bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumer responses to pictures of co-creating consumers in marketing communications
Authors: Liljedal Karina T. , Berg Hanna
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Co-creating consumers are often featured prominently in marketing communications for new co-created products. Previous research has only investigated the responses of non-participating consumers by describing co-creating consumers in text. This paper aims to examine consumer responses to combinations of text descriptions and pictures of co-creating consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

An experimental study used a reference group perspective to explain non-participating consumer responses to communications about co-creation with consumers in new product development.

Findings

Pictures of co-creating consumers moderate the effects of texts describing consumer co-creation on brand attitudes. The brand effects of describing the co-creating consumer in text as belonging to a dissociative group are negative when the picture looks similar to the non-participating consumers. If the co-creating consumer looks dissimilar to the in-group, the reference group text has no effect. Self–brand connection mediates these effects on brand attitudes.

Research limitations/implications

A reference group perspective is introduced as a boundary condition to the research on the communication of consumer co-creation. The effects on brand attitudes depend on the pictorial representations.

Practical implications

Companies should be advised to avoid portrayals of co-creating consumers that could cause dissociation in relevant consumer groups.

Originality/value

Neither reference group associations nor pictorial descriptions of co-creating consumers, have hitherto been investigated with regards to consumer co creation, despite the frequent inclusion of consumer imagery in advertising for consumer co-created new products.
Get-Rich Quick scheme: Malaysian current legal development
Authors: A. Rahman Aspalella , Azmi Ruzita , Mohd Yusof Rosylin
Published: August 2020

Purpose

In Malaysia, Get-Rich-Quick scheme (GRQS) is one of the financial fraud activities prohibited under Malaysian law. The common facet of such schemes involves plans that promise unrealistic rates of returns, and this new scheme continues to proliferate every year as the list of illegal investment companies and websites are growing. Indeed, GRQS will remain proliferating as long as there are people who are easily lured by the promise that wealth can be generated with little skill, effort or time. This paper aims to explain the phenomenon of GRQS in light of the existing laws in Malaysia. This paper also highlights the current development of Australian law pertaining to GRQS for comparative purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper mainly relies on statutes as its primary sources of information. As such, this paper analyses the scope and provisions of the relevant laws that regulate GRQS and compare the existing GRQS provisions that are equivalent with Australian law.

Findings

Malaysia has comprehensive laws to combat GRQS activities. However, these laws are far from perfection, and only with immediate amendments, GRQS problems can be resolved more effectively. One of the weaknesses of current Malaysian laws to tackle GRQS is the lack of more stringent punishment against the operators of GRQS as well as the participants of the scheme. A comparison with equivalent GRQS law in Australia demonstrates that Australian laws provide a wide range of punishment to the operators and prohibits participation in GRQS. More importantly, Australia regards the offense as a strict liability offense where the mens rea or guilty mind of the perpetrators is exempted. Indeed, numerous proceedings have been instituted in the Australian Court against the operators and participants of GRQS.

Originality/value

This paper analyses the scope of relevant laws in Malaysia to combat GRQS and examines the strengths and weaknesses of these laws. This paper also compares Malaysian law with equivalent GRQS-related laws available in Australia. This paper further suggests that Malaysia should regulate sterner punishment for operators and participants of the scheme and that the offense is categorized under a strict liability offense where the mens rea or guilty mind of the offender is exempted.
Role of FATF on financial systems of countries: successes and challenges
Authors: Nanyun Nankpan Moses , Nasiri Alireza
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the extent of successes and challenges of adoption and implementation of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) codes in member states by highlighting the influence of the FATF anti-money laundering policy framework on money laundering (ML) and the way forward in heightening the fight against the fast-evolving nature of ML and terrorist financing activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper, based on a purely qualitative desktop study, is drawn on historical information from FATF’s recommendations, its periodic reports, publications and other secondary sources such as books, journal articles on financial systems and scholarly literature.

Findings

The challenges found include difficulty in domestic coordination, capacity constraints of countries, inadequate operational resources and assessment complexities in the implementation of FATF standards. Nonetheless, FATF has chalked some successes such as the harmonization of legislation and enforcement efforts through the provision of coordination points. Other successes include flexibility in response to new threats, adoption of the mutual evaluation process, which advanced peer pressure on defaulting members, enhancement of the international financial space and the enhancement of the legitimization of FATF’s processes.

Originality/value

This paper provides a description of the successes and challenges of the FATF’s 40 + 9 recommendations since its establishment. The outcome would alert countries and players within the international financial space to invest more in capacity building and the entrenchment of the recommendations into their domestic laws.
The South African government's response to COVID-19
Authors: de Villiers Charl , Cerbone Dannielle , Van Zijl Wayne
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper provides a critical analysis of the South African government's response to the COVID-19 crisis and its effect on state finances and budgets.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper critically analyses publicly available data.

Findings

The South African government's initial health response was praised by the international community, given the early lockdown and extensive testing regime. The lockdown devastated an already precarious economy, which led to negative social consequences. The initial lockdown delayed the epidemic, but subsequently, the infection rate climbed, requiring new restrictions, suggesting further economic disruption. The government has had to increase its borrowings, while the future tax take is forecast to be significantly reduced, a combination which will lead to a severely constrained public purse for many years to come. This will limit the government's ability to address the basic social needs that predated the COVID-19 crisis.

Originality/value

This is one of the first academic papers to critically assess the effect of the South African government's response to the COVID-19 crisis on state finances and budgets.
Will college students take a stand? Effects of health orientations on purchase decision factors for standing desks
Authors: Goodrich Kendall , Benden Mark , Munch James , Wamwara Wakiuru
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of college students’ health and wellness orientations on the perceived importance of health benefits for an innovative new brand of standing desk, which is hypothesized to positively affect students’ attitudes and intentions. Research in this domain for the college student market is sparse.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted among business students at a large Midwestern US University, with class credit offered for completion. Of the 325 students given the opportunity to participate, 210 completed the survey.

Findings

Health motivation is positively related to calorie reduction importance, whereas wellness orientation is positively related to back health and cognitive enhancement. Calorie reduction and potential cognitive benefits significantly affect attitudes toward standing desks, which positively impact intentions to use, pay a school usage fee and buy the product.

Research limitations/implications

Different health orientation factors are associated with specific health benefits, providing greater insight into consumer attitudinal motivations for health-related products. Future research can further evaluate the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

Marketers can tailor more effective communications based on underlying consumer motivations for health-related product benefits, resulting in better marketing outcomes.

Social implications

Obesity is a growing societal issue, which could be ameliorated by improved daily behaviors, including the use of standing desks to assist in countering sedentarism.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, neither academic research has yet examined standing desk purchase decision factors for the college student market, nor the effects of different health orientations on perceived health benefits.
South African accounting academics’ conceptualisations of the teaching-research nexus
Authors: Lubbe Ilse , Duff Angus
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Accounting academics in South Africa (SA) have been criticised for their lack of focus on research, stating that their primary responsibility is the teaching of prospective professional accountants. The purpose of this paper is to empirically evaluate the relationship between research and teaching and to consider why accounting academics in SA prioritise teaching over research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a questionnaire developed in the UK to assess SA accounting academics’ views of the teaching-research nexus. Cluster analysis is undertaken to identify and describe the patterns of responses of respondents.

Findings

The findings identify three clusters. The largest subgroup indicates an equal awareness of both the potential benefits and pitfalls of integrating teaching and research. A second subgroup views teaching and research as symbiotic, while the third subgroup sees the two activities as working against each other and competing for scarce resources. This study finds that conflict exists between professional membership and academic research, and a focus on teaching a professionally orientated accounting curriculum remains dominant in SA.

Research limitations/implications

The attitudes to teaching and research within SA are likely to be dynamic and subject to change. The findings have implications for the development of accounting academics and potentially, for addressing the gap between accounting research, practice and education.

Originality/value

This research contributes to a significant corpus of work considering the teaching-research nexus and a nascent body of work considering the relationship of research to teaching in accounting. The findings may be of interest to policymakers, practitioners and academics.
Firm efficiency and the investment anomalies
Authors: Koh Kyungyeon (Rachel) , Nawalkha Sanjay K.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether firm efficiency can explain the investment anomaly. The investment anomaly refers to the persistent negative relation between firm growth and future risk-adjusted returns. When firms grow by investing heavily, the market often takes the growth as positive news initially but will correct prices downward subsequently if the firms lack skills to materialize value from the investments.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducts portfolio sorting and Fama–Macbeth regression analyses with three different measures of efficiency and four variables for firm investment: net stock issuance (NSI), total asset growth (dAA), fixed asset and inventory growth (IA) and net operating assets (NOA).

Findings

The author finds that the NSI, dAA and IA anomalies are concentrated in firms with low overall efficiency. In addition, there is strong evidence that manager-driven efficiency is closely related to the NSI anomaly and limited evidence that NOA efficiency plays a role in the NSI, IA and NOA anomalies.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the literature by employing advanced efficiency measures developed by Demerjian et al. (2012) to resolve extant asset pricing puzzles. Also, the findings offer important implications for corporate managers and investors by demonstrating the effect of firm investments and efficiency on future profitability of stocks.
Our lives in three parts: an autoethnographic account of two undergraduates and their respective psychiatric careers
Authors: Voyce Andrew , Carson Jerome
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an autoethnographic account of the stories of a mental health professional and a mental health survivor.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the autoethnographic approach, the authors provide summaries of their respective psychiatric careers in three parts.

Findings

The authors studied at the same University, Reading. Voyce failed his Politics finals and embarked on a trajectory as a mental patient. Carson graduated in Psychology and trained as a clinical psychologist. The recovery movement brought them together, and they have now established an educational and personal bond.

Research limitations/implications

These are of course only two accounts, yet both authors have played a role in developing the recovery model in Britain. The accounts and story show the benefits of adopting a partnership approach between professional and service user.

Practical implications

Both accounts are recovery journeys in their own way. Both highlight the value of education for recovery.

Social implications

There is no doubt that clinical psychologists are both highly valued and well paid for their expertise. However, the expertise gained through Andrew’s life experience is equally invaluable for today’s mental health professionals to learn from, but perhaps not as well remunerated.

Originality/value

Both accounts stretch back over 45 years and have covered the move from institutional to community care. This paper presents two contrasting perspectives on these changes and the lives of the two people involved.
The effects of transformational leadership on organisational citizenship behaviour: the role of organisational justice and affective commitment
Authors: Khaola Peter , Rambe Patient
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Even though the influence of transformational leadership on organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) has been extensively studied in human resource management, evidence on the mechanisms through which transformational leadership affects OCB is only beginning to emerge. In view of the ambivalence about strategies of advancing OCB, this paper aims to establish whether and the extent to which the relationship between transformational leadership and OCB was mediated by organisational justice and affective commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was based on a random survey of 300 employees from a medium-sized public university, and 122 employees from public and private sector organisations in Lesotho. Partial least squares structural equation modelling and process macro techniques were used to analyse data.

Findings

The results confirmed significant paths between transformational leadership and organisational justice; organisational justice and affective commitment; and affective commitment and OCB. The results further suggested that perceived justice and affective commitment were significant serial mediators between transformational leadership and OCB.

Practical implications

Elucidation of the nature of mediating factors between leadership and OCB would leverage organisations’ level of understanding of why transformational leadership is critical to promoting OCB, and hence encourage them to design programmes that would equip supervisors with skills necessary to enhance it.

Originality/value

This is one of the few theory-driven primary studies that examine the serial mediating roles of organisational justice and affective commitment in the transformational leadership – OCB relationship.
Responsive Aggression Regulation Therapy (Re‐ART) Improves Executive Functioning in Adolescents and Young Adults with Severe Aggression Problems: A Pilot Study
Authors: Schippers Eveline E. , Hoogsteder Larissa M. , Stams Geert Jan J.M.
Published: August 2020

This pilot study (N = 25) compared the effects of a short, four‐month version of Responsive Aggression Regulation Therapy Outpatient (Re‐ART Compact) and the entire, ten‐month intervention (Re‐ART Complete) on specific executive functioning (EF) and the risk of violent recidivism in adolescents and young adults (13–23 years). Re‐ART is a cognitive behavioral‐based intervention for adolescents and young adults with severe aggression problems. The Re‐ART Compact and Re‐ART Complete groups were comparable on the EF measures inhibition, flexibility, emotion regulation, self‐evaluation, and self‐control, but the Re‐ART Complete group showed more improved risk of violent recidivism. We conclude that Re‐ART Compact can be used as a compact, short intervention for EF, which is a valuable addition to the field of forensic mental health care where many problem behaviors relate to poor EF.
Severity of COVID‐19 in pregnancy: A review of current evidence
Authors: Kucirka Lauren M. , Norton Alexandra , Sheffield Jeanne S.
Published: August 2020

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19) has recently emerged as a major threat to human health. Infections range from asymptomatic to severe (increased respiratory rate, hypoxia, significant lung involvement on imaging) or critical (multi‐organ failure or dysfunction or respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation or high‐flow nasal cannula). Current evidence suggests that pregnancy women are at increased risk of severe disease, specifically the need for hospitalization, ICU admission, and mechanical ventilation, and the already complex management of infection with an emerging pathogen may be further complicated by pregnancy. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of what is known about the clinical course of COVID‐19 in pregnancy, drawing on (a) experience with other coronaviruses such as SARS and MERS, (b) knowledge of immunologic and physiologic changes in pregnancy and how these might impact infection with SARS‐CoV‐2, and (c) the current literature reporting outcomes in pregnant women with SARS‐CoV‐2. We also briefly summarize considerations in management of severe COVID‐19 in pregnancy.
Celiac disease and reproductive failures: An update on pathogenic mechanisms
Authors: Di Simone Nicoletta , Gratta Matteo , Castellani Roberta , D’Ippolito Silvia , Specchia Monia , Scambia Giovanni , Tersigni Chiara
Published: August 2020

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically predisposed people in which the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine that clinically presents with malabsorption‐related symptoms. CD can also be the underlying cause of several non‐gastrointestinal symptoms. This review summarizes evidence on the relationship between CD and gynecological/obstetric disorders like reproductive failures. Although much has been reported on such a linkage, the pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear, especially those underlying extra‐gastrointestinal clinical manifestations. Studies conducted on celiac subjects presenting gynecological/obstetric disorders have pointed to intestinal malabsorption, coagulation alterations, immune‐mediated tissue damage, and endometrial inflammation as the main responsible pathogenic mechanisms. Currently, however, the knowledge of such mechanisms is insufficient, and further studies are needed to gain a more thorough understanding of the matter.
Female cigarette smoking and successful fertility treatment: A Danish cohort study
Authors: Lyngsø Julie , Kesmodel Ulrik S. , Bay Bjørn , Ingerslev Hans J. , Pisinger Charlotta H. , Ramlau‐Hansen Cecilia H.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Despite smoking being a well‐established risk factor for adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age smoke. Previously, meta‐analyses have indicated a significantly negative impact of female smoking on outcomes of assisted reproduction, yet most of the included studies have several, essential methodological limitations. We aimed to investigate whether female cigarette smoking may affect the chance of achieving a clinical pregnancy and live birth among women and couples receiving medically assisted reproduction treatment.

Material and methods

A cohort study with longitudinally and repeatedly collected exposure information from 1 January 2010 to 31 August 2015, including data on 1708 women and potential partners initiating either intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or frozen embryo transfer treatment cycles at the public Fertility Clinic, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Smoking was assessed from self‐reported questionnaires completed before treatment. Outcomes were a clinical pregnancy and a live birth. Information on these was obtained from the Danish national health registries, allowing complete follow‐up. To evaluate associations between female occasional/daily cigarette smoking and successful medically assisted reproduction treatments, a modified Poisson regression with robust standard errors was used.

Results

Female occasional/daily cigarette smoking was not associated with the chance of achieving a clinical pregnancy or a live birth in all intrauterine insemination or IVF/ICSI treatment cycles. When compared with nonsmokers, the adjusted relative risk for obtaining a live birth for those reporting smoking was 1.22 (0.70‐2.12) among women initiating 1456 intrauterine insemination treatment cycles. Among women initiating 2788 IVF/ICSI treatment cycles, those reporting occasional/daily smoking had a relative risk for obtaining a live birth of 1.15 (0.82‐1.60) when compared with nonsmokers.

Conclusions

Occasionally/daily cigarette smoking women had similar chance of achieving a clinical pregnancy or a live birth as the nonsmokers when receiving medically assisted reproduction treatments. However, tobacco use before and during pregnancy remains a major cause of reduced fertility as well as maternal, fetal, and infant morbidity and mortality, and should strongly be discouraged.
Association between IVF/ICSI treatment and preterm birth and major perinatal outcomes among dichorionic‐diamnionic twin pregnancies: A seven‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lin Dongxin , Li Pengsheng , Fan Dazhi , Chen Gengdong , Wu Shuzhen , Ye Shaoxin , Ma Huiting , Rao Jiaming , Zhou Zixing , Zeng Meng , Huang Zheng , Guo Xiaoling , Liu Zhengping
Published: August 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the preterm birth and additional perinatal outcomes between spontaneous and in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) dichorionic‐diamnionic (DCDA) twin pregnancies.

Material and methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary university‐affiliated medical center. All women with DCDA twin pregnancies were considered for inclusion. The primary outcome of interest was preterm birth <37 weeks of gestation and secondary outcomes included spontaneous preterm birth, iatrogenic (induced) preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy‐induced hypertensive disorder, preeclampsia, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, placenta previa, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, birthweight discordance, small for gestational age, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, ventilator support, and perinatal death and/or severe morbidity. These outcomes were compared between IVF/ICSI and spontaneous twin pregnancies. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to adjust for confounders. General estimated equation models were used to address intertwin correlation.

Results

A total of 1297 twin pregnancies, including 213 spontaneous and 1084 IVF/ICSI DCDA pregnancies, met the inclusion criteria. Women with IVF/ICSI pregnancies were older and had higher body mass index, adherence with prenatal care and proportion of nulliparity. After adjustment for confounders, IVF/ICSI pregnancies were associated with a slight increase in preterm birth <37 weeks of gestation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.72; 95% CI 1.24‐2.39), iatrogenic preterm birth <37 weeks of gestation (aOR 1.41; 95% CI 1.00‐1.97) as well as NICU admission (aOR 1.34; 95% CI 1.00‐1.80). IVF/ICSI pregnancies were associated with a decrease in PPROM (aOR 0.64; 95% CI 0.42‐0.99). There were no differences between IVF/ICSI and spontaneous DCDA pregnancies in terms of spontaneous preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy‐induced hypertensive disorder, preeclampsia, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, placenta previa, birthweight discordance, small for gestational age, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, ventilator support, and perinatal death and/or severe morbidity.

Conclusions

IVF/ICSI DCDA twin pregnancies were associated with a slight increase in preterm birth <37 weeks of gestation, iatrogenic preterm birth <37 weeks of gestation, and NICU admission but with a decrease in PPROM. Other outcomes were comparable between IVF/ICSI and spontaneous DCDA twin pregnancies. Multicenter studies with adequate power remain warranted.
Hydrophobic interactions between the HA helix and S4‐S5 linker modulate apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of SK2 channels
Authors: Nam Young‐Woo , Cui Meng , Orfali Razan , Viegas Adam , Nguyen Misa , Mohammed Eman H. M. , Zoghebi Khalid A. , Rahighi Simin , Parang Keykavous , Zhang Miao
Published: August 2020

Aim

Small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated potassium (SK) channels are activated exclusively by increases in intracellular Ca2+ that binds to calmodulin constitutively associated with the channel. Wild‐type SK2 channels are activated by Ca2+ with an EC50 value of ~0.3 μmol/L. Here, we investigate hydrophobic interactions between the HA helix and the S4‐S5 linker as a major determinant of channel apparent Ca2+ sensitivity.

Methods

Site‐directed mutagenesis, electrophysiological recordings and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were utilized.

Results

Mutations that decrease hydrophobicity at the HA‐S4‐S5 interface lead to Ca2+ hyposensitivity of SK2 channels. Mutations that increase hydrophobicity result in hypersensitivity to Ca2+. The Ca2+ hypersensitivity of the V407F mutant relies on the interaction of the cognate phenylalanine with the S4‐S5 linker in the SK2 channel. Replacing the S4‐S5 linker of the SK2 channel with the S4‐S5 linker of the SK4 channel results in loss of the hypersensitivity caused by V407F. This difference between the S4‐S5 linkers of SK2 and SK4 channels can be partially attributed to I295 equivalent to a valine in the SK4 channel. A N293A mutation in the S4‐S5 linker also increases hydrophobicity at the HA‐S4‐S5 interface and elevates the channel apparent Ca2+ sensitivity. The double N293A/V407F mutations generate a highly Ca2+ sensitive channel, with an EC50 of 0.02 μmol/L. The MD simulations of this double‐mutant channel revealed a larger channel cytoplasmic gate.

Conclusion

The electrophysiological data and MD simulations collectively suggest a crucial role of the interactions between the HA helix and S4‐S5 linker in the apparent Ca2+ sensitivity of SK2 channels.
Efficacy and safety of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate for preventing mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus: a national cohort study
Authors: Ding Yang , Cao Lihua , Zhu Liying , Huang Yan , Lin Chaoshuang , Wang Yuming , Liu Yingxia , Sheng Qiuju , Wang Shouyun , Fan Jian , Chen Ruochan , Gan Weiqiang , Chen Bryan , Pan Calvin Q.
Published: August 2020

Background

Data on tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) for preventing mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) are lacking.

Aims

To investigate the efficacy and safety of TAF therapy for preventing hepatitis B mother‐to‐child transmission.

Methods

Mothers with chronic HBV infection, positive for hepatitis B e‐antigen and with HBV DNA >200 000 IU/mL received TAF for preventing mother‐to‐child transmission were enrolled retrospectively from multiple centres with data collection on mother‐infant dyads up to postpartum week 24‐28. Primary measurements were the mother‐to‐child transmission rate and infants' malformation rate. Secondary assessments included maternal HBV DNA reduction at delivery, and maternal or infant adverse events during follow up.

Results

Among 71 mothers enrolled, the mean (±SD) age was 30.3 (±2.2) years. TAF was initiated during the second or third trimester and continued to delivery with a mean (±SD) duration of 12.8 (±4.0) weeks. At delivery, 85.9% (61/71) of the mothers achieved HBV DNA <200 000 IU/L. Seventy‐three infants (two sets of twins) were born from mothers treated with TAF and none had congenital defects or malformations. All infants received HBV immunoglobulin and vaccine at birth with additional HBV vaccinations at one and six months. At age 24‐28 weeks, all infants had negative hepatitis B surface antigen and undetectable levels of HBV DNA (<100 IU/mL). Body weight, height, and head circumferences were comparable to national standards for physical development. No severe adverse effects were reported in either mothers or infants.

Conclusions

TAF for highly viraemic mothers effectively prevented mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B. There were no safety concerns for either mothers or infants with 24‐28 weeks of follow up.
“We Want Your Nurses!”: Negotiating Labor Agreements in Recruiting Filipino Nurses
Authors: Cabanda Exequiel
Published: August 2020

Nurse migration is a significant global issue that necessitates the cooperation of host and sending states. Cooperation enables countries to collaborate on shared solutions to confront global nurse imbalance that threatens health systems. While cooperation allows countries to collaborate, some states are cautious to cooperate while others participate actively. This article examines the bilateral labor negotiations between the Philippines and the following host countries: Canadian provinces—Saskatchewan (2006), Manitoba and Alberta (2006–2008), and South Australia (2008–2009) to demonstrate how bilateral parties negotiate agreements in hiring Filipino nurses. Drawing from negotiation analysis, it argues that bilateral negotiations that fulfill two necessary conditions‐ (i) participation of nonpartisan technical expert and (ii) history of previous interactions—facilitate successful negotiations that ultimately lead to labor cooperation. This article concludes by explaining how negotiation analysis uncovers the advantage of labor‐sending countries like the Philippines in successfully securing agreements that promote labor export to achieve economic growth.
Immune‐microbiota interaction in Finnish and Russian Karelia young people with high and low allergy prevalence
Authors: Ruokolainen Lasse , Fyhrquist Nanna , Laatikainen Tiina , Auvinen Petri , Fortino Vittorio , Scala Giovanni , Jousilahti Pekka , Karisola Piia , Vendelin Johanna , Karkman Antti , Markelova Olga , Mäkelä Mika J. , Lehtimäki Sari , Ndika Joseph , Ottman Noora , Paalanen Laura , Paulin Lars , Vartiainen Erkki , von Hertzen Leena , Greco Dario , Haahtela Tari , Alenius Harri
Published: August 2020

Background

After the Second World War, the population living in the Karelian region was strictly divided by the “iron curtain” between Finland and Russia. This resulted in different lifestyle, standard of living, and exposure to the environment. Allergic manifestations and sensitization to common allergens have been much more common on the Finnish compared to the Russian side.

Objective

The remarkable allergy disparity in the Finnish and Russian Karelia calls for immunological explanations.

Methods

Young people, aged 15‐20 years, in the Finnish (n = 69) and Russian (n = 75) Karelia were studied. The impact of genetic variation on the phenotype was studied by a genome‐wide association analysis. Differences in gene expression (transcriptome) were explored from the blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and related to skin and nasal epithelium microbiota and sensitization.

Results

The genotype differences between the Finnish and Russian populations did not explain the allergy gap. The network of gene expression and skin and nasal microbiota was richer and more diverse in the Russian subjects. When the function of 261 differentially expressed genes was explored, innate immunity pathways were suppressed among Russians compared to Finns. Differences in the gene expression paralleled the microbiota disparity. High Acinetobacter abundance in Russians correlated with suppression of innate immune response. High‐total IgE was associated with enhanced anti‐viral response in the Finnish but not in the Russian subjects.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Young populations living in the Finnish and Russian Karelia show marked differences in genome‐wide gene expression and host contrasting skin and nasal epithelium microbiota. The rich gene‐microbe network in Russians seems to result in a better‐balanced innate immunity and associates with low allergy prevalence.
Prediction error in iris suture fixated intraocular lenses and long‐term stability
Authors: Ansah Derick O. , Li Ximin , Gehlbach Peter L. , Jun Albert S. , Soiberman Uri S.
Published: August 2020

Importance

Little evidence exists for prediction error in iris‐sutured intraocular lenses.

Background

To determine the magnitude of prediction error in iris‐sutured intraocular lenses, associated factors and their long‐term stability.

Design

Retrospective, nonrandomized, noncomparative case series conducted at the Wilmer Eye Institute (Baltimore, Maryland, United States).

Participants

Adult patients with subluxated intraocular lenses that underwent iris‐suture fixation between January 2000 and December 2014 by a single surgeon. Pregnant women, children (below the age of 18) and cases with follow‐up under 1 month were excluded.

Methods

Prediction error was calculated in 60 eyes and survival analysis was performed on 99 eyes.

Main Outcome Measures

Prediction error (the difference between the postoperative manifest refraction in spherical equivalent and the spherical equivalent predicted by the Barrett Universal II, Holladay 2 and SRK/T formulas), preoperative and postoperative distance‐corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, frequency of postoperative complications and time until re‐subluxation.

Results

Mean prediction error using the Barrett formula was −0.35 ± 1.0 D. Higher axial length (≥25.5 mm) was associated with greater prediction error (−0.72 ± 1.11 D vs −0.18 ± 0.91 D, P = .048). Twelve re‐subluxations occurred over a mean follow‐up period of 30.28 ± 41.86 months. The predicted 50% survival of iris‐sutured lenses was 114.25 months.

Conclusions and Relevance

Iris‐suture fixation may require moderate lens power adjustment to compensate for prediction error, especially in eyes with higher axial length. Longer follow‐up demonstrates that iris‐suture fixation remains a viable technique, yet re‐subluxations require routine monitoring of such eyes.
Creating places, relationships and education for refugee children in camps: Lessons learnt from the ‘The School of Peace’ educational model
Authors: Huss Ephrat , Ben Asher Smadar , Shahar Eitan , Walden Tsvia , Sagy Shifra
Published: August 2020

This paper describes a unique model for building an afternoon school for refugee children sustained by volunteers and refugee teachers and based on humanistic intercultural values. The methodology is participatory including the whole school, from children to teachers to volunteers and managers. Central themes in the findings include a synergetic focus on creative placemaking, conflict negotiation and formal studies. This points to a theoretical connection between informal and formal studies. The findings teach us about the needs of refugee children. A methodological contribution is the use of arts‐based methods to capture refugee children's lived experiences of school.
Addressing inequality: Educators responding to the contexts of young children’s lives?
Authors: Nolan Andrea
Published: August 2020

A child's early relationships and experiences influence their long‐term development and learning. In Australia, some children can face complex levels of deprivation when compared to their peers. This study sheds light on how educators are responding. Data analysed consist of individual interviews with early childhood educators working in diverse communities. The findings highlight educators’ accounts of responsiveness as narrowly framed with attention focused on children's cultural heritage which overshadows other equity groups. The paper argues that by becoming sensitive to the contexts of children's lives, there is potential to build the early childhood workforce's capacity for addressing inequalities in childhood.
Patient education about recovery after colorectal surgery: systematic scoping review
Authors: Chapman S. J. , Helliwell J. A. , Lonsdale M. D. S. , Tiernan J. P. , Jayne D. G.
Published: August 2020

Aim

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols aim to optimize recovery through a series of evidence‐based recommendations. A key component of ERAS is the provision of patient education. Whilst the recommendation for this is strong, the evidence to inform its format, timing and delivery is unclear. The aim of this review was to describe previous educational interventions used to improve recovery after colorectal surgery and to explore opportunities for future research.

Methods

A systematic scoping review was performed. MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched between 1 January 1990 and 12 February 2020. Studies which described or assessed the effectiveness of a patient education or information resource to improve recovery after colorectal surgery were eligible. Outcomes of interest included the format, timing and delivery of interventions, as well as key features of intervention and study design. A narrative synthesis of data was produced through a process of charting and summarizing key results.

Results

A total of 1298 papers were inspected, and 11 were eligible for inclusion. Five papers were reports of randomized controlled trials, and others reported a mix of non‐randomized and qualitative studies. The design of educational interventions included audio‐visual resources (n = 3), smartphone device applications (n = 3) and approaches to facilitate person‐to‐person counselling (n = 5). Most of the counselling interventions reported positive outcomes (mainly in length of hospital stay), whereas the other types reported mixed results. Patients and the public were seldom involved as collaborators in the design of interventions.

Conclusions

Patient education is generally advantageous, but there is insufficient evidence to optimize its design and delivery in the setting of colorectal surgery.
Dermal adipocytes contribute to the metabolic regulation of dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Zhuzhen , Kruglikov Ilja , Zhao Shangang , Zi Zhenzhen , Gliniak Christy M. , Li Na , Wang May‐yun , Zhu Qingzhang , Kusminski Christine M. , Scherer Philipp E.
Published: August 2020

Dermal fibroblasts are an essential population of skin cells. They are not only responsible for synthesis and remodelling of the extracellular matrix of the dermis, but also communicate with other skin cells via autocrine and paracrine interactions. Skin‐associated dermal adipocytes reside below the reticular dermis. Strong lipolysis is observed during the regression of dermal adipocytes. However, the nature of the local intercellular crosstalk in which lipids released by dermal adipocytes affecting the metabolism of adjacent skin fibroblasts has not yet been examined. With the use of a series of novel mouse models that allow us to manipulate adipocytes, we demonstrate that dermal adipocytes can modulate the structure of the dermis through regulating extracellular matrix production in dermal fibroblasts. Fatty acids released by dermal adipocytes are involved in this process. Our observations offer new in vivo insights into the role of dermal adipocyte‐derived lipids in influencing metabolism of adjacent local cells in the skin through a paracrine effect in the microenvironment of the dermal adipocyte.
Potential interactions of SARS‐CoV‐2 with human cell receptors in the skin: Understanding the enigma for a lower frequency of skin lesions compared to other tissues
Authors: Ricardo Criado Paulo , Pincelli Thais Prota Hussein , Criado Roberta Fachini Jardim , Abdalla Beatrice Martinez Zugaib , Belda Junior Walter
Published: August 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) represents a new public health problem, with a total of 10.577.263 documented COVID‐19 cases worldwide and 513.441 deaths up to the present date. Few cases of disease‐related cutaneous manifestations have been reported in the literature, and such manifestations are scarce. Integumentary manifestations from COVID‐19 include exanthemas and papular dermatoses, urticarial eruptions, atopic dermatitis, vesiculobullous lesions and skin signs of hypercoagulable states, such as acral ischaemia, livedo and retiform purpura. Most common extracutaneous manifestations from the disease include headache, cough, anosmia, ageusia, fever, dyspnoea, nausea, diarrhoea and cardiovascular events. The objectives of this review were to discuss the role of human cell receptors described as interaction targets of SARS‐CoV‐2, as well to understand the current state of knowledge on skin expression of these receptors, in order to substantiate future research. The authors present a thorough literature review on SARS‐CoV‐2 and its possible interaction with cell receptors and human tissues including the skin. They discuss a molecular hypothesis to explain the lower prevalence of dermatological manifestations from direct SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Distinct human cell receptors binding the virus appear to be less expressed in the skin compared to other organs. Additionally, the presence of resolvins and the disintegrin metalloprotease ADAM17 provide a putative protection to the skin, explaining the majority of COVID‐19 manifestations to be extracutaneous. This review represents an excellent opportunity for future studies using skin biopsies from COVID‐19 patients to investigate molecular expression in the pathophysiology of cutaneous manifestations of the disease.
A heterozygous mutation in GJB2 (Cx26F142L) associated with deafness and recurrent skin rashes results in connexin assembly deficiencies
Authors: Albuloushi Ahmad , Lovgren Marie‐Louise , Steel Ainsley , Yeoh Yeelon , Waters Alex , Zamiri Mozheh , Martin Patricia E.
Published: August 2020

Mutations in GJB2 encoding Connexin 26 (CX26) are associated with hearing loss and hyperproliferative skin disorders of differing severity including keratitis‐ichthyosis‐deafness (KID) and Vohwinkel syndrome. A 6‐year‐old Caucasian girl who presented with recurrent skin rashes and sensorineural hearing loss harboured a heterozygous point mutation in GJB2 (c.424T > C; p.F142L). To characterize the impact of CX26F142L on cellular events. Plasmids CX26WT, CX26F142L, CX26G12R (KID) or CX26D66H (Vohwinkel) were transfected into HeLa cells expressing Cx26 or Cx43 or into HaCaT cells, a model keratinocyte cell line. Confocal microscopy determined protein localization. MTT assays assessed cell viability in the presence or absence of carbenoxolone, a connexin‐channel blocker. Co‐immunoprecipitation/Western blot analysis determined Cx43:Cx26 interactions. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assessed changes in gene expression of ER stress markers. Dye uptake assays determined Connexin‐channel functionality. F142L and G12R were restricted to perinuclear areas. Collapse of the microtubule network, rescued by co‐treatment with paclitaxel, occurred. ER stress was not involved. Cell viability was reduced in cells expressing F142L and G12R but not D66H. Unlike G12R that forms “leaky” hemichannels, F142L had restricted permeability. Cell viability of F142L and G12R transfected cells was greater in HeLa cells expressing Cx43 than in native Cx‐free HeLa cells. Co‐immunoprecipitation suggested a possible interaction between Cx43 and the three mutations. Expression of CX26F142L and G12R results in microtubule collapse, rescued by interaction with Cx43. The GJB2 mutations interacted with Cx43 suggesting that unique Cx43:Cx26 channels are central to the diverse phenotype of CX26 skin‐related channelopathies.
La flexibilité, une arme contre le chômage? Analyse empirique du marché du travail espagnol
Authors: HERRERO Daniel , CÁRDENAS Luis , LÓPEZ GALLEGO Julián
Published: August 2020

L'Espagne a connu en 2010 et 2012 deux réformes majeures du marché du travail. Celles‐ci reposaient sur l'idée qu'il suffisait d'accroître la flexibilité du travail et de décentraliser la négociation collective pour faire baisser le chômage (thèse de la flexibilité). Les auteurs estiment pour leur part que le comportement du chômage dépend largement de la demande et de la structure sectorielle de l'économie (thèse structurelle). Ils évaluent l'apport de ces deux hypothèses dans une analyse reposant sur des données de panel de niveau infranational. Leurs résultats tendent à infirmer la thèse de la flexibilité et font ressortir le rôle primordial des facteurs cycliques et structurels.
Transition in deformation mechanism of aluminosilicate glass at high pressure and room temperature
Authors: Osada Kosei , Yamada Akihiro , Ohuchi Tomohiro , Yoshida Satoshi , Matsuoka Jun
Published: August 2020

Deformation experiments for 20(MgO or Na2O)‐20Al2O3‐60SiO2 glasses were performed in simple shear geometry at 1.5‐5 GPa and room temperature. An abrupt change in the thinning rate and the turning of the birefringence azimuth at a shear strain of γ = 1‐2 indicate a transition of deformation mechanism from uniaxial compression aided by densification to shear flow in the glasses. The high‐dense magnesium aluminosilicate glass showed strain softening controlled by the rearrangement of the tetrahedral network. On the other hand, low‐dense sodium aluminosilicate glass deformed by packing‐induced flow associated with densification and via the rearrangement of the tetrahedral network at lower and higher strains, respectively. The transition of the deformation mechanism was triggered by the limitations of the densification of the tetrahedral network. The difference of deformation mechanism brought about higher strain in magnesium aluminosilicate glass than sodium aluminosilicate glass at the same stress condition. Easiness of remarkable deformation, which relaxed residual stress, and high deformability contributed to the high ductility of the MgO‐aluminosilicate glass.