bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disability, workplace inclusion and organizational citizenship behavior: an exploratory study of the legal profession
Authors: Hyseni Fitore , Kruse Douglas , Schur Lisa , Blanck Peter
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Many workers with disabilities face cultures of exclusion in the workplace, which can affect their participation in decisions, workplace engagement, job attitudes and performance. The authors explore a key indicator of engagement—perceptions of organizational citizenship behavior (OCB)—as it relates to disability and other marginalized identities in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an online survey, legal professionals answered questions about their workplace experiences. Ordinary least squares (OLS) multivariate regression analysis with progressive adjustment was used to investigate the effect of demographic and organizational factors on perceptions of OCB.

Findings

The authors find that employees with disabilities have lower perceptions of OCB, both before and after controlling for other personal and job variables. The disability gap is cut nearly in half, however, when controlling for workplace culture measures of co-worker support and the presence of an effective diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policy. Disability does not appear to interact with gender, race/ethnicity and LGBTQ + status in affecting perceptions of OCB.

Originality/value

The results point to the workplace barriers faced by people with disabilities that affect their perceptions of engagement, and the potential for supportive cultures to change these perceptions.
Supervised machine learning techniques for optimization of heat transfer rate of Cu-H2O nanofluid flow over a radial porous fin
Authors: Raza Jawad , Raza Mohsin , Mustaq Tahir , Qureshi Muhammad Imran
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the thermal behavior of radial porous fin surrounded by water-base copper nanoparticles under the influence of radiation.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to optimize the response variable, the authors perform sensitivity analysis with the aid of response surface methodology (RSM). Moreover, this study enlightens the applications of artificial neural networks (ANN) for predicting the temperature gradient. The governing modeled equations are firstly non-dimensionalized and then solved with the aid of Runge–Kutta fourth order together with the shooting method in order to guess the initial conditions.

Findings

Numerical results are analyzed and presented in the form of tables and graphs. This study reveals that the temperature of the fin is decreasing as the wet porous parameter increases (m2) and the temperature for 10% concentration of nanoparticles are higher than 5 and 1%. Physical parameters involved in the study are analyzed and processed through RSM. It is come to know that sensitivity of temperature gradient to radiative parameter (Nr) and convective parameter (Nc) is positive and negative to dimensionless ambient temperature (θa). Furthermore, after ANN training it can be argued that the established model can efficiently be used to predict the temperature gradient over a radial porous fin for the copper-water nanofluid flow.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, only a few attempts have been made to analyze the thermal behavior of radial porous fin surrounded by copper-based nanofluid under the influence of radiation and convection.
“Honey, you’ve got to do what’s right”: common ethical decision-making challenges and strategies of licensed financial advisers
Authors: Wilcoxson Martha , Craft Jana
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the common ethical decision-making challenges faced by financial advisers and how they meet these challenges. The purpose is to identify successful decision-making tools used by investment advisers in doing business ethically. Additionally, the authors uncover common challenges and offer decision-making tools to provide support for supplemental ethics training in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

Questions were analyzed through a qualitative approach using individual interviews to examine a range of experiences and attitudes of active financial advisers. The sample was represented by 11 practicing financial advisers affiliated with US independent broker-dealers: six women and five men, each with 10 or more years of experience, ranging in age from 35 to 75. Grounded in four ethical decision-making models, this research examines individual ethical decision-making using individual (internal, personal) and organizational (external, situational) factors.

Findings

The method used uncovered struggles and revealed strategies used in making ethical decisions. Two research questions were examined: what are the common ethical decision-making challenges faced by financial advisers in the US financial industry? How do financial advisers handle ethical decision-making challenges? Four themes emerged that impacted ethical decision-making: needs of the individual, needs of others, needs of the firm and needs of the marketplace. Financial advisers identified moral obligation, self-control and consulting with others as major considerations when they contemplate difficult decisions.

Research limitations/implications

A limitation of this review is its small sample size. A more robust sample size from investment advisers with a broader range of experiences could have widened the findings from the study.

Practical implications

Investment advisers can use the findings of this study as a tool for improving their own ethical decision-making or designing training for their employees to be better decision-makers.

Originality/value

The study explores the decision-making experiences of investment advisers to reveal multifaceted, often private struggles that qualitative methods can uncover. The study provides support for the development of additional training in ethical decision-making specific to investment advisers.
Influence of quality of work life on psychological capital of organizational leaders using artificial neural networks: a study on learning in hybrid workplace
Authors: Rahul Paul Gaddam , Khalid Perwez Syed
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted work, leading to the adoption of remote work practices and changes in power dynamics and trust. Although managing remote work has received much attention, the impact of the quality of work life on the effectiveness of hybrid workplaces has been less studied. This study aims to examine the relationship between quality of work life and psychological capital among organizational leaders using an artificial neural network (ANN) model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a cross-sectional quantitative methodology. A structured questionnaire was used to collect 268 responses from organizational leaders using the convenience sampling method. The data collected were analyzed using the ANN model in the Python interface.

Findings

The ANN model training and testing revealed that there is a positive relationship between the quality of work life and psychological capital among organizational leaders. The R-squared values for hope, efficacy, resilience and optimism were 85.19%, 82.08%, 78.55% and 81.08%, respectively, in the training set, and 81.30%, 78.95%, 76.52% and 71.41% in the testing set.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous research in the context of studying the relationship between quality of work life and psychological capital among organizational leaders using the machine learning approach – ANN model.
1845 or 2023? Friedrich Engels’s insights into the health effects of Victorian‐era and contemporary Canadian capitalism
Authors: Govender Piara , Medvedyuk Stella , Raphael Dennis
Published: May 2023

The Condition of the Working Class in England (hereafter, CWCE) by Friedrich Engels is a masterpiece of urban research not only for its explicit descriptions of the living and working conditions of members of the Victorian‐era working class and their effects on health but also its insights into the sources of these conditions through a political economy analysis. For Engels, the capitalist economic system, with the support of the state apparatus, prematurely sickened and killed men, women and children in its unrestrained pursuit of profits. Our reading of CWCE in 2023 concludes that Engels identified virtually every social determinant of health now found in contemporary discourse with his insights into how their quality and distribution shape health clearly relevant to present‐day Canada. Revisiting CWCE directs our attention to how the same economic and political forces that sickened and killed members of the English working class in 1845 now do so in present‐day Canada. Engels’s insights also suggest means of responding to these forces. We place these findings within Derrida’s concept of spectre and Rainey and Hanson’s concept of trace to show how ideas from the past can inform the present.
‘They have shown me what I need to know’: spirits, the eternal family, and collective ethical responsibility in Utah Mormonism
Authors: Stiles Erin E.
Published: May 2023

Visits from spirits are common among Latter‐day Saints (Mormons) in northern Utah, and most involve positive interactions with the spirits of helpful kin: the spirits of the deceased and of children not yet born. The spirit visits show that the Mormon cosmological notion of the eternal family is not simply abstract or something to imagine and long for in the afterlife. Rather, spirit members of the family are active in the world of the living, and both spirit and living members of the family are involved in the mutual project of salvation. The living and the spirits coexist in a relationship of mutual ethical responsibility centred on assisting one another with spiritual progress. Mormon notions of the eternal family are manifest in the mutual responsibility between the spirit world and the mortal world. An exploration of Mormon spirit interactions contributes to recent work in the anthropology of Christianity that emphasizes relationalism as a value by extending an understanding of this concept to include active ethical obligations between living and spirit kin.
The implications of cohabitation between working age children and parents for political opinions
Authors: JABBOUR ALEXANDRA
Published: May 2023

A large number of young adults still live with their parents because they have difficulties entering the job market, because of low wages, or the cost of housing. Despite much research in social science on the consequences of this salient social trend, we lack an understanding of its implications for public opinion. This research note fills this gap by investigating whether such living arrangements between working age children and their parents is correlated with household members' political stances. Specifically, I expect that the anxiety induced by seeing their children having difficulties to become independent will lead parents to hold more negatives political stances, while the same outcome is expected from working age children who failed to fly the nest compared to their independent peers. Using data from the European Social Survey in 32 countries covering the period between 2002 and 2016, I show that, for both parents and young adults, cohabitation is associated with negative evaluations of the national economy and of the government's performance. Studies that do not take into account the situation of other household members might miss an important part of the opinion formation puzzle.
Physicochemical properties and molecular structure of starches from different wheat varieties and their influence on Chinese steamed bread
Authors: Song Xiaoyan , Deng Lili , Zhang Jian , Ren Hongtao , Zhao Renyong
Published: May 2023

Starch is one of the key factors for the texture of Chinese steamed bread (CSB). In this study, the molecular structures and physicochemical properties of starches from 11 wheat varieties with amylose content (AC) of 1.75%–28.79% were investigated. Northern style CSB was made using these wheat varieties to explore the structure–property–quality relationship of starches. AC was negatively correlated with the pasting and gelatinization properties. The relative crystallinity (RC) had a negative correlation with AC but a positive correlation with gelatinization. The molecular structure results from the fluorophore‐assisted capillary electrophoresis spectrophotometer indicated that the length of short amylopectin chains (βAp,i) was positively correlated with hot paste and cool paste viscosities. The amount of medium amylopectin chains (hAp,iii) was positively correlated with peak and breakdown viscosities but negatively correlated with setback viscosity. The hAp,iii had positive correlations with gelatinization temperatures and RC. The amount of long amylopectin chains (hAp,v) had a positive correlation with peak temperature. For the CSB texture, βAp,i had negative correlations with hardness and chewiness, whereas had a positive correlation with resilience. The hAp,iii was negatively correlated with springiness and resilience. The hAp,v was negatively associated with resilience.

Practical Application

Starch has a vital role in wheat flour products. Clarifying the structure–property–quality relationship of starches will help illuminate the role of starch molecular structure in CSB production and provide valuable information for the control of CSB quality. It also provides a significant reference for wheat breeding.
The value of adding platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) to noncultured epidermal cell suspension (NCECS) in surgical treatment of stable resistant vitiligo: A self‐controlled randomised double‐blinded study
Authors: Abdel Halim Dalia M. , Fekry Ahmad , Mogawer Rania M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Noncultured epidermal cell suspension (NCECS) is a commonly used surgical treatment for resistant stable acral vitiligo and vitiligo overlying joints. Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been reported to enhance the repigmentation response of different therapeutic modalities for vitiligo, including vitiligo surgery.

Objective

To assess the value of adding of PRP to NCECS in the surgical treatment of acral vitiligo and vitiligo overlying joints.

Patients and Methods

This self‐controlled randomised trial included 15 patients with 30 lesions in which NCECS suspended in PRP was performed for one lesion and NCECS in ringer's lactate for another comparable lesion. Following NCECS, patients underwent thrice weekly excimer light sessions for 3 months. After 8 weeks, patients underwent preliminary assessment. By the end of the 3 months, both lesions were compared as regards improvement in surface area and pigmentation. Additionally, physician global assessment was made by a blinded investigator.

Results

Significant improvement was reported in both lesional extent and pigmentation (after PRP and lactated ringer NCECS) with no statistical difference between them.

Conclusion

Despite previous promising results, suspending NCECS in PRP offered no privilege in surgical treatment of acral vitiligo and vitiligo overlying joints, which are quite resistant to treat.

Pan African Clinical Trial registry ID

PACTR202108873035929, Date: 16 August 2021.
From passerby to ally: Testing an intervention to challenge attributions for poverty and generate support for poverty‐reducing policies and allyship
Authors: Waddell Maitland W. , Wright Stephen C. , Mendel Jonathan , Dys‐Steenbergen Odilia , Bahrami McKenzie
Published: May 2023

Despite the ubiquity of poverty, its causes remain largely misunderstood and many attribute poverty to individual shortcomings. This stigma not only predicts negative physical and mental health outcomes for those living in poverty, it also psychologically distances them from the economically advantaged. Thus, solutions to the problem of poverty should include efforts to reduce stigma among the economically advantaged, who are often crucial decision‐makers with the power and resources to act as allies. The current research utilized an intensive and immersive intervention designed to challenge the attributions that underpin poverty stigma. In two studies, we tested the effectiveness of this intervention. Results of both studies demonstrate that participation in the intervention consistently predicted more favorable attributions for poverty, and that these changes in attributions, in turn, had meaningful positive effects on participants’ support for poverty‐reducing policies and willingness to engage in poverty‐related allyship.
Educational experiences of young people withADHDin theUK: Secondary analysis of qualitative data from theCATCh‐uSmixed‐methods study
Authors: Russell Abigail Emma , Benham‐Clarke Simon , Ford Tamsin , Eke Helen , Price Anna , Mitchell Siobhan , Newlove‐Delgado Tamsin , Moore Darren , Janssens Astrid
Published: May 2023

Background

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. Young people with ADHD have poorer educational and social outcomes than their peers. We aimed to better understand educational experiences of young people with ADHD in the UK, and make actionable recommendations for schools.

Methods

In this secondary analysis of qualitative data, we used Thematic Analysis to analyse information relating to experiences of education from 64 young people with ADHD and 28 parents who participated in the Children and adolescents with ADHD in Transition between Children's services and adult Services (CATCh‐uS) study. Emerging patterns within and across codes led to organization of the data into themes and subthemes through an iterative process.

Results

Two main themes were generated. The first described young people's early experiences of education, often within a mainstream setting; we labelled thisthe problematic provision loop, as this was a negative cycle that was repeated several times for some participants. The second theme described young people's more positive progression through education once they progressed out of the problematic loop.

Conclusions

Educational experiences for young people with ADHD are often negative and fraught with complication. Young people with ADHD often found themselves on a more positive trajectory after they were placed in an alternative form of education provision (mainstream or otherwise), or where they were able to study topics that interest them and play to their strengths. We make recommendations that commissioners, local authorities and schools could consider in order to better support those with ADHD.
Bridging the urban–rural gap: A qualitative examination of perceived access, barriers, risks and opportunities of children's digital learning during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Fu Linyun , Zeng Yingying , Kang Xixi
Published: May 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic has tremendously reshaped the landscape of education worldwide, shifting digital learning from a substitute to a possible necessity in a time of uncertainty. This study explored the digital learning experience for children in China during and after the lockdown periods from February 2020 to January 2022, with a particular focus on the urban–rural divide. Forty‐eight semi‐structured interviews were conducted with fifth‐ and sixth‐grade students, parents and teachers to obtain multiple perspectives regarding children's digital learning in YY County in southwestern China. This study revealed that the urban–rural digital divide is not rooted in differences in minimal access to digital devices per se but rather in meaningful access to make full use of those devices for extended learning purposes. The major barriers that give rise to the digital divide include teachers' technology challenges, internet addiction among children and a lack of parental supervision of children's digital use. However, digital learning also offers an opportunity to address educational inequality. This study calls for empowering rural teachers and parents to better support children's digital needs and boost their digital learning experience. Well‐designed virtual interventions, school‐ and community‐based programmes and policy interventions are potential solutions to address the needs of rural teachers, parents and children.
Do foreign institutional investors influence corporate climate change disclosure quality? International evidence
Authors: Bose Sudipta , Lim Edwin KiaYang , Minnick Kristina , Shams Syed
Published: May 2023

Research Question/Issue

We examine the association between foreign institutional ownership and climate change disclosure quality from 2006 to 2018 across 34 countries. We find that firms with a higher level of foreign institutional ownership demonstrate better quality climate change disclosures, whereas domestic institutional ownership has immaterial impacts on such disclosures. We utilize a difference‐in‐differences (DiD) analysis using a firm's addition to the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) index as an exogenous shock to control for endogeneity. Our findings are robust to various other endogeneity controls. We also establish evidence on an indirect effect of climate change disclosure quality in mediating the positive association between foreign institutional investors and firm valuation.

Research Findings/Insights

We find that the positive association between foreign institutional ownership and climate change disclosure quality is more pronounced for (1) firms domiciled in stakeholder‐orientated countries, (2) firms domiciled in countries that adopt emission trading schemes, and (3) firms with a greater level of information asymmetry. Additionally, our results are more robust when foreign investors are domiciled in countries that care more about the environment.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our study contributes to climate change disclosures, corporate governance, and international business literature by showing that foreign rather than domestic institutional investors contribute to improved corporate climate change disclosure quality in their portfolio firms.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our study urges regulators to increase their market oversight, especially in firms with less foreign institutional ownership. This is required because such firms are prone to exhibiting poorer accountability for their climate risk management practices, and their disclosures are bereft of effective external monitoring mechanisms.
Partitioning the effects of habitat loss, hunting and climate change on the endangered Chacoan peccary
Authors: Torres Ricardo , Kuemmerle Tobias , Baumann Matthias , Romero‐Muñoz Alfredo , Altrichter Mariana , Boaglio Gabriel I. , Cabral Hugo , Camino Micaela , Campos Krauer Juan M. , Cartes José L. , Cuéllar Rosa L. , Decarre Julieta , Gallegos Marcelo , Giordano Anthony J. , Lizarraga Leónidas , Maffei Leonardo , Neris Nora N. , Quiroga Verónica , Saldivar Silvia , Tamburini Daniela , Thompson Jeffrey , Velilla Marianela , Wallace Robert B. , Yanosky Alberto
Published: May 2023

Aim

Land‐use change and overexploitation are major threats to biodiversity, and climate change will exert additional pressure in the 21st century. Although there are strong interactions between these threats, our understanding of the synergistic and compensatory effects on threatened species' range geography remains limited. Our aim was to disentangle the impact of habitat loss, hunting and climate change on species, using the example of the endangered Chacoan peccary (Catagonus wagneri).

Location

Gran Chaco ecoregion in South America.

Methods

Using a large occurrence database, we integrated a time‐calibrated species distribution model with a hunting pressure model to reconstruct changes in the distribution of suitable peccary habitat between 1985 and 2015. We then used partitioning analysis to attribute the relative contribution of habitat change to land‐use conversion, climate change and varying hunting pressure.

Results

Our results reveal widespread habitat deterioration, with only 11% of the habitat found in 2015 considered suitable and safe. Hunting pressure was the strongest single threat, yet most habitat deterioration (58%) was due to the combined, rather than individual, effects of the three drivers we assessed. Climate change would have led to a compensatory effect, increasing suitable habitat area, yet this effect was negated by the strongly negative and interacting threats of land‐use change and hunting.

Main Conclusions

Our study reveals the central role of overexploitation, which is often neglected in biogeographic assessments, and suggests that addressing overexploitation has huge potential for increasing species' adaptive capacity in the face of climate and land‐use change. More generally, we highlight the importance of jointly assessing extinction drivers to understand how species might fare in the 21st century. Here, we provide a simple and transferable framework to determine the separate and joint effects of three main drivers of biodiversity loss.
Disaster solidarity and survivor ethics: a case study of Hurricane María in Puerto Rico
Authors: Schrauf Robert W. , de Victoria Rodríguez Patria C. López
Published: May 2023

Liminal periods of disaster solidarity in the aftermath of disaster are a common experience of many survivors. These periods have a specifically ethical component in that people spontaneously engage in collective, altruistic action and magnanimously expand their ethical focus beyond normative social distinctions and hierarchies. Inevitably, however, such solidarity seems to wane, and people return to pre‐disaster patterns of interaction. Nevertheless, some individuals move beyond opportune acts of assistance to more extensive reorganisations of their lives during the recovery period and reshape their ethical commitments in new and durable directions. These individuals help make visible marginalised ‘others’ and draw collaborators to share new ethical visions. Based on observational and interview data collected after Hurricane María (2017) in a mountainous Puerto Rican municipality and employing the framework of virtue ethics, this paper examines the differential effects of disaster solidarity on survivors' ethical responses and the different contributions these make to society.
The impact of diabetes on mortality rates after lower extremity amputation
Authors: Lauwers Patrick , Wouters Kristien , Vanoverloop Johan , Avalosse Hervé , Hendriks Jeroen M. H. , Nobels Frank , Dirinck Eveline ,   the Belgian Amputation Group
Published: May 2023

Objective

To assess the impact of diabetes, amputation level, sex and age on mortality rates after lower extremity amputation (LEA) in Belgium, and to assess temporal trends in one‐year survival rates from 2009 to 2018.

Methods

Nationwide data on individuals who underwent minor and major LEA from 2009 to 2018 were collected. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were constructed. A Cox regression model with time‐varying coefficients was used to estimate the likelihood of mortality after LEA in individuals with or without diabetes. Matched amputation‐free individuals with or without diabetes were used for comparison. Time trends were analysed.

Results

Amputations 41,304 were performed: 13,247 major and 28,057 minor. Five‐year mortality rates in individuals with diabetes were 52% and 69% after minor and major LEA, respectively (individuals without diabetes: 45% and 63%, respectively). In the first six postoperative months, no differences in mortality rates were found between individuals with or without diabetes. Later, hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality in individuals with diabetes (compared with no diabetes) after minor LEA ranged from 1.38 to 1.52, and after major LEA from 1.35 to 1.46 (all p ≤ 0.005). Among individuals without LEA, HRs for mortality in diabetes (versus no diabetes) were systematically higher compared to the HRs for mortality in diabetes (versus no diabetes) after minor and major LEA. One‐year survival rates did not change for individuals with diabetes.

Conclusions

In the first six postoperative months, mortality rates after LEA were not different between individuals with or without diabetes; later, diabetes was significantly associated with increased mortality. However, as HRs for mortality were higher in amputation‐free individuals, diabetes impacts mortality less in the minor and major amputation groups relative to the comparison group of individuals without LEA.
Storage and controlling factors of soil organic carbon in alpine wetlands and meadow across the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Nie Xiuqing , Wang Dong , Ren Lining , Du Yangong , Zhou Guoying
Published: May 2023

Alpine wetlands and meadows across the Three Rivers Source Region (TRSR) store high soil organic carbon (SOC). However, information on factors affecting SOC storage is scanty. Herein, we investigated SOC storage and explored factors affecting SOC storage, including climate, soil properties and above‐ and belowground biomass, using 50 soil profiles across the TRSR on the Tibetan Plateau. The SOC storage was 491.9 ± 158.5 Tg C and 545.2 ± 160.8 Tg C in the TRSR alpine wetlands and meadow, respectively. The SOC stock was positively correlated with the mean annual precipitation. However, no significant correlation between SOC stock and mean annual temperature was observed, as opposed to the global trend. In addition, SOC stock was positively correlated with both the aboveground biomass (AGB) and belowground biomass (BGB). Soil pH indirectly affected SOC stock, while SOC stock positively correlated with Al and Fe oxyhydroxides. Compared with vegetation biomass and climatic factors, soil properties, including soil pH and Al and Fe oxyhydroxides (Aloand Feo), affected not only SOC stock variation but also affected the impact of vegetation and climatic factors on SOC stock. Climate factors, AGB, BGB, soil pH, Aloand Feo jointly accounted for 59% of SOC stock variation in alpine wetlands and 64% of SOC stock variation in alpine meadow. This study suggests that soil properties are the dominant factors affecting SOC variation in alpine wetlands and meadow on the Tibetan Plateau.
The paradox of learned song in a semi‐solitary mammal
Authors: Duengen Diandra , Ravignani Andrea
Published: May 2023

Learning can occur via trial and error; however, learning from conspecifics is faster and more efficient. Social animals can easily learn from conspecifics, but how do less social species learn? In particular, birds provide astonishing examples of social learning of vocalizations, while vocal learning from conspecifics is much less understood in mammals. We present a hypothesis aimed at solving an apparent paradox: how can harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) learn their song when their whole lives are marked by loose conspecific social contact? Harbor seal pups are raised individually by their mostly silent mothers. Pups' first few weeks of life show developed vocal plasticity; these weeks are followed by relatively silent years until sexually mature individuals start singing. How can this rather solitary life lead to a learned song? Why do pups display vocal plasticity at a few weeks of age, when this is apparently not needed? Our hypothesis addresses these questions and tries to explain how vocal learning fits into the natural history of harbor seals, and potentially other less social mammals. We suggest that harbor seals learn during a sensitive period within puppyhood, where they are exposed to adult males singing. In particular, we hypothesize that, to make this learning possible, the following happens concurrently: (1) mothers give birth right before male singing starts, (2) pups enter a sensitive learning phase around weaning time, which (3) coincides with their foraging expeditions at sea which, (4) in turn, coincide with the peak singing activity of adult males. In other words, harbor seals show vocal learning as pups so they can acquire elements of their future song from adults, and solitary adults can sing because they have acquired these elements as pups. We review the available evidence and suggest that pups learn adult vocalizations because they are born exactly at the right time to eavesdrop on singing adults. We conclude by advancing empirical predictions and testable hypotheses for future work.
Withers vertical movement symmetry is useful for locating the primary lame limb in naturally occurring lameness
Authors: Persson‐Sjodin Emma , Hernlund Elin , Pfau Thilo , Andersen Pia Haubro , Forsström Karin Holm , Byström Anna , Serra Bragança Filipe M. , Hardeman Aagje , Greve Line , Egenvall Agneta , Rhodin Marie
Published: May 2023

Background

During orthopaedic assessment of lame horses, a head nod is commonly present in both primary forelimb and hindlimb lame horses. Additional motion metrics that could assist clinicians in correctly differentiating between these two scenarios would be of great clinical value.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to examine whether withers movement asymmetry can be used in a clinical setting to distinguish primary forelimb lameness from compensatory head movement asymmetry due to primary hindlimb lameness.

Study design

Retrospective, multicentre study.

Methods

Movement asymmetry of head, withers and pelvis was measured using multi‐camera optical motion capture, as part of routine lameness investigations at four European equine hospitals. Vertical movement asymmetry parameters from 317 horses trotting in a straight line were compared before and after successful diagnostic analgesia of a single limb. Descriptive statistics,t‐tests and linear models were used to analyse the data.

Results

In forelimb lame horses, 80%–81% showed head and withers asymmetry both indicating lameness in the same forelimb. In hindlimb lame horses, 69%–72% showed head asymmetry ipsilateral to the lame hindlimb and withers asymmetry diagonal to the lame hindlimb, thus, head and withers asymmetry indicated lameness in different forelimbs. A large (>15 mm) compensatory head nod was seen in 28%–31% of the hindlimb lame horses. In 89%–92% of these, head and withers asymmetry indicated lameness in different forelimbs. Withers asymmetry decreased linearly with reduced head or pelvic asymmetry for both forelimb and hindlimb lame horses.

Main limitations

Compensatory strategies were evaluated on group level to identify common patterns, potentially ignoring uncommon individual strategies.

Conclusions

Withers vertical movement asymmetry metrics can be useful in helping to locate the primary lame limb during quantitative lameness assessment. Head and withers movement asymmetry parameters generally indicate the same forelimb in forelimb lame horses, but different forelimbs in hindlimb lame horses.
Determination of Lu and Hf Mass Fractions and 176Hf/177Hf Ratios in Mafic‐Ultramafic Rock Reference Materials by Multi‐Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ma Qian , Yang Yue‐Heng , Yang Zhi‐Ming
Published: May 2023

Reported data for Lu, Hf mass fractions and 176Hf/177Hf isotopic ratios of mafic‐ultramafic rock reference materials (RMs) are rare at present, hampering the comparison of data quality between difference laboratories. Herein, we measured the Lu and Hf mass fractions and the 176Hf/177Hf isotopic ratios of ten mafic‐ultramafic rock RMs, including OKUM (komatiite), WPR‐1 (serpentinised peridotite), NIM‐N (norite), NIM‐P (pyroxenite), UB‐N (serpentinised peridotite), JP‐1 (peridotite), NIM‐D (dunite), MUH‐1 (serpentinised harzburgite), HARZ01 (harzburgite), DTS‐2b (dunite), which contain extremely low amounts of Lu and Hf (Lu, 2–150 ng g−1; Hf, 5–500 ng g−1). All measurements were conducted on a Neptune Plus multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometer employing an Aridus II desolvator inlet system and Jet sample/X skimmer cone configuration. The following RMs, OKUM, WPR‐1, UB‐N, JP‐1, NIM‐D, HARZ01 and DTS‐2b, have 176Hf/177Hf precision of less than 60 ppm (2s) at test portions of 0.06 to 0.3 g, and are good ultramafic RMs for Lu‐Hf systems. In contrast, significant Hf mass fraction and isotopic variability were observed in NIM‐N, NIM‐P and MUH‐1 at test portion masses of 0.1 to 0.3 g. Collectively, our study provides a new database that can be used by the geochemical community for evaluating the Lu‐Hf system of mafic‐ultramafic rocks.
Development and preliminary validation of an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) for a partial pulpotomy procedure
Authors: Fouillen Kevin John , Duncan Henry Fergus , de Vries Philine , Chevalier Valérie
Published: May 2023

Aim

To develop an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) tool for partial pulpotomy and to preliminary assess the validity of this tool. Secondary objectives were to check internal consistency as well as the interrater reliability of this specific checklist and to compare it with the previously validated global rating score (GRS).

Methodology

The study assessed three groups of dental participants (mix of practitioners or students) possessing differing levels of clinical experience (7 novices, 7 intermediates, 7 experts), during a partial pulpotomy procedure on a simulated tooth with deep caries, using a bespoke procedure‐specific checklist (PSC) and the GRS. Two independent examiners received the study participants in groups of two, in order to be able to directly observe their actions and grade the different steps of the procedure from 1 to 5 on the PSC and GRS. The internal validity of the specific checklist was assessed using a Cronbach's alpha test. As the construct validity of such a tool can be determined when the tool differentiates performance based on the level of experience, the total score of the PSC of the three groups (e.g., novice group, intermediate group, experienced group) were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis and post‐hoc Mann–Whitney pairwise U test. The total scores of the GRS were also analysed in the same manner. A correlation test (Correlation Matrices Test) was carried out for the entire sample between the specific checklist and the GRS (on total score). The intraclass correlation coefficient was used to measure the degree of agreement between the two evaluators. The statistical analysis was performed with XLSTAT® and Statistica® (significance p = .05).

Results

The partial pulpotomy specific checklist graded from one to five demonstrated good internal consistency (0.86) and a good interrater reliability (0.91), a correct construct validity (p generally < .05) and a good positive correlation with the validated GRS (r = .92).

Conclusions

To address the need to develop education in vital pulp treatment, and more specifically the technical skills assessment of partial pulpotomy, an OSATS‐specific checklist was developed and preliminary validated. The checklist will need to be validated in larger cohorts.
Virtual influencers as an emerging marketing theory: A systematic literature review
Authors: Laszkiewicz Anna , Kalinska‐Kula Magdalena
Published: May 2023

Over the past few years, the popularity of influencers on social media (SM) has increased, and influencer marketing has become an important element in companies' marketing strategies. This has resulted in significant interest from researchers and practitioners; consequently, the number of publications devoted to the topic of influencers and influencer marketing has risen. Simultaneously, computer‐generated avatars and virtual influencers (VIs), including those using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, have begun to emerge and gain popularity in the SM space. Thus far, research on these topics has been limited, with few studies examining the issue from different perspectives. Given the growing potential of VIs' inclusion in the consumer decision‐making process, and this being a developing field, a comprehensive and critical review of existing research on this subject is urgently needed. In response, this study consolidates the current state of research on virtual, AI, and computer‐generated influencers. A systematic review of peer‐reviewed articles was conducted to identify key themes and dominant concepts. An analysis of 35 articles provides an understanding of this phenomenon, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying the appeal of VIs and their role in shaping consumer attitudes and behaviors. Based on the analysis, the main thematic streams from the study are presented. Further, research gaps have been identified, and recommendations made for future research directions.
Feeling safe at work: Development and validation of the Psychological Safety Inventory
Authors: Plouffe Rachel A. , Ein Natalie , Liu Jenny J. W. , St. Cyr Kate , Baker Clara , Nazarov Anthony , Don Richardson J.
Published: May 2023

Psychological safety, defined as perceptions that an individual within a team is supported and feels safe to take interpersonal risks, voice opinions, and share ideas, is vital for organizational effectiveness. However, there is no consensus on how workplace psychological safety should be measured. We developed the Psychological Safety Inventory (PSI) in response to organizational needs to accurately assess psychological safety. A 70‐item version of the PSI was administered to 497 employees from Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Based on factor analytic findings, we reduced the preliminary PSI to a 30‐item, five‐factor scale. The PSI showed high reliability and correlated as anticipated with convergent measures. Overall, the PSI is a valid and reliable measure of workplace psychological safety.
Overcoming the disconnect between scientific research and the public
Authors: Eberl Matthias , Joseph‐Williams Natalie , Nollett Claire , Fitzgibbon Jim , Hatch Sarah
Published: May 2023

In biomedical research, there is no situation where public engagement (PE) and public involvement (PI) are not possible, important or even expected. Whether we work in the clinic or in the laboratory, all researchers have a duty to reach out, demonstrate the added value that science brings to society, and make a real difference to the way research is done. Here we outline the benefits of PE and PI for individual researchers and their employers, for members of the public, and for society at large. We offer solutions to overcome major challenges, including a step‐by‐step guide for researchers to embrace PE and PI in their career, and make a call to action for a cultural shift towards embedding PE and PI in our modern academic environment.
Risk factors for infection with influenza A(H3N2) virus on a US university campus, October–November 2021
Authors: Lewis Nathaniel M. , Delahoy Miranda J. , Sumner Kelsey M. , Lauring Adam S. , Bendall Emily E. , Mortenson Lindsey , Edwards Elizabeth , Stamper Aleksandra , Flannery Brendan , Martin Emily T.
Published: May 2023

Background

Knowledge of the specific dynamics of influenza introduction and spread in university settings is limited.

Methods

Persons with acute respiratory illness symptoms received influenza testing by molecular assay during October 6–November 23, 2022. Viral sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were conducted on nasal swab samples from case‐patients. Case–control analysis of a voluntary survey of persons tested was used to identify factors associated with influenza; logistic regression was conducted to calculate odds ratios and 95% CIs. A subset of case‐patients tested during the first month of the outbreak was interviewed to identify sources of introduction and early spread.

Results

Among 3268 persons tested, 788 (24.1%) tested positive for influenza; 744 (22.8%) were included in the survey analysis. All 380 sequenced specimens were influenza A (H3N2) virus clade 3C.2a1b.2a.2, suggesting rapid transmission. Influenza (OR [95% CI]) was associated with indoor congregate dining (1.43 [1.002–2.03]), attending large gatherings indoors (1.83 [1.26–2.66]) or outdoors (2.33 [1.64–3.31]), and varied by residence type (apartment with ≥1 roommate: 2.93 [1.21–7.11], residence hall room alone: 4.18 [1.31–13.31], or with roommate: 6.09 [2.46–15.06], or fraternity/sorority house: 15.13 [4.30–53.21], all compared with single‐dwelling apartment). Odds of influenza were lower among persons who left campus for ≥1 day during the week before their influenza test (0.49 [0.32–0.75]). Almost all early cases reported attending large events.

Conclusions

Congregate living and activity settings on university campuses can lead to rapid spread of influenza following introduction. Isolating following a positive influenza test or administering antiviral medications to exposed persons may help mitigate outbreaks.
Neutralizing and protective murine monoclonal antibodies to the hemagglutinin of influenza H5 clades 2.3.2.1 and 2.3.4.4
Authors: Schuele Carlotta , Schmeisser Falko , Orr Megan , Meseda Clement A. , Vasudevan Anupama , Wang Wei , Weiss Carol D. , Woerner Amy , Atukorale Vajini N. , Pedro Cyntia L. , Weir Jerry P.
Published: May 2023

Background

Highly pathogenic avian H5 influenza viruses have spread and diversified genetically and antigenically into multiple clades and subclades. Most isolates of currently circulating H5 viruses are in clade 2.3.2.1 or 2.3.4.4.

Methods

Panels of murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated to the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) of H5 viruses from the clade 2.3.2.1 H5N1 vaccine virus A/duck/Bangladesh/19097/2013 and the clade 2.3.4.4 H5N8 vaccine virus A/gyrfalcon/Washington/41088‐6/2014. Antibodies were selected and characterized for binding, neutralization, epitope recognition, cross‐reactivity with other H5 viruses, and the ability to provide protection in passive transfer experiments.

Results

All mAbs bound homologous HA in an ELISA format; mAbs 5C2 and 6H6 were broadly binding for other H5 HAs. Potently neutralizing mAbs were identified in each panel, and all neutralizing mAbs provided protection in passive transfer experiments in mice challenged with a homologous clade influenza virus. Cross‐reacting mAb 5C2 neutralized a wide variety of clade 2.3.2.1 viruses, as well as H5 viruses from other clades, and also provided protection against heterologous H5 clade influenza virus challenge. Epitope analysis indicated that the majority of mAbs recognized epitopes in the globular head of the HA. The mAb 5C2 appeared to recognize an epitope below the globular head but above the stalk region of HA.

Conclusions

The results suggested that these H5 mAbs would be useful for virus and vaccine characterization. The results confirmed the functional cross‐reactivity of mAb 5C2, which appears to bind a novel epitope, and suggest the therapeutic potential for H5 infections in humans with further development.
Red flag algorithms for Brazilian electronic invoices: outlier detection and price risk classification
Authors: Interian Ruben , Carpanese Igor , Mello Bruno , Ribeiro Celso C.
Published: May 2023

Brazilian electronic invoices (Nota Fiscal eletrônica, NFe) are digital documents that register the purchase and sale operations of goods and services. In this work, we developed and used data‐cleaning procedures, clustering methods, and outlier detection algorithms to investigate the presence of two main risk patterns in the electronic invoices data of public entities, such as states or municipalities: abnormal product quantities and anomalous prices paid with public funds. As a case study, we analyzed nearly 3.5 million electronic invoices containing more than 11 million items from purchases made by public entities of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso (MT) in 2016–2019. The results indicate that the total value of invoice items categorized as high‐intensity price alerts amounted to more than R$ 560 million, i.e., approximately US$ 139 million at the rate of December 31, 2019. Several cases of high‐risk patterns are presented to illustrate these practical results.