bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient Pain Sketches Can Predict Surgical Outcomes in Trigger-Site Deactivation Surgery for Headaches
Authors: Gfrerer Lisa , Hansdorfer Marek A. , Amador Ricardo O. , Nealon Kassandra P. , Chartier Christian , Runyan Gem G. , Zarfos Samuel D. , Austen William Gerald
Published: September 2020

Background:

Patient selection for headache surgery is an important variable to ensure successful outcomes. In the authors’ experience, a valuable method to visualize pain/trigger sites is to ask patients to draw their pain. The authors have found that there are pathognomonic pain patterns for each site, and typically do not operate on patients with atypical pain sketches, as they believe such patients are poor surgical candidates. However, a small subset of these atypical patients undergo surgery based on other strong clinical findings. In this study, the authors attempt to quantify this clinical experience.

Methods:

Patients were prospectively enrolled and completed pain sketches at screening. One hundred six diagrams were analyzed/categorized by two independent, blinded reviewers as follows: (1) typical (pain over nerve distribution, expected radiation); (2) intermediate (pain over nerve distribution, atypical radiation); or (3) atypical (pain outside of normal nerve distribution, atypical radiation). Preoperative and postoperative Migraine Headache Index was compared between subgroups using unpaired t tests.

Results:

Migraine Headache Index improvement was 73 ± 38 percent in the typical group, 78 ± 30 percent in the intermediate group, and 30 ± 40 percent in the atypical group. There was a significant difference in Migraine Headache Index between the typical and atypical groups (p = 0.03) and between the intermediate and atypical groups (p < 0.01). The chance of achieving Migraine Headache Index improvement greater than 30 percent in the atypical group was 20 percent.

Conclusions:

Patient pain sketches classified as atypical (facial pain, atypical pain point origin, diffuse pain) can predict poor outcomes in headache surgery. As the authors continue to develop patient selection criteria for headache surgery, patient sketches should be considered as an effective, cheap, and simple-to-interpret tool for selecting candidates for surgery.
Breast Reconstruction Using a Three-Dimensional Absorbable Mesh Scaffold and Autologous Fat Grafting: A Composite Strategy Based on Tissue-Engineering Principles
Authors: Rehnke Robert D. , Schusterman M. Asher , Clarke John M. , Price Brent C. , Waheed Uzma , Debski Richard E. , Badylak Stephen F. , Rubin J. Peter
Published: September 2020

Breast reconstruction remains an important field in plastic surgery, with most procedures using implants and/or autologous tissue. Few series report on experience with fat grafting as the primary form of breast reconstruction. The present article describes a new method of breast reconstruction using a three-dimensional absorbable mesh construct—or Lotus scaffold—and autologous fat grafting. A retrospective review was performed for all patients who underwent breast reconstruction using the Lotus scaffold and autologous fat grafting. Postoperative mammograms and magnetic resonance imaging scans were analyzed. Tissue specimens collected at subsequent procedures were harvested and stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histologic evaluation. Lastly, compression testing of the scaffold was performed using a tensiometer and digital tracking technology. Twenty-two patients underwent reconstruction of 28 breasts using the Lotus scaffold and autologous fat grafting between February of 2015 and February of 2018. Average follow-up was 19 months. All patients were satisfied with final breast shape and size. Mean patient age was 60.5 years and the average body mass index was 28 kg/m2. Patients required on average two fat grafting sessions to achieve a successful result (range, zero to four). Postoperative mammography and magnetic resonance imaging showed robust adipose tissue in the breast with a slowly resorbing mesh and no oil cysts or calcifications. Histologic evaluation showed the presence of fat tissue around the scaffold and no evidence of capsule formation. Compression testing revealed the Lotus scaffold to be compliant with a high-resilience profile. The Lotus scaffold with autologous fat grafting is a viable method for breast reconstruction, giving the patient an autologous reconstruction with less morbidity compared to free tissue transfer.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, IV.
Guiding Strategies for the Future of Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: A Systematic Review of Organ Donation Campaigns
Authors: Mills Emily , Felsenheld Julia H. , Berman Zoe P. , Alfonso Allyson R. , Diep Gustave K. , Wolfe Erin M. , Park Jenn J. , Hoffman Alexandra F. , Ramly Elie P. , Rodriguez Eduardo D.
Published: September 2020

Background:

Since the 1990s, the field of vascularized composite allotransplantation has gained momentum, offering unprecedented solutions for patients with defects not amenable to autologous reconstruction. As with solid organ donation, the vascularized composite allotransplant donor pool remains limited. This systematic review identifies past successes and failures in organ donation campaigns to guide future strategies for expanding vascularized composite allotransplant donation.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Three databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase) were searched through July 31, 2019. The study compiled solid organ and vascularized composite allotransplant campaigns that aimed to increase donor registration. Articles depicting the current state of vascularized composite allotransplant donation were also assessed.

Results:

Of an initial 3318 articles identified, 40 were included. Six articles described direct mail or print interventions, 10 depicted Web-based interventions, 13 dealt with interpersonal interventions, and seven used multimodal interventions. Four articles described the current state of vascularized composite allotransplant donation. A qualitative synthesis was conducted. The authors found that social media campaigns can have a robust but fleeting effect on registration trends and that interpersonal interventions are effective at increasing registration rates. In addition, the opportunity for participants to immediately register as organ donors, by means of either return mail, in-person, or online, is vital to campaign success.

Conclusions:

Public organ donation campaigns have had success in increasing organ donor registration rates, particularly through the use of social media and interpersonal interventions that allow for immediate registration. Synthesizing this information, we propose a multimodal campaign to expand the vascularized composite allotransplant donor pool.
Body-Worn Versus Bell-and-Pad Alarm Device for the Management of Monosymptomatic Nocturnal Enuresis in Children
Authors: Peck Blake , Peck Bronwyn , Harvey Jack , Green Andrea , Svedas Kerrie , Whitaker Shirley , Nethercote Mark , Rosemarie Shea
Published: September 2020

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of bell-and-pad alarm therapy to body-worn alarm therapy for the management of monosymptomatic enuresis in children 6 to 16 years of age.

DESIGN:

A prospective, randomized, adaptive clinical control trial.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING:

The sample comprised 86 children who attended a continence clinic for treatment of monosymptomatic enuresis and met the criteria for enuresis alarm therapy as per International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) guidelines. Subjects were randomly allocated to an experimental group (body-worn alarm, n = 41) or a control group (bell-and-pad alarm, n = 45). The study setting was a single-site specialist continence service in regional Victoria, Australia. Treatment was administered in the child's home.

METHODS:

Alarm therapy was administered by the child and/or parent for an initial period of 8 weeks at which time the child underwent a review with the continence nurse specialist. If the child had achieved 14 consecutive dry nights, the therapy was deemed successful and ceased. Children who had not become dry continued therapy for a further 8 weeks up to a maximum of 16 weeks, with a final review was instituted. Each child kept a diary for the duration of alarm therapy to report on frequency of wet/dry nights, times of alarm, response to alarm, and response to sensation to void (without alarm). The 2 types of alarm devices were compared with respect to categorical variables using dichotomous cross-tabulations and χ2 tests of independence based on the most positive outcome versus the other outcomes.

RESULTS:

Dryness in accordance with the criteria outlined by the ICCS guidelines was achieved in 18 children (43.9%) in the body-worn alarm group versus 29 children (64.4%) in the routine (bell-and-pad) group (P = .056). The bell-and-pad alarm performed better on 7 out of the 9 indicators, including the primary outcome measure of the child attained dryness for 14 nights or more, nightly alarm use, alarm woke child, alarm woke parent (P = .022), false (positive) alarms (P = .039), child turned alarm off and went back to sleep (P = .003), and child was compliant with alarm use. The body-worn device produced higher proportions of the most positive outcomes for 2 of the 9 indicators: relapse (P = .076) and false (negative) nonalarms (P = .066).

CONCLUSIONS:

Study findings suggests that the bell-and-pad alarm is preferable to the body-worn alarm. Additional research is recommended using other body-worn alarm devices across a larger population in order to establish the more definitive findings needed for clinical decision-making.
Analysis of geo-temporal evolution and modeling of the COVID-19 epidemic in Libya
Authors: Bredan Amin , Benamer Hani , Bakoush Omran
Published: September 2020

Having been experiencing years of political fragmentation and military conflict, Libya was poorly prepared to meet the challenges of the COVId-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, restriction of travel and social distancing rules were put in place days before the first case was detected. During the next two months, the number of cases grew gradually to 77 cases, followed by a rapid spread that has produced 3691 confirmed cases and 80 deaths by the end of July 2020. The turning point on 26 May 2020 was preceded three weeks earlier by the arrival of the first of a series of flights repatriating Libyans who became stranded abroad when air travel was suspended. In the first weeks of the surge, the number of cases was particularly high in the less densely populated southern region, raising questions about the implementation of social distancing and other protective measures in that region. The epidemic in Libya was modeled using the classical Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) mathematical model of infectious disease epidemics. Three scenarios were developed based on three estimates of the fraction of the population exposed to the disease (1.5, 2.5 and 3.5%). The modeling portrays the peak of the epidemic around early August and estimates that the number of deaths will flatten out around early November at between 250 and 600, depending on the parameter employed. More deaths than those estimated implies that it is more widespread than assumed. Greater promotion of awareness and understanding of social distancing practices and their value is needed, particularly in the south, and better protection of the elderly should decrease mortality.
Diagnosis value of SARS-CoV-2 antigen/antibody combined testing using rapid diagnostic tests at hospital admission
Authors: Veyrenche Nicolas , Bolloré Karine , Pisoni Amandine , Bedin Anne-Sophie , Mondain Anne-Marie , Ducos Jacques , Segondy Michel , Montes Brigitte , Pastor Patrick , Morquin David , Makinson Alain , Le Moing Vincent , Van de Perre Philippe , Foulongne Vincent , Tuaillon Edouard
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The implementation of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) may enhance the efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 testing, as RDTs are widely accessible and easy to use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of a diagnosis strategy based on a combination of antigen and IgM/IgG serological RDTs.

Methods

Plasma and nasopharyngeal samples were collected between 14 March and 11 April 2020 at hospital admission from 45 patients with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 and 20 negative controls. SARS-CoV-2 antigen (Ag) was assessed in nasopharyngeal swabs using the Coris Respi-Strip. For IgM/IgG detection, SureScreen Diagnostics and Szybio Biotech RDTs were used in addition to laboratory assays (Abbott Alinity i SARS-CoV-2 IgG and Theradiag COVID-19 IgM ELISA).

Results

Using the Ag RDT, 13 out of 45 (29.0%) specimens tested positive, the sensitivity was 87.0% for Cycle Threshold (CT) values ≤ 25 and 0% for CT values > 25. IgG detection was associated with high CT values and the amount of time after the onset of symptoms. The profile of isolated IgM on RDTs was more frequently observed during the first and second week after the onset of symptoms. The combination of Ag and IgM/IgG RDTs enabled the detection of up to 84.0% of COVID-19 confirmed cases at hospital admission.

Conclusion

Antigen and antibody-based RDTs showed suboptimal performances when used alone. However when used in combination, they are able to identify most COVID-19 patients admitted in an emergency department.
Forecasting daily COVID-19 confirmed, deaths and recovered cases using univariate time series models: A case of Pakistan study
Authors: Iftikhar Hasnain , Rind Moeeba
Published: September 2020

The increasing confirmed cases and death counts of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Pakistan has disturbed not only the health sector, but also all other sectors of the country. For precise policy making, accurate and efficient forecasts of confirmed cases and death counts are important. In this work, we used five different univariate time series models including; Autoregressive (AR), Moving Average (MA), Autoregressive Moving Average (ARMA), Nonparametric Autoregressive (NPAR) and Simple Exponential Smoothing (SES) models for forecasting confirmed, death and recovered cases. These models were applied to Pakistan COVID-19 data, covering the period from 10, March to 3, July 2020. To evaluate models accuracy, computed two standard mean errors such as Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The findings show that the time series models are useful in predicting COVID-19 confirmed, deaths and recovered cases. Furthermore, MA model outperformed the rest of all models for confirmed and deaths counts prediction, while ARMA is second best model. The SES model seems superior to other models for prediction of recovered counts, however MA is competitive. On the basis of best selected models, we forecast form 4th July to 14th August, 2020, which will be helpful for decision making of public health and other sectors of Pakistan.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices for Tuberculosis in Ngäbe-Buglé Populations in Rural Panama
Authors: Cuevas Laura R , Enendu Kaosoluchi , Raefsky Sophia , Bhatter Param , Frisch Emily , Cao Louie , Crochetiere Austin , Chow Emilie
Published: September 2020

Background

Panama has a high incidence of tuberculosis (TB), especially in rural communities. A patient survey was administered to assess practices, knowledge and attitudes towards TB within the Ngäbe-Buglé population.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was distributed at Floating Doctors clinics. Subjects with familiarity of TB were assessed through questions about transmission, cause, symptoms, and treatment.

Results

Of the 106 patients who completed the TB practices survey, 68 patients (64%) knew of TB and completed the entire survey. Of the 64% who knew of TB, 61% knew medicine treated TB and over 80% could identify symptoms of TB. 40% reported they would feel ashamed of a TB diagnosis.

Conclusions

Most with TB familiarity knew of TB symptoms and cause, but were less informed about mode of transmission and treatment. The majority of subjects had negative attitudes towards TB. This shows a need to expand TB education in the Ngäbe-Buglé communities.
The Transcription Factor NIGT1.2 Modulates Both Phosphate Uptake and Nitrate Influx during Phosphate Starvation in Arabidopsis and Maize
Authors: Wang Xue , Wang Hai-Feng , Chen Yun , Sun Mi-Mi , Wang Yi , Chen Yi-Fang
Published: September 2020

Phosphorus and nitrogen are essential macronutrients for plant growth and crop production. During phosphate (Pi) starvation, plants enhanced Pi but reduced nitrate (NO3−) uptake capacity, and the mechanism is unclear. Here, we show that a GARP-type transcription factor NITRATE-INDUCIBLE, GARP-TYPE TRANSCRIPTIOANL REPRESSOR1.2 (NIGT1.2) coordinately modulates Pi and NO3− uptake in response to Pi starvation. Overexpression of NIGT1.2 increased Pi uptake capacity but decreased NO3− uptake capacity in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Furthermore, the nigt1.1 nigt1.2 double mutant displayed reduced Pi uptake but enhanced NO3− uptake under low-Pi stress. During Pi starvation, NIGT1.2 directly up-regulated the transcription of the Pi transporter genes PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1;1 (PHT1;1) and PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1;4 (PHT1;4) and down-regulated expression of NO3− transporter gene NITRATE TRANSPORTER1.1 (NRT1.1) by binding to cis-elements in their promoters. Further genetic assays demonstrated that PHT1;1, PHT1;4, and NRT1.1 were genetically epistatic to NIGT1.2. We also identified similar regulatory pathway in maize (Zea mays). These data demonstrate that the transcription factor NIGT1.2 plays a central role in modulating low-Pi-dependent uptake of Pi and NO3−, tending toward maintenance of the phosphorus to nitrogen balance in plants during Pi starvation.
Explainable machine learning for materials discovery: predicting the potentially formable Nd–Fe–B crystal structures and extracting the structure–stability relationship
Authors: Pham Tien-Lam , Nguyen Duong-Nguyen , Ha Minh-Quyet , Kino Hiori , Miyake Takashi , Dam Hieu-Chi
Published: September 2020

New Nd–Fe–B crystal structures can be formed via the elemental substitution of LA–T–X host structures, including lanthanides (LA), transition metals (T) and light elements, X = B, C, N and O. The 5967 samples of ternary LA–T–X materials that are collected are then used as the host structures. For each host crystal structure, a substituted crystal structure is created by substituting all lanthanide sites with Nd, all transition metal sites with Fe and all light-element sites with B. High-throughput first-principles calculations are applied to evaluate the phase stability of the newly created crystal structures, and 20 of them are found to be potentially formable. A data-driven approach based on supervised and unsupervised learning techniques is applied to estimate the stability and analyze the structure–stability relationship of the newly created Nd–Fe–B crystal structures. For predicting the stability for the newly created Nd–Fe–B structures, three supervised learning models: kernel ridge regression, logistic classification and decision tree model, are learned from the LA–T–X host crystal structures; the models achieved maximum accuracy and recall scores of 70.4 and 68.7%, respectively. On the other hand, our proposed unsupervised learning model based on the integration of descriptor-relevance analysis and a Gaussian mixture model achieved an accuracy and recall score of 72.9 and 82.1%, respectively, which are significantly better than those of the supervised models. While capturing and interpreting the structure–stability relationship of the Nd–Fe–B crystal structures, the unsupervised learning model indicates that the average atomic coordination number and coordination number of the Fe sites are the most important factors in determining the phase stability of the new substituted Nd–Fe–B crystal structures.
The issue of sustainability in a highly centrally regulated fiscal model of local governments: an empirical study
Authors: Bethlendi András , Lentner Csaba , Nagy László
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to assess the sustainability of local governments in a highly centrally regulated fiscal model.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a novel approach, a broad data set of almost 3,200 local governments and network methods. This paper analyses financial data from annual reports and other socio-economic sources using cluster analysis.

Findings

Even in this model, local governments show significant differences in terms of long-term sustainability. Investments do not compensate for the depreciation of tangible assets at a significant part of local governments. A specific type of soft budget constraint can be noticed. Heads of local governments do not “play” for subsequent ad hoc bailouts by the central government, but rather engage themselves in political competition for development subsidies. A further finding of this study is that shrinking populations itself does not explain the differences in local governments’ financial management.

Research limitations/implications

Further directions of research include the application of an extended approach to sustainability that gives an account of the availability and quality of local services, as well as aims to identify the qualitative social characteristics (success criteria) of the local government financial management.

Practical implications

The findings can be useful for policymakers, state audit offices, auditors, voters, users of public services and other stakeholders.

Social implications

The paper argues in favour of moving away from the financial balance in its narrow sense to a long-term and broader term of financial sustainability.

Originality/value

The findings provide new empirical evidence about the accounting-based measurement of financial sustainability in local governments.
A comparative analysis of Lagrange multiplier and penalty approaches for modelling fluid-structure interaction
Authors: Brandsen Jacobus D. , Viré Axelle , Turteltaub Sergio R. , Van Bussel Gerard J.W.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

When simulating fluid-structure interaction (FSI), it is often essential that the no-slip condition is accurately enforced at the wetted boundary of the structure. This paper aims to evaluate the relative strengths and limitations of the penalty and Lagrange multiplier methods, within the context of modelling FSI, through a comparative analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

In the immersed boundary method, the no-slip condition is typically imposed by augmenting the governing equations of the fluid with an artificial body force. The relative accuracy and computational time of the penalty and Lagrange multiplier formulations of this body force are evaluated by using each to solve three test problems, namely, flow through a channel, the harmonic motion of a cylinder through a stationary fluid and the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of a cylinder.

Findings

The Lagrange multiplier formulation provided an accurate solution, especially when enforcing the no-slip condition, and was robust as it did not require “tuning” of problem specific parameters. However, these benefits came at a higher computational cost relative to the penalty formulation. The penalty formulation achieved similar levels of accuracy to the Lagrange multiplier formulation, but only if the appropriate penalty factor was selected, which was difficult to determine a priori.

Originality/value

Both the Lagrange multiplier and penalty formulations of the immersed boundary method are prominent in the literature. A systematic quantitative comparison of these two methods is presented within the same computational environment. A novel application of the Lagrange multiplier method to the modelling of VIV is also provided.
Ground filtering algorithm for mobile LIDAR using order and neighborhood point information
Authors: Huang Siyuan , Liu Limin , Dong Jian , Fu Xiongjun , Jia Leilei
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Most of the existing ground filtering algorithms are based on the Cartesian coordinate system, which is not compatible with the working principle of mobile light detection and ranging and difficult to obtain good filtering accuracy. The purpose of this paper is to improve the accuracy of ground filtering by making full use of the order information between the point and the point in the spherical coordinate.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the cloth simulation (CS) algorithm is modified into a sorting algorithm for scattered point clouds to obtain the adjacent relationship of the point clouds and to generate a matrix containing the adjacent information of the point cloud. Then, according to the adjacent information of the points, a projection distance comparison and local slope analysis are simultaneously performed. These results are integrated to process the point cloud details further and the algorithm is finally used to filter a point cloud in a scene from the KITTI data set.

Findings

The results show that the accuracy of KITTI point cloud sorting is 96.3% and the kappa coefficient of the ground filtering result is 0.7978. Compared with other algorithms applied to the same scene, the proposed algorithm has higher processing accuracy.

Research limitations/implications

Steps of the algorithm are parallel computing, which saves time owing to the small amount of computation. In addition, the generality of the algorithm is improved and it could be used for different data sets from urban streets. However, due to the lack of point clouds from the field environment with labeled ground points, the filtering result of this algorithm in the field environment needs further study.

Originality/value

In this study, the point cloud neighboring information was obtained by a modified CS algorithm. The ground filtering algorithm distinguish ground points and off-ground points according to the flatness, continuity and minimality of ground points in point cloud data. In addition, it has little effect on the algorithm results if thresholds were changed.
Impact of communication dyads on health-care service experience in Ayurveda
Authors: Suhail P. , Srinivasulu Y.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to understand whether the perceptions of the patient’s in the health-care service experience differs in the Ayurveda, and to examine the impact of three critical communication dyads on the patient service experiences in Ayurveda health-care sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consists of 436 participants, recruited directly from the inpatients of Ayurveda establishments/hospitals/clinics in Northern Kerala, India. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire. An independent sample t-test was used to find out the differences in the perceptions of Ayurveda health-care consumers towards their health-care service experience. Multiple regression analysis is used to explain the dyadic relationship of patient–firm (PFR), patient–employee (PER) and employee–firm relation (EFR) on the health-care service experience (SE) in the Ayurveda sector.

Findings

The study highlights that the perception of patients on Ayurveda health-care service experience varies according to their socio-economic statuses such as age, gender, annual income and the number of inpatient days. Among the service communication dyads, PFR is the most effective dyadic phase that contributes significantly more towards an improved Ayurveda health-care SE, followed by the PER and EFR.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study will be more applicable to the Ayurveda health-care sector, where the doctors and the management have more role in the servicescape.

Practical implications

Health managers have to consider three stakeholders (customers, employees and firm) and the relationship between them. It is valued the PFR more, followed by the PER and EFR.

Social implications

Proper implementation of the suggestions given by the study can improve overall service communications of the different service providers of Ayurveda with good interpersonal manner to achieve better relationships among the three mentioned parties.

Originality/value

The empirical evidence from the study is relevant and timely to the health-care service providers of the country to aid them in providing a better health-care service experience. The study adds value given the increasing trend of lifestyle diseases and subsequent demand in health-care services, especially in the Ayurveda sector.
Listening to bank customers: the meaning of trust
Authors: Kidron Aviv , Kreis Yvonne
Published: September 2020

Purpose

In banking services, trust is crucial to any relational exchange situation. Using the example of Israeli banks, the main research question driving this paper is – What are the reasons for trusting or not trusting banks? To date, few studies have examined the reasons of ongoing low trust during so-called “normal times”.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is unique in approaching the study of customer trust in banks through qualitative analysis by using the interdisciplinary trust approach.

Findings

The results offer important insights regarding situational normality, structural assurance and customers’ tendencies to trust the bank. The insights about trust derived from this complicated relationship between customers and banks reveals that customers grow dissatisfied and their level of trust consequently decreases when they perceive an imbalance in the exchange relationship with their bank.

Originality/value

This study provides novel insights into hidden attitudes and feelings behind each component of trust beliefs in the bank–customer trust relationship through interdisciplinary trust perspective.
Synergistic effect of Steel Slag-Molybdenum disulfide particles on fade-recovery performances of non-asbestos organic friction material
Authors: D. Sundarrajan , Pandian Pitchipoo , Sembian Manoharan
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to deal with the synergistic effect of steel slag-molybdenum disulfide particles on fade-recovery performances of non-asbestos organic friction material.

Design/methodology/approach

The brake friction materials were developed by using steel slag and molybdenum disulfide particles as individual and combination in the formulation. The brake friction materials were developed in the form of standard brake pads as per the industrial practice. The physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the developed brake pads were tested as per the industrial standards. The tribological properties were analyzed using the Chase test as per IS2742-Part-4. Worn surface analysis was done using a scanning electron microscope.

Findings

The experimental results indicate that the brake pads filled with a combination of steel slag and molybdenum disulfide showed stable friction and less wear rate due to the synergetic nature of abrasive and lubricant.

Originality/value

This paper explains the influence of steel slag and molybdenum disulfide particles as individual and combined in brake pads formulation to enhance the tribological performance by producing stabilized friction with undulations.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-06-2020-0216/
Does international trade promote economic growth? An evidence from Brunei Darussalam
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Hayat Arshad
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential impact of trade openness on economic growth for the economy of Brunei Darussalam.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical analyses are conducted using the autoregressive distributed lagged model (ARDL) procedure and the data used were spanning from 1989 to 2018.

Findings

The obtained results indicated a positive and statistically significant relationship between trade openness and economic growth. Similarly, the results also revealed that domestic investment and natural resources positively impacted economic growth. Further, this paper found that human capital has impacted economic growth both negatively and significantly, which is against the prior expectation. Moreover, in the short-run, trade openness and domestic investment have lost its significance level while all other variables have maintained both their significance levels and signs of their coefficients.

Practical implications

This paper has provided comprehensive evidence regarding the relationship between trade openness and economic growth for Brunei Darussalam. Therefore, the policymakers of Brunei are suggested to take practical steps to gear up trade liberalization, and hence attain higher growth. Further, a favorable attention is also needed toward economic diversification and encouraging domestic investment to accelerate the long-run economic growth.

Originality/value

As this is a comprehensive study on the economy of Brunei Darussalam, therefore, this paper expects that the policymakers would find it useful while formulating and exercising suitable policies related to trade openness.
Designing a simulation center: an experiential guide
Authors: Dleikan Carla Talal , Lakissian Zavi , Hani Selim , Sharara-Chami Rana
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Health-care simulation has evolved rapidly in the past few decades; it has become an integral component of education and training to improve the efficacy of both individuals and teams. Designing an optimal simulation-based learning space is a multitiered and multidisciplinary process involving architects, engineers and simulation educators. The purpose of this paper is to present the experience of designing a simulation center for a tertiary academic hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on an in-depth analysis of the final structural blueprint of the center and qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with persons involved in the design process

Findings

Thematic analysis led to three thematic categories, namely, organization of space, equipment and administrative and staff requirements.

Research limitations/implications

The paper describes the experience of designing one center within an academic tertiary setting. This experience may lack external validity and generalizability. Moreover, the operationality and functionality of the center have not been studied yet. Finally, the interviewees were interviewed post-design, which may pose as recall bias.

Practical implications

For future simulationists or educators attempting to undertake a simulation center design, this paper will help guide them to anticipate the needed human and technical resources and potential challenges.

Originality/value

The study offers recommendations meant to guide others attempting to design a simulation center within an academic institution.
Barriers in implementing lean manufacturing in Indian SMEs: a multi-criteria decision-making approach
Authors: Jaiswal Piyush , Singh Amit , Misra Subhas C. , Kumar Amaresh
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the interrelationships among the Lean manufacturing (LM) adoption barriers in Indian SMEs. This issue has its own importance as LM has become the inescapable requirement for small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) because of the increased concerns about quality, cost, delivery time and rapidly growing competition in the manufacturing sector and in India it is opposed by many factors/barriers. To act for the eradication of these barriers, we need to systematically analyze them.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the available literature and consultation with the experts, the authors identified 16 LM barriers for Indian SMEs. The authors analyzed the interdependencies among the barriers and prioritized them using integrated Grey-decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (grey-DEMATEL) approach.

Findings

The findings show that limited financial resources, fear in adopting new technology, lack of top management commitment and poor leadership quality are the most critical barriers for LM diffusion in Indian SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

The present research is based on the experts’ inputs, which may be subject to individual biases. In developing countries, such as India, geographical influences are also possible, which are neglected in this study.

Practical implications

This study provides significant insights that can help SMEs to focus on critical cause group barriers to accelerate the LM penetration.

Originality/value

The authors have proposed a Grey-DEMATEL-based LM barrier evaluation framework. Here, the authors analyze the interrelationships among the barriers for LM and segregate them in cause and effect groups.
When profile photos matter: the roles of reviewer profile photos in the online review generation and consumption processes
Authors: Kim Jong Min , Kim Miyea , Key Sookyoung
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Many online review sites, such as TripAdivisor.com, encourage review posters to upload a profile photo to improve the perceived reliability of online reviews. This study aims to examine the roles of reviewer profile photos in the online review generation and consumption processes.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected via Amazon MTurk. Two experimental studies were conducted. Study 1 had a sample size of 106 respondents. In Study 1, this paper examined the role of a reviewer profile photo in the online review generation process. Study 2 had a sample size of 482 respondents. In Study 2, this paper examined the role of a reviewer profile photo in the online review consumption process under two different circumstances, namely, comprehensive and incomprehensive review text.

Findings

The findings show that reviewer profile photos play different roles when consumers generate online reviews versus when they consume reviews. In the review generation process, reviewers are more likely to upload a profile photo to improve the credibility of their reviews. On the other hand, in the review consumption process, reviewer profile photos do not contribute to an increase in the perceived review helpfulness.

Originality/value

If the readers have difficulty processing the review content, review profile photos play a critical role in determining perceived review helpfulness. This study provides both theoretical and managerial implications by indicating how reviewer profile photos play different roles in online review posting and consuming behavior.
Profit taxation and the optimal privatisation of state holding corporations
Authors: Dong Quan , Wang Leonard F. S.
Published: September 2020

To examine the optimal privatisation of a state holding corporation when the government imposes a corporate profit tax on firms, we consider a multiplant state holding corporation producing differentiated goods, competing with firms in the private sector that may be uniplant or multiplant. This set up applies to many mixed markets. We find that the optimal privatisation depends on not only the degree of product substitution and the production organisation of firms in the private sector, but also on the profit tax imposed on firms. Specifically, the optimal privatisation degree increases with the profit tax imposed on firms. There is more privatisation when state holding corporations are sold to different investors than when they are sold to a single investor, and when firms in the private sector are multiplant than when they are uniplant. Given the degree of privatisation, the private sector reduces more of its production when responding to a higher profit tax rate. Moreover, the hypothesis of profit tax neutrality holds under the optimal degree of privatisation. The result suggests that the effect of the profit tax in mixed markets can be cushioned by privatisation.
‘So just to go through the options…’: patient choice in the telephone delivery of the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies services
Authors: Irvine Annie , Drew Paul , Bower Peter , Ardern Kerry , Armitage Christopher J , Barkham Michael , Brooks Helen , Connell Janice , Faija Cintia L , Gellatly Judith , Rushton Kelly , Welsh Charlotte , Bee Penny
Published: September 2020

This article considers patient choice in mental healthcare services, specifically the ways that choice is enabled or constrained in patient–practitioner spoken interaction. Using the method of conversation analysis (CA), we examine the language used by practitioners when presenting treatment delivery options to patients entering the NHS Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service. Analysis of 66 recordings of telephone‐delivered IAPT assessment sessions revealed three patterns through which choice of treatment delivery mode was presented to patients: presenting a single delivery mode; incrementally presenting alternative delivery modes, in response to patient resistance; and parallel presentation of multiple delivery mode options. We show that a distinction should be made between (i) a choice to accept or reject the offer of a single option and (ii) a choice that is a selection from a range of options. We show that the three patterns identified are ordered in terms of patient‐centredness and shared decision‐making. Our findings contribute to sociological work on healthcare interactions that has identified variability in, and variable consequences for, the ways that patients and practitioners negotiate choice and shared decision‐making. Findings are discussed in relation to tensions between the political ideology of patient choice and practical service delivery constraints.
Fairness and the Challenge of Making Markets Work Better
Authors: Dunne Niamh
Published: September 2020

This article explores the revival of fairness as the lodestar of EU competition enforcement. It considers the theory and evolving discourse of fairness, then identifies and evaluates examples of fairness‐oriented enforcement activity. Concluding that fairness represents a distinct development from the ‘hipster antitrust’ movement, the article suggests reasons to explain the shift, including a need to rehabilitate the social market economy in an age of market‐scepticism, and to facilitate the progressive expansion of competition law to address modern market failures.
Role of carbon nanoparticle suspension in sentinel lymph node biopsy for early‐stage cervical cancer: a prospective study
Authors: Ya X , Qian W , Huiqing L , Haixiao W , Weiwei Zh , Jing B , Lei C , Jianping Y , Shuping Y , Jiaya M , Dong W , Ruixia G
Published: September 2020

Objective

To evaluate the clinical diagnostic validity of carbon nanoparticle suspension (CNS) in sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for assessing lymphatic spread of early‐stage cervical cancer.

Design

A prospective study.

Setting and population

356 cases.

Methods

We enrolled 356 stage Ia2‐IIa2 cervical cancer patients to undergo SLNB using CNS, followed by systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy. All lymph node specimens were assessed using conventional histopathologic ± pathologic ultrastaging analyses.

Main outcome measures

Sentinel lymph node detection rate (DR), clinical diagnostic validity and various related factors were analysed.

Results

CNS identified 1456 SLNs in 325 patients. The overall SLN DR was 91.29%. A significantly higher DR was found for patients with tumours <20 mm (97.75% versus 71.91%; P < 0.001). Two patients had false‐negative results. SLNB with CNS had sensitivity of 96.65%, false‐negative rate (FNR) of 4.35% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.29%. Importantly, sensitivity (100%), NPV (100%) and FNR (0%) were improved when testing the subgroup of patients with tumours <20 mm (267 cases). There were no observed differences in DR based on pathological type or grade, stage, depth of stromal invasion, surgical approach, menopausal status or prior treatment with chemotherapy (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Sentinel lymph node biopsy with CNS results in favourable DR, sensitivity and NPV for women with early‐stage cervical cancer with small tumour sizes. SLNB with CNS is safe, feasible and relatively effective for guiding precise surgical treatment of early‐stage cervical cancer.

Tweetable abstract

Sentinel lymph node biopsy with carbon nanoparticle suspension is safe and feasible for early‐stage cervical cancer.
HAX1 enhances the survival and metastasis of non‐small cell lung cancer through the AKT/mTOR and MDM2/p53 signaling pathway
Authors: Liang Zhigang , Zhong Yuan , Meng Lifei , Chen Yi , Liu Yahui , Wu Aihua , Li Xinjian , Wang Mingsong
Published: September 2020

Background

HS‐1‐associated protein‐1 (HAX1) has been reported to be overexpressed in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues. However, the underlying mechanism of HAX1 in NSCLC has not previously been demonstrated. The present study investigated the role and underlying mechanism of HAX1 in NSCLC.

Methods

The HAX1 expression were confirmed in NSCLC tissues through TCGA database and qRT‐PCR. Moreover, we performed qRT‐PCR, Western blotting, Transwell assays, TUNEL assays and so on to evaluate the role of HAX1 in A549 and H1299 cell lines.

Results

mRNA expression of HAX1 was overexpressed in NSCLC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. QRT‐PCR assays showed that HAX1 mRNA expression was upregulated in NSCLC tissues. The high HAX1 mRNA levels were found to be positively associated with tumor size, TNM stage and lymphatic metastasis. Silencing of HAX1 promoted apoptosis and reduced invasion of A549 and H1299 cells by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR and MDM2/P53 signal pathway. AKT agonist SC79 could inhibit apoptosis and promote proliferation, migration and invasion of A549 and H1299 cells transfected with si‐HAX1.

Conclusions

The present study provided a better understanding of HAX1 mechanism in NSCLC and potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Above cuff vocalisation (ACV): A scoping review
Authors: Petosic Antonija , Viravong Marit F. , Martin Anna M. , Nilsen Cecilie B. , Olafsen Kjell , Berntzen Helene
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Patients in intensive care frequently suffer from not being able to communicate verbally. The aim of this scoping review was to study the safety and effectiveness of the above cuff vocalisation (ACV) on speech and quality of life (QOL) in patients dependent on a cuffed tracheostomy.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted. The databases Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library, and Embase were systematically searched in May 2020. We included clinical studies with patients exposed to ACV where speech, QOL or safety issues were assessed.

Results

Overall, 17 studies were included, of which 15 were observational and 2 were randomised controlled trials. Totally, 231 patients were included. ACV enabled most of the included patients (115/131; 88%) to speak with an audible voice or whisper (moderate quality of evidence). Voice related QOL (V‐RQOL) and QOL in mechanically ventilated patients (QOL‐MV) improved from pre‐ to post‐ ACV compared to a control group not tolerating a one‐way speaking valve (P = .01 and P = .04, respectively) (very low quality of evidence). Several minor complications or problems were reported in 20/75 (27%) cases in addition to two serious adverse events: subcutaneous emphysema in one patient where the tracheostomy was dislodged and a distended trachea in another due to the misconnection of continuous gas to the cuff (low/ very low quality of evidence).

Conclusion

ACV facilitated communication in patients dependent on a cuffed tracheostomy and attempting to communicate. Quality of evidence in improved V‐RQOL and QOL‐MV was very low. Several minor complications and two serious adverse events were reported.