bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring technology attitudes and personal–cultural orientations as student readiness factors for digitalised work
Authors: Blayone Todd J.B. , Mykhailenko Olena , Usca Svetlana , Abuze Anda , Romanets Ihor , Oleksiiv Mykhailo
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Emerging forms of digitalisation are placing new demands on workforce entrants around the globe. This study, catalysed by innovation programs in Ukraine and Latvia, conceptualises, measures and compares key facets of dispositional readiness of university students in two post-Soviet nations for digitalised work.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data, addressing technology attitudes and personal–cultural orientations (PCO), were collected by project teams at universities in Ukraine and Latvia and delivered to the authors for analysis. The authors defined three characteristics of digitalised work, conceptually positioned five of the measured constructs as readiness factors and generated readiness profiles for the two national student cohorts. Investigation of significant differences between the groups was conducted using an Independent Samples T-Test. A composite profile was produced for comparing the overall dispositional readiness of both groups for digitalised work.

Findings

The factor-level profiles showed similar patterns of dispositional alignment and misalignment with digitalised work. For example, technology optimism and learning interest were reported by large percentages of Ukrainians and Latvians and tolerance for unstructured work by small percentages. However, significant differences were found in group levels of technology optimism, technology anxiety, ambiguity intolerance and empowered decision-making. In each case, the Ukrainian profile appeared more strongly aligned with the target.

Practical implications

The global digitalisation of work requires students, educators, human resource professionals and business leaders to rethink workforce readiness assessment and adapt (re)training programs. Technology enthusiasm and learning interest should be regarded as crucial measurable attitudes motivating technical skills development. Also, cultural orientations should be positioned alongside personality traits and digital skills as factors shaping successful human–computer interaction.

Originality/value

This study initiates a new sociotechnical and cross-cultural trajectory of technology readiness research from data generated in two post-Soviet contexts. Moreover, it positions several measurable dispositions as factors influencing student readiness for digitalised work.
Ghana’s energy access journey so far: a review of key strategies
Authors: Bukari Dramani , Tuokuu Francis Xavier Dery , Suleman Shafic , Ackah Ishmael , Apenu Godwin
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of the programmes being implemented with a view to ascertaining if they adequately address the energy needs of the poor more holistically and sustainably.

Design/methodology/approach

The content of this desktop review is based on information collected through a review of available energy policy documents from the Ghana Government and related governmental agencies, such as the Energy Commission and Ghana Statistical Services, international energy-related agencies, such as the International Energy Agency (World Vision, 2013), as well as other related web searches. Additionally, global and Sub-Saharan African energy access documents were reviewed by analysing secondary data from the World Bank and UN policy reports, statistical data, strategies, regulations, protocols and other related documents (World Vision, 2013). Furthermore, some policy documents on energy access and usage were explored mainly from Senegal and Ghana to ascertain governments’ policies, regulations and strategies in the implementation of energy access policies.

Findings

The paper offers all the various strategies being implemented in an attempt to establish a foothold on the problem of affording the poor with clean and affordable energies. The paper also presents the rich experiences of Senegal in its bid to see expanded access in liquefied petroleum gas usage by residential consumers.

Originality/value

The paper provides some policy and theoretical implications for improving Ghana’s energy access.
Hospitality workers’ reward and recognition
Authors: Younies Hassan , Al-Tawil Tareq Na’el
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate hotel workers’ preferences among the following pairs: intrinsic and extrinsic motivators and non-material and material factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the quantitative method and a descriptive design to draw inferences about employees’ preferences for items intended as reward and recognition. Convenience sampling was used in selecting the respondents using a survey questionnaire as the research instrument.

Findings

This study has shown that hospitality employees differ in their preference for some material and non-material items signifying reward and recognition (RR). Management should take these differences into account when devising such incentives. The heterogeneous workforce structure in the United Arab Emirates may complicate the design of an RR system. Practitioners in the hospitality industry may note with interest that achieving employee performance and satisfaction is a complex exercise. The satisfaction that employees derive can be strengthened by focusing on Herzberg’s motivators while employee dissatisfaction could be prevented by addressing hygiene factors. Human resource personnel can achieve a measure of success while developing and administering a compensation program that stimulates effort related to work, tasks or accomplishment of goals. While motivated employees are expected to perform better, employee productivity according to certain research is related to the level of meeting ones’ needs. It is, therefore, important for organizations in the hospitality industry to consider the design of a well-balanced but flexible reward-recognition system that serves motivating employees toward the achievement of organizational goals and meet their own needs.

Originality/value

The writers included demographic information and employment characteristics as part of their study. They included 10 factors, such as language, ethnicity, age, years in company and department among others.
Mental simulation and the individual preference effect
Authors: Nicholson Dawn H. , Hopthrow Tim , Randsley de Moura Georgina
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The “Individual Preference Effect” (IPE: Faulmüller et al., 2010; Greitemeyer and Schulz-Hardt, 2003; Greitemeyer et al., 2003), a form of confirmation bias, is an important barrier to achieving improved group decision-making outcomes in hidden profile tasks. Group members remain committed to their individual preferences and are unable to disconfirm their initial suboptimal selection decisions, even when presented with full information enabling them to correct them, and even if the accompanying group processes are perfectly conducted. This paper examines whether a mental simulation can overcome the IPE.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental studies examine the effect of a mental simulation intervention in attenuating the IPE and improving decision quality in an online individual hidden profile task.

Findings

Individuals undertaking a mental simulation achieved higher decision quality than those in a control condition and experienced a greater reduction in confidence in the suboptimal solution.

Research limitations/implications

Results suggest a role for mental simulation in overcoming the IPE. The test environment is an online individual decision-making task, and broader application to group decision-making is not tested.

Practical implications

Since mental simulation is something we all do, it should easily generalise to an organisational setting to improve decision outcomes.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, no study has examined whether mental simulation can attenuate the IPE.
Implementation of sustainable public procurement in local governments: a measurement approach
Authors: Hsueh Lily , Bretschneider Stuart , Stritch Justin M. , Darnall Nicole
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Assessing and measuring the extent of organization-level policy implementation has received little scholarly attention, especially in the areas of local governments' procurement and environmental protection. To rectify the paucity of research in this area, this paper adopts Leonard-Barton's (1988) conceptualization of the misalignment between the (policy) innovation and the organization and draws on an original survey of local government finance, environment and public works departments in a representative sample of US cities with at least 25,000 residents to develop a strategy for measuring the extent of the implementation of a sustainable procurement policy (SPP) in local governments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors demonstrate through the construction of a composite index that in order for a SPP to be fully implemented, standards and rules, routines and decision-making criteria need to exist to reconcile any technical, infrastructural and decision-making misalignments between the new policy and an organization's pre-existing norms and routines.

Findings

The authors empirically assess and demonstrate that the paper's proposed composite measure of policy implementation is robust to multiple specifications and measurement reliability and construct validity tests.

Originality/value

Whereas the existing literature from political science and policy science has tended to focus on higher levels of implementation in government through a complex hierarchical system, this paper underscores the importance of the policy implementation at the organizational level. Moreover, the authors contribute methodologically by our development of a strategy to measure the extent of the implementation of a SPP by local governments.
Teaching sustainable development through entrepreneurial experiences
Authors: Burden Håkan , Sprei Frances
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to address the challenges of teaching sustainable development to computer engineering students. Part of the problem is that they perceive the topic as irrelevant for their future profession.

Design/methodology/approach

To address this challenge, we introduced a project element into a course on sustainable development where the students developed applications for sustainable mobility together with the local public transport authority, an academic institution and a multinational telecom company.

Findings

The findings conclude that the course changes improved the overall student satisfaction while succeeding in anchoring sustainable development in a context which the students can relate to. The collaboration was also perceived as fruitful by the external stakeholders who encouraged the students to stay in touch for their bachelor theses and internships.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical implication is a first attempt in integrating sustainable development education with entrepreneurial experiences, whereas the practical implication is a description of how the integration can be realized.

Practical implications

The contribution is therefore of value for both educational researchers to open novel research opportunities and for teachers to describe new possibilities for sustainable development education.

Originality/value

The contribution describes how entrepreneurial experiences can be used to motivate engineering students in mandatory courses on sustainable development and ethics. The approach is novel in that the approach has not been described earlier in this context.
A cross-country investigation of customer transactions from online to offline channels
Authors: Huang Chien-Che , Chang Yu-Wei , Hsu Ping Yu , Prassida Grandys Frieska
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate multichannel integration of hotels and online travel agencies (OTAs) and to compare consumer behavior between China and Indonesia in the context of online to offline (O2O) commerce. We examine how the services, brand and market share of OTAs influence behavioral intentions in both online and offline channels. SERVQUAL, theory of reasoned action and the halo effect are integrated to develop the research model.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate Chinese and Indonesian customers' experiences and behavioral intention of OTAs and hotels, the customers who booked hotels using OTAs were invited to participate in the questionnaire survey. This study collected 336 and 305 data from China and Indonesia, respectively. A partial least squares structural equation modeling technique was used to test and compare the research hypotheses and model between China and Indonesia.

Findings

The results compare the similarities and differences of cross-country customer experiences and behavioral intentions of OTAs and hotels. The effect of website service quality on online satisfaction, the effect of online satisfaction on offline confirmation and the effects of offline confirmation and booking intention on patronage intention are significant and positive in both countries. Website service quality is positively associated with booking intention for Indonesia but not for China. The relationship between perceived size and booking intention is significant for China but not for Indonesia. The findings provide insights into the development of O2O commerce for global markets and multichannel strategies between OTAs and hotels.

Originality/value

With the development of O2O commerce, increasingly more hoteliers are opening up online and offline sales channels by cooperating with OTAs. Although several cross-country studies have investigated consumer behavior or behavioral intentions, behavioral settings are based on online or offline channels rather than the integration of both channels. Although some research has studied the integration or competition of OTAs and hotels, none of these studies have investigated the issues from the perspective of country comparison. This study provides the understanding of how customers in different countries and with different backgrounds react to the same e-commerce development, especially the cooperation of OTA and hotels.
Study of ethical issues of green procurement in Indian automobile industry using integrated ISM-fuzzy MICMAC – AHP –VIKOR
Authors: Ray Ankita , Khaba Sorokhaibam
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is the identification and analysis of key ethical issues of green procurement (GP) and the potential solutions to mitigate the issues in the Indian automobile sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review and expert elicitation, 23 ethical issues of GP in the Indian automobile industry and 11 solutions to mitigate these issues were identified. This paper explores the ethical issues based on an integrated method consisting of interpretative structural modelling fuzzy Matrice d'Impacts Croisés-Multiplication Appliquée á un Classement, analytical hierarchy process and the solutions to mitigate these issues using fuzzy VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje.

Findings

The findings suggest that ethical issues such as favouritism towards suppliers and failure to fulfil business objectives by top management are identified as the most significant variables with the highest importance weights, while top management commitment for ethical behaviour is identified as the most potent solution for mitigating the issues.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to the literature review and experts’ opinions.

Practical implications

The results may help practitioners and researchers to focus on major ethical issues of GP to strategize proactive solutions that may help to mitigate or eliminate the ethical issues.

Originality/value

This paper is an original contribution of the analysis of GP and provides an interesting insight into the Indian automotive industry.
Selling cute destinations to East Asia
Authors: Lee Hoffer , Yan Libo
Published: September 2020

Purpose

A multidimensional scale was developed to measure the cuteness experience a destination can offer. In doing so, this paper attempts to explore the implications of the cuteness aesthetics for destination marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The procedure of scale development was followed. A survey was administered to a college student sample. The scale of cuteness experience was validated. A four-point scale turned out to be effective in terms of measurement.

Findings

The results show that cuteness experience of a destination consists of five dimensions: smallness, irregularity, roundness, lightness and creativity.

Research limitations/implications

The cuteness attributes have significant implications for promoting destinations to the East Asian markets, which have seen the rise of the cute culture in recent decades.

Originality/value

This study identified a unique selling point of destinations, namely, cuteness as a destination attribute. The study results also contribute to understanding of destination personality by drawing attention to the childlike personality trait: cuteness.
Exploring newsjacking as social media–based ambush marketing
Authors: Burton Nicholas , McClean Cole
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study explores the use of event-related promotional hashtags by non-sponsors as a form of social ambushing, akin to newsjacking, as potential means of ambushing major events and the potential challenges facing commercial rights holders.

Design/methodology/approach

Framed within the context of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, the present research takes a descriptive analytical approach to social media analysis. Social media data were accessed from Twitter's API across a six-week Games period and subsequently coded and categorized based upon strategic intent, content and key structural characteristics. A quantitative analysis of Tweet distribution, frequency and buzz was then conducted, providing insight into the impacts and effects of social ambushing via newsjacking.

Findings

Importantly, the study's findings suggest that whilst newsjacking by non-sponsors throughout the Games was pervasive, the potential reach and impact of such social ambushing may be limited. Non-sponsoring firms primarily adopted Games hashtags for behavioural or diversionary means, however consumer response to such attempts was minimal. These findings offer renewed perspective for scholars and practitioners on social ambushing and ambush marketing interventionism.

Originality/value

This research provides an important investigation into the manifestations and potential implications of social ambushing and illustrates the potential for brands to newsjack sporting events through unauthorized hashtag usage, necessary advances in sport marketing research.
Molecular dating for phylogenies containing a mix of populations and species by using Bayesian and RelTime approaches
Authors: Mello Beatriz , Tao Qiqing , Barba‐Montoya Jose , Kumar Sudhir
Published: September 2020

Simultaneous molecular dating of population and species divergences is essential in many biological investigations, including phylogeography, phylodynamics and species delimitation studies. In these investigations, multiple sequence alignments consist of both intra‐ and interspecies samples (mixed samples). As a result, the phylogenetic trees contain interspecies, interpopulation and within‐population divergences. Bayesian relaxed clock methods are often employed in these analyses, but they assume the same tree prior for both inter‐ and intraspecies branching processes and require specification of a clock model for branch rates (independent vs. autocorrelated rates models). We evaluated the impact of a single tree prior on Bayesian divergence time estimates by analysing computer‐simulated data sets. We also examined the effect of the assumption of independence of evolutionary rate variation among branches when the branch rates are autocorrelated. Bayesian approach with coalescent tree priors generally produced excellent molecular dates and highest posterior densities with high coverage probabilities. We also evaluated the performance of a non‐Bayesian method, RelTime, which does not require the specification of a tree prior or a clock model. RelTime's performance was similar to that of the Bayesian approach, suggesting that it is also suitable to analyse data sets containing both populations and species variation when its computational efficiency is needed.
Prognostic study for survival outcome following the treatment of second primary lung cancer in patients with previously resected non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wu Yijun , Han Chang , Chong Yuming , Liu Jianghao , Gong Liang , Wang Zhile , Liang Naixin
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients who have previously undergone surgical resection of initial primary lung cancer (IPLC) are at high risk of developing second primary lung cancer (SPLC). There are still no standard treatments for SPLC. This study aimed to identify the prognostic factors and compare survival between the different SPLC treatment groups.

Methods

SPLC patients in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2007 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Prognostic factors for SPLC were identified, using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and univariate Cox analysis to select variables for multivariate Cox analysis. Kaplan‐Meier method plus log‐rank test and restricted mean survival time (RMST) were used to compare survival outcome.

Results

A total of 665 SPLC patients were finally enrolled into the study. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that male vs. female (HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.29–2.59, P = 0.001), tumor size of SPLC ≥1 cm vs. <1 cm (HR = 1.80, 96% CI: 1.07–3.02, P = 1.028), IPLC characteristics of squamous cell carcinoma vs. adenocarcinoma (HR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.17–3.04, P = 0.009), clinical stage II vs. stage I (HR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.08–6.27, P = 0.033), and T2 stage vs. T1 stage (HR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.04–2.72, P = 0.034) indicated worse survival. SPLC patients demonstrated a five‐year survival rate of 68.6% and a five‐year RMST of 49.4 months. The choice of surgical procedure (wedge resection, segmentectomy and lobectomy) for both IPLC and SPLC had no significant effect on prognosis (P > 0.05). Patients that received radiotherapy for SPLC also demonstrated similar survival when compared with those that underwent surgery (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Radiotherapy and sublobar resection can be considered reasonable alternative treatments for SPLC, especially when patients are unable to tolerate lobectomy.
Determination of cytogenetic markers for biological monitoring in coypu (Myocastor coypu)
Authors: Kuchta‐Gładysz Marta , Wójcik Ewa , Słonina Dorota , Grzesiakowska Anna , Otwinowska‐Mindur Agnieszka , Szeleszczuk Olga , Niedbała Piotr
Published: September 2020

Cytogenetic tests are used to assess the influence of physical and chemical factors with potential mutagenic and genotoxic properties on the animal organism. The test results make it possible to eliminate mutagens, as well as helping predict possible genetic consequences in animal cells and assess animal resistance. The aim of this study was to examine, using cytogenetic tests, the spontaneous chromosome and DNA damage in coypu lymphocytes. Four tests: fragile site (FS), bleomycin (BLM), micronucleus, (MN) and comet were used for the first time in coypu cells. The averages with standard deviations obtained in the research were as follows: 3.30 ± 0.80 fragile sites/cell; 0.63 ± 0.80 BLM damage/cell; 6.10 ± 0.53% binucleated cells with MN; and 3.24 ± 0.63% DNA in tail. The present analysis showed high interindividual variation in spontaneous chromosomal and DNA damage levels. In the case of micronucleus, fragile sites, and comet assays, the differences between animals were statistically significant. The data suggest that these assays are sensitive enough to detect some effects on an individual animal and can be proposed as tools for coypu biomonitoring.
A minimal model to describe short‐term haemodynamic changes of the cardiovascular system
Authors: Bahnasawy Salma , Al‐Sallami Hesham , Duffull Stephen
Published: September 2020

Aims

Current pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic models describing the haemodynamic changes often do not include necessary feedback mechanisms. These models provide adequate description of current data but may fail to adequately extrapolate to additional scenarios. This study aims to develop a minimal model to describe the short‐term changes of haemodynamics that can be used as the basis for model development by future researchers.

Methods

A minimal haemodynamic model was developed to describe the influence of drugs on blood pressure components. The model structure was defined based on known mechanisms and previously published models. The model was evaluated under 2 different simulation settings. The model parameters were calibrated to describe (without estimation) the haemodynamics of 2 antihypertensive drugs with data extracted from the literature. Structural identifiability analysis was done using various combinations of the observed variable.

Results

The proposed model structure includes mean arterial pressure, heart rate and stroke volume and is composed of 4 states described by differential equations. Model evaluation showed flexibility in describing the haemodynamics at different target perturbations. Overlay plots of model predictions and literature data showed a good description without data fitting. The structural identifiability analysis revealed all model parameters and initial conditions were identifiable only when heart rate, mean arterial pressure and cardiac output were measured together.

Conclusions

A minimal model of the haemodynamic system was developed and evaluated. The model accounted for short‐term haemodynamic feedback processes. We propose that this model can be used as the basis for future pharmacometric analyses of drugs acting on the haemodynamic system.
TREK1 channel activation as a new analgesic strategy devoid of opioid adverse effects
Authors: Busserolles Jérôme , Ben Soussia Ismail , Pouchol Laetitia , Marie Nicolas , Meleine Mathieu , Devilliers Maïly , Judon Céline , Schopp Julien , Clémenceau Loïc , Poupon Laura , Chapuy Eric , Richard Serge , Noble Florence , Lesage Florian , Ducki Sylvie , Eschalier Alain , Lolignier Stéphane
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose

Opioids are effective painkillers. However, their risk–benefit ratio is dampened by numerous adverse effects and opioid misuse has led to a public health crisis. Safer alternatives are required, but isolating the antinociceptive effect of opioids from their adverse effects is a pharmacological challenge because activation of the μ opioid receptor triggers both the antinociceptive and adverse effects of opioids.

Experimental Approach

The TREK1 potassium channel is activated downstream of μ receptor and involved in the antinociceptive activity of morphine but not in its adverse effects. Bypassing the μ opioid receptor to directly activate TREK1 could therefore be a safer analgesic strategy.

Key Results

We developed a selective TREK1 activator, RNE28, with antinociceptive activity in naive rodents and in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. This activity was lost in TREK1 knockout mice or wild‐type mice treated with the TREK1 blocker spadin, showing that TREK1 is required for the antinociceptive activity of RNE28. RNE28 did not induce respiratory depression, constipation, rewarding effects, or sedation at the analgesic doses tested.

Conclusion and Implications

This proof‐of‐concept study shows that TREK1 activators could constitute a novel class of painkillers, inspired by the mechanism of action of opioids but devoid of their adverse effects.
The spatial dimensions of temporary employment in Canada
Authors: Ali Waad K. , Newbold K. Bruce
Published: September 2020

The flexibility of labour markets has entailed a growing use of temporary employment that is associated with limited work arrangements that are often unprotected, poorly paid, and socio‐economically insecure. Yet, the factors that shape the patterning of temporary employment and its types (seasonal, casual, and contract jobs) are relatively unknown in Canada. Using data from Statistics Canada's 2016 Labour Force Survey and the 2016 Census, this paper examines the spatial characteristics influencing the patterns of temporary employment and its types across Canada's census metropolitan areas and census agglomerations (CMAs/CAs). We hypothesize that geographies characterized by a high proportion of immigrants, highly educated populations, and highly unemployed populations have a greater likelihood of workers employed in temporary employment and its types. Our analyses support these hypotheses as population characteristics (CMAs/CAs with a high share of Asian immigrants); labour market characteristics (unemployment rate and prevalence of low income in CMAs/CAs); and human capital characteristics (CMAs/CAs characterized by a large share of populations with a bachelor's degree or higher) contributed more to explaining positive temporary employment outcomes than did occupation characteristics. This study adds valuable insights into the spatial dimensions of labour market insecurity that could be valuable in formulating place‐based policies that address labour market inequalities.
Should Individuals Think Like Their Group? A Descriptive‐to‐Prescriptive Tendency Toward Group‐Based Beliefs
Authors: Roberts Steven O. , Ho Arnold K. , Gelman Susan A.
Published: September 2020

Across three pre‐registered studies with children (ages 4–9) and adults (N = 303), we examined whether how a groupispredicted evaluations of how group membersshould be(i.e., a descriptive‐to‐prescriptive tendency), under conditions in which the descriptive group norms entailed beliefs that were fact‐based (Study 1), opinion‐based (Study 2), and ideology‐based (Study 3). Overall, participants tended to disapprove of individuals with beliefs that differed from their group, but the extent of this tendency varied across development and as a function of the belief under consideration (e.g., younger children did not show a descriptive‐to‐prescriptive tendency in the context of facts and ideologies, suggesting that they prioritized truth over group norms). Implications for normative reasoning and ideological polarization are discussed.
Auditory Sensory Processing and Phonological Development in High IQ and Exceptional Readers, Typically Developing Readers, and Children With Dyslexia: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Goswami Usha , Huss Martina , Mead Natasha , Fosker Tim
Published: September 2020

Phonological difficulties characterize children with developmental dyslexia across languages, but whether impaired auditory processing underlies these phonological difficulties is debated. Here the causal question is addressed by exploring whether individual differences in sensory processing predict the development of phonological awareness in 86 English‐speaking lower‐ and middle‐class children aged 8 years in 2005 who had dyslexia, or were age‐matched typically developing children, some with exceptional reading/high IQ. The predictive relations between auditory processing and phonological development are robust for this sample even when phonological awareness at Time 1 (the autoregressor) is controlled. High reading/IQ does not much impact these relations. The data suggest that basic sensory abilities are significant longitudinal predictors of growth in phonological awareness in children.
Gut microbiome alterations in type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis after induction of remission by prednisolone
Authors: Kamata K , Watanabe T , Minaga K , Hara A , Sekai I , Otsuka Y , Yoshikawa T , Park A-M , Kudo M
Published: September 2020

Although increasing evidence demonstrates the association between intestinal dysbiosis and pancreatic diseases such as chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, it remains largely unknown whether intestinal dysbiosis is involved in the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP). Recently, we found that intestinal dysbiosis mediates experimental AIP via the activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), which can produce interferon (IFN)-α and interleukin (IL)-33. However, candidate intestinal bacteria, which promote the development of AIP, have not been identified. Fecal samples were obtained from type 1 AIP patients before and after prednisolone (PSL) treatment and subjected to 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing to evaluate the composition of intestinal bacteria. Induction of remission by PSL was associated with the complete disappearance of Klebsiella species from feces in two of the three analyzed patients with type 1 AIP. To assess the pathogenicity of Klebsiella species, mild experimental AIP was induced in MRL/MpJ mice by repeated injections of 10 μg of polyinosinic–polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], in combination with oral administration of heat-killed Klebsiella pneumoniae. The AIP pathology score was significantly higher in MRL/MpJ mice that received both oral administration of heat-killed K. pneumoniae and intraperitoneal injections of poly(I:C) than in those administered either agent alone. Pancreatic accumulation of pDCs capable of producing large amounts of IFN-α and IL-33 was also significantly higher in mice that received both treatments. These data suggest that intestinal colonization by K. pneumoniae may play an intensifying role in the development of type 1 AIP.
A Survey of Image Synthesis Methods for Visual Machine Learning
Authors: Tsirikoglou A. , Eilertsen G. , Unger J.
Published: September 2020

Image synthesis designed for machine learning applications provides the means to efficiently generate large quantities of training data while controlling the generation process to provide the best distribution and content variety. With the demands of deep learning applications, synthetic data have the potential of becoming a vital component in the training pipeline. Over the last decade, a wide variety of training data generation methods has been demonstrated. The potential of future development calls to bring these together for comparison and categorization. This survey provides a comprehensive list of the existing image synthesis methods for visual machine learning. These are categorized in the context of image generation, using a taxonomy based on modelling and rendering, while a classification is also made concerning the computer vision applications they are used. We focus on the computer graphics aspects of the methods, to promote future image generation for machine learning. Finally, each method is assessed in terms of quality and reported performance, providing a hint on its expected learning potential. The report serves as a comprehensive reference, targeting both groups of the applications and data development sides. A list of all methods and papers reviewed herein can be found at https://computergraphics.on.liu.se/image_synthesis_methods_for_visual_machine_learning/.
Microstructural volumetric analysis of vertical alveolar ridge augmentation using autogenous tooth roots
Authors: Parvini Puria , Schwarz Frank , Hüfner Mira Kristin , Rauch Nicole , Nienkemper Manuel , Becker Kathrin
Published: September 2020

Background

To volumetrically assess the bone microstructure following vertical alveolar ridge augmentation using differently conditioned autogenous tooth roots (TR) and second‐stage implant placement.

Materials and methods

The upper premolars were bilaterally extracted in n = 4 beagle dogs and randomly assigned to either autoclavation (TR‐A) or no additional treatment (TR‐C). Subsequently, TR were used as block grafts for vertical alveolar ridge augmentation in both lower quadrants. At 12 weeks, titanium implants were inserted and left to heal 3 weeks. Microcomputed tomography was used to quantify bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp) at vestibular (v) and oral (o) aspects along the implant and in the augmented upper half of the implant, respectively.

Results

Median BV/TV [TR‐C: 51.33% (v) and 70.42% (o) vs TR‐A: 44.05% (v) and 64.46% (o)], Tb.th [TR‐C: 0.22 mm (v) and 0.27 mm (o) vs TR‐A: 0.23 mm (v) and 0.29 mm (o)] and Tb.Sp [TR‐C: 0.26 mm (v) and 0.13 mm (o) vs TR‐A: 0.29 μm (v) and 0.15 mm (o)] values were comparable in both groups.

Conclusion

Both TR‐C and TR‐A grafts were associated with a comparable bone microstructure within the grafted area.
Safety of bariatric surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Aziz Muhammad , Haghbin Hossein , Sharma Sachit , Fatima Rawish , Ishtiaq Rizwan , Chandan Saurabh , Mohan Babu P. , Lee‐Smith Wade , Hassan Mona , Nawras Ali
Published: September 2020

The efficacy of bariatric surgery in achieving weight loss and preventing long‐term comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and osteoarthritis is well established. Data regarding safety of bariatric surgery in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is scarce. We attempted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the complications following bariatric surgery in patients with IBD. The primary outcomes evaluated were wound infection, Clavien‐Dindo grade > II complications and IBD exacerbation (within 1 year). Secondary outcomes evaluated included overall mortality, stricture, small bowel obstruction, acute kidney injury (AKI) and thromboembolism. Pooled outcomes (event rate) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random effects model. A total of 14 studies (all observational) with 2608 patients were included. The rates of primary outcomes were: wound infection (4.1%, 95% CI: 0.9‐7.2), Clavien‐Dindo grade > II complications (2.0%, 95%: CI 0.6‐3.5) and IBD exacerbation (4.3%, 95% CI: 0.7‐7.9). The pooled rate for other outcomes was: mortality 0.1%, stricture 6.5%, small bowel obstruction 6.7%, AKI 2.2% and thromboembolism 0.1%. Bariatric surgery is relatively safe in patients with IBD and should be pursued to reduce comorbidities associated with obesity. Future comparative studies are needed to further assess the safety of bariatric surgery in population with and without IBD.
Interventions and lower‐limb macroscopic muscle morphology in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a scoping review
Authors: Walhain Fenna , Desloovere Kaat , Declerck Marlies , Van Campenhout Anja , Bar‐On Lynn
Published: September 2020

Aim

To identify and map studies that have assessed the effect of interventions on lower‐limb macroscopic muscle–tendon morphology in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP).

Method

We conducted a literature search of studies that included pre‐ and post‐treatment measurements of lower‐limb macroscopic muscle‐tendon morphology in children with spastic CP. Study quality was evaluated and significant intervention effects and effect sizes were extracted.

Results

Twenty‐eight articles were identified. They covered seven different interventions including stretching, botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT‐A), strengthening, electrical stimulation, whole‐body vibration, balance training, and orthopaedic surgery. Study quality ranged from poor (14 out of 28 studies) to good (2 out of 28). Study samples were small (n=4–32) and studies were variable regarding which muscles and macroscopic morphological parameters were assessed. Inconsistent effects after intervention (thickness and cross‐sectional area for strengthening, volume for BoNT‐A), no effect (belly length for stretching), and small effect sizes were reported.

Interpretation

Intervention studies reporting macroscopic muscle–tendon remodelling after interventions are limited and heterogeneous, making it difficult to generalize results. Studies that include control groups and standardized assessment protocols are needed to improve study quality and data synthesis. Lack or inconclusive effects at the macroscopic level could indicate that the effects of interventions should also be evaluated at the microscopic level.

What this paper adds

Muscle‐targeted interventions to remodel muscle morphology are not well understood.

Studies reporting macroscopic muscle remodelling following interventions are limited and heterogeneous.

Passive stretching may preserve but does not increase muscle length.

The effects of isolated botulinum neurotoxin A injections on muscle volume are inconsistent.

Isolated strengthening shows no consistent increase in muscle volume or thickness.
Perceptual confidence: A Husserlian take
Authors: Laasik Kristjan
Published: September 2020

In this paper, I propose a Husserlian account of perceptual confidence, and argue for perceptual confidence by appeal to the self‐justification of perceptual experiences. Perceptual confidence is the intriguing view, recently developed by John Morrison, that there are not just doxastic confidences but also perceptual confidences, that is, confidences as aspect of perceptual experience, enabling us to account, for example, for the increasing confidence with which we experience an approaching human figure, while telling ourselves, as the viewing distance diminishes, “It looks like this just could be Isaac,” “It looks like this is probably Isaac,” “It looks like this is almost certainly Isaac.” I first present my Husserlian account with a focus on the notion of fulfillment, and the idea that the contents of perceptual experience are fulfillment conditions. I then show that this account can be complemented by PC. Finally, I develop a focus on the idea of perceptual self‐justification, diverting the perceptual confidence debate from its pre‐eminent concern with the relations between perceptual and doxastic confidences, and present an argument to the effect that there are perceptual confidences.
Turning back the tide? Local‐scale impacts of climate change may have positive effects by restoring natural riverine habitat and reducing invasive fish density
Authors: Roche Kevin , Jurajda Pavel , Šlapanský Luděk , White Seth M.
Published: September 2020

Global biodiversity is increasingly threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and biological invasion. However, predictions of impacts on native fauna are hampered by an inadequate knowledge of how these factors interact and how climate change will affect the distribution, abundance, and behaviour of both native and invasive species, not least as most predictions are based on the long‐term effects of temperature alone.

Here, we present a case study illustrating how local‐scale climate change impacts (increased temperature, reduced rainfall, shifts in peak rainfall) affected the hydrology of a channelised lowland European river (reduced flow, reduction in flood events, increased siltation, macrophyte growth), allowing native fish species to recolonise the bankside zone and reducing the density of invasive round goby Neogobius melanostomus by removing its preferred habitat.

While most studies predict long‐term negative impacts on global fish populations, some suggest potential direct and indirect benefits at a local scale. We are of the opinion that, at a local scale, climate change impacts on fish will be more nuanced and complex than long‐term predictions suggest, resulting in both positive and negative effects, with consolation prizes in the face of larger losses. While impacts on fish will differ between regions and/or continents, depending on the specific impacts of climate change, identification of positive effects will be essential in clarifying long‐range forecasts and identifying management procedures for mitigating overall negative impacts.
Different mating contexts lead to extensive rewiring of female brain coexpression networks in the guppy
Authors: Bloch Natasha I. , Corral‐López Alberto , Buechel Séverine D. , Kotrschal Alexander , Kolm Niclas , Mank Judith E.
Published: September 2020

Understanding the basis of behavior requires dissecting the complex waves of gene expression that underlie how the brain processes stimuli and produces an appropriate response. In order to determine the dynamic nature of the neurogenomic network underlying mate choice, we use transcriptome sequencing to capture the female neurogenomic response in two brain regions involved in sensory processing and decision‐making under different mating and social contexts. We use differential coexpression (DC) analysis to evaluate how gene networks in the brain are rewired when a female evaluates attractive and nonattractive males, greatly extending current single‐gene approaches to assess changes in the broader gene regulatory network. We find the brain experiences a remarkable amount of network rewiring in the different mating and social contexts we tested. Further analysis indicates the network differences across contexts are associated with behaviorally relevant functions and pathways, particularly learning, memory and other cognitive functions. Finally, we identify the loci that display social context‐dependent connections, revealing the basis of how relevant neurological and metabolic pathways are differentially recruited in distinct social contexts. More broadly, our findings contribute to our understanding of the genetics of mating and social behavior by identifying gene drivers behind behavioral neural processes, illustrating the utility of DC analysis in neurosciences and behavior.
Representative bureaucracy, role congruence, and Kenya's gender quota
Authors: Hassan Mai , O'Mealia Thomas
Published: September 2020

This article examines the subnational determinants of descriptive representation. Agency managers may be hesitant to hire women uniformly across all localities if they perceive geographic variation in role congruence, or the degree to which a position's duties match gender roles. We expect managerial perceptions to affect hiring patterns even after the adoption of a gender quota intended to improve descriptive representation, as managers will differentially hire women to meet the quota in localities where they perceive role congruence to be highest. Evidence from Kenya's most important security agency after the adoption of a gender quota supports the theory. Broadly, this article shows that aggregate quotas are at risk of being implemented in a way that undermines the spirit of the law. Slack in oversight pushes implementation to subnational areas where managers perceive the quota will be least disruptive, and ultimately, have the smallest effects on passive, let alone active, representation.
The oil price crash of 2020: causes, consequences and historical context
Authors: Sorkhabi Rasoul
Published: September 2020

In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has overshadowed every affair of our society, and rightly so. Nevertheless, the world has also plunged into an economic crisis of enormous gravity on par with the Great Depression of the 1930s. The oil market crash is an alarming symptom of this weakened economy which hurts all people, whether affected by coronavirus or not. This article examines its causes, consequences and historical context.
5. “RELATED” HISTORIES: ON EPISTEMIC AND REPARATIVE DECOLONIZATION
Authors: NEALE TIMOTHY , KOWAL EMMA
Published: September 2020

What are we talking about when we talk about decolonization? In this article, we differentiate between epistemic and reparative decolonizing approaches and then consider the differences between postcolonial and decolonial modes in two fields: histories of science and, separately, museology. Touring these fields leads us to affirm the need for scholars to consider the consequences of their allegiances to different critical movements and moments. Whatever it will mean to decolonize history, we conclude, it is both a necessary and necessarily relational enterprise with material and conceptual excesses to address.