bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Migration enclave and downward economic growth in Africa
Authors: Afridi Muhammad Asim , Tahir Muhammad , Sayal Aziz Ullah , Naseem Imran 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe African region has experienced relatively lower economic growth and higher outflow of migration over the years. The purpose of this research paper, therefore, is to focus on the African region to investigate whether or not there is any link between the poor economic growth and rising outflow of migration.Design/methodology/approachEmpirical data spanning from 1990 to 2015 are collected from reliable sources for 41 countries belonging to the African region. Appropriate estimating methodology that controls for unobserved heterogeneity both across time and across countries, and endogeneity is employed.FindingsThe results revealed that the migration has adversely influenced the economic growth of the African region as a whole. The splitting of sample into male and female migration also reflected the fact that the unsatisfied economic growth of the African region could be explained by the ever rising migration level. Other determinants such as employment and growth of physical capital have helped the region in the growth journey. Human capital has not played a vital role in economic growth as it is adversely affected by migration. Further, the study found support for the positive impact of moderate inflation on economic growth. The obtained results are robust to alternative methodologies and hence would be beneficial for policymakers.Originality/valueThe present study provides for the first time comprehensive empirical evidence on the relationship between migration and economic growth by focusing on Africa. Therefore, this study would be of prime importance for policymakers.
Clusters of key barriers to life cycle assessment adoption in the South African construction industry: perspectives of stakeholders
Authors: Kwofie Titus Ebenezer , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
The South African Construction Industry (SACI) in recent times has been characterized by a strong emphasis towards achieving sustainable building practices in infrastructural delivery. However, the lack of progress encountered in making gains in achieving sustainable practices has raised concerns over the effectiveness and understanding of the extent to which life cycle assessment (LCA) techniques may aid in meeting requirements of sustainable construction. Most efforts at LCA have been blighted with numerous barriers that have not been rigorously pursued and aggregated. Ironically, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the limitations and barriers to these methodologies, especially in the South African context. The purpose of this study is to delineate the cluster of barriers to the adoption of LCA methodologies in the SACI.

Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was carried out from a deductive research design elicit primary data based on the experience of purposively sampled stakeholders in LCA in the SACI on the extent they perceived the presence of well-established barriers in LCA adoption culled from the extensive literature review.

Findings
Through the use of factor analysis, three aggregated clusters of key barriers to LCA adoption in the SACI were identified, which were knowledge and enabling conditions constraints, cost and time constraints and technical constraints. The results confirm that indeed human and technical barriers have been notable in limiting gains in LCA adoption and achieving sustainable practices.

Originality/value
These findings are, thus, useful in overcoming challenges to LCA methodologies in achieving sustainable building practices in building and infrastructural delivery in SACI.
Social media analysis of consumer opinion on apparel supply chain transparency
Authors: Modi Dipali , Zhao Li 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThis study aims to use social network analysis to (1) investigate public opinions on social media regarding apparel supply chain transparency and (2) identify key themes and the major communities discussing apparel supply chain transparency.Design/methodology/approachData mining-based social network analysis was used to investigate the pattern of discussions regarding apparel supply chain transparency on Twitter and Instagram.FindingsBoth Instagram and Twitter networks exhibited high interest in environmental, working condition and community support in apparel supply chain as explained by the moral responsibility framework of corporate sustainability despite the intended theme of the campaign to promote transparency in terms of working conditions specifically. However, some inconsistencies were found regarding the importance of these communities in the network, suggesting that while survey methods hold significance in measuring user intension, the reaction-based user-generated data on social media can be useful to measure users' true behavior. Also, while Twitter network was dominated by knowledge-based messages, the Instagram network had emotion-driven messages.Originality/valueBy conducting this study, the authors will not only contribute to the existing literature of social media usage in the apparel industry but will also provide a foundation for the use of social network analysis to analyze user-generated data on social media, as this method is fairly new in the textile and apparel industry-related research. The authors also wish to help businesses and policy makers identify specific actionable areas where they are lagging and hence further improve their overall performance.
Fundraising campaigns via social media platforms for mitigating the impacts of the COVID-19 epidemic
Authors: Bin-Nashwan Saeed Awadh , Al-Daihani Meshari 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
The rapid outbreak of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has triggered unprecedented restrictions on not only human movement but also a wide sphere of economic activities, disrupting livelihood, welfare and business worldwide. In response, some Muslim communities have launched fundraising campaigns to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of the virus on the front-liners and the most affected segments of vulnerable populations. The purpose of this study is to explore the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of donors to these campaigns who contribute via social media platforms (SMPs).

Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a cross-sectional research design using an online survey conducted in a typical Muslim community such as Kuwait. A total of 565 samples of data (356 women, 209 men) were used for analysis. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling was used to estimate the research model and extract meaningful conclusions.

Findings
The results show that charitable projects, internet technology features, SMP features and religiosity are significant motivations that influence attitudes toward online donations related to COVID-19 response. All these relationships are indirectly related to intentions to donate via SMP through a significant mediating effect of attitude.

Practical implications
The outcome of this study could support the efforts of governments, non-profit organizations and communities to focus attention on suitable proactive strategies to boost online fundraising campaigns for those affected by epidemic diseases.

Originality/value
This study enriches the literature by integrating both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of online donations into a new and unique related context such as SMP, especially amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Burning the buffer: New Zealand's budgetary response to COVID-19
Authors: Ball Ian 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe New Zealand Government has progressively strengthened its balance sheet position since the mid-1990s, other than for the four years immediately following the global financial crisis and the Canterbury earthquakes. This paper describes the nature and the forecast and actual fiscal impacts of the COVID-19 response, and identifies the transparency mechanisms which reveal these impacts. It also expresses a viewpoint on the implications of the COVID-19 response for the future resilience of the Government's fiscal position.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws on the suite of official budgetary documents to demonstrate both the transparency of the disclosures on the COVID-19 impact and the substance of the forecast and actual fiscal impacts.FindingsThe paper reveals the change in the long-term fiscal aspirations of the New Zealand Government from one of achieving and maintaining a significant net worth buffer, to one which accommodates in the long-term a markedly smaller buffer and lower level of net worth.Originality/valueThe public financial management system in New Zealand is notable for its transparency. The Government's response to the pandemic is used to illustrate the nature and extent of that transparency.
Information literacy competence in curtailing fake news about the COVID-19 pandemic among undergraduates in Nigeria
Authors: Igbinovia Magnus Osahon , Okuonghae Omorodion , Adebayo John Oluwaseye 
Published: November 2020

PurposeThe continuous spread of the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has generated public health concern with avalanche of information accompanied by series of fake news. Thus, this study examined the effect of Information Literacy Competency (ILC) in curtailing the spread of fake news among Library and Information Science (LIS) undergraduates in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachSurvey research design of the descriptive type was used to generate data from a group of LIS undergraduates online. The population of the study consisted of 138 LIS undergraduate students who participated in the survey (thus,n= 138). The data retrieved was subjected to descriptive analysis.FindingsThe study revealed that the students had high level of ILC (x ¯ = 3.42), and there was low prevalence level of COVID-19 pandemic fake news (x ¯ = 2.35) among them. The major causes of COVID-19 fake news were too much information in circulation concerning COVID-19 (x ¯ = 3.44) and the resultant inability to discern or spot fake news from verified and authentic news (x ¯ = 3.28). The study also revealed that ILC had a significant effect in curtailing the spread of COVID-19 fake news with a grand mean of 3.28 against the criterion mean of 2.5. It is implied that LIS undergraduates are educationally position to acquire ILC which is crucial to their identification of fake news and helps to curtail its spread.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited in its use of online group for data elicitation within a limited period of three weeks. Also, in its adoption of self-evaluation scale to measure ILC instead of standard information literacy test. Also, the high chances of social desirability bias in sections C and E serve as a limitation to the study.Practical implicationsThe study reinforces the need to enhance structures that flags fake news on social media platforms and integrating IL into schools’ curriculum at all levels.Originality/valueThis study seeks to pioneer a new area of focus on the relevance of ILC to different global issues that concern the health and well-being.
An investigation on mechanical random vibration fatigue damage of solder joints in electronic systems
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhang Fangfang , Huang Qixiang , Salmani Mohammad 
Published: November 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a method with capability of short-time implementation.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper was directed using both experimental tests and simulations to propose a comprehensive method for lifetime estimation of the solder joints.

Findings
A new method with good agreement with experimental tests has been proposed.

Originality/value
It is confirmed that paper is original.
The effects of coding intensity in Medicare Advantage on plan benefits and finances
Authors: Jacobs Paul D. , Kronick Richard 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo assess how beneficiary premiums, expected out‐of‐pocket costs, and plan finances in the Medicare Advantage (MA) market are related to coding intensity.Data Sources/Study SettingMA plan characteristics and administrative records from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the sample of beneficiaries enrolled in both MA and Part D between 2008 and 2015. Medicare claims and drug utilization data for Traditional Medicare (TM) beneficiaries were used to calibrate an independent measure of health risk.Study DesignCoding intensity was measured by comparing the CMS risk score for each MA contract with a contract level risk score developed using prescription drug data. We conducted regressions of plan outcomes, estimating the relationship between outcomes and coding intensity. To develop prescription drug scores, we assigned therapeutic classes to beneficiaries based on their prescription drug utilization. We then regressed nondrug spending for TM beneficiaries in 2015 on demographic and therapeutic class identifiers for 2014 and used the coefficients to predict relative risk.Principal FindingsWe found that, for each $1 increase in potential revenue resulting from coding intensity, MA plan bid submissions declined by $0.10 to $0.19, and another $0.21 to $0.45 went toward reducing plans’ medical loss ratios, an indication of higher profitability. We found only a small impact on beneficiary's projected out‐of‐pocket costs in a plan, which serves as a measure of the generosity of plan benefits, and a $0.11 to $0.16 reduction in premiums. As expected, coding intensity's effect on bids was substantially larger in counties with higher levels of MA competition than in less competitive counties.ConclusionsWhile coding intensity increases taxpayers’ costs of the MA program, enrollees and plans both benefit but with larger gains for plans. The adoption of policies to more completely adjust for coding intensity would likely affect both beneficiaries and plan profits.
Network analysis and functional estimation of the microbiome reveal the effects of cashew nut shell liquid feeding on methanogen behaviour in the rumen
Authors: Maeda Koki , Nguyen Van Thu , Suzuki Tomoyuki , Yamada Keita , Kudo Kushi , Hikita Chie , Le Van Phong , Nguyen Minh Chon , Yoshida Naohiro 
Published: November 2020

SummaryThe effects of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) feeding on the methane (CH4) emission and the ruminal microbiome of Lai Sind beef cattle were investigated. Changes in the methane production and rumen microbiome by CNSL feeding were monitored by a respiration chamber and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing respectively. The results demonstrated that CNSL feeding mitigated 20.2%–23.4% of the CH4 emission in vivo without apparent adverse effects on feed intake and feed digestibility. The rumen fluid analysis revealed a significant increase in the proportion of propionate in the total short‐chain fatty acids. The relative abundance of methanogen (order Methanobacteriales) decreased significantly, indicating the direct inhibitory effect of CNSL on methanogens. The predicted function of the rumen microbiome indicated that carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms including propionate production were upregulated by CNSL feeding, whereas CH4 metabolism was downregulated. A network analysis revealed that methanogen changed its partner bacteria after CNSL feeding. The δ13C of CH4 ranged from −74.2‰ to −66.6‰ with significant fluctuation by CNSL feeding, in agreement with the shift of the rumen microbiome. Our findings demonstrate that CNSL feeding can mitigate the CH4 emission from local cattle production systems in South‐East Asia by modifying the rumen microbiome and its function.
A Code of Conduct for Responsible Geoengineering Research
Authors: Hubert Anna‐Maria 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article explores the potential contribution of the development of a code of conduct to serve as a near‐term governance instrument to guide the responsible conduct of geoengineering research. This idea is grounded in the observation that geoengineering research and development processes are emerging within a polycentric governance landscape. A key feature of such systems is the recognition of an overarching system of rules which, inter alia, set out the key objectives to be achieved. To this end, the article presents the results of a multi‐year, transdisciplinary study that seeks to identify and describe salient legal concepts, norms, and processes relevant to the geoengineering research governance, and discusses how the interpretation and application of these may be promoted through the adoption of a flexible, voluntary instrument promulgated by various state and non‐state actors operating at different levels.
The role of senescent T cells in immunopathology
Authors: Covre Luciana P. , De Maeyer Roel P. H. , Gomes Daniel C. O. , Akbar Arne N. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe development of senescence in tissues of different organs and in the immune system are usually investigated independently of each other although during ageing, senescence in both cellular systems develop concurrently. Senescent T cells are highly inflammatory and secrete cytotoxic mediators and express natural killer cells receptors (NKR) that bypass their antigen specificity. Instead they recognize stress ligands that are induced by inflammation or infection of different cell types in tissues. In this article we discuss data on T cell senescence, how it is regulated and evidence for novel functional attributes of senescent T cells. We discuss an interactive loop between senescent T cells and senescent non‐lymphoid cells and conclude that in situations of intense inflammation, senescent cells may damage healthy tissue. While the example for immunopathology induced by senescent cells that we highlight is cutaneous leishmaniasis, this situation of organ damage may apply to other infections, including COVID‐19 and also rheumatoid arthritis, where ageing, inflammation and senescent cells are all part of the same equation.
Evaluation of a safe medication strategy intervention for people with dementia with an unplanned admission: Results from the Safe Medication Strategy Dementia Study
Authors: Kable Ashley , Hullick Carolyn , Palazzi Kerrin , Oldmeadow Christopher , Searles Andrew , Ling Rod , Pond Dimity , Fullerton Anne , Fraser Samantha , Bruce Remia , Murdoch Wendy , Attia John 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate whether a safe medication strategy compared with usual care, provided to people with dementia during an unplanned admission, reduces readmissions to hospital and re‐presentation to emergency departments within three months.MethodsA prospective, controlled pre‐/post‐trial conducted at two regional hospitals in New South Wales, Australia.ResultsNo treatment effect was seen for time to first re‐presentation or readmission within three months (P = .3). Compliance with six strategies applicable for all participants in the intervention phase was 58%. There was no treatment effect for secondary outcomes including dose administration aid use, home medicines review (HMR) requests by general practitioners and completed HMRs; however, they were significantly higher at the intervention site in both phases.ConclusionA bundle of care to improve medication safety in people with dementia did not reduce re‐presentations or readmissions within three months.
Political Scandal: A Theory
Authors: Dziuda Wioletta , Howell William G. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe study a model that characterizes the conditions under which past misbehavior becomes the subject of present scandal, with consequences for both the implicated politician and the parties that work with him. In the model, both authentic and fake scandals arise endogenously within a political framework involving two parties that trade off benefits of continued collaboration with a suspect politician against the possibility of reputational fallout. Rising polarization between the two parties, we show, increases the likelihood of scandal while decreasing its informational value. Scandals that are triggered by only the opposing party, we also find, are reputationally damaging to both parties and, in some instances, reputationally enhancing to the politician. The model also reveals that jurisdictions with lots of scandals are not necessarily beset by more misbehavior. Under well‐defined conditions, in fact, scandals can be a sign of political piety.
The ecological significance of time sense in animals
Authors: Ng Leslie , Garcia Jair E. , Dyer Adrian G. , Stuart‐Fox Devi 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTTime is a fundamental dimension of all biological events and it is often assumed that animals have the capacity to track the duration of experienced events (known as interval timing). Animals can potentially use temporal information as a cue during foraging, communication, predator avoidance, or navigation. Interval timing has been traditionally investigated in controlled laboratory conditions but its ecological relevance in natural environments remains unclear. While animals may time events in artificial and highly controlled conditions, they may not necessarily use temporal information in natural environments where they have access to other cues that may have more relevance than temporal information. Herein we critically evaluate the ecological contexts where interval timing has been suggested to provide adaptive value for animals. We further discuss attributes of interval timing that are rarely considered in controlled laboratory studies. Finally, we encourage consideration of ecological relevance when designing future interval‐timing studies and propose future directions for such experiments.
Adjacent and Non‐Adjacent Word Contexts Both Predict Age of Acquisition of English Words: A Distributional Corpus Analysis of Child‐Directed Speech
Authors: Chang Lucas M. , Deák Gedeon O. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractChildren show a remarkable degree of consistency in learning some words earlier than others. What patterns of word usage predict variations among words in age of acquisition? We use distributional analysis of a naturalistic corpus of child‐directed speech to create quantitative features representing natural variability in word contexts. We evaluate two sets of features: One set is generated from the distribution of words into frames defined by the two adjacent words. These features primarily encode syntactic aspects of word usage. The other set is generated from non‐adjacent co‐occurrences between words. These features encode complementary thematic aspects of word usage. Regression models using these distributional features to predict age of acquisition of 656 early‐acquired English words indicate that both types of features improve predictions over simpler models based on frequency and appearance in salient or simple utterance contexts. Syntactic features were stronger predictors of children's production than comprehension, whereas thematic features were stronger predictors of comprehension. Overall, earlier acquisition was predicted by features representing frames that select for nouns and verbs, and by thematic content related to food and face‐to‐face play topics; later acquisition was predicted by features representing frames that select for pronouns and question words, and by content related to narratives and object play.