bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards intervention development to increase the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among those at high risk: outlining evidence-based and theoretically informed future intervention content
Authors: Williams Lynn , Gallant Allyson J. , Rasmussen Susan , Nicholls Louise A. Brown , Cogan Nicola , Deakin Karen , Young David , Flowers Paul
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Development of a vaccine against COVID-19 will be key to controlling the pandemic. We need to understand the barriers and facilitators to receiving a future COVID-19 vaccine so that we can provide recommendations for the design of interventions aimed at maximising public acceptance.

Design

Cross-sectional UK survey with older adults and patients with chronic respiratory disease.

Methods

During the UK’s early April 2020 ‘lockdown’ period, 527 participants (311 older adults, mean age = 70.4 years; 216 chronic respiratory participants, mean age = 43.8 years) completed an online questionnaire assessing willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, perceptions of COVID-19, and intention to receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. A free text response (n=502) examined barriers and facilitators to uptake. The Behaviour Change Wheel informed the analysis of these responses, which were coded to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) were identified.

Results

Eighty-six percent of respondents want to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This was positively correlated with the perception that COVID-19 will persist over time, and negatively associated with perceiving the media to have over-exaggerated the risk. The majority of barriers and facilitators were mapped onto the ‘beliefs about consequences’ TDF domain, with themes relating to personal health, health consequences to others, concerns of vaccine safety, and severity of COVID-19.

Conclusions

Willingness to receive a COVID-19 vaccination is currently high among high-risk individuals. Mass media interventions aimed at maximising vaccine uptake should utilise the BCTs of information about health, emotional, social and environmental consequences, and salience of consequences.

Statement of Contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Uptake of a vaccine for COVID-19 will be vital for controlling the pandemic, but the success of this strategy relies on public acceptance of the vaccine.

Uptake of vaccinations and public confidence in vaccines has been falling in recent years.

Evidence suggests that 74% of the French population want to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

What does this study add?

This study found that 86% of our sample of high-risk participants in the UK are willing to receive a future vaccine for COVID-19.

This study showed that perceived barriers and facilitators to uptake of the COVID-19 vaccination concentrated on the ‘beliefs about consequences’ TDF domain.

This study suggests that the content of mass media interventions to improve vaccine uptake should focus on the BCTs of information about health, emotional, social and environmental consequences, and salience of consequences. These techniques should be pitched in relation to both self and, most importantly, to others.
Spatio-temporal heterogeneity in hippocampal metabolism in control and epilepsy conditions
Authors: Brancati Giulio E. , Rawas Chahinaz , Ghestem Antoine , Bernard Christophe , Ivanov Anton I.
Published: June 2020

The hippocampus’s dorsal and ventral parts are involved in different operative circuits, which functions vary in time during the night and day cycle. These functions are altered in epilepsy. Since energy production is tailored to function, we hypothesized that energy production would be space- and time-dependent in the hippocampus and that such organizing principle would be modified in epilepsy. Using metabolic imaging and metabolite sensingex vivo, we show that the ventral hippocampus favors aerobic glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation as compared to the dorsal part in the morning in control mice. In the afternoon, aerobic glycolysis is decreased, and oxidative phosphorylation increased. In the dorsal hippocampus, the metabolic activity varies less between these two times but is weaker than in the ventral. Thus, the energy metabolism is different along the dorsoventral axis and changes as a function of time in control mice. In an experimental model of epilepsy, we find a large alteration of such spatio-temporal organization. In addition to a general hypometabolic state, the dorsoventral difference disappears in the morning, when seizure probability is low. In the afternoon, when seizure probability is high, the aerobic glycolysis is enhanced in both parts, the increase being stronger in the ventral area. We suggest that energy metabolism is tailored to the functions performed by brain networks, which vary over time. In pathological conditions, the alterations of these general rules may contribute to network dysfunctions.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

The dorsal part of the hippocampus is involved in spatial learning and memory processes, while the ventral is implicated in motivational and emotional behavior. These functions change during the night and day cycle, and they are altered in epilepsy. Here we show that energy production (glycolysis versus oxidative phosphorylation) varies along the dorsoventral axis in a circadian mannerex vivoin control mice. These rules are altered in experimental epilepsy. Thus, energy production may be tailored to the function performed by hippocampal subdivisions and to the time of the day. Alterations in epilepsy may contribute to seizure generation and cognitive deficits.
Targeting the innate immune receptor TLR8 using small-molecule agents
Authors: Sakaniwa Kentaro , Shimizu Toshiyuki
Published: June 2020

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern-recognition receptors that initiate innate immune responses. Among the TLRs, TLR8 (and TLR7) recognizes single-stranded RNA to mediate downstream signals. In recent years, intensive X-ray crystal structural analyses have provided atomic insights into structures of TLR8 complexed with various agonists or antagonists. Here, structural knowledge of the activation and inactivation mechanisms of the ligands is reviewed. In addition, the potential clinical applications of TLR ligands are examined.
From diet to behaviour: exploring environmental- and animal-conscious behaviour among Austrian vegetarians and vegans
Authors: Ploll Ursula , Stern Tobias
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Vegetarian and vegan dietary practices have recently moved from being marginal activities to occupying a more mainstream position. While the reasons for this have been analysed by many researchers, the extent to which the underlying motives may influence other behavioural contexts remains relatively unexplored. The present research thus analyses the degree to which vegetarians and vegans also act in an environmental and animal-conscious manner.

Design/methodology/approach

A self-administered survey was conducted among omnivores, conscientious omnivores, vegetarians and vegans in Austria. The research design is embedded in an extended version of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB). A mixed-mode sampling strategy resulted in 556 completed surveys.

Findings

The TPB correlation analysis shows that there are significant relations between dietary motives, subjective norms, attitudes, behavioural intentions and the behaviour in question. When considering all dietary groups, the results indicate that the differentiation in behaviour is impacted by dietary identity: the stricter the diet, the stronger the behaviour related to animal-wellbeing and environmental protection.

Originality/value

First, this research evaluated motivational drivers through a pairwise comparison, which resulted in strength factors instead of single motivational driver. Second and foremost, this research draws a connection between dietary categories and the wider behavioural implications related to these identities and their underlying motivational drivers.
Role of cloud computing in global accounting information systems
Authors: Moudud-Ul-Huq Syed , Asaduzzaman Md. , Biswas Tanmay
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to underpin the impact of cloud computing in global accounting information systems (AIS). Moreover, it investigates the key aspects that ought to be considered by the organization before choosing to pick the correct accounting system.

Design/methodology/approach

The study looks at and depends on narrative investigation of previous studies. In the examination talked about the principle issues with respect to the utilization of cloud and database the executives in the AIS through developing research model.

Findings

The focal point of the paper is the impact of cloud computing worldview on the business area. This paper highlights different facts of cloud accounting, published research papers and the benefits and possible risks determined by the implementation of cloud services, mostly in relation to the accounting department.

Originality/value

Considering the numerous ramifications of cloud advancements on the present business process, there is a need for an examination of how these innovations will be used in AIS to improve precision, benefits and risks. At the same time, there is need to investigate the determinant elements of actualizing cloud advances in the AIS. More importantly, to the author’s knowledge, this is the first study that focuses on the number of published research works to show the importance of cloud computing in accounting and information systems.
Kuwait University faculty’s use of electronic resources during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hendal Batool A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the extent of benefits Kuwait University faculty received from the electronic resources offered by Kuwait University Libraries Administration, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was distributed using Google Forms via different social media platforms and official emails. The sample was Kuwait University faculty from all 16 colleges.

Findings

The results showed humble use of electronic resources during this critical time. The faculty mostly used the electronic resources for writing research papers, and databases and e-journals were their most preferred resources. The majority of nonusers indicated that they did not need these resources, and the rest referred to their unawareness of these resources. The results also showed that the majority of nonusers were willing to learn more about the electronic resources and how to use them.

Originality/value

The results and recommendations of this study are expected to be beneficial to Kuwait University and Kuwait University Libraries Administration, specifically, in terms of knowing what the faculty members use and prefer and the problems they face when searching electronic resources.
PRISM: a strategic decision framework for cybersecurity risk assessment
Authors: Goel Rajni , Kumar Anupam , Haddow James
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to develop a framework for cybersecurity risk assessment in an organization. Existing cybersecurity frameworks are complex and implementation oriented. The framework can be systematically used to assess the strategic orientation of a firm with respect to its cybersecurity posture. The goal is to assist top-management-team with tailoring their decision-making about security investments while managing cyber risk at their organization.

Design/methodology/approach

A thematic analysis of existing publications using content analysis techniques generates the initial set of keywords of significance. Additional factor analysis using the keywords provides us with a framework comprising of five pillars comprising prioritize, resource, implement, standardize and monitor (PRISM) for assessing a firm’s strategic cybersecurity orientation.

Findings

The primary contribution is the development of a novel PRISM framework, which enables cyber decision-makers to identify and operationalize a tailored approach to address risk management and cybersecurity problems. PRISM framework evaluation will help organizations identify and implement the most tailored risk management and cybersecurity approach applicable to their problem(s).

Originality/value

The new norm is for companies to realize that data stratification in cyberspace extends throughout their organizations, intertwining their need for cybersecurity within business operations. This paper fulfills an identified need improve the ability of company leaders, as CIOs and others, to address the growing problem of how organizations can better handle cyber threats by using an approach that is a methodology for cross-organization cybersecurity risk management.
Financial development and self-employment
Authors: Kananurak Papar , Sirisankanan Aeggarchat
Published: June 2020

Purpose

There are several different factors that can influence self-employment. However, there is little evidence stemming from direct examination of the impact of financial development (FD) on self-employment. This study aims to formulate empirical specification models to examine the effect of FD on self-employment.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data analysis of 136 sample countries was performed during the period from 2000 to 2017. This study initially implemented the new financial index developed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to examine the impact of FD on self-employment. Panel data analysis including the pooled model, fixed effect and random effect model has been carried out.

Findings

The empirical results show that the financial institutions index has a negative significant impact on self-employment by a considerable magnitude, whereas the financial markets index does not show any statistical significance. The results also find that the government effectiveness index is negative and statistically significant on self-employment.

Originality/value

There are several different factors which can influence self-employment. Nevertheless, there is little evidence for the direct examination of the impact of FD on self-employment. This study investigated the impact of FD on self-employment by using the new FD index created by the IMF. The finding may help policymakers to implement FD along with other institutional policies to control self-employment.
Merging lesson study and response to intervention
Authors: Nilvius Camilla
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This article theoretically analyzes how response to intervention (RTI) can be used as a tool in lesson study (LS) to enhance student learning and how RTI can be made more user-friendly by teachers in LS. The focus is on how RTI can be adapted to teachers' daily work by including it in the LS model and how LS can benefit by introducing a scientific approach in analyzing student learning outcomes through RTI. The article also highlights how this approach can contribute to learning for children with special educational needs (SEN).

Design/methodology/approach

This theoretical paper describes and compares the characteristics of the LS model with the RTI framework. The comparison highlights the design of models related to teachers’ development and learning outcomes. The benefits and challenges with the models are described. A previous research study related to the models is also briefly reviewed.

Findings

There are benefits and challenges with both the RTI and LS models but parts of the models appear to complement one another to some extent. Teachers' professional development and a better control of learning outcomes could be gained by combining the models. This could also lead to educational improvement.

Originality/value

There has been almost no research about a combined LS and RTI model.
Perceived training opportunities and knowledge sharing: the case of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al Bastaki Suhail , Haak-Saheem Washika , Darwish Tamer K.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The authors seek to explore the interplay between perceived training opportunities (PTOs) and knowledge sharing in the context of the emerging economic setting of the United Arab Emirates. The authors also examined the moderating role of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and engagement in social interaction on the relationship between PTOs and knowledge sharing.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a survey method to collect the data and tested the proposed hypotheses by using the partial structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique. Data is based on 815 responses across all sectors in the country context of the UAE.

Findings

The study findings indicate that PTOs are positively related to knowledge sharing. Notably, the results show that the proposed relationship between PTOs and knowledge sharing is negatively and significantly moderated by intrinsic motivation. Moreover, the moderating roles of extrinsic motivation and engagement in social interaction were insignificant.

Originality/value

At a theoretical level, this article provides an individual-level analysis, which indicates that PTOs pave the way for intraorganizational knowledge sharing; hence, they offer insights into the mechanisms in which PTOs impact on knowledge sharing. This article also contributes to our general understanding on human resource management (HRM) practices and knowledge sharing in the context of the emerging economy of the UAE; the latter has a number of implications for both theory and practice as delineated in this study.
The effects of emotional intelligence and organizational justice on job satisfaction, caring climate, and criminal investigation officers’ performance
Authors: Sembiring Nurdin , Nimran Umar , Astuti Endang Siti , Utami Hamidah Nayati
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of emotional intelligence and organizational justice on job satisfaction and caring climate and its impacts on Criminal Investigation officers’ performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The population in this research was all criminal investigation officers, with people (2016 data) in all Polres and the Criminal Investigation Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya. The method used is path analysis. The path modeling was solved by using the partial least squares method. This research found that there is a positive relationship between job satisfaction and officers’ performance.

Findings

This research found that there is a positive relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction; organizational justice and job satisfaction; emotional intelligence and officers’ performance; organizational justice and officers’ performance job satisfaction and officers’ performance; caring climate and officers’ performance; organizational justice and caring climate; emotional intelligence and caring climate. In general, it has shown that emotional intelligence has a significant direct effect on performance, job satisfaction and caring climate. In addition, emotional intelligence has an indirect effect on performance through job satisfaction and caring climate.

Originality/value

There are some differences in the previous research results or methodological weaknesses. This research will develop the relationship between the emotional intelligence variable and the caring climate variable and the relationship between the organizational justice variable and the caring climate variable.
Unpacking the impact of social media analytics on customer satisfaction: do external stakeholder characteristics matter?
Authors: Wang Yichuan , Zhang Minhao , Tse Ying Kei , Chan Hing Kai
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Underpinned by the lens of Contingency Theory (CT), the purpose of this paper is to empirically evaluate whether the impact of social media analytics (SMA) on customer satisfaction (CS) is contingent on the characteristics of different external stakeholders, including business partners (i.e. partner diversity), competitors (i.e. localised competition) and customers (i.e. customer engagement).

Design/methodology/approach

Using both subjective and objective measures from multiple sources, we collected primary data from 141 hotels operating in Greece and their archival data from TripAdvisor and the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels (HCH) database to test the hypothesised relationships. Data were analysed through structural equation modelling.

Findings

This study confirms the positive association between SMA and CS, but it remains subject to the varied characteristics of external stakeholders. We find that an increase in CS due to the implementation of SMA is more pronounced for firms that (1) adopt a selective distribution strategy where a limited number of business partners are chosen for collaboration or (2) operate in a highly competitive local environment. The results further indicate that high level of customer engagement amplifies the moderating effect of partner diversity (when it is low) and localised competition (when it is high) on the SMA–CS relationship.

Originality/value

The study provides novel insights for managers on the need to consider external stakeholder characteristics when implementing SMA to enhance firms' CS, and for researchers on the value of studying SMA implementation from the CT perspective.
China's employment stabilization policies in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zhang Haomiao
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate China's employment stabilization policies in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to discuss the accessibility of these policies in practice. In addition, by focussing on the problems and dilemmas encountered during the implementation of these policies, this paper proposes some future directions for reforming employment protection and social insurance to adapt to the changing employment structure and mode in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The design and methodology of this paper utilises open sources and documentary materials on China's employment stabilization policies, employment protection and social insurance measures.

Findings

The employment stabilization policies/measures launched during the COVID-19 pandemic were formulated under an initial policy framework designed only for employees in a definite employment relationship and do not match the current employment structure and model. As a result, the accessibility of employment stabilization policies/measures is limited because some worker groups that are the most affected are not covered by the policies.

Originality/value

This paper provides timely analysis on the China's employment stabilization policies and evaluates the accessibility of these policies.
A study of group decision-making for green technology adoption in micro and small enterprises
Authors: Yao Shuang , Song Yan , Yu Yanna , Guo Benhai
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Green technology adoption (GTA) in small and micro enterprises (SMEs) is a complex multi-attribute group decision-making issue. Conflicts of opinions can hamper the achievement of group coherence. The purpose of this paper is to solve the conflict decision-making problem in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reconstructs the GTA evaluation index system for SMEs and proposes an intragroup coordination relationship model to mitigate group decision-making conflicts based on the cloud model and social networks (GCS). The numerical characteristics of these GTA indicators are determined using fuzzy theory and cloud model.

Findings

It was found that establishing a trust relationship network and a conflict coordination relationship could improve the consistency of group decision-making. The degree of coordination has subtle differences with the trust relationship. Particularly, the coordination relationship has obvious influences on the decision-making results among small groups in SMEs.

Originality/value

The conflict coordination model can significantly improve the consistency of group decision-making in SMEs. At the same time, it discusses the differences between the level of conflict coordination and the trust propagation in the process of group decision-making.
A retrospective case note review of young people in transition from adolescent medium secure units to adult services
Authors: Livanou Maria Iakovina , Lane Rebecca , D'Souza Sophie , Singh Swaran P.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

There is substantial evidence that young people moving from child and adolescent mental health services to adult services are more likely to experience poor transitions. However, little is known about the care pathways of young people transitioning from forensic services. This retrospective case note review sought to examine the clinical characteristics, transition pathways and psychosocial indicators of transition outcomes amongst young people in forensic medium secure services discharged to adult services.

Design/methodology/approach

The electronic records of 32 young people, who transitioned from six adolescent medium secure units in England to adult services between May 2015 and June 2016, were examined.

Findings

Approximately 65% of young people were between 18 and 19 years at the time of transition and the average waiting time from referral to discharge was six months. A total of 63% young people transitioned to community placements and adult medium secure services. Four pathways describing the journey into and out of adolescent medium secure services were identified in a subsample of 12 young people. A total of 25% young people with neurodevelopmental problems moved to specialist services.

Practical implications

The results suggest that diagnosis, severity of offence and clinical background are associated with transition pathway. Promoting a person-centred approach and gradual independence of the young person may improve current practice.

Originality/value

These results inform existing policy and clinical practice in an effort to reform transition guidelines around young people’s needs during transition times. Further studies in adolescent forensic services are needed to understand complex neurodevelopmental problems and comorbidities.
An integrated model of brand experience and brand love for halal brands: survey of halal fast food consumers in Malaysia
Authors: Khan Adil , Mohammad Abdul Saboor , Muhammad Shahaliza
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to develop, propose and test an integrated framework of brand love and brand experience in the context of halal industry. Particularly, this study investigates the relationship of brand experience and brand love concepts with several outcome variables such as brand trust, brand satisfaction, brand loyalty purchase intention and word of mouth.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire has been constructed using scales from past studies. Hypotheses have been tested using partial least square structural equation modelling methodology.

Findings

This study has found that brand experience is a significant determinant of brand love. Further, brand love has a significant influence on trust, satisfaction and loyalty. Both variables, brand experience and brand love, have either direct or indirect influences on several branding-related outcome variables such as brand trust, brand satisfaction and brand loyalty.

Research limitations/implications

This study has been conducted only using cross-sectional sample of one country, which may limit the generalisations. However, the results of this study offer valuable insights for the brand managers in the halal sector.

Originality/value

Previous studies pertaining to halal food consumption have focussed more on understanding the attitude or the buying intention of the consumers. Only few studies have attempted to investigate the branding aspect of halal food consumption. This study is one of its kinds, which offers a comprehensive framework by incorporating important brand-related antecedents and outcome variables to understand the branding aspect of the halal food consumption behaviour.
Formulation of local numerical methods in linear elasticity
Authors: Oliveira Tiago , Vélez Wilber , Portela Artur
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper is concerned with new formulations of local meshfree and finite element numerical methods, for the solution of two-dimensional problems in linear elasticity.

Design/methodology/approach

In the local domain, assigned to each node of a discretization, the work theorem establishes an energy relationship between a statically admissible stress field and an independent kinematically admissible strain field. This relationship, derived as a weighted residual weak form, is expressed as an integral local form. Based on the independence of the stress and strain fields, this local form of the work theorem is kinematically formulated with a simple rigid-body displacement to be applied by local meshfree and finite element numerical methods. The main feature of this paper is the use of a linearly integrated local form that implements a quite simple algorithm with no further integration required.

Findings

The reduced integration, performed by this linearly integrated formulation, plays a key role in the behavior of local numerical methods, since it implies a reduction of the nodal stiffness which, in turn, leads to an increase of the solution accuracy and, which is most important, presents no instabilities, unlike nodal integration methods without stabilization. As a consequence of using such a convenient linearly integrated local form, the derived meshfree and finite element numerical methods become fast and accurate, which is a feature of paramount importance, as far as computational efficiency of numerical methods is concerned. Three benchmark problems were analyzed with these techniques, in order to assess the accuracy and efficiency of the new integrated local formulations of meshfree and finite element numerical methods. The results obtained in this work are in perfect agreement with those of the available analytical solutions and, furthermore, outperform the computational efficiency of other methods. Thus, the accuracy and efficiency of the local numerical methods presented in this paper make this a very reliable and robust formulation.

Originality/value

Presentation of a new local mesh-free numerical method. The method, linearly integrated along the boundary of the local domain, implements an algorithm with no further integration required. The method is absolutely reliable, with remarkably-accurate results. The method is quite robust, with extremely-fast computations.
Daily inundation induced seasonal variation in the vertical distribution of soil water salinity in an estuarine mangrove forest under a tropical monsoon climate
Authors: Komiyama Akira , Poungparn Sasitorn , Umnouysin Suthathip , Rodtassana Chadtip , Kato Shogo , Pravinvongvuthi Tamanai , Sangtiean Tanuwong
Published: June 2020

Previously, we revealed opposing patterns of the vertical distribution of soil water salinity between the dry and rainy seasons in an estuarine mangrove forest under a tropical monsoon climate. This study clarifies the causes of such seasonal variation in soil water salinity distribution. We investigated the salinity of inundating water, and diurnal changes in soil water salinity and water table levels. Freshwater inundated the study plot in the rainy season, while saline water inundated it in the dry season. At the Sonneratia, Avicennia and Rhizophora sampling sites, soil water salinity measured in experimental pits fluctuated diurnally. Mean salinity significantly decreased in the dry season but tended to increase in the rainy season. The effect of evaporation on salinity was negligible. Water table levels at all sites primarily fluctuated within 0–10 cm from the surface and were generally not synchronized with tidal movements. We divided the soil profile into a thin tide‐sensitive layer and an underlying aquifer layer based on soil water movement pattern. The inundating water saturated the tide‐sensitive layer and then gradually infiltrated into the aquifer layer. The water in the tide‐sensitive layer was partially replaced by subsequent inundation. The water in the aquifer layer was gradually desalinized or salinized, depending on the salinity level of the inundating water, although soil water from the former season remained still in deep soil horizons. Thus, seasonal variation of the vertical distribution of soil water salinity was induced by daily inundation and subsequent infiltration processes in the mangrove soil.
New Approaches to Age Estimation Using Palatal Suture Fusion
Authors: Hens Samantha M. , Godde Kanya
Published: June 2020

Palatal suture fusion has seen little testing and/or application due in part to an inadequately described relationship to formal age ranges. This study presents a modified scoring method that examines fusion on samples of modern documented adult males and compares two Bayesian approaches to age estimation. In the first analysis, American and Portuguese collections were used to derive univariate and multivariate transition analysis (TA) parameters, which combined with an informative prior, estimated age in a sample of modern Americans and Portuguese. For the second analysis, a Bayesian multiple linear regression (BMLR) used indicator statuses as the independent variables with age as the dependent variable. Highest posterior density regions (HPDRs) and highest posterior density intervals (HDI) were calculated for a holdout sample. Final age estimates for the methods were tested for accuracy using cumulative binomial tests at 75% and 90% coverages. The HPDRs from multivariate TA captured age better for younger individuals, but consistently underaged. The cumulative binomial tests on the BMLR results indicated the prediction intervals performed as expected, and we show they are narrower (more precise) and/or more accurate than the corresponding HPDR. The modified method presented here formally links palatal suture obliteration to age using two different approaches, one of which (BMLR) is new to the aging literature. The BMLR provided results free from bias and more reasonable age ranges while maintaining accuracy. We present a look‐up table and a free, simple R file for users to download and run their own estimates with BMLR.
Continuing the ultrasound credentialing conversation
Authors: Pankevich Volha , Manton Joanna
Published: June 2020

While the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) encourages all emergency physicians to be competent in at least the five core areas of emergency ultrasound (US), departmental training in most hospitals does woefully little to prepare most ACEM members to attain these competencies. While full day courses are a common method of mandatory and discretionary in‐service training, that method has not been adopted for US training. We propose the development of full day courses for each of the five core competencies, taught by accredited US instructors and with emphasis on hands‐on training. These courses alone will not produce fully competent US users but will provide a solid foundation for further training.
ppGpp mediates the growth phase‐dependent regulation of agn43, a phase variable gene, by stimulating its promoter activity
Authors: Cabrer‐Panes Juan David , Fernández‐Coll Llorenç , Fernández‐Vázquez Jorge , Gaviria‐Cantin Tania Cristina , El Mouali Youssef , Åberg Anna , Balsalobre Carlos
Published: June 2020

Antigen 43 (Ag43) is a self‐recognizing outer membrane protein of Escherichia coli expressed during intracellular growth and biofilm formation, suggesting a role in infection. The expression of agn43 is under phase variation control, meaning that there are regulatory mechanisms adjusting the percentage of agn43‐expressing cells in the population, in addition to mechanisms modulating the transcriptional expression level in each expressing cell. Phenotypic and transcriptional studies indicate that Ag43 expression is induced upon entry into the stationary phase in a ppGpp‐dependent and RpoS‐independent manner. The use of single‐cell approaches and phase variation deficient strains let to conclude that ppGpp stimulates agn43 promoter activity, rather than affecting the percentage of agn43‐expressing cells. The data highlight the relevance that promoter activity regulation may have, without any involvement of the phase variation state, in the final Ag43 expression output. The agn43 promoter of the MG1655 strain carries an AT‐rich discriminator between positions −10 and +1, which is highly conserved among the agn43 genes present in the different pathotypes of E. coli. Remarkably, the AT‐rich discriminator is required for the positive transcriptional control mediated by ppGpp.
Effect of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) Pandemic on the U.S. Emergency Medical Services System: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Lerner E. Brooke , Newgard Craig D. , Mann N. Clay
Published: June 2020

Background

Our objective was to quantify trends in emergency medical services (EMS) incidents as the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic spread across the United States and to determine if there was an increase in EMS‐attended deaths.

Methods

We conducted a 3‐year comparative retrospective cohort analysis of data from the National EMS Information System. Data were included if care was provided between the 40th and 21st weeks of the next year and compared over 3 years. We included incidents identified through 9‐1‐1 where patient contact was made. The total number of EMS incidents per week was used as the denominator to calculate the rate of patient deaths and possible injury. We assessed for temporal and seasonal trends.

Results

Starting in the 10th week of 2020 there was a decrease in the number of EMS activations in the United States compared to the prior weeks and the same time period in previous years. The number of activations between week 10 and week 16 decreased by 140,292 or 26.1%. The portion of EMS activations reporting a patient disposition of death nearly doubled between the 11th and 15th weeks of 2020 (1.49%–2.77% of all activations). The number of EMS activations documenting a possible injury decreased from 18.43% to 15.27% between weeks 10 and 13.

Conclusion

We found that early in the COVID‐19 outbreak there was a significant decrease in the number of EMS responses across the United States. Simultaneously the rate of EMS‐attended death doubled, while the rate of injuries decreased.
Novel Use of Home Pulse Oximetry Monitoring in COVID‐19 Patients Discharged From the Emergency Department Identifies Need for Hospitalization
Authors: Shah Sonia , Majmudar Kaushal , Stein Amy , Gupta Nita , Suppes Spencer , Karamanis Marina , Capannari Joseph , Sethi Sanjay , Patte Christine
Published: June 2020

Objectives

Our objective was to evaluate patient‐reported oxygen saturation (SpO2) using pulse oximetry as a home monitoring tool for patients with initially nonsevere COVID‐19 to identify need for hospitalization.

Methods

Patients were enrolled at the emergency department (ED) and outpatient testing centers. Each patient was given a home pulse oximeter and instructed to record their SpO2 every 8 hours. Patients were instructed to return to the ED for sustained home SpO2 < 92% or if they felt they needed emergent medical attention. Relative risk was used to assess the relation between hospitalization and home SpO2 < 92% in COVID‐19–positive patients.

Results

We enrolled 209 patients with suspected COVID‐19, of whom 77 patients tested positive for COVID‐19 and were included. Subsequent hospitalization occurred in 22 of 77 (29%) patients. Resting home SpO2 < 92% was associated with an increased likelihood of hospitalization compared to SpO2 ≥ 92% (relative risk = 7.0, 95% confidence interval = 3.4 to 14.5, p < 0.0001). Home SpO2 < 92% was also associated with increased risk of intensive care unit admission, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and septic shock. In our cohort, 50% of patients who ended up hospitalized only returned to the ED for incidental finding of low home SpO2 without worsening of symptoms. One‐third (33%) of nonhospitalized patients stated that they would have returned to the ED if they did not have a pulse oximeter to reassure them at home.

Conclusions

This study found that home pulse oximetry monitoring identifies need for hospitalization in initially nonsevere COVID‐19 patients when a cutoff of SpO2 92% is used. Half of patients who ended up hospitalized had SpO2 < 92% without worsening symptoms. Home SpO2 monitoring also reduces unnecessary ED revisits.
Follicular wave dynamics and Growth factors gene expression in Braford heifers
Authors: Reineri Pablo Sebastián , Coria María Sumampa , Callejas Santiago , Palma Gustavo Adolfo
Published: June 2020

The objectives of the present study were (experiment 1) to characterized development and dynamics of the dominant follicles (DF) and the corpus luteum (CL) to determine patterns of two (W2) and three (W3) follicular waves in beef heifers, and (experiment 2) to determine gene expression of growth factors gene expression in follicular cells of W2 and W3 heifer. Twenty‐eight Braford heifers were used. Dominant follicular and CL were monitored daily by ultrasonography to identify the development W2 and W3 in heifers. Pre‐ovulatory DF were aspirated on day 19 in W2 and on day 22 in W3 heifers. In W2 and W3, follicular cells (FC) of gene expression of growth differentiation factor 9, bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), fibroblast growth factor basic, transforming growth factor beta receptor 1, bone morphogenetic protein receptor type IB and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 were evaluated. The regression of the DF of the first follicular wave and the emergency of the DF of the second follicular wave began later in the heifers W2 than in W3 (p = .02 and p < .01). The regression of the CL began earlier in the W2 than in W3 group (p < .01). Gene expression of growth factors and receptors was similar between groups. However, higher relative levels of BMP15 was observed in W2 group (p = .07). Results propose that wave patterns were regulated by the development time of the DF in the first wave and the life of the CL. Furthermore, higher levels of BMP15 could produce shorter life of CL. The present work suggest that ultrasonography associated with molecular assays could be used as an easy and effective tool to characterize follicular wave patterns.
Audit of the national meal guidelines for home‐delivered and centre‐based meal programs
Authors: Kemp Alice , Walton Karen , do Rosario Vinicius , Charlton Karen , McMahon Anne
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluate the impact of the National Meal Guidelines on service providers and caterers involved in home‐delivered and centre‐based meal programs in Australia.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was conducted to explore the uptake of the guidelines by participants and evaluate the impact on their practice. Closed questions were analysed using χ2 and Fisher's exact tests, while open‐ended questions underwent thematic analysis to identify key themes.

Results

A total of 101 out of 441 participants completed the survey (response rate of 23.0%). Most participants (69%) were currently referring to the guidelines, particularly for nutrition guidelines, menu planning and auditing tools. Key barriers to implementation were cost, supplier compliance issues and lack of staff education.

Conclusions

The National Meal Guidelines have been successfully implemented in many services around Australia. Further research should investigate their impact on customer satisfaction and external supplier compliance.
Pharmacological management of bipolar disorder: Japanese expert consensus
Authors: Sakurai Hitoshi , Kato Masaki , Yasui-Furukori Norio , Suzuki Takefumi , Baba Hajime , Watanabe Koichiro , Inada Ken , Kishida Ikuko , Sugawara Kikuchi Yuka , Kikuchi Toshiaki , Katsuki Asuka , Uchida Hiroyuki ,   Medical Education Panel of the Japanese Society of Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to develop a consensus guideline by certified experts of the Japanese Society of Clinical Neuropsychopharmacology on the psychopharmacological treatment for bipolar disorders I and II (BP‐I and BP‐II), in order to fill the gap in the literature and provide more concrete guidance for challenging and controversial real‐world situations.

Methods

Experts were asked to assess treatment options regarding 19 clinical situations of bipolar disorder with a nine‐point Likert scale (one = “disagree” and nine = “agree”). According to the responses from 119 experts, the options were categorized into the first‐, second‐, and third‐line treatments.

Results

For the treatment of BP‐I, lithium monotherapy was categorized as a first‐line treatment for manic episodes (mean ± standard deviation score, 7.0 ± 2.2), depressive episodes (7.1 ± 2.0), and the maintenance phase (7.8 ± 1.8). Combination therapy of lithium and an atypical antipsychotic was endorsed for manic episodes (7.7 ± 1.7), depressive episodes with (7.1 ± 2.0) and without mixed features (6.9 ± 2.2), and the maintenance phase (6.9 ± 2.1). Similarly, in BP‐II, lithium monotherapy was categorized as a first‐line treatment for hypomanic episodes (7.3 ± 2.2), depressive episodes (7.0 ± 2.2), and the maintenance phase (7.3 ± 2.3), while combination therapy of lithium and an atypical antipsychotic was recommended for hypomanic episodes (6.9 ± 2.4).No antipsychotic monotherapy or antidepressant treatment was categorized as a first‐line treatment for any type of episode.

Conclusions

These recommendations reflect the current evidence and represent the experts' consensus on using lithium for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Clinicians should consider the effectiveness and adverse effects of antipsychotic and antidepressant medications for the treatment of bipolar disorder.
Ensemble coding of facial identity is not refined by experience: Evidence from other‐race and inverted faces
Authors: Davis Emily E. , Matthews Claire M. , Mondloch Catherine J.
Published: June 2020

The ability to recognize identity despite within‐person variability in appearance is likely a face‐specific skill and shaped by experience. Ensemble coding – the automatic extraction of the average of a stimulus array – has been proposed as a mechanism underlying face learning (allowing one to recognize novel instances of a newly learned face). We investigated whether ensemble encoding, like face learning and recognition, is refined by experience by testing participants with upright own‐race faces and two categories of faces with which they lacked experience: other‐race faces (Experiment 1) and inverted faces (Experiment 2). Participants viewed four images of an unfamiliar identity and then were asked whether a test image of that same identity had been in the study array. Each test image was a matching exemplar (from the array), matching average (the average of the images in the array), non‐matching exemplar (a novel image of the same identity), or non‐matching average (an average of four different images of the same identity). Adults showed comparable ensemble coding for all three categories (i.e., reported that matching averages had been present more than non‐matching averages), providing evidence that this early stage of face learning is not shaped by face‐specific experience.