Study protocol on intentional distortion in personality assessment: relationship with test format, culture, and cognitive ability

Self-report personality questionnaires, traditionally offered in a graded-scale format, are widely used in high-stakes contexts such as job selection. However, job applicants may intentionally distort their answers when filling in these questionnaires, undermining the validity of the test results. Forced-choice questionnaires are allegedly more resistant to intentional distortion compared to graded-scale questionnaires, but they generate ipsative data. Ipsativity violates the assumptions of classical test theory, distorting the reliability and construct validity of the scales, and producing interdependencies among the scores. This limitation is overcome in the current study by using the recently developed Thurstonian item response theory model. As online testing in job selection contexts is increasing, the focus will be on the impact of intentional distortion on personality questionnaire data collected online. The present study intends to examine the effect of three different variables on intentional distortion: (a) test format (graded-scale versus forced-choice); (b) culture, as data will be collected in three countries differing in their attitudes toward intentional distortion (the United Kingdom, Serbia, and Turkey); and (c) cognitive ability, as a possible predictor of the ability to choose the more desirable responses. Furthermore, we aim to integrate the findings using a comprehensive model of intentional distortion. In the Anticipated Results section, three main aspects are considered: (a) the limitations of the manipulation, theoretical approach, and analyses employed; (b) practical implications for job selection and for personality assessment in a broader sense; and (c) suggestions for further researc

Part surface roughness on laser sintering and milling of maraging steel 300

International audienceThe additive manufacturing of metal parts provides new opportunities to freely design of molds with conformal cooling channels, which enhances the productivity of injected plastic parts. In contrast to this manufacturing process, the surface quality of laser sintering parts is limiting the application of such technology on mold manufacturing. This work intends to investigate the surface roughness of maraging steel 300 samples produced by direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) and post-processed with end milling. Based on a set of experiments, combining different laser sintering build directions and milling process the measurement of the resulting surface roughness expresses how these process parameters impact on the final surface quality

A Systematic Review of Living Labs in the Context of Sustainable Development with a Focus on Bioeconomy

The living lab (LL) concept has a significant potential to drive sustainable development, particularly in the bioeconomy sector, by assisting communities in improving their quality of life whilst also considering the environmental impact. In this context, the main research question was the following: is there any specific mechanism through which living labs operate under the sustainable development concept? We reviewed 120 papers addressing this topic and performed a bibliometric analysis on the linkage between sustainability and living labs by applying the methodology of a systematic review. We concluded that living labs can drive innovation and experimentation in sustainability, which can be transposed into tangible solutions to economic, environmental, and social problems. The role of living labs in the transition to a bioeconomy is discussed and further research directions are presented

How Should We Measure? A Review of Circular Cities Indicators

As the world continues to urbanize, it is necessary to identify and implement new urban development models and strategies in order to meet the challenges of sustainable development. As cities continue to face challenges in becoming fully circular, the need to establish a framework to measure the circular economy in urban areas grows. Many definitions for circular cities have been developed and addressed in recent years, as have numerous indicators. To make the transition to a circular city, we must integrate the findings and develop a general definition and measurement framework. This article aims at outlining a framework for circular cities indicators based on their key characteristics, as well providing directions for fostering circularity at the city level. To accomplish this goal, we conducted a systematic review and analyzed key papers published in the field of circular economy to determine how circular cities are measured. Choosing the right indicators to use for developing, monitoring, and evaluating circular cities is a difficult task for urban policymakers, managers, and planners. This highlights the significance of standardized frameworks for urban indicators. As a result, the authors propose a framework and highlight some key points about circular cities and smart urban metabolism

Key Factors Influencing Consumer Choices in Wood-Based Recycled Products for Circular Construction Sector

This article explores the integration of wood recycling and reuse practices within construction and reconstruction processes, as highlighted in a wood products questionnaire. The aim of this study is to understand how the Romanian consumers perceive the circular economy in order to adopt responsible consumption models. The working instrument consisted of a questionnaire. The questionnaire was applied to 60.7% urban respondents and 39.3% rural ones and consisted of 23 items. The response rate was 68.5% for certain items (257 responses). In the first part, the integration of wood recycling and reuse practices within construction and reconstruction processes is examined. Emerging recycling techniques and demolition processes, particularly incorporating reused, reconditioned, and recycled wood in the construction industry, are evaluated. The economic and environmental implications of these practices are also examined, contributing to the discussion of eco-design policies, and construction waste management and standards. In the second part, insights are provided into how Romanian consumers' knowledge of CE principles, information about product characteristics, and attitudes influence the demand for recycled wood products. The study concludes with recommendations for better promotion strategies of wood-based recycled products, aiming to increase awareness of its long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits. Additionally, it suggests the need for providing more information on the environmental benefits of wood-based recycled products, and for a more active engagement of stakeholders in the transition to a circular economy. The results serve as a basis for a better understanding of Romanian consumers' adoption of sustainable consumption behavior in agreement with circular economy concepts and SDGs. While the majority of respondents generally shows openness to an eco-friendly product, mere promotion of these principles may not suffice to change entrenched behaviors and purchasing habits

Screening of Factors for Assessing the Environmental and Economic Efficiency of Investment Projects in the Energy Sector

In view of the current agenda in the field of climate and environmental conservation, the requirements for environmental project appraisal are being tightened: the evaluation of environmental indicators of project implementation should be carried out on a par with indicators of its economic performance. Current approaches to the assessment of environmental and economic efficiency do not completely cover the negative environmental impacts of a project’s implementation, and this reduces the effectiveness of the evaluation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a system of environmental indicators that will address the specifics of the industry. This is made possible on the basis of determining a list of key factors that should be included in the evaluation system. The purpose of this study is to determine the most significant factors for establishing a simple yet thorough assessment framework to evaluate the efficiency of energy investment projects. Research methodology includes an a priori ranking method and analysis of interrelations between factors. Based on the results obtained, the authors have formed a list of key factors that could become the basis of a future system of environmental indicators for the efficiency assessment of energy projects. © 2022 by the authors.Russian Science Foundation, RSF, (22-28-01740)The research was supported by the Russian Science Foundation grant No. 22-28-01740, https://rscf.ru/en/project/22-28-01740/

Cutaneous Evaluation of Fe3O4 Nanoparticles: An Assessment Based on 2D and 3D Human Epidermis Models Under Standard and UV Conditions

Claudia Geanina Watz,1– 4 Elena-Alina Moacă,4,5 Andreea Cioca,6 Lenuța Maria Șuta,7 Lavinia Krauss Maldea,2 Ioana Zinuca Magyari-Pavel,8,9 Mirela Nicolov,2,3 Ioan-Ovidiu Sîrbu,10,11 Felicia Loghin,12 Cristina A Dehelean4,5 1Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania; 2Department of Pharmaceutical Physics, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania; 3Center for Drug Data Analysis, Cheminformatics and the Internet of Medical Things, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania; 4Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania; 5Department of Toxicology and Drug Industry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania; 6Department of Pathology “Regina Maria” Health Network, Timisoara, 300645, Romania; 7Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania; 8Department of Pharmacognosy-Phytotherapy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, 300041, Romania; 9Research and Processing Center for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania; 10Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, 300041, Romania; 11Complex Network Science Center, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, 300041, Romania; 12Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, 400012, RomaniaCorrespondence: Elena-Alina Moacă, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, 300041, Romania, Tel +40745762600, Email [email protected]: The high-speed development of nanotechnology industry has fueled a plethora of engineered nanoparticles (NPs) and NP-based consumer products, further leading to massive and uncontrolled human exposure. In this regard, the researches addressing the safety assessment of NPs should be re-approached from the perspective of test parameters variety, closely simulating daily life scenarios. Therefore, the present study adopts complex in vitro models to establish the safety profile of Fe3O4 NPs, by using 2D and 3D human epidermis models under both standard and UV exposure conditions.Methods: Advanced 3D human reconstructed epidermal tissues and two different monolayers of immortalized human cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts), using series of in vitro assays were employed in the current study to evaluate multiple biological responses, as follows: i) divers protocols (skin irritation, phototoxicity assay); ii) different conditions (± UV exposure) and iii) a wide variety of quantification methods, such as: MTT, NR and LDH colorimetric tests – performed to evaluate the viability of the cells/microtissues, respectively, the cytotoxicity of the test compounds. In addition, IL-1α ELISA assay was used to quantify the inflammatory activity induced by the test samples, while immunocytochemistry analysis through fluorescent microscopy was employed to provide insightful information regarding the possible mechanism of action of test samples.Results: The two test samples (S1 and S2) induced a higher cell viability decrease on immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) compared to human fibroblasts (1BR3), while 3D-epidermis microtissues showed similar viabilities when treated with both samples under standard conditions (-UV rays) – for both type of evaluation protocols: skin irritation and phototoxicity. However, UV irradiation of 3D-microtissues pre-exposed to test samples led to different results between the two test samples, revealing that S2 sample induced a significant impairment of human epidermis viability, whereas S1 sample elicited an activity similar to the one recorded under standard conditions (-UV).Conclusion: The present results indicate significant differences in toxicity between the two in vitro models under UV conditions, highlighting the importance of model selection and exposure parameters in assessing NP safety. Thus, our findings suggest that Fe3O4 NPs may pose some risks under specific environmental conditions, within the limitations of the experimental setup, and further research is needed to refine safety guidelines.Keywords: cytotoxicity, magnetite NPs, 3D-microtissue, UV, HaCaT, 1BR

Immunological aspects in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) development

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is unique among B cell malignancies in that the malignant clones can be featured either somatically mutated or unmutated IGVH genes. CLL cells that express unmutated immunoglobulin variable domains likely underwent final development prior to their entry into the germinal center, whereas those that express mutated variable domains likely transited through the germinal center and then underwent final development. Regardless, the cellular origin of CLL remains unknown. The aim of this review is to summarize immunological aspects involved in this process and to provide insights about the complex biology and pathogenesis of this disease. We propose a mechanistic hypothesis to explain the origin of B-CLL clones into our current picture of normal B cell development. In particular, we suggest that unmutated CLL arises from normal B cells with self-reactivity for apoptotic bodies that have undergone receptor editing, CD5 expression, and anergic processes in the bone marrow. Similarly, mutated CLL would arise from cells that, while acquiring self-reactivity for autoantigens—including apoptotic bodies—in germinal centers, are also still subject to tolerization mechanisms, including receptor editing and anergy. We believe that CLL is a proliferation of B lymphocytes selected during clonal expansion through multiple encounters with (auto)antigens, despite the fact that they differ in their state of activation and maturation. Autoantigens and microbial pathogens activate BCR signaling and promote tolerogenic mechanisms such as receptor editing/revision, anergy, CD5+ expression, and somatic hypermutation in CLL B cells. The result of these tolerogenic mechanisms is the survival of CLL B cell clones with similar surface markers and homogeneous gene expression signatures. We suggest that both immunophenotypic surface markers and homogenous gene expression might represent the evidence of several attempts to re-educate self-reactive B cells