bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redundant cytokine requirement for intestinal microbiota-induced Th17 cell differentiation in draining lymph nodes
Authors: Sano Teruyuki , Kageyama Takahiro , Fang Victoria , Kedmi Ranit , Talbot Jhimmy , Chen Alessandra , Kurakake Reina , Yang Yi , Ng Charles , Schwab Susan R. , Littman Dan R.
Published: April 2020

Differentiation of intestinal T helper 17 (Th17) cells, which contribute to mucosal barrier protection from invasive pathogens, is dependent on colonization with distinct commensal bacteria. Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) are sufficient to support Th17 cell differentiation in mouse, but the molecular and cellular requirements for this process remain incompletely characterized. Here we show that intestine-draining mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) are the dominant site of SFB-induced intestinal Th17 cell differentiation. Subsequent migration of these cells to the intestinal lamina propria is dependent on their up-regulation of integrin β7. Stat3-dependent induction of RORγt, the Th17 cell-specifying transcription factor, largely depends on IL-6, but signaling through the receptors for IL-21 and IL-23 can compensate for absence of IL-6 to promote SFB-directed Th17 cell differentiation. These results indicate that redundant cytokine signals guide commensal microbe-dependent Th17 cell differentiation in the MLN and accumulation of the cells in the lamina propria.
Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensors based on 2D refractive lens arrays and super-resolution multi-contrast X-ray imaging
Authors: Mikhaylov Andrey , Reich Stefan , Zakharova Margarita , Vlnieska Vitor , Laptev Roman , Plech Anton , Kunka Danays
Published: April 2020

Different approaches of 2D lens arrays as Shack–Hartmann sensors for hard X-rays are compared. For the first time, a combination of Shack–Hartmann sensors for hard X-rays (SHSX) with a super-resolution imaging approach to perform multi-contrast imaging is demonstrated. A diamond lens is employed as a well known test object. The interleaving approach has great potential to overcome the 2D lens array limitation given by the two-photon polymerization lithography. Finally, the radiation damage induced by continuous exposure of an SHSX prototype with a white beam was studied showing a good performance of several hours. The shape modification and influence in the final image quality are presented.
Validation study of small-angle X-ray scattering tensor tomography
Authors: Guizar-Sicairos Manuel , Georgiadis Marios , Liebi Marianne
Published: April 2020

Small-angle scattering tensor tomography (SASTT) is a recently developed technique able to tomographically reconstruct the 3D reciprocal space from voxels within a bulk volume. SASTT extends the concept of X-ray computed tomography, which typically reconstructs scalar values, by reconstructing a tensor per voxel, which represents the local nanostructure 3D organization. In this study, the nanostructure orientation in a human trabecular-bone sample obtained by SASTT was validated by sectioning the sample and using 3D scanning small-angle X-ray scattering (3D sSAXS) to measure and analyze the orientation from single voxels within each thin section. Besides the presence of cutting artefacts from the slicing process, the nanostructure orientations obtained with the two independent methods were in good agreement, as quantified with the absolute value of the dot product calculated between the nanostructure main orientations obtained in each voxel. The average dot product per voxel over the full sample containing over 10 000 voxels was 0.84, and in six slices, in which fewer cutting artefacts were observed, the dot product increased to 0.91. In addition, SAXS tensor tomography not only yields orientation information but can also reconstruct the full 3D reciprocal-space map. It is shown that the measured anisotropic scattering for individual voxels was reproduced from the SASTT reconstruction in each voxel of the 3D sample. The scattering curves along different 3D directions are validated with data from single voxels, demonstrating SASTT's potential for a separate analysis of nanostructure orientation and structural information from the angle-dependent intensity distribution.
An integrated process-based approach to intellectual capital management
Authors: Lentjušenkova Oksana , Lapiņa Inga
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Nowadays, the aspects of the intellectual capital (IC) management have become important, valuing it as an integral part of the organisation. Researchers emphasise the strategic importance of IC management, particularly in the context of satisfying the stakeholders' interests and value creation. However, the existing studies reflect individual elements of IC management, not analysing them as a system which is a part of the organisational management system, and hence it is impossible to draw valid conclusions on the impact of IC on the organisation's performance. The aim of the paper is to describe an approach to the elaboration of the IC management strategy and its integration into the organisation's management system.

Design/methodology/approach

The developed approach is based on a holistic and systemic view of the organisation, where IC management is integrated into the organisation's management . This approach is based on the structure of IC developed by Lentjušenkova and Lapina (2016). In this structure, business processes are the IC component that unites the other three ones – human capital, technologies and intangible assets. The study has used induction and deduction, as well as analytical and synthetic qualitative research methods, including logical constructive and conceptual (concept) analysis.

Findings

Elaborating the organisational strategy by taking into account the stakeholder interests, the organisation is able to ensure sustainable development. Using the integrated management approach, IC management is integrated into the organisation's activities and joint operational strategy. In this case, IC management becomes an integral part of the organisation's activities functioning in conjunction with the other organisation's systems, and it is integrated into all ongoing business processes.

Research limitations/implications

The approach the authors have proposed to IC management could be adapted by small and medium-sized companies. Using it, companies do not need to create special functional units or division, because IC becomes an integral part of organisation's processes.

Originality/value

In previous studies, business processes were considered as one of the components of IC. In the study’s approach, business processes imply integration of IC into the overall organisation management system. As a framework for the proposed approach, the authors have used the Deming cycle “Plan-Do-Check-Act” that envisages dividing the development and implementation of the IC management and development strategy into four phases, with a clear allocation of tasks and a defined outcome for each individual phase. To use this approach, it is enough for organisations to conduct an analysis of processes and, depending on the strategic goals of the organisation, make additions related to managing IC.
Consumers' brand decision: a matter of social risk
Authors: Loebnitz Natascha , Zielke Stephan , Grunert Klaus G.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of social risk and inter-tier brand competition across traditional retailers and discounters on consumers' purchase intentions in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct a 2 (social risk) × 3 (brand type) × 2 (retailer type) between-subjects design (n = 309; UK) experiment employing a Qualtrics online panel in the UK.

Findings

The study shows that while premium private labels (PPLs) are on par with national brands, discounter's PPLs outperform mainstream retailer's PPLs. Furthermore, consumers appear to purchase standard private labels and PPLs for themselves when shopping at a discounter but turn to national brands when shopping for socially risky situations.

Research limitations/implications

While Tesco's premium (Tesco Finest*) and standard private label (Tesco Everyday Value) explicitly make reference to the retailer's name, for Lidl's premium (Deluxe) and standard private label (e.g. Milbona), the discounter's name is not visible. This is something this study did not control for.

Practical implications

Given that Lidl has opened its first US store in 2017 with ambitious expansion plans, our findings provide in particular practical guidelines for how to promote PPLs in countries where the discounter landscape is less saturated than in Germany.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the understanding of the influence of social risk on purchasing intentions of premium private labels vs standard private labels vs national brands offered by mainstream retailers or discounters in the UK.
Fast and ultra-fast fashion supply chain management: an exploratory research
Authors: Camargo Lucas Ramos , Pereira Susana Carla Farias , Scarpin Marcia Regina Santiago
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study is to identify and analyse the main strategic differences between fast and ultra-fast fashion supply chain management.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative approach, using document analysis and in-depth interviews with industry specialists.

Findings

Ultra-fast fashion differs from fast in the following supply chain strategies: avoids any excess inventory, focuses on local manufacturing, on-demand production, and shorter lead times from a few days to a week with a combination of agile, lean, responsive supply chain strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this research are due to the cut-off period and the use of a restricted sample. As implications, technological capabilities are underexplored in the fashion industry. Although important to the traditional and fast fashion industry, technology is viewed as a tool and not as a capability that can generate competitive advantage. This paper addresses technology as capabilities to make ultra-fast fashion retailers more competitive.

Practical implications

Ultra-fast fashion could potentially impact current fast fashion retailers to partially move their business model and operations towards an ultra-fast approach. Fast fashion retailers desiring to speed up their production processes launch more weekly collections to cater to consumers who are more fashion-conscious.

Originality/value

There is a rapid emergence of new start-ups that are calling themselves ultra-fast. Newcomers wanting to adopt this new segment’s business model, develop technological capabilities to meet the challenges of this supercompetitive market.
Data-driven approach to find the best partner for merger and acquisitions in banking industry
Authors: Zhu Qingyuan , Li Xingchen , Li Feng , Amirteimoori Alireza
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Merger and acquisitions (M&A) is a process of restructuring two or more companies into one, a process that occurs frequently in many companies. Previous studies on M&A mainly paid attention to the potential gains from a merger, while ignored the problem of how to select the partners to merge. This paper aims to select the best partner from different candidates for a given company to merge.

Design/methodology/approach

Each company's historical data are used to identify each company's own production technology. With resources change, each company's new operation is restricted by its own production technology. Then, a 0–1 integer programming is proposed to select the best partner for M&A.

Findings

The banking industry involving 27 China's commercial banks is given to verify the applicability of our proposed model. The study shows the best partner selection for each bank company.

Originality/value

On the theoretical side, the study uses each company's own historical data to construct its own production technology to compressively reflect the production change after M&A. On the practical side, the study uses the proposed model to help the 27 commercial banks in China to select their best merger partner.
Do state governments have the right to kill civilians to defeat international terrorism? Views from US, Israel and South Africa
Authors: Shachat Michael , Hong Fang , Lin Yijing , Desivilya Helena Syna , Yassour-Borochowitz Dalit , Akhurst Jacqui , Leach Mark M. , Malley-Morrison Kathleen
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aim to examine the themes of moral disengagement (MD) and engagement in reasoning regarding a putative governmental right to kill innocent civilians when fighting terrorism.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 147 participants from Israel, 101 from the USA and 80 from South Africa provided quantitative rating scale responses and qualitative explanations about such a putative right. Qualitative responses were coded for presence or absence of indices of MD and engagement.

Findings

In ANOVAs by gender and country, men scored higher than women on rating scale scores indicating support for the right; there were no significant national differences on these scores. Chi-square analyses with the coded qualitative responses indicated more men than women gave morally disengaged responses, proportionately more South Africans than Israelis provided morally disengaged responses and proportionately more South Africans and Americans than Israelis provided morally engaged responses. Pearson correlation analyses indicated that MD was positively correlated with rating scale scores and moral engagement was negatively related to rating scale scores in all three countries.

Research limitations/implications

Regarding limitations, it is difficult to know how the omission of qualitative explanations of rating scale responses by many participants influenced the statistical findings – or how to interpret the more restricted level of qualitative responses in Israel and South Africa as compared to the USA.

Social implications

Programs designed to counteract MD have the potential for helping reduce support for war and its inhumanities across diverse nations.

Originality/value

This is the first study on MD to compare American, Israeli and South African perspectives on the justifiability of human rights violations in the war on terror. The findings go beyond earlier studies in finding gender differences in MD that occurred across three very different nations in three very different parts of the world.
Competition between human and artificial intellectual capital in production and distribution in Industry 4.0
Authors: Gashenko Irina V. , Khakhonova Natalia N. , Orobinskaya Irina V. , Zima Yulia S.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the research is to study the consequences of total (comprehensive) automatization of entrepreneurship for interested parties through the prism of competition human and artificial intellectual capital in production and distribution in Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is conducted with application of scenario analysis, regression analysis, imitation modeling, forecasting and non-linear multi-parametric optimization with the simplex method.

Findings

The authors perform scenario modeling of competition between human and artificial intellectual capital in production and distribution in Industry 4.0 and offer recommendations for pro-active management of competition between human and artificial intellectual capital in production and distribution in Industry 4.0.

Originality/value

Contrary to the existing approach to studying competition between human and artificial intellectual capital in Industry 4.0, automatization of distribution, not production, is most preferable. This shows increase of the value of human intellectual capital in distribution during its automatization based on AI. This is an unprecedented and breakthrough conclusion for the modern economic science. It allows creating a completely new direction of research of competition between human and artificial intellectual capital in production and distribution in Industry 4.0, in which optimization of social consequences is achieved not by means of restraint of automatization but by means of its stimulation. The key condition is stimulation of automatization of distribution with limited automatization of production. Based on this conclusion, it is recommended to continue research in continuation of the presented work.
Effects of app pricing structures on product evaluations
Authors: Wolkenfelt Marcus Renatus Johannes , Situmeang Frederik Bungaran Ishak
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the marketing literature and practice by examining the effect of product pricing on consumer behaviours with regard to the assertiveness and the sentiments expressed in their product reviews. In addition, the paper uses new data collection and machine learning tools that can also be extended for other research of online consumer reviewing behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

Using web crawling techniques, a large data set was extracted from the Google Play Store. Following this, the authors created machine learning algorithms to identify topics from product reviews and to quantify assertiveness and sentiments from the review texts.

Findings

The results indicate that product pricing models affect consumer review sentiment, assertiveness and topics. Removing upfront payment obligations positively impacts the overall and pricing specific consumer sentiment and reduces assertiveness.

Research limitations/implications

The results reveal new effects of pricing models on the nature of consumer reviews of products and form a basis for future research. The study was conducted in the gaming category of the Google Play Store and the generalisability of the findings for other app segments or marketplaces should be further tested.

Originality/value

The findings can help companies that create digital products in choosing a pricing strategy for their apps. The paper is the first to investigate how pricing modes affect the nature of online reviews written by consumers.
A capacitive sensor using resin thermoplastic elastomer and carbon fibers for monitoring pressure distribution
Authors: Wu Guanzheng , Li Siming , Hu Jiayu , Dong Manchen , Dong Ke , Hou Xiuliang , Xiao Xueliang
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to study the working principle of the capacitive pressure sensor and explore the distribution of pressure acting on the surface of the capacitor. Herein, a kind of high sensitivity capacitive pressure sensor was prepared by overlaying carbon fibers (CFs) on the surfaces of the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), the TPE with high elasticity is a dielectric elastomer for the sensor and the CFs with excellent electrical conductivity were designed as the conductor.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the excellent mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of CFs, it was designed as the conductor layer for the TPE/CFs capacitive pressure sensor via laminating CFs on the surfaces of the columnar TPE. Then, a ‘#' type structure of the capacitive pressure sensor was designed and fabricated.

Findings

The ‘#' type of capacitive pressure sensor of TPE/CFs composite was obtained in high sensitivity with a gauge factor of 2.77. Furthermore, the change of gauge factor values of the sensor under 10 per cent of applied strains was repeated for 1,000 cycles, indicating its outstanding sensing stability. Moreover, the ‘#' type capacitive pressure sensor of TPE/CFs was consisted of several capacitor arrays via laminating CFs, which could detect the distribution of pressure.

Research limitations/implications

The TPE/CFs capacitive pressure sensor was easily fabricated with high sensitivity and quick responsiveness, which is desirably applied in wearable electronics, robots, medical devices, etc.

Originality/value

The outcome of this study will help to fabricate capacitive pressure sensors with high sensitivity and outstanding sensing stability.
Degradation of acetaminophen (ACT) by ozone/persulfate oxidation process: experimental and degradation pathways
Authors: Khashij Maryam , Mehralian Mohammad , Goodarzvand Chegini Zahra
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study to investigate acetaminophen (ACT) degradation efficiencies by using ozone/persulfate oxidation process in a batch reactor. In addition, the effects of various parameters on the ACT removal efficiency toward pathway inference of ACT degradation were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiments were in the 2 L glass vessels. Ozone gas with flow rate at 70 L.h−1 was produced by ozone generator. After the adjustment of the pH, various dosages of persulfate (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 mmol.L−1) were then added to the 500 mL ACT-containing solution with 150 mg.L−1 of concentration. Afterward, ozone gas was diffused in glass vessels. The solution after reaction flowed into the storage tank for the detection. The investigated parameters included pH and the amount of ozone and persulfate addition. For comparison of the ACT degradation efficiency, ozone/persulfate, ozone and persulfate oxidation in reactor was carried out. The ACT concentration using a HPLC system equipped with 2998 PDA detector was determined at an absorbance of 242 nm.

Findings

ACT degradation percentage by using ozone or persulfate in the process were at 63.7% and 22.3%, respectively, whereas O3/persulfate oxidation process achieved degradation percentage at 91.4% in 30 min. Degradation efficiency of ACT was affected by different parameter like pH and addition of ozone or persulfate, and highest degradation obtained when pH and concentrations of persulfate and ozone was 10 and 3 mmol.L−1 and 60 mg.L−1, respectively. O3, OH• and SO4− were evidenced to be the radicals for degradation of ACT through direct and indirect oxidation. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometer analysis showed intermediates including N-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) formamide, hydroquinone, benzoic acid, 4-methylbenzene-1,2-diol, 4-aminophenol.

Practical implications

This study provided a simple and effective way for degradation of activated ACT as emerging contaminants from aqueous solution. This way was conducted to protect environment from one of the most important and abundant pharmaceutical and personal care product in aquatic environments.

Originality/value

There are two main innovations. One is that the novel process is performed successfully for pharmaceutical degradation. The other is that the optimized conditions are obtained. In addition, the effects of various parameters on the ACT removal efficiency toward pathway inference of ACT degradation were investigated.
French law on CSR due diligence paradox
Authors: Delalieux Guillaume , Moquet Anne-Catherine
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the functioning of the French Law No 2017-399 relating to the duty of vigilance of parent companies and ordering companies, a law defended by labor unions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as an answer to the ineffectiveness of corporate social responsibility (CSR) mechanisms of multi-national corporation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors try to determine to what extent the new mechanisms brought by this law could improve or not the failure of existing CSR mechanisms.

Findings

The authors find out that internal weaknesses of the law, which is based on voluntary CSR instruments and without penalties, internal mechanisms of the French judicial system or external economic factors, might considerably limit the effectiveness of the law.

Originality/value

Even if for the first time, French judges might be asked to evaluate the reasonableness of the CSR practices of firms, one of the paradoxical effects of this law might be to institutionalize soft law mechanisms such as CSR certification or reporting, the proponents of this law precisely wanted to get rid of at the origin.
Deriving successful venture capital deal profile through decision tree analysis in Indian context
Authors: Mishra Sarita , Bag Dinabandhu
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study is based on the development of predictive classification for the success of a venture capital (VC) deal derived from both qualitative and quantitative indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

Decision tree analysis has used for devising the success model of VC deal. Various deal characteristics are considered in this study as the observable component of success.

Findings

The finding of this analysis indicates that the success of the deal does not only depend on the final outcome like post company valuation (POST_COMP), realised revenue (RREV) but also depends on various observable contractual characteristics like syndication, use of convertible security and ownership percentage with some noticeable deal features.

Practical implications

This study increases the further scope of study on a contractual mechanisms such as allocation of cash flow right and control right in the deal contract between venture investor and entrepreneur firm. This could give a better understanding of success path of a venture deal.

Originality/value

This study has attempted to derive a performance model based on observable attributes of a VC deal.
Bitcoin—A hype or digital gold? Global evidence
Authors: Uddin Md Akther , Ali Md Hakim , Masih Mansur
Published: April 2020

This study explores whether Bitcoin constitutes as a hedging instrument whilst seeking portfolio diversification opportunities among sustainable, conventional and Islamic asset classes since Bitcoin emerges as a distinct alternative investment and asset class across the world. We apply multivariate generalised autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic‐dynamic conditional correlation and continuous wavelet transforms based on the recent data set ranging from August 18, 2011, to September 10, 2018. First, our findings show that Bitcoin returns are mean‐reverting which implies that its value tends to come down to mean value in the long run and not completely crushed to zero irrespective of price changes suggesting Bitcoin as a sustainable asset class. Second, the time‐invariant model shows that Bitcoin offers portfolio diversification opportunities with almost all equity indices, in particular, Dow Jones Islamic followed by FTSE 4 Good index. Finally, the time‐variant analysis reconfirms that Bitcoin offers portfolio diversification benefits both in the short and long run. These findings carry meaningful policy considerations for fund managers and cross‐country investors.
Intra‐articular delivery of umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells temporarily retard the progression of osteoarthritis in a rat model
Authors: Xing Dan , Wu Jun , Wang Bin , Liu Wei , Liu Wenjing , Zhao Yu , Wang Liu , Li Jiao Jiao , Liu Aifeng , Zhou Qi , Hao Jie , Lin Jianhao
Published: April 2020

Aim

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐based therapy is being explored in treating osteoarthritis (OA). Human umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs) are least reported. In this study, we investigated the effects of single intra‐articular injections of hUC‐MSCs on a rat OA model.

Method

hUC‐MSCs were isolated from the Wharton's jelly of the human umbilical cord and identified. Eighteen Sprague‐Dawley rats were used for the OA model. All rats were divided into 3 groups: hyaluronic acid (HA)+MSCs (n = 6), HA (n = 6), and control group (n = 6). One by 106 hUC‐MSCs in 100 μL HA, 100 μL HA or 100 μL saline were injected into the knee joint 4 weeks post‐surgery as a single dose. Cartilage degeneration was evaluated at 6 and 12 weeks after treatment with macroscopic examination, micro‐computed tomography analysis, behavioral analysis, and histology.

Results

At 6 weeks, the HA + MSCs group had a significantly better International Cartilage Repair Society score in the femoral condyle compared to the HA and control groups. Histological analysis also showed more proteoglycan and less cartilage loss, with lower modified Mankin score in the HA + MSCs group. However, at 12 weeks there were no significant differences between groups from macroscopic examination and histological analysis. Subchondral bone sclerosis of the medial femoral condyle and behavioral tests showed no significant differences between groups at 6 and 12 weeks.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that single injection of hUC‐MSCs can have temporary effects on decelerating the progression of cartilage degeneration in OA rats, but may not inhibit OA progression in the long‐term.
Initiative‐Resistance and the Australian Party System
Authors: Botterill Linda Courtenay , Fenna Alan
Published: April 2020

In the first half of the twentieth century, writing about Australian political parties was strongly influenced by the novelty of government — and the policy agenda — being led by the political arm of organised labour. This was reflected in the tendency for commentators to treat Labor as the driving force in Australian politics and policy, and to see non‐Labor as playing a predominantly reactive and oppositional role. Following strong criticism, the “initiative‐resistance thesis”, as this perspective was termed, lapsed. Here we revisit the concept, tracking its origins, use, and ultimate demise in the 1960s, and reconsider its validity and relevance, particularly in light of its affinity with the international literature on the “impact of parties”. While initiative‐resistance was never a “thesis” as such, and critics have overstated the hold it enjoyed in early accounts, we argue that there is merit to a version reformulated in clear propositional terms. Critics may also have overstated its weaknesses. We illustrate this by focusing on one of the main original criticisms: the need to do justice to the separate identity of the National Party in understanding an essentially two‐party system.
Impeller geometry definition of the transventricular assist device
Authors: de Andrade Gustavo , Horikawa Oswaldo , Drigo Evandro , Andrade Aron , Cardoso Jose
Published: April 2020

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, except Africa, where Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is the leading cause of death. In this scenario, the ventricular assist device (VAD) remains the unique alternative to extend patient life until heart transplantation. At Dante Pazzanese Institute of Cardiology, the research and development of an axial flow VAD to be fully implantable within the heart was started. This pump, denominated Transventricular Assist Device (TVAD), can be surgically implanted through a small left intercostal incision in a minimally invasive manner. The goal of this work is to analyze the impeller geometries of the TVAD, to avoid high shear stresses in the fluid and aim for the best conditions to support the circulatory system using computational fluid dynamics and in vitro tests. Different rotor geometries were selected according to the literature; based on the results, the best rotor was elected. This rotor contains a pair of spiral blades of constant and relatively high pitch, which pumps liquid at a flow rate of 3 L/min at 73 mm Hg. It is also expected that this rotor presents a moderate hemolysis since the shear rate is acceptable.
Neural tube defects in four Shetland sheepdog puppies: clinical characterisation and computed tomography investigation
Authors: Thomas ZM , Podadera JM , Donahoe SL , Foo TSY , Weerakoon L , Mazrier H
Published: April 2020

Background

Here, we report on the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) in four related Shetland sheepdog puppies. NTDs present as a range of congenital malformations affecting the spine, skull and associated structures. Despite the severity of these malformations and their relatively high prevalence in humans, the aetiology is not well understood. It is even less well characterised in veterinary medicine.

Case report

Affected puppies were investigated using computed tomography (CT) and then necropsy. CT identified a range of brain and spine abnormalities in the affected animals, including caudal anencephaly, encephalocele, spina bifida and malformed vertebrae. Other observed abnormalities in these puppies, including cranioschisis, atresia ani and hydrocephalus, may be secondary to, or associated with, the primary NTDs identified.

Conclusion

This case report describes multiple related cases of NTDs in an Australian cohort of dogs. This study also highlights the potential of advanced imaging techniques in identifying congenital anomalies in stillborn and neonatal puppies. Further research is required to investigate the aetiology of NTDs in this group of affected Shetland sheepdogs.
Linear body measurements and productivity of subtropicalHolstein–Friesiandairy calves
Authors: Hewitt A , Olchowy TWJ , James AS , Fraser B , Ranjbar S , Soust M , Alawneh JI
Published: April 2020

Objective

The study aimed to describe growth parameters and to quantify the association between linear body measurements as predictors of liveweight (LW) of Holstein–Friesian (HF), and HF crossbred dairy calves in Queensland. A secondary objective was to quantify the effect of disease events on LW change.

Study Design

Longitudinal study.

Methods

Fortnightly LW, hip height (HH), hip width (HW) and heart girth (HG) measurements were recorded from 16 male and 28 female HF calves from birth until weaning. The association between linear body measurement and the effect of a disease event on LW change were explored using linear mixed‐effects modelling with random intercepts and random slopes.

Results

HG was the best body measure used individually as a predictor of calf LW (R2 = 82%; P < 0.001), while the combined use of HG, HW and HH was the most accurate predictor of calf LW between birth and weaning (R2 = 90%; P < 0.001). HW, average feed intake and total feed intake were significantly affected by disease events (P < 0.05). On average, total average LW loss associated with a single pneumonia event was estimated at 14.6 kg (95% CI = 10.5 to 18.7 kg; P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Calves of this study performed at a level consistent with the previously published reports. Growth performance was significantly compromised by pneumonia. HW was found to be the least predictive individual measure, and the combined use of HH, HW and HG had the most accurate prediction of calf liveweight from birth to weaning.
Mapping Learning Analytics initiatives in Latin America
Authors: Cechinel Cristian , Ochoa Xavier , Lemos dos Santos Henrique , Carvalho Nunes João Batista , Rodés Virginia , Marques Queiroga Emanuel
Published: April 2020

The growth of Learning Analytics (LA) as a research field has been extensively documented since its beginnings. This paper provides a broad overview of the publications that Latin American authors have published in the last years by performing a quantitative review of the literature (from 2011 to 2019). A total of 282 papers were collected and categorized according to a multidimensional model composed of seven dimensions (data collected, stakeholders targeted, goals of the paper, techniques employed, maturity of the tool, research approaches and ethical issues). The paper describes how the field has evolved over the years in Latin America, presenting the main characteristics of the papers from different perspectives (year, type of venue, language) together with the descriptives of the categorized dimensions and the relations between them. At last, papers are presented in number by countries and institutions, and we perform an authorship and coauthorship analysis with information extracted from the selected papers.
Near‐infrared fluorescence imaging for intraoperative margin assessment during robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy
Authors: Sentell Katherine T. , Ferroni Matthew C. , Abaza Ronney
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To demonstrate how using a standardised dosing strategy of indocyanine green (ICG) dye with near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging can be used to differentiate renal tumours from normal renal parenchyma during robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

Patients and Methods

We reviewed a prospectively collected database of 361 consecutive RAPNs using NIRF between June 2011 and March 2018, and determined the rate at which differential fluorescence was achieved. Tumour and kidney fluorescence or afluorescence were recorded intraoperatively and compared to histological results on final pathology.

Results

Of 330 tumours, after 31 exclusions for nonvisible tumours due to adherent fat, completely intrarenal location or for incomplete data, 288 (87.3%) successfully exhibited differential fluorescence. Among the predominant histologies, 249 of 277 (89.9%) renal cell carcinomas did not fluoresce, as well as 23 of 32 (71.9%) oncocytomas. Real‐time gross assessment of resection margin for fluorescence yielded a positive margin rate on final pathology of 0.30%.

Conclusion

When administered with a standardised ICG‐dosing strategy, NIRF successfully achieved differential fluorescence in a large majority of tumours during RAPN with an exceedingly low positive margin rate.
International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Satisfaction: psychometric testing of a new patient‐reported outcome measure for the evaluation of satisfaction after urological surgery
Authors: Uren Alan D. , Cotterill Nikki , Hashim Hashim , Worthington Jo , Kapoor Dharmesh , Abrams Paul
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the psychometric properties of a new patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM), the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐Satisfaction (ICIQ‐S), to assess satisfaction after urological surgery.

Subjects/Patients and Methods

Following item development, the developmental ICIQ‐S (dICIQ‐S) was used within in a randomised control trial comparing two types of surgery for male prostatic obstruction at 1.5, 3, and 12 months after surgery. Reliability was assessed by Cronbach’s α and construct validity by the correlation of scores with concurrently administered PROMs of known validity: ICIQ‐Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS), International Prostate Symptom Score, and the ICIQ‐LUTS Quality of Life.

Results

A total of 410 men were included in the trial. Missing data was generally low for the dICIQ‐S [mean (range) 1.6 (<1–3.1)%] except for the items ‘complications’ 6.8% and ‘satisfaction with sex‐life’ 9.2%. High ceiling effects were found in all items. Factor analysis identified six items related to surgical outcomes (Cronbach’s α 0.89), which have formed the scored part of the ICIQ‐S, together with a standalone overall satisfaction item, scored 0–10. Seven additional unscored items, related to satisfaction with experiences and expectations, were also retained. As hypothesised, post‐surgery dICIQ‐S scores were correlated with reduced symptoms and improved quality of life as measured by the concurrent PROMs.

Conclusion

The results support the validity and reliability of a scored six‐item domain for evaluating satisfaction with surgical outcomes, together with a standalone scored overall satisfaction item. The further unscored seven standalone items are anticipated to be used as the basis for adaptation and further validation of the ICIQ‐S in different patient populations.
Fine needle aspiration cytology with the aid of immunocytochemistry on cell‐block confirms the diagnosis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the pancreas
Authors: Singh Priya , Kumar Pankaj , Rohilla Manish , Gupta Parikshaa , Gupta Nalini , Dey Pranab , Srinivasan Radhika , Rajwanshi Arvind , Nada Ritambhara
Published: April 2020

Introduction

To determine the diagnostic efficacy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in cases of pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (PSPN) with emphasis on the cytomorphological features and to evaluate the contribution of immunocytochemistry on FNAC cell‐block (CB) in cases of PSPN.

Methods

It is a retrospective study in which ultrasound‐guided FNAC of pancreatic lesions diagnosed as PSPN between years 2009 and July 2019 were reviewed along with cytohistological correlation. Immunocytochemistry on CB was performed, wherever required.

Results

A total of 16 patients with a cytological diagnosis of PSPN of the pancreas were identified. The most common cytological findings were characteristic branching pseudopapillary fragments with central thin, delicate capillaries associated with the amorphous myxoid substance, surrounded by tumour cells with mild pleomorphism. Immunocytochemistry was performed on CB of six cases. The tumour cells revealed nucleocytoplasmic positivity for β‐catenin, cytoplasmic positivity for vimentin, membranocytoplasmic positivity for CD10 and nuclear positivity for progesterone receptor in all the cases, while they were negative for chromogranin, CD56, pan‐cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen. The resected histopathological specimen was available in 10cases, and all were confirmed as PSPN.

Conclusion

Although PSPN has a characteristic cytomorphology, cell‐block immunocytochemistry on FNA material confirms the diagnosis in problematic cases and excludes other pancreatic tumours, thus helping in appropriate management.
Variation in juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) dispersal in relation to age and growth performance
Authors: Anderson Austin John , Kennedy Brian Patrick
Published: April 2020

Volitional dispersal is a ubiquitous strategy characteristic of species across major faunal groups. Dispersal during the juvenile life stage is of interest because early performance can be critical for determining future success (survival/reproduction). For salmonids, dispersal can influence local density, competition, individual growth and survival, though drivers of dispersal at meso‐scales are rarely quantified. Here, we evaluate dispersal of tagged juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) through habitat units in extended stream reaches (500 m) at sites across a watershed from July to October 2017. Our aim was to quantify the frequency and spatial extent of dispersal, identify links to biotic and abiotic factors, evaluate the implications for individual growth and test for associations between dispersal and migration initiation. Dispersal rates varied between sites, but were consistently higher for age 1+ than for age 0 steelhead (avg. 21% vs. 6% respectively). Age 1+ dispersal probability was positively correlated with time between recapture events and body mass, and negatively correlated with growth rate, maximum temperature experienced and age 1+ density. At sites where there appeared to be growth benefits to remaining sedentary compared to moving, proportionally fewer fish performed dispersal. We found no links between dispersal and timing or probability of migration initiation the following spring. Our results support the hypothesis that although dispersal over intermediate scales (10–1,000 m) might be rare, it could be an important strategy that permits fish to seek out better opportunities (foraging, shelter or otherwise) in underutilised areas.
Non‐memory subjective cognitive concerns predict incident motoric cognitive risk syndrome
Authors: Nester C. , Ayers E. , Rabin L. , Verghese J.
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

Motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a predementia condition that combines slow gait and subjective cognitive concerns. As the earliest markers of MCR are relatively unknown, the role of subjective cognitive concerns was investigated to predict incident MCR in a well‐characterized prospective cohort of non‐demented older adults.

Methods

Non‐demented MCR‐free older adults (n = 476) from the Central Control of Mobility in Aging cohort completed gait, subjective cognition and neuropsychological assessment at baseline and follow‐up. Subjective concerns were analyzed via responses to 12 items from three validated measures, the Late‐Life Function and Disability Instrument – Disability Component, the Activities of Daily Living Prevention Instrument and the Geriatric Depression Scale, and were independent of items utilized to diagnose MCR. Cox proportional hazard models examined the association between cognitive concerns and incident MCR.

Results

After 2.36 ± 1.4 years, 28 participants developed MCR. Executive functioning (adjusted hazard ratio 2.458, 95% confidence interval 1.094–5.524, P = 0.029) and mental clarity concerns (adjusted hazard ratio 3.917, 95% confidence interval 1.690–9.077, P = 0.001) were associated with incident MCR, controlling for age, sex, education and gait speed.

Conclusions

Subjective cognitive concerns in non‐memory cognitive domains predict incident MCR. Although most MCR studies assess cognitive concerns about memory, our findings suggest the need to broaden the scope of subjective cognitive assessment to enhance the accuracy of diagnosis and prediction of future cognitive decline.
Acute‐onset smell and taste disorders in the context of COVID‐19: a pilot multicentre polymerase chain reaction based case–control study
Authors: Beltrán‐Corbellini Á. , Chico‐García J. L. , Martínez‐Poles J. , Rodríguez‐Jorge F. , Natera‐Villalba E. , Gómez‐Corral J. , Gómez‐López A. , Monreal E. , Parra‐Díaz P. , Cortés‐Cuevas J. L. , Galán J. C. , Fragola‐Arnau C. , Porta‐Etessam J. , Masjuan J. , Alonso‐Cánovas A.
Published: April 2020

Background and purpose

Specific respiratory tract infections, including COVID‐19, may cause smell and/or taste disorders (STDs) with increased frequency. The aim was to determine whether new‐onset STDs are more frequent amongst COVID‐19 patients than influenza patients.

Method

This was a case–control study including hospitalized patients of two tertiary care centres. Consecutive patients positive for COVID‐19 polymerase chain reaction (cases) and patients positive for influenza polymerase chain reaction (historical control sample) were assessed during specific periods, employing a self‐reported STD questionnaire.

Results

Seventy‐nine cases and 40 controls were included. No significant differences were found in basal features between the two groups. New‐onset STDs were significantly more frequent amongst cases (31, 39.2%) than in the control group (5, 12.5 %) [adjusted odds ratio 21.4 (2.77–165.4, P = 0.003)]. COVID‐19 patients with new‐onset STDs were significantly younger than COVID‐19 patients without STDs (52.6 ± 17.2 vs. 67.4 ± 15.1, P < 0.001). Amongst COVID‐19 patients who presented STDs, 22 (70.9%) recalled an acute onset and it was an initial manifestation in 11 (35.5%). Twenty‐five (80.6%) presented smell disorders (mostly anosmia, 14, 45.2%) and 28 (90.3%) taste disorders (mostly ageusia, 14, 45.2%). Only four (12.9 %) reported concomitant nasal obstruction. The mean duration of STD was 7.5 ± 3.2 days and 12 patients (40%) manifested complete recovery after 7.4 ± 2.3 days of onset.

Conclusion

New‐onset STDs were significantly more frequent amongst COVID‐19 patients than influenza patients; they usually had an acute onset and were commonly an initial manifestation. The use of STD assessment in anamnesis as a hint for COVID‐19 and to support individuals’ self‐isolation in the current epidemic context is suggested.