bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High titer methyl ketone production with tailoredPseudomonas taiwanensisVLB120
Authors: Nies Salome C. , Alter Tobias B. , Nölting Sophia , Thiery Susanne , Phan An N. T. , Drummen Noud , Keasling Jay D. , Blank Lars M. , Ebert Birgitta E.
Published: June 2020

Methyl ketones present a group of highly reduced platform chemicals industrially produced from petroleum-derived hydrocarbons. They find applications in the fragrance, flavor, pharmacological, and agrochemical industries, and are further discussed as biodiesel blends. In recent years, intense research has been carried out to achieve sustainable production of these molecules by re-arranging the fatty acid metabolism of various microbes. One challenge in the development of a highly productive microbe is the high demand for reducing power. Here, we engineeredPseudomonas taiwanensisVLB120 for methyl ketone production as this microbe has been shown to sustain exceptionally high NAD(P)H regeneration rates. The implementation of published strategies resulted in 2.1 g Laq-1methyl ketones in fed-batch fermentation. We further increased the production by eliminating competing reactions suggested by metabolic analyses. These efforts resulted in the production of 9.8 g Laq-1methyl ketones (corresponding to 69.3 g Lorg-1in thein situextraction phase) at 53 % of the maximum theoretical yield. This represents a 4-fold improvement in product titer compared to the initial production strain and the highest titer of recombinantly produced methyl ketones reported to date. Accordingly, this study underlines the high potential ofP. taiwanensisVLB120 to produce methyl ketones and emphasizes model-driven metabolic engineering to rationalize and accelerate strain optimization efforts.
Hand Washing Compliance and COVID-19: A Non-Participatory Observational Study among Hospital Visitors
Authors: Sahiledengle Biniyam , Tekalegn Yohannes , Takele Abulie , Zenbaba Demisu , Teferu Zinash , Tasew Alelign , Assefa Tesfaye , Bekele Kebebe , Tesemma Abdi , Gezahegn Habtamu , Awoke Tadesse , Quisido Bruce John Edward
Published: June 2020

Background

Hand washing remains a key measure for intercepting the dispatch of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, hand washing must be perpetuated properly using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, various hospitals have imposed mandatory hand washing to everyone prior entering the facilities, and when leaving. This study aimed to assess the hand washing compliance among visitors of a university referral hospital.

Methods

A non-participatory observational study was conducted in the main entrance of the hospital from April 27 to May 3, 2020, to measure hand washing compliance of its visitors. The quality of hand washing was assessed via direct observation for compliance with the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) core steps. Data were collected using Open Data Kit (ODK) mobile application.

Results

A total of 1,282 hospital visitors were observed, of which 874(68.2%) were males. Full hand washing compliances were observed among 0.9% (95% CI: 0.4–1.4) of the visitors. Withal, there was no difference in the compliances between genders (0.9% vs 0.7%, P = 0.745).

Conclusion

Despite the fact that proper hand washing with soap and water is proven to be one of the effective ways in preventing the spread of COVID-19, a significant number of hospital visitors did not practice standard hand washing procedures. Improvements in this measure are urgently needed in the face of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Synthesis and crystal structure of [Zn6Br4(C9H18NO)4(OH)4]·2C3H6O2
Authors: Scheel Rebecca , Brieger Lukas , Louven Kathrin , Strohmann Carsten
Published: June 2020

The complete molecule of the hexametallic title complex, namely, tetrabromidotetra-μ-hydroxido-hexakis[μ-2-methyl-3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propan-2-olato]hexazinc(II) acetone disolvate, [Zn6Br4(C9H18NO)4(OH)4]·2C3H6O2, is generated by a crystallographic centre of symmetry. Two of the unique zinc atoms adopt distorted ZnO2NBr tetrahedral coordination geometries and the other adopts a ZnO3N tetrahedral arrangement. Both unique alkoxide ligands are N,O-chelating and both hydroxide ions are μ2 bridging. The crystal structure displays an O—H...O hydrogen bond between a μ2-OH group and an acetone solvent molecule. The Hirshfeld surface has been calculated and is described.
Critical success factors for digital partnering of construction organisations – a Delphi study
Authors: Aghimien Douglas Omoregie , Aigbavboa Clinton Ohis , Oke Ayodeji Emmanuel
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The construction organisations in developing countries are lagging in digital technology usage; hence, they are still characterised by poor project delivery and technological backwardness. To checkmate this problem, partnering with other organisations was proposed, while critical factors needed for successful digital partnering of construction organisations were assessed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Delphi method was used to get experts' opinion on some identified factors necessary for successful digital partnering. The experts for the study were selected using defined criteria, and a combination of interquartile deviation, Kendall's coefficient of concordance and chi-square was used to achieve robust consensus among respondents. Mann–Whitney U test was also used to ascertain the difference in perception of experts.

Findings

The findings revealed trust in digital partners, top management support and digital partner selection as the three key success factors for partnering. Other factors that can be considered alongside these main factors are the creation of a common goal, a long-term commitment, effective communication, proper conflict resolution and structured as well as continuous digital training, workshops and meetings.

Practical implications

Instead of going through the digitalisation journey alone, construction organisations, particularly in a developing country like South Africa, stand a better chance of surviving the dynamic construction and digital environment by partnering with other organisations within and outside the industry. Carefully selecting the right partner, trusting in their capability and ensuring constant commitment is necessary for the success of the process.

Originality/value

The value of this study lies in its ability to showcase the critical success factors needed for effective digital partnering, an aspect that lacks adequate consideration in the digitalisation of construction industry discourse.
Taking measure: the link between metrics and marketing’s exploitative and explorative capabilities
Authors: Nath Pravin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

While metrics are becoming increasingly important for marketing’s relevance, there is also a need to understand how they, as enablers of learning, affect marketing’s adaptive capabilities that ensure its long-term success. Therefore, this study aims to test the association of marketing and financial metrics use and the metric-based orientations of training and compensation, with two key marketing routines – exploitation, i.e. the perfecting of existing activities while allowing for incremental adaptations and exploration or experimentation accompanied by radical adaptation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study gathers data from 205 managers and uses partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Marketing metrics encourage both forms of marketing adaptation. Financial metrics use discourages exploration. Market orientation and long-term orientation strengthen (weaken) the positive (negative) relationship between marketing (financial) metrics use and marketing exploration. Metric-based training is more positively associated with both adaptive capabilities than a metric-based compensation orientation, albeit weakly.

Research limitations/implications

The study’s central proposition – that different metrics or metric orientations are associated with distinct types of knowledge, interpretations, mindsets, motivations and cultural contexts – provides a deeper theoretical understanding of the pathways by which a metric emphasis affects marketing adaptation.

Practical implications

Marketing managers should emphasize marketing metrics and training more than compensation, to promote marketing exploitation/exploration, while exercising caution in overstressing financial metrics given their negative association with exploration. This latter negative relationship can be weakened (as can the positive one between marketing metrics and exploration be strengthened) with increased market orientation and long-term orientation.

Originality/value

This study addresses the research gap regarding the relationship between metrics as a configurational element of marketing organization and marketing adaptation.
Performance management systems in Lebanese private higher education institutions: design and implementation challenges
Authors: Al Jardali Hussein , Khaddage-Soboh Nada , Abbas Mohammad , Al Mawed Nour
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is at creating a performance management system template based on the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) framework, which could lead the scorecard to function properly at Arts, Sciences and Technology University in Lebanon (AUL) and, as assumed, in other Lebanese private higher educational institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

This study compares existing theoretical models applied in private higher education institutions (HEIs) in Lebanon. It adopts inductive approach with semi-structured interviews that helped the authors understand the way BSC is implemented in the private Lebanese institutions.

Findings

This study suggested a customizable BSC to be used at AUL and other Lebanese private HEIs to enhance and calibrate their organizational performance.

Originality/value

Many researchers have investigated the use of Robert Kaplan and David Norton's BSC in various types of organizations, but there was no specific study describing the Lebanese higher education system. This study investigates the use of the BSC framework in Lebanese private HEIs taking Arts, Science and Technology University in Lebanon (AUL) as a sample. Moreover, this study also adapted a BSC model to the case of a private HEI, which extends the current body of literature related to the use, implementation and adaptation of the BSC.
Numerical investigation of conjugate heat transfer and entropy generation of MHD natural convection of nanofluid in an inclined enclosure
Authors: Kardgar Amin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate conjugate heat transfer of natural convection and entropy generation of nanofluid in the presence of external magnetic field via numerical approach in an inclined square cavity enclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

Control volume finite volume method with collocated arrangement of grids was used for discretization of continuity, momentum, solid and fluid energy equations. Rhie and Chow interpolation technique was applied to avoid checkerboard problem in pressure field and the well-established SIMPLE algorithm was followed to deal with the pressure and velocity coupling. The cavity is filled with water and nanoparticles of the aluminum oxide (Al2O3). This study has been conducted for the certain pertinent parameters of the volume fraction of nanoparticle (φ = 0–0.08), the angle of inclination (ϴ = 0°–330°), the Ra number (Ra = 103–108), the solid to fluid conductivity ratio (ksf = 1–400), the Ha number (Ha = 0–80) and the wall thickness ratio (δ/L = 0–0.3).

Findings

The results indicate that averaged Nu number increases by approximately 9% by increasing volume fraction from 0.0 to 0.08. Nu increases with an increasing inclination angle to 40° and decreases abruptly in 90° because of the formation of two weaker vorticity with opposite circulation pattern intensifying the density of isotherm curves in a vertical direction. Nu increases sharply with increasing Ra more than 105. Nu also augments almost 67% by increasing ksf = 1 to ksf = 50 and remains constant by increasing ksf more than 50. Nu number reduction is almost 72% with a variation of wall thickness ratio from d/L = 0 to 0.3. Entropy generation because of fluid flow, magnetic field and heat transfer reduces linearly almost 30%, 19% and 16% by increasing volume fraction, respectively. With increasing ksf, entropy generation because of fluid flow, magnetic field and heat transfer increases asymptotically, but Bejan number decreases.

Originality/value

A brief review of conducted research studies in nanofluid flow and heat transfer reveals that the effect of wall thermal inertia was not investigated in MHD natural convection of nanofluids in an inclined enclosure. The aim of the present study is to analyze conjugate heat transfer in an inclined cavity filled with water and Al2O3.
Run for the hills: Italian investors' risk appetite before and during the financial crisis
Authors: Lippi Andrea , Rossi Simone
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper sets out to corroborate the existing literature on investors' risk tolerance and to assess how the 2008 financial crisis has affected risk tolerance among Italian investors.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a unique dataset of real-world portfolio choices made by 1,245 Italian investors over a period of 15 years (from 2003 to 2017), this paper presents two steps of analysis. In step 1, the whole period 2003–2017 is considered with the aim to integrate and corroborate the existing literature on the topic of risk tolerance, considering a complete economic and financial cycle. Step 2 took 2008 as the pivotal point between pre-crisis (2003–2008) and crisis (2009–2017) with the aim to observe the influence on risk appetite of the economic and financial effects of the crisis.

Findings

The results obtained confirm that men are more risk tolerant than women and older people are less risk-taking than their younger counterparts, although the relationship between age and risk tolerance is not necessarily linear. Moreover, our paper demonstrates that a crisis scenario has an influence on Italian investors' risk tolerance.

Practical implications

Our results are of interest to financial advisors, financial planners, asset managers, psychologists, behavioral researchers and more in general to providers of financial products and services.

Originality/value

The results presented in this paper are relevant and original because they are based on real investors who made real choices concerning their portfolio asset allocations.
An empirical study of purchase intention of energy-efficient home appliances: the influence of knowledge of eco-labels and psychographic variables
Authors: Waris Idrees , Hameed Irfan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate the antecedents of consumers’ purchase intention of energy-efficient home appliances.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered questionnaire has been used to gather data from the targeted representatives of the population. Quota based on age and convenience sampling techniques were used to select the participants of the study, as it is a suitable technique in situations where the possibility of getting a complete sampling frame is difficult. More than 73% of the population of Pakistan is aged below 34 years (Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, 2017). Based on this information, the current study has allocated more than 75% quota to consumers who are below 35 years.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that all antecedents have significant impact on consumers’ purchase intention of energy-efficient home appliances. Environmental concern, green trust and products’ functional values are most influencing factors in the purchase of energy-efficient home appliances.

Originality/value

This study is related to energy-efficient home appliances in Pakistan. Systematic literature suggested the need to analyze the antecedents of energy-efficient appliances. This study helps the practitioners and marketers to understand consumers’ behavior regarding the purchase of energy-efficient home appliances.
Inventory and ordering decisions: a systematic review on research driven through behavioral experiments
Authors: Perera H. Niles , Fahimnia Behnam , Tokar Travis
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The success of a supply chain is highly reliant on effective inventory and ordering decisions. This paper systematically reviews and analyzes the literature on inventory ordering decisions conducted using behavioral experiments to inform the state-of-the-art.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents the first systematic review of this literature. We systematically identify a body of 101 papers from an initial pool of over 12,000.

Findings

Extant literature and industry observations posit that decision makers often deviate from optimal ordering behavior prescribed by the quantitative models. Such deviations are often accompanied by excessive inventory costs and/or lost sales. Understanding how humans make inventory decisions is paramount to minimize the associated consequences. To address this, the field of behavioral operations management has produced a rich body of research on inventory decision-making using behavioral experiments. Our analysis identifies primary research clusters, summarizes key learnings and highlights opportunities for future research in this critical decision-making area.

Practical implications

The findings will have a significant impact on future research on behavioral inventory ordering decisions while informing practitioners to reach better ordering decisions.

Originality/value

Previous systematic reviews have explored behavioral operations broadly or its subdisciplines such as judgmental forecasting. This paper presents a systematic review that specifically investigates the state-of-the-art of inventory ordering decisions using behavioral experiments.
Migrant health situation when detained in European immigration detention centres: a synthesis of extant qualitative literature
Authors: Van Hout Marie-Claire , Lungu-Byrne Cassie , Germain Jennifer
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Many migrants are detained in Europe not because they have committed a crime but because of lack of certainty over their immigration status. Although generally in good physical health on entry to Europe, migrant detainees have complex health needs, often related to mental health. Very little is known about the current health situation and health care needs of migrants when detained in European immigration detention settings. The review aims to synthesize the qualitative literature available on this issue from the perspectives of staff and migrants.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors undertook a synthesis of extant qualitative literature on migrant health experience and health situation when detained in European immigration detention settings; retrieved as part of a large-scale scoping review. Included records (n = 4) from Sweden and the UK representing both detainee and staff experiences were charted, synthesised and thematically analysed.

Findings

Three themes emerged from the analysis, namely, conditions in immigration detention settings, uncertainties and communication barriers and considerations of migrant detainee health. Conditions were described as inhumane, resembling prison and underpinned by communication difficulties, lack of adequate nutrition and responsive health care.

Practical implications

It is crucial that the experiences underpinning migration are understood to respond to the health needs of migrants, uphold their health rights and to ensure equitable access to health care in immigration detention settings.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of qualitative research in this area because of the difficulty of access to immigration detention settings for migrants. The authors highlight the critical need for further investigation of migrant health needs, so as to inform appropriate staff support and health service responses.
Why do some SME's become high-growth firms? The role of employee competences
Authors: Eklund Carita Mirjami
Published: June 2020

Purpose

High-growth firms generate a large share of new jobs and are thus the key drivers of innovation and industry dynamics. As the employees' education supports innovation and productivity, this article hypothesizes that employee competences explain high growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The study approaches this by examining intangible capital and specialized knowledge to evaluate how these characteristics support the probability of becoming a high-growth firm. The estimation uses linked employer–employee data from Danish registers from 2005 to 2013.

Findings

As the authors measure high growth with the size-neutral Birch index, they can examine the determinants of high growth across different firm size classes. The findings imply that intangible capital relates positively to the firm's high growth.

Originality/value

Previous research on high-growth firms is concentrated on the owners’ education. This article broadens to the high education of all employees and accounts for the employees’ occupation and capitalization of knowledge with intangible capital.
Harnessing the waiting experience: anticipation, expectations and WOM
Authors: Krishen Anjala S. , Berezan Orie , Agarwal Shaurya , Robison Brian
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the anticipated emotions of consumers and their anticipated perceived quality (PQ) of an exhibit, event or service that they are waiting to attend.

Design/methodology/approach

The study consists of a quantitative survey-based descriptive study of n = 470 real-world consumers from a waiting line at the Shark Reef exhibit in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, Las Vegas. Data is analyzed with fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to extrapolate causal conditions or recipes, for word of mouth (WOM) generation regarding the exhibit.

Findings

Recipes that influence positive WOM for an upcoming exhibit include: affect evaluation and affect expectations (AEXs) and affect evaluation, affect expectation, event entertainment and PQ.

Practical implications

By recognizing the need to optimize the customer waiting experience, services marketing managers can more successfully engage customers and influence their subsequent intentions.

Originality/value

Emotions regarding the anticipation of an upcoming event are critical to cultivating the intent to spread positive WOM.
The social value generation perspective of corporate performance measurement
Authors: Zhang Ruopiao , Noronha Carlos , Guan Jieqi
Published: June 2020

Purpose

There is currently a host of measurements of corporate social performance (MCSPs) each with its own individual merits and concerns. This paper aims to bring new insights into measuring corporate social performance (CSP) by advocating the use of a complementary indicator known as the social contribution value per share (SCVPS) developed by the Shanghai Stock Exchange in China.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional model is built to dissect the theoretical foundation of SCVPS. Next, this paper undertakes an extensive literature review of the criteria and methodologies which SCVPS relies upon to assess a firm’s social performance. Then SCVPS is critically compared with other commonly used MCSPs from different angles.

Findings

This paper highlights the major limitations of some MCSPs, namely, the lack of transparency, selection biases and the exclusion of controversial industries. It is suggested that SCVPS is worthy to be considered as a complementary indicator for CSP given its innovativeness, standardization and practicability.

Practical implications

The authors argue that there is great theoretical and practical significance for firms to set per-share social contribution indicators using SCVPS on a global basis, which helps to enrich decision-making processes when combined with other MCSPs.

Originality/value

This paper suggests SCVPS as a complementary indicator of social performance and anatomizes this choice indicator with other MCSPs in terms of their theoretical underpinnings, practical applications and probable deficiencies.
Effect of xanthan gum biopolymer on dispersive properties of soils
Authors: Joga Jayaprakash Reddy , B.J.S. Varaprasad
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Nowadays, application of biopolymers on geotechnical engineering works is booming to avoid the harsh effects on environment by using conventional methods for soil treatment. In this present study, xanthan gum (XG) is used as a biopolymer to improve dispersive properties of the soils because these soils are easily prone to erosion, which may lead to the damage of many hydraulic structures.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, attempts are made to reduce the dispersive potential and increase the Strength and erosion resistance by treating the soils with various percentages of XG (0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%). To assess the dispersive potential and erosion resistance of soils, tests such as double hydrometer test, pinhole erosion test, crumb test and cylinder dispersion test were conducted. Further tests were expanded for its geotechnical characteristics such as Atterberg’s limits, standard proctor test, unconfined compressive strength test, one-dimensional consolidation for various curing days. Scanning electron microscopy analysis was also carried out to know the microscopic view towards its particle orientation and bindings. Chemical tests such as sodium absorption ratio, total dissolved solids (TDS) and percentage sodium (PS), electronic conductivity and pH tests were also conducted.

Findings

The results revealed that there is a reduction in the dispersive potential of XG treated soils for all the combinations. Addition of XG decreased the PS in the soil as a result dispersivity of soil decreased. Strength and erosion resistance of soil increased with the addition of XG and 1% XG was observed to be the optimum percentage for stabilizing these types of soils.

Practical implications

These results will be very much helpful for engineers when they come across with dispersive soils for better handling and management.

Originality/value

The originality of this study was an attempt towards sustainable development by treating dispersive soils with XG and effects on various geotechnical and dispersive characterizes.
Reporting by Letter: The 2nd Earl of Hardwicke and his Parliamentary Correspondents
Authors: Reid Christopher
Published: June 2020

For much of the 18th century, letter writing remained an important means of communicating news about proceedings at Westminster. Members of leading parliamentary families such as the Hardwickes were prolific letter writers and their correspondence has long been valued as a source for the period before the regular reporting of debates became established in the newspaper press. This article focuses on reporting by letter in the correspondence of the 2nd earl of Hardwicke and his circle. It reconstructs Hardwicke's network of informants and considers how the nature of their connection with the earl affected the way they conceived of their role as reporters. With reference to the epistolary conventions of the time, it asks how the circumstances in which letters were composed and read may have shaped the style and content of the reports. Finally, the article examines the impact made on the epistolary tradition by the emergence of newspaper reporting in the later 18th century and assesses the extent to which this development led letter writers to adjust their methods and goals.
EAACI Biologicals Guidelines—Recommendations for severe asthma
Authors: Agache Ioana , Akdis Cezmi A. , Akdis Mubeccel , Canonica Giorgio Walter , Casale Thomas , Chivato Tomas , Corren Jonathan , Chu Derek K. , Del Giacco Stefano , Eiwegger Thomas , Flood Breda , Firinu Davide , Gern James E. , Hamelmann Eckard , Hanania Nicola , Hernández‐Martín Irene , Knibb Rebeca , Mäkelä Mika , Nair Parameswaran , O’Mahony Liam , Papadopoulos Nikolaos G. , Papi Alberto , Park Hae‐Sim , Pérez de Llano Luis , Pfaar Oliver , Quirce Santiago , Sastre Joaquin , Shamji Mohamed , Schwarze Jurgen , Palomares Oscar , Jutel Marek
Published: June 2020

Severe asthma imposes a significant burden on patients, families and healthcare systems. Management is difficult, due to disease heterogeneity, co‐morbidities, complexity in care pathways and differences between national or regional healthcare systems. Better understanding of the mechanisms has enabled a stratified approach to the management of severe asthma, supporting the use of targeted treatments with biologicals. However, there are still many issues that require further clarification. These include selection of a certain biological (as they all target overlapping disease phenotypes), the definition of response, strategies to enhance the responder rate, the duration of treatment and its regimen (in the clinic or home‐based) and its cost‐effectiveness. The EAACI Guidelines on the use of biologicals in severe asthma follow the GRADE approach in formulating recommendations for each biological and each outcome. In addition, a management algorithm for the use of biologicals in the clinic is proposed, together with future approaches and research priorities.
Randomised clinical trial: palliative long‐term abdominal drains vs large‐volume paracentesis in refractory ascites due to cirrhosis
Authors: Macken Lucia , Bremner Stephen , Gage Heather , Touray Morro , Williams Peter , Crook David , Mason Louise , Lambert Debbie , Evans Catherine J. , Cooper Max , Timeyin Jean , Steer Shani , Austin Mark , Parnell Nick , Thomson Sam J. , Sheridan David , Wright Mark , Isaacs Peter , Hashim Ahmed , Verma Sumita
Published: June 2020

Background

Palliative care remains suboptimal in end‐stage liver disease.

Aim

To inform a definitive study, we assessed palliative long‐term abdominal drains in end‐stage liver disease to determine recruitment, attrition, safety/potential effectiveness, questionnaires/interview uptake/completion and make a preliminary cost comparison.

Methods

A 12‐week feasibility nonblinded randomised controlled trial comparing large‐volume paracentesis vs long‐term abdominal drains in refractory ascites due to end‐stage liver disease with fortnightly home visits for clinical/questionnaire‐based assessments. Study success criteria were attrition not >50%, <10% long‐term abdominal drain removal due to complications, the long‐term abdominal drain group to spend <50% ascites‐related study time in hospital vs large‐volume paracentesis group and 80% questionnaire/interview uptake/completion.

Results

Of 59 eligible patients, 36 (61%) were randomised, 17 to long‐term abdominal drain and 19 to large‐volume paracentesis. Following randomisation, median number (IQR) of hospital ascitic drains (long‐term abdominal drain group vs large‐volume paracentesis group) were 0 (0‐1) vs 4 (3‐7); week 12 serum albumin (g/L) and serum creatinine (μmol/L) were 29 (26.5‐32.5) vs 30 (25‐35) and 104.5 (81‐115.5) vs 127 (63‐158) respectively. Total attrition was 42% (long‐term abdominal drain group 47%, large‐volume paracentesis group 37%). Median (IQR) fortnightly community/hospital/social care ascites‐related costs and percentage study time in hospital were lower in the long‐term abdominal drain group, £329 (253‐580) vs £843 (603‐1060) and 0% (0‐0.74) vs 2.75% (2.35‐3.84) respectively. Self‐limiting cellulitis/leakage occurred in 41% (7/17) in the long‐term abdominal drain group vs 11% (2/19) in the large‐volume paracentesis group; peritonitis incidence was 6% (1/17) vs 11% (2/19) respectively. Questionnaires/interview uptake/completion were ≥80%; interviews indicated that long‐term abdominal drains could transform the care pathway.

Conclusions

The REDUCe study demonstrates feasibility with preliminary evidence of long‐term abdominal drain acceptability/effectiveness/safety and reduction in health resource utilisation.

Trial registration: ISRCTN30697116, date assigned: 07/10/2015.
Warfarin and food, herbal or dietary supplement interactions: A systematic review
Authors: Tan Christina San San , Lee Shaun Wen Huey
Published: June 2020

Aims

To present an updated overview on the safety of concurrent use of food, herbal or dietary supplement and warfarin.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed on 5 databases from inception up to 31 December 2019. These interactions were classified depending on the likelihood of interaction and supporting evidences.

Results

A total of 149 articles describing 78 herbs, food or dietary supplements were reported to interact with warfarin. These reports described potentiation with 45 (57.7%) herbs, food or dietary supplements while 23 (29.5%) reported inhibition and 10 (12.8%) reported limited impact on warfarin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Twenty unique herb and dietary supplements also reported to result in minor bleeding events, such as purpura and gum bleeding as well as major events such as intracranial bleeding that led to death.

Conclusion

While most food, herbs and supplements can be safely taken in moderation, healthcare professionals should be aware of the increased risk of bleeding when taking several food and herbs. These include Chinese wolfberry, chamomile tea, cannabis, cranberry, chitosan, green tea, Ginkgo biloba, ginger, spinach, St. John's Wort, sushi and smoking tobacco. Patients should be counselled to continue to seek advice from their healthcare professionals when starting any new herbs, food or supplement.
Hospital databases for the identification of adverse drug reactions: A 2‐year multicentre study in 9 French general hospitals
Authors: Osmont Marie‐Noëlle , Degremont Adeline , Jantzem Hélène , Audouard‐Marzin Youna , Lalanne Sébastien , Carlhant‐Kowalski Dominique , Bellissant Eric , Oger Emmanuel , Polard Elisabeth
Published: June 2020

Aims

To estimate the actual number of adverse drug reactions (ADRs), we used the French medical administrative database (PMSI) in addition to ADRs spontaneously reported in the French Pharmacovigilance Database (FPVDB).

Methods

Capture–recapture method was applied to these 2 sources (PMSI and FPVDB), checking their independence via a third data source. The study ran from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016 in 9 French general hospitals. From PMSI, all discharge summaries including a selection of 10th International Classification of Diseases codes related to ADRs were analysed. This selection was based on the results of a previous study. All ADRs corresponding to these codes, spontaneously reported in the FPVDB, were included.

Results

In PMSI, 56.9% of hospital stays were related to an ADR (628 out of 1104). In the FPVDB, we retained 115 cases. A total of 43 ADRs were common to the 2 databases. In both sources, the most frequently reported ADRs were cutaneous (33.1 and 19.1%) and renal (25.2% and 11.6%). The most frequently suspected drugs were anti‐infectives in PMSI (31.1%) and antineoplastic drugs in the FPVDB (30.4%). Using the capture–recapture method, the estimated number of ADRs was 1657 [95% CI: 1273 to 2040].

Conclusion

The use of the PMSI could constitute an additional tool for the estimation of the actual number of ADRs in French hospitals. A model involving a third data source enabled the independence of the 2 sources (PMSI and FPVDB) to be checked before applying the capture–recapture method.
Longitudinal relations between South Korean adolescents’ academic self‐efficacy and values in mathematics and English
Authors: Lee You‐kyung , Seo Eunjin
Published: June 2020

Background

Students’ motivation generally declines over time. Some researchers have suggested that the parallel decline in academic self‐efficacy and values may be as a result of the longitudinal reciprocal relations between these two motivational constructs. However, little empirical evidence has supported this speculation. Further, all prior evidence has been provided based on samples of students from Western countries (Europe, United States).

Aims

The current study was designed to examine the reciprocal relation between academic self‐efficacy and values with a sample from another culture, namely South Korea.

Sample

We used nationally representative longitudinal data of 6,908 students in seventh grade (Mage = 12.83 years).

Methods

We analysed the data tracking our sample from 7th grade to 11th grade. Latent cross‐lagged models of academic self‐efficacy and values in mathematics and English for 5 years were tested, while controlling for gender, achievement, and family income.

Results

In both mathematics and English domains, there emerged significant unidirectional paths from prior values to later self‐efficacy from Grades 8 to 11. For English, significant unidirectional paths from prior self‐efficacy to later values additionally emerged from Grades 8 to 9. That is, significant reciprocity between self‐efficacy and values was found for English from Grades 8 to 9.

Conclusions

Relatively consistent paths from prior values to later self‐efficacy were identified among Korean adolescents, distinct from prior work focusing on students from Western countries. The results underscore the importance of considering different educational contexts and suggest the critical role of values in the development of Korean adolescents’ academic self‐efficacy.
Schema and deviation effects in remembering repeated unfamiliar stories
Authors: Rubínová Eva , Blank Hartmut , Koppel Jonathan , Ost James
Published: June 2020

In today's globalized world, we frequently encounter unfamiliar events that we may have difficulty comprehending – and in turn remembering – due to a lack of appropriate schemata. This research investigated schema effects in a situation where participants established a complex new schema for an unfamiliar type of story through exposure to four variations. We found that immediate recall increased across subsequent stories and that distortions occurred less frequently – participants built on the emerging schema and gradually established representations of parts of the story that were initially transformed. In recall with delays increasing up to 1 month, quantitative measures indicated forgetting while distortions increased. The second focus of this research was on content and order deviation effects on recall. The content deviation, in contrast with previous repeated‐event research, was not remembered well and was associated with lower recall; the order deviation had a similar (but expected) effect. We discuss discrepancies between results of this study and previous literature, which had focused on schemata for familiar events, in relation to stages of schema development: it seems that in unfamiliar repeated events, a complex new schema is in the early stages of formation, where the lack of attentional resources limits active processing of deviations.
Enhancer evolution in chordates: Lessons from functional analyses of cephalochordate cis‐regulatory modules
Authors: Yasuoka Yuuri
Published: June 2020

Chordates comprise three major groups, cephalochordates (amphioxus), tunicates (urochordates), and vertebrates. Since cephalochordates were the early branching group, comparisons between amphioxus and other chordates help us to speculate about ancestral chordates. Here, I summarize accumulating data from functional studies analyzing amphioxus cis‐regulatory modules (CRMs) in model systems of other chordate groups, such as mice, chickens, clawed frogs, fish, and ascidians. Conservatism and variability of CRM functions illustrate how gene regulatory networks have evolved in chordates. Amphioxus CRMs, which correspond to CRMs deeply conserved among animal phyla, govern reporter gene expression in conserved expression domains of the putative target gene in host animals. In addition, some CRMs located in similar genomic regions (intron, upstream, or downstream) also possess conserved activity, even though their sequences are divergent. These conservative CRM functions imply ancestral genomic structures and gene regulatory networks in chordates. However, interestingly, if expression patterns of amphioxus genes do not correspond to those of orthologs of experimental models, some amphioxus CRMs recapitulate expression patterns of amphioxus genes, but not those of endogenous genes, suggesting that these amphioxus CRMs are close to the ancestral states of chordate CRMs, while vertebrates/tunicates innovated new CRMs to reconstruct gene regulatory networks subsequent to the divergence of the cephalochordates. Alternatively, amphioxus CRMs may have secondarily lost ancestral CRM activity and evolved independently. These data help to solve fundamental questions of chordate evolution, such as neural crest cells, placodes, a forebrain/midbrain, and genome duplication. Experimental validation is crucial to verify CRM functions and evolution.
Naturalistic conceptions of genetic optimism and precision psychiatry among those at clinical high‐risk for psychosis
Authors: Blasco Drew , Stortz Saige William , Grivel Margaux Marie‐Rose , Dishy Gabriella A. , Samuel Shana S. , Pilla David , Crump Francesca M. , Lieff Sarah A. , Williams Jourdan , Phoummavong Phetsamone , Guo Xufei , Brucato Gary , Girgis Ragy R. , Yang Lawrence H.
Published: June 2020

Aim

Fuelled by genomics advances, recent emphasis on the concept of “precision medicine,” and public optimism towards genetic advances, it is important to understand how those who are considered to be at clinical high‐risk for psychosis (CHR) perceive possible benefits of genetic testing to inform future stakeholder education efforts.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were completed with 20 participants who met CHR criteria. Coding for genetic optimism was completed.

Results

Participants endorsed many conceptualizations of the link between genetics, the development of psychosis, and the benefits of genetic testing. Specifically, themes emerged surrounding how genetic testing may lead to greater genetic knowledge and tailored treatment.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that CHR participants generally endorse several precision psychiatry concepts, including how genetic testing may lead to tailored treatment advances. This knowledge may aid development of best communication practices regarding forthcoming genetic advances in diagnosis and treatment among CHR.
Economic policy uncertainty and momentum
Authors: Gu Ming , Sun Minxing , Wu Yangru , Xu Weike
Published: June 2020

We show that a news‐based measure of economic policy uncertainty (EPU) negatively forecasts momentum. A 1‐standard‐deviation increase in EPU is associated with a 1.11% decrease in risk‐adjusted momentum returns. The predictive power of EPU is robust after controlling for previously documented economic state variables and macroeconomic uncertainty. We provide an explanation for these results from the perspective of a fund flow‐induced trading mechanism and offer direct empirical support. The literature documents that momentum can be partially attributed to performance‐chasing mutual fund flows. We find that this flow‐induced mechanism functions more effectively in low EPU states, thereby generating stronger stock momentum.
The short or long end of the stick? Mothers’ social position and self‐employment status from a comparative perspective
Authors: Besamusca Janna
Published: June 2020

Women with dependent children have repeatedly been shown to be more likely to be self‐employed than other women. The mumpreneurship thesis explains this motherhood effect as a preference‐based strategy to meet both good worker and good mother norms. The disadvantaged worker thesis argues that mothers in weak labour market positions are pushed into self‐employment because of work–family conflict. Exploring patterns of motherhood effects across 23 high‐ and middle‐income countries, I argue that the mumpreneurship and disadvantaged worker theses should not be considered as conflicting hypotheses, but rather as addressing separate social position groups. I identify four clusters of countries where either one, both or neither of the two hypotheses can be confirmed. Country‐level analyses indicate that more negative attitudes towards housewives are associated with larger motherhood premiums for women in high social positions, whereas higher enrolment and smaller classes in pre‐primary education increase the motherhood premium for all groups.
Prediction, molecular docking and identification of novel umami hexapeptides derived from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Zhu Wenhui , He Wei , Wang Fei , Bu Ying , Li Xuepeng , Li Jianrong
Published: June 2020

This paper investigated umami hexapeptides derived from myosin of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) using homology modelling, molecular docking, taste evaluation and e‐tongue verification. After hydrolysing and prediction in silico, potential bioactivity, toxicity and physicochemical properties of 48 hexapeptides were predicted. Five hexapeptides were selected to dock with the T1R1–T1R3 homology model which was built with SWISS‐MODEL. Docking results showed that the five hexapeptides could enter the docking region, and INKPGL, SDSCIR and GPDPER had the lowest CDOKER_ENERGY. E‐tongue result showed that the umami and richness value of all the three hexapeptides in 0.4 mg mL−1 were higher than a 0.1% MSG solution. Sensory evaluation result showed that INKPEL had the strongest umami taste among the three hexapeptides and the umami threshold value was 0.25 mg mL−1. These results suggested that homology modelling can be used for predicting umami peptides, and three umami hexapeptides were identified by in silico screening.
Organizational trust among job seekers: The role of information‐seeking and reciprocation wariness
Authors: Kedharnath Uma , Shore Lynn M. , Dulebohn James H.
Published: June 2020

This study explores job seekers’ information‐seeking and pre‐hire trust, and the role of reciprocation wariness in the development of pre‐hire trust. Individuals seeking a job with a technology company (N = 192) reported their perceptions of the organization’s website usability and perceived similarity to their recruiter, organizational trustworthiness and trust, and intent to accept a job offer. Wariness moderated the relationship between website usability perceptions and trustworthiness. Unexpectedly, the interaction was in the opposite direction of what we predicted. In addition, job seekers’ perceived similarity to their recruiter related to trustworthiness, and trust related to intent to accept a job offer. Our findings suggest that to some extent, recruiting organizations can encourage trust perceptions in the pre‐hire context.
Deciphering the role of Rhodnius prolixusCYP4G genes in straight and methyl‐branched hydrocarbon formation and in desiccation tolerance
Authors: Dulbecco A. B. , Moriconi D. E. , Lynn S. , McCarthy A. , Juárez M. P. , Girotti J. R. , Calderón‐Fernández G. M.
Published: June 2020

Insect cuticle hydrocarbons are involved primarily in waterproofing the cuticle, but also participate in chemical communication and regulate the penetration of insecticides and microorganisms. The last step in insect hydrocarbon biosynthesis is carried out by an insect‐specific cytochrome P450 of the 4G subfamily (CYP4G). Two genes (CYP4G106 and CYP4G107) have been reported in the triatomines Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans. In this work, their molecular and functional characterization is carried out in R. prolixus, and their relevance to insect survival is assessed. Both genes are expressed almost exclusively in the integument and have an expression pattern dependent on the developmental stage and feeding status. CYP4G106 silencing diminished significantly the straight‐chain hydrocarbon production while a significant reduction – mostly of methyl‐branched chain hydrocarbons – was observed after CYP4G107 silencing. Molecular docking analyses using different aldehydes as hydrocarbon precursors predicted a better fit of straight‐chain aldehydes with CYP4G106 and methyl‐branched aldehydes with CYP4G107. Survival bioassays exposing the silenced insects to desiccation stress showed that CYP4G107 is determinant for the waterproofing properties of the R. prolixus cuticle. This is the first report on the in vivo specificity of two CYP4Gs to make mostly straight or methyl‐branched hydrocarbons, and also on their differential contribution to insect desiccation.