bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fashion entrepreneurial self-efficacy: development and validation of a domain-specific scale
Authors: Lang Chunmin , Liu Chuanlan
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to develop a multidimensional measurement of fashion domain entrepreneurial self-efficacy (FDESE) based on which fashion entrepreneurs will be able to better develop strategies to gain and sustain success in their business development. The research is crucial to advocate fashion entrepreneurship and will provide direction for fashion business incubation services.

Design/methodology/approach

This research included three stages with mixed qualitative and quantitative approaches: conceptualizing construct definition and specifying domain(s) to generate initial items, scale purification and scale validation. This study started with reviewing the literature and individual interviews among 19 fashion entrepreneurs, which generated 72 initial items. An online survey was then conducted with individuals who are running or have the intention to run fashion businesses, yielding 249 useable samples for scale purification, which generated 21 items for the validation phase. Lastly, another online survey was administered to individuals who are currently running fashion businesses which resulted in 258 valid responses included for scale validation.

Findings

A measure of FDESE that is both reliable and valid was developed, including 21 items across four distinct dimensions: passion for fashion business (five items), marketing and branding (seven items), financial management (five items) and creativity (four items).

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt to develop practical scales measuring self-efficacy that focus on fashion domain entrepreneurship. The newly developed FDESE scale indicates that entrepreneurship not only involves marketing skills, financial knowledge, creativity, leadership, and proactivity but also requires passion and persistence.
Enterprise agility – its meaning, managerial expectations and barriers to implementation – a survey of three countries
Authors: Zakrzewska Małgorzata , Jarosz Szymon , Piwowar-Sulej Katarzyna , Sołtysik Mariusz
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The aim of the article is to define the way of understanding of agile in enterprises, to verify the factors limiting agility implementation, as well as to understand what the expectations of enterprise management towards agile implementation are.

Design/methodology/approach

The article uses both literature studies and empirical research. The research was conducted in 2019 in 152 companies located in Luxemburg, Croatia and Poland, which have implemented an agile approach to management.

Findings

In most of the surveyed organisations, agile is understood as a methodology for creating projects or applications. The most common barriers to implementing agile in the surveyed enterprises are culture too deeply rooted in traditional methodologies and the lack of funds to introduce transformations. Growth in productivity and competitiveness and reducing delivery time stand out among the most common expectations of the management of the surveyed enterprises.

Originality/value

The article is in line with the idea of analysing the key factors of a successful agile implementation, which can be a guideline for an enterprise to manage the adoption of agility. The article utilises original research tools, provides comparisons between countries and presents implications for practitioners and researchers.
Resource type and SME alliance formation: the contingent role of perceived environmental uncertainty
Authors: Prabhudesai Rohit , Pangarkar Nitin , Prasad Ch.V.V.S.N.V.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The aim of the study was to determine how the different types of resources possessed by a small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME), in conjunction with the environmental uncertainty perceived by the SME's managers, affect SME's alliance formation.

Design/methodology/approach

Personal interview method was used to collect responses to a survey instrument from Indian SMEs. Logistic regression technique was used to analyze the responses obtained from 127 manufacturing enterprises.

Findings

The study finds that while both tangible and intangible resources possessed by an enterprise positively influence the enterprise's alliance formation, the influence of intangible resources is significantly stronger. The authors also observed the interactive effect between each resource type and environmental uncertainty to be a significant predictor of alliance formation.

Research limitations/implications

The study does not account for temporal effects such as changes in resources and perceived environmental uncertainty, which may affect alliance formation. Similarly, because the data were obtained from a geographically restricted sample, replication of the study in other geographies may be necessary for generalizing the results.

Originality/value

The paper responds to the call for research to link firm resources and perceived environmental uncertainty toward explaining alliance formation by SMEs. The study went beyond making a distinction between the two types of resources by explicating how the interaction of resource type and environmental uncertainty will affect alliance formation.
Timed reading activity for developing EFL students' reading skills in mixed-ability classes
Authors: Hazaea Abduljalil Nasr , Almekhlafy Sultan Saleh Ahmed
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Students of mixed-ability learning together in one class is a challenge for all educators, especially in English as foreign language (EFL) contexts. Timed reading activity (TRA) is an activity that can help educators address the learning needs of students in such a context. The present study investigated the effectiveness of the TRA in enhancing EFL students' reading rate and reading comprehension as well as in making them aware of potentially wrong reading strategies that they may be using.

Design/methodology/approach

A classroom intervention was designed for a group of preparatory year (PY) students at a Saudi university. The study sample consisted of one intact class of 29 students. Data were collected from pre- and post-tests of students' reading rate and reading comprehension as well as progress charts. In addition, a questionnaire was used to identify the reading strategies used by the students.

Findings

The results showed that the TRA generally enhanced the reading comprehension and the reading rate of EFL mixed-ability students as well as raised their awareness of their use of wrong fast reading strategies.

Originality/value

The results of the study support the use of TRA as a remedial reading activity in EFL mixed-ability classes.
Biodiversity maintains soil multifunctionality and soil organic carbon in novel urban ecosystems
Authors: Schittko Conrad , Onandia Gabriela , Bernard‐Verdier Maud , Heger Tina , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Kowarik Ingo , Maaß Stefanie , Joshi Jasmin
Published: February 2022

Biodiversity in urban ecosystems has the potential to increase ecosystem functions and support a suite of services valued by society, including services provided by soils. Specifically, the sequestration of carbon in soils has often been advocated as a solution to mitigate the steady increase in CO2 concentration in the atmosphere as a key driver of climate change. However, urban ecosystems are also characterized by an often high level of ecological novelty due to profound human‐mediated changes, such as the presence of high numbers of non‐native species, impervious surfaces or other disturbances. Yet it is poorly understood whether and how biodiversity affects ecosystem functioning and services of urban soils under these novel conditions.

In this study, we assessed the influence of above‐ and below‐ground diversity, as well as urbanization and plant invasions, on multifunctionality and organic carbon stocks of soils in non‐manipulated grasslands along an urbanization gradient in Berlin, Germany. We focused on plant diversity (measured as species richness and functional trait diversity) and, in addition, on soil organism diversity as a potential mediator for the relationship of plant species diversity and ecosystem functioning.

Our results showed positive effects of plant diversity on soil multifunctionality and soil organic carbon stocks along the entire gradient. Structural equation models revealed that plant diversity enhanced soil multifunctionality and soil organic carbon by increasing the diversity of below‐ground organisms. These positive effects of plant diversity on soil multifunctionality and soil fauna were not restricted to native plant species only, but were also exerted by non‐native species, although to a lesser degree.

Synthesis. We conclude that enhancing diversity in plants and soil fauna of urban grasslands can increase the multifunctionality of urban soils and also add to their often underestimated but very valuable role in mitigating effects of climate change.
Assessing the potential of amino acid δ13C and δ15N analysis in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Besser Alexi C. , Elliott Smith Emma A. , Newsome Seth D.
Published: February 2022

Understanding the structure and dynamics of food webs requires accurate estimates of energy flow among organisms. Bulk tissue carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope analysis is often used to this end; however, the limitations of this technique can outweigh the benefits. The isotope analysis of individual amino acids is being increasingly employed to trace energy flow and estimate consumer trophic level. Central to this compound‐specific approach are the concepts of essential amino acid (AAESS) δ13C fingerprinting and amino acid (AA) δ15N β‐values, both of which have been understudied and are poorly constrained in terrestrial and freshwater producers.

We present AAESS δ13C data for 112 terrestrial and freshwater producers collected from two aridland habitats in the northern Chihuahuan Desert (New Mexico, USA) and AA δ15N data for a subset (n = 28) of these samples. We characterized AAESS δ13C fingerprints by performing linear discriminant analysis on the δ13C values of isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine and valine for four producer groups—C3 plants, C4 plants, CAM plants and filamentous green algae. We explored potential biochemical mechanisms underlying these AAESS δ13C fingerprints by calculating differences between the δ13C values of AAESS products and their AA precursors. This allowed us to estimate and compare isotopic discrimination for specific AAESS synthesis pathways across producer groups.

We found a near‐perfect separation of AAESS δ13C fingerprints among producer groups; all groups reclassified with >95% success within our multivariate framework. We also found varied isotopic discrimination for specific AAESS synthesis pathways among producer groups. Contrary to previous studies, we found no differences in β‐values between terrestrial C3 and C4 plants for any trophic‐source AA pairing. Furthermore, we found that Lys δ15N values were less variable and more closely related to bulk tissue δ15N values than Phe δ15N values in terrestrial and freshwater producers.

Synthesis. We conclude that AAESS δ13C fingerprints are a higher resolution tracer for freshwater food webs, where instream algae have overlapping bulk tissue δ13C values with terrestrial C3 plants. Additionally, βGlx‐Lys and βPro‐Lys are the best for AA δ15N‐based consumer trophic‐level estimates in freshwater food webs containing both terrestrial and aquatic resources.
The role of pathogen‐mediated insect superabundance in the East African emergence of a plant virus
Authors: Donnelly Ruairí , Gilligan Christopher A.
Published: February 2022

One of the major crops for food security is cassava. Superabundant Bemisia tabaci whitefly, comprising unusually high landscape populations of the insect, have been implicated in cassava virus emergence. Studies have been unable to select from several hypotheses, however, as to the dynamic drivers of superabundant whitefly associated with the emergence in East Africa of severe cassava mosaic disease. One possibility is that pathogenic modification of infected plants can itself increase the growth of insect vector colonies on infected plants.

Through the modelling of population processes at the landscape scale we introduce a framework for analysing patterns in the association of disease and insect waves.

Our analyses demonstrate the role of pathogen‐mediated insect superabundance in a plant disease invasion.

Synthesis. An elevated abundance of insects at the landscape scale is frequently implicated in invasions of the plant pathogens that they carry. We advance ecological understanding of plant disease invasions by showing how landscape data can be used to investigate the causes of insect vector superabundance.
Sensory descriptors for pulses and pulse‐derived ingredients: Toward a standardized lexicon and sensory wheel
Authors: Chigwedere Claire M. , Wanasundara Janitha P. D. , Shand Phyllis J.
Published: February 2022

The organoleptic quality of pulses and their derived ingredients is fundamental in human utilization and evolution of food. However, the widespread use of pulses is hindered by their inherent sensorial aspects, which are regarded as atypical by the consumers who are unfamiliar to them. In most studies involving sensory assessment of pulses and pulse‐ingredients using classical descriptive analysis methods, assessors establish their own lexica. This review is a synthesis of descriptive terms by which sensations emanating from pea, chickpea, lentil, faba bean, dry bean, bambara groundnut, lupin, pigeon pea and cowpea, and their derived ingredients have been described in the literature. Studies involving sensory assessment of processed whole seeds, slurries of raw flour, slurries of protein extracted from raw flour, and food products containing components of pulses were considered. The terms are categorized into those denoting basic taste, aroma, flavor, and trigeminal sensations. Bitterness is the most widely perceived basic taste. Beany, which is broad and complex with subcharacter notes, is predominantly used to describe aroma and flavor. The frequency of use of the collated terms in the reviewed studies was used to establish a sensory wheel. Inconsistency in the use of descriptive terms in the literature necessitates establishment of a standard lexicon that can be applied in both classical and increasingly popular rapid descriptive methods (e.g., check‐all‐that‐apply) throughout the pulse value chain. This review is timely considering the dominance of pulses in plant‐based foods and their increasing appeal to the food industry.
Machine learning‐based modeling in food processing applications: State of the art
Authors: Khan Md. Imran H. , Sablani Shyam S. , Nayak Richi , Gu Yuantong
Published: February 2022

Food processing is a complex, multifaceted problem that requires substantial human interaction to optimize the various process parameters to minimize energy consumption and ensure better‐quality products. The development of a machine learning (ML)‐based approach to food processing applications is an exciting and innovative idea for optimizing process parameters and process kinetics to reduce energy consumption, processing time, and ensure better‐quality products; however, developing such a novel approach requires significant scientific effort. This paper presents and evaluates ML‐based approaches to various food processing operations such as drying, frying, baking, canning, extrusion, encapsulation, and fermentation to predict process kinetics. A step‐by‐step procedure to develop an ML‐based model and its practical implementation is presented. The key challenges of neural network training and testing algorithms and their limitations are discussed to assist readers in selecting algorithms for solving problems specific to food processing. In addition, this paper presents the potential and challenges of applying ML‐based techniques to hybrid food processing operations. The potential of physics‐informed ML modeling techniques for food processing applications and their strategies is also discussed. It is expected that the potential information of this paper will be valuable in advancing the ML‐based technology for food processing applications.
Hangings in Newfoundland and Labrador: A 40‐year retrospective analysis of medical examiner data
Authors: Komar Debra , Denic Nebojsa , Marsh Bryan , Rumbolt Niki
Published: February 2022

A comprehensive review of medical examiner data was undertaken of all hanging deaths in the Canadian Maritime province of Newfoundland and Labrador from 1982 to 2021. A total of 811 cases were identified representing suicidal, accidental, and undetermined manners of death. Variables examined included age; sex; seasonality; ligature type; location; time since death; prior attempts/suicidal ideation; presence/absence of a suicide note; and presence/absence of alcohol and drugs. Data subsets were generated, and additional analysis was conducted for hangings involving females; suicidal hangings occurring in the region of Labrador; and those who hanged themselves outdoors. Results indicate that females are choosing to kill themselves by hanging in rapidly increasing numbers. Outdoor suicides by hanging were more common in Newfoundland and Labrador (22.1%) than previously reported in Alberta (11.5%), Texas (5%), and Turkey (12–13%). Unique trends in seasonality were revealed, as were repeated incidents of suicidal clusters. The age distribution was skewed strongly toward youths (10 to 22 years of age), particularly in Labrador. Although Labrador represents only 5% of the total provincial population, it produced 20.1% of the total suicidal hangings in the study. The suicide rate in Canada has decreased by 24% over the past 40 years, yet the rates of suicidal hangings nationally and in Newfoundland and Labrador have increased during the same time period. With a better understanding of the circumstances under which people commit suicide by hanging within the province, it may be possible to target at‐risk groups to prevent future cases.
Impact of chemical modification by immersion with malic acid on the physicochemical properties and resistant starch formation in rice
Authors: Kim Ha Ram , Jeong Gyeong A. , Bae Ji‐Eun , Hong Jung Sun , Choi Hee‐Don , Lee Chang Joo
Published: February 2022

The effects of immersion time on the physicochemical properties and resistant starch (RS) formation of malic acid‐treated rice were investigated. Malic acid treatment decreased the frequency of cracks within the rice kernel. The color (lightness) was significantly affected by the immersion time, reflecting the browning of rice. The degree of substitution gradually increased with the immersion time and reached a plateau after 12 h, and the intensity of the C=O bond peak detected in the Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy showed a similar trend. However, the crystallinity of rice decreased as the immersion time increased, which was confirmed by the X‐ray diffraction and thermal transition properties. A gradual increase in RS was observed as the immersion time and DS increased, ranging from 44.5% to 73.3%, reaching a maximum after 12 h of immersion. Therefore, 12 h was determined to be the optimal immersion time for maximizing RS content. This information about the structural characteristics and heat‐stable properties of malic acid‐treated rice in starch digestion can be used to develop a low‐digestible food ingredient and lead to further application of the study.

Practical Application

This study reported the preparation and physicochemical properties of malic acid‐treated resistant starch with different immersion times. This information could contribute to the structural characterization of resistant starch and the development of low‐calorie processed rice products.
Improving neuromuscular monitoring and reducing residual neuromuscular blockade via e‐learning: A multicentre interrupted time‐series study (INVERT study)
Authors: Thomsen Jakob Louis Demant , Mathiesen Ole , Hägi‐Pedersen Daniel , Skovgaard Lene T. , Østergaard Doris , Gätke Mona R. ,   the INVERT collaborator group
Published: February 2022

Background

Neuromuscular monitoring should be applied routinely to avoid residual neuromuscular block. However, anaesthetists often refrain from applying it, even when the equipment is available. We aimed to increase neuromuscular monitoring in six Danish anaesthesia departments via e‐learning.

Methods

Interrupted time series study, with baseline data from a previous study and prospective data collection after implementation of the module, which was available for 2 weeks from 21 November 2016. We included all patients receiving general anaesthesia with muscle relaxants until 30 April 2017. Main outcome was application of acceleromyography, grouped as succinylcholine only and non‐depolarising relaxants. Secondary outcomes were last recorded train‐of‐four ratio (non‐depolarising) relaxants and score on a ten‐question pre‐ and post‐course multiple‐choice test.

Results

The post‐intervention data consisted of 6525 cases (3099 (48%) succinylcholine only, 3426 (52%) non‐depolarising relaxants). Analysing all departments, we found a positive pre‐intervention trend in application of acceleromyography for both groups, of estimated 7.5% and 4.8% per year, respectively (p < .001). The monitoring rate increased significantly for succinylcholine in two departments post‐intervention (p = .045 and .010), and for non‐depolarising relaxants in one department (p = .041), but followed by a negative trend of −37.0% per year (p = .041). The rate was already close to 90% at the time of the intervention and the mean last recorded train‐of‐four ratio was 0.97 (SD 0.21), also without a significant change. The median score on the post‐course test increased from 7 (IQR 5–8) to 9 (IQR 8–10) (p < .001, Wilcoxon Signed‐Ranks Test).

Conclusion

We found no overall effect of the e‐learning module on application of neuromuscular monitoring, although the post‐course test indicated an effect on anaesthetists’ knowledge in this field.

Trial registration

Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT02925143. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02925143
Impact of the 2020 New Zealand COVID‐19 lockdown on participants in a community‐based, peer‐led fall prevention program
Authors: Smith Jim , Whittington Finn , Ackermann Charlotte , Clarke Regan , Hoten‐Walker Georgia , Kubba Yezen , Low Chin , Partridge Karina , Wang Chris , Dockerty John D. , Robertson Linda , Hale Leigh , Waters Debra L.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To explore the impacts of the 2020 New Zealand COVID‐19 lockdown on peer‐led Steady as You Go (SAYGO) fall prevention exercise classes and members, and to develop recommendations for mitigating impacts during future lockdowns.

Methods

Semi‐structured phone interviews were conducted with 20 SAYGO program participants and managers following the first COVID‐19 lockdown in New Zealand. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the General Inductive Approach.

Results

Participants were between 67 and 88 years of age, predominantly female (90%) and NZ European (80%), with one participant identifying as NZ Māori. Three themes were constructed from the analysis: Personal Function and Well‐Being, Class Functioning and Logistics, and Future Strategies for Classes During Prospective Lockdowns. Participants used a range of strategies to stay connected with each other and continue the SAYGO exercises at home. Most participants and peer‐leaders reported that they maintained physical function during lockdown, although some had feelings of psychological distress and social isolation. Contact systems and resource distribution varied substantially between groups. Classes resumed post‐lockdown with only minor modifications and slightly decreased attendance.

Conclusions

Overall, members of this peer‐led model of fall prevention classes demonstrated resilience during the COVID‐19 lockdown, despite some challenges. We propose three recommendations to address the challenges of maintaining existing peer‐led exercise classes in the context of prospective lockdowns: (1) develop a comprehensive contact detail register and plans for each group; (2) delivery of modified exercise classes remotely over lockdown; and (3) implementation of a nationwide IT education and resource program for older adults.
Activation of succinate receptor 1 boosts human mast cell reactivity and allergic bronchoconstriction
Authors: Tang Xiao , Rönnberg Elin , Säfholm Jesper , Thulasingam Madhuranayaki , Trauelsen Mette , Schwartz Thue W. , Wheelock Craig E. , Dahlén Sven‐Erik , Nilsson Gunnar , Haeggström Jesper Z.
Published: February 2022

Background

SUCNR1 is a sensor of extracellular succinate, a Krebs cycle intermediate generated in excess during oxidative stress and has been linked to metabolic regulation and inflammation. While mast cells express SUCNR1, its role in mast cell reactivity and allergic conditions such as asthma remains to be elucidated.

Methods

Cord blood‐derived mast cells and human mast cell line LAD‐2 challenged by SUCNR1 ligands were analyzed for the activation and mediator release. Effects on mast cell‐dependent bronchoconstriction were assessed in guinea pig trachea and isolated human small bronchi challenged with antigen and anti‐IgE, respectively.

Results

SUCNR1 is abundantly expressed on human mast cells. Challenge with succinate, or the synthetic non‐metabolite agonist cis‐epoxysuccinate, renders mast cells hypersensitive to IgE‐dependent activation, resulting in augmented degranulation and histamine release, de novo biosynthesis of eicosanoids and cytokine secretion. The succinate‐potentiated mast cell reactivity was attenuated by SUCNR1 knockdown and selective SUCNR1 antagonists and could be tuned by pharmacologically targeting protein kinase C and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase. Both succinate and cis‐epoxysuccinate dose‐dependently potentiated antigen‐induced contraction in a mast cell‐dependent guinea pig airway model, associated with increased generation of cysteinyl‐leukotrienes and histamine in trachea. Similarly, cis‐epoxysuccinate aggravated IgE‐receptor‐induced contraction of human bronchi, which was blocked by SUCNR1 antagonism.

Conclusion

SUCNR1 amplifies IgE‐receptor‐induced mast cell activation and allergic bronchoconstriction, suggesting a role for this pathway in aggravation of allergic asthma, thus linking metabolic perturbations to mast cell‐dependent inflammation.
Indigenous enterprise on customary lands: Diverse economies of surplus
Authors: Vunibola Suliasi , Steven Hennah , Scobie Matthew
Published: February 2022

This study examines Indigenous Fijian and Papua New Guinean enterprises on customary land. It explores the duality of merging Indigenous and Western principles of entrepreneurship and the ability to balance business and socio‐cultural imperatives. A qualitative, ethnographic‐case study approach is deployed, withtalanoa/tok storiused to collect empirical materials. Two interrelated themes emerged from the study: The need for Indigenous enterprise models to contribute to a more holistic conception of well‐being, and as a result, the requirement to rethink how surplus is distributed beyond mainstream shareholder ownership models. This study reveals a more nuanced approach to distributing surplus based on Indigenous conceptions of kinship. The specific theoretical contribution of this study is an Indigenous conception of surplus distribution that offers a challenge to traditional shareholder models.
Does metformin affect outcomes in COVID‐19 patients with new or pre‐existing diabetes mellitus? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ganesh Adithan , Randall Michael D.
Published: February 2022

Aims

The COVID‐19 pandemic is a global public health emergency and patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are disproportionately affected, exhibiting more severe outcomes. Recent studies have shown that metformin is associated with improved outcomes in patients with COVID‐19 and DM and may be a potential candidate for drug repurposing. We aimed to investigate the effects of metformin on outcomes in patients with COVID‐19 and DM.

Methods

Databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Clinicaltrials.gov and Cochrane library) were searched up to 10 April 2021 for studies reporting data on metformin use in COVID‐19 patients with DM. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Certainty of evidence was rated using the GRADE approach. The primary outcome was mortality reported as odds ratio (OR). A random‐effects meta‐analysis was carried out on both unadjusted and adjusted ORs. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020221842.

Results

In total, 2 916 231 patients from 32 cohort studies were included in the quantitative and qualitative synthesis. The meta‐analysis showed that metformin was significantly associated with lower mortality in COVID‐19 patients with DM in both unadjusted (OR 0.61 [95% confidence interval: 0.53–0.71], P < .00001, I2 = 70%) and adjusted (OR 0.78 [95% confidence interval: 0.69–0.88], P < .00001, I2 = 67%) models.

Conclusion

Poor outcomes in COVID‐19 patients with DM can be attributed to inadequate glycaemic control and weakened immune responses. Metformin has multiple effects that can improve outcomes in patients with DM and our findings highlight a possible role of its use. However, robust randomised trials are needed to thoroughly assess its use.
The dynamics of working hours and wages under implicit contracts
Authors: Guerrazzi Marco , Giribone Pier Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we explore the dynamics of working hours and wages in a model economy where a firm and its workforce are linked to each other by an implicit contract. Specifically, we develop a deterministic and a stochastic framework in which the firm sets its level of labor utilization by considering that workers' earnings tend to adjust in the direction of a fixed level. Without any uncertainty about firm's profitability, we show that the existence and the properties of stationary solutions rely on the factors that usually determine the enforceability of contracts and we demonstrate that wages move countercyclically towards the allocation preferred by the firm. Moreover, we show that adding uncertainty does not overturn the countercyclical pattern of wages but is helpful in explaining their dynamic behavior in response to demand shocks as well as their typical stickiness observed at the macrolevel.
A stochastic model for estimating sustainable limits to wildlife mortality in a changing world
Authors: Manlik Oliver , Lacy Robert C. , Sherwin William B. , Finn Hugh , Loneragan Neil R. , Allen Simon J.
Published: February 2022

Human‐caused mortality of wildlife is a pervasive threat to biodiversity. Assessing the population‐level impact of fisheries bycatch and other human‐caused mortality of wildlife has typically relied upon deterministic methods. However, population declines are often accelerated by stochastic factors that are not accounted for in such conventional methods. Building on the widely applied potential biological removal (PBR) equation, we devised a new population modeling approach for estimating sustainable limits to human‐caused mortality and applied it in a case study of bottlenose dolphins affected by capture in an Australian demersal otter trawl fishery. Our approach, termed sustainable anthropogenic mortality in stochastic environments (SAMSE), incorporates environmental and demographic stochasticity, including the dependency of offspring on their mothers. The SAMSE limit is the maximum number of individuals that can be removed without causing negative stochastic population growth. We calculated a PBR of 16.2 dolphins per year based on the best abundance estimate available. In contrast, the SAMSE model indicated that only 2.3–8.0 dolphins could be removed annually without causing a population decline in a stochastic environment. These results suggest that reported bycatch rates are unsustainable in the long term, unless reproductive rates are consistently higher than average. The difference between the deterministic PBR calculation and the SAMSE limits showed that deterministic approaches may underestimate the true impact of human‐caused mortality of wildlife. This highlights the importance of integrating stochasticity when evaluating the impact of bycatch or other human‐caused mortality on wildlife, such as hunting, lethal control measures, and wind turbine collisions. Although population viability analysis (PVA) has been used to evaluate the impact of human‐caused mortality, SAMSE represents a novel PVA framework that incorporates stochasticity for estimating acceptable levels of human‐caused mortality. It offers a broadly applicable, stochastic addition to the demographic toolbox to evaluate the impact of human‐caused mortality on wildlife.
Quantifying the probability of detection of wild ungulates with the Judas technique
Authors: Ramsey David S. L. , Campbell Karl J. , Lavoie Christian , Macdonald Norm , Morrison Scott A.
Published: February 2022

The Judas technique is often used in control or eradication of particular vertebrate pests. The technique exploits the tendency of individuals to form social groups. A radio collar is affixed to an individual and its subsequent monitoring facilitates the detection of other conspecifics. Efficacy of this technique would be improved if managers could estimate the probability that a Judas individual would detect conspecifics. To calculate this probability, we estimated association rates of Judas individuals with other Judas individuals, given the length of time the Judas has been deployed. We developed a simple model of space‐use for individual Judas animals and constrained detection probabilities to those specific areas. We then combined estimates for individual Judas animals to infer the probability that a wild individual could be detected in an area of interest via Judas surveillance. We illustrated the method by using data from a feral goat eradication program on Isla Santiago, Galápagos, and a feral pig eradication program on Santa Cruz Island, California. Association probabilities declined as the proximity between individual areas of use of a Judas pair decreased. Unconditional probabilities of detection within individual areas of use averaged 0.09 per month for feral pigs and 0.11 per month for feral goats. Probabilities that eradication had been achieved, given no detections of wild conspecifics, and an uninformative prior probability of eradication were 0.79 (90% CI 0.22–0.99) for feral goats and 0.87 (90% CI 0.44–1.0) for feral pigs. We envisage several additions to the analyses used that could improve estimates of Judas detection probability. Analyses such as these can help managers increase the efficacy of eradication efforts, leading to more effective effects to restore native biodiversity.
Predicting Definite and Indefinite Referents During Discourse Comprehension: Evidence from Event‐Related Potentials
Authors: Carter Georgia‐Ann , Nieuwland Mante S.
Published: February 2022

Linguistic predictions may be generated from and evaluated against a representation of events and referents described in the discourse. Compatible with this idea, recent work shows that predictions about novel noun phrases include their definiteness. In the current follow‐up study, we ask whether people engage similar prediction‐related processes for definite and indefinite referents. This question is relevant for linguistic theories that imply a processing difference between definite and indefinite noun phrases, typically because definiteness is thought to require a uniquely identifiable referent in the discourse. We addressed this question in an event‐related potential (ERP) study (N = 48) with preregistration of data acquisition, preprocessing, and Bayesian analysis. Participants read Dutch mini‐stories with a definite or indefinite novel noun phrase (e.g., “het/een huis,” the/a house), wherein (in)definiteness of the article was either expected or unexpected and the noun was always strongly expected. Unexpected articles elicited enhanced N400s, but unexpectedly indefinite articles also elicited a positive ERP effect at frontal channels compared to expectedly indefinite articles. We tentatively link this effect to an antiuniqueness violation, which may force people to introduce a new referent over and above the already anticipated one. Interestingly, expectedly definite nouns elicited larger N400s than unexpectedly definite nouns (replicating a previous surprising finding) and indefinite nouns. Although the exact nature of these noun effects remains unknown, expectedly definite nouns may have triggered the strongest semantic activation because they alone refer to specific and concrete referents. In sum, results from both the articles and nouns clearly demonstrate that definiteness marking has a rapid effect on processing, counter to recent claims regarding definiteness processing.
What Children with Developmental Language Disorder Teach Us About Cross‐Situational Word Learning
Authors: McGregor Karla K. , Smolak Erin , Jones Michelle , Oleson Jacob , Eden Nichole , Arbisi‐Kelm Timothy , Pomper Ronald
Published: February 2022

Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) served as a test case for determining the role of extant vocabulary knowledge, endogenous attention, and phonological working memory abilities in cross‐situational word learning. First‐graders (Mage = 7 years; 3 months), 44 with typical development (TD) and 28 with DLD, completed a cross‐situational word‐learning task comprised six cycles, followed by retention tests and independent assessments of attention, memory, and vocabulary. Children with DLD scored lower than those with TD on all measures of learning and retention, a performance gap that emerged in the first cycle of the cross‐situational protocol and that we attribute to weaknesses in initial encoding. Over cycles, children with DLD learned words at a similar rate as their TD peers but they were less flexible in their strategy use, demonstrating a propose‐but‐verify approach but never a statistical aggregation approach. Also, they drew upon different mechanisms to support their learning. Attention played a greater role for the children with DLD, whereas extant vocabulary size played a greater role for the children with TD. Children navigate the problem space of cross‐situational learning via varied routes. This conclusion is offered as motivation for theorists to capture all learners, not just the most typical ones.
Childhood Experience Reduces Gender Differences in Spatial Abilities: A Cross‐Cultural Study
Authors: Schug Mariah G. , Barhorst‐Cates Erica , Stefanucci Jeanine , Creem‐Regehr Sarah , Olsen Anna P. L. , Cashdan Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

Spatial experience in childhood is a factor in the development of spatial abilities. In this study, we assessed whether American and Faroese participants’ (N = 246, Mage = 19.31 years, 151 females) early spatial experience and adult spatial outcomes differed by gender and culture, and if early experience was related to adult performance and behavior. Participants completed retrospective reports on their childhood spatial experience, both large‐scale (permitted childhood range size) and small‐scale (Lego play). They also completed assessments of their current large‐scale spatial behavior (navigational strategy) and small‐scale ability (mental rotation task, MRT). We replicated earlier results showing better MRT performance among males and more reliance by males on orientation navigational strategies, although males and females reported similar ranges as children. However, there were cross‐cultural differences, with Faroese having larger childhood ranges, less reliance on route strategies, better MRT scores, and a smaller gender difference in MRT. Larger permitted childhood ranges were associated with reduced use of route strategies for navigation in adulthood, and greater Lego play in childhood predicted better MRT performance as adults. There was also some evidence supporting relationships across spatial scales, with more Lego play predicting an orientation style of navigation and larger childhood ranges predicting better performance on the MRT, although the latter was not independent of country. In sum, we observed an association in both cultures between large‐scale childhood experience and large‐scale behavior in adulthood, small‐scale experience in childhood and adult small‐scale performance, and some associations between experience and behavior across spatial scales.
The Emergence of Natural Language Quantification
Authors: Kocab Annemarie , Davidson Kathryn , Snedeker Jesse
Published: February 2022

Classical quantifiers (like “all,” “some,” and “none”) express relationships between two sets, allowing us to make generalizations (like “no elephants fly”). Devices like these appear to be universal in human languages. Is the ubiquity of quantification due to a universal property of the human mind or is it attributable to more gradual convergence through cultural evolution? We investigated whether classical quantifiers are present in a new language emerging in isolation from other languages, Nicaraguan Sign Language (NSL). An observational study of historical data collected in the 1990s found evidence of potential quantifier forms. To confirm the quantificational meaning of these signs, we designed a production study that elicited, from three age cohorts of NSL signers (N = 17), three types of quantifiers: universal (all), existential (some), and negative (none). We find evidence for these classical quantifiers in the very first generation of signers, suggesting they may reflect a universal property of human cognition or a very rapid construction process.
Are Emoji Processed Like Words? An Eye‐Tracking Study
Authors: Paggio Patrizia , Tse Alice Ping Ping
Published: February 2022

In this study, we investigate the processing of object‐denoting emoji in sentences using eye tracking. We hypothesize that (a) such emoji are more difficult to process when used as word replacement; and (b) their processing is subject to ambiguity constraints similarly to what happens with words. We conduct two experiments in which participants have to read sentences in which an emoji either follows or replaces a word. Control stimuli not containing emoji are also tested. In the second experiment, the emoji are presented in two different disambiguating contexts. First fixation duration, total visit duration, and total revisit duration are modeled in the various conditions using linear mixed models. Both our hypotheses are supported. We observe longer total visit time for non‐redundant emoji, and higher values for all three measures for ambiguous emoji. We conclude that lexical access may be more difficult for emoji especially when they are used as word replacements and their meaning is not immediately clear. Furthermore, we also conclude that non‐redundant emoji are more difficult to integrate in the processing of the sentence than the equivalent words, or emoji used in a redundant way. In turn, our results indicate that emoji may not always be as immediate and easy to process for readers in spite of their popularity.
Accessing Semantic Information from Above: Parafoveal Processing during the Reading of Vertically Presented Sentences in Traditional Chinese
Authors: Pan Jinger , Yan Ming , Yeh Su‐Ling
Published: February 2022

As traditional Chinese readers are familiar with reading texts both horizontally rightwards and vertically downwards, the traditional Chinese script provides us a chance to investigate the influence of reading direction on preview benefits by ruling out the confounding factor of different familiarities with reading directions. The present study examines whether parafoveal information can be obtained when reading Chinese sentences in the vertical direction. We manipulated semantic and phonological relatedness between parafoveal preview words and target words. Results showed that traditional Chinese readers could obtain semantic information from preview words; however, there was no phonological preview benefit. Our findings agree with the notion that Chinese characters are well‐optimized for semantic access.
Computational models in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Pinton Philippe
Published: February 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic and relapsing disease with multiple underlying influences and notable heterogeneity among its clinical and response‐to‐treatment phenotypes. There is no cure for IBD, and none of the currently available therapies have demonstrated clinical efficacies beyond 40%–60%. Data collected about its omics, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies have grown exponentially with time making IBD a prime candidate for artificial intelligence (AI) mediated discovery support. AI can be leveraged to further understand or identify IBD features to improve clinical outcomes. Various treatment candidates are currently under evaluation in clinical trials, offering further approaches and opportunities for increasing the efficacies of treatments. However, currently, therapeutic plans are largely determined using clinical features due to the lack of specific biomarkers, and it has become necessary to step into precision medicine to predict therapeutic responses to guarantee optimal treatment efficacy. This is accompanied by the application of AI and the development of multiscale hybrid models combining mechanistic approaches and machine learning. These models ultimately lead to the creation of digital twins of given patients delivering on the promise of precision dosing and tailored treatment. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a prominent cytokine in cell‐to‐cell communication in the inflammatory responses’ regulation. Dysregulated IL‐6‐induced signaling leads to severe immunological or proliferative pathologies, such as IBD and colon cancer. This mini‐review explores multiscale models with the aim of predicting the response to therapy in IBD. Modeling IL‐6 biology and generating digital twins enhance the credibility of their prediction.
Influences of decisions to attend a national diabetes prevention programme from people living in a socioeconomically deprived area
Authors: Begum Sonia , Povey Rachel , Ellis Naomi , Gidlow Christopher , Chadwick Paul
Published: February 2022

Aims

To explore key influences of decisions in participants from a socioeconomically deprived area to attend the Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHSDPP). The NHSDPP is a lifestyle behaviour change programme for adults with prediabetes living in England.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 35 participants who had attended the initial assessment, but not yet started the NHSDPP; 23 were classified as “attenders,” 12 as “non‐attenders” after they were interviewed based on whether they had attended the first NHSDPP session or not. Transcribed interviews were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Seven themes were derived from the data. The results demonstrate how understanding type 2 diabetes, making lifestyle changes, comparing themselves with others, having support and certain self‐perceptions can all affect individuals’ motivation to attend a diabetes prevention programme. Accessibility and practicalities also influenced both motivation and attendance.

Conclusions

This study identified a range of different influences on decisions to attend a diabetes prevention programme, which programme organisers and healthcare professionals should consider to maximise attendance. Initial communication from general practitioners (GPs) and initial assessments are key points where people's beliefs and understanding could be explored.