scholarly journals Evolutionary Geography and the Afrotropical Model of Hominin Evolution

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 17-31
Author(s):  
Robert A. Foley
Keyword(s):  
Water Distribution ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Hominin Evolution ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
General Basis ◽  
Biogeographical Variation ◽  
Time Critical ◽  
Fossil Hominin ◽  
The Impact

During the second half of the twentieth century, the evidence that Africa was central to hominin evolution became overwhelming. The earliest occurrences of most of the fossil hominin taxa and lithic technologies are to be found in Africa, and there is also strong evidence that humans are closely related to African apes, and that the genetic origins of modern humans lie in Africa. The aim of this article is to consider the possible evolutionary and ecological basis for this — why should Africa be so central? After considering biases in the record that might promote an African record, this article uses evolutionary geography – the spatial and distributional properties of the evolutionary process — to consider the factors that lead to higher rates of speciation, novelty and dispersals, as well as the way in which the African ecological context is structured and changes through time. Critical factors identified are the variable role of the Sahara, the different extent of the Afrotropical realm as climate changes, the impact of basin structure, and the effect of variable topography and surface water distribution. The key factor is biogeographic regionalisation and the shared evolutionary histories that reflect this. It is proposed that hominin evolution is globally part of the Afrotropical realm and its history, and that biogeographical variation within Africa is a key to understand the diverse nature of African hominins and their potential to disperse beyond the continent. More broadly, this article shows the importance of placing hominin evolution into a comparative and theoretical framework, particularly evolutionary geography, and proposes a more general basis for the Afrotropical Model of Hominin Evolution.

Hybrid crinoids in the fossil record (Early Mississippian, Phylum Echinodermata)

Paleobiology ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
William I. Ausich ◽  
David L. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Record ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Parent Species ◽  
Probable Explanation ◽  
South Central ◽  
Most Probable Explanation ◽  
The Impact

Potential hybrid fossil crinoids, Eretmocrinus magnificus x Eretmocrinus praegravis, are identified from the Lower Mississippian Fort Payne Formation of south-central Kentucky. These are the first fossil hybrid crinoids identified, and one of very few examples of hybrids recognized in the fossil record. Eretmocrinus magnificus x E. praegravis specimens have shapes and calyx plate sculpturing that are morphologically intermediate between well-defined, distinct parent species. Suspected hybrids occur at localities where parent species co-occur and where the parent species are the most abundant; the hybrids occur at what may have been the distributional margins of the parent species; and the mixture of characters on suspected hybrids seems to be morphogenetically partitioned. Parent species are derived from separate lineages within Eretmocrinus, and hybridization is the most probable explanation for these morphologically intermediate specimens. This example highlights the need to consider hybridization as a potential interpretation of intermediate morphologies among fossils and raises questions concerning the impact of hybridization for our interpretation of the fossil record and the role of hybridization in the evolutionary process.

Enhancing radical innovation performance through intellectual capital components

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 789-806 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Agostini ◽  
Anna Nosella
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Radical Innovation ◽  
Innovation Performance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Ic Testing ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose In today’s knowledge economy the ability to innovate and develop new products is a key factor to sustain firm performance. Within this context, analysing the role of different components of intellectual capital (IC) becomes of foremost importance, as well as an under-investigated issue for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of human, organisational and relational capital (RC) on radical innovation performance (RIP), as well as to examine whether organisational capital (OC) and RC mediate the relationship between human capital (HC) and RIP and whether OC moderates the relationship between RC and RIP. Design/methodology/approach The methodology consisted of a factor analysis and different regression models to test for mediation and moderation. The analyses are carried out on a sample of 150 micro firms and SMEs involved in the production of machinery or instruments and located in Italy. Findings Results show that HC is directly associated to RIP, as well as OC and RC that totally mediate the relationship between HC and RIP. Moreover, OC positively moderates the relationship between RC and RIP. Originality/value This study is particularly interesting because it adopts an overarching perspective on IC testing the interplay between the different components of IC. In addition, it focusses on the SME context which is under-investigated as far as IC and performance measurement is concerned.

scholarly journals Internal R&D and Acquisition Performance of Chinese Pharmaceutical Firms: Moderation Effect of Acquisition Motive and Corporate Ownership

Processes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Yue ◽  
Xing Hua ◽  
Jianyuan Li
Keyword(s):  
Path Dependence ◽  
Corporate Ownership ◽  
Acquisition Performance ◽  
Moderation Effect ◽  
Pharmaceutical Firms ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

Although corporate capability has been recognized as a key factor affecting corporate acquisition performance, the role of R&D capability in acquisition performance has not been fully explained. The aim of this paper was to research the impact of internal R&D on acquisition performance according to a sample of 215 acquisitions of Chinese listed pharmaceutical companies from 2012 to 2016. First, it was found that R&D has a significant negative effect on acquisition performance. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the acquisition motive and the ownership of the acquiring firm have a moderating effect on the relationship between R&D and acquisition performance. Compared to non-technical acquisitions, the negative effect of internal R&D on acquisition performance was reduced for technical acquisitions. Compared with non-state-owned-enterprise acquisition, the negative effect of internal R&D on the acquisition performance of state-owned enterprises was weakened. Our study enriches the research of the path dependence theory on the acquisition performance of enterprises and also the interpretation of acquisition performance on the basis of internal and external innovation and the institutional theory.

scholarly journals Altruism born of suffering among emerging adults in Northern Ireland

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 157-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura K. Taylor ◽  
Jeffrey R. Hanna
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Group Identities ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Perceived Harm ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore altruism born of suffering (ABS), a theory that explains how the experience of suffering within one’s own life may result in the motivation to help others, even outgroup members. Design/methodology/approach Participants were 186 emerging adults (63 per cent female, 37 per cent male; 69 per cent Protestant, 41 per cent Catholic; average age =21.3, SD=2.57 years old) in Northern Ireland, a setting of protracted intergroup conflict. Participants were randomly assigned to an in/outgroup condition, read four types of adversity that occurred to same-sex victim(s), and indicated their empathetic response and how much they would like to help the victims. Findings Moderated mediation analyses revealed that empathy for the victim partially mediated the impact of perceived harm on desire to help; moreover, recent negative life events strengthened the link between harm and empathy. The path between empathy and helping was stronger in the outgroup compared to the ingroup condition. Practical implications These findings support ABS, highlighting empathy as a key factor underlying more constructive intergroup relations in a divided society. Originality/value This paper extends previous research on ABS by focusing on a post-accord context. The value of the current analyses demonstrate the important role of fostering empathy to promote outgroup helping in settings of divisive group identities.

scholarly journals In the name of the father? Fertility, religion and child naming in the demographic transition

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dylan Connor
Keyword(s):  
Married Couples ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Fertility Rate ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Fertility Rates ◽  
Religious Influences ◽  
High Fertility Rate ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Impact

This article shows that parents reveal information about their fertility behavior through how they name their children. I arrive at this finding from detailed examination of the net fertility of 130,000 married couples in Ireland circa 1910, a country known for its historically high fertility rate. After stringently accounting for the occupation, religion and location of couples, I find higher fertility rates among couples who chose distinctly Catholic names and traditional names for their children, with the latter being particularly important. Exposure to towns and cities lowered net fertility and weakened preferences for traditional and Catholic names. Cumulatively, these findings highlight the role of traditional rural norms over explicitly religious influences in driving high fertility rates in Ireland. The impact of towns and cities in reducing net fertility suggests that Ireland’s sluggish urbanization was a key factor in its high historical fertility rate.

Developing Strategic Leadership in the Indian Context

2018 ◽  
pp. 224-235
Author(s):  
Minisha Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Leadership Style ◽  
Strategic Leadership ◽  
Positive Wave ◽  
Organizational Creativity ◽  
Competitive Edge ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Strategic Leaders ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Creativity And Innovation

With intense competition, it has become quite challenging for organizations to continuously create and innovate. Since leadership has been identified as an effective key factor in attaining sustainable competitive edge, there remains a lack of research to assess the role of leadership most likely to cause creativity and innovation. This chapter tries to conceptualize the impact of developing strategic leadership in Indian organizations. This has a significant impact on organizational creativity and innovation. Firms facing recession need to develop their leaders as strategic leaders who can generate a positive wave in the organization, provide direction to employees, generate genuine interest among employees to learn and grow. Strategic leaders develop commitment among employees by providing a vision and goal to them. They think strategically and frame policies as per employees' needs and expectations. This study demonstrates the impact of strategic leadership style to generate creativity and innovation among their subordinates.

Oceanic Influence on Seasonal Malaria Incidence in West Africa.

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Early Warning Systems ◽  
Sst Variability ◽  
Air Temperatures ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Malaria Model ◽  
Sst Anomalies

Abstract Climate variability is a key factor in driving malaria outbreaks. As shown in previous studies, climate-driven malaria modeling provides a better understanding of malaria transmission dynamics, generating malaria-related parameters validated as a reliable benchmark to assess the impact of climate on malaria. In this framework, the present study uses climate observations and reanalysis products to evaluate the predictability of malaria incidence in West Africa. Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are shown as a skillful predictor of malaria incidence, which is derived from climate-driven simulations with the Liverpool Malaria Model (LMM). Using the S4CAST tool, we find robust modes of anomalous SST variability associated with skillful predictability of malaria incidence Accordingly, significant SST anomalies in the tropical Pacific and Atlantic Ocean basins are related to a significant response of malaria incidence over West Africa. For the Mediterranean Sea, warm (cold) SST anomalies are responsible for increased (decreased) surface air temperatures and precipitation over West Africa, resulting in higher (lower) malaria incidence. Our results put forward the key role of SST variability as a source of predictability of malaria incidence, being of paramount interest to decision-makers who plan public health measures against malaria in West Africa. Accordingly, SST anomalies could be used operationally to forecast malaria risk over West Africa for early warning systems.

scholarly journals The Role of Collaborative Action Research in Teachers’ Professional Development

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Yicely Castro Garces ◽  
Liliana Martinez Granada
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Collaborative Action Research ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
Collaborative Action ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Teachers Professional Development ◽  
English Program ◽  
The Impact

<p><span>Teachers’ professional development is a key factor to have more reflective educators capable of working on teams to find solutions to problems that arise in their classrooms. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact that the collaborative planning, implementation, and evaluation of classroom projects, developed through collaborative action research, have in the professional development of in-service and pre-service teachers in a BA in English program. This is a qualitative research study focused on collaborative action research. Data were collected through journals, surveys, and meeting proceedings of collaborative sessions. As a result, it was possible to describe the processes and dynamics generated, as well as the changes perceived, which contributed to the professional development of the participants.</span></p>

scholarly journals Role of institutional quality in economic development: A case study of Asian countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 357-369
Author(s):  
Oanh Kim Thi Tran ◽  
Hac Dinh Le ◽  
Anh Hong Viet Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Trade Openness ◽  
Institutional Quality ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Asian Countries ◽  
Regression Methods ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Impact

The paper investigates the impact of institutional quality on economic growth by taking 48 countries in Asia between 2005 and 2018. By using the quantile regression methods with panel data, institutional quality is found to be a key factor of economic development. However, in the lower-income Asian countries, the institution with better quality appears to promote the growth more effectively than in the higher-income ones. Moreover, the paper also finds out a nonlinear relationship between institutions and economic growth. The results show that there is an institutional threshold for economic growth to reach its highest level. If the institution indicator exceeds the threshold, it causes the reverse effect on the growth. Moreover, the economic growth of Asian countries is also affected by inflation (INF), labor force (LABO), trade openness (OPEN), and infrastructure (TELE). From that, the study suggests some policy implications for Asian countries and Vietnam, in particular, in order to improve institutions contributing to economic growth.

scholarly journals In the Name of the Father? Fertility, Religion, and Child Naming in the Demographic Transition

Demography ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (5) ◽  
pp. 1793-1815
Author(s):  
Dylan Shane Connor
Keyword(s):  
Married Couples ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Fertility Rate ◽  
High Fertility ◽  
Fertility Rates ◽  
Religious Influences ◽  
High Fertility Rate ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This article shows that parents reveal information about their fertility behavior through how they name their children. I arrive at this finding from a detailed examination of the net fertility of 130,000 married couples in Ireland, a country known for its historically high fertility rate, circa 1911. After stringently accounting for couples' occupation, religion, and location, I find higher fertility rates among couples who chose distinctly Catholic names and traditional names for their children, with the latter being particularly important. Exposure to towns and cities lowered net fertility and weakened preferences for traditional and Catholic names. Cumulatively, these findings highlight the role of traditional rural norms over explicitly religious influences in driving high fertility rates in Ireland. The impact of towns and cities in reducing net fertility suggests that Ireland's sluggish urbanization was a key factor in its high historical fertility rate.

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