bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RAPPID: a platform of ratiometric bioluminescent sensors for homogeneous immunoassays
Authors: Ni Yan , Rosier Bas J.H.M. , van Aalen Eva A. , Hanckmann Eva T.L. , Biewenga Lieuwe , Pistikou Anna-Maria Makri , Timmermans Bart , Vu Chris , Roos Sophie , Arts Remco , Li Wentao , de Greef Tom F.A. , van Kuppeveld Frank J. M. , Bosch Berend-Jan , Merkx Maarten
Published: November 2020

Heterogeneous immunoassays such as ELISA have become indispensable in modern bioanalysis, yet translation into easy-to-use point-of-care assays is hindered by their dependence on external calibration and multiple washing and incubation steps. Here, we introduce RAPPID (RatiometricPlug-and-Play Immunodiagnostics), a “mix-and-measure” homogeneous immunoassay platform that combines highly specific antibody-based detection with a ratiometric bioluminescent readout that can be detected using a basic digital camera. The concept entails analyte-induced complementation of split NanoLuc luciferase fragments, photoconjugated to an antibody sandwich pair via protein G adapters. We also introduce the use of a calibrator luciferase that provides a robust ratiometric signal, allowing direct in-sample calibration and quantitative measurements in complex media such as blood plasma. We developed RAPPID sensors that allow low-picomolar detection of several protein biomarkers, anti-drug antibodies, therapeutic antibodies, and both SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. RAPPID combines ratiometric bioluminescent detection with antibody-based target recognition into an easy-to-implement standardized workflow, and therefore represents an attractive, fast, and low-cost alternative to traditional immunoassays, both in an academic setting and in clinical laboratories for point-of-care applications.
Interpretation of network-based integration from multi-omics longitudinal data
Authors: Bodein Antoine , Scott-Boyer Marie-Pier , Perin Olivier , Lê Cao Kim-Anh , Droit Arnaud
Published: November 2020

Cost reduction of high-throughput technologies has enabled the monitoring of the same biological sample across multiple omics studies and multiple timepoints. The goal is to combine longitudinal multi-omics data to detect temporal relationships between molecules and interactions between omics layers. This can finally lead to uncover new regulation mechanisms and interactions that could be responsible for causing complex phenotype or disease. However multi-omics integration of diverse omics data is still challenging due to heterogeneous data and designs. Moreover, interpretation of multi-omics models is the key to understand biological systems.

We propose a generic analytic and integration framework for multi-omics longitudinal datasets that consists of multi-omics kinetic clustering and multi-layer network-based analysis. This frame-work was successfully applied to two case studies with different experimental designs and omics data collected. The first case studied transcriptomic and proteomic changes during cell cycle in human HeLa cells, while the second focused on maize transcriptomic and metabolomic response to aphid feeding. Propagation analysis on multi-layer networks identifies regulatory mechanisms and function prediction for both case studies.

Our framework has led to the identification of new multi-layer interactions involved in key biological functions that cannot be revealed with single omics analysis and interplay in the kinetics that could help identify novel biological mechanisms.
Characterization of Nonmotor Symptoms in the MitoPark Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Langley Monica R. , Ghaisas Shivani , Palanisamy Bharathi N. , Ay Muhammet , Jin Huajun , Anantharam Vellareddy , Kanthasamy Arthi , Kanthasamy Anumantha G
Published: November 2020

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated as a key player in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The MitoPark mouse, a transgenic mitochondrial impairment model developed by specific inactivation of TFAM in dopaminergic neurons, spontaneously exhibits progressive motor deficits and neurodegeneration, recapitulating several features of PD. Since non-motor symptoms are now recognized as important features of the prodromal stage of PD, we monitored the clinically relevant motor and nonmotor symptoms from ages 8-24 wks in MitoPark mice and their littermate controls. As expected, motor deficits in MitoPark mice began around 12-14 wks and became severe by 16-24 wks. Interestingly, male MitoPark mice showed spatial memory deficits before female mice, beginning at 8 wks and becoming most severe at 16 wks, as determined by Morris water maze. When compared to age-matched control mice, MitoPark mice exhibited olfactory deficits in novel and social scent tests as early as 10-12 wks. MitoPark mice between 16-24 wks spent more time immobile in forced swim and tail suspension tests, and made fewer entries into open arms of the elevated plus maze, indicating a depressive and anxiety-like phenotype, respectively. Importantly, depressive behavior as determined by immobility in forced swim test was reversible by antidepressant treatment with desipramine. Collectively, our results indicate that MitoPark mice progressively exhibit deficits in cognitive learning and memory, olfactory discrimination, and anxiety-and depression-like behaviors. Thus, MitoPark mice can serve as an invaluable model for studying motor and non-motor symptoms in addition to studying pathology in PD.
Converging molecular evolution in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Engen Caroline , Hellesøy Monica , Dowling Tara Helén , Eldfors Samuli , Ferrell Brent , Gullaksen Stein-Erik , Popa Mihaela , Brendehaug Atle , Karjalainen Riikka , Mejlænder-Andersen Eline , Majumder Muntasir Mamun , Porkka Kimmo , Hovland Randi , Bruserud Øystein , Irish Jonathan , Heckman Caroline , McCormack Emmet , Gjertsen Bjørn T.
Published: November 2020

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous disease. Here, we decipher the disease composition of a single AML patient through longitudinal sampling scrutinized by high-resolution genetic and phenotypic approaches, including sequencing, immunophenotyping, ex vivo drug sensitivity testing and establishment of patient-derived xenograft models. Throughout the disease course we identified patterns of both divergent and convergent molecular evolution within the leukemic compartment. We identified at least six discrete leukaemia initiating cell populations, of which five were characterised by known recurrent mutations in AML. These populations partly correlated with immunophenotypically defined cell subsets, drug sensitivity profiles and population-specific potential for engraftment in immunodeficient mice. Our results indicate that the genetic and phenotypic development are closely intertwined, and that diversity in the leukaemic gene-environment likely influences disease trajectories.

SIGNIFICANCE

Novel therapeutic approaches in AML are characterised by targeting molecular mechanisms thought to drive leukemogenesis, but emergent evidence suggests that intra-leukemic composition may be more diverse than previously appreciated. Through in-depth genetic and phenotypic characterization of the disease course of a single AML patient, we demonstrate a high degree of inter-individual complexity that exceeds the prevailing disease conception. The temporal molecular landscape of this patient suggests that leukemogenic transitions may not be categorically monoclonal. Patterns of converging molecular evolution further imply that higher levels of biological organisation than the molecular machinery of single cells may influence leukemogenic trajectories. Disease dynamics, relational properties and causal contribution from several levels of biological organization comes into conflict with the linear monocausal explanatory model on which precision oncology is largely built. This may have implications for current precision oncology oriented prectices, including molecular categorization, molecular therapeutic targeting and predictive models.
Delirium and Neuropsychological Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19: an Institutional Case Series
Authors: Ragheb Jacqueline , McKinney Amy , Zierau Mackenzie , Brooks Joseph , Hill-Caruthers Maria , Iskander Mina , Ahmed Yusuf , Lobo Remy , Mentz Graciela , Vlisides Phillip E.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To characterize the clinical course of delirium for COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit, including post-discharge cognitive outcomes.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (n=148) admitted to an intensive care unit at Michigan Medicine between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020. A validated chart review method was used to identify presence of delirium, and various measures (e.g., Family Confusion Assessment Method, Short Blessed Test, Patient-Health Questionnaire-9) were used to determine neuropsychological outcomes between 1-2 months after hospital discharge.

Results

Delirium was identified in 108/148 (73%) patients in the study cohort, with median (interquartile range) duration lasting 10 (4 – 17) days. In the delirium cohort, 50% (54/108) of patients were African American, and delirious patients were more likely to be female (76/108, 70%) (absolute standardized differences >.30). Sedation regimens, inflammation, deviation from delirium prevention protocols, and hypoxic-ischemic injury were likely contributing factors, and the most common disposition for delirious patients was a skilled care facility (41/108, 38%). Among patients who were delirious during hospitalization, 4/17 (24%) later screened positive for delirium at home based on caretaker assessment, 5/22 (23%) demonstrated signs of questionable cognitive impairment or cognitive impairment consistent with dementia, and 3/25 (12%) screened positive for depression within two months after discharge.

Conclusion

Patients with COVID-19 commonly experience a prolonged course of delirium in the intensive care unit, likely with multiple contributing factors. Furthermore, neuropsychological impairment may persist after discharge.
Continuing Medical Education Underrepresents United States’ Leading Public Health Concerns
Authors: Berry Nicholas A. , Fumo Nicole E. , Berry Bruce B.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Continuing medical education (CME) is beneficial to physicians in managing public health problems, yet CME courses rarely address these topics. The purpose of our study was to assess whether leading public health problems, in alignment with their burdens on society, have a proportionate amount of CME opportunities for healthcare professionals.

Methods

We reviewed all of the CME courses offered by the top 10 research and top 10 primary care medical schools from January 1, 2019 through June 30, 2019 for CME hours directed toward the leading public health problems: obesity, smoking, substance abuse, heart disease, COPD, lung cancer, back pain, depression, and diabetes.

Results

Of 9355 total CME course hours, dedicated course time, along with the number of individuals affected, and the cost to society, respectively were: obesity 118 (1.3%) hours, 93 million, $147 billion, tobacco cessation 75 (0.8%) hours, 34 million, $300 billion, and substance abuse 157 (1.7%) hours, 43 million, $300 billion.

Discussion

Public health problems were grossly underrepresented in the amount of dedicated course time compared to their burden on society. More CME courses offerings addressing management of the leading public health problems would likely reduce the burden of illnesses associated with those conditions.
Transcriptional Network Orchestrating Regional Patterning of Cortical Progenitors
Authors: Ypsilanti Athéna R , Pattabiraman Kartik , Catta-Preta Rinaldo , Golonzhka Olga , Lindtner Susan , Tang Ke , Jones Ian , Abnousi Armen , Juric Ivan , Hu Ming , Shen Yin , Dickel Diane E , Visel Axel , Pennachio Len A , Hawrylycz Michael , Thompson Carol , Zeng Hongkui , Barozzi Iros , Nord Alex S , Rubenstein John
Published: November 2020

We uncovered a transcription factor (TF) network that regulates cortical regional patterning. Screening the expression of hundreds of TFs in the developing mouse cortex identified 38 TFs that are expressed in gradients in the ventricular zone (VZ). We tested whether their cortical expression was altered in mutant mice with known patterning defects (Emx2, Nr2f1andPax6), which enabled us to define a cortical regionalization TF network (CRTFN). To identify genomic programming underlying this network, we performed TF ChIP-seq and chromatin-looping conformation to identify enhancer-gene interactions. To map enhancers involved in regional patterning of cortical progenitors, we performed assays for epigenomic marks and DNA accessibility in VZ cells purified from wild-type and patterning mutant mice. This integrated approach has identified a CRTFN and VZ enhancers involved in cortical regional patterning.
Household Transmission of SARS-CoV-2: Insights from a Population-based Serological Survey
Authors: Bi Qifang , Lessler Justin , Eckerle Isabella , Lauer Stephen A , Kaiser Laurent , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Cummings Derek AT , Flahault Antoine , Petrovic Dusan , Guessous Idris , Stringhini Silvia , Azman Andrew S. ,   for the SEROCoV-POP Study Group
Published: November 2020

Background

Knowing the transmissibility of asymptomatic infections and risk of infection from household- and community-exposures is critical to SARS-CoV-2 control. Limited previous evidence is based primarily on virologic testing, which disproportionately misses mild and asymptomatic infections. Serologic measures are more likely to capture all previously infected individuals.

Objective

Estimate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection from household and community exposures, and identify key risk factors for transmission and infection.

Design

Cross-sectional household serosurvey and transmission model.

Setting

Geneva, Switzerland

Participants

4,524 household members ≥5 years from 2,267 households enrolled April-June 2020.

Measurements

Past SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed through IgG ELISA. Chain-binomial models based on the number of infections within households used to estimate the cumulative extra-household infection risk and infection risk from exposure to an infected household member by demographics and infector’s symptoms.

Results

The chance of being infected by a SARS-CoV-2 infected household member was 17.3% (95%CrI,13.7-21.7%) compared to a cumulative extra-household infection risk of 5.1% (95%CrI,4.5-5.8%). Infection risk from an infected household member increased with age, with 5-9 year olds having 0.4 times (95%CrI, 0.07-1.4) the odds of infection, and ≥65 years olds having 2.7 (95%CrI,0.88-7.4) times the odds of infection of 20-49 year olds. Working-age adults had the highest extra-household infection risk. Seropositive asymptomatic household members had 69.6% lower odds (95%CrI,33.7-88.1%) of infecting another household member compared to those reporting symptoms, accounting for 14.7% (95%CrI,6.3-23.2%) of all household infections.

Limitations

Self-reported symptoms, small number of seropositive kids and imperfect serologic tests.

Conclusion

The risk of infection from exposure to a single infected household member was more than three-times that of extra-household exposures over the first pandemic wave. Young children had a lower risk of infection from household members. Asymptomatic infections are far less likely to transmit than symptomatic ones but do cause infections.

Funding Source

Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, Swiss School of Public Health (Corona Immunitas research program), Fondation de Bienfaisance du Groupe Pictet, Fondation Ancrage, Fondation Privée des Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, and Center for Emerging Viral Diseases.
Reciprocal lateral hypothalamic and raphé GABAergic projections promote wakefulness
Authors: Gazea Mary , Furdan Szabina , Sere Péter , Oesch Lukas , Molnár Benedek , Di Giovanni Giuseppe , Fenno Lief E. , Ramakrishnan Charu , Mattis Joanna , Deisseroth Karl , Dymecki Susan M. , Adamantidis Antoine R. , Lőrincz Magor L.
Published: November 2020

The lateral hypothalamus (LH), together with multiple neuromodulatory systems of the brain, such as the dorsal raphé nucleus (DR), is implicated in arousal, yet interactions between these systems are just beginning to be explored. Using a combination of viral tracing, circuit mapping, electrophysiological recordings from identified neurons and combinatorial optogenetics in mice, we show that GABAergic neurons in the LH selectively inhibit GABAergic neurons in the DR resulting in increased firing of a substantial fraction of its neurons that ultimately promotes arousal. These DRGABAneurons are wake active and project to multiple brain areas involved in the control of arousal including the LH, where their specific activation potently influences local network activity leading to arousal from sleep. Our results show how mutual inhibitory projections between the LH and the DR promote wakefulness and suggest a complex arousal control by intimate interactions between long-range connections and local circuit dynamics.
Glypicans specifically regulate Hedgehog signaling through their interaction with Ihog in cytonemes
Authors: Simon Eleanor , Jimenez-Jimenez Carlos , Seijo-Barandiaran Irene , Aguilar Gustavo , Sanchez-Hernandez David , Aguirre-Tamaral Adrian , Gonzalez-Mendez Laura , Ripoll Pedro , Guerrero Isabel
Published: November 2020

The conserved family of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling proteins plays a key role in cell-cell communication in development, tissue repair and cancer progression. These proteins can act as morphogens, inducing responses dependent on the ligand concentration in target cells located at a distance. Hh proteins are lipid modified and thereby have high affinity for membranes, which hinders the understanding of their spreading across tissues. Direct contact between cell membranes by filopodia-like structures (also known as cytonemes) could be the simplest explanation for Hh dispersal. To better understand this signaling mechanism, we have analyzed in Drosophila the interaction between the glypicans that, besides for other pathways, are necessary for Hh signaling, plus the adhesion molecules and Hh coreceptors Ihog and Boi. We describe that glypicans (Dally and Dally-like protein) are required to maintain Ihog, but not Boi, protein levels. We also show that ectopic Ihog stabilizes cytonemes through its interaction with glypicans, and we determine that two Ihog fibronectin III domains are essential for this interaction. Our data suggest that this interaction with Ihog in cytonemes confers the specificity of glypicans for Hh signaling.
Assessing the effectiveness of the “I Can Feel Good” programme mindfulness module for a group of detained intellectually disabled patients
Authors: Craven Rachel , Shelton Lyn
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the Mindfulness module of the “I Can Feel Good” programme, an adapted dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) informed skills programme for a group of intellectually disabled offenders (IDOs).

Design/methodology/approach

The programme module was delivered to a group of five male IDOs detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 (Revised 2007) at an intellectual disability (ID) rehabilitation hospital based in the UK. The mindfulness module was 12 sessions in length, and it was evaluated using the emotional problems scale (EPS) and the cognitive and affective mindfulness scale-revised (CAMS-R) self-assessment and observational scale. These measures were administered pre- and post-module and used the staff report scales as a primary source of evaluation.

Findings

Non-parametric testing revealed that there was a reduction in scores post module on the externalising behaviour problem scale of the EPS and increased scores on the CAMS-R observational scale, which would indicate clinical improvement in the IDO’s behavioural presentation, although it was not statistically significant. The internalising behaviour problem scale showed increased signs of anxiety post module, this could be related to increased self-awareness. The CAMS-R self-reported measure indicated reduced mindfulness qualities following the module.

Originality/value

The results indicate that following the mindfulness module, there was a reduced level of challenging behaviour displayed by the patients with increased signs of emotional regulation. There was also an observed reduction in symptoms of depression and low self-esteem post module.
Perceived barriers to whistle blowing in healthcare amongst healthcare professionals: An integrative review
Authors: Ekpenyong Mandu Stephene , Nyashanu Mathew , Ibrahim Amina , Serrant Laura
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Whistleblowing is a procedure where an existing or past participant of an establishment reveals actions and practices believed to be illegal, immoral or corrupt, by individuals who can influence change. Whistleblowing is an important means of recognising quality and safety matters in the health-care system. The aim of this study is to undergo a literature review exploring perceived barriers of whistleblowing in health care among health-care professionals of all grades and the possible influences on the whistleblower.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative review of both quantitative and qualitative studies published between 2000 and 2020 was undertaken using the following databases: CINAHL Plus, Embase, Google Scholar, Medline and Scopus. The primary search terms were “whistleblowing” and “barriers to whistleblowing”. The quality of the included studies was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme criteria. The authors followed preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (Prisma) in designing the research and also reporting.

Findings

A total of 11 peer-reviewed articles were included. Included papers were analysed using constant comparative analysis. The review identified three broad themes (cultural, organisational and individual) factors as having a significant influence on whistleblowing reporting among health-care professionals.

Originality/value

This study points out that fear is predominantly an existing barrier causing individuals to hesitate to report wrongdoing in care and further highlights the significance of increasing an ethos of trust and honesty within health care.
Authentic leader and internal whistleblowers: testing a dual mediation mechanism
Authors: Anita Rizqa , Abdillah Muhammad Rasyid , Zakaria Nor Balkish
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to extend the understanding of the role of authentic leadership in encouraging subordinates to become internal whistleblowers. The current study aims to seek whether authentic leadership can encourage internal whistleblowing (IW) through employee controlled motivation for IW and moral courage.

Design/methodology/approach

The samples of this study were 221 employees working at 26 government organizations in one of the provinces located on Sumatera Island, Indonesia. Based on the cross-sectional survey method, this study used partial least square-structural equation modeling analysis with SmartPLS 3 software to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The result revealed that employee controlled motivation for whistleblowing and moral courage significantly mediates the effect of authentic leadership toward IW. This result also indicates that the two mediating variables in this study fully mediate the effect of authentic leadership toward IW.

Practical implications

This study highlights the critical role played by leaders in encouraging subordinates to IW in the workplace. The role of an authentic leader will have positively affected enhancing IW by employees, which has significant implications for the organization that particularly in manage organization wrongdoing in terms of eliminating or preventing unethical practice.

Originality/value

Theoretically, the current study extends the understanding of the mechanism underlying the relationship between authentic leadership and IW. This study proposes employee controlled motivation for IW and moral courage as the new mediator variables to explain how and why authentic leadership may encourage IW. Empirically, the current study chooses the Indonesian Government as a context that rarely conducts in the prior study.
Another development challenge: gaining emancipation from a functional hegemony in accounting and management control research
Authors: Alam Saiful , Ranasinghe Seuwandhi B. , Wickramasinghe Danture
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflectively narrate the methodological journey of the authors in penetrating the positivitic hegemony of accounting and management control research in their native countries, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper offers an auto-ethnography to demonstrate the lack of diversity in accounting, accountability and management control research.

Findings

Global developments in accounting and accountability reforms entail not only about how developing countries being governed through these reforms but also about how accounting research itself can be pursued alternatively. In the past several decades, a camp of British accounting researchers initiated a programme of research in this direction. Inspired by post-positivistic traditions, they aimed to explore how these reforms are predicated upon cultural-political milieus in developing countries. However, the academia in most accounting and management researchers from local universities in these countries are blindly bombarded with positivistic traditions.

Originality/value

The authors unpack how this hegemony formed and how attempts were made towards some emancipatory potentials.
Unemployment and fraud during the Great Depression in New Zealand
Authors: Othman Radiah , Ameer Rashid
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a historical understanding of the unemployment context experienced by the New Zealand population during the Great Depression, which might have caused people to commit financial crimes, such as fraud, to survive.

Design/methodology/approach

The main source of information is narratives from newspaper articles published by 42 newspapers from 1931 to 1950 that explore New Zealanders’ experiences during declined economic conditions.

Findings

During the period studied, New Zealanders suffered because of various challenges, mainly unemployment. The government’s response was criticised by the people who used the newspapers as a medium to unleash their frustration about the fairness of unemployment relief for the unemployed and taxation of those who were employed. Some people who struggled in between jobs, as well as some who found themselves being disadvantaged, turned to deviant behaviour such as fraud. The fraudsters might be thought of as the victims of the day, committing a crime of survival, not a crime of choice.

Research limitations/implications

This research promotes more historical studies to enrich fraud-auditing literature. The lack of detailed information reported in the newspapers during this period limits making specific links to individual circumstances.

Originality/value

Fraudsters have always been perceived as responsible for their destinies, but a wider social and political context is rarely examined in fraud cases. The period chosen for this paper represents the extreme condition in which the elements of motive, opportunity and rationalisation are all interwoven into one.
Combining RAMS with EEP for performance-based maintenance: a review
Authors: Warsokusumo Tarwaji , Prahasto Toni , Widodo Achmad
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The study aims to perform an extensive literature review in the area of the maintenance decision analysis (MDA), especially in power generation systems. In the basis of this review, the paper proposes a new model for the MDA which involves a combination of reliability, availability, maintainability and safety (RAMS) performance with energy efficiency performance (EEP).

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from the opportunity in Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS) by improving the energy efficiency (EE) and using renewable energy for the power generation system, also concerning to the major challenge of maintenance optimization in order to implement maintenance strategy, the maintenance decision-making and energetic efficiency management system (EEMS) have been reviewed. In the context of power generation system's performance, the measurement is also analyzed and identified. Then, the extensive literature review has been performed to compare between RAMS and EEP. And finally, the limitation and gap, where EEP is not yet a complementary consideration during MDA being identified and a new model for the performance-based MDA is proposed.

Findings

The new model proposed for the performance-based MDA is able to be used to conduct maintenance decision by utilizing the combination of RAMS and EEP depending on the type of decision required.

Practical implications

There is an opportunity for a maintenance organization of power generation plant to apply this new model proposed for the MDA in order to optimize the maintenance scope and schedule.

Originality/value

The result of work in this paper forms the basis for combining RAMS with EEP as performance-based MDA tools in the context of maintenance of the power generation system.
New way of learning in the nuclear industry: space simulation as a tool for vocational knowledge and work practices acquisition
Authors: Ciobanu Raluca
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the project to overhaul Common Training for Nuclear Workers (Commune Intervenant du Nucléaire – CIN) aimed at service providers involved in maintenance on nuclear power plants (NPPs).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is devised as a methodology for designing and assessing a training system (work operation scenarios and steering method) and draws on a qualitative methodology through group interviews and observations during situational training. More specifically, the aim is to devise a training system that would enable trainees to gain a better understanding of activity in the nuclear sector, its execution, its challenges and its requirements, and to make them able to think and act individually and collectively to contend with the various types of work situations.

Findings

The results of this study confirm the relevance of providing different pedagogical orientations that emphasise the activity over the previous task-oriented and top-down approach. The instructors–trainees and trainees–trainees interactions take place in an open and dynamic space with an important interindividual variability to promote active learning that is based on the joint discovery and analysis of real work by the collective. In this context, the co-presence of the participants is more important than the task at stake. Moreover, this new way of learning is a challenge for the instructors and trainees, as well as for training designers.

Practical implications

Moreover, this new way of learning is a challenge for the instructors and trainees, as well as for training designers, and has to be taken into consideration when designing training programs.

Originality/value

This operational research work is being conducted by researchers, as well as industry professionals, and enjoys special access to the constrained environment of NPPs. Several studies conducted by the Organisational and Human Factors team of EDF Research and Development (Couix and Boccara, 2015; Fucks and Boccara, 2014) have focused on the effectiveness of training. In particular, they found that to be effective, training must faithfully reflect the real-life work situations of the future environment in which the worker trainees will be active.
Political uncertainty and the US market risk premium
Authors: Gregory Richard P.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the bi-directional causality between political uncertainty and the market risk premium in the US.

Design/methodology/approach

I use a theoretical model to motivate signs and then check signs based on a vector autoregression.

Findings

I find that political uncertainty has a small positive, delayed effect on the market risk premium. The market risk premium, on the other hand, has a large permanent, negative effect on political uncertainty.

Originality/value

This is the first research paper to consider the bi-directional effects of political uncertainty on the market risk premium and vice versa. It also finds interesting empirical results.
The performance of control charts with economic-statistical design when parameters are estimated
Authors: Alsaid Mahmoud , Kamal Rania M. , Rashwan Mahmoud M.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper presents economic and economic–statistical designs of the adaptive exponentially weighted moving average (AEWMA) control chart for monitoring the process mean. It also aims to compare the effect of estimated process parameters on the economic performance of three charts, which are Shewhart, exponentially weighted moving average and AEWMA control charts with economic–statistical design.

Design/methodology/approach

The optimal parameters of the control charts are obtained by applying the Lorenzen and Vance’s (1986) cost function. Comparisons between the economic–statistical and economic designs of the AEWMA control chart in terms of expected cost and statistical measures are performed. Also, comparisons are made between the economic performance of the three competing charts in terms of the average expected cost and standard deviation of expected cost.

Findings

This paper concludes that taking into account the economic factors and statistical properties in designing the AEWMA control chart leads to a slight increase in cost but in return the improvement in the statistical performance is substantial. In addition, under the estimated parameters case, the comparisons reveal that from the economic point of view the AEWMA chart is the most efficient chart when detecting shifts of different sizes.

Originality/value

The importance of the study stems from designing the AEWMA chart from both economic and statistical points of view because it has not been tackled before. In addition, this paper contributes to the literature by studying the effect of the estimated parameters on the performance of control charts with economic–statistical design.
Impact of introducing a customer services component during secondary school education to improve small and medium-sized enterprises: a case study in Bangladesh
Authors: Forhad Md. Abdur Rahman , Ahsan Md. Rajibul , Alam Gazi Mahabubul
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) make a significant contribution to alleviating poverty and generating employment, and achieve sustainable economic growth. Customer services represent core elements of a successful business enterprise. This study aims to examine the effect of education on customer satisfaction in the SME sector and what the future holds for developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Bangladesh as a case study, this analysis uses a multiple-linear regression approach to examine the effect of a customer care orientation on customer satisfaction and on an SME’s ability to survive. Using a “probit model,” this study investigates the effects on customers’ probability of receiving subsequent services.

Findings

Developing good customer services in secondary education will increase customers’ satisfaction and enable SMEs to survive and flourish in the long term. Having a policy that promotes this outcome increases the likelihood of receiving consistently good services for the foreseeable future.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies, this study examines the role of customer relationships in secondary education and how they improve SME customers’ satisfaction and business survival. This study offers new insights to retain existing customers for a successful SME business model.
Learning with startups: an empirically grounded typology
Authors: Steiber Annika , Alänge Sverker , Corvello Vincenzo
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Corporate-startup collaboration is an opportunity for inter-organizational learning. This paper aims to develop an empirically grounded typology to guide researchers and managers in choosing a model that is coherent with the underlying learning processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical research consisted of three phases. First, 30 large companies were interviewed to identify different models of interaction. Second, eight different models and cases were selected, and a list of key characteristics of each model was drawn based on the empirical data, obtaining a first typology. Third, the typology was tested, improved and validated on nine corporations.

Findings

The main result of the study is an empirically grounded typology of models for corporate-startup interaction and inter-organizational learning. Six dimensions distinguish each model from the others.

Research limitations/implications

The paper contributes to extend the literature on inter-organizational learning through different models of corporate-startups interaction. It also contributes to organizational ambidexterity theory, showing how collaboration with startups can improve exploitation and exploration.

Practical implications

The typology provides an instrument for analyzing and selecting operational models for corporate-startup collaboration and learning. The models can be modified or broadened, creating new hybrids.

Originality/value

The paper presents a novel way of looking at corporate-startup relations by studying them through the lens of organizational learning theory. It explains the existence of different inter-organizational arrangements and provides guidance in selecting the correct model.
Identification of effective pollinators of Primula sieboldii E. Morren in a wild habitat in Hiroshima, Japan
Authors: Yoshida Yasuko , Nikkeshi Aoi , Chishiki Akane
Published: November 2020

Primula sieboldii E. Morren is a heterostylous clonal herb that is widely distributed in Japan but in danger of extinction in the wild. The existence of pollinators in each habitat is imperative for its long‐term survival, because seeds can be produced only by insect cross‐pollination between different flower morphs. In this study, we identified the pollinators of P. sieboldii in a wild habitat in Hiroshima as those insects that we observed to (a) put the proboscis into a corolla tube, (b) deposit pollen grains on the proboscis, and (c) have a proboscis of appropriate length and width. Effective pollinators were identified from their contribution to pollination. In 2015 and 2016, the flower visitations of 232 and 558 insects, respectively, were recorded and 85 and 13 insects were captured. Two Bombylius species, B. major L. and B. shibakawae Matsumura, accounted for 90% of flower‐visiting insects in both years. All 14 species that we captured were considered pollinators of P. sieboldii, because they had proboscises that were long enough to reach pollen and that had pollen grains deposited on them. The total visitation rate of “Bombyliidae” was the highest among all pollinator categories. The results of potential pollen transport per flower per hour, which was based on total pollen number and total visitation rate of each pollinator category, indicated that “Bombyliidae” species were the most effective pollinators of P. sieboldii in this habitat.
Fertility and digital technology: narratives of using smartphone app ‘Natural Cycles’ while trying to conceive
Authors: Grenfell Pippa , Tilouche Nerissa , Shawe Jill , French Rebecca S.
Published: November 2020

Fertility awareness apps, which help to identify the ‘fertile window’ when conception is most likely, have been hailed as ‘revolutionising’ women’s reproductive health. Despite rapidly growing popularity, little research has explored how people use these apps when trying to conceive and what these apps mean to them. We draw on in‐depth, qualitative interviews, adopting a critical digital health studies lens (a sub‐field of science and technology studies), to explore the experiences of cisgender women and partners with one such app, Natural Cycles, in the context of their daily lives. We found that many women valued the technology as a ‘natural’, inobtrusive alternative to biomedical intervention, and a means of controlling and knowing their bodies, amid a dearth of fertility‐related education and care. Yet this technology also intervened materially and affectively into the spaces of their lives and relationships and privileged disembodied metrics (temperature) over embodied knowledge. Meanwhile, app language, advertising and cost have contributed to characterising ‘typical’ users as white, heterosexual, affluent, cisgender women without disabilities. In the context of neoliberal shifts towards bodily self‐tracking, technologies appealing as novel, liberating and ‘natural’ to individuals who can access them may nevertheless reproduce highly gendered reproductive responsibilities, anxieties and broader health and social inequalities.
Association of MBL2 gene polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yuan Zhi‐Chao , Xu Wang‐Dong , Lan You‐Yu , Wang Jia‐Min , Wu Qian , Zhou Jie , Huang An‐Fang
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Mannose binding lectin (MBL) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms have been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) risk with inconsistent results. This study aimed to explore whether MBL2 A\B, A\C, A\D, A\O, L\H and Y\X polymorphisms affected SLE susceptibility.

Methods

A meta‐analysis was performed on 20 studies, containing allelic contrast, additive, dominant and recessive models. Odds ratio (OR) was calculated to reflect the effect of association.

Results

A total of 64 pooled comparisons were conducted, including 7194 SLE patients and 7401 healthy controls. The meta‐analysis inducted a significant association between allele B and SLE (OR = 0.766, 95% CI = 0.681‐0.862, P < .001). The genotype BB in the additive model and AB + BB in the recessive model both reduced the risk of SLE (OR = 0.611, 95% CI = 0.422‐0.882, P = .009; OR = 0.806, 95% CI = 0.688‐0.944, P = .008). Regarding A\O polymorphisms, results revealed statistical differences in allelic contrast, additive model and recessive models (OR = 0.826, 95% CI = 0.732‐0.931, P = .002; OR = 0.737, 95% CI = 0.557‐0.977, P = .034 and OR = 0.793, 95% CI = 0.683‐0.921, P = .002, respectively). As for L\H, meta‐analysis revealed that allele H and genotype HH both decreased SLE susceptibility in allelic contrast and dominant models (OR = 1.463, 95% CI = 1.097‐2.007, P = .018; OR = 1.383, 95% CI = 1.124‐1.701, P = .002). Stratification by ethnicity indicated that allele H related to SLE in European populations (OR = 0.736, 95% CI = 0.617‐0.879, P = .001), and the recessive model correlated with SLE in Asians (OR = 0.808, 95% CI = 0.667‐0.979, P = .03).

Conclusion

The present study suggests that A\B and A\O polymorphisms were associated with SLE susceptibility, and the allele H may be a protective factor in SLE.
Combined short‐ and long‐axis method for internal jugular vein catheterization in premature newborns: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liu Wei , Tu Zhenzhen , Liu Lifei , Tan Yanzhe
Published: November 2020

Background

Rapid central venous catheterization is critical for the rescue and perioperative management of premature infants requiring surgery. Ultrasound‐guided dynamic needle tip positioning (DNTP) has been widely used as a very effective technique, especially in paediatric vascular puncture and catheterization. However, for low‐weight premature newborns, central vein catheterization still poses greater difficulties for paediatricians and paediatric anaesthesiologists. This prospective randomized control study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined short‐ and long‐axis (CSLA) internal jugular vein catheterization for premature newborns in comparison with the DNTP technique.

Methods

A total of 90 premature newborns (gestational age < 37 weeks and < 28 days after birth) who were scheduled for surgery were included in this study. All enrolled premature newborns were randomly divided into two groups (n = 45): the CSLA group and the DNTP group. We compared the first‐puncture success rate, total success rate, procedure time, number of needle passes, occurrence of complications and other outcome measures between the two groups.

Results

The two groups (n = 45 per group) were similar in sex, gestational age, weight, mean arterial blood pressure, and vein‐related measurements of the internal jugular vein. Total success was achieved in 43 (95.6%) and 36 (80.0%) patients in the CSLA and DNTP groups respectively. Compared with the DNTP group, the CSLA group showed a significantly higher first‐attempt success rate (71.1% vs 46.7%, χ2 = 5.5533, P = .0184) and significantly fewer needle passes (1.0[1.0‐2.0] vs 2.0[1.0‐3.0], χ2 = −2.6094, P = .0091). There was no significant difference between the groups in the procedure time (368[304‐573] vs 478[324‐79]s, Z = −1.7690, P = .0769). Complications occurred in both groups, but the incidence was significantly lower in the CSLA group than in the DNTP group (6.7% vs 22.2%, χ2 = 4.4056, P = .0358).

Conclusions

Ultrasound‐guided internal jugular vein catheterization by the CSLA method is effective and safe. The CSLA method may be superior to the DNTP technique in premature newborns.
Long‐term IV access in paediatrics ‐ why, what, where, who and how
Authors: Johansen Mathias , Classen Volker , Muchantef Karl
Published: November 2020

Establishment of long‐term central venous access imposes the risk of procedural adverse events (air embolism, pneumothorax, accidental arterial cannulation of the great vessels, tricuspid valve damage and cardiac tamponade) as well as the risk of increased morbidity and mortality due to catheter related blood stream infections, vessel stenosis, deep vein thrombosis and the often high risk anaesthetic management of syndromic children. This narrative review aims to provide a historical and clinical background for the development and use of CVADs (central venous access devices), origin and management of the most common complications (catheter related thrombosis, infections and persistent withdrawal occlusion) and present the reader with an update on the “why, what, where, who and how” in paediatric long‐term central venous access. Finally, we will present the reader with a clinical method for applying a retrograde inserted tunnelled and cuffed catheter using the left brachiocephalic vein access.