bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital innovation in wealth management landscape: the moderating role of robo advisors in behavioural biases and investment decision-making
Authors: Bhatia Ankita , Chandani Arti , Divekar Rajiv , Mehta Mita , Vijay Neeraja
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Innovation is the way of life and we see various innovative techniques and methods being introduced in our daily life. This study aims to focus on digital innovation in the wealth management domain. This study examines the effect of usage of robo-advisory services in investment decision-making and behavioural biases, i.e. overconfidence and loss aversion. Such studies are more pronounced in developed countries and little has been studied about investor behaviour in association with advisory services in developing countries such as India.

Design/methodology/approach

Overconfidence and loss-aversion biases, investment decision-making and advisory services questions are measured using a five-point Likert scale. The number of respondents was 172 investors. A purposive sampling is used for gathering responses from investors. Structural equation modeling model was run using AMOS 22 version software package.

Findings

The authors found that behavioural biases positively and significantly influence the irrationalities of investment decision-making. The findings of this study also provide empirical evidence that the usage of robo-advisory services, by individual investors, is still incapable of mitigating behavioural biases, such as overconfidence bias and loss-aversion bias.

Research limitations/implications

The sample size of this study could be a limiting factor. This study is limited only to two biases, while other behavioural biases affect the investment decision-making of the investors, which can be considered for future research along with the impact of robo-advisory services in different socio-cultural backgrounds.

Practical implications

This study will assist fintech start-ups, banks, architecture of robo advisors, product owners and wealth management service providers improvise their products, platforms and offerings of these automated advisory services. This could help individual investors to mitigate their behavioural biases in investment decision-making.

Social implications

This study is useful to society as the awareness of robo-advisory services is very less, at present, and there is a need to increase the usage of these services to extend the benefit of this to the lower stratum of society. These services would be useful to all investors who find it difficult to afford financial advisors and help them mitigate their behavioural biases for investment decision-making.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its type that establishes the linkage between behavioural biases, digital innovation in fintech, i.e. robo-advisory services and individual investor’s investment decision-making in individual investor of the Indian stock market.
A new imputation-based incomplete data-driven fuzzy modeling for accuracy improvement in ubiquitous computing applications
Authors: Goel Sonia , Tushir Meena
Published: July 2021

Purpose

In real-world decision-making, high accuracy data analysis is essential in a ubiquitous environment. However, we encounter missing data while collecting user-related data information because of various privacy concerns on account of a user. This paper aims to deal with incomplete data for fuzzy model identification, a new method of parameter estimation of a Takagi–Sugeno model in the presence of missing features.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, authors proposed a three-fold approach for fuzzy model identification in which imputation-based linear interpolation technique is used to estimate missing features of the data, and then fuzzy c-means clustering is used for determining optimal number of rules and for the determination of parameters of membership functions of the fuzzy model. Finally, the optimization of the all antecedent and consequent parameters along with the width of the antecedent (Gaussian) membership function is done by gradient descent algorithm based on the minimization of root mean square error.

Findings

The proposed method is tested on two well-known simulation examples as well as on a real data set, and the performance is compared with some traditional methods. The result analysis and statistical analysis show that the proposed model has achieved a considerable improvement in accuracy in the presence of varying degree of data incompleteness.

Originality/value

The proposed method works well for fuzzy model identification method, a new method of parameter estimation of a Takagi–Sugeno model in the presence of missing features with varying degree of missing data as compared to some well-known methods.
Increasing the value of quality management systems
Authors: Gremyr Ida , Lenning Jan , Elg Mattias , Martin Jason
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Over one million organisations have a quality management system (QMS) certified to the ISO 9001 standard; however, the system requires a lot of resources and its value has been questioned. This critique also leads to a questioning of the strategic relevance of quality management. The purpose of this paper is to explore how different types of uses of QMS correlate with management perceptions of quality management in terms of respect, cost and strategic importance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a mixed method data collection strategy, quantitative data being collected from a survey in 8 organisations (n = 108) and qualitative data being collected from 12 interviews with quality managers in 12 different organisations.

Findings

The paper shows that a compliance-oriented QMS usage will more likely lead to a view of quality management as costly and of little respect, than a business or improvement-oriented QMS usage. Moreover, it nuances the view on compliance-oriented usage, showing that it is mainly documentation that negatively influences how management views quality management, whereas standardisation that is part of the compliance-oriented use is perceived as more value-adding.

Originality/value

This paper suggests three types of QMS use, namely, business management, improvement, and compliance-oriented use, and that a wise selection of how to use the QMS will affect the respect, strategic importance and cost that management associates with quality management.
Consumer values in the Brazilian market for ethical cosmetics
Authors: Graciano Paola , Gularte Aline Cafruni , Lermen Fernando Henrique , de Barcellos Marcia Dutra
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the personal values of consumers of ethical cosmetics in Brazil, using the resulting personality types to segment consumers for the development of strategies by Brazilian retailers and international players.

Design/methodology/approach

This study administered the psychometric Values and Lifestyles Scale (VALS) via an online survey with 302 consumers of ethical cosmetics. First, exploratory factorial analysis was employed to identify the behavior of VALS' factors within the sample. Second, cluster analysis was performed using hierarchical clustering technique in order to link demographic variables and VALS' types to form specific consumer profiles.

Findings

The study found eight VALS types in the sample respondents but with a different configuration than the original factors. They were named, respectively, “Avant-garde”, “Oriented to fashion”, “Artisans”, “Committed to morality and religion”, “Leader of a group”, “Theoretical”, “Ingenious” and “Conservative”. Results indicated a demographically homogeneous sample with personality profiles mostly placed among VALS' original factors “Experiencer”, “Thinker” and “Innovator”.

Research limitations/implications

Results may vary within other cultural contexts and different means of investigation suggesting future research opportunities.

Practical implications

Ethical demands concerning health and environmental preservation are no longer neglectable. The study of consumers' personal values can contribute to formulate suitable retail strategies for expected demands of consumers in the ethical cosmetics segment.

Originality/value

These findings are expected to provide resources for decision-makers, academics, practitioners and marketers concerning several points of sensitivity in their relationship with ethical consumers.
LIS neutrality: a Wittgensteinian interpretation
Authors: Macdonald Stephen
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This study builds on a first study by Macdonald and Birdi (2019) that argues the concept of neutrality within library and information science (LIS) demands a sensitivity to context often omitted in existing literature. This study aims to develop the conceptual architecture of LIS neutrality in a way that is more conducive to reconciling the contextual nuance found in within the first study.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken develops LIS neutrality through a Wittgensteinian lens. Two distinct ideas are explored. First, Wittgenstein's notion of a “grammatical investigation” is used to map the varied contexts in which neutrality is used within professional practice. Liberal neutrality is explored as an analogy to lend plausibility to the concept's heterogeneity. Second, Wittgenstein's “family resemblance” develops the concept in a way that facilitates greater contextual understanding.

Findings

Three features of liberal neutrality literature: conceptual heterogeneity, distinct justifications for specific conceptions and the possibility that neutrality may operate with limited scope are applied to LIS neutrality. All three features successfully translate, leaving “latent conceptual space” to understand LIS neutrality as nuanced and multifaceted. Second, “family resemblance” also translates successfully, bringing its own pedagogical benefits.

Originality/value

This study's originality lies in its development of LIS neutrality using a descriptive Wittgensteinian lens. Understanding the concept via this paradigm may facilitate a more productive discussion of LIS neutrality and pave the way for a new, less polarised, normative response to it.
Does agri-business/small and medium enterprise investment scheme (AGSMEIS) impact on youth entrepreneurship development in sub-Saharan Africa? Evidence from Nigeria
Authors: Okolo-obasi Nduka Elda , Uduji Joseph Ikechukwu
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the agri-business/small and medium investment schemes (AGSMEIS) in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of the AGSMEIS on youth entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts a survey research technique, aimed at gathering information from a representative sample of the population, as it is essentially cross-sectional, describing and interpreting the current situation. A total of 1,200 respondents were sampled across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Findings

The results from the use of a combined propensity score matching (PSM) and logit model indicate that AGSMEIS initiative generates significance gains in empowering youths in enterprise development, and if enhanced will help many young people become entrepreneurs.

Practical implications

This suggests that AGSMEIS initiative can facilitate youth's access to credit and help them become owners of small and medium enterprises.

Social implications

It implies that investing in young people for small and medium enterprises could bring Nigeria into the modern economy and lift sub-Saharan Africa out of poverty.

Originality/value

This research adds to the literature on youth entrepreneurship development’s debate in developing countries. It concludes that targeting the young people in AGSMEIS should form the foundation of public policy for entrepreneurship, poverty alleviation, and economic development.
Corporate social performance and over-investment: evidence from Germany
Authors: Habermann Florian
Published: July 2021

Purpose

With the Green Deal and Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, the European Union is driving forward its ambition for a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy. For this reason, this paper contributes to the ongoing discussion by examining how overall corporate social performance (CSP) and the respective environmental, social and governance (ESG) pillar performance affects corporate financial performance (CFP). In addition, this study aims to present novel insights by testing a theoretically derived CSP over-investment theory empirically for the German market.

Design/methodology/approach

The final sample includes firms listed on the German Prime Standard (DAX30, MDAX and TecDAX) from 2015 to 2019. The study includes a correlation and regression analysis using fixed effects on 363 firm-year observations to investigate the CSP-CFP relationship. This paper applies accounting and market-based CFP measures and uses Thomson Reuters (TR) ESG scores to measure CSP.

Findings

Overall CSP, social pillar and governance pillar performance improve CFP for firms listed on the German Prime Standard. However, the study provides evidence for a value-destroying effect of CSP over-investment in the social pillar.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of the study are ambiguous. First, firms can improve CFP when doing good, i.e. increase CSP. Second, however, CSP is a concept of decreasing marginal benefits. Consequently, managers can respond to increasing pressure from investors to be “sustainable” with the argument of CSP over-investment. Policymakers must consider materiality as a potential explanation for the over-investment phenomena when framing sustainable development programs, i.e. the EU Green Deal and regulations such as the Directive 2014/95/EU and the Regulation EU 2020/852. Moreover, the study sensitizes society that sustainability efforts do not exclusively affect CFP positively.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to CSP literature by revisiting the CSP-CFP relationship and debuting a CSP over-investment hypothesis on the German market. The results are highly relevant for practitioners, policymakers and society, as the study provides an empirical framework to evaluate CSP properly and reveals the importance of materiality in stakeholder management.
Islamic real estate investment trust: comparative study between emirates Islamic REIT UAE and Al Salam Islamic REIT Malaysia
Authors: Al-Haija Elias Abu , Syed Mehveen
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The Islamic Capital Market (ICM) has witnessed tremendous growth over the years. One of the most interesting growth curves in the ICM instruments is that Islamic Real Estate Investment Trusts (I-REITs). The purpose in this paper is to highlight the concept of I-REIT and to presents a comparative analysis for Emirates I-REIT and Al-Salam I-REIT of UAE and Malaysia to find out the implications of the major differences between the two countries I-REITs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the data in the two I-REITs' financial reports from the years 2015 to 2019. A descriptive (Observational design) data analysis approach is used in comparing both I-REITs by focusing on five different variables that include: portfolio, governance, financial performance, Shariah compliance and risk management.

Findings

The findings offer evidence of key differences between the two countries regarding the I-REITs. The differences found in the implication for all variables that the paper presented, especially the size of the portfolio for each I-REIT along with the Shariah compliance and risk management, Al Salam “Malaysia” used more standard approach than UAE in which the SSB is responsible for setting the guidelines for Emirates REIT. Also, the risk management technique used by the two REITs differs from one another.

Practical implications

This research paper provides an insight for the capital market sectors as an initiative to improve and develop the ICM to play its important role in the economy.

Originality/value

This research paper is an initiative to compare and evaluate the implications of major differences between the I-REITs of the two countries only in the light of recent development in the ICM.
Islamic social finance: a literature review and future research directions
Authors: Kuanova Laura Aibolovna , Sagiyeva Rimma , Shirazi Nasim Shah
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to study the main trends of scientific research in Islamic finance’s social aspects to clarify place, role and functions, especially in the context of increasing social problems. To achieve this goal, this paper focuses on the social component of Islamic finance, analyzes publications on social Islamic finance in the Web of Science database, covering the period from 1979 to 2020, specify the geographical localization of research networks, determines the most cited authors and their scientific position.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have applied several literature review techniques, a bibliometric citation and co-citation analysis, a co-authorship analysis and a review of the most cited papers. The analyzes’ results allow us to offer five future questions in Islamic social finance, zakat and waqf, which have not been investigated before and could influence Islamic social finance and Islamic finance research.

Findings

The authors also derive and summarize five leading future research questions.

Research limitations/implications

This is a limitation of using only the Web of Science Core Collection database as the premier resource and the most trusted citation index for the world’s scientific and scholarly research. Further study might expand the types of analyzed units, include more keywords and include other databases, such as Scopus.

Originality/value

This paper can be considered as an inspirational one to future researchers and policymakers in Islamic social finance.
Assessing critical incidents in the post-formation phase: a matter of entrepreneurial expertise?
Authors: Heinrichs Karin
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Entrepreneurs can easily slide into severe economic crises (Fichman and Levinthal, 1991), in particular, in the first years after their founding. Additionally, research shows that entrepreneurs often lack a realistic evaluation of the entrepreneurial risks and barriers. Referring to research on cognitive and networked expertise (Ericssonet al., 2006; Hakkarainenet al., 2004), recognising and reflecting on potential failure may help to prevent or manage upcoming crises (Mitchellet al., 2008). Thus, this study aims to test whether assessing upcoming crises in a new venture varies along with the level of entrepreneurial expertise.

Design/methodology/approach

In a cross-sectional design with three subgroups (start-up consultants, entrepreneurs and students), this study evaluated critical incidents that have already been validated as likely to emerge in the post-formation phase (Heinrichs and Jäcklin, 2017). Entrepreneurial expertise was measured by seven indicators, chosen based on the approaches of cognitive and networked expertise.

Findings

By applying latent profile analyses, the participants were grouped along with these indicators of expertise in three levels. Analysis of variance showed significant differences amongst the profiles in perceiving critical incidents. Experts rated the incidents significantly higher than semi-experts and novices towards indicating financial risks (medium effect) and the probability that the entrepreneur could manage the upcoming crises (large effect).

Originality/value

The results call for developing and evaluating interventions, e.g. case-oriented entrepreneurship education courses (Heinrichs, 2016), that foster future entrepreneurs’ expertise in perceiving and managing entrepreneurial risks to prevent entrepreneurial failure.
A scenario-based interval-input output model to analyze the risk of COVID-19 pandemic in port logistics
Authors: Sarkar Bishal Dey , Shankar Ravi , Kar Arpan Kumar
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Presently, Indian sectors are manifesting a higher level of interdependency and making the economy more vulnerable to human-caused and natural disasters. COVID-19 pandemic creates a devastating effect on the world economy. The Indian economy was expected to lose around ₹ 32,000 crores every day during the first 21 days of complete lockdown. This motivates to conduct the research on how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the port logistics sector and how the effects of COVID-19 on port logistics propagate to other sectors owing to its interconnectedness and affect the economy of the country.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of the study is analyze how perturbation in one sector can affect the system of interdependent sectors and it is done with interdependency analysis. It uses Wassily Leontief’s inoperability input-output model (IIM) and interval programming (IP) to develop a framework. IP is used to address situations where assumptions are not valid because of uncertainties associated with disruptive events.

Findings

The model helps in describing how the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic in port logistics can propagate owing to the interconnectedness across other sectors. The model uses the latest five-year data available on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development database. It uses metrics like inoperability and economic loss to study the consequences of COVID-19 pandemic on various sectors. This study also presents the ranking of the affected sectors based on their inoperability and economic loss

Research limitations/implications

In the future study, other techniques like dynamic evolution, multiplex network analysis, analytical hierarchy process, pinch analysis, stochastic evolution and pinch graph could be integrated with input-output (I-O) modelling. Integrated stochastic evolution with an I-O model allows capturing the likelihood of the events; it includes probability distributions instead of point estimates for scenario parameters. Methods like dynamic evolution and multiplex network analysis can be introduced in future work to shed lights on interdependency among the sector, which could potentially provide additional insights for transport policy formulations.

Originality/value

This study discusses the theory, methodology and application of the IIM-IP model in the domain of port logistics. The developed IIM-IP model helps decision-makers to manage risk in port logistics. Firstly, it studies how different sectors are interconnected with each other. Secondly, it helps in identifying the most vulnerable sectors based on economic loss and inoperability. Thirdly, it provides the ranking of the sectors based on their economic losses.
Multiple criteria sorting of tourist sites for perceived COVID-19 exposure: the use of VIKORSORT
Authors: Ocampo Lanndon , Yamagishi Kafferine
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Travel interests of tourists during pandemics and outbreaks are reduced due to the prevalence of fear. It induces lifestyle changes, which may hinder efforts to recover the tourism value chain during post-COVID-19 lockdowns. Subscribing to domestic travel and domestic tourism is deemed to mitigate fear and gradually reopen the tourism industry. Although a crucial initiative, evaluating the perceived degree of exposure of tourists to COVID-19 in tourist sites operating under domestic tourism has not been fully explored in the emerging literature, which forms the main departure of this work.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem domain is addressed by adopting multiple criteria sorting method – the VIKORSORT. To demonstrate such application, with 221 survey participants, 35 tourist sites in a province in the central Philippines struggling to revive the tourism industry are evaluated under six attributes that characterize tourists' exposure to COVID-19. To assess its efficacy, the performance of the VIKORSORT is compared to other distance-based multiple criteria sorting methods (i.e. TOPSIS-Sort and CODAS-SORT).

Findings

Results show that proximity and volume of tourist arrivals are considered on top of the priority list of attributes. The use of VIKORSORT yields the assignment of 27 sites to the “moderate exposure” class, and eight under the “high exposure” class, with no tourist site assigned to the “low exposure” class. Sorting the tourist sites reveals some observations that tourists prefer sites (1) with open spaces, (2) with activities having limited group dynamics, (3) that are nature-based, and (4) with tourist arrivals that are not relatively high, with enough land area to practice social distancing. In addition, the assignments of the VIKORSORT with TOPSIS-Sort and CODAS-SORT are consistent at least 90% of the time, demonstrating its efficacy in addressing multiple criteria sorting problems.

Originality/value

This work provides an integrative approach in evaluating tourist sites in view of tourism recovery during pandemics. The findings offer crucial insights for the primary stakeholders (i.e. government, tourist operators, and tourists) in planning, resource allocation decisions, and policy formulation. Policy insights are offered, as well as avenues for future works.
The effect of intangible assets on sustainable growth and firm value – Evidence on intellectual capital investment in companies listed on Bucharest Stock Exchange
Authors: Ionita Catalin , Dinu Elena
Published: July 2021

Purpose

The present study investigates the connection between company investments in intellectual capital (IC) and how they translate into financial value. The aim is to test the impact of intangible assets on the firm value and its sustainable growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs computation models to determine the sustainable growth rate (SGR) and the firm value (FV), and by using the ordinary least squares (OLS) model through a linear regression assesses the relationship between the dependent variables and expenditures on intangibles like R&D, IT programs and patents. A sample of 42 companies has been selected out of the 78 listed at Bucharest Stock Exchange (BSE), based on the appropriateness of the information disclosed in the financial reports for the period 2016–2019.

Findings

The results show that intangibles classified as innovative competences (R&D and Patents) do not have a positive impact on SGR and FV in listed companies from Romania. Moreover, R&D has a negative and significant effect on FV, while IT Programs have a positive and significant impact on FV, but not on the SGR. Variables categorised as economic competencies (Brands, Shares held in associates and jointly controlled entities) and firm structure-specific variables (Leverage, Firm Performance) seem to have a significant effect on SGR and FV. Shares held in associates and jointly controlled entities is the variable that can have the biggest impact when it comes to FV for companies listed at BSE.

Research limitations/implications

Due to non-disclosure of specific information by some companies, or lack of investments in intangibles the sample had to be reduced and does not cover all listed companies.

Practical implications

Companies listed on the Regulated Market from the Bucharest Stock Exchange should maintain their scale of liabilities at a reasonable level when financing intangible assets in order to ensure corporate long-term and sustainable development. Also, these companies should maintain awareness about the importance of intangible assets and invest more in specific sub-components, in order to sustain competitive advantage. Recognizing the roles of intangibles, managers need to develop strategies to invest in profitable intangibles by reasonably allocating their limited resources, in order to achieve sustainable growth and increase company success.

Originality/value

Studies concerning the relation between investments in intangibles and sustainable growth rate and firm value of listed Romanian companies are very scarce. This paper reveals new research, never before undertaken, concerning expenditures on intangibles by Romanian companies and the valuation of such investments on Bucharest Stock Exchange.
Employee state paranoia: linking abusive supervision with employee voice behavior
Authors: Rani Hira , Shah Syed Mir Muhammad , Umrani Waheed Ali , Syed Jawad , Afshan Gul
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Utilizing affective event theory (AET), this paper aims to understand the affective reasoning behind choosing to speak up for or against abusive supervision. For this purpose, the authors examine the underlying mechanism of employee state paranoia in the relationship between abusive supervision and promotive and prohibitive voice of employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from 307 microfinance bank employees were collected using supervisor–subordinate nested design and time-lag approach. The analysis was performed through partial least square (PLS) structural equation modeling using Smart PLS software.

Findings

The results support the direct relationship of abusive supervision with promotive and prohibitive voice. They also support the mediating relation of paranoia arousal between abusive supervision and promotive voice. However, the results do not support the mediating relationship of paranoia arousal between abusive supervision and prohibitive voice.

Originality/value

In light of the literature drawn from AET and empirical data, this study forwards robust recommendations for theory and practice and may assist future researchers interested in the role of employee paranoia arousal.
Translation and validation of the Arabic version of the barrier to access to care evaluation (BACE) scale
Authors: Alenezi Ahmad F. , Aljowder Ahmed , Almarzooqi Mohamed J. , Alsayed Marya , Aldoseri Rashed , Alhaj Omar , Souraya Sally , Thornicroft Graham , Jahrami Haitham
Published: July 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to translate and validate an Arabic version of the Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE) BACE scale to make it appropriate for the targeted socio-cultural and linguistic context.

Design/methodology/approach

This psychometric study has two main compounds: translating the BACE into Arabic and validating it. Using the back-translation method, the authors involved seven professional individuals to maximize the efficacy of the translated version. The authors began with the process of translating the scale from English into Arabic and vice versa followed by evaluation, compression and matching. Later, a pilot study with a sample size of 35 participants was conducted to receive feedback on the Arabic version of the scale. Finally, an online survey was generated and distributed among Arabic-speaking countries; a total of 630 participants were voluntarily involved in this study.

Findings

A total of 630 participants completed the survey with a mean age of 31.4 ± 12.9, and 402 (63.8%) were females. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and McDonald's Omega coefficient were both greater than 0.9. The confirmatory factor analysis was found to fit highly satisfactory with the stigma-related barriers.

Research limitations/implications

The BACE was validated in Arabic and its psychometric properties were examined in-depth and found to be strong.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to translate tools to make mental health more accessible to patients in need.
2020 guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of prurigo
Authors: Satoh Takahiro , Yokozeki Hiroo , Murota Hiroyuki , Tokura Yoshiki , Kabashima Kenji , Takamori Kenji , Shiohara Tetsuo , Morita Eishin , Aiba Setsuya , Aoyama Yumi , Hashimoto Takashi , Katayama Ichiro
Published: July 2021

Prurigo is a treatment‐resistant skin disease characterized by multiple isolated papules/nodules that cause severe itch. Prurigo papules/nodules occur either as primary lesions or as secondary lesions due to persistent scratching. The fundamental concepts and classifications of prurigo have not been sufficiently established, and considerable confusion remains regarding this topic. Clinical guidelines for chronic prurigo in Japan were published in 2012 in an attempt to reduce confusion regarding the concepts of prurigo and to standardize laboratory tests and treatments. However, the diagnostic terms for prurigo and associated concepts have changed over time, and new forms of treatment are under development. We have, thus, updated and revised the guidelines to classify prurigo based on clinical forms and causes, and disease name classifications based on the clinical form have been further simplified, such as prurigo nodularis, prurigo chronica multiformis, and prurigo (not otherwise specified). Expressions for acute, subacute, and chronic forms are not used. These guidelines outline the current concepts and specify treatments for prurigo.
Strong non‐growing season N uptake by deciduous trees in a temperate forest: A 15N isotopic experiment
Authors: Ma Linna , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhang Chaoxue , Lv Yixia , Liu Guofang , Zhang Qibing , Feng Jinchao , Wang Renzhong
Published: July 2021

Nitrogen (N) is a critical element for vegetation growth and subsequent carbon (C) and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. Plant N uptake, the only pathway for plants to directly obtain N from soils, is a bottleneck process for ecosystem C and N cycling. Ecological theories predict that deciduous trees remain dormant and do not take up N during winters as no growth occurs during this season.

In this study, we adopted a 15N isotopic experiment to trace N processes throughout the non‐growing season in a temperate forest in northern China. The 15N‐labelled inorganic N ( and ) and 13C15N‐labelled organic N (glycine and tyrosine; equivalent to 150 mg 15N/m2) were applied to soils at mid‐fall, and the 15N recovery in various components of dominant evergreen and deciduous species was analysed.

We found that soil N transformation remained active in the winter and microbial N immobilization reached its peak in late winter. Surprisingly, deciduous species maintained a high N uptake that was comparable with the evergreen species throughout the non‐growing season. Perennial herbs did not take up N until the next spring. All plant species acquired inorganic N and simple amino acids, while only the tree species utilized complex amino acids. Throughout the non‐growing season, evergreen and deciduous trees showed higher uptake rates for and glycine than and tyrosine, while deciduous shrubs and herbs showed a stronger preference for over other N forms.

Synthesis. The finding that deciduous trees have strong N uptake in the non‐growing season challenges the conventional viewpoint that deciduous trees remain dormant during non‐growing seasons. This mechanism might supplement the algorithm in the model representation of N‐limited temperate forest ecosystems.
Renal lipotoxicity: Insights from experimental models
Authors: Castro Barbara Bruna Abreu , Foresto‐Neto Orestes , Saraiva‐Camara Niels Olsen , Sanders‐Pinheiro Helady
Published: July 2021

In recent decades, there has been a progressive increase in the prevalence of obesity and chronic kidney disease. Renal lipotoxicity has been associated with obesity. Although lipids play fundamental physiological roles, the accumulation of lipids in kidney cells may cause dysfunction and/or renal fibrosis. Adipose tissue that exceeds their lipid storage capacity begins to release triglycerides into the bloodstream that can get stored in several organs, including the kidneys. The mechanisms underlying renal lipotoxicity involve intracellular lipid accumulation and organelle dysfunction, which trigger oxidative stress and inflammation that consequently result in insulin resistance and albuminuria. However, the specific pathways involved in renal lipotoxicity have not yet been fully understood. We aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms by which lipotoxicity affects the renal morphology and function in experimental models of obesity. The accumulation of fatty acids in tubular cells has been described as the main mechanism of lipotoxicity; however, lipids and their metabolism also affect the function and the survival of podocytes. In this review, we presented indication of mitochondrial, lysosomal and endoplasmic reticulum alterations involved in kidney damage caused by obesity. The kidney is vulnerable to lipotoxicity, and studies of the mechanisms underlying renal injury caused by obesity can help identify therapeutic targets to control renal dysfunction.
Exploring metal ion metabolisms to improve xylose fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Palermo Gisele Cristina de Lima , Coutouné Natalia , Bueno João Gabriel Ribeiro , Maciel Lucas Ferreira , dos Santos Leandro Vieira
Published: July 2021

The development of high‐performance xylose‐fermenting yeast is essential to achieve feasible conversion of biomass‐derived sugars in lignocellulose‐based biorefineries. However, engineered C5‐strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae still present low xylose consumption rates under anaerobic conditions. Here, we explore alternative metabolisms involved in metal homeostasis, which positively affect C5 fermentation and analyse the non‐obvious regulatory network connection of both metabolisms using time‐course transcriptome analysis. Our results indicated the vacuolar Fe2+/Mn2+ transporter CCC1, and the protein involved in heavy metal ion homeostasis BSD2, as promising new targets for rational metabolic engineering strategies, enhancing xylose consumption in nine and 2.3‐fold compared with control. Notably, intracellular metal concentration levels were affected differently by mutations and the results were compared with positive controls isu1Δ, a Fe‐S cluster scaffold protein, and ssk2Δ, a component of HOG pathway. Temporal expression profiles indicate a metabolic remodelling in response to xylose, demonstrating changes in the main sugar sensing signalling pathways.
Chest computed tomography findings among adult Indigenous Australians in the Northern Territory of Australia
Authors: Heraganahally Subash Shanthakumar , Howarth Timothy P , Sorger Lisa
Published: July 2021

Introduction

There is sparse evidence in the literature in relation to the chest computed tomography (CT) findings among adult Indigenous Australians with chronic respiratory conditions.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients who underwent chest CT between 2012 and 2020 among those referred to undergo lung function tests (spirometry) were assessed for the prevalence of abnormal chest CT radiological findings.

Results

Of the 402 patients (59% female) included in this study, 331 (82%) had an abnormality identified on chest CT. Most abnormalities occurred alongside one (25%) or multiple (46%) other CT abnormalities. Airway disease ((AD) (including, emphysema, airway wall thickening and small airway disease) (35%), atelectasis: segmental or lobar collapse (27%), inflammatory opacities (24%) and bronchiectasis (23%) were the most common findings. AD and bronchiectasis were also the most common concurrent abnormalities in 40–50%. Other CT abnormalities noted in isolation or in combination with other CT findings were lung nodules (19%), lymph node enlargement (17%), consolidation or mass (17%), followed by lung cysts, ground‐glass opacity, lung parenchymal architectural distortion, cavitating lung lesions and chronic pleural effusion were observed in ≤10%. Predictive models for odds of abnormality and outcomes showed age, smoking and underweight were associated with AD, and male sex and very remote residence were associated with bronchiectasis.

Conclusion

This study has illustrated that Indigenous Australian adults have a high prevalence of multiple chest CT abnormalities that may impose unprecedented diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in this population. Further studies are warranted to determine the long‐term implications and prognostic significance of the CT findings as demonstrated in this study.
One of these wolves is not like the other: morphological effects and conservation implications of captivity in Mexican wolves
Authors: Siciliano‐Martina L. , Light J. E. , Riley D. G. , Lawing A. M.
Published: July 2021

Maintaining animal populations in captivity can be a useful way to conserve species, especially those that are extinct in the wild or endangered in their native habitats. These animals could be reintroduced into the wild from captivity if conditions improve. However, captive populations of endangered species are often established with few wild‐caught individuals and are maintained in novel habitats, conditions which may make these populations prone to morphological divergence. Changes in cranial morphology, in particular, may limit reintroduction success because these morphological changes may alter cranial functionality related to capturing and consuming prey. To assess whether unintentional morphological changes occur in captivity, we examined the crania and mandibles of 275 specimens of wild, captive and reintroduced Mexican wolvesCanis lupus baileyi. We detected significant differences in skull size and shape among these populations. Captive specimens displayed the greatest overall shape variation and were significantly differentiated from the wild population in regions of the skull that are essential to cranial functionality. The reintroduced population displayed the narrowest trait distribution, with cranial morphology that grouped consistently with the captive morphotype. The small number of individuals of the founding population along with the increased variation in cranial morphology among captive Mexican wolves suggests that morphological changes in captivity may be related to genetic changes such as genetic drift or relaxed selection. This study helps to define the changes that may occur in captivity, the potential mechanisms behind these shifts, and the ways in which morphological variation in captive populations may impact conservation initiatives.
Morphometric and volumetric analysis of the cervical spinal cord and vertebral canal using computed tomography images in normal Van cats
Authors: Elasan Sadi , Yilmaz Osman
Published: July 2021

This study was performed on Van cats to determine the volumetric, morphometric and surface area measurement values of their cervical spinal cords (SC) and vertebral canals (CC) and the ratios between their dimensions using computed tomography (CT) images. The study also aims to reveal any biometric differences in these values between the two sexes. Spinal cord and vertebral canal CT images of 16 healthy adult Van cats (8 males and 8 females) were used in the study. First, three measurement points were selected for each vertebra on their cranial, medial and caudal sections along the sagittal axis. Next, the morphometric values were obtained using the transversal images of these measurement points. The surface areas for the SC and CC were calculated using the stereological planimetry method. The Cavalieri's principle was then used to calculate the relevant anatomic structure volumes. The obtained values were then statistically analysed. SC and CC were found to be larger in males in general, while ‘SC cranial/CC cranial’ and ‘SC medial/CC medial’ dimensions and volume ratios were found to be larger in female cats on average. Bodyweight and age values were found to have a negative correlation with SC and CC ratio, but the correlation was statistically insignificant. All SC and CC surface area and volume measurements were found to be higher in male cats (p < .05). We believe the results obtained by this study will provide valuable insight into veterinary clinicians in evaluating pathological lesions in the cervical spinal cord and vertebral canal CT scans.
Clinical significance and prognostic value of circulating B10 cells in colorectal cancer
Authors: Qiu Zhaoyan , Li Qian , Lu Yixun , Wang Qian
Published: July 2021

Background

B10 cells, a subset of regulatory B cells, can inhibit antitumor response and thus promote tumor development. This study explored the clinical meaning and prognostic value of circulating B10 cells in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Materials and methods

The proportion of B10 cells in peripheral blood in CRC patients and healthy controls was detected by multicolor flow cytometry.

Results

The proportion of circulating B10 cells was remarkably elevated in CRC patients compared to normal controls (% of CD19+B cells; 16.6% (IQR 6.0%) versus 9.0% (IQR 5.7%), p < 0.001). B10 cells proportion was associated with tumor size, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage in CRC. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that CRC patients with high B10 cells proportion suffered worse overall survival than those with low B10 cells proportion. Multivariate analysis revealed that the proportion of B10 cells was an independent prognostic indicator for CRC patients.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the proportion of circulating B10 cells is an independent prognostic factor for patients with CRC and thus may help guide the clinical decision in CRC.
In vitro thrombogenicity testing of pulsatile mechanical circulatory support systems: Design and proof‐of‐concept
Authors: Brockhaus Moritz K. , Behbahani Mehdi J. , Muris Farina , Jansen Sebastian V. , Schmitz‐Rode Thomas , Steinseifer Ulrich , Clauser Johanna C.
Published: July 2021

Thrombogenic complications are a main issue in mechanical circulatory support (MCS). There is no validated in vitro method available to quantitatively assess the thrombogenic performance of pulsatile MCS devices under realistic hemodynamic conditions. The aim of this study is to propose a method to evaluate the thrombogenic potential of new designs without the use of complex in‐vivo trials. This study presents a novel in vitro method for reproducible thrombogenicity testing of pulsatile MCS systems using low molecular weight heparinized porcine blood. Blood parameters are continuously measured with full blood thromboelastometry (ROTEM; EXTEM, FIBTEM and a custom‐made analysis HEPNATEM). Thrombus formation is optically observed after four hours of testing. The results of three experiments are presented each with two parallel loops. The area of thrombus formation inside the MCS device was reproducible. The implantation of a filter inside the loop catches embolizing thrombi without a measurable increase of platelet activation, allowing conclusions of the place of origin of thrombi inside the device. EXTEM and FIBTEM parameters such as clotting velocity (α) and maximum clot firmness (MCF) show a total decrease by around 6% with a characteristic kink after 180 minutes. HEPNATEM α and MCF rise within the first 180 minutes indicate a continuously increasing activation level of coagulation. After 180 minutes, the consumption of clotting factors prevails, resulting in a decrease of α and MCF. With the designed mock loop and the presented protocol we are able to identify thrombogenic hot spots inside a pulsatile pump and characterize their thrombogenic potential.
Foreign disinformation operation's affective engagement: Valence versus discrete emotions as drivers of tweet popularity
Authors: Cheung‐Blunden Violet , Sonar Kunal Uday , Zhou Emily Ann , Tan Caleb
Published: July 2021

Twitter's 2018 release of its data corpus on Iran‐ and Russia‐backed accounts provided an opportunity to examine whether emotion‐laden tweets reached a wider audience than nonemotional tweets in the first large‐scale attempt to interfere in the US presidential election in 2016. We contrasted the dimensional and discrete theories of emotion by comparing tweets’ virality as a function of their valence or discrete emotional content. While both perspectives were supported by the popularity of positive and joyful tweets, the unpopularity of negative and fearful tweets uniquely supported the discrete view. The robustness of this theoretically insightful finding was checked by applying a set of keywords from the Department of Homeland Security to identify tweets that were both negative and fear‐evoking. Iranian and Russian disinformation operatives seemed unaware of negative and fearful tweets’ unpopularity and composed most posts with these sentiments. This study's findings explored the digital extensions of two emotion theories and balanced the prevailing media reporting on foreign disinformation operations’ sophistication.