bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The possibilities and limitations regarding the use of impact evaluation in corporate social responsibility programs in Latin America
Authors: Kowszyk Yanina , Vanclay Frank
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Improvement in the evaluation methodologies used in the public policy and development fields has increased the amount of evidence-based information available to decision makers. This helps firms evaluate the impacts of their social investments. However, it is not clear whether the business sector is interested in using these methods. This paper aims to describe the level of interest in, knowledge of and preferences relating to the impact evaluation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs by managers in Latin American companies and foundations.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 115 companies and foundations in 15 countries in Latin America was conducted in 2019.

Findings

The results indicated that most respondents believed that quantitative impact evaluation could address concerns about CSR program outcomes. However, monitoring and evaluation were primarily seen to be for tracking program objectives rather than for making strategic decisions about innovations to enhance the achievement of outcomes. Decision-making tended to respond to community demands. The main challenges to increasing the use of impact evaluation were the lack of skills and knowledge of management staff and the methodological complexity of evaluation designs. We conclude that there needs to be increased awareness about: the appropriate understanding of social outcomes; the benefits of evaluation; when impact evaluation is useful; how to prepare an evaluation budget; and the effective use of rigorous evidence to inform program design.

Originality/value

Acceptance by the business sector of quantitative measurement of the social impact of CSR programs will lead to improved outcomes from social investment programs.
An in-depth qualitative study of Pakistani academic library professionals’ conceptions of linked data technology
Authors: Warraich Nosheen Fatima , Rorissa Abebe , Rasool Tayyba
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study aims to present a broad discussion of Linked Data (LD) and Semantic Web technologies, specifically their potential application in information environments such as libraries. It aims to explore library professionals’ conception about barriers to implement LD in libraries and strategies to take advantage of this technology.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a qualitative study and uses phenomenology to explore library professionals’ common conceptions regarding the implementation of LD technology in libraries. Data were collected through interviews with the experts who are professionals and researchers, immersed with technology, actively involved in LD initiatives and/or are advocates of its implementation in libraries. Data were analyzed through NVivo software.

Findings

Based on the study findings, it is elucidated that lack of awareness and skills among information professionals along with non-compatibility of traditional machine-readable cataloging-based standards with LD are some barriers that are creating hindrance in the implementation of LD. Findings also show that LD technology applications in Pakistan are at infancy level and facing legal, ethical and technical challenges. information communication technology skills of library professionals, designing new library management systems, structured data, standards, frameworks and training sessions, workshops, seminars and conferences are proposed strategies to implement LD in libraries in the perspective of a developing country.

Research limitations/implications

This study has a few limitations; first, its focus is on prospects and perceptions of information professionals instead of LD practices in libraries. Second, sample is limited to information professionals immersed in technology and actively involved in LD initiatives and/or are advocates of its implementation in libraries, as Pakistan is a developing country and limited numbers of information professionals familiar and use LD technology. Finally, the results of this study are based on information professionals’ perceptions, so there is a need to measure actual application of LD technology with assessments.

Originality/value

The findings of the study are helpful for the library professionals, teachers and system designers. The library professionals may know the need for LD in the libraries.
Determinants of rental strategy: short-term vs long-term rental strategy
Authors: Shokoohyar Sina , Sobhani Ahmad , Sobhani Anae
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Short-term rental option enabled via accommodation sharing platforms is an attractive alternative to conventional long-term rental. The purpose of this study is to compare rental strategies (short-term vs long-term) and explore the main determinants for strategy selection.

Design/methodology/approach

Using logistic regression, this study predicts the rental strategy with the highest rate of return for a given property in the City of Philadelphia. The modeling result is then compared with the applied machine learning methods, including random forest, k-nearest neighbor, support vector machine, naïve Bayes and neural networks. The best model is finally selected based on different performance metrics that determine the prediction strength of underlying models.

Findings

By analyzing 2,163 properties, the results show that properties with more bedrooms, closer to the historic attractions, in neighborhoods with lower minority rates and higher nightlife vibe are more likely to have a higher return if they are rented out through short-term rental contract. Additionally, the property location is found out to have a significant impact on the selection of the rental strategy, which emphasizes the widely known term of “location, location, location” in the real estate market.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the literature by determining the neighborhood and property characteristics that make a property more suitable for the short-term rental vs the long-term one. This contribution is extremely important as it facilitates differentiating the short-term rentals from the long-term rentals and would help better understanding the supply-side in the sharing economy-based accommodation market.
Impact of buyer-supplier TMT misalignment on environmental performance
Authors: Kumar Anupam , Steven Adams , Paraskevas John-Patrick
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between buyer-supplier top management team (TMT) demographic misalignment (defined as differences in TMT composition based on background, age and gender) and environmental performance (EVP).

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical setting is publicly held US manufacturing firms that are present in both the Kinder, Lydenberg and Domini’s (KLD's) annual EVP ratings and Bloomberg's supply chain database. The study employs panel data regression methods on an unbalanced panel dataset of 7,493 dyad-year observations comprising 427 unique firms.

Findings

The research shows that misalignment in functional background and gender composition between TMTs have a negative outcome on both the buyer's and the suppliers' EVP. However, increasing presence of females across TMTs has a positive influence on EVP. Further, the research shows that misalignment based on age between the TMTs does not impact EVP in any significant way. On the contrary, increasing age across TMTs is a significant predictor of EVP.

Originality/value

This study builds on existing works in TMT heterogeneity and adds context to the heightening belief in the positive linkage between heterogeneity and performance through extension to a boundary spanning interfirm context.
Female empowerment/participation in the workplace and firm performance: a study of privately-owned firms
Authors: Achkar Jessica , Bouri Elie
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between female empowerment/participation and firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are cross-sectional, extracted from the records of the Enterprise Surveys of the World Bank (ESWB). It covers 561 privately-owned firms from Lebanon. Tobit regressions are used in the analysis.

Findings

The findings show that firm performance is positively associated with one form of female empowerment (female involvement in management), and the positive and significant association remains significant when several control variables are considered. However, the positive association between firm performance and the other form of female empowerment (female involvement in ownership) does not hold the inclusion of control variables in the regression. Furthermore, there is a positive association between firm performance and female participation in the workplace (the percentage of female workers), which remains qualitatively unchanged when several control variables are considered.

Originality/value

This is one of the first research studies that examines the relationship between female empowerment/participation and firm performance, while differentiating between female involvement in management and female involvement in ownership. Notably, the study extends the authors’ limited understanding on that relationship in the context of a small and understudied country such as Lebanon, where privately-held firms dominate.
SMEs' market orientation toward public sector customers in public procurement
Authors: Saastamoinen Jani , Reijonen Helen , Tammi Timo
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates how the market orientation of SMEs toward public sector customers enables firms to participate and succeed in public procurement.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a survey-based methodology. First, the authors reconfigured an empirical construct of market orientation for private sector markets to measure the market orientation toward public sector customers. Then they conducted a survey of Finnish firms to test the construct and how it predicted firm performance in public procurement.

Findings

The authors find empirical support for firms to adopt a market orientation toward public sector customers. Their results suggest that customer and competitor orientations are positive predictors of participating and winning supply contracts in public sector tenders.

Research limitations/implications

Self-reported survey data from a single country may limit the generalizability of results.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to report a market orientation toward public sector customers and describe how it is related to supplier performance in public procurement.
Flourishing consumers from brands: brand well-being's conception, dimensions and scale
Authors: Shu Lifang , Wei Haiying , Ran Yaxuan
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The present research aims to construct the brand well-being concept and develop the brand well-being scale.

Design/methodology/approach

By interviewing 21 consumers and coding interview text, the authors propose and construct the definition of brand well-being. Using two large sample surveys, the authors develop 11 items for the brand well-being scale.

Findings

By interviewing 21 consumers and coding interview text, the authors propose and construct the definition of brand well-being. Using two large sample surveys, the authors develop 11 items for the brand well-being scale.

Originality/value

This research combines the branding theory and positive psychology theory, expands the extant understanding of brand value and provides new insights into optimizing a brand strategy.
Adopting social media as an information system – a case study of an internet service company in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Inieke Otobong , Raimi-Lawal Babatunde Mustapha
Published: October 2020

Purpose

In considering the ubiquity of information systems (ISs) and the increasingly important role served in modern business and service delivery, social media if properly leveraged gives potential competitive advantage to a company in its respective industry. With Paramount Web Nigeria Ltd. as a case study, this paper aims to focus on the important aspects of adopting social media as an IS such as data privacy principles and the role of social media in the context of a small internet service company.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant research information was relied upon to highlight the various factors involved with adopting social media as an IS.

Findings

Data handling and privacy policies must also be considered and properly devised if the concerned company is to effectively adopt social media as an IS. Decision-making tools such as SWOT analysis and the quality triangle are vital during the planning stages of deploying an IS.

Research limitations/implications

Research papers on aspects of social media as an IS especially in West African academia has been lacking. The challenge is in contextual information related to similar topics.

Practical implications

Findings detailed in this paper will serve to provide a better understanding of the important factors to be considered when adapting a new IS to an existing business.

Originality/value

This paper serves to highlight the potential factors to be considered when dealing with business ISs with a strong focus on social media and internet related services.
Atopic dermatitis does not increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Weng Yu‐Ching , Juan Chao‐Kuei , Ho Hsiu J. , Chang Yi‐Ling , Wu Chun‐Ying , Chen Yi‐Ju
Published: October 2020

Coexistence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in atopic dermatitis (AD) patients has been reported. The long‐term risk of IBD in AD patients remains unclear. Our aim for the study is to examine the long‐term risk of IBD in AD patients. This is a nationwide cohort study. From the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan (1997–2013), a total of 36 400 AD patients were identified and matched with 364 000 reference subjects without AD by age, sex and number of hospital visits. Demographic characteristics and comorbidities were compared. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to examine the risk of IBD. The 16‐year cumulative incidences of IBD were 0.047% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.040–0.054) and 0.047% (95% CI, 0.025–0.096) in non‐AD and AD cohorts, respectively (P = 0.973). There were 17 cases of IBD (0.05%), including 10 ulcerative colitis and seven Crohn’s disease, among AD patients compared with 169 IBD cases (0.05%) among controls (P > 0.999). Infections (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.71; 95% CI, 1.96–3.95; P < 0.001) and age (adjusted HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02–1.03; P < 0.001) were independently associated with IBD, after adjusting for major comorbidities and conducting multivariate analyses. AD was not associated with IBD development. In conclusion, AD is not independently associated with IBD development.
Australian local governments and climate emergency declarations: Reviewing local government practice
Authors: Chou Mark
Published: October 2020

In recent years, a growing number of Australian local governments have reaffirmed their longstanding climate leadership by declaring a climate emergency. Indeed, since 2016, when Melbourne's Darebin council became the world's first local government to declare a climate emergency, close to 100 local governments – or a little under one fifth of all Australian local governments – have taken the extraordinary step and made a similar declaration. But although these local government climate emergency declarations have received widespread government and media scrutiny, the precise nature and obligations of climate emergency declarations for local government remain unclear. Indeed, there is currently little analysis and understanding of what obligations local governments incur from declaring a climate emergency, whether those that have made such a declaration have fulfilled their obligations, and whether climate emergency declarations exceed the remit of existing local government environmental and climate roles and policies. This practice insight article seeks to answer these questions in both theory and practice. It finds that, at present, much of the talk about climate emergency by local government may merely be symbolic and broadly aligned with their existing local environmental and climate roles and policies.
TMEM107 inhibits EMT and invasion of NSCLC through regulating the Hedgehog pathway
Authors: Xu Huihui , Dun Song , Gao Ying , Ming Jian , Hui Linping , Qiu Xueshan
Published: October 2020

Background

Transmembrane protein 107 (TMEM107) is a key regulator of the cilium composition and Hedgehog signaling. Lower TMEM107 gene copies are correlated with poor prognosis in non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). However, TMEM107 protein expression, localization, and function in NSCLC remain unclear.

Methods

We first evaluated TMEM107 expression in 12 newly diagnosed cases of NSCLC and paired adjacent healthy tissues by western blotting. We then used an immunohistochemical method to detect TMEM107 expression in 106 paraffin‐embedded NSCLC and corresponding normal samples and analyzed its relationship with clinicopathological parameters. Moreover, we determined the impact of TMEM107 upregulation and downregulation on invasion, EMT and Hedgehog pathway in NSCLC cells.

Results

Our results showed that TMEM107 is localized in the cytoplasm and that its expression was lower in NSCLC. TMEM107 expression was positively correlated with cell differentiation and negatively correlated with lymph node metastasis. In A549 and HCC460 cells, downregulation of TMEM107 facilitated cell invasion and upregulated the expression of the Hedgehog pathway target protein Gli1, invasion‐associated proteins N‐cadherin, vimentin, MMP2, and MMP9, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), and inhibited the expression of E‐cadherin. Treatment with the Hedgehog pathway inhibitor GANT61 attenuated TMEM107‐knockdown–induced EMT and invasiveness.

Conclusions

These results indicate that TMEM107 inhibits EMT and invasion by negatively regulating Hedgehog signaling and that it is downregulated in NSCLC.

Key points

TMEM107 expression is lower in NSCLC tissues and correlates with poor prognosis

TMEM107 inhibits invasion of NSCLC cells

TMEM107 inhibits EMT of NSCLC cells

Downregulation of TMEM107 activates the Hedgehog signaling pathway

Downregulation of TMEM107 promotes EMT and migration in NSCLC by activating the Hedgehog signaling pathway
Predictors of survival among Japanese patients receiving first‐line chemoimmunotherapy for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ogura Yuri , Kataoka Nobutaka , Kunimatsu Yusuke , Tachibana Yusuke , Sugimoto Takumi , Tani Nozomi , Sato Izumi , Hirose Kazuki , Kato Daishiro , Takeda Takayuki
Published: October 2020

Background

First‐line chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) has improved overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) outcomes among patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The immunological and nutritional statuses of patients fluctuate during treatment using immune checkpoint inhibitors, and are closely related to treatment outcomes. However, it is unclear whether these markers are significant in patients who are receiving CIT.

Methods

This retrospective single‐center study evaluated 34 consecutive Japanese patients with NSCLC who were treated using first‐line CIT. Previously reported markers that reflect immunological and nutritional statuses were evaluated at three time points: at the start of CIT, after three weeks, and at the end of induction therapy.

Results

The median PFS was 7.2 months (95% confidence interval: 6.3 months–not reached) and the median OS was not reached (95% confidence interval: 9.6 months–not reached). The PFS duration was significantly associated with the baseline neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and the three‐week values for the modified Glasgow prognostic score, C‐reactive protein‐albumin ratio, prognostic nutrition index, and advanced lung cancer inflammation index. The OS duration was significantly associated with the pre‐treatment values for the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and advanced lung cancer inflammation index, as well as the prognostic nutrition index at the end of induction therapy.

Conclusions

Immunological and nutritional markers could be useful for predicting the outcomes of CIT for Japanese patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer. The timing of their evaluation may also be important.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Overall survival in patients receiving first‐line chemoimmunotherapy for advanced lung cancer were associated with pretreatment values of neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, advanced lung cancer inflammation index, and the prognostic nutrition index at the end of induction therapy.

What this study adds

Repetitive evaluation of immunological and nutritional markers may be useful for guiding prognostication and treatment selection for Japanese patients with advanced lung cancer.
A Late Iron Age settlement in Wādī Banī Ḫālid: First season of the joint Omani‐Italian archaeological project
Authors: Loreto Romolo
Published: October 2020

This paper introduces the first results of the joint Omani‐Italian archaeological project at Wādī Banī Ḫālid (northern Šarqiyyah governorate, eastern al‐Ḥaǧar), where a dense Iron Age and ancient Islamic occupation was detected. The aim of the project is the definition of the Iron Age settlement patterns along the eastern al‐Ḥaǧar landscape and its relationship with both the coastal areas and the al‐Ḥaǧar inner piedmont sites of central Oman. In fact, this project follows previous studies of the coastal environment between Muscat and Raʾs al‐Ḥadd, where several seasonal fishermen villages were investigated, and their connections with inner permanent sites, such as Lizq, recognised during the Early Iron Age II (1300–600 BCE). Therefore, Wādī Banī Ḫālid stands as a peculiar case of an Iron Age territorial unit, a natural scenario made of a narrow alluvial valley which provided natural conditions for the development of a complex culture. Moreover, the material culture emerged after a first excavation campaign proved that the main occupational phase of the imposing fortified settlement WBK1 is the Late Iron Age (late first millennium BCE to third–fourth centuries CE), thus hopefully allowing new questions to be posed for the definition of Late Iron Age cultures and the chronology in central Oman, which is mostly known based on the excavation of funerary evidence. For this reason, the first part of the paper focuses on the results of the first season in Wādī Banī Ḫālid, and the second part discusses the links between Wādī Banī Ḫālid and the south‐eastern Arabia general framework during the Late Iron Age.
Correlation between Genotype and Phenotype in 69 Chinese Patients with USH2A Mutations: A comparative study of the patients with Usher Syndrome and Nonsyndromic Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Meng Xiang , Liu XiaoZhen , Li YingYing , Guo Tong , Yang Liping
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyse 69 Chinese patients with USH2A mutations and to assess the genotype–phenotype correlation.

Methods

All 36 Usher syndrome type IIA patients and 33 nonsyndromic RP (retinitis pigmentosa) patients underwent clinical examinations. Eye examinations included best‐corrected visual acuity, slit‐lamp biomicroscopy, fundus examination with dilated pupils, fundus fluorescent angiography, visual field test, full‐field electroretinography and optic coherence tomography; audiological assessment included pure tone audiometry and hearing thresholds. The molecular diagnosis of genotype combined the single‐gene Sanger sequencing and next‐generation sequencing. This study is a retrospective study.

Results

The mean age of first symptoms with Usher syndrome type IIa and nonsyndromic RP patients was 13.7 versus 29.8 years (ocular phenotypes, p < 0.001); 17.7 versus 29.9 years (nyctalopia, p < 0.001); 44.7 versus 54.8 years (low vision based on VF, p < 0.001); 41.7 versus 54.7 years (low vision based on VA, p < 0.001); and 46.0 versus 56.7 years (legal blindness based on VF, p < 0.001). There was significant difference in variants in the two groups (p < 0.05). Among patients with mutation c.2802T > G (p.Cys934Trp), more (66.7%) presented with normal hearing. All patients (3/3, 100%) with the variant c.8232G > C (p.Trp2744Cys) had hearing loss. Furthermore, we identified 23 novel variants in USH2A.

Conclusions

Patients with Usher syndrome type IIa had an earlier onset of the disease, inferior visual function and presented with more truncating variants, compared with the nonsyndromic RP patients.
Seasonal variations and climatic factors on acute primary angle‐closure admission in southern China: a 5‐year hospital‐based retrospective study
Authors: Zhong Xin , Li Yan , Huang Chukai , Ng Tsz Kin , Weng Limei , Zhang Jing , Zhang Mingzhi , Huang Yuqiang
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To delineate the seasonality of acute primary angle‐closure (APAC) admission in a coastal city of southern China and its association with climatic factors.

Methods

A total of 1155 Chinese subjects with principal diagnosis of APAC attack were recruited from 2012 to 2016, and their medical records were retrieved. Monthly climatic factors were obtained from the Meteorological Bureau of Shantou. Monthly and seasonal APAC admissions were compared, and its correlation with climatic factors was evaluated.

Results

APAC admission was higher in female subjects (75.9%) with an overall mean age of 64.7 ± 9.3 years. APAC admission was highest in summer with the peak onset in June. The peak of APAC admission for female subjects aged ≤ 65 years was in June, and that for> 65 years was in July. The peak of APAC admission for male subjects aged > 65 years was in August. Precipitation was positively correlated with APAC admission rate for both aged ≤ 65 (β = 0.415, p = 0.001) and > 65 years old (β = 0.364, p = 0.004) female subjects. In contrast, surface temperature was positively correlated with APAC admission rate for male subjects aged > 65 years (β = 0.441, p < 0.001). No climatic factor was correlated with APAC admission rate for male subjects ≤ 65 years.

Conclusions

This study revealed the peak season of APAC admission in summer, and surface temperature and precipitation are the associated factors. Close monitoring of climate changes could help to reduce the incidence of APAC attack.
Chronological discrimination of silver coins based on inter‐elemental ratios using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS)
Authors: Gentelli L.
Published: October 2020

This paper details the application of a statistical method for the chronological discrimination of silver coins using counts per second trace elemental, inter‐elemental ratios. The statistical method described is based on a method that has been applied to similar archaeological materials to determine their provenance. The method makes use of the inter‐element association patterns of multi‐element analytical data determined using laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS). The majority of the 266 coins analysed for this study have already been successfully identified by their mint markings. The data from LA‐ICP‐MS analyses, together with what is known about the coins through visual identification, were used to discriminate the reigning sovereign, and in the case of Mexico, the year of minting, of individual coins within the elemental fingerprint of different mints. Subsequently, unidentified coins can be placed in the confusion matrix, and their trace element information used to identify their year of minting when compared with other, identified coins from the same mint. The interpretational statistical technique linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to explore an identification of year of minting of coins that have previously not been identified by other means based on a statistical comparison against a database of compositional analysis of silver coins of known year of minting.
The role of midwifery and other international insights for maternity care in the United States: An analysis of four countries
Authors: Kennedy Holly Powell , Balaam Marie‐Clare , Dahlen Hannah , Declercq Eugene , de Jonge Ank , Downe Soo , Ellwood David , Homer Caroline S. E. , Sandall Jane , Vedam Saraswathi , Wolfe Ingrid
Published: October 2020

Background

The United States (US) spends more on health care than any other high‐resource country. Despite this, their maternal and newborn outcomes are worse than all other countries with similar levels of economic development. Our purpose was to describe maternal and newborn outcomes and organization of care in four high‐resource countries (Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and United Kingdom) with consistently better outcomes and lower health care costs, and to identify opportunities for emulation and improvement in the United States.

Method

We examined resources that described health care organization and financing, provider types, birth settings, national, clinical guidelines, health care policies, surveillance data, and information for consumers. We conducted interviews with country stakeholders representing the disciplines of obstetrics, midwifery, pediatrics, neonatology, epidemiology, sociology, political science, public health, and health services. The results of the analysis were compared and contrasted with the US maternity system.

Results

The four countries had lower rates of maternal mortality, low birthweight, and newborn and infant death than the United States. Five commonalities were identified as follows: (1) affordable/ accessible health care, (2) a maternity workforce that emphasized midwifery care and interprofessional collaboration, (3) respectful care and maternal autonomy, (4) evidence‐based guidelines on place of birth, and (5) national data collections systems.

Conclusions

The findings reveal marked differences in the other countries compared to the United States. It is critical to consider the evidence for improved maternal and newborn outcomes with different models of care and to examine US cultural and structural failures that are leading to unacceptable and substandard maternal and infant outcomes.
Understanding university students’ behavioral intention to use Edmodo through the lens of an extended technology acceptance model
Authors: Unal Erhan , Uzun Ahmet Murat
Published: October 2020

Educational social network sites have many uses in the field of education. The present paper aims to determine factors influencing students’ behavioral intention to use a popular educational social network site, Edmodo. Using an extension of the technology acceptance model, we analyzed quantitative responses of 218 university students, registered in an Edmodo supported course. Data were analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results highlighted that intention was significantly predicted by its antecedents. More specifically, the attitude was the most important factor, whilst perceived usefulness had a moderate impact on predicting intention. Perceived ease of use predicted perceived usefulness directly and also it influenced intention indirectly through attitude. External antecedents of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were all significant. Discussion and implications were drawn based on the results.

Practitioner Notes

What is already known about this topic

Understanding why users accept or reject a particular information system is a common research area.

Technology acceptance model (TAM) is used to explain individuals’ acceptance and adoption of different technologies.

Social Networking Sites (SNSs) have been used to enrich learning. However, the adoption of educational SNS studies is limited.

What this paper adds

This study is one of the first attempts for employing extended TAM that scrutinizes factors influencing university students’ intention to use Edmodo as an educational SNS and a learning management system (LMS) in teaching and learning environments.

External antecedents included in the model (subjective norms, output quality, perceptions of external control, perceived enjoyment, technological complexity, and self‐efficacy) significantly predicted university students’ intention to use Edmodo as an educational SNS and LMS.

Major factors driving the intention to use Edmodo were attitude and perceived usefulness.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Considering that the attitude was found to have the strongest influence on the intention to use Edmodo, instructors may attach prominent importance to foster students’ positive attitudes toward Edmodo use.

Instructors may design virtual learning environments with collaborative activities on SNS to increase students’ perceived usefulness.

Designers and developers of an educational SNS should design interfaces that should be not only less complex but also more enjoyable.
Update of P2X receptor properties and their pharmacology: IUPHAR Review 30
Authors: Illes Peter , Müller Christa E. , Jacobson Kenneth A. , Grutter Thomas , Nicke Annette , Fountain Samuel J. , Kennedy Charles , Schmalzing Günther , Jarvis Michael F. , Stojilkovic Stanko S. , King Brian F. , Di Virgilio Francesco
Published: October 2020

The known seven mammalian receptor subunits (P2X1–7) form cationic channels gated by ATP. Three subunits compose a receptor channel. Each subunit is a polypeptide consisting of two transmembrane regions (TM1 and TM2), intracellular N‐ and C‐termini, and a bulky extracellular loop. Crystallization allowed the identification of the 3D structure and gating cycle of P2X receptors. The agonist‐binding pocket is located at the intersection of two neighbouring subunits. In addition to the mammalian P2X receptors, their primitive ligand‐gated counterparts with little structural similarity have also been cloned. Selective agonists for P2X receptor subtypes are not available, but medicinal chemistry supplied a range of subtype‐selective antagonists, as well as positive and negative allosteric modulators. Knockout mice and selective antagonists helped to identify pathological functions due to defective P2X receptors, such as male infertility (P2X1), hearing loss (P2X2), pain/cough (P2X3), neuropathic pain (P2X4), inflammatory bone loss (P2X5), and faulty immune reactions (P2X7).
“I'm Glad She Chose Me as Her Parent”: Rewards of Caregiving for Adults With Autism
Authors: Marsack‐Topolewski Christina N. , Perry Tam E. , Chan Keith T.
Published: October 2020

Objective

This research examines perceptions of rewards associated with caregiving experienced by older parents of adult children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Background

More individuals with ASD are reaching adulthood, often requiring some form of lifelong support from parental caregivers. Past research has examined caregiving challenges for adult children with ASD, with little focus on rewards.

Method

One‐on‐one, semistructured interviews were conducted among 51 parents (aged 50 years and older) of adult children (18 years and older) diagnosed with ASD. Interviews focused on exploring experiences of older parental caregivers. Using a phenomenological approach, data were coded through a line‐by‐line analysis using Atlas.ti 7 software.

Results

Four themes emerged from interview responses: (a) pride in adult child's progress and growth, (b) feelings of personal competence, (c) changed perspective on life, and (d) deeper connections to others.

Conclusion

Our findings provide insight into how older parents of adult children with ASD experience rewards from caregiving.

Implications

Practitioners who work with individuals with ASD can help parental caregivers and their families find and promote strengths by highlighting the rewards in the caregiving process.
Drought stress effect on polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity of cowpea pods and seeds
Authors: Carvalho Márcia , Gouvinhas Irene , Castro Isaura , Matos Manuela , Rosa Eduardo , Carnide Valdemar , Barros Ana
Published: October 2020

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) is a protein‐rich grain legume with high adaptability to heat and drought and can be consumed during all stages of the plant development. Drought is a severe environmental stress with major impacts on plant development and productivity. This study main objective was to understand the effects of drought stress on polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity in plant tissue at different stages of cowpea development. Four cowpea genotypes grown until the anthesis under well‐irrigate conditions and then were submitted to two watering regimens (0% and 75% of field capacity) for one week. Immature pods and seeds and dry seeds were collected, and polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity were evaluated by spectrophotometry. In general, differences between genotypes, plant growth stage and treatments were observed. A variation of phenolic content and antioxidant capacity has been detected in all cowpea genotypes and plant tissues at different development stages. Immature pods showed the highest values in all the parameters evaluated, while the dry seed presented the lowest values. The samples submitted to drought stress showed a slight decrease in all the parameters evaluated compared to control samples being this decrease only significant in some parameters and growth stages. This study shows that drought stress did not significantly influence the quality of cowpea through phenolic content and antioxidant capacity.
Cav 1.3 damages the osteogenic differentiation in osteoporotic rats by negatively regulating Spred 2‐mediated autophagy‐induced cell senescence
Authors: Fan Ping , Pu Dan , Lv Xiaohong , Hu Nan , Feng Xiuyuan , Hao Zhiming , Sun Yining , He Lan
Published: October 2020

Cav 1.3 can affect the classical osteoclast differentiation pathway through calcium signalling pathway. Here, we performed cell transfection, real‐time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR), flow cytometry, SA‐β‐Gal staining, Alizarin Red S staining, ALP activity test, immunofluorescence, Western blot and cell viability assay to analyse cell viability, cell cycle, osteogenesis differentiation and autophagy activities in vitro. Meanwhile, GST‐pull down and CHIP experiments were conducted to explore the influence of Cav 1.3 and Sprouty‐related EVH1 domain 2 (Spred 2) on bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The results showed that OS lead to the decreased of bone mineral density and differentiation ability of BMSCs in rats. Cav 1.3 was up‐regulated in OS rats. Overexpression of Cav 1.3 inhibited the activity of BMSCs, the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteocalcin (OCN), as well as promoted the cell cycle arrest and senescence. Furthermore, the negative correlation between Cav 1.3 and Spred 2 was found through GST‐pull down and CHIP. Overexpression of Spred 2 increased the expressions of microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and Beclin 1 of BMSCs, which ultimately promoted the cell activity of BMSCs and ALP, RUNX2, OCN expression. In conclusion, Cav 1.3 negatively regulates Spred 2‐mediated autophagy and cell senescence, and damages the activity and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in OS rats.
Single‐cell multi‐omics analysis presents the landscape of peripheral blood T‐cell subsets in human chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome
Authors: Zhang Meng , Liu Yi , Chen Junyi , Chen Lei , Meng Jialin , Yang Cheng , Yin Shuiping , Zhang Xiansheng , Zhang Li , Hao Zongyao , Chen Xianguo , Liang Chaozhao
Published: October 2020

Cumulative evidence suggests that abnormal differentiation of T lymphocytes influences the pathogenesis of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Thus, understanding the immune activation landscape of CP/CPPS would be helpful for improving therapeutic strategies. Here, we utilized BD™ AbSeq to digitally quantify both the protein and mRNA expression levels in single peripheral blood T cells from two CP/CPPS patients and two healthy controls. We utilized an integrated strategy based on canonical correlation analysis of 10 000+ AbSeq profiles and identified fifteen unique T‐cell subpopulations. Notably, we found that the proportion of cluster 0 in the CP/CPPS group (30.35%) was significantly increased compared with the proportion in the healthy control group (9.38%); cluster 0 was defined as effector T cells based on differentially expressed genes/proteins. Flow cytometry assays confirmed that the proportions of effector T‐cell subpopulations, particularly central memory T cells, T helper (Th)1, Th17 and Th22 cells, in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations of patients with CP/CPPS were significantly increased compared with those of healthy controls (P < 0.05), further confirming that aberration of effector T cells possibly leads to or intensifies CP/CPPS. Our results provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of CP/CPPS, which will be beneficial for its treatment.
Molecular structure and evolution mechanism of two populations of double minutes in human colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Jia Xueyuan , Guan Rongwei , Cui Xiaobo , Zhu Jing , Liu Peng , Zhang Ling , Wang Dong , Zhang Yang , Dong Kexian , Wu Jie , Ji Wei , Ji Guohua , Bai Jing , Yu Jingcui , Yu Yang , Sun Wenjing , Zhang Feng , Fu Songbin
Published: October 2020

Gene amplification chiefly manifests as homogeneously stained regions (HSRs) or double minutes (DMs) in cytogenetically and extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in molecular genetics. Evidence suggests that gene amplification is becoming a hotspot for cancer research, which may be a new treatment strategy for cancer. DMs usually carry oncogenes or chemoresistant genes that are associated with cancer progression, occurrence and prognosis. Defining the molecular structure of DMs will facilitate understanding of the molecular mechanism of tumorigenesis. In this study, we re‐identified the origin and integral sequence of DMs in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line NCI‐H716 by genetic mapping and sequencing strategy, employing high‐resolution array‐based comparative genomic hybridization, high‐throughput sequencing, multiplex‐fluorescence in situ hybridization and chromosome walking techniques. We identified two distinct populations of DMs in NCI‐H716, confirming their heterogeneity in cancer cells, and managed to construct their molecular structure, which were not investigated before. Research evidence of amplicons distribution in two different populations of DMs suggested that a multi‐step evolutionary model could fit the module of DM genesis better in NCI‐H716 cell line. In conclusion, our data implicated that DMs play a very important role in cancer progression and further investigation is necessary to uncover the role of the DMs.
Exploring the experiences of siblings of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Redquest B. K. , Tint A. , Ries H. , Lunsky Y.
Published: October 2020

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused many adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) to lose their daily routines and social support, and as a result, many adults with IDD are increasingly reliant on their family caregivers. Siblings often play a crucial support role for their brothers and sisters with IDD. As such, this study aimed to describe the experiences of adult siblings of people with IDD during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

The Sibling Collaborative worked with researchers to codesign an online survey, completed by 91 people, exploring sibling supports and concerns during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The survey also aimed to identify helpful resources for siblings during this time.

Results

The results showed that the majority of siblings are supporting their brother or sister with IDD during the COVID‐19 pandemic and are concerned about the health and well‐being of their brother/sister. The most common concern related to disruption of their brother's or sister's routine and activities. Although responses of older and younger siblings did not differ from each other, siblings whose brother or sister with IDD lived with family had some unique concerns relative to those whose siblings no longer lived with family. Siblings described how their own self‐care and relationships with others, as well as support for their brother/sister, were particularly helpful during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusions

Siblings are providing key support to their brother or sister with IDD during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and they too must be supported. Siblings should be included in efforts to disseminate resources targeting people with IDD and their feedback and input must be obtained. It is also important to include sibling mental wellness as caregiver supports are created and implemented. More research is needed to further understand how to support sibling caregivers.
Comparison between a flash glucose monitoring system and a portable blood glucose meter for monitoring dogs with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Del Baldo Francesca , Canton Claudia , Testa Silvia , Swales Harry , Drudi Ignazio , Golinelli Stefania , Fracassi Federico
Published: October 2020

Background

Flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS; FreeStyle Libre) was recently validated for use in diabetic dogs (DD). It is not known if this system is clinically useful in monitoring DD.

Objective

To compare the clinical utility of FGMS against blood glucose curves (BGCs) obtained with a portable blood glucose meter (PBGM) in monitoring DD.

Animals

Twenty dogs with diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Prospective study. Dogs with diabetes mellitus on insulin treatment for at least 1 month were included. Comparisons of insulin dose recommendations based on the in‐hospital GCs acquired using FGMS and a PBGM, consecutive‐day interstitial GCs (IGCs) acquired at home using the FGMS, and consecutive‐day, home vs hospital IGCs acquired using the FGMS were made using concordance analysis.

Results

There was good concordance between insulin dose recommendations based on FGMS and PBGM generated GCs and IGCs obtained in the 2 different environments on 2 consecutive days, but almost absent concordance between IGCs obtained on 2 consecutive days at home. Glucose nadirs were detected in 34/43 (79%) of Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP) reports of the FGMS. In comparison, concordant glucose nadirs were identified in 14/34 (41%) BGCs using PBGM. The individual FGMS scans and PBGM identified 60% and 9% of low IG/hypoglycemic episodes, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Insulin dose adjustments based on BGCs can be suboptimal. The FGMS allows a more accurate identification of the glucose nadirs and hypoglycemic episodes compared to the use of a PBGM and assessment of day‐to‐day variations in glycemic control.
GmLCLs negatively regulate ABA perception and signalling genes in soybean leaf dehydration response
Authors: Yuan Li , Xie Grace Z. , Zhang Siyuan , Li Baozhu , Wang Xianglong , Li Yu , Liu Tao , Xu Xiaodong
Published: October 2020

The circadian clock allows plants to actively adapt to daily environmental changes through temporal regulation of physiological traits. In response to drought stress, circadian oscillators gate ABA signalling, but the molecular mechanisms remain unknown, especially in crops. Here, we investigated the role of soybean circadian oscillators GmLCLa1, GmLCLa2, GmLCLb1 and GmLCLb2 in leaf water stress response. Under dehydration stress, the GmLCL quadruple mutant had decreased leaf water loss. We found that the dehydration treatment delayed the peak expression of GmLCL genes by 4 hr. In addition, the circadian clock in hairy roots also responded to ABA, which led to a free‐running rhythm with shortened period. Importantly, in the gmlclq quadruple mutant, diurnal expression phases of several circadian‐regulated ABA receptor, ABA catabolism and ABA signalling‐related genes were shifted significantly to daytime. Moreover, in the gmlclq mutant leaf, expression of GmPYL17, GmCYP707A, GmABI2 and GmSnRK2s was increased under water dehydration stress. In summary, our results show that GmLCLs act as negative regulators of ABA signalling in leaves during dehydration response.