bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid data analytic technique for grading fairness
Authors: Banditwattanawong Thepparit , Jankasem Arnon Marco Polo , Masdisornchote Masawee
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Fair grading produces learning ability levels that are understandable and acceptable to both learners and instructors. Norm-referenced grading can be achieved by several means such as z score, K-means and a heuristic. However, these methods typically deliver the varied degrees of grading fairness depending on input score data.

Design/methodology/approach

To attain the fairest grading, this paper proposes a hybrid algorithm that integrates z score, K-means and heuristic methods with a novel fairness objective function as a decision function.

Findings

Depending on an experimented data set, each of the algorithm's constituent methods could deliver the fairest grading results with fairness degrees ranging from 0.110 to 0.646. We also pointed out key factors in the fairness improvement of norm-referenced achievement grading.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this paper are four folds: the definition of fair norm-referenced grading requirements, a hybrid algorithm for fair norm-referenced grading, a fairness metric for norm-referenced grading and the fairness performance results of the statistical, heuristic and machine learning methods.
50 years of social marketing: seeding solutions for the future
Authors: Dietrich Timo , Hurley Erin , Carins Julia , Kassirer Jay , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Palmatier Robert W. , Merritt Rowena , Weaven Scott K. , Lee Nancy
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is synthesise social marketing literature over the past fifty years and deliver a set of guiding tenets to propel social marketing’s agenda forward.

Design/methodology/approach

Across three strands, this paper amalgamates theoretical and practitioner evidence from social marketing. This synthesis commences with a review, summary and critical discussion of five decades of social marketing research. Across Strands 2 and 3, the authors review 412 social marketing interventions reported across 10 evidence reviews and 238 case studies.

Findings

This paper demonstrates social marketing’s use of fundamental marketing principles and capability to achieve behaviour change outcomes. Social marketers have built frameworks and processes that non-profit organisations, government agencies and policymakers seeking to enact change can use. This paper delivers five tenets that summarise the findings of the three strands and delivers research priorities for the next 50 years of social marketing research to drive the field forward.

Research limitations/implications

Drawing on five decades of learning, this paper proposes research priorities that can be applied to refine, recalibrate and future-proof social marketing’s success in making the world a better place.

Practical implications

This paper demonstrates the value of social marketing science and helps bridge gaps between theory and practice, and further strengthens social marketing’s value proposition. This paper provides confidence that money invested in social marketing programs is well spent.

Originality/value

This paper delivers a forward-looking perspective and provides social marketing academics and practitioners with confidence that it can assist in overcoming society’s most pressing issues. The paper encompasses key social marketing literature since it was founded 50 years ago. Five tenets will guide social marketing forward: evidencing marketing principles, operationalisation of processes, principles and activities, implementing systems thinking, creating and testing marketing theory and guiding a new social marketing era.
Chemical reaction intumescent flame retardant cotton fabric with flame retardancy and UV resistance prepared from phytic acid, tannic acid and diethylenetriamine
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Yin Yankun , Huang Zhiyu , Fu Lu , Wang Luoxin , Chen Shaohua , Wang Hua
Published: April 2022

Purpose

In this study, an eco-friendly cotton fabric (CF) treatment method was proposed to induce anti-ultraviolet and flame retardant properties, and a new application of tannic acid (TA) and phytic acid (PA) in ultraviolet protection and flame retardant fabric was put forward.

Design/methodology/approach

By combining diethylenetriamine, PA and TA on CF, a chemical reaction intumescent flame retardant CF with anti-ultraviolet and anti-flame retardance was developed.

Findings

The flame retardant and ultraviolet resistance of CF were characterized by LOI, vertical combustion, cone calorimetry and ultraviolet resistance testing. SEM, XPS, FTIR and other tests were used to analyze the chemical composition, surface morphology and residual carbon after combustion of the CF, and it was confirmed that the modified CF has good ultraviolet resistance and flame retardant performance.

Originality/value

In this study, an eco-friendly CF treatment method was proposed to induce anti-ultraviolet and flame retardant properties, and a new application of TA and PA in ultraviolet protection and flame retardant fabric was put forward.
Theoretical development of innovation ecosystem: a three-decade research landscape
Authors: Jalilian Negar , Zanjirchi Seyed Mahmood
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Development of each domain of knowledge depends on aggregation of knowledge and documentation of available research. This paper aims to review the articles in the field of innovation ecosystem (IE), do a bibliographic analysis of the information available about each document, explain the process of developing the concept of IE in research during the past years and introduce the forerunner countries, major, top journals, main scientific documents and authors contributing so far to the development of the concept of IE.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 1,233 papers published between 1990 and 2021 April were collected and analyzed by applying life-cycle analysis, bibliometrics and content analysis to provide a full thematic overview of the IE filed.

Findings

Results showed that initial concepts of IE emerged in 1990 and entered its life-cycle growth period in 2006 due to being accepted by researchers. This growth will continue until 2035. Moreover, top 20 countries (i.e. the most influential and productive countries), most frequently cited journals, top publishing authors and the most important topics as considered by researchers are also identified by employing bibliometrics and content analysis. According coincidence of key words, the most important topics in IE field categorized into four groups.

Originality/value

Unlike other works recruiting content analysis solely to identify theoretical areas within this concept, the present study used content analysis in the field of scientific research methodology, and then the most popular tools to develop the concept of IE were identified.
Exploratory factor analysis of barriers to lean construction based on Brazilian managers' perceptions
Authors: Mano Aline Patricia , Gouvea da Costa Sergio E. , de Lima Edson Pinheiro , Mergulhão Ricardo Coser
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Lean construction (LC) is an important strategy to improve the results of organizations in the civil construction sector. However, there are barriers that hinder the success of implementing LC. The literature presents many barriers, which makes it difficult to make a diagnosis about the presence of these barriers within an organization. However, if companies could identify the main difficulties, they would face to implement LC, they could prepare by strengthening their weaknesses. This paper aims to diagnose a small set of factors that identifies the most significant barriers that must be considered before implementing lean construction.

Design/methodology/approach

This study comprises an exploratory factor analysis (EFA). For this, a questionnaire was developed based on an extensive literature search on the barriers that hinder the implementation of LC. Using this questionnaire as a data collection instrument, a survey was conducted that obtained 135 responses from managers working in civil construction in Brazil. EFA was conducted using SPSS software.

Findings

This study identified seven critical factors for successful implementation of LC: degree of cooperation within the work teams, use of an adequate performance measurement system, occurrence of job delays, level of participation of those involved in the construction of decisions, degree of leadership openness, positioning in the face of news and problems in the flow of information.

Research limitations/implications

The barriers to implementing LC can be different depending on the social and economic context in which companies are inserted. This work was conducted in an emerging country. Thus, it would be important that the same be applied to managers from other countries in different contexts to verify if the result found here is confirmed.

Originality/value

There are many works in the literature that address the barriers to LC culminating in an extensive list, whose complexity of operationalizing the identification of their presence in an organization, ends up becoming another barrier. Given the negative influence that these barriers have for the success of LC, this work sets out to convert this extensive list into a short list that is easy to understand and use.
A legal-realist assessment of the Zimbabwean correctional system response to COVID-19 during state disaster measures
Authors: Van Hout Marie Claire , Bigland Charlotte , Mariniello Triestino
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The first prison system case in Zimbabwe was notified in July 2020 shortly after State declaration of disaster. A legal-realist assessment was conducted of the Zimbabwean correctional system response to COVID-19 during state disaster measures, with a focus on assessing right to health, infectious disease mitigation and the extent to which minimum state obligations complied with human and health rights standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The Zimbabwean correctional system operations during COVID-19 disaster measures are scrutinized using a range of international, African and domestic human rights instruments in relation to the right to health of prisoners. This study focused particularly on standards of care, environmental conditions of detention and right of access to health care.

Findings

Systemic poor standards of detention are observed, where prisoners experience power outages, water shortages and a lack of access to clean drinking water and water for ablution purposes, a severe lack of safe space and adequate ventilation, poor quality food and malnutrition and a lack of sufficient supply of food, medicines, clothing and bedding. Whilst access to health care of prisoners in Zimbabwe has greatly improved in recent times, the standard of care was severely stretched during COVID-19 due to lack of government resourcing and reliance on non-governmental organisation and faith-based organisations to support demand for personal protective equipment, disinfection products and medicines.

Originality/value

Prison conditions in Zimbabwe are conducive to chronic ill health and the spread of many transmissible diseases, not limited to COVID-19. The developed legal-realist account considers whether Zimbabwe had a culture of respect for the rule of law pertinent to human and health rights of those detained during COVID-19 disaster measures, and whether minimum standards of care were upheld.
Factors affecting blockchain adoption in apparel supply chains: does sustainability-oriented supplier development play a moderating role?
Authors: Nath Shobod Deba , Khayer Abul , Majumder Jeta , Barua Suborna
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the factors affecting the intention to adopt blockchain technology (BT) in operations and supply chain and to explore the moderating role of sustainability-oriented supplier development on the effects studied.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed a conceptual framework based on the integration of technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory along with several strands of the literature in supply chain management and information systems. Drawing on survey data from 412 supply firms, a novel model using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was empirically tested in the context of the apparel industry of Bangladesh – the world's second-largest apparel supplier nation.

Findings

The findings supported the theoretical framework developed. In particular, the findings suggested that supplier firms' intention to adopt blockchain in supply chains is influenced by relative advantage, compatibility, perceived trust, top management considerations, absorptive capacity, information sharing and collaborative culture, and trading partners' influence. However, regulatory support is yet to play a significant role in blockchain adoption behaviour. The findings also suggest that supplier development for sustainability significantly moderates the relationship between the several drivers' (e.g. relative advantage, compatibility, top management considerations and trading partners' influence) effects on blockchain adoption.

Practical implications

The findings could help in developing an enabling environment for introducing blockchain-based apparel operations and supply chains.

Originality/value

The study contributes to and expands the embryonic research stream of sustainable supply chain management and BT. In particular, the paper provides neoteric evidence on how supplier development towards achieving sustainability moderates the effects of organizational, technological, and environmental drivers on the intention to adopt BT.
Critical care for the early web: ethical digital methods for archived youth data
Authors: Mackinnon Katie
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a brief overview of the ethical challenges facing researchers engaging with web archival materials and demonstrates a framework and method for conducting research with historical web data created by young people.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper’s methodology is informed by the conceptual framing of data materials in research on the “right to be forgotten” (Crossen-White, 2015; GDPR, 2018; Tsesis, 2014), data afterlives (Agostinho, 2019; Stevenson and Gehl, 2019; Sutherland, 2017), indigenous data sovereignty and governance (Wemigwans, 2018) and feminist ethics of care (Ciforet al., 2019; Cowan, 2020; Franzkeet al., 2020; Luka and Millette, 2018). It demonstrates a new method called an archive promenade, which builds on the walkthrough and scroll-back methods (Lightet al., 2018; Robards and Lincoln, 2017).

Findings

The archive promenades demonstrate how individual attachments to digital traces vary and are often unpredictable, which necessitates further steps to ensure that privacy and data sovereignty are maintained through research with web archives.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates how the archive promenade methodological intervention can lead to better practices of care with sensitive web materials and brings together previous work on ethical fabrications (Markham, 2012), speculation (Luka and Millette, 2018) and thick context (Marzulloet al., 2018), to yield new insights for research on the experiences of growing up online.
Adoption of halal cosmetics: extending the theory of planned behavior with moderating role of halal literacy (evidence from Pakistan)
Authors: Bhutto Muhammad Yaseen , Ertz Myriam , Soomro Yasir Ali , Khan Mussadiq Ali Ali , Ali Waheed
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model by adding religious commitment (RC) and self-efficacy as internal variables and investigating the effect of these variables on attitudes toward halal cosmetics. In addition, this study also examined the moderating role of halal literacy in the relationships between attitudes (ATT), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC) and intentions to purchase halal cosmetics.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of data collection used was self-administered surveys with customers in two stores in Karachi, Pakistan, yielding 267 valid questionnaires. To guarantee validity and reliability, convergent and discriminant validity analyses were conducted, and structural equation modeling was advanced to assess the relationships between variables using smart partial least squares 3.0 software. The interaction moderation technique has been used to examine the moderating effect of halal literacy on the purchase intention (PI) of halal cosmetics.

Findings

The results show that RC and self-efficacy both significantly impact the attitudes of Gen Y. Normative beliefs also had a significant relationship with SN. Further, ATT and SN had a significant relationship with PI of halal cosmetics, while PBC was nonsignificant. Furthermore, halal literacy is found to have a positive moderating influence on ATT and PI, and SN and PI. Finally, the moderating effect of halal literacy does not exist in the relationship between PBC and PI.

Research limitations/implications

Participants’ characteristics should vary for future studies, and larger sample sizes may yield different results. It is critical for managers working in the cosmetic industry to monitor Muslim consumption patterns to develop strategies to reach Muslim consumers. This study reveals the effect of RC, self-efficacy and the moderating role of halal literacy on the behavioral attitudes of a booming market sector, which can guide marketing managers in developing more effective advertising campaigns.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the halal consumption literature by exploring RC and self-efficacy as constructs for the very first time in the TPB model. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore the influence of halal literacy on Gen Y Pakistani Muslim consumer behavioral intention toward halal cosmetic products using the TPB model. The paper offers an extended TPB model framework that may be of interest to scholars, marketers and policymakers.
Combined use of cyclosporine in the treatment of Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis
Authors: Yu Rentao , Chen Shuang , Pan Yun , Ma Chunrong , Hu Li , Chen Aijun , Wei Bin
Published: April 2022

The exact efficacy of cyclosporine in the treatment of Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) still needs evidence from more clinical data. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness and side‐effects of combined use of cyclosporine in the treatment TEN with glucocorticoids (GC)/i.v. immunoglobulin G (IVIG). A total of 46 patients with SJS/TEN were enrolled and classified into two groups based on the therapeutic drugs used. Clinical characteristics, interventions, outcomes, and disease progressions were collected and compared between the two groups. In our cohort, seven patients eventually died and the overall fatality rate was 15.2%, but there was no difference between the two groups (p = 0.557). On discharge, the median SCORe of Toxic Epidermal Necrosis (SCORTEN) fell from 2.0 at admission to 1.0 and the median body surface area detached fell from 32.0% at admission to 9.5%. Patients in the cyclosporine group had a higher rate of re‐epithelialized area than patients in the non‐cyclosporine group (p < 0.05). Cyclosporine significantly reduced the length of stay (19.0 vs. 13.0 days, p = 0.019) and the rate of systemic infection (71.4% vs. 36.0%, p = 0.017) compared with the non‐cyclosporine group. SCORTEN was the only significant risk factor for death and the risk ratio was 1.96 (1.17–3.31, p = 0.011). Conclusively, the combined use of cyclosporine could reduce the occurrence of systemic infection and accelerate the re‐epithelialization.
Heliotrope‐like manifestation of adult‐onset Still disease with macrophage activation syndrome: A case‐based review
Authors: Ikeda Takaharu , Yokoyama Kae , Kawakami Tamihiro
Published: April 2022

Adult‐onset Still disease (AOSD) has been typically associated with an evanescent skin rash that appears during febrile episodes. Subsequently, reports of a more persistent rash have appeared in the literature, referred to as the atypical rash of AOSD. The atypical nonevanescent rash can be usually divided into dermographism‐like, lichenoid, and dermatomyositis‐like lesions. Some authors have suggested that AOSD with the atypical rash could be severe, with a poor prognosis. We describe the case of a Japanese woman with AOSD characterized by persistent pruritic lesions resembling those observed in heliotrope manifestation of dermatomyositis. We conducted a literature review of clinical cases of AOSD on MEDLINE and the Web of Science. We identified nine cases of atypical rash of the eyelids, heliotrope‐like manifestation of AOSD in addition to our case. All nine patients were female and they had a mean age of 39.3 ± 2.8 years. Four (44.4%) patients had macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) as complications and our case was the only one associated with both MAS and DIC. When a clinician encounters a female patient with heliotrope‐like rash resembling those observed in dermatomyositis, the underrecognition of the skin manifestations may result in delayed diagnosis of AOSD. We believe that physicians should identify this type of cutaneous lesion to diagnose AOSD earlier and administer adequate treatment. Although the contribution of tocilizumab to the occurrence of MAS has not been determined, careful observation should be considered during tocilizumab therapy in patients with active AOSD.
Methanogenic archaea in subsurface coal seams are biogeographically distinct: an analysis of metagenomically‐derived mcrA sequences
Authors: Campbell Bronwyn C. , Greenfield Paul , Gong Se , Barnhart Elliott P. , Midgley David J. , Paulsen Ian T. , George Simon C.
Published: April 2022

The production of methane as an end‐product of organic matter degradation in the absence of other terminal electron acceptors is common, and has often been studied in environments such as animal guts, soils and wetlands due to its potency as a greenhouse gas. To date, however, the study of the biogeographic distribution of methanogens across coal seam environments has been minimal. Here, we show that coal seams are host to a diverse range of methanogens, which are distinctive to each geological basin. Based on comparisons to close relatives from other methanogenic environments, the dominant methanogenic pathway in these basins is hydrogenotrophic, with acetoclastic being a second major pathway in the Surat Basin. Finally, mcrA and 16S rRNA gene primer biases were predominantly seen to affect the detection of Methanocellales, Methanomicrobiales and Methanosarcinales taxa in this study. Subsurface coal methanogenic community distributions and pathways presented here provide insights into important metabolites and bacterial partners for in situ coal biodegradation.
Death and severe morbidity in isolated periviable small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses
Authors: Meler Eva , Mazarico Edurne , Peguero Anna , Gonzalez Alba , Martinez Judit , Boada David , Vellvé Killian , Arca Gemma , Gómez‐Roig Maria Dolores , Gratacós Eduard , Figueras Francesc
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aims to predict perinatal death or severe sequelae in isolated small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses, diagnosed at a periviable gestational age, based on ultrasound and Doppler parameters at diagnosis.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

A tertiary perinatal centre.

Population

A cohort of singleton non‐malformed fetuses suspected to be small for gestational age (estimated fetal weight, EFW, <10th centile) diagnosed at 22.0–25.6 weeks of gestation. The following parameters were recorded at diagnosis: severe smallness (<3rd centile); absent or reversed end‐diastolic velocity in umbilical artery; abnormal middle cerebral artery Doppler; abnormal cerebroplacental ratio; abnormal uterine artery Doppler; and absent or reversed end‐diastolic velocity in the ductus venosus.

Methods

Logistic regression analysis.

Main outcome measures

Predictive performance of EFW and Doppler parameters for short‐term adverse outcome of perinatal morbimortality and composite serious adverse outcomes (death, neurological impairment or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia).

Results

A total of 155 pregnancies were included. There were 13 (8.4%) intrauterine and 11 (7.7%) neonatal deaths. A short‐term adverse perinatal outcome occurred in 40 (25.8%) pregnancies. There were 31 (20%) cases of serious adverse outcomes. For the prediction of serious adverse outcomes, the combination of absent or reversed end‐diastolic velocity in the umbilical artery and impaired middle cerebral artery detected by Doppler evaluation achieved a detection rate of 87%, with a false‐positive rate of 14% (accuracy 86%).

Conclusion

In periviable isolated small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses, a Doppler evaluation of the umbilical and fetal brain circulation can accurately predict short‐term adverse perinatal complications and serious adverse outcomes.
The reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Shortened Xerostomia Inventory in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Bal Ozkaptan Bilge , Aydin Sayilan Aylin , Unver Vesile , Ozen Nurten
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The aim of this study was to translate, linguistically validate, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Shortened Xerostomia Inventory (SXI) among Turkish patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD).

Methods

The study was conducted with 81 chronic HD patients in the HD units of two state hospitals between June and August 2020. Explanatory factor analysis was implemented to test the construct validity. In addition, the test–retest method was performed to test the reliability and consistency of the scale over time.

Results

A total of 81 patients participated in the study. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of SXI was 0.788. The mean values for the test were 12.84 ± 6.78 and re‐test scores was 11.03 ± 6.88. Intraclass correlation coefficient value calculated as 0.992 and accordingly a statistically significant relationship between the test and retest scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study showed that the SXI is a valid and reliable measurement tool for Turkish HD patients.
Robot‐assisted thoracic surgery for intercostal cavernous hemangioma
Authors: Shoji Fumihiro , Yamazaki Koji , Kozuma Yuka , Kawauchi Shigeto , Takeo Sadanori
Published: April 2022

Intercostal cavernous hemangioma is extremely rare among benign vascular tumors. Achieving a definitive diagnosis preoperatively by radiographic examination alone is difficult; surgical resection is usually needed. Occasional cases are found as giant tumors, and some grow substantially during observation without treatment. Such tumors require extended surgical resection; however, small tumors can be completely resected by tumor extirpation alone. Thus, immediate surgical resection while the tumor is small might help to avoid invasive surgery. We herein describe cases of intercostal cavernous hemangioma with no invasion to the surrounding tissues, successfully treated by complete tumor resection using robot‐assisted thoracic surgery.
The hitchhiker's guide to Australian conservation: A parasitological perspective on fauna translocations
Authors: Dunlop Judy A. , Watson Maggie J.
Published: April 2022

Translocation is a widely used conservation tool for reintroducing, introducing or restocking wildlife for conservation purposes. Disease and parasites are often unintended hitchhikers during translocations. Conservation managers have begun considering the health, disease risk and parasite loads of their species post‐translocation, but not often during the translocation itself. When parasites and diseases are considered during the translocation, they are often dealt with via medical interventions resulting in the complete eradication of parasites leaving the host vulnerable to new or novel disease or parasite loads, or disrupting specialised host–parasite interactions or disease dynamics. To determine the extent of consideration and intervention of parasites and diseases in the Australian context, we conducted an aggregate scoping review of wildlife conservation translocations resulting in 98 identified translocations of 61 species with most (75%) being translocations of 40 species of mammals. Of the 98 translocations identified, only 40 (41%) described any management actions to monitor the health or disease of the translocation, such as health checks, post‐mortems or sampling of disease or parasite fauna. Surprisingly, some literature mentioned specific diseases or parasites impacting a population (29% of 90 translocations), but only 16 (16%) undertook intervention to prevent these further spreading. When considering general trends over time, more translocations are considering parasites and disease in their planning, and some management action is usually taken; however, medical intervention remains low. In order to ensure that parasites and diseases are part of conservation thinking, we provide a flowchart for managers that can be implemented into future translocations that consider both the negative consequences of disease and parasites, and the ecological necessity and potential benefits of retaining co‐evolved parasites and diseases.
Association between loneliness and acceptance of using robots and pets as companions among older Chinese immigrants during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Chiu Ching‐Ju , Lo Yi‐Hsuan , Ho Mu‐Hsing , Montayre Jed , Zhao Ivy Yan
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To examine loneliness experienced by middle‐aged and older Chinese immigrants and its association with accepting technology as a companion (apps, Internet and robots) versus owning pets, when social distancing measures were implemented in New Zealand during the first COVID‐19 outbreak.

Methods

This study conducted a community‐based cross‐sectional survey. Chinese immigrants who were 45–87 years old (n = 173) were invited to answer an online survey in the Chinese language, collecting demographic data, responses to the 6‐item De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale and experiences in using technology and pet ownership. Descriptive analyses and inferential statistics tests were utilised in the data analysis.

Results

A moderate level of overall loneliness with a mean score of 3.68 (SD 1.84), ranging from 0 to 6, was reported by participants. Emotional and social loneliness ranged from 0 to 3 with mean scores of 1.69 (SD 0.98) and 1.99 (SD 1.24), respectively. Self‐reported health, financial status, English language abilities, transportation and experiences of using the Internet and apps were significantly related to experiencing loneliness. Loneliness had a weak association with acceptance of robots and pets, but 67.8% and 58.3% of participants who felt lonely, accepted companionship of robots and pets, respectively.

Conclusions

The level of loneliness among older and middle‐aged immigrants increased during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Further evidence of the specific dimensions of loneliness and the utility of technology to alleviate loneliness among immigrant groups is needed. Interventions tailored for older people with specific cultural requirements to address loneliness are needed.
Effect of BTN162b2 and CoronaVac boosters on humoral and cellular immunity of individuals previously fully vaccinated with CoronaVac against SARS‐CoV‐2: A longitudinal study
Authors: Kuloğlu Zeynep Ece , El Rojbin , Guney‐Esken Gulen , Tok Yeşim , Talay Zeynep Gülçe , Barlas Tayfun , Kuskucu Mert Ahmet , Albayrak Özgür , Doğan Özlem , Yavuz Serap Şimşek , Midilli Kenan , Ergönül Önder , Can Füsun
Published: April 2022

Background

It is essential to know about immune response levels after booster doses of the two different types of vaccines, mRNA, and the inactivated, currently used against COVID‐19. For this purpose, we aimed to determine the effects of BNT162b2 (BNT) and CoronaVac (CV) boosters on the humoral and cellular immunity of individuals who had two doses of CV vaccination.

Methods

The study was conducted in three centers (Koc University Hospital, Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Hospital, and Istanbul University, Istanbul Medical School Hospital) in Istanbul, Turkey. Individuals who had been previously immunized with two doses of CV and no history of COVID‐19 were included. The baseline blood samples were collected 3–5 months after the second dose of CV. Follow‐up blood samples were taken 1 and 3 months after administration of third doses of CV, or one dose of BNT boosters. Neutralizing antibody titers were measured by plaque reduction assay. The CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell, effector CD4+CD38+CD69+ T cell, and effector CD8+CD38+CD69+ T cell ratios were determined by flow cytometry. The intracellular IFN‐γ and IL‐2 responses were measured by ELISpot assay.

Results

We found a 3.38‐fold increase in neutralizing antibody geometric mean titers (NA GMT, 78.69) 1 month after BNT booster and maintained at the third month (NA GMT, 80). Nevertheless, in the CV booster group, significantly lower NA GMT than BNT after 1 month and 3 months were observed (21.44 and 28.44, respectively) (p < .001). In the ELISpot assay, IL‐2 levels after BNT were higher than baseline and CV booster (p < .001) while IFN‐γ levels were significantly higher than baseline (p < .001). The CD8+CD38+CD69+ and CD4+CD38+CD69+ T cells were stimulated predominantly in the third month of the BNT boosters.

Conclusion

The neutralizing antibody levels after 3 months of the BNT booster were higher than the antibody levels after CV in fully vaccinated individuals. On the contrary, ratio of the effector T cells increased along with greater IFN‐γ activation after BNT booster. By considering the waning immunity, we suggest a new booster dose with BNT for the countries that already had two doses of primary CV regimens.
Nonexecutive director influence on informational asymmetries in Caribbean offshore financial centers
Authors: Hearn Bruce , Mohr Alexander , Kaur Jaskaran , Khawar Muhammad
Published: April 2022

Question/issue

This is a study of the relationship between nonexecutive director personal ownership and firm's bid ask spreads in listed firms from across the Caribbean offshore securities exchanges.

Research findings/insights

We report that bid ask spreads increase with nonexecutive ownership. However, this result is reduced (negatively moderated) in the context of higher formal institutional quality and also if the territory has a fixed exchange rate regime but exacerbated (positively moderated) if the firm is located within an offshore jurisdiction.

Theoretical/academic implications

The results regarding the influence of nonexecutive director ownership on firm liquidity‐based transaction costs, namely, market estimates of bid ask spreads, are interpreted in terms of the contingency of this relationship on the wider institutional context. The effectiveness of nonexecutive directors is highly contingent upon the specific institutional context. Higher formal institutional quality and the presence of a strong macroeconomic tie between territory and Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) country lead to a reduction in these costs, while offshore financial centers lead to their increase. We argue that this highlights a shortcoming of agency theory's more limited view of institutions.

Practitioner/policy implications

The results support regulator's focus on board of director composition and in particular nonexecutive remuneration in the form of ownership. Given the increasing dominance of Anglo‐American governance, firms worldwide are increasing the proportions of nonexecutive directors on their boards. However, their role is acutely context specific which is reflected in the relationship between their personal ownership and the liquidity‐borne transaction costs of the firm as a whole.
Pharmacokinetics of apixaban and tacrolimus or cyclosporine in kidney and lung transplant recipients
Authors: Mansell Holly , Shoker Ahmed , Alcorn Jane , Fenton Mark E. , Tam Julian S. , Semchuk William , Bashir Babar , Kraft Walter K. , Yao Shenzhen , Douketis James D.
Published: April 2022

Apixaban is frequently used off‐label in transplant recipients. However, a potential drug interaction exists with the calcineurin inhibitors. We conducted an open‐label drug–drug interaction study to determine the pharmacokinetics of apixaban in lung and kidney transplant recipients who were taking a calcineurin inhibitor. A single dose of apixaban 10 mg was administered orally to kidney and lung transplant recipients maintained on either tacrolimus or cyclosporine, and pharmacokinetic parameters were compared to a reference cohort of 12 healthy subjects who used the same apixaban dose and pharmacokinetic blood sampling. Fourteen participants were enrolled (n = 6 kidney, n = 8 lung), with 10 maintained on tacrolimus and four on cyclosporine. Data from 13 participants was usable. Participants were taking triple therapy immunosuppression and had a mean (SD) of 12 (3) medications. Participants receiving tacrolimus and cyclosporine had area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0‐inf) geometric least square means (90% confidence interval [CI]) of 4312 (95% CI 3682, 5049) and 5388 (95% CI 3277, 8858), respectively. Compared to healthy subjects, the associated geometric mean ratios (GMRs) for apixaban maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), AUC from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0‐tlast) and AUC0‐inf were 197% (95% CI 153, 295), 244% (95% CI 184, 323), and 224% (95% CI 170, 295) for transplant recipients on tacrolimus. The GMR (90% CI) Cmax, AUC0‐tlast, and AUC0‐inf of apixaban for patients on cyclosporine were 256% (95% CI 184, 358), 287% (95% CI 198, 415), and 280% (95% CI 195, 401). Kidney and lung transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus had higher apixaban exposure. A similar trend was noted for patients receiving cyclosporine, but additional patients are needed to confirm this interaction. Future studies are needed before apixaban can be safely recommended in this population, and the impact of dose staggering should be investigated. This study highlights the importance of pharmacokinetic studies in actual patient populations.
Differences by origin in methylome suggest eco‐phenotypes in the kelp Saccharina latissima
Authors: Scheschonk Lydia , Bischof Kai , Kopp Martina Elisabeth Luise , Jueterbock Alexander
Published: April 2022

Most kelp species are of high ecological and economic importance worldwide, but are highly susceptible to rising ocean temperatures due to their sessile lifestyle. Due to interference with reproduction, development and growth, natural kelp forests have vanished in multiple regions after extreme summer heat waves. Furthermore, increasing temperatures are likely to decrease biomass production and, thus, reduce production security of farmed kelp. Epigenetic variation, and cytosine methylation as a heritable epigenetic trait, is a rapid means of acclimation and adaptation to environmental conditions, including temperature. While the first methylome of brown macroalgae has been recently described in the kelp Saccharina japonica, its functional relevance and contribution to environmental acclimation is currently unknown. The main objective of our study was to identify the importance of the methylome in the congener kelp species Saccharina latissima for temperature acclimation. Our study is the first to compare DNA methylation in kelp between wild populations of different latitudinal origin, and the first to investigate the effect of cultivation and rearing temperature on genome‐wide cytosine methylation. Origin appears to determine many traits in kelp, but it is unknown to what extent the effects of thermal acclimation may be overruled by lab‐related acclimation. Our results suggest that seaweed hatchery conditions have strong effects on the methylome and, thus, putatively on the epigenetically controlled characteristics of young kelp sporophytes. However, culture origin could best explain epigenetic differences in our samples suggesting that epigenetic mechanisms contribute to local adaptation of eco‐phenotypes. Our study is a first step to understand whether DNA methylation marks (via their effect on gene regulation) may be used as biological regulators to enhance production security and kelp restoration success under rising temperatures, and highlights the importance to match hatchery conditions to origin.
Gathering around the table: Negotiating family mealtime patterns among Latino families
Authors: Villegas Elizabeth , Coba‐Rodriguez Sarai , Wiley Angela
Published: April 2022

Objective

With increasing obesity prevalence among Latino families, it is imperative to understand mealtime dynamics and how to support families in healthier mealtime routines.

Background

Family mealtimes are an important context for negotiating and making decisions about what and how much to eat and learning dietary behaviors. Yet little research exists on how Latino parents make those decisions.

Methods

Addressing current gaps in the literature, we conducted three focus groups with 19 low‐income Latina mothers of children who ranged from elementary to high school age. We explored mothers' family mealtime experiences in their home country and in the United States, barriers to shared mealtimes, and knowledge of appropriate portion sizes.

Results

Several key findings emerged: (a) Latina mothers recollect sharing family mealtimes more in their home countries than in the United States, (b) work schedules make it difficult to engage in family mealtimes, (c) uncertainty about correct portion sizes and child influence lead mothers to give in to their children's preferences.

Conclusion and Implications

These findings add to the substantive discussion concerning changes in family mealtimes across borders, continued barriers that families encounter to shared mealtimes, and how knowledge of portion sizes influences mother's beliefs and food choices, ultimately impacting the type of foods children consume.
Frailty and sarcopenia among Turkish people aged 40 and above living with HIV
Authors: Houssein Mehdi , Inkaya Ahmet Çagkan , Balci Cafer , Esme Mert , Sönmezer Meliha Çağla , Unal Serhat , Halil Meltem Gülhan
Published: April 2022

Background

People living with HIV face a variety of challenges, including accelerated ageing and geriatric syndromes. In this study, we aimed to examine the prevalence of frailty and sarcopenia among Turkish people living with HIV.

Methods

In total, 100 people living with HIV were recruited in this study. Frailty was determined using Fried’s frailty phenotype, and we calculated the Charlson Comorbidity Index, Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) index, fracture risk assessment tool scores, and Mini‐Mental State Exam scores. We determined muscle mass using bioelectric impedance analysis, gastrocnemius muscle thickness using ultrasonography, and muscle strength using handgrip strength.

Results

The mean ± standard deviation age was 50.0 ± 8.3 years. In total, 11% of the patients were frail. The risk of comorbidity and mortality, VACS index, and 5‐year mortality risk was significantly higher in the frail group, as was sarcopenia. Fat‐free muscle mass and handgrip strength were correlated with gastrocnemius muscle thickness. Gastrocnemius muscle thickness suggestive of sarcopenia was defined as 13.05 mm. The cognitive impairment rate was 5% and was associated with physical frailty.

Conclusion

Frailty is common and associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates among Turkish people living with HIV.
Evolution of C–S–H in lime mortars with nanoparticles: Nanostructural analysis of afwillite growth mechanisms by HRTEM
Authors: Gomez‐Villalba Luz S. , Sierra‐Fernandez Aranzazu , Barbero Barrera M. del Mar , Ergenç Duygu , Fort Rafael
Published: April 2022

This work studies the formation of calcium–silicate–hydrates (C–S–H) in lime mortars prepared with additions of nano‐Ca(OH)2 and nano‐SiO2 at 23.3°C. Mineral identification was carried out by X‐ray diffraction after 10, 30, 90, and 120 days of curing. The nanoscale study starts from the generation of amorphous phases until the development of crystalline phases. Observations of binder mortar made by transmission electron microscopy (low magnification and high resolution TEM) after 30 and 110 days of curing showed the formation of two types of C–S–H with different degrees of crystallinity depending on the curing time. The development of short‐range order C–S–H globular phases was visible after 30 days. C–S–H evolved into lamellar crystalline phases visible after 110 days of curing. The crystalline phase corresponds to the C–S–H known as afwillite (Ca3(SiO3OH)2·2H2O), first reported to affect cement and concrete's mechanical and hydration properties. It appears as isolated fibers, growing epitaxially along the edges of the calcite (product of the carbonation of Ca(OH)2), and advancing inward aided by atomic defects (grain boundaries, stacking faults). In addition, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy tools and electron diffraction simulation confirmed a monoclinic symmetry for afwillite crystals. These results contribute to analyzing the presence of crystalline/amorphous C–S–H in lime mortars, providing information on the structure of afwillite and its possible effects on the binder materials.
Central European forest–steppe: An ecosystem shaped by climate, topography and disturbances
Authors: Chytrý Kryštof , Willner Wolfgang , Chytrý Milan , Divíšek Jan , Dullinger Stefan
Published: April 2022

The occurrence and origin of dry grasslands and their rich biota in the moderately humid Central‐European climate have fascinated scientists for over a century. Modern palaeoecological and phylogeographical data support earlier hypotheses that these grasslands are late Pleistocene relicts and can therefore be considered part of the Eurasian forest–steppe biome. However, it is still unclear which factors fostered the maintenance of steppe patches in Central Europe throughout the Holocene. Here, we provide an overview of the main hypotheses, which stress, respectively, the effects of climate, edaphic conditions and disturbances. We then develop a general conceptual framework on how these three factors interact to form forest–steppe mosaics. We thereby emphasize the role of topography as a crucial control on forest–steppe patterns at the landscape scale. Topography is related to several mechanistic drivers that influence vegetation processes, such as near‐surface microclimate and soil formation. Consequently, topographic variation allows both forest and steppe patches to occur beyond their macroclimatic niche, favouring the development of forest–steppe mosaics. To illustrate our framework, we demonstrate the interactive effect of macroclimate and topography on the occurrence of steppe patches at 108 selected Central European forest–steppe sites. Although we developed our framework focusing on the current distribution of Central European forest–steppe, we suggest that it contributes to the understanding of similar transitions between temperate forest and steppe biomes in the past as well as elsewhere in the world.