bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uber Sub-Saharan Africa: contextual leadership for sustainable business model innovation during COVID-19
Authors: Scheepers Caren Brenda , Bogie Jill
Published: July 2020

Learning outcomes

The learning outcomes are as follows: to gain insight into the importance of location, in terms of spatial and temporal context and the capability of leadership to tune into and strategically adapt to context; to understand and explain the sharing economy and explain how the Uber business model fits into this new way of doing business; to evaluate how Uber South Africa has adapted its business model in the period of the COVID-19 crisis and discuss the nature of the business model innovations that is has made; and to understand business model for sustainability and how it differs from the general understanding of business models.

Case overview/synopsis

On 15 May 2020, Alon Lits, General Manager of Uber Africa was considering his dilemma of adapting their business model to the demands of COVID-19, without losing their core business model as a multi-sided technology platform business. Uber was asking their riders to stay home to ensure social distancing during the lockdown, rather than booking a ride with Uber. The question was how they could support their driver partners, while they were discouraging riders to make use of Uber. Uber had taken initiatives to create additional revenue streams for drivers. The case highlights how Alon Lits and his executive team prioritised the health and well-being of their Uber community and quickly adapted their technology to meet the evolving needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. They customised their offerings to the different needs in the seven Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries in which they operated. Uber supported businesses by using the Uber-X sedan vehicles to deliver necessities like food, medicine and parcels to the frontline and poor communities. Uber globally offered their drivers in quarantine 14 days of financial assistance. Serving communities also involved offering free rides to women and children who were victims of domestic violence to get them to a safe space. The multi-sided platform technology business had to consciously adapt, to the “next normal” as the COVID-19 era evolved.

Complexity academic level

The case is most suitable for Post-Graduate Master’s level courses, MBA, MPhil in Corporate Strategy.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS: 11 Strategy.
All of the people, all of the time: click on the link to join the meeting
Authors: van Eeden Adrian Mark
Published: July 2020

Learning outcomes

Students should be able to use the case study in debate apply theories relating to the subjects specified.

Case overview/synopsis

The case is based on a fictitious South African company going through emergency response conditions analogous with what many businesses are encountering during the COVID crisis. The protagonist is struggling with structural challenges imposed on the business by unpredictable and uncontrollable external pressures and needs to make transformative decisions which might impact the culture, organisational design and digitisation of the business.

Complexity academic level

Post-graduate general management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS: 7 Management Science.
Scientific excellency model in Iran’s higher education case study: Guilan university of medical sciences
Authors: Hoseini Moghadam Mohammad , Heidarzadeh Abtin , Bashiri Hassan , Khoshrang Hossein , Dadgaran Ideh
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer the question of how scientific excellency can be achieved. The origin of scientific excellency in Iran, national and international experiences concerning the subject has been investigated to review the literature. The authors also designed a process and then a model to test the course. Guilan University of Medical Sciences was selected as a case study for the research.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used in this paper is from Future Studies, with emphasis on the “Participatory Learning and Action” method. It means that different stakeholders, including the strategic council members, managers, faculty members, students, alumni and non-academic staff, have been involved in different parts of the process.

Findings

After semantic analysis of scientific excellency in the theoretical field; the examination of national and international experiences in universities; the analysis of higher-level documents of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education as well as strategic documents of the university; the determination of the strengths and weaknesses of the Guilan University of Medical Sciences in online survey; the completion of the scientific excellency canvas in the expert panel and finally obtaining other stakeholders, a conceptual model was designed for achieving scientific excellency.

Practical implications

The study of the actions, policies and trends of pioneering universities indicates that it is important to consider issues such as the internationalization of education and research and the modification of university structures. To achieve a superior national and international status, the university must specifically enhance a range of different aspects, from intangible aspects, such as motivation of employees to tangible aspects, such as human resources, structure and facilities.

Originality/value

Scientific excellency is going to be one of main streams between universities to attract top students and researchers from all over the world. There has been little academic attempt on scientific excellency. In this research, first the authors examined the concept of scientific excellency, criteria and measurement in higher education, then based on that case study and participatory action learning method, a conceptual framework to achieve scientific excellency in Iran’s higher education system was proposed.
Comparison of artificial intelligence and empirical models for energy production estimation of 20 MWp solar photovoltaic plant at the Saharan Medium of Algeria
Authors: Bouchouicha Kada , Bailek Nadjem , Razagui Abdelhak , EL-Shimy Mohamed , Bellaoui Mebrouk , Bachari Nour El Islam
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to estimate the electric power production of the 20 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) plant installed in the Adrar region, South of Algeria using minimal knowledge about weather conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, simulation models based on linear and nonlinear approaches were used to estimate accurate energy production from minimum radiometric and meteorological data. Simulations have been carried out by using multiple linear regression (MLR) and artificial neural network (ANN) models with three basic types of neuron connection architectures, namely, feed-forward neural network, cascade-forward neural network (CNN) and Elman neural network. The performance is measured based on evaluation indexes, namely, mean absolute percentage error, normalized mean absolute error and normalized root mean square error.

Findings

A comparison of the proposed ANN models has been made with MLR models. The performance analysis indicates that all the ANN-based models are superior in prediction accuracy and stability, and among these models, the most accurate results are obtained with the use of CNN-based models.

Practical implications

The considered model will be adopted in solar PV forecasting areas as part of the operational forecasting chain based on numerical weather prediction. It can be an effective and powerful forecasting approach for solar power generation for large-scale PV plants.

Social implications

The operational forecasting system can be used to generate an effective schedule for national grid electricity system operators to ensure the sustainability as well as favourable trading performance in the electricity, such as adjusting the scheduling plan, ensuring power quality, reducing depletion of fossil fuel resources and consequently decreasing the environmental pollution.

Originality/value

The proposed method uses the instantaneous radiometric and meteorological data in 15-min time interval recorded over the two years of operation, which made the result exploits a fact that the energy production estimation of PV power generation station is comparatively more accurate.
Surface roughness effects on non-Newtonian MHD non-parallel squeeze film bearing
Authors: Mouda Mouhcine , Nabhani Mohamed , El Khlifi Mohamed
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of surface roughness on the magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) non-parallel squeeze film lubrication using non-Newtonian lubricant.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the MHD thin film lubrication theory and the Stokes theory and homogenization method, the homogenized MHD Reynolds equation is derived considering the squeezing effect.

Findings

It is found that the obtained results indicate that the interaction among non-Newtonian, MHD and surface roughness influences is significant.

Originality/value

This study is original which compares the dimensionless load capacity and dimensionless response time among transverse, longitudinal and, for the first time, anisotropic surface roughness types under magneto-hydrodynamic non-Newtonian non-parallel squeeze film lubrication.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2020-0071/
Fretting wear behavior of WS2/ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Xin Xiaocui , Wang Yunxia , Meng Zhaojie , Liu Hao , Yan Yunfeng , Yan Fengyuan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on studying the addition of nano-tungsten disulfide (WS2) on fretting wear performance of ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE).

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the effect of WS2 content on fretting wear performance of UHMWPE was investigated. The fretting wear performance of the UHMWPE and WS2/UHMWPE nanocomposites were evaluated on oscillating reciprocating friction and wear tester. The data of the friction coefficient and the specific wear rate were obtained. The worn surfaces of composites were observed. The transfer film and its component were analyzed.

Findings

With the addition of 0.5% WS2, the friction coefficient and specific wear rate increased. With the content increased to 1% and 1.5%, the friction coefficient and specific wear rate decreased. The lowest friction coefficient and specific wear rate were obtained with the addition of 1.5% nano-WS2. Continuingly increasing content, the friction coefficient and wear rate increased but lower than that of pure UHMWPE.

Research limitations/implications

The research indicated the fretting wear performance related to the content of nano-WS2 with the incorporation of WS2 into UHMWPE.

Practical implications

The result may help to choose the appropriate content.

Originality/value

The main originality of the research is to reveal the fretting behavior of UHMWPE and WS2/UHMWPE nanocomposites. It makes us realize the nano-WS2 had an effect on the fretting wear performance of UHMWPE.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2020-0151/
Context matters: enablers and barriers to knowledge sharing in Australian public sector ICT projects
Authors: Karagoz Yakub , Whiteside Naomi , Korthaus Axel
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to extend the theory relating to knowledge sharing barriers and enablers in the public sector information and communication technology (ICT) project context.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study method was used whereby project managers from each of the seven departments of the Victorian Public Sector in Australia were interviewed about their knowledge sharing practice. A semi-structured interview instrument based on Riege’s (2005) barrier framework was used to explore the barriers to knowledge sharing that they experienced as part of their work.

Findings

The study found that many of Riege’s (2005) barriers did not apply in the public sector ICT project environment, demonstrating that context matters. In addition, five enablers were identified, resulting in a new model of enablers and barriers to knowledge sharing in public sector ICT projects.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on a single case, the Victorian Public Sector, and consequently the results are not generalisable. Future research should explore the applicability of the model in other public sector ICT project contexts.

Practical implications

The study highlights the relationship between knowledge sharing and the project manager and the role it plays in project delivery. The model presented provides a starting point for public sector practitioners to develop their knowledge sharing practice, potentially enhancing project outcomes in the process.

Originality/value

This study examines barriers to knowledge sharing in an under-researched context, that of the public sector ICT project environment. It builds on current theory and provides insights for practitioners in the public sector.
Enterprise feedback management (EFM): what lies beyond the hype?
Authors: Aksoy Lerzan , Benoit Sabine , Joag Shreekant G. , Kandampully Jay , Keiningham Timothy Lee , Yan An L.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The needs of CMOs to utilize a firm's data productively in order to support decision-making combined with the reported benefits of enterprise feedback management solutions has resulted in a rapid rise in usage and valuation of EFM providers. The explicit promise of EFM providers is improved financial performance, whereas there is no scientific research investigating this link. To investigate the link between EFM usage and financial performance is core of this research.

Design/methodology/approach

To gain insight into this link survey data from 127 US-based firms on their usage of EFM platforms was linked to their stock market performance over several years.

Findings

This research did not find any significant positive relationships between different aspects of EFM usage investigated and stock returns. It is important to note that these results should not be taken as validation that EFM systems do not result in positive financial outcomes for firms. It may be that superior market performance as measured through stock returns is difficult to observe through a cross-sectional analysis. Instead these results indicate that superior market performance as measured through stock market performance is not an obvious, generalizable outcome for firms that have adopted EFM systems.

Originality/value

EFM has rapidly grown across many consumer facing industries, with EFM platform providers receiving very high market valuations on relatively small revenue streams. This is one of the first scientific papers to study the usage and impact of these EFM systems.
AI feel you: customer experience assessment via chatbot interviews
Authors: Sidaoui Karim , Jaakkola Matti , Burton Jamie
Published: July 2020

Purpose

While customer experience (CE) is recognized as a critical determinant of business success, both academics and managers are yet to find a means to gain a comprehensive understanding of CE cost-effectively. The authors argue that the application of relevant AI technology could help address this challenge. Employing interactively prompted narrative storytelling, and the authors investigate the effectiveness of sentiment analysis (SA) on extracting valuable CE insights from primary qualitative data generated via chatbot interviews.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a granular and semantically clear framework for studying CE feelings, an artificial intelligence (AI) augmented chatbot was designed. The chatbot interviewed a crowdsourced sample of consumers about their recalled service experience feelings. By combining free-text and closed-ended questions, the authors were able to compare extracted sentiment polarities against established measurement scales and empirically validate our novel approach.

Findings

The authors demonstrate that SA can effectively extract CE feelings from primary chatbot data. This findings also suggest that further enhancement in accuracy can be achieved via improvements in the interplay between the chatbot interviewer and SA extraction algorithms.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed customer-centric approach can help service companies to study and better understand CE feelings in a cost-effective and scalable manner. The AI-augmented chatbots can also help companies to foster immersive and engaging relationships with customers. This study focuses on feelings, warranting further research on AI's value in studying other CE elements.

Originality/value

The unique inquisitive role of AI-infused chatbots in conducting interviews and analyzing data in realtime, offers considerable potential for studying CE and other subjective constructs.
Tort law makes a quantum leap: a review of the civil liability regime for nuclear operators in UAE law
Authors: Jadalhaq Iyad Mohammad , Alqodsi Enas Mohammad
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to illustrate the special liability regime applying to a nuclear operator for damage caused to individuals, property and natural resources, after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) implemented the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage of 1963 through Federal Law No. 4 of 2012. This paper contrasts this special regime with the default regime of civil liability set out in the UAE Civil Code. The comparison helps clarify the legal nature of nuclear operator liability, the extent of protection it affords to the parties injured in a nuclear incident, the conditions under which it obtains, as well as the different damage headings it allows.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a desk-based legal research.

Findings

The main novelties enshrined in the special liability regime for nuclear facility operators are the adoption of an objective approach (strict liability) and the introduction of exceptions different from those contemplated in the default regime spelled out in the UAE Civil Code, thereby affording greater protection to victims of nuclear leakages.

Originality/value

This paper is a first in-depth commentary of UAE Federal Law No. 4 of 2012 Concerning Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage. Considering the UAE’s dualistic approach to the implementation of international obligations, and the present lack of reliable alternative avenues towards compensation beyond private operator liability, the overview provided here will be of value to regional and international practitioners – including from neighbouring countries to the UAE (Oman, Qatar, Bahrain) – that are not currently signatories to any convention on nuclear liability.
Integrated processing of sustainability accounting reports: a multi-utility company case study
Authors: Paolone Francesco , Sardi Alberto , Sorano Enrico , Ferraris Alberto
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Organisations rarely adopted integrated processes for developing sustainability reports, although the literature and the business context recommend them for efficient reporting to describe the economic, environmental and/or social impacts of organisational activities. Based on system dynamics, this paper aims to propose an integrated process for producing sustainability reports.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted action research involving a multi-utility enterprise. This company offers a wide range of public services covering integrated water utilities, environmental hygiene service, transport and mobility and cemeterial management.

Findings

The main steps of a process for defining and representing integrated sustainability reports are described, giving a concrete practical example of how the procedure can be applied to a multi-utility company.

Originality/value

System dynamics used as the major contributor to developing integrated sustainability reports also takes into account the nonlinear behaviour of complex systems. Results and implications are assessed from an integrated thinking and reporting perspective.
Incubator efficiency vs survival of start-ups
Authors: Zapata-Guerrero Francisco Tomás , Ayup Jannett , Mayer-Granados Elizabeth L. , Charles-Coll Jorge
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the knowledge on the efficiency of the incubators in Mexico, from a double-managerial approach (incubator and start-ups) measuring the efficiency oriented to the survival growth in the employment.

Design/methodology/approach

The efficiency of 25 business incubators of a university in a Mexico was analyzed from 2012 to 2014. Through the envelope data analysis (DEA) technique, composed of five inputs and three outputs, which help to determine the decision-making units (DMUs) that are in the best practice border, being able to know the factors relevant and how they have been managed in the different incubators.

Findings

One of the three years observed was identified as the most efficient, with 13 start-ups at the most efficient border. The projection shows some entries that must be modified to maximize the creation of new incubated business with a focus on survival and growth. The authors propose the resources that must be modified to adopt efficient management practices for incubators and start-ups small size.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis recognizes the size and restriction of resources as a determinant in the efficiency of intermediate technology business incubators. However, an obvious limitation is the non-standardized sample of 25 incubators does not allow generalizing the results.

Practical implications

The special support received by start-ups linked to a university with strong financial and non-financial support.

Originality/value

Dual management (incubator and incubated start-ups) approach to efficiency analysis and the use of the DEA for the incubation topic and to fill a gap persists in the understanding of creation of new business in intermediate technology.
Simulation of the effect of COVID-19 outbreak on the development of branchless banking in Iran: case study of Resalat Qard–al-Hasan Bank
Authors: Shahabi Vahid , Azar Adel , Faezy Razi Farshad , Fallah Shams Mir Feyz
Published: July 2020

Purpose

COVID-19 has become a global challenge with a significant rate of prevalence, and it has exerted devastating consequences in epidemic, economic and social terms. Therefore, a number of studies have already been, or are now being, conducted on the detrimental effects of the virus. In this respect, a question may arise: Is there any possibility to turn the threat of the virus outbreak into an opportunity in some sectors such as the banking industry? In this research, the effects of COVID-19 outbreak as an intervening element on the acceptance of branchless banking were studied.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the factors affecting the acceptance and development of branchless banking in Iran at the time of COVID-19 outbreak were identified by systematically studying the theoretical framework, conducting further research and interviewing the experts; then, a causal loop diagram of the problem in the proposed case study and the flow rate model were presented.

Findings

The simulation results showed that banking transactions and a bank's financial resources would increase by implementing the package policy of reducing the number of branches, promoting incentive policies and increasing the budget rate of the bank in Information Technology (IT). Further, by promoting customers' acceptance of new technologies, the spread of COVID-19 can be viewed as a positive factor, or even a catalyst, in the acceptance and development of branchless banking in Iran.

Originality/value

Based on the proposed model, the difficulties faced by individuals during the spread of COVID-19 could act as justifiable incentives to boost appropriate organizational preparations for making changes to the classic working processes. Processes such as telecommuting, job rotation and so on are among these changes.
Performance management perception in Kenya
Authors: Odongo Nickson Hebert
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to present an analysis of the perception of performance management practices and transformations by investigating what devolved governments of Kenya are doing and ought to do after which the approaches of performance and performance management are evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive assessment of five devolved governments of Kenya is carried out. This study covered 518 respondents across the above-sampled governments.

Findings

The outcomes demonstrated that there are guidelines established by the counties to measure the performance of workers where tested variables about setting performance standards and performance review information against their effect on performance improvement and performance measurement, respectively, are statistically significant, and therefore have a positive impact on the eventual performance of devolved governments.

Practical implications

The results support scholars, practitioners and social scientists in development studies for the planning and management of public organizations. The thought of factors that enhance or impede devolved government workers’ performance can be explored in future research.

Originality/value

The thought of performance management perception, especially in a developing country, is a theoretical milestone.
Analysis of the factors influencing on bird nesting and its impact on railway operation
Authors: Shi Lijuan , Jia Zuoning , Sun Huize , Tian Mingshu , Chen Liquan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to study the affecting factors on bird nesting on electronic railway catenary lines and the impact of bird nesting events on railway operation.

Design/methodology/approach

First, with one year’s bird nest events in the form of unstructured natural language collected from Shanghai Railway Bureau, the records were structured with the help of python software tool. Second, the method of root cause analysis (RCA) was used to identify all the possible influencing factors which are inclined to affect the probability of bird nesting. Third, the possible factors then were classified into two categories to meet subsequent analysis separately, category one was outside factors (i.e. geographic conditions related factors), the other was inside factors (i.e. railway related factors).

Findings

It was observed that factors of city population, geographic position affect nesting observably. Then it was demonstrated that both location and nesting on equipment part have no correlation with delay, while railway type had a significant but low correlation with delay.

Originality/value

This paper discloses the principle of impacts of nest events on railway operation.
What determinants influence the diffusion of ISO 9001 by countries?
Authors: Rodriguez-Arnaldo Olga , Martínez-Lorente Angel R.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study has the main aim of analyzing the influence of six factors on ISO 9001 implementation: Economic Development, Exporting to Europe, Reputation, Competitiveness, Innovation and Business Sophistication. As a complement, a new factor relating to quality by country has been added: the World Quality Scoreboard.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses are proposed that establish a (positive or negative) linear relationship between the diffusion of ISO 9001 and the indicators of the different factors analyzed in each country. The SPSS program was used to evaluate the hypotheses using data from 2009 to 2018.

Findings

The results indicate strong positive relationship for the country's economic development only when countries with low levels of income are considered. For the rest of the variables, the results indicate that their behavior varies according to the degree of development of the countries. When only developed countries are considered, significant and negative correlations are obtained for reputation, competitiveness, innovation and business sophistication, while considering the group of less developed countries, the results are reversed. The new World Quality Scoreboard has the same behavior whereas regarding exports; we did not obtain conclusive results.

Originality/value

This study adds important information on the studying of ISO 9000 phenomenon diffusion/evolution by analyzing the effect of six variables on the degree of implementation of the ISO 9001 standard in different countries. This information is interesting for companies and certification bodies across the world because it allows a better understanding of the reasons and conditions of implementing a quality management system.
Cross‐shore distributions of peracarid crustaceans after changes in beach morphology: The importance of suction as a key geoenvironmental variable
Authors: Yang Soonbo , Sassa Shinji , Takada Yoshitake
Published: July 2020

Recently, it has been shown that suction, which means the tension of moisture in sediments, is responsible for the distribution limits of the amphipods Haustorioides japonicus and Trinorchestia trinitatis and the isopod Excirolana chiltoni. Such effects take place through three distinctive suction‐induced mechanisms, associated with burrowing, physiology and the stability of burrows. Based on this background, in this study, we investigated storm‐induced morphological changes in beach profiles and the associated variations in geoenvironments, namely the suction, the degree of saturation, water content and sediment hardness, of the sandy beach habitats. The associated changes in cross‐shore distributions of the three peracarid crustaceans were also investigated. Field studies were carried out before and after monsoonal storms at two sandy beaches, Maze and Gokahama, located on the Japan Sea coast in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. The results showed that the suction‐induced variations of the geophysical environments were universal, irrespective of the storm‐induced morphological changes in the beach profiles. In addition, there were distinct changes in the cross‐shore distributions of the peracarid crustacean populations, associated with the storm‐induced morphological changes. The variations in the developed suction consistently and quantitatively accounted for these distinct changes in the cross‐shore distributions of the peracarid crustaceans, associated with the event‐induced morphological changes. Hence, suction played a crucial role as a key geoenvironmental variable in determining the distribution changes of the three peracarid crustaceans studied, even following the event‐induced morphological changes of the beach profiles.
Extreme storms cause rapid but short‐lived shifts in nearshore subtropical bacterial communities
Authors: Ares Ángela , Brisbin Margaret Mars , Sato Kirk N. , Martín Juan P. , Iinuma Yoshiteru , Mitarai Satoshi
Published: July 2020

Climate change scenarios predict tropical cyclones will increase in both frequency and intensity, which will escalate the amount of terrestrial run‐off and mechanical disruption affecting coastal ecosystems. Bacteria are key contributors to ecosystem functioning, but relatively little is known about how they respond to extreme storm events, particularly in nearshore subtropical regions. In this study, we combine field observations and mesocosm experiments to assess bacterial community dynamics and changes in physicochemical properties during early‐ and late‐season tropical cyclones affecting Okinawa, Japan. Storms caused large and fast influxes of freshwater and terrestrial sediment – locally known as red soil pollution – and caused moderate increases of macronutrients, especially SiO2 and PO43−, with up to 25 and 0.5 μM respectively. We detected shifts in relative abundances of marine and terrestrially derived bacteria, including putative coral and human pathogens, during storm events. Soil input alone did not substantially affect marine bacterial communities in mesocosms, indicating that other components of run‐off or other storm effects likely exert a larger influence on bacterial communities. The storm effects were short‐lived and bacterial communities quickly recovered following both storm events. The early‐ and late‐season storms caused different physicochemical and bacterial community changes, demonstrating the context‐dependency of extreme storm responses in a subtropical coastal ecosystem.
Long‐term outcome following microwave ablation of early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhao Henry , Steinke Karin
Published: July 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the long‐term outcome of microwave ablation (MWA) of early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including response to treatment and survival.

Methods

This retrospective study was conducted on consecutive patients who underwent computed tomography‐guided MWA of early‐stage NSCLC (no evidence of nodal or distant metastasis) from November 2010 to December 2014 at our institution. Data were collected from systematic review of patient charts and imaging. Procedural complications, response to treatment and survival were assessed.

Results

34 early‐stage (T1a‐T3N0M0) NSCLCs in 30 patients were treated with a total of 41 MWA sessions. There were no intraprocedural or 30‐day post‐procedural deaths. The most common complication was pneumothorax, encountered in 24 (59%) microwave ablation sessions, six (15%) of which required chest tube insertion. Over a median computed tomography follow‐up period of 39 months (range 3–89), 24 (71%) NSCLCs demonstrated local control, while 10 (29%) demonstrated local progression. Nodal/distant progression was more common than local progression, with 15 of the 30 patients (50%) having nodal or distant metastases at follow‐up. Patient survival status was followed up over a median period of 56.5 months (range 10–107). Median overall survival and 5‐year overall survival were 56.5 months (95% confidence interval, 26‐not reached) and 46.7% (95% confidence interval, 31.8–68.4), respectively.

Conclusion

MWA is safe and effective at achieving local control of early‐stage NSCLC and may prolong patient survival. Nodal or distant metastases were the dominant manifestations of disease progression at long‐term follow‐up.
Paths of cucumber green mottle mosaic virus disease spread and disinfectant‐based management
Authors: Darzi Elinor , Lachman Oded , Smith Elisheva , Koren Amnon , Klein Eyal , Pass Nadav , Frenkel Omer , Dombrovsky Aviv
Published: July 2020

Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV) assigned to the genusTobamovirusis considered a major disease cause of cucurbits worldwide. A primary route for CGMMV disease spread is via mechanical contact. The virus is highly stable and adheres to various agricultural equipment. In the current study, we examined means to inactivate the virus and reduce disease spread via planting equipment and supplies using various chemicals. We have found that incubations of CGMMV‐infected cucumber plant extracts with MENNO‐Florades 2%, Virocid 3% or Green Up D 20% inactivated the virus and prevented disease spread in a biological assay. Stabilised chlorine formulation (KlorBac), which has the active ingredient troclosene‐sodium (sodium dichloroisocyanurate, SDIC) at 2,000 ppm, was efficient in disinfecting CGMMV‐contaminated grafting knives in 2 s. Similarly, immersing virus contaminated grafting knives for 2 s in 20% (wt/vol) non‐fat milk powder reduced infectivity of the contaminated knives. CGMMV‐contaminated nursery sowing trays could constitute a primary infectious viral source transmitted via irrigation water. CGMMV‐contaminated sowing trays immersed in KlorBac 2,000 ppm or active oxygen (Huwa‐San TR‐50) 1%, were efficiently disinfected. Interestingly, hydrophobic insulation of the CGMMV‐contaminated trays using dry silicone layers reduced initiation of the viral primary infection in CGMMV‐contaminated new sowing trays but was less efficient in CGMMV‐contaminated re‐used trays. Importantly, Septadine (0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate) was not effective in disinfection of grafting knives. Notably, CGMMV‐infected cucumber plant extract incubated with 20% (wt/vol) non‐fat milk powder was refractory to the milk suggesting that virus release from surfaces did not necessarily involve virus inactivation.
Shifts in Unintentional Exposure to Drugs Among People Who Use Ecstasy in the Electronic Dance Music Scene, 2016‐2019
Authors: Palamar Joseph J. , Salomone Alberto
Published: July 2020

Background and Objectives

Electronic dance music (EDM) party attendees who use ecstasy (3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA], Molly) are at high risk for ingesting adulterant drugs, but little is known regarding trends in exposure. We sought to determine whether adulteration has shifted in recent years.

Methods

Adults entering EDM events at nightclubs and dance festivals in NYC were surveyed in 2016 and 2019. We tested hair samples from a subsample of those reporting past‐year ecstasy use using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry. Differences in unreported drug exposure and suspected adulteration were compared between 2016 (n = 90) and 2019 (n = 72).

Results

MDMA detection was stable at 72‐74%. We detected decreases in unreported use of methamphetamine (from 22.2% to 5.6% [P = .003], an 74.8% decrease), new psychoactive substances (from 31.1% to 2.8% [P < .001], a 91.0% decrease), and synthetic cathinones in particular (from 27.8% to 2.8% (P < .001, an 89.9% decrease). Unreported ketamine exposure increased from 18.9% to 34.7% (P = .022, an 83.6% increase). We also detected decreases in participantsʼ suspicion of their ecstasy being adulterated with methamphetamine (from 20.0% to 5.6% [P = .010], an 72.0% decrease) and “bath salts” (synthetic cathinones, from 8.9% to 1.4% [P = .044], an 84.3% decrease).

Discussion and Conclusions

Unknown exposure to adulterants among people who use ecstasy in the EDM scene is shifting. Monitoring of exposure to adulterants is needed to inform harm reduction.

Scientific Significance

This was among the first studies to examine unintentional exposure to drugs over time in this population and unintentional exposure to synthetic cathinones in particular appears to be declining. (Am J Addict 2021;30:49–54)
Coronavirus disease 2019 and laparoscopic surgery in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Bhattacharjee Hemanga K. , Chaliyadan Shafneed , Verma Eshan , Ramachandran Rashmi , Makharia Govind , Parshad Rajinder
Published: July 2020

Introduction

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, the use of laparoscopy has been discouraged by the Intercollegiate General Surgery because of its potential for aerosol generation and infection. In contrast, the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons and the European Association of Endoscopic Surgery recommend continuing to use laparoscopy but with devices to filter released CO2 aerosol particles. However, commercially available systems are costly and may not be readily available. Herein, we describe a custom‐made system to safely remove surgical smoke and CO2, as well as a case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in which we used it.

Materials and Surgical Technique

The patient had had multiple episodes of biliary pancreatitis and required urgent cholecystectomy during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Although India was in complete lockdown, it was decided to operate with precaution. A system was designed using underwater seal chest tube drainage and an electrostatic membrane filter with a viral retention function greater than 99.99%. The system was connected to an extra port for continuous controlled egression of CO2 pneumoperitoneum. A regular four‐port cholecystectomy was performed at an intra‐abdominal pressure of 12 mm Hg. The gas flow rate was 10 L/min. CO2 for pneumoperitoneum, surgical aerosol, and effluents passed through the system before collecting in the suction apparatus. The exchange of operating instruments through the ports was kept to a minimum. It was done after the abdomen was temporarily desufflated using this system.

Discussion

The system we designed appears safe and is cost‐effective. In resource‐limited settings, it will be handy in patients requiring laparoscopic surgery both during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Quantifying the impact of vegetation‐based metrics on species persistence when choosing offsets for habitat destruction
Authors: Marshall Erica , Valavi Roozbeh , Connor Louise O’ , Cadenhead Natasha , Southwell Darren , Wintle Brendan A. , Kujala Heini
Published: July 2020

Developers are often required by law to offset environmental impacts through targeted conservation actions. Most offset policies specify metrics for calculating offset requirements, usually by assessing vegetation condition. Despite widespread use, there is little evidence to support the effectiveness of vegetation‐based metrics for ensuring biodiversity persistence. We compared long‐term impacts of biodiversity offsetting based on area only; vegetation condition only; area × habitat suitability; and condition × habitat suitability in development and restoration simulations for the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. We simulated development and subsequent offsetting through restoration within a virtual landscape, linking simulations to population viability models for 3 species. Habitat gains did not ensure species persistence. No net loss was achieved when performance of offsetting was assessed in terms of amount of habitat restored, but not when outcomes were assessed in terms of persistence. Maintenance of persistence occurred more often when impacts were avoided, giving further support to better enforce the avoidance stage of the mitigation hierarchy. When development affected areas of high habitat quality for species, persistence could not be guaranteed. Therefore, species must be more explicitly accounted for in offsets, rather than just vegetation or habitat alone. Declines due to a failure to account directly for species population dynamics and connectivity overshadowed the benefits delivered by producing large areas of high‐quality habitat. Our modeling framework showed that the benefits delivered by offsets are species specific and that simple vegetation‐based metrics can give misguided impressions on how well biodiversity offsets achieve no net loss.
Tech‐Mediated and Traditional Communication Modes in Adult Adoptees' Contact With Birth Parents
Authors: Cashen Krystal K. , Grotevant Harold D. , Wyman Battalen Adeline , Sellers Christina M. , McRoy Ruth G.
Published: July 2020

Objective

To understand how adult adoptees use traditional and tech‐mediated modes of communication in contact with birth parents. To examine associations between desire for increased use of both modes and quality of relationship.

Background

As tech‐mediated modes of communication become more commonplace, it is important to understand their implications for family relationship quality. Limited research has examined the use of tech‐mediated modes of communication between adult adoptees and birth parents.

Method

Participants (Mage = 31 years) were adopted as infants (N = 90). Participants reported their current and desired future use of traditional and tech‐mediated communication modes and their satisfaction with contact, current closeness, desired future closeness, and psychological presence of birth parents.

Results

Those with current contact reported using both traditional and tech‐mediated modes of communication. Desired increase of traditional modes was associated with greater psychological presence and desired future closeness with birth mothers, while both traditional and tech‐mediated were associated with these outcomes for birth fathers.

Conclusion

Adult adoptees use both traditional and tech‐mediated modes of communication with their birth parents. However, these modes may play distinct roles in maintaining close relationships with birth parents.

Implications

Family professionals should consider the unique roles traditional and tech‐mediated modes of communication may play when supporting adult adoptees in contact with birth relatives.
A Multidisciplinary Perspective on the Role, Functions, and Effectiveness of Parenting Coordination
Authors: Saini Michael , Belcher‐Timme Robin , Nau Daniel
Published: July 2020

Based on a survey conducted in 2018 in collaboration with the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts’ (AFCC) Task Force on Parenting Coordination, this paper explores issues related to the process and perceived outcomes of parenting coordination for families post separation and divorce. The views expressed emerge from a diverse and multidisciplinary sample (n = 289) from legal, mental health, and conflict resolution backgrounds. Almost half of all participants (46%) were mental health professionals (psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker), followed by attorneys (28%), family mediators (17%) and judges (5%). Over half of all participants identified as a parenting coordinator (PC) (53%). Based on the results, participants had the highest level of agreement that the goal of parenting coordination should be to assist in sheltering the children from parental conflict and to help the coparents reduce interparental conflict. Participants assigned greater success to parenting coordination when there was demonstration that coparenting conflict decreased. Several differences were noted among professional disciplines and specifically between legal and mental health professionals. Mental health professionals rated higher on the effectiveness of PCs to help children adjust and limit their involvement in the parental conflict, while legal professionals focused on PCs’ ability to help families resolve legal disputes. The implications of the results are discussed, including how best to measure the success of parenting coordination and to prioritize outcomes related to the success of parenting coordination across disciplines to create greater consistency in the field.
Child Voice in Parenting Coordination: Toward a Model of Inclusion
Authors: Yasenik Lorri , Graham Jonathan , Fieldstone Linda
Published: July 2020

Is it possible to bring the voice of children to the parenting coordination process without their involvement? And, if children are involved, what are the considerations for safe and appropriate inclusion? Ninety‐two parenting coordinators recently surveyed responded about their current practice and thoughts on child inclusion. Their comments, along with current trends in child‐inclusive practice, and with the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts Guidelines for Parenting Coordination (2019), assisted in providing a guiding framework and a forum for discussion for the community of parenting coordinators.
Federal Family Drug Treatment Courts: Providing Positive Possibilities
Authors: Hickey Amanda
Published: July 2020

Due to the lack of family drug treatment courts, families are often torn apart when a parent has a substance abuse problem. Children of substance abusers are often abused and neglected. However, children in these tough living situations fear seeking help because they do not want to be the reason that their family is torn apart and they are placed in the foster care system. This Note proposes a federal statute that requires all states to implement family drug treatment courts. These courts allow families to stay intact while providing the parent with the help that he or she needs.
Raised By a Predator: Sex Offender Parents and an Effort To Keep Them Out of the Child's Home
Authors: Prysner Rachel
Published: July 2020

Registered sex offenders are obligated to comply with rules put forth by their state's registry. While there are stringent guidelines regarding the offender's interaction with the public, a sex offender's ability to obtain custody of their child is less rigid. Statutes differ on the level of scrutiny referencing their right to parent, which leaves an opening for offenders to abuse their child. This Note proposes the adoption of a model statute in which registered Tier III sex offender parents who were convicted for a crime involving a minor are precluded from gaining physical or legal custody of their child.