bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moore-Penrose pseudo-inverse and artificial neural network modeling in performance prediction of switched reluctance machine
Authors: Ferreira Mamede Ana Camila , Camacho José Roberto , Araújo Rui Esteves , Peretta Igor Santos
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the Moore-Penrose pseudoinverse (PI) modeling and compare with artificial neural network (ANN) modeling for switched reluctance machine (SRM) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In a design of an SRM, there are a number of parameters that are chosen empirically inside a certain interval, therefore, to find an optimal geometry it is necessary to define a good model for SRM. The proposed modeling uses the Moore-Penrose PI for the resolution of linear systems and finite element simulation data. To attest to the quality of PI modeling, a model using ANN is established and the two models are compared with the values determined by simulations of finite elements.

Findings

The proposed PI model showed better accuracy, generalization capacity and lower computational cost than the ANN model.

Originality/value

The proposed approach can be applied to any problem as long as experimental/computational results can be obtained and will deliver the best approximation model to the available data set.
Assessing the drivers and outcomes of behavioral self-leadership
Authors: Kalra Ashish , Agnihotri Raj , Singh Rakesh , Puri Sandeep , Kumar Narendra
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Although the role of self-leadership is important, it remains understudied in business-to-business (B2B) selling context. This study aims to provide insights into the drivers and outcomes of behavioral self-leadership tested through a sample working in pharmaceutical sales in an emerging economy. In accord, the authors investigate the relationships between self-efficacy, behavioral self-leadership, adaptive selling and ultimately sales performance. This study also investigates the moderating role of technical knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 208 salespeople working in pharmaceutical industry. AMOS 21.0 and SmartPLS3.0 were utilized to test the conceptual framework.

Findings

The study finds that self-efficacy is positively related to behavioral self-leadership that in turn is positively related to adaptive selling and sales performance. In addition, counter intuitive findings were uncovered related to salesperson’s technical knowledge. Those with high technical knowledge exhibited weaker relationship between self-efficacy and behavioral self-leadership, behavioral self-leadership and adaptive selling and that between behavioral self-leadership and sales performance than their counterparts with low technical knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

This study extends work on self-leadership by exploring the effect of self-efficacy and behavioral self-leadership on sales performance. This study also extends the theory on salesperson’s knowledge by proposing the counter-intuitive effect of knowledge and self-efficacy and knowledge and behavioral self-leadership on adaptive selling and sales performance.

Practical implications

Sales managers should consider that not all employees indulging in behavioral self-leadership would reap benefits from the same. As such, sales managers should assess the level of technical knowledge of the salesforce and when determining their training programs that develop such self-leadership skills.

Originality/value

The study is one of the first to consider the drivers and outcomes of behavioral self-leadership and technical knowledge in a B2B sales context. By focusing on the interplay between knowledge and self-efficacy and knowledge and behavioral self-leadership, this study provides greater understanding of the effects of behavioral self-leadership than previously expected by sales researchers.
Evaluation of on-campus student housing facilities security and safety performance
Authors: Simpeh Fredrick , Adisa Solomon
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a guide for managing the provision of on-campus student housing facilities (SHFs) security and safety measures.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a mixed-method approach; the questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect quantitative data, whereas the interview was used to collect qualitative data. Descriptive and inferential statistics and importance-performance analysis models were used to analyse the quantitative data, whereas content analysis was used for the qualitative data.

Findings

This study found that students rated the satisfaction of all the SHFs safety and security measures below the level of importance. Three categories of performance level (i.e. poor, average and good) were determined. It also became evident that most of the measures were performing averagely, quite a number were poorly performing and few were performing well.

Research limitations/implications

Data was collected from only one university; therefore, the findings of the research may not be generalised. A study that expands the number of participating universities is recommended.

Practical implications

The guide developed can be used by the facility and/or hostel managers to ensure appropriate management of SHFs security and safety measures. The guide can also assist to ensure that all the essential safety measures are provided when designing, constructing or upgrading SHFs. It would also aid in the development of policy frameworks for SHFs security and safety.

Originality/value

Although several studies have been conducted on SHFs, studies that mainly focussed on prioritising SHFs security and safety measures are lacking. With this paper, the authors also demonstrate the practicality of the use of the IPA model to aid the process of developing improvement priorities.
Board independence and firm performance: evidence from Kuwait
Authors: Al-Saidi Mejbel
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to reduce the knowledge gap by using a large sample and different regressions while controlling the endogeneity and causality issues.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used the ordinary least square (OLS) and two stage least squares (2SLS) regressions to control the endogeneity and causality problems; this estimation strategy allows for comparison of both estimates to identify any inconsistency and biases in the parameters.

Findings

General speaking, this study found that board independence negatively affected firm performance based on Tobin’s Q only and the relationship between the two variables ran from board independence to firm performance but not vice versa.

Originality/value

The current independent directors are not adding value to Kuwait’s listed firms. Some directors who represent large shareholders and the conflict between large shareholders and small shareholders could affect the role of independent directors in Kuwait. To best of the researchers’ knowledge, this study is the first to consider board independent after controlling the issues of endogeneity and causality in Kuwait; thus, the results could be useful for Kuwaiti firms, regulators and policymakers.
Comparing the performance of public and private enterprises: case for a reappraisal – evidence from India
Authors: Gupta Aman , Kumar Sushil
Published: November 2020

Purpose

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are essential tools to further policy objectives across the world. However, in the past few decades, heated debates on the performance of SOEs vis-à-vis private sector enterprises have surfaced. In India, SOEs have long played an important role in the economy and only recently have undergone the trend of privatization. The purpose of this paper is to analyze existing research and to conclude whether private enterprises perform better than SOEs.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of available literature on performance comparisons of public and private sector enterprises is carried out, and differences between public and private enterprises are studied. Finally, theoretical propositions on the differences in objectives of public and private enterprises in the Indian context are enumerated. Three propositions are tested using data on Indian SOEs available in the public domain.

Findings

Performance comparisons of public and private enterprises have focused merely on technical productivity or financial aspects and have thus left out the wide scope of social, economic and political objectives of SOEs. Literature on the nature of SOEs indicates that there are certain fundamental differences in the objectives of public and private sector enterprises. Further, the basic theoretical assumptions tested have been found to be, prima facie, valid in the Indian context. The paper thus establishes a case for further research to develop a comprehensive technique for the comparison of public and private sector enterprises in the Indian context.

Originality/value

Extant research on the subject of comparing public and private entries has limited itself to technoeconomic considerations and has not taken into account the different objectives/nature of these enterprises. The study established a case for diverging from the present discourse privatization and private sector supremacy. The same could have far-reaching consequences for policymakers, especially in developing countries.
Control of the two-wheeled inverted pendulum (TWIP) robot in presence of model uncertainty and motion restriction
Authors: Haitao Zhou , Feng Haibo , Xu Li , Zhang Songyuan , Fu Yili
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve control performance and safety of a real two-wheeled inverted pendulum (TWIP) robot by dealing with model uncertainty and motion restriction simultaneously, which can be extended to other TWIP robotic systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The inequality of lumped model uncertainty boundary is derived from original TWIP dynamics. Several motion restriction conditions are derived considering zero dynamics, centripedal force, ground friction condition, posture stability, control torque limitation and so on. Sliding-mode control (SMC) and model predictive control (MPC) are separately adopted to design controllers for longitudinal and rotational motion, while taking model uncertainty into account. The reference value of the moving velocity and acceleration, delivered to the designed controller, should be restricted in a specified range, limited by motion restrictions, to keep safe.

Findings

The cancelation of model uncertainty commonly existing in real system can improve control performance. The motion commands play an important role in maintaining safety and reliability of TWIP, which can be ensured by the proposed motion restriction to avoid potential movement failure, such as slipping, lateral tipping over because of turning and large fluctuation of body.

Originality/value

An inequation of lumped model uncertainty boundary incorporating comprehensive errors and uncertainties of system is derived and elaborately calculated to determine the switching coefficients of SMC. The motion restrictions for TWIP robot moving in 3D are derived and used to impose constraints on reference trajectory to avoid possible instability or failure of movement.
Understanding drivers of brand love - the role of personalized ads on social media
Authors: Tran Trang P. , Muldrow Adrienne , Ho Khanh Ngoc Bich
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to test a theory-driven model reflecting the effects of perceived personalization on consumer–brand relationships on social media.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model is empirically tested through two studies using partial least squares-structural equation modeling. Other techniques, such as common method bias, multigroup comparison, mediation analysis and model fit comparison, are also used to give more insights into the analytical process.

Findings

Data from two studies show that perceived personalization is positively related to brand-related outcomes including brand self-expressiveness, consumer–brand engagement and brand connection. While consumer–brand engagement and brand connection are positively related to brand love, brand self-expressiveness is not.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to the advertising and brand management literature by shedding light on a better understanding of the impact of personalization in the digital world.

Practical implications

Management could learn important lessons from personalization. If a strategy of promoting personalized ads is implemented successfully, those ads could change customer perceptions of brands which ultimately strengthens brand love.

Originality/value

This research provides an empirical model that helps marketers better understand the factors affecting brand love with personalized ads on social media.
Evaluation of the critical success factors for sustainable housing delivery: analytic hierarchy process approach
Authors: Oluleye Ifeoluwa Benjamin , Ogunleye Mukaila Bamidele , Oyetunji Abiodun Kolawole
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Despite the varied housing policies guiding the Nigerian housing provision, its delivery is yet to level up with the global acceptable sustainability requirements. Previous studies revealed that developing countries are yet to unravel and embrace the tenets of sustainable housing delivery. This study, therefore, adopted the analytic hierarchy process survey in evaluating the critical success factors (CSFs) that can enhance the delivery of sustainable housing and, in turn, meeting the nation’s sustainable housing needs.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study was sourced from housing developers in Nigeria. A pilot survey was done to reduce the identified success factors into a manageable size. These factors were evaluated using the analytical hierarchy process to ascertain the significant factors for sustainable housing delivery in developing economies.

Findings

Findings from the study revealed that government funding towards sustainable housing, access to low-interest housing loan, mandating affordable housing development, ensuring community participation during housing delivery, the involvement of housing stakeholders, ensuring the security of life and properties, use of sustainable materials, adaptable housing design and befitting land use are the significant CSFs required for enhancing sustainable housing delivery.

Practical implications

The findings of this study seek to inform developers, practitioners and policymakers on the CSFs crucial for sustainability attainment in the built environment.

Originality/value

The CSFs are quite important and they would promote government sustainability programmes, meeting housing needs and if well implemented and adopted thereby solving environmental and socio-economic challenges of traditional housing development. This research has added to the existing literature on sustainable housing delivery by providing information on inclusive CSFs that would enhance the delivery of sustainable housing in the developing economy. Further research of this nature can also be carried out to compare and contrast with other developing economies.
Going with the flow: smart shopping malls and omnichannel retailing
Authors: Ameen Nisreen , Tarhini Ali , Shah Mahmood , Madichie Nnamdi O.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The transition from multichannel to omnichannel retailing requires a better conceptualisation, especially for customer experience in smart shopping malls. Therefore, this study aims to propose a theoretical model that captures customers’ omnichannel experiences in smart shopping malls in terms of personal interaction, physical environment and virtual environment encounters. It examines the mediating role of flow experience on the relationship between the three types of encounters and customers’ intention to revisit smart shopping malls.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on four key theories: the service encounter model, trust-commitment theory, flow theory and experiential value theory. A total of 553 completed questionnaires were collected from customers (millennials) in the United Kingdom (UK). The data was analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling.

Findings

The findings show that physical environment encounters and personal interaction encounters play a significant role in customers’ omnichannel experiences in smart malls. Also, of significance are the following aspects of virtual environment encounters: interface design, personalisation, trust, privacy, consumer–peer interaction and relationship commitment. The findings highlight the significant mediating role of flow on the relationships between these three types of encounters and intention, and the effect of flow on omnichannel service usage in smart shopping malls.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the existing literature by proposing a conceptual model: the smart shopping mall omnichannel customer experience (SSMCE) model. The findings offer practical guidance to shopping malls and retailers who wish to enhance the customer omnichannel experience.
Investigating the influence of transparency on the adoption of e-Government in Indonesia
Authors: Sabani Alvedi
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend and validate the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) for investigating the effect of transparency on the adoption of e-Government in Indonesia from the perspective of citizens.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive review of the related literature leads to the development of a transparency-focused conceptual model to better understanding the adoption of e-Government. Structural equation modelling is used for analysing the data collected from the citizens in Indonesia.

Findings

This study confirms that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and transparency are the critical factors for evaluating the citizen adoption of e-Government in Indonesia. In addition, transparency is found to be the strongest factor that influences the decision of Indonesian citizens to adopt e-Government.

Research limitations/implications

From the theoretical perspective, the use of the UTAUT model is extended by incorporating the transparency factor that is vital to the adoption of e-Government in developing countries such as Indonesia.

Practical implications

In terms of managerial and policy implications, this research offers the Indonesian Government suggestions on how the adoption of e-Government can be improved.

Originality/value

This is the first study that extends and empirically validates the UTAUT model with transparency for evaluating the adoption of e-Government from the perspective of citizens in Indonesia. It demonstrates how the transparency factor can be incorporated to better understand the adoption of e-Government in such a context.
The challenge: 20th Century vs. 21st Century management
Authors: Denning Stephen
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The author contrasts 20th Century hierarchical management with Agile influenced 21st Century management, which is more suited to modern realities.

Design/methodology/approach

Understanding how 20th Century and 21st Century management differ offers an evidenced-based theory why today’s leading firms are leading and why yesterday’s giants are flailing.

Findings

For 21st Century management – the pioneering mode of Agile enterprises and of leading Silicon Valley firms, as well as individual businesses in Europe and China–the goal of the firm is to create customers.

Practical implications

Because the firm’s goal is to create value for customers in a dynamic environment, sustainable strategy must incorporate creating new businesses that attract new customers.

Originality/value

The author compares and contrasts the practices, principles, processes and mindsets of 20th Century management and those of the leading 21st Century firms that have become the most valuable firms on the planet as well as the leading global brands.
Are narrative therapy groups effective for people with intellectual disabilities? A critical review of the literature
Authors: McKenzie-Smith Laura
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Narrative therapy has been suggested as particularly relevant to people with intellectual disability (ID), with group formats potentially offering additional benefits. This paper aims to critically review studies which evaluated narrative group interventions for people with ID.

Design/methodology/approach

The seven papers identified for review were critically appraised for their quality using a quality appraisal tool appropriate to their design, along with additional factors including adaptations made to improve accessibility.

Findings

The studies suggest that there may be some small benefits of narrative group therapy for those with ID. However, alongside issues limiting the studies’ evaluations, it is noted that the research paradigms used in the studies conflict with narrative approaches.

Research limitations/implications

The limited evidence base suggests the need for further research. The randomised controlled trial would ordinarily be seen as the gold standard for such research. However, narrative interventions may require a different approach to evaluation.

Originality/value

This is the first review of published literature on the evaluation of narrative therapy groups for people with ID.
Commentary on “Keep safe: collaborative practice development and research with people with learning disabilities”
Authors: Clifton Matt , Chapman Steve
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Inspired by the work of the Keep Safe Advisory Group, this paper aims to explain and make the case for co-production as a powerful model for working alongside people with learning disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The collaborative approach of the Keep Safe advisory group is the authors’ springboard for a deep dive into the power and potential of co-production as a model. As organisational leaders – one with and one without a learning disability – the authors draw on their personal experience to argue that co-production is essential to recognising the adulthood of people with learning disabilities.

Findings

Co-production means the equal sharing of power and responsibility from the start, best served by the leap of faith of a blank agenda. Co-production values different kinds of expertise as complementary – broadly considered as expertise from lived experience and professional expertise. When working co-productively, a deep investment of time to understand people pays dividends in outcomes and everyone’s personal and professional growth. Co-production enriches the lives of everyone taking part.

Originality/value

Co-production, though common currency in health and social care, remains too rarely understood and practiced. Readers will benefit from this reflective viewpoint, which aims to clarify and deepen what co-production really means. In particular, enabling people with learning disabilities to take responsibility for themselves and others is rarely considered but is presented here as foundational to human maturity and adulthood.
Experiences of children with special educational needs and disabilities and their families in the United Kingdom during the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: O’Hagan Brian , Kingdom Stephen
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the experiences of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families during the coronavirus pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on research gathered and collated by three different organisations working with families of children and young people with SEND.

Findings

There were a number of common findings across all three surveys. In particular: the rapid collapse of external support for children and families; the reduction/withdrawal of support exacerbated the stress and exhaustion already experienced by many families; it proved very difficult to establish home learning and get adequate support from schools; there was little government recognition of families’ vulnerability and need for support; and, paradoxically, a significant minority of children and families reported increased well-being.

Originality/value

Findings carry clear implications both for the provision of child and family support during any further lockdowns and, more generally, in respect of government policy and funding of family support.
Cleavage of PrePL by Lon promotes growth and pathogenesis in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Dang Yuejia , Wei Yi , Wang Yanyan , Liu Shaoshuai , Julia Chekanova , Zhang Shi‐Hong
Published: November 2020

ATP‐dependent Lon proteases function in bacterial pathogenesis by regulating the expression of the Type III secretion system; however, little is known about how Lon proteases regulate fungal pathogenesis. We previously investigated Lon‐binding proteins involved in fungal pathogenesis that interact with PrePL, the smallest Magnaporthe oryzae Lon‐binding protein. Here, we show that Lon cleaves PrePL and produces Pc, an extracellular 11‐kDa isoform with catalase and peroxidase activity. The ΔPrePL loss‐of‐function strain showed stronger sporulation and accelerated disease development, suggesting a temporally specific negative regulatory mechanism controlled by PrePL in disease progression. Neither the truncated Pc, nor the full‐length PrePL missing the Lon cleavage site complemented the ΔPrePL phenotype, suggesting that full‐length PrePL and Pc both function in fungal development. PrePL targeted to the mitochondria undergoes hydrolysis by Lon to produce Pc, which accumulates in the fungal apoplast. Importantly, recombinant Pc induced plant defence responses and cell death after being infiltrated into selected plant leaves, indicating that it functions as an avirulence factor. This work thus reveals a novel pathogenic factor in the fungal Lon‐mediated pathway. Additionally, our results provide new insight into the functions of a full‐length protein and its cleaved isoform in fungal pathogenesis.
Susceptibility to interference between Pavlovian and instrumental control is associated with early hazardous alcohol use
Authors: Chen Hao , Nebe Stephan , Mojtahedzadeh Negin , Kuitunen‐Paul Sören , Garbusow Maria , Schad Daniel J. , Rapp Michael A. , Huys Quentin J.M. , Heinz Andreas , Smolka Michael N.
Published: November 2020

Pavlovian‐to‐instrumental transfer (PIT) tasks examine the influence of Pavlovian stimuli on ongoing instrumental behaviour. Previous studies reported associations between a strong PIT effect, high‐risk drinking and alcohol use disorder. This study investigated whether susceptibility to interference between Pavlovian and instrumental control is linked to risky alcohol use in a community sample of 18‐year‐old male adults. Participants (N = 191) were instructed to ‘collect good shells’ and ‘leave bad shells’ during the presentation of appetitive (monetary reward), aversive (monetary loss) or neutral Pavlovian stimuli. We compared instrumental error rates (ER) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain responses between the congruent and incongruent conditions, as well as among high‐risk and low‐risk drinking groups. On average, individuals showed a substantial PIT effect, that is, increased ER when Pavlovian cues and instrumental stimuli were in conflict compared with congruent trials. Neural PIT correlates were found in the ventral striatum and the dorsomedial and lateral prefrontal cortices (lPFC). Importantly, high‐risk drinking was associated with a stronger behavioural PIT effect, a decreased lPFC response and an increased neural response in the ventral striatum on the trend level. Moreover, high‐risk drinkers showed weaker connectivity from the ventral striatum to the lPFC during incongruent trials. Our study links interference during PIT to drinking behaviour in healthy, young adults. High‐risk drinkers showed higher susceptibility to Pavlovian cues, especially when they conflicted with instrumental behaviour, indicating lower interference control abilities. Increased activity in the ventral striatum (bottom‐up), decreased lPFC response (top‐down), and their altered interplay may contribute to poor interference control in the high‐risk drinkers.
LENDING COMPETITION AND LOAN SALES: A MACROECONOMIC ANALYSIS UNDER DIRECTED SEARCH
Authors: Huang Kevin X. D. , Li Zhe , Sun Jianfei
Published: November 2020

We present a macroeconomic analysis of loan sales driven by bank competition in lending and entrepreneur directed search for funding opportunities. We show how these two features of our macrofinance model can interact to reduce interest rates on loans financed via on‐balance‐sheet activities, and how this can motivate loan sales as a strategy of financing via off‐balance‐sheet activities. The results shed some light on the shift over the years preceding the global financial crisis in the practice of U.S. and European banks, from the traditional “originate‐to‐hold” model of credit provision, toward the “originate‐to‐distribute” approach for credit extension. (JEL E44, G21, G24).
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy for psychosis (EMDRp): Protocol of a feasibility randomized controlled trial with early intervention service users
Authors: Varese Filippo , Sellwood William , Aseem Saadia , Awenat Yvonne , Bird Leanne , Bhutani Gita , Carter Lesley‐Anne , Davies Linda , Davis Claire , Horne Georgia , Keane David , Logie Robin , Malkin Debra , Potter Fiona , van den Berg David , Zia Shameem , Bentall Richard
Published: November 2020

Aim

Traumatic events are involved in the development and maintenance of psychotic symptoms. There are few trials exploring trauma‐focused treatments as interventions for psychotic symptoms, especially in individuals with early psychosis. This trial will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a definitive trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for psychosis (EMDRp) in people with early psychosis.

Methods

Sixty participants with first episode psychosis and a history of a traumatic/adverse life event(s)will be recruited from early intervention services in the North West of England and randomized to receive16 sessions of EMDRp + Treatment as Usual (TAU) or TAU alone. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months post‐randomization using several measures of psychotic symptoms, trauma symptoms, anxiety, depression, functioning, service‐user defined recovery, health economics indicators and quality of life. Two nested qualitative studies to assess participant feedback of therapy and views of professional stakeholders on the implementation of EMDRp into services will also be conducted. The feasibility of a future definitive efficacy and cost‐effectiveness evaluation of EMDRp will be tested against several outcomes, including ability to recruit and randomize participants, trial retention at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up assessments, treatment engagement and treatment fidelity.

Conclusions

If it is feasible to deliver a multi‐site trial of this intervention, it will be possible to evaluate whether EMDRp represents a beneficial treatment to augment existing evidence‐based care of individuals with early psychosis supported by early intervention services.
Drivers of outsourcing and backsourcing in the public sector—From idealism to pragmatism
Authors: Jansson Magnus , Carlström Eric , Karlsson David , Berlin Johan
Published: November 2020

Local governments are bringing previously outsourced services back in‐house. Research into explanations for sourcing decisions in the public sector is growing, however, few researchers have investigated drivers of both outsourcing and backsourcing in local public‐governance organizations. In this study we utilize transaction cost economic theory (TCE) and political ideology to investigate underlying motives of sourcing in local public governance organizations. Based on a 2018 survey of chief financial officers (CEO) in all of Sweden's 290 municipalities, this study shows that backsourcing is strongly associated with outsourcing and that outsourcing and backsourcing should not be understood as opposite phenomena, rather as interdependent phenomena in a dynamic sourcing strategy. Outsourcing and backsourcing are driven in part by different factors: Outsourcing by political ambitions and economic factors relating to TCE, while managerial and pragmatic concerns are foregrounded for backsourcing.
The impact of COVID‐19 in hemodialysis patients: Experience in a hospital dialysis unit
Authors: Ibernon Meritxell , Bueno Isabel , Rodríguez‐Farré Neus , Ruiz Pilar , Sánchez Ana , Massó Elisabet , Rap Oana , Giménez Isabel , Cabrera Cristina
Published: November 2020

Introduction

COVID‐19 is a very high transmission disease with a variable prognosis in the general population. Patients in hemodialysis therapy are particularly vulnerable to developing an infectious disease, but the incidence and prognosis of hemodialysis patients with COVID‐19 is still unclear. The main objective is to describe the experience of our dialysis unit in preventing and controlling the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Methods

Preventive structural and organizational changes were applied to all patients and health care personnel in order to limit the risk of local transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Findings

The Nephrology department at Sant Joan Despí Moises Broggi Hospital‐Consorci Sanitari Integral is a reference for two satellite hemodialysis centers caring for 156 patients. We combine our own hemodialysis maintenance program for 87 patients with hospitalized patients from peripheral hemodialysis centers. In this area, the reported incident rate of COVID‐19 in these peripherical hemodialysis centers was 9.5% to 19.9% and the death rate 25% to 30.5%. In our hemodialysis program, the incidence rate was 5.7%. Three out of five required hospitalization (60%) and nobody died.

Discussion

Although the risk of local transmission of the disease was very high due to the increase in hemodialysis patients from peripheral centers admitted to hospital, the incidence rate of COVID‐19 was very low in our own hemodialysis patients. We believe that the structural and organizational changes adopted early on and the diagnosis algorithm played an important role in minimizing the spread of the disease.
The influence of the carrier addition and spray drying temperatures on physicochemical properties of microencapsulated carrot juice powder
Authors: Janiszewska‐Turak Emilia , Bąk Paulina , Krzykowski Andrzej , Witrowa‐Rajchert Dorota
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to determinate the influence of carrier addition and spray drying temperatures (160 or 200°C) on physicochemical properties of spray‐dried carrot juice powder. As carriers, maltodextrin and gum Arabic in different proportions were used. In powders were determined the following: moisture content, water activity, apparent density, size of particles, colour and carotenoids content. The content of carotenoids in powders prepared from solutions with juice to carrier ratio 2:3 was 324.3–406.6 mg/kg d.m., while in powders with a J:C = 3:2 values ranged from 576.7 to 637.7 mg/kg d.m. The highest content of carotenoids and the most yellow colour were observed in powders with 1:3 gum Arabic to maltodextrin ratio. Powders with the highest amount of gum Arabic have the highest diameter and the lowest water activity. High inlet temperature caused brighter colour of powders, higher dry matter content, lower water activity and apparent density of powders.
A 3‐year longitudinal study of the association of physical activity and sedentary behaviours with childhood obesity in China: The childhood obesity study in China mega‐cities
Authors: Sun Xiaomin , Zhao Bingtong , Liu Jin , Wang Yun , Xu Fei , Wang Youfa , Xue Hong
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Examine school children's physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours (SB) during 2015 to 2017 in China, and study their associations with children's weight status and relevant gender differences.

Methods

This open cohort study included students from five major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Nanjing, and Chengdu) across China. Data were collected from students in 2015, 2016, and 2017 (n = 5535) and from their parents and school personnel. Children's weight, height, and waist circumference were measured. SB and PA factors were evaluated using questionnaires. Mixed‐effects models examined the relationship between weight status and PA‐/SB‐associated factors using this longitudinal data.

Results

These children had high rates of obesity (12.4%, 95% CI 11.6%‐13.3%) and central obesity (28.1%, 95% CI 26.9%‐29.3%) during 2015 to 2017. Boys were more likely to have obesity than girls (16.5% vs 8.4%, respectively) as well as centrally obesity (36.3% vs 19.8%, respectively) and spent more time in screen viewing than girls (hours/week ± SD: 2015, 1.8 ± 2.5 vs 1.5 ± 2.0; 2016, 2.0 ± 2.4 vs 1.8 ± 2.5; 2017, 1.7 ± 2.3 vs 1.4 ± 2.1 hours/week). Those who walked <5 minutes on their average daily walk to school were more likely to have obesity (OR: 1.96, 95% CI 1.03‐3.73) than those who spent ≥15 minutes on walking to school. When stratified by gender, this higher risk was only observed in girls (OR: 3.01, 95% CI 1.09‐8.35). Children who spent more time in screen viewing were more likely to have obesity (OR: 1.13, 95% CI 1.06‐1.21) and have central obesity (OR: 1.05, 95% CI 1.02‐1.09). The association for obesity was consistent in boys and girls (boys, OR: 1.15, 95% CI 1.05‐1.25; girls, OR: 1.12, 95% CI 1.00‐1.24).

Conclusions

More screen time and less walking time were risk factors for developing obesity in urban Chinese children. The associations varied by gender.
Long‐term NEET among young adults with experience of out‐of‐home care: A comparative study of three Nordic countries
Authors: Berlin Marie , Kääriälä Antti , Lausten Mette , Andersson Gunnar , Brännström Lars
Published: November 2020

Previous research suggests that young adults from out‐of‐home care (OHC) are at high risk of low education and unemployment. However, there are no studies on their risk of long‐term NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training). This study compared the risk of NEET at age 21–23 among OHC youth across Denmark, Finland and Sweden, using register data for an entire birth cohort born in 1987. The Nordic countries share many features, but there are differences in the provision of after‐care support and in the linkage between the educational system and the labour market. The results show that about a fourth in Denmark and Sweden and a third in Finland were NEET, suggesting that the welfare systems were not able to compensate for the OHC youth’s childhood disadvantages. To a significant extent, the excess risk of NEET was attributed to poor school performance. Implications for research, policy and practice are discussed.
Randomised clinical study of plaque removal efficacy of an electric toothbrush in primary and mixed dentition
Authors: Davidovich Esti , Ccahuana‐Vasquez Renzo A. , Timm Hans , Grender Julie , Zini Avi
Published: November 2020

Background

Clinical investigations of electric toothbrushes in young children are limited.

Aim

To assess plaque reduction efficacy of an oscillating‐rotating electric versus manual toothbrush in a paediatric population in primary and mixed dentitions.

Design

In this randomised, single‐brushing, 2‐treatment, 4‐period, replicate‐use crossover study, subjects were divided into 2 age groups (3‐6 years; 7‐9 years) and assigned to a treatment sequence involving an Oral‐B Kids electric brush and a manual brush control. Plaque was assessed pre‐ and post‐brushing (Turesky Modified Quigley‐Hein Plaque Index). Parents brushed the teeth of their children aged 3‐6 years, whereas children aged 7‐9 years brushed their own teeth under supervision. Plaque removal scores were analysed for brush differences in each age group separately using an analysis of covariance for crossover design.

Results

Forty‐one children (n = 20, 3‐6 years; n = 21, 7‐9 years) completed the study. For the primary dentition in children 3‐6 years, the electric brush reduced 32.3% more plaque than the manual brush (P = .005). For the mixed dentition in children 7‐9 years, the electric brush reduced 51.9% more plaque than the manual brush (P < .001).

Conclusions

An electric toothbrush reduced significantly more plaque than a manual toothbrush in 2 paediatric age groups.
The role of peer‐to‐peer voice in severe work environments: organisational facilitators and barriers
Authors: Loudoun Rebecca , Townsend Keith , Wilkinson Adrian , Mowbray Paula K.
Published: November 2020

Encouraging and facilitating employee voice among frontline employees is important in organisations to draw out problems and issues that can potentially be addressed and mitigated by organisational policies and practices. Using Conservation of Resources theory, this study focuses on paramedics and the formal and informal voice mechanisms used to safeguard their well‐being. We observe that paramedics are often unwilling to use formal support mechanisms, at least in the first instance immediately following exposure to a traumatic event, but they see informal peer‐to‐peer voice as critical in preventing resource loss and regaining resources for subsequent call‐outs. We also found that without an awareness of the importance of this support mechanism, changes in work organisation can unintentionally and unknowingly limit their capacity to engage in this form of support. Losing peer‐to‐peer voice can lead to the build‐up of stress that could otherwise be mitigated, resulting in diminished well‐being.
Maresin 1 attenuates pro‐inflammatory activation induced by β‐amyloid and stimulates its uptake
Authors: Wang Ying , Leppert Axel , Tan Shuai , van der Gaag Bram , Li Nailin , Schultzberg Marianne , Hjorth Erik
Published: November 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common dementia, characterized by pathological accumulation of β‐amyloid (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, together with a damaging chronic inflammation. The lack of effective treatments urgently warrants new therapeutic strategies. Resolution of inflammation, associated with beneficial and regenerative activities, is mediated by specialized pro‐resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) including maresin 1 (MaR1). Decreased levels of MaR1 have been observed in AD brains. However, the pro‐resolving role of MaR1 in AD has not been fully investigated. In the present study, human monocyte‐derived microglia (MdM) and a differentiated human monocyte cell line (THP‐1 cells) exposed to Aβ were used as models of AD neuroinflammation. We have studied the potential of MaR1 to inhibit pro‐inflammatory activation of Aβ and assessed its ability to stimulate phagocytosis of Aβ42. MaR1 inhibited the Aβ42‐induced increase in cytokine secretion and stimulated the uptake of Aβ42in both MdM and differentiated THP‐1 cells. MaR1 was also found to decrease chemokine secretion and reduce the associated increase in the activation marker CD40. Activation of kinases involved in transduction of inflammation was not affected by MaR1, but the activity of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB was decreased. Our data show that MaR1 exerts effects that indicate a pro‐resolving role in the context of AD and thus presents itself as a potential therapeutic target for AD.
Effects of dietary fish oil and alpha‐tocopherol supplementation on selected blood parameters and fatty acid profiles in mares and their foals
Authors: Danyer Erdem , Bilal Tanay
Published: November 2020

The effects of fish oil (40 ml/day) supplementation, with or without synthetic all‐rac‐alpha‐tocopherol‐acetate (2,500 IU/day), during the last 65 days before expected parturition were investigated in 15 adult mares (553 ± 24 kg BW) and their foals. Mares were assigned to one of three diets: control (n = 5), control plus fish oil and alpha‐tocopherol (n = 4; FO + AT) or control with just fish oil (n = 6; FO). Blood samples were obtained from the mares before a 15‐day dietary adaptation period (T1) and from mares and foals the first (T2) and fifth (T3) days post‐partum. Colostrum was collected at T2 and milk at T3. Routine haematological, biochemical and alpha‐tocopherol analyses were undertaken on all blood samples. Fatty acid concentrations were determined in the foal serum and alpha‐tocopherol concentrations measured in the milk and colostrum. Diet had no effect on haematology or biochemistry in the mares. Alpha‐tocopherol concentrations were significantly higher at T2 & T3 in the FO + AT mares. Foal WBCs were higher in FO (11.33 ± 2.59 × 109/l), comparing to FO + AT and control groups (9.18 ± 1.24 × 109/l and 7.26 ± 1.03 × 109/l, respectively), at T3 (p < .05). There was no significant effect of the fish oil supplementation on the foal's serum fatty acid profile. In the FO + AT group, both colostrum and milk alpha‐tocopherol concentrations (2.56 ± 0.36 and 1.36 ± 0.22 µg/ml, respectively) were higher compared than those of the FO group (1.33 ± 0.39 and 0.72 ± 0.31 µg/ml, respectively;p < .05). Additional 2,500 IU/day of synthetic alpha‐tocopherol in the last 65 days of pregnancy increased alpha‐tocopherol concentrations in colostrum and milk and the foal's serum. 40 ml/day fish oil, however, did not significantly increase serum eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations in the foals.
Inclusive Education in Asia: Insights From Some Country Case Studies
Authors: Faragher Rhonda , Chen Mo , Miranda Lucena , Poon Kenneth , Rumiati  , Chang Feng‐Ru , Chen Holly
Published: November 2020

Across Asia, countries have signed the UNCRPD and to a greater or lesser extent are pursuing inclusive education (IE). In this article, we present case studies from Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, and China analyzing them for common themes around the education of students intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and noting commonalities, challenges, and emerging issues. While the definition of IE (being the philosophy, process and practice of welcoming, valuing and supporting all learners in general education environments) and the conceptual distinction between integration and segregation are clear in the UNCRPD and subsequent comments, the terminology used in some of the countries is inconsistent with these definitions. This makes interpretation of reports from government instrumentalities difficult. In some cases, misuse of terminology allows justification of practices that are contrary to the UNCRPD. Terminology differences coupled with challenges of finding data related to the education of children with IDD, if the data exist, make a regional analysis of progress towards IE complex. In our paper, we have drawn on previous reviews and reports to discuss common issues and make suggestions for ways forward. Our findings add to the few other reviews from Asia on IE and draw attention to the continuing need for improved access to any education at all for learners with IDD. Provision of IE is caught up in dilemmas in the region about teacher preparation and professional learning, and how to provide specialist support in inclusive settings. School structure decisions including staffing provision and class sizes affect the education outcomes of students with IDD. School leadership, with the fundamental role of translating policy into practice, is critical for the development of IE and must be aligned with system and country priorities. Collaboration across the region has the potential to share best practice and continue to improve the educational opportunities for learners with IDD.