bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contextualising work–life balance: a case of women of African origin in the UK
Authors: Akobo Loliya Agbani , Stewart Jim
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The existing gender gap in the workplace, that affects job satisfaction and career advancement of women, creates a need to understand further the causes and effects of the gender gap phenomenon. Although, there are many challenges that affect women’s job satisfaction and advancement in the workplace, this paper aims to investigate work–life balance using multiple theoretical lenses.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with women from Nigeria and Ghana residing in the UK, they were selected using a purposive sampling method.

Findings

The findings show four main factors that explain the choices these women make in relation to work–family. These are cultural sensitivities, current phase in family and work–life, personality types and other influences such as policies and financial commitment. Results also show how these women make these work–family choices using networks and services.

Practical implications

The paper postulates the need for organisation’s to pay attention to the acculturation and enculturation of these women, which would indicate observing their cultural behaviour’s, values, knowledge and identities to understand how they integrate, assimilate and to also prevent separation and marginalisation. In addition, the use of (internal and external) networks as support systems for these women can create the opportunity for informal learning. Finally, organisation’s should create structure that support workplace learning and should include activities such as decision-making, communication, career advancement planning and flexible work patterns.

Originality/value

This study contributes to theory using multiple theories (work-family, gender inequality and Theories X and Y in explaining the work–family construct of women of African origin in the UK.
The challenges of providing primary health care to Afghan immigrants in Tehran: a key global human right issue
Authors: Takbiri Afsaneh , Takian AmirHossein , Rahimi Foroushani Abbas , Jaafaripooyan Ebrahim
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the challenges of providing primary health care (PHC) to Afghan immigrants in Tehran as an important global human right issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this exploratory study, a total of 25 purposively selected PHC providers, including physicians, psychologists and midwives, were approached for face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, lasting 30 min on average. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.

Findings

The most common challenges of providing PHC to Afghan immigrants were categorized at individual, organizational and societal levels. Communication barriers and socioeconomic features emerged at the individual level. The organizational challenges included mainly the lack of insurance coverage for all immigrants and the lack of a screening system upon the immigrants’ arrival from the borders. At the societal level, the negative attitudes toward Afghan immigrants were causing a problematic challenge.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation was the possibility that only health-care professionals with particular positive or negative perspectives about immigrants enter into the study, because of the voluntary nature of participation.

Practical implications

Findings can help policymakers adopt evidence-informed strategies for facilitating PHC provision and improving the access to health care in immigrants as a global human right concern.

Social implications

This study alerts about undesirable consequences of certain attitudes and behaviors of the society toward immigrant health.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first studies conducted in PHC centers in Tehran Province that explores the challenges of providing PHC to Afghan immigrants.
Observance of patients’ rights in emergency department of educational hospitals in south-east Iran
Authors: Sheikhbardsiri Hojjat , Esamaeili Abdar Zahra , Sheikhasadi Hakimeh , Ayoubi Mahani Shahla , Sarani Arezoo
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Patient right is the most important ethical right in the hospital, which equally, belongs to every human kind. Observance of patient right is responsibility of all treatment staff when they offer treatment and care for patient. This study aims to investigate observance of patients’ rights in emergency department of educational hospitals in south-east Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a cross-sectional design and was conducted in four educational hospitals affiliated with the Kerman University of Medical Sciences in 2018. Using a two-section standard questionnaire of Patients’ Rights Charter, this study assessed patients’ rights observance using a census method, N = 382. The data from the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics including mean and standard deviations and analytic statistics such as Kolmogorov – Smirnov, ANOVA, t-test and Pearson test using SPSS 21.

Findings

Means of total score for observing all essentials of patients’ rights in emergency department of educational hospitals were at a moderate level (43.10 ±15.05) from the viewpoint of patients. The area of “providing health services based on respecting patient’s privacy and observing the essentials of secrecy and confidentiality” enjoying the highest mean score (86.89 ± 24.39), was at a good level compared to other areas. The area of “having access to effective complaint management system” showed the lowest mean score (23/85 ± 23/07) from the participants’ perspective proving a poor level. Between the patient rights observance and gender, education level, resident status and duration of hospitalization, a significant relationship was observed.

Originality/value

As regarded in this study, the degree of patients’ rights observance was moderate so, culture, paying attention to the rights of all stakeholders, identifying barriers and various factors, including the professional and environmental differences in the assessment of the need, should be considered by policymakers to design promotional and regulatory programs for improving the rights of the patient.
A benefit segmentation framework for a nature-based tourism destination: the case of Kruger, Panorama and Lowveld areas in Mpumalanga Province
Authors: Nduna Lesedi Tomana , van Zyl Cine
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate benefits tourist seek when visiting a nature-based tourism destination to develop a benefit segmentation framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used quantitative research methods, with 400 self-administered survey administered to a sample of 400 tourists visiting the Kruger, Panorama, and Lowveld areas in Mpumalanga.

Findings

Cluster analysis produced two benefit segments. Binary logistic regression benefits that emerged from the cluster analysis were statistically significant predictors of the attractions tourists visited and the activities in which they participated during their stays in Mpumalanga. Factor-cluster analysis and binary logistic regression results were used to develop a benefit segmentation framework as a marketing planning tool.

Research limitations/implications

The study was only based on Mpumalanga Province and therefore, the results cannot be generalised. The study was conducted over one season, the Easter period

Practical implications

The proposed benefit segmentation framework provides a tool that destination management organisations can use to plan effectively for marketing.

Social implications

Effective marketing may lead to increased tourism growth which can have a multiplier effect on the destination.

Originality/value

This article is based on a master’s study conducted in Mpumalanga and results are presented on this paper.
The red packet interaction and brand attitude in the brand communities on WeChat
Authors: Zhu Guowei , Liu Yaru , Zhou Li
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Monetary incentives have been widely adopted by brands to promote consumer engagement in their brand communities on social networking sites. This paper aims to explore how the interactions triggered by an emerging monetary incentive, red packets, affect consumers’ brand attitude in the context of WeChat brand groups (WCBGs).

Design/methodology/approach

According to whether brands ask for commercial returns from consumers, two types of interactions were identified, namely, exchange red packet interaction (ERPI) and communal red packet interaction (CRPI). The corresponding influences on brand attitude were examined in three experiments.

Findings

Compared to CRPIs, ERPIs elicit greater normative community pressure, inducing a less favorable brand attitude. Moreover, this impact is moderated by the time frame of brand communities. In the long-term WCBGs, a significant difference exists between ERPIs and CRPIs, while such difference attenuates or even disappears in short-term WCBGs.

Practical implications

When using red packets as an engagement strategy, brand managers should be alert to their potential negative influence. Specifically, in short-term brand communities, ERPIs enable managers to acquire commercial returns without hurting brand attitude. In long-term brand communities, managers are advised to implement CRPIs to foster a positive brand attitude.

Originality/value

This study investigates red packet interactions in brand communities, which have been widespread but unexplored. The results expand the literature by addressing the undermining effect of ERPI and the moderating effect of the time frame.
A value creation perspective on international business in Latin America: directions for differentiation between emerging market multinationals
Authors: Hermans Michel , Borda Reyes Armando
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to draw researchers’ attention to the need to differentiate within the emerging market multinational companies (EMNCs) category. This study focuses on international business in Latin America to argue that the region’s specific institutional characteristics have consequences for within-firm decision-making regarding internationalization strategies. Additionally, the study suggests that to develop a more specific understanding of international business in emerging markets, it is important to consider how decision-makers define value and how they can capture such value.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach used in this study draws on the bathtub analogy used in micro-foundations research in international business. It proposes a multilevel analysis in which micro-level variation in within-firm decision-making is considered, while accounting for the conditioning effects of macro-level contextual factors.

Findings

The study identifies characteristics of the Latin American institutional context that are relevant to international business strategies and that potentially differ from other emerging market contexts. These include the pendular shifts to and from pro-market economic reform, fragmented government intervention in business, underdeveloped capital markets, low competition among firms and polarized labor markets. The study explains how these characteristics shape the definition of value and firm strategies to capture value in international markets, and provides examples from firms in different industries.

Originality/value

This study applies a value creation and capture perspective to international business in Latin America, allowing for the simultaneous consideration of macrolevel institutional characteristics and microlevel variation in decision-making regarding internationalization strategies. This perspective not only helps to distinguish Latin American EMNCs from companies from other emerging market contexts, but also explains the considerable variation in the internationalization strategies of firms within the region.
Evaluating service innovation and business performance in tourism: a multicriteria decision analysis approach
Authors: Kitsios Fotis C. , Grigoroudis Evangelos
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the new service development (NSD) process in tourism. For this reason, factors influencing the process of service innovation in the hospitality sector were explored and correlated with business performance in the hospitality industry through a multicriteria decision analysis approach.

Design/methodology/approach

An original multicriteria decision analysis approach is applied in order to estimate the efficiency of the NSD process. The approach follows the principles of ordinal regression analysis, using goal programming techniques. Collected data are based on in-depth structured and questionnaire-based interviews of 77 hotel managers in 147 new services in a representative sample of 99 hotels in Greece. Several financial ratios, covering different aspects of business performance, are used in order to evaluate the NSD process for three years after the services innovation had been launched.

Findings

These findings reveal the importance of financial liquidity and business efficiency for the hotel industry (i.e. the ability of a firm to use available resources in order to achieve specific sales goals). The aforementioned variables can determine how quickly and effectively assets are converted to cash. In general, the findings show the emphasis that should be given to customer needs, as well as to the effective management of a NSD project.

Originality/value

Findings of this study may support hotel managers to make complex strategic decisions for future development. These findings have suggested that service innovation should be included as a strategic tool to assess differentiation effort in the hotel industry.
Determinants of R&D on European high technology industry: panel data evidence
Authors: Neves Maria , Branco João
Published: June 2020

Purpose

As high-tech industries are the main responsible for research and development (R&D), the purpose of this paper is to investigate some of the possible determinants of R&D investment in this type of industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on a sample of European high-tech industries represented both by countries of civil law origin and common law origin. The authors used data from 155 high-tech firms in the period between 2011 and 2016. The sample was collected from Amadeus database. The panel data methodology was used to test the dependence of R&D expenses ratio according to different variables. Specifically, the authors have used the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation method.

Findings

The results point out that there are differences in the explanation of the R&D ratio depending on whether the authors are dealing with countries of civil legal origin or common legal origin. The evidence also suggests that the intangible assets, contrary to the expect result, have a negative influence on R&D. Probably in this recovery time, as de global financial crisis and the sovereign debt crisis for Eurozone countries, the high-tech firms are using their intangible assets to create value and not for more investments in R&D. Companies are not renewing their asset stocks.

Originality/value

As high-tech companies are traditionally rich in R&D, this research can contribute with additional pieces to the knowledge of the factors that contribute to this. Thereby, this study may be interesting for managers, investors and civil society. This study adds value as it is unique in addressing this topic on this new dimension, with respect to the sample and indicators presented.
Preparation and characterization of fluorine-containing soap-free acrylic emulsion
Authors: Gong Yilu , Shao Tantan , Chen Lijun
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Fluorine materials have received the keen attention of many researchers because of their water repellency and low surface free energy. The purpose of this paper is to prepare fluorine-containing soap-free acrylic emulsion, which sodium allyoxypropyl hydroxypropyl sulfonate (COPS-1) and anionic emulsifier sodium a-alkenyl sulfonate (a-AOS) were combined as polymerizable emulsifier, and undecylenic acid (UA) and dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate(DFMA) were introduced as functional monomer.

Design/methodology/approach

The fluorinated polyacrylate emulsion was successfully prepared by semi-continuous seed emulsion polymerization, wherein the main monomers were methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl methacrylate (BA), and the initiator was potassium persulfate (KPS). Sodium alloxypropyl sulfonate (COPS-1) and an anionic emulsifier sodium a-alkenyl sulfonate (a-AOS) were compounded as a polymerizable emulsifier. Besides, undecylenic acid (UA) and dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA) were introduced as the functional monomers.

Findings

The optimum recipe of preparing the modified latex is as follows: the amount of emulsifier was 4%, the ratio of emulsifier (COPS-1: AOS) was 3: 1, and the content of initiator was 0.6%. In this case, the conversion rate of acrylic polymer emulsion was high and the polymerization stability was good. When the amount of monomer UA was 2% and the amount of DFMA was 4%, the overall performance of the emulsion was the best.

Originality/value

The fluorine-containing soap-free acrylic emulsion is prepared via semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerisation, which sodium allyoxypropyl hydroxypropyl sulfonate (COPS-1) and anionic emulsifier sodium a-alkenyl sulfonate (a-AOS) were combined as polymerizable emulsifier, and undecylenic acid (UA) and dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA) were introduced as functional monomer. There are two main innovations. One is that the fluorine-containing soap-free acrylic emulsion is prepared successfully. The other is that the undecylenic acid is introduced as functional monomer.
The blockchain-based Halal traceability systems: a hype or reality?
Authors: Hew Jun-Jie , Wong Lai-Wan , Tan Garry Wei-Han , Ooi Keng-Boon , Lin Binshan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Given the emerging nature of integrating blockchain into food traceability systems, this study aims to investigate the intention to participate in a blockchain-based Halal traceability system through a united model that consists of Halal orientation strategy, institutional theory and diffusion of innovation theory.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample that consists of 143 Malaysian Halal food and beverage manufacturers was drawn from Halal Malaysia Official Portal using the simple random sampling technique. The responses were collected from the key managerial personnel with experience and knowledge on the Halal supply chain using phone interviews. Subsequently, the partial least squares structural equation modelling approach was then used to analyse the theoretical model.

Findings

The manufacturers would go through a chain of the process before deciding to participate in the traceability system. Firstly, the manufacturers which practice a comprehensive Halal orientation strategy will be more perceptive towards the institutional pressures that demand them to participate in a traceability system. Secondly, in response to the pressures, the manufacturers would evaluate the technological characteristics of the system and subsequently develop their perceived desirability. Thirdly, the manufacturers with favourable perceived desirability shall decide to participate in the system.

Originality/value

This study advances the current literature of Halal supply chain, information systems, operations management and blockchain through an integrated model that could explain 73.19% of the variance in intention to participate.
Highly improvement in efficiency of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar cells
Authors: Sajadnia Mohsen , Dehghani Sajjad , Noraeepoor Zahra , Sheikhi Mohammad Hossein
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to design and optimize copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin film solar cells.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel bi-layer CIGS thin film solar cell based on SnS is designed. To improve the performance of the CIGS based thin film solar cell a tin sulfide (SnS) layer is added to the structure, as back surface field and second absorbing layer. Defect recombination centers have a significant effect on the performance of CIGS solar cells by changing recombination rate and charge density. Therefore, performance of the proposed structure is investigated in two stages successively, considering typical and maximum reported trap density for both CIGS and SnS. To achieve valid results, the authors use previously reported experimental parameters in the simulations.

Findings

First by considering the typical reported trap density for both SnS and CIGS, high efficiency of 36%, was obtained. Afterward maximum reported trap densities of 1 × 1019 and 5.6 × 1015 cm−3 were considered for SnS and CIGS, respectively. The efficiency of the optimized cell is 27.17% which is achieved in CIGS and SnS thicknesses of cell are 0.3 and 0.1 µm, respectively. Therefore, even in this case, the obtained efficiency is well greater than previous structures while the absorbing layer thickness is low.

Originality/value

Having results similar to practical CIGS solar cells, the impact of the defects of SnS and CIGS layers was investigated. It was found that affixing SnS between CIGS and Mo layers causes a significant improvement in the efficiency of CIGS thin-film solar cell.
The pivotal relation between glucagon‐like peptides, NFκB and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Azmy Nabeh Omnia , Ishak Attallah Magdy , El‐Sayed El‐Gawhary Nawal
Published: June 2020

Glucagon‐like peptides (GLPs), GLP‐1 and GLP‐2, are released from intestinal enteroendocrine cells (L cells) in response to ingested nutrients. GLP‐1 plays a crucial role in lowering blood glucose and controlling body weight, through stimulating the islet ß cells of pancreas to secrete insulin, inhibiting gastric emptying, and reducing food ingestion. Therefore, GLP‐1 receptor agonists are now used in the treatment of obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). GLP‐2, on the other hand, is used as a novel therapy for short bowel syndrome (SBS) through its ability to restore intestinal homeostasis and induce epithelial proliferation. GLPs and the inhibitors of their degradation enzymes, dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV) inhibitors, have many anti‐inflammatory actions. Many animal‐based clinical trials have proved that GLP‐based therapy has a pivotal role in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), possibly through regulating the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa‐ligand B (NFκB). NFκB controls the production and secretion of many cytokines and chemokines encountered in the pathophysiology of IBD such as interleukin (IL‐1β‐IL‐12, IL‐13, IL‐21, IL‐22, IL‐6) and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and hence, may provide a promising therapeutic option.
DNAtandem repeats contribute to the genetic diversity of Brevibacterium aurantiacum phages
Authors: de Melo Alessandra G. , Rousseau Geneviève M. , Tremblay Denise M. , Labrie Simon J. , Moineau Sylvain
Published: June 2020

This report presents the characterization of the first virulent phages infecting Brevibacterium aurantiacum, a bacterial species used during the manufacture of surface‐ripened cheeses. These phages were also responsible for flavour and colour defects in surface‐ripened cheeses. Sixteen phages (out of 62 isolates) were selected for genome sequencing and comparative analyses. These cos‐type phages with a long non‐contractile tail currently belong to the Siphoviridae family (Caudovirales order). Their genome sizes vary from 35,637 to 36,825 bp and, similar to their host, have a high GC content (~61%). Genes encoding for an immunity repressor, an excisionase and a truncated integrase were found, suggesting that these virulent phages may be derived from a prophage. Their genomic organization is highly conserved, with most of the diversity coming from the presence of long (198 bp) DNA tandem repeats (TRs) within an open reading frame coding for a protein of unknown function. We categorized these phages into seven genomic groups according to their number of TR, which ranged from two to eight. Moreover, we showed that TRs are widespread in phage genomes, found in more than 85% of the genomes available in public databases.
Heterogeneity of the rice microbial community of the Chinese centuries‐old Honghe Hani rice terraces system
Authors: Alonso Pascal , Blondin Laurence , Gladieux Pierre , Mahé Frédéric , Sanguin Hervé , Ferdinand Romain , Filloux Denis , Desmarais Eric , Cerqueira Frédérique , Jin Baihui , Huang Huichuan , He Xiahong , Morel Jean‐Benoit , Martin Darren P. , Roumagnac Philippe , Vernière Christian
Published: June 2020

The Honghe Hani rice terraces system (HHRTS) is a traditional rice cultivation system where Hani people cultivate remarkably diverse rice varieties. Recent introductions of modern rice varieties to the HHRTS have significantly increased the severity of rice diseases within the terraces. Here, we determine the impacts of these recent introductions on the composition of the rice‐associated microbial communities. We confirm that the HHRTS contains a range of both traditional HHRTS landraces and introduced modern rice varieties and find differences between the microbial communities of these two groups. However, this introduction of modern rice varieties has not strongly impacted the overall diversity of the HHRTS rice microbial community. Furthermore, we find that the rice varieties (i.e. groups of closely related genotypes) have significantly structured the rice microbial community composition (accounting for 15%–22% of the variance) and that the core microbial community of HHRTS rice plants represents less than 3.3% of all the microbial taxa identified. Collectively, our study suggests a highly diverse HHRTS rice holobiont (host with its associated microbes) where the diversity of rice hosts mirrors the diversity of their microbial communities. Further studies will be needed to better determine how such changes might impact the sustainability of the HHRTS.
COVID‐19: test, trace and isolate‐new epidemiological data
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: June 2020

In the absence of an efficient drug treatment or a vaccine, the control of the COVID‐19 pandemic relies on classic infection control measures. Since these means are socially disruptive and come with substantial economic loss for societies, a better knowledge of the epidemiology of the new coronavirus epidemic is crucial to achieve control at a sustainable cost and within tolerable restrictions of civil rights.
Expanding the current knowledge and biotechnological applications of the oxygen‐independent ortho‐phthalate degradation pathway
Authors: Sanz David , García José L. , Díaz Eduardo
Published: June 2020

ortho‐Phthalate derives from industrially produced phthalate esters, which are massively used as plasticizers and constitute major emerging environmental pollutants. The pht pathway for the anaerobic bacterial biodegradation of o‐phthalate involves its activation to phthaloyl‐CoA followed by decarboxylation to benzoyl‐CoA. Here, we have explored further the pht peripheral pathway in denitrifying bacteria and shown that it requires also an active transport system for o‐phthalate uptake that belongs to the poorly characterized class of TAXI‐TRAP transporters. The construction of a fully functional pht cassette combining both catabolic and transport genes allowed to expand the o‐phthalate degradation ecological trait to heterologous hosts. Unexpectedly, the pht cassette also allowed the aerobic conversion of o‐phthalate to benzoyl‐CoA when coupled to a functional box central pathway. Hence, the pht pathway may constitute an evolutionary acquisition for o‐phthalate degradation by bacteria that thrive either in anoxic environments or in environments that face oxygen limitations and that rely on benzoyl‐CoA, rather than on catecholic central intermediates, for the aerobic catabolism of aromatic compounds. Finally, the recombinant pht cassette was used both to screen for functional aerobic box pathways in bacteria and to engineer recombinant biocatalysts for o‐phthalate bioconversion into sustainable bioplastics, e.g., polyhydroxybutyrate, in plastic recycling industrial processes.
Trait‐based approach to bacterial growth efficiency
Authors: Muscarella Mario E. , Howey Xia Meng , Lennon Jay T.
Published: June 2020

Bacterial growth efficiency (BGE) is the proportion of assimilated carbon that is converted into biomass and reflects the balance between growth and energetic demands. Often measured as an aggregate property of the community, BGE is highly variable within and across ecosystems. To understand this variation, we first identified how species identity and resource type affect BGE using 20 bacterial isolates belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria that were enriched from north temperate lakes. Using a trait‐based approach that incorporated genomic and phenotypic information, we characterized the metabolism of each isolate and tested for predicted trade‐offs between growth rate and efficiency. A substantial amount of variation in BGE could be explained at broad (i.e., order, 20%) and fine (i.e., strain, 58%) taxonomic levels. While resource type was a relatively weak predictor across species, it explained >60% of the variation in BGE within a given species. A metabolic trade‐off (between maximum growth rate and efficiency) and genomic features revealed that BGE may be a species‐specific metabolic property. Our study suggests that genomic and phylogenetic information may help predict aggregate microbial community functions like BGE and the fate of carbon in ecosystems.
Labels for a Local Food Speciality Product: The Case of Saffron
Authors: Sanjuán‐López Ana I. , Resano‐Ezcaray Helena
Published: June 2020

We examine the potential demand for a local food speciality product, saffron, with alternative labels, using a choice experiment. The paper contributes to the literature on credence attributes, by examining Willingness to Pay (WTP) for the local, organic and PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), their differences across experimental conditions (hypothetical and non‐hypothetical), and by identifying the effects of personal characteristics, in terms of socio‐demographics and level of product involvement on the differences in WTP. We find that the local saffron speciality has an important appeal that could be better reinforced with the PDO rather than the organic labelling, and that consumers show a consistent pattern of preferences across experimental environments. WTP tends to be higher in the hypothetical setting and, in particular, consumers with relatively more knowledge and deeper roots in the territory tend to exhibit a larger WTP premium for local origin and its certification. These results may help producers improve their marketing of agri‐food products with a high gastronomic value and differentiation potential, while they warn about an overstatement of WTP for socially desirable characteristics, such as organic labelling, which is also relevant for policymakers.
Seronegative occult hepatitis C infection among hemodialysis patients: A prevalence study
Authors: Mahmoudvand Shahab , Shokri Somayeh , Azaran Azarakhsh , Seyedian Seyed S. , Makvandi Manoochehr , Mirzaei Habibollah , Sheikhrobat Sheida B.
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (OCI) among HD patients. Blood samples were taken from 79 HD patients and their sera were evaluated for the presence of anti‐HCV. Both the sera and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were then checked for HCV RNA by nested reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Anti‐HCV was positive among 4/79 (5.1%) of the patients. From 75 patients who were negative for anti‐HCV, 71 (94.7%) patients were also negative for HCV RNA in sera samples but five of them were positive for HCV RNA in PBMCs. Totally, out of 79 patients, HCV RNA was detected in PBMCs of five (6.3%) patients, indicating that these patients had OCI. No significant difference was observed between the frequency of OCI and gender (P‐value = .6). HCV genotype in all five cases of OCI was genotype 3a. Our study showed prevalence rate of 6.3% OCI infection in HD patients. Regarding the serious complications and the clinical importance of OCI in HD patients, sensitive diagnostic methods for identifying HCV RNA in the PBMCs should be implemented for all HD patients.
Proton beam therapy is a safe and effective treatment in elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ono Takashi , Wada Hitoshi , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Tamamura Hiroyasu , Tokumaru Sunao
Published: June 2020

Background

There are many elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, there are currently few articles regarding the clinical outcome following proton beam therapy in these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of proton beam therapy in elderly patients with ESCC.

Methods

Between January 2009 and December 2013, patients aged ≥75 years who underwent proton beam therapy were examined using multi‐institutional data from Japan.

Results

There were 38 inoperable patients (70.4%) and 16 operable patients (29.6%). More than 40% of patients had stage III/IV ESCC. The five‐year overall and cancer‐specific survival rates were 56.2% and 71.7%, respectively. Performance status was the only factor that significantly influenced overall survival during the multivariate analysis. The five‐year local control rate was 61.8%, and local recurrence occurred within 13 months in 82.4% of patients,. There was no grade 3 or higher toxicity, excluding three patients with grade 3 esophageal ulcers.

Conclusions

In conclusion, proton beam therapy may become an alternative treatment with lower toxicity in elderly patients with ESCC, compared to surgery or conventional X‐ray radiotherapy. This includes inoperable patients.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Proton beam therapy was a safe and effective treatment for elderly patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) including inoperable patients.

What this study adds

Proton beam therapy may be a safer treatment choice for elderly patients with ESCC compared to conventional X‐ray radiotherapy.
Risk of holding stocks with liquidity sensitive to market uncertainty: evidence from China
Authors: Sun Ping‐Wen , Shen Yifan , Qian Meifen , Yan Wu
Published: June 2020

We investigate the determinants of stocks’ uncertainty elasticity of liquidity (UEL), whether UEL is priced, and how government officials may use national funds to reduce the UEL risk in China’s A‐shares market. We find that stocks with higher UEL have a smaller market capitalisation, lower stock liquidity, less investor attention, and higher market and liquidity risks. Using data from 2004 to 2018, we show that the highest UEL decile portfolio significantly outperforms the lowest UEL decile portfolio by 0.54 percent per month. Moreover, our results show that UEL provides additional explanatory power for stock returns after we control for a stock’s transaction cost, firm characteristic risks, market risk and liquidity risk. As UEL is an important systematic risk, we hypothesise that government officials will take actions to reduce this risk when the market becomes more volatile. Consistent with our hypothesis, our results show that the ‘national team’ provides liquidity by executing trades opposite to those of other institutional investors during the 2015 stock market crisis in China.
Genome‐wide detection of copy number variants in European autochthonous and commercial pig breeds by whole‐genome sequencing of DNA pools identified breed‐characterising copy number states
Authors: Bovo S. , Ribani A. , Muñoz M. , Alves E. , Araujo J. P. , Bozzi R. , Charneca R. , Di Palma F. , Etherington G. , Fernandez A. I. , García F. , García‐Casco J. , Karolyi D. , Gallo M. , Gvozdanović K. , Martins J. M. , Mercat M. J. , Núñez Y. , Quintanilla R. , Radović Č. , Razmaite V. , Riquet J. , Savić R. , Schiavo G. , Škrlep M. , Usai G. , Utzeri V. J. , Zimmer C. , Ovilo C. , Fontanesi L.
Published: June 2020

In this study, we identified copy number variants (CNVs) in 19 European autochthonous pig breeds and in two commercial breeds (Italian Large White and Italian Duroc) that represent important genetic resources for this species. The genome of 725 pigs was sequenced using a breed‐specific DNA pooling approach (30–35 animals per pool) obtaining an average depth per pool of 42×. This approach maximised CNV discovery as well as the related copy number states characterising, on average, the analysed breeds. By mining more than 17.5 billion reads, we identified a total of 9592 CNVs (~683 CNVs per breed) and 3710 CNV regions (CNVRs; 1.15% of the reference pig genome), with an average of 77 CNVRs per breed that were considered as private. A few CNVRs were analysed in more detail, together with other information derived from sequencing data. For example, the CNVR encompassing the KIT gene was associated with coat colour phenotypes in the analysed breeds, confirming the role of the multiple copies in determining breed‐specific coat colours. The CNVR covering the MSRB3 gene was associated with ear size in most breeds. The CNVRs affecting the ELOVL6 and ZNF622 genes were private features observed in the Lithuanian Indigenous Wattle and in the Turopolje pig breeds respectively. Overall, the genome variability unravelled here can explain part of the genetic diversity among breeds and might contribute to explain their origin, history and adaptation to a variety of production systems.
Gross anatomical study of the thoracolumbar primary dorsal branches and their course from the spinal cord to the skin in the cat
Authors: Röhrmann Nicole , Mülling Christoph K. W. , Bernigau Dora
Published: June 2020

The course of spinal nerves and the corresponding cutaneous areas are fundamental for numerous therapeutic approaches used in complementary veterinary medicine. Positive effects of these methods are primarily based on segmental reflex arcs which are associated with the course of the spinal nerves. In this morphological study, the lateral cutaneous branches of the thoracolumbar dorsal branches from Th9 to L7 were examined in cats with special regard to their anatomical course. A four‐layer dissection was carried out to reveal the course of nerves between the intervertebral foramina and their point of entry into the skin, starting in the dorsal midline. Dorsal branch courses and covered distances were documented and measured in each layer. The covered distance was evaluated by the Caudal Shift Index (CSIn) on both body sides and within each layer. The ‘back region’ was used as relative dimensional unit, describing the distance between the cranial tips of two consecutive spinous processes. Overall, the mean CSIn for dorsal branches of Th9 to L7 amounted to three back regions from the intervertebral foramen to the skin entry point of a dorsal nerve branch. This provides therapists with clues and should be put into practice, by extending the treatment area up to three segments caudally from the nerve exit point. Furthermore, the results of this study present new data on inferred lumbar dermatomes in cats, data which until now have only been transferred from other species. These results may serve as an anatomical foundation for manual therapies.
Women’s epidural decision‐making in labour: A Townsville perspective
Authors: Quach Diane , Woolley Torres , Pandit Tarsh , Rane Ajay , Ray Robin A.
Published: June 2020

Background

Despite being an efficacious means of pain relief, there is a broad range of usage rates of epidural analgesia among countries worldwide. Australia sits between common usage in North America and more conservative usage in the UK. The reason for this is unclear, raising the question of whether there is a difference between Australia and other Western countries in pregnant women’s attitudes toward epidural use, or the hospital context.

Aim

To explore predictors for epidural analgesia request among pregnant women in Townsville, Australia.

Materials and Methods

A three‐phase mixed methods exploratory study design, with Phase One involving 12 one‐on‐one interviews with pregnant and post‐partum women regarding attitudes toward labour analgesia decision‐making and epidural preferences. Interview data were analysed thematically to develop a survey distributed to 265 third‐trimester women in Phase Two. Phase Three involved a chart review of survey participants to record delivery mode, epidural request and indication. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis of Phases Two and Three data were used to develop predictive models for epidural decision‐making.

Results

Interviews revealed several themes influencing analgesia preferences in Townsville women: concerns regarding personal safety, trust in health professionals, and previous experiences with labour. The logistic regression identified epidural request in labour to be predicted by: primiparity, epidural experience, induction or augmentation of labour, and perceived sense of control associated with epidural use.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the most significant influencers on Townsville women’s epidural decision‐making were parity, induction or augmentation of labour, previous experience of epidurals and attitude toward epidurals.
Non‐operative management of small post‐appendicectomy intra‐abdominal abscess is safe and effective
Authors: Collins Geoffrey , Allaway Matthew G. R. , Eslick Guy D. , Cox Michael R.
Published: June 2020

Background

Intra‐abdominal abscess (IAA) post‐appendicectomy occurs in 1.4–4.4% of cases. Non‐operative management of small (<4 cm) post‐appendicectomy IAA in children is well established, but minimal evidence exists in adults. Percutaneous catheter drainage is considered standard treatment for IAA, yet outcome data for post‐appendicectomy IAA are sparse. The aims of this study were to assess the effectiveness of non‐operative management of small (<4 cm diameter) IAA and the outcomes of percutaneous drainage for larger (>4 cm) IAA post‐appendicectomy.

Methods

A retrospective case note review of a series of patients with a post‐appendicectomy IAA between 2006 and 2017 was conducted. IAAs were treated selectively; small (<4 cm) IAAs were managed non‐operatively and larger IAAs were managed with percutaneous drainage .

Results

A total of 4901 patients had an appendicectomy. Forty‐two (0.9%) developed a post‐operative IAA. Sixteen (38%) had a percutaneous drainage and 26 (62%) had non‐operative management. The percutaneous drainage group had a higher proportion of complicated appendicitis (75%) compared to the non‐operative group (42%, P = 0.04). The percutaneous drainage group had a significantly higher leucocytosis (P = 0.01) and C‐reactive protein (P = 0.02). All patients managed non‐operatively resolved without the need for invasive procedures. In the percutaneous drainage group, six had aspiration alone, nine had a percutaneous drain and one was abandoned. Three required repeat percutaneous drainage and four (25%) required operative drainage. Seven patients (34%) of the percutaneous drainage group had grade II or III complications.

Conclusion

This case series study provides support that small (<4 cm) IAA post‐appendicectomy can be safely and effectively managed non‐operatively.
A scoring system for predicting downgrading and resolution of high‐grade infant vesicoureteral reflux
Authors: Sjöström Sofia , Pivodic Aldina , Abrahamsson Kate , Sixt Rune , Stokland Eira , Hansson Sverker
Published: June 2020

Aim

Aim of the study was to provide a scoring system for predicting downgrading and resolution of infantile high‐grade vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

Methods

Eighty‐nine infants (65 boys) with high‐grade VUR (grade 4‐5) diagnosed at median age 2.5 months and followed to 39 months had repeated investigations of VUR grade, renal damage/function and bladder function. Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) were registered. Risk variables collected at 1 year were analysed as independent factors for spontaneous resolution to grades ≤2 and 0, using univariable/multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A scoring system was built with a total of 14 points from four independent risk factors (sex, breakthrough UTI, type of renal damage and subnormal glomerular filtration rate). Children with persistent VUR (grade 3‐5) had higher scores compared with the group with spontaneous resolution (grade 0‐2) (mean 7.9 vs. 4.5, P < .0001). A score of ≥8 points indicated a low probability of VUR resolution (≤14%). The model was considered excellent based on area under the ROC curve (0.82) and showed satisfactory internal validity.

Conclusion

This model provides a practical tool in the management of infants born with high‐grade reflux. High scores at one year of age indicate a high risk of persistent dilated reflux.
Completely laparoscopic repair for recurrent inguinal hernia that developed after open posterior mesh repair
Authors: Morioka Daisuke , Izumisawa Yusuke , Ohyama Norio , Yamaguchi Kazuya , Horii Nobutoshi , Asano Fumio , Miura Masaru , Sato Yoshiki
Published: June 2020

Surgeons tend to avoid performing completely laparoscopic repair (CLR) for recurrent inguinal hernia (RIH) that developed after the open posterior mesh repair (OPMR). For many, totally extraperitoneal repair or transabdominal preperitoneal repair after OPMR seems difficult because the previously placed mesh may pose an obstacle during the exfoliation of the parietal peritoneum. Moreover, these procedures could cause chronic pain if the “trapezoid of disaster” is injured. In this small case series, we describe our operative technique for CLR for RIH after OPMR, including modified transabdominal preperitoneal repair and modified intraperitoneal onlay mesh repair. The short‐term and midterm outcomes of this procedure are also reported. Although we recognize the need for further analysis involving many more cases and a longer follow‐up period, we will continue to perform CLR for RIH after OPMR because the results of this small case series were favorable.
Validation of the RHL30 digital gene expression assay as a prognostic biomarker for relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Calvente Lourdes , Tremblay‐LeMay Rosemarie , Xu Wei , Chan Fong Chun , Hong Michael , Zhang Tong , Yhim Ho‐Young , Kuruvilla John , Crump Michael , Kukreti Vishal , Prica Anca , Regier Dean , Marra Marco A. , Karsan Aly , Steidl Christian , Scott David W. , Sabatini Peter , Kridel Robert
Published: June 2020

Despite continuing improvements in the management of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), relapse remains associated with a risk of lymphoma‐related mortality. The biological composition of relapse tumour biopsies shows interpatient variability, which can be leveraged to design prognostic biomarkers. Here, we validated the RHL30 assay, a previously reported gene expression model in an independent cohort of 41 patients with relapsed cHL. Patients classified as high‐risk by the RHL30 assay had inferior failure‐free survival (FFS) after autologous stem cell transplantation (2‐year FFS 41% vs. 92%, P = 0·035). The RHL30 model is a robust biomarker that risk‐stratifies patients considered for autologous stem cell transplantation.