bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How optimistic do citizens feel about digital contact tracing? – Perspectives from developing countries
Authors: S.V. Praveen , Ittamalla Rajesh , Subramanian Dhilip
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Despite numerous positive aspects of digital contact tracing, the implied nature of contact tracing is still viewed with skepticism. Those in favor of contact tracing often undermine various risks involved with it, while those against it often undermine its positive benefits. However, unless the government and the app makers can convince a significant section of the population to use digital contact apps, desired results cannot be achieved. This study aims to focus on analyzing the perception of citizens belonging to developing countries about digital contact tracing.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, data were collected from Twitter. Tweets containing hashtag and the word “contact tracing” were crawled using Python library Tweepy. Tweets across the top five developing countries (India, Brazil, South Africa, Argentina and Columbia) with high COVID-19 cases were collected for this study. After eliminating tweets of other languages, we selected 50,000 unique English tweets for this study. Using the machine learning algorithm, we have detected the sentiment of all the tweets belonging to each country. Structural topic modeling was performed for the tweets to understand the concerns shared by citizens of the developing countries about digital contact tracing.

Findings

The study was conducted in two parts. Study 1 results show that Indians and Brazilians citizens record more negative sentiments toward “digital contact tracing” than other major developing countries. Surprisingly, the citizens of India and Brazil also records more positive sentiments about contact tracing. This shows the polarized nature of the population of both countries while dealing with digital contact tracing. Overall, only 33.3% of total tweets were positively related to contact tracing, while 53.7% of the total tweets were neutral. Study 2 results show that factors such as the reliability of the contact tracing apps, contact tracing may lead to unnecessary panic, invasion of privacy and data misuse as the prominent reasons why the citizens of the five countries feel pessimistic about contact tracing.

Originality/value

After the COVID-19 strikes, numerous studies were conducted to analyze and suggest the best possible way of implementing digital contact tracing to curb COVID. However, only a handful of studies were conducted examining how the general public perceives the concept of digital contact tracing, especially pertaining to developing countries. This study fills that gap.
Measuring ethical judgement on ethical choice in an ethical system: a confirmatory study on Islamic banks in UAE
Authors: Shamsudheen Shinaj Valangattil , Rosly Saiful Azhar
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of ethical judgement on decision-making behaviour related to ethical issues of Islamic banking practitioners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a confirmatory approach in which validated/established “normative ethical standards” are taken into the consideration as theoretical underpinning. In total, 262 samples are collected from Islamic banking practitioners in the UAE and data analysis is conducted using structural equation modelling.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that the decision-making behaviour related to ethical issues of Islamic banking practitioners in UAE does not adhere to any set of normative ethical standards and respondents are pragmatic in nature when it comes to the decision-making behaviour related to ethical matters.

Practical implications

The study elucidates to what extent Islamic banking practitioners have encountered themselves with situations that demand the proper attention to the ethical aspects, which affecting decision-making behaviour related to ethical issues. According to the findings, those situations considerably demand the attention of ethical judgement in the decision-making behaviour of Islamic banking practitioners. Hence, it is recommended for Islamic banks in UAE to contain or intensify the training on the importance of ethics, Islamic thought and worldview to enhance corporate decision-making and banking profitability within the purview of Islamic principles.

Originality/value

While ample emphasis has been given to the juristic (fiqh) aspects of Sharīʿah-compliant in Islamic banking and finance, relatively little has been attempted to explore its ethical dimensions (akhlaq) in the compliance parameters. Further, Sharīʿah-compliant has been product-centric rather than people-centric. While there is numerous literature documented that links ethics and Islamic banking and finance, ethical framework and practice in Islamic finance institutions, studies focusing on the “people” and their “ethical decision-making behaviour” in Islamic financial institutions found missing in the literature. These gaps serve as justification for undertaking this research.
Too big to fail? Accounting for predictions of financial distress in English professional football clubs
Authors: Plumley Daniel , Serbera Jean-Philippe , Wilson Rob
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper analyses English Premier League (EPL) and English Football League (EFL) championship clubs during the period 2002–2019 to anticipate financial distress with specific reference to footballs' Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected for 43 professional football clubs competing in the EPL and Championship for the financial year ends 2002–2019. Analysis was conducted using theZ-score methodology and additional statistical tests were conducted to measure differences between groups. Data was split into two distinct periods to analyse club finances pre- and post-FFP.

Findings

The results show significant cases of financial distress amongst clubs in both divisions and that Championship clubs are in significantly poorer financial health than EPL clubs. In some cases, financially sustainability has worsened post-FFP. The “big 6” clubs – due to their size – seem to be more financially sound than the rest of the EPL, thus preventing a “too big to fail” effect. Overall, the financial situation in English football remains poor, a position that could be exacerbated by the economic crisis, caused by COVID-19.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are not generalisable outside of the English football industry and the data is susceptible to usual accounting techniques and treatments.

Practical implications

The paper recommends a re-distribution of broadcasting rights, on a more equal basis and incentivised with cost-reduction targets. The implementation of a hard salary cap at league level is also recommended to control costs. Furthermore, FFP regulations should be re-visited to deliver the original objectives of bringing about financial sustainability in European football.

Originality/value

The paper extends the evidence base of measuring financial distress in professional team sports and is also the first paper of its kind to examine this in relation to Championship clubs.
Orchestrator’s interaction in hub-teams facilitating innovation network co-creation
Authors: Andresen Edith
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to identify and develop a framework to clarify facilitating orchestrator hub-team roles; their interactions, linked capabilities and activities; and the hub-team concept. This framework is illustrated by a case study of an orchestrator hub-team facilitating cross-country and network co-creation in Northern Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Design/methodology/approach

The following two approaches are used: a conceptual approach that combines various source materials and concepts related to the “bricolage approach”; and an empirical approach that illustrates the conceptual framework using a longitudinal, qualitative, single-case study and the action research method.

Findings

By combining research related to three differing yet somewhat overlapping research perspectives, three facilitating orchestrator hub-team roles are identified, linked to orchestrator capabilities and activities relevant to innovative value creation in extensive networks including both private and public actors highlighting the role of people in networks. An orchestrator hub-team framework and five related activity categories are developed and introduced.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to research on the orchestration of innovative co-creation in extensive networks and network management by clarifying the facilitating orchestrator hub-team roles and their related capabilities and activities, and thereby describing the role of a centrally positioned hub-team.

Practical implications

The hub-team framework may bring structure and understanding to hub-teams, thus easing and enabling orchestration and value co-creation.

Originality/value

This study offers a further developed, integrated framework for intermediating the facilitating roles of a hub-team orchestrating extensive network and public/private co-creation.
Indian educators’ awareness and attitude towards assistive technology
Authors: Kundu Arnab , Bej Tripti , Dey Kedar Nath
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate Indian mainstream secondary school teachers’ awareness and attitude toward assistive technology (AT) and its implementation level in an inclusive setting.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed a descriptive survey method within the cross-sectional research design, and the selected approach consisted of a mixture of quantitative (e.g. questionnaire surveys) and qualitative (e.g. interviews) methods. A survey was distributed among 150 teachers from 15 secondary schools following the stratified random sampling technique. Collected data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially.

Findings

Findings revealed that teachers’ awareness of AT was not up to the satisfactory level yet they showed an overall positive attitude toward it. Regarding teachers’ knowledge, professional support or institutional support, almost everywhere the inadequacy was obvious. These schools were running with a poor resource pool of assistive products along with a squat implementation level. Hence special needs students did not get required supports from schools as they deserved which had been hampering the overall inclusive atmosphere. Lack of suitable policies, adequate awareness and financial limitations were evolved as major barriers in the implementation of AT in these schools. Further, statistical analysis revealed a surprising output that male teachers showed slightly higher awareness level regarding AT than their female counterparts but in respect of attitude they were found overpowered by the females. Teachers of urban schools also exhibited slightly better awareness and attitude toward AT than those of rural schools.

Research limitations/implications

The study has a high research value for not only having a scarcity of past studies on this topic but also in developing the inclusive education concept in India by enhancing the use of AT for making the process effective and efficient so far as the academic achievements of students with special needs is concerned. The survey can also serve as a source for academic planners in the country by getting information on the current state of resources, both human and material, and thus by making suitable measures for optimum use of available resources.

Practical implications

The write up of this paper was very difficult, as there were almost no previous studies done on this topic in the past in India, and we had to face an acute shortage of related literature. So, this study would prove to be a good addition in this respect for future researchers.

Originality/value

This is the reporting of an original research conducted in India. To do this study, the authors conducted intensive surveys, interviews and observations. The write up of the findings focuses mainly on the survey and interview data. This type of the study is exclusive in the Indian context and can help Indian policymakers and many other similar developing countries on the globe.
The influence of personal motivation and environmental stimuli on customer participation and engagement behavior: the mediating role of experience evaluation
Authors: Guo Lingyun , Hu Xiayu , Wei Xuguang , Cai Xiaonan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to help hosts or service providers of sharing economy-based accommodation (SEA) to attract new customers and retain existing customers by exploring the antecedents and outcomes of customers’ participation intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire-based empirical study was conducted to explore the proposed relationships in SEA. Partial least squares modeling with SmartPLS was used to estimate the model and interpret the results.

Findings

The study shows that personal factors (utilitarian and hedonic motivation) positively influence customers’ participation intention. The relationship between environmental stimuli (perceived information fit-to-task and perceived visual appeal) and participation intention is negatively moderated by hedonic motivation. Furthermore, the results suggest a positive effect of participation intention on customer engagement behavior and the partial mediating role of experience evaluation.

Practical implications

This paper provides industry practitioners of SEA with valuable insights on attracting new customers and retaining regular customers. First, they can distinguish customers in terms of motivation and provide information based on their requirements. Second, they can encourage customers to evaluate their experience and provide feedback, which would help in promoting the accommodation and service and building a long-term and harmonious relationship with the customers.

Originality/value

This study first investigates the interaction effect of personal motivation and environmental stimuli on participation intention in SEA. It further examines the influence of participation intention on customer engagement behavior and the mediating role of experience evaluation.
Improving project management curriculum by aligning course learning outcomes with Bloom’s taxonomy framework
Authors: Karanja Erastus , Malone Laurell C.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how to improve the project management (PM) curriculum by evaluating the nature and alignment of learning outcomes in the PM course syllabi with Bloom’s Taxonomy framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology for this study is an integrative approach that uses document analysis and content analysis. The data set was selected based on a purposeful sampling method and came from PM course syllabi for classes that were taught during the 2016–2018 academic years.

Findings

Results revealed that most of the reviewed PM course syllabi contained learning outcomes although they were written and assessed at the lower levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy and knowledge dimensions. The study calls for the academy and industry to partner in improving the PM curriculum to lower the PM talent deficit and increase project success rates.

Research limitations/implications

The absence of PM learning outcomes or the presence of poorly written PM learning outcomes in a course implies that the academy should provide professional development programs to help professors learn how to formulate and write specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely learning outcomes. The professors should also ensure that the learning outcomes use a type of cognitive taxonomy that is aligned with the appropriate assessments to measure, monitor and guarantee assurance of learning.

Practical implications

Academy and industry partners can work collaboratively to provide students with opportunities that expose them to real-world experiential projects, internships and job opportunities while concurrently giving them hands-on practical applications of learned PM knowledge and skills. The society will be well served when the academy is able to produce well-qualified PM personnel capable of successfully carrying out PM activities and lowering the project’s failure rates.

Social implications

The society will be well served when the academy is able to produce well-qualified PM personnel capable of successfully carrying out PM activities and lowering the project’s failure rates.

Originality/value

To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first study to specifically investigate the presence and nature of PM learning outcomes in course syllabi. By evaluating the alignment between PM learning outcomes and Bloom’s Taxonomy action verbs and cognitive processes, the study provides some exemplars of well-written and measurable learning outcomes that professors can use to inform their PM curriculum through course design or redesign.
Religio-centric product strategy on marketing performance
Authors: Hendar Hendar , Zulfa Moch. , Ratnawati Alifah , Mulyana Mulyana
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate and test the role of religio-centric product strategy (RPS) in mediating the relationship among marketing innovativeness (MI), market sensing capability (MSC), customer relationship management capability (CRMC) and brand management capability (BMC) with marketing performance (MP) in a religious-based industry. This is in accordance with the conditions of Indonesian religious people and the increasing demand for Muslim fashion products.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper selected 330 small fashion businesses in Indonesia and tested the regressive relations of the 6 constructs.

Findings

The findings showed that MI, MSC, CRMC and BMC have a positive effect on RPS and RPS also has a positive effect on MP, so that RPS acts as mediation in the relationship among MI, MSC, CRMC and BMC with MP.

Research limitations/implications

In-depth research on other dimensions of the role of antecedent variable of RPS, such as NPD capability, specialized marketing capability, resource reconfiguration marketing capability, architectural marketing capability and marketing resources that are interesting to discuss (Morgan, 2012), has not been done in research.

Originality/value

By examining the literature on dynamic capability, marketing strategy, entrepreneurship and business performance, this paper offers a unique analysis of dynamic marketing capability and its impact on product strategy and MP in religious-based industries.
Identities at work in developing a new market
Authors: Astner Hanna , Gaddefors Johan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the roles of identities in entrepreneurial processes during the development of a new market. Two research questions are used: How do the founder’s identity, corporate identity and market identity interact as a new market is developing, and what are the functions of identity in the entrepreneurial process?

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative research is grounded in a study of multiple cases, from which five Swedish start-ups have been selected. Interviews were conducted with the founders at several points in time and accompanied by observations of websites, media performance, policy documents and commercial material. Analysis was conducted in an iterative process between empirics and theory.

Findings

The findings show how identities develop in entrepreneurs, firms and the market and how the interactions between these three levels of identity affect the development of each. The authors recognize and discuss three functions of identity: a constructing function, in which identity is used to create a new firm and market; a guiding function, which navigates between identities by imposing identity work on founders, firms and markets; and a configuring function, which takes part in shaping contexts.

Research limitations/implications

This paper opens a space for future research on identities to advance understandings of how new firms and markets are developed. Investigating identity shows the importance of context to entrepreneurial processes. This points towards a need for researching different contexts, but also to the potential limited value of this study.

Practical implications

The paper offers guidance to founders and managers in understanding and navigating different identities. Founders and managers are provided with a set of critical questions, which aim to assist when managing identity-related concerns.

Originality/value

There is a vast amount of literature on the development of companies and markets, yet start-ups in new markets operate in different contexts and face different challenges that we know less about. This paper targets the latter and proposes identity as a useful lens for understanding the dynamics between entrepreneurs, start-ups and the new market.
Green campus paradigms for sustainability attainment in higher education institutions – a comparative study
Authors: Anthony Jnr Bokolo
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the current Green practices implemented in Malaysia higher education institutions toward sustainability attainment by developing a multi-disciplinary comprehensive policy framework to further extend the collaboration among sustainability practitioners in providing integrated data on Green indicators linked to economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainability in higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data which comprises of sustainability archival documents from sixteen universities in Malaysia was used to explore the extent of Green practice for sustainability. In addition, this study also used secondary data from existing literature on sustainable development in Malaysia higher education institutional context.

Findings

Findings from the examined 16 universities and prior sustainability studies in Malaysia universities suggest that higher education institutions in Malaysia are presently implementing Green practices in their university campuses toward attaining sustainability.

Research limitations/implications

Qualitative data is only collected from higher education institutions in Malaysia. Hence, findings from this study cannot be generalized to universities in other countries.

Practical implications

This study provides insights toward infusing Green campus paradigms from a technological perspective to facilitate the exchange of information between sustainability practitioners to produce innovative solutions for addressing sustainability challenges.

Social implications

This research developed a policy framework that provides trans-disciplinary approach to be adopted by higher education institutions in Malaysia and further beyond toward attaining sustainability. Socially, this study provides Green indicators that act as a reference manual and road map toward sustainable development in higher education institutions.

Originality/value

A novel multi-disciplinary comprehensive policy framework is developed grounded on identified Green indicators integrated to provide information on how sustainability practitioners can implement Green practices paradigms across universities. Furthermore, the Green indicators can be used as metrics to provide data for Green practice measurement and monitoring in higher education institutions.
Leveraging social media for knowledge management healthcare capability
Authors: Belitzky Ellen , Bach Christian , Belitzky Erika
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to understand how healthcare social media offer nonmedical psycho-social support for pediatric oncology patients and their care community and how social media can be exploited for healthcare knowledge management.

Design/methodology/approach

Social media capabilities were identified and categorized based on psycho-social support services for pediatric oncology patients, caregivers and their community of care. Data were collected from 187 service sites representing more than 100 organizations. These broadly defined capabilities in trusted care organizations were analyzed to understand use of social media in providing psycho-social support.

Findings

Analysis revealed resource guides, stories and in-person support at clinics as the most prevalent forms of technology-guided psycho-social support. Privacy, security and information integrity rose as technical challenges for interactive social media platforms. Medical community trust is inconsistent, leading to immature adoption of critical psycho-social support as a knowledge management source. Findings further indicate the not-for-profit support sector provides robust social media capabilities compared to the healthcare sector.

Research limitations/implications

Future research may extend to maturing healthcare and not-for-profit sector services and to private sector products such as mobile applications and other technologies.

Practical implications

Survivor and caregiver quality of life depend on psycho-social support communities and services delivered via social media.

Social implications

Child protection social implications require significant attention due to sensitivity of security, privacy concerns and longevity of digital footprints for pediatric patients.

Originality/value

Research demonstrates opportunity for medical provider, healthcare organization, not-for-profit sector, patient and caregiver cooperation using social media. Data indicate healthcare technology systems leveraging social media can extend knowledge management capability beyond organization boundaries.
The validity of Wagner’s law in Egypt from 1960–2018
Authors: Ghazy Noha Hesham , Ghoneim Hebatallah , Paparas Dimitrios
Published: November 2020

Purpose

One of the main theories regarding the relationship between government expenditure and gross domestic product (GDP) is Wagner’s law. This law was developed in the late-19th century by Adolph Wagner (1835–1917), a prominent German economist, and depicts that an increase in government expenditure is a feature often associated with progressive states. This paper aims to examine the validity of Wagner’s law in Egypt for 1960–2018. The relationship between real government expenditure and real GDP is tested using three versions of Wagner’s law.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the validity of Wagner in Egypt, law time-series analysis is used. The methodology used in this paper is: unit-root tests for stationarity, Johansen cointegration approach, error-correction model and Granger causality.

Findings

The results provide strong evidence of long-term relationship between GDP and government expenditure. Moreover, the causal relationship is found to be bi-directional. Hence, this study provides support for Wagner’s law in the examined context.

Research limitations/implications

It should be noted, however, that there are some limitations to this study. For instance, in this paper, the government’s size was measured through government consumption expenditure rather than government expenditure due to data availability, which does not fully capture the government size. Moreover, the data available was limited and does not fully cover the earliest stages of industrialization and urbanization for Egypt. Furthermore, although time-series analysis provides a more contextualized results and conclusions, the obtained conclusions suffer from their limited generalizability.

Originality/value

This paper aims to specifically make a contribution to the empirical literature for Wagner’s law, by testing the Egyptian data using time-series econometric techniques for the longest time period examined so far, which is 1960–2018.
The outcomes of providing lean training to strategic suppliers: a Swedish case study
Authors: Reitsma Ewout , Manfredsson Peter , Hilletofth Per , Andersson Roy
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the outcomes of a leading Swedish truck maker (referred to as “TruckCo” for confidentiality reasons) providing lean training to its strategic suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

A single in-depth case study is conducted, using on-site semi-structured interviews with representatives from TruckCo and its suppliers for data collection.

Findings

The lean training program resulted in four main outcomes. First, financially unstable suppliers were less receptive to the lean training program than financially stable suppliers. Second, the suppliers became easier to collaborate with over time, through improving their internal ways of working and thus creating more trust in terms of reliability. Third, the suppliers improved their ability to identify possible problems that could jeopardize deliveries. Fourth and finally, the suppliers improved their delivery precision.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation of this study is that its findings are based on a single in-depth case study. Another limitation is that all the involved companies originate from Sweden. These limitations should be considered in attempts to replicate or further test the reported findings.

Practical implications

This study provides insights into how a manufacturer can teach lean management to suppliers, and how suppliers can be involved in a manufacturer's journey towards a leaner supply chain. Furthermore, the study reflects more generally on the potential outcomes of a manufacturer providing lean training to suppliers.

Originality/value

This study highlights both TruckCo's and the suppliers' view of the outcomes of the lean training program and discusses how different suppliers adopt the taught lean practices. Avenues for future research are proposed as well.
Older peoples’ sacrifice during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fernandes Adalberto
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to reflect on the roles that are socially attributed to older people in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A discourse analysis of World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for older people and news articles to explore their concepts about this population during COVID-19.

Findings

The author’s interpretation suggests that the WHO provides a restrictive model of action for older people in the pandemic. The history of these people is not valued, and their actions are limited to the maintenance of biological life. This restriction can lead to sacrificial behavior models depicted in the news, demanding a reconceptualization of the notion of older people.

Originality/value

The public model of older people is dangerous for this population during COVID19. The care for older people in this pandemic demands that we co-construct an active role with them for this crisis.
Confinement as a two‐stage turning point: Do changes in identity or social structure predict subsequent changes in criminal activity?*
Authors: Hickert Audrey , Bushway Shawn , Nieuwbeerta Paul , Dirkzwager Anja J.E.
Published: November 2020

Scholars frequently characterize incarceration as a possible turning point in criminal activity. This implies a two‐stage process: 1) change in life‐course mechanisms around confinement and reentry result in 2) subsequent change in criminal activity relative to preconfinement. Following this model, we examine change in criminal activity, criminal identity, and social/structural challenges using data from the Prison Project, a cohort of adult males with short‐term confinement in the Netherlands in 2010–2011. Results of a novel test for within‐individual change in arrests from preconfinement to post‐reentry show that most individuals are stable—yet there is a substantial group who go down meaningfully and a much smaller group who go up. Even though changes in criminal identity from the intervening period do not predict these change groups, increases in social/structural challenges predict those who go up in criminal activity. We build from prior work on desistance and reentry, contrasting our findings and highlighting the unique insight gained from, as well as challenges of, measuring individual change within our two‐stage turning point model. Although life‐course mechanisms often correspond with changes in criminal activity concurrently, identifying individual changes that are predictors of subsequent shifts in criminal offending remains elusive.
Channelling carbon flux through the meta‐cleavage route for improved poly(3‐hydroxyalkanoate) production from benzoate and lignin‐based aromatics in Pseudomonas putida H
Authors: Borrero‐de Acuña José Manuel , Gutierrez‐Urrutia Izabook , Hidalgo‐Dumont Cristian , Aravena‐Carrasco Carla , Orellana‐Saez Matias , Palominos‐Gonzalez Nestor , van Duuren Jozef B. J. H. , Wagner Viktoria , Gläser Lars , Becker Judith , Kohlstedt Michael , Zacconi Flavia C. , Wittmann Christoph , Poblete‐Castro Ignacio
Published: November 2020

Engineered P. putida H sets a benchmark in lignin‐based PHA. Balancing the catechol degrading pathways enables improved PHA production. A DO‐stat fed‐batch process permits the efficient conversion of lignin hydrolysates into biomass and biopolymer.
Blockchain and Cryptoassets: Insights from Practice*
Authors: Bennett Sheldon , Charbonneau Ken , Leopold Ryan , Mezon Linda , Paradine Carol , Scilipoti Anthony , Villmann Rebecca
Published: November 2020

Blockchain and cryptoassets are transforming how business is conducted. Leaders from Canadian practice provide insights on how consultants, standard setters, auditors, and regulators have been getting involved to support business and work through the challenges to raise funds, report to investors, and protect the public interest in a blockchain‐enabled world. These leaders share the challenges and opportunities they see, and the role accountants can play, including how educators and researchers can help.
Precise natal homing and an estimate of age at sexual maturity in hawksbill turtles
Authors: Levasseur K. E. , Stapleton S. P. , Quattro J. M.
Published: November 2020

The geographic specificity of natal philopatry (how precisely breeding individuals return to their natal origins) influences breeding biology, genetic diversity and habitat range, and therefore has important implications for species resiliency and management. Also, the age at which individuals reach sexual maturity and enter the breeding population is a vital parameter for demographic analyses. Empirical research on philopatry and maturation, however, is challenging for long‐lived animals that are difficult to observe, such as marine turtles that have complex oceanic life histories. Regional natal philopatry is well established for marine turtles, but the geographic specificity of philopatry is unclear. Similarly, estimates of age at maturity vary widely, and direct evidence is lacking. Here, we targeted these information gaps by assessing kinship among 256 females from Antigua’s Jumby Bay (JB) hawksbill turtle rookery, a population with demonstrated nest‐site fidelity and neophyte assimilation. We estimated mother–daughter and full sibling relationships with a maximum‐likelihood full‐pedigree reconstruction approach, incorporating genotypic (12 microsatellites), maternal genealogy (mitochondrial DNA) and age structure (long‐term mark–recapture) data. We validated relationships with parentage assignment and pairwise relatedness estimators. Fourteen veteran nesters were the mothers of 42 younger nesters, and 94 nesters formed 35 full sibships. Time between the first nesting records of mothers and their daughters indicated maximum time to maturity as short as 14 years in Caribbean hawksbills. Thirteen of the 14 mothers showed consistently high fidelity to JB for two decades, providing compelling evidence that 41 of these daughters originated from JB nests and returned to this 1‐km‐long natal site to breed. Rookeries with strongly philopatric individuals might have limited colonization potential and be at a disadvantage in the event of habitat loss. This study demonstrates the utility of long‐term mark–recapture data in kinship analyses for answering questions relevant to endangered species conservation.
Cutting efficiency of heat‐treated nickel–titanium single‐file systems at different incidence angles
Authors: Pedullà Eugenio , La Paglia Pietro , La Rosa Giusy Rita Maria , Gueli Anna Maria , Pasquale Stefania , Jaramillo David E. , Forner Leopoldo , Lo Savio Fabio , La Rosa Guido , Rapisarda Ernesto
Published: November 2020

Cutting efficiency of Reciproc R25 (REC) and Reciproc blue R25 (REB) at different inclinations was evaluated. Sixty new files were tested at 90°, 70° and 45° of inclination in relation to the sample (n = 10), using a customised machine. All files were activated in reciprocation against standardised gypsum blocks for 120 s. Cutting efficiency was determined by measuring the block weight loss with an analytical balance and measuring the length of the block surface cut using a digital calliper. Data were statistically analysed (two‐way ANOVA, Bonferroni t‐test) with the significance level set at P < 0.05. There was no difference for REC among the tested angles. REB had no statistical difference between 90° and 70°; however, its cutting efficiency significantly increased at 45°. There was a significant difference between REC and REB at 45° only. Under these conditions, increased file inclination to 45° and blue heat treatment improved cutting efficiency of reciprocating files.
Board‐level employee representative independence: Myth or reality? Theoretical analysis and empirical research—the case for Slovenia
Authors: Franca Valentina , Strojin Štampar Anja
Published: November 2020

This article examines board‐level employee representative independence with regard to said representatives’ dual role as employee representatives and supervisory body members. In the context of corporate governance, board member independence has been of increasing interest, though this has mostly been related to shareholder representatives. We address board‐level employee representative independence focused on Slovenia, a central‐eastern European country with a developed system of employee participation. We conducted qualitative research at twelve public limited companies in Slovenia to gain in‐depth understanding, with a CEO or board member, board‐level employee representative and works councillor not at board‐level being interviewed in situ following the same semi‐structured format. Results indicate legal and practical concern regarding board‐level employee representative independence, calling for further research and regulation.
Exploiting oxidized lipids and the lipid‐binding GPCRs against cardiometabolic diseases
Authors: Guimarães Raphael C. , Gonçalves Tiago T. , Leiria Luiz O.
Published: November 2020

Lipids govern vital cellular processes and drive physiological changes in response to different pathological or environmental cues. Lipid species can be roughly divided into structural and signalling lipids. The former is essential for membrane composition, while the latter are usually oxidized lipids. These mediators provide beneficial effects against cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), including fatty‐liver diseases, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes. For instance, several oxylipins were recently found to improve glucose homeostasis, increase insulin secretion, and inhibit platelet aggregation, while specialized pro‐resolving mediators (SPMs) are able to ameliorate CMD by shaping the immune system. These lipids act mainly by stimulating GPCRs. In this review, we provide an updated and comprehensive overview of the current state of the literature on signalling lipids in the context of CMD. We also highlight the network encompassing the lipid‐modifying enzymes and the lipid‐binding GPCRs, as well as their interactions in health and disease.
Partnering clinician‐ and parent‐led organizations for guidance on puberty and menarche in cerebral palsy and intellectual disability
Authors: Fogel Lynne
Published: November 2020

This commentary is on the original article by Gray et al. on pages 190–195 of this issue.
Risk of cardiac autonomic neuropathy in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults is similar to type 1 diabetes and lower compared to type 2 diabetes: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Maddaloni Ernesto , Moretti Chiara , Del Toro Rossella , Sterpetti Sara , Ievolella Maria Vittoria , Arnesano Gabriele , Strollo Rocky , Briganti Silvia Irina , D'Onofrio Luca , Pozzilli Paolo , Buzzetti Raffaella
Published: November 2020

Aims

Microvascular complications' risk differs between people with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) and people with type 2 diabetes. We aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of cardiac autonomic neuropathy, a life‐threatening complication of diabetes, also varies depending on diabetes type.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 43 adults with LADA, 80 with type 1 diabetes and 61 with type 2 diabetes were screened for cardiac autonomic neuropathy with recommended tests. Logistic regression models were used to test differences between diabetes types adjusting for confounders.

Results

Cardiac autonomic neuropathy was diagnosed in 17 (40%) participants with LADA, 21 (26%) participants with type 1 diabetes and 39 (64%) participants with type 2 diabetes (p < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) for cardiac autonomic neuropathy in type 1 diabetes and in type 2 diabetes compared to LADA were 0.54 (95% CI: 0.25–1.20, p‐value: 0.13) and 2.71 (95% CI: 1.21–6.06, p‐value 0.015) respectively. Smoking (adjOR 3.09, 95% CI: 1.40–6.82, p‐value: 0.005), HDL cholesterol (adjOR 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09–0.93, p‐value: 0.037) and hypertension (adjOR 2.11, 95% CI: 1.05–4.24, p‐value: 0.037) were independent modifiable risk factors for cardiac autonomic neuropathy. Differences among diabetes types did not change after correction for confounders.

Conclusions

This is the first study offering a comparative evaluation of cardiac autonomic neuropathy among LADA, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, showing a lower risk of cardiac autonomic neuropathy in LADA compared to type 2 diabetes and similar compared to type 1 diabetes. This disparity was not due to differences in age, metabolic control or cardiovascular risk factors.
Characteristics and preferences of volunteers in a large national bird conservation program in Australia
Authors: Thomas Janelle L. , Cullen Meghan , O'Leary Danielle , Wilson Caroline , Fitzsimons James A.
Published: November 2020

Volunteers and citizen scientists can make an important contribution to bird monitoring and threatened species conservation projects. Members of BirdLife Australia’s Threatened Bird Network (TBN), a programme which encouraged community participation in conservation projects for threatened birds, were surveyed in 2013 to gain an insight into their demographics and volunteering motivation and preferences. In the 2013 survey, a large proportion of survey respondents were aged between 55 and 74 years old and over half were retired, representing a higher proportion of retired participants than found in a similar study of TBN members in 2000. A large proportion (69%) of respondents had volunteered with TBN projects (occasionally or at least once per year), despite being involved with other environmental groups. Respondents that volunteered mostly preferred short‐term (one day) field‐based volunteer activities, with nearly half also preferring to travel 50 km or less to participate in a project. Less than one third of respondents had never volunteered with TBN projects; this was attributed to not enough projects close to home, time restrictions and lack of transport. Preferences of volunteers in the 2013 survey were similar to those undertaken in 2000 for the majority of responses, including the preference for the activity occurring outdoors, the importance of regular feedback from the organiser, the moderate importance placed on seeing target species and the lack of importance for the provision of transport. A higher importance was placed on the following factors in the 2013 survey responses compared to 2000 (potentially influenced by the higher number of retirees): Having activities closer to home, the activity not being too physically demanding, the opportunity for free time during the activity, good weather was predicted on the day of the activity, existing skills were adequate for the activity, and accommodation was provided if required.
Immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia in 25 adult equids: 1997‐2016
Authors: Easton‐Jones Charlotte A. , Estell Krista E. , Magdesian K. Gary
Published: November 2020

Background

Information concerning clinical presentation, conditions associated with immune‐mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA) and thrombocytopenia (IMTP) and outcome in equids is lacking. Previous case reports suggest that immune‐mediated disease and neoplasia are associated.

Objectives

Characterise the clinical presentation, clinicopathologic data, underlying conditions, treatment and outcome of IMHA and IMTP cases in equids. We hypothesise that IMHA with concurrent thrombocytopenia occurs more often than IMHA or IMTP alone, and that neoplasia is commonly associated with these immune diseases and cases frequently have a poor prognosis.

Study design

Retrospective case‐control study.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed from 1997 to 2016. Twenty‐five equids were diagnosed with IMHA, IMTP or IMHA with thrombocytopenia by Coombs test or flow cytometry. Controls were equids presented for nonimmune‐mediated disease immediately prior to and after study animals. Fisher's exact test was used to compare between groups for categorical variables (P < .05). Results reported as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Unpairedttest and Mann‐Whitney test were used to compare between groups for continuous variables (P < .05).

Results

Neoplasia incidence was significantly higher in the study population (28%) versus controls (8%) (P = .04). Equids with primary disease were more likely to survive to discharge than equids with secondary disease (8/9 vs 7/16;P = .03; OR = 13.3; 95% CI: 1.3‐134.7). Survivors had a significantly lower blood urea nitrogen (BUN) than those that died or were subjected to euthanasia (survivors, 6.1 ± 2.5 mmol/L vs nonsurvivors, 9.9 ± 3.1 mmol/LP = .003). The odds of short‐term mortality were higher in horses presenting with increased BUN (OR = 19.5; 95% CI, 1.8‐214.1;P = .009).

Main limitations

Retrospective nature of the study, small case numbers and limited long‐term follow‐up.

Conclusions

Primary IMHA/IMTP cases have a reasonable prognosis and warrant treatment. Secondary cases have a poor prognosis, and are frequently associated with cancer. BUN may have utility as a prognostic indicator for IMHA/IMTP cases.
Simulation and experimental study of mechanical and fracture behavior of 2.5D woven C‐fiber/aluminum composites under warp directional tension loading
Authors: Wang Zhenjun , Wang Zhongyuan , Liu Yong , Cai Changchun , Xiong Bowen , Wang Zhitai , Xu Zhifeng , Yu Huan
Published: November 2020

The mechanical and fracture behavior of innovative 2.5D woven fabric/aluminum composites under warp directional tension were investigated via micromechanical simulation and experiments. The tensile curves from the simulation correspond well with the testing curves, where calculation errors of the elastic modulus, ultimate strength, and fracture strain are 3.96%, 1.40%, and −5.49%, respectively. The warp yarn interface and neighboring matrix are damaged during the initial tension process. The accumulation and interaction of these damage zones lead to successive failures of the interface, matrix, and weft yarns. The axial fracture of warp yarns ultimately induces failure of the composite, which exhibits transverse crack of weft yarns with interfacial debonding and axial fracture of warp yarns with fiber pulling out. The elastic modulus and ultimate strength increased with an increase in the weft yarn layer spacing or a decrease in the warp yarn layer spacing, whereas the fracture strain decreased with an increase in the layer spacing of the warp or weft yarns.