bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of cross-border acquisitions on efficiency and productivity of acquired companies: evidence from cement industry
Authors: Savović Slađana , Mimović Predrag
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effects of cross-border acquisitions on the efficiency and productivity of acquired companies in the cement industry in the context of a transitional economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Malmquist Productivity Index were used to assess the efficiency and productivity of the acquired companies over the period 2000–2018. DEA and Malmquist index are combined with bootstrapping to perform succinct statistical inferences for determining the accuracy of results. The study assesses partial efficiency and productivity of three inputs: material, capital and labour, as well as the total factor efficiency and productivity of the acquired companies in the short and long term after the acquisitions.

Findings

The research results suggest that efficiency of material, efficiency of labour and the total factor efficiency of the acquired companies are higher after the acquisitions than before, while efficiency of capital is lower. In addition, the results show that the acquisitions had a positive impact on total factor productivity of the acquired companies.

Practical implications

The results of this study have practical implications for managers, especially for policy-makers and industry analysts in deciding whether to encourage or discourage cross-border acquisitions in transitional economies.

Originality/value

The study contributes to a better understanding of the impact of cross-border acquisitions on efficiency and productivity of acquired companies in the manufacturing industry. Research in transitional economies related to subject matter is limited, and this study is the first empirical investigation of the effect of cross-border acquisitions on the efficiency and productivity in the cement industry in Serbia by applying the Data Envelopment Analysis.
Leadership strategies and internal communication in public organizations
Authors: Jacobsen Christian Bøtcher , Salomonsen Heidi Houlberg
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Leadership can cultivate shared understandings of goals within organizations. Transformational leaders engage in vision-sharing, whereas transactional leaders apply contingent rewards and sanctions. To set the stage for better performing organizations, public managers could lead in ways to improve the communication that flows internally in public organizations, defined as the internal communication performance. Previous studies have linked transformational leadership with internal communication performance in public organizations, but no studies have considered the broader array of leadership strategies and their combination. The purpose of this study is to assess the strength of the relationship between different forms of leadership (transformational and transactional) and internal communication.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a balanced panel dataset of 751 employees.

Findings

The analysis corroborates the existing findings of a relationship between transformational and internal communication, and it identifies a relationship between transactional leadership through verbal rewards and internal communication.

Originality/value

In so doing, the study brings new insights to our understanding of how leaders in public organizations can improve the internal communication in their organizations, which has been linked to, among others, how employees themselves perceive the red tape and performance within public organizations.
Research on discipline development and discipline difference of intelligence science in China
Authors: Li Shuqing , Ding Li , Ding Xiaowei , Hu Huan , Zhang Yu
Published: December 2020

Purpose

With the continuous change of research contents and methods of intelligence science, its integration with other disciplines is also deepening. The purpose of this paper is to further explore the interdisciplinary research characteristics of intelligence science in theoretical depth and application value.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper summarizes and explores in two aspects. The first is a large number of literature review, mainly combined with the historical characteristics of the development of intelligence science researches in China and international comparison. The second is to refine the discipline construction ideas suitable for the development of contemporary intelligence science.

Findings

From the perspective of the historical development of discipline relevance, the development characteristics and positioning of intelligence science in China are introduced, with the comparison of many disciplines including information technology, library science, information science, data science, management science and other disciplines. In order to better meet the practical needs of intelligence service in the new era, this paper mainly analyzes the construction method of intelligence science research system and the relocation of intelligence science research content.

Originality/value

This paper summarizes the historical characteristics and international comparison of the development of intelligence science in China. It proposes the development characteristics and orientation of intelligence science in China from the perspective of historical development of discipline relevance. It also proposes the discipline construction ideas suitable for the development of contemporary intelligence science.
The shift to collaborative working and integration in the English NHS: developing shared leadership in primary care networks
Authors: Willcocks Steve , Conway Tony
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore leadership in the context of the policy shift to collaborative working and integration currently being pursued in the UK NHS. As ways of integrating care are being explored in other countries it can be argued that this topic may have wider policy significance. This paper is particularly concerned with leadership in Primary Care Networks in the English NHS.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a conceptual paper using literature relating to the antecedents of shared leadership and relevant policy documents pertaining to the English NHS. The paper is informed, theoretically by the conceptual lens of shared leadership. A conceptual framework is developed identifying the antecedents of shared leadership that help to explain how shared leadership may be developed.

Findings

The paper identifies the challenges that may be faced by policymakers and those involved in Primary Care Networks in developing shared leadership. It also reveals the implications for policymakers in developing shared leadership.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is conceptual. It is acknowledged that this is a preliminary study and further work will be required to test the conceptual framework empirically.

Practical implications

The paper discusses the policy implications of developing leadership in primary care networks. This has relevance to both the NHS and other countries.

Originality/value

There is limited research on the antecedents of shared leadership. In addition, the conceptual framework is applied to a new policy initiative.
M-coupon's sharing behaviour on social media: intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation
Authors: Sharma Ayushi , Joshi Rakesh Mohan
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The focus of this study lies in understanding the extrinsic vs intrinsic motivators which drive the m-coupon sharing behaviour in social networking sites (SNSs). A consumer can make promotional tool (in our case m-coupons) viral if the cues trigger an apt motivation. This study fills the need gap by identifying which motivations must be focused to make a promotional tool viral by the consumer especially in an emerging economy like India.

Design/methodology/approach

We designed conceptual framework based on extensive literature review and employed hierarchal regression methodology to investigate the motivation to share m-coupon.

Findings

Sense of self-worth, Socializing and Reciprocity emerge as strong reasons for a consumer to share m-coupons amongst friends and peers in SNS. Results have shown that intrinsic motivation works very effectively when a consumer shares m-coupons in SNSs.

Research limitations/implications

This study has certain limitations. First, the impact of age, gender and education can also influence the results as perception evolves with age and education. Second, in our study, we have not classified m-coupons in different categories. Different types of m-coupons may have a different impact on consumers.

Practical implications

The paper presents findings, which are useful for marketers to develop a customer-centric viral promotional strategy.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies in integrating types of motivation with coupon proneness and coupon sharing in social media. This study has specifically targeted the emerging economy where m-coupons usage has seen a surge. Study has shown that it is the intrinsic motivation which is very crucial for encouraging consumer for participating in SNSs and share e-word of mouth amongst friends and peers.
Innovation intelligence and its role in environmental uncertainty management: a conceptual framework
Authors: Nobari Niloofar , Mobini Dehkordi Ali , Akbari Morteza , Padash Hamid
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Organizations need actionable knowledge to cope with environmental uncertainty, make effective decisions and develop innovation strategies. Since innovation evolves through generations, the present study aims to unravel and define innovation intelligence, considering this transformation, and discuss how environmental uncertainty is resolved in each one.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is a conceptual paper that employs a typology and model approach in its research design

Findings

Contexts are categorized into ordered and unordered (according to the Cynefin framework), in which intelligence with prediction and control approaches are applied for uncertainty management, respectively. Also, the three generations of innovation management, namely, technology push, market pull and a combination of these two (hybrid), intelligence benefit from a prediction approach, and in the networked (collaborative) generation, intelligence takes advantage of a control approach.

Research limitations/implications

The conceptual approach adopted in this research is limited to, and focused on, understanding intelligence, innovation intelligence and presenting preliminary insights into their relationship with uncertainty management.

Practical implications

This research guides decision-makers to adopt the appropriate intelligence approach to manage uncertainty during their innovation management process and illustrate it by the industry uncertainty matrix and COVID-19 pandemic situation.

Originality/value

This study proposes a typology of intelligence based on different knowledge pyramids. Also, it introduces innovation intelligence and its relation to knowledge management and environmental uncertainty management that has not yet been clearly addressed in the literature. Moreover, it determines the uncertainty management approaches for each variant of innovation intelligence.
The Economics of Ageing—What Do We Face?
Authors: McDonald Ian M.
Published: December 2020

We, as taxpayers, face challenging problems in assisting the well‐being of old people mainly because preparing for and living through old age is a risky business. Through government, taxpayers can provide some insurance against the risks of old age, especially the risk of bad health and the risk of a long life. However, the ageing population suggests that maintaining this support will require increased taxation. This article quantifies this challenge for Australia and concludes that although increased taxation may be required it will be easily affordable from the much higher incomes generally received due to the secular increase in productivity.
Factors predictive for computed tomography use and abnormality in paediatric head injuries in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Wilson Catherine L , Hearps Stephen JC , Tavender Emma J , Phillips Natalie T , Lawton Ben , Kinnear Frances , Beattie Amie , Mitenko Hugh , Young Russell , Cole Joanne , Kochar Amit , George Shane , Teo Stephen SS , Georgeson Thomas , Michael Adam , Mukherjee Ashes , King Alex , Gamage Lalith , Archer Peter , Cassidy Corey , Rao Arjun , Thosar Deepali , Borland Meredith L , Babl Franz E
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To investigate patient‐level factors predictive for computed tomography of the brain (CTB) use and abnormality in head injured children in Australia and New Zealand.

Methods

Retrospective data from tertiary, urban/suburban and regional/rural EDs including factors predictive for CTB use and abnormality.

Results

Of 3072 children at 31 EDs, 212 (6.9%) had a CTB scan, of which 66 (31%) were abnormal. Increasing age, serious mechanisms of injury and decreasing Glasgow Coma Score were predictive for ordering CTB. Decreasing age was predictive for CTB abnormalities. Other factors were not.

Conclusion

Patient‐level drivers of CTB use in children in Australia and New Zealand are consistent with international data.
Ether lipids, sphingolipids and toxic 1‐deoxyceramides as hallmarks for lean and obese type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Hannich J. Thomas , Loizides‐Mangold Ursula , Sinturel Flore , Harayama Takeshi , Vandereycken Bart , Saini Camille , Gosselin Pauline , Brulhart‐Meynet Marie‐Claude , Robert Maud , Chanon Stephanie , Durand Christine , Paz Montoya Jonathan , David Fabrice P. A. , Guessous Idris , Pataky Zoltan , Golay Alain , Jornayvaz François R. , Philippe Jacques , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T. , Brown Steven A. , Lefai Etienne , Riezman Howard , Dibner Charna
Published: December 2020

Aim

The worldwide increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) represents a major health challenge. Chronically altered lipids induced by obesity further promote the development of T2D, and the accumulation of toxic lipid metabolites in serum and peripheral organs may contribute to the diabetic phenotype.

Methods

To better understand the complex metabolic pattern of lean and obese T2D and non‐T2D individuals, we analysed the lipid profile of human serum, skeletal muscle and visceral adipose tissue of two cohorts by systematic mass spectrometry‐based lipid analysis.

Results

Lipid homeostasis was strongly altered in a disease‐ and tissue‐specific manner, allowing us to define T2D signatures associated with obesity from those that were obesity independent. Lipid changes encompassed lyso‐, diacyl‐ and ether‐phospholipids. Moreover, strong changes in sphingolipids included cytotoxic 1‐deoxyceramide accumulation in a disease‐specific manner in serum and visceral adipose tissue. The high amounts of non‐canonical 1‐deoxyceramide present in human adipose tissue most likely come from cell‐autonomous synthesis because 1‐deoxyceramide production increased upon differentiation to adipocytes in mouse cell culture experiments.

Conclusion

Taken together, the observed lipidome changes in obesity and T2D will facilitate the identification of T2D patient subgroups and represent an important step towards personalized medicine in diabetes.
First‐in‐man study to investigate safety, pharmacokinetics and exploratory pharmacodynamics of HTL0018318, a novel M1‐receptor partial agonist for the treatment of dementias
Authors: Bakker Charlotte , Tasker Tim , Liptrot Jan , Hart Ellen P. , Klaassen Erica S. , Prins Samantha , van der Doef Thalia F. , Brown Giles A. , Brown Alastair , Congreve Miles , Weir Malcolm , Marshall Fiona H. , Cross David M. , Groeneveld Geert Jan , Nathan Pradeep J.
Published: December 2020

Aims

HTL0018318 is a selective M1receptor partial agonist currently under development for the symptomatic treatment of cognitive and behavioural symptoms in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. We investigated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and exploratory pharmacodynamics (PD) of HTL0018318 following single ascending doses.

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in 40 healthy younger adult and 57 healthy elderly subjects, investigated oral doses of 1–35 mg HTL0018318. Pharmacodynamic assessments were performed using a battery of neurocognitive tasks and electrophysiological measurements. Cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of HTL0018318 and food effects on pharmacokinetics of HTL0018318 were investigated in an open label and partial cross‐over design in 14 healthy subjects.

Results

Pharmacokinetics of HTL0018318 were well‐characterized showing dose proportional increases in exposure from 1–35 mg. Single doses of HTL0018318 were associated with mild dose‐related adverse events of low incidence in both younger adult and elderly subjects. The most frequently reported cholinergic AEs included hyperhidrosis and increases in blood pressure up to 10.3 mmHg in younger adults (95% CI [4.2–16.3], 35‐mg dose) and up to 11.9 mmHg in elderly subjects (95% CI [4.9–18.9], 15‐mg dose). There were no statistically significant effects on cognitive function but the study was not powered to detect small to moderate effect sizes of clinical relevance.

Conclusion

HTL0018318 showed well‐characterized pharmacokinetics and following single doses were generally well tolerated in the dose range studied. These provide encouraging data in support of the development for HTL0018318 for Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
Parents' experiences of family team meetings in child welfare
Authors: Rockhill Anna
Published: December 2020

This article describes the benefits of monthly family team meetings for parents involved with child welfare. Findings are shared from semi‐structured, qualitative interviews conducted with 17 parents whose children had been placed in substitute care. While much of the scholarship on family meetings focuses on opportunities for family voice, this study found that parents received multiple benefits from meetings including, but not limited to, the opportunity for input into decision‐making. Specifically, parents appreciated receiving information and feedback, encouragement, and a range of other supports from members of the team. Meetings also facilitated communication and improved the coordination of services and other efforts by team members. Notably, parents reported that regular meetings helped to hold caseworkers and other providers accountable regarding their activities and duties related to the case, often resulting in better follow through. Parents and their advocates were also able to use meetings to push child welfare to respond in a timely way to parents' progress. These findings should be viewed as preliminary evidence of how a particular model of family meetings might work and thereby expand our understanding of what family team decision meetings can do to improve parents' experiences and child welfare outcomes more generally.
Factors influencing access to early intervention for families of children with developmental disabilities: A narrative review
Authors: Sapiets Suzi J. , Totsika Vasiliki , Hastings Richard P.
Published: December 2020

Background

Early intervention (EI) can improve a range of outcomes for families of children with developmental disabilities. However, research indicates the level of access does not always match the level of need. To address disparities, it is essential to identify factors influencing access.

Method

We propose a framework where access to EI is conceptualised as aprocessthat includes three main phases. A narrative review examined potential barriers, facilitators and modifiers of access for each phase.

Results

The process of access to EI includes the following: 1) recognition of need, 2) identification or diagnosis and 3) EI provision or receipt. Several factors affecting access to EI for each phase were identified, related to the family, services, the intersection between family and services, and the context.

Conclusion

A broad range of factors appear to influence the process of access to EI for this population. Our framework can be used in future research investigating access. Broad implications for policy, practice and future research to improve access to EI are discussed.
Factors Associated with Duration of Rehabilitation Among Older Adults with Prolonged Hospitalization
Authors: Nguyen Danh Q. , Ifejika Nneka L. , Reistetter Timothy A. , Makam Anil N.
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Older adults are prone to functional decline during prolonged hospitalization. Although rehabilitation therapy is critical to preserving function, little is known about rehabilitation duration (RD) in this population. We sought to determine the extent of rehabilitation therapy provided to older adults during prolonged hospitalization, and whether this differs by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Single‐site safety‐net hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Older adults (≥65 years) hospitalized for ≥14 days between 2016 and 2017.

MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome was RD, defined as the average number of minutes of physical and occupational therapy per week. We used a multivariable generalized linear model to assess for differences in RD by sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. For a sub‐cohort of hospitalizations with a baseline mobility assessment, we repeated analyses including mobility limitation as a covariate.

RESULTS

Among 1,031 hospitalizations by 925 unique patients (median age 72, 49% female, 79% non‐white, 40% non‐English speaking), the median RD was 61.3 minutes/week (interquartile range = 16.5–127.3). Covariates associated with lesser RD included black (57.2 fewer minutes/week; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 22.9–91.4) and Hispanic (75.6 fewer minutes/week; 95% CI = 33.8–117.4) race/ethnicity, speaking a language other than English or Spanish (51.7 fewer minutes/week; 95% CI = 21.3–82.0), prolonged mechanical ventilation (30.0 fewer minutes/week; 95% CI = 6.6–53.3), and do‐not‐resuscitate code status (36.0 fewer minutes/week; 95% CI = 17.1–54.8). The inclusion of mobility limitation among the sub‐cohort (n = 350) did not meaningfully change the associations.

CONCLUSION

We found large disparities in RD for racial/ethnic and language minorities and clinically vulnerable older adults (mechanical ventilation and do‐not‐resuscitate code status), independent of clinical severity and functional and cognitive impairment. Greater RD for these groups may improve functional outcomes and narrow the disparity gap.
Characterization of soil fungal community associating with suppressive soil to Verticillium yellows disease of Chinese cabbage
Authors: Noguchi Masako Tsujimoto , Nagase Haruka , Yamauchi Norihito , Mimuro Genki , Sakai Hiroshi , Furusawa Akiko , Miki Shizue , Yoshida Shigenobu
Published: December 2020

Chinese cabbage yellows is a major economically important disease caused by Verticillium dahliae and V. longisporum in Japan. Although it has existed in Chinese cabbage fields that show suppressiveness against the disease, their mechanisms remain unclear. To uncover soil biological characteristics associated with disease suppressiveness, we performed comparative analyses of bacterial and fungal communities among different field soils showing different disease severities of Chinese cabbage yellows in the Gunma Prefecture in Japan. Bacterial and fungal communities in these soils were analysed using polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR–DGGE), which indicated that a specific DGGE band with metrics (Rf value) of approximately 28.9 tended to specifically appear in soils with lower disease severities, whereas the nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that the DGGE band was closely related to the sequences that belonged to the Chaetomiaceae family. The fungal strain S69 corresponding to the DGGE band 28.9 was isolated from disease‐suppressive field soil, and the results of the nucleotide sequence analysis suggested that the strain was closely related to Thielavia terricola, a member of the Chaetomiaceae family. The pot experiments revealed that Chinese cabbage yellows was suppressed by strain S69 propagule treatment into soils infested with V. longisporum. Thus, it is suggested that the fungal strain S69 contributed to the soils’ disease suppressiveness.
Journey of a psychiatric nurse: Growing up with parents with mental illness
Authors: Küçük Öztürk Gülhan
Published: December 2020

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

The parent–child relationship has a significant impact on children's mental health.

Families with individuals with mental illness constitute a high‐risk group in the community.

It can be challenging for children to cope with issues related to having parents with mental illness.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

This paper explains the feelings, thoughts and experiences of a psychiatric nurse whose parents both have a mental illness and emphasizes the positive and negative effects of growing up in such a situation.

The effects of growing up with parents with mental illness should be addressed as a whole.

What are the implications for practice?

The narrative highlights the impact that parents with mental illness have on children.

Psychiatric nurses are in a key position to provide children whose parents have a mental illness with timely and continuous help in developing coping and support mechanisms.
Recurrence‐free interval 12 months after local treatment of mast cell tumors in dogs using intratumoral injection of tigilanol tiglate
Authors: Jones Pamela D. , Campbell Justine E. , Brown Graham , Johannes Chad M. , Reddell Paul
Published: December 2020

Background

Tigilanol tiglate (TT) is a novel small molecule approved by the European Medicines Agency for intratumoral treatment of mast cell tumors (MCTs) in dogs. In a randomized controlled clinical efficacy and safety study in the United States, 85 of 116 dogs that received a single TT injection achieved complete response (CR) of the treated MCT by day 28.

Objective

To evaluate the durability of the TT treatment response achieved at day 28 in the U.S. study by assessing MCT recurrence at the treatment site 6 and 12 months after TT administration.

Animals

Eighty‐five dogs previously treated with TT.

Methods

Dogs that achieved CR at day 28 were assessed retrospectively for the presence or absence of MCT at the treatment site using records from clinical visits and telephone interviews with owners. Dogs unavailable at an assessment time were considered lost‐to‐follow‐up and data for their last assessment used in the final analysis.

Results

By 12 months after TT treatment, 64 dogs remained evaluable, with 21 unavailable. Of evaluable patients, 57 (89%) remained tumor free at the treatment site and 7 (11%) had developed recurrence. All recurrences occurred within the first 6 months, predominantly (5/7, 71%) within the first 12 weeks.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Tigilanol tiglate provided a durable long‐term local response for the treatment of MCT in dogs.
Clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 patients with hepatitis B virus infection — a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhao Li , Cheng Xiaoming , Han Huan , Li Cong , Li Dong , Liu Andrew , Gao Guosheng , Zhou Feng , Liu Fang , Jiang Yingan , Zhu Chengliang , Xia Yuchen
Published: December 2020

Background & Aims

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has been declared a pandemic. Although COVID‐19 is caused by infection in the respiratory tract, extrapulmonary manifestations including dysregulation of the immune system and hepatic injury have been observed. Given the high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in China, we sought to study the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and HBV coinfection in patients.

Methods

Blood samples of 50 SARS‐CoV‐2 and HBV coinfected patients, 56 SARS‐CoV‐2 mono‐infected patients, 57 HBeAg‐negative chronic HBV patient controls and 57 healthy controls admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were collected in this study. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry panels including markers indicative of liver functions were performed. Cytokines including IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6 and IL‐10 were evaluated. T cell, B cell and NK cell counts were measured using flow cytometry.

Results

SARS‐CoV‐2 and HBV coinfection did not significantly affect the outcome of the COVID‐19. However, at the onset of COVID‐19, SARS‐CoV‐2 and HBV coinfected patients showed more severe monocytopenia and thrombocytopenia as well as more disturbed hepatic function in albumin production and lipid metabolism. Most of the disarrangement could be reversed after recovery from COVID‐19.

Conclusions

While chronic HBV infection did not predispose COVID‐19 patients to more severe outcomes, our data suggest SARS‐CoV‐2 and HBV coinfection poses a higher extent of dysregulation of host functions at the onset of COVID‐19. Thus, caution needs to be taken with the management of SARS‐CoV‐2 and HBV coinfected patients.
Evolution of antigen‐specific immune responses in cutaneous leishmaniasis patients
Authors: Mohammadi Akram Miramin , Duthie Malcolm S. , Reed Steven G. , Javadi Amir , Khamesipour Ali
Published: December 2020

Aims

Despite immunization appearing to be the most appropriate strategy for long‐term control of the vector‐borne leishmaniases, no sustainable vaccine is currently available against any form of leishmaniasis. We therefore evaluated, in the context of vaccine antigen candidates, antigen‐specific immune response at various stages of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).

Methods and results

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from healthy volunteers and CL patients (caused by either Leishmania major or L tropica) were incubated with crude Leishmania proteins (soluble Leishmania antigen; SLA), single recombinant proteins (TSA, LeIF, LmSTI1) or chimeric fusion proteins (LEISH‐F2 and LEISH‐F3). The concentrations of immune modulatory cytokines were then determined. While we did not detect appreciable antigen‐specific IL‐5 secretion, SLA induced secretion of interleukin (IL)‐10 in cultures from early active lesion CL patients and even from healthy individuals. Conversely, interferon (IFN)‐γ responses to SLA and recombinant proteins followed a similar pattern, developing only in the late active CL lesion phase. Once established, antigen‐specific IFN‐γ responses persisted in cured CL patients.

Conclusion

Together, our results provide further insight into the development of immune responses during CL and further validate the selection of LEISH‐F2 and LEISH‐F3 as vaccine antigen candidates.
The Interactive Effects of Scientific Knowledge and Gender on COVID‐19 Social Distancing Compliance
Authors: Algara Carlos , Fuller Sam , Hare Christopher , Kazemian Sara
Published: December 2020

Objective

In this research note, we examine the role scientific knowledge and gender plays in citizen responses to governmental social distancing recommendations.

Methods

Using two waves of the American Trends Panel Survey and a measure of latent scientific knowledge, we test whether scientific knowledge is associated with comfort in participating in social activities during the COVID‐19 pandemic within both the full U.S. population and the two major political parties.

Results

In both the general population and within the Democratic Party, we find that women are generally more likely to use their scientific knowledge to inform their level of comfort with social activities during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusion

These findings shed light on how knowledge and gender intersect to drive compliance with government recommendations and policies during a public health crisis in a deeply partisan America.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*02:939 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Elsermans Vincent , Visentin Jonathan , Top Isabelle , Varlet Pauline , Labalette Myriam
Published: December 2020

HLA‐A*02:939 differs from HLA‐A*02:01:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 222 in exon 4.
Effect of time until sample analysis on lactate in dogs with shock
Authors: Rizzo Kaila N. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , DeLaforcade Armelle M.
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Lactate concentrations can increase with hypoperfusion in dogs and could be used as a prognostic indicator in sick dogs. In a busy emergency service, sample evaluation could be delayed. However, sample evaluation delays have been shown to cause lactate concentration increases in healthy dogs. In sick dogs, the magnitude of increased lactate is unknown. The goal of this study was to prospectively evaluate the effect of room temperature storage times on lactate measurements in dogs presenting to an emergency service.

Methods

We evaluated the precision and accuracy of the NOVA Lactate Plus, using standard procedures. To assess the impact of time on lactate concentrations in sick dogs, we prospectively enrolled dogs presenting to an emergency service. Lactate concentrations were measured at six time points using samples stored at room temperature. A Friedman test, followed by a Wilcoxon rank test with a Bonferroni correction was used to evaluate time points.

Results

Forty‐five dogs were enrolled in this prospective observational study. The Lactate Plus and table‐top analyzer compared favorably, with an R2 of .98, and a mean bias of 0.26 in 50 canine samples. Precision was acceptable, with a percent coefficient of variation of 5.39. Statistically significant increases in lactate concentrations were found at all time points over baseline (P = .008).

Conclusions

In as little as 7.5 minutes, lactate concentrations increased significantly in samples stored at room temperature. Dogs with lower initial lactate concentrations had had higher increases in lactate concentration percentages over 90 minutes.
Repetitive Variety and Other Balancing Acts: Debussy's Transcendental Oscillations
Authors: Ramage Maxwell
Published: December 2020

This article introduces the concept of the transcendental oscillation, in which two chords alternate with one another in a way that transcends traditional tonal practice. This harmonic device appears in a wide variety of settings from Wagner to modern pop music. After discussing some
theoretical properties of transcendental oscillations, including their interactions with modality and chromaticism, I analyze transcendental oscillations in the works of Debussy, who made the technique a central component of his style. In Debussy's music, transcendental oscillations may be
either intensifying or calming. They are symptomatic of what Sylveline Bourion calls Debussy's "duplication" tendency. As progressions foreign to common practice, they present a novel aspect, but as repetitive progressions, they are easy on the ears. These two central features of transcendental
oscillations—their harmonic freshness and their repetitive quality—combine to make them well suited to Debussy's compositional project and attractive to composers to this day.
The Expanded Caesura-Fill and Transcendental States in Beethoven's "Hammerklavier" Sonata
Authors: Aziz Andrew
Published: December 2020

Anticipating Beethoven's late style, his Piano Sonata Op. 106, "Hammerklavier," contains distinct passages that serve to suspend formal time (noted by numerous scholars, including Adorno, Dahlhaus, Greene, Kinderman, et al.) and disrupt the forward progress of thematic zones within
a sonata form. In this essay, I tie this suspension of time to a specific formal space introduced by Hepokoski and Darcy (2006)—the "caesura-fill"—which serves as a venue for compositional exploration throughout Beethoven's sonata oeuvre. Because caesura-fill music occurs between
two thematic zones (transition and secondary themes), it has the potential not only for expansion but also for establishing a state of transcendence. In part 1, I investigate the presence of expanded caesura-fill in the exposition of the "Hammerklavier", which enters a transcendental state
and postpones the secondary theme zone; harmonic and textural effects in the music underscore this aesthetic. In part 2, I draw comparisons to early- and middle-period works, most significantly the Eroica Symphony, Op. 55, and the "Archduke" Piano Trio, Op. 97. Finally, in part 3, I
illustrate how the exposition of the "Hammerklavier" provides a script for the development section to again enter a zone of transcendence, using sharp-side keys to postpone and ultimately undermine the recapitulation.
Geometric Modeling and Collaborative Design in a Multi-Modal Multi-Sensory Virtual Environment
Authors: Arangarasan Rajarathinam , Gadh Rajit
Published: December 2020

Shape modeling plays a vital role in the design process but often it is the most tedious task in the whole design cycle. In recent years the Computer Aided Design (CAD) industry has evolved through a number of advances and developments in design methodology. However, modeling in these CAD systems requires expertise and in-depth understanding of the modeling process, user interface and the CAD system itself, resulting in increased design cycle time. To overcome these problems a new methodology and a system called “Detailed Virtual Design System” (DVDS) has been developed for detailed shape modeling in a multi-modal, multi-sensory Virtual Environment (VE). This system provides an intuitive and natural way of designing using hand motions, gestures and voice commands. Due to the lack of effective collaborative design, visualization and analysis tools, designers spend a considerable amount of time and effort in the group discussion during design process. To enable multiple designers to effectively and efficiently collaborate in a design environment, framework of a collaborative virtual environment, called “Virtual Environment to Virtual Environment” (V2V), has been discussed. This framework allows same site and remote site multi-modal, multi-sensory immersive interface between designers.
Target Cascading in Optimal System Design
Authors: Kim Hyung Min , Michelena Nestor F. , Papalambros Panos Y. , Jiang Tao
Published: December 2020

Target cascading is a key challenge in the early product development stages of large complex artifacts: How to propagate the desirable top level design specifications (or targets) to appropriate specifications for the various subsystems and components in a consistent and efficient manner. Consistency means that all parts of the designed system should end up working well together, while efficiency means that the process itself should avoid iterations at later stages, which are costly in time and resources. In the present article target cascading is formalized in a process modeled as a multilevel optimal design problem. Design targets are cascaded down to lower levels using partitioning of the original problem into a hierarchical set of sub-problems. For each design problem at a given level, an optimization problem is formulated to minimize deviations from the propagated targets and thus achieve intersystem compatibility. A coordination strategy links all subproblem decisions so that the overall system performance targets are met. The process is illustrated with an explicit analytical problem and a simple chassis design model that demonstrates how the process can be applied in practice.
An acoustic remote sensing method for high-precision propeller rotation and speed estimation of unmanned underwater vehicles
Authors: Railey Kristen , DiBiaso Dino , Schmidt Henrik
Published: December 2020

Understanding the dominant sources of acoustic noise in unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) is important for passively tracking these platforms and for designing quieter propulsion systems. This work describes how the vehicle's propeller rotation can be passively measured by the unique high frequency acoustic signature of a brushless DC motor propulsion system and compares this method to Detection of Envelope Modulation on Noise (DEMON) measurements. First, causes of high frequency tones were determined through direct measurements of two micro-UUVs and an isolated thruster at a range of speeds. From this analysis, common and dominant features of noise were established: strong tones at the motor's pulse-width modulated frequency and its second harmonic, with sideband spacings at the propeller rotation frequency multiplied by the poles of the motor. In shallow water field experiments, measuring motor noise was a superior method to the DEMON algorithm for estimating UUV speed. In negligible currents, and when the UUV turn-per-knot ratio was known, measuring motor noise produced speed predictions within the error range of the vehicle's inertial navigation system's reported speed. These findings are applicable to other vehicles that rely on brushless DC motors and can be easily integrated into passive acoustic systems for target motion analysis.
Implementation of ATP and Microbial Indicator Testing for Hygiene Monitoring in a Tofu Production Facility Improves Product Quality and Hygienic Conditions of Food Contact Surfaces: a Case Study
Authors: Sogin Jonathan H. , Lopez-Velasco Gabriela , Yordem Burcu , Lingle Cari K. , David John M. , Çobo Mario , Worobo Randy W.
Published: December 2020

Cleaning and sanitation are critical to maintaining safe and high-quality food production. Monitoring these activities is important to ensure proper execution of procedure and to assure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Aspiration catheter failure leading to carotid-cavernous fistula during stroke thrombectomy
Authors: Agrait Mario , Kee-Sampson Joanna , Brzezicki Grzegorz , Bashir Saeed , Matteo Jerry , Meyer Travis , Siragusa Daniel
Published: December 2020

Endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischaemic stroke commonly uses aspiration catheters, either alone or in combination with stent retrievers. The Penumbra Aspiration System (Penumbra, Alameda, California, USA) was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2007, with low reported device-related complications. We present a case of a previously unreported complication related to malfunction of a Penumbra aspiration catheter during stroke thrombectomy resulting in a carotid-cavernous fistula.
Acute abdomen or life-threatening heterotopic pregnancy with tubal rupture: where does imaging play a role?
Authors: Kong Mark , Paramesparan Kethesparan , Keshvala Chhaya , Shah Amit
Published: December 2020

Heterotopic pregnancy (HP) is a rare, potentially life-threatening complication of an intrauterine pregnancy with a simultaneous ectopic pregnancy. There is a higher incidence with assisted reproduction techniques (ART) and radiology can be pivotal in its diagnosis. A 28-year-old woman underwent ART and at 7 weeks’ gestation presented with acute right iliac fossa pain. Transvaginal ultrasound (US) imaging confirmed a viable intrauterine pregnancy. The patients’ pain persisted however, and transabdominal US demonstrated a complex, heterogeneous right adnexal mass. Subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed an HP with a ruptured ectopic and haemoperitoneum. Emergency laparoscopic surgery and right salpingo-oopherectomy were performed without complication. We highlight the importance of considering HP as a diagnosis in the acute gravid abdomen, especially when initial investigations have confirmed a viable intrauterine pregnancy. Furthermore, this case highlights MRI as a useful modality in complex cases due to its high soft tissue contrast resolution using non-ionising radiation.
Nurse-led triage of new sleep referrals is associated with lower risk of potentially contraindicated sleep testing: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Donovan Lucas M , Palen Brian N , Syed Adnan , Blankenhorn Richard , Blanchard Kelly , Feser William J , Magid Kate , Gamache Justina , Spece Laura J , Feemster Laura C , Fernandes Laurie , Kirsh Susan , Au David H
Published: December 2020

Background

The volume of specialty care referrals often outstrips specialists’ capacity. The Department of Veterans Affairs launched a system of referral coordination to augment our workforce, empowering registered nurses to use decision support tools to triage specialty referrals. While task shifting may improve access, there is limited evidence regarding the relative quality of nurses’ triage decisions to ensure such management is safe.

Objective

Within the specialty of sleep medicine, we compared receipt of contraindicated testing for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) between patients triaged to sleep testing by nurses in the referral coordination system (RCS) relative to our traditional specialist-led system (TSS).

Methods

Patients referred for OSA evaluation can be triaged to either home sleep apnoea testing (HSAT) or polysomnography, and existing guidelines specify patients for whom HSAT is contraindicated. In RCS, nurses used a decision support tool to make triage decisions for sleep testing but were instructed to seek specialist oversight in complex cases. In TSS, specialists made triage decisions themselves. We performed a single-centre retrospective cohort study of patients without OSA who were referred to sleep testing between September 2018 and August 2019. Patients were assigned to triage by RCS or TSS in quasirandom fashion based on triager availability at time of referral. We compared receipt of contraindicated sleep tests between groups using a generalised linear model adjusted for day of the week and time of day of referral.

Results

RCS triaged 793 referrals for OSA evaluation relative to 1787 by TSS. Patients with RCS triages were at lower risk of receiving potentially contraindicated sleep tests relative risk 0.52 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.93).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that incorporating registered nurses into triage decision-making may improve the quality of diagnostic care for OSA.
Hospitalised patients with palliative care needs: Spain and Sweden compared
Authors: Sandgren Anna , García-Fernández Francisco P , Gutiérrez Sánchez Daniel , Strang Peter , López-Medina Isabel M
Published: December 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to describe and compare symptoms, care needs and types of diagnoses in hospitalised patients with palliative care needs in Spain and Sweden.

Methods

A cross-sectional, population-based study was carried out at two hospitals in both Spain and Sweden. Using a questionnaire, we performed 154 one-day inventories (n=4213) in Spain and 139 in Sweden (n=3356) to register symptoms, care needs and diagnoses. Descriptive analyses were used.

Results

The proportion of patients with care needs in the two countries differed (Spain 7.7% vs Sweden 12.4%, p<0.001); however, the percentage of patients with cancer and non-cancer patients was similar. The most prevalent symptoms in cancer and non-cancer patients in both countries were deterioration, pain, fatigue and infection. The most common cancer diagnosis in both countries was lung cancer, although it was more common in Spain (p<0.01), whereas prostate cancer was more common among Swedish men (p<0.001). Congestive heart failure (p<0.001) was a predominant non-cancer diagnosis in Sweden, whereas in Spain, the most frequent diagnosis was dementia (p<0.001). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was common in both countries, although its frequency was higher in Spain (p<0.05). In total, patients with cancer had higher frequencies of pain (p<0.001) and nausea (p<0.001), whereas non-cancer patients had higher frequencies of deterioration (p<0.001) and infections (p<0.01).

Conclusions

The similarities in symptoms among the patients indicate that the main focus in care should be on patient care needs rather than diagnoses. Integrating palliative care in hospitals and increasing healthcare professional competency can result in providing optimal palliative care.