bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel two-dimensional layered Cu2+ complex based on Dawson-like [H3BiW18O60]6−: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties
Authors: He Shuai , Xin Ying , Li Jiansheng , Zhu Zaiming , Zhao Peng , You Wansheng
Published: October 2018

A novel complex based on the Dawson-like [H3BiW18O60]6−, i.e. (C2H9N2)2[{Cu(C10H8N2)(C2H8N2)}2(H3BiW18O60)]·5.5H2O or (enH)2[{Cu(2,2′-bipy)(en)}2(μ4-H3BiW18O60)]·5.5H2O, (1), where enH is protonated ethane-1,2-diamine, 2,2′-bipy is 2,2′-bipyridine and en is ethane-1,2-diamine, has been synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, IR spectroscopy, powder XRD, and thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA). For (1), each [H3BiW18O60]6− anion acts as a tetradentate ligand connecting [Cu(2,2′-bipy)(en)]2+ fragments via two terminal and two bridging O atoms, forming a two-dimensional network structure. Along the a and c axes, polyoxometalate units are arranged in an AB…AB manner. The electrochemical behaviour of (1)–CPE (CPE is a carbon paste electrode) was investigated in 2 M H2SO4 solution by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The redox process of WVI/V takes place at E
1/2 = −0.58 (I–I′) and −0.37 V (II–II′), and at −0.04 V (III–III′) for CuII/0. The magnetic properties of (1) were investigated in the range 2–300 K and indicated the existence of strong antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the Cu2+ centres.
BpeB, a major resistance-nodulation-cell division transporter from Burkholderia cenocepacia: construct design, crystallization and preliminary structural analysis
Authors: Horikawa Tomonari , Hung Li-Wei , Kim Heung-Bok , Shaya David , Kim Chang-Yub , Terwilliger Thomas C. , Yamashita Eiki , Aoki Maho , Okada Ui , Murakami Satoshi
Published: October 2018

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic pathogen that infects cystic fibrosis patients, causing pneumonia and septicemia. B. cenocepacia has intrinsic antibiotic resistance against monobactams, aminoglycosides, chloramphenicol and fluoroquinolones that is contributed by a homologue of BpeB, which is a member of the resistance-nodulation-cell division (RND)-type multidrug-efflux transporters. Here, the cloning, overexpression, purification, construct design for crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of this BpeB homologue from B. cenocepacia are reported. Two truncation variants were designed to remove possible disordered regions based on comparative sequence and structural analysis to salvage the wild-type protein, which failed to crystallize. The 17-residue carboxyl-terminal truncation yielded crystals that diffracted to 3.6 Å resolution. The efflux function measured using minimal inhibitory concentration assays indicated that the truncation decreased, but did not eliminate, the efflux activity of the transporter.
Structure of 2-chloro-N-(p-tolyl)propanamide
Authors: Jones Roderick C. , Twamley Brendan
Published: October 2018

Two independent samples of the title compound, alternatively 2-chloro-N-(4-methylphenyl)propanamide, C10H12ClNO,1, were studied using CuKα,1a, and MoKα,1b, radiation as part of a continuous crystallization study. The molecule crystallizes with disorder in the Cl/terminal methyl positions [occupancies for the major disorder component of 0.783 (2) in1aand and 0.768 (2) in1b] and exhibits N—C bond lengths of 1.3448 (19), 1.344 (2) Å, C=O bond lengths of 1.2233 (18) and 1.2245 (19) Å and an acetamide moiety C—N—C—C torsion angle of 179.00 (13), 178.97 (14) ° for1aand1b, respectively. In the crystal, chains along theaaxis are formedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds between acetamide groups, as well as C—H...O interactions. These chains arrange themselves into parallel running stacks which display weak C—Cl...O=C halogen bonding as well as weak C—H...π interactions.
Discriminative bit selection hashing in RGB-D based object recognition for robot vision
Authors: Feng Lin , Liu Yang , Li Zan , Zhang Meng , Wang Feilong , Liu Shenglan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to promote the efficiency of RGB-depth (RGB-D)-based object recognition in robot vision and find discriminative binary representations for RGB-D based objects.

Design/methodology/approach

To promote the efficiency of RGB-D-based object recognition in robot vision, this paper applies hashing methods to RGB-D-based object recognition by utilizing the approximate nearest neighbors (ANN) to vote for the final result. To improve the object recognition accuracy in robot vision, an “Encoding+Selection” binary representation generation pattern is proposed. “Encoding+Selection” pattern can generate more discriminative binary representations for RGB-D-based objects. Moreover, label information is utilized to enhance the discrimination of each bit, which guarantees that the most discriminative bits can be selected.

Findings

The experiment results validate that the ANN-based voting recognition method is more efficient and effective compared to traditional recognition method in RGB-D-based object recognition for robot vision. Moreover, the effectiveness of the proposed bit selection method is also validated to be effective.

Originality/value

Hashing learning is applied to RGB-D-based object recognition, which significantly promotes the recognition efficiency for robot vision while maintaining high recognition accuracy. Besides, the “Encoding+Selection” pattern is utilized in the process of binary encoding, which effectively enhances the discrimination of binary representations for objects.
Holacracy – the future of organizing? The case of Zappos
Authors: Kumar S. Vijay , Mukherjee Subhasree
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how and when holacracy works for organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper illustrates the idea by drawing insights from the case of Zappos and Gidley’s framework of future organizations.

Findings

The paper provides a balanced view on holacracy and how it can be beneficial for organizations. The potential of holarchical structures will be fruitful only if the structure-culture fit is achieved. The paper also highlights the lessons learned from previous implementations of holacracy and concludes with possible solutions for organizations.

Practical implications

The structure-culture fit is still a pertinent question especially when organizations are growing in size. Organizations need to address the intergenerational differences and core tenets of organizational culture while adopting flat structures to promote flexibility and individualization. New ideas and ways of organizing are therefore best treated as experiments guided by strategic vision and a defined direction.

Originality/value

The paper extends the existing knowledge on holacracy by applying Gidley’s framework and providing practical insights for practitioners in implementing holacracy.
Qualitative validation of a financially affordable Islamic home financing model
Authors: Md Zabri Mohd Zaidi , Mohammed Mustafa Omar
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This study aims to validate a potential synergistic venture between cashwaqf(Islamic endowment) institutions (CWIs) and financial cooperatives (FCs) in the provision of affordable Islamic home financing (IHF) in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted semi-structured interviews with ten experts to validate the cashwaqf-financial-cooperative-mushārakah mutanāqiṣah(CWFCMM) model. Thematic analysis technique was used to analyse the verbatim texts.

Findings

The findings show that the majority of the informants have positive perceptions of the potential of the CWFCMM model to provide financially affordable IHF products in Malaysia. Nevertheless, this study sheds light on the varying degrees of latent issues and challenges that might arise in the implementation of this model. For example, FCs need to practice the correct business model, implement good governance structures and employ the right people. Meanwhile, CWIs need to work on their accountability issues by publishing their audited accounts in mainstream newspapers, much like what is being done by non-governmental organisations such as the widely recognised Malaysian Medical Relief Society (MERCY Malaysia).

Research limitations/implications

This study interviewed a small, industry-specific number of informants in generating its findings. Time and budget constraints are some of the limiting factors in carrying out the study. Because of these factors, the generalisation of the study’s findings will be limited.

Practical implications

First, the CWFCMM model offers an alternative, financially affordable IHF instrument to low- and middle-income households in Malaysia. Second, the involvement of third-sector institutions such as FCs and CWIs in the provision of IHF will reduce the burden of the government in its spending on home financing solutions for civil servants. Third, this model will harness the potential ofwaqf-based financing beyond the contemporary limited applications to mosques, graveyards andtaḥfīẓ(Qurʾan memorization) schools.

Originality/value

This study presents an alternative IHF model that transcends the current institutional framework that is heavily dominated by Islamic commercial banks and government-owned home financing institutions. The study does not focus on a single third-sector institution but on an integration of at least two of them, CWIs and FCs, in implementing the IHF model.
Empathetic British feminists at the crossroads of colonialism and self-determination
Authors: Cardone Rebecca
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore women’s resistance to the religion of civilising missions abroad through empathetic feminism.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptually, this paper explores three thematic tools for transnational activism in the interwar period: empathy for silent history, intersectionality of race and class, and empowerment through advocacy within power structures. With the theoretical backdrop of Winifred Holtby’s activism inspired by the philosophy of Mary Wollstonecraft, this research compares the political involvement of Frances Emily Newton to Blanche Elizabeth Campbell Dugdale, and how their transnational activism contributed to post-colonial self-determination and the convolution of the Palestinian–Israeli conflict in the rise of the twentieth century nation-state.

Findings

These three feminists provided alternative narratives of human rights activism during the first wave of British feminism that both enabled transnational activism and planted seeds for empowering self-determination amidst colonial mandates and rising nationalism.

Practical implications

These women worked at the dovetail of colonialism and self-determination towards the twentieth century nation-state, and as the twenty-first century evolves with greater global integration and interconnectivity, imaginative insight in the transnational context evokes greater opportunities for empathy and compassion across intersectional identities, which in effect enables the mobilisation of positionality to confront structural violence perpetuating silenced voices.

Originality/value

By contextually evaluating transnational activism in a narrative of nuanced complexities, this research exudes opportunities for propagating universal human rights while maintaining the sensitivity to post-colonial sentiment for empowerment with the support of transnational networks.
Profiling Kuwaiti female apparel consumers
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed M.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine female fashion consumer profiles in Kuwait. Drawing on symbolic interactionist, fashion adoption theory, the trickle-down theory, the collective selection theory and the mass-market theory, this study examines the influence of self-identity, social interactions and prestige consumption on Kuwait female apparel consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applies self-organizing maps (SOM), discriminant and multiple correspondence analyses to analyze the influence of self-identity, social interaction and prestige consumption on Kuwaiti female apparel consumers.

Findings

Results unveiled three distinct clusters: liberals, traditionalists and conservatives. Liberals include students, singles with a low income, less than KD 500. They are younger and wear neither Abaya nor Hijab. Traditionalists include employees, mixed between married and divorced females. They have moderate income between KD 500–1,500, two age groups between 25–30 and 31–35 years. Finally, conservatives include older females of age 36–45 years. They are housewives with a high-income of more than KD 1,500, and wear both Abaya and Hijab. Findings seem to confirm that the younger generations of females in Kuwait are by far living a different life than their mothers and grandmothers. Findings also show that culture, especially religion and traditions, is still exercising an enduring influence on Kuwaiti females purchasing behavior.

Originality/value

This study extends the existing literature dealing with female apparel consumption by applying cluster analysis to an Arab country, which makes it possible to generalize results to other Arab nations. Second, the author uses SOM along with traditional clustering methods to check the robustness of findings.
Postcolonial migrations in Russia: the racism, informality and discrimination nexus
Authors: Kuznetsova Irina , Round John
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the challenges of bringing postcolonial, racism and migration research into a meaningful dialogue. Based on the research examining migration from Central Asia into Russia, the paper analyses migration policy and the everyday experiences of migrants.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on mixed methodologies, including narrative, semi-structured and in-depth interviews with migrants from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan in Russian cities and those who returned to their country of origin (over 300 people), interviews with representatives of NGOs, state officials and journalists in 2013–2016 and an analysis of the legislation and mass-media regarding migration from Central Asia.

Findings

The paper demonstrates that experiencing racism is a part of everyday life for migrants from Central Asia living in Russia. Whether this is in interactions with the state, fear of persecution on the street by the police or in the workplace, it is a constant factor. It argues that the political and everyday xenophobia and racism demonstrates deeply rooted imperial views in Russia’s inner politics and shapes attitudes toward migrants.

Social implications

The paper contributes to broader debates on the linkages between migration and racism in Europe, in particularly questioning the positionality of migrants from “not-European” countries.

Originality/value

Mbembe’s approach to “let die” is pertinent in understanding postcolonial migration. Racism continually plays a role in “normalization” of abuse toward migrants and restrictive migration policy. Blaming “the migrant” for acting informally, draining healthcare resources and for posing a security risk provides a much-needed scapegoat for the state.
Sensorless force estimation and control of Delta robot with limited access interface
Authors: Cheng Hongtai , Jiang Hongfei
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Delta robot is a parallel robot specifically designed for high-speed pick and place tasks. However, sometimes they are asked to perform additional assembling and squeezing actions, which is beyond the capability of position-controlled Delta robots. Force sensors may be expensive and add mass to the system. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to study sensorless force control of Delta robots using limited access interface.

Design/methodology/approach

Static force analysis is performed to establish a relation between joint torques and external forces. The joint torques are observed from signals provided by motor drivers. A distributed mass model is proposed to compensate the gravity of upper arms and forearms. To minimize the effect of backlash and nonlinear frictions brought by gearboxes, model parameters are calibrated in two separated modes: “LIFTING” and “LOWERING”. Finally, a hybrid force estimation model is built to deal with both cases simultaneously. Surrogate model-based force control law is proposed to increase the force control loop rate and handle the force control problem for discrete position-controlled Delta robots.

Findings

The results show that the force estimation model is effective and mode separation can significantly improve the accuracy. The force control laws indeed stabilize the robot in desired states.

Originality/value

The proposed solution is based on position-controlled commercial Delta robot and requires no additional force sensor. It is able to extend Delta robots’ capability and meet requirements of emerging complex tasks.
Industrial part localization and grasping using a robotic arm guided by 2D monocular vision
Authors: Zheng Zhaohui , Ma Yong , Zheng Hong , Gu Yu , Lin Mingyu
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The welding areas of the workpiece must be consistent with high precision to ensure the welding success during the welding of automobile parts. The purpose of this paper is to design an automatic high-precision locating and grasping system for robotic arm guided by 2D monocular vision to meet the requirements of automatic operation and high-precision welding.

Design/methodology/approach

A nonlinear multi-parallel surface calibration method based on adaptive k-segment master curve algorithm is proposed, which improves the efficiency of the traditional single camera calibration algorithm and accuracy of calibration. At the same time, the multi-dimension feature of target based on k-mean clustering constraint is proposed to improve the robustness and precision of registration.

Findings

A method of automatic locating and grasping based on 2D monocular vision is provided for robot arm, which includes camera calibration method and target locating method.

Practical implications

The system has been integrated into the welding robot of an automobile company in China.

Originality/value

A method of automatic locating and grasping based on 2D monocular vision is proposed, which makes the robot arm have automatic grasping function, and improves the efficiency and precision of automatic grasp of robot arm.
The Pransky interview: Professor Robin R. Murphy, Co-founder of the Field of Disaster Robotics and Founder of Roboticists Without Borders
Authors: Pransky Joanne
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper is a “Q&A interview” conducted by Joanne Pransky of Industrial Robot Journal as a method to impart the combined technological, business and personal experience of a prominent, robotic industry engineer-turned successful innovator and leader regarding the challenges of bringing technological discoveries to fruition. This paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The interviewee is Dr Robin R. Murphy, Raytheon Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University; Co-lead, Emergency Informatics EDGE Innovation Network Center, Texas A&M, Director of the Humanitarian Robotics and AI Laboratory and Vice President of the Center for Robot-Assisted Search and Rescue (CRASAR) http://crasar.org. In this interview, Dr Murphy provides answers to questions regarding her pioneering experiences in rescue robotics.

Findings

As a child, Dr Murphy knew she wanted to be a mechanical engineer and obtained her BME degree from Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech). While working in industry after her BME, she fell in love with computer science and received an MS and PhD in Computer Science at Georgia Tech where she was a Rockwell International Doctoral Fellow. In the mid-1990s, while teaching at the Colorado School of Mines, she pioneered rescue robots after one of her graduate students returned from the Oklahoma City bombing and suggested that small rescue robots should be developed for future disasters. The National Science Foundation awarded Murphy and her students the first grant for search-and-rescue robots. She has since assisted in responses at more than 20 worldwide disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, the Crandall Canyon Mine collapse, the Tohoku Tsunami and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident.

Originality/value

The response to the World Trade Center attacks after September 11, 2001 by Dr Murphy’s team from the University of South Florida (the only academic institution), along with four other teams brought together by CRASAR, marked the first recorded use of a rescue robot at a disaster site. In addition to being a founder in the field of rescue robots, she is also a founder in the field of human–robot interaction and the Roboticists Without Borders. She has written over 100 publications and three books: the best-selling textbook, Introduction to AI Robotics, Disaster Robotics and Robotics-Through-Science-Fiction: Artificial Intelligence Explained Six Classic Robot Short Stories. Dr Murphy has received approximately 20 national awards and honors including: the AUVSI’s Al Aube Outstanding Contributor Award, the Eugene L. Lawler Award for Humanitarian Contributions within Computer Science and Informatics, CMU Field Robotics Institute “Pioneer in Field Robotics” and TIME Magazine, Innovators in Artificial Intelligence. She is an IEEE Fellow.
Helping auditors identify deception through psycholinguistics
Authors: Nicolaides Rebecca , Trafford Richard , Craig Russell
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper reviews an array of psycholinguistic techniques that auditors can deploy to explore written and oral language for signs of deception. The review is drawn upon to propose some elements of a forward research agenda.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant literature across several disciplines is identified through keyword searches of major bibliographic databases.

Findings

The techniques highlighted have considerable potential for use by auditors to identify audit contexts which merit closer audit investigation. However, the techniques need further contextual empirical investigation in audit contexts. Seven specific propositions are presented for empirical testing.

Originality/value

This paper assembles literature on deceptive communication from a wide range of disciplines and relates it to the audit context. Auditors’ attention is directed to potential linguistic signals of fraud risk, and opportunities for future research are suggested. The paper is consciousness-raising, has pedagogic purpose and suggests critical elements for a future research agenda.
Human aspirations or human rights?
Authors: Karle Claire
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to engender new thinking regarding the intersection between universal human rights and development, and associated programmes. This leads to three subsidiary objectives: demonstrating the mutually reinforcing relationship between human rights and development; considering the practical divide between having and exercising a right; understanding the impact of non-state actors; and emphasising the ways in which state capacity and social capabilities need to be enhanced to both transform the consideration of human rights into a meaningful development catalyst and treat development as a significant contributor to human rights endeavours.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins by exploring the historical and contemporary understanding of the relationship between development and human rights – arguing for the increasing recognition of their mutually reinforcing relationship. The second section analyses the controversy regarding the existence of genuine “universal” human rights; followed by considering whether human rights are mere aspirations or genuine rights – exposing the difficulty of monitoring, evaluating, and enforcing adherence to human rights mandates, particularly given the growth of non-state actors, such as multinational corporations (MNCs)/transnational corporations (TNCs). The paper closes with a call to strengthen social capabilities and state capacities to consolidate the union between development and human rights.

Findings

Credence is broadly given to the moral argument for including human rights within a development framework. However, the economic argument remains largely neglected and certainly under-emphasized. Human rights and development should not be viewed or pursued as separate ends in themselves – competing objectives for separate organisations or programmes – but as mutually reinforcing. Both drive the same goal: the inclusive, equitable and qualitative development of human well-being. Further, to transform human rights into meaningful development catalysts one needs to be able to “exercise” the given rights – which in turn calls for strengthening social capabilities and state capacities.

Originality/value

Unlike some previous works, this paper does not prescribe a particular remedy. Rather, accepting the intangibility of human rights and the associated large degree of subjectivity, it provokes the reader to move beyond the strictures of conventional theories and frameworks. For example, the difference between “having” and “exercising” a right – a stark feature of actual practice has frequently been omitted from theoretical discussion. Likewise, the role of non-state actors, such as MNCs and TNCs, and the way in which their power can impede or support development goals and human rights is a relatively new point of discussion demanding further exploration.
Global library marketing research
Authors: Gupta Dinesh K. , Gupta B.M. , Gupta Ritu
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quantitatively and qualitatively analyze library marketing research output using select bibliometric indicators with the aim of identifying top-performing countries, subject subthemes, organizations, authors and journals in the area.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study has examined 520 publications in library marketing, as indexed in Scopus database during 2006–2017. The study has statistically assessed processed publications and citations data into tables in order to ascertain research growth rate trends, global publication output and share, citation impact and distribution of library marketing research by country of publication, international-level collaborating country share of publication, by broad subject areas and preferred media of research communication. The study also provides bibliometric profile of top research organizations and authors in terms of their publications and citation indicators.

Findings

The body of literature in library marketing research is still very small, highly scattered and has so far registered no growth during the last 12 years, i.e. 2006–2017. Library marketing research is yet to emerge as a popular research area in library and information science. The USA dominates The library marketing research in the world, whereas other top participating countries including India, China, Japan, Canada, etc., are distant cousins. Top research institutions in the area of library marketing across the world include City University of New York, Florida State University, University of Texas at Austin, USA, Loughborough University and University of Sheffield, UK. The major focus of library marketing research was on academic libraries, followed by public libraries and medical libraries. Of late, the use of social media has emerged as an alternative to traditional library marketing techniques.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of study describing the status of library marketing research is limited to the period 2006–2017. The results of the study should interest researchers in finding solutions to formulating future library strategies and programs for achieving sustainable growth in this area of study.

Originality/value

The present study in library marketing research should be of interest to researchers in evolving, and formulating theories/best practices/and policies/programs for outreach to current and potential users for promoting library products and services.
Enhanced continuous liquid interface production with track-etched membrane
Authors: Lin Wenxiong , Liu Huagang , Huang Haizhou , Huang Jianhong , Ruan Kaiming , Lin Zixiong , Wu Hongchun , Zhang Zhi , Chen Jinming , Li Jinhui , Ge Yan , Zhong Jie , Wu Lixin , Liu Jie
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility of an enhanced continuous liquid interface production (CLIP) with a porous track-etched membrane as the oxygen-permeable window, which is prepared by irradiating polyethylene terephthalate membranes with accelerated heavy ions.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental approaches are carried out to characterize printing parameters of resins with different photo-initiator concentrations by a photo-polymerization matrix, to experimentally observe and theoretically fit the oxygen inhibition layer thickness during printing under conditions of pure oxygen and air, respectively, and to demonstrate the enhanced CLIP processes by using pure oxygen and air, respectively.

Findings

Owing to the high permeability of track-etched membrane, CLIP process is demonstrated with printing speed up to 800 mm/h in the condition of pure oxygen, which matches well with the theoretically predicted maximum printing speed at difference light expose. Making a trade-off between printing speed and surface quality, maximum printing speed of 470 mm/h is also obtained even using air. As the oxygen inhibition layer created by air is thinner than that by pure oxygen, maximum speed cannot be simply increased by intensifying the light exposure as the case with pure oxygen.

Originality/value

CLIP process is capable of building objects continuously instead of the traditional layer-by-layer manner, which enables tens of times improvement in printing speed. This work presents an enhanced CLIP process by first using a porous track-etched membrane to serve as the oxygen permeable window, in which a record printing speed up to 800 mm/h using pure oxygen is demonstrated. Owing to the high permeability of track-etched membrane, continuous process at a speed of 470 mm/h is also achieved even using air instead of pure oxygen, which is of significance for a compact robust high-speed 3D printer.
Business and political process reform: ignore or engage?
Authors: Healy Robert Lawrence , Maroulis Spiro
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, the authors elaborate on why American businesses are often willing to advocate and deploy corporate political resources for or against specific governmental policies, but largely reluctant to engage in more general political process reform. Second, the authors introduce a set of ideas encouraging a business-driven political process reform in the USA, which the authors refer to as Corporate Political Responsibility (CPR).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews existing literature on why firms generally avoid advocating for political process reform to identify several firm-level impediments to such action. As an outcome of that review, a CPR governance concept – a derivative from the corporate responsibility literature – is proposed and unpacked as a proposition that if adopted by firms would encourage and support business-driven process reform advocacy.

Findings

The primary findings are that American firms lack a rationale justifying business political activity into the political process arena; a willingness to assume a high level of political risk associated with political process intervention; and an executable corporate mechanism for doing so.

Research limitations/implications

A second stage build out of the paper would involve at a minimum multiple research interviews with corporate executives and trade association officials to test the viability of the CPR proposal as to whether or not the proposed governance statement would liberate firms to advocate political process reform. This paper sets the predicate for additional research.

Originality/value

This paper may well be the first to identify the concept of CPR as a key corporate governance proposition. It is also likely the first to conceptualize CPR as more than a theoretical rendering – it is executable. Corporations can put CPR into practice through a firm’s Board of Directors endorsing a governance statement – Corporate Political Responsibility Protocol (CPR/P) – that transforms the CPR concept into a sanctioned firm activity, giving executives significant latitude to spend corporate resources advocating political process change. This paper suggests a variety of reform possibilities – electoral, campaign finance and legislative – that could benefit from business reform advocacy.
Direct and indirect effects of nitrogen enrichment on soil organisms and carbon and nitrogen mineralization in a semi‐arid grassland
Authors: Chen Dima , Xing Wen , Lan Zhichun , Saleem Muhammad , Wu Yunqiqige , Hu Shuijin , Bai Yongfei
Published: October 2018

Semi‐arid grasslands on the Mongolian Plateau are expected to experience high inputs of anthropogenic reactive nitrogen in this century. It remains unclear, however, how soil organisms and nutrient cycling are directly affected by N enrichment (i.e., without mediation by plant input to soil) vs. indirectly affected via changes in plant‐related inputs to soils resulting from N enrichment.

To test the direct and indirect effects of N enrichment on soil organisms (bacteria, fungi and nematodes) and their associated C and N mineralization, in 2010, we designated two subplots (with plants and without plants) in every plot of a six‐level N‐enrichment experiment established in 1999 in a semi‐arid grassland.

In 2014, 4 years after subplots with and without plant were established, N enrichment had substantially altered the soil bacterial, fungal and nematode community structures due to declines in biomass or abundance whether plants had been removed or not. N enrichment also reduced the diversity of these groups (except for fungi) and the soil C mineralization rate and induced a hump‐shaped response of soil N mineralization. As expected, plant removal decreased the biomass or abundance of soil organisms and C and N mineralization rates due to declines in soil substrates or food resources.

Analyses of plant‐removal‐induced changes (ratios of without‐ to with‐plant subplots) showed that micro‐organisms and C and N mineralization rates were not enhanced as N enrichment increased but that nematodes were enhanced as N enrichment increased, indicating that the effects of plant removal on soil organisms and mineralization depended on trophic level and nutrient status.

Surprisingly, there was no statistical interaction between N enrichment and plant removal for most variables, indicating that plant‐related inputs did not qualitatively change the effects of N enrichment on soil organisms or mineralization. Structural equation modelling confirmed that changes in soil communities and mineralization rates were more affected by the direct effects of N enrichment (via soil acidification and increased N availability) than by plant‐related indirect effects. Our results provide insight into how future changes in N deposition and vegetation may modify below‐ground communities and processes in grassland ecosystems.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Intensive allochthonous inputs along the Ganges River and their effect on microbial community composition and dynamics
Authors: Zhang Si‐Yu , Tsementzi Despina , Hatt Janet K. , Bivins Aaron , Khelurkar Nikunj , Brown Joe , Tripathi Sachchida Nand , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T.
Published: October 2018

Little is known about microbial communities in the Ganges River, India and how they respond to intensive anthropogenic inputs. Here we applied shotgun metagenomics sequencing to study microbial community dynamics and function in planktonic samples collected along an approximately 700 km river transect, including urban cities and rural settings in upstream waters, before and after the monsoon rainy season. Our results showed that 11%–32% of the microbes represented terrestrial, sewage and human inputs (allochthonous). Sewage inputs significantly contributed to the higher abundance, by 13‐fold of human gut microbiome (HG) associated sequences and 2‐fold of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the Ganges relative to other riverine ecosystems in Europe, North and South America. Metagenome‐assembled genome sequences (MAGs) representing allochthonous populations were detectable and tractable across the river after 1–2 days of (downstream) transport (> 200 km apart). Only approximately 8% of these MAGs were abundant in U.S. freshwater ecosystems, revealing distinct biodiversity for the Ganges. Microbial communities in the rainy season exhibited increased alpha‐diversity and spatial heterogeneity and showed significantly weaker distance‐decay patterns compared with the dry season. These results advance our understanding of the Ganges microbial communities and how they respond to anthropogenic pollution.
Acetylated Distarch Phosphate/Chitosan Films Reinforced with Sodium Laurate‐Modified Nano‐TiO2: Effects of Sodium Laurate Concentration
Authors: Wu Yuanyuan , Li Shuai , Song Jingxin , Jiang Bingxue , Chen ShanShan , Sun Huimin , Li Xinxin
Published: October 2018

Nano‐titanium dioxide (TiO2) was modified with the surfactant sodium laurate (SL) via ultrasonic microwave‐assisted technology to improve the dispersion of TiO2 in polymer matrices. As revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy analyses, SL was well adsorbed onto the TiO2 surface through chemical bonding, resulting in SL‐modified TiO2 (TiO2‐SLx). The hydrophobicity and dispersibility of TiO2‐SLx increased significantly compared to unmodified nano‐TiO2. With an increase in the SL concentration from 5% to 15%, the agglomeration of TiO2‐SLx particles decreased considerably, while the particles were more uniform. TiO2‐SLx nanoparticles (3 wt%) were then incorporated into acetylated distarch phosphate/chitosan (ADPS/CS) blended matrices to reinforce the biopolymers. Relative to unmodified TiO2, TiO2‐SLx exhibited a better dispersion capability. Furthermore, as the SL concentration increased, the tensile strength (TS) of the composite films increased, while the elongation at break (E), water vapor permeability (WVP), and solubility all decreased. The composite film containing TiO2‐SL15 (TiO2 modified with 15% SL; ADPS/CS‐TiO2‐SL15 film) displayed the highest TS (31.50 MPa), which was 33.70% higher than that of the pure ADPS/CS film, whereas the ADPS/CS‐TiO2‐SL25 film exhibited the lowest E. Further, the ADPS/CS‐TiO2‐SL15 film displayed the lowest WVP (0.90 × 10−12 g·cm−1·s−1·Pa−1) and solubility (22.91%), which decreased by 30.23% and 26.03% compared to that of the pure ADPS/CS film, respectively. Therefore, SL modification and the use of ultrasonic microwave‐assisted technology are promising for the preparation of nanofillers for biopolymer reinforcement.

Practical Application

Nano‐titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were modified using the anionic surfactant sodium laurate via ultrasonic‐microwave assisted technology, to improve the dispersion of the TiO2 nanoparticles in polymer matrices. Modified TiO2 nanoparticles were incorporated into acetylated di‐starch phosphate/Chitosan blend films, causing the tensile strength of the composite film to increase and the water solubility and water vapor permeability of the composite film to decrease, making the films suitable for packaging applications.
Functionally impaired follicular helper T cells induce regulatory B cells and CD14+ human leukocyte antigen‐DR− cell differentiation in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Qiu Liannv , Yu Qinhua , Zhou Yonglie , Zheng Sujie , Tao Jiaojiao , Jiang Qian , Yuan Guorong
Published: October 2018

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents one of the most common and aggressive cancers worldwide, as it typically displays irreversible progression and poor prognosis. Interaction between programmed death 1 (PD‐1) and its ligand, PD‐L1, plays important roles in tumor immunology. Follicular helper T (Tfh) cells have characteristically high PD‐1 expression; thus, in the present study, we investigated the role of circulating Tfh cells and their correlation with disease‐free survival after tumor resection in NSCLC. We found significantly higher number of Tfh cells but lower serum interleukin (IL)‐21 levels in NSCLC patients, especially in those with advanced stage (III and IV), indicating that the function of Tfh cells to produce IL‐21 was impaired. Further analysis showed that the increase in Tfh cells was attributable to an expansion of the PD‐1+‐Tfh2 and PD‐1+‐Tfh17 subtypes. Functional analysis showed that Tfh cells from NSCLC patients induced the differentiation of regulatory B cells and CD14+ human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR− cells. Interestingly, the number of Tfh1 subtypes in NSCLC patients was negatively correlated with disease‐free survival after tumor resection. In short, the high number and abnormal function of Tfh cells could cause further immunosuppression and lead to tumor development in NSCLC. Rescuing Tfh functions therefore represents a potential therapeutic strategy in NSCLC.
Th17 responses to pneumococcus in blood and adenoidal cells in children
Authors: Oliver E , Pope C , Clarke E , Langton Hewer C , Ogunniyi A D , Paton J C , Mitchell T , Malley R , Finn A
Published: October 2018

Pneumococcal infections cause a large global health burden, and the search for serotype-independent vaccines continues. Existing conjugate vaccines reduce nasopharyngeal colonization by target serotypes. Such mucosal effects of novel antigens may similarly be important. CD4+ Th17 cell-dependent, antibody-independent reductions in colonization and enhanced clearance have been described in mice. Here we describe the evaluation of T helper type 17 (Th17) cytokine responses to candidate pneumococcal protein vaccine antigens in human cell culture, using adenoidal and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Optimal detection of interleukin (IL)-17A was at day 7, and of IL-22 at day 11, in these primary cell cultures. Removal of CD45RO+ memory T cells abolished these responses. Age-associated increases in magnitude of responses were evident for IL-17A, but not IL-22, in adenoidal cells. There was a strong correlation between individual IL-17A and IL-22 responses after pneumococcal antigen stimulation (P < 0·015). Intracellular cytokine staining following phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin stimulation demonstrated that > 30% CD4+ T cells positive for IL-22 express the innate markers γδT cell receptor and/or CD56, with much lower proportions for IL-17A+ cells (P < 0·001). Responses to several vaccine candidate antigens were observed but were consistently absent, particularly in blood, to PhtD (P < 0·0001), an antigen recently shown not to impact colonization in a clinical trial of a PhtD-containing conjugate vaccine in infants. The data presented and approach discussed have the potential to assist in the identification of novel vaccine antigens aimed at reducing pneumococcal carriage and transmission, thus improving the design of empirical clinical trials.
Patterns of verbal interaction and student satisfaction within a clinical setting: A video‐enhanced observational study
Authors: Field James Clark , Zhang Enda , Milke Veronika , McCance Stuart , Worts Chloe , Stone Simon James , Edwards David Christopher
Published: October 2018

Background

The increasingly competitive global higher education sector recognises the impact of teaching quality and a strong student voice. This means that student satisfaction is under increasing scrutiny; however, little is known about how clinical teachers actually teach. At present, the relationship between actual patterns of individual dental student‐clinician interaction and student satisfaction is unclear.

Aim

To investigate the relationship between patterns of verbal interaction and individual student satisfaction, during dental clinical teaching encounters.

Methods

A total of 150 patterns of verbal interactions between Stage 2 (BDS and Hygiene and Therapy, n = 86) students and clinical teaching staff were recorded within a clinical skills environment in a Dental School in the United Kingdom. Verbal interaction analysis (VIA) was used as a basis for recording full verbal interactions between students and skills teachers.

Results

The length of the encounter, the amount of praise/encouragement, the level of criticism, the number of questions asked and the proportion of student talk were significant predictors of student satisfaction. The proportions of time spent with the teacher talking, time spent in silence and time spent examining the patient or clinical work were not significant predictors of student satisfaction. Further, the degree to which the teacher lectured or gave direction was not a significant predictor of student satisfaction.

Conclusions

A number of observed behaviours correlated significantly with increased satisfaction. Praise and the acceptance of student ideas are required to offset high levels of criticism, and the encounter seems to require structure from the clinician with an emphasis on indirect influence rather than just lecturing.
γ‐Aminobutyric acid receptor alpha 1 subunit loss of function causes genetic generalized epilepsy by impairing inhibitory network neurodevelopment
Authors: Samarut Éric , Swaminathan Amrutha , Riché Raphaëlle , Liao Meijiang , Hassan‐Abdi Rahma , Renault Solène , Allard Marc , Dufour Liselotte , Cossette Patrick , Soussi‐Yanicostas Nadia , Drapeau Pierre
Published: October 2018

Objective

In humans, mutations of the γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor subunit 1 (GABRA1) cause either mild or severe generalized epilepsy. Although these epilepsy‐causing mutations have been shown to disrupt the receptor activity in vitro, their in vivo consequences on brain development and activity are not known. Here, we aim at unraveling the epileptogenesis mechanisms ofGABRA1loss of function.

Methods

We generated agabra1−/−zebrafish mutant line displaying highly penetrant epileptic seizures. We sought to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms through unbiased whole transcriptomic assay ofgabra1−/−larval brains.

Results

Interestingly, mutant fish show fully penetrant seizures at juvenile stages that accurately mimic tonic–clonic generalized seizures observed in patients. Moreover, highly penetrant seizures can be induced by light stimulation, thus providing us with the first zebrafish model in which evident epileptic seizures can be induced by nonchemical agents. Our transcriptomic assay identified misregulated genes in several pathways essential for correct brain development. More specifically, we show that the early development of the brain inhibitory network is specifically affected. Although the number of GABAergic neurons is not altered, we observed a drastic reduction in the number of inhibitory synapses and a decreased complexity of the GABAergic network. This is consistent with the disruption in expression of many genes involved in axon guidance and synapse formation.

Significance

Together with the role of GABA in neurodevelopment, our data identify a novel aspect of epileptogenesis, suggesting that the substratum of GABRA1‐deficiency epilepsy is a consequence of early brain neurodevelopmental defects, in particular at the level of inhibitory network wiring.