bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Switching to Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide in Adults With HIV and M184V/I Mutation
Authors: Perez-Valero Ignacio , Llibre Josep M. , Castagna Antonella , Pulido Federico , Molina Jean-Michel , Esser Stefan , Margot Nicolas , Shao Yongwu , Temme Lauren , Piontkowsky David , McNicholl Ian R. , Haubrich Richard
Published: December 2020

Background:

The ability of elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (E/C/F/TAF) to maintain virologic suppression in participants with M184V and/or M184I resistance mutations from historical genotypic reports when switching from a tenofovir disoproxil fumarate–based or abacavir (ABC)-based regimen was investigated.

Setting:

Phase IIIb, 48-week, open-label, single-arm, multicenter, clinical trial (NCT02616029).

Methods:

Virologically suppressed adults with HIV and documented M184V/I on historical genotypic records switched to E/C/F/TAF from a tenofovir disoproxil fumarate–based or ABC-based regimen. The primary end point was HIV-1 RNA of <50 copies per milliliter at week 12 using pure virologic response (PVR). Secondary end points included HIV-1 RNA of <50 copies per milliliter at weeks 24/48 (PVR) and at weeks 12, 24, and 48 (Food and Drug Administration snapshot algorithm), and change in CD4+ count at weeks 12, 24, and 48.

Results:

M184V alone was reported in 82.8% of 64 participants; 9.4% and 7.8% had M184I and M184V/I, respectively, and 43.8% had archived M184V/I (baseline DNA). All (62/62 with available data, 100%, 95% confidence interval 94.2% to 100%) participants maintained PVR at weeks 12, 24, and 48. By Food and Drug Administration snapshot algorithm, one participant had HIV-1 RNA of ≥50 copies per milliliter (week 12); confirmatory HIV-1 RNA was <50 copies per milliliter. No significant changes were observed in CD4+ cell count. Drug-related adverse events (AEs) were reported by 10 (15.6%) participants. Six (9.4%) and 5 (7.8%) participants had grade 3–4 AEs or serious AEs, respectively (none drug related).

Conclusions:

The presence of the resistance mutations M184V/I did not jeopardize the efficacy of switching to E/C/F/TAF in virologically suppressed adults. High rates of virologic suppression were maintained throughout 48 weeks of therapy and treatment was well tolerated.
New management approaches to tuberculosis in people living with HIV
Authors: Mhango David V. , Mzinza David T. , Jambo Kondwani C. , Mwandumba Henry C.
Published: December 2020

Purpose of review

People living with HIV (PLWH) are commonly coinfected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, particularly in high-transmission resource-limited regions. Despite expanded access to antiretroviral therapy and tuberculosis (TB) treatment, TB remains the leading cause of death among PLWH. This review discusses recent advances in the management of TB in PLWH and examines emerging therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes of HIV-associated TB.

Recent findings

Three recent key developments have transformed the management of HIV-associated TB. First, the scaling-up of rapid point-of-care urine-based tests for screening and diagnosis of TB in PLWH has facilitated early case detection and treatment. Second, increasing the availability of potent new and repurposed drugs to treat drug-resistant TB has generated optimism about the treatment and outcome of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant TB. Third, expanded access to the integrase inhibitor dolutegravir to treat HIV in resource-limited regions has simplified the management of TB/HIV coinfected patients and minimized serious adverse events.

While it is unequivocal that substantial progress has been made in early detection and treatment of HIV-associated TB, significant therapeutic challenges persist. To optimize the management and outcomes of TB in HIV, therapeutic approaches that target the pathogen as well as enhance the host response should be explored.
18F-Fluoromisonidazole PET in Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody–Associated Disease Presenting With Tumefactive Demyelinating Lesion
Authors: Mitamura Katsuya , Norikane Takashi , Takata Tadayuki , Yamamoto Yuka , Nishiyama Yoshihiro
Published: December 2020

Tumefactive demyelinating lesions have been appreciated as part of the clinical and radiological spectrum of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–associated disease. A 63-year-old woman was followed up for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody–associated disease. Two years later, she presented with right facial paralysis. T2-weighted MRI scan demonstrated a high-signal-intensity area with edematous change in the right frontal lobe, and partial enhancement was shown on contrast-enhanced T1-weighted image. This contrast-enhanced area showed increased 18F-fluoromisonidazole uptake.
Solitary Femoral Nodal Metastasis Identified With 68Ga–Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen PET/CT
Authors: Hilliar Luke , Yip Joshua Wei Liang , Wong Veronica Chi Ken , Le Ken , Mansberg Robert
Published: December 2020

A 66-year-old man was referred for a 68Ga–prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET/CT scan for primary staging of Gleason 8 prostatic adenocarcinoma. The PET/CT images confirmed PSMA activity in the bilateral prostatic apex in keeping with the known malignancy. An intensely PSMA-avid focus was also noted in a nonenlarged right femoral lymph node with no evidence of PSMA-avid metastatic disease elsewhere. Subsequent core biopsy and histopathology confirmed a solitary metastatic focus of prostatic adenocarcinoma in a right femoral lymph node.
Parathyroid Carcinoma With Marked Uptake of 99mTcO4 −
Authors: Pirayesh Elahe , Tavakoli Mehrdad
Published: December 2020

A 51-year-old man with a palpable neck mass and elevated parathyroid hormone was referred to our department for parathyroid scintigraphy. After injection of 740 MBq 99mTc-MIBI, a dual-phase scan was obtained, which revealed a persistent and intense focal hyperactivity in the left side of the neck (compatible with the neck mass). Thyroid scan with 99mTcO4
− also showed increased uptake of the mass, similar to a hot thyroid nodule. After surgery, parathyroid carcinoma was confirmed pathologically. This case demonstrates a rare presentation of parathyroid carcinoma as a hot nodule in thyroid scan, which has been attributed to hypervascularity of the lesion.
Attention driven phantom vision: measuring the sensory strength of attentional templates and their relation to visual mental imagery and aphantasia
Authors: Keogh Rebecca , Pearson Joel
Published: December 2020

When we search for an object in an array or anticipate attending to a future object, we create an ‘attentional template' of the object. The definitions of attentional templates and visual imagery share many similarities as well as many of the same neural characteristics. However, the phenomenology of these attentional templates and their neural similarities to visual imagery and perception are rarely, if ever discussed. Here, we investigate the relationship between these two forms of non-retinal phantom vision through the use of the binocular rivalry technique, which allows us to measure the sensory strength of attentional templates in the absence of concurrent perceptual stimuli. We find that attentional templates correlate with both feature-based attention and visual imagery. Attentional templates, like imagery, were significantly disrupted by the presence of irrelevant visual stimuli, while feature-based attention was not. We also found that a special population who lack the ability to visualize (aphantasia), showed evidence of feature-based attention when measured using the binocular rivalry paradigm, but not attentional templates. Taken together, these data suggest functional similarities between attentional templates and visual imagery, advancing the theory of visual imagery as a general simulation tool used across cognition.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Offline perception: voluntary and spontaneous perceptual experiences without matching external stimulation’.
Comparing the phenomenological qualities of stimulus-independent thought, stimulus-dependent thought and dreams using experience sampling
Authors: Gross M. E. , Smith A. P. , Graveline Y. M. , Beaty R. E. , Schooler J. W. , Seli P.
Published: December 2020

Humans spend a considerable portion of their lives engaged in ‘stimulus-independent thoughts' (SIT), or mental activity that occurs independently of input from the immediate external environment. Although such SITs are, by definition, different from thoughts that are driven by stimuli in one's external environment (i.e. stimulus-dependent thoughts; SDTs), at times, the phenomenology of these two types of thought appears to be deceptively similar. But how similar are they? We address this question by comparing the content of two types of SIT (dreaming and waking SITs) with the content of SDTs. In this 7 day, smartphone-based experience-sampling procedure, participants were intermittently probed during the day and night to indicate whether their current thoughts were stimulus dependent or stimulus independent. They then responded to content-based items indexing the qualitative aspects of their experience (e.g. My thoughts were jumping from topic to topic). Results indicate substantial distinctiveness between these three types of thought: significant differences between at least two of the three mental states were found across every measured variable. Implications are discussed.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Offline perception: voluntary and spontaneous perceptual experiences without matching external stimulation’.
Neuromodulation of the mind-wandering brain state: the interaction between neuromodulatory tone, sharp wave-ripples and spontaneous thought
Authors: O'Callaghan Claire , Walpola Ishan C. , Shine James M.
Published: December 2020

Mind-wandering has become a captivating topic for cognitive neuroscientists. By now, it is reasonably well described in terms of its phenomenology and the large-scale neural networks that support it. However, we know very little about what neurobiological mechanisms trigger a mind-wandering episode and sustain the mind-wandering brain state. Here, we focus on the role of ascending neuromodulatory systems (i.e. acetylcholine, noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine) in shaping mind-wandering. We advance the hypothesis that the hippocampal sharp wave-ripple (SWR) is a compelling candidate for a brain state that can trigger mind-wandering episodes. This hippocampal rhythm, which occurs spontaneously in quiescent behavioural states, is capable of propagating widespread activity in the default network and is functionally associated with recollective, associative, imagination and simulation processes. The occurrence of the SWR is heavily dependent on hippocampal neuromodulatory tone. We describe how the interplay of neuromodulators may promote the hippocampal SWR and trigger mind-wandering episodes. We then identify the global neuromodulatory signatures that shape the evolution of the mind-wandering brain state. Under our proposed framework, mind-wandering emerges due to the interplay between neuromodulatory systems that influence the transitions between brain states, which either facilitate, or impede, a wandering mind.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Offline perception: voluntary and spontaneous perceptual experiences without matching external stimulation'.
The morphogenetic protein CotE drives exosporium formation by positioning CotY and ExsY during sporulation ofBacillus cereus
Authors: Lablaine Armand , Serrano Monica , Chamot Stéphanie , Bornard Isabelle , Carlin Frédéric , Henriques Adriano O. , Broussolle Véronique
Published: December 2020

The exosporium is the outermost spore layer of someBacillusandClostridiumspecies and related organisms. It mediates interactions of spores with their environment, modulates spore adhesion and germination and could be implicated in pathogenesis. The exosporium is composed of a crystalline basal layer, formed mainly by the two cysteine-rich proteins CotY and ExsY, and surrounded by a glycoprotein hairy nap. The morphogenetic protein CotE is necessary forBacillus cereusexosporium integrity, but how CotE directs exosporium assembly remains unknown. Here, we followed the localization of SNAP-tagged CotE, -CotY and -ExsY duringB. cereussporulation, using super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and evidenced interactions among these proteins. CotE, CotY and ExsY are present as complexes at all sporulation stages and follow a similar localization pattern during endospore formation that is reminiscent of the localization ofBacillus subtilisCotE. We show thatB. cereusCotE drives the formation of one cap at both forespore poles by positioning CotY and then guides forespore encasement by ExsY, thereby promoting exosporium elongation. By these two actions, CotE ensures the formation of a complete exosporium. Importantly, we demonstrate that the assembly of the exosporium is not a unidirectional process as previously proposed but it is performed through the formation of two caps, as observed duringB. subtiliscoat morphogenesis. It appears that a general principle governs the assembly of the spore surface layers ofBacillaceae.

IMPORTANCE

Spores ofBacillaceaeare enveloped in a glycoprotein outermost layer. In theB. cereusgroup, encompassing theB. anthracisandB. cereuspathogens, this layer is easily recognizable by a characteristic balloon-like appearance separated from the underlying coat by an interspace. In spite of its importance for the environmental interactions of spores, including those with host cells, the mechanism of assembly of the exosporium is poorly understood. We used super-resolution fluorescence microscopy to directly visualize formation of the exosporium during sporulation ofB. cereusand we studied the localization and interactions of proteins essential for exosporium morphogenesis. We discovered that these proteins form a morphogenetic scaf-fold, before a complete exosporium or coat are detectable. We describe how the different proteins localize to the scaffold and how they subsequently assemble around the spore and we present a model for the assembly of the exosporium.
Computable EarlyC. elegansEmbryo with a Data-driven Phase Field Model
Authors: Kuang Xiangyu , Guan Guoye , Wong Ming-Kin , Chan Lu-Yan , Zhao Zhongying , Tang Chao , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2020

Morphogenesis is a precise and robust dynamic process during metazoan embryogenesis, consisting of both cell proliferation and cell migration. Despite the fact that much is known about specific regulations at the molecular level, how cell proliferation and migration together drive the morphogenesis at the cellular and organismic levels is not well understood. Here, usingCaenorhabditis elegansas the model animal, we present a data-driven phase field model to compute the early embryonic morphogenesis within a confined eggshell. By using three-dimensional time-lapse cellular morphological information generated by imaging experiments to set the model parameters, we can not only reproduce the precise evolution of cell location, cell shape and cell-cell contact relationshipin vivo, but also reveal the critical roles of cell division and cellcell attraction in governing the early development ofC. elegansembryo. In brief, we provide a generic approach to compute the embryonic morphogenesis and decipher the underlying mechanisms.
Revisiting the phosphorite deposit of Fontanarejo (central Spain): new window into the early Cambrian evolution of sponges and into the microbial origin of phosphorites
Authors: Reitner Joachim , Luo Cui , Suarez-Gonzales Pablo , Duda Jan-Peter
Published: December 2020

Fossils within early Cambrian phosphorites worldwide are often well preserved due to early diagenetic permineralization. Here, we examine the fossil record contained within phosphorites of the Lower Cambrian Pusa Formation (late Fortunian to Cambrian Stage 2) in Fontanarejo, central Spain. The sedimentology and age of these phosphorites have been controversial and are here reviewed and discussed, providing also a updated geological map. The Pusa Formation is composed of fine clastic sediments that are partly turbiditic, with channels of quartz-rich conglomerates and abundant phosphorites in the upper part of the succession. The microfacies and mineralogy of these channel deposits are studied here for the first time in detail, showing that they are mainly composed of subspherical apatite clasts, with minor mudstone intraclasts, quartzite and mica grains. Numerous sponge spicules, as well as entirely preserved hexactinellid sponges and demosponges, were collected within these phosphorites and likely represent stem groups. In addition to sponges, other fossils, such as small shelly fossils (SSF) of the molluskAnabarellasp., were found. The phosphorites exhibit multiple evidence of intense microbial activity, including diverse fabrics (phosphatic oncoidal-like microbialites, thrombolites, stromatolites, and cements) and abundant fossils of filamentous microbes that strongly resemble sulfur oxidizing bacteria. Our findings strongly suggest that microbial processes mediated the rapid formation of most of the Fontanarejo apatite, probably accounting for the exceptional preservation of fragile fossils such as sponge skeletons. The apparent presence of taxonomically diverse hexactinellid and demosponge communities by the lowermost Cambrian further corroborates a Precambrian origin of the phylum Porifera.
The landscape of driver mutations in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chang Darwin , Shain A. Hunter
Published: December 2020

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a form of skin cancer originating from keratinocytes in the skin. It is the second most common type of cancer and is responsible for an estimated 8000 deaths per year in the United States. Compared to other cancer subtypes with similar incidences and death tolls, our understanding of the somatic mutations driving cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is limited. The main challenge is that these tumors have high mutation burdens, primarily a consequence of UV-radiation-induced DNA damage from sunlight, making it difficult to distinguish driver mutations from passenger mutations. We overcame this challenge by performing a meta-analysis of publicly available sequencing data covering 105 tumors from 10 different studies. Moreover, we eliminated tumors with issues, such as low neoplastic cell content, and from the tumors that passed quality control, we utilized multiple strategies to reveal genes under selection. In total, we nominated 30 cancer genes. Among the more novel genes, mutations frequently affectedEP300,PBRM1,USP28, andCHUK. Collectively, mutations in the NOTCH and p53 pathways were ubiquitous, and to a lesser extent, mutations affected genes in the Hippo pathway, genes in the Ras/MAPK/PI3K pathway, genes critical for cell-cycle checkpoint control, and genes encoding chromatin remodeling factors. Taken together, our study provides a catalogue of driver genes in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, offering points of therapeutic intervention and insights into the biology of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Anuj Pathak Returns to India
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi
Published: December 2020

The case deals with the situation faced by Anuj Pathak who has returned to his home country after many years overseas. He is trying to settle into his new workplace and is keen to show results by getting his team to deliver. Knowing that he has a strong team of committed hands, he has been trying to drive them in the way that has worked for him in the past. However, the HR Head has advised him to reflect on his style because there have been numerous complaints about him being unfriendly and overly critical. He is taken aback because he cannot understand how despite his efforts to treat everyone well and to get the best out of his people, they have complained about him. He is worried about his dream of settling back into India of succeeding in his new role.
Elasticities of Demand for Food in India
Authors: Dholakia Ravindra H.
Published: December 2020

The case considers alternative specifications of demand for food in India. Based on theoretical understanding and conceptual clarity, the most appropriate demand function for food in India needs to be identified and its coefficients need to be interpreted for further analytical use.
Demand Elasticities for Pulses and Public Policy Options
Authors: Dholakia Ravindra H.
Published: December 2020

The case illustrates the application of the concepts of demand elasticities of an agricultural product with high protein content - pulses. It considers the current situation where a good monsoon has raised hopes for a bumper crop of pulses in India. From a deficit of about 20% met by imports, the county now is looking at attaining self-sufficiency. Public Policy options such as exports, imports or allowing domestic price adjustments or changing the minimum support price (MSP) in this regard are also considered.
A fit for purpose pedagogy: Online learning designing and teaching
Authors: Cohen Jay Andrew
Published: December 2020

Purpose

As online learning becomes more ubiquitous and particularly in consideration of the current need to move classroom based teaching online given Covid-19, it seems opportune to address the pedagogical differences between online and face-to-face teaching, so that online delivery moves beyond the paradigms of its face-to-face counterpart, such as the lecture. This paper explores the need for a fit for purpose pedagogical approach for online learning, as opposed to one in which a classroom based pedagogy is applied, often rather clumsily to an online learning environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The engagement of students in an online learning environment is closely associated with student success. The argument is that students who are actively engaged are more likely to learn and to achieve greater success. Student engagement is facilitated through the design and arrangement of the learning material, and by the presence, attitude and the facilitation of learning by the online teacher or trainer.

Findings

Rather than presenting any research findings this paper simply explores concepts relating to online learning design and online teaching.

Practical implications

The practical implication of this paper are better alignment between teaching/training interventions and learning design.

Originality/value

This paper is a viewpoint paper and is original. This paper has not been submitted elsewhere. 10; 10;This paper would be a valuable resource for those new to online learning or those looking to establish a fit for purpose approach to online learning.
The influence of country of origin and espoused national culture on whistleblowing behavior
Authors: Brody Richard G. , Gupta Gaurav , Turner Michael
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine factors motivating an individual to report a whistleblowing scenario to various stakeholders within a company. This paper examines how four factors (country of origin and the espoused national cultures of masculinity, collectivism and uncertainty avoidance) influence the level of responsibility toward three stakeholders at different levels of hierarchy in an organization.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a case-based approach, this study collects data from 432 accounting students from two different countries. Using regression analysis on the pooled data, this paper provides evidence on how accounting students would behave when facing a whistleblowing situation involving their immediate supervisor.

Findings

This study finds that country of origin and espoused national cultural values influence the individual’s decision regarding whom to blow the whistle.

Originality/value

The study has improved upon the methodological deficiencies of previous studies that rely on Hofstede’s (1980) cultural values in that the paper focuses on the espoused national culture at the individual level.
Using social media photos as a proxy to estimate the recreational value of (im)movable heritage: the Rubjerg Knude (Denmark) lighthouse
Authors: Azevedo António
Published: December 2020

Purpose

On October 2019, the Rubjerg Knude lighthouse (Denmark) was moved 70 metres from the cliff edge. The Danish Government spent €700,000 on the rescue operation. Using the zonal travel cost method (ZTCM), this paper aims to estimate the recreational value of this (im)movable maritime heritage building, to assess whether it was worthwhile to incur that public expenditure. This valuation is complemented by a digital reputation analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A Flickr application programming interface search method extracted 795 public photos with the “Rubjerg and Knude” tags, taken between 2004 and 2019. The ZTCM analysis included 148 photographers who provided information about their residence location.

Findings

Depending on the regression models and assumptions made, the estimated economic value of the lighthouse (measured by the consumer surplus) varies between 5.5m and 133m euros. That means that the operation’s cost is only a small percentage of the expected economic recreational value.

Research limitations/implications

The sample of Flickr photographers is a proxy to estimate the zonal visitation rate for a specific destination. Zonal travel cost calculations are always based on some assumptions defined by researchers.

Practical implications

The paper frames the role of lighthouses as an (im)movable heritage element, which provides several cultural ecosystem services – in particular aesthetic, recreational, cultural/educational, bequest and sense of place values/benefits for tourists and residents.

Social implications

This study supports the political decision of preserving an identity symbol of a specific place, based solely on its recreational value.

Originality/value

This paper combines a monetary approach (ZTCM) with a digital reputation analysis of this iconic attraction.
Gaining customer centric understanding of retail displays for future innovations
Authors: Madsen Signe Mørk
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The aim of this research is to provide insights for future display design through understanding the processes of sensemaking of retail displays in digitised retail.

Design/methodology/approach

The research applies media elicited interviews and engages thematic analysis to understand agency and advance mental models of retail display. Actor Network Theory (ANT) is engaged to flatten the ontology to traverse digital and physical realms as well as more semiotic sources.

Findings

The article presents a system comprising sensemaking processes of displays in digitised retail and traces the blending traits of physical and digital displays labelling an emerging display terminology applicable across realms.

Research limitations/implications

The participating retail concepts' limited resources for technological innovations plus the customers all being local and recruited through the physical store represent this study's limitations.

Practical implications

The developed system reveals a process for abandoning the familiar but obsolete understanding of retail displays to replace it with new insights to support the judgement and decision process for designing innovative future displays with a customer centric logic.

Originality/value

The article is novel in flattening the ontology of retail displays to fit an organisational interface perception of the link between customer and retailer.
Challenges faced by necessity entrepreneurship, the case of Syrian refugees in Jordan
Authors: Zighan Saad
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to understand the challenges facing Syrian refugee entrepreneurs in Jordan and offers professional support to refugee entrepreneurs, with a view to improve their economic and social status, aid cultural integration and ultimately to help turn their business idea into reality.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 62 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Syrian refugees in Jordan.

Findings

The study reveals that refugee entrepreneurs are both entrepreneurs of necessity and opportunity. Refugee entrepreneurship improves social welfare and drives economic growth. Nevertheless, refugee entrepreneurship faces many challenges and difficulties, mainly in terms of financing difficulties, cultural differences and a lack of business management skills.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies could investigate if the research results can be generalised to global refugee entrepreneurship by gathering data from other countries and comparing the subsequent results with this research.

Practical implications

The research shows that programmes and instruments should be created to support refugee entrepreneurship. It is also suggested that both social and economic support is needed to prompt refugee entrepreneurs. International cooperation and international organisations are important to support refugees and support countries that receive them, with a view to reduce the economic burden on these countries, which will in turn improve the quality of life for refugees.

Social implications

The increasing number of refugees is becoming a very serious social issue. The international community should contribute to helping those refugees through economic, social and cultural integrations.

Originality/value

This paper focuses refugee entrepreneurship to understand refugees’ entrepreneurial behaviour and any challenges facing Syrian entrepreneurship in Jordan.
Inbound and outbound medical travel in Austria
Authors: Österle August , Diesenreiter Carina , Glinsner Barbara , Reichel Eva
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: First, it analyzes demand and supply-side factors that influence patient flows to and from Austria. Second, building on the empirical research and existing conceptualizations, the study offers a general extended framework to guide future comparative analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on multiple data sources including a literature review, secondary data, website analysis and semi-structured interviews with patients and health providers. Content analysis was carried out to identify common motives for seeking care abroad and providers' orientation towards medical travel.

Findings

Outbound medical travel is largely determined by factors of access, affordability and vicinity, while inbound medical travel is predominately driven by a lack of adequate medical infrastructure in source countries and quality, both in terms of medical and service quality. Providers distinguish themselves according to the extent they take part in medical travel.

Research limitations/implications

The findings emerging from a single country case study approach cannot be generalized across settings and contexts, albeit contributing to a better understanding of current medical travel patterns in Europe.

Originality/value

Unlike most recent contributions, this study focuses both on inbound and outbound medical travel in Austria and investigates patient flows for distinctive treatments and drivers. While analysis of the supply-side of medical travel is often limited to tourism studies, this study provides a critical insight into developments in Europe from a health policy perspective, acknowledging that diverse medical travel patterns in Europe coexist.
The determinants of capital structure of Islamic and conventional banks: an autoregressive distributed lag approach
Authors: Guizani Moncef
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how Sharia principles could impact capital structure determinants and speed of adjustment of Islamic banks (IBs) compared to conventional banks (CBs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC).

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach for a sample of 69 banks listed on GCC stock markets over the period 2009–2018.

Findings

Regression results indicate that tangibility and bank size are positively related to book leverage of both IBs and CBs, whereas profitability, liquidity and risk are negatively related. For growth opportunities, the results show opposing effect on book leverage of IBs and CBs, regarding macroeconomic variables, the authors find that gross domestic product and financial development are negatively related to book leverage of both IBs and CBs, whereas oil price change is positively related. Moreover, the authors find that IBs slowly adjust their capital structure toward the desired leverage ratio than CBs. In sum, the capital structure of IBs appears to be driven by similar factors to those previously found in the corporate finance literature.

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes to the theory in re-validating capital structure theories on IBs. It helps understand the capital structure of IBs in comparison with CBs. It highlights some areas where further research on topics related to capital structure of IBs is needed.

Practical implications

The paper can contribute to policymakers and governance function in understanding the choice of capital structure for IBs within the bound of Sharia requirement in different economic climate through its relation with the macroeconomic variables. Practically, the directors and managers can predict the best capital structure to be achieved by IBs in ensuring their performance is at par, in their quest of additional capital.

Originality/value

This paper offers some insights on the determinants of capital structure by investigating IBs and CBs. It explores the implication of relevant Islamic principles on capital structure. Moreover, it analyses the determinants of capital structure using ARDL method that permits to identify the short-run and long-run relationships between capital structure and its main determinants.
The impact of coronavirus on business: developing service research agenda for a post-coronavirus world
Authors: Mele Cristina , Russo-Spena Tiziana , Kaartemo Valtteri
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a tremendous impact on companies worldwide. However, researchers have no clear idea of the key issues requiring their attention. This paper aims to close this gap by analysing all business-related posts on a coronavirus subreddit (“r/coronavirus”) and identifying the main research streams that are guiding the research agenda for a post-coronavirus world.

Design/methodology/approach

We use data from reddit, particularly the subreddit “r/coronavirus” to identify posts that reveal the impact of coronavirus on business. Our dataset has more than 200,000 posts. We used an artificial intelligence–based algorithm to scrape the data with business-related search terms, clean it and analyse the discussion topics.

Findings

We show the key topics that address the impact of coronavirus on business, combining them into four themes: essential service provision, bricolage service innovation, responsible shopping practices and market shaping amid crisis. We discuss these themes and use them to develop a service research agenda. The results are reported against the backdrop of service research priorities.

Originality/value

The study identifies four key themes that have emerged from the impact of coronavirus on business and that require scholarly attention. Our findings can guide service research with unique insights provided immediately after the coronavirus outbreak to conduct research that matters to business and helps people in vulnerable positions in a post-coronavirus world.
A draft framework for quality management system auditor education: findings from the initial stage of a Delphi study
Authors: Ab Wahid Roslina , Grigg Nigel Peter
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Changes in structure and conceptual underpinnings of ISO 9001 mean that quality management system (QMS) auditors require a wide knowledge base and skill set to effectively evaluate contemporary QMS and add value to the process. Hence, this study presents an open curriculum framework of the knowledge, skills and attributes for quality auditor education.

Design/methodology/approach

This study describes the first two phases of a three-phase study examining the educational requirements for external quality auditors (EQAs). Phase 1 involved a review of relevant international literature on auditor competence and education; Phase 2 involved the collection of qualitative data from a panel of experts, combined with the initial round of a Delphi study. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the findings from the questionnaire.

Findings

The findings of this study suggests there is a need to improve EQAs education, as most experts reported the quality of audit to be variable, inconsistent, poor and diminishing in value. The most important improvements to auditor education are to update and improve the auditors' knowledge on the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard and technology in business and skills such as report writing, communication, IT understanding and analytical ability. Some of the attributes reported as being desirable to instill in EQAs include the following: objectivity, integrity, ethics and professionalism; being observant, perceptive, articulate and confident; having good judgment; flexibility, adaptivity and diplomacy, fairness and open-mindedness.

Originality/value

This study highlights the need for wider EQA education based on the gap identified in its performance. The resulting framework can be adopted by accreditation and certification bodies to evaluate and improve their auditors' audit performance.
Effect of graphene on the methyl methacrylate beam under lateral low-velocity impact
Authors: Alhusseini Raed Salman Saeed , Qanber Ali Sadik Gafer , Al-Kasob Bashar Dheyaa Hussein , Jasim Manar Hamid , Ranjbar Mehdi
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present the potential of using aligned single-layer graphene sheets to reinforce the methyl methacrylate cantilever beam in low-velocity impact problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The Halpin–Tsai law is applied to compute the mechanical properties of isotropic polymer beam reinforced by aligned graphene sheet. Using both longitudinal and lateral displacements in composite beam, all components of the stress and strain fields are written. The equations of motion are derived by applying energy method, generalized Lagrange equations and Ritz method.

Findings

The analytical formulation accuracy is corroborated by comparing the present results with those available in the literature. Numerical examples indicate that the contact duration is decreased with increasing of graphene volume fraction, whereas the values of peak contact force, shear strain and shear stress at peak contact force tend to be vice versa. Also, among the results, shear stress at the peak contact force has the most effect with graphene volume fraction changes.

Originality/value

This research fulfils an identified need to investigate how graphene-reinforced beam behavior subjected to low-velocity impact can be enabled.
Permafrost thaw in boreal peatlands is rapidly altering forest community composition
Authors: Dearborn Katherine D. , Wallace Cory A. , Patankar Rajit , Baltzer Jennifer L.
Published: December 2020

Boreal peatlands are frequently underlain by permafrost, which is thawing rapidly. A common ecological response to thaw is the conversion of raised forested plateaus to treeless wetlands, but unexplained spatial variation in responses, combined with a lack of stand‐level data, make it difficult to predict future trajectories of boreal forest composition and structure.

We sought to characterize patterns and identify drivers of forest structure, composition, mortality and recruitment in a boreal peatland experiencing permafrost thaw. To do this, we established a large (10 ha) permanent forest plot (completed in 2014), located in the Northwest Territories, Canada, that includes 40,584 mapped and measured trees. In 2018, we conducted a comprehensive mortality and recruitment recensus. We also measured frost table depth, soil moisture, soil humification and organic layer thickness within the plot between 2012 and 2018, and used habitat association tests to link these variables to forest characteristics and dynamics.

Forest composition and structure varied markedly throughout the plot and were strongly governed by patterns in permafrost presence and organic layer thickness. Overall, there was a net loss of trees from the plot at a rate of 0.7% year−1. Mortality of black spruce, the dominant tree species, was more than double that of recruitment and was strongly associated with permafrost thaw. In contrast, recruitment of larch was over four times greater than mortality, and occurred primarily in low‐lying, permafrost‐free wetlands with mineral soil near the surface.

Synthesis. The trends in tree demography and underlying drivers suggest that spruce‐dominated permafrost plateaus will be converted into larch‐dominated wetlands as permafrost thaw progresses in boreal peatlands, particularly in areas where mineral soil is near the surface. In the longer term, thaw could increase the hydrologic connectivity of the landscape, resulting in widespread drainage and re‐vegetation by spruce, but we did not find evidence that this is occurring yet. Given the increasing rates of permafrost thaw, and positive feedbacks between thaw and forest change, we predict that larch abundance will continue to increase in boreal peatlands over the coming decades, leading to shifts in ecosystem function, wildlife habitat, albedo and snow dynamics.
EmhR is an indole‐sensing transcriptional regulator responsible for the indole‐induced antibiotic tolerance in Pseudomonas fluorescens
Authors: Han Jian‐Ting , Li Di‐Yin , Zhang Meng‐Yuan , Yu Xiao‐Quan , Jia Xiang‐Xue , Xu Hang , Yan Xu , Jia Wen‐Juan , Niu Shaomin , Kempher Megan L. , Tao Xuanyu , He Yong‐Xing
Published: December 2020

Indole is well known as an interspecies signalling molecule to modulate bacterial physiology; however, it is not clear how the indole signal is perceived and responded to by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in the rhizosphere. Here, we demonstrated that indole enhanced the antibiotic tolerance of Pseudomonas fluorescens 2P24, a PGPR well known for its biocontrol capacity. Proteomic analysis revealed that indole influenced the expression of multiple genes including the emhABC operon encoding a major multidrug efflux pump. The expression of emhABC was regulated by a TetR‐family transcription factor EmhR, which was demonstrated to be an indole‐responsive regulator. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that indole allosterically affected the distance between the two DNA‐recognizing helices within the EmhR dimer, leading to diminished EmhR–DNA interaction. It was further revealed the EmhR ortholog in Pseudomonas syringae was also responsible for indole‐induced antibiotic tolerance, suggesting this EmhR‐dependent, indole‐induced antibiotic tolerance is likely to be conserved among Pseudomonas species. Taken together, our results elucidated the molecular mechanism of indole‐induced antibiotic tolerance in Pseudomonas species and had important implications on how rhizobacteria sense and respond to indole in the rhizosphere.
P2C2M.GMYC: An R package for assessing the utility of the Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent model
Authors: Fonseca Emanuel M. , Duckett Drew J. , Carstens Bryan C.
Published: December 2020

In clades that contain large numbers of undescribed species, DNA barcoding methods can serve as a first pass at identifying species limits. The General Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) approach to species delimitation is accurate under certain conditions that are difficult to verify in the very clades for which the GMYC holds the greatest appeal.

To circumvent this challenge, we have developed an R package for assessing how well the statistical model implemented in the GMYC fits empirical data. Our approach uses either a parametric bootstrap or a posterior predictive simulation to evaluate model fit.

Computational requirements are modest for our package, and most analyses can be completed within minutes to an hour on a typical laptop, depending on whether a user selects a maximum likelihood or Bayesian framework.

Results of simulation testing indicate that our approach is effective for assessing the utility of the GMYC model and suggest that it should be included in the analytical pipeline whenever researchers apply the GMYC to clades with unknown species boundaries.
Assessment of true vertical root fracture line in endodontically treated teeth using a new subtraction software – A Micro‐CT and CBCT study
Authors: Gulibire Aihemaiti , Cao Ya , Gao Antian , Wang Congyue , Wang Tiemei , Xie Xin , Liang Jiahao , Li Weifeng , Lin Zitong
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to find true facture lines in endodontically treated teeth on CBCT images using digital subtraction and to evaluate the influence of width of facture lines in the diagnosis. Thirty‐two endodontically treated teeth with vertical root fractures (VRFs) from 30 patients were included in this study. The CBCT images of the patients and the micro‐CT images of extracted teeth were imported into our digital subtraction software to distinguish the true facture lines from the streak artefacts. Of them, 23(71.87%) teeth did not present true fracture lines on the CBCT images (CBCT negative), and 9 (28.13%) teeth presented true fracture lines on the CBCT images (CBCT positive). The width of the facture lines was significantly different between these two groups (P < 0.05). To summarise, for in vivo endodontically treated teeth with subtle VRFs, many true fractures lines could not be demonstrated on CBCT images and wider fractures could be better distinguished.
Fetal heart rate nadir during bradycardia and umbilical artery acidemia at birth
Authors: Lepercq Jacques , Nghiem My‐Anh , Goffinet François
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Fetal bradycardia due to sentinel events such as placental abruption, cord prolapse or uterine rupture is associated with an increased risk of acidemia at birth. In the absence of a sentinel event, data regarding neonatal prognosis are scarce, and it seems plausible that the depth of bradycardia might be associated with an increased risk of acidosis at birth. The objective was to determine whether the depth of bradycardia is associated with a higher risk of umbilical artery acidemia at birth in term singleton pregnancies requiring cesarean delivery during labor.

Material and methods

A retrospective comparative study of all cesarean deliveries for bradycardia in an academic tertiary center in the 6‐year period of 2013‐2018, among term singleton pregnancies. Bradycardia associated with a sentinel event such as placental abruption, cord prolapse or uterine rupture, were excluded. The nadir of the bradycardia was defined as the lowest fetal heart rate baseline lasting at least 3 minutes during bradycardia. Women who delivered an infant with an umbilical pH at birth <7.00 (acidosis group) were compared with women who delivered an infant with an umbilical pH at birth ≥7.00 (non‐acidosis group).

Results

Among 111 eligible cases, 32 women in the acidosis group were compared with 79 in the non‐acidosis group. The median nadir of the bradycardia was lower in the acidosis than in the non‐acidosis group (60 bpm, interquartile range [56‐65] vs 70 [60‐76], P < .01). A bradycardia nadir <60 bpm emerged as the optimal threshold for predicting acidemia and was more frequently observed in the acidosis than in the non‐acidosis group (10 [31%] vs 10 [13%], P = .02). In the multivariable analysis, a nadir <60 bpm was independently associated with an umbilical artery pH <7.00 (adjusted OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.10‐9.04).

Conclusions

A bradycardia nadir <60 bpm was associated with a tripled risk of umbilical artery acidemia at birth.