bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global analysis of daily new COVID-19 cases reveals many static-phase countries including US and UK potentially with unstoppable epidemics
Authors: Fu Xinmiao
Published: May 2020

The COVID-19 epidemics are differentially progressing in different countries. Here, comparative analyses of daily new cases reveal that 61 most affected countries can be classified into four types: downward (22), upward (20), static-phase (12) and uncertain ones (7). In particular, the 12 static-phase countries including US and UK are characterized by largely constant numbers of daily new cases in the past over 14 days. Furthermore, these static-phase countries are overall significantly lower in testing density but higher in the level of positive COVID-19 tests than downward countries. These findings suggest that the testing capacity in static-phase countries is lagging behind the spread of the outbreak, i.e., daily new cases (confirmed) are likely less than daily new infections and the remaining undocumented infections are thus still expanding, resulting in unstoppable epidemics. As such, increasing the testing capacity and/or reducing the COVID-19 transmission are urgently needed to stop the severing crisis in static-phase countries.

Highlights

61 most affected countries can be classified into four types: downward, upward, static-phase and uncertain ones.

The 12 static-phase countries including US and UK are characterized by largely constant numbers of daily new cases in the past over 14 days.

Static-phase countries show lower testing density but higher level of positive COVID-19 tests than downward countries.

In static-phase countries, daily new cases (confirmed) are likely less than daily new infections and the remaining undocumented infections are thus still expanding.
Nilotinib in Patients with Advanced Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Phase 2A Study (NILO-PD)
Authors: Simuni Tanya , Fiske Brian , Merchant Kalpana , Coffey Christopher S. , Klingner Elizabeth , Caspell-Garcia Chelsea , Lafontant David-Erick , Matthews Helen , Wyse Richard K. , Brundin Patrik , Simon David K. , Schwarzschild Michael , Weiner David , Adams Jaime , Venuto Charles , Dawson Ted M. , Baker Liana , Kostrzebski Melissa , Ward Tina , Rafaloff Gary
Published: May 2020

Background

Nilotinib, a tyrosine kinase Abelson inhibitor, exhibits neuroprotective effects in preclinical Parkinson disease (PD) models.

Methods

This Phase 2A double-blind placebo-controlled study in moderate/advanced PD randomized participants 1:1:1 to placebo:150:300 mg nilotinib in matching capsules once daily for 6 months. The primary outcomes were safety and tolerability, the latter defined as ability to complete the study on assigned dose. Secondary outcomes included change in PD disability (Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), Part 3 OFF/ON). Additional exploratory outcomes included serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pharmacokinetic (PK) profile, and CSF dopamine metabolites.

Findings

The study screened 125 and enrolled 76 participants (39% screen failure) between November 2017 and December 2018 at 25 US sites. The last participant completed the study in September 2019. At baseline, mean (standard deviation) age was 64.6 years (7.5), disease duration 9.9 years (4.7), MDS-UPDRS Part 1-3 OFF score 66.4(19.3) and ON score 48.4(16.2), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score 27.1(2.2). Tolerability was 21(84%):19 (76%):20 (77%) in placebo:150:300 mg arm, respectively. Both active doses were safe. The most common reasons for drug suspension were elevations of amylase and/or lipase, which were dose-dependent. The 300 mg group had transitory worsening of MDS-UPDRS-3 ON at 1 month compared to placebo (p<0.01), which resolved by 6 months. There was no difference in the change of MDS-UPDRS-3 OFF from baseline to 6 months between the groups (p=0.17). CSF/serum PK ratio was 0.2-0.3%. There was no evidence of treatment-related elevation of any dopamine metabolites.

Interpretation

Both doses of nilotinib were safe and tolerable in these participants, who were selected with strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. There was no evidence of any symptomatic benefit of nilotinib. The drug had low CSF exposure and failed to change dopamine metabolites. These findings do not warrant further testing of nilotinib in PD.

Funding

The study was funded by Funded by Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research / The Cure Parkinson Trust / Van Andel Institute. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03205488
Impact of governance structures on environmental disclosures in the Middle East and Africa
Authors: Kilincarslan Erhan , Elmagrhi Mohamed H. , Li Zezeng
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of corporate governance structures on environmental disclosure practices in the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

Design/methodology/approach

The research model uses a panel data set of 121 publicly listed (non-financial and non-utility) firms from 11 MEA countries over the period 2010-2017, uses alternative dependent variables and regression techniques and is applied to various sub-groups to improve robustness.

Findings

The empirical results strongly indicate that MEA firms with high governance disclosures tend to have better environmental disclosure practices. The board characteristics of gender diversity, size, CEO/chairperson duality and audit committee size impact positively on MEA firms’ voluntary environmental disclosures, whereas board independence has a negative influence.

Research limitations/implications

This study advances research on the relationship between corporate governance structures and environmental disclosure practices in MEA countries, but is limited to firms for which data are available from Bloomberg.

Practical implications

The results have important practical implications for MEA policymakers and regulators. The positive impact of board gender diversity on firms’ environmental disclosures, policy reforms should aim to increase female directors. MEA corporations aiming to be more environmentally friendly should recruit women to top managerial positions.

Originality/value

This is thought to be the first study to provide insights from the efficiency and legitimation perspectives of neo-institutional theory to explain the relationship between MEA firms’ internal governance structures and environmental disclosures.
Simulation analysis of incentives on employees' acceptance of foreign joint venture management practices: a case study
Authors: Zhang Jingxiao , Ouyang You , Li Hui , Ballesteros-Pérez Pablo , Skitmore Martin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Cultural differences between employees of different nationalities are hindering the development of some transnational joint ventures. Describing and modelling the positive (or negative) factors that cause joint venture employees to accept (or reject) joint management business practices is of great value to all corporations operating abroad with locally sourced employees.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a Sino-Japan construction joint venture project as a representative case study. First, structural equation modelling is used to identify the factors influencing Chinese employees' acceptance of joint venture management practices. Then, a system dynamics model is adopted to simulate the time-dependent effects of the incentives.

Findings

The study results (1) indicate which incentives strongly affect employee acceptance of joint venture management practices; (2) identify inefficient management practices in cross-cultural joint ventures; and (3) provide evidence that the employees' perceptions of clear purpose, good working relationships and helpful mechanisms positively and directly also support their acceptance of joint management practices.

Originality/value

–A dynamic simulation method is used to analyse the influence of various incentive factors on employee acceptance of joint management. This provides unprecedented information regarding how these factors interact with each other, hence how their effectiveness varies (both positively and negatively) over time. Further findings also provide new ideas for joint venture managers to adopt more effective management methods.
Critical success factors for BIM implementation: a Malaysian case study
Authors: Sinoh Saznizam Sazmee , Othman Faridah , Ibrahim Zainah
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aimed to identify critical success factors (CSFs) of building information modeling (BIM) implementation among architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) firms in Malaysia using quantitative statistical methods.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted on the population of all AEC firms in Malaysia to rank the relative importance of 15 success factors (SFs) for BIM implementation in the firm on a 5-point Likert scale. The sampling frame consisted of all members registered with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) from which 184 responses were received. The distinction between SFs and CSFs was achieved by a normalized mean cutoff value. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine the relative groupings of the CSFs and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to examine the underlying relationships between the CSF groupings.

Findings

Results of this study validated 11 previously identified CSFs for successful implementation of BIM among Malaysian AEC firms. Non-technical factors such as management, leadership and coordination were found to have higher relevance compared to technical factors such as software and hardware. Ranking analysis of the CSFs found internal coordination factors to have more importance compared to external coordination factors. PCA revealed 4 principal components (PCs) from the 11 CSFs. Together, these four PCs explain 74.3% of the variance in the data. Also, six hypothesized relationships between these groupings were supported using PLS-SEM.

Research limitations/implications

This study found an interaction between internal and external coordination factors for the implementation of BIM. Future research could explore the dynamics of both intra- and inter-firm coordination, which may create an environment suitable for BIM implementation.

Practical implications

This study provides Malaysian AEC firms with a general strategy on how to approach the implementation of BIM within the firm. In addition, government initiatives should focus on increasing BIM competency of graduates entering the workforce. This can be achieved through the development of a national BIM curriculum. Apart from that, the implementation of BIM requires a radical shift in the traditional building delivery process, not just simply acquiring new software and hardware.

Originality/value

This study revealed that the interactions between different firms at the industry level can influence successful implementation of BIM at the firm level. CSFs for BIM implementation at the firm level have been extensively studied. However, few studies exist which explore the inter-firm collaborations at the industry level that facilitate successful BIM implementation.
From brand identity to brand equity: a multilevel analysis of the organization–employee bidirectional effects in upscale hotels
Authors: Liu Andy Xiaofeng , Hsu Cathy H.C. , Fan Daisy X.F.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the mechanism of how hotel executive brand identity influences physical facility quality, customer-based brand equity (CBBE) and employee-based brand equity (EBBE).

Design/methodology/approach

The study introduces a multilevel model and collects 925 executive and 1,978 employee responses from 62 upscale hotels in China.

Findings

Executive brand identity positively affects employee brand internalization, which leads to positive EBBE. Meanwhile, executive brand identity positively influences the physical facility quality, which leads to positive CBBE.

Originality/value

This study considers the tangible (physical facilities) and intangible (employees) elements of hotel services to comprehensively investigate the brand equity formation. By applying multilevel structural equation modeling, the study examines the bidirectional relationship between organizations and employees in the brand value transformation process.
Different stages of the e-service delivery system process: belief–attitude–intention framework
Authors: Gupta Piyush , Sachan Amit , Kumar Rajiv
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Based on social science theories of customer's action such as theory of planned behaviour, theory of reasoned action, and technology acceptance model, this paper adopts belief–attitude–intention model to study impact of perceived process-belief of different stages of e-service delivery system process (e-SDSP), i.e., searching process belief (SPB), agreement process belief (APB), fulfilment process belief (FPB) and after-sales service process belief (ASPB) on customer attitude and intention towards service providers. The study also focuses on the mediating effect of customer attitude on the relationship between process-beliefs of different stages of e-SDSP and their behavioural intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative method has been employed using data collected from 414 Indian e-retail customers. Structural equation modelling with bootstrap estimation is used to find the mediating effect of attitude.

Findings

The findings suggest that SPB and ASPB directly impact the customer attitude while APB and FPB directly impact the customer behavioural intention. The study also finds that customer attitude towards e-retailers fully mediates the effect of SPB and ASPB on the behavioural intention but there are no mediating effects for APB and FPB.

Research limitations/implications

The sample used may not be generalizable for India, given its huge diversity and population. As the sample considers only Indian e-retail customers, this study may lack generalizability across countries.

Originality/value

In our knowledge, this study is the first step to conceptualize the process-oriented customer's perceived belief of different stages of e-SDSP and how these beliefs impact the customers' attitude and intention towards the e-retailers. The findings offer insight to managers on how they can create and cultivate customer happiness and positive behavioural intention by enhanced customer journey throughout the e-SDSP.
Loyalty cards, credit options and economic market development
Authors: Zielke Stephan , Komor Marcin
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper analyses three strategies in customers’ use to afford consumption in a developed and an emerging market for different product groups. The strategies are: (1) usage of loyalty cards, (2) usage of credit cards and (3) usage of long-term credits.

Design/methodology/approach

Mall intercept surveys conducted in Poland (emerging market) and Germany (developed market) provide data for testing a set of hypotheses using ANOVAs.

Findings

Results show that customers in emerging markets show no differences in the usage of loyalty cards for product categories with high shopping frequency (groceries) compared to developed markets, while in all other product categories loyalty card usage is stronger. Results show further that in low price categories, customers in emerging markets use credit card payments more often compared to customers in developed markets. In high price categories, they use credit cards less often, but long-term credits more often.

Research limitations/implications

Results have implications for the design of loyalty programs and payment options in different markets. Results have also implications for public policy regarding concerns about increasing private debt in emerging countries.

Originality/value

This paper suggests a cost-benefit framework where customers in emerging countries perceive benefits of loyalty cards and credit options higher, while they are willing to bear higher costs. As a result, effects of product category characteristics on usage that are observable in developed markets do not exist in emerging markets.
3D flow and heat transfer of micropolar fluid suspended with mixture of nanoparticles (Ag-CuO/H2O) driven by an exponentially stretching surface
Authors: Manjunatha S. , Ammani Kuttan B. , Ramesh G.K. , Gireesha B.J. , Aly Emad H.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the 3D micropolar hybrid (Ag-CuO/H2O) nanofluid past rapid moving surface, where porous medium has been considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The model of problem was represented by highly partial differential equations which were deduced by using suitable approximations (boundary layer). Then, the governing model was converted into five combined ordinary differential equations applying proper similarity transformations. Therefore, the eminent iterative Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg method (RKF45) has been applied to solve the resulting equations.

Findings

Higher values of vortex viscosity, spin gradient viscosity and micro-inertia density parameters are reduced in horizontal direction, whereas opposite behaviour is noticed for vertical direction.

Originality/value

The work has not been done in the area of hybrid micropolar nanofluid. Hence, this article culminates to probe how to improve the thermal conduction and fluid flow in 3D boundary layer flow of micropolar mixture of nanoparticles driven by rapidly moving plate with convective boundary condition.
Business founding in biotech industry: process and features
Authors: Ciao Biagio
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to construct a process model of business founding in the biotech industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An inductive method is used, and five case studies analyzed. Data are coded by applying Gioia’s method.

Findings

Aspirant entrepreneurs conduct resource analysis and industry analysis to formulate research and development targets. They perform transactions and networks because they require resources, and they then deploy and coordinate these resources. Such coordination generates activities with social and financial impacts.

Research limitations/implications

The results are specific to the biotech industry. A future study could examine business founding processes in other industries (e.g. entertainment, fashion, public utilities and sport). Additionally, the paper argues that during the founding process entrepreneurs show little concern for knowledge-sharing risk, as they want to collaborate to implement their ideas. Quantitative papers could test the consequences of such behavior.

Practical implications

The process model provides insights into aspirant founders on how to start a business in the biotech industry.

Originality/value

The paper shows: the differences between the founding process in the biotech industry versus other industries; and the shape of the Bower–Burgelman model in the context of biotech business founding. The paper delineates how private companies discover competencies in the public sector; a model of technology transfer from public to private sector; entrepreneurs’ absence of risk perceptions regarding knowledge-sharing during founding; and how conferences can serve as vehicles for benchmarking in networking.
Soy ice cream as a carrier for efficient delivering of Lactobacillus casei
Authors: Homayouni Aziz , Rezaei Mokarram Reza , Norouzi Sharareh , Dehnad Alireza , Barkhordari Ali , Homayouni Hamideh , Pourjafar Hadi
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Among soy products, soy ice cream with neutral pH, high total solids contents and prebiotic oligosaccharides is an appropriate vehicle for probiotics. The purpose of this paper is to survey soy ice cream as a carrier for the efficient delivering of Lactobacillus casei, or L. casei.

Design/methodology/approach

Probiotic soy ice cream containing L. casei was produced via the powder of soy milk. The physicochemical and organoleptic properties of the product were assessed. Also, the viability of L. casei was surveyed over a 180-day period of storage at −25 °C.

Findings

The density characteristic of probiotic soy ice cream demonstrated a significant rise (P < 0.05). The result of the viability analysis showed significant alterations in the number of probiotics in this product after freezing and throughout the 180-day period (P < 0.05). The most noticeable drop was seen throughout the first 60 days about 1.83 logs after that the trend of survival of this probiotic strain leveled off over the next 120 days. Also, no significant differences were found in the organoleptic properties of both ice creams.

Originality/value

Soy ice cream with prebiotic elements protected the growing and activity of probiotic bacteria. The results showed that L. casei is a good probiotic for soy ice cream.
Effect of alkali treatment on adhesion of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer/polyester inter-ply hybrid composites
Authors: Tian Pu , Yan Ruosi , Tong Yabiao , Jia Lixia , Yao Jiming
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of alkali treatment on adhesion of industrial thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU)/polyester woven fabric inter-ply hybrid composites.

Design/methodology/approach

Inter-ply hybrid composites were exposed to varying concentration of sodium hydroxide at different temperature and time and their mechanical properties including differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscope, tensile and peeling strength evaluated to determine optimal treatment parameters.

Findings

Modified polyester fabrics treated with alkali had higher tensile and peeling strengths. Accordingly, alkali treatment roughened the surface of polyester fabric, decreasing warp and weft densities, thus increasing fiber surface energy. The fabric had the highest peeling strength of 3.23 N/mm at treatment of 25% concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Short-term exposure to ultraviolet had little effect on interfacial adhesion of alkali-treated conveyor belt.

Research limitations/implications

Polyester fabric, applied in reinforcing industrial conveyor belts, is never degreased, roughened, sensitized or activated. In this paper, one-step treatment of polyester fabric was performed to increase its adhesion with polyester inter-ply hybrid composites, providing a reference for practical industrial application.

Practical implications

The method developed in this research is simple and provides a solution to improving the interfacial adhesion of TPU/polyester conveyor belt.

Originality/value

The novel alkali treatment technology has many applications in the interfacial performance of composite materials.
Optimization of friction stir welding process parameters for AA6063-ETP copper using central composite design
Authors: Panaskar Nitin , Terkar Ravi Prakash
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Recently, several studies have been performed on lap welding of aluminum and copper using friction stir welding (FSW). The formation of intermetallic compounds at the weld interface hampers the weld quality. The use of an intermediate layer of a compatible material during welding reduces the formation of intermetallic compounds. The purpose of this paper is to optimize the FSW process parameters for AA6063-ETP copper weld, using a compatible zinc intermediate filler metal.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, a three-level, three-factor central composite design (CCD) has been used to determine the effect of various process parameters, namely, tool rotational speed, tool traverse speed and thickness of inter-filler zinc foil on ultimate tensile strength of the weld. A total of 60 experimental data were fitted in the CCD. The experiments were performed with tool rotational speeds of 1,000, 1,200 and 1,400 rpm each of them with tool traverse speeds of 5, 10 and 15 mm/min. A zinc inter-filler foil of 0.2 and 0.4 mm was also used. The macrograph of the weld surface under different process parameters and the tensile strength of the weld have been investigated.

Findings

The feasibility of joining 3 mm thick AA6063-ETP copper using zinc inter-filler is established. The regression analysis showed a good fit of the experimental data to the second-order polynomial model with a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 0.9759 and model F-value of 240.33. A good agreement between the prediction model and experimental findings validates the reliability of the developed model. The tool rotational speed, tool traverse speed and thickness of inter-filler zinc foil significantly affected the tensile strength of the weld. The optimal conditions found for the weld were, rotational speed of 1,212.83 rpm and traverse speed of 9.63 mm/min and zinc foil thickness is 0.157 mm; by using optimized values, ultimate tensile strength of 122.87 MPa was achieved, from the desirability function.

Originality/value

Aluminium and copper sheets could be joined feasibly using a zinc inter-filler. The maximum tensile strength of joints formed by inter-filler (122.87 MPa) was significantly better as compared to those without using inter-filler (83.78 MPa). The optimum process parameters to achieve maximum tensile strength were found by CCD.
The relative importance of green infrastructure as refuge habitat for pollinators increases with local land‐use intensity
Authors: Li Pengyao , Kleijn David , Badenhausser Isabelle , Zaragoza‐Trello Carlos , Gross Nicolas , Raemakers Ivo , Scheper Jeroen
Published: May 2020

Agricultural expansion and intensification have resulted in strong declines in farmland biodiversity across Europe. In many intensively farmed landscapes, linear landscape elements such as field boundaries, road verges and ditch banks are the main remaining green infrastructures providing refuge for biodiversity, and as such play a pivotal role in agri‐environmental policies aiming at mitigating biodiversity loss. Yet, while we have a fairly good understanding of how agricultural intensification influences biodiversity on farmland, little is known about whether and how local land‐use intensity affects biodiversity in nearby linear landscape elements and how this affects their role as biodiversity refuge.

Focussing on pollinating insects, we examined the effects of local land‐use intensity on biodiversity in agricultural fields and adjacent green infrastructures. In an intensively farmed area in south‐western France, we selected 23 agricultural grasslands and nearby field boundaries along a gradient in grassland cutting frequency which acted as a proxy for land‐use intensity. We analysed how grassland cutting frequency affects species richness, abundance and community composition of wild bees and hoverflies in the grasslands and neighbouring field boundaries, and whether these effects differ across habitat types and species groups.

Grassland cutting frequency negatively affected pollinator species richness and abundance in the grasslands, whereas pollinators in the neighbouring field boundaries were unaffected. These responses reflected the effects of cutting frequency on floral resources, with flower cover and richness decreasing in grasslands but not in field boundaries. As a result, the proportion of the local pollinator community supported by field boundaries increased with the increasing cutting frequency of the adjacent grassland.

Common and rare pollinator species generally showed similar responses. Furthermore, communities of plants and pollinators in field boundaries next to intensively farmed grasslands were fairly similar to those next to extensively farmed ones.

Synthesis and applications. Our results suggest that, as nearby land use intensifies, flower‐rich field boundaries become increasingly important as pollinator refuge habitats. Conserving field boundaries and other green infrastructures, and maintaining or enhancing their quality, therefore constitute important tools to conserve and promote pollinators in intensively farmed landscapes.
CLUE: COVID‐19 lung ultrasound in emergency department
Authors: Manivel Vijay , Lesnewski Andrew , Shamim Simin , Carbonatto Genevieve , Govindan Thiru
Published: May 2020

Lung ultrasound (LUS) plays a critical role in the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. Evidence is mounting on its utility to diagnose, assess the severity and as a triage tool in the ED. Sonographic features correlate well to computed tomography (CT) chest findings and a bedside LUS performed by a trained clinician along with clinical examination, could be an alternative to chest X‐ray and CT chest in these highly infectious patients. In this article, we have described a step‐by‐step approach to LUS in COVID patients and the CLUE (COVID‐19 LUS in the ED) protocol, which involves an anatomical parameter, the severity of lung changes, objectively scored using the validated LUS scoring system and a physiological parameter, oxygen requirement. We believe this CLUE protocol can help risk‐stratify patients presenting to ED with suspected COVID‐19 and aid clinicians in making appropriate disposition decisions.
CT‐based radiomic features to predict pathological response in rectal cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yuan Zhigang , Frazer Marissa , Zhang Geoffrey G , Latifi Kujtim , Moros Eduardo G , Feygelman Vladimir , Felder Seth , Sanchez Julian , Dessureault Sophie , Imanirad Iman , Kim Richard D , Harrison Louis B , Hoffe Sarah E , Frakes Jessica M
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Innovative biomarkers to predict treatment response in rectal cancer would be helpful in optimizing personalized treatment approaches. In this study, we aimed to develop and validate a CT‐based radiomic imaging biomarker to predict pathological response.

Methods

We used two independent cohorts of rectal cancer patients to develop and validate a CT‐based radiomic imaging biomarker predictive of treatment response. A total of 91 rectal cancer cases treated from 2009 to 2018 were assessed for the tumour regression grade (TRG) (0 = pathological complete response, pCR; 1 = moderate response; 2 = partial response; 3 = poor response). Exploratory analysis was performed by combining pre‐treatment non‐contrast CT images and patterns of TRG. The models built from the training cohort were further assessed using the independent validation cohort.

Results

The patterns of pathological response in training and validation groups were TRG 0 (n = 14, 23.3%; n = 6, 19.4%), 1 (n = 31, 51.7%; n = 15, 48.4%), 2 (n = 12, 20.0%; n = 7, 22.6%) and 3 (n = 3, 5.0%; n = 3, 9.7%), respectively. Separate predictive models were built and analysed from CT features for pathological response. For pathological response prediction, the model including 8 radiomic features by random forest method resulted in 83.9% accuracy in predicting TRG 0 vs TRG 1–3 in validation.

Conclusion

The pre‐treatment CT‐based radiomic signatures were developed and validated in two independent cohorts. This imaging biomarker provided a promising way to predict pCR and select patients for non‐operative management.
Earnings Forecasts and Price Efficiency after Earnings Realizations: Reduction in Information Asymmetry through Learning from Price*
Authors: Gong Guojin , Qu Hong , Tarrant Ian
Published: May 2020

When information asymmetry is a major market friction, earnings forecasts can lead to higher price efficiency even after the information in forecasts completely dissipates upon earnings realizations. We show this in an experimental market that features information asymmetry (i.e., some traders possess differential private information). Earnings forecasts reduce information asymmetry and lead to prices that reflect a greater amount of private information. Traders can learn more about others' information from prices. This information learned from past prices continues to reduce information asymmetry and improve price efficiency even after earnings realizations. We contribute to the disclosure literature by showing the evidence that the learning‐from‐price effect amplifies the impact of public disclosure on price efficiency.
Investor Sentiment, Misstatements, and Auditor Behavior*
Authors: Amin Keval , Eshleman John Daniel , Guo Peng
Published: May 2020

High investor sentiment has been linked with opportunistic managerial behavior in the face of more optimistic investors and analysts. We extend this line of work by documenting that the likelihood of misstatements is higher when sentiment is high. Although this would suggest elevated audit risk, we posit that a contemporaneous reduction in auditors' litigation cost could drive down audit fees and going concern opinion (GCO) reporting conservatism in order to please clientele. Consistent with this notion, we document that auditors charge lower fees and report GCOs less conservatively when sentiment is high. However, this reduction in reporting conservatism is unwarranted; results reveal that auditors are less likely to issue GCOs to clients which subsequently file for bankruptcy during high sentiment periods. We conduct additional tests to examine whether auditors' litigation costs indeed vary with sentiment and document that auditors are less likely to be sued and the market reacts less negatively to misstatement announcements when sentiment is high. Collectively, our findings suggest that, although misstatement risk is increasing with sentiment, auditors' litigation risk actually declines.
Determination of adequate positive end‐expiratory pressure level required for carbon dioxide homeostasis in an animal model of infant laparoscopy
Authors: Karlsson Jacob , Fodor Gergely H. , dos Santos Rocha Andre , Lin Na , Habre Walid , Wallin Mats , Hallbäck Magnus , Peták Ferenc , Lönnqvist Per‐Arne
Published: May 2020

Background

Capnoperitoneum provides a ventilatory challenge due to reduction in end‐expiratory lung volume and peritoneal carbon dioxide absorption in both children and adults. The primary aim of this controlled interventional trial was to determine the positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) level needed to ensure for adequate carbon dioxide clearance and preservation of carbon dioxide homeostasis in an experimental model of infant laparoscopy. The secondary aim was to evaluate potential effects on cardiac output of PEEP and abdominal pressure level variations in the same setting.

Methods

Eight chinchilla bastard rabbits were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. Intra‐abdominal pressures were randomly set to 0, 6, and 12 mm Hg by carbon dioxide insufflation. Carbon dioxide clearance using volumetric capnography, arterial blood gas data, and cardiac output was recorded, while PEEP 3, 6, and 9 cmH2O were applied in a random order.

Results

A PEEP of 9 cmH2O showed restoration of carbon dioxide clearance without causing changes in arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate and with no associated deterioration in cardiac output.

Conclusion

The results promote a PEEP level of 9 cmH2O in this model of infant capnoperitoneum to allow for adequate carbon dioxide removal with subsequent preservation of carbon dioxide homeostasis. The use of high PEEP was not associated with any decrease in cardiac output.
Epidural vs. transversus abdominis plane block for abdominal surgery – a systematic review, meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Desai N. , El‐Boghdadly K. , Albrecht E.
Published: May 2020

Traditionally, pain relief for abdominal surgery has centred on epidural analgesia, but transversus abdominis plane block is increasingly being used. Our aim was to compare the analgesic efficacy and the side‐effect profile of transversus abdominis plane block with epidural analgesia in a systematic review with meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis. After a systematic search of the electronic databases, we identified 18 randomised controlled trials with 1220 patients. Confirmed by trial sequential analysis, our first co‐primary outcome, postoperative pain score at rest at 12 h, was decreased by a mean difference (95%CI) of 0.69 (0.12–1.27; p = 0.02) with epidural analgesia compared with transversus abdominis plane block, with the quality of evidence graded as low. No difference was found for the second co‐primary outcome, postoperative pain score at rest at 24 h, with the quality of evidence rated as very low. Relative to transversus abdominis plane block, epidural analgesia further reduced the need for intravenous morphine‐equivalent consumption during the 0–24 h interval by a mean difference (95%CI) of 5.91 mg (2.34–9.49; p = 0.001) at the expense of an increased incidence of hypotension at 72 h, with a risk ratio (95%CI) of 5.88 (2.08–16.67; p < 0.001). Our meta‐analysis was limited by detection and performance bias, significant statistical heterogeneity and publication bias. In view of the minimal clinically important difference in postoperative pain scores, epidural analgesia was interpreted to not be clinically different to transversus abdominis plane block after abdominal surgery. With transversus abdominis plane block, the increase in intravenous morphine‐equivalent consumption at 24 h should be balanced against the decreased risk of hypotension at 72 h. In choosing between epidural analgesia and transversus abdominis plane block, potential benefits should be balanced against the reported risk of harm, although the confidence in the evidence varied, underlining the uncertainty in our estimates.
The Outsider
Authors: Balaswaminathan Sowparnika
Published: May 2020

The practice of ethnography relegates the anthropologist to an interstitial space of belonging, even when the anthropologist is of the community. This experience is not unique to anthropology, as anyone living a life of intersectionality faces competing claims of communal membership, but what is it about the act of observing with distance that turns us into outsiders? This story is inspired by this intersectionality, twice framed, centered on Kathir, a man who belongs between several worlds: the village and town, Hindu and Muslim, dreams and lethargy, youth and adulthood. That he is also the interpreter and the assistant to an anthropologist appends an additional layer of interstitiality, because such middlemen technicians are often elided in the ethnographic narrative. Consequently, this fictional narrative explores themes of belonging and intersectionality, both in terms of anthropology as well as the subject of anthropology, everyday life.
Group‐based multimodal physical therapy in women with chronic pelvic pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Nygaard Ane Sigrid , Rydningen Mona Birgitte , Stedenfeldt Mona , Wojniusz Slawomir , Larsen Marthe , Lindsetmo Rolv‐Ole , Haugstad Gro Killi , Øian Pål
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Chronic pelvic pain in women is a complex condition, and physical therapy is recommended as part of a broader treatment approach. The objective of this study was to compare structured group‐based multimodal physical therapy in a hospital setting (intervention group) with primary‐care physical therapy (comparator group) for women with chronic pelvic pain.

Material and methods

Women aged 20‐65 years with pelvic pain ≥6 months and referred for physical therapy were eligible. The primary outcome measure was change in the mean pelvic pain intensity from baseline to 12 months, measured using the numeric rating scale (0‐10). Secondary outcomes were changes in scores of “worst” and “least” pain intensity, health‐related quality of life, movement patterns, pain‐related fear of movements, anxiety and depression, subjective health complaints, sexual function, incontinence, and obstructed defecation. The differences between the groups regarding change in scores were analyzed using the independent t test and Mann‐Whitney U test. Sensitivity analysis of the primary outcome was performed with a linear regression model adjusted for the baseline value. A P value <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Of the 62 women included, 26 in the intervention group and 25 in the comparator group were available after 12 months for data collection and analysis. The difference between the groups for change in the mean pain intensity score was −1.2 (95% CI −2.3 to −0.2; P = .027), favoring the intervention group. The intervention group showed greater improvements in respiratory patterns (mean difference 0.9; 95% CI 0.2‐1.6; P = .015) and pain‐related fear of movements (mean difference 2.9; 95% CI −5.5 to −0.3; P = .032), and no significant differences were observed between the groups for the other secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Although the reduction in the mean pelvic pain intensity with group‐based multimodal physical therapy was significantly more than with primary‐care physical therapy, the difference in the change between the groups was less than expected and the clinical relevance is uncertain.
Colour vision classification – comparing CAD and CIE 143:2001 International recommendations for colour vision requirements in transport
Authors: Koefoed Vilhelm F. , Miles Tyler , Cason John B. , Troche Ray
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the colour vision severity classification standard ‘CIE 143:2001 International recommendations for colour vision requirements in transport’ (CIE 143:2001), which has become out of date because of the lack of commercial availability of required colour vision tests.

Methods

One‐hundred‐five subjects had colour vision tested and colour vision severity classified according to a modified CIE 143:2001 algorithm that included pseudoisochromatic plates (Ishihara's test and Hardy Rand Rittler (HRR) 4th edition), Optec 900 lantern and Farnsworth D‐15. Subject's results and colour vision severity classification were compared to performance and colour vision severity classification on the computerized ‘Colour Assessment and Diagnosis’ (CAD) test.

Results

According to CIE 143:2001, using Ishihara’s test, Optec lantern and Farnsworth D 15, 11 subjects (10%) were category I (normal), 16 (15%) were category II (mild), 48 (46%) were category III (poor), and 30 (29%) were category IV (severe). Classified by CAD score, 10 (10%) were category I, 11 (10%) were category II, 41 (39%) were category III, and 43 (41%) were category IV. The correlation between the two estimates of the severity of colour vision loss (i.e. CIE 143:2001 and CAD) was high, with a Kendall’s Tau test of 0.81 (τ = 0.81 p < 0.001). A suggested CIE 143:2001 classification including new CAD score limits improves the classification correlation to 0.90 (τ = 0.90 p < 0.001) for all diagnoses.

Conclusion

The colour vision severity classification standard ‘CIE 143:2001 International recommendations for colour vision requirements in transport’, has not implemented new diagnostic tools with better accuracy. We propose three possible revisions to the CIE 143:2001 algorithm, based on the availability of CAD: (1) Replacing the current CIE 143:2001 algorithm using new CAD threshold limits, (2) Use of CAD as a secondary test to Ishihara's test and HRR or (3) Revising the current CIE 143:2001 algorithm using Ishihara's test, HRR, Optec 900 and FD15.
The sodium channel NaV1.5 impacts on early murine embryonic cardiac development, structure and function in a non‐electrogenic manner
Authors: Marchal Gerard A. , Verkerk Arie O. , Mohan Rajiv A. , Wolswinkel Rianne , Boukens Bastiaan J. D. , Remme Carol Ann
Published: May 2020

Aim

The voltage‐gated sodium channel NaV1.5, encoded by SCN5A, is essential for cardiac excitability and ensures proper electrical conduction. Early embryonic death has been observed in several murine models carrying homozygous Scn5amutations. We investigated when sodium current (INa) becomes functionally relevant in the murine embryonic heart and how Scn5a/NaV1.5 dysfunction impacts on cardiac development.

Methods

Involvement of NaV1.5‐generated INa in murine cardiac electrical function was assessed by optical mapping in wild type (WT) embryos (embryonic day (E)9.5 and E10.5) in the absence and presence of the sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (30 µmol/L). INa was assessed by patch‐clamp analysis in cardiomyocytes isolated from WT embryos (E9.5‐17.5). In addition, cardiac morphology and electrical function was assessed in Scn5a‐1798insD−/− embryos (E9.5‐10.5) and their WT littermates.

Results

In WT embryos, tetrodotoxin did not affect cardiac activation at E9.5, but slowed activation at E10.5. Accordingly, patch‐clamp measurements revealed that INa was virtually absent at E9.5 but robustly present at E10.5. Scn5a‐1798insD−/− embryos died in utero around E10.5, displaying severely affected cardiac activation and morphology. Strikingly, altered ventricular activation was observed in Scn5a‐1798insD−/− E9.5 embryos before the onset of INa, in addition to reduced cardiac tissue volume compared to WT littermates.

Conclusion

We here demonstrate that NaV1.5 is involved in cardiac electrical function from E10.5 onwards. Scn5a‐1798insD−/− embryos displayed cardiac structural abnormalities at E9.5, indicating that NaV1.5 dysfunction impacts on embryonic cardiac development in a non‐electrogenic manner. These findings are potentially relevant for understanding structural defects observed in relation to NaV1.5 dysfunction.
Entrepreneurial Coaching: A Two‐Dimensional Framework in Context
Authors: Kotte Silja , Diermann Isabell , Rosing Kathrin , Möller Heidi
Published: May 2020

Coaching is increasingly used to support entrepreneurs across different stages of the entrepreneurial process. Due to its custom‐tailored, active, and reflection‐oriented approach, it has been suggested that it is particularly well suited to entrepreneurs’ complex job demands. However, in the entrepreneurial context, the termcoachinglacks a clear definition and is frequently used interchangeably with other types of support. We therefore sought to characterize entrepreneurial coaching (EC) and to position it relative to related interventions. We conducted 67 interviews with coaches (n = 44) and early‐stage entrepreneurs (n = 23) experienced in EC. Using qualitative content analysis, we specify outcomes, input, process, and contextual factors for EC. Among process factors, we identify seven coach functions that reflect specific coach behaviors. Contextual factors include entrepreneurial job demands and institutional boundary conditions of “embedded” EC. Based on our findings, we position EC within a two‐dimensional framework, consisting of the expert‐ versus process‐consultation approach and the individual‐work‐venture focus. We locate the seven coach functions within this framework. Relative to other interventions, EC stands between classical workplace coaching and start‐up consultancy, closer to, yet distinct from, entrepreneurial mentoring and executive coaching. We derive practical implications for coaches, entrepreneurs, and organizational stakeholders and propose directions for future research.