E-learning systems have witnessed a usage and research increase in the past decade. This article presents the e-learning concepts ecosystem. It summarizes the various scopes on e-learning studies. ...Here we propose an e-learning theoretical framework. This theory framework is based upon three principal dimensions: users, technology, and services related to e-learning. This article presents an in-depth literature review on those dimensions. The article first presents the related concepts of computer use in learning across time, revealing the emergence of new trends on e-learning. The theoretical framework is a contribution for guiding e-learning studies. The article classifies the stakeholder groups and their relationship with e-learning systems. The framework shows a typology of e-learning systems' services. This theoretical approach integrates learning strategies, technologies and stakeholders.
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BFBNIB, DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NMLJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
As the world's population is becoming progressively urban-dwelling, sustainable development challenges are increasingly concentrated in cities, placing tremendous pressure on society to build more ...sustainable, innovative, and equitable urban environments. Consequently, today's cities require integrated policies and new innovative ways to manage and improve the complexity of urban living conditions. The growing volume and variety of data produced in the urban ecosystem are crucial for obtaining the city's insights and building knowledge-based solutions for a smarter and more sustainable urban development. In this paper, we look at the open data impacts on these complex ecosystems and its crucial enabler role for the generation and analysis of contextual and actionable data aimed at understanding, managing, and planning the city. Despite the importance of open data, the literature is scarce in systematic and structured research that evaluates its impacts on the smart city context. This paper explores this gap by proposing a theoretical framework, composed of a model and an experiment grounded on the use of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT), designed to give a more detailed view concerning the context and characteristics of the impacts of open data initiatives on smart cities' sustainable development. This work will contribute to open data management and smart city development, providing boundaries and theoretical insights for further research and experimentation on how open data can be leveraged to develop better smart cities.
•This study identifies a knowledge gap between open data impacts and smart city sustainable development;•The study presents a framework for the evaluation of open data initiatives’ impacts and outcomes on the smart city context;•The study proposes a model focused on 27 open data impact factors and six smart city dimensions;•A method grounded on the use of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) is presented for open data policies evaluation;•The impacts of open data initiatives can be evaluated, monitored, and improved in a smart city context.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
In this review, we will highlight several studies that revolve around interleukin-8 (IL-8) and show the multiple facets that could take in the tumor microenvironment. Chemokines that attract ...neutrophils (to a large extent, IL-8) can have a bimodal behavior inducing the migration of them in the first place and later favoring the formation of NETs in the place of emission focus of the chemokine. Also, this mechanism occurs when neutrophils migrate to tumor cells and where the extrusion of NETs in the tumor is observed. A possible participation of NETs in cancer progression was considered; however, until now, it is difficult to decide if NETosis plays a pro- or antitumor role, although it is necessary to emphasize that there is more experimentation focused on the protumorigenic aspect of the NETs. The formation of NETs has a relevant role in the inhibition of the immune response against the tumor generated by neutrophils and in turn favoring the processes involved in the development of tumor metastasis. It is striking that we do not have more complete information about the effects of circulating chemokines on neutrophils in cancer patients and hence the suitability of this review. No one has observed to date the impact that it could have on other cell populations to inhibit the arrival of neutrophils and the formation/elimination of NETs. However, the extent to which NETs affect the function of other cells of the immune system in the tumor context has not been directly demonstrated. It is necessary to identify possible combinations of immunotherapy that involve the modulation of neutrophil activity with other strategies (immunomodulatory antibodies or adoptive cell therapy). Therefore, knowing the mechanisms by which tumors take advantage of this ability of neutrophils to form NETs is very important in the search for antitumor therapies and thus be able to take advantage of the possible immunotherapeutic combinations that we currently have in clinical practice.
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DOBA, FZAB, GIS, IJS, IZUM, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Software development is an intensely knowledge-intensive industry that demands collaboration on behalf of everyone who participates in the process. Moreover, the successful accomplishment of the ...process depends on knowledge sharing and acquisition among the stakeholders. For this reason, organizations must understand how the knowledge-sharing process unrolls among employees. Nowadays, geographical distance is unavoidable, so researchers must consider subjective distance. This study provides an analysis of knowledge-sharing behavior within employees in software development roles in virtual teams, namely functional and technical, having subjective distance in mind. A research model based on a literature review was proposed to understand different dimensions of knowledge sharing. Afterward, the research model was empirically tested based on data collected in an organization with expertise in ERP software development through the implementation of a questionnaire. The method used to analyze the data was PLS-SEM. Results suggest that individuals share knowledge mainly to fulfill intrinsic needs; however, organizational culture also plays an essential role in knowledge sharing. The results are fundamental for both academics and practitioners to acknowledge how knowledge sharing occurs and, consequently, help in the decision-making processes regarding Knowledge Management within the companies.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Nowadays, companies know that keeping customers engaged is essential to increase their loyalty. The main goal of this study is to understand the impact of gamification and reputation on the intention ...of repurchase in e-commerce. Gamification corresponds to the regular usage of game elements in non-game context. This study purposes a theoretical model indicating the determinants of repurchase intention. Here we present an empirical study (survey collected data) within a real e-commerce usage context. Data were analysed with SEM/PLS method. Results indicate a positive impact of trust on the intention to use of e-commerce, on buy frequency and on repurchase intention. Ease of use, usefulness of e-commerce platforms affect intension to use. We verified the impact of reputation on trust, as well as the impact of gamification on the effective use of the e-commerce platforms. Results indicate that gamified e-commerce websites determine usage and use positively influences repurchase intention in e-commerce context.
Gamification, e-commerce, Repurchase intention, Information systems model
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
E-learning can play an important role in the solution to educate a large quota of the population in significant countries. Studies point out that cultural characteristics can influence e-learners’ ...performance. Our main goal is to understand the e-learning success drivers in Brazil. Our research proposes a model that analyzes students' long-term orientation role in the Brazilian e-learning context. We collected 297 answers from a survey of higher education students in nine regions. Data were analyzed through a quantitative method. Results indicate that information and collaboration quality, and e-learner satisfaction explain e-learning systems usage. Our model indicates that students' long-term orientation influences the positive relationship between e-learning systems' use and the perceived net benefits. We also found that system and information quality, and e-learning systems’ use are determinants of e-learning user satisfaction. Collaboration quality and information quality are determinants of e-learning systems usage. E-learning usage and user satisfaction explain overall e-learning net benefits, and long-term orientation has a moderating effect between e-learning use and net benefits.
Education; E-Learning success model; Long-term orientation; Net benefits; Short-term orientation; E-learning user satisfaction.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
During the last 15 years, several studies on technology acceptance have been pursued, and several new models have been proposed. This paper presents a theoretical background on individual acceptance ...of computer-assisted audit tools (CAATs) in the context of statutory auditors of a European country. The adoption of technologies in auditing is considered an important factor for efficiency increasing and effectiveness of auditing work. This study identifies the adoption determinants of CAATs; and develops a CAATs, adoption model. Quantitative research was carried out and operationalized by a survey to statutory auditors. Findings indicate that the perceived usefulness of CAATs, the effort expectancy, the facilitating conditions, and the number of auditors are the main drivers of the adoption and use of CAATs. This research presents significant contributions impacting the various stakeholders: statutory auditors, statutory auditors firms, institutes of statutory auditors, and academy.
The adaptation of adenoviruses as gene delivery tools has resulted in the development of high-capacity adenoviral vectors (HC-AdVs), also known, helper-dependent or "gutless". Compared with earlier ...generations (E1/E3-deleted vectors), HC-AdVs retain relevant features such as genetic stability, remarkable efficacy of in vivo transduction, and production at high titers. More importantly, the lack of viral coding sequences in the genomes of HC-AdVs extends the cloning capacity up to 37 Kb, and allows long-term episomal persistence of transgenes in non-dividing cells. These properties open a wide repertoire of therapeutic opportunities in the fields of gene supplementation and gene correction, which have been explored at the preclinical level over the past two decades. During this time, production methods have been optimized to obtain the yield, purity, and reliability required for clinical implementation. Better understanding of inflammatory responses and the implementation of methods to control them have increased the safety of these vectors. We will review the most significant achievements that are turning an interesting research tool into a sound vector platform, which could contribute to overcome current limitations in the gene therapy field.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract Background & Aims Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy increases the protein folding burden at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of remnant hepatocytes, resulting in induction of the ...unfolded protein response (UPR). We investigated the role of the core UPR transcription factor X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1) in liver regeneration using genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. Methods We performed studies with C57Bl6-J (control) and interleukin 6 (IL6)-knockout mice. Mice underwent partial hepatectomy or sham surgeries. In some mice, hepatic expression of XBP1 was knocked down by injection of adenoviral vectors encoding small hairpin RNAs against Xbp1 mRNA. Liver tissues were collected before surgery and at 6 hrs and 48 hrs after surgery and analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing. We also performed functional analyses of HepG2 cells. Results Expression of XBP1 by hepatocytes increased immediately after partial hepatectomy (priming phase of liver regeneration) in control mice, but this upregulation was delayed in IL6-deficient mice. In mice with knockdown of XBP, after partial hepatectomy we observed persistent ER stress, defects in acute-phase response, and increased hepatocellular damage, compared with control mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses showed that at 6 hrs after partial hepatectomy, liver XBP1 became bound to a large set of genes implicated in proteostasis, the acute-phase response, metabolism, and the DNA damage response. At this time point XBP1 bound the promoter of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 gene ( Stat3 ). Livers of XBP1-knockdown mice expressed lower levels of STAT3 had lower levels of STAT3 phosphorylation at Ser727—a modification that promotes cell proliferation and the DNA damage response. Regenerating livers from XBP1-knockdown mice expressed high levels of a marker of DNA double-strand breaks, phosphorylated histone 2A, member X (H2AX), compared to control mice. Decreased XBP1 levels led to a reduced upregulation of DNA damage response mRNAs in regenerating hepatocytes. Conclusion In livers of mice, we found that partial hepatectomy induces expression of XBP1, and that this activity requires IL6. XBP1 expression regulates the UPR, acute-phase response, and DNA damage response in hepatocytes. In regenerating livers, XBP1 deficiency leads to ER stress and DNA damage.
Background and Aims
High‐capacity adenoviral vectors (HC‐AdV) show extended DNA payload and stability of gene expression in vivo due to the absence of viral coding sequences. However, production ...requires methods to trans‐complement viral proteins, usually through Helper Viruses (HV). The Cre/loxP system is frequently employed to remove the packaging signal in HV genomes, in order to avoid their encapsidation. However, chronic exposure to the Cre recombinase in packaging cells is detrimental. We have applied the dimerizable Cre system to overcome this limitation.
Methods and Results
Cre was split in two fragments devoid of recombinase function (N‐terminal 244 and C‐terminal 99 amino‐acids). In one version of the system, interaction with both moieties was favored by rapamycin‐dependent heterodimerization domains (DiCre). Other version contained only Cre sequences (oCre). We generated packaging cells and HVs expressing the complementary fragments and studied their performance for HC‐AdV production. We found that both conformations avoided interference with the growth of packaging cells, and the oCre system was particularly suitable for HC‐AdV amplification.
Conclusions
The split‐Cre system improves the performance of packaging cells and can reduce the time and cost of HC‐AdV amplification up to 30% and 15%, respectively. This may contribute to the standardization of HC‐AdV production.
Graphical and Lay Summary
Production of high‐capacity adenoviral vectors requires co‐infection with helper viruses. The Cre‐loxP system is frequently used to cleave the packaging signal (Ψ) of the helper virus in order to avoid encapsidation. However, packaging cells constitutively expressing the recombinase show impaired proliferation. To solve this problem, the authors have split the Cre recombinase in two inactive segments. One of them is expressed by the cells, and the other one by the helper virus. The recombinase function is only restored when the cells are infected by the helper virus during the process of vector production. Using this strategy, amplification of packaging cells is enhanced and the efficiency of the protocol is increased. This improvement can facilitate the large‐scale production of vectors for clinical use.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
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