bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customised training programme for the indigenous population: a systematic review
Authors: Biswal Pritam , Sahoo Chandan Kumar
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an in-depth awareness into the research on customised training programme for the indigenous population in India. The central aim is to conduct a systematic review on the available studies to explore its crucial themes interweaving with skill development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses systematic review method, for which the author uses Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, SPIDER tool and Mendeley to identify relevant articles from 2011 to 2022.

Findings

Results show that the customised training programme is useful for the first-generation population to upgrade their skills. It aids in improving scalability, supports job creation and facilitates in mitigating low level of training exposure by meeting the local needs. However, poor approachability on customised training, its oversimplification and lack of research dents the critical insights and prospects.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper lies on retrieving the essential indicators of customised training from previous studies by systematic review tools. It can aid academicians, educators, local administration and policymakers to understand its benefits for indigenous population to fill the policy gaps.
Organizational networking processes in turbulent environments: strategic sensemaking perspective
Authors: Klarin Anton , Sharmelly Rifat
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate the importance of organizational networks in organizational performance is relatively rich; less understood are processes in organizational networking that entrepreneurs and organizations use in making sense of rapidly changing contexts for organizational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts an exploratory organizational-level narrative analysis into firms’ experiences in two major emerging markets (EMs), namely, Russia and India – to identify organizational networking processes in the midst of institutional upheavals. The study is based on in-depth case studies of firms in EMs sourced from interview data from senior management and consolidated with secondary data.

Findings

The authors find that initially firms rely on informal networks (including blat/svyazi and jaan-pehchaan/jan-pehchan) and later formal (in the form of bureaucratic followed by proprietary) networks to make sense of the changes and uncertainties in turbulent environments. The authors also demonstrate the cyclical nature of strategic sensemaking in the process of developing organizational networks for performance.

Originality

The study has a number of theoretical and practical contributions. First, it extends the well-established business networking construct to a more inclusive organizational networking construct. Second, it demonstrates that sensemaking is dependent on interorganizational networking from the outset and throughout the growth of an organization in turbulent markets – from informal to formal bureaucratic and proprietary networks. Finally, this study is unique in documenting the entire process of sensemaking from scanning to performance as well as successfully demonstrating the cyclical nature of sensemaking.
How restrictions of choice affect the sense of agency: the case of personal autonomy in prison
Authors: Driessen Josi M.A. , Dirkzwager Anja J.E. , Harte Joke M. , Aarts Henk
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Imprisonment is associated with far-reaching restrictions of personal autonomy, which critically depends on the sense of agency (SoA), i.e. the experience of control over one’s own actions and the consequences of these actions. Lack of personal choice and coercion to engage in specific actions disrupt the neurocognitive basis of SoA, which can have a profound impact on social behaviour, self-reliance and well-being. The purpose of this conceptual paper is to address the relationship between autonomy, choice restrictions and SoA in prisoners and the ability to reenter society after release.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper integrates existing empirical evidence from research on the role of personal autonomy and lack of freedom in prison and recent research using neurocognitive methods to study the processes underlying the effects of choice restrictions and coercion on SoA.

Findings

Building on prior empirical observations, the authors suggest that investigating how and when imprisonment undermines SoA through the restriction of personal choice can provide valuable insights into prisoners’ challenges in regulating and organizing their behavior and to accommodate the rules of society.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper offers directions for future research to further our understanding of autonomy restrictions on SoA in prison and its downstream consequences for societal reintegration.
Antecedents of physicians' intentions to engage in digital volunteering work: an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) approach
Authors: Bouarar Ahmed Chemseddine , Mouloudj Smail , Umar Tungki Pratama , Mouloudj Kamel
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The digitalization has changed the volunteer paradigm, making young volunteers use technology in their volunteering activities. The current study sets out to identify and model the antecedents that determine intention to engage in digital health volunteering among Algerian physicians to give insights promoting the development of digital volunteering in different countries of the world.

Design/methodology/approach

To this end, the authors used a survey design to extend the technology acceptance model (TAM) with two construct (self-efficacy and perceived risk of COVID-19 infection). A convenience sample of 163 physicians; working in the private and public sectors in six provinces of Algeria was selected. The data were analyzed through a multiple linear regression.

Findings

The findings show that the perceived usefulness, ease of use, attitudes toward digital volunteering, level of self-efficacy and perceived risk of COVID-19 infection have a significant positive effect on physicians' intentions to engage in digital volunteering work in the context of health crises.

Practical implications

This study reveals that engaging in digital volunteering can be promoted during health crises as an effective strategy to provide support and assist public health institutions and emergency management.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study from Africa that explores digital volunteer work, and the first study that extends the TAM to investigate digital volunteer intention among physicians.
Who creates luxury? Unveiling the essence of luxury creation through three perspectives: a scoping review
Authors: Gummerus Johanna , von Koskull Catharina , Kauppinen-Räisänen Hannele , Medberg Gustav
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Past research on luxury is fragmented resulting in challenges to define what the construct of luxury means. Based on a need for conceptual clarity, this study aims to map how research conceptualises luxury and its creation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a scoping review of luxury articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Of the initial 270 articles discovered by using the database of Scopus, and after control searching in Web of Science and reference scanning, 54 high-quality studies published before the end of 2020 were found to meet the inclusion criteria and comprised the final analytical corpus.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that research approaches luxury and its creation from three different perspectives: the provider-, consumer- and co-creation perspectives. In addition, the findings pinpoint how the perspectives differ from each other due to fundamental and distinguishing features and reveal particularities that underlie the perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

The suggested framework offers implications to researchers who are interested in evaluating and developing luxury studies. Based on the identified luxury perspectives, the study identifies future research avenues.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the luxury research stream by advancing an understanding of an existing pluralistic perspective and by adding conceptual clarity to luxury literature. It also contributes to marketing and branding research by showing how the luxury literature connects to the evolution of value creation research in marketing literature.
Teacher distress tolerance and willingness to teach children with special educational needs in Nigeria: Teacher job satisfaction as a mediator
Authors: Nwosu Kingsley Chinaza , Wahl Willem Petrus , Okeke Nkechi Uzochukwu , Nwikpo Mary Nneka , Anierobi Elizabeth Ifeoma , Nwasor Victor C. , Okwuduba Emmanuel Nkemakolam , Anyanwu Adeline Nne , Eluemuno Azukaego
Published: August 2023

We examined the association between regular teachers' distress tolerance (tolerance of frustration, ambiguity and discomfort) and their willingness to include children with special educational needs (SENs) in their classes, as well as the mediating function of teacher job satisfaction. We sampled 502 teachers in Anambra State, Nigeria. Our findings revealed that while teachers' tolerance of frustration had significant positive effects on job satisfaction and inclusive education willingness for children with SENs, tolerance of ambiguity did not. Tolerance of emotional discomfort was significantly related to inclusive willingness of teachers. Furthermore, teacher job satisfaction mediated the relationship between tolerance of frustration and their inclusive education willingness but could not mediate that between tolerance of ambiguity and willingness to include SENs. We concluded that tolerance of frustration and discomfort can positively impact teachers' willing efforts for inclusion, highlighting the need to foster the emotional capacity of teachers, and provide supportive structures to enhance teachers' job satisfaction.
The amenity value of natural views
Authors: Hamilton Timothy L. , Johnson Erik B.
Published: August 2023

We estimate nonmarket values for natural views in an urban setting. These views contain the aesthetics of natural areas commonly found in public parks and open space, and offer an aspect of property valuation that previous research is unable to disentangle from proximity to parks and open space. We incorporate machine learning techniques on Google Street View images to identify natural views in an urban setting. We find positive capitalization rates associated with household views of park‐like properties. Estimates are robust to a variety of specifications, including models that are identified off of new developments on neighboring properties and falsification tests that help to rule out the effect of a broader neighborhood environment. From a policy perspective, our results inform as to the optimal size, location, and shape of open space. Furthermore, machine learning methods used in the construction of our view variable provide a potentially powerful tool for other nonmarket valuation studies.
Thymol‐loaded Zein–pectin composite nanoparticles as stabilizer to fabricate Pickering emulsion of star anise essential oil for improved stability and antimicrobial activity
Authors: Li Wei , Li Wenqing , Wan Yulian , Zhou Tao , Wang Longfeng
Published: August 2023

The aim of the present study was to prepare a new antimicrobial Pickering emulsion of which the star anise essential oil was added to the oil phase, and to investigate the effect of stabilization by bio‐based active nanoparticles consisting of zein and pectin loaded with thymol. First, the thymol‐loaded zein/pectin composite nanoparticles (ZTNPs) were fabricated as uniformly distributed spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 200 nm through antisolvent precipitation. Second, the effects of nanoparticles’ concentration, oil phase ratio, and storage time on the stability of emulsions were explored according to particle size potential, interfacial tension, rheology, and micromorphology. Finally, the antibacterial results showed that Pickering emulsion inhibited Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus compared to the control group by nearly 7 log colony‐forming unit/g at 36 h, which was twice as much as the inhibition by thymol or star anise essential oils and ZTNPs. Therefore, the proposed Pickering emulsion with star anise essential oil could be used as a green and safe plant‐derived antimicrobial agent in the food industry.
Low‐complexity floodplain inundation model performs well for ecological and management applications in a large river ecosystem
Authors: Van Appledorn Molly , De Jager Nathan R. , Rohweder Jason J.
Published: August 2023

Flooding is a dominant physical process that drives the form and function of river‐floodplain ecosystems. Efficiently characterizing flooding dynamics can be challenging, especially over geographically broad areas or at spatial and temporal scales relevant for ecosystem management activities. Here, we empirically evaluated a low‐complexity geospatial model of floodplain inundation in six study segments of the Upper Mississippi River System (UMRS) by pairing spatially extensive, temporally limited and spatially limited, temporally extensive sampling designs. We found little evidence of systematic bias in model performance although discrepancies between model predictions and empirical data did occur locally. Assessments of model predictions revealed low segment‐wide discrepancies of wetted extent under contrasting flow conditions and agreement for inundation event detection and duration. Model performance for predicting event frequency and duration was similar among sites expected to exhibit contrasting patterns of hydrologic connectivity with the main channel. Our results suggest that low‐complexity models can efficiently characterize a critical physical process across geographically broad, complex river‐floodplain ecosystems. Such tools have the potential for advancing scientific understanding of landscape‐scale ecological patterns and for prioritizing management actions in large, complex river‐floodplain ecosystems like the UMRS.
The usability gap in water resources open data and actionable science initiatives
Authors: Kenney Melissa A. , Gerst Michael D. , Read Emily
Published: August 2023

The open data movement represents a major advancement for informed water management. Data that are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable—or FAIR—are now prerequisite to responsible data stewardship. In contrast to FAIR, accessibility and usability case studies and guidelines designed around human access and understanding are lacking in the literature, especially for water resources. Such decision support guidelines are critical because (i) inherent visual design trade‐offs are not best made using intuition or feedback (perceived preference), and (ii) choosing designs requires a nuanced understanding of why and how the design works (revealed effectiveness). Thus, the goal of this commentary is to highlight knowledge gaps and discuss a general usability testing method which can be applied to any water resources decision support product. The user‐testing approach includes (i) interviews about visualization goals, audiences, and the uses and decisions made with the data products, (ii) diagnosis of usability challenges, and (iii) redesign of decision support products given best practices and control versus treatment with intended end‐user audiences. We illustrate the method using high‐profile U.S. Geological Survey water science products. In sum, optimizing and testing for usability and understandability are as central to stakeholder use as FAIR standards are, and warrant being part of the development of data products and geovisualizations.
Viability analysis of Kordofan giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis antiquorum) in a protected area in Cameroon
Authors: Colston Kane P. J. , Johnson Caspian L. , Nyugha Denis , Mengamenya Goué Achile , Penny Samuel G.
Published: August 2023

Representing one of the last populations of an IUCN Critically Endangered subspecies, estimates suggest the Kordofan giraffe of Cameroon's Bénoué Complex number fewer than 300 individuals, threatened by poaching and habitat degradation. This study investigated the viability of Bénoué National Park's Kordofan giraffe and efficacy of available interventions through a population viability analysis using VORTEX. The relative impacts of anti‐poaching activity, population supplementation, habitat protection and vaccination were explored, alongside a sensitivity analysis investigating parameter uncertainty. The baseline model projects a 78.6% probability of extinction (PE) within 100 years. Poaching of just two individuals every 5 years results in a 98.1% PE, highlighting anti‐poaching activity as a vital intervention. Movement of a female‐biased group into the park proved effective, with supplementation of 24 females reducing the PE by over 35%, sustaining a raised population size above the baseline for over 60 years on average. Annual carrying capacity reduction of 2% year−1 for 20 years resulted in a 97.8% PE. Conversely, habitat restoration had little consequence unless combined with further interventions. These findings underscore the magnitude of the threat facing Bénoué National Park's Kordofan giraffe. Conservation management should prioritise strengthening existing anti‐poaching activity in conjunction with protecting wildlife corridors to aid dispersal.
Inflammatory markers are elevated in early pregnancy, but not late pregnancy, in women with overweight and obesity that later develop preeclampsia
Authors: Jancsura McKenzie K. , Schmella Mandy J. , Helsabeck Nathan , Gillespie Shannon L. , Roberts James M. , Conley Yvette P. , Hubel Carl A.
Published: August 2023

Problem

Obesity and preeclampsia both involve a pathological inflammatory response, which may be how obesity increases preeclampsia risk. Previous studies have failed to assess robust measurements of inflammatory markers across gestation, specifically in overweight/ obese women in the context of preeclampsia.

Method of study

We measured 20 inflammatory markers in plasma via multiplex assay (ThermoFisher Inflammation 20 plex Human ProcartaPlex Panel) across the three trimesters of pregnancy in an existing cohort of overweight and obese women who developed preeclampsia (n = 37) and without preeclampsia (n = 74). Mann–Whitney U tests examined differences in inflammatory marker concentrations between cases and controls. Repeated measures ANOVA tests were used to explore differences in inflammatory marker concentrations over time within cases and controls.

Results

Pro‐inflammatory markers (IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IFN‐α, IFN‐γ, GM‐CSF, IL‐12p70, IL‐17α, TNF‐α, IL‐8) and anti‐inflammatory markers (IL‐4, IL‐10, IL‐13) were higher in the first and second trimester in participants who later developed preeclampsia compared to those who did not (p < .05). Only TNF‐α and IL‐8 remained elevated in the third trimester. Inflammatory markers did not change across pregnancy in preeclampsia cases but did increase across pregnancy in controls.

Conclusion

Our findings diverge from prior studies, predominantly of non‐obese women, that report lower circulating concentrations of anti‐inflammatory cytokines in preeclampsia versus normotensive pregnancy, particularly by late pregnancy. We posit that women with overweight and obesity who develop preeclampsia entered pregnancy with a heightened pro‐inflammatory state likely related to obesity, which increased risk for preeclampsia. Further studies are needed to investigate if inflammatory maker profiles differ between obese and non‐obese women.
Cultivating a trauma‐informed pedagogy
Authors: Trundle Catherine , Vaeau Tarapuhi
Published: August 2023

Māori students in Aotearoa New Zealand have recently challenged anthropology to better support them to thrive on their own Indigenous terms. This commentary responds to their call and critically reflects on one fruitful avenue for deepening decolonizing work, namely engaging with historical trauma and trauma‐informed frameworks. Such frameworks address the legacies of colonial violence and the present conditions and structures that exacerbate harms. We encourage anthropology to consider the possibilities for crafting pedagogies of healing, joy, strength, possibility, and respite.
Deep learning‐mediated prediction of concealed accessory pathway based on sinus rhythmic electrocardiograms
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Fang , Bao Xiao‐Jing , Bo Xiao‐Ping , Dang Shipeng , Wang Ru‐Xing , Pan Feng
Published: August 2023

Background

Concealed accessory pathway (AP) may cause atrial ventricular reentrant tachycardia impacting the health of patients. However, it is asymptomatic and undetectable during sinus rhythm.

Methods

To detect concealed AP with electrocardiography (ECG) images, we collected normal sinus rhythmic ECG images of concealed AP patients and healthy subjects. All ECG images were randomly allocated to the training and testing datasets, and were used to train and test six popular convolutional neural networks from ImageNet pre‐training and random initialization, respectively.

Results

We screened 152 ECG recordings in concealed AP group and 600 ECG recordings in control group. There were no statistically significant differences in ECG characteristics between control group and concealed AP group in terms of PR interval and QRS interval. However, the QT interval and QTc were slightly higher in control group than in concealed AP group. In the testing set, ResNet26, SE‐ResNet50, MobileNetV3_large_100, and DenseNet169 achieved a sensitivity rate more than 87.0% with a specificity rate above 98.0%. And models trained from random initialization showed similar performance and convergence with models trained from ImageNet pre‐training.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that deep learning could be an effective way to predict concealed AP with normal sinus rhythmic ECG images. And our results might encourage people to rethink the possibility of training from random initialization on ECG image tasks.
Facilitation by pioneer trees and herbivore exclusion allow regeneration of woody species in the semiarid ecosystem of central Chile
Authors: Gómez‐Fernández Nicolás A. , Smith‐Ramírez Cecilia , Delpiano Cristian A. , Miranda Alejandro , Vásquez Inao A. , Becerra Pablo I.
Published: August 2023

Questions

Facilitation by pioneer plants and herbivore exclusion may contribute to plant regeneration and restoration of degraded semiarid ecosystems. In this study we evaluated the main and interactive effects of the exclusion of large and medium‐sized mammal herbivores and the presence of the pioneer tree Vachellia caven on natural regeneration of woody species in degraded savannas.

Location

Two localities of the native sclerophyllous forest of central Chile

Methods

Twelve 30 × 40 m exclosures and twelve non‐exclosure areas located near native forests were established in savannas of V. caven in each locality. Regeneration coming from seeds and resprouts was sampled both under the canopy of V. caven and without canopy in each exclosure and non‐excluded area.

Results

After seven years, species richness and density of older regeneration (0.5–2 m high) were positively affected by herbivore exclusion and the presence of V. caven. No significant interaction between herbivore exclusion and V. caven was observed. Younger regeneration (<0.5 m high) was positively affected by herbivore exclusion and the presence of V. caven only in some years with almost no interactive effect.

Conclusions

The exclusion of large and medium‐sized exotic herbivores and facilitation by pioneer trees are complementary for regeneration. The variable but permanent presence of younger and older regeneration within exclosures and under V. caven during the experiment may lead to an increase of density and diversity of adult plants and recovery of the native forest. However, this process may be slow due to other limiting factors, for instance, reduced precipitation associated with climate change.
Evaluation of linagliptin and insulin combined therapy on unfolded protein response in type 1 diabetic mouse heart
Authors: Doğanyiğit Züleyha , Okan Aslı , Taheri Serpil , Yılmaz Zeynep , Akyüz Enes , Demir Necdet
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study is to reveal the effects of the use of linagliptin, a DPP‐4 inhibitor due to its beneficial cardiovascular effects, on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signaling, which is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular complications related to type 1 diabetes. BALB/c female mice (n = 72) were divided into six groups: control, diabetes+insulin, diabetes+linagliptin, diabetes+linagliptin+insulin, diabetes+TUDCA, and diabetes+TUDCA+insulin. Immunohistochemistry and western blot method, qRT‐PCR, ELISA method, and malondialdehyde (MDA) measurements were performed. Linagliptin administered to the type 1 diabetic mouse heart significantly reduced the expression levels of the total and cleaved forms of ATF6, ATF4, and p‐JNK, caspase 3. Immunohistochemical and western blot analyses revealed that cleaved caspase 3 protein expression was significantly increased in the diabetes+insulin group compared to the other groups. According to ELISA findings, TUDCA was more effective in reducing NOX 1 and MDA levels than linagliptin. While linagliptin decreased the Chop mRNA level, no change was observed in the Grp78 mRNA level. Our findings showed that there was not much difference between the administration of linagliptin alone or in combination with insulin. Our study reveals that linagliptin is an effective therapeutic agent on ERS and apoptotic UPR in type 1 diabetic hearts.
Rethinking family‐based obesity treatment
Authors: Skelton Joseph A. , Vitolins Mara , Pratt Keeley J. , DeWitt Leila Hamzi , Eagleton Sally G. , Brown Callie
Published: August 2023

Emerging research in paediatric obesity has demonstrated that parental involvement in the weight management process can improve weight outcomes in children. Recent guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics note the importance of parent and family involvement in treatment. However, it is currently unknown if including the entire family in obesity treatment can supersede outcomes associated with participation of only one parent. Family Systems Theory (FST) provides the theoretical foundation for examining one's healthy behaviours as they exist within the context of their family, defined by family dynamics. This narrative review aims to reconsider prior definitions of paediatric family‐based management using the FST framework to be inclusive of family and household diversity and in doing so, inform research not only within weight management but also other domains of clinical care requiring family support or change. Applying FST to paediatric weight management highlights the link between family dynamics and paediatric obesity, demonstrating the association of dysfunctional family dynamics with more severe obesity. While family‐based weight management remains the gold standard for treatment of paediatric obesity, more investigation is needed in expanding family‐based interventions to impact entire families and potentially improve outcomes more broadly for overall family health and wellbeing.
Keeping them honest? Broad‐based employee ownership and earnings management
Authors: Birkhead Colin
Published: August 2023

Research Question/Issue

Does broad‐based employee ownership limit accrual earnings management?

Research Findings/Insights

I run a series of random effect and fixed effect models on a sample of S&P 1500 firms between 2008 and 2019 to show that managers at employee‐owned firms manipulate earnings less than managers at nonemployee‐owned firms. My findings suggest that employee ownership enhances financial transparency and limits the opportunities for managers to misrepresent firm performance.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This study develops and tests theory on employee ownership as a form of internal corporate governance. Equity incentives for executives are typically thought to reduce agency costs. The findings here suggest awarding equity incentives broadly, in which the majority of employees receive equity stakes, may be a more effective method of reducing agency costs.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Earnings management and intentional financial misreporting are often a result of siloed information within firms. Broad‐based employee ownership is generally associated with enhanced information flows through greater mutual monitoring and information sharing. Corporate governors interested in reducing managerial malfeasance may find that widely awarding equity to employees is more effective than financially incentivizing individual managers to act in the firm's interests.
Minimum eligibility age for social pensions and household poverty: Evidence from Mexico
Authors: Ávila‐Parra Clemente , Escamilla‐Guerrero David , Gálvez‐Soriano Oscar
Published: August 2023

This paper examines the impact of social pensions on old‐age poverty. To achieve causal identification, we leverage the reduction in the minimum eligibility age of Mexico's flagship non‐means‐tested social pension program. We find that the program's expansion significantly reduced extreme poverty, mainly among indigenous seniors and in rural areas. However, it had negligible effects on labor force participation, suggesting that social pensions were not effective in ensuring minimum economic well‐being and simultaneously inducing retirement among seniors at early stages of old age. The program's small cash transfer and mistargeting are among the main explanations.
Comparative study of the molecular mechanisms underlying the G protein and β‐arrestin‐dependent pathways that lead to ERKs activation upon stimulation by dopamine D2 receptor
Authors: Liu Haiping , Acharya Srijan , Sudan Sarabjeet Kour , Hu Li , Wu Chengyan , Cao Yongkai , Li Huijun , Zhang Xiaohan
Published: August 2023

Dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) has been shown to activate extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs) via distinct pathways dependent on either G‐protein or β‐arrestin. However, there has not been a systematic study of the regulatory process of D2R‐mediated ERKs activation by G protein‐ versus β‐arrestin‐dependent signaling since D2R stimulation of ERKs reflects the simultaneous action of both pathways. Here, we investigated that differential regulation of D2R‐mediated ERKs activation via these two pathways. Our results showed that G protein‐dependent ERKs activation was transient, rapid, reached maximum level at around 2 min, and importantly, the activated ERKs were entirely confined to the cytoplasm. In contrast, β‐arrestin‐dependent ERKs activation was more sustained, slower, reached maximum level at around 10 min, and phosphorylated ERKs translocated into the nucleus. Src was found to be commonly involved in both the G protein‐ and β‐arrestin‐dependent pathway‐mediated ERKs activation. Pertussis toxin Gi/o inhibitor, GRK2‐CT, AG1478 epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, and wortmannin phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibitor all blocked G protein‐dependent ERKs activation. In contrast, GRK2 and β‐Arr2 played a main role in β‐arrestin‐dependent ERKs activation. Receptor endocytosis showed minimal effect on the activation of ERKs mediated by both pathways. Furthermore, we found that the formation of a complex composed of phospho‐ERKs, β‐Arr2, and importinβ1 promoted the nuclear translocation of activated ERKs. The differential regulation of various cellular components, as well as temporal and spatial patterns of ERKs activation via these two pathways, suggest the existence of distinct physiological outcomes.
The determinants of limit order cancellations
Authors: Dahlström Petter , Hagströmer Björn , Nordén Lars L.
Published: August 2023

Almost all limit orders are canceled. We examine two economic channels that can motivate cancellations: reductions in the expected profit at execution, and reductions in the probability of execution. An order‐level analysis shows that changes in depth at the best bid and offer prices, as well as changes in the order queue position, influence cancellation in a way consistent with the former channel, that market makers monitor the expected profit at execution of each limit order. Although buy‐side investors use passive orders extensively, our findings indicate that limit order cancellations on aggregate are best understood through models of liquidity provision.
Zircon Megacrysts from the Kawisigamuwa Carbonatite, Sri Lanka – A Potential Reference Material for In SituU‐Pb and Hf Isotope Measurement
Authors: Gallhofer Daniela , Skrzypek Etienne , Hauzenberger Christoph , Kurz Walter , Möller Andreas , Andrew Joseph , Parra‐Avila Luis A. , Martin Laure , Kemp Anthony , Fernando G.W.A.R. , He Dengfeng
Published: August 2023

We characterise zircon megacrysts from the Kawisigamuwa carbonatite as a new potential reference material for laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry U‐Pb and Hf isotope measurement. We studied ten 0.5–4 cm long, brown megacrysts that consist of oscillatory zoned (OZ) and nearly featureless cathodoluminescence‐bright recrystallised (RX) zircon domains. The zircons have low to moderate radiation damage (total α‐dose < 0.5 x 1018 events g‐1), tested by the measured FWHM of the ν3 (SiO4) Raman band < 5 cm‐1. An ID‐TIMS weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 532.39 ± 0.66 Ma (2s uncertainty) was determined for OZ zircon domains of three grains. While hafnium content varies within and between crystals (6630–9960 μg g‐1) the in situ mean 176Hf/177Hf ratios of ten crystals overlap within uncertainty. We recommend a mean 176Hf/177Hf ratio of 0.282003 ± 0.000020 (2s) as preliminary working value for OZ domains. Two OZ megacrysts yield indistinguishable δ18OVSMOW of 12.1 ± 0.4‰ and 12.2 ± 0.4‰ (2s). Elevated Th/U (> 1.5), Zr/Hf (59–75) and low hafnium contents in OZ domains are similar to those of zircons from carbonatites of mantle origin, while high δ18O and low εHfi (‐15.8 to ‐17.1) indicate a crustal contribution. The zircons probably grew from crustal‐derived carbonate melts under high grade metamorphic conditions.
Consumer cynicism: Interdisciplinary hybrid review and research agenda
Authors: Indibara Indirah , Halder Deepa , Varshney Sanjeev
Published: August 2023

Over the years, consumers have been questioning the intentions and actions of firms, resulting in a cynical attitude and behaviour. Due to the severity of the outcomes that cynical consumers may display, reputed journals and prolific researchers have addressed the core issue in their own unique ways. However, no single study offers a uniform, comprehensive, and contemporary review of consumer cynicism literature. Thus, we use an interdisciplinary approach to study the literature spanning 47 years (1976–2022) on cynicism in consumer research, psychology, and organizational domains through a hybrid review involving bibliometric and systematic literature reviews. Following the SPAR‐4‐SLR protocol, this review shows the most cited and co‐cited articles, researchers, and keywords in cynicism research. We infer that the consumer cynicism construct draws heavily from the organizational behaviour area, possessing the potential to be correlated with, and extended to interdisciplinary research. Also, we offer an all‐inclusive model of the predictors and predictands of consumer cynicism based on the ADO‐TCM framework. We close this study with its academic contributions, practical implications, and future research directions using the ADO‐TCM framework.
A perspective on recent developments of structure‐terahertz property relationships in glasses
Authors: Tostanoski Nicholas J. , Sundaram S. K.
Published: August 2023

We present our perspective of recent terahertz (THz) time‐domain spectroscopy (TDS, THz‐TDS) studies leading to structure‐THz property relationships for three distinct glass families, that is, borosilicate, tellurite, and chalcogenide glasses. We have carried out comprehensive structural studies using spectroscopy techniques, for example, nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy, with THz‐TDS used to record the refractive indices and absorption coefficients at THz frequencies. These results have culminated in structure‐THz property relationships, which are critical for targeting, selecting, and processing glasses for a wide range of THz optical and photonic applications.
Mixed modifier effect in Na2O·K2O·CaO aluminosilicate glasses: Pairwise and ternary interactions
Authors: Lin Yinan , Kim Seong H. , Smith Nicholas J. , Mauro John C.
Published: August 2023

The mixed modifier effect (MME) is one of the most challenging puzzles in the field of oxide glasses, as there exists no universal quantitative theoretical model for accurately describing and predicting the nonlinear deviation of property values. In this paper, pairwise and ternary interactions are examined experimentally to understand the MME in a series of aluminosilicate glasses. By keeping the glass network former concentration constant and adjusting the molar ratios of three network modifiers (Na2O, K2O, and CaO), the MMEs in glass transition temperature (Tg), Vickers hardness (Hv), and activation energy (Ea) for aqueous dissolution for each modifier cation are investigated. We examine whether a pairwise interaction model is sufficient, or if ternary interactions also need to be included to predict the MME in these aluminosilicate glass systems. This work reveals that the pairwise model can be used to predict the MME for Tg in complex multiple‐modifier glass systems using only two‐body interaction factors. However, ternary mixed‐modifier interactions are present in other properties such as Hv and Ea.
A support nurse may strengthen the participation of patients with low socio‐economic status in treatment pathways of head and neck cancer: A theory‐based evaluation
Authors: Mondahl Julie , Hellesø Ragnhild , Thomsen Thora Grothe , Homøe Preben , Frederiksen Kirsten
Published: August 2023

Aim

To test and evaluate a support nurse intervention within the head and neck cancer (HNC) pathway.

Background

Even though interventions aiming to support patients with a low socio‐economic status have been a focus for development and implementation in several countries, research still shows that these patients often have unmet needs and encounter challenges in communicating with health professionals during their treatment pathways. Furthermore, support interventions are few in Denmark and none of the existing interventions target patients with HNC receiving radiation therapy of whom the majority have a low socio‐economic status and therefore potentially carry a high risk of being challenged during their treatment pathways.

Design

A theory‐based evaluation was used as framework. A support nurse intervention was designed to offer patients with a low socio‐economic status help and support in the initial part of the HNC pathway. Eleven patients were included in the trial period.

Methods

The evaluation of the intervention was based on interviews, a questionnaire survey and field notes.

Results

The expected outputs were achieved, thus: (1) the patients felt supported and assisted, (2) the support nurse was capable of supporting, helping and accompanying the patients, (3) the patients were informed as relevant and understood the information provided. Unexpected outputs were that the support nurse was capable of co‐ordinating the pathway in line with the patient's needs and that she facilitated the interaction between patients and health professionals.

Conclusions

Support for patients with a low socio‐economic status improves their ability to engage in their cancer treatment pathway. This, in turn, increases their preparedness for participation and, hence, strengthens their choice of treatment.

Reporting method

This study is reported using consolidated guideline for reporting interventions Template for intervention description and replication (TIDieR checklist). We used theory‐based evaluation as described by Peter Dahler‐Larsen.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Examining students' academic motivation for studying programming languages
Authors: Ankora Carlos , Bolatimi Stephen Oladagba , Bensah Lily , Mahama Francois , Kuadey Noble Arden , Adu Adolph Sedem Yaw , Adjei Laurene
Published: August 2023

Background

The degree to which Computer Science (CS) and Information Communication Technology (ICT) students are motivated to learn greatly impacts their study habits, academic achievement in school and ultimately their job prospects. In recent times, skills in programming languages have become vital in searching for employment.

Objective

This study sought to examine the academic motivation of students to study programming languages and their pursuit of job prospects in the software development field.

Methods

The study adopted the Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) to measure students' motivation. Data was collected from 244 CS and ICT students at different levels of study at Ho Technical University (HTU) who responded to an online questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), reliability analysis, independent samples t‐test and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted using IBM statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) and IBM analysis of moment structure (AMOS), respectively.

Results and Conclusions

The results showed no significant difference in students' motivation to study programming languages in the university between those who had prior programming languages and those who had none. Also, the results showed no significant difference in the motivation of students to study programming languages between those with and without working experience. The results showed a significant difference between those who want to and do not want to pursue a career in software development and their study motivation of programming languages.

Takeaway

Course instructors should emphasize connections between course goals and future employment opportunities.
Characterisation of extracellular vesicles isolated from hydatid cyst fluid and evaluation of immunomodulatory effects on human monocytes
Authors: Khosravi Mojdeh , Mohammad Rahimi Hanieh , Nazari Abdoreza , Baghaei Kaveh , Asadzadeh Aghdaei Hamid , Shahrokh Shabnam , Sharifdini Meysam , Torrecilhas Ana Claudia , Mehryab Fatemeh , Mirjalali Hamed , Shekari Faezeh , Zali Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2023

Hydatidosis is a disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus, which involves several organs of intermediate hosts. Evidence suggests a communication between hydatid cyst (HC) and hosts via extracellular vesicles. However, a little is known about the communication between EVs derived from HC fluid (HCF) and host cells. In the current study, EVs were isolated using differential centrifugation from sheep HCF and characterized by western blot, electron microscope and size distribution analysis. The uptake of EVs by human monocyte cell line (THP‐1) was evaluated. The effects of EVs on the expression levels of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines were investigated using quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐PCR), 3 and 24 h after incubation. Moreover, the cytokine level of IL‐10 was evaluated in supernatant of THP‐1 cell line at 3 and 24 h. EVs were successfully isolated and showed spherical shape with size distribution at 130.6 nm. After 3 h, the expression levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokine genes (IL1Β, IL15 and IL8) were upregulated, while after 24 h, the expression levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were decreased and IL13 gene expression showed upregulation. A statistically significant increase was seen in the levels of IL‐10 after 24 h. The main mechanism of the communication between EVs derived from HCF and their host remains unclear; however, time‐dependent anti‐inflammatory effects in our study suggest that HC may modulate the immune responses via EVs.
Male size does not affect the strength of male mate choice for high-quality females in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Lev Avigayil , Pischedda Alison
Published: August 2023

Theory predicts that the strength of male mate choice should vary depending on male quality when higher-quality males receive greater fitness benefits from being choosy. This pattern extends to differences in male body size, with larger males often having stronger pre- and post-copulatory preferences than smaller males. We sought to determine whether large males and small males differ in the strength (or direction) of their preference for large, high-fecundity females using the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. We measured male courtship preferences and mating duration to show that male body size had no impact on the strength of male mate choice; all males, regardless of their size, had equally strong preferences for large females. To understand the selective pressures shaping male mate choice in males of different sizes, we also measured the fitness benefits associated with preferring large females for both large and small males. Male body size did not affect the benefits that males received: large and small males were equally successful at mating with large females, received the same direct fitness benefits from mating with large females, and showed similar competitive fertilization success with large females. These findings provide insight into why the strength of male mate choice was not affected by male body size in this system. Our study highlights the importance of evaluating the benefits and costs of male mate choice across multiple males to predict when differences in male mate choice should occur.

Abstract

Large and small males show equally strong courtship and mating preferences for large, high-fecundity females in Drosophila melanogaster, likely because male body size did not affect the fitness benefits that males received from being choosy: large and small males were equally successful at mating with large females, received the same direct fitness benefits from mating with large females, and showed similar competitive fertilization success with large females.
The temporal intersectional minority stress model: Reimagining minority stress theory
Authors: Rivas‐Koehl Matthew , Rivas‐Koehl Dane , McNeil Smith Shardé
Published: August 2023

Two decades have passed since Ilan Meyer first published the minority stress theory (MST) model. Since then, scholars have used MST extensively to expand the field's understanding of LGBTQ+ populations' experiences with stress and mental health. To better represent these experiences, scholars have combined MST with other theories in empirical articles, but a theoretical model has yet to be proposed that unifies this work. In the current paper, we seek to acknowledge and extend this work by proposing a Temporal Intersectional Minority Stress (TIMS) model. The TIMS model incorporates Intersectionality and historical, generational, and developmental time from Life Course Theory to account for the sociopolitical and cultural changes that have occurred since the creation of the original MST model. We hope this model will help extend work related to minority stress, and we invite further theoretical development to occur using this model as a new framework for scholars to consider.