bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finger licking good? An observational study of hand hygiene practices of fast food restaurant employees and consumers
Authors: Soon Jan Mei
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Appropriate hand hygiene technique is a simple and effective method to reduce cross contamination and transmission of foodborne pathogens. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the frequency of hand hygiene activities among food handlers and consumers in fast food restaurants (FFRs).

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 25 FFRs and cafes were visited between May and August 2017 in North West England. A hand hygiene observational tool was adapted and modified from previous studies. The observational tool was designed to record 30 sequential hand activities of consumers and employees. Each transaction consisted of an observed action (e.g. touch with bare hands), object (e.g. exposed ready-to-eat (RTE) foods) and observed hand hygiene practice (e.g. handwashing or cleaning with wipes or sanitisers). Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) swabs of hand-contact surfaces of restaurants’ restrooms were carried out.

Findings

Findings revealed that both food handlers and consumers have low-hand hygiene compliance rate in FFRs. Consumers were more likely to clean their hands with napkins after handling exposed RTE food. Food handlers were observed to change into new gloves without washing their hands before handling exposed RTE food. The mean results for all hand-contact surfaces in restrooms were higher than 30 Relative Light Units indicating unhygienic surfaces. Male restroom exit doors’ ATP levels were significantly higher than females.

Originality/value

This study revealed the lack of hand hygiene practices among food handlers and consumers at FFRs and cafes. Restroom hand-contact surfaces revealed high ATP level indicating unhygienic surfaces. This can potentially re-contaminate washed hands upon touching unhygienic surface (e.g. exit door panel/handle) when leaving the restroom.
Lesson study and teachers’ beliefs
Authors: Mayrhofer Edgar
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show, from a theoretical perspective, how lesson study (LS) can initiate processes that have an effect on most fundamental teachers’ (and teacher–students’) personal beliefs which are the basis of a teacher’ interactions. On the basis of research referring to educational beliefs and good practice, the paper’s approach is to bring underlying beliefs into relation to Pierre Bourdieu’s sociocultural concept of the habitus. Awareness of these unconscious fundamentals is a requirement for improvement. Developing a professional habitus will allow inappropriate beliefs to be changed by informed knowledge. LS can support that.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a theoretical paper aiming at illustrating the potential of LS to initiate learning and reflection among teachers, and challenge and ultimately affect deep ranging beliefs. Guided by the idea that beliefs are not only a random collection acquired in a biography, the paper applies the Bourdieuian idea of habitus and field, suggesting habitus as the origin and source of beliefs and, therefore, ultimately of classroom practice. The paper defines LS as a tool in teacher education that has the potential to make teachers change inappropriate concepts by reflecting on their habitus and develop a more professional habitus.

Findings

Research agrees that teachers’ decisions and actions are strongly rooted in their unconscious beliefs, which have accumulated during their biographies, especially during their own school days whereas informed knowledge is neglected. The Bourdieuian theory of habitus is a heuristic concept that provides an integrative social perspective on beliefs as both a part and a result of a teacher’s habitus. Reflection on practice and teacher cooperation is essential for teacher learning. LS is an ideal setting providing these essentials, and the paper finds that the negative effects of habitus-rooted unconscious beliefs and practices can be affected by developing awareness through LS.

Originality/value

This paper aims at bringing together Bourdieu’s sociocultural theory of habitus and field, and LS. Inappropriate beliefs guiding practice can hinder informed knowledge on education to be integrated. An analysis of the habitus as the foundation of beliefs can create awareness of the effects resulting from biographical and social sources in both pre- and in-service teacher training. Rather than changing single beliefs, developing a professional habitus allows to integrate informed knowledge and affect a lasting change. The Bourdieuian approach opens up a new perspective of the capacity of LS and makes a relevant contribution in developing a professional habitus.
Leadership, job satisfaction and performance links in private education institutes of Pakistan
Authors: Torlak N. Gökhan , Kuzey Cemil
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to get an insight into which form leadership either transactional leadership (TAL) or transformational leadership (TFL) is most effective in the educational sector of Pakistan and to determine the impact of each on the employee job satisfaction (EJS) and employee job performance (EJP). Given research site observation, appropriate leadership was essential to high-quality education in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected through a survey based on e-mail/interview from 189 employees working at private education institutes in Pakistan. Analysis methodology includes frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, paired samplest-test, Pearson correlation analysis and regression analysis.

Findings

Only management by exception (MBE) and idealized influence (II), inspirational motivation (IM), intellectual stimulation (IS) and individualized consideration (IC) had significant positive association with both EJS and EJP. MBE had a positive significant effect on both EJS and EJP, while contingent rewards had no significant relation with EJS and weak positive significant association with EJP. Furthermore, II, IM, IS and IC had a positive significant impact on EJS and EJP.

Research limitations/implications

Respondents were from major private educational institutes in Islamabad and Lahore. The leadership style – TAL–TFL – was the sole variable to judge EJS/EJP. Multifaceted populations’ perspectives might enhance the attributes of TAL/TFL. This study might influence the authorities to adopt the right leadership style securing high-quality education system for both private and public education institutes in Pakistan.

Originality/value

The study filled the gap in the educational sector of Pakistan, where research works into leadership styles-satisfaction-performance links were few and far between.
Not so positive, please!
Authors: Hernandez-Ortega Blanca
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effect of positive online consumer reviews (OCRs) on changes in the individual’s evaluations from the pre-purchase to the post-consumption stage, studying satisfaction, attitude towards the firm and purchase intention. The effect of positive OCRs may differ depending on whether the product performance is high or low, i.e., whether the product meets the objectives of the consumer. So, the paper also explores different effects that positive OCRs can have on changes in the individual’s evaluations depending on the kind of performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Two studies based on the experimental methodology are carried out and several statistical techniques are applied: confirmatory factorial analysis, mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance and post-hoc analysis.

Findings

Results demonstrate that the effect of positive OCRs continues after consumption. Depending on the performance, this effect can be positive (negative) and verify (contrast with) the individual’s pre-purchase evaluations. Moreover, this effect is always more intense when the performance is low.

Originality/value

It explores the changes in the individual’s evaluations about the product and the firm, going beyond the immediate effect of positive OCRs. It also explains the effects of positive OCRs for high and low performance. Finally, it demonstrates that OCR effects are not symmetrical for high and low performance.
Identifying the characteristics of a high-performance finance function
Authors: de Waal André , Bilstra Eelco , De Roeck Peter
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The concept of the high-performance organization (HPO) receives much attention nowadays. To create and sustain an HPO, all parts of the organization must contribute, especially the finance function, whose relations with every part of the organization mean that it can be regarded as the spider in the organizational web. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops the high-performance finance function (HPFF) framework based on the HPO framework, a scientifically developed and validated approach to transforming organizations into HPOs. Based on an extensive literature review, potential characteristics of an HPFF were identified and subsequently linked to factors in the HPO framework. Subsequently, using a questionnaire and statistical analysis, these potential characteristics were clustered into five HPFF factors that showed a significant positive relation with the finance function’s performance.

Findings

The five HPFF factors are: Finance Function Improvement, IT Focus, People Development (of financial professionals working in the function), Role Clarity (for each of the various types of role in the function) and Strategic Role (of the finance function in the organization, especially in supporting management).

Originality/value

The HPFF framework is a practical improvement framework based on a solid scientific foundation. It also fills the current gap in the academic literature on how to develop HPFFs, thus giving the frameworks described in practitioner literature a robust scientific grounding.
The impact of technological and non-technological innovations on export intensity in SMEs
Authors: Radicic Dragana , Djalilov Khurshid
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how both technological and non-technological innovations influence export intensity in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In addition, the authors report results for each firm-size category of micro-, small and medium firms, and thus reflect SME heterogeneity.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is based on the analysis of the Eurobarometer 2014 data set from 28 EU Member States, Switzerland and the USA covering the period 2011–2014. To statistically test the three defined research hypotheses on individual and joint effects of both types of innovation, a multiple treatment model was estimated. The advantage of this empirical strategy is that it takes into account the endogeneity of both technological and non-technological innovations. Moreover, the authors employ the production approach or the direct test of complementarity between technological and non-technological innovations.

Findings

Empirical findings indicate that technological innovations positively affect export intensity in small and medium firms, whereas non-technological innovations exert no influence on export intensity, regardless of the firm size. Moreover, the results from the direct test suggest no evidence of the complementary effects of technological and non-technological innovation on export intensity.

Research limitations/implications

The authors infer that SMEs would benefit more from public support targeting both exports and innovations than micro-firms, as the sunk costs of exports are too high for the latter. However, public support aimed at reducing fixed costs of exports could be particularly beneficial for micro-firms.

Originality/value

The research fills a literature gap on the joint impact of technological and non-technological innovations on export intensity while taking into account the endogeneity of innovation activities and SME heterogeneity.
Validation of the Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation (SCORE‐15) self‐report questionnaire: index of family functioning and change in Swedish families
Authors: Zetterqvist M. , Hånell H. Erneroth , Wadsby M. , Cocozza M. , Gustafsson P. A.
Published: January 2019

Instruments for evaluating the progress and outcome of systemic therapeutic treatments in clinical practice need to be easily administered and have sound psychometric properties. The Systemic Clinical Outcome and Routine Evaluation, 15‐item version (SCORE‐15), is a self‐report instrument that measures aspects of family functioning. This study investigates the psychometric qualities of a Swedish version of SCORE‐15. Seventy Swedish families with healthy children and 159 families with children with psychiatric or behavioural problems were included in the study, resulting in a total of 397 individuals. Results showed that SCORE‐15 differentiated clinical from non‐clinical families with acceptable psychometric properties for test‐retest, internal consistency, convergent and construct validity, as well as sensitivity to change for the clinical sample. The three‐factor solution of strengths, difficulties and communication was tested. Results imply preliminary psychometric support for the use of the Swedish version of SCORE‐15 to evaluate progress and outcome in clinical practice.

Practitioner points

SCORE‐15 is an easily administered questionnaire suitable for use in clinical practice to evaluate systemic therapeutic progress and outcome

The Swedish version of SCORE‐15 has acceptable psychometric properties
Communication‐mediated psychological mechanisms of Chinese publics’ post‐crisis corporate associations and government associations
Authors: Ji Yingru , Kim Sora
Published: January 2019

Through an online national survey in China, the study empirically examines the serial mediation effects of active communication behaviour and post‐crisis corporate associations in the relationships between initial crisis perceptions of problem, constraint, and involvement recognitions and government associations. The study suggested that higher problem and involvement recognitions were positively associated with more active communication behaviour in crisis, and such active communication behaviour was in turn positively associated with more favourable post‐crisis corporate associations. The findings also revealed connections between post‐crisis corporate associations and government associations, suggesting publics’ psychological associations of the company in crisis were extended to government associations in China.
Specification and negotiation in incomplete contracts
Authors: An Yonghong , Tang Xun
Published: January 2019

We investigate contractors' bargaining power and holdup on buyers in procurement auctions of incomplete contracts held by California Department of Transportation. Using a model where contractors bid competitively in response to a buyer's choice of initial contract design, we infer the contractors' costs and bargaining power from the bids and transfers negotiated after the auction. We find that the contract winners have substantial bargaining power in post‐auction negotiation. The average holdup on the buyer is about 20% of project costs. Counterfactual cost‐plus contracts would reduce the buyer's surplus in 72% of the projects, with an average reduction over $382,000.
Patent pools, vertical integration, and downstream competition
Authors: Reisinger Markus , Tarantino Emanuele
Published: January 2019

Patent pools are commonly used to license technologies to manufacturers. Whereas previous studies focused on manufacturers active in independent markets, we analyze pools licensing to competing manufacturers, allowing for multiple licensors and nonlinear tariffs. We find that the impact of pools on welfare depends on the industry structure: whereas they are procompetitive when no manufacturer is integrated with a licensor, the presence of vertically integrated manufacturers triggers a novel trade‐off between horizontal and vertical price coordination. Specifically, pools are anticompetitive if the share of integrated firms is large, procompetitive otherwise. We then formulate information‐free policies to screen anticompetitive pools.
Communication between the distal interphalangeal joint and the navicular bursa in the horse at Computed Tomography Arthrography
Authors: Hontoir Fanny , Rejas Erika , Falticeanu Ana , Nisolle Jean‐François , Simon Vincent , Nicaise Charles , Clegg Peter D. , Vandeweerd Jean‐Michel E.
Published: January 2019

Diffusion of drugs injected into the distal interphalangeal joint or the navicular (podotrochlear) bursa can influence diagnosis and treatment of foot pain. Previous anatomical and radiographic studies of the communication between these synovial structures have produced conflicting results and did not identify the location of any communication if present. This anatomic study aimed to assess the presence and site of communication between the distal interphalangeal joint and the navicular bursa in the horse by computed tomography arthrography. Sixty‐six pairs of cadaver forelimbs were injected with contrast medium into the distal interphalangeal joint and imaged by computed tomography arthrography. The presence of a communication, location of the communication and additional structural changes were assessed. Navicular bursa opacification occurred in 7 distal limbs (5.3%) following distal interphalangeal joint injection. One limb showed a communication through the T‐ligament and 6 limbs showed a communication through the distal sesamoidean impar ligament. In 3 cases, the communication through the distal sesamoidean impar ligament was associated with a distal border fragment. Our study showed that communication between the distal interphalangeal joint and navicular bursa is uncommon and inconsistent. Clinically, the presence of a communication could (1) influence the interpretation of diagnostic analgesia of the distal interphalangeal joint or the navicular bursa by facilitating the diffusion of local anaesthetic between these structures; (2) allow the drug and its potential adverse effects to spread from the treated synovial cavity to the non‐targeted synovial cavity; (3) be responsible for the failure of joint drainage in the case of sepsis.
The value of magnetic resonance imaging in esophageal carcinoma: Tool or toy?
Authors: Zhu Ying , Fu Lei , Jing Wang , Guo Dong , Chen Yan , Kong Li , Yu Jinming
Published: January 2019

Currently, the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with esophageal carcinoma is limited. However, the quality of MRI for esophageal carcinoma continues to improve and the importance of MRI in patients with esophageal carcinoma has been gradually recognized. Compared with endoscopic ultrasound and computed tomography applied in T and N staging, MRI has now achieved excellent results after the imaging technique has been optimized. We review the literature on MRI and discuss the future of MRI in esophageal carcinoma. While the role of MRI in staging, tumor volume target delineation and evaluation for preoperative chemoradiotherapy, prognosis and recurrence is still evolving. The application of MRI in esophageal carcinoma has a bright future and potential to improve precision of T and N staging as well as treatment delivery.
Crossing Bodily, Social, and Intimate Boundaries: How Class, Ethnic, and Gender Differences Are Reproduced in Medical Training in Mexico
Authors: Smith‐Oka Vania , Marshalla Megan K.
Published: January 2019

Bodies are useful instruments for understanding the reproduction of inequalities. In this article, we investigate why and how bodily, social, intimate, and physical boundaries are crossed and what this can tell us about individual and social bodies. We unpack how seeing and being seen, touching and being touched, or feeling and being felt are conditioned in very particular ways by the broader political economy. Participants in this ethnographic research in Mexico used the term manitas to describe how they trained their senses (hands, ears, eyes) during medical practice; how they learned through practice on the bodies of less‐agentive populations (female, raced, or impoverished); and how they crossed intimacy, structural, and physical boundaries through what we term somatic translation: seeing others’ bodies with their own. Manitas was developed unconsciously by doctors, never explicitly taught or learned in practice, reproducing social difference. These forms of learning highlight a friction between the violence of knowing and the importance of touch as a legitimate mode of care. This form of tactile and sensorial learning entails not only a form of boundary crossing that is medically useful, but it is also a form of boundary crossing that surfaces social inequalities by taking advantage of them. [hospital ethnography, anthropology of reproduction, embodiment, social boundaries, Mexico]
Modulation of complement-mediated immune damage by intravenous immune globulin
Authors: Basta M
Published: January 2019

High-dose intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) exerts a beneficial effect in a variety of immune disorders. One possible underlying mechanism of this effect could be interference with the complement system. This conclusion was based on the results obtained in animal models of complement-mediated pathology, in vitro complement assays and studies on related human diseases. Clearance of IgM-sensitized erythrocytes was specifically suppressed hy IVIG treatment. The same therapy prevented pulmonary endothelial cell lesions, the hallmark of Forssman shock, in 75% of animals. All control animals, either untreated or injected with control reagents, died within minutes following induction of Forssman shock. In vitro uptake of C3b and C4b complement fragments on to corpusculate immune complexes was significantly inhibited by IVIG. Studies that involved patients suffering from disorders with pathogenesis similar to animal models of complement-mediated immune injury fully supported the hypothesis that IVIG interacts with activated complement components and prevents their deposition on target cells. The author’s results suggest that IVlG can he an effective modulator of inappropriate complement attack.
Mechanisms of action of intravenous immune globulin in immune-mediated diseases
Authors: Mouthon L , Kaveri S V , Spalter S H , Lacroix-Desmazes S , Lefranc C , Desai R , Kazatchkine M D
Published: January 2019

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) exhibits a number of immunomodulatory properties that are mediated by the Fe portion of IgG and by the spectrum of variable (V) regions contained in the immune globulin preparations. Five predominant and non-exclusive mechanisms of action have been proposed to account for the immunomodulatory effects of IVIG in immune-mediated diseases: (i) functional blockade of Fe receptors on splenic macrophages: (ii) inhibition of complement-mediated damage, an effect that is dependent on the ability of IgG to bind C3b and C4b and thus reduce the number of activated complement fragments that may deposit on target surfaces of complement activation: (iii) modulation of the production of cytokines and cytokine antagonists: (iv) neutralization of circulating autoantibodies by complementary (e.g. anti-idiotypic) antibodies in IVIG, a mechanism that accounts for the rapid decrease in titre of circulating autoantibodies that is often observed within hours following the infusion of IVIG: (v) selection of immune repertoires, a complex set of effects that may be observed in individuals receiving IVIG far beyond the half-life of the infused immunoglobulin and that is directly relevant to the ability of IVIG to, for example, suppress autoantibody-producing clones in patients with antibody-mediated autoimmune disease and modulate graft versus host disease (GVHD). IVIG has been shown to downrcgulate or activate B-cell clones expressing surface IgG that is complementary (anti-idiotypic) to V regions of antibodies present in IVIG. IVIG has been shown also to interact with surface molecules of T cells that are essential to immune regulation, such as the αβ TCR, CD5, CD4, non-polymorphic determinants of MHC class I molecules and adhesion molecules of T and B cells. The complex interactions of IVIG with functional molecules of cells of the immune system are relevant to its therapeutic effects in T cell- as well as B cell- mediated diseases and indeed, to our understanding of the physiological role of normal IgG and antibody networks in controlling autoreactivity in healthy individuals.
Infectious risk of plasma donations: relationship to safety of intravenous immune globulins
Authors: Dodd R Y
Published: January 2019

Although intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) preparations may be derived from tens of thousands of donations, the residual risk of viral contamination of recovered plasma appears remarkably low, at least for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV). Consequently, most pools are unlikely to contain these viruses although the situation is not as well understoof for US-derived source plasma. In addition, routine preparation methods are likely to eliminate infectivity from the relatively fragile HIV. Current plasma screening measures arc generally designed to maintain reasonable titres of anti-HBs in pools, perhaps contributing to the absence of HBV infection. The situation with respect to hepatitis C virus (HCV) is not well understood and it appears that sensitive screening for anti-HCV may have had an impact on the safety of at least one IVIG preparation. The implementation of effective viral inactivation procedures is expected to eliminate any further risk of HCV infection from IVIG preparations.
Clinical benefits and immunopathological correlates of intravenous immune globulin in the treatment of inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Dalakas M C
Published: January 2019

High-dose intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is emerging as a promising therapy for patients with inflammatory myopathies who have become unresponsive to, or cannot tolerate, conventional therapies. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, using objective criteria for improvement, IVIG demonstrated moderate to dramatic improvement in 75% of the patients with dermatomyositis. Preliminary results from a controlled study in inclusion-body myositis show that IVIG may also exert a mild benefit, but only in a small number of patients and in certain muscle groups. In some patients with polymyositis, IVIG is reported to be of benefit but controlled studies have not yet been completed. Immunocytochemical, immunological and in vitro studies on the patients' repeated muscle biopsies and follow-up sera showed that IVIG exert its action in inflammatory myopathies by: (i) inhibiting myotoxic cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-1; (ii) blockade of Fe receptors on endomysial macrophages interfering with Fe receptor-mediated phagocytosis; and (iii) inhibiting the uptake of C3 and intercepting the formation and deposition of membranolytic attack complex on the endomysial capillaries.
Intravenous immune globulin in the treatment of intractable childhood epilepsy
Authors: Duse M , Notarangelo L D , Tiberti S , Menegati E , Plebani A , Ugazio A G
Published: January 2019

Many clinical and experimental data strongly support the role of immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of childhood epilepsy. Following Pechadre’s first observations with intramuscular immune globulin (IMIG), intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) has been employed in some forms of intractable childhood epilepsy (ICE), mainly ill West syndrome (WS) and Lennox Gastaut syndrome (LGS), with good results. So far, 373 children suffering from ICE have been treated in 29 studies and 174 have responded favourably. Although these studies are heterogeneous and controls are lacking, most authors report similar responsiveness ranging from 30% to 50%. Several mechanisms have been suggested to account for the efficacy of IVIG in ICE including antiviral effect, substitutive therapy in patients with concomitant humoral immunodeficiency, idiotype-anti-idiotype interaction or a neuromodulant effect. To better define the real efficacy of IVIG in ICE in paediatric patients, a randomized, multicenter, double-blind clinical trial was started in 1993. including only patients suffering from WS and LGS. To date, only one doubleblind trial had been carried out (with both adult and paediatric patients); it showed a clear trend in favour of IVIG treatment but lacked statistical significance, perhaps because of the small and heterogenous sample. Controlled multicentre studies on well-defined populations arc needed and patients with WS and LGS are probably the best candidates.
New treatment strategies for systemic vasculitis: the role of intravenous immune globulin therapy
Authors: Lock Wood C M
Published: January 2019

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is now under evaluation for the treatment of patients with the forms of systemic vasculitis associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). Although IVIG may produce effects by a variety of mechanisms, including control of T-cell function, interference with cytokine action, and Fe receptor blockade, it is the regulation of autoantibody production by B cells, through idiotypic-anti-idiotypic reactions, that makes this treatment attractive for patients with systemic vasculitis. The author and others have shown the importance of ANCA idiotypic-anti-idiotypic reactions in vitro and demonstrated that these could be influenced by anti-idiotypic determinants present in IVIG. Thus F(ab′)2 fragments of IVIG could block ANCA binding to antigen, in a dose-dependent fashion. The degree of inhibition was variable, ranging up to 100% for the ANCA-containing sera of certain patients. Similar inhibitory activity could be found in the sera of patients in remission after treatment, as well as in occasional patients whose disease remitted spontaneously, without drugs being used. Thus, IVIG appears to be particularly valuable in the management of vasculitis in the elderly, the very young and for pregnant women, as well as for those at any age who are vulnerable to infection.
Heart failure and type 2 diabetes: From cardiovascular outcome trials, with hope
Authors: Giugliano Dario , Meier Juris J. , Esposito Katherine
Published: January 2019

An excess risk of heart failure (HF) persists in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) despite optimal control of an array of conventional risk factors, including hyperglycaemia. Twelve cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) have been published to date, although none, with the exception of the DECLARE trial with dapagliflozin, has included HF as a primary endpoint. The four trials with dipeptidyl‐peptidase inhibitors (DPP‐4i) (SAVOR‐TIMI 53 with saxagliptin, EXAMINE with alogliptin, TECOS with sitagliptin and CARMELINA with linagliptin) failed to show any significant effect on HF risk in patients with T2D, with the notable exception of saxagliptin which was associated with a 27% increased risk. Five completed CVOTs with the GLP‐1 RAs lixisenatide (ELIXA), liraglutide (LEADER), semaglutide (SUSTAIN‐6), exenatide once weekly (EXSCEL) and albiglutide (HARMONY) also failed to reveal any significant effect on HF risk. The three trials with sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2i) (EMPA‐REG OUTCOME with empagliflozin, CANVAS with canagliflozin and DECLARE with dapagliflozin) all revealed a robust and significant reduction in the hazard ratios of hospitalization for HF, from 27% to 35%, which remained consistent, significant and of similar magnitude regardless of the presence of a history of HF or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. There is no association between reductions in HF risk and haemoglobin A1c (A1C) levels, while there is a significant association between reductions in HR for MACE and A1C levels (Spearman's correlation, r = 0.695; P = 0.013). All of the 12 CVOTs completed to date have provided reassurance of the overall cardiovascular safety of the newer anti‐hyperglycaemic drugs. At present, the robust, consistent and reproducible reduction of approximately 30% in the risk of HF with SGLT‐2i may be considered a class effect. The beneficial effect on MACE outcome observed with the use of some GLP‐1RAs and SGLT‐2i must be interpreted within the frame of the single trial.
Optimization of a wheat germ diet for mass rearingDrosophila suzukii
Authors: Gonzalez‐Cabrera Jaime , Contreras‐Bermudez Yadira , Sanchez‐Gonzalez Jorge A. , Mendoza‐Ceballos Mario Y. , Arredondo‐Bernal Hugo C.
Published: January 2019

Four local parasitoids of spotted wing drosophila,Drosophila suzukii(Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae), were collected in Mexico in 2013–2015. To increase insectary production of the fly for mass rearing of its parasitoids, a wheat germ diet that uses low‐cost ingredients was optimized through the orthogonal array L9 (34, i.e., four controllable factors with three levels each) (Taguchi method). The resulting optimized diet consisted of 12 ml ethyl alcohol, 36 g maize flour, 45 g table sugar, and 42 g brewer's yeast. Confirmation tests indicated that this diet produced 33.9, 87.0, and 78.6% more larvae, pupae, and adults, respectively, than the old version (non‐optimized wheat germ recipe) but there were no statistical differences in sex ratio, hind tibia length of females, and developmental time from egg to adult. Additionally, the optimized diet had a similar performance in most of the evaluated parameters (same as in the confirmation tests) compared to banana, the current host of theD. suzukiicolony. These results indicate that an improved wheat germ diet is available to rear this fly, which will facilitate the rearing of its local parasitoids.
Wear of direct resin composites and teeth: considerations for oral rehabilitation
Authors: Osiewicz Magdalena A. , Werner Arie , Roeters Franciscus J. M. , Kleverlaan Cornelis J.
Published: January 2019

Little is known about the wear rate of enamel and dentin opposing resin composite following restoration of the occlusal surface in patients with tooth wear. Hence, the aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the wear of enamel and dentin surfaces when opposing each of three resin composites in a two‐body and three‐body wear test. The two‐body and three‐body wear of dentin, enamel, and three resin composites (Clearfil AP‐X, Filtek Z250, and Filtek Supreme) opposing four antagonists (stainless steel and three resin composites) were evaluated using the ACTA wear machine. In addition, all the surfaces were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy. The results showed the lowest wear rate in enamel and the highest in dentine, with the composite showing intermediate wear rates. The three‐body wear results were not affected by the antagonist and showed pure wear caused by the abrasive food medium. The in vitro enamel/composite wear ratio was 2.5. The results show that tooth wear accelerates as soon as enamel disappears and dentin is exposed to composite resin. Therefore, it is important to protect dentin with a restorative material.
Surgical management of foreign body obstruction of the small and large colons in 29 equids (2004–2016)
Authors: Oreff G. L. , Tatz A. J. , Dahan R. , Raz T. , Kelmer G.
Published: January 2019

The objectives of the study were to describe the clinical presentation, surgical findings, complications and outcome of a case series of small and large colon obstruction by foreign bodies (FBs) in horses. The study is a retrospective case series which included 29 equids (28 horses and one donkey). Medical records of cases diagnosed withFBobstruction of the large or small colon between the years 2004 and 2016 that underwent surgery were reviewed. Data regarding signalment, clinical signs, surgical findings and post‐operative variables were recorded. Short‐ (survival to hospital discharge) and long‐ (1 year after surgery) term survival rates were obtained. Cases had a mean age of 4.2 years, with both females and Arabian horses being overrepresented. Abdominal distention was the most common observation on presentation and theFBcould be palpated in 20% of the cases during rectal examination. The most common reason to go into surgery was severe pain with abdominal distention. Significantly moreFBs were found in the small colon during surgery (P<0.0001) and most were removed by small colon enterotomy. Complications rate post‐operatively was relatively high (41%) with fever and diarrhoea being most common. Twenty‐three cases (79%) were released from the hospital and all cases that were available for long‐term follow‐up were alive and returned to previous activity. No correlation between the chosen method of surgical removal of theFBand survival or complications post‐operatively was noted. These data reflect favourable prognosis for surgical removal of colonicFBs. Few techniques are available to improve the safety of removal and the preferred method depends on theFBlocation, appearance and mobility. AsFBobstruction resembles ‘noncomplicated’ colonic impaction, it is essential to try and recogniseFBcases since deterioration can be rapid and surgery is the only sufficient treatment.
High nursing workload is a main associated factor of poor hand hygiene adherence in Beijing, China: An observational study
Authors: Zhang Shan , Kong Xiangping , Lamb Karen V. , Wu Ying
Published: January 2019

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore the impact of nurse workloads on adherence to hand hygiene.

Background

Adherence to hand hygiene and nursing workloads have been linked to quality of patient care. Therefore, it was important to understand the relationship to safe patient care.

Design

This cross‐sectional study was performed from January 2016 to June 2016.

Methods

Workloads and adherence to hand hygiene for nurses on 3‐day shifts in a tertiary hospital were investigated in 2016. Actual hours worked per shift were timed using a stopwatch to assess nursing workloads. Descriptive and inferential statistics and multiple variable regression analysis were used to analyse the data.

Results

Sixty‐four nurses from four wards were observed. The average adherence rate of hand hygiene was 26.6% and the average nursing workload per shift was 6.7 hours. Multiple regression revealed that nursing workload was negatively related to adherence rate of hand hygiene.

Conclusion

Nurses in this study that had a low rate of adherence with hand hygiene frequently had high workloads. Adherence to hand hygiene was independently associated with actual hours worked per shift.
An application of goal content theory to examine how desired exercise outcomes impact fitness technology feature set selection
Authors: James Tabitha L. , Deane Jason K. , Wallace Linda
Published: January 2019

Fitness technologies are a prominent example of the societal trend towards personal informatics. These technologies pair devices that have various embedded sensors with one or more apps to allow for the collection, analysis, socialization, and management of individuals' health and wellness data. We have limited insight into what drives the use of fitness technologies or how they may contribute to wellness outcomes. To address this gap, our study examines how exercise goals are related to fitness technology feature set use and how the use is associated with a measure of the exercisers' psychological well‐being (ie, subjective vitality). We find that intrinsic exercise goals (eg, enjoyment or competence) are associated with the use of features that allow users to collect, analyse, and inform their exercise progress. Body‐focused extrinsic exercise goals (eg, appearance) are also associated with the use of such features but are negatively associated with features that socialize exercise. The social extrinsic exercise goal is associated with the use of more controlling features that can provide external pressure from the technology or other people. The social features of fitness technologies are associated with higher levels of subjective vitality. Our findings indicate that exercisers who have goals where measuring progress may be desired (eg, losing weight and training for a marathon) are more likely to be drawn to the data management aspects of fitness technologies, whereas using fitness technologies to socialize exercise may add an element of enjoyment that is attractive to some users and may lead to increased well‐being.
Present bias and corporate tax policies
Authors: Kang Minwook , Ye Lei Sandy
Published: January 2019

Two major forms of corporate tax policies are dividend and profits taxes. Based on conventional corporate theory, these tax policies distort the firm's investment decisions and decrease firm value. However, this paper shows that under hyperbolically discounted preferences, dividend taxation is capable of boosting firm investment in a value‐enhancing way. The hyperbolically discounted present value can be interpreted as reflecting irrational myopic preferences or, as we demonstrate, reduced‐form implications of corporate agency issues. Both cases result in an underinvestment problem for the firm, but the firm valuation criteria differ. The optimal taxation issue is discussed under a Cobb–Douglas production function setting.
Out of the Middle East: New phylogenetic insights in the genus Tamarix (Tamaricaceae)
Authors: Villar Jose L. , Alonso M. Ángeles , Juan Ana , Gaskin John F. , Crespo Manuel B.
Published: January 2019

Tamarix is one of the taxonomically most complex genera among the angiosperms, and there is little consensus regarding its infrageneric classification. Here we present the most complete phylogenetic reconstruction of the genus to date. This includes a DNA phylogenetic tree based on nuclear ribosomal ITS, and a plastid DNA phylogeny based on three intergenic spacers (trnS‐trnG, ndhF‐rpl32, and trnQ‐rps16). In total, both nuclear and plastid phylogenetic analyses include more than 70 samples of 39 species from 27 countries, which represent close to 60% of the diversity of the genus. Two complementary trees, based only on one plastid marker, are also included. The first, based on trnS‐trnG, is used to increase the number of species related to T. amplexicaulis. The second, based on ndhF‐rpl32, is used to investigate the separation between T. tetrandra and T. parviflora. The incongruence between the available infrageneric classifications and the molecular results is confirmed. A reticulate evolution is inferred from the trees, showing characters such as vaginate leaves appearing at different stages along the evolutionary history of the genus. The presence of T. canariensis outside the Canary Islands is cast into doubt, and all such records from NW Africa and Europe are here considered to belong to T. gallica. The results also suggest independence of T. karelinii from T. hispida, and T. parviflora from T. tetrandra. Relationships between a number of species are still not resolved, and additional studies will be needed to further refine the complex taxonomy of Tamarix.
Cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between psychosocial well‐being and sleep in European children and adolescents
Authors: Thumann Barbara F. , Börnhorst Claudia , Michels Nathalie , Veidebaum Toomas , Solea Antonia , Reisch Lucia , Moreno Luis A. , Lauria Fabio , Kaprio Jaakko , Hunsberger Monica , Felső Regina , Gwozdz Wencke , De Henauw Stefaan , Ahrens Wolfgang ,   the IDEFICS and I.Family consortia
Published: January 2019

Research on associations of positive mental health, in contrast to mental ill‐health, with sleep duration and sleep disturbances in young populations is scarce. In particular, longitudinal studies focussing on the influence of positive mental health on sleep characteristics are lacking. Therefore, we investigated cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations of psychosocial well‐being with sleep duration and sleep disturbances. For the cross‐sectional analysis, we used data of 3‐15‐year‐old children and adolescents participating in the 2013/14 examination of the European IDEFICS/I.Family cohort study (N = 6,336). The longitudinal analysis was restricted to children who also participated in the 2009/10 examination (N = 3,379). Associations between a psychosocial well‐being score created from 16 items of the KINDLR Health‐Related Quality of Life Questionnaire covering emotional well‐being, self‐esteem and social relationships, an age‐standardized nocturnal sleep duration z‐score and two sleep disturbance indicators (“trouble getting up in the morning”, “difficulties falling asleep”) were estimated using linear and logistic mixed‐effects models. Cross‐sectionally, a higher well‐being score was associated with longer sleep duration and lower odds of sleep disturbances. A positive change in the well‐being score over the 4‐year period was associated with longer sleep duration and lower odds of sleep disturbances at follow‐up. However, there was only weak evidence that higher psychosocial well‐being at baseline was associated with better sleep 4 years later. Thus, our results suggest that increases in well‐being are associated with improvements in both sleep duration and sleep disturbances, but that well‐being measured at one point in time does not predict sleep characteristics several years later.
A Self‐Normalized Semi‐Parametric Test to Detect Changes in the Long Memory Parameter
Authors: Taqqu Murad S. , Zhang Ting
Published: January 2019

We consider the problem of testing for change points in the long memory parameter. The test relies on semi‐parametric estimation of the long memory parameter, which does not require the complete parametric specification of the whole spectrum. A self‐normalizer utilizing a sequence of recursive semi‐parametric estimators is used to make the asymptotic distribution of the test statistic free of the nuisance scale parameter. We study the asymptotic behavior of the proposed test for situations when there is at most one change point and also when there are an unknown number of change points. Monte Carlo simulations are carried out to examine the finite‐sample performance of the proposed test.
Differential responses of C3 and C4 grasses to shrub effects in a sub‐humid grassland of South America
Authors: Fernández Gastón , Altesor Alice
Published: January 2019

Questions

Plant–plant interactions are key processes that strongly affect the survival, growth and reproduction of individuals in plant communities. In grasslands, the micro‐environment generated under the canopy of shrubs could differentially affect co‐occurring species with different abiotic requirements. In a C3/C4 grassland with scattered shrubs, we asked the following questions: (a) Does the aerial effect, the below‐ground effect, and the net effect of shrubs affect the vegetative and reproductive biomass, the number of tillers, the biomass allocation, and the leaf elongation rate of grasses? and (b) Do these effects differ between C3 and C4 grasses?

Location

Temperate sub‐humid grassland of Uruguay.

Methods

We planted one C3 and two C4 grasses under a shrub canopy and in adjacent open sites. Half of the grasses were planted with a fabric bag to reduce root competition with the shrub. We measured leaf elongation rate, the number of tillers produced and the biomass of the grasses in every treatment. We also measured photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), air temperature and wind speed under shrub canopies and in adjacent open sites.

Results

Root biomass, aerial biomass and reproductive biomass, the number of tillers and the leaf elongation rate of the C4 grasses were negatively affected by the reduction in radiation and probably by below‐ground competition with the shrub. On the other hand, the leaf elongation rate of the C3 grasses was positively affected by the shrub canopy. PPFD, air temperature and wind speed were lower under shrubs than in adjacent open sites.

Conclusions

Our results show the interplay between plant interactions and photosynthetic metabolism on the vegetative and reproductive performance of grasses. The micro‐environmental conditions generated below shrub canopies create a more appropriate site for the growth of C3 than for C4 grasses. These results show that shrubs may differentially affect co‐occurring species with different abiotic requirements.