bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Prescriptions for Expedited Partner Therapy for Chlamydia Get Filled? Findings From a Multi-Jurisdictional Evaluation, United States, 2017–2019
Authors: Slutsker Jennifer Sanderson , Tsang Lai-yi Bella , Schillinger Julia A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Expedited partner therapy (EPT) is commonly provided by prescription; however, the efficacy of this modality is unknown. We examined whether EPT prescriptions are filled when the cost barrier is removed.

Methods

To track EPT prescription fill rates, we used single-use pharmacy vouchers that covered the cost of azithromycin, 1 g (chlamydia treatment). We recruited clinical sites to distribute vouchers to patients with chlamydia who would receive an EPT prescription under clinic policies. When distributing vouchers, sites recorded and retained: voucher unique identifier, sex and age of index patient, distribution date, and whether partner name was written on the EPT prescription. Pharmacists receiving vouchers entered the identifier, sex and age of presenting person, and redemption date into a standard pharmacy claim transmission system. Data for redeemed vouchers were retrieved from an industry portal and linked with data retained at clinical sites.

Results

Thirty-two clinical sites distributed 931 vouchers during September 2017 to January 2019; 382 (41%) were redeemed. Vouchers distributed to patients 18 years or younger (49 [30%] of 163) were less likely to be redeemed compared with those distributed to patients older than 18 years (322 [44%] of 736; P = 0.001). Just over half of vouchers were redeemed the same day (196 [56%] of 352) and 1 mile or less from the clinical site (188 [54%] of 349). After excluding an outlier site, vouchers accompanied by EPT prescriptions including a partner name (15 [56%] of 27) were more likely to be redeemed than those lacking a name (83 [34%] of 244; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Less than half of EPT prescriptions were filled, even when medication was free. Whenever possible, EPT should be provided as drug-in-hand.
Expanding Faculty Development of Teaching Skills: A National Needs Assessment of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Faculty
Authors: Bone Meredith F. , Mink Richard , Marcdante Karen , Czaja Angela S. , Storgion Stephanie A. , Turner David A.
Published: March 2020

Objectives:

High-quality clinical teaching is an essential element in preparing trainees to become independently competent clinicians. In order to better understand the context-specific faculty development needs of teaching faculty in a specific community, we sought to determine the self-reported teaching skill deficits of pediatric critical care medicine faculty and their preferences and motivations regarding faculty development to enhance their teaching.

Design:

Modified Delphi technique was used to create an online survey in which respondents rated their need for education on a variety of teaching skills, their preferred learning modalities, and factors that motivate their participation in faculty development.

Setting:

Pediatric Critical Care Medicine divisions at the 64 sites in the United States with fellowship programs.

Subjects:

Five-hundred forty-five Pediatric Critical Care Medicine faculty who teach fellows and other trainees.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

Response rate was 40%. Respondents reported a median of 8.5 years (interquartile range, 4–16 yr) as teaching faculty. The median age of faculty was 44.6 years (interquartile range, 38–50 yr). Only 20% of respondents indicated that improving their teaching was a low priority. Thirty-six percent of respondents had not participated in any formal teaching skill development as faculty. The most frequently cited factors motivating engagement in faculty development were education being included as part of regularly attended conferences, resources readily available when needed, and participation promoted by a supervisor. Preferred learning modalities included a brief discussion with a colleague, a 10-minute video, and a regular conference series.

Conclusions:

Pediatric Critical Care Medicine faculty reported they experience challenges in teaching and would benefit from faculty development training aimed at improving their knowledge and skills about being an educator. Preferred learning methods and motivating factors highlight the importance of efficiency in content delivery and endorsement by faculty supervisors. Consideration of these needs and preferences may be useful in creating context-focused, community of practice-based faculty development programs.
Treatment Outcomes of Pediatric Status Epilepticus in a Tertiary Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Cavusoglu Dilek , Sınmaz Elif Esra , Dundar Nihal Olgac , Can Fulya Kamit , Anil Ayse Berna , Sarioglu Berrak
Published: March 2020

Objective

Status epilepticus is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality; thus, early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial. We aimed to study the etiology, clinical features, and treatment among pediatric patients with convulsive status epilepticus.

Methods

The medical records of 100 patients were retrospectively obtained from pediatric intensive care unit. Etiology, clinical features, and treatment were interpreted by using Fisher exact test, χ2test, and Spearmanρcorrelation coefficient.

Results

Seizures had stopped with the first-, second-, and third-line treatment in 29%, 36%, and 35% of the patients, respectively. Only phenytoin treatment was efficient; it has 32.3% rate in second-line treatment. Whereas mortality rate was 10%, morbidity rate was 14% during the follow-up. Epilepsy, hemiparesis, spastic tetraparesis, and mental retardation developed. Mortality was significantly much more in the patients with refractory seizure and cerebral palsy. Development of mental retardation was much higher in the male sex.

Conclusions

Phenytoin is still one of the most efficient antiepileptic drugs. If the duration of status epilepticus can be shortened by prompt treatment, neurological complications may be prevented.
Dexamethasone Versus Prednisone for Pediatric Acute Asthma Exacerbations
Authors: Peterson Robert , Young Kelly D.
Published: March 2020

Background and Objective

Dexamethasone has emerged as a viable alternative to prednisone in the treatment of pediatric acute asthma exacerbations, with the potential for improved compliance secondary to decreased frequency of dosing, improved taste, and decreased cost. The objective of this study is to identify whether providers are prescribing dexamethasone for pediatric acute asthma exacerbations. Secondary objectives are to describe variation in practice between different specialties and to identify the commonly used dosing and frequency for dexamethasone.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study with an anonymous, web-based survey (surveymonkey.com). The survey population included all fellowship program directors listed on FRIEDA Online for pediatric emergency medicine, pediatric pulmonology, and allergy and immunology, and emergency medicine residency directors through the Council of Emergency Medicine Residency Directors listserv. Program directors were contacted via e-mail up to 5 times for 3 months.

Results

Overall, 300 respondents (70% of the program directors) completed the survey. Response rates by specialty varied from 60% to 94%. One third of providers are using dexamethasone, whereas just more than half of providers (51%) are prescribing a 5-day prednisone course. The preferred maximum dose for dexamethasone is 10 mg (45%), with 82% using a dose of 0.6 mg/kg.

Pediatric emergency medicine fellowship directors demonstrated a preference for dexamethasone (59%). Prednisone is favored by emergency medicine (56%), pediatric pulmonology (89%), and allergy and immunology (93%) program directors.

Conclusions

Although most pediatric emergency medicine academic physicians have transitioned to using dexamethasone to treat acute pediatric asthma exacerbations, other specialties continue to favor prednisone.
Perceived Barriers of Modified Ride-On Car Use of Young Children With Disabilities: A Content Analysis
Authors: Logan Samuel W. , Feldner Heather A. , Bogart Kathleen R. , Catena Michele A. , Hospodar Christina M. , Raja Vora Joseline , Smart William D. , Massey William V.
Published: March 2020

Purpose:

Modified ride-on cars have emerged as an early powered mobility option for young children with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to identify, extract, and synthesize perceived barriers of modified ride-on car use reported in previous studies.

Methods:

This study was descriptive using a qualitative content analysis of previously published studies identified from a systematic literature search.

Results:

Categories of perceived barriers were identified: device, environmental, child-related perceived barriers regarding health, tolerance, and abilities, and caregiver-related perceived barriers regarding physical requirements, time, and motivation. Device and environmental perceived barriers were the most reported.

Conclusions:

Pediatric physical therapists play a critical role in working with families to promote their self-efficacy for using the modified ride-on car and their capacity for overcoming the inherent difficulties associated with use. Most of the reported perceived barriers are modifiable, at least to some degree, with likely effects on modified ride-on car use.
Segmental Spinal Myoclonus After a Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection
Authors: Boudier-Revéret Mathieu , Chang Min Cheol
Published: March 2020

In clinical practice, cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection is commonly used for alleviating pain. We report a case of segmental spinal myoclonus that developed after cervical transforaminal local anesthetic and steroid injection. A 39-yr-old man presented involuntary movements of the bilateral upper trapezius muscles after cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection on the right C6 and C7 roots with a 5 mg of dexamethasone injectate mixed with 0.5 ml of 1% lidocaine and 0.5 ml of normal saline at each level. His myoclonus was semirhythmic and continuously persisted at a frequency of approximately 30 episodes per minute. The myoclonus continued even at rest and during sleep. In addition, it was resistive to stimulus, such as touch and voluntary action. Based on the clinical features, the patient was diagnosed as having a segmental spinal myoclonus. Clonazepam 0.25 mg was administered three times daily. The myoclonus gradually improved and resolved completely within 2 wks. Segmental spinal myoclonus is one of rare complications after cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection. Clinicians should be aware of the likelihood of this potential complication.
Quality and Safety in Healthcare, Part LXVII
Authors: Harolds Jay A.
Published: March 2020

There are many approaches to improving the well-being of medical students such as having a wellness curriculum including emphasizing the importance of keeping a balance in life between work and other activities, encouraging mindfulness and other stress reduction techniques, getting adequate sleep and exercise, and learning about the signs of burnout and depression. It is also important to have mentoring services and discussion groups available and to offer counseling for monetary management. Mental health services must be made available, and the students should be advised that seeking treatment will not adversely affect their ability to get a license or a good residency. The students should be counseled that being employed while in medical school is associated with a greater chance of burnout.
Colon Sarcoidosis Mimicking Cancer at 18F-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Mei Riccardo , Prediletto Irene , Nava Stefano , Fanti Stefano , Ambrosini Valentina
Published: March 2020

This 68-year-old woman with a 9-year history of skin sarcoidosis presented with abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Following positive occult fecal blood, a diagnosis of ascending colon sarcoidosis was pathologically confirmed after colonoscopy. FDG PET/CT was performed for sarcoid staging, and the ascending colon demonstrated the only focal site of active sarcoidosis (SUVmax = 10).
National Trends in Hospitalization Charges for Autologous Free Flap Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Cai Yida , Boas Samuel R. , Summerville Lesley , Kumar Anand
Published: March 2020

Background

There is significant cost variation among patients undergoing autologous free flap breast reconstruction. Previous studies hypothesize that factors like length of stay and hospital volume are key drivers of cost; however, how these factors have affected cost have not been well studied. Our study analyzes the factors influencing hospital charges relating to these procedures and their trends over a multiyear time frame.

Methods

The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's National Inpatient Sample database was analyzed from January 2009 to December 2014. All female patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer or at a high risk for breast cancer who underwent autologous free flap breast reconstruction were included. Variables of interest included demographic data, hospital characteristics, hospitalization data, and total hospital charges. Univariate and generalized linear models were used to examine associations between selected variables and the hospitalization charges, as well as trends in these factors over the years included.

Results

There were 659,220 female patients diagnosed with breast cancer or had a high risk of breast cancer between 2009 and 2014. Of these patients, 20,050 (3.0%) received autologous free flap breast reconstruction and were included. The mean total hospital charge was US $98,839.33 (SD = US $61,532.04). Regression analysis showed that the proportion of procedures to the total population of potential patients significantly increased over the selected time frame (P = 0.02). The average total charges also increased significantly (P < 0.01), despite a decrease in length of stay (P = 0.05). Procedures performed in the west were associated with significantly higher charges when compared with other regions (US $147,855.42, P < 0.001). Higher hospital charges were also associated with urban hospitals, regardless of teaching status.

Conclusions

The overall demand for the autologous free flap breast reconstruction is increasing within the patient population, in conjunction with increasing associated hospital charges. This increase in cost is seen despite an overall decrease in length of stay, originally thought to be the main contributor to regional cost variation. Further studies should be done to develop strategies to better target increased hospitalization charges, because the overall health care burden of this procedure is expected to rise if current trends continue.
Sclerotherapy for Venous Malformations of the Pharynx or the Tongue Base Without Tracheostomy: Treatment Protocol With Intubation and Outcomes
Authors: Iwashina Yuki , Ozaki Mine , Wong Manzhi , Ihara Aki , Fujiki Masahide , Takushima Akihiko , Harii Kiyonori
Published: March 2020

Venous malformations (VMs) occurring in the tongue base or pharynx are rare, but can cause airway obstruction. Considering the potential issues or morbidity related to surgical resection in the tongue or pharynx region, sclerotherapy is often preferred. We perform sclerotherapy for such lesions without conducting tracheotomy, but keep patients intubated for a certain period. Outcomes of sclerotherapy, and benefits and cautions related with our protocol were investigated.

Our subjects were 10 cases in 9 patients who underwent sclerotherapy for VMs of the tongue base (6 patients) or pharynx (3 patients) from 2008 to 2017. One patient underwent treatment sessions twice. The sclerosants used were absolute ethanol (ET) (3 cases), 5% ethanolamine oleate (EO) (4 cases), or both ET and 5%EO (3 cases).

In 5 of 9 patients, postoperative MRI was performed, which revealed lesion volume reduction by 12% to 47%. The intubation period varied according to the sclerosant used: ET, 5 to 11 days; 5% EO, 2 to 12 days; and combination of ET and 5% EO, 8 days. Postoperative complications included fever of unknown (n = 2), acute psychosis (n = 3), vocal cord paralysis (n = 2), and bradycardia induced from the use of a sedative agent (n = 1). One patient complained of mild transient swallowing difficulty that lasted for a month postoperatively.

Although our method mandatorily requires careful postoperative management in an ICU, including sedation with anesthetic agents and artificial respiration by intubation for a certain period of time, no serious complications or post-therapeutic morbidities occurred.
Abnormal Formation of External Jugular Vein and its Repercussions
Authors: Singh Rajani
Published: March 2020

External jugular vein is formed by joining of posterior division of retromandibular vein and posterior auricular vein and common facial vein drain into internal jugular vein.

Variations are not uncommon and these are more often observed in veins than in arteries. Aim of the study is to report the prevalence of unique variation of formation of external jugular vein.

Head and neck of 6 cadavers (12 sides) fixed in 10% formalin were dissected in the department of anatomy AIIMS Rishikesh for the variant formation of external jugular vein.

Abnormal formation of external jugular vein was detected in 1 cadaver on left side. The mean age of the cadavers was 70 years. The retromandibular vein divided into anterior and posterior divisions 2.5 cm below the angle of mandible. The facial, after travelling for 6 cm below the mandible, along with anterior and posterior divisions abnormally joined to form the external jugular vein. This is unique and rare finding.

External jugular vein is used for assessment of venous pressure in right atrium and for catheterization. The variation may give false value of pressure due to facial vein draining into it, also create difficulty in catheterization. In addition to this, these veins are also used for various other procedures like carotid endarterectomy and for oral reconstruction surgeries. Thus facial vein and external jugular vein variations are of paramount importance to head and neck surgeons, anatomists and anesthetist.
The Superior Ophthalmic Vein: Anatomical Perspective for Transvenous Access to the Cavernous Sinus
Authors: Tsutsumi Satoshi , Ono Hideo , Yasumoto Yukimasa , Ishii Hisato
Published: March 2020

The anatomical characteristics of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV), which is crucial when performing craniofacial surgeries and transvenous access to the cavernous sinus, have not been documented. The present study aimed to explore them using magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). A volumetric, phase-contrast MRA was performed in 74 outpatients not bearing vascular or tumorous pathologies in the face, orbit, and cavernous sinus. The entire course of the SOV was delineated in 46 patients (62%), for 76% on the right side and 83% on the left. These SOVs consistently showed a characteristic morphology with a laterally coursing proximal segment and a medially coursing distal segment. The latter segment was connected to the angular, supraorbital, supratrochlear, facial, and external nasal veins that were inconsistently delineated. The angular vein was tortuous in 51% of the patients on the right and 53% on the left. The morphology of the proximal part of the SOV was also variable and involved a tortuous segment in 11% of the patients on the right and in 7% on the left. Furthermore, in 4 patients (8.7%), a fenestration was found in the right SOVs. Inconsistent tributaries of the SOV, tortuous angular vein, and possible tortuous segment and fenestration of the SOV can make orbital transvenous access to the cavernous sinus difficult.
The Price equation and the unity of social evolution theory
Authors: Lehtonen Jussi
Published: March 2020

The Price equation has been entangled with social evolution theory from the start. It has been used to derive the most general versions of kin selection theory, and Price himself produced a multilevel equation that provides an alternative formulation of social evolution theory, dividing selection into components between and within groups. In this sense, the Price equation forms a basis for both kin and group selection, so often pitted against each other in the literature. Contextual analysis and the neighbour approach are prominent alternatives for analysing group selection. I discuss these four approaches to social evolution theory and their connections to the Price equation, focusing on their similarities and common mathematical structure. Despite different notations and modelling traditions, all four approaches are ultimately linked by a common set of mathematical components, revealing their underlying unity in a transparent way. The Price equation can similarly be used in the derivation of streamlined, weak selection social evolution modelling methods. These weak selection models are practical and powerful methods for constructing models in evolutionary and behavioural ecology; they can clarify the causal structure of models, and can be easily converted between the four social evolution approaches just like their regression counterparts.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Fifty years of the Price equation’.
Different perspectives on non-genetic inheritance illustrate the versatile utility of the Price equation in evolutionary biology
Authors: Helanterä Heikki , Uller Tobias
Published: March 2020

The diversity of genetic and non-genetic processes that make offspring resemble their parents are increasingly well understood. In addition to genetic inheritance, parent–offspring similarity is affected by epigenetic, behavioural and cultural mechanisms that collectively can be referred to as non-genetic inheritance. Given the generality of the Price equation as a description of evolutionary change, is it not surprising that the Price equation has been adopted to model the evolutionary implications of non-genetic inheritance. In this paper, we briefly introduce the heredity perspectives on which those models rely, discuss the extent to which these perspectives make different assumptions and place different emphases on the roles of heredity and development in evolution, and the types of empirical research programmes they motivate. The existence of multiple perspectives and explanatory aims highlight, on the one hand, the versatility of the Price equation and, on the other hand, the importance of understanding how heredity and development can be conceptualized in evolutionary studies.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Fifty years of the Price equation’.
A single amino acid in coat protein of Pepper mild mottle virus determines its subcellular localization and the chlorosis symptom on leaves of pepper
Authors: Han Kelei , Zheng Hongying , Ji Mengfei , Cui Weijun , Hu Shuzhen , Peng Jiejun , Zhao Jinping , Lu Yuwen , Lin Lin , Liu Yong , Chen Jianping , Yan Fei
Published: March 2020

Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV) causes serious economic losses in pepper production in China. In a survey for viral diseases on pepper, two PMMoV isolates (named PMMoV-ZJ1 and PMMoV-ZJ2) were identified with different symptoms in Zhejiang province. Sequence alignment analysis suggested there were only four amino acid differences between the isolates: Val262Gly, Ile629Met and Ala1164Thr in the replicase, and Asp20Asn in the coat protein. Infectious cDNA clones of both isolates were constructed and shown to cause distinctive symptoms. Chlorosis symptoms appeared only on PMMoV-ZJ2-infected plants and the Asp20Asn substitution in the CP was shown to be responsible. Confocal assays revealed that the subcellular localization pattern of the two CPs was different, CP20Asp was mainly located at the cell periphery, whereas most CP20Asn located in the chloroplast. Thus, a single amino acid in the CP determined the chlorosis symptom, accompanied by an altered subcellular localization.
Virological assessment of hospitalized cases of coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Wölfel Roman , Corman Victor M. , Guggemos Wolfgang , Seilmaier Michael , Zange Sabine , Müller Marcel A. , Niemeyer Daniela , Kelly Terence C. Jones , Vollmar Patrick , Rothe Camilla , Hoelscher Michael , Bleicker Tobias , Brünink Sebastian , Schneider Julia , Ehmann Rosina , Zwirglmaier Katrin , Drosten Christian , Wendtner Clemens
Published: March 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory tract infection that emerged in late 20191,2. Initial outbreaks in China involved 13.8% cases with severe-, and 6.1% with critical courses3. This severe presentation corresponds to the usage of a virus receptor that is expressed predominantly in the lung2,4. By causing an early onset of severe symptoms, this same receptor tropism is thought to have determined pathogenicity but also aided the control of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 20035. However, there are reports of COVID-19 cases with mild upper respiratory tract symptoms, suggesting a potential for pre- or oligosymptomatic transmission6-8. There is an urgent need for information on body site - specific virus replication, immunity, and infectivity. Here we provide a detailed virological analysis of nine cases, providing proof of active virus replication in upper respiratory tract tissues. Pharyngeal virus shedding was very high during the first week of symptoms (peak at 7.11 × 108 RNA copies per throat swab, day 4). Infectious virus was readily isolated from throat- and lung-derived samples, but not from stool samples in spite of high virus RNA concentration. Blood and urine never yielded virus. Active replication in the throat was confirmed by viral replicative RNA intermediates in throat samples. Sequence-distinct virus populations were consistently detected in throat- and lung samples of one same patient. Shedding of viral RNA from sputum outlasted the end of symptoms. Seroconversion occurred after 6-12 days, but was not followed by a rapid decline of viral loads. COVID-19 can present as a mild upper respiratory tract illness. Active virus replication in the upper respiratory tract puts prospects of COVID-19 containment in perspective.
Variants in the Niemann-Pick type C gene NPC1 are not associated with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Amar Bencheikh Bouchra Ouled , Senkevich Konstantin , Rudakou Uladzislau , Yu Eric , Mufti Kheireddin , Ruskey Jennifer A. , Asayesh Farnaz , Laurent Sandra B. , Spiegelman Dan , Fahn Stanley , Waters Cheryl , Monchi Oury , Dauvilliers Yves , Espay Alberto J. , Dupré Nicolas , Greenbaum Lior , Hassin-Baer Sharon , Rouleau Guy A. , Alcalay Roy N. , Fon Edward A. , Gan-Or Ziv
Published: March 2020

Biallelic variants in NPC1, a lysosomal gene coding for a transmembrane protein involved in cholesterol trafficking, may cause Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC). A few cases of NPC1 mutation carriers have been reported with a Parkinson’s disease (PD) presentation. In addition, pathological studies demonstrated phosphorylated alpha-synuclein and Lewy pathology in brains of NPC patients. Therefore, we aimed to examine whether NPC1 genetic variants may be associated with PD. Full sequencing of NPC1 was performed in 2,657 PD patients and 3,647 controls from three cohorts, using targeted sequencing with molecular inversion probes. A total of 9 common variants and 126 rare variants were identified across the three cohorts. To examine association with PD, regression models adjusted for age, sex and origin were performed for common variants, and optimal sequence Kernel association test (SKAT-O) was performed for rare variants. After correction for multiple comparisons, common and rare NPC1 variants were not associated with PD. Our results do not support a link between heterozygous variants in NPC1 and PD.
Protein induced membrane phase transition facilitates leishmania infection
Authors: Sannigrahi Achinta , Jawed Junaid Jibran , Majumdar Subrata , Roy Syamal , Karmakar Sanat , Chattopadhyay Krishnananda
Published: March 2020

Although host membrane is known to play critical roles in the internalization of leishmania parasites inside macrophages (Mϕ), any detailed mechanistic understanding is missing. We show here that KMP-11, a small immunogenic protein ofLeishmania Donovani(LD) facilitates the infection process by binding to Mϕ membrane through its N-terminal domain (1-19AA). This binding results in a membrane phase transition that occurs at a threshold protein/lipid ratio, which is linked to the change in membrane tension. KMP-11 induced phase transition is also associated with lipid raft disruption and T-cell deactivation. Finally, using a combination of tryptophan-scanning mutagenesis and synthesized peptides, we develop a mathematical exposition, which demonstrates that hydrophobic moment (μH) and the number of residues involved in a mirror sequence (N) at the interacting N-terminal are governing factors for the membrane phase transition, which facilitates infection process.
Rainforest-to-pasture conversion stimulates soil methanogenesis across the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Kroeger Marie E. , Meredith Laura K. , Meyer Kyle M. , Webster Kevin D. , Barbosa de Camargo Plinio , Fonseca de Souza Leandro , Tsai Siu Mui , van Haren Joost , Saleska Scott , Bohannan Brendan J.M. , Rodrigues Jorge L.M. , Nüsslein Klaus
Published: March 2020

The Amazon rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot and large terrestrial carbon sink that is threatened by agricultural conversion. Rainforest-to-pasture conversion leads to the release of a potent greenhouse gas by converting soil from a methane sink into a source. The biotic methane cycle is driven by microorganisms; therefore, this study focused on active methane-cycling microorganisms and their functions across land-use types. We collected intact soil cores from three land use types (primary rainforest, pasture, and secondary rainforest) of two geographically distinct areas of the Brazilian Amazon (Santarém, Pará and Ariquemes, Rondônia) and performed DNA stable-isotope probing coupled with metagenomics to identify the active methanotrophs and methanogens. At both locations, we observed a significant change in the composition of the isotope-labeled methane-cycling microbial community across land use types, specifically an increase in the abundance and diversity of active methanogens in pastures. We conclude that a significant increase in the abundance and activity of methanogens in pasture soils could explain the greater methane flux. Furthermore, we found that secondary rainforests recovered as methane sinks, indicating the potential for reforestation to offset greenhouse gas emissions in the tropics. These findings are critical for informing land management practices and global tropical rainforest conservation.
A lipid atlas of human carotid atherosclerosis
Authors: Moerman AM , Visscher M , Slijkhuis N , Van Gaalen K , Heijs B , Klein T , Burgers P , De Rijke YB , Van Beusekom HMM , Luider TM , Verhagen HJM , Van Der Steen AFW , Gijsen FJH , Van Der Heiden K , Van Soest G
Published: March 2020

Carotid atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of stroke, mortality and disability worldwide. The disease is characterized by plaques, heterogeneous depositions of lipids and necrotic debris in the vascular wall, which grow gradually and may remain asymptomatic for decades. However, at some point a plaque can evolve to a high-risk plaque phenotype, which may trigger a cerebrovascular event. Lipids play a key role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging, we visualized the distribution of approximately 200 lipids in 106 tissue sections of 12 human carotid atherosclerotic plaques. We performed unsupervised classification of the mass spectrometry dataset, as well as a histology-driven multivariate analysis. These data allowed us to compare the spatial lipid patterns with morphological plaque features that have been associated with enhanced risk of symptoms. The abundances of sphingomyelin and oxidized cholesteryl ester species were elevated specifically in necrotic intima areas, while diacylglycerols and triacylglycerols were spatially correlated to areas containing the coagulation protein fibrin. This is the first study to systematically investigate spatial lipid patterns in atherosclerosis, analyze their relation to histological tissue type, and to demonstrate a clear co-localization between plaque features and specific lipid classes and individual lipid molecules in high-risk atherosclerotic plaques.
Stakeholders' involvement in establishing sustainable business models
Authors: Fiore Mariantonietta , Galati Antonino , Gołębiewski Jarosław , Drejerska Nina
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Cooperatives play a dominant role in the European dairy sector. The aim of the study is to define a sustainable business model of dairy cooperatives and explore how stakeholders can contribute to innovation processes generated in this ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

Starting from theoretical assumption and investigation of three major cooperatives located in an ecological agricultural Poland region, known also as “Green Lungs of Poland,” the authors propose a sustainable business model where the role stakeholders in the value co-creation is emphasized.

Findings

The findings of this paper show how the involvement of various stakeholders by the cooperatives contributes to the development of innovations that meet customer expectations, thereby concurring to the creation of social, environmental and economic value.

Originality/value

This paper formulates a business model integrating theoretical assumptions from the literature review with empirical evidence by exploring the roles of stakeholders that contribute and incorporate innovation, responsibility and sustainability into the core of activities of cooperatives.
AIS data analytics for adaptive rotating shift in vessel traffic service
Authors: Xu Gangyan , Chen Chun-Hsien , Li Fan , Qiu Xuan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Considering the varied and dynamic workload of vessel traffic service (VTS) operators, design an adaptive rotating shift solution to prevent them from getting tired while ensuring continuous high-quality services and finally guarantee a benign maritime traffic environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem of rotating shift in VTS and its influencing factors are analyzed first, then the framework of automatic identification system (AIS) data analytics is proposed, as well as the data model to extract spatial–temporal information. Besides,K-means-based anomaly detection method is adjusted to generate anomaly-free data, with which the traffic trend analysis and prediction are made. Based on this knowledge, strategies and methods for adaptive rotating shift design are worked out.

Findings

In VTS, vessel number and speed are identified as two most crucial factors influencing operators' workload. Based on the two factors, the proposed data model is verified to be effective on reducing data size and improving data processing efficiency. Besides, theK-means-based anomaly detection method could provide stable results, and the work shift pattern planning algorithm could efficiently generate acceptable solutions based on maritime traffic information.

Originality/value

This is a pioneer work on utilizing maritime traffic data to facilitate the operation management in VTS, which provides a new direction to improve their daily management. Besides, a systematic data-driven solution for adaptive rotating shift is proposed, including knowledge discovery method and decision-making algorithm for adaptive rotating shift design. The technical framework is flexible and can be extended for managing other activities in VTS or adapted in diverse fields.
Prevention or promotion?
Authors: Hou Min , Gu Chunmei , Wang Jiakai , Hou Ping
Published: March 2020

Purpose

A large number of competitors springing up at the same time is a unique phenomenon to emerging markets. How to promote product sales and improve platform performance through appropriate advertising communication strategies is not only an actual problem for the P2P platforms that are committed to long-term and stable operations but also an academic problem in marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected a total of 1960 pieces of panel data of the P2P platforms and constructed a panel data analysis model after filtering.

Findings

The empirical analysis reveals the following: the prevention-focus advertising has a greater impact on platform trading volume, compared with the promotion-focus advertising, and the impact is positively significant; the platform which has a third-party cooperation should use promotion-focus advertising, while prevention-focus advertising is a better choice for the platform without a third-party cooperation. Furthermore, the effects of prevention-focus advertising and promotion-focus advertising on the platforms using individual projects and platforms using organization projects differ.

Originality/value

The results of this study have some reference to the selection of advertising communication strategies for the high-risk financial products.
A comparative study on disqualification of company directors in the UK and Nigeria:
Authors: Caliskan Samet , Subai Pereowei
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that the disqualification of directors, coupled with other liabilities to which they may be subjected, particularly in insolvency, should be sufficient to deter wrongdoing, because of the impact they tend to have on their personal and professional lives. It, however, argues that the “deterrence” effect would be dependent on the existence of other factors such as the efficient application of the law, publicity and post-disqualification monitoring.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the UK as its primary case study, while also making reference to Nigeria and Turkey, this paper will show that while the existence of disqualification as a sanction exists in the first two countries, it is virtually absent from Turkey. And that while directors’ disqualification provisions are routinely applied in the UK, they are hardly invoked in Nigeria, except perhaps with respect to listed companies, due perhaps to a lack of awareness of its existence or potency.

Findings

This paper will conclude by making a case for a stronger application of the law, as it relates to directors’ disqualification in the UK, call for an elaboration of the legal framework in Nigeria as well as the need for a public awareness of its provisions and potential impact and contend that Turkey should put in place a legal framework for directors’ disqualification patterned also after the UK framework.

Originality/value

The uniqueness of this paper stems from its tri-country focus. In that respect, the UK, which is a more advanced economy, with a robust and dynamic company law regime, is used as the primary case study, whereas at the same time, developments in Nigeria, particularly with that country’s capital market, will be extracted and compared with the UK framework. Turkey, on the contrary, has been chosen as a case study mainly because it has no directors’ disqualification mechanism in its legal system. Comparing directors’ disqualification in one developing country, Nigeria, and a developed country, the UK and determining their upsides and downsides will be beneficial to Turkey in respect to establishing a deterrent effective disqualification mechanism on directors.
The present and future of intellectual capital in the healthcare sector
Authors: Paoloni Niccolò , Mattei Giorgia , Dello Strologo Alberto , Celli Massimiliano
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This systematic literature review analyzes and identifies research areas where researchers have already studied the role of intellectual capital (IC) in the healthcare sector. This review also analyzes how they carried out their work to understand future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is conducted through a systematic literature review. Therefore, following systematic literature review protocol, it was possible to select 225 papers. An analysis of the content was done to identify the main topics debated and understand what components of IC are the most studied by scholars.

Findings

The authors highlight how the components of IC (human capital, structural capital and relational capital) in the healthcare sector have not been discussed with the same frequency and intensity by researchers. The research shows that there are already widely discussed areas, such as structural capital, while other components of IC have remained on the shadow, such as relational capital. Human capital is the most undiscussed component.

Research limitations/implications

The manual analysis of the articles can be considered a limitation of this work.

Originality/value

This systematic literature review makes several useful contributions. First, it enables others to replicate scientific research, thanks to its clear and transparent process. Second, it identifies the main areas of research and the main research methods. It enables researchers to identify which issues their work should address and suggests possible areas for future research.
Gamifying a situational judgment test with immersion and control game elements
Authors: Landers Richard N. , Auer Elena M. , Abraham Joseph D.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Assessment gamification, which refers to the addition of game elements to existing assessments, is commonly implemented to improved applicant reactions to existing psychometric measures. This study aims to understand the effects of gamification on applicant reactions to and measurement quality of situational judgment tests.

Design/methodology/approach

In a 2 × 4 between-subjects experiment, this study randomly assigned 315 people to experience different versions of a gamified situational judgment test, crossing immersive game elements (text, audio, still pictures, video) with control game elements (high and low), measuring applicant reactions and assessing differences in convergent validity between conditions.

Findings

The use of immersive game elements improved perceptions of organizational technological sophistication, but no other reactions outcomes (test attitudes, procedural justice, organizational attractiveness). Convergent validity with cognitive ability was not affected by gamification.

Originality/value

This is the first study to experimentally examine applicant reactions and measurement quality to SJTs based upon the implementation of specific game elements. It demonstrates that small-scale efforts to gamify assessments are likely to lead to only small-scale gains. However, it also demonstrates that such modifications can be done without harming the measurement qualities of the test, making gamification a potentially useful marketing tool for assessment specialists. Thus, this study concludes that utility should be considered carefully and explicitly for any attempt to gamify assessment.
The entrepreneurship ecosystem in the ICT sector in Qatar: local advantages and constraints
Authors: Ben Hassen Tarek
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the characteristics and dynamics of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the ICT sector in Qatar.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology of this research is based on a literature review and information collected through semistructured interviews with the different stakeholders involved in the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the ICT sector in Qatar.

Findings

The results show that two opposite forces shape the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the ICT sector in Qatar. On one hand, the strong determination and intervention of the Qatari government to diversify the economy by creating a vibrant ecosystem in the ICT sector. On the other hand, entrepreneurs in this sector are still facing some barriers and difficulties, and those issues are tightly related to Qatar's economic characteristics as a rentier state whose economy is driven by hydrocarbon resources.

Originality/value

These findings contribute to the clarification and critical analysis of the current dynamics of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the ICT sector in Qatar, which would have several policy implications.
Free and for all? A comparative study of programs with user fees in North American and Danish public libraries
Authors: Lenstra Noah , Mathiasson Mia Høj
Published: March 2020

Purpose

As a research topic within the field of LIS, programs in public libraries are underexplored, and the question of user fees for programs has not previously been addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

This article compares data collected from two individually conducted studies of public library programs in North America and Denmark to enrich our understanding of user fees in relation to programs.

Findings

The comparative analysis shows both similarities and deviations regarding the levying of fees for library programs. While paying a fee to attend a program is rather normal in Denmark, it is more of a fringe idea in North America.

Research limitations/implications

By exploring a previously understudied facet of contemporary public librarianship, this article opens up new avenues for inquiry regarding how the relative accessibility and availability of programs relate to theoretical discussions about programs as public library services.

Practical implications

This article provides library managers with needed information about how to conceptualize the roles of programs as public library services.

Social implications

As programming surges to the fore in contemporary public librarianship, the levying of user fees has social implications in terms of social equity and the public library ethos of free and equal access for all.

Originality/value

This article is the first study of user fees for public library programs, as well as among the first cross-national comparisons of programming as a dimension of public librarianship.
“Gender” and “innovation” in facility management: do they matter?
Authors: Staffansson Pauli Karin , Kristoferson Caroline Wigren , Stevenson Anna
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the ongoing discussion on how the field of facility management is changing and the role a regional innovation system (RIS) can take place to support this change, with a specific focus on the role of gender and innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The study builds partly on interactive research, and as a complement, qualitative semi-structured telephone interviews have been conducted.

Findings

The role of gender and innovations in facility management does matter due to the fact that if aiming at creating innovations, it is necessary to break free from established institutions, both formal and informal. Working with gender demands a norm-critical approach, and to be critical towards what we take for granted might create new solutions.

Research limitations/implications

The study is conducted in a Swedish context.

Practical implications

This paper brings gender issues in facility management to the forefront in an effort to engage the industry.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the ongoing discussions how the field of facility management is changing and the importance of including gender in the innovation discussions.