bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HMSIW- and QMSIW-based antenna for wireless communication application
Authors: Vala Alpesh , Patel Amit V. , Mahant Keyur , Chaudhari Jitendra , Mewada Hiren K.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design and develop half-mode substrate-integrated waveguide (HMSIW)- and quarter-mode substrate-integrated waveguide (QMSIW)-based antennas for wireless communication application. The developed antennas offer advantages in terms of compactness, high gain and better isolation between the ports.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, the tri-band substrate-integrated waveguide-based antenna is designed using a slot on the ground plane. Then, the same structure has been bisected into two parts for the development of the HMSIW structure. Again the concept of the slot is used for the realization of a dual-band antenna. QMSIW-based structure is designed with further dividing HMSIW structure into two parts. Simulation has been carried out with the use of a high-frequency structure simulator (HFSS) software, which used a finite element-based solver for the full-wave analysis.

Findings

The proposed HMSIW-based dual-band antenna resonates at two different frequencies, namely, 5.81 GHz with 4.5 dBi gain and at 6.19 GHz with 6.8 dBi gain. Isolation between two ports is 20 dB. The overall dimensions of the proposed model are 0.39 λ × 0.39 λ. Similarly, QMSIW-based antenna is resonated at 5.66 GHz of the frequency with the 3 dBi gain. Frequency tuning is also carried out with the change in the slot dimension to use the proposed antenna in various C (4–8 GHz) band applications.

Originality/value

The proposed antennas can use C band wireless frequency application. The proposed structure provides better performance in terms of isolation between the ports, small size, high front-to-back ratio and higher gain. It is fabricated for the proof of concept with the RT Duroid 5880 substrate material having a 2.2 permittivity. Measured results show a similar kind of performance as a simulated one.
The role of patient engagement in patient-centric health information exchange (HIE) initiatives: an empirical study in the United States
Authors: Esmaeilzadeh Pouyan , Dharanikota Spurthy , Mirzaei Tala
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Patient-centric exchanges, a major type of Health Information Exchange (HIE), empower patients to aggregate and manage their health information. This exchange model helps patients access, modify and share their medical information with multiple healthcare organizations. Although existing studies examine patient engagement, more research is required to investigate patients' attitudes and willingness to play an active role in patient-centered information exchange. The study's main objective is to develop a model based on the belief-attitude-intention paradigm to empirically examine the effects of patients' attitudes toward engagement in care on their willingness to participate in patient-centric HIE.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online survey study to identify the antecedents and consequences of patients' attitudes toward engagement in care. To empirically test the research model, the authors collected data from a national sample (n = 357) of individuals in the United States. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The proposed model categorizes the antecedents to patients' attitudes toward engagement in patient-related and healthcare system factors. The results show that patient-related factors (perceived health literacy and perceived coping ability) and health system factors (perceived experience with the healthcare organization and perceived patient-provider interaction) significantly shape patient attitude toward care management engagement. The results indicate that patients' attitudes toward engaging in their healthcare significantly contribute to their willingness to participate in medical information sharing through patient-centric HIE initiatives. Moreover, the authors’ findings also demonstrate that the link between patient engagement and willingness to participate in HIE is stronger for individuals who perceive lower levels of privacy and security concerns.

Originality/value

The authors validate the proposed model explaining patients' perceptions about their characteristics and the healthcare system significantly influence their attitude toward engaging in their care. This study also suggests that patients' favorable attitude toward engagement can bring patient-centric HIE efforts onto a path to success. The authors’ research attempts to shed light on the importance of patients' roles in adopting patient-centric HIE initiatives. Theoretical and practical contributions of this study are noticeable since they could result in a deeper understanding of the concept of patient engagement and how it may affect healthcare services in an evolving digital world. The authors’ findings can help healthcare organizations provide public citizen-centric services by introducing user-oriented approaches in healthcare delivery systems.
Enhancing intercultural task performance: examining the roles of social complexity belief and cultural intelligence
Authors: Presbitero Alfred
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study contributes to the literature by explicating why individuals become effective in performing tasks in intercultural context. Drawing from the social axioms theory and intelligence theory, this study specifically investigates and generates new insights about the role of social complexity belief and cultural intelligence (CQ) in enhancing intercultural task performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Two sets of studies were conducted. Study 1 was conducted in Australia (n = 222) wherein survey data were collected from employees (i.e. self-reports). In a subsequent study which was conducted in the Philippines (Study 2; n = 211), archival data were obtained from the annual performance reviews of the employees (provided by immediate supervisors) in addition to the employees' self-reports.

Findings

Results are validated in both studies that social complexity belief relates positively and significantly to intercultural task performance. Moreover, results show that social complexity belief influences overall CQ (and its cognitive and metacognitive dimensions) and in the process impacts intercultural task performance.

Originality/value

This study offers new insights related to intercultural task performance effectiveness. In particular, this study highlights the role of social complexity belief system. Furthermore, this study extends the nomological network of CQ by explicating how an individual's belief can relate to his/her level of CQ which then influences intercultural task performance. Aside from generating knowledge, this study also offers practical insights for human resources practitioners and for employees who are finding new ways to improve and enhance intercultural task performance.
Do learning organizations learn? Higher education institutions and pandemic response strategies
Authors: Miller Michael T.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study was designed to address the problem of how higher education institutions, as organizations designed to promote learning, responded to the COVID pandemic and the suspension of in-person instruction. The purpose of this paper was specifically to explore how institutions go about learning from the pandemic to better prepare themselves for the future that they will face.

Design/methodology/approach

A researcher-developed survey instrument was distributed electronically to 300 faculty leaders at randomly selected universities in the USA. With three follow-up e-mail requests, the survey had a 31% usable response rate.

Findings

Survey results indicated that institutional leadership did not make strong use of shared governance in responding to the COVID pandemic in creating operational response strategies. Further, institutions did not alter their policies or make structural changes to be more adept in facing the challenges of a global pandemic and its impact on the financial well-being of the institutions. Although institutions did make changes to their attitudes about students, these were not developmental changes but rather behavioral modification expectations.

Originality/value

This study drew upon data collected after the first three months of the global COVID pandemic, providing an important first-look at organizational behavior in response to a largely unplanned global event.
Reciprocal facilitation between annual plants and burrowing crabs: Implications for the restoration of degraded saltmarshes
Authors: Qiu Dongdong , Cui Baoshan , Ma Xu , Yan Jiaguo , Cai Yanzi , Xie Tian , Gao Fang , Wang Fangfang , Sui Haochen , Bai Junhong , van de Koppel Johan , Olff Han
Published: February 2021

Increasing evidence shows that facilitative interactions between species play an essential role in coastal wetland ecosystems. However, there is a lack of understanding of how such interactions can be used for restoration purposes in saltmarsh ecosystems. We therefore studied the mechanisms of reciprocal facilitative interactions between native annual plants, Suaeda salsa, and burrowing crabs, Helice tientsinensis, in a middle‐elevation saltmarsh (with generally high plant density and moderate tides) in the Yellow River Delta of China.

We investigated the relationship between the densities of the plants and crab burrows in different seasons. Then, we tested whether and how saltmarsh plants and crabs indeed facilitate each other in a series of field and laboratory experiments. Finally, we applied the results by creating a field‐scale artificial approach for microtopographic modification to restore a degraded saltmarsh.

We found that the density of plant seedlings in spring was positively correlated with the density of crab burrows in the previous autumn; moreover, the density of crab burrows was correlated with the density of plants in summer. The concave–convex surface microtopography created by crabs promoted seed retention and seedling establishment of saltmarsh plants in winter and spring. These plants in turn facilitated crabs by inhibiting predators, providing food and reducing physical stresses for crabs in summer and autumn. The experimental removal of saltmarsh plants decreased crab burrow density, while both transplanting and simulating plants in bare patches promoted crabs. The microtopographic modification, inspired by our new understanding of the interactions between saltmarsh plants and crabs, showed that these degraded saltmarsh ecosystems can be restored by a single ploughing intervention.

Synthesis. Our results suggest a reciprocal facilitation between annual plants and burrowing crabs in a middle‐elevation saltmarsh ecosystem. This knowledge yielded new restoration options for degraded coastal saltmarshes through the one‐time ploughing initiation of microtopographic variation, which could promote the re‐establishment of ecosystem engineers and lead to the efficient recovery of pioneer coastal vegetation and associated fauna.
Factors affecting fruit and seed production of Paeonia ostii “Feng Dan”, an economically important oil tree
Authors: Cao Guo‐Xing , Lin Hong‐Qiang , Cheng Yue‐Hong , Wang Xie
Published: February 2021

Many factors may affect reproduction of animal‐pollinated species. In this study, the effects of pollen limitation, attractive traits (flower number, plant height and flower width) and flowering phenological traits (flowering onset, duration and synchrony) on female reproduction, as well as the patterns of variation in fruit and seed production within plants, were investigated in Paeonia ostii “Feng Dan” over two flowering seasons (2018 and 2019). Fruit set was very high (90%), and pollen supplementation did not increase fruit and seed production in either year, indicating no pollen limitation. Fruit set, ovule number per fruit and mean individual seed weight per fruit were not affected by any of the six attractive and phenological traits in either year, whereas seed number per fruit was related to the three attractive traits in one or both years. Seed number per plant was positively affected by the three attractive traits and best explained by flower number in both years, but the effect of each of the three phenological traits on seed number per plant differed between years. Within plants, the fruit set, ovule number, seed set and seed number per fruit declined from early‐ to late‐opening flowers, presumably because of resource preemption, but the mean individual seed weight did not vary across the flowering sequence. Our study shows that attractive traits of Paeonia ostii “Feng Dan” are more important than flowering phenological traits in the prediction of total seed production per plant.
Development of Multi‐Family Therapy for first episode psychosis in Singapore
Authors: Loh Christopher , Liang Wilfred , Lee Helen , Tang Charmaine
Published: February 2021

This two‐part paper examines a newly developed Multi‐Family Therapy (MFT) for clients and their families in the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme (EPIP) in Singapore. The first part of the paper describes the activities, its theoretical underpinnings and the therapist’s observations of the families’ responses. The second part of the paper evaluates the content, structure and effects of the MFT through feedback from the 17 families. Separate feedback was obtained from the EPIP team. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. The majority of the participants found ‘Image of Psychosis’ and ‘Family Life River’ activities most useful and reported that mutual learning and support were the key therapeutic factors. The EPIP professionals suggested ways to improve potential participants’ understanding of MFT to help with recruitment. The preliminary results from the pilot programme support the use of MFT in the context of Singapore.

Practitioner points

An activity‐based and experiential MFT programme engages families to work in a creative and playful way.

Active involvement of the multidisciplinary team in the MFT programme helps to secure their engagement and support for interventions.

Adopting an expert stance and focusing on practical concerns, rather than taking a reflective approach, is crucial in working with Singaporean families when adapting a Western‐based multi‐family psychoeducation group.
Impact of the Medicare Shared Savings Program on utilization of mental health and substance use services by eligibility and race/ethnicity
Authors: Acevedo Andrea , Mullin Brian O. , Progovac Ana M. , Caputi Theodore L. , McWilliams J. Michael , Cook Benjamin L.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To assess the impact of the Medicare Shared Savings Program (MSSP) ACOs on mental health and substance use services utilization and racial/ethnic disparities in care for these conditions.

Data sources

Five percent random sample of Medicare claims from 2009 to 2016.

Study design

We compared Medicare beneficiaries in MSSP ACOs to non‐MSSP beneficiaries, stratifying analyses by Medicare eligibility (disability vs age 65+). We estimated difference‐in‐difference models of MSSP ACOs on mental health and substance use visits (outpatient and inpatient), medication fills, and adequate care for depression adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, region, and chronic medical and behavioral health conditions. To examine the differential impact of MSSP on our outcomes by race/ethnicity, we used a difference‐in‐difference‐in‐differences (DDD) design.

Data collection/extraction methods

Not applicable.

Principal findings

MSSP ACOs were associated with small reductions in outpatient mental health (Coeff: −0.012, P < .001) and substance use (Coeff: −0.001, P < .01) visits in the disability population, and in adequate care for depression for both the disability‐ and age‐eligible populations (Coeff: −0.028, P < .001; Coeff: −0.012, P < .001, respectively). MSSP ACO's were also associated with increases in psychotropic medications (Coeff: 0.007 and Coeff: 0.0213, for disability‐ and age‐eligible populations, respectively, both P < .001) and reductions in inpatient mental health stays (Coeff:‐0.004, P < .001, and Coeff:‐0.0002, P < .01 for disability‐ and age‐eligible populations, respectively) and substance use‐related stays for disability‐eligible populations (Coeff:‐0.0005, P<.05). The MSSP effect on disparities varied depending on type of service.

Conclusions

We found small reductions in outpatient and inpatient stays and in rates of adequate care for depression associated with MSSP ACOs. As MSSP ACOs are placed at more financial risk for population‐based treatment, it will be important to include more robust behavioral health quality measures in their contracts and to monitor disparities in care.
Current airway management practices after a failed intubation attempt in Australian and New Zealand emergency departments
Authors: Arnold Isaac , Alkhouri Hatem , Badge Helen , Fogg Toby , McCarthy Sally , Vassiliadis John
Published: February 2021

Objective

The aims of the present study were to describe current airway management practices after a failed intubation attempt in Australian and New Zealand EDs and to explore factors associated with second attempt success.

Methods

Data were collected from a multicentre airway registry (The Australian and New Zealand Emergency Department Airway Registry). All intubation episodes that required a second attempt between March 2010 and November 2015 were analysed. Analysis for association with success at the second attempt was undertaken for patient factors including predicted difficulty of laryngoscopy, as well as for changes in laryngoscope type, adjunct devices, intubator and intubating manoeuvres.

Results

Of the 762 patients with a failed first intubation attempt, 603 (79.1%) were intubated successfully at the second attempt. The majority of second attempts were undertaken by emergency consultants (36.8%) and emergency registrars (34.2%). A change in intubator occurred in 56.5% of intubation episodes and was associated with higher second attempt success (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29–2.65). In 69.7% of second attempts at intubation, there was no change in laryngoscope type. Changes in laryngoscope type, adjunct devices and intubation manoeuvres were not significantly associated with success at the second attempt. In adjusted analyses, second attempt success was higher for a change from a non‐consultant intubator to a consultant intubator from any specialty (adjusted OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.35–3.95) and where laryngoscopy was not predicted to be difficult (adjusted OR 2.58; 95% CI 1.58–4.21).

Conclusions

The majority of second intubation attempts were undertaken by emergency consultants and registrars. A change from a non‐consultant intubator to a consultant intubator of any specialty for the second attempt and intubation episodes where laryngoscopy was predicted to be non‐difficult were associated with a higher success rate at intubation. Participation in routine collection and monitoring of airway management practices via a Registry may enable the introduction of appropriate improvements in airway procedures and reduce complication rates.
Clinical utility of the Glasgow Blatchford Score in patients presenting to the emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ryan Kimberley , Malacova Eva , Appleyard Mark , Brown Anthony FT , Song Lisa , Grimpen Florian
Published: February 2021

Objective

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common presentation to EDs. Limited Australian data are available. Study aims were to assess mortality and re‐bleeding rates in patients presenting with UGIB as risk‐stratified by the Glasgow Blatchford Score (GBS).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective medical chart review of all patients presenting with UGIB to a Brisbane tertiary hospital ED over a 12‐month period. This descriptive study summarised the medical characteristics related to UGIB as risk‐stratified by the GBS. Non‐variceal bleeding was categorised as low‐risk (GBS 0–2) or high‐risk (GBS 3+). Variceal bleeding was not risk stratified.

Results

A total of 211 patients presented with UGIB to the ED. The median age was 57 years, 67% were male. Mortality rates at 30 days were: 0% for GBS 0–2, 3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0–6) for GBS 3+ and 10% (95% CI 0–21) for variceal groups. The overall 30‐day re‐bleeding rate was 4.3% (95% CI 2–7). High‐risk patients accessed endoscopy according to international best practice of less than 24 h (GBS 3+, 23.7 h; variceal bleeding, 7.3 h).

Conclusions

Mortality and re‐bleeding outcomes are similar to other international UGIB cohorts. Patients with a low‐risk bleed were appropriately identified and discharged home. Those at higher risk were correctly identified and accessed timely endoscopy. The GBS demonstrated clinical utility in an Australian ED cohort of UGIB bleeding patients.
Testing public policy at the frontier: The effect of the $15 minimum wage on public safety in Seattle
Authors: Mitre‐Becerril David , Chalfin Aaron
Published: February 2021

Research Summary

In 2017, Seattle, Washington, became the first city in the United States to increase its minimum wage to $15 per hour, more than double the federal minimum wage. Not only was a $15 minimum wage unprecedented, but the increase was also extremely rapid, with the minimum wage rising by nearly 60% in just 2 years. Using a synthetic differences‐in‐differences estimator, we consider the impact of Seattle's landmark minimum wage legislation on public safety. Although there is speculative evidence for an increase in commercial burglaries, we find little evidence that Seattle experienced a change in its aggregate rate of violent or property offending relative to other U.S. cities. To better understand the mechanisms underlying our findings, we investigate the impacts of the local wage law on employment and earnings for Seattle's low‐skilled labor market. We detect no meaningful adverse effects on the employment rates of low‐wage workers.

Policy Implications

Our results suggest that Seattle increased its minimum wage without compromising public safety. Seattle's experience shows that increasing wages can be a tool for increasing the opportunity cost of crime without reducing employment levels. To the extent that other cities enact higher minimum wages to a level that generates unemployment among low‐skilled workers, public safety changes could be considerably different.
Enoch Powell, Parliament and Europe
Authors: Corthorn Paul
Published: February 2021

In recent years, there has been substantial academic reappraisal of Enoch Powell alongside a growing public realisation, increased by the debate over Brexit, that his interests were wider than immigration and notably included opposition to British membership of the European Community – a topic that this article probes further. It begins by examining Powell's understanding of the British nation as a unitary state, centred on parliament, that underpinned his interpretation of both Conservatism and Unionism. Then, covering the period up to the 1975 referendum, the article analyses exactly how Powell argued that membership of the European Community threatened parliamentary sovereignty. It situates Powell's thinking in the context of arguments made by others and explores the connections made by Powell between the threat from Europe and the history of parliament itself, particularly the formation of the unions with Scotland and Ireland. The article shows that while Powell's arguments were marginalised in the later 1970s and for much of the 1980s, they were revived from the early 1990s – albeit in a changed constitutional context.
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound after successful cryoablation of benign and malignant renal tumours: how long does tumour enhancement persist?
Authors: Bertolotto Michele , Campo Irene , Sachs Camilla , Ciabattoni Riccardo , Cicero Calogero , Drudi Francesco Maria , Derchi Lorenzo E , Cova Maria Assunta
Published: February 2021

Introduction

To investigate how long successfully ablated tumours take to become completely avascular at CEUS after cryoablation.

Methods

Ninety‐five patients had percutaneous cryoablation of 103 renal tumours investigated at CEUS on post‐operative day one. If the lesion was avascular, a contrast‐CT/MR was scheduled six months after the procedure, while CEUS was repeated if the lesion still displayed enhancement, until the disappearance of intralesional vascularity.

Technical success was defined when the tumour was covered completely by the ablation zone. Technique efficacy was assessed at six months of follow‐up.

Results

Technical efficacy was obtained for 101/103 cryoablations, 56% of which (57/101) were avascular on post‐operative day one. After one week, two weeks, one month 83%, 91% and 100% of these 101 lesions, respectively, were avascular. Two tumours were unsuccessfully treated. They displayed persistent intralesional vascularity at CEUS one month after the procedure.

Conclusions

After cryoablation, obtaining CEUS before one month may be misleading. When technical efficacy is obtained, disappearance of intralesional enhancement is observed within two weeks in the majority of cases (91%), but can persist until one month. Identification of tumour enhancement after one month may be concerning for residual viable tumour.
Hydrothermal Origin of Early Permian Chert Nodules in the Central North China Craton Linked to Northern Margin Cratonic Activation
Authors: YAO Xu , LI Su , ZHOU Yaoqi , HINNOV Linda A.
Published: February 2021

Sedimentary chert phases from the Archean to the present are widely used to trace sedimentary environments and tectonic settings. Recently, chert nodules occurring within carbonates have been the subject of possible hydrothermal or biogenic origin, in lieu of a diagenetic origin. However, chert nodules from a vast cratonic basin represent extremely rich silica accumulations but less noted is how they respond to submarine hydrothermal activity (and/or surface siliceous organism productivity). The links between the cratonic‐type chert depositions and environmental changes regarding cratonic evolution need to be revisited at a large temporal‐spatial scale. The chert nodules are widespread throughout the Lower Permian Taiyuan Formation in the North China Craton (NCC). Several Taiyuan chert‐rich successions across the NCC have been selected to study possible links between chert deposition and cratonic evolution in scenario of partial cratonic activation of the northern NCC margin during the Late Paleozoic. Based on stratigraphic correlation, the chert nodules are ubiquitously, evenly distributed throughout the Taiyuan Formation at a large craton‐basin scale from the northern to southern interior NCC. Petrological results, elemental abundances, together with silicon and oxygen isotopic compositions of chert samples infer significant hydrothermal contributions for the silica accumulations. Therefore, the cratonic‐scale chert depositions of hydrothermal origin infer a giant and remote silica reservoir, linking to the large igneous province and magmatism in the NCC northern margins. The Taiyuan chert nodules could be unique marine sedimentary archives recording the Late Paleozoic NCC partial activation, which also generated continental records of igneous rocks, bauxites and tuffs. The strong tectonics of the northern margin, south‐dipping topography and northward transgression of the Early Permian NCC facilitated the chert deposition on the shallow marine platform in the cratonic interior.
Is video‐assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy associated with higher overall costs compared with open surgery? Results of best evidence topic analysis
Authors: Fiorelli Alfonso , Forte Stefano , Caronia Francesco Paolo , Ferrigno Francesco , Santini Mario , Petersen René Horsleben , Fang Wentao
Published: February 2021

Thoracoscopic lobectomy has become the preferred approach for surgical management of early stage lung cancer, but the potential higher operative costs limit its widespread use. Theoretically, higher direct costs may be significantly counterbalanced by lower indirect costs, resulting in lower overall costs for thoracoscopic than for open lobectomy. To support this hypothesis, we reviewed the literature until May 2020, analyzing all papers comparing the cost of thoracoscopic versus open lobectomy.A total of 20 studies provided the most applicable evidence to evaluate this issue. In all the studies apart from one, thoracoscopic lobectomy was associated with higher operative costs due to the increased use of disposable instruments, and prolonged operative time. By contrast, in 17 studies the increased operative costs were significantly offset by indirect costs which were lower in thoracoscopic than in open lobectomy due to fewer postoperative complications, faster recovery, and lower readmission rates. It translated into lower overall costs for thoracoscopic than for open lobectomy in 10 studies, similar costs in seven, and higher in three, despite the lower hospitalization costs. The low bed fees and high prices of disposable instruments in these three studies may explain the discordance. The careful use of disposable instruments, and the minimizing hospitalization costs can reduce the total costs of thoracoscopic lobectomy to levels similar or to below those of open lobectomy. The worry that video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery lobectomy (VATSL) might be associated with an increased overal cost is thus not warranted, and should not be used as an excuse against the use of VATS in surgery for early stage lung cancers.
Water installations and transhumance in four new Safaitic inscriptions from Birak al‐Wisād
Authors: al‐Ghul Omar
Published: February 2021

The four new inscriptions tackled here were written by four persons, three from the same social group ʾl ʾty, a hitherto sparsely attested group. They came to Birak al‐Wisād most probably seeking water and pasture for their animals and might have settled there from early summer until late summer. They designated the source of water they came to as nhy. After considering the epigraphic, linguistic and archaeological information, the paper confirms that this word should be understood as “pool”. In addition, the four inscriptions delivered two so far unattested personal names, Wrṯn and Ḫmrt. For the first time in Safaitic inscriptions, one of the inscriptions introduced the expression w wrd h‐ʾwl ʾns1 “And he went down to the water as the first of (all) people”.
Translating preclinical models of alcohol seeking and consumption into the human laboratory using intravenous alcohol self‐administration paradigms
Authors: Cyders Melissa A. , Plawecki Martin H. , Whitt Zachary T. , Kosobud Ann E.K. , Kareken David A. , Zimmermann Ulrich S. , O'Connor Sean J.
Published: February 2021

Preclinical models of alcohol use disorder (AUD) have advanced theoretical, mechanistic, and pharmacological study of the human condition. “Liking” and “wanting” behaviors reflect core processes underlying several models of AUD. However, the development and application of translational models of these preclinical approaches are at an incipient stage. The goal of this study was to examine how intravenous free‐access and progressive‐ratio, operant‐response human alcohol self‐administration paradigms can be used as translational human model parallels of preclinical “liking” and “wanting.” Participants were 40 adults (mean age = 23.7, SD = 2.0; 45% female) of European descent who reported 12.6 drinking days (SD = 5.2) out of the previous 30 (average = 4.1 drinks per drinking day [SD = 1.7]). Individuals diverged in their alcohol self‐administration behavior, such that free‐access and progressive‐ratio paradigm outcomes were not significantly correlated (p = 0.44). Free‐access alcohol seeking was related to enjoying alcohol (p < 0.001), but not craving (p = 0.48), whereas progressive‐ratio seeking at similar levels of alcohol exposure was related to craving (p = 0.02), but not enjoying (p = 0.30). Family history of alcoholism, venturesomeness traits, and disinhibition traits were unrelated (ps > 0.70) to preferred level of breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) in the free‐access session, a measure of liking alcohol. Family history of alcoholism, disinhibition traits, and recent drinking history were significantly related (ps < 0.05) to alcohol seeking in the progressive‐ratio paradigm, a measure of wanting alcohol. We conclude that intravenous alcohol self‐administration paradigms show promise in modeling behaviors that characterize and parallel alcohol “liking” and “wanting” in preclinical models. These paradigms provide a translational link between preclinical methods and clinical trials.
Roan, ticked and clear coat patterns in the canine are associated with three haplotypes near usherin on CFA38
Authors: Brancalion L. , Haase B. , Mazrier H. , Willet C. E. , Lindblad‐Toh K. , Lingaas F. , Wade C. M.
Published: February 2021

White coat patterning is a feature of many dog breeds and is known to be coded primarily by the gene micropthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF). This patterning in the coat can be modified by other factors to produce the attractive phenotypes termed ‘ticked’ and ‘roan’ that describe the presence of flecks of color that vary in distribution and intensity within otherwise ‘clear’ white markings. The appearance of the pigment in the white patterning caused by ticking and roaning intensifies in the weeks after birth. We applied genome‐wide association to compare English Cocker Spaniels of roan phenotype (N = 34) with parti‐color (non‐roan) English Cocker Spaniels (N = 9) and identified an associated locus on CFA 38, CFA38:11 057 040 (Praw = 8.9 × 10−10, Pgenome = 2.7 × 10−5). A local case–control association in English Springer Spaniels comparing 11 ticked and six clear dogs identified indicative association with a different haplotype, CFA38:11 122 467G>T (Praw = 1.7 × 10−5) and CFA38:11 124 294A>C (Praw = 1.7 × 10−5). We characterize three haplotypes in Spaniels according to their putative functional variant profiles at CFA38:11 111 286C>T (missense), CFA38:11 131 841–11 143 239DUP.insTTAA (using strongly linked marker CFA38:11 143 243C>T) and CFA38:11 156 425T>C (splice site). In Spaniels, the haplotypes work as an allelic series including alleles (t, recessive clear; T, dominant ticked/parti‐color; and TR, incomplete dominant roan) to control the appearance of pigmented spots or flecks in otherwise white areas of the canine coat. In Spaniels the associated haplotypes are t (CCT), T (TCC) and TR (TTT) for SNP markers on CFA38 at 11 111 286C>T, 11 143 243C>T and 11 156 425T>C respectively. It is likely that other alleles exist in this series and together the haplotypes result in a complex range of patterning that is only visible when dogs have white patterning resulting from the epistatic gene Micropthalmia‐associated transcription factor (the S‐locus).
Health service utilisation and health outcomes of residential aged care residents referred to a hospital avoidance program: A multi‐site retrospective quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Testa Luke , Hardy James E. , Jepson Therese , Braithwaite Jeffrey , Mitchell Rebecca J.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To compare the health system utilisation patterns and health outcomes of residential aged care facility (RACF) residents reviewed by a hospital avoidance program to those of RACF residents who received usual care.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation of a hospital avoidance program provided by a hospital‐based medical and nursing outreach team. Residents reviewed by the program were randomly matched 1:1 to comparison group residents based on age group, sex and number of co‐morbidities. Number of hospital admissions, excess hospital length of stay and excess hospital treatment costs were compared.

Results

Residents reviewed by the program spent an average 9‐10 days fewer in hospital with AUD$2,091 to $8,014 lower hospital treatment costs compared to comparison group residents.

Conclusion

Rapid provision of outreach services for the management of acute care of RACF residents may reduce the number of days residents spend in hospital, as well as reducing the associated hospital treatment costs.
Chinese Technology Transfer to Local Farmers in the Russian Far East
Authors: Yi Fujin , Gudaj Richard T. , Arefieva Valeria , Yanbykh Renata , Mishchuk Svetlana , Potenko Tatiana A. , Zhou Jiayi , Zuenko Ivan
Published: February 2021

The availability of large areas of uncultivated land in the Russian Far East (RFE) and the close proximity of millions of skilled, landless farmers in northeastern China has created an opportunity for cooperation in developing the eastern frontier of Russia with Chinese technology. Some Russian scientists claim that there is no advanced technology used in Chinese cultivation. Chinese scientists believe that Russian agricultural technology and genetic seed development stopped in the 1960s. Until now, no economic research has been conducted to determine empirically whether technology transfer is feasible. We applied an econometric model to analyze whether Chinese farmers in the RFE have transferred knowledge of leading plant cultivation methods. We find some evidence of improved yields among Russian farmers who communicate with Chinese farmers in the RFE, strongly suggesting that informal technology transfer is taking place.
Political Determinants of Economic Exchange: Evidence from a Business Experiment in Senegal
Authors: Bhandari Abhit
Published: February 2021

Economic growth requires confidence in the state's ability to enforce secure exchange. But when states selectively enforce rule of law, political considerations can moderate the trust that buyers have in sellers. I argue that political connections produce moral hazard in exchange because they introduce biases in expectations of judicial enforcement. Buyers avoid trade with politically connected sellers, and, in this context of unequal enforcement, formal contracts disproportionately protect politically connected buyers. To examine these features of connections and contracts, I created a sales business in Senegal and randomized whether employees signaled political connections and/or offered formal contracts during transactions. The results show that political connections decreased buyers' willingness to exchange. Formal contracts increased exchange, though primarily for connected buyers. These findings show that asymmetric political connections can impede daily trade and intensify economic inequalities in developing contexts, while simultaneously demonstrating the limits of state institutions for mitigating politically driven moral hazard.
Overview of oral tolerance induction for prevention of food allergy—Where are we now?
Authors: Krawiec Marta , Fisher Helen R. , Du Toit George , Bahnson Henry T. , Lack Gideon
Published: February 2021

Oral tolerance induction through early introduction of allergenic food has proven effective in randomized controlled trials. This new approach to weaning has been incorporated into many national and international infants’ feeding guidelines. However, there are questions that require further discussion, such as, which foods should be introduced early, should the intervention be targeted to infants at high‐risk or to the general population, and what is the ideal timing for early food introduction. This review examines the extent to which recent trials address these critical questions and highlights areas where further research is required.
Pertussis in infants in Nordic countries
Authors: Bhavsar Amit , Mertsola Jussi , Poulsen Anja , Silfverdal Sven‐Arne
Published: February 2021

Aim

A life‐course immunisation approach is required to prevent and control pertussis. We aimed at reviewing pertussis incidence among infants in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, and at putting these data in the context of national surveillance systems and vaccination schedules.

Methods

We collected 2014–2018 data on pertussis incidence, on pertussis vaccination schedules and on coverage of the third dose of the diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine from publicly available sources. We gathered opinions on national surveillance systems from public health and paediatrics experts of the relevant countries.

Results

The pertussis vaccination schedules and coverage in infancy were similar across countries. All countries except Denmark recommended an additional booster vaccine dose for adolescents. None of the countries had maternal immunisation recommendation. Mean pertussis incidence in Denmark, Sweden and Finland was 168, 76 and 35 per 100,000 infant‐years, respectively. Data were insufficient to derive a mean incidence in Norway. There were no systematic differences in the national surveillance systems across the countries.

Conclusion

The higher mean pertussis incidence in Denmark may be explained by the lack of recommendations for adolescent pertussis booster vaccination. Further investigations are warranted.
Duration of mechanical ventilation and prediction of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and home oxygen in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Dassios Theodore , Williams Emma E. , Hickey Ann , Greenough Anne
Published: February 2021

Aim

To determine whether the duration of invasive ventilation predicted the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and need for discharge home on supplementary oxygen in extremely preterm infants.

Methods

Retrospective whole‐population study of all infants <28 weeks of gestation admitted to a neonatal unit in England between 2014 and 2018. BPD development was defined as any respiratory support at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. The performance of the duration of mechanical ventilation to predict BPD or discharge home on oxygen was assessed by receiver operator characteristic curve analysis.

Results

The 11,806 infants had a median (IQR) gestational age of 26.0(24.9–27.1) weeks and birthweight of 0.81(0.67–0.96) kg. At discharge from neonatal care, 9,415 infants (79.7%) were alive. The incidence of BPD was 57.5% and of home oxygen 29.4%. Mechanical ventilation duration had areas under the curve of 0.793 and 0.703 in predicting BPD and home oxygen, respectively. Mechanical ventilation for >8 days predicted BPD development with 71% sensitivity and 71% specificity and mechanical ventilation for >10 days predicted discharge on home oxygen with 66% sensitivity and 65% specificity.

Conclusion

In extremely preterm infants, the duration of invasive support predicted BPD and need for home oxygen with moderate sensitivity and specificity.
The validity of the Language Environment Analysis system in two neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Ståhlberg‐Forsén Eva , Aija Anette , Kaasik Birgit , Latva Reija , Ahlqvist‐Björkroth Sari , Toome Liis , Lehtonen Liisa , Stolt Suvi
Published: February 2021

Aim

To evaluate the validity of the Language Environment Analysis (LENA) system's automatic measures in two neonatal intensive care units supporting parent‐infant closeness, and in two Finno‐Ugric languages: Finnish and Estonian.

Methods

The sound environment of 70 very preterm infants was recorded for 16 h in the neonatal intensive care units with the LENA system roughly at the gestational age of 32 (+2) weeks. Of these, the recordings of 14 infants (20%, two 5‐min samples with a high percentage of speech, totally 140 min) were analysed in detail and in two different ways. Parental closeness diaries were used to document the presence of the parents. Agreements between LENA system and human coder estimates were analysed.

Results

Findings showed a high variation in agreements. The highest agreements were found in female and adult word counts (r = 0.91 and 0.95). The agreements for child vocalisation count, conversational turns and silence were modest or low (r = −0.03 to 0.64).

Conclusion

Our study provides novel information on the validity of the LENA system in the neonatal intensive care unit. Findings show that the LENA system provides valid information on adult words, but LENA estimates for child vocalisations were less valid at this early age.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in fatal ventricular arrhythmias
Authors: Wongtanasarasin Wachira , Siri‐Angkul Natthaphat , Wittayachamnankul Borwon , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: February 2021

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remain some of the most important public health concerns worldwide. For the past 50 years, the recommendation in the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) guidelines has been that defibrillation is the only option for shockable cardiac arrest. There is growing evidence to demonstrate that mitochondria play a vital role in the outcome of postresuscitation cardiac function. Although targeting mitochondria to improve resuscitation outcome following cardiac arrest has been proposed for many years, understanding concerning the changes in mitochondria during cardiac arrest, especially in the case of VF, is still limited. In addition, despite new research initiatives and improved medical technology, the overall survival rates of patients with SCA still remain the same. Understanding cardiac mitochondrial alterations during fatal arrhythmias may help to enable the formulation of strategies to improve the outcomes of resuscitation. The attenuation of cardiac mitochondrial dysfunction during VF through pharmacological intervention as well as ischaemic postconditioning could also be a promising target for intervention and inform a new paradigm of treatments. In this review, the existing evidence available from in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies regarding the roles of mitochondrial dysfunction during VF is comprehensively summarized and discussed. In addition, the effects of interventions targeting cardiac mitochondria during fatal ventricular arrhythmias are presented. Since there are no clinical reports from studies targeting mitochondria to improve resuscitation outcome available, this review will provide important information to encourage further investigations in a clinical setting.
Trade Liberalization and Income Distribution in Vietnam: Dynamic CGE Approach*
Authors: Nguyen Manh Toan , Dang Tung Lam , Huynh Thi Hong Hanh
Published: February 2021

This study examines the influence of trade liberalization on income distribution among different household groups in Vietnam using the dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) framework. To accomplish this objective, we developed a multi‐sector, multi‐household dynamic CGE model and the corresponding social accounting matrix for Vietnam. Our simulation results show that in the long run, all household groups can enjoy an improvement in their welfare because the increase in the budget for consumption of all groups is large enough to outweigh the negative effect of changes in consumption prices. We also find that while trade liberalization is positively associated with economic growth and national welfare, it also increases the income disparities between rich and poor households, between rural and urban areas, and among rural people as well as among urban people.
Carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs fed with cassava foliage hay and spineless cactus
Authors: Lima Amanda Silva de , Silva José Fábio dos Santos , Souza Mariah Tenório de Carvalho , Vieira Marianna Suellen Bispo , Praxedes Raniallef França , Ribeiro Julimar do Sacramento , Cardoso Daniel Barros , Rangel Adriano Henrique do Nascimento , Carvalho Francisco Fernando Ramos de , Lima Júnior Dorgival Morais de
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the total or partial replacement of Tifton 85 hay (TH) by cassava foliage hay (CH) and/or spineless cactus (SC) on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of confined lambs. Thirty‐five Dorper x Santa Inês crossbred lambs were used, with an initial average weight of 16.0 ± 1.9 kg, fed with five treatment diets: 70% TH, 70% CH, 35% TH + 35% CH, 35% TH + 35% SC, and 35% CH + 35% SC. After 90 days of confinement, the animals were slaughtered and the carcass and meat data were compared using the Tukey test at 5%. The partial replacement of TH by SC increased the cold carcass weight by 3.9 kg (p < .05). The proportion of fat (%) increased (p < .05) when TH was replaced by CH + SC. The intensity of red (a*) was lower (p < .05) in the meat of animals fed with CH or CH + SC. It is recommended to partially replace TH with SC, or to replace totally with CH in association with SC.