bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
0949 Should Parents and Children Share the Same Bed? A Systematic Review of the Consequences of Bedsharing on Sleep and Child Development
Authors: Morneau A , Vallieres A
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Bedsharing is a common practice worldwide except in Western societies where it is more controversial. The advantages and disadvantages of bedsharing on child health, safety, and development have been widely debated. This study examines the potential consequences of bedsharing on sleep and child development.

Methods

The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and the University librarian advisor. Height electronic data base were searched with no limit on date. To be selected, studies must include only regular practice of bedsharing, have been conducted with children sharing the bed with their parents before the age of three, use an observational design, and present results on sleep quality or duration. The effect of bedsharing was assessed with six outcome measures: sleep quality, sleep duration, attachment quality, autonomy and independence, cognitive skills, as well as emotional and behavioural problems. Due to high heterogeneity in the measures used between studies, a narrative synthesis was done. Studies’ quality was assessed using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network framework.

Results

A total of 28 publications were included, 17 of which were cross-sectional and 11 prospective studies. The studies were carried out between 1989 and 2017 in 25 countries. Sample sizes range from 41 to 55,831 participants aged from 6-week to 18-year old. Samples presented an equivalent amount of boys and girls. 16 studies reported data only on sleep, 7 only on child development, and 5 on both. The quality of the studies was considered low and moderate. For sleep, studies have shown a significant increase in the number of nocturnal awakenings among children who share the parental bed. Evidence of an association between bedsharing and other sleep parameters (difficulty falling asleep, resistance to bedtime, and sleep duration) is inconclusive. Regarding child development, only three studies found a positive impact on autonomy, cognitive skills, and anxiety. The absence of significant results in the remaining studies suggests that bedsharing is not a determining factor in child development.

Conclusion

The heterogeneity between studies and the quality of available data prevents definitive conclusions about the effects of regular bedsharing on sleep and child development.

Support

No financial support
0950 Effects of Sodium Oxybate (SXB) on Body Mass Index (BMI) in Pediatric Patients With Narcolepsy
Authors: Dauvilliers Y , Lammers G J , Lecendreux M , Plazzi G , Maski K , Kansagra S , Mignot E , Menno D , Wang Y , Rosen C L
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Obesity is a common comorbidity of pediatric narcolepsy. SXB is a standard of care for cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy. BMI decreases have been observed with SXB treatment. We examined BMI changes by BMI percentile category at study entry in pediatric participants.

Methods

Participants were aged 7-17 years with narcolepsy with cataplexy. SXB-naive participants were titrated to an optimal SXB dose, then entered a 2-week stable-dose period; participants taking SXB at study entry entered a 3-week stable-dose period. After a 2-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized-withdrawal period, all participants entered an open-label safety period (total study duration: ≤1 year). Weight categories were defined using BMI percentiles at study entry based on growth charts from the Centers for Disease Control. BMI percentile was categorized as: underweight (<5%ile), normal (≥5%ile to <85%ile), overweight (≥85%ile to<95%ile), obese (≥95%ile).

Results

Among SXB-naive participants, median (Q1, Q3) BMI percentile decreased with SXB treatment in participants who were categorized as normal-weight and overweight/obese at baseline (normal-weight, n=16: 76.5 [57.8, 82.4] at baseline, 35.0 [20.5, 62.6] at week 52; overweight/obese, n=35: 97.6 [93.6, 99.1] at baseline, 86.7 [72.5, 97.9] at week 52). Of participants who were normal-weight at baseline, 15/16 remained normal-weight at week 52. Of participants who were overweight at baseline, 9/10 were normal-weight at week 52. Of participants who were obese at baseline, 7/25 were normal-weight, 3/25 were overweight, and 15/25 remained obese at week 52. Among participants taking SXB at study entry, BMI percentile decreased, but to a lesser degree. Decreased weight or weight loss was reported as an adverse event in 13 participants (11 SXB-naive; 1 participant withdrew). Four participants became underweight during the study but returned to normal-weight by study end.

Conclusion

Decreases in BMI percentile and category were observed with SXB treatment in pediatric participants with narcolepsy.

Support

Jazz Pharmaceuticals
0968 Sleep-disordered Breathing In Schaaf-yang Syndrome
Authors: Powell W , Rech M , Schaaf C , Wrede J
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Schaaf-Yang Syndrome (SYS) is a genetic disorder caused by truncating variants in the MAGEL2 gene located in the maternally imprinted, paternally expressed Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) region at 15q11-13. The SYS phenotype shares features with PWS, a disorder with known high incidence of central and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However the spectrum of sleep-disordered breathing in SYS has not been described.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of polysomnograms from 22 of the known 115 patients with molecular diagnosis of SYS. Sleep characteristics including total sleep time, latency, efficiency, % sleep stages, apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), obstructive index, central index, and oxygenation were analyzed for the whole group and by truncation location (c.1996dupC variants [n=11] or other locations [n=11]). Only the initial diagnostic study or initial diagnostic portion of a split-night study was used in analysis (analytic n=21).

Results

We collected 33 sleep study reports from 22 patients, ages 2 months - 18.5 years. Mean analyzed sleep time was 357 minutes (129-589 min) with mean sleep efficiency of 71.45% (45-94%) and sleep latency of 24.8 minutes (0-146 min). The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 19.1/hr (0.9 -49/hr) with mean obstructive AHI of 16.3 (0.6-49/hr). Mean central index was 2.8/hr (0-14/hr). 18/21 (86%) were diagnosed with OSA, and 13/21 (62%) with moderate or severe OSA (oAHI >5/hr). Central sleep apnea was diagnosed in 2/21 (9.5%). 15 studies reported periodic limb movement index (PLMI) with mean of 7.8 (0-67/hr) and 4/15 (26%) with PLMI >5. Comparison of genotype groups did not reveal any difference in presence of OSA or severity of OSA.

Conclusion

OSA is frequently identified on polysomnography in patients with SYS. Central sleep apnea is less common, which is in contrast to PWS. The majority of patients with OSA had moderate or severe OSA, and 47% had severe OSA.

Support

N/A
0985 Utility Of A Rest-activity Ratio In A Pediatric Brain Injury Rehabilitation Sample: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lequerica A , Lengenfelder J , Genova H , Shoval H A , Marchetta C , Yalamanchi K , DeLuca J
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Sleep is an important element of health that can impact daytime performance in brain injury rehabilitation. Actigraphy in a pediatric inpatient setting can pose challenges when there are increased amounts of time spent in a hospital bed. A rest-activity ratio (Duclos et al., 2013) has demonstrated utility in adult brain injury populations, showing sensitivity to improved regulation of the sleep-wake cycle as individuals recover during their hospitalization. The present study sought to examine the utility of this ratio in differentiating children with and without acquired brain injury (ABI).

Methods

Sixteen individuals, ages 8-16 (M=12.6, SD=2.4) admitted to an inpatient pediatric rehabilitation hospital wore an actigraph over a 7-day period. Eight inpatients were being treated for ABI whereas another 8 inpatients treated for other, non-neurological conditions served as a control. Raw activity counts across the 24-hour period were analyzed to derive a rest-activity ratio.

Results

Those with ABI had lower average ratios (0.73) compared with patients without ABI (0.84), F(1,14)=4.3, p=0.058. Individuals with ratios of 0.85 or higher were rated by their physical therapists as being more alert during therapy using a 5-point Likert scale, F(1,14)=4.1, p=0.061. While these results were marginally significant, this pilot sample was small, and the effect sizes were large (eta squared = 0.234 and 0.229 respectively).

Conclusion

The rest-activity ratio successfully distinguished those with ABI from a non-ABI sample. This preliminary evidence in a pediatric sample suggests that this ratio, shown to be sensitive to the effects of brain injury on sleep-wake regulation, may be a useful metric in the inpatient pediatric rehabilitation setting when sleep diaries may be difficult to obtain and patients may be spending more time in bed while awake. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to explore the correlates of this ratio with other aspects of rehabilitation after pediatric brain injury.

Support

This study was funded in part through a generous grant from the Church & Dwight Employee Giving Fund
0986 Positive Airway Pressure Care And Cleaning Practices In The Pediatric Home
Authors: Pruss K K , Willis D , Spray B J , Jambhekar S
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The Sleep Clinic at Arkansas Children’s follows approximately 300 children who require positive airway pressure (PAP) at home. The clinic respiratory therapist provides oral and written cleaning instructions while some physicians choose to provide their own instructions. The home equipment company who supplies PAP in the home also gives cleaning instructions. The different routes of information given may result in inconsistent practices. It is extremely important to clean PAP equipment as directed as infection and illness may result from improper cleaning.

Methods

Caregivers of children who utilize home PAP devices were invited to complete an anonymous survey regarding cleaning practices during a Sleep clinic appointment. Data were collected electronically. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize results.

Results

There were 96 participants of whom 90% (87/96) were parents/caregivers. The mean age of the equipment user was 12 years and most were male (69%, 66/96). The mean length of time the equipment had been used was 2.6 years (SD 3.2). The majority of respondents, 67% (64/95), identified the parent/caregiver as responsible for cleaning. Only 25% (24/96) reported cleaning the mask daily as recommended; 43% (41/96) of participants reported cleaning tubing weekly; 27% (26/96) reported cleaning the water chamber daily by while most reported at least weekly (47%, 45/96). The majority, 58% (56/96) reported emptying the water chamber daily and using distilled water (81%, 74/96). Most respondents did not note respiratory symptoms starting/increasing with PAP (67%, 64/96). Of those with respiratory symptoms attributed to PAP, congestion was the most common (79%, 11/14).

Conclusion

There is a discrepancy between recommended and actual practices for cleaning PAP equipment. No significant association was found between the duration of PAP use and cleaning practices. However, a moderately low correlation between age and cleaning was identified. Increased age was associated with decreased cleaning practices.

Support
Growing in time: exploring the molecular mechanisms of tree growth
Authors: Singh Rajesh Kumar , Bhalerao Rishikesh P , Eriksson Maria E
Published: May 2020

Trees cover vast areas of the Earth’s landmasses. They mitigate erosion, capture carbon dioxide, produce oxygen and support biodiversity, and also are a source of food, raw materials and energy for human populations. Understanding the growth cycles of trees is fundamental for many areas of research. Trees, like most other organisms, have evolved a circadian clock to synchronize their growth and development with the daily and seasonal cycles of the environment. These regular changes in light, daylength and temperature are perceived via a range of dedicated receptors and cause resetting of the circadian clock to local time. This allows anticipation of daily and seasonal fluctuations and enables trees to co-ordinate their metabolism and physiology to ensure vital processes occur at the optimal times. In this review, we explore the current state of knowledge concerning the regulation of growth and seasonal dormancy in trees, using information drawn from model systems such as Populus spp.
Effectiveness of different acupuncture courses for functional constipation
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Dong , Xu Mingmin , Cao Wei , Liu Ying , Hou Tinghui , Zheng Qianhua , Li Ying
Published: May 2020

Background:

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of different acupuncture courses for functional constipation (FC) through network meta-analysis.

Methods:

Eight database (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) and Wanfang Database) will be searched from inception to October 2019. Only randomized controlled trials comparing different acupuncture courses or acupuncture versus sham acupuncture or placebo will be included. The outcomes involved weekly stool frequency, Bristol Fecal score, responder rate and safety evaluation. The risk of bias assessment and quality of evidence will be appraised using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. RevMan 5.3 software, STATA V.14.0 and GeMTC software will be used to perform the network meta-analysis.

Results:

This work will compare and arrange the comparative efficacy of different acupuncture treatments for FC by summarizing the current evidences. The results will be submitted in the form of a journal publication.

Conclusion:

The results of this network meta-analysis may help doctors determine the best treatments for patients to manage FC.

PROSPERO registration number:

CRD42020153801.
Effect of propofol-based procedural sedation on risk of adverse events in a French emergency department: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Muller Barbara , Michalon Arnaud , Reuillard Adrien , Holman Anne Marie , Guihard Bertrand , Combes Xavier
Published: May 2020

Objectives:

Propofol is widely used today outside the operating room to facilitate painful procedures. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the frequency and type of complications related to a propofol-based procedural sedation protocol used in a French emergency department.

Methods:

This retrospective study reviewed the records over a 6-year period of all patients—adults and children—who received propofol for procedural sedation according to a pre-established protocol. The frequency and type of adverse events related to this sedation were recorded. Adverse events were classified according to the World Society of Intra-Veinous Anaesthesia International Sedation Task Force as sentinel, moderate, minor, or minimal.

Results:

During the study period, 602 patients—395 adults (66%) and 207 (34%) children—received propofol. The main indications for procedural sedation were fracture (n = 327) and dislocation (n = 222) reduction, pleural drain placement (n = 34), and abscess incision (n = 12). Among the 602 consecutive cases, we identified 90 adverse events (14.9%; 95% confidence interval: 12–17.7%). These 90 events were classified as 1 sentinel (hypotension episode), 5 moderate (2 airway obstruction and 3 apnea episodes), 83 minor, and 1 minimal risk-averse events. There were no adverse outcomes.

Conclusion:

Nearly all of the adverse events in our series were minor. In the French medical system, the use of propofol outside the operating room by non-anesthesiologist physicians for procedural sedation appears safe.
Using Social Media for Rapid Information Dissemination in a Pandemic: #PedsICU and Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Kudchadkar Sapna R. , Carroll Christopher L.
Published: May 2020

Objective:

To describe the impact of a strategy for international collaboration and rapid information dissemination on Twitter among the pediatric critical care community during a global pandemic.

Design:

Analysis of #PedsICU and coronavirus disease 2019 Twitter data in the Symplur Signals Database between February 1, 2020, and May 1, 2020.

Setting:

Social media platform Twitter.

Patients:

None.

Interventions:

Promotion of the joint usage of #PedsICU and #COVID19 throughout the international pediatric critical care community in tweets relevant to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and pediatric critical care.

Measurements and Main Results:

We collected data on all tweets containing the hashtag #PedsICU in addition to those containing both #PedsICU and coronavirus disease 2019 hashtags. Tweets including #PedsICU were shared 49,865 times on six continents between February 1, 2020, and May 1, 2020; between February 1 and March 13, only 8% of #PedsICU tweets included a coronavirus disease 2019 hashtag. After a sharp rise during the week of March 14, 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 content has dominated the #PedsICU conversation on Twitter, comprising 69% of both #PedsICU tweets and impressions (p < 0.001). The most commonly used coronavirus disease 2019 hashtag over the study period was #COVID19 (69%). Proportionately, a greater percentage of #PedsICU tweets including the coronavirus disease 2019 hashtag (vs not) had images or videos (45% vs 41%; p < 0.001). In addition, non–physician healthcare providers were the largest group of users (46%) of the combination of #PedsICU and coronavirus disease 2019 hashtags. The most popular tweets shared on Twitter were open-access resources, including links for updated literature, narrative reviews, and educational videos relevant to coronavirus disease 2019 clinical care. Concurrent hashtags and words in tweets containing #PedsICU and coronavirus disease 2019 hashtags spanned several different disciplines and topics in pediatric critical care.

Conclusion:

Twitter has been used widely for real-time information sharing and collaboration among the international pediatric critical care community during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Targeted use of #PedsICU and #COVID19 for engagement on Twitter is a conduit to combat misinformation and optimize reach to pediatric critical care stakeholders across the globe when rapid dissemination is needed.
Revisiting the pathogenic role of insulin resistance in Duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy subphenotypes
Authors: AbdelMassih Antoine Fakhry , Esmail Reem , Zekri Hanan , Kharabish Ahmed , ElKhashab Khaled , Menshawey Rahma , Ismail Habiba-Allah , Afdal Peter , Farid Erini , Affifi Omneya
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is known to impact the subepicardial layer of the myocardium through chronic inflammation. Recent animal studies have shown predominant subendocardial involvement in rats with DMD. The primary outcome parameter was to determine by cardiovascular MRI (CMR) if two differential patterns of myocardial involvements exist in DMD; the secondary outcome parameters were to correlate the observed pattern with metabolic markers such as insulin resistance measures.

Methods

Forty patients with DMD were screened using CMR to determine which of them had predominantly subendocardial dysfunction (SENDO group), or subepicardial/midmyocardial involvement (SEPMI group). Patients were subjected to body mass index measurement, serum creatinine kinase, serum lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, fasting glucose-insulin ratio (FGIR), full lipid profile, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricle E/E´ ratio (the ratio of early mitral inflow velocity to average early diastolic velocities of the basal septum and mitral annulus) for left ventricle diastolic function, and myocardial layer strain discriminating echocardiography (MLSD-STE). Results: 26 patients displayed SENDO while 34 displayed SEPMI. SENDO group displayed overt insulin resistance; (FGIR (SENDO: 7 ± 1 vs. SEPMI: 5 ± 1, P < 0.001). FGIR was negatively correlated with Subendocardial Global Longitudinal Strain (ENDO-LS) with r = −0.75.

Conclusion

DMD does not seem to influence the heart uniformly; DMD cardiomyopathy probably has two separate phenotypes with different mechanisms. Insulin resistance might be implicated in its pathogenesis and its reversal may help to slow disease progression.
Paroxysmal oculogyric dystonia associated with a de novo 3q29 microdeletion
Authors: Kaur Harsimran , Thom Robyn P. , Neumeyer Ann M. , Bilancia Colleen G. , Wray Shirley H. , McDougle Christopher J.
Published: May 2020

3q29 deletion syndrome is caused by a heterozygous 1.6 Mb deletion on chromosome 3, which occurs in about 1 in 30 000 births. Phenotypic features of this syndrome include mild-to-moderate intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, slightly dysmorphic facial features, ataxic gait, and chest-wall deformity. Gastrointestinal disorders, dental abnormalities, feeding problems during infancy, recurrent ear infections, and heart defects have also been observed. Since the incidence of the deletion is rare, the phenotype has not been fully described, particularly in adults. This report describes a young adult female with 3q29 deletion syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and anxiety who experienced a sustained, non-medication induced paroxysmal oculogyric dystonia which responded to anticholinergic and antihistaminic medications. This is the first report of paroxysmal oculogyric dystonia associated with this deletion, possibly expanding the phenotypic features of this microdeletion syndrome.
C-terminal eYFP fusion impairs
Escherichia coli
MinE function
Authors: Palanisamy Navaneethan , Öztürk Mehmet Ali , Akmeriç Emir Bora , Di Ventura Barbara
Published: May 2020

The
Escherichia coli
Min system plays an important role in the proper placement of the septum ring at mid-cell during cell division. MinE forms a pole-to-pole spatial oscillator with the membrane-bound ATPase MinD, resulting in MinD concentration being the lowest at mid-cell. MinC, the direct inhibitor of the septum initiator protein FtsZ, forms a complex with MinD at the membrane, mirroring its polar gradients. Therefore, MinC-mediated FtsZ inhibition occurs away from mid-cell. Min oscillations are often studied in living cells by time-lapse microscopy using fluorescently labelled Min proteins. Here, we show that, despite permitting oscillations to occur in a range of protein concentrations, the enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) C-terminally fused to MinE impairs its function. Combining
in vivo
,
in vitro
and
in silico
approaches, we demonstrate that eYFP compromises the ability of MinE to displace MinC from MinD, to stimulate MinD ATPase activity and to directly bind to the membrane. Moreover, we reveal that MinE-eYFP is prone to aggregation.
In silico
analyses predict that other fluorescent proteins are also likely to compromise several functionalities of MinE, suggesting that the results presented here are not specific to eYFP.
Methods of inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 for downstream biological assays
Authors: Patterson Edward I. , Prince Tessa , Anderson Enyia R. , Casas-Sanchez Aitor , Smith Shirley L. , Cansado-Utrilla Cintia , Turtle Lance , Hughes Grant L.
Published: May 2020

The scientific community has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by rapidly undertaking research to find effective strategies to reduce the burden of this disease. Encouragingly, researchers from a diverse array of fields are collectively working towards this goal. Research with infectious SARS-CoV-2 is undertaken in high containment laboratories, however, it is often desirable to work with samples at lower containment levels. To facilitate the transfer of infectious samples from high containment laboratories, we have tested methods commonly used to inactivate virus and prepare the sample for additional experiments. Incubation at 80°C, and a range of detergents and UV energies were successful at inactivating a high titre of SARS-CoV-2. These protocols can provide a framework for in house inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in other laboratories, ensuring the safe use of samples in lower containment levels.
A ubiquitin-based mechanism for the oligogenic inheritance of heterotaxy and heart defects
Authors: Kong Jennifer H. , Young Cullen B. , Pusapati Ganesh V. , Patel Chandni B. , Ho Sebastian , Krishnan Arunkumar , Lin Jiuann-Huey Ivy , Devine William , Moreau de Bellaing Anne , Athni Tejas S. , Aravind L. , Gunn Teresa M. , Lo Cecilia W. , Rohatgi Rajat
Published: May 2020

The etiology of congenital heart defects (CHDs), amongst the most common human birth defects, is poorly understood partly because of its complex genetic architecture. Here we show that two genes previously implicated in CHDs,Megf8andMgrn1, interact genetically and biochemically to regulate the strength of Hedgehog signaling in target cells. MEGF8, a single-pass transmembrane protein, and MGRN1, a RING superfamily E3 ligase, assemble to form a transmembrane ubiquitin ligase complex that catalyzes the ubiquitination and degradation of the Hedgehog pathway transducer Smoothened. HomozygousMegf8andMgrn1mutations increased Smoothened abundance and elevated sensitivity to Hedgehog ligands. While mice heterozygous for loss-of-functionMegf8orMgrn1mutations were normal, double heterozygous embryos exhibited an incompletely penetrant syndrome of CHDs with heterotaxy. Thus, genetic interactions between components of a receptor-like ubiquitin ligase complex that tunes morphogen signaling strength can cause a birth defect syndrome inherited in an oligogenic pattern.
Quantitative analysis questions the role of MeCP2 as a global regulator of alternative splicing
Authors: Chhatbar Kashyap , Cholewa-Waclaw Justyna , Shah Ruth , Bird Adrian , Sanguinetti Guido
Published: May 2020

MeCP2 is an abundant protein in mature nerve cells, where it binds to DNA sequences containing methylated cytosine. Mutations in theMECP2gene cause the severe neurological disorder Rett syndrome (RTT), provoking intensive study of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Multiple functions have been proposed, one of which involves a regulatory role in splicing. Here we leverage the recent availability of high-quality transcriptomic data sets to probe quantitatively the potential influence of MeCP2 on alternative splicing. Using a variety of machine learning approaches that can capture both linear and non-linear associations, we show that widely different levels of MeCP2 have a minimal effect on alternative splicing in three different systems. Alternative splicing was also apparently indifferent to developmental changes in DNA methylation levels. Our results suggest that regulation of splicing is not a major function of MeCP2. They also highlight the importance of multi-variate quantitative analyses in the formulation of biological hypotheses.
A Comprehensive Public Health Evaluation of Lockdown as a Non-pharmaceutical Intervention on COVID-19 Spread in India: National Trends Masking State Level Variations
Authors: Basu Deepankar , Salvatore Maxwell , Ray Debashree , Kleinsasser Mike , Purkayastha Soumik , Bhattacharyya Rupam , Mukherjee Bhramar
Published: May 2020

Introduction

India has been under four phases of a national lockdown from March 25 to May 31 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unmasking the state-wise variation in the effect of the nationwide lockdown on the progression of the pandemic could inform dynamic policy interventions towards containment and mitigation.

Methods

Using data on confirmed COVID-19 cases across 20 states that accounted for more than 99% of the cumulative case counts in India till May 31, 2020, we illustrate the masking of state-level trends and highlight the variations across states by presenting evaluative evidence on some aspects of the COVID-19 outbreak: case-fatality rates, doubling times of cases, effective reproduction numbers, and the scale of testing.

Results

The estimated effective reproduction number R for India was 3.36 (95% confidence interval (CI): [3.03, 3.71]) on March 24, whereas the average of estimates from May 25 - May 31 stands at 1.27 (95% CI: [1.26, 1.28]). Similarly, the estimated doubling time across India was at 3.56 days on March 24, and the past 7-day average for the same on May 31 is 14.37 days. The average daily number of tests have increased from 1,717 (March 19-25) to 131,772 (May 25-31) with an estimated testing shortfall of 4.58 million tests nationally by May 31. However, various states exhibit substantial departures from these national patterns.

Conclusions

Patterns of change over lockdown periods indicate the lockdown has been effective in slowing the spread of the virus nationally. The COVID-19 outbreak in India displays large state-level variations and identifying these variations can help in both understanding the dynamics of the pandemic and formulating effective public health interventions. Our framework offers a holistic assessment of the pandemic across Indian states and union territories along with a set of interactive visualization tools that are daily updated at covind19.org.
Developing and validation of a questionnaire for assessment of individual’s perceived risk of four major non-communicable diseases in Myanmar
Authors: Mya Kyaw Swa , Zaw Ko Ko , Mya Khay Mar
Published: May 2020

The adopting healthy life styles are greatly influenced by individual’s perceived risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire that can assess the individual’s perceived risk of developing four major NCDs. Exploratory sequential mixed methods design was used. Qualitative part developed the question items pool by conducting two expert panels while quantitative part validated the questionnaire using both exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Separate samples were used for EFA (n=150) and CFA (n=210). The participants were aged between 25-60 years of both sexes with no known history of NCDs. Face to face interview was conducted. Parallel analysis was done to decide the number of factors to be extracted. EFA was done using maximum likelihood method with Promax rotation to extract the underlying factors of perceived risk while CFA was done to assess the goodness of fit of proposed EFA Model using model fit indices. Based on literature search, 86-item questionnaire was firstly generated. During two expert panels, some overlapped items and items that did not represent the specific construct were removed. Experts made sure the content validity of developed 51-item questionnaire which was used to collect data from 360 participants. EFA revealed the five factors model with 22 high loading items which extracted 54% of total variance. CFA proved that hypothesized five factors model of 21-item questionnaire (one item was removed due to low loading) was satisfied with adequate psychometric properties and model fit indices (RMSEA=0.056, CFI=0.921, TLI=0.908, SRMR=0.063 & χ2/df=1.66). Developed 21-item questionnaire was shown to be valid and reliable to assess the perceived risk of developing NCDs among Myanmar population. Further research should be conducted to assess on the utility of the questionnaire in mismatch between risk perception and current risk and individualized counseling for behaviour change communication.
Infoveillance to Analyze Covid19 Impact on Central America Population
Authors: Saire Josimar Edinson Chire , Lemus-Martin Roselyn
Published: May 2020

Infoveillance is an application within the Infodemiology field with the aim of monitoring public health and create public policies. Latin American countries have a different context about economics and health, so Infoveillance can be a useful tool to monitor and improve the decisions and be more strategical during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this paper is to illustrate how data generated through Twitter can be used to help the implementation of strategies to address pandemic emergence in countries with Spanish as a native language in Central America by using a Text Mining Approach with Twitter as a data source in the capital of those countries.
Paternal age in rhesus macaques is positively associated with germline mutation accumulation but not with measures of offspring sociability
Authors: Wang Richard J. , Thomas Gregg W.C. , Raveendran Muthuswamy , Harris R. Alan , Doddapaneni Harshavardhan , Muzny Donna M. , Capitanio John P. , Radivojac Predrag , Rogers Jeffrey , Hahn Matthew W.
Published: May 2020

Mutation is the ultimate source of all genetic novelty and the cause of heritable genetic disorders. Mutational burden has been linked to complex disease, including neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. The rate of mutation is a fundamental genomic parameter and direct estimates of this parameter have been enabled by accurate comparisons of whole-genome sequences between parents and offspring. Studies in humans have revealed that the paternal age at conception explains most of the variation in mutation rate: Each additional year of paternal age in humans leads to approximately 1.5 additional inherited mutations. Here, we present an estimate of the de novo mutation rate in the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) using whole-genome sequence data from 32 individuals in four large pedigrees. We estimated an average mutation rate of 0.58 × 10−8 per base pair per generation (at an average parental age of 7.5 yr), much lower than found in direct estimates from great apes. As in humans, older macaque fathers transmit more mutations to their offspring, increasing the per generation mutation rate by 4.27 × 10−10 per base pair per year. We found that the rate of mutation accumulation after puberty is similar between macaques and humans, but that a smaller number of mutations accumulate before puberty in macaques. We additionally investigated the role of paternal age on offspring sociability, a proxy for normal neurodevelopment, by studying 203 male macaques in large social groups.
Dual-energy crystal-analyzer scheme for spectral tomography
Authors: Zolotov Denis , Buzmakov Alexey , Grigoriev Maxim , Schelokov Igor
Published: May 2020

In the present work, a method for adjusting a crystal analyzer to separate two characteristic lines from the spectrum of a conventional X-ray tube for simultaneous registration of tomographic projections is proposed. The experimental implementation of this method using radiation of a molybdenum anode (Kα1, Kβ lines) and a silicon Si(111) crystal analyzer in Laue geometry is presented. Projection images at different wavelengths are separated in space and can be recorded independently for further processing. Potential uses of this scheme are briefly discussed.
Comprehensive characterization of TSV etching performance with phase-contrast X-ray microtomography
Authors: Li Ke , Deng Biao , Zhang Haipeng , Yu Fucheng , Xue Yanling , Xie Changqing , Ye Tianchun , Xiao Tiqiao
Published: May 2020

Comprehensive evaluation of through-silicon via (TSV) reliability often requires deterministic and 3D descriptions of local morphological and statistical features of via formation with the Bosch process. Here, a highly sensitive phase-contrast X-ray microtomography approach is presented based on recorrection of abnormal projections, which provides comprehensive and quantitative characterization of TSV etching performance. The key idea is to replace the abnormal projections at specific angles in principles of linear interpolation of neighboring projections, and to distinguish the interface between silicon and air by using phase-retrieval algorithms. It is demonstrated that such a scheme achieves high accuracy in obtaining the etch profile based on the 3D microstructure of the vias, including diameter, bottom curvature radius, depth and sidewall angle. More importantly, the 3D profile error of the via sidewall and the consistency of parameters among all the vias are achieved and analyzed statistically. The datasets in the results and the 3D microstructure can be applied directly to a reference and model for further finite element analysis. This method is general and has potentially broad applications in 3D integrated circuits.
Student employment and school-to-work transition: the Russian case
Authors: Dudyrev Fedor , Romanova Olga , Travkin Pavel
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The paradigm of school-to-work transition is changing, with an increasing number of students combining work and study. Furthermore, there exists some mixed evidence for the impact of student employment on future earnings and employment likelihood. The purpose of the present paper is to examine additional evidence that would shed light on the pros and cons of student work as a function of its type (i.e. whether or not it matches the student's field of study). We also discuss practical implications for specialists who facilitate the transition of graduates to the job market.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a quantitative study based on the National Statistical Survey of Graduate Employment (SGE) conducted by the Russian Federal State Statistic Service (Rosstat) in 2016. Statistical methods of data analysis were used (logistic regression, Mincer equations). The analysis is based on two dependent variables as follows: data on graduates' employment and their monthly earnings.

Findings

We show that student work is a predictor of higher employment chances for both university and vocational college graduates. Moreover, the highest employment chances are associated with student work that is well-matched to the field of study. As for earnings, the greatest returns are again associated with work related to education. Jobs unrelated to education significantly correlate with earnings only for university graduates.

Research limitations/implications

An important limitation of the present research is that it estimates the effects of student employment over a rather short-term period by using data on employment just after graduation and only starting salaries. These findings evoke the need for further study of graduate competencies and the process of their acquisition.

Practical implications

Our findings suggest some directions for education development. The results can be used to analyze governmental and other stakeholders' initiatives in the field of vocational and higher education.

Social implications

The research results can be used by a wide range of stakeholders interested in the employment of graduates as a source of data for designing measures for improving graduates' employability.

Originality/value

Our study obtained data on the impact of student work on later employment. Tertiary graduates get returns from all work experience, while VET graduates earn more only if their student employment was consistent with their field of study.
Outdoor education in historical perspective
Authors: Freeman Mark , Seaman Jayson
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The introduction sets out the scope of the special issue and suggests areas for further research.

Design/methodology/approach

This introductory article sets out the rationale and contents of the special issue of History of Education Review on “Outdoor Education in Historical Perspective”. It briefly summarizes the existing state of research and introduces the six articles that comprise the issue.

Findings

The introduction identifies four particular themes that arise from the existing literature and from the diverse contributions to this special issue: transculturality; space and place; religion and spirituality; and personality/personalities.

Originality/value

This special issue contains six original contributions to the study of the history of outdoor education, focussing on different locations in Europe and North America.
The mediating role of innovation culture on the relationship between Six Sigma and organisational performance in Dubai police force
Authors: Alosani Mohammed Saleh , Yusoff Rushami Zien , Al-Ansi Ali Ali , Al-Dhaafri Hassan Saleh
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to empirically examine the relationship between Six Sigma and organisational performance of the Dubai Police Force (DPF). Moreover, this study further explores the role of innovation culture as a mediating variable between this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect research data. The population of the study was composed of head section officers of the DPF. A total of 388 questionnaires were distributed amongst respondents in which 252 of them were returned. Structural equation modelling was performed to test the hypothesised model.

Findings

Central findings confirmed the effect of Six Sigma and innovation culture on organisational performance. Additionally, innovation culture was found to partially mediate the effects of Six Sigma on organisational performance.

Practical implications

Findings from this study may enlighten managers, practitioners and academicians on the importance of using Six Sigma in the policing field. This study advocates taking into account preparing appropriate culture when implementing Six Sigma projects given its role in facilitating the implementation of these projects and achieving success. Six Sigma with innovation culture provides a key opportunity for the creation of uniqueness and has the potential to significantly influence organisational performance.

Originality/value

This study adds to the current knowledge on the role of Six Sigma on organisational performance of police agencies. This study is the first to provide empirical evidence on the mediating role of innovation culture on the relationship between Six Sigma and organisational performance in policing context.
Evaluation of a tertiary sustainability experiential learning program
Authors: Browne Geoffrey R. , Bender Helena , Bradley James , Pang Alexis
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development, promotion and evaluation of sustainability learning experience database (SLED), a university-curated database of sustainability experiences to augment formal student learning. Its purpose was to encourage students to participate in experiential learning, to facilitate students’ critical appraisal of programs ostensibly designed to create sustainability and to, thus, develop students’ sustainability self-efficacy and employability.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 55 sustainability experiences were curated and placed into the SLED database, which was promoted to students in nine subjects. Supporting materials designed to assist critical evaluation, reflection on experiences and to build student employability were also developed. A comprehensive mixed-methods evaluation of the program was conducted.

Findings

The quantitative evaluation revealed some changes in environmental behaviors, depth of critical sustainability thinking and graduate attributes. The qualitative evaluation revealed that students see the value of a university-curated database of experiences and provided ideas for improvements to the database. It also revealed examples of higher-order learning facilitated by SLED.

Research limitations/implications

Recruitment and attrition of research subjects, common challenges in pedagogical research, were experienced. “Opt-out” is one response to this but it comes with ethical challenges.

Originality/value

This exploratory study demonstrates the potential of SLED to build students’ sustainability efficacy and suggests ways in which it and similar programs can be developed for improved student and sustainability outcomes. Namely, the use of an online platform closely associated with existing learning management systems, higher-level institutional stewardship, closer curriculum integration and close partnering with credentialing programs.
Science communication, strategic communication and rhetoric: the case of health authorities, vaccine hesitancy, trust and credibility
Authors: Ihlen Øyvind
Published: May 2020

Purpose

There is a great potential in pulling together science communication and strategic communication, especially given how the former has gained importance in organizational contexts. Strategic communication, including rhetorical theory, can offer insights that are invaluable to understand the contests over what “truth” is and how different political perspectives influence such debates. The case of vaccine hesitancy is used as an illustration of the challenges posed to organizations and organizational communication around science-related issues today. There is a need to understand the audience in order to build credibility, or ethos, while at the same time recognizing the contingent and situational character of this endeavor.

Findings

Rhetoric and strategic communication can offer science communication the essential knowledge to strengthen credibility. While much attention has been geared toward understanding the audience, strategic communication and rhetoric in particular go further and also spell out the strategic implications for communication that is intended to strengthen credibility. Additionally, rhetoric alerts us to how credibility, or ethos, is not a fixed quality in a sender or a text but is situational and constantly negotiated. While the case of vaccine hesitancy and health authorities is used as an illustration, all organizations share the need to somehow have others believe in what they are saying. The toolboxes of strategic communication and rhetoric hold a number of insights and approaches that could benefit science communication.

Originality/value

The study pulls together insights from rhetoric and strategic communication that can inform science communication.
Corporate branding and value creation for initiating and managing relationships in B2B markets
Authors: Ozdemir Sena , Gupta Suraksha , Foroudi Pantea , Wright Len Tiu , Eng Teck-Yong
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to fill a gap in branding literature concerning the effect of corporate brand relationships on brand value through the case study method in a business-to-business (B2B) context. The objectives of this study can be framed in the following three questions: what are the main constituents of a corporate brand; how does a corporate brand generate tangible and intangible brand value for their business customers; and how do tangible and intangible brand benefits influence relationship initiation and management practices of the case companies?

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a qualitative multiple cases study design by using archival data and both in-depth telephone and online interviews with senior representatives of the case study companies to investigate corporate branding and associated issues in a B2B context.

Findings

From a managerial perspective, this study reveals that corporate business culture, brand relationships, products and corporate identity and personality as the main constituents of a corporate brand in a B2B context. The results show that a corporate brand can generate intangible and tangible brand value benefits for business customers. The findings also note the importance of brand value in enhancing relationship initiation.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the branding literature by developing a conceptual model that explains the development and role of the corporate brand in a B2B context with its associated value creation and brand management outcomes. The findings advance brand management literature on business relationships, which addresses a gap in B2B contexts rather than mainly about product brand management and value creation in business-to-consumer contexts.