bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do different stakeholder groups within an open source software project influence the project's development: a case study of OpenSimulator
Authors: Di Gangi Paul , Teigland Robin , Yetis Zeynep
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This research investigates how the value creation interests and activities of different stakeholder groups within one open source software (OSS) project influence the project's development over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a case study of OpenSimulator using textual and thematic analyses of the initial four years of OpenSimulator developer mailing list to identify each stakeholder group and guide our analysis of their interests and value creation activities over time.

Findings

The analysis revealed that while each stakeholder group was active within the OSS project's development, the different groups possessed complementary interests that enabled the project to evolve. In the formative period, entrepreneurs were interested in the software's strategic direction in the market, academics and SMEs in software functionality and large firms and hobbyists in software testing. Each group retained its primary interest in the maturing period with academics and SMEs separating into server- and client-side usability. The analysis shed light on how the different stakeholder groups overcame tensions amongst themselves and took specific actions to sustain the project.

Originality/value

The authors extend stakeholder theory by reconceptualizing the focal organization and its stakeholders for OSS projects. To date, OSS research has primarily focused on examining one project relative to its marketplace. Using stakeholder theory, we identified stakeholder groups within a single OSS project to demonstrate their distinct interests and how these interests influence their value creation activities over time. Collectively, these interests enable the project's long-term development.
Residential satisfaction of vertical urban settlements in Hong Kong
Authors: Sanni-Anibire Muizz Oladapo , Adenle Yusuf A.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Vertical urban settlements are becoming the predominant form of contemporary urban design in response to population increase and rapid urbanization. These developments are, however, perceived to be poorly designed and incongruent with the users’ needs. The purpose of this study was to present a resident satisfaction assessment of Hong Kong’s vertical settlements.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of the literature was conducted on the concept of vertical urbanism, residential satisfaction and postoccupancy evaluation. Fifty performance indicators were classified into three groups including indoor environment, safety and maintenance; furniture, utilities and spaces; and privacy, appearance and city life. These indicators were used to develop a Web-based questionnaire administered to residents in the three administrative regions of Hong Kong. Ninety-eight respondents participated in the study, and the results were analyzed using the resident satisfaction index and the overall satisfaction index. A multilinear regression analysis was also made to develop a model describing the most relevant performance indicators for determining the overall residential satisfaction.

Findings

The results revealed that residents expressed dissatisfaction with performance indicators, including “level of noise generated from outside the building (neighboring buildings, traffic, noise, etc.),” “variation and stability of indoor temperature,” “sustainable design of the building’s environment (cyclability, walkability, electric charging stations, etc.),” “availability and capacity of car parking,” “size and adequacy of spaces for social interaction” and “considerations for occupants with special needs (disabled, aged people, children, occupants with a medical condition, etc.).” The results also revealed that some indicators such as the maintenance of elevators, adequate interior space and surrounding areas were considered as significantly influencing residential satisfaction. Similarly, the building height and wind-induced motion were not significantly influencing residential satisfaction. The results also revealed that a multilinear Regression model with five variables and an adjusted R2 value of 93% could estimate the overall residential satisfaction.

Originality/value

The concept of vertical urban design is the new paradigm in the shaping of future cities. The originality of this study is its adoption of post-occupancy evaluation to assess occupants’ residential satisfaction. As well as the determination of factors that should inform the planning, design and management of vertical urban settlements. Thus, the study has significant implications for research in vertical urban development, as well as the professional practice of building and urban planners, designers and managers.
Emerging technologies in facility management in Brazil
Authors: Rosário da Silva Marcus Vinicius , Meiriño Marcelo Jasmim , Vieira Neto Julio Vieira Neto , Ornstein Sheila Walbe
Published: December 2022

Purpose

An interaction between emerging technologies (ETs) for facility management (FM) activities and stakeholder skills is necessary to promote the optimization of FM performance. Previous studies do not show strategies for the selection of ETs in FM considering the technological competencies of stakeholders. Thus, this study analyzes the interactions between ETs and FM from the perceptions of Brazilian professionals, identifying the most appropriate and effective technological solutions, based on a broad literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

The steps of the methodology are as follows: systematic literature review (SLR); detailing the ETs for FM; online questionnaire based on SLR findings; sample of Brazilian FM professionals; statistical treatment; and discussion.

Findings

Results indicate wireless sensor network, Internet of Thing, building information modeling and Big Data as ETs in FM with greater potential for optimization in the performance of FM activities, from survey respondents.

Research limitations/implications

The scope of possible findings may have been biased, considering the small number of research participants and current transformations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g. changes to standard operating procedures).

Practical implications

The results ensure greater security to facility managers in the effective implementation of ETs in FM activities.

Originality/value

The research explores the published studies and the consultation with Brazilian FM professionals in the selection of ETs.
A pilot study assessing initial psychometric properties of “the risk insight scale”
Authors: Hickman Gareth , Morris Antonia
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to report on the development of a psychometric measure of insight, The Risk Insight Scale. This measure is intended to assess the insight and understanding of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) who engage in offending and/or risky behaviour. The measure assesses insight in two domains: insight into offending and/or risky behaviours and insight into the need for treatment for offending and/or risky behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty secure inpatients with ID were assessed using the measure. Preliminary data are presented on inter-rater and test–retest reliability, internal consistency and validity.

Findings

The data demonstrate that the new tool has good internal consistency, good inter-rater reliability and good test–retest reliability.

Research limitations/implications

The psychometric measure must be completed by someone who is familiar with the patient. More data is needed to validate the measure at this stage. Further discussion is provided regarding insight as a construct and its role in risk assessment.

Practical implications

The psychometric measure is both of potential benefit in clinical settings with regard to informing risk assessment and case management and may also serve as an effective tool in intervention outcome evaluation and academic research trials.

Originality/value

The generation of new tool to support and enhance risk assessment, specifically in supplementing assessment of insight in individuals with ID with offending and/or risky behaviour.
The role of customer orientation in creating customer value in fast-food restaurants
Authors: Helal Mohamed Youssef Ibrahim
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Scholars and professionals are interested in studying customer value in fast-food restaurants. Previous research on the customer value of fast-food restaurants mainly measured the dimensions and relationships of the customer value. However, the research has not examined a method for identifying sources of customer value in fast-food restaurants. Therefore, this study used customer orientation to find customer needs and generate customer value in fast-food restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a conceptual framework with six constructs. A questionnaire was used to gather empirical data from fast-food restaurant customers in Greater Cairo, Egypt. The suggested framework was evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis, reliability and validity analysis, standardized path coefficients and regression-based moderation analysis.

Findings

This study found that proactive customer orientation has a substantial direct and positive impact on customer perceived value. Customer perceived value is also positively influenced by responsive and proactive customer orientations, with customer desired value change intensity acting as a moderator. Customer perceived value substantially impacts customer satisfaction, and the latter substantially affects behavioural intention.

Practical implications

This study offers several suggestions for managers of fast-food restaurants on how to employ customer orientation to find current, latent and future customer desires to provide customer value.

Originality/value

This is the first research in the hospitality industry to demonstrate how responsive and proactive customer orientation may be used to recognize customer needs and provide the desired customer value.
The impact of the Russia–Ukraine conflict (2022) on volatility connectedness between the Egyptian stock market sectors: evidence from the DCC-GARCH-CONNECTEDNESS approach
Authors: Mahran Hisham Abdeltawab
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of the Russia–Ukraine war (2022) on the volatility connectedness between Egyptian stock market sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs the newest dynamic conditional correlation (DCC)-generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH)-CONNECTEDNESS approach to examine volatility connectedness in a sample of ten sectors in the Egyptian stock market, namely banks, education, food, healthcare, industry, information technology, real estate, resources, transportation and travel, ranging from February 1, 2019 to May 31, 2022.

Findings

The findings show that connectedness among the Egyptian stock market sectors varies depending on the time. The average dynamic connectedness measure among sectors in Egypt is 73.24%. This average was 85.63% during the Russia–Ukraine War (2022). The author also shows that the transportation sector is the most significant net transmitter of volatility in the remaining sectors during the Russia–Ukraine War (2022).

Practical implications

This study intends for policymakers to examine the co-movements, market variations and volatility spillover of stock markets, particularly during crises. Furthermore, the results help investors gain insight into diversifying the investors' portfolio assets to optimize profits.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, no study has investigated the implications of the war between Russia and Ukraine (2022) on sectoral interconnectedness within the stock markets in any country and discussion and empirical evidence from African countries are lacking. This study fills this gap in the literature. Additionally, the author uses the newest approach, the DCC-GARCH-CONNECTEDNESS approach, to describe the time-varying volatility spillover between economic sectors in Egypt.
Designing a multi-period and multi-product resilient mixed supply chain network under chain-to-chain competition
Authors: Vali-Siar Mohammad Mahdi , Roghanian Emad
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study addresses resilient mixed supply chain network design (SCND) and aims to minimize the expected total cost of the supply chain (SC) considering disruptions. The capacity of facilities is considered uncertain. In order to get closer to real-world situations, competition between SCs is considered.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage stochastic programming model is developed for designing the SC network. The location of facilities and selection of suppliers are considered first-stage decisions, and the determination of materials and products flows are second-stage decisions. Some resilience strategies are applied to mitigate the negative impacts of disruptions.

Findings

The results indicate that considering resilience and applying the related strategies are vitally important, and resilience strategies can significantly improve the SC objective and maintain market share. Also, it is confirmed that unrealistic decisions will be made without considering the competition.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by proposing a novel mathematical model for the resilient mixed SCND problem. The other contribution is considering the chain-to-chain competition in collecting returned products and selling recycled products to other SCs in a mixed SC under disruptions. Also, a novel hybrid metaheuristic is developed to cope with the complexity of the model.
Portfolio optimization in the capital market bubble space, an application of meta-heuristic algorithms
Authors: Mohammadi Iman , Mohammadi Khoshouei Hamzeh , Aghaei Chadegani Arezoo
Published: December 2022

Purpose

In this study, to maximize returns and minimize investment risk, an attempt was made to form an optimal portfolio under conditions where the capital market has a price bubble. According to the purpose, the research was of the applied type, in terms of data, quantitative and postevent, and in terms of the type of analysis, it was of the descriptive-correlation type. Sequence, skewness and kurtosis tests were used to identify the months with bubbles from 2015 to 2021 in the Tehran Stock Exchange. After identifying the bubble courses, artificial bee colony meta-heuristic and invasive weed algorithms were used to optimize the portfolio. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The existence of bubbles in the market, especially in the capital market, can prevent the participation of investors in the capital market process and the correct allocation of financial resources for the economic development of the country. However, due to the goal of investors to achieve a portfolio of high returns with the least amount of risk, there is need to pay attention to these markets increases.

Findings

The results identify 14 periods of price bubbles during the study period. Additionally, stock portfolios with maximum returns and minimum risk were selected for portfolio optimization. According to the results of using meta-heuristic algorithms to optimize the portfolio, in relation to the obtained returns and risk, no significant difference was observed between the returns and risk of periods with price bubbles in each of the two meta-heuristic algorithms. This study can guide investors in identifying bubble courses and forming an optimal portfolio under these conditions.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations of this research is the non-generalizability of the findings to stock exchanges of other countries and other time periods due to the condition of the price bubble, as well as other companies in the stock market due to the restrictions considered for selecting the statistical sample.

Originality/value

This study intends to form an optimal stock portfolio in a situation where the capital market suffers from a price bubble. This study provides an effective and practical solution for investors in the field of stock portfolio optimization.
Quality assurance and improvement program: some considerations for central banks
Authors: Polizzi Salvatore , Lupo Fabio , Testella Sara
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) is defined as “an ongoing and periodic assessment of the entire spectrum of audit and consulting work performed by the internal audit (IA) activity”. QAIP is an important component of internal auditors’ commitment to improve internal audit (IA) quality. The pressure towards improvement is urgent for central banks, in light of the vulnerabilities of their IA functions identified by the International Monetary Fund. The authors analyse the professional standards and the literature on IA and QAIP, aiming to propose general considerations to enhance IA quality and to develop and maintain a QAIP, with reference to central banks, also shedding light on the synergies among IA, QAIP and total quality management (TQM).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the most relevant professional standards in light of the professional and academic literature regarding IA quality, QAIP and their relationship with TQM. The analysis of these sources represents an important step to identify general measures to improve IA quality and develop effective QAIP in central banks.

Findings

This analysis shows that it is important to understand the rationale behind the development of an IA function and its theoretical and practical foundation, especially for complex organisations such as central banks. In addition, the authors show that QAIP represents an important tool to exploit the synergies between TQM and IA. These synergies could result in higher levels of quality for the IA function and more effective implementation of TQM within the whole organisation. Lastly, the authors provide practical suggestions to support the implementation of an effective QAIP in central banks and to spread TQM philosophy within the organisation.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the scant literature on IA quality and QAIP by focusing on central banks and shedding light on the relationship with TQM. Regardless of their importance, these topics have been largely neglected by the extant literature.
Do memorable restaurant experiences affect eWOM? The moderating effect of consumers' behavioural engagement on social networking sites
Authors: Souki Gustavo Quiroga , Oliveira Alessandro Silva de , Guerreiro Maria Manuela Martins , Mendes Júlio da Costa , Moura Luiz Rodrigo Cunha
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Many restaurants offer high-quality service to their customers, hoping to provide memorable experiences that influence their loyalty and electronic word of mouth (eWOM). However, consumers' memorable experiences do not always imply positive eWOM. This study aims to (1) verify the direct impacts of the perceived quality by consumers of casual dining restaurants on positive emotions, negative emotions and memorable experiences; (2) investigate the impacts of memorable experiences on the propensity to loyalty and eWOM; (3) test the moderating effect of consumer behavioural engagement on social networking sites (CBE-SNS) on the relationship between memorable experiences and eWOM.

Design/methodology/approach

This survey included 475 university students in Brazil. Participants answered an electronic form about their experiences in casual dining restaurants. Structural equation modelling tested the hypothetical model based on the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) theory (Mehrabian and Russell, 1974).

Findings

The quality perceived by restaurant consumers (stimulus) positively impacts their memorable experiences and positive emotions and negatively affects their negative emotions (organism). Memorable experiences positively impact the propensity to loyalty (response). The CBE-SNS moderates the intensity of the relationship between memorable experiences (organism) and eWOM (response).

Originality/value

This study is the first that demonstrates the relationships between perceived quality, positive and negative emotions, memorable experiences, the propensity to loyalty and CBE-SNS and e-WOM in restaurants. Casual dining restaurants must offer their customers services with high perceived quality, positively impacting their emotions and their memorable experiences. Finally, restaurants must create strategies and actions to increase the CBE-SNS to encourage them to share their memorable experiences through eWOM.
Comparison of cytokine production in mice inoculated with messenger RNA vaccines BNT162b2 and mRNA‐1273
Authors: Nakayama Tetsuo , Sawada Akihito , Ito Takeshi
Published: December 2022

Two messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines of BNT162b2 and mRNA‐1273 were licensed. The most common adverse event is regional pain at the injection site in 80%. As systemic reactions, fatigue and headache were noted in 40%–60% and febrile illness in 10%–40% of the recipients. To investigate the mechanism of adverse events, cytokine profiles were investigated in mice. Muscle tissue and serum samples were obtained on days 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7, and at 2 and 4 weeks after the first dose. The second dose was given 4 weeks after the first dose and samples were obtained. After inoculation with 0.1 mL of mRNA‐1273, IFN‐γ and IL‐2 were detected in muscle tissues and serum samples on day 1 of the second doses, and similar profiles were observed for IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐12 production. mRNA‐1273 induced higher levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines. TNF‐α was induced in muscle tissues on day 1 of the first dose and enhanced on day 1 of the second dose after inoculation with BNT162b2 and mRNA‐1273. IL‐6 was also detected in muscle tissue on day 1 of the first dose, but it decreased after day 3, and enhanced production was demonstrated on day 1 of the second dose. Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in muscle tissues showed a similar profile. The induction of inflammatory cytokines in the mouse model is related to the cause of adverse events in humans, with a higher incidence of adverse events after the second dose.
Product Market Competition and its Implications for the Australian Economy*
Authors: Hambur Jonathan
Published: December 2022

This paper documents firm mark‐ups and competition in Australia, and their impact on productivity, using administrative data. I find that mark‐ups increased by around 5 per cent since the mid 2000s, less than previously documented for Australia and slightly less than documented for the average advanced economy. While part appears to reflect technological change, part appears to reflect an increase in market power. This increase appears to explain part of the slowdown in productivity growth observed in Australia over the past decade, by slowing the efficient reallocation of resources from low productivity to high productivity firms.
The Impact of Audit Technology on Audit Task Outcomes: Evidence for Technology‐Based Audit Techniques*
Authors: Eulerich Marc , Masli Adi , Pickerd Jeffrey , Wood David A.
Published: December 2022

As audit technology becomes more widespread, practice and academia are raising concerns about the costs and benefits of these technologies. We examine how internal auditors use technology‐based audit techniques (TBATs) and how TBATs impact the efficiency and effectiveness of their audits. We use two surveys and interviews of individual auditors and chief audit executives (CAE) to examine their perceptions of TBATs. Auditors perceive TBATs as beneficial. Specifically, an increase in the use of TBATs is associated with completing more audits, finding more risk factors, providing more recommendations, and decreasing audit days. However, CAEs also perceive TBATs to be costly. An increase in the use of TBATs is associated with an increase in the size of the internal audit function. Finally, interviews with CAEs suggest that TBATs are not used more often because of difficulties in quantifying their benefits, observing their benefits in a timely manner, and hiring auditors with appropriate skills. Overall, TBATs stand to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of audit tasks, but auditors struggle to quantify their net cost‐benefit tradeoff. Our findings validate the issues raised by both proponents and opponents of audit technologies and help provide empirical data to inform their decision‐making process regarding the future of these tools. Additionally, our study prompts several avenues for future research that can help inform regulators, practitioners, and researchers on how these technologies are impacting the auditing profession.
First record of parasitism in soldier flies by tachinids:Lixophaga stratiophagaGudin, sp. nov. (Diptera: Tachinidae), reared fromPtecticus testaceus(Fabricius) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) in Amazon rainforest and updated catalogue of dipteran hosts of Tachinidae
Authors: Gudin Filipe Macedo , Soares Matheus Mickael Mota , Fernandes Daniell Rodrigo Rodrigues , Rafael José Albertino
Published: December 2022

Although tachinids parasitise a wide variety of insects, two‐winged flies are not commonly recorded as hosts. Of the host records from Diptera, most are from larvae of Tabanidae and Tipulidae, with a few occasional records in other families. We present here the first record of parasitism in soldier flies by tachinids and the first record of a dipteran host in the Neotropical Region.Lixophaga stratiophagaGudin,sp. nov.(Diptera: Tachinidae: Blondeliini) is described and illustrated from pupae ofPtecticus testaceus(Fabricius) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae: Sarginae), collected in fallen fruit ofCasearia combaymensisTul. (Salicaceae) in a reserve of Amazon rainforest in Manaus, state of Amazonas, Brazil. We include notes about its host and discuss the most relevant diagnostic characters for New World species ofLixophaga. An updated and annotated catalogue of dipteran hosts of Tachinidae is also provided, with an overview of host use and oviposition strategies of their respective parasitoids.
The trigger for RNA interference to silence essential genes in southern pine beetle, Dendroctonus frontalis, demonstrates no lethal effects on pine‐associated nontarget insects
Authors: Hollowell Hannah , Wallace Mary , Rieske Lynne K.
Published: December 2022

Environmental conditions associated with climate change are exacerbating pine mortality caused by the southern pine beetle (SPB) (Dendroctonus frontalis), prompting investigations into innovative management strategies.

Triggering the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway using species‐specific double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) to silence genes and cause mortality is effective in SPB and is an emerging technology for pest management, but specificity and safety must be demonstrated.

We evaluated three pine‐associates (the scolytine six‐spined ips, Ips calligraphus, a foliage feeding pine sawfly, Neodiprion lecontei, and the detritivorous eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes), for transcriptome sequence overlap with the SPB dsRNA and performed bioassays to evaluate lethal and sublethal effects after dsRNA ingestion.

Genetic analyses revealed little overlap between dsRNA sequences and target gene orthologs, with only two matches found in I. calligraphus, the most closely related phylogenetically.

No lethal or sublethal effects were observed in any of the nontarget organisms evaluated, and changes in gene expression occurred only in I. calligraphus, but with no discernible effects on adult survival.

Our findings build on previous nontarget evaluations for SPB‐specific dsRNA in model insects and demonstrate that the use of RNAi as a component of an IPM strategy would not directly compromise commonly occurring non‐congeneric pine associates.
The economic impacts of COVID‐19 lockdown on low‐income older people in Thailand
Authors: Satchanawakul Napaphat , Kanchanachitra Manasigan , Liangruenrom Nucharapon , Satchanawakul Nattanee
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the economic impacts of the COVID‐19 lockdown in Thailand on low‐income older people concerning their employment, household income and food security. The study also aimed to identify which socioeconomic characteristics of low‐income older Thais are at higher risk of being negatively affected and whether they can access state economic relief during the pandemic response in Thailand.

Methods

Economic, health and social well‐being questionnaires were completed by low‐income older Thais (n = 808) holding a State Welfare Card during the COVID‐19 lockdown in 2020. Descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regressions were utilized in the data analysis. All analyses were performed using Stata 15.

Results

This study found that 62% of participants experienced a negative impact on their household income, 35% had a negative impact on employment and 20% had a negative impact on food security. However, the impact level depended upon their vulnerability before the pandemic. The study also reveals that older Thais who experienced a negative impact on household income could access monetary relief schemes from the government during the pandemic.

Conclusions

This study reveals the layers of economic vulnerability among the population of low‐income older Thais negatively affected by the 2020 lockdown. Despite the accessible state monetary relief, differential skills with the use of digital technology could create inequitable access to aid measures among older Thais. The findings highlight the need for longitudinal studies to track changes in the economic impacts arising from subsequent waves of COVID‐19 on low‐income older people.
Cytokines, NK cells and regulatory T cell functions in normal pregnancy and reproductive failures
Authors: Rao Vyshnavi A. , Kurian Noble K. , Rao Kamini A.
Published: December 2022

Purpose of the Review

Pregnancy brings about an intricate assortment of dynamic changes, which causes proper connection of genetically discordant maternal and foetal tissues. Uterine NK cells are immune cells populating the endometrium and play a major role in implantation and also regulate placentation. This review mainly aims explore the role of uterine NK cells in implantation and how it is affecting in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Recent findings

Though the functions of uterine NK (uNK) cells are not clearly understood, NK cell activity plays a vital role during immunomodulation which is the main step in implantation and sustaining the early pregnancy. Cytokines, cell surface receptors of NK cells and hormones such as progesterone modulate the NK cell activity in turn affect the implantation of the embryo. Altered NK cell activity (number and functionality) would be an important attributing factor in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Furthermore, T regulatory cells and cytokines also modulate the immune responses in the decidua which in turn contributes to successful implantation of embryos.

Immunological responses and interactions in the Foetus‐maternal interface is crucial in the successful implantation of allogenic foetus resulting in a healthy pregnancy. NK cells, Treg cells and cytokines play a major role in successful implantation which remains an enigma. Comprehending pregnancy‐induced immunological changes at the foetus‐maternal interface will allow newer therapeutic strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes.
Increased HLA class II risk is associated with a more aggressive presentation of clinical type 1 diabetes
Authors: Kieleväinen Vilma , Turtinen Maaret , Luopajärvi Kristiina , Härkönen Taina , Ilonen Jorma , Knip Mikael ,   Finnish Pediatric Diabetes Register
Published: December 2022

Aim

To determine the association of HLA class II risk with the demographic and clinical characteristics of type 1 diabetes at diagnosis.

Methods

We conducted a register‐based retrospective cohort study of 4993 Finnish children (2169 girls) – diagnosed with type 1 diabetes under the age of 15 years in 2003–2016. The participants were divided into six risk groups based on their HLA DR/DQ genotype. Demographic characteristics, family history of type 1 diabetes and metabolic markers at the time of diagnosis were compared between the groups.

Results

In total, 4056/4993 children (81.2%) carried an HLA genotype associated with an increased risk of type 1 diabetes (risk groups 3–5), whereas 937/4993 children (18.8%) carried a HLA genotype conferring no or decreased disease risk. Children with higher HLA risk were younger at diagnosis (p < 0.001) and had a shorter duration of classical symptoms before diagnosis (p = 0.016). Subjects in the high‐risk group were more likely to have a family member affected by type 1 diabetes when compared to those in the neutral risk group (11.5% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Children with stronger HLA disease susceptibility are younger at their disease manifestation and have a shorter period of symptoms before diagnosis, suggesting that the HLA class II genes are associated with a more aggressive disease presentation.
Perceptions of corporate communication on debated social issues
Authors: Parcha Joshua M.
Published: December 2022

Corporations are increasingly engaging in corporate social advocacy (CSA) by communicating on social issues that are controversial and contemporary and not necessarily linked to the corporations' business activities. The purpose of this study is to understand the desirability of CSA: Should corporations be communicating on these debated social issues, and to what extent? Using the online sampling platform Qualtrics, participants (N = 699, located in the United States and 18–35 years old) responded to a survey asking them how they perceived corporate communication on debated social issues. Findings indicate that participants view corporate communication on debated social issues as something that corporations should be engaging in, that this communication is helpful in solving these debated social issues, and that corporations should be the leaders in changing how society thinks about these debated social issues. At the same time, individuals do not trust the moral compass of corporations. Findings also show that certain corporate sectors (e.g., Health Care) should communicate more than other sectors (e.g., Chemicals), certain corporate characteristics (e.g., Reputation) matter more than other corporate characteristics (e.g., Size), and certain topics (e.g., Race Relations) should be discussed more than other topics (e.g., Confederate Flag Use). The implications, limitations, and directions for future research are also discussed.
Cerebrospinal fluid soluble programmed death‐ligand 1 is a useful prognostic biomarker in primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Cheng Chieh‐Lung , Yao Chi‐Yuan , Huang Po‐Hao , Yu Chih‐Wei , Fang Wei‐Quan , Chuang Wen‐Hui , Wu Shang‐Ju , Lin Yu‐Jen , Hung Yu‐Chin , Tsai Cheng‐Hong , Yu Shan‐Chi , Chou Wen‐Chien , Tien Hwei‐Fang
Published: December 2022

The increased expression of programmed death‐ligands 1 and 2 (PD‐L1 and PD‐L2, respectively) on tumour cells contributes to immune evasion, suggesting that these proteins are attractive therapeutic targets. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) soluble PD‐L1 (sPD‐L1) and soluble PD‐L2 (sPD‐L2) as biomarkers for primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). We determined the CSF concentrations of sPD‐L1 and sPD‐L2 in 46 patients with PCNSL using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). A control group comprised 153 patients with other brain tumours, inflammatory/infectious status, or neurodegenerative diseases. Only CSF sPD‐L1 levels were significantly higher in patients with PCNSL relative to the controls. CSF sPD‐L1 also exhibited superior overall discrimination performance compared to CSF sPD‐L2 in diagnosing PCNSL. Compared with patients with PCNSL with low CSF sPD‐L1 levels, more patients with high levels had high serum lactate dehydrogenase levels, leptomeningeal involvement, and deep‐brain involvement. Furthermore, CSF sPD‐L1 could predict poor survival in PCNSL but CSF sPD‐L2 could not. Intriguingly, CSF sPD‐L1 levels were correlated with disease status and their dynamic changes post treatment could predict time to relapse. In conclusion, this study identified CSF sPD‐L1 as a promising prognostic biomarker, indicating a therapeutic potential of PD‐L1 blockade in PCNSL.
Behavioral models of hydrothermal regulation in anurans: A field study in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Authors: Ortega‐Chinchilla Jesús Eduardo , Cabanzo‐Olarte Laura Camila , Vaz Renata , Lamadrid‐Feris Faride , Bevier Catherine Robb , Navas Carlos A.
Published: December 2022

Anurans rely on different microhabitats and microclimates for hydro‐thermoregulation, which is an important physiological property for locomotor performance, body temperature, water flux, and pathogen defense. We ask whether microhabitat scouting is related to physiological states, specifically if microhabitat choice benefits the production of behavioral fever (e.g., increasing body temperature by selecting warmer places) or sickness behavior (e.g., inactivity and anorexia). We investigated how thermoregulatory behaviors affect hydro‐thermoregulation in anurans, using agar models as a sampling unit, simulating four behaviors related to behavioral fever and sickness behavior. We compared the models' hydro‐thermal balance in two different environments (wet and transitional forests). We showed that the wet forest was warmer and more stable than transitional forest and the agar models in the wet forest were warmer. Still, the four behavioral simulations exhibited similar average temperatures during the five‐day study period in both forests. However, the apathetic behavior models had the lowest daily temperatures. The percentage hydration across models was higher in the wet forest, and daily variation in water loss for each behavioral simulation was higher in the transitional forest. Nevertheless, when limiting the analysis to the warmest times (1000–1600 h), apathetic behavior models lost less water than the others in both forests. We showed that different forests provide microclimatic variation for understory anurans, but different thermoregulatory behaviors may lead to similar body temperatures. Therefore, the Atlantic Forest offers different microclimates and thermoregulation options for anurans, as some species could develop behavioral fever while others demonstrate sickness behavior.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Generic Language for Social and Animal Kinds: An Examination of the Asymmetry Between Acceptance and Inferences
Authors: Cella Federico , Marchak Kristan A. , Bianchi Claudia , Gelman Susan A.
Published: December 2022

Generics (e.g., “Ravens are black”) express generalizations about categories or their members. Previous research found that generics about animals are interpreted as broadly true of members of a kind, yet also accepted based on minimal evidence. This asymmetry is important for suggesting a mechanism by which unfounded generalizations may flourish; yet, little is known whether this finding extends to generics about groups of people (heretofore, “social generics”). Accordingly, in four preregistered studies (n = 665), we tested for an inferential asymmetry for generics regarding novel groups of animals versus people. Participants were randomly assigned to either an Implied Prevalence task (given a generic, asked to estimate the prevalence of a property) or a Truth‐Conditions task (given prevalence information, asked whether a generic was true or false). A generic asymmetry was found in both domains, at equivalent levels. The asymmetry also extended to properties varying in valence (dangerous and neutral). Finally, there were differences as a function of property valence in the Implied Prevalence task and a small but consistent interaction between domain and prevalence in the Truth‐Conditions task. We discuss the implications of these results for the semantics of generics, theoretical accounts of the asymmetry, and the relation between generics and stereotyping.
A Hands‐On Approach to Learning: Gesture Production During Encoding and its Effect on Narrative Recall
Authors: Bharadwaj Avni , Dargue Nicole , Sweller Naomi
Published: December 2022

Research has shown that gesture production supports learning across a number of tasks. It is unclear, however, whether gesture production during encoding can support narrative recall, who gesture production benefits most, and whether certain types of gestures are more beneficial than others. This study, therefore, investigated the effect of gesture production during the encoding of a narrative on subsequent narrative recall, and whether individuals’ levels of verbal and nonverbal memory moderated this effect. Additionally, this study investigated whether producing certain types of gestures during encoding was more beneficial than others. Participants (N = 90, Mage = 20.43) read aloud a narrative while under instruction to produce gestures, under no specific instruction to produce gestures, or were required to keep their hands behind their back to prevent them from gesturing. Participants completed measures assessing verbal and nonverbal memory. While gesture production during encoding benefitted narrative recall (as measured through specific questions), verbal memory moderated the effect, such that gesture production was more beneficial for individuals with higher than lower verbal memory. Furthermore, producing representational gestures during encoding benefitted recall of points in the narrative at which those gestures were produced, while beat gestures had no effect. Findings have implications for understanding the mechanisms underlying the links between gesture and learning, as well as practical implications in instructional settings.
Leveraging the future of diagnosis and management of diabetes: From old indexes to new technologies
Authors: Meneses Maria João , Patarrão Rita Susana , Pinheiro Tomás , Coelho Inês , Carriço Nuno , Marques Ana Carolina , Romão Artur , Nabais João , Fortunato Elvira , Raposo João Filipe , Macedo Maria Paula
Published: December 2022

Background

Diabetes is a heterogeneous and multifactorial disease. However, glycemia and glycated hemoglobin have been the focus of diabetes diagnosis and management for the last decades. As diabetes management goes far beyond glucose control, it has become clear that assessment of other biochemical parameters gives a much wider view of the metabolic state of each individual, enabling a precision medicine approach.

Methods

In this review, we summarize and discuss indexes that have been used in epidemiological studies and in the clinical practice.

Results

Indexes of insulin secretion, sensitivity/resistance and metabolism have been developed and validated over the years to account also with insulin, C‐peptide, triglycerides or even anthropometric measures. Nevertheless, each one has their own objective and consequently, advantages and disadvantages for specific cases. Thus, we discuss how new technologies, namely new sensors but also new softwares/applications, can improve the diagnosis and management of diabetes, both for healthcare professionals but also for caretakers and, importantly, to promote the empowerment of people living with diabetes.

Conclusions

In long‐term, the solution for a better diabetes management would be a platform that allows to integrate all sorts of relevant information for the person with diabetes and for the healthcare practitioners, namely glucose, insulin and C‐peptide or, in case of need, other parameters/indexes at home, sometimes more than once a day. This solution would allow a better and simpler disease management, more adequate therapeutics thereby improving patients' quality of life and reducing associated costs.
A labor‐saving marking and sampling technique for mark‐release‐recapture research
Authors: Hagler James R. , Casey Miles T. , Hull Allya M. , Machtley Scott A.
Published: December 2022

A marking and recapture sampling method was developed that shows promise for studying the dispersal behavior of small and delicate arthropods. Adult sweetpotato whiteflies, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), were externally marked with a liquid fluorophore that glows brightly under ultraviolet (UV) light. Then, a series of simulated recapture tests on fluorophore‐marked whiteflies using yellow sticky cards were conducted. The marked whiteflies captured on the sticky cards were detected by direct visual inspection of photographs taken of the cards under white light and UV light. Whitefly counts taken under white and UV light were almost identical, implying high marking efficacy and visual distinctiveness. These results suggest that this fluorophore marking and sampling method could eliminate the tedious task of removing specimens from sticky cards and examining them individually for the presence of a mark.
Teacher intention to transfer ICT training when integrating digital technologies in education: The teacher transfer of ICT training model (TeTra‐ICT)
Authors: Perifanou Maria A. , Tzafilkou Katerina , Economides Anastasios A.
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study is to propose a new structural model for how teachers transfer their ICT training (TeTra‐ICT), shedding light on the factors that tend to affect their intention to integrate digital technologies in educational practices as well as train their colleagues. The proposed model exploits training programme design characteristics and ICT‐related individual factors. A total of 117 new ICT instructors for primary and secondary education teachers in Greece were evaluated. The instructors participated in a national Teacher Training Programme on applying ICT in education. Results indicate significant effects of individual (ICT‐related self‐efficacy in teaching) and programme design characteristics (platform's ease of use, support, content, and resources) on the teachers' final motivation and intention to transfer their ICT knowledge and skills. The model also reveals significant correlations between individual and training characteristics, the teachers' post‐training self‐efficacy for transferring skills and their perception of the usefulness of the training programme. The examined constructs explain 86% of the variance in teacher intentions to transfer their ICT knowledge and skills, and 72% of their perception of the usefulness of the training programme. Interestingly, while there were no gender differences in individual ICT‐related characteristics, women expressed significantly higher values than men in their perception of the usefulness of training, self‐efficacy, motivation, and intention to transfer.