bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived value, trust and purchase intention of organic food: a study with Brazilian consumers
Authors: Watanabe Eluiza Alberto de Morais , Alfinito Solange , Curvelo Isabelle Cristina Galindo , Hamza Kavita Miadaira
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The consumption of organic food grows worldwide, increasing the need of studies seeking to understand factors influencing its consumption. To extend the understanding of organic food market, the present research seeks to explore the effect of perceived value on consumer trust and purchase intention in Brazil.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey with 274 Brazilian consumers of organic food was carried out. Perceived value was measured through four dimensions: functional, economic, social and emotional. The convergent and discriminant validities of latent variables were confirmed. The relationships among them were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results indicate that functional and emotional values positively affect consumer trust and that only emotional value motivates purchase intention. The trust had no direct influence on purchase intention. Thus, the perceived value is an important aspect in the prediction of trust and purchase intention among Brazilian consumers.

Originality/value

The identified results enlarge the understanding of Brazilian organic food market and consumer behavior and point out some opportunities for future research involving the subject.
An innovative price-setting approach: a pay-what-you-want experiment
Authors: Bitsch Linda , Hanf Jon Henrich , Rüdiger Jens
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Due to high competition in the agricultural industries and heterogeneous products, the setting of prices for direct sales to consumers is difficult. In recent years, pay-what-you-want (PWYW) is discussed as an innovative pricing strategy. This study analyses whether the implementation of a pay-what-you-want strategy can be successful and if there is a willingness to pay from the consumers for wine touristic offers. Furthermore, the study analyses, in general, how suitable experiments are as a research tool.

Design/methodology/approach

A PWYW mechanism creates a situation of strategic decision- making that can be modelled as a game. This can be transferred to an experimental setting. The results were analysed with a two-sided MWU test (Stata, ranksum) in order to determine whether the differences are statistically significant.

Findings

Participants pay positive prices, although theory predicts the opposite. PWYW is a good strategy to analyse the willingness-to-pay for heterogeneous and homogenous services or products. Information or reference prices have no clear influence on the willingness to pay, confirming results of other studies. There is no influence of gender and age on the payments.

Practical implications

In general, consumers have a willingness to pay positive prices for wine- touristic offers. The willingness to pay is not different for people with or without wine knowledge. For the chosen variable information and reference price, wine producers do not have to address target groups differently.

Originality/value

It is the first study which analyses the pay-what-you-want mechanism as a tool for wine touristic activities. In addition, an experimental approach was used to analyse an innovative, consumer-based price-setting strategy.
The individualization of political activism
Authors: Bertuzzi Niccolò
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The study aims to investigate a relevant topic, but still underestimated by sociological studies: animal advocacy, namely, the organized interest in non-human animals' life, rights and well-being. The Italian case is discussed, with a twofold objective: to highlight the evolution of some repertoires of contention and to use this study to analyze the changes of contemporary collective mobilizations and their relation with the modernization process.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on an online survey (704 responses nationwide), 24 semi-structured interviews with relevant members of groups and associations and a protest event analysis. Furthermore, a vast empirical archive and some academic studies concerning Italian animal advocacy in its historical dimension have been consulted.

Findings

The paper underlines the current specificities of Italian animal advocacy, compared to past decades. The great importance assumed by personal action frames and repertoires of contention emerged as characterizing elements. Activism is always more individual and less related to collective organizations: the central role of veganism and of the internet as protest tool is underlined. Both the increasing possibilities offered by better discursive opportunities structure, but also the possible incorporation of more radical frames within consumer market dynamics emerged from the interviews and the survey.

Originality/value

The phenomenon of animal advocacy (and, more generally, the activities of contemporary social movements) is contextualized within some typical characteristics of modernity, looking both at structural “opportunities” (e.g.: the diffusion of post-materialist values) and “constraints” (e.g.: veganwashing operations). Based on previous definitions coming from social movements studies and following a debate hosted by this journal, the role of collective organizations and especially the centrality assumed by individual activism is critically analyzed, evaluating the new possibilities, but also the possible negative sides. Not only cultural changes, but also political and legal contexts matter. In this sense, both a focus on Italy and more general reflections on western modernities are proposed, trying to go beyond animal advocacy and reflecting on social movements and collective mobilizations more widely.
Journey from passion to satisfaction: roles of belongingness and psychological empowerment
Authors: Pathak Deepti , Srivastava Shalini
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The present research work is intended to investigate the work passion and job satisfaction relationship of social workers in Delhi/NCR and examine the influence of belongingness and psychological empowerment on the association. The study has used self-determination theory to support the relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the standardized instruments to assess the relationship. Statistical tools such as SEM, convergent and discriminant validity, reliability, and moderated regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study found that psychological empowerment and belonging moderated the association between passion and job satisfaction.

Practical implications

HR managers and practitioners should promote a culture of openness, empowerment, collectivism, and meaningful work to ensure the fulfillment of psychological needs of the social workers.

Social implications

The fulfillment of psychological needs can become a significant motivator for the social workers as due to political and administrative constraints, giving financial incentives or introducing variable financial pay would not be possible.

Originality/value

The authors were not able to locate any paper exploring the relationship between work passion and job satisfaction of social workers. The present research work proposes that there are certain psychological needs, which can be fulfilled other than monetary needs in order to motivate social workers for their work.
Construction and psychometric analysis of teachers mobile learning acceptance questionnaire
Authors: Mittal Niti , Alavi Shirin
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The mobile technology-pedagogy nexus has been instrumental in shifting the focus of information and communications technology in education from e-learning to mobile learning (ML). Learning with mobile technologies is more accessible, flexible, situated, personal, collaborative and lifelong. The use of technologies for educational purposes is the primary focus of higher education institutes. The successful implementation of ML rests on its acceptance by higher education teachers. It is, therefore, pertinent to determine the factors that impact higher education teachers’ acceptance of ML. This study aims to identify these factors and develop a reliable and valid instrument to measure higher education teachers’ acceptance of ML.

Design/methodology/approach

A sequential exploratory research design, a type of mixed method research was used for the study. A sound conceptual framework and rigorous scale development process provided the background for data collection and validation. Probability proportionate to size sampling technique was used to gather data from 212 higher education teachers from 42 higher education institutes. Teachers gave their responses on five-point Likert type items. The responses obtained were subjected to exploratory factor analysis, which provided a nine-factor solution. The factors were further validated through confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

Teachers’ mobile learning (ML) acceptance questionnaire (TMLAQ), a 32-item questionnaire was developed to measure acceptance of ML among higher education teachers. A detailed literature review, interviews and focus group discussions with teachers facilitated the identification of nine constructs or antecedents of ML acceptance. These constructs were named as: perceived usefulness, ease of use, self-enhancement, constructivist belief (CB), technological barriers, attitude and behavioral intention. The scale possesses sound psychometric properties such as reliability, face validity, content validity and construct validity.

Practical implications

This instrument can serve as an authentic, valid and reliable measure of higher education teachers’ ML acceptance. It can be used by organizations to assess teachers’ perceptions and aid in the successful ML implementation.

Originality/value

There is a lack of measurement instrument that caters to wide angle view of teachers’ perception toward ML in the Indian context. This comprehensive scale will bridge this gap. Two new research constructs: CB and self-enhancement were found to be crucial from the teachers’ point of view. These constructs have not been explored in previous technology acceptance studies. To the best of the knowledge, such a comprehensive study has not been undertaken yet in the Indian context. This study can serve as a model for conducting similar kinds of studies in other developing nations.
Connecting evidence-based policing and cybercrime
Authors: Koziarski Jacek , Lee Jin Ree
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper explores the various challenges associated with policing cybercrime, arguing that a failure to improve law enforcement responses to cybercrime may negatively impact their institutional legitimacy as reliable first responders. Further, the paper makes preliminary links between cybercrime and the paradigm of evidence-based policing (EBP), providing suggestions on how the paradigm can assist, develop, and improve a myriad of factors associated with policing cybercrime.

Design/methodology/approach

Three examples of prominent cybercrime incidents will be explored under the lens of institutional theory: the cyberextortion of Amanda Todd; the hacking of Ashley Madison; and the 2013 Target data breach.

Findings

EBP approaches to cybercrime can improve the effectiveness of existing and future approaches to cybercrime training, recruitment, as well as officers' preparedness and awareness of cybercrime.

Research limitations/implications

Future research will benefit from determining what types of training work at the local, state/provincial, and federal level, as well as evaluating both current and new cybercrime policing programs and strategies.

Practical implications

EBP approaches to cybercrime have the potential to improve police responses to cybercrime calls for service, save police resources, improve police–public relations during calls for service, and improve police legitimacy.

Originality/value

This paper links cybercrime policing to the paradigm of EBP, highlighting the need for evaluating and implementing effective evidence-based approaches to policing cybercrime.
Reporting cybercrime victimization: determinants, motives, and previous experiences
Authors: van de Weijer Steve , Leukfeldt Rutger , Van der Zee Sophie
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Cybercrime rates have increased rapidly during the last couple of decades, resulting in cybercrimes becoming common crimes. However, most victims do not report cybercrimes to the police. Therefore, this study examines reporting cybercrime victimization and provides insights into the role of the police in this process.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 595 individuals was used. All respondents were shown three vignettes about hypothetical cybercrime victimization and were asked to imagine that this situation happened to them. Four crime and reporting characteristics were manipulated across vignettes. Respondents' intentions to report to the police and to other organizations were used as the dependent variables in regression analyses. Four random factors in the vignettes (i.e. type of crime, seriousness of crime, victim–perpetrator relationship, and reporting modality), as well as several characteristics of the respondents were included in the regression models as independent variables.

Findings

The type of cybercrime is the most important predictor for reporting behaviors. Other determinants are: more serious offenses were more often reported and offenses are less often reported in situations where the victim personally knows the perpetrator. Furthermore, there is large discrepancy between intended and actual cybercrime reporting. These findings provide valuable insights into the factors that influence reporting behavior in the real world. Only a fifth of respondents indicated that they would not report cybercrime victimization to the police. This implies that attempts at improving reporting rates should not solely be focused on improving people's attitudes, but also on removing obstacles to turn these attitudes into actions.

Originality/value

In the current study, the authors contribute to the existing literature by asking a large sample from the general population in the Netherlands about both their intended reporting behavior (i.e. a vignette study) and their actual reporting behavior (i.e. self-reports) of victimization of a wide variety of different types of cybercrime. Determinants of both reporting to the police as well as to other organizations are examined. Moreover, respondents are asked about motivations behind their decision to (not) report a cybercrime to the police. Last, people were asked about their past experiences with reporting cybercrime victimization to the police.
Technology for real estate education and practice: a VR technology perspective
Authors: Hou Huiying (Cynthia) , Wu Hao
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Led by the rapid advancement of information technology in engineering, business and creative industries, the emergence of new technology such as virtual reality (VR) and its use in education and practices are clearly observed. Although widely spread in industry practices, technology-led innovation is applied rather slowly in the tertiary real estate education. This paper examines the integrative effect of VR technology in a real estate course.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a case study approach. Using an experimental course design and delivery in a business school real estate programme from Hong Kong, this paper shows the design, development and implementation of an innovative teaching model with VR being integrated. A survey was conducted to gain feedback information from participating students towards teaching innovation. It identifies the role and values of adopting VR technology in real estate education as pedagogical tool.

Findings

A new teaching model integrated with VR technology to deliver a real estate course has demonstrated its ability and potential to assist the development and enhancement of student's sense of value and place, as well as improving communicative efficiency of property investigation and the analysis of trade process. Findings from the study have implications for future global real estate industry practice and education.

Originality/value

The critical role of information technology to revolutionise the global economy and its real estate sector is apparent. Few studies have inquired about attempts and experience of integrating VR technology in real estate education towards direct link to industry practice. This paper is a major attempt to bring attention to this important concern.
Learning organization thought leaders interview series
Authors: Reese Simon R. , Sidani Yusuf
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesize the learnings from prior interviews with thought leaders in learning organization conceptual development. Prior interviews with Karen Watkins, Victoria Marsick, Michael Marquardt, Bob Garratt and Peter Senge are included in the summary, which is an interim step as The Learning Organization continues to explore the learning organization history and evolution.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper summarizes prior interviews to uncover commonalities and differences in the development and evolution of the learning organization concepts as described by thought leaders.

Findings

Both commonalities and differences exist in definition, development of theory and resilience since original publication. Common threads in concept develop appear across the authors mainly in influences by Revans, Argyris and Schön. Differences also exist in how each author developed learning organization constructs.

Originality/value

The synthesis reveals that although the learning organization may have differing definitions, there are commonalities that tie some concepts together. Additional interviews will be continued in the exploration of the learning organization evolution.
Debunking the myth of industry 4.0 in health care: insights from a systematic literature review
Authors: Cavallone Mauro , Palumbo Rocco
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence and digitalization have got a momentum in health care. However, scholars and practitioners do not agree on their implications on health services' quality and effectiveness. The article aims at shedding light on the applications, aftermaths and drawbacks of industry 4.0 in health care, summarizing the state of the art.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was undertaken. We arranged an ad hoc research design, which was tailored to the study purposes. Three citation databases were queried. We collected 1,194 scientific papers which were carefully considered for inclusion in this systematic literature review. After three rounds of analysis, 40 papers were taken into consideration.

Findings

Industry 4.0, artificial intelligence and digitalization are revolutionizing the design and the delivery of care. They are expected to enhance health services' quality and effectiveness, paving the way for more direct patient–provider relationships. In addition, they have been argued to allow a more appropriate use of available resources. There is a dark side of health care 4.0 involving both management and ethical issues.

Research limitations/implications

Industry 4.0 in health care should not be conceived as a self-nourishing innovation; rather, it needs to be carefully steered at both the policy and management levels. On the one hand, comprehensive governance models are required to realize the full potential of health 4.0. On the other hand, the drawbacks of industry 4.0 should be timely recognized and thoroughly addressed.

Originality/value

The article contextualizes the state of the art of industry 4.0 in the health care context, providing some insights for further conceptual and empirical developments.
Dynamic microbial assembly processes correspond to soil fertility in sustainable paddy agroecosystems
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Graham Emily B. , Zhong Linghao , Zhang Jianwei , Li Weitao , Li Zhongpei , Lin Xiangui , Feng Youzhi
Published: February 2020

Micobial community (diversity and functional traits) underpin the sustainability of agroecosystems. Assembly processes influence microbial community composition and in turn determine their functional traits. However we have a poor understanding of how assembly processes that govern microbial community interact through time to maintain soil fertility.

Flooded rice fields are one kind of agroecosystems with high level of sustainability. Ancient rice paddies have a history of cultivation spanning hundreds or thousands of years and thus provide an ideal opportunity to explore relationships between community assembly processes and agroecosystem sustainability. In this study, we used statistical null models to evaluate temporal patterns of bacterial community assembly processes along rice cultivation years and their associations with increases in soil fertility in paddy agroecosystems.

We found that stochasticity was a persistent force structuring paddy soil microbial communities, putatively due to frequent flooding that facilities dispersal. However, determinism gradually increased over centuries of agriculture and corresponded to increases in soil fertility. Accordingly, multifunctionality, calculated using enzymes catalysing key soil functions in carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and sulphur cycling significantly increased along rice cultivation years. We therefore propose that balanced assembly processes preserve a diverse array of traits that can dominate under various circumstances while also allowing for particular traits to be selected for by soil fertility, thus supporting multifunctionality that underpins agroecosystem sustainability.

In total, our results highlight that knowledge on temporal microbial assembly processes, community composition and ecological function in the context of soil fertility is key to understanding ecological mechanisms maintaining agroecosystem sustainability.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Facilitating foundation species: The potential for plant–bivalve interactions to improve habitat restoration success
Authors: Gagnon Karine , Rinde Eli , Bengil Elizabeth G. T. , Carugati Laura , Christianen Marjolijn J. A. , Danovaro Roberto , Gambi Cristina , Govers Laura L. , Kipson Silvija , Meysick Lukas , Pajusalu Liina , Tüney Kızılkaya İnci , van de Koppel Johan , van der Heide Tjisse , van Katwijk Marieke M. , Boström Christoffer
Published: March 2020

Vegetated marine and freshwater habitats are being increasingly lost around the world. Habitat restoration is a critical step for conserving these valuable habitats, but new approaches are needed to increase restoration success and ensure their survival.

We investigated interactions between plants and bivalves through a review and analysis of 491 studies, determined the effects, mechanisms and key environmental variables involved in and driving positive and negative interactions, and produced guidelines for integrating positive interactions into restoration efforts in different habitats.

Fifty per cent of all interactions (both correlative and experimental studies) were positive. These were predominant between epifaunal bivalves and plants in all habitats, and between infaunal bivalves and plants in subtidal habitats. Plants primarily promoted bivalve survival and abundance by providing substrate and shelter, while bivalves promoted plant growth and survival by stabilizing and fertilizing the sediment, and reducing water turbidity. The prevalence of positive interactions increased with water temperature in subtidal habitats, but decreased with water temperature in intertidal habitats. The subset of studies conducted in a restoration context also showed mostly positive interactions.

Twenty‐five per cent of all interactions were negative, and these were predominant between plants and infaunal bivalves in intertidal habitats, except sulphide‐metabolizing bivalves, which facilitated plant survival. Interactions involving non‐native species were also mostly negative.

Synthesis and applications. Promoting facilitative interactions through plant–bivalve co‐restoration can increase restoration success. The prevalence of positive interactions depends on habitat and environmental conditions such as temperature, and was especially important in subtidal habitats (involving both infaunal and epifaunal bivalves) and in intertidal habitats (involving only epifaunal bivalves). Thus sites and species for co‐restoration must be carefully chosen to maximize the chances of success. If done properly, co‐restoration could increase initial survival, persistence and resilience of foundation species, and promote the recovery of associated biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Farm animals and aquaculture: significant reservoirs of mobile colistin resistance genes
Authors: Shen Yingbo , Zhang Rong , Schwarz Stefan , Wu Congming , Shen Jianzhong , Walsh Timothy R. , Wang Yang
Published: March 2020

Colistin resistance has attracted substantial attention after colistin was considered as a last‐resort drug for the treatment of infections caused by carbapenem‐resistant and/or multidrug‐resistant (MDR) Gram‐negative bacteria in clinical settings. However, with the discovery of highly mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes, colistin resistance has become an increasingly urgent issue worldwide. Despite many reviews, which summarized the prevalence, mechanisms, and structures of these genes in bacteria of human and animal origin, studies on the prevalence of mobile colistin resistance genes in aquaculture and their transmission between animals and humans remain scarce. Herein, we review recent reports on the prevalence of colistin resistance genes in animals, especially wildlife and aquaculture, and their possibility of transmission to humans via the food chain. This review also gives some insights into the routine surveillance, changing policy and replacement of polymyxins by polymyxin derivatives, molecular inhibitors, and traditional Chinese medicine to tackle colistin resistance.
In hot water: effects of climate change on Vibrio–human interactions
Authors: Froelich Brett A. , Daines Dayle A.
Published: March 2020

Sea level rise and the anthropogenic warming of the world's oceans is not only an environmental tragedy, but these changes also result in a significant threat to public health. Along with coastal flooding and the encroachment of saltwater farther inland comes an increased risk of human interaction with pathogenic Vibrio species, such as Vibrio cholerae, V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus. This minireview examines the current literature for updates on the climatic changes and practices that impact the location and duration of the presence of Vibrio spp., as well as the infection routes, trends and virulence factors of these highly successful pathogens. Finally, an overview of current treatments and methods for the mitigation of both oral and cutaneous exposures are presented.
From LSA to teacher: the value of classroom experience in shaping a ‘teacher’ identity
Authors: Martin Clare
Published: February 2020

Routes into teacher training have expanded in recent years, accompanied by a growing interest in schools ‘growing their own’ teachers from amongst support staff. However, little attention has been paid to their transition to the role of teacher. This article investigates influences on identity development and the extent to which personal values are reconciled with professional demands and socially constructed facets of educational practice. Participants were nine staff in one secondary school for pupils with moderate learning difficulties who had undertaken the transition from LSA (learning support assistant) to teacher. Qualitative data were obtained through an online survey and focus group discussion. Findings show that extensive opportunities to experiment with provisional and possible selves, immersion in educational discourse, classroom agency and staff collaboration engender a ‘teacher’ self‐concept and positive motivations for LSA career development, and that self‐esteem and self‐efficacy are strengthened by how an individual’s values align with those of the setting in which they work. Findings may inform school leaders as to the value of training teachers ‘in‐house’ and support career development decisions of LSAs, a pathway of potential significance given the current pressures on teacher recruitment and retention.
Detection of diabetes and prediabetes using glycosylated hemoglobin in Chinese adults living in Shanghai: A prospective analysis
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Niu Jingya , Zhao Zhiyun , Xu Min , Lu Jieli , Li Mian , Wang Tiange , Chen Yuhong , Wang Shuangyuan , Dai Meng , Zheng Ruizhi , Zhu Yuanyue , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Bi Yufang , Xu Yu
Published: March 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the discriminative abilities of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and to examine the optimal HbA1c cutoff values for diabetes and prediabetes in Chinese adults.

Methods

Data of a population‐based cohort of Chinese adults aged ≥40 years living in Jiading District in Shanghai were used. At baseline, 9389 and 7241 participants were included to identify the optimal HbA1c cutoff values for diabetes and prediabetes, respectively using the 1999 World Health Organization criteria as reference. In addition, the follow‐up data on incident diabetes of 4538 participants were used to determine the HbA1c cutoff value for prediabetes using the development of diabetes as reference. The discriminative abilities of HbA1c were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and the optimal cutoff values were determined by Youden's index.

Results

The areas under the ROC curves were 0.849 for diabetes, 0.614 for prediabetes using baseline data, and 0.648 for prediabetes using follow‐up data. An HbA1c cutoff value of 6.0% had the largest Youden's index to diagnose diabetes with a sensitivity of 70.2% and a specificity of 87.4%. An HbA1c cutoff value of 5.6% was indicated for prediabetes using both baseline and follow‐up data. However, the sensitivity and specificity were both low (55.4% and 61.1% using an oral glucose tolerance test as reference, 64.6% and 57.1% using incident diabetes as reference).

Conclusions

An HbA1c value ≥6.0% could be used to detect diabetes in Chinese adults aged ≥40 years. However, although an HbA1c value of 5.6% to 5.9% was indicated in this study, the overall discrimination of HbA1c for prediabetes was poor.
Collateral arteries of the aortic arch of the red‐rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Oliveira Radan Elvis Matias de , Costa Herson da Silva , Araújo Júnior Hélio Noberto de , Lopes Igor Renno Guimarães , Lopes Paulo Mateus Alves , Gurgel João Vitor de Oliveira , de Oliveira Moacir Franco
Published: February 2020

Detailed knowledge of the arterial system is an important prerequisite when interpreting experimental data in research, as well as in the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease using imaging techniques such as Doppler echocardiography and contrast radiography. Thus, considering the importance of the aortic arrangement, the objective of this study was to describe the collateral arteries of the aortic arch of agoutis in order to establish the standard model, and therefore contribute to studies involving research related to heart disease, and produce information for a more accurate diagnosis in complementary imaging examinations. In this study, 14 adult animals were used, comprising eight males and six females. The vascular system was washed with 0.9% aqueous saline solution and perfused with Neoprene 450 latex coloured with yellow or red pigment, which was subsequently dissected and analysed. One male animal was used for the digital contrast radiography technique perfused with a liquid barium sulphate solution (Bariogel®) (1 g/ml) and Neoprene 450 latex, both diluted 1/3. The aortic arch of the agouti presented with only the brachiocephalic trunk as collateral branch in all the animals studied. Thus, agouti falls into type 1 for mammalian aortic arch vascular arrangements.
Butyrate inhibits human mast cell activation via epigenetic regulation of FcεRI‐mediated signaling
Authors: Folkerts Jelle , Redegeld Frank , Folkerts Gert , Blokhuis Bart , van den Berg Mariska P. M. , de Bruijn Marjolein J. W. , van IJcken Wilfred F. J. , Junt Tobias , Tam See‐Ying , Galli Stephen J. , Hendriks Rudi W. , Stadhouders Ralph , Maurer Marcus
Published: February 2020

Background

Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are fermented dietary components that regulate immune responses, promote colonic health, and suppress mast cell–mediated diseases. However, the effects of SCFAs on human mast cell function, including the underlying mechanisms, remain unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of the SCFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) on mast cell–mediated pathology and human mast cell activation, including the molecular mechanisms involved.

Method

Precision‐cut lung slices (PCLS) of allergen‐exposed guinea pigs were used to assess the effects of butyrate on allergic airway contraction. Human and mouse mast cells were co‐cultured with SCFAs and assessed for degranulation after IgE‐ or non–IgE‐mediated stimulation. The underlying mechanisms involved were investigated using knockout mice, small molecule inhibitors/agonists, and genomics assays.

Results

Butyrate treatment inhibited allergen‐induced histamine release and airway contraction in guinea pig PCLS. Propionate and butyrate, but not acetate, inhibited IgE‐ and non–IgE‐mediated human or mouse mast cell degranulation in a concentration‐dependent manner. Notably, these effects were independent of the stimulation of SCFA receptors GPR41, GPR43, or PPAR, but instead were associated with inhibition of histone deacetylases. Transcriptome analyses revealed butyrate‐induced downregulation of the tyrosine kinases BTK, SYK, and LAT, critical transducers of FcεRI‐mediated signals that are essential for mast cell activation. Epigenome analyses indicated that butyrate redistributed global histone acetylation in human mast cells, including significantly decreased acetylation at the BTK, SYK, and LAT promoter regions.

Conclusion

Known health benefits of SCFAs in allergic disease can, at least in part, be explained by epigenetic suppression of human mast cell activation.
A histopathological study on the Caucasian dwarf goby from an anthropogenically loaded site in Hungary using multiple tissues analyses
Authors: Yancheva Vesela , Georgieva Elenka , Stoyanova Stela , Velcheva Iliana , Somogyi Dóra , Nyeste Krisztián , Antal László
Published: February 2020

The present study aimed to investigate for the first time the health status of the Caucasian dwarf goby Knipowitschia caucasica (Berg, 1916, Fishes of freshwaters of Russian Empire, p. 563, Moscow, Russia: Dep. Zemledeliya) (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from an anthropogenically loaded site in Hungary using histopathological analyses on multiple tissues. For that purpose, fish were collected from the public beach at Tiszafüred near the River Tisza. Gills, liver and kidney were subjected to histopathological analyses, and the results showed different alterations in each organ, which also differed in their extent and severity. In addition, we also found lesions in the reproductive organs of both, male and female fish which, overall, we hypothesized could be due to untreated municipal wastewaters, most likely contaminated with endocrine‐disrupting chemicals. The multi‐organ histopathological analyses of Caucasian dwarf gobies revealed different lesions, prevalence and severity in each target organ, as follows: liver>gills>kidney>gonad (testes and ovaries). These histopathological lesions can be assessed as good indicators of contamination by endocrine‐disrupting chemicals of freshwater ecosystems.
Gender Intensification and Gender Generalization Biases in Pre‐adolescents, Adolescents, and Emerging Adults
Authors: Klaczynski Paul A. , Felmban Wejdan S. , Kole James
Published: March 2020

The gender intensification hypothesis claims that the socialization pressures of early adolescence lead to the adoption of traditional sex‐typed roles. We tested this proposal by examining how extensively children (Mage = 9.39 years; N = 69, 31 female), early adolescents (Mage = 12.06 years; N = 70, 36 female), middle adolescents (Mage = 14.81 years; N = 65, 37 female), and emerging adults (Mage = 18.51 years; N = 70, 37 female) made generalizations from vignettes about male and female characters who had stereotypically feminine or masculine qualities and who had stereotypically neutral qualities. Results showed, first, age‐related increases in gender‐based generalization biases (the difference between stereotype‐consistent and stereotype‐neutral generalizations) to mid‐adolescence and an age‐related decrease in generalization biases from mid‐adolescence to adulthood. Second, we found gender intensification in self‐conceptualizations as masculine and feminine: More so than children and emerging adults, middle adolescents adopted stereotypically masculine and feminine traits. Third, age‐related declines in gender stereotypes of occupations and traits were mediated by faith in intuition. Finally, faith in intuition and gender self‐concepts moderated age‐related increases in generalization biases such that the slope of the age‐related increase in biases was steepest for participants who placed the most faith in intuition and whose gender self‐concepts were traditional. Findings are discussed in terms of gender identification, dual‐process theories of judgements, and the interference stereotypes create when adolescents construct problem representations.

Statement of contribution

What is already known of the adolescent appearance culture

Appearance plays an important role in the psychosocial lives of adolescents.

Little research has been conducted on cultural differences in the adolescent appearance culture.

What this study adds to our understanding of the adolescent appearance culture

Americans were more appearance focused than Chinese adolescents; girls were more appearance focused than boys.

The appearance focus–country link was mediated by body esteem, activity level, and parental body size.

The link between appearance focus and gender was mediated by body consciousness and perceived appearance pressure.
Intratumoral and s.c. injection of inactivated hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (GEN0101) in metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Fujita Kazutoshi , Kato Taigo , Hatano Koji , Kawashima Atsunari , Ujike Takeshi , Uemura Motohide , Imamura Ryoichi , Okihara Koji , Ukimura Osamu , Miki Tsuneharu , Nakajima Toshihiro , Kaneda Yasufumi , Nonomura Norio
Published: February 2020

Inactivated hemagglutinating virus of Japan envelope (HVJ‐E) has an antitumor effect and tumor immunity. We undertook an open‐label, phase I, dose‐escalation study in patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) to determine the safety and efficacy of intratumoral and s.c. injection of HVJ‐E (GEN0101). Patients with CRPC, who were resistant to or unable to receive standard of care, were included. GEN0101 was injected directly into the prostate and s.c. in two 28‐day treatment cycles. The primary end‐points were to evaluate the safety and tolerability of GEN0101 and determine its recommended dose. The secondary end‐points were to analyze the antitumor effect and tumor immunity. Three patients received 30 000 mNAU GEN0101 and 6 received 60 000 mNAU. There was no dose‐limiting toxicity, and the recommended dose of GEN0101 was defined as 60 000 mNAU. Radiographically, 1 patient had stable disease and 2 had progressive disease in the low‐dose group, whereas 5 patients had stable disease and 1 had progressive disease in the high‐dose group. Three patients in the high‐dose group showed reduction in lymph node metastasis. Prostate‐specific antigen increase rates in the high‐dose group were suppressed more than those in the low‐dose group. Natural killer cell activity was enhanced in 2 patients of the low‐dose group and in 5 patients in the high‐dose group. In conclusion, intratumoral and s.c. injections of GEN0101 were well‐tolerated and feasible to use. The study is registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (no. UMIN000017092).
The oral health of refugees: Issues and challenges arising from a case series analysis
Authors: Salim Nesreen A. , Maayta Wajd , ElSa'aideh Batool B.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Little is known of the oral health of refugees globally. The objective of this study was to characterize the oral health and care‐seeking behaviours of refugees by investigating patterns of dental services provided to Syrian refugees in Jordan and their association with their oral health status.

Methods

Clinical records from 444 patients who had received dental treatment over a 9‐month period were retrieved and analysed. Collected data included gender, age and the type and number of treatment procedures provided for each patient.

Results

Of the total sample (51.8% female; 48.2% male; aged 18‐60 years), pain was the most common presenting complaint (73.0%), with poor aesthetics (17.1%) the second most common presenting complaint. About 63.3% of patients received only one procedure due to patients' lack of follow‐up. Over half (54.5%) of dental treatments carried out were extractions, 74.1% of which were due to dental caries; 27.4% were fillings. Endodontic treatment was the least provided procedure (18.2%).

Conclusions

The oral health status of Syrian refugees is a major concern, given the often‐deplorable living conditions in camps and limited, often inadequate access to oral healthcare services. This situation dramatically negatively affects a refugee's oral health. There is an urgent need to provide targeted dental services for this at‐risk population. Additional research is warranted on refugees worldwide, and on the provision of appropriate interventions to enable optimal oral health for this population.
Ten‐year outcomes of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for neovascular age‐related macular disease: A single‐centre French study
Authors: Wolff Benjamin , Macioce Valerie , Vasseur Vivien , Castelnovo Laurent , Michel Guillaume , Nguyen Vuong , Daien Vincent , Mauget‐Faÿsse Martine , Gillies Mark
Published: February 2020

Importance

Long‐term data of intravitreal injections of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors are lacking.

Background

This study aims to assess visual and anatomic outcomes of eyes with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) after 10 years of anti‐VEGF therapy.

Design

Retrospective analysis of data from a prospectively designed database.

Participants

One hundred and sixteen eyes with nAMD (94 participants) that started anti‐VEGF therapy at least 10 years earlier.

Methods

Eyes were tracked by the Fight Retinal Blindness! registry.

Main Outcome Measures

Mean change in visual acuity at 10 years vs baseline. Visual acuity was assessed by the number of letters read on a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution chart.

Results

Eyes received a median of 27.5 injections over 10 years. Mean visual acuity was 57.5 letters (SD 17.5) at baseline. It increased slightly at 1 year, then dropped steadily by 18 letters (95% CI: 13.7; 22.3) at 10 years. Overall, 10% of eyes gained ≥10 letters, 64% lost ≥10 letters and 23% remained stable (±5 letters from baseline). Geographic atrophy and subretinal fibrosis were found in 93% and 71%, respectively, after 10 years, both mostly affecting the centre of the fovea. Pre‐treated eyes (47.5%) had significantly worse visual acuity than treatment‐naïve eyes at baseline and during follow‐up and were significantly more likely to have atrophy and fibrosis.

Conclusions and Relevance

Despite short‐term stabilization, long‐term visual outcomes of nAMD eyes under anti‐VEGF therapy may be poor. Development of atrophy and fibrosis, resulting from the natural progression of the disease, may partly explain this evolution.
A GLI3 variant leading to polydactyly in heterozygotes and Pallister‐Hall‐like syndrome in a homozygote
Authors: Kariminejad Ariana , Ghaderi‐Sohi Siavash , Keshavarz Elham , Hashemi Seyed Abolghasem , Parsimehr Elham , Szenker‐Ravi Emmanuelle , Khatoo Muznah , Faraji Zonooz Mehrshid , Reversade Bruno , Najmabadi Hossein , Hennekam Raoul C.
Published: February 2020

Variants in transcriptional activator Gli Kruppel Family Member 3 (GLI3) have been reported to be associated with several phenotypes including Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome (MIM #175700), Pallister‐Hall syndrome (PHS) (MIM #146510), postaxial polydactyly types A1 (PAPA1) and B (PAPB) (MIM #174200), and preaxial polydactyly type 4 (MIM #174700). All these disorders follow an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Hypothalamic hamartomas (MIM 241800) is associated with somatic variants in GLI3. We report a related couple with parents having PAPA1 and PAPB, who had a fetus with a phenotype most compatible with PHS. Molecular analyses demonstrated homozygosity for a pathogenic GLI3 variant (c.1927C > T; p. Arg643*) in the fetus and heterozygosity in the parents. The genetic analysis in this family demonstrates that heterozygosity and homozygosity for the same GLI3 variant can cause a different phenotype. Furthermore, the occurrence of Pallister‐Hall‐like syndrome in a homozygous patient should be taken into account in genetic counseling of families with PAPA1/PAPB.
Matching expert range maps with species distribution model predictions
Authors: Mainali Kumar , Hefley Trevor , Ries Leslie , Fagan William F.
Published: March 2020

Species’ range maps based on expert opinion are a critical resource for conservation planning. Expert maps are usually accompanied by species descriptions that specify sources of internal range heterogeneity, such as habitat associations, but these are rarely considered when using expert maps for analyses. We developed a quantitative metric (expert score) to evaluate the agreement between an expert map and a habitat probability surface obtained from a species distribution model. This method rewards both the avoidance of unsuitable sites and the inclusion of suitable sites in the expert map. We obtained expert maps of 330 butterfly species from each of 2 widely used North American sources (Glassberg [1999, 2001] and Scott [1986]) and computed species‐wise expert scores for each. Overall, the Glassberg maps secured higher expert scores than Scott (0.61 and 0.41, respectively) due to the specific rules (e.g., Glassberg only included regions where the species was known to reproduce whereas Scott included all areas a species expanded to each year) they used to include or exclude areas from ranges. The predictive performance of expert maps was almost always hampered by the inclusion of unsuitable sites, rather than by exclusion of suitable sites (deviance outside of expert maps was extremely low). Map topology was the primary predictor of expert performance rather than any factor related to species characteristics such as mobility. Given the heterogeneity and discontinuity of suitable landscapes, expert maps drawn with more detail are more likely to agree with species distribution models and thus minimize both commission and omission errors.
Non‐aqueous dyeing of cotton fibre with reactive dyes: A review
Authors: Tang Alan Y.L. , Kan Chi‐wai
Published: March 2020

This study reviews the evolution of and recent developments in non‐aqueous reactive dyeing systems for cotton fibre. As conventional water‐based reactive dyeing causes adverse effects to the environment because of the need for huge quantities of water and chemicals, as well as generating a substantial amount of effluents, one of the alternative ways to alleviate pressure on the environment is to switch the dyeing medium from an aqueous water‐based approach to a non‐aqueous solvent‐assisted approach. Among a wide variety of non‐aqueous dyeing methods, this review focuses on several non‐aqueous dyeing systems, including dyeing textile fibres with chlorinated solvents, dyeing cotton with the use of reverse micellar systems, a dye/solvent suspension system and a non‐nucleophilic solvent‐assisted dyeing system.