bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunogenicity and Safety of a Quadrivalent Meningococcal ACWY-tetanus Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine 6 Years After MenC Priming as Toddlers
Authors: Nolan Terry , Booy Robert , Marshall Helen S. , Richmond Peter , Nissen Michael , Ziegler John B. , Baine Yaela , Traskine Magali , Jastorff Archana , Van der Wielen Marie
Published: May 2019

Background:

We assessed immunogenicity, antibody persistence and safety of the meningococcal serogroups A, C, W and Y-tetanus toxoid (TT) conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-TT) in children primed as toddlers with MenC vaccine.

Methods:

This open, multicenter extension study enrolled children 84–95 months of age who had received one dose of the combined Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)-MenC-TT conjugate vaccine (HibMenC group) or Hib-TT and monovalent MenC (MCC)-CRM197 vaccines (Hib+MCC group) at 12–18 months of age, in the primary study. All participants received one dose of MenACWY-TT. We assessed immunogenicity against MenA, MenC, MenW and MenY at 1 month and 2 years postvaccination by serum bactericidal assay using baby rabbit complement (rSBA). Safety and reactogenicity were evaluated.

Results:

Six years post-MenC vaccination, <20% of children retained rSBA-MenC titers ≥1:8. At 1 month post-MenACWY-TT vaccination, vaccine response rates against all serogroups were high for both groups with ≥97.1% of children having rSBA ≥1:8. Two years postvaccination, ≥63.6% of children retained rSBA-MenA ≥1:8, and ≥87.9% for other serogroups. Geometric mean titers for all serogroups declined at 2 years post-MenACWY-TT vaccination, but remained ≥13 times higher than prevaccination levels. For both groups, pain (≤58.5%), redness (≤51.4%) and fatigue (≤27.0%) were the most frequently reported adverse events. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:

One dose of MenACWY-TT boosts protection against MenC in primed children, is safe and extends protection against MenA, MenW and MenY. Immunogenicity and safety were comparable in infants vaccinated with conjugated vaccine (HibMenC-TT) or the separate vaccines (Hib-TT and MCC-CRM197).
Update on empty nose syndrome: disease mechanisms, diagnostic tools, and treatment strategies
Authors: Gill Amarbir S. , Said Mena , Tollefson Travis T. , Steele Toby O.
Published: May 2019

Purpose of review

To discuss the proposed pathophysiology of empty nose syndrome (ENS), summarize and evaluate the role of validated diagnostic tools in the diagnosis of ENS, and review the medical and surgical treatment strategies for patients with ENS.

Recent findings

Historically, ENS has been associated with a reduction in nasal turbinate size; new data suggest that impaired trigeminal nerve function may also play a role in the pathophysiology of the disease. The newly validated empty nose syndrome 6 item questionnaires and Cotton test are steps forward to standardize the diagnosis of ENS. Finally, there has been a marked increase in surgical treatment strategies to reconstitute turbinate volume with various implant materials.

The diagnosis of ENS remains controversial but the last several years have seen a rejuvenation of interest in this disease entity. The validated empty nose syndrome 6 item questionnaires and Cotton test provide a standardized and objective means by which to characterize ENS. Prevention of iatrogenic ENS through avoidance of excessive turbinate reduction remains critical in preventing paradoxical nasal obstruction. Nasal humidification, patient education, and treatment of possible concomitant medical conditions (e.g., depression) constitute first lines of treatment. We support the cautious use of these screening tools as adjuncts to clinical decision-making. Although injectable implants to augment turbinate volume show promise as a therapeutic surgical technique, there is insufficient data to fully support their use at this time.
The Effect of Variations in Force Feedback in a Virtual Reality Environment on the Performance and Satisfaction of Dental Students
Authors: de Boer Ilse R. , Lagerweij Maxim D. , Wesselink Paul R. , Vervoorn Johanna M.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the transfer of skills between various levels of force feedback (FFB) using the Simodont dental trainer (Moog, Nieuw-Vennep, the Netherlands). Students practiced a manual dexterity exercise in a virtual reality environment at a standard level of FFB and then were tested at the standard and an altered level of FFB. In addition, the students' satisfaction with the training exercise was evaluated.

Methods

One hundred twenty-six first-year dental students were randomly distributed into four groups and underwent a manual dexterity test in the virtual reality environment with automatic assessment after a 3-month period of practicing with standard FFB. The test consisted of drilling with the standard FFB and an altered level of FFB to evaluate the effect on performance. After the test, the participants completed a questionnaire.

Results

The results showed that 74% of the students who passed completed between one of three and three of three successful attempts at FFB levels at which they had not previously practiced.

Conclusions

The results of this study imply that if students practice a sufficient amount of time at one level of FFB, a skill is transferable from one level of FFB to another.
Virtual Standardized Patient Simulation
Authors: Bond William F. , Lynch Teresa J. , Mischler Matthew J. , Fish Jessica L. , McGarvey Jeremy S. , Taylor Jason T. , Kumar Dipen M. , Mou Kyle M. , Ebert-Allen Rebecca A. , Mahale Dilip N. , Talbot Thomas B. , Aiyer Meenakshy
Published: May 2019

Introduction

High-value care (HVC) suggests that good history taking and physical examination should lead to risk stratification that drives the use or withholding of diagnostic testing. This study describes the development of a series of virtual standardized patient (VSP) cases and provides preliminary evidence that supports their ability to provide experiential learning in HVC.

Methods

This pilot study used VSPs, or natural language processing–based patient avatars, within the USC Standard Patient platform. Faculty consensus was used to develop the cases, including the optimal diagnostic testing strategies, treatment options, and scored content areas. First-year resident physician learners experienced two 90-minute didactic sessions before completing the cases in a computer laboratory, using typed text to interview the avatar for history taking, then completing physical examination, differential diagnosis, diagnostic testing, and treatment modules for each case. Learners chose a primary and 2 alternative “possible” diagnoses from a list of 6 to 7 choices, diagnostic testing options from an extensive list, and treatments from a brief list ranging from 6 to 9 choices. For the history-taking module, both faculty and the platform scored the learners, and faculty assessed the appropriateness of avatar responses. Four randomly selected learner-avatar interview transcripts for each case were double rated by faculty for interrater reliability calculations. Intraclass correlations were calculated for interrater reliability, and Spearman ρ was used to determine the correlation between the platform and faculty ranking of learners' history-taking scores.

Results

Eight VSP cases were experienced by 14 learners. Investigators reviewed 112 transcripts (4646 learner query-avatar responses). Interrater reliability means were 0.87 for learner query scoring and 0.83 for avatar response. Mean learner success for history taking was scored by the faculty at 57% and by the platform at 51% (ρ correlation of learner rankings = 0.80, P = 0.02). The mean avatar appropriate response rate was 85.6% for all cases. Learners chose the correct diagnosis within their 3 choices 82% of the time, ordered a median (interquartile range) of 2 (2) unnecessary tests and completed 56% of optimal treatments.

Conclusions

Our avatar appropriate response rate was similar to past work using similar platforms. The simulations give detailed insights into the thoroughness of learner history taking and testing choices and with further refinement should support learning in HVC.
Physician Versus Nonphysician Instruction
Authors: Musits Andrew N. , Phrampus Paul E. , Lutz John W. , Bear Todd M. , Maximous Stephanie I. , Mrkva Andrew J. , O'Donnell John M.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

Healthcare simulation supports educational opportunities while maintaining patient safety. To reduce costs and increase the availability of training, a randomized controlled study evaluated central venous catheter (CVC) insertion training in the simulation laboratory with nonphysician competent facilitators (NPCFs) as instructors.

Method

A group of learners naive to central line placement participated in a blended curriculum consisting of interactive online materials and simulation-based training. Learners were randomized to training with NPCFs or attending physician faculty. The primary outcome was simulated CVC insertion task performance, graded with a validated checklist by blinded physician reviewers. Learner knowledge and satisfaction were also evaluated. Analysis was conducted using noninferiority testing.

Results

Eighty-five students, 11 attending physicians, and 7 NPCFs voluntarily participated. Noninferiority testing of the difference in CVC insertion performance between NPCF-trained learners versus physician-trained learners found no significant difference [rejecting the null hypothesis of inferiority using an 8% noninferiority margin (P< 0.01)]. In addition, there was no difference found between the 2 groups on pre/post knowledge scores, self-reported learner comfort, course satisfaction, or instructor satisfaction.

Conclusions

An introductory CVC curriculum can be taught to novice learners by carefully trained and supported NPCFs and achieve skill and knowledge outcomes similar to learners taught by physicians.
The reign of the
p
-value is over: what alternative analyses could we employ to fill the power vacuum?
Authors: Halsey Lewis G.
Published: May 2019

The
p
-value has long been the figurehead of statistical analysis in biology, but its position is under threat.
p
is now widely recognized as providing quite limited information about our data, and as being easily misinterpreted. Many biologists are aware of
p
's frailties, but less clear about how they might change the way they analyse their data in response. This article highlights and summarizes four broad statistical approaches that augment or replace the
p
-value, and that are relatively straightforward to apply. First, you can augment your
p
-value with information about how confident you are in it, how likely it is that you will get a similar
p
-value in a replicate study, or the probability that a statistically significant finding is in fact a false positive. Second, you can enhance the information provided by frequentist statistics with a focus on effect sizes and a quantified confidence that those effect sizes are accurate. Third, you can augment or substitute
p
-values with the Bayes factor to inform on the relative levels of evidence for the null and alternative hypotheses; this approach is particularly appropriate for studies where you wish to keep collecting data until clear evidence for or against your hypothesis has accrued. Finally, specifically where you are using multiple variables to predict an outcome through model building, Akaike information criteria can take the place of the
p
-value, providing quantified information on what model is best. Hopefully, this quick-and-easy guide to some simple yet powerful statistical options will support biologists in adopting new approaches where they feel that the
p
-value alone is not doing their data justice.
Decoding the locational information in the orb web vibrations ofAraneus diadematusandZygiella x-notata
Authors: Mortimer B. , Soler A. , Wilkins L. , Vollrath F.
Published: May 2019

A spider's web is a multifunctional structure that captures prey and provides an information platform that transmits vibrational information. Many physical factors interact to influence web vibration and information content, from vibration source properties and input location, to web physical properties and geometry. The aim of the study was to test whether orb web vibration contains information about the location of the source of vibration. We used finite-element analysis model webs to control and vary major physical factors, investigating webs where spiders use a direct or remote monitoring strategy. When monitoring with eight sensors (legs) at the web centre, a comparison of longitudinal and transverse wave amplitude between the sensors gave sufficient information to determine source direction and distance, respectively. These localization cues were robust to changes in source amplitude, input angle and location, with increased accuracy at lower source amplitudes. When remotely monitoring the web using a single thread connected to the web's hub (a signal thread), we found that locational information was not available when the angle of the source input was unknown. Furthermore, a free sector and a stiff hub were physical mechanisms to aid information transfer, which provides insights for bioinspired fibre networks for sensing technologies.
Collagen content and extracellular matrix cause cytoskeletal remodelling in pancreatic fibroblasts
Authors: Stylianou Andreas , Gkretsi Vasiliki , Louca Maria , Zacharia Lefteris C. , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos
Published: May 2019

In many solid tumours a desmoplastic reaction takes place, which results in tumour tissue stiffening due to the extensive production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as collagen, by stromal cells, mainly fibroblasts (FBs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In this study, we investigated the effect of collagen stiffness on pancreatic FBs and CAFs, particularly on specific cytoskeleton properties and gene expression involved in tumour invasion. We found that cells become stiffer when they are cultured on stiff substrates and express higher levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Also, it was confirmed that on stiff substrates, CAFs are softer than FBs, while on soft substrates they have comparable Young's moduli. Furthermore, the number of spread FBs and CAFs was higher in stiffer substrates, which was also confirmed by Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (
RAC1
)
mRNA
expression, which mediates cell spreading. Although stress fibres in FBs become more oriented on stiff substrates, CAFs have oriented stress fibres regardless of substrate stiffness. Subsequently, we demonstrated that cells' invasion has a differential response to stiffness, which was associated with regulation of Ras homologue family member (
RhoA
) and Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (
ROCK-1
) mRNA expression. Overall, our results demonstrate that collagen stiffness modulates FBs and CAFs cytoskeleton remodelling and alters their invasion properties.
Simulating emotions: An active inference model of emotional state inference and emotion concept learning
Authors: Smith Ryan , Parr Thomas , Friston Karl J.
Published: May 2019

The ability to conceptualize and understand one’s own affective states and responses – or “emotional awareness” (EA) – is reduced in multiple psychiatric populations; it is also positively correlated with a range of adaptive cognitive and emotional traits. While a growing body of work has investigated the neurocognitive basis of EA, the neurocomputational processes underlying this ability have received limited attention. Here, we present a formal Active Inference (AI) model of emotion conceptualization that can simulate the neurocomputational (Bayesian) processes associated with learning about emotion concepts and inferring the emotions one is feeling in a given moment. We validate the model and inherent constructs by showing (i) it can successfully acquire a repertoire of emotion concepts in its “childhood”, as well as (ii) acquire new emotion concepts in synthetic “adulthood,” and (iii) that these learning processes depend on early experiences, environmental stability, and habitual patterns of selective attention. These results offer a proof of principle that cognitive-emotional processes can be modeled formally, and highlight the potential for both theoretical and empirical extensions of this line of research on emotion and emotional disorders.
Quantification of bioagressors induced yield gap for grain crops in France
Authors: Devaud Nathan G.F. , Barbu Corentin M.
Published: May 2019

Analyzing yield losses of crops is instrumental in sustaining high productivity. Here, we develop statistical modelling of yield losses by French department based on weather, soil and epidemiological data for 13 diseases and 12 insect pests of grain crops over 8 years. Those environmental factors explain up to 90% of yield variations (wheat). Weather and soil quality are first order determinants as manifested both by direct assessment and by strongly correlated yields of even taxonomically very different crops. Bioagressors are important second order determinants: losses of 5 qx/ha (~7%) on wheat and 2 qx/ha (~15%) on winter oilseed rape. Across models based on conceptually different achievable yields, only Septoria tritici and Sitobion avenae on wheat, and Ceutorhynchus picitarsis and Ceutorhynchus assimilis on winter oilseed rape are consistently and significantly detrimental to yield. Those bioagressors seem not fully controlled which is compatible with empirical observations in the non academical litterature.

Highlights

Grain crop yields of similar growing seasons are highly correlated

Environmental determinants explain up to 90% of yield variations

Bioagressors induced yield variations of 5 to 20%

Specific pests and diseases with less than perfect control are identified
Plasticity of cell migration resulting from mechanochemical coupling
Authors: Cao Yuansheng , Ghabache Elisabeth , Rappel Wouter-Jan
Published: May 2019

Eukaryotic cells can migrate using different modes, ranging from amoeboid-like, during which actin filled protrusions come and go, to keratocyte-like, characterized by a stable morphology and persistent motion. How cells can switch between these modes is still not well understood but waves of signaling events on the cell cortex are thought to play an important role in these transitions. Here we present a simple two component biochemical reaction-diffusion model based on relaxation oscillators and couple this to a model for the mechanics of cell deformations. Different migration modes, including amoeboid-like and keratocyte-like, naturally emerge through phase transitions determined by interactions between biochemical traveling waves, cell mechanics and morphology. The model predictions are explicitly verified by systematically reducing the protrusive force of the actin network in experiments using wild-typeDictyostelium discoideumcells. Our results indicate the importance of coupling signaling events to cell mechanics and morphology and may be applicable in a wide variety of cell motility systems.
The Clathrin adaptor AP-1 and the Rab-stabilizing chaperone Stratum act in two parallel pathways to control the activation of the Notch pathway in Drosophila
Authors: Bellec Karen , Gicquel Isabelle , Borgne Roland Le
Published: May 2019

Drosophila sensory organ precursors divide asymmetrically to generate pIIa/pIIb cells whose identity relies on the differential activation of Notch during cytokinesis. While Notch is present apically and basally relative to the midbody at the pIIa-pIIb interface, only the basal pool of Notch is reported to contribute to Notch activation in the pIIa cell. Such proper intra-lineage signalling therefore requires appropriate apico-basal targeting of Notch, its ligand Delta and its trafficking partner Sanpodo. We previously reported that AP-1 and Stratum regulate the intracellular trafficking of Notch and Sanpodo from the trans-Golgi network to basolateral membrane. Loss of AP-1 or of Stratum caused mild Notch phenotype. Here, we report that the concomitant loss of AP-1 and Stratum result in the stabilization of the apical pool of Notch, Delta and Spdo, the loss of the basal pool of Notch at the pIIa-pIIb interface, and is associated with activation of Notch in the two SOP daughters. We propose that AP-1 and Stratum control two parallel pathways towards plasma membrane and that Notch intra-lineage signalling could also occur at the apical pIIa-pIIb interface.
Mitochondrial dynamics quantitatively revealed by STED nanoscopy with an enhanced squaraine variant probe
Authors: Yang Xusan , Yang Zhigang , He Ying , Shan Chunyan , Yan Wei , Wu Zhaoyang , Chai Peiyuan , Teng Junlin , Qu Junle , Xi Peng
Published: May 2019

Mitochondria play a critical role in generating energy to support the entire lifecycle of biological cells, yet it is still unclear how their morphological structures evolve to regulate their functionality. Conventional fluorescence microscopy can only provide ∼300 nm resolution, which is insufficient to visualize mitochondrial cristae. Here, we developed an enhanced squaraine variant dye (MitoESq-635) to study the dynamic structures of mitochondrial cristae in live cells at superresolution. The low saturation intensity and high photostability make it ideal for long-term, high-resolution STED nanoscopy. We demonstrate the time-lapsed imaging of the mitochondrial inner membrane over 50 minutes in living HeLa cells at 35.2 nm resolution for the first time. The forms of the cristae during mitochondrial fusion and fission can be clearly resolved. Our study demonstrates the emerging capability of optical STED nanoscopy to investigate intracellular physiological processes at nanoscale resolution for long periods of time with minimal phototoxicity.
GLUT4 expression and glucose transport in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
Authors: Bowman Peter R.T , Smith Godfrey L. , Gould Gwyn W.
Published: May 2019

Induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM) have the potential to transform regenerative cardiac medicine and the modelling of cardiac disease. This is of particular importance in the context of diabetic cardiomyopathy where diabetic individuals exhibit reduced cardiac diastolic contractile performance in the absence of vascular disease, significantly contributing towards high cardiovascular morbidity. In this study, the capacity of iPSC-CM to act as a novel cellular model of cardiomyocytes was assessed. The diabetic phenotype is characterised by insulin resistance, therefore there was a specific focus upon metabolic parameters. Despite expressing crucial insulin signalling intermediates and relevant trafficking proteins, it was identified that iPSC-CM do not exhibit insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. iPSC-CM are spontaneously contractile however contraction mediated uptake was not found to mask any insulin response. The fundamental limitation identified in these cells was a critical lack of expression of the insulin sensitive glucose transporter GLUT4. Using comparative immunoblot analysis and the GLUT-selective inhibitor BAY-876 to quantify expression of these transporters, we show that iPSC-CM express high levels of GLUT1 and low levels of GLUT4 compared to primary cardiomyocytes and cultured adipocytes. Interventions to overcome this limitation were unsuccessful. We suggest that the utility of iPSC-CMs to study cardiac metabolic disorders may be limited by their apparent foetal-like phenotype.
Fluctuation X-ray scattering from nanorods in solution reveals weak temperature-dependent orientational ordering
Authors: Kurta Ruslan P. , Wiegart Lutz , Fluerasu Andrei , Madsen Anders
Published: May 2019

Higher-order statistical analysis of X-ray scattering from dilute solutions of polydisperse goethite nanorods was performed and revealed structural information which is inaccessible by conventional small-angle scattering. For instance, a pronounced temperature dependence of the correlated scattering from suspension was observed. The higher-order scattering terms deviate from those expected for a perfectly isotropic distribution of particle orientations, demonstrating that the method can reveal faint orientational order in apparently disordered systems. The observation of correlated scattering from polydisperse particle solutions is also encouraging for future free-electron laser experiments aimed at extracting high-resolution structural information from systems with low particle heterogeneity.
Degenerate (identity) chemical reactions in ferroelastic crystals
Authors: Fábry Jan
Published: May 2019

The presence of degenerate chemical reactions in crystals is discussed. They take place in some order–disorder phase transitions in crystals. The other category of identity (degenerate) chemical reactions in crystals includes a few examples of domain reorientations with simultaneous hopping of atoms/ions in some ferroelastic crystals. The product of the hopping maybe either identical with the reactant though in a different orientation or a conjugated enantiomorph. In these examples, the hopping atom is either situated in a special position or disordered about it in the paraelastic phase. The article also discusses the definition of identity (degenerate) chemical reactions which do not take into cosideration the reactions in which the reactant and the product are enantiomers or enantiomorphs.
Offline versus online travel experience sharing: the national profile of China
Authors: Huang Songshan (Sam) , Wei Xiang
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the demographic differences of Chinese nationals’ travel experience sharing through different offline and online platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-tabulation analysis was applied on a national sample of 6081 respondents in China.

Findings

The study found that Chinese women tend to share travel experience more often than Chinese men; old people in China tend to use the face-to-face approach more than online or social media to share their travel experience. About 66.5 per cent of the survey sample used WeChat Moments to share their travel experience, highlighting WeChat as the dominating social media platform in China for travel sharing. In general, people who share via online platforms (WeChat, Weibo, QQ Space) tend to be young, single or unmarried, well-educated and earning a high monthly income.

Originality/value

The study offers an in-depth understanding of travel experience sharing idiosyncrasies in China.
Impact of macroeconomic indicators on housing prices
Authors: Mohan Satish , Hutson Alan , MacDonald Ian , Lin Chung Chun
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper uses statistical analyses to quantify the effects of five major macroeconomic indicators, namely crude oil price, 30-year mortgage interest rate (IR), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and unemployment rate (UR), on housing prices over time.

Design/methodology/approach

Housing price is measured as housing price index (HPI) and is treated as a variable affecting itself. Actual housing sale prices in the Town of Amherst, New York State, USA, 1999-2008, and time-series data of the macroeconomic indicators, 2000-2017, were used in a vector autoregression statistical model to examine the data that show the greatest statistical significance and exert maximum quantitative effects of macroeconomic indicators on housing prices.

Findings

The analyses concluded that the 30-year IR and HPI have statistically significant effects on housing prices. IR has the highest effect, contributing 5.0 per cent of variance in the first month to 8.5 per cent in the twelfth. The UR has the next greatest influence followed by DJIA and CPI. The disturbance from HPI itself causes the greatest variability in future prices: up to 92.7 per cent in variance 1 month ahead and approximately 74.5 per cent 12 months ahead. This result indicates that current changes in house prices heavily influence people’s expectation of future prices. The total effect of the error variance of the macroeconomic indicators ranged from 7.3 per cent in the first month to 25.5 per cent in the twelfth.

Originality/value

The conclusions in this paper, along with related tables and figures, will be useful to the housing and real estate communities in planning their business for the next years.
Terrence H. Witkowski: the making of a marketing and consumption historian
Authors: Witkowski Terrence H.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present an autobiographical account on the life of Terrence H. Witkowski and his development as a marketing and consumption historian.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an autobiography and intellectual history.

Findings

The author traces his interest in history to childhood travel, to growing up in a home furnished with early American décor and to a lifelong passion for antique collecting. Historical research in marketing and consumption fit his independent personality, and has made the best use of his scholarly skill set.

Originality/value

This essay describes one person’s journey to becoming a marketing and consumption historian.
The paradox of roots and wings: labor mobility between local firms and MNEs in North Africa
Authors: Tigharsi Fawzi , Bouguerra Abderaouf , Golgeci Ismail , Rofcanin Yasin
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore employees’ knowledge- and learning-related experiences in moving between local firms and multinational enterprises (MNEs) and to examine the nature of paradoxes of labor mobility that local talents face in their career in the North African country of Algeria. In doing so, this paper explored the multifaceted experiences of employees who left local firms and joined MNEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a qualitative study, in-depth interviews with 12 employees from various industries, and apply an interpretive phenomenological approach to explain labor mobility between local firms and MNEs in the North African country of Algeria. The authors specifically focus on personal experiences of employees who worked in both local firms and MNEs.

Findings

The findings report a paradoxical situation and suggest that despite talented individuals grow their capabilities in MNEs through reward and personal growth incentives, the grass is not always greener, and they face the paradox of nurturing their capabilities (wings) or empowering their roots by returning local firms to seek stability, security and flexibility.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the research at the intersection of human resource management, knowledge management and the paradox of management in emerging markets. Its value stems from empirically explicating the paradox of roots and wings as a complementary, learning type of paradox that individuals at local firms and MNEs in Algeria experience.
Speech pathologists and professional interpreters managing culturally and linguistically diverse adults with communication disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Huang Anne J. R. , Siyambalapitiya Samantha , Cornwell Petrea
Published: May 2019

Background

Speech pathologists who work with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) adults with acquired communication disorders (ACDs), in predominately English‐speaking countries, are legally and ethically bound to work with professional interpreters to overcome language barriers and provide equitable services. As levels of migration and ageing populations continue to rise globally, there will be an increasing need for speech pathologists to work with professional interpreters to manage the growing numbers of CALD adults with ACDs. Speech pathologists and professional interpreters face unique challenges when working together due to the need to focus on the intricacies of communication.

Aims

This systematic review explores how speech pathologists and professional interpreters work together to manage CALD adults with ACDs by investigating the existing research context and the challenges and strategies reportedly used by these professions.

Methods & Procedures

A systematic quantitative literature review methodology was used to guide the review process, along with relevant items from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Five online scholarly databases (CINAHL, PubMED, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Web of Science) were searched using key search terms. Study inclusion criteria were: (1) original research reported in English; (2) informed our understanding of speech pathologists and professional interpreters working together; (3) focused on the management of ACDs; and (4) focused on working with CALD adults.

Outcomes & Results

Ten studies that met inclusion criteria were identified and included in the review. Half of the studies were conducted in Australia. Study designs were either surveys or single‐case designs (e.g., case reports or qualitative case studies). Most participants were monolingual, female speech pathologists. Interpreter participants were mainly involved in assessment tasks using face‐to‐face service delivery. Common challenges reported by participants were speech pathologists being unsure of the accuracies of interpretations by interpreters, and unclear role expectations from both professions. Pre‐session briefings and training of both professions were the primary strategies used and recommended.

Conclusions & Implications

This review identified emerging research relating to speech pathologist and professional interpreter interactions, which were limited predominantly to the perspectives of speech pathologists. Several challenges were reported. While strategies to facilitate interprofessional practice were proposed, the efficacy and utility of the strategies has not been investigated to date. Further in‐depth studies are needed to examine how the professions work together, and to explore feasibility and effectiveness of implementing proposed strategies to optimize service delivery to CALD adults with ACDs.
Does food market modernisation lead to improved dietary diversity and diet quality for urban Vietnamese households?
Authors: Rupa Jesmin Ara , Umberger Wendy J. , Zeng Di
Published: May 2019

This study investigates the possible mechanisms through which modern food markets may affect Vietnamese households’ dietary diversity and diet quality using data from a survey of 1,700 urban households with seven‐day food recall. We calculate Household Dietary Diversity Scores to measure dietary diversity, and use consumption frequencies of micronutrients (vitamin A and heme iron) and a macronutrient (protein) to create a household measure of diet quality. We estimate a Poisson regression model using a two‐step control function approach to address the potential endogeneity of our key explanatory variable, modern market food expenditure shares. Higher modern market food expenditure share is positively and significantly associated with consumption frequency of heme iron, but there are no significant associations with consumption of vitamin A and protein. We further explore indirect linkages between food expenditure shares and dietary diversity, which in turn, may be linked to household diet quality. Results from a system of equations show that the food expenditure share variable has no significant relationship with dietary diversity, but dietary diversity is positively and significantly associated with diet quality. Our results indicate that alone, policies which encourage ‘food market modernisation’ are not enough to improve diet quality in urban Vietnam.
Measuring dynamic collaborations: Collaborative health assessment tool
Authors: Salignac Fanny , Marjolin Axelle , Noone Jack , Carey Gemma
Published: May 2019

The changing nature of organisations in the public sector means that collaboration has become an imperative for many. Notwithstanding considerable scholarly agreement about factors contributing to successful collaboration, a broadly accepted model of collaborative practice has not coalesced. In this paper, we put forward an augmented collaboration assessment tool. Building on existing research, we argue that systems thinking can help us better account for the dynamic and multidimensional nature of collaboration – a process in which partner organisations are interconnected and organised in a way that seeks to achieve a common purpose that they could not have achieved alone. We tested the validity of our tool using a three‐stage, iterative mixed‐methods approach. Our research confirms the value of a diagnostic tool to assist collaboration partners navigate an often uncertain terrain. It further establishes the value of our tool in illuminating a collaboration's dynamic interactions as a means to evaluate ‘collaboration health’.
A Belief‐Preference Model of Choice for Experience and Credence Goods
Authors: Costanigro Marco , Onozaka Yuko
Published: May 2019

We develop a methodology addressing the issue of confounded beliefs and preferences in models of discrete choice. First, we formalise the theoretical framework and logical underpinnings of a belief‐preference model of choice for experience and credence goods, where subjective beliefs relate to uncertain product quality. We then present the experimental procedure within the context of an online choice experiment studying consumer food preferences. The empirical strategy leverages information from a quality sorting task to identify and estimate beliefs, while choice data are used to recover preferences. By conditioning product choices on predicted quality perceptions, the issue of endogenous beliefs is resolved.
Brazilian Coffee Blends: A Simple and Fast Method by Near‐Infrared Spectroscopy for the Determination of the Sensory Attributes Elicited in Professional Coffee Cupping
Authors: Baqueta Michel Rocha , Coqueiro Aline , Valderrama Patrícia
Published: May 2019

The diversity of compounds and variations in the aroma and flavor of ground and roasted coffee make the sensory evaluation by the “cupping test” a complex task to be performed. A total of 217 commercial coffee samples classified as different beverage type and with different roast degrees were evaluated by official cuppers in the “cupping test” and the responses for sensory attributes were used to verify the correlation to the near‐infrared (NIR) spectra. Chemometric models based on partial least squares (PLS) were built for the powder fragrance, drink aroma, acidity, bitterness, flavor, body, astringency, residual flavor, and overall quality. The parameters of merit such as accuracy, fit, linearity, residual prediction deviation, sensitivity, analytical sensitivity, limits of detection, and quantification were evaluated. All sensory attributes were predicted with adequate values according to the parameters of merit. The proposed method, when compared to the “cupping test,” is an alternative to the determination of the coffee sensory attributes. The results demonstrated that the use of NIR associated with chemometrics is efficient and recommended for the prediction of sensorial attributes of coffee by means of the direct analysis of roasted and ground samples, and without any additional preparation, it is a promising tool for the coffee industry.

Practical Application

This study has shown potential use of near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy coupled with a chemometric tool for the prediction of sensory attributes of commercial coffees. Prediction models for powder fragrance, drink aroma, acidity, bitterness, flavor, body, astringency, residual flavor, and overall quality were built and showed good predictive capacity. The use of NIR allows rapid analysis (1 min or less per sample), and it was possible to evaluate all sensory attributes directly in roasted and ground coffee, without beverage preparation.
An Attempt of Using β‐Sitosterol‐Corn Oil Oleogels to Improve Water Barrier Properties of Gelatin Film
Authors: Xiao Jingdong , Zhang Ming , Wang Wenhang , Teng Anguo , Liu Anjun , Ye Ran , Liu Yaowei , Wang Kun , Ding Junsheng , Wu Xiaomeng
Published: May 2019

Oleogel with tailored viscoelasticity is a great interest for food structuring, while its potential benefits for edible film performance are not clear. In this study, β‐sitosterol (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%)‐corn oil oleogel was developed and used in the formation of gelatin‐based films. Importantly, adding oleogel significantly decreased water vapor permeability of the gelatin films, however, it had little negative influence on film strength. In addition, the results of this study demonstrated that increasing the sitosterol in oleogels led to an increasing number of ordered crystals formed in the oleogel, which contributed to compact and smooth surface of the film. Moreover, the incorporation of oleogel also caused some changes in molecule conformation and film barrier property. Therefore, the superior mechanical performance and moisture resistance properties of the film were obtained when 15% β‐sitosterol was used to prepare oleogel.

Practical Application

Corn oil oleogels β‐sitosterol was incorporated with gelatin to prepare the gelatin film aiming to improve the water resistance of the films for its variety of practical production. The enhanced vapor permeability and accepted strength of the emulsion film indicated the potential application of it with a variety of edible packaging forms, such as films, pouch and sachet in medium and high humid condition.
The impact of direct‐acting anti‐virals on the hepatitis C care cascade: identifying progress and gaps towards hepatitis C elimination in the United States
Authors: Chhatwal Jagpreet , Chen Qiushi , Bethea Emily D. , Hur Chin , Spaulding Anne C. , Kanwal Fasiha
Published: May 2019

Background

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) care cascade has changed dramatically following the introduction of direct‐acting anti‐virals (DAAs). Up‐to‐date estimates of the cascade are needed to monitor progress, identify key gaps and inform policy.

Aim

To estimate the current and future HCV care cascade in the United States, nationally and in select subpopulations of interest.

Methods

We used a previously validated mathematical model to simulate the landscape of HCV in the United States from 2011 onwards, accounting for HCV screening policy updates, newer HCV treatments and rising HCV incidence.

Results

By the end of 2018, of 4.29 million HCV persons alive, 2.71 million (63%) were actively viremic, 2.24 million (52%) aware and 1.58 million (37%) cured. By 2030, under the status quo, of 3.65 million HCV persons alive, 1.88 million (51%) would be viremic, 2.25 million (62%) aware and 1.77 million (49%) cured. The HCV care cascade in 2018 differed substantially by subpopulation: of 1.34 million incarcerated HCV persons, 96% were viremic, 36% aware and 4% cured; of 0.87 million HCV persons in Medicare, 31% were viremic, 72% aware and 69% cured; and of 0.37 million HCV persons in Medicaid, 49% were viremic, 54% aware and 51% cured. Implementing universal screening, providing unrestricted treatment and controlling HCV incidence were factors found to have the largest effect on improving the HCV care cascade.

Conclusions

Since the launch of DAAs, the HCV care cascade has shifted towards higher awareness and treatment rates; however, additional interventions are needed to move towards HCV elimination.
Analysis of Heavy Metals in Smoke Deposits in the Limewash of the Royal Artillery Factory of Seville (17th Century): Contributions to the Location of the Furnaces
Authors: Flores‐Alés V. , Alejandre F. J. , Blasco‐López F. J. , Torres‐González M. , Núñez C.
Published: May 2019

The Royal Artillery Factory of Seville in Spain originated from pre‐existing private bronze foundries dating from the 16th century. The paper analyses the stratigraphy of wall cladding in the areas traditionally known as the ‘Old Foundry’ and the ‘New Foundry’, through its characterization by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM‐EDX), micro‐X‐ray fluorescence (μ‐XRF) and micro‐X‐ray diffraction (μ‐XRD), in order to analyse the metal deposits that have accumulated since the 17th century. The data obtained allowed the verification of the available historiographical information and the location of the original bronze smelting furnaces. The analysis of patinas deposited on the overlapping layers of lime also confirmed that neither the raw materials nor the composition of the alloys used presented any substantial changes.
Examination of functional morphology of dajiid isopods using Arthrophryxus sp. parasitising a mysid shrimp as an example
Authors: Nagler Christina , Eiler Stefan M. , Haug Joachim T.
Published: May 2019

Parasitic isopods have become specialised to many different host species and therefore show a wide variety of attachment and feeding specialisations. Often such structures are difficult to examine due to their small sizes which makes a more complete understanding of their functional morphology difficult. Here we present a new report and a first time high‐resolution, non‐SEM documentation of a parasitic epicaridean isopod, a female of the dajiid Arthrophryxus sp. from the Sea of Okhotsk. It was found during the SokhoBio 2015 on its host, a mysid shrimp (Holmsiella sp.). Arthrophryxus has only one formally described species, Arthrophryxus beringanus Richardson, 1908. With high‐resolution documentation methods, we reveal new details of the morphological structures of mouthparts and thoracopods of this dajiid. Furthermore, we discuss the functional morphology of attachment to the host and feeding according to our new findings. We suggest that the thoracopods are involved in the attachment process even more than formerly assumed for different dajiids. The piercing‐sucking mouthparts and the additional attachment mechanisms strongly indicate a permanent parasitism of the dajiid isopod. Permanent parasites affect the fitness of their hosts; therefore, deep‐sea forms of dajiid isopods have direct impact on the deep‐sea crustacean communities.
What is the optimal serum level for lithium in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder? A systematic review and recommendations from the ISBD/IGSLI Task Force on treatment with lithium
Authors: Nolen Willem A. , Licht Rasmus W. , Young Allan H. , Malhi Gin S. , Tohen Mauricio , Vieta Eduard , Kupka Ralph W. , Zarate Carlos , Nielsen René E. , Baldessarini Ross J. , Severus Emanuel ,   the ISBD/IGSLI Task Force on the treatment with lithium
Published: May 2019

Aims

To systematically review the existing trials on optimal serum levels for lithium for maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder and to develop clinical recommendations.

Methods

Systematic literature search. Discussion of major characteristics, limitations, methodological quality, and results of selected trials. Delphi survey consisting of clinical questions and corresponding statements. For statements endorsed by at least 80% of the members, consensus was considered as having been achieved.

Results

With strict inclusion criteria no studies could be selected, making it difficult to formulate evidence‐based recommendations. After loosening the inclusion criteria 7 trials were selected addressing our aims at least to some extent. Four of these studies suggest better efficacy being associated with lithium serum levels in a range above a lower threshold around 0.45/0.60 and up to 0.80/1.00 mmol/L. These findings support the outcome of the Delphi survey.

Conclusions

For adults with bipolar disorder there was consensus that the standard lithium serum level should be 0.60‐0.80 mmol/L with the option to reduce it to 0.40‐0.60 mmol/L in case of good response but poor tolerance or to increase it to 0.80‐1.00 mmol/L in case of insufficient response and good tolerance. For children and adolescents there was no consensus, but the majority of the members endorsed the same recommendation. For the elderly there was also no consensus, but the majority of the members endorsed a more conservative approach: usually 0.40‐0.60 mmol/L, with the option to go to maximally 0.70 or 0.80 mmol/L at ages 65‐79 years, and to maximally 0.70 mmol/L over age 80 years.