary), but the presence of the browser and seed disperser (the tapir) had null net effects. Alpha diversity of seedlings at the community level did not respond to large herbivore exclusion at any region, whereas beta diversity decreased only where both herbivores were simultaneously excluded. Surprisingly, the synergic positive effect of both herbivore types on beta diversity was linked to increased evenness amongst dominant plant species, and a simultaneous decrease in alpha diversity of rare species.

Synthesis. Together, these results challenge the common perception that large tropical forest herbivores maintain tropical forest diversity through antagonistic interactions, suggesting instead a synergistic effect of antagonistic predation and mutualistic seed dispersal on regional compositional diversity and local community assembly. We suggest that the defaunation of large‐bodied herbivores with complementary functions strongly affects the structure and dynamics of plant communities through cryptic mechanisms that remain largely unexplored.
Can Vision 2020 be Far Away? Malaysia's Transformation Problems to a High‐income Economy
Authors: Fleming Daniel , Søborg Henrik
Published: August 2019

At the beginning of 1990s, the then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad set the goal that Malaysia in 2020 should become a high‐income economy and a vigorous and economically just middle class society. We are not far away from 2020. We therefore raise the question whether Malaysia is close to or far away of becoming a high‐income economy with this economic trap issue in the article. Instead, we focus on income inequality as an inroad to economy seen from an OECD country level perspective. In our examination of this question, we first discus different strands in the debate on transformation from middle‐income to high‐income economies. The debate has focused on the middle‐income trap issue especially from an economic perspective. It is an interesting and fruitful input to the transformation debate, particularly the question whether lack of industrial upgrading and deepening keeps middle‐income economies back from becoming high‐income economies. We do not deal so much with Malaysia's transformation problems. From our point of view, income inequality (high Gini coefficient) is an important but often neglected element in the mosaic to explain Malaysia's transformation problems both in a domestic and global policy perspective. We examine income inequality and transformation to a high‐income economy from different angles. We look into the business structure; income distribution compared with high‐income economies; household income distribution, consumption, lifestyle and the middle class; education and tax system as lever or barrier for reducing income inequality; old and new political coalitions as drivers for maintenance or change of income inequality. Through this analysis, we seek at the same time to highlight whether Malaysia is close to become a vigorous and economically just middle class society.
Plasma next generation sequencing and droplet digital PCR‐based detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in patients with advanced lung cancer treated with subsequent‐line osimertinib
Authors: Ding Pei N. , Becker Therese , Bray Victoria , Chua Wei , Ma Yafeng , Xu Bo , Lynch David , de Souza Paul , Roberts Tara
Published: August 2019

Background

Gene mutation analysis from plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can provide timely information regarding the mechanism of resistance that could translate to personalised treatment. We compared concordance rate of next generation sequencing (NGS) and droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) in the detection of the EGFR activating and T790M mutation from plasma ctDNA with diagnostic tissue biopsy‐based assays. The second objective was to test whether putative osimertinib resistance associated mutations were detectable from plasma using NGS.

Methods

From January 2016 to December 2017, we prospectively collected plasma samples from patients prior to commencement of second‐ or third‐line osimertinib therapy and upon disease progression, in a single tertiary hospital in South Western Sydney, Australia. Amplicon‐based NGS and ddPCR assays were used to detect activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and T790M mutations in 18 plasma samples from nine patients; all patients were required to have tissue biopsies with known EGFR status.

Results

High concordance of allelic fractions were seen in matched plasma NGS and ddPCR for activating EGFR mutations and T790M mutations (R2 = 0.92, P < 0.0001). Using tissue biopsies as reference standard, sensitivity was 100% for NGS and 94% for ddPCR. Several possible osimertinib resistance associated mutations, including PIK3CA, BRAF and TP53 mutations, were detected by NGS in samples upon progression on osimertinib therapy.

Conclusion

ddPCR assays for EGFR mutations appear to be as sensitive and highly concordant as amplicon‐based NGS. NGS has the ability to detect novel resistance mutations.
Men's lived experiences of perinatal loss: A review of the literature
Authors: Nguyen Van , Temple‐Smith Meredith , Bilardi Jade
Published: August 2019

Background

Perinatal loss is often considered an emotionally and physically traumatic event for expectant parents. While there is strong evidence of its impact on women, limited research has independently explored men's lived experiences.

Aim

This scoping review will examine current literature on the lived experiences of men whose partner has experienced a still‐birth or miscarriage.

Material and Methods

The scoping review identified relevant articles by systematically searching through four electronic databases utilising a PRISMA search strategy. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to articles. The articles’ reference lists were further scrutinised until no further articles that met the criteria were located. Fifteen articles were located including 14 qualitative studies and one non‐peer reviewed academic article. Articles were thematically analysed.

Results

The review identified three major themes that are particularly pertinent to shaping the lived experiences of men whose partner has suffered a perinatal loss: (1) pregnancy attachment and the aftermath; (2) supporting their partner and being supported; and (3) impacts upon future pregnancies.

Conclusion

Perinatal loss can have negative implications for men's psychological and social well‐being. Across the studies men had different levels of attachments to the pregnancy, influencing their emotional responses to the loss. Men perceived their primary role as being a supporter to their partners but received limited support themselves. Men often reported that their safe and trusting attitudes toward pregnancy had forever changed. Further areas of research are recommended in hopes of enhancing support for men, and consequently their partners and families, who experience perinatal loss.
Letter: elderly AIH patients—an important subgroup
Authors: Fan Xiaoli , Men Ruoting , Shen Mengyi , Yang Li
Published: August 2019

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Nicoll et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15248 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15426.
Editorial: understanding sex and gender dimorphism in chronic diseases may improve outcomes
Authors: Seow Cynthia H. , Targownik Laura E.
Published: August 2019

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Schultheiss paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15380.
Letter: moderate‐to‐severe hepatic steatosis leads to overestimation of liver stiffness measurement in chronic hepatitis B patients without significant fibrosis. Authors’ reply
Authors: Shen Feng , Fan Jian‐Gao
Published: August 2019

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Shen et al and Dong and Cai papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15298 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15410.
Letter: immune checkpoint inhibitor‐induced colitis—shouldn't we be checking more often? Authors’ reply
Authors: Wright Andrew P. , Piper Marc S. , Bishu Shrinivas , Stidham Ryan W.
Published: August 2019

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Wright et al and Samaan et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15263 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15393.
How does perceived retail service innovativeness affect retail patronage intentions?
Authors: Lin Chen‐Yu
Published: August 2019

This study aims to conceptualize the effects of perceived retailer service innovativeness (PRSI), perceived service advantage, customer emotional satisfaction, and attitudes to retail patronage intentions. The proposed model is examined by structural equation modelling (SEM) using 1,386 samples from three retail formats in Taiwan. Results suggest that PRSI can be used as a strategic tool to create competitive advantage and customer satisfaction. PRSI is a critical antecedent factor that affects store patronage intentions through material‐based and experience‐based routes. This study affirms that a retailer's ability to offer service innovations, especially free in‐store services, may not immediately increase the financial performance of firms; however, it can change a consumer's attitude towards the store by becoming a critical determinant of success of the retailing system. The research model can be utilized by other retail studies, especially in this era of increased competition when innovation has become a critical strategic tool for differentiation.
Factor endowments on the ‘frontier’: Algerian settler agriculture at the beginning of the 1900s
Authors: Maravall Laura
Published: August 2019

This article examines rural settlement in Constantine, adépartementin French Algeria, at the beginning of the 1900s. By taking into account the timing of colonial settlement for almost 100 municipalities, it shows how the changing geographical conditions and the relative quantities of land and labour shaped the colonial land policy and settler modes of production. As fertile land grew scarcer on the settlement ‘frontier’, the ability of settlers to participate in the export market was increasingly dependent on the capacity to make use of modern agricultural techniques that required larger fields and intensive labour. Thus, the outcome of rural settlement was determined by the relative abundance of indigenous labour and the adaptation of the land policy to Algeria's agricultural needs. The results demonstrate that—even within a country itself and during the settlement process—the colonial land policy and settler modes of production change significantly, depending on the region being occupied.
The dark side of individual blockholder philanthropy
Authors: Shohfi Thomas D. , White Roger M.
Published: August 2019

We examine the market reaction to charitable pledges by individual blockholders of public firms. As this philanthropy may signal a weakening preference for wealth maximization and may be indicative of distraction or relaxed monitoring, these agency costs may overwhelm any reputation benefits. We find decreased firm value and lower pay‐for‐performance sensitivity, the effects of which are most severe where monitoring needs are high, the blockholder is a director, or when the firm has ex ante high corporate social responsibility ratings. Our results are robust to controlling for prior charitable foundation involvement, busy director–blockholders, dual‐class share structures, blockholder exit, and pre‐pledge firm sentiment.
A Novel Housing Price Misalignment Indicator for Germany
Authors: Hertrich Markus
Published: August 2019

From 2014 until present, housing prices in Germany have been rising faster than consumer prices in all quarters except one, raising concerns about an excessive overheating of the housing market. To assess the vulnerability of the German housing market to a future realignment of prices or even a housing bust, this paper develops a housing price misalignment indicator that is composed of seven indicators, which are commonly associated with the fundamental value of residential property. An empirical application to the most recent data suggests that the German housing market exhibits an overvaluation of approximately 11%, where interest rate risk and a relatively advanced stage of the housing cycle are identified as the main factors fueling these imbalances, while a rather solid debt-servicing capacity mitigates these imbalances since end-2009.