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Social interactions are crucial to successfully navigate daily life, and the presence of others can influence attention. With increases in online interactions, we investigated whether implied social presence (e.g., visual depiction of a fictitious player) and implied social interactions (e.g., instructing participants to cooperate or compete) affects attention in virtual settings. Participants completed a visual search task and were either told they were completing the task alone (controls) or they were cooperating/competing with another. Competition instructions led to faster but less accurate responses than cooperation instructions, however changing visual depictions did not affect performance. Compared to control conditions, participants prioritized accuracy during cooperation and speed during competition. Solo search for points led to significantly faster but less accurate performance compared to no points. Our findings suggest that there may be a low threshold to imply social presence, yet our beliefs regarding social interactions plays a role in affecting our attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symbolic effects of bureaucratic representation assume that outcomes for citizen-clients change in response to the mere presence of bureaucrats with similar backgrounds. The social-psychological mechanisms in clients that may explain these changes are barely examined, though. Based on multi-source data on male and female high school students in the Netherlands, this study empirically tests a theoretical model that links student-teacher gender congruence to students' performance in math and Dutch language through the mediating role of students' gender-stereotypical beliefs and self-perceived abilities. The empirical analyses do not support the hypotheses. For student performance in math, no effects were found, while for Dutch language, a negative gender-representation effect was found for male students. In all, the results point at divergent relations between gender congruence, self-perceived abilities and performance for male and female students across subjects. The null results in this study suggest that symbolic effects of gender representation may be affected by national context and socio-economic status which should be considered as new frontiers for future research on representative bureaucracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to evaluate statistically the role of the attitude variable as a mediator in the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) model in the context of mandatory use of technology. We chose this objective to address two research gaps: the prevailing divide in opinions about the role of attitude in technology acceptance models and the contradictory results obtained by acceptance models in the context of mandatory use of technology. Achieving this objective will enable us to address the perennial question of the role of attitude in acceptance literature and to assess the boundaries of UTAUT, thus contributing to its continued development and providing guidance for its evolution. Data were collected from 475 students enrolled in online courses at a Canadian university that required the mandatory use of a learning management system (LMS). Results show that attitude exerts full mediation of the relationships between the independent variables performance expectancy and effort expectancy and the dependent variable behavioural intention. This mediation becomes partial for facilitating conditions and fades out for social influence. We call into question the relevance of behavioural intention as a measure of technology acceptance and present theoretical contributions and practical recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unintentional employee behaviours can be a major cause of security breaches. To mitigate the risk, employees need to habituate their new behaviours, implying a transfer of learning that may occur at 'work' to 'personal' contexts. Against this backdrop, we examine a new construct – IT Assimilation – grounded in situated learning theory by its definition as the incorporation of enterprise IT into an individual's IT repertoire. We use a multi-phase methodological approach to conceptualise the construct and develop a validated scale to measure it. Our findings offer valuable insights for researchers and practitioners about transferring IT behaviours, particularly in the cybersecurity context.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first study to investigate the reciprocal relationship between word of mouse and online trust. It was expected that consumers develop online trust through word of mouse information, and conversely, consumers who trust online sellers consume word of mouse (WOMS) to affirm their initial beliefs. Hypotheses were tested with a sample of 447 consumers based on a three-wave longitudinal design. The results supported that a reciprocal relationship exists between WOMS and online trust. Word of mouse predicted subsequent online trust, and online trust predicted word of mouse. Since these reciprocal effects indicate a virtuous cycle with positive effects of online trust and WOMS for both sellers and consumers, the results of this study have implications for both researchers and practitioners alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) technology has provided a new technique for molecular diagnostics, with superior advantages, such as higher sensitivity, precision, and specificity over quantitative real-time PCRs (qPCR). Eight companies have offered commercial dPCR instruments: Fluidigm Corporation, Bio-Rad, RainDance Technologies, Life Technologies, Qiagen, JN MedSys Clarity, Optolane, and Stilla Technologies Naica. This paper discusses the working principle of each offered dPCR device and compares the associated: technical aspects, usability, costs, and current applications of each dPCR device. Lastly, up-and-coming dPCR technologies are also presented, as anticipation of how the dPCR device landscape may likely morph in the next few years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to make AI tools for spam review detection to be more trustworthy, two types of explanation were designed, the Text-AI tool and the Behaviour-AI tool. The Text-AI tool establishes detection criteria based on the textual features of reviews, while the Behaviour-AI tool establishes detection criteria based on the behavioural features of reviewers. The trust of younger (20–26 years) and older (50–78 years) adults in AI tools and the changes in credibility judgments for reviews and overall attitude toward the product made by them based on AI tools' detection results were measured. We mainly found that: (i) Almost all the older participants reported that they trust AI tools' prediction, but 48.7% of them would abandon AI when AI's prediction was different from their own judgment. (ii) Younger adults showed a higher trust in the Behaviour-AI tool than in the Text-AI tool, especially when the AI tool detected more spam reviews than themselves. (iii) Regardless of age and types of explanation, participants perceived AI tools as more competent and benevolent when AI tools outperformed participants by detecting unexpected spam reviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The e-commerce adoption rate is not the same across countries, and there are significant variations. While most technology adoption research has been carried out in on ecommerce across countries, this study focuses on introducing novel constructs with a mix of cross-cultural study. The present study therefore uses a sample mix from a developed nation (the USA) and a developing nation (India) to explore the e-commerce adoption factors. In this study, the supportive factors of perceived trust are hypothesized as causal factors for e-commerce adoption and studied with USA and India results. The factors considered in the proposed model are: hedonic motivation; comparison shopping; and perceived trust (further classified as honesty, benevolence, and competence). The study used Amazon's MTurk to collect data from Indian (n = 471) and US (n = 440) respondents. The results of the multi-group moderation technique reveal that honesty, comparison shopping, and hedonic motivation were stronger for the US sample, while benevolence and comfort were stronger for the Indian sample. Based on the results, theoretical contributions, managerial implications, and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To stay competitive, retail companies have introduced innovative retailing strategies for enhancing the consumer experience. Among these, omnichannel retailing services are one of the most critical services. However, studies on the loyalty required to secure the market using omnichannel strategies are limited. Instead of arbitrarily selecting key factors for users' loyalty based on previous research data used by users in social networking services were evaluated in this study, and the validity of the selection of variables was verified through network analysis. A structural equation model based on the results of network analysis and the factors influencing online loyalty and offline loyalty were analysed using the model. Therefore, independent variables except for perceived usability exhibited a positive effect on user satisfaction, and user satisfaction had a positive effect on loyalty. Furthermore, offline user satisfaction exhibited a positive effect on online loyalty, but online user satisfaction did not. Suggestions for future research and corporate strategy were provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blockchain, emerging technology, has immense potential to transform supply chain activities. Though blockchain offers more benefits, industries face many challenges in blockchain adoption. This paper aims to develop a framework to identify and evaluate various challenges in adopting blockchain in supply chain management. First, 40 prominent challenges to blockchain adoption were identified using the fuzzy Delphi technique. The challenges were then assessed using an integrated methodology that included the grey-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and the weighted aggregated sum product assessment (WASPAS) method. Case studies of five leather garment manufacturing companies were conducted to test this integrated strategy. To ensure the proposed framework's robustness and viability, a sensitivity analysis was performed. Results indicate lack of knowledge about blockchain technology, non-existence of universal regulatory binding, new organisational policies, reputation-based attack, and vulnerable to cyber-attack as the top five challenges faced by the leather garment manufacturing companies. This study imparts the knowledge, significance and challenges in adopting blockchain technology in supply chain management. The outcome of this study provides structural assistance to the managers by exposing the causeand-effect group challenges in blockchain adoption. By understanding the cause and effect relationship among the challenges, industrial practitioners may devise adequate strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Natural Fibers is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The increasing prevalence of food allergies is a significant challenge to global food health and safety. Various strategies have been deployed to decrease the allergenicity of food for preventing and reducing related disorders. Compared to other methods, fermentation has unique advantages in reducing the allergenicity of food and may represent a new trend in preventing food-induced allergies. This review introduces the characteristics of allergens in various foods, including shellfish, soy, peanut, milk, tree nut, egg, wheat, and fish. The mechanism and pathological symptoms of allergic reactions are then summarized. Furthermore, the advantages of fermentation for reducing the allergenicity of these foods and preventing allergies are evaluated. Fermentation is an efficient approach for reducing or eliminating food allergenicity. Simultaneously, it improved the nutritional value and physicochemical properties of food materials. It is conceivable that a combination of mixed strain fermentation with additional processing, such as heat treatment, pulsed light, and ultrasonication, will efficiently reduce the allergenicity of various foods and preserve their unique taste and nutritional components, providing significance for patients with allergies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saudi universities have suspended the traditional face-to-face classes and moved to online learning to ensure the continuation of the educational process during the COVID-19 pandemic. The speed at which the move to online learning has happened was unprecedented and staggering. Academics, had to improvise and try different e-learning solutions in less-than-ideal circumstances. No matter how powerful and easy-to-use e-learning solutions might be, many academics understandably found the transition to e-learning stressful. This research project looks at the transition experience to online learning from the viewpoint of academics in Saudi universities. It investigates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the adoption of e-learning solutions and how this forced experience would affect the long-term adoption of e-learning solutions. The study employed an online survey administered to academics from all the 24 public universities. The results were quantitatively analysed by using structural equation modelling (SEM). It was found that attitudes toward e-learning, self-efficacy and perceived reliability have significant positive effects on behavioural intention to adopt e-learning. It was also found that COVID-19 has positively affected the long-term adoption of e-learning. Therefore, it is recommended that universities take immediate actions and capitalise on the e-learning experience that academics have gained during COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grading of discs is essential for the assessment of degeneration progression which subsequently plays a vital role in decision making in the removal of a disc. In particular, Pfirrmann's five-scale (1-5) scoring system is widely used in MR image modality for grading the discs. In this study, we have presented a contemporary semiautomatic feature level fusion approach for the classification of intervertebral discs. The data of T2-weighted lumbar MR scans in sagittal plane were collected from 120 distinct subjects. In total, 1123 inter-vertebral disc images were obtained upon performing image augmentation. The experts have segregated the discs into five categories as per Pfirrmann's criteria. This segregation is utilized as ground truth label data for classification. Furthermore, two feature extraction techniques are exploited, one from spatial domain and other follows deep learning process. A popular Local Binary Pattern (LBP) texture descriptor extracts features from spatial domain. In addition, a popular pre-trained Convolution Neural Network (CNN), which acts as a feature extractor, extracts deep features. The training procedure using SVM classifier yields a model built from postfusion feature vectors. Furthermore, to estimate the model's performance, a 5-fold cross-validation is performed by computing principal component analysis as well as without dimensionality reduction. Experiment results obtained on our dataset indicate that after dimensionality reduction, SVM classifier with various kernel functions yields the accuracy up to 92%. A quantitative analysis of the classifier model is presented for parameters, namely - Accuracy, Area Under Curve (AUC), Specificity, Sensitivity, and F1 measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measures of ethical behaviours in research may be subject to social desirability bias (SDB). Most behavioural aspects of software piracy research are a subset of ethical research. Few studies of software piracy have explicitly addressed the issue of SDB. In this article, the extent of SDB that may be present in software piracy is empirically assessed. This was done by comparing SDB in software piracy under three conditions using the 40-item Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR) scale. First, software piracy behaviour was examined in an experimental setting with actual money at stake. This allowed subject behaviour to be observed rather than inferred from self-report responses. Second, a survey was conducted to test the extent of software piracy based on subject self-report responses. Third, the extent of software piracy was also assessed based on peer-report responses (i.e.: the subject reported whether their peers would pirate). A comparison of the responses in the three conditions allows us to draw inferences about SDB in software piracy research. Self-report surveys exhibited high levels of SDB. The behaviour in the experimental condition, and responses in the peer-report survey method, did not exhibit SDB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

User-centred design denotes human-centred design processes for interactive systems that intend to meet consumers' demand for web interface design and usability in human–computer interactions. Perceptions of user interface quality, security, trust, and loyalty were examined in this study. Cross-sectional data were collected from a convenience sample of online consumers in South Africa. A total of 200 self-administered questionnaires were distributed, yielding a 75.5% response rate. Data were analyzed using the multivariate technique. The findings indicate that user interface quality affects perceived security and trust. Perceived security influences trust and customer loyalty, while concern about a perceived low level of security moderates the significant effect of trust on customer loyalty. This implies that reducing perceptions of low security and increasing user interface quality instil trust and develop customer loyalty towards the website. Reducing perceptions of low security contributes in the relationship between trust and customer loyalty in online shopping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence shows that it is paramount for stakeholders to understand the cybersecurity of relevant organizations. However, the secrecy surrounding cyber attacks and how organizations manage their cyber resilience make it impossible for stakeholders to develop this understanding. This paper analyzes organizational cyber resilience, its contextual factors and its impact on the outcomes of cyber attacks based on publicly available data. Using the PRISMA methodology, we collated and analyzed a dataset of 1,145 publicly known cyber attacks. We conceptualize and operationalize cyber resilience from a governance perspective. Our findings indicate that organizations that suffered cyber attacks had the following cyber resilience characteristics: a relatively low level of cyber resilience reflected in the low frequency of cybersecurity roles, low reliance on cybersecurity frameworks, and relatively low strength of prevention, detection, and recovery controls. Cyber resilience is found to be associated with the sector, size, and digital intensity. Linear regression indicates that, expectedly, stronger prevention, detection, and recovery processes are related to lower breach severity and occurrence of investigations or penalties, but contrary to expectations, cybersecurity roles and frameworks are not. Furthermore, better organizational responses are associated with higher breach severity but they are not found to have an impact on the level of investigations, fines, and penalties imposed. We discuss our findings and their implications for cyber resilience regulation, future research, and sector cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel starch grafted zincated nanoclay polymer bio-composites (SZNCPBCs) were synthesized with variable percentages (8%, 10%, and 12%) of clay and nanoclay, acrylic acid, and acrylic amide as monomers, N,N-Methylene bisacrylamide (NNMBA) as crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator. Clays, as well as SZNCPBCs were characterized viz. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Nanocomposite containing 12% nanoclay showed the slowest release rate. However, 8% clay containing nanocomposite recorded higher Olsen-P content and equilibrium water absorbency. SZNCPBCs proved to be an innovative controlled release Zn fertilizer formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major issue in the digital age is how to safeguard the security of the massive amount of data being stored, processed and transferred through digital channels. Organisational communication research into data security shows that people are the weakest link. Non-compliant behaviour can lead to security breaches. Existing studies have focused above all on how employees can be motivated to comply with data security procedures. However, focusing on desirable behaviour does not explain why people often ignore security regulations. In addition, existing research tends to focus primarily on self-reported attitudes and perceptions, which can give a distorted impression of people's actual behaviour. In this paper, we address these issues by combining individual, habitual and situational factors to explain non-compliant behaviour in a vignette study, using SmartPLS to analyse survey data from 651 subjects in a large Dutch government organisation. The results indicate that bad habits play a significant role in non-compliant behaviour. This behaviour is fuelled by situational factors like time pressure, while a lack of self-efficacy also increases non-compliant behaviour. Based on these results, a communication strategy that addresses bad habits in a situational context may provide an alternative way to improve people's compliant behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The auction process can be divided into the auctioning, bidding, winning, and paying stages. Nonpaying bid behavior is a critical issue underlying the customer-to-customer (C2C) business model. This paper proposes and examines a research model that describes nonpaying bid behavior by concisely considering technological (platform quality), psychological (perceived risk), and individual (impulse buying inclination) aspects. The moderation effect of interaction–risk (combined interaction quality and perceived risk) on nonpaying attitude is investigated along with the influence of gender on such moderation effect. The proposed research model is examined by performing an empirical quantitative survey among users of a C2C auction platform. Based on data collected from 303 valid samples, results show that impulsive bidding inclination (individual aspect) and interaction quality (psychological aspect) are significantly associated with nonpaying bid behavior. Meanwhile, platform quality (technological aspect) and perceived risk (psychological aspect) are unlikely to determine nonpaying bid behaviors at the bid-paying stage. The moderation effect is significant, whereas the gender effect is insignificant. The managerial implications of these findings are also discussed along with some suggestions. This research highlights the value of modeling nonpaying bid behavior for C2C auction platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A malicious hacker can compromise the integrated traffic management systems (ITMS) speed sensors in a smart city, causing a vehicle to misread the speed and result in collision or congestion on the pathways. Based on protection-motivation theory (PMT), we propose a Time series-based Cyber-risk Assessment and Mitigation for smart cities (SCRAM) model comprising three modules for the smart city administrator. In line with the threat appraisal component of PMT, our cyber-risk assessment (CRA) module uses a Seasonal time series forecasting method, takes ITMS average speed as an input, and outputs the probability of anomalies in the average speed of vehicles. Subsequently, based on the concepts of risk theory, the cyber-risk quantification (CRQ) module calculates the expected loss for a smart city due to collision or congestion on the pathways. In line with the coping appraisal component of PMT, our cyber-risk mitigation (CRM) module proposes strategies for the smart-city administrator to reduce cyber-risk using technological means and pass the residual risk to third-party cyber-insurer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans do not passively respond to agents and stimuli; we engage with our environments in reciprocal and interactive fashion. This special issue of Visual Cognition presents a collection of twelve original articles which demonstrate that interactive reciprocity changes the expression of basic cognitions and motor actions as well as resulting overt cognitive and social behaviours. The results from these studies highlight the need for a greater understanding of the mechanisms by which interactive reciprocity influences cognitions. They also showcase the feasibility of addressing research questions involving reciprocity using both the existing classic methods as well as novel approaches. The future of the emerging science of Interactive Cognition is bright! [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated how interactive social contexts shape basic visual attention. It has been shown that social information can modulate inhibition of return effects in joint spatial cueing tasks. We predicted that if perceptions of cooperativeness explain this phenomenon, we would then observe larger inhibition of return effects for more cooperative individuals and in highly cooperative contexts. Experiments 1a and 1b found larger inhibition of return effects and greater perceptions of cooperativeness for female compared to male participants, consistent with the literature on gender stereotypes and the behavioural evidence that females are more cooperative than males. In Experiment 2a and 2b, we experimentally manipulated the cooperativeness of the task, describing it as either a team or an individual game. This time, we found larger inhibition of return effects and greater perceptions of cooperativeness for male participants in the team compared to the individual game. We conclude that construing interactive contexts as cooperative plays an important role in the joint spatial orienting of visual attention, and we propose this as an example of socially distributed cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the most important factor that determines young Chinese social network service (SNS) users' sustainable electronic word-of-mouth (e-WOM) behaviour in Korea. This study focuses on users' online flow experience to demonstrate sustainable e-WOM behaviour to develop a new customer base for Korean movie distributors and considers the acculturation effects in the flow theory model. We followed the flow theory approach for developing the measures of constructs and examined previous related studies to predict the relationships among the variables. Data were collected from 185 Chinese moviegoers attending Korean universities. Using SmartPLS 2.0 for statistical analysis, we found positive relationships between each pair of variables. Our research findings can offer insights to marketers who are interested in understanding the online behaviour of Chinese students in Korean universities and in establishing strategies to build relationships with them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Privacy notifications issued by Transparency-Enhancing Tools (TETs) constitute a conceptual means of informing users of online data services about how their personal data are processed. We elicit a set of design requirements that reflect the particularities of privacy notifications received on mobile phones. Pursuing the principles of human-centered design, we evaluate the efficacy of a prototypical implementation for the context of personal health tracking in an iterative lab study. Our findings show that privacy notifications have the potential to facilitate usable transparency and informed decision-making in terms of improving privacy in the designated usage context. The feedback obtained during the evaluation of the prototype lends itself to a refined set of design requirements. We discuss these requirements as building blocks that can help designers create usable artifacts that accommodate the needs of users of mobile health services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital commerce (d-commerce) has become a powerful tool for transforming marketplaces in emerging economies across the world. However, in South Africa, d-commerce, especially among the previously disadvantaged rural citizens, is still nascent. This study investigates the effect of facilitating conditions, trust, privacy, security, socio-technical issues and value-for-money on rural customers' online repeat purchase behaviour. Data for the study were collected from 389 respondents using self-administered questionnaires in Limpopo, South Africa. Confirmatory factor analysis using IBM Amos Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique was used to test the structural and model-fit of the research model. Findings from the study revealed that all factors, except for privacy concerns, significantly influence purchase behaviour and repeat purchase behaviour. The study provides new theoretical and managerial insights for policymakers on what drives or discourages customers from buying products or services online in South Africa and other emerging markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims at investigating the critical factors that promote users in protecting the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) information security. Perceived value serves as the core variable and integrates the Technology Threat Avoidance Theory and the Value-based Adoption Model to propose an integrated model. The questionnaire survey employed to verify the hypotheses. The results show that perceived usefulness (positive), perceived threats (positive), perceived expense (negative), impact on systems performance (negative), and user self-efficacy (positive) are the critical factors. The explanatory power (R2) is 51%. Besides, BYOD security awareness and perceived values affect the intention of BYOD security protection (R2=62%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Late-onset retinal degeneration (L-ORD) is a rare autosomal dominant retinal dystrophy related to C1QTNF5 gene variants. Materials and methods: Twenty-six patients (21–81 years) with L-ORD due to c.562C>A p.(Pro188Thr) with a mean follow-up time of 8 years (range 1–37 years) underwent an extensive ophthalmic work-up. Results: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and visual fields were maintained up to 50 to 55 years (n = 8), with a gradual decline, but conservation of functional central vision between 55 to 65 years (n = 15), followed by a steep decrease in overall visual function beyond 65 years (n = 9). Classic anterior segment findings in L-ORD of abnormally long, anteriorly inserted lens zonules were absent in most patients (n = 24/26). In contrast, findings of iris transillumination and sphincter pupillae atrophy with poor dilation were novel. Patients presented with three completely different initial fundus phenotypes: adjoining pavingstone-like atrophic patches (type 1) (n = 6/20); tiny yellow-white subretinal dots (type 2) (n = 8/20); or larger yellow, thick, round sub-RPE drusenoid deposits (type 3) (n = 4/20). Two patients had a mixed phenotype. Although different in presentation phenotype, patients eventually all progressed to a common panretinal atrophy with diffuse intraretinal pigment migration beyond the age of 65. Progression pace, and thus visual prognosis, differed depending on presentation phenotype. Specifically, type 2 appears to have a more benign course. Conclusions: Phenotypic analysis showed three distinct presenting phenotypes with a considerable intrafamilial variability both in age of onset of clinical signs and in disease progression, with a fair visual potential (>20/40) until the seventh decade. Abbreviations: L-ORD: Late-onset retinal degeneration; C1QTNF5: complement 1Q tumor necrosis factor 5; OCT: Ocular coherence tomography; BCVA: Best-corrected visual acuity; RPE: Retinal pigment epithelium; ffERG: Full-field electroretinography; IRD: Inherited retinal dystrophy; CNV: Choroidal neovascularization; LAZ: Long anteriorly inserted zonules; AMPK: AMP-activated protein kinase; IOP: Intraocular pressure; cSLO: confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy; BAF: Blue light autofluorescence; NIR-AF: Near-infrared autofluorescence; NIR-R: Near-infrared reflectance; RF: Red-free; SD-OCT: Spectral domain ocular coherence tomography; HRR: Hardy-Rand-Rittler pseudo-isochromatic plates; AS: anterior segment; UBM: ultrasound biomicroscopy; PCR: Polymerase chain reaction; SNP: Single nucleotide polymorphism; VEGF: Vascular endothelial growth factor; IZ: Interdigitation zone; EZ: Ellipsoid zone; ELM: External limiting membrane; LP: Light perception; AMD: Age-related macular degeneration; SFD: Sorsby fundus dystrophy [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined whether the perceived similarity between two individuals can shape social attention shifts during a joint-action task. Initially, a confederate was described to a naïve participant through a personality profile in order to manipulate the degree of attitude similarity between them, and they later performed a joint-action task involving alternated aiming movements towards peripheral targets. This task is known to elicit two forms of Inhibition of Return (IOR), namely longer latencies when responding to a target previously reached by either oneself (individual IOR) or by the partner (social IOR) as compared to a previously-unreached target. Here, both IOR effects emerged but – unlike previous studies – social IOR was greater than individual IOR. Interestingly, such magnified social IOR occurred regardless of the degree of attitude similarity between participants. This seems to suggest that social knowledge about others can lead to a generalized impact on social attention during real interactions with them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti-malware software must be frequently updated in order to protect the system and the user from attack. Makers of this software must choose between interrupting the user to update immediately or allowing them to update later. In either case, assessing the content of the interruption may still require cognitive investment. However, by allowing the user to negotiate a delayed response to these interruptions, users can instead focus on their work. This paper experimentally examines the effect of immediate and negotiated interruptions on user decision time and decision accuracy in multiple stage tasks. For complex tasks, decision performance is higher when the user can negotiate the onset of and response to interruptions. The option to defer response also results in greater subjective perceptions of control, improved task resumption and reduced feelings of interruption and distraction on the part of the user, even within a short period of time. These findings have practical implications for endpoint security and where there is a need to mitigate the effects of user interruptions from computer-mediated communication in complex task situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With today's proliferation of channel options, the retail industry should strive to provide a pleasurable experience to customers as they surf across different channels, in order to keep them connected. This study attempts to investigate channel choice in the retail industry in a multichannel environment. It examines the association between three sets of factors namely, psychographic factors, sociodemographic factors and channel experience factors and channel use for search versus purchase by customers. Data was drawn from a sample of 252 customers in the retail industry in Egypt and analysed using structural equation modelling using partial least squares (PLS-SEM). Significant differences were found with regards to psychographic, sociodemographic as well as channel experience factors, between customers who use channels for search and those who use them for purchase. With regards to psychographics, significant differences were found between customers who use channels for search vs. purchase in terms of (innovativeness, internet experience, perceived risk and time pressure). As for demographics (age and education) were significant factors, and as for channel experience factors (price advantage, trust and customisation) were significant factors distinguishing between channel use for search vs. purchase. This study provides useful insights for further research and managerial implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buffalo is the backbone of the farmer's economy in Indian dairy industry. Data from 288 Murrah buffalo female calves maintained at the Livestock Research Center, Karnal, Haryana, born in the period between 2000 and 2009 were used for this study. Data were analysed using least-square procedures. Results indicated that season and period of birth had significant (P < 0.05) effect on reproductive performance of Murrah buffalo heifers. However, there was no significant effect of birth weight on different reproductive performance. The phenotypic parameter estimates indicated that the season and birth weight of a calf can be used as a selection tool for improvement of reproductive traits considering its high positive phenotypic correlations with succeeding reproductive traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

V-commerce is emerging as a promising technology for a new type of e-commerce application, which can address the critical need for integrating both social and technical aspects of online shopping. This research provides a theoretical framework to understand the antecedents and consequences of consumer attitudes toward v-commerce. Our framework extends the technology acceptance model (TAM) by incorporating immersion, enjoyment, trust and VR self-efficacy as potential antecedents; and consumers' intention to purchase, intention to visit the company's online and/or physical store and intention to recommend v-commerce to others as potential consequences. Furthermore, this research proposes that processing fluency, need for touch, propensity to trust and gender have a moderating effect on consumer attitudes toward v-commerce. Overall, the propositions derived from this study can help marketers identify and analyze the factors leading to the acceptance of v-commerce (and other future e-commerce technologies) among consumers. The study concludes with a discussion of theoretical and managerial implications for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bridging prison and immigration justice is of utmost importance, and an obvious and strategic point of encounter for dialogue among activists and scholars working on these issues is immigration detention. But as penal and carceral abolitionists have taught us, we cannot tackle prison injustice without addressing broader issues in policing, criminal law and other means of coercive social control. Taking my cues from this work, I suggest that we move upstream and look at the role of immigration policing in detention and deportation. The article draws from records obtained mostly through Access to Information (ATI) and Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to map out collaboration between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and municipal police forces in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. In looking for ways to limit police involvement in internal border control, the article discusses strategies to promote a culture of non-collaboration with immigration enforcement and build alternative means of ensuring community safety and well-being in the spirit of police and border abolitionism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vasopressor medications are frequently used in the management of hypotension secondary to shock. However, little data exists regarding their use in hypotensive trauma patients and their use is controversial. The Department of Defense Trauma Registry was queried from January 2007 to August 2016 using a series of procedural codes to identify eligible casualties, which has been previously described. Mortality was compared between hypotensive casualties with documentation of receipt of vasopressor medications versus casualties not receiving vasopressors. To control for potential confounders, comparisons were repeated by constructing a multivariable logistic regression model that utilized patient category, mechanism of injury, composite injury severity score, total blood products transfused, prehospital heart rate and prehospital systolic pressure. Survival was compared between these groups using propensity matching. Our search strategy yielded 28,222 patients, 124 (0.4%) of whom received prehospital vasopressors. On univariable analysis vasopressor use was associated with lower odds of survival (OR 0.09, 0.06-0.13). The lower odds of survival persisted in the multivariate logistic regression model (OR 0.32, 0.18-0.56). Survival was lower among the vasopressor group (71.3%) when compared to a propensity matched cohort (94.3%). In this dataset, prehospital vasopressor use was associated with lower odds of survival. This finding persisted when adjusting for confounders and in a propensity matched cohort model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In VLSI integrated circuits, devices and interconnects are the steady pillars for designing and realization of the entire system. Demand for ultra-low power requirements has become very essential in today's modern portable and miniaturized electronic gadgets. The subthreshold modelling and its utility for miniaturized gadgets and low power applications have increased tremendously in recent days. Operating devices and interconnects in the subthreshold region profoundly enhance the performance of the system. In this paper, contemporary subthreshold modelling has been energetically taken. The novel modelling of subthreshold for device and on-chip interconnects has been first time presented using the numerical method based finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) technique. The advanced graphene on-chip interconnects have been considered for the performance analysis. The technology node considered is 22 nm. It is analysed that graphene-based MLGNR interconnects possess better performance over copper interconnects. It is also seen that subthreshold region of operation leads to significantly lower power dissipation than in linear region. Power saving with the subthreshold region of operation in case of conventional copper and advanced graphene interconnects is nearly 22% and 26% respectively. The veracious proposed FDTD modelling for the subthreshold region is highly accurate with respect to SPICE simulation results. The average percentage error for transient simulation is less than 2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First dose prediction is challenging in neonates. Our objective in this proof-of-concept study was to perform a pharmacokinetic (PK) bridging study from juvenile mice to neonates for drugs metabolized by CYP3A. We selected midazolam and clindamycin as model drugs. We developed juvenile mice population PK models using NONMEM. The PK parameters of these two drugs in juvenile mice were used to bridge PK parameters in neonates using different correction methods. The bridging results were evaluated by the fold-error of 0.5- to 1.5-fold. Simple allometry with and without a correction factor for maximum lifespan potential could be used for a bridging of clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (Vd), respectively, from juvenile mice to neonates. Simulation results demonstrated that for midazolam, 100% of clinical studies for which both the predictive CL and Vd were within 0.5- to 1.5-fold of the observed. For clindamycin, 75% and 100% of clinical studies for which the predictive CL and Vd were within 0.5- to 1.5-fold of the observed. A PK bridging of drugs metabolized by CYP3A is feasible from juvenile mice to neonates. It could be a complement to the ADE and PBPK models to support the first dose in neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a core idea of critical social theory, alienation, we interrogate the failure in the design and adoption of a Stop-COVID app in France. We analyse the political and scientific discourse, to develop an understanding of the conditions giving rise to this failure in this unprecedented moment. We argue that the digital-first solutionist approach taken by the government failed because, as in all Western countries, most stakeholders were alienated from the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic and lacked concrete knowledge of it. Furthermore, the French government and its COVID-19 council excluded relevant scientific experts in favour of quantitative modelling based on abstract partial knowledge. This along with coercion and lack of transparency about the app, reinforced alienation, undermined effectiveness in managing the crisis and resulted in the digital design failure. We suggest that such alienation will prevail in the COVID-19 era characterised by regimes of control, rampant abusive location tracking, and data collection, and where public officials are more concerned with managing effects than seeking causal explanations. The digital-first solutionist approach was adopted, not because digital solutions (to contact tracing) are superior to traditional ones, but by default due to alienation and lack of interdisciplinary cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consumption of gluten-free products is becoming an increased alimentary habit in the general population. The scientific unfounded perception suggesting that the avoidance of gluten would improve health or that gluten could be toxic for humans are fostering medically unjustified adherences to a gluten-free diet. Currently, only patients diagnosed with celiac disease are advised to follow a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. In the same way, patients diagnosed with IgE-mediated wheat allergy must avoid exposure to wheat in any form. In that context, a third disorder, called nonceliac gluten sensitivity, characterized by distress after gluten consumption and in which neither celiac disease nor IgE-mediated allergy plays a role, has gained increased attention in the last years. Although important scientific advances have been made in the understanding of the pathologic mechanisms behind nonceliac gluten sensitivity, this disorder is still a matter of active debate in the scientific community. In the present review, the most recent advances in the immunopathology, diagnostic biomarkers and susceptibility determinants of gluten-related diseases are summarized and discussed. Furthermore, an updated overview of the new potential therapies that are currently underway for the treatment of gluten-related disorders is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to investigate online purchase intention in emerging markets focusing on the impact of perceived usefulness of online reviews, trust and perceived risk. The results were obtained by an online survey answered by 380 online shoppers in Mexico City. Results from partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS indicate that perceived usefulness of online reviews influences in trust and online purchase intention. Trust has an inverse relationship with perceived risk and influences positively in online purchase intention. The authors did not find perceived risk to influence directly in online purchase intention. The results suggest that companies should seek to enhance customers to share their positive online opinions in order to improve trust and encourage online purchases. This paper contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the influence on online purchase intention in emerging markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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As an increasing number of consumers prefer online shopping, online customer reviews play an important role in a customer's pre-purchase decisions. Both reviews and product information are seen as a guide that impacts a customer's decision process. Given the growing importance of E-commerce, this study examines the impact that online reviews and product details have on customers' product satisfaction. In this study, we specifically explore the role that a customer's product certainty and review helpfulness have on product satisfaction. The study furthers the body of knowledge regarding online reviews and factors that influence customers' product satisfaction. The study results provide insight into the factors that should help E-commerce companies adapt their business model to better fit consumers' expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black carrots cultivars "Pusa Asita" and "Black Wonder" were grown in an experimental field in Amritsar, Punjab, India and harvested after 45 days of sowing at weekly interval. Physical and chemical properties of carrot roots were determined during growth and development. Root weight of "Black Wonder" was higher than "Pusa Asita". Anthocyanin content of "Pusa Asita" and "Black Wonder" varied from 11.46–519.39 mg/100 g and 0.62–3.29 mg/100 g, respectively. Ascorbic acid content varied from 0.963–4.115 mg/100 g and 0.707–3.437 for "Pusa Asita" and "Black Wonder", respectively. Total and soluble solids increased marginally with the development of roots. Antioxidant activity of "Pusa Asita" and "Black Wonder" varied from 28.69–91.08% and 4.55–15.62%, respectively. "Pusa Asita" has higher anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity than "Black Wonder" which makes it a potent cultivar for pigment extraction and nutraceutical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to analyze the antecedents of purchase intention in e-commerce in an emerging market (Brazil). For this, we use new approaches in the constructs to adequately portray the characteristics of the Brazilian market. We conduct a survey with 345 e-commerce users. The results suggest that purchase intention can be influenced negatively by a lack of consumer trust and positively by website identification and website quality. They also suggest that lack of consumer trust is influenced positively by perceived risk and consumer resistance to innovativeness, and negatively by past experience. Moreover, the findings indicate that perceived risk suffers a positive effect from consumer resistance to innovativeness and a negative effect from past experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The correlation between serum levels of homocysteine and bone mineral density remains controversial. The aim of this study was to identify the potential factors associated with the levels of serum total homocysteine (S-Hcy) and urinary N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (U-NTX) in female osteoporotic patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 163 female osteoporotic patients, aged between 48 and 91 years, who had never been treated with anti-osteoporosis therapy. Background data including spine and hip bone mineral density, ongoing therapy for the metabolic disease, aortic calcification score as evaluated by lateral lumbar X-ray film, and recent fragility fracture history were obtained. S-Hcy, U-NTX levels, and creatinine clearance were measured. Results: Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between S-Hcy levels and aortic calcification score (p = 0.022), creatinine clearance (p = 0.004), and recent fracture history (within 1 year after fracture) (p = 0.028); conversely, U-NTX levels correlated significantly with total hip bone mineral density (p < 0.0001) and recent fracture history (p = 0.0007). Conclusions: S-Hcy levels had no correlation with bone mineral density, but were associated with the degree of aortic calcification, renal function, and fracture events. These confounding factors should be taken into consideration when the relationship between S-Hcy and bone mineral density is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews the literature related to the concept of information quality (IQ) in the context of the online environment to understand how it has been conceptualised in the Information Systems (IS) literature, to identify gaps in the literature, and to make recommendations for future research. This study also extends the Information Processing Model (IPM) and proposes a novel dynamic model of online IQ perceptions and impacts. To understand the online IQ construct, an in-depth review of the literature is conducted. Overall, we reviewed 508 journal articles published between 1995 and 2016. This study found that there is a substantial gap in the IS literature in regards to a full understanding of the online IQ construct and its relation with the IPM. More research is needed to understand the way individuals process and respond to online information. Further, although the importance of context in theory development has been emphasised in the literature, very few empirical articles have explored the impact of contextual factors on the IPM as well as perceived online IQ. The findings provide online vendors with important guidelines that should be considered to motivate individuals to acquire more information from their websites that could lead to more satisfied and loyal users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common sight threatening condition. However, there are a number of monogenic macular dystrophies that are clinically similar to AMD, which can potentially provide pathogenetic insights. Methods: Three siblings from a non-consanguineous Greek-Cypriot family reported central visual disturbance and nyctalopia. The patients had full ophthalmic examinations and color fundus photography, spectral-domain ocular coherence tomography and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy. Targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed as a first step to attempt to identify suspected mutations in C1QTNF5 and TIMP3 followed by whole genome sequencing. Results: The three patients were noted to have symptoms of nyctalopia, early paracentral visual field loss and, in older patients, central vision loss. Imaging identified pseudodrusen, retinal atrophy and RPE-Bruch's membrane separation. Whole genome sequencing of the proband revealed two novel heterozygous variants in C1QTNF5, c.556C>T, and c.569C>G. The mutation segregated with disease in this family, occurred in cis, and resulted in missense amino acid changes P186S and S190W in C1QTNF5. In silico modeling of the variants revealed that the S190W mutations was likely to have the greatest pathologic effect and that the combination of the mutations was likely to have an additive effect. Conclusions: The novel mutations in C1QTNF5 identified here expand the genotypic spectrum of mutations causing late-onset retinal dystrophy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to examine the conditions in which B2B e-commerce is most likely to diffuse widely at the country level. This paper examines the role of trading system complexity and pressure of competition on B2B EC diffusion by controlling Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. Our sample comprises a pool of country-year dataset from 143 countries over a three-year period (2014-2016). The data were collected from Network Readiness Index Report and Global Competitiveness Report. The findings provide evidence that greater the complexity of trading relationships with the global economy and high level of pressure from the competition are the main forces for B2B use across countries. Consequently, the authors suggest that having a strong trade relationship with developed countries with matured B2B e-commerce practice is helpful in sustaining B2B e-commerce use across countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines organizational impacts of social media on Fortune 100 companies over a 5-year period (2011-2016). Specifically, the study focuses on three broad areas of social media impact: (1) the adoption of social media platforms across industries and business models from 2011 to 2016, (2) the influence of social media adoption on the roles of the chief information officer (CIO) and chief marketing officer (CMO) and their changing relationships in companies over this time frame, and (3) the impact of social media on company strategy, governance, and the IT (information technology) and marketing functions. The results support the contention that the CMO role has evolved to meet the technology needs of the marketing function and that the relationship between the CMO and CIO has taken on greater importance. In most Fortune 100 companies in 2016, social media has transitioned to ownership by the marketing department and the CMO provides leadership for social media strategy while working closely with the CIO. This study contributes to a better understanding of the established role of social media in companies, governance structures, and the evolving roles of both the CIO and CMO in relation to social media trends. The study integrates the IT and marketing literature to provide an agenda for future work that builds on theory and establishes an ongoing cohesive research agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]