bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing social projects with undergraduate students: an analysis of essential characteristics
Authors: Rampasso Izabela Simon , Siqueira Renê Grottoli , Martins Vitor W.B. , Anholon Rosley , Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves , Leal Filho Walter , Lange Salvia Amanda , Santa-Eulalia Luis Antonio
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the essential characteristics for the success of social projects developed with undergraduate students of higher education institutions (HEIs).

Design/methodology/approach

A case study was conducted to verify the main characteristics of projects in a social entrepreneurship initiative. These features were used to perform a survey with experts to understand which of these items are essential for social projects success, through Lawshe’s method.

Findings

Of the ten items evaluated, two were considered essential by the experts: “Proper alignment between project scope and actual local community needs” and “Good level of interaction between students participating in the project and the local community”.

Practical implications

These findings can be useful for professors and coordinators to prepare future projects in HEIs. They may also be advantageous for researchers who may use them as a starting point for future studies.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is the methodological approach used: a case study of projects in a social entrepreneurship initiative in a relevant Brazilian university; and a Lawshe’s method analysis of responses of experts in social projects developed in HEIs. The findings can greatly contribute to the debates in this field. No similar research was found in the literature.
Characteristics of consulting firms associated with the diffusion of big data analytics
Authors: Oyewo Babajide , Ajibola Oluwafunmilayo , Ajape Mohammed
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study investigates the characteristics of business and management consulting firms (firm size, international affiliation and scope of operation) affecting the adoption rate (i.e. recency of adopting big data analytics (BDA) as a new idea) and usage level of BDA. Ten critical areas of BDA application to business and management consulting were investigated, (1) Human Resource Management; (2) Risk Management; (3) Financial Advisory Services; (4) Innovation and Strategy; (5) Brand Building and Product Positioning; (6) Market Research/Diagnostic Studies; (7) Scenario-Based Planning/Business Simulation; (8) Information Technology; (9) Internal Control/Internal Audit; and (10) Taxation and Tax Management.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data was obtained through a structured questionnaire from one hundred and eighteen (118) consultants in Nigeria from diverse consulting firm settings in terms of size, international affiliation and scope of operation (Big 4/non-Big 4 firms). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, cluster analysis, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), multivariate discriminant analysis and multivariable logistic regression.

Findings

Whereas organizational characteristics such as firm size, international affiliation and scope of operation significantly determine the adoption rate of BDA, two attributes (international affiliation and scope of operation) significantly explain BDA usage level. Internationally affiliated consulting firms are more likely to record higher usage level of BDA than local firms. Also, the usage level of BDA by the Big 4 accounting/consulting firms is expected to be higher in comparison to non-Big 4 firms.

Practical implications

Contrary to common knowledge that firm size is positively associated with the adoption of an innovation, the study found no evidence to support this claim in respect of the diffusion of BDA. Overall, it appears that the scope of operation is the strongest organizational factor affecting the diffusion of BDA among consulting firms.

Originality/value

The study contributes to knowledge by exposing the factors promoting the uptake of BDA in a developing country. The originality of the current study stems from the consideration that it is the first, to the researchers' knowledge, to investigate the application of BDA by consulting firms in the Nigerian context. The study adds to literature on management accounting in the digital economy.
Developing a scale of social commerce service quality: an exploratory study
Authors: Jami Pour Mona , Ebrahimi Delavar Fateme , Taheri Ghazale , Kargaran Sanaz
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Following the emergence of Web 2.0 technologies, social commerce has been viewed as an inseparable part of today’s business environment. Social commerce is a recent version of e-commerce, which has rapidly become a new interesting field for both practitioners and academics. To improve social commerce success, managers should be aware of what encompasses social commerce quality, how consumers sense it and how it is assessed. Though, despite the importance of social commerce, designing of scales for measuring the social commerce quality has rarely been explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop a new scale for measuring the social commerce service quality comprehensively.

Design/methodology/approach

To obtain the research objective, in the first step, a comprehensive literature review along with focus group discussions was conducted to theoretically conceptualize service quality dimensions and measures. Then, for evaluating the proposed scale via social commerce customers, the survey method was used. Finally, the verified measures were weighted and ranked using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process.

Findings

The findings showed that social commerce service quality is a hierarchical and multidimensional construct consisting of six key dimensions including information quality, social interaction quality, design quality, functional quality, social trust/security and social support.

Research limitations/implications

The study results assist managers to improve the quality of social commerce services through increasing the awareness of customers’ perceptions and expectations concerning social service quality. They further help managers to understand systematically all dimensions of social commerce service quality, which may lead to reduce the risk of social commerce adaptation failure and consequently increase the customers’ satisfaction.

Originality/value

The role of service quality in acceptance and success of social commerce has been emphasized by many academics and practitioners. However, review of the previous literature shows that inadequate studies in this field have been conducted so far. The main contribution of this study is conceptualization and development of a validated scale for measuring the social commerce service quality. This scale provides a useful instrument for researchers who wish to measure the service quality of social commerce and for managers who want to improve the perceived quality of their services.
Impact of board structure, board activities and institutional investors on the firm risk: evidence from India
Authors: Chaudhary Pankaj
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Stock return volatility is an important aspect of financial markets which requires specific attention of researchers. This study examines the impact of board structure, board activities and institutional investors on the stock return volatility of the Indian firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The author had selected the non-financial companies of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), which form the part of the NSE 500 index. Regression models had been estimated using the system generalised method of moment (GMM) framework designed by Arellano and Bover (1995) and Blundell and Bond (1998) to deal with endogeneity concerns.

Findings

The author found that the stock return volatility was affected by the institutional investors, particularly pressure-insensitive (PI) investors. Moreover, this study supported the non-linear relationship between stock return volatility and institutional investors. Unlike developed world, the author found that the independent directors were positively associated with the stock return volatility.

Research limitations/implications

It is important for the investors and regulators to understand that the behaviour of the institutional investors depends on its class and having more independent directors will not ensure containment of the stock return volatility as suggested in previous literature reviews.

Originality/value

Most of the prior studies have used simple standard deviation (SD) to compute stock return volatility. In this study, besides SD, the author used the generalised autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model to compute the stock return volatility of the firms.
Positioning historical evidences in architectural education: review of methods and contents
Authors: Pasha Yasira Naeem , Adnan Shahla , Ahmed Noman
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to position the evidence in the history of architectural education, which has contributed to the development of architecture as a discipline. The paper focusses on the transformational stages of architectural education through history. It builds on considering its evolution from informal stages towards formal educational discipline and then standardization as a curriculum-based model in contemporary times.

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts a qualitative approach focussing on epistemological interpretations through triangulation. The qualitative data includes two main categories; first, historical research and second, interviews and focussed group discussions. It then adopts the triangulation method for the analysis of data. The exploration positions historical pieces of evidence encompassing important factors involved in the process that directed the changes while suggesting the modes of training of architects. The interviews and focus groups provide a valuable addition to historical data for connecting it to contemporary times. Significant modes examined include master pupil, apprenticeship and curriculum-based model, in addition to several fundamental skill sets such as drawing, painting and sculptures that remained constant in this process.

Findings

The historical pieces of evidence inform that architectural education has been inclusive and considerate towards cultural concerns throughout its developmental stages untill the currently adopted curriculum-based model. It concludes that the development of architecture as a discipline in formal education has been influenced by methods of disseminating knowledge, contents incorporated for teaching architecture, deliberate inclusion of relevant knowledge areas such as arts and cultural integrations of societies.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to a structured study to explore and position pieces of evidence in the history of architectural education considering its methods and contents. While it signifies the role of culturally sensitive contents in the architectural curricula, the scope of this research is not to focus on the development of any new theory, model or postulate regarding the inclusion of some specific contents. The implications of this research aspire to the best use of methods and contents deeply rooted in the development of the discipline, of architectural curricula in the future. It suggests the negation of possible overlooking of such content in curricula.

Originality/value

The study signifies the core argument of the relevance of architectural education to social and cultural concerns as an important facet in the developmental stages in the history of the discipline. The exploration of pieces of evidence is significantly important to avoid the inadvertent overlooking of the culturally sensitive content in architectural education in the future development of architectural curricula that were included purposefully.
The state of business sustainability reporting in sub-Saharan Africa: an agenda for policy and practice
Authors: Tilt Carol A. , Qian Wei , Kuruppu Sanjaya , Dissanayake Dinithi
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Developing countries experience their own social, political and environmental issues, but surprisingly limited papers have examined sustainability reporting in these regions, notably in sub-Saharan Africa. To fill this gap and understand the state of sustainability reporting in sub-Saharan Africa, this paper aims to investigate the current state of reporting, identifies the major motivations and barriers for reporting and suggests an agenda of future issues that need to be considered by firms, policymakers and academics.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper includes analysis of reporting practices in 48 sub-Saharan African countries using the lens of New Institutional Economics. It comprises three phases of data collection and analysis: presentation of overall reporting data collected and provided by Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). analysis of stand-alone sustainability reports using qualitative data analysis and interviews with key report producers.

Findings

The analysis identifies key issues that companies in selected sub-Saharan African countries are grappling within their contexts. There are significant barriers to reporting but institutional mechanisms, such as voluntary reporting frameworks, provide an important bridge between embedding informal norms and changes to regulatory requirements. These are important for the development of better governance and accountability mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

Findings have important implications for policymakers and institutions such as GRI in terms of regulation, outreach and localised training. More broadly, global bodies such as GRI and IIRC in a developing country context may require more local knowledge and support. Limitations include limited data availability, particularly for interviews, which means that these results are preliminary and provide a basis for further work.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper contribute to the knowledge of sustainability reporting in this region, and provide some policy implications for firms, governments and regulators.

Originality/value

This paper is one of only a handful looking at the emerging phenomenon of sustainability reporting in sub-Saharan African countries.
Exploring the racial achievement gap on US history written-response state assessment items
Authors: Miller Jason Michael
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Many states are restructuring their US history state assessments to include written-response assessment items that evaluate students' literacy skills in high-stakes environments. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the addition of an extended-response item to a US history state assessment was associated with an increase in the racial achievement gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The theoretical framework included linguistic complexity of standardized assessment items and academic language demand and utilized a difference-in-difference research design.

Findings

The findings indicate that the achievement gap between students of color and White students increased when an extended-response assessment item was added to an exclusively multiple-choice item exam and that this increase in the achievement gap may be contributed to a literacy gap.

Research limitations/implications

The continued investigation of how students of color perform on different types of extended-response standardized assessment items. And, the continued investigation of evidenced-based instructional practices that focus on developing students' literacy skills in US history as well as culturally responsive instructional practices.

Practical implications

The knowledge and implementation of literacy instruction and culturally responsive instruction in US history classrooms as well as in preservice teacher education programs and in-service professional development programs.

Originality/value

The current study is one of the first large-scale investigations into the racial achievement gap on US history written-response standardized assessment items and in identifying a literacy gap between students of color and White students on US history written-response state assessment items.
Passive seismic data primary estimation and noise removal via focal‐denoising closed‐loop surface‐related multiple elimination based on 3D L1‐norm sparse inversion
Authors: Wang Tiexing , Wang Deli , Sun Jing , Hu Bin
Published: September 2020

Passive seismic has recently attracted a great deal of attention because non‐artificial source is used in subsurface imaging. The utilization of passive source is low cost compared with artificial‐source exploration. In general, constructing virtual shot gathers by using cross‐correlation is a preliminary step in passive seismic data processing, which provides the basis for applying conventional seismic processing methods. However, the subsurface structure is not uniformly illuminated by passive sources, which leads to that the ray path of passive seismic does not fit the hyperbolic hypothesis. Thereby, travel time is incorrect in the virtual shot gathers. Besides, the cross‐correlation results are contaminated by incoherent noise since the passive sources are always natural. Such noise is kinematically similar to seismic events and challenging to be attenuated, which will inevitably reduce the accuracy in the subsequent process. Although primary estimation for transient‐source seismic data has already been proposed, it is not feasible to noise‐source seismic data due to the incoherent noise. To overcome the above problems, we proposed to combine focal transform and local similarity into a highly integrated operator and then added it into the closed‐loop surface‐related multiple elimination based on the 3D L1‐norm sparse inversion framework. Results proved that the method was capable of reliably estimating noise‐free primaries and correcting travel time at far offsets for a foresaid virtual shot gathers in a simultaneous closed‐loop inversion manner.
Beetle pollination of Luisia teres (Orchidaceae) and implications of a geographic divergence in the pollination system
Authors: Sugiura Naoto , Matsumura Shun'ichi , Yokota Masatsugu
Published: September 2020

The epiphytic orchid Luisia teres on Okinawa Island, the Ryukyus, Japan, sexually attracts male Protaetia beetles for pollination through floral scent. Here, the pollination system of L. teres on the Satsuma Peninsula, Kyushu, located approximately 600 km north of Okinawa Island, is reported. The inconspicuous flowers depend on the Cetoniinae beetles Protaetia orientalis submarumorea and Pseudotorynorrhina japonica, which both usually feed on fermented sap/ripe fruits, for pollination. The flower‐visiting P. orientalis submarumorea beetles included both males and females, and pseudocopulation was never observed. Pollinaria removal and pollination were achieved while beetles fed on floral nectar. Although P. orientalis submarumorea did not necessarily remove pollinaria more frequently than Ps. japonica, the pollinaria attached precisely to the central part of their clypeus, unlike on Ps. japonica. Our findings suggest that a geographic divergence in the pollination system occurs in Japanese L. teres. In the Ryukyus, the orchid adopts a specialized pollination system with only male‐attractive olfactory stimuli, whereas in Kyushu it has a relatively more generalized system based on only a food reward.
A comprehensive system for semantic spatiotemporal assessment of risk in urban areas
Authors: Coletti Alex , De Nicola Antonio , Di Pietro Antonio , La Porta Luigi , Pollino Maurizio , Rosato Vittorio , Vicoli Giordano , Villani Maria Luisa
Published: September 2020

Risk assessment of urban areas aims at limiting the impact of harmful events by increasing awareness of their possible consequences. Qualitative risk assessment allows to figure out possible risk situations and to prioritize them, whereas quantitative risk assessment is devoted to measuring risks from data, in order to improve preparedness in case of crisis situations. We propose an automatic approach to comprehensive risk assessment. This leverages on a semantic and spatiotemporal representation of knowledge of the urban area and relies on a software system including: a knowledge base; two components for quantitative and qualitative risk assessments, respectively; and a WebGIS interface. The knowledge base consists of the TERMINUS domain ontology, to represent urban knowledge, and of a geo‐referenced database, including geographical, environmental and urban data as well as temporal data related to the levels of operation of city services. CIPcast DSS is the component devoted to quantitative risk assessment, and WS‐CREAM is the component supporting qualitative risk assessment based on computational creativity techniques. Two case studies concerning the city of Rome (Italy) show how this approach can be used in a real scenario for crisis preparedness. Finally, we discuss issues related to plausibility of risks and objectivity of their assessment.
Using deep learning and social network analysis to understand and manage extreme flooding
Authors: Romascanu Andrei , Ker Hannah , Sieber Renee , Greenidge Sarah , Lumley Sam , Bush Drew , Morgan Stefan , Zhao Rosie , Brunila Mikael
Published: September 2020

Combining machine learning with social network analysis (SNA) can leverage vast amounts of social media data to better respond to crises. We present a case study using Twitter data from the March 2019 Nebraska floods in the United States, which caused over $1 billion in damage in the state and widespread evacuations of residents. We use a subset of machine learning, deep learning (DL), to classify text content of 11,982 tweets, and we integrate that with SNA to understand the structure of tweet interactions. Our DL approach pre‐trains our model with a DL language technique, BERT, and then trains the model using the standard training dataset to sort a dataset of tweets into classes tailored to crisis events. Several performance measures demonstrate that our two‐tiered trained model improves domain adaptation and generalization across different extreme weather event types. This approach identifies the role of Twitter during the damage containment stage of the flood. Our SNA identifies accounts that function as primary sources of information on Twitter. Together, these two approaches help crisis managers filter large volumes of data and overcome challenges faced by simple statistical models and other computational techniques to provide useful information during crises like flooding.
Data‐driven model for river flood forecasting based on a Bayesian network approach
Authors: Boutkhamouine Brahim , Roux Hélène , Pérés François
Published: September 2020

Uncertainty analysis of hydrological models often requires a large number of model runs, which can be time consuming and computationally intensive. In order to reduce the number of runs required for uncertainty prediction, Bayesian networks (BNs) are used to graphically represent conditional probability dependence between the set of variables characterizing a flood event. Bayesian networks (BNs) are relevant due to their capacity to handle uncertainty, combine statistical data and expertise and introduce evidences in real‐time flood forecasting. In the present study, a runoff–runoff model is considered. The discharge at a gauging station located is estimated at the outlet of a basin catchment based on discharge measurements at the gauging stations upstream. The BN model shows good performances in estimating the discharges at the basin outlet. Another application of the BN model is to be used as a reverse method. Knowing discharges values at the outlet of the basin, we can propagate back these values through the model to estimate discharges at upstream stations. This turns out to be a practical method to fill the missing data in streamflow records which are critical to the sustainable management of water and the development of hydrological models.
Do intentions indicate actual behaviour? A comparison between scenario‐based experiments and real‐time observations of warning response
Authors: Weyrich Philippe , Scolobig Anna , Walther Florian , Patt Anthony
Published: September 2020

The sharp increase in the use of smartphones and rapid advances in mobile communication offer new ways to warn the public about developing natural or technological hazards. So far, the effectiveness of different warning types, namely standard and impact‐based warnings (SW and IBW), were mainly tested in scenario‐based experiments and not in real life. However, it can be questioned whether scenario‐based experiments are the appropriate methodology to test different warnings, for instance due to the absence of feelings catalysed by real events. Therefore, we collected information about warning responses in real time via the smartphone application ‘Wetter‐Alarm’ of a Swiss weather provider. In the first phase of the study, we conducted a field experiment to investigate actual responses for SW and IBW. In the second phase, we compared these results with behavioural intentions collected via a scenario‐based experiment with an almost identical set‐up. The comparison shows that warning messages were perceived and understood very similar in both experiments. Also, we did not observe any significant interactions between warning type (SW vs. IBW) and study (field vs. scenario‐based experiment). These findings indicate that the effects of warning type on behaviour can be studied on the basis of experimental (i.e. scenario‐based) research designs. The paper ends with some reflections on the potential of big data in the social sciences and on a research agenda for real‐time data collection to improve warning effectiveness and, ultimately, climate risk management.
Naturally occurring melatonin: Sources and possible ways of its biosynthesis
Authors: Juhnevica‐Radenkova Karina , Moreno Diego A. , Ikase Laila , Drudze Inese , Radenkovs Vitalijs
Published: September 2020

According to recent reports, the global market for melatonin is worth 700 million USD in 2018 and would reach 2,790 million USD by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 18.9% during 2019 to 2025. Having regard to the prevalence of sleep and circadian rhythm disorders and a clear tendency to increase the demand for melatonin, and the current lack of alternative green and cost‐efficient technologies of its synthesis, the supply of this remedy will not be enough to guarantee melatonin supply and affordability on a global scale. The emergence of naturally occurring melatonin and its isomers in fermented foods has opened an exciting new research area; there are still, however, some obscure points in the efficient microbiological biosynthesis of melatonin. This review summarizes the research progress and recent evidence related to melatonin and its isomers in various foodstuffs. Additionally, one possible way to synthesize melatonin is also discussed. The evidence pointed out that the presence of melatonin and its isomers is not exclusive for grapes and grape‐derived products, because it can be also found in sweet and sour cherries. However, different species of both Saccharomyces and non‐Saccharomyces yeasts could be used to obtain melatonin and melatonin isomers in the process of alcoholic fermentation biotechnologically. The availability of L‐tryptophan has been a key factor in determining the concentration of indolic compounds produced, and the utilization of probiotic lactic acid bacteria could help in the formation of melatonin isomers during malolactic fermentation. These approaches are environmentally friendly alternatives with a safer profile than conventional ones and could represent the future for sustainable industrial‐scale melatonin production.
Polls and The US Presidential Election: Real or Fake?
Authors: Forsberg Ole J.
Published: September 2020

In 2020, as in 2016, US presidential candidates may dismiss some election polls as fake while lauding others as trustworthy. But don't just take their word for it! Ole J. Forsberg offers information and advice to help voters decide which polls and polling houses to trust
Speaking Out or Speaking in? Changes in Political Rhetoric Over Time
Authors: Iliev Iliyan R. , Huang Xin , Gel Yulia R.
Published: September 2020

When standing for election, politicians often position themselves as “outsiders”, promising to shake up the status quo. But once elected, do “outsiders” become “insiders”? Iliyan R. Iliev, Xin Huang and Yulia R. Gel search for clues through the analysis of political rhetoric
Detection of circulating genetically abnormal cells in peripheral blood for early diagnosis of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Wei‐Ran , Zhang Bin , Chen Chen , Li Yue , Ye Xin , Tang Dong‐Jiang , Zhang Jun‐Cheng , Ma Jing , Zhou Yan‐Ling , Fan Xian‐Jun , Yue Dong‐Sheng , Li Chen‐Guang , Zhang Hua , Ma Yu‐Chen , Huo Yan‐Song , Zhang Zhen‐Fa , He Shu‐Yu , Wang Chang‐Li
Published: September 2020

Background

Circulating genetically abnormal cells (CACs) with specific chromosome variations have been confirmed to be present in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the diagnostic performance of CAC detection remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the potential clinical application of the CAC test for the early diagnosis of NSCLC.

Methods

In this prospective study, a total of 339 participants (261 lung cancer patients and 78 healthy volunteers) were enrolled. An antigen‐independent fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to enumerate the number of CACs in peripheral blood.

Results

Patients with early‐stage NSCLC were found to have a significantly higher number of CACs than those of healthy participants (1.34 vs. 0.19; P < 0.001). The CAC test displayed an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.76139 for discriminating stage I NSCLC from healthy participants with 67.2% sensitivity and 80.8% specificity, respectively. Compared with serum tumor markers, the sensitivity of CAC assays for distinguishing early‐stage NSCLC was higher (67.2% vs. 48.7%, P < 0.001), especially in NSCLC patients with small nodules (65.4% vs. 36.5%, P = 0.003) and ground‐glass nodules (pure GGNs: 66.7% vs. 40.9%, P = 0.003; mixed GGNs: 73.0% vs. 43.2%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

CAC detection in early stage NSCLC was feasible. Our study showed that CACs could be used as a promising noninvasive biomarker for the early diagnosis of NSCLC.

Key points

What this study adds: This study aimed to evaluate the potential clinical application of the CAC test for the early diagnosis of NSCLC.

Significant findings of the study: CAC detection in early stage NSCLC was feasible. Our study showed that CACs could be used as a promising noninvasive biomarker for the early diagnosis of NSCLC.
Neurofibromatosis ‐1 diagnosed from an intraoral swelling – a case series
Authors: Fahy E , Mulvihill C , O’Donoghue G , O’Regan E , Collins M
Published: September 2020

The neurofibromatoses [NF 1, NF 2 and schwannomatosis] are a group of genetic disorders that lead to the development of nervous system tumours and have diverse dermatologic, neurologic, ophthalmic, skeletal and vascular effects. The most common is NF 1 (Neurofibromatosis 1) also known as von Recklinghausen’s disease, which is one of the most common human genetic diseases. Oral manifestations of NF 1 are reported in 72% of cases and in one of our cases precipitated attendance at a general dental practitioner (GDP), subsequent diagnosis and genetic screening for family members. This disease may go undiagnosed due to its variable expressivity of symptoms. The pivotal importance of a GDP in the discovery and early referral to an oral or oral and maxillofacial surgeon for further investigation and diagnosis of this condition is highlighted. Knowledge of the most common features of neurofibromatosis can facilitate the speedy referral and subsequent diagnosis of generalized neurofibromatosis, local surgical management of benign neoplasms and long term management of its other clinical features. Dentists should be aware of the classic symptoms of this condition and of their role in long‐term care in view of the risk of local recurrence and malignant transformation.
Advances and novel developments in drug hypersensitivity diagnosis
Authors: Ariza Adriana , Mayorga Cristobalina , Bogas Gador , Barrionuevo Esther , Torres Maria J. , Doña Inmaculada , Fernandez Tahia D.
Published: September 2020

A correct diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) is very important for both the patient and health system. However, DHRs diagnosis is complex, time consuming, requires trained personnel, is not standardized for many drugs, involves procedures not exempt of risk, and in most cases lacks standardized in vivo and in vitro tests. Thus, there is an urgent need for improving the different approaches to diagnose patients with suspected DHRs. In this review, we have analyzed the advances performed in immediate and nonimmediate DHRs diagnosis during the last two years and obtained several conclusions: the significant heterogeneity in current practice among centers illustrates the need to re‐evaluate, update, and standardize in vivo tests and protocols for the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected drug allergy. Regarding in vitro tests, the latest studies have focused on increasing their sensitivity or on establishing the sensitivity and specificity for the tests performed with new drugs. There seems to be a consensus about combining in vivo and in vitro tests as the best way to increase the diagnostic accuracy.
An examination of constructivist educational technologies: Key affordances and conditions
Authors: Feyzi Behnagh Reza , Yasrebi Sepideh
Published: September 2020

Existing research has looked at the potentials, affordances and the productive use of educational technologies to support collaborative learning. Many of these technology tools are purportedly constructed under principles of social constructivist theory of learning. It is timely to examine whether and how these tools, their affordances, and the way they are pedagogically implemented have adhered to and expanded the theory of constructivism. This paper examines a class of constructivist learning technologies called computer‐supported collaborated learning (CSCL) in terms of their affordances in light of socio‐cultural theory of learning and socially shared regulation of learning. We argue that CSCL tools adhere to most of the tenets of constructivism and shared regulation of learning in terms of social outcomes and productive use and discuss gaps where constructivist educational technology tools and the associated pedagogical practices need to be improved (such as addressing inequalities of access).

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Educational technologies may be used to support collaborative learning.

Collaborative learning is beneficial for students.

Effective collaboration leads to knowledge construction.

Many technology tools are made according to Constructivist theory of learning.

What this paper adds

Computer‐supported collaborative learning technology tools follow constructivism principles.

The issues of inequities of access (those of gender, race, class, etc.) to educational technology are addressed.

Conditions for productive use of technology supporting collaboration are outlined.

Effective integration of technology in support of student collaboration creates new social norms and ways of learning and inquiry.

Implications for policy and/or practice

Teachers can productively implement technology supporting student collaboration.

Teachers, policy makers and stakeholders should consider social outcomes and consequences of constructivist educational technology.
Analysis of scoring systems for primary immunodeficiency diagnosis in adult immunology clinics
Authors: Toms K , Gkrania-Klotsas E , Kumararatne D
Published: September 2020

Failure to spot the signs of primary immunodeficiency (PID) often results in delayed diagnosis. Scoring systems to identify PID exist, such as the immunodeficiency disease-related (IDR) score. This research aims to analyse and improve the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the IDR scoring system in a small preselected group of adult patients referred to immunology with clinical suspicion of a PID. Records of all patients presenting for the first time to an adult immunology clinic in 2018 at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, were scored using the unmodified IDR score and modified versions of it. Included records were searched for a subsequent diagnosis of PID, and the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the scoring systems were analysed. Of 400 patients, 213 were excluded: 141 due to secondary immunodeficiency, 69 due to no clinical suspicion of a PID, and hence no investigation for PID, and three due to ongoing diagnostic investigations. Of 187 included patients, 71 were found to have a clinically significant PID. The unmodified IDR score was useful in discriminating between those with and without PID. Modification of the scoring system with seven additional criteria improved the sensitivity and specificity for PID diagnosis to the greatest extent. A modified IDR score with seven additional criteria validated in adults referred to immunology with suspicion of a PID could be used clinically to aid PID diagnosis, although further validation in different patient cohorts is required before it is used in other contexts.
Clinical and radiographic outcomes of implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses with cantilever extension. A retrospective cohort study with a follow‐up of at least 10 years
Authors: Schmid Eric , Morandini Michele , Roccuzzo Andrea , Ramseier Christoph A. , Sculean Anton , Salvi Giovanni E.
Published: September 2020

Aim

To report the clinical and radiographic outcomes of implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses with cantilever extensions (FDPCs) after a function time ≥10 years.

Material and methods

Patients with FDPCs in posterior areas were clinically and radiographically re‐evaluated. Mesial and distal radiographic marginal bone levels (mBLs) from baseline (i.e. delivery of FDPC) to the follow‐up examination were calculated and compared between implant surfaces adjacent to and distant from the cantilever extension. Implant survival rate, pocket probing depth (PPD), presence/absence of bleeding on probing (BoP) and presence/absence of mechanical/technical and biological complications were recorded.

Results

Twenty‐six patients with 30 FDPCs supported by 60 implants were re‐evaluated after a mean loading time of 13.3 ± 2.7 years (range: 10–18.6 years). One diameter‐reduced implant carrying a cantilever extension fractured, yielding a patient‐based survival rate of 96.2% (95% CI: 0.95/1.0). The mean marginal bone level change was not statistically significantly different from baseline to follow‐up (1.2 mm ± 0.9 to 1.6 mm ± 1.7; 95% CI: −0.1/0.9; p > .05). The mean PPD changed statistically significantly from 3.4 mm ± 0.7 to 3.7 mm ± 0.7 (95% CI: 0.04/0.6; p = .02). Loss of retention occurred ≥ 1x in 9 patients (34.6%, 95% CI: 0.44/0.83). At follow‐up, peri‐implant health was diagnosed in 12 (46.2%), peri‐implant mucositis in 7 (26.9%) and peri‐implantitis in 7 (26.9%) patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Despite a high rate of loss of retention, the use of implant‐supported FDPCs in posterior areas represents a reliable long‐term treatment option with a high implant survival rate and minimal peri‐implant bone level changes irrespective of the location of the cantilever extension.
KLF3 promotes the 8‐cell‐like transcriptional state in pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Hao Jing , Yang Xi , Zhang Chao , Zhang Xue‐Tao , Shi Ming , Wang Shao‐Hua , Mi Li , Zhao Yu‐Ting , Cao Huiqing , Wang Yangming
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) culture contains various heterogeneous populations, which serve as excellent models to study gene regulation in early embryo development. The heterogeneity is typically defined by transcriptional activities, for example, the expression of Nanog or Rex1 mRNA. Our objectives were to identify mESC heterogeneity that are caused by mechanisms other than transcriptional control.

Materials and methods

Klf3 mRNA and protein were analysed by RT‐qPCR, Western blotting or immunofluorescence in mESCs, C2C12 cells, early mouse embryos and various mouse tissues. An ESC reporter line expressing KLF3‐GFP fusion protein was made to study heterogeneity of KLF3 protein expression in ESCs. GFP‐positive mESCs were sorted for further analysis including RT‐qPCR and RNA‐seq.

Results

In the majority of mESCs, KLF3 protein is actively degraded due to its proline‐rich sequence and highly disordered structure. Interestingly, KLF3 protein is stabilized in a small subset of mESCs. Transcriptome analysis indicates that KLF3‐positive mESCs upregulate genes that are initially activated in 8‐cell embryos. Consistently, KLF3 protein but not mRNA is dramatically increased in 8‐cell embryos. Forced expression of KLF3 protein in mESCs promotes the expression of 8‐cell‐embryo activated genes.

Conclusions

Our study identifies previously unrecognized heterogeneity due to KLF3 protein expression in mESCs.
Metabolic phenotypes of early gestational diabetes mellitus and their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Immanuel J. , Simmons D. , Harreiter J. , Desoye G. , Corcoy R. , Adelantado J. M. , Devlieger R. , Lapolla A. , Dalfra M. G. , Bertolotto A. , Wender‐Ozegowska E. , Zawiejska A. , Dunne F. P. , Damm P. , Mathiesen E. R. , Jensen D. M. , Andersen L. L. T. , Hill D. J. , Jelsma J. G. M. , Kautzky‐Willer A. , Galjaard S. , Snoek F. J. , van Poppel M. N. M.
Published: September 2020

Aims

To describe the metabolic phenotypes of early gestational diabetes mellitus and their association with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

We performed a post hoc analysis using data from the Vitamin D And Lifestyle Intervention for gestational diabetes prevention (DALI) trial conducted across nine European countries (2012–2014). In women with a BMI ≥29 kg/m2, insulin resistance and secretion were estimated from the oral glucose tolerance test values performed before 20 weeks, using homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and Stumvoll first‐phase indices, respectively. Women with early gestational diabetes, defined by the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups criteria, were classified into three groups: GDM‐R (above‐median insulin resistance alone), GDM‐S (below‐median insulin secretion alone), and GDM‐B (combination of both) and the few remaining women were excluded.

Results

Compared with women in the normal glucose tolerance group (n = 651), women in the GDM‐R group (n = 143) had higher fasting and post‐load glucose values and insulin levels, with a greater risk of having large‐for‐gestational age babies [adjusted odds ratio 3.30 (95% CI 1.50–7.50)] and caesarean section [adjusted odds ratio 2.30 (95% CI 1.20–4.40)]. Women in the GDM‐S (n = 37) and GDM‐B (n = 56) groups had comparable pregnancy outcomes with those in the normal glucose tolerance group.

Conclusions

In overweight and obese women with early gestational diabetes, higher degree of insulin resistance alone was more likely to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes than lower insulin secretion alone or a combination of both.
Treatment patterns and clinical outcomes of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic‐phase CML in clinical practice: 3‐year European SIMPLICITY data
Authors: Gambacorti‐Passerini Carlo , Chen Clara , Davis Catherine , Sen Ginny P. , Guyan Christy , Hehlmann Rüdiger , Michallet Mauricette , Paquette Ronald , Goldberg Stuart L.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

SIMPLICITY (NCT01244750) is an observational study of patients with chronic‐phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP‐CML) in routine clinical practice receiving first‐line tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We evaluated TKI treatment changes and how switching affects clinical response in patients recruited in Europe with ≥3 years of follow‐up.

Methods

The SIMPLICITY European cohort (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, and Spain) included 431 patients. 370 (86%) were followed for ≥3 years.

Results

Proportions of patients experiencing treatment interruptions, TKI switching, and discontinuations decreased over 3 years’ follow‐up. Intolerance was a key driver for treatment changes. Complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) was achieved in 87.5% of patients switching TKI within 3 years of initiation vs 91.7% of non‐switchers. Major molecular response (MMR) was achieved in 82.4% of switchers vs 92.9% of non‐switchers. Over 3 years, not switching TKI was a strong predictor for achieving CCyR or MMR (both P < .05). Three‐year survival remained high, irrespective of treatment changes (95.3% switchers, 96.4% non‐switchers).

Conclusions

European patients with CP‐CML who do not switch TKI are more likely to achieve clinical response, while intolerance is a key driver for switching. Successful CML management may require careful selection of initial TKI, with early monitoring of response and intolerance.
Low‐oxygen hormetic conditioning improves field performance of sterile insects by inducing beneficial plasticity
Authors: López‐Martínez Giancarlo , Carpenter James E. , Hight Stephen D. , Hahn Daniel A.
Published: September 2020

As part of sterile insect technique (SIT) programs, irradiation can effectively induce sterility in insects by damaging germline genomic DNA. However, irradiation also induces other off‐target side effects that reduce the quality and performance of sterilized males, including the formation of damaging free radicals that can reduce sterile male performance. Thus, treatments that reduce off‐target effects of irradiation on male performance while maintaining sterility can improve the feasibility and economy of SIT programs. We previously found that inducing a form of rapid, beneficial plasticity with a 1‐hr anoxic‐conditioning period (physiological conditioning hormesis) prior to and during irradiation improves male field performance in the laboratory while maintaining sterility in males of the cactus moth, Cactoblastis cactorum. Here, we extend this work by testing the extent to which this beneficial plasticity may improve male field performance and longevity in the field. Based on capture rates after a series of mark release–recapture experiments, we found that anoxia‐conditioned irradiated moths were active in the field longer than their irradiated counterparts. In addition, anoxia‐conditioned moths were captured in traps that were farther away from the release site than unconditioned moths, suggesting greater dispersal. These data confirmed that beneficial plasticity induced by anoxia hormesis prior to irradiation led to lower postirradiation damage and increased flight performance and recapture duration under field conditions. We recommend greater consideration of beneficial plasticity responses in biological control programs and specifically the implementation of anoxia‐conditioning treatments applied prior to irradiation in area‐wide integrated pest management programs that use SIT.