bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Powers of a Fish: Clinical Thinking, Humanistic Thinking, and Different Ways of Knowing
Authors: Kumagai Arno K.
Published: April 2022

How are ways of knowing similar between clinical reasoning and the humanities, and can the latter be used to elucidate the former? This commentary considers a conceptual model proposed by Prince and colleagues in this issue to explore the different ways of knowing in art and medicine. Their proposed model links 2 approaches to clinical reasoning with an analytic approach said to be characteristic of the humanities—visual thinking strategies (VTS)—to teach skills in clinical reasoning. They suggest that the VTS approach aligns well with the 2 clinical reasoning approaches and use this relationship to argue for the introduction of the humanities into graduate medical education. However, is VTS truly an exemplar of analytic approaches used in the humanities? The approach to clinical decision making is a version of what Donald A. Schön calls technical rationality, but what is the epistemology used in the humanities and art? This commentary explores this question through the perspective of hermeneutics, a branch of philosophy that centers on an interpretive understanding of art, and through art, a way of knowing the self, others, and the world. In contrast to limiting the focus of the humanities in medical education to sharpening the powers of observation and analytical thinking, the author argues that art also offers a way to explore the challenges and triumphs of providing care to those in need and to explore the meanings, feelings, and experiences of living and dying. It offers a way of understanding and expressing the moral dilemmas of our time that aspires toward the aesthetic, philosophical, and existential truths of a life in medicine.
Effect of Stanford Youth Diabetes Coaches' Program on Youth and Adults in Diverse Communities
Authors: Patil Sonal J. , Tallon Erin , Wang Yan , Nayyar Manav , Hodges Kelvin , Phad Allison , Rodriguez Eunice , Gefter Liana
Published: April 2022

The Stanford Youth Diabetes Coaches' Program (SYDCP) trains high school students to become diabetes coaches for friends and adult family members. The objective of this study was to assess effects of SYDCP participation on youth and adults from a rural and urban underserved high school community. We used a mixed-methods approach. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures for Pediatric Sense of Meaning and Purpose were measured in high school students. PROMIS Adult Global Health and Self-Efficacy was measured in coached adults. Paired t tests compared pre- and postintervention and 6-month follow-up scores. Thematic analysis was used to analyze focus group discussion of adults. Twenty-five students participated, 15 students coached adults with diabetes or prediabetes. Students' sense of meaning and purpose significantly improved postintervention compared to preintervention. Diet and physical activity behaviors improved. Adolescent-adult relationships mediated participation benefits. Our study showed SYDCP improved adolescents' sense of meaning and purpose. In addition, youth and adult relatedness led to improved health behaviors. These findings have important implications, as a sense of purpose and youth-adult connectedness are associated with health behaviors and psychological well-being. Further larger studies of health education programs that engage related youth-adult dyads and assess long-term behaviors and health outcomes are needed.
Being “low on the totem pole”: What makes work worthwhile for medical assistants in an era of primary care transformation
Authors: Lai Alden Yuanhong , Fleuren Bram P. I. , Larkin Jennifer , Gruenewald-Schmitz Lynda , Yuan Christina T.
Published: April 2022

Background

Primary care is undergoing a transformation to become increasingly team-based and multidisciplinary. The medical assistant (MA) is considered a core occupation in the primary care workforce, yet existing studies suggest problematic rates and costs of MA turnover.

Purpose

We investigated what MAs perceive their occupation to be like and what they value in it to understand how to promote sustainable employability, a concept that is concerned with an employee’s ability to function and remain in their job in the long term.

Approach

We used a case of a large, integrated health system in the United States that practices team-based care and has an MA career development program. We conducted semistructured interviews with 16 MAs in this system and performed an inductive analysis of themes.

Results

Our analysis revealed four themes on what MAs value at work: (a) using clinical competence, (b) being a multiskilled resource for clinic operations, (c) building meaningful relationships with patients and coworkers, and (d) being recognized for occupational contributions. MAs perceived scope-of-practice regulations as limiting their use of clinical competence. They also perceived task similarity with nurses in the primary care setting and expressed a relative lack of performance recognition.

Conclusion

Some of the practice changes that enable primary care transformation may hinder MAs’ ability to attain their work values. Extant views on sustainable employability assume a high bar for intrinsic values but are limited when applied to low-wage health care workers in team-based environments.

Practice Implications

Efforts to effectively employ and retain MAs should consider proactive communications on scope-of-practice regulations, work redesign to emphasize clinical competence, and the establishment of greater recognition and respect among MAs and nurses.
CENTRAL RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION IN 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL WITH METHYLENETETRAHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE MUTATION: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Hudson Julia L. , Laura Diana M. , Berrocal Audina M.
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

This case report describes a central retinal vein occlusion in a healthy 12-year-old girl who developed retinal neovascularization at 24 years of age. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the longest time between a reported pediatric central retinal vein occlusion event and neovascularization.

Methods:

The patient underwent a full history, physical examination, and laboratory workup to determine potential risk factors contributing to the vascular event. Fundus photographs, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography were performed throughout the patient's treatment course.

Results:

Family history was noncontributory, but laboratory testing revealed a mildly elevated homocysteine level and homozygous C677T mutation in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. As a result, she was started on folate supplementation. The patient has had no further ocular or systemic thrombotic events to date.

Conclusion:

Pediatric patients presenting with central retinal vein occlusion should undergo a systemic workup and require long-term follow-up to avoid complications, such as intraocular hemorrhage, tractional retinal detachments, and neovascular glaucoma.
Prediction of Corresponding Dose of Transdermal Blonanserin to Oral Dose Based on Dopamine D2 Receptor Occupancy
Authors: Tomita Yoshiko , Takagaki Takeshi , Kitamura Atsushi , Wada Erika , Nishibe Hironori , Tateno Amane , Okubo Yoshiro
Published: April 2022

Background/Purpose

Blonanserin is an atypical antipsychotic, a potent selective antagonist of dopamine D2 receptor (D2), prescribed as oral formulations in patients with schizophrenia. Blonanserin transdermal patch was developed to provide a new treatment option, but the corresponding dose to oral blonanserin was not clear. The aims of this study were to clarify the pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacodynamic characteristics of blonanserin after transdermal patch application and to evaluate the corresponding dose to oral formulation based on striatal D2 occupancy.

Methods

The relationship between D2 occupancy and plasma blonanserin concentration was analyzed using an E
max model based on data from positron emission tomography study with oral and transdermal blonanserin. D2 occupancy was simulated using E
max models based on the observed plasma concentrations and the simulated plasma concentrations obtained from population PK model.

Results

Plasma blonanserin concentration levels after repeated patch applications were nearly stable throughout the day and no effect of sex, advanced age, or application site was detected. The concentration at half maximal D2 occupancy during transdermal patch applications, 0.857 ng/mL, was higher than that after oral doses, 0.112 ng/mL, suggesting metabolite contribution after oral doses. The median predicted D2 occupancy during blonanserin patch applications at doses of 40 and 80 mg/d was 48.7% and 62.5%, respectively, and the distribution of D2 occupancy at these doses could cover most of that at oral doses of 8 to 24 mg/d.

Conclusions

Predicted D2 occupancy suggested that a 40- to 80-mg/d blonanserin transdermal patch dose corresponds to an 8- to 24-mg/d oral dose for the treatment of schizophrenia.
68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT Detects a Rare Case of Metastatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasm of the Gallbladder
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Kumar Bhola , Muthu Gopal Sonai , Mitra Sujata
Published: April 2022

Gallbladder neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are rare tumors of the biliary system. These neoplasms express somatostatin receptors, and hence radiolabeled somatostatin analog 68Ga-DOTANOC is used as a PET radiotracer in detection and staging. Gallbladder NEN cannot be differentiated from an adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder based on clinical symptoms or routine radiological imaging such as ultrasound or CT. These are either diagnosed postcholecystectomy or after biopsy from primary or metastatic sites. We present a rare case of gallbladder NEN detected on 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT.
Large Pleural Effusion
Authors: Khatri Wajahat , Polydefkis Michael , Vaishnav Joban , Saad Elie , Solnes Lilja B. , Rowe Steven P.
Published: April 2022

Transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR and ATTRv) is an underrecognized cause of heart failure that results from myocardial deposition of misfolded protein (TTR or prealbumin). The diagnosis can be confirmed by uptake of 99mTc-pyrophosphate (99mTc-PYP) in the heart with serologic studies to rule out light chain disease. We present the case of a 70-year-old woman who underwent a 99mTc-PYP scan. The patient had a large right-sided pleural effusion that lowered counts in the right chest on planar imaging, interfered with ratio-based grading of PYP uptake, and highlighted the importance of obtaining SPECT/CT for problem-solving in cases where uptake ratios may be spurious.
Artificial SA-I and RA-I afferents for tactile sensing of ridges and gratings
Authors: Pestell Nicholas , Griffith Thom , Lepora Nathan F.
Published: April 2022

For robot touch to reach the capabilities of human touch, artificial tactile sensors may require transduction principles like those of natural tactile afferents. Here we propose that a biomimetic tactile sensor (the TacTip) could provide suitable artificial analogues of the tactile skin dynamics, afferent responses and population encoding. Our three-dimensionally printed sensor skin is based on the physiology of the dermal–epidermal interface with an underlying mesh of biomimetic intermediate ridges and dermal papillae, comprising inner pins tipped with markers. Slowly adapting SA-I activity is modelled by marker displacements and rapidly adapting RA-I activity by marker speeds. We test the biological plausibility of these artificial population codes with three classic experiments used for natural touch: (1a) responses to normal pressure to test adaptation of single afferents and spatial modulation across the population; (1b) responses to bars, edges and gratings to compare with measurements from monkey primary afferents; and (2) discrimination of grating orientation to compare with human perceptual performance. Our results show a match between artificial and natural touch at single afferent, population and perceptual levels. As expected, natural skin is more sensitive, which raises a challenge to fabricate a biomimetic fingertip that demonstrates human sensitivity using the transduction principles of human touch.
Immune competence and spleen size scale with colony status in the naked mole-rat
Authors: Bégay Valérie , Cirovic Branko , Barker Alison J. , Klopfleisch Robert , Hart Daniel W. , Bennett Nigel C. , Lewin Gary R.
Published: April 2022

Naked mole-rats (NM-R;
Heterocephalus glaber
) live in multi-generational colonies with a social hierarchy, and show low cancer incidence and long life-spans. Here we asked if an immune component might underlie such extreme physiology. The largest lymphoid organ is the spleen, which plays an essential role in responding to immunological insults and may participate in combating cancer and slowing ageing. We investigated the anatomy, molecular composition and function of the NM-R spleen using RNA-sequencing and histological analysis in healthy NM-Rs. Spleen size in healthy NM-Rs showed considerable inter-individual variability, with some animals displaying enlarged spleens. In all healthy NM-Rs, the spleen is a major site of adult haematopoiesis under normal physiological conditions. However, myeloid-to-lymphoid cell ratio is increased and splenic marginal zone showed markedly altered morphology when compared to other rodents. Healthy NM-Rs with enlarged spleens showed potentially better anti-microbial profiles and were much more likely to have a high rank within the colony. We propose that the anatomical plasticity of the spleen might be regulated by social interaction and gives immunological advantage to increase the lifespan of higher-ranked animals.
MicroRNA-22 coordinates vascular and motor neuronal pathfinding via
sema4
during zebrafish development
Authors: Sheng Jiajing , Gong Jie , Shi Yunwei , Wang Xin , Liu Dong
Published: April 2022

A precise guiding signal is crucial to orchestrate directional migration and patterning of the complex vascular network and neural system. So far, limited studies have reported the discovery and functions of microRNAs (miRNAs) in guiding vascular and neural pathfinding. Currently, we showed that the deficiency of miRNA-22a, an endothelial-enriched miRNA, caused dramatic pathfinding defects both in intersegmental vessels (ISVs) and primary motor neurons (PMNs) in zebrafish embryos. Furthermore, we found the specific inhibition of miR-22a in endothelial cells (ECs) resulted in patterning defects of both ISVs and PMNs. Neuronal block of miR-22a mainly led to axonal defects of PMN. Sema4c was identified as a potential target of miR-22a through transcriptomic analysis and
in silico
analysis. Additionally, a luciferase assay and EGFP sensor assay confirmed the binding of miR-22a with 3′-UTR of
sema4c
. In addition, downregulation of
sema4c
in the miR-22a morphants significantly neutralized the aberrant patterning of vascular and neural networks. Then we demonstrated that endothelial miR-22a regulates PMNs axonal navigation. Our study revealed that miR-22a acted as a dual regulatory cue coordinating vascular and neuronal patterning, and expanded the repertoire of regulatory molecules, which might be of use therapeutically to guide vessels and nerves in the relevant diseases.
From Reddit to Wall Street: the role of committed minorities in financial collective action
Authors: Lucchini Lorenzo , Aiello Luca Maria , Alessandretti Laura , De Francisci Morales Gianmarco , Starnini Michele , Baronchelli Andrea
Published: April 2022

In January 2021, retail investors coordinated on Reddit to target short-selling activity by hedge funds on GameStop shares, causing a surge in the share price and triggering significant losses for the funds involved. Such an effective collective action was unprecedented in finance, and its dynamics remain unclear. Here, we analyse Reddit and financial data and rationalize the events based on recent findings describing how a small fraction of committed individuals may trigger behavioural cascades. First, we operationalize the concept of individual commitment in financial discussions. Second, we show that the increase of commitment within Reddit pre-dated the initial surge in price. Third, we reveal that initial committed users occupied a central position in the network of Reddit conversations. Finally, we show that the social identity of the broader Reddit community grew as the collective action unfolded. These findings shed light on financial collective action, as several observers anticipate it will grow in importance.
Characterization of near-miss connectivity-invariant homogeneous convex polyhedral cages
Authors: Piette Bernard M. A. G. , Kowalczyk Agnieszka , Heddle Jonathan G.
Published: April 2022

Following the discovery of a nearly symmetric protein cage, we introduce the new mathematical concept of a near-miss polyhedral cage (p-cage) as an assembly of nearly regular polygons with holes between them. We then introduce the concept of the connectivity-invariant p-cage and show that they are related to the symmetry of uniform polyhedra. We use this relation, combined with a numerical optimization method, to characterize some classes of near-miss connectivity-invariant p-cages with a deformation below 10% and faces with up to 17 edges.
Dynamics of drug response in single mycobacterial cells by microfluidic dose-response assay
Authors: Mistretta Maxime , Gangneux Nicolas , Manina Giulia
Published: April 2022

Preclinical analysis of drug efficacy is critical for drug development. However, conventional bulk-cell assays statically assess the mean population behavior, lacking resolution on drugescaping cells. Inaccurate estimation of efficacy can lead to overestimation of compounds, whose efficacy will not be confirmed in the clinic, or lead to rejection of valuable candidates. Time-lapse microfluidic microscopy is a powerful approach to characterize drugs at high spatiotemporal resolution, but hard to apply on a large scale. Here we report the development of a microfluidic platform based on a pneumatic operating principle, which is scalable and compatible with long-term live-cell imaging and with simultaneous analysis of different drug concentrations. We tested the platform with mycobacterial cells, including the tubercular pathogen, providing the first proof of concept of a single-cell dose-response assay. This dynamic in-vitro model will prove useful to probe the fate of drug-stressed cells, providing improved predictions of drug efficacy in the clinic.
A new linear phenyloxazole–benzothiadiazole luminophore: crystal growth, structure and fluorescence properties
Authors: Postnikov Valery A. , Sorokina Natalia I. , Kulishov Artem A. , Lyasnikova Maria S. , Sorokin Timofei A. , Freidzon Alexandra Ya. , Stepko Anastasia S. , Borshchev Oleg V. , Skorotetsky Maxim S. , Surin Nikolay M. , Svidchenko Evgeniya A. , Ponomarenko Sergey A.
Published: April 2022

A new linear luminophore consisting of five conjugated units of oxazole, phenylene and a central benzothiadiazole fragment, 4,7-bis[4-(1,3-oxazol-5-yl)phenyl]-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole, has been synthesized and characterized. Needle-like single-crystal samples up to 10 mm in length were obtained by physical vapor transport. The crystal structure was determined at 95 K and 293 K using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. With decreasing temperature, the space group P21/n does not change, but the unit-cell volume of the crystal decreases. The presence of intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds was established. Melting parameters (T
m = 305.5°C, ΔH
m = 52.2 kJ mol−1) and the presence of a liquid-crystalline mesophase (T
LC = 336.3°C, ΔH
LC = 1.4 kJ mol−1) were determined by differential scanning calorimetry and in situ thermal polarization optical microscopy studies. The presence of linear chains of hydrogen bonds ensures high stability of the crystal structure in a wide temperature range. The luminophore is characterized by a large Stokes shift (5120–5670 cm−1) and a high quantum yield of fluorescence, reaching 96% in solutions (λmax = 517 nm) and 27% in thin crystalline films (λmax = 529 nm). The calculated absorption and emission spectra are in good agreement with the experimental data. Because of the excellent optical properties and high thermal stability, the new linear luminophore has great potential for application in organic photonics and optoelectronic devices.
Powder X-ray diffraction as a powerful tool to exploit in organic electronics: shedding light on the first N,N′,N′′-trialkyldiindolocarbazole
Authors: Vilche Anna , Bujaldón Roger , Alcobé Xavier , Velasco Dolores , Puigjaner Cristina
Published: April 2022

The first crystal structure of a fully N-alkylated diindolocarbazole derivative, namely, 5,8,14-tributyldiindolo[3,2-b;2′,3′-h]carbazole (1, C36H39N3), has been determined from laboratory powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data. A complex trigonal structure with a high-volume unit cell of 12987 Å3 was found, with a very long a(=b) [52.8790 (14) Å] and a very short c [5.36308 (13) Å] unit-cell parameter (hexagonal setting). The detailed analysis of the intermolecular interactions observed in the crystal structure of 1 highlights its potential towards the implementation of this core as a semiconductor in organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) devices. Since the molecule has a flat configuration reflecting its π-conjugated system, neighbouring molecules are found to stack atop each other in a slipped parallel fashion via π–π stacking interactions between planes of ca 3.30 Å, with a centroid–centroid distance between the aromatic rings corresponding to the shortest axis of the unit cell (i.e.
c). The alkylation of the three N atoms proves to be a decisive feature since it favours the presence of C—H...π interactions in all directions, which strengthens the crystal packing. As a whole, PXRD proves to be a valuable option for the resolution of otherwise inaccessible organic crystal structures of interest in different areas.
Gas turbine system identification using a bilayer equilibrium manifold expansion model
Authors: Zhu Linhai , Jinfu Liu , Ma Yujia , Bai Mingliang , Zhou Weixing , Yu Daren
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a multi-input equilibrium manifold expansion (EME) model for gas turbine (GT). It proposes that the extension of model input dimension is realized based on similarity theory and affine structure in the framework of single-input EME model. The study aims to expand the scope of application of the EME model so that it can be used for the control or fault diagnosis of GTs.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the concepts of corrected equilibrium manifold expansion (CEME) model and multi-cell equilibrium manifold expansion (MEME) model are first proposed. This paper uses theoretical analysis and simulation experiments to demonstrate the effectiveness of the bilayer equilibrium manifold expansion (BEME) model, which is a combination of the CEME and the MEME models. Simulation experiments include confirmatory experiments and comparative experiments.

Findings

The paper provides a new sight into building a multiple-input EME (MI-EME) model for GTs. The proposed method can build an accurate and robust MI-EME model that has superior performance compared with widely used nonlinear models including Wiener model (WM), Hammerstein model (HM), Hammerstein–Wiener model (HWM) and nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous inputs (NARX) network model. In terms of accuracy, the maximum error percentage of the proposed model is just 1.309%, far less than WM, HM and HWM. In terms of the stability of model calculation, the range of the mean error percentage of the proposed model is just a quarter of that of NARX network model.

Originality/value

The paper fulfills the construction of a novel multi-input nonlinear model, which has laid a foundation for the follow-up research of model-based GT fault detection and isolation or GT control.
Creativity mindset as the organizational capability: the role of creativity-relevant processes, domain-relevant skills and intrinsic task motivation
Authors: Emami Maryam , Rezaei Sajad , Valaei Naser , Gardener John
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The objective of this study is to examine the structural relationship between creativity-relevant processes, domain-relevant skills, intrinsic task motivation, creativity and the moderating effect of social environment (sufficient resources, workgroup support, realistic work pressure and lack of organizational impediments).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 289 valid questionnaires were collected from engineering students in Malaysian universities to test the measurement as well as the structural model using partial least squares (PLS) path modelling.

Findings

This study reveals that while a high level of domain-relevant skills, intrinsic task motivation and creativity-relevant processes influence creativity among the sample of engineering students, social environment acts as an insignificant moderator to the creativity perception. While the statistical results support the structural relationships (direct effects), the social environment shows the insignificant moderating effect (except creativity relevant process to sufficient resource to creativity). Work-group support, sufficient resources and lack of organizational impediments, as the three factors of the social environment, will not have any effect on creativity of upcoming engineers.

Originality/value

While businesses in the emerging markets mostly neglect the concept of developing creative mindsets among engineering students, in the competitive world of business that is extremely fast-paced, being creative within a business setting will act as a paramount criterion to differentiate. Practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
A method for integrated business process modeling and ontology development
Authors: Coşkunçay Ahmet , Demirörs Onur
Published: April 2022

Purpose

From knowledge management point of view, business process models and ontologies are two essential knowledge artifacts for organizations that consume similar information sources. In this study, the PROMPTUM method for integrated process modeling and ontology development that adheres to well-established practices is presented. The method is intended to guide practitioners who develop both ontologies and business process models in the same or similar domains.

Design/methodology/approach

The method is supported by a recently developed toolset, which supports the modeling of relations between the ontologies and the labels within the process model collections. This study introduces the method and its companion toolset. An explanatory study, that includes two case studies, is designed and conducted to reveal and validate the benefits of using the method. Then, a follow-up semi-structured interview identifies the perceived benefits of the method.

Findings

Application of the method revealed several benefits including the improvements observed in the consistency and completeness of the process models and ontologies. The method is bringing the best practices in two domains together and guiding the use of labels within process model collections in ontology development and ontology resources in business process modeling.

Originality/value

The proposed method with its tool support is a pioneer in enabling to manage the labels and terms within the labels in process model collections consistently with ontology resources. Establishing these relations enables the definition and management of process model elements as resources in domain ontologies. Once the PROMPTUM method is utilized, a related resource is managed as a single resource representing the same real-world object in both artifacts. An explanatory study has shown that improvement in consistency and completeness of process models and ontologies is possible with integrated process modeling and ontology development.
Analysis of nonlinearLCcircuit by symplectic conservative perturbation method
Authors: Yang Hongwei , Wang Yingying , Zhang Meng , Long Lianchun
Published: April 2022

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a symplectic conservation numerical analysis method for the study of nonlinearLCcircuit.

Design/methodology/approach

The flux linkage control type nonlinear inductance model is adopted, and theLCcircuit can be converted into the Hamiltonian system by introducing the electric charge as the state variable of the flux linkage. The nonlinear Hamiltonian matrix equation can be solved by perturbation method, which can be written as the sum of linear and nonlinear terms. Firstly, the linear part can be solved exactly. On this basis, the nonlinear part is analyzed by the canonical transformation. Then, the coefficient matrix of the obtained equation is still a Hamiltonian matrix, so symplectic conservation is achieved.

Findings

Numerical results reveal that the method proposed has strong stability, high precision and efficiency, and it has great advantages in long-term simulations.

Originality/value

This method provides a novel and effective way in studying the nonlinearLCcircuit.
The Miiyupimatisiiun Research Data Archives Project: putting OCAP® principles into practice
Authors: Adelson Naomi , Mickelson Samuel
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to document the operationalization of the OCAP® principles in the context of the work of a medical anthropologist and Whapmagoostui First Nation (FN). The authors describe their recent collaboration with Whapmagoostui FN to digitize and transfer the research data archive to the community.

Design/methodology/approach

Beginning with a description of the data collection process from the late 1980s to early 1990s, this study describes recent efforts to digitize the research data archive and work with Whapmagoostui FN to develop a plan for access and safekeeping. The authors focus on the work required to implement the OCAP® principles locally, including the need to address questions of ownership rights/transfer, information technology systems and community capacity.

Findings

This study describes the necessary work that is required to operationalize the OCAP® principles on a local level, including obstacles to this work. This study also underscores how the process of OCAP® implementation is distinct for each community and research context. Based on these considerations, the authors calls for increased resources and new legal mechanisms in support of achieving indigenous data sovereignty (IDSov) in FNs, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study makes an original contribution to the literature on IDSov. This study provides a valuable case study, illustrating how the OCAP® principles can be operationalized in the context of a longstanding partnership between an academic researcher and an indigenous community.
A review of the literature on innovation in the agrofood industry: sustainability, smartness and health
Authors: Bigliardi Barbara , Filippelli Serena
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Following the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, the main challenge for the agrofood sector is to innovate food production, offering sustainable, smart and safe solutions. The future of food production will be oriented more and more towards sustainable industries with high technological content to guarantee food safety and food security. It implies that a change not only in the way food is conceived, but also in the way it is produced, processed and consumed is needed. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of innovation, sustainability, smartness and health within the agrofood industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted using 596 academic documents written in English language and published in peer-reviewed scientific journals as well as in conference proceedings. The relevant articles were analyzed using both a bibliometric and a systematic approach.

Findings

The results confirm the role of innovation and sustainability as key drivers in the food industry. The main findings concern the benefits deriving from the adoption of digital technologies, the ever-increasing involvement of consumers in health and environmental issues and the introduction of the open innovation concept in the agrofood industry.

Originality/value

This study jointly considers the dimensions of innovation, sustainability, smartness and health in the agrofood sector, demonstrating how they are strongly interdependent.
User perceptions of WeChat and WeChat pay in China
Authors: Tinmaz Hasan , Doan Viet Phuong
Published: April 2022

Purpose

China has been one of these countries that followed glocalization with the establishment of Chinese social media platforms, which adopt global trends and software patterns. WeChat has been a success story that at first emerged as a social communication tool but has extended to include commercial dynamics as well. Hence, this study aims to understand WeChat user’s general perceptions of the WeChat platform as a general social platform and as a commercial business platform.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the sample (n = 400) was obtained from a specific group of people who have had experiences with different WeChat tools and their payment systems. Nonrandom purposive sampling was used by considering its higher probability of representativeness. The online survey that was given to participants through the WeChat groups included 14 questions, in which eight questions are for demographics and general WeChat use, and six questions are for WeChat payment. After descriptive statistical analysis, comparison-based tests were conducted and interpreted accordingly.

Findings

Overall, the study participants had a high frequency of using WeChat’s messaging and moments features. Moreover, users perceive WeChat and its payment tools as unsecured or not secure enough. However, that perception did not affect their intention to continue adopting the app. Hence, regardless of the unsecure perception, study participants still had high usage of WeChat pay.

Originality/value

This paper provides an example from China that is known as a high-tech country, and there are a very few studies on the WeChat app despite their high number of users and daily financial transactions.
Restaurant-visit intention: do anthropomorphic cues, brand awareness and subjective social class interact?
Authors: Kim Heewon , Jang SooCheong (Shawn)
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Given the increasing need after the outbreak of COVID-19 to encourage restaurant customers to dine in, the purpose of this paper is to examine the effects that anthropomorphic cues jointly with brand awareness and subjective social class have on restaurant-visit intention.

Design/methodology/approach

To better comprehend the use of anthropomorphic cues, this paper involved two studies that used two types of anthropomorphic cues: (1) non-food (a spoon) and (2) food ingredients. For each study, a 2 × 2 mixed factorial design was used.

Findings

Using three-way mixed ANOVAs, the results from Study 1 confirmed that adding anthropomorphic cues to a non-food object (a spoon) could induce positive effects for restaurants with lower brand awareness, especially among individuals with low subjective social class. In contrast, Study 2 showed that adding anthropomorphic cues to a food ingredient (e.g. tomato, lettuce and olive) had a weaker effect on restaurants with high brand awareness, especially among individuals with a high subjective social class.

Practical implications

Marketers should use anthropomorphism strategies based on their target customers, especially if their brand is less popular.

Originality/value

Using the theoretical framework from the elaboration likelihood model, this paper contributes to the anthropomorphism literature by showing how an anthropomorphized image that fits an individual’s interests could trigger a careful thinking process that leads to differential behaviors based on brand awareness.
A comparative survey of SSVEP recognition algorithms based on template matching of training trials
Authors: Luo Tian-Jian
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) has been widely used in the application of electroencephalogram (EEG) based non-invasive brain computer interface (BCI) due to its characteristics of high accuracy and information transfer rate (ITR). To recognize the SSVEP components in collected EEG trials, a lot of recognition algorithms based on template matching of training trials have been proposed and applied in recent years. In this paper, a comparative survey of SSVEP recognition algorithms based on template matching of training trails has been done.

Design/methodology/approach

To survey and compare the recently proposed recognition algorithms for SSVEP, this paper regarded the conventional canonical correlated analysis (CCA) as the baseline, and selected individual template CCA (ITCCA), multi-set CCA (MsetCCA), task related component analysis (TRCA), latent common source extraction (LCSE) and a sum of squared correlation (SSCOR) for comparison.

Findings

For the horizontal comparative of the six surveyed recognition algorithms, this paper adopted the “Tsinghua JFPM-SSVEP” data set and compared the average recognition performance on such data set. The comparative contents including: recognition accuracy, ITR, correlated coefficient and R-square values under different time duration of the SSVEP stimulus presentation. Based on the optimal time duration of stimulus presentation, the author has also compared the efficiency of the six compared algorithms. To measure the influence of different parameters, the number of training trials, the number of electrodes and the usage of filter bank preprocessing were compared in the ablation study.

Originality/value

Based on the comparative results, this paper analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of the six compared SSVEP recognition algorithms by considering application scenes, real-time and computational complexity. Finally, the author gives the algorithms selection range for the recognition of real-world online SSVEP-BCI.
Application of luminous efficacies for daylight illuminance data generation in subtropical Hong Kong
Authors: Aghimien Emmanuel Imuetinyan , Li Danny Hin Wa
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Daylight plays a crucial role in the attainment of building energy savings. Harnessing daylight in building designs will require the need for daylight illuminance data. However, daylight illuminance data are scarce due to few measuring stations. Aside from being sparse, illuminance measuring stations can be expensive to set up, thus making the luminous efficacy model a better alternative. Hence, this study attempted to model horizontal luminous efficacies under the 15 Commission internationale de l'éclairage (CIE) standard skies. Therefrom, daylight illuminance was estimated from a proposed vertical luminous efficacy model.

Design/methodology/approach

Measured solar irradiance, daylight illuminance and luminance distribution data were gathered from the local measuring station in Hong Kong. The luminance distribution data were used to classify the skies into the 15 CIE standard skies. Next, the solar irradiance and daylight data were used to derive the horizontal luminous efficacies under each standard sky. Furthermore, a vertical luminous efficacy model developed using the measured data was described, and this was used to predict vertical illuminance.

Findings

It was observed that Skies 1, 8 and 13 seem to be predominant in Hong Kong. Also, the result showed that constant luminous efficacies could be used for deriving illuminance data. Furthermore, horizontal luminous efficacy ranged from 40 to 190lm/W, indicating that daylight can provide sufficient visibility during working hours. The vertical luminous efficacy model proves to offer reasonable estimations of vertical illuminance data.

Research limitations/implications

Further work needs to be done with more measured data to cover for spring seasons. The described model still needs to be fitted with different world climates to ascertain its universal applicability. The evaluations need to be done under obstructed sky conditions to cater for dense and clustered urban centres.

Practical implications

The discussed luminous efficacy model could be used to derive illuminance data in the absence of measured daylight illuminance data, especially in the subtropical region. Also, the comparative advantage of daylight over artificial lighting was highlighted in this study.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies, this paper discusses the luminous efficacies of global, direct and diffuse components under the 15 CIE standard skies. Furthermore, the described luminous efficacy analysis provides an approach for deriving vertical and horizontal illuminance data. Such vertical data will be required for analysing building lighting requirements, sensible heat from electric lighting, and energy savings from daylighting controls. Also, the information on horizontal luminous efficacies will help evaluate solar roof and skylight designs.
Rugby's Celtic fringe goes global – an economic analysis of the Pro14
Authors: Massey Patrick , Hogan Vincent
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The introduction of professionalism in 1995 posed serious challenges for Rugby Union in Ireland, Scotland and Wales given their limited fan bases and broadcast markets. It led to the creation of a new league, the Pro14, with teams from all three countries. The paper asks whether the Pro14 has been a success and whether it might offer lessons for other sports. It thus seeks to extend the knowledge base on professional team sports and derive lessons for management of professional sports leagues in small countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyse Pro14 performance using a range of metrics, including attendances, competitive balance and team performances, in European competitions. The authors also analyse the limited financial data available for Pro14 teams.

Findings

Pro14 teams have competed successfully in European competition, offering support for claims that mergers of smaller country leagues could improve competitive balance in European soccer. The Pro14 has increased attendances through specific measures and increased broadcast income through geographic expansion. Many Pro14 teams have struggled financially. Several English and French rugby clubs have also experienced financial problems, suggesting that European rugby may need to introduce financial fair play rules (FFPs) similar to soccer.

Practical implications

The paper has implications for the Pro14 and its member clubs, particularly with reference to competition design. It may also have lessons for European football where some have suggested that mergers of smaller country leagues could improve competitive balance in European competitions.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the academic discussion on professional team sports, particularly Rugby Union. The paper has implications for Pro14 clubs and league organisers, particularly with reference to competition design. It may also have lessons for European soccer where some have suggested that mergers of smaller country leagues could reduce the dominance of larger country leagues.
Towards comprehensive corporate sustainability reporting: an empirical study of factors influencing ESG disclosures of large Czech companies
Authors: Balogh Ivan , Srivastava Mohit , Tyll Ladislav
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Businesses nowadays face unprecedented pressures from stakeholder groups to become more transparent by issuing comprehensive reports describing their environmental, social and governance (ESG)-related activities, strategies and policies. This paper’s primary motivation is to understand which ESG disclosure factors are relevant for large Czech companies.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the above-stated goal, the total ESG disclosure index, consisting of three subindexes (ESG) was constructed and calculated for the 100 largest Czech companies. Furthermore, the relationships between firm-level factors and ESG disclosure indexes were estimated by using censored regression models.

Findings

This study found that revenue, number of employees and profitability positively influenced the total ESG disclosures. On the level of the three ESG components, this study found that revenue positively impacted environmental and governance disclosures while the number of employees positively affected social and governance disclosures. Moreover, profitability affected social and governance disclosures positively for large Czech companies. However, this study did not observe a significant relationship between board attributes and ESG disclosures.

Originality/value

This paper extends academic literature on ESG disclosures by verifying the significance of firm-level factors in the context of Czech business realities before the adoption and transposition of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. More specifically, this study has investigated the ESG reporting together and separately for ESG factors. This separation is vital as firms vary in reporting processes across these factors.
Big Tech Lobbying in the EU
Authors: Tarrant Andy , Cowen Tim
Published: April 2022

This article investigates lobbying by US digital platforms, the so‐called Big Tech, with regard to the Digital Markets Act (currently under consideration by the European Commission in Brussels) and analyses whether lobbying on the Digital Markets Act fits with academic analysis of the general properties of corporate lobbying in the EU. The article suggests that the case illustrates the importance of domestic European political economies in driving approaches in the Council and Parliament and thus collective legislative outcomes. Contrary to some commentary, the article argues that despite significant expenditure on lobbying in Brussels, Big Tech has been unsuccessful in its efforts and that a significant impediment has been because Big Tech companies only have status as major employers and investors in a handful of small EU Member States. The article suggests that one measure that could be adopted to indicate whether lobbying has been successful would be the content of legislation defining triggers for regulatory intervention. The EU now looks certain to adopt an approach that makes it easier for regulators to impose regulatory constraints on Big Tech compared to traditional competition law. It is also likely that the legislative process is likely to conclude with a strengthening of the possible sanctions contained in the draft proposal, rather than any watering down.
Effect of chymosin‐induced hydrolysis of αS1‐casein on the tribological behaviour of brine‐salted semihard cheeses
Authors: Lamichhane Prabin , Sharma Prateek , Kelly Alan L , Sheehan Jeremiah J
Published: April 2022

This study investigated the effect of chymosin‐induced hydrolysis of αS1‐casein on the tribological behaviour of cheese. Residual chymosin activity was inhibited by adding a chymosin inhibitor (i.e. pepstatin A) to the curd–whey mixture during cheese manufacture. A significant difference was observed in the static and kinetic regimes of the extended Stribeck curves of cheese samples, suggesting that the chymosin‐induced hydrolysis of αS1‐casein affects the friction and lubrication properties of cheese, which may be relevant to the mouthfeel‐related sensory attributes of the cheese. Overall, the modulation of hydrolysis of αS1‐casein could be an approach to alter the friction‐related sensory attributes of cheese.