bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Jamaican micro/small entrepreneurs: a comparative assessment of their motivations and problems
Authors: Bowen Mauvalyn Manzia 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the motivations and challenges faced by three groups of micro and small entrepreneurs in Jamaica, as well as factors that might contribute to their success. Success was operationally defined in the study as profit.

Design/methodology/approach
Data from a survey of 192 micro and small entrepreneurs in the urban informal sector of Jamaica were used in the study. The design tracked a descriptive survey approach with multivariate analysis. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data with some open-ended flexible questions. The structured questionnaires with Likert-type items were used to increase the reliability and the validity of the responses obtained. The open-ended questions were used to gain a better understanding of the background and experience of the respondents and to allow for diverse reactions.

Findings
Results showed that entrepreneurs are motivated by opportunities to create a job for themselves, to increase their income, to be their own boss and control their own destiny, to gain personal security, to acquire personal wealth and build equity for their retirement. Factors that are perceived critical for their success include working hard, displaying good customer service skills, increase in sales, attracting new customers and selling quality goods and services at competitive prices. Major business problems were identified as weak economy, low sales volume, lack of adequate capital, poor infrastructure, crime and violence and too much competition.

Research limitations/implications
The results of this research may lack generalizability because of the research approach, design and methodology.

Practical implications
Implications for policymakers, practice of entrepreneurship in Jamaica as well as information for the academic and research institutions are presented in the paper.

Originality/value
There are numerous management and economic issues that may be addressed by local and regional initiatives through this study. The government, other policy makers, profit and not-profit organizations may therefore need to look more closely at entrepreneurial education and training, advertising and promotion expertise, technology and other infrastructural development to better assist micro and small entrepreneurs. Additionally, leveraging the local academic, scientific and research base through the creation of technology transfer offices will be critical to entrepreneurial success.
Perceived vulnerability to COVID-19, dispositional optimism and intention to adopt preventive health behaviour: an experiment with anti-smoking advertising
Authors: Kapoor Payal S. , Singhal Vanshita 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
High dispositional optimism is often associated with people engaging in behaviour that has adverse effects on their health such as smoking. This study aims to investigate people’s intention to adopt preventive health behaviour by observing the effectiveness of anti-smoking ads during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach
Two studies have been carried out, first with a UK sample and second with the US sample. The studies examined the effectiveness of anti-smoking ad (appeal: high fear vs low fear), smoking behaviour elicited perception of vulnerability to COVID-19 and dispositional optimism on lowering people’s urge to smoke.

Findings
The study findings revealed a high fear appeal ad is more effective in lowering people’s urge to smoke. However, this association is significantly mediated by perception of vulnerability to COVID-19. Further, high dispositional optimism was found to moderate the effect of the anti-smoking ad on the perception of vulnerability to COVID-19, although a comparatively smaller effect was observed for the UK sample. Finally, high dispositional optimism significantly moderated the mediation of vulnerability to COVID-19 on lower urge to smoke only for the US sample.

Originality/value
The study highlights a need for a greater collaborative effort by the public, government, firms in the business of nicotine replacement solutions, socially responsible cigarette and tobacco manufacturing firms and health agencies that may lead to increased preventive health behaviour during the ongoing pandemic.
Developing an electrochemical immunosensor for early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Al-Shami Abdulrahman , Oweis Rami Joseph , Al-Fandi Mohamed Ghazi 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to report on the development of a novel electrochemical amperometric immunosensor to diagnose early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by detecting the Midkine (MDK) biomarker.

Design/methodology/approach
Anti-Midkine antibodies were immobilized covalently through carbodiimides chemistry on carbon screen-printed electrodes modified with carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The development process was characterized using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedimetric spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Differential pulse voltammetry was used to investigate the immunosensor performance in detecting MDK antigen within the concentration range of 1 pg/ml to 100 ng/ml.

Findings
MDK immunosensor exhibited high sensitivity and linearity with a detection limit of 0.8 pg/ml and a correlation coefficient of 0.99. The biosensor also demonstrated high selectivity, stability and reproducibility.

Originality/value
The developed MDK immunosensor could be a promising tool to diagnose HCC and reduce the number of related deaths.
Contextual and task performance: role of employee engagement and organizational culture in hospitality industry
Authors: Bhardwaj Bhawana , Kalia Namrita 
Published: April 2021

PurposeExtensive work related to examining predictors and determinants of employee engagement and job performance have been conducted in past studies. A dearth of studies relating organizational culture and employee engagement with contextual and task performance in the hospitality industry necessitated the present study. This study aims to examine variability in the task and contextual performance owing to employee engagement and organizational culture.Design/methodology/approachThe study has been conducted in four districts of Himachal Pradesh using a multistage sampling technique. A total of 360 hotel employees were involved in collecting their responses through a structured questionnaire.FindingsThe results of multiple regression showed that vigor, dedication and absorption variables of employee engagement contribute toward contextual performance. Vigor and absorption affect the task performance of employees. In the case of contextual performance vigor shows maximum contribution followed by absorption and dedication whereas for task performance, the maximum contribution is exhibited by absorption followed by vigor. Organizational culture sub-variables of experimentation, autonomy and trust came out to be major predictors, which help to improve contextual and task performance of employees.Practical implicationsThe study suggests that psychological ownership, along with trust toward top management can create an enriched work culture, which influenced both the contextual and task performance of employees. The findings of the study can be practically used by government and private organizations for improving workforce performance in the hospitality industry. Future research can be conducted based on the findings of the study.Originality/valueThe study provides insight on how and to what extent cultural and employee engagement variables can affect employee’s contextual and task performance. The present study adds value to the existing literature and investigates the role of culture and employee engagement in enhancing task and contextual job performance. Managers and policymakers can use the findings of the study to improve organizational culture, employee engagement and performance of the employees in the hospitality sector. The study opens avenues for future studies.
Host population dynamics in the face of an evolving pathogen
Authors: Hochachka Wesley M. , Dobson Andrew P. , Hawley Dana M. , Dhondt André A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractInteractions between hosts and pathogens are dynamic at both ecological and evolutionary levels. In the resultant ‘eco‐evolutionary dynamics’ ecological and evolutionary processes affect each other. For example, the house finchHaemorhous mexicanusand its recently emerged pathogen, the bacteriumMycoplasma gallisepticum, form a system in which evidence suggests that changes in bacterial virulence through time enhance levels of host immunity in ways that drive the evolution of virulence in an arms race.We use data from two associated citizen science projects in order to determine whether this arms race has had any detectable effect at the population level in the north‐eastern United States.We used data from two citizen science projects, based on observations of birds at bird feeders, which provide information on the long‐term changes in sizes of aggregations of house finches (host population density), and the probabilities that these house finches have observable disease (disease prevalence).The initial emergence ofM. gallisepticumcaused a rapid halving of house finch densities; this was then followed by house finch populations remaining stable or slowly declining. Disease prevalence also decreased sharply after the initial emergence and has remained low, although with fluctuations through time. Surprisingly, while initially higher local disease prevalence was found at sites with higher local densities of finches, this relationship has reversed over time.The ability of a vertebrate host species, with a generation time of at least 1 year, to maintain stable populations in the face of evolved higher virulence of a bacterium, with generation times measurable in minutes, suggests that genetic changes in the host are insufficient to explain the observed population‐level patterns. We suggest that acquired immunity plays an important role in the observed interaction between house finches andM. gallisepticum.
Development of quaternary nanocomposites made up of cassava starch, cocoa butter, lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion, and brewery spent grain fibers
Authors: Mendes Juliana Farinassi , Norcino Laís Bruno , Martins Heloísa Helena , Manrich Anny , Otoni Caio Gomide , Carvalho Elisângela Elena Nunes , Piccolli Roberta Hilsdorf , Oliveira Juliano Elvis , Pinheiro Ana Carla Marques , Mattoso Luiz Henrique Capparelli 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe report on production of novel quaternary nanocomposite films based on thermoplastic starch (TPS, 8% w/v) derived from cassava, cocoa butter, (CB, 30% wt.%), and lemongrass essential oil (LEO, 1:1) nanoemulsions reinforced with different concentrations of brewery spent grain (BSG, 5 or 10 wt.%) fibers, by continuous casting. The chemical composition, the morphological, thermal, mechanical properties, film barrier, biodegradability in the vegetable compound, in addition to the application in chocolates, have been widely studied. The addition of CB, LEO, and BSG caused relevant changes in the starch‐based films, such as increased extensibility (from 2.4‐BSG5 to 9.4%‐BSG10) and improved barrier to moisture (2.9 and 2.4 g.mm.kPa−1.h−1.m−2). Contrastingly, the thermal stability of the starch film was slightly decreased. The biodegradability of the herein developed quaternary nanocomposite films was the same as that of TPS films, eliminating concerns on the supplementation with active ingredients that are expected to have some biocidal effect. Despite checking antimicrobial activity only by contact under the biocomposites, chocolates packed with the films were well accepted by consumers, especially the samples of white chocolate stored in the BSG5 biocomposite. Overall, this new approach towards quaternary active, biodegradable films produced in a pilot‐scale lamination unit was successful in either improving or at least maintaining the essential properties of TPS‐based films for food packaging applications, while providing them with unique features and functionalities.Practical ApplicationThis contribution relates to new approach toward quaternary films produced in a pilot‐scale lamination unit. It relates to sustainability as it is both biodegradable and based on plant biomass, as well as produced via a clean, through high‐yield process. The four components of the edible films we developed provide it with good in properties performance, as both a passive barrier (i.e. purely physical), and active, related to the sensory attributes of food, essential to be applied in food packaging. The valorization of a BSG also adds to the relevance of our contribution within the circular bioeconomy framework.
Sex‐based differences in fecal short‐chain fatty acid and gut microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome patients
Authors: Sun Qing Hua , Liu Zuo Jing , Zhang Lu , Wei Hui , Song Li Jin , Zhu Shi Wei , He Mei Bo , Duan Li Ping 
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveTo explore alterations in fecal short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and gut microbiota in patients with diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel disease (IBS‐D) and their relationships with clinical manifestations.MethodsWe recruited 162 patients with IBS‐D and 66 healthy controls (HC). Their manifestations and psychological status were evaluated using the IBS severity scoring system and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Colorectal visceral sensitivity was evaluated using a barostat. Systemic inflammation was evaluated using plasma cytokine levels. Fecal SCFA were quantified using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, and fecal microbiota communities were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing.ResultsMore men presented with IBS‐D than women in our patient cohort. Patients with IBS‐D had more severe manifestations, higher HADS score, and a higher rate of previous infectious enteritis than HC. Notably, female patients had significantly higher HADS scores than male patients. Male patients had significantly higher levels of plasma interleukin (IL)‐12, fecal propionate and colorectal visceral sensitivity than male HC, while no differences were observed between female patients and female HC. Fecal acetate, butyrate and valerate correlated with the initial visceral sensory threshold, stressors, and IL‐10 and IL‐12 levels. The propionate‐producing Prevotella 9 genus was significantly increased in male patients and positively correlated with fecal propionate.ConclusionDistinct sex‐based differences in clinical manifestations, fecal SCFA and microbiota richness are found in Chinese patients with IBS‐D, which may be used to diagnose dysbiosis in these patients.
Neural ordinary differential equations for ecological and evolutionary time‐series analysis
Authors: Bonnaffé Willem , Sheldon Ben C. , Coulson Tim 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Inferring the functional shape of ecological and evolutionary processes from time‐series data can be challenging because processes are often not describable with simple equations. The dynamical coupling between variables in time series further complicates the identification of equations through model selection as the inference of a given process is contingent on the accurate depiction of all other processes.

We present a novel method, neural ordinary differential equations (NODEs), for learning ecological and evolutionary processes from time‐series data by modelling dynamical systems as ordinary differential equations and dynamical functions with artificial neural networks (ANNs). Upon successful training, the ANNs converge to functional shapes that best describe the biological processes underlying the dynamics observed, in a way that is robust to mathematical misspecifications of the dynamical model.

We demonstrate NODEs in a population dynamic context and show how they can be used to infer ecological interactions, dynamical causation and equilibrium points. We tested NODEs by analysing well‐understood hare and lynx time‐series data, which revealed that prey–predator oscillations were mainly driven by the interspecific interaction, as well as intraspecific densitydependence, and characterised by a single equilibrium point at the centre of the oscillation.

Our approach is applicable to any system that can be modelled with differential equations, and particularly suitable for linking ecological, evolutionary and environmental dynamics where parametric approaches are too challenging to implement, opening new avenues for theoretical and empirical investigations.
Comments of the AFAANZ Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee on Proposed International Standard on Auditing 600 (ED 600)
Authors: Coram Paul J. , Harding Noel , Hay David C. , Khan Jahanzeb , Prasad Ashna 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) issued for public comment Proposed International Standard on Auditing 600 (Revised) ‘Special Considerations – Audits of Group Financial Statements (Including the Work of Component Auditors) (ED 600). The Australian Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AUASB) and New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (NZAuASB) also called for comments. The Auditing and Assurance Standards Committee of AFAANZ prepared a submission, based on the findings reported in extant research, responding to a number of the questions asked by the IAASB (and AUASB/NZAuASB). This commentary presents the formal submission made to the IAASB (and AUASB/NZAuASB).
The RAP study, report 3: Discoloration of the macular region in patients with macular neovascularization type 3
Authors: Haj Najeeb Bilal , Deak Gabor G. , Schmidt‐Erfurth Ursula , Gerendas Bianca S. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground/AimsTo explore whether the existence and pattern of distribution of macular haemorrhage or exudate can be valuable diagnostic markers for macular neovascularization type 3 (MNV3) in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration.MethodsEighty‐three eyes of 83 consecutive treatment naïve patients with stage 3 MNV3 were enrolled. The diagnosis was based on fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Subretinal and intraretinal haemorrhage and dense exudates were evaluated on colour fundus photography. Fluorescein angiography (FA) images and OCT scans were used to identify the axial location of the haemorrhage. 83 patients with MNV1 and 83 with MNV2 were included as two control groups.ResultsIn the MNV3 group, 62 (75%) eyes had intraretinal haemorrhage and 52 (63%) had dense exudates. 73 (88%) eyes had intraretinal haemorrhage and/or dense exudates. 41 (49%) had both pathologies. The intraretinal haemorrhage was flame shaped over the lesion and punctate or semi‐punctate further away from it and directed to the fovea. No subretinal haemorrhage was noticed. In the MNV1 and MNV2 groups, 11 (13%) and 24 (29%) eyes had subretinal haemorrhage or dense exudates, respectively. No intraretinal haemorrhage was seen in the two control groups. The prevalence of exudates and haemorrhage (irrespective of its location) was greater in MNV3 than in MNV1 or 2 (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe existence and pattern of distribution of intraretinal haemorrhage is pathognomonic of MNV3. It makes (alone or with dense exudates) the diagnose MNV3 possible using fundoscopy or colour fundus photo and without further diagnostic expenditure.
Randomised, phase I pharmacokinetic study of adalimumab biosimilar CT‐P17 (40 mg/0.4 mL) by autoinjector and prefilled syringe in healthy subjects
Authors: Davidson Antonia , Brimhall Darin , Kay Jonathan , Keystone Edward , Lee Sang Joon , Kim Sung Hyun , Bae Yun Ju , Choi Eun Jin , Furst Daniel E. 
Published: April 2021

AimsTo evaluate pharmacokinetic equivalence and preliminary safety of the adalimumab biosimilar CT‐P17 administered via autoinjector (CT‐P17 AI) or prefilled syringe (CT‐P17 PFS) in healthy subjects.MethodsThis phase I, open‐label study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04295356) randomised subjects (1:1) to receive a single 40‐mg (100 mg/mL) dose of CT‐P17 AI or CT‐P17 PFS. Primary endpoint was pharmacokinetic equivalence of CT‐P17 AI to CT‐P17 PFS for: area under the concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0–inf); area under the concentration–time curve from time zero to the last quantifiable concentration (AUC0–last); maximum serum concentration (Cmax). Equivalence was determined if the 90% confidence interval for the geometric least‐squares mean ratio was within the 80–125% equivalence margin. Additional pharmacokinetic endpoints, safety and immunogenicity were evaluated.ResultsOf 193 subjects who were randomised (98 CT‐P17 AI; 95 CT‐P17 PFS), 180 received study drug. Pharmacokinetic equivalence was demonstrated: 90% confidence intervals were within the 80–125% equivalence margin (AUC0–inf: 93.98–114.29; AUC0–last: 91.09–121.86; Cmax: 94.08–111.90). Mean serum CT‐P17 concentrations, secondary pharmacokinetic parameters and numbers of subjects with antidrug antibodies (ADAs) or neutralising ADAs were comparable between groups. AUC0–inf, AUC0–last and Cmax were numerically lower for ADA‐positive than for ADA‐negative subjects (both groups); pharmacokinetic equivalence was also demonstrated among ADA‐positive subjects. CT‐P17 AI and CT‐P17 PFS were well tolerated, with comparable overall safety profiles.ConclusionsCT‐P17 AI and CT‐P17 PFS were pharmacokinetically equivalent. Overall safety and immunogenicity were comparable between the 2 delivery devices.
Contracts, pay and performance in the sport of kings: Evidence from horse racing
Authors: Butler David , Butler Robert , Simmons Robert 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA considerable body of evidence shows that performance‐related pay schemes can raise worker productivity with much of this increase due to worker sorting. However, variations in the power of performance‐related pay contracts are rarely observed. The thoroughbred horse racing industry offers such an opportunity. Contrary to earlier research, we find no evidence of worker shirking when the power of incentive contracts is reduced through jockeys switching from complete performance‐related pay schemes into a salaried (retainer) contract. Moreover, salary contracts result in legacy effects with superior performance continuing for elite jockeys even after their salary agreements have expired. We argue this is due to a reduction in monitoring costs.