bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRM, service quality and organizational performance in the banking industry: a comparative study of conventional and Islamic banks
Authors: Lebdaoui Hind , Chetioui Youssef
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine a model that uses customer service quality as an intervening mechanism in the relationship between customer relationship management (CRM) practices and organizational performance in two different banking structures: conventional and Islamic. The study focuses on organizational and technological practices of CRM, as both have been demonstrated to be critical to CRM success.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on responses from 247 managers from conventional banks and 141 managers from Islamic banks operating in Morocco using a self-administered questionnaire. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique is employed for data analysis.

Findings

Findings demonstrate that customer service quality plays a mediating role between CRM practices (organizational and technological) and organizational performance in both conventional and Islamic banks. Our results confirm the positive impact of CRM practices on organizational performance in the two banking structures.

Practical implications

This study enhances our understanding of how CRM practices contribute to improving customer service quality and organizational performance in both conventional and Islamic banks. Bank managers, who aim to deliver superior service quality and achieve customer satisfaction and retention, should capitalize on the benefits of implementing CRM organizational and technological practices.

Originality/value

The present paper bridges a gap pertaining to key practices and factors that impact CRM success in the banking industry. It is the first of its kind to investigate the effect of CRM practices on organizational performance with customer service quality as a mediating variable. The study also contributes to the field of CRM literature, as CRM has rarely been addressed in an Islamic banking context.
Computational modelling methods for sports bra–body interactions
Authors: Ruixin Liang , Yip Joanne , Yu Winnie , Chen Lihua , Lau Newman
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The breasts are mainly fatty and connective tissues with no muscles that directly support them, so wearing sports bras is one of the most effective means of alleviating the discomfort of breast movement and potential injury during vigorous physical exercise. However, the design and development processes of traditional sports bras are time-consuming and costly. Hence, a novel method of simulating the static contact pressure between a sports bra and women’s body based on the finite element (FE) and artificial neural network (ANN) models is developed in this study to contribute to the design considerations of sports bras.

Design/methodology/approach

Three-dimensional FE models of a female subject and sports bras with different fabric properties are developed to determine the amount of contact pressure exerted onto the body. The FE results are then verified by measuring the amount of pressure exerted by the sports bra on the skin with pressure sensors. The Taguchi technique is used to effectively reduce the number of trials from 625 to only 25 cases. These 25 results obtained through FE modelling are then used to provide the training set for the ANNs. Finally, a comparison between the FE and ANN results is carried out.

Findings

A novel model of the static contact pressure between a sports bra and human subject based on the FE and ANN methods is presented in this paper. The root mean square error values show that there is only a small difference between the FE and ANN results.

Originality/value

The ANN function established in this study can be used to predict the mechanical behaviours of breasts and has a fundamental impact on the computer-aided design of functional garments in general.
Are we working less? An examination of changing UK labour supply decisions since the 1990s
Authors: Jones Paul S. , Nasir Muhammad Ali
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This purpose of the study is to examine the labour supply decisions with respect to earnings and considers whether we are willing or indeed able to work less. The authors specifically focus on the three points of time, i.e. beginning of the sample, pre and post Global Financial Crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

The study regression analysis by utilises microdata from the UK Labour Force Survey (LFS) regarding individual hours worked in three separate survey periods: 1994q2, 2007q2 and 2015q2

Findings

The results suggest that we are far from income-satiated. The elasticity of hours worked with respect to earnings is stubbornly inelastic and for some demographic cohorts positive, implying the desire to work more. The authors find that job flexibility matters in facilitating reduced hours of work, but that jobs are not becoming more flexible. The authors also do see a secular reduction in hours worked, accompanied by a shift to working later in life, but these appear to be down to factors other than higher wages.

Research limitations/implications

The study has important research implications in terms of understanding the dynamics of the labour market on the whole and in the pre and post global financial crisis periods.

Practical implications

The research has profound policy implication in terms of labour and employment policy.

Social implications

There are important social implications, particularly in terms of household labour supply decisions and substitution between work and leisure.

Originality/value

The study has significant element of originality in terms of understanding the changing dynamics of labour market. This is the first study which has investigated the labour market in the light of empirical evidence and in the various time periods.
Co-production or DIY: an analytical model of consumer choice and social preferences
Authors: Dargahi Rambod , Namin Aidin , Ketron Seth
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how consumers choose among three different options offered by a firm in a monopolistic setting, namely, to buy a standard product with a non-customizable design, to ask the firm to customize a product using the consumer’s ideal design or to do the entire design task by themselves. The authors also investigate how social preference intensity and the possibility of reselling a product influence a consumer’s decision.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop an analytical (game theoretical) consumer choice framework and incorporate a psychological factor into the model. The authors also empirically validate the analytical findings using simulations.

Findings

The authors find that as social preference intensity increases, the number of co-producers can either decrease or increase. The authors offer a closed-form solution and interval graphs showing that when the setup price is large (small), the proportion of the market that chooses to do-it-yourself (DIY) is large (small) and an increase in social preference intensity leads to a decrease (increase) in co-production.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to incorporate a social factor into an economic model in a consumer behavior setting. It is also the first paper to explain how customers’ preferences among possible options, such as DIY (without the firm’s help), co-production (with the firm’s help) and a standard product might change while considering other people’s preferences, as well as given associated costs.
The influence of quality management on organization performance: service quality and product characteristics as a medium
Authors: Sumardi Sumardi , Fernandes Adji Achmad Rinaldo
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The effect of the quality management system on service performance. The mediating effect of service quality on the influence of the quality management system on service performance. The mediating effect of product characteristics on the influence of the quality management system on service performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis unit of this research were the service organizations/fields presented by each of the experts working in the consulting companies/business entities of construction planners that have Grade 4 qualification and have been the members ofInkindoregistered since 2016 and located in the territory of Indonesia. The sample target were the organizations/fields of the consulting companies represented by the permanent experts or skilled manpower working accordingly with the field of construction planning services. This becomes important, considering that the position of experts is crucial to the success and quality of the management of construction planner consulting services. Determination of the use of the sample was based on therule of thumbin SEM, which amounted to 10 × 20 indicators or 200 respondents.

Findings

There is significant influence between the variables of the quality management system to service quality and company performance, but there is no significant effect on product characteristics. The analysis also showed that mediating effects to service quality or characteristics of the product were not found on the influence of the quality management system to company performance.

Originality/value

The quality management system focuses on earning users’ satisfaction by applying basic principles to the management of good companies. The scope of a broad management system not only revolves around the quality of products making the quality management system very well applied in various types of companies or organizations, but it can also be applied to organizing-related services to customers.
Determinants of corporate social performance disclosure: a literature review
Authors: Garcia Editinete André da Rocha , Carvalho Gustavo Macedo de , Boaventura Joao Mauricio Gama , Souza Filho José Milton de
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This review aims to identify the determinants of voluntary disclosure of corporate social performance (CSP) and to analyze and consolidate previous quantitative studies to identify the theoretical perspectives and the variables used in measuring the determinants of CSP disclosure (CSP-D).

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of articles published from 1987 to 2015 was conducted using the three databases, Ebsco, ISI and Jstor, with CSP-D as the dependent variable. The goal was to identify the theoretical perspectives underlying the studies and the independent variables.

Findings

The literature revealed a set of variables and their general measures, but the consensus confirmed that there was no single explanation for what determined CSP-D. The published theories that support a relationship between CSP-D and its determinants are legitimacy, institutional, stakeholder, agency and voluntary disclosure theory.

Originality/value

The results allowed us to identify the perspectives underlying the major theories and disclosed a set of factors considered by the literature as the ones that influence CSP-D. This information will be useful for researchers interested in developing their own studies on CSP-D because it presents the evolution of CSP-D factors over time and organizes the findings of multiple studies developed since the emergence of the theme.
Non-kinetic hybrid threats in Europe – the Portuguese case study (2017-18)
Authors: Pathe Duarte Felipe
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to understand whether Portugal, being a relatively peripheral country – in political, economic and military terms – of Southwest Europe, was recently a target of hybrid threats. The prevalence of a specific type of threat was found. Thus, this paper analyses the non-kinetic hybrid threats in Portugal, in a temporary hiatus of two years (2017-2018).

Design/methodology/approach

This study has two parts: a conceptual analysis of hybrid threats created by us and, based on the typology previously presented, an analysis of the hybrid threats in Portugal between 2017 and 2018. The first part relied on source analysis, as the result of a desk review methodology, supported by monographs, declassified official documents and reports. The second part is also the result of source analysis, but more extensive. In addition to the desk review methodology, the study included semi-structured interviews with different stakeholders from the Portuguese security and armed forces, who asked not to be quoted. Media content analysis was also carried out – for trends and fact-check – mostly for the events related to the “narratives led operations” (for propaganda, misinformation, counter-information and strategic leaks).

Findings

To date, Portugal – compared with other European states – has not been a significant target for hybrid threats. It is diluted in the Portuguese geopolitical dimension. Nevertheless, not escaping what is happening in Europe, it has also been the target of non-kinetic hybrid threats, especially in cyberspace. In the field of so-called “narrative-driven operations”, there have been some occurrences – whether related to fake news, far-right movements or strategic leaks. In addition, cyberattacks from foreign groups for information and data gathering have increased in recent years, making governmental and private critical infrastructures more vulnerable.

Research limitations/implications

One of the characteristics of hybrid threats is their difficult identification. Therefore, information is scarce, which has complicated the research, leading us to assume, in many cases, speculation about the threat. It should also be taken into account that, in the case of cyberspace, until 2018, 90% of the occurrences were not reported, and the study has dealt with only official numbers.

Originality/value

It is not a policy paper. Although it neither points out national vulnerabilities to this type of threat nor makes procedural recommendations or considerations, it is fundamental in identifying the peculiarity of hybrid threats in a democratic state.
Why do females of a lekking species mate with multiple males?
Authors: Kempenaers Bart
Published: May 2020

In Focus: Rivers, P. R., & DuVal, E. H. (2020). Multiple paternity in a lek mating system: Females mate multiply when they choose inexperienced sires. Journal of Animal Ecology, 89, 1142–1152. In many socially monogamous species with biparental care, some females engage in extra‐pair copulations, despite the apparent risk of losing male help in raising their brood. Why females mate with multiple males remains the focus of intense debate, but may be linked to constraints in social mate choice. If so, multiple mating is not expected in a lekking mating system, where females receive no resources from the male other than sperm and are free to choose the ‘best’ mate to sire their offspring. Rivers and DuVal (2020) report on the occurrence of multiple paternity in lekking lance‐tailed manakins and test several hypotheses to explain it. Their study shows that lower‐ranked males and males with less experience were more likely to share paternity. However, the process underlying this pattern remains puzzling. The authors suggest female choice related to male characteristics that change with experience as an explanation, but alternative scenarios cannot be excluded.
Seasonal habitat drives intestinal microbiome composition in anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus)
Authors: Element Geraint , Engel Katja , Neufeld Josh D. , Casselman John M. , van Coeverden de Groot Peter , Greer Charles W. , Walker Virginia K.
Published: May 2020

Intestinal microbial communities from 362 anadromous Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) from the high Arctic Kitikmeot region, Nunavut, Canada, were characterized using high‐throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The resulting bacterial communities were compared across four seasonal habitats that correspond to different stages of annual migration. Arctic char intestinal communities differed by sampling site, salinity and stages of freshwater residence. Although microbiota from fish sampled in brackish water were broadly consistent with taxa seen in other anadromous salmonids, they were enriched with putative psychrophiles, including the nonluminous gut symbiont Photobacterium iliopiscarium that was detected in >90% of intestinal samples from these waters. Microbiota from freshwater‐associated fish were less consistent with results reported for other salmonids, and highly variable, possibly reflecting winter fasting behaviour of these char. We identified microbiota links to age for those fish sampled during the autumn upriver migration, but little impact of the intestinal content and water microbiota on the intestinal community. The strongest driver of intestinal community composition was seasonal habitat, and this finding combined with identification of psychrophiles suggested that water temperature and migratory behaviour are key to understanding the relationship between Arctic char and their symbionts.
Flavonoids repress the production of antifungal 2,4‐DAPG but potentially facilitate root colonization of the rhizobacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens
Authors: Yu Xiao‐Quan , Yan Xu , Zhang Meng‐Yuan , Zhang Li‐Qun , He Yong‐Xing
Published: May 2020

In the well‐known legume–rhizobia symbiosis, flavonoids released by legume roots induce expression of the Nod factors and trigger early plant responses involved in root nodulation. However, it remains largely unknown how the plant‐derived flavonoids influence the physiology of non‐symbiotic beneficial rhizobacteria. In this work, we demonstrated that the flavonoids apigenin and/or phloretin enhanced the swarming motility and production of cellulose and curli in Pseudomonas fluorescens 2P24, both traits of which are essential for root colonization. Using a label‐free quantitative proteomics approach, we showed that apigenin and phloretin significantly reduced the biosynthesis of the antifungal metabolite 2,4‐DAPG and further identified a novel flavonoid‐sensing TetR regulator PhlH, which was shown to modulate 2,4‐DAPG production by regulating the expression of 2,4‐DAPG hydrolase PhlG. Although having similar structures, apigenin and phloretin could also influence different physiological characteristics of P. fluorescens 2P24, with apigenin decreasing the biofilm formation and phloretin inducing expression of proteins involved in the denitrification and arginine fermentation processes. Taken together, our results suggest that plant‐derived flavonoids could be sensed by the TetR regulator PhlH in P. fluorescens 2P24 and acts as important signalling molecules that strengthen mutually beneficial interactions between plants and non‐symbiotic beneficial rhizobacteria.
Parenthood and social policy preferences: A gender and time sensitive examination
Authors: BURLACU DIANA , LÜHISTE MAARJA
Published: May 2020

Attitudes towards social spending and the welfare state have been characterised by one of the longest standing and widest gender gaps. Past research suggests that parenthood deepens this divide further. Yet, the exact relationship between parenthood and support for social policies – and the gendered nature of this process – has been difficult to establish because it can vary across welfare policy areas and the age of the children, which past studies, relying on cross‐sectional data, has found difficult to unravel. Using panel data from the Swiss Household Panel, we examine individual level changes in fathers’ and mothers’ views towards specific welfare state policies. We find that individuals’ support for social spending fluctuates at different stages of parenthood, and that mothers’ demands differ from fathers’ in relation to care related but not in terms of educational spending. This implies that parents are not a homogeneous group that parties could target with uniform electoral pledges. As a result, building widespread electoral support for expanding a broad range of social investment policies is likely to be challenging in a context where, first and foremost, self‐interest appears to drive (or depress) individuals’ support for specific welfare state policies.
How accurately can multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging measure the tumour volume of a prostate cancer? Results of a systematic review
Authors: Christie David R.H. , Sharpley Christopher F.
Published: May 2020

The tumour volume of a cancer within the prostate gland is commonly measured with multiparametric MRI. The measurement has a role in many clinical scenarios including focal therapy, but the accuracy of it has never been systematically reviewed. We included articles if they compared tumour volume measurements obtained by mpMRI with a reference volume measurement obtained after radical prostatectomy. Correlation and concordance statistics were summarised. A simple accuracy score was derived by dividing the given mean or median mpMRI volume by the histopathological reference volume. Factors affecting the accuracy were noted. Scores for potential bias and quality were calculated for each article. A total of 18 articles describing 1438 patients were identified. Nine articles gave Pearson’s correlation scores, with a median value of 0.75 but the range was wide (0.42–0.97). A total of 11 articles reported mean values for volume while 9 reported median values. For all 18 articles, the mean or median values for MRI volumes were lower than the corresponding reference values suggesting consistent underestimation. For articles reporting mean and median values for volume, the median accuracy scores were 0.83 and 0.80, respectively. The accuracy was higher for tumours of greater volume, higher grade and when an endorectal coil was used. Accuracy did not seem to improve over time, with a 3 Tesla magnet or by applying a shrinkage factor to the reference measurement. Most studies showed evidence of at least moderate bias, and their quality was highly variable, but neither of these appeared to affect accuracy.
Determinants of accelerated metabolomic and epigenetic aging in a UK cohort
Authors: Robinson Oliver , Chadeau Hyam Marc , Karaman Ibrahim , Climaco Pinto Rui , Ala-Korpela Mika , Handakas Evangelos , Fiorito Giovanni , Gao He , Heard Andy , Jarvelin Marjo‐Riitta , Lewis Matthew , Pazoki Raha , Polidoro Silvia , Tzoulaki Ioanna , Wielscher Matthias , Elliott Paul , Vineis Paolo
Published: May 2020

Markers of biological aging have potential utility in primary care and public health. We developed a model of age based on untargeted metabolic profiling across multiple platforms, including nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in urine and serum, within a large sample (N = 2,239) from the UK Airwave cohort. We validated a subset of model predictors in a Finnish cohort including repeat measurements from 2,144 individuals. We investigated the determinants of accelerated aging, including lifestyle and psychological risk factors for premature mortality. The metabolomic age model was well correlated with chronological age (mean r = .86 across independent test sets). Increased metabolomic age acceleration (mAA) was associated after false discovery rate (FDR) correction with overweight/obesity, diabetes, heavy alcohol use and depression. DNA methylation age acceleration measures were uncorrelated with mAA. Increased DNA methylation phenotypic age acceleration (N = 1,110) was associated after FDR correction with heavy alcohol use, hypertension and low income. In conclusion, metabolomics is a promising approach for the assessment of biological age and appears complementary to established epigenetic clocks.
Genetic dissection of reproductive performance of dairy cows under heat stress
Authors: Sigdel A. , Liu L. , Abdollahi‐Arpanahi R. , Aguilar I. , Peñagaricano F.
Published: May 2020

Heat stress negatively impacts the reproductive performance of dairy cows. The main objective of this study was to dissect the genetic basis underlying dairy cow fertility under heat stress conditions. Our first goal was to estimate genetic components of cow conception across lactations considering heat stress. Our second goal was to reveal individual genes and functional gene‐sets that explain a cow’s ability to conceive under thermal stress. Data consisted of 74 221 insemination records on 13 704 Holstein cows. Multitrait linear repeatability test‐day models with random regressions on a function of temperature–humidity index values were used for the analyses. Heritability estimates for cow conception under heat stress were around 2–3%, whereas genetic correlations between general and thermotolerance additive genetic effects were negative and ranged between −0.35 and −0.82, indicating an unfavorable relationship between cows’ ability to conceive under thermo‐neutral vs. thermo‐stress conditions. Whole‐genome scans identified at least six genomic regions on BTA1, BTA10, BTA11, BTA17, BTA21 and BTA23 associated with conception under thermal stress. These regions harbor candidate genes such as BRWD1, EXD2, ADAM20, EPAS1, TAOK3, and NOS1, which are directly implicated in reproductive functions and cellular response to heat stress. The gene‐set enrichment analysis revealed functional terms related to fertilization, developmental biology, heat shock proteins and oxidative stress, among others. Overall, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetics underlying the reproductive performance of dairy cattle under heat stress conditions and point out novel genomic strategies for improving thermotolerance and fertility via marker‐assisted breeding.
Role of colour‐Doppler high‐frequency ultrasonography in capillary malformation‐arteriovenous malformation syndrome: a case series
Authors: Rodríguez Bandera Ana Isabel , Feito Rodríguez Marta , Chiloeches Fernández Clara , Stewart Nicholas , Valdivielso‐Ramos Marta
Published: May 2020

High‐frequency ultrasonography (HFUS) represents a useful adjunct for dermatologists in the diagnosis of capillary malformation‐arteriovenous malformation (CM‐AVM) syndrome. We present a paediatric case series of 6 patients with confirmed RASA1 gene mutation in whom HFUS demonstrated AVM beneath cutaneous CM‐like lesions greater than 1.5 cm.
Early repolarization pattern associated with coronary artery disease and increased the risk of cardiac death in acute myocardium infarction
Authors: Fan Jun , Yao Feng‐Juan , Cheng Yun‐Jiu , Ji Cheng‐Cheng , Chen Xu‐Miao , Wu Su‐Hua
Published: May 2020

Background

Early repolarization pattern (ERP) was associated with sudden cardiac death in recent studies. However, the associations between ERP and coronary artery disease (CAD), and ERP and cardiac death caused by acute myocardial infarction (MI) remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled consecutive 1,545 CAD patients and 908 non‐CAD subjects as control group which were confirmed by coronary angiograph. The CAD patients include stable CAD, acute MI patients, and old MI patients. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to evaluate the relationship between ERP and CAD, and ERP and cardiac death caused by acute MI.

Results

Of the 1,545 CAD subjects, there were 1,029 stable CAD patients, 404 acute MI patients, and 112 old MI patients. The incidence of ERP was much higher among patients with CAD than without CAD subjects (20.1% vs. 6.2%, p < .001) after adjusting for major cardiovascular risk factors. No significant correlation was observed between lead region of ERP on 12‐lead ECG and single abnormal artery. Of the 404 acute MI patients, 342 patients survived and 62 patients died. Incidence of ERP was higher in non‐survivor than survivor patients with acute MI (24.2% vs. 17.5%, p = .006) after adjustment for major cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion

The incidence of ERP was higher in CAD patients than subjects without CAD and in non‐survivor patients than survivor patients with acute MI. The lead region of ERP on 12‐lead ECG was not associated with single abnormal coronary artery.
Co‐cultures of renal progenitors and endothelial cells on kidney decellularized matrices replicate the renal tubular environment in vitro
Authors: Sobreiro‐Almeida Rita , Melica Maria Elena , Lasagni Laura , Romagnani Paola , Neves Nuno M.
Published: May 2020

Aim

Herein we propose creating a bilayer tubular kidney in‐vitro model. It is hypothesized that membranes composed of decellularized porcine kidney extracellular matrix are valid substitutes of the tubular basement membrane by mimicking the physiological relevance of the in vivo environment and disease phenotypes.

Methods

Extracellular matrix was obtained from decellularized porcine kidneys. After processing by lyophilization and milling, it was dissolved in an organic solvent and blended with poly(caprolactone). Porous membranes were obtained by electrospinning and seeded with human primary renal progenitor cells to evaluate phenotypic alterations. To create a bilayer model of the in vivo tubule, the same cells were differentiated into epithelial tubular cells and co‐cultured with endothelial cells in opposite sites.

Results

Our results demonstrate increasing metabolic activity, proliferation and total protein content of renal progenitors over time. We confirmed the expression of several genes encoding epithelial transport proteins and we could also detect tubular‐specific proteins by immunofluorescence stainings. Functional and transport assays were performed trough the bilayer by quantifying both human serum albumin uptake and inulin leakage. Furthermore, we validated the chemical modulation of nephrotoxicity on this epithelium‐endothelium model by cisplatin exposure.

Conclusion

The use of decellularized matrices in combination with primary renal cells was shown to be a valuable tool for modelling renal function and disease in vitro. We successfully validated our hypothesis by replicating the physiological conditions of an in vitro tubular bilayer model. The developed system may contribute significantly for the future investigation of advanced therapies for kidney diseases.
The value of myocardial perfusion imaging in screening coronary artery disease before kidney transplantation
Authors: Helve Salla , Nieminen Tuomo , Helanterä Ilkka , Finne Patrik , Rajala Helena , Sinisalo Juha , Laine Mika
Published: May 2020

The value of myocardial single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in pre‐transplant evaluation of kidney transplant recipients is controversial. We assessed whether myocardial SPECT predicts major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and determined whether SPECT findings affected transplant recipients' medical and invasive treatment. We analyzed 301 patients referred for myocardial SPECT before kidney transplantation and combined the results with information from patient files and the Transplantation Registry. During the median follow‐up time of 96 months (IQR 70.75‐118.25 months), the incidence of MACE was higher in patients (n = 37) with severely abnormal SPECT (>10% reversible perfusion defect) than in patients (n = 35) with mildly abnormal or normal SPECT (51.4%, 29.4%, and 27.0%, respectively, P = .011). Severely abnormal SPECT findings predicted long‐term MACE in a univariable analysis but not after adjusting for other risk factors. Following SPECT, 29 patients (9.6%) underwent coronary angiography and 14 (4.6%) were revascularized. New antithrombotic or statin medication was prescribed to 7.3% of patients with ischemia in SPECT. Kidney transplantation patients are at high long‐term risk of MACE even with normal preoperative myocardial SPECT. Abnormal SPECT did not predict MACE when adjusted for other risk factors. Minority of the patients underwent coronary revascularization or had changes in preventive medication before transplantation.
Guidelines for the management of diabetes services and patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Rayman G. , Lumb A. , Kennon B. , Cottrell C. , Nagi D. , Page E. , Voigt D. , Courtney H. , Atkins H. , Platts J. , Higgins K. , Dhatariya K. , Patel M. , Narendran P. , Kar P. , Newland‐Jones P. , Stewart R. , Burr O. , Thomas S. ,   London Inpatient Diabetes Network‐COVID‐19
Published: May 2020

The UK National Diabetes Inpatient COVID Response Group was formed at the end of March 2020 to support the provision of diabetes inpatient care during the COVID pandemic. It was formed in response to two emerging needs. First to ensure that basic diabetes services are secured and maintained at a time when there was a call for re‐deployment to support the need for general medical expertise across secondary care services. The second was to provide simple safe diabetes guidelines for use by specialists and non‐specialists treating inpatients with or suspected of COVID‐19 infection. To date the group, comprising UK‐based specialists in diabetes, pharmacy and psychology, have produced two sets of guidelines which will be continually revised as new evidence emerges. It is supported by Diabetes UK, the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists and NHS England.
Positive association of serum uric acid with new‐onset diabetes in Chinese women with hypertension in a retrospective analysis of the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial
Authors: Zhou Chun , Liu Mengyi , Zhang Zhuxian , Zhang Yuanyuan , Nie Jing , Liang Min , Liu Chengzhang , Hu Weimin , Song Yun , Liu Lishun , Wang Binyan , Wang Xiaobin , Xu Xiping , Qin Xianhui
Published: May 2020

Aims

To investigate the association of baseline serum uric acid (UA) with new‐onset diabetes, and to explore the possible effect modifiers in Chinese adults with hypertension.

Materials and methods

A total of 14 943 hypertensive patients with available UA measurements and without diabetes at baseline were included from the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial (CSPPT). Participants were randomly assigned to a double‐blind daily treatment with 10 mg enalapril and 0.8 mg folic acid or 10 mg enalapril alone. The primary outcome was new‐onset diabetes, defined as physician‐diagnosed diabetes or use of glucose‐lowering drugs during follow‐up, or fasting glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L at the exit visit.

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 4.5 years, 1623 participants (10.9%) developed diabetes. Overall, there was a positive association between baseline UA and new‐onset diabetes in women (per SD increment; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07, 1.23), but not in men (adjusted OR 1.01, 95% CI 0.92, 1.10). Moreover, a stronger positive association between baseline UA and new‐onset diabetes was found among women with lower time‐averaged on‐treatment systolic blood pressure during the treatment period (<140 vs. ≥140 mmHg; P‐interaction = 0.024), higher baseline body mass index (<24 vs. ≥24 kg/m2; P‐interaction = 0.012), or higher baseline waist circumference (<80 vs. ≥80 cm; P‐interaction = 0.032).

Conclusions

Our study suggested that higher baseline UA was significantly associated with increased risk of new‐onset diabetes in hypertensive Chinese women, but not in men. Further prospective studies are required to validate the differential association by sex.
Intrahepatic fat, irrespective of ethnicity, is associated with reduced endogenous insulin clearance and hepatic insulin resistance in obese youths: A cross‐sectional and longitudinal study from the Yale Pediatric NAFLD cohort
Authors: Tricò Domenico , Galderisi Alfonso , Mari Andrea , Polidori David , Galuppo Brittany , Pierpont Bridget , Samuels Stephanie , Santoro Nicola , Caprio Sonia
Published: May 2020

Aim

To evaluate whether intrahepatic fat accumulation contributes to impaired insulin clearance and hepatic insulin resistance across different ethnic groups.

Methods

The intrahepatic fat content (HFF%) was quantified by magnetic resonance imaging in a multi‐ethnic cohort of 632 obese youths aged 7‐18 years at baseline and after a 2‐year follow‐up. Insulin secretion rate (ISR), endogenous insulin clearance (EIC) and hepatic insulin resistance index (HIRI) were estimated by modelling glucose, insulin and C‐peptide data during 3‐hour, 9‐point oral glucose tolerance tests.

Results

African American youths exhibited the lowest HFF% and a prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) less than half of that shown by Caucasians and Hispanics. Furthermore, African Americans had lower EIC and glucose‐stimulated ISR, despite similar HIRI and plasma insulin levels, compared with Caucasians and Hispanics. EIC and HIRI were markedly reduced in individuals with NAFLD and declined across group‐specific HFF% tertiles in all ethnic groups. Consistently, the HFF% correlated with EIC and HIRI, irrespective of the ethnic background, after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, adiposity, waist‐hip ratio, pubertal status and plasma glucose levels. An increased HFF% at follow‐up was associated with decreased EIC and increased HIRI across all groups.

Conclusions

Intrahepatic lipid accumulation is associated with reduced insulin clearance and hepatic insulin sensitivity in obese youths, irrespective of their ethnic background.
Causes of hypereosinophilia in 100 consecutive patients
Authors: Moller Daniel , Tan Julia , Gauiran Deonne Thaddeus V. , Medvedev Nadia , Hudoba Monika , Carruthers Mollie N. , Dehghan Natasha , van den Berghe Janette , Bruyère Helene , Chen Luke Y.C.
Published: May 2020

Background

Hypereosinophilia (HE, persistent peripheral blood eosinophilia > 1.5 × 109/L) and hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES, HE with end‐organ damage) are classified as primary (due to a myeloid clone), secondary (due to a wide variety of reactive causes), or idiopathic. Diagnostic evaluation of eosinophilia is challenging, in part because secondary causes of HE/HES such as lymphocyte‐variant HES (L‐HES) and vasculitis are difficult to diagnose, and emerging causes such as immunoglobulin G4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) have rarely been examined.

Objective and Methods

We reviewed 100 consecutive patients with HE/HES who underwent extensive evaluation for primary and secondary eosinophilia at a single tertiary care center to determine causes of HE/HES in a modern context.

Results

Six patients had primary HE/HES, 80 had a discrete secondary cause identified, and 14 had idiopathic HE/HES. The most common causes of secondary eosinophilia were L‐HES/HES of unknown significance (L‐HESus) (20), IgG4‐RD (9), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) (8).

Conclusions

In contrast to other large published series of HE/HES, most patients in this study were found to have a discrete secondary cause of eosinophilia and only 14 were deemed idiopathic. These findings highlight the importance of extensive evaluation for secondary causes of eosinophilia such as L‐HES, IgG4‐RD, and EGPA.
Banks' noninterest income and securities holdings in a low interest rate environment: The case of Italy
Authors: Molyneux Philip , Reghezza Alessio , Torriero Chiara , Williams Jonathan
Published: May 2020

Using a sample of 440 Italian banks over the period 2007–2016, we find that low interest rates motivate banks to expand their fee and commission income and to restructure their securities portfolios. A granular breakdown suggests that banks grow noninterest income in various ways, including portfolio management, brokerage and consultancy services and increase fee income from current account and payment services. In addition, banks rebalance securities portfolios away from those “held for trading” to securities “available for sale” and “held to maturity.” Our findings allude to different behavior between large and small banks: while larger banks increase brokerage, consultancy and portfolio management services, smaller banks generate fees from customer current accounts.
Century‐long apparent decrease in intrinsic water‐use efficiency with no evidence of progressive nutrient limitation in African tropical forests
Authors: Bauters Marijn , Meeus Sofie , Barthel Matti , Stoffelen Piet , De Deurwaerder Hannes P. T. , Meunier Félicien , Drake Travis W. , Ponette Quentin , Ebuy Jerôme , Vermeir Pieter , Beeckman Hans , wyffels Francis , Bodé Samuel , Verbeeck Hans , Vandelook Filip , Boeckx Pascal
Published: May 2020

Forests exhibit leaf‐ and ecosystem‐level responses to environmental changes. Specifically, rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels over the past century are expected to have increased the intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) of tropical trees while the ecosystem is gradually pushed into progressive nutrient limitation. Due to the long‐term character of these changes, however, observational datasets to validate both paradigms are limited in space and time. In this study, we used a unique herbarium record to go back nearly a century and show that despite the rise in CO2 concentrations, iWUE has decreased in central African tropical trees in the Congo Basin. Although we find evidence that points to leaf‐level adaptation to increasing CO2—that is, increasing photosynthesis‐related nutrients and decreasing maximum stomatal conductance, a decrease in leaf δ13C clearly indicates a decreasing iWUE over time. Additionally, the stoichiometric carbon to nitrogen and nitrogen to phosphorus ratios in the leaves show no sign of progressive nutrient limitation as they have remained constant since 1938, which suggests that nutrients have not increasingly limited productivity in this biome. Altogether, the data suggest that other environmental factors, such as increasing temperature, might have negatively affected net photosynthesis and consequently downregulated the iWUE. Results from this study reveal that the second largest tropical forest on Earth has responded differently to recent environmental changes than expected, highlighting the need for further on‐ground monitoring in the Congo Basin.
The student–faculty interaction beyond the formal curriculum in South Korea
Authors: Choi Bo Keum , Kim Min Sun
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to identify and categorise factors that hinder Korean college student‐faculty interaction. Twenty‐one college students who had advising experience with faculty were interviewed. Concept mapping was used to collect, organise and interpret qualitative data through quantitative techniques. These factors were recorded on index cards, and 21 participants returned and sorted these statements into self‐defined, conceptually homogeneous categories. As a result, 45 common factors were elicited and reliably organised into four clusters, with hierarchical relationship with the faculty member (Cluster 1), time constraints (Cluster 2), doubt about (academic, personal and career) benefits of interaction (Cluster 3) and a lack of recognition of necessity (Cluster 4). According to the ratings, the most important cluster was ‘doubt about benefits of interaction’, and participants rated the ‘lack of recognition of necessity’ as the cluster most similar to their own experiences.
Postmortem examination of COVID‐19 patients reveals diffuse alveolar damage with severe capillary congestion and variegated findings in lungs and other organs suggesting vascular dysfunction
Authors: Menter Thomas , Haslbauer Jasmin D , Nienhold Ronny , Savic Spasenija , Hopfer Helmut , Deigendesch Nikolaus , Frank Stephan , Turek Daniel , Willi Niels , Pargger Hans , Bassetti Stefano , Leuppi Joerg D , Cathomas Gieri , Tolnay Markus , Mertz Kirsten D , Tzankov Alexandar
Published: May 2020

Aims

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has rapidly evolved into a sweeping pandemic. Its major manifestation is in the respiratory tract, and the general extent of organ involvement and the microscopic changes in the lungs remain insufficiently characterised. Autopsies are essential to elucidate COVID‐19‐associated organ alterations.

Methods and results

This article reports the autopsy findings of 21 COVID‐19 patients hospitalised at the University Hospital Basel and at the Cantonal Hospital Baselland, Switzerland. An in‐corpore technique was performed to ensure optimal staff safety. The primary cause of death was respiratory failure with exudative diffuse alveolar damage and massive capillary congestion, often accompanied by microthrombi despite anticoagulation. Ten cases showed superimposed bronchopneumonia. Further findings included pulmonary embolism (n = 4), alveolar haemorrhage (n = 3), and vasculitis (n = 1). Pathologies in other organ systems were predominantly attributable to shock; three patients showed signs of generalised and five of pulmonary thrombotic microangiopathy. Six patients were diagnosed with senile cardiac amyloidosis upon autopsy. Most patients suffered from one or more comorbidities (hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus). Additionally, there was an overall predominance of males and individuals with blood group A (81% and 65%, respectively). All relevant histological slides are linked as open‐source scans in supplementary files.

Conclusions

This study provides an overview of postmortem findings in COVID‐19 cases, implying that hypertensive, elderly, obese, male individuals with severe cardiovascular comorbidities as well as those with blood group A may have a lower threshold of tolerance for COVID‐19. This provides a pathophysiological explanation for higher mortality rates among these patients.
Vigilantism in Ghana: Trends, Victim Characteristics, and Reported Reasons
Authors: ADZIMAH‐ALADE MILLICENT , AKOTIA CHARITY S. , ANNOR FRANCIS , QUARSHIE EMMANUEL NII‐BOYE
Published: May 2020

Vigilantism is gaining popularity in Africa as a means of self‐defence, enacting justice, policing morality, and sanctioning (perceived) wrongdoings. Drawing on content analysis of 172 media reports from 2001 to 2018, this study examined the trends and patterns of vigilantism, characteristics of victims, and reported reasons for recourse to vigilantism within the Ghanaian context. Results showed a considerable increase in reported cases of vigilantism within the 18‐year period, with most of the cases reported in urban settings. Theft and robbery emerged as the most frequently suspected crimes for which victims were attacked and, in many cases, killed. The study underscores the implications of vigilantism in terms of disdaining human life and dignity. It calls for the need to revisit the justice administration systems and punishment procedures, as well as resourcing and empowering law enforcers to fight crime, including vigilantism.