bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Board level (in)visibility and critical mass in South African companies
Authors: Zajiji Ziphozihle , Wilson-Prangley Anthony , Ndletyana Dorothy
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Women still face barriers that delay their upward mobility in organisations. This study aims to examine whether women experience critical mass as sufficient to shift deep level discursive dynamics, theorised as an (in)visibility Vortex.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative method was used to collect and analyse data on the lived experiences of 16 board-level female leaders who have been appointed to male-dominated boardrooms in South Africa.

Findings

The findings confirm that numeric representation is too simplistic to resolve deep level gendered dynamics. At a personal level: self-confidence, a bigger purpose and competence-experience were found to be counter-forces to Vortex. The role of the chairperson was also crucial.

Practical implications

Organisations must be reminded that even where the number of women on a board has reached beyond a critical mass, hidden barriers still exist. When developing women leaders, practitioners need to penetrate below the surface to appreciate the undercurrents and address them at that level. Organisations need to nurture the personal attributes that counter the forces of the Vortex. Mentorship, sponsorship and coaching may be beneficial. The role of the chairperson is especially important in disrupting deep level dynamics. Chairpersons need to be more deliberate and proactive to refute behaviours that exclude and undermine women’s full participation.

Originality/value

Contrary to the (in)visibility perspectives, the women in this study did not “withdraw” or “conceal” their gender when “exposed” in male-dominated boardroom dynamics. Reasons for this are explored including the potential for further research on the construction of a “trailblazing” identity.
Firm investment decisions for information security under a fuzzy environment: a game-theoretic approach
Authors: Gupta Rohit , Biswas Baidyanath , Biswas Indranil , Sana Shib Sankar
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine optimal decisions for information security investments for a firm in a fuzzy environment. Under both sequential and simultaneous attack scenarios, optimal investment of firm, optimal efforts of attackers and their economic utilities are determined.

Design/methodology/approach

Throughout the analysis, a single firm and two attackers for a “firm as a leader” in a sequential game setting and “firm versus attackers” in a simultaneous game setting are considered. While the firm makes investments to secure its information assets, the attackers spend their efforts to launch breaches.

Findings

It is observed that the firm needs to invest more when it announces its security investment decisions ahead of attacks. In contrast, the firm can invest relatively less when all agents are unaware of each other’s choices in advance. Further, the study reveals that attackers need to exert higher effort when no agent enjoys the privilege of being a leader.

Research limitations/implications

In a novel approach, inherent system vulnerability of the firm, financial benefit of attackers from the breach and monetary loss suffered by the firm are considered, as fuzzy variables in the well-recognized Gordon – Loeb breach function, with the help of fuzzy expectation operator.

Practical implications

This study reports that the optimal breach effort exerted by each attacker is proportional to its obtained economic benefit for both sequential and simultaneous attack scenarios. A set of numerical experiments and sensitivity analyzes complement the analytical modeling.

Originality/value

In a novel approach, inherent system vulnerability of the firm, financial benefit of attackers from the breach and monetary loss suffered by the firm are considered, as fuzzy variables in the well-recognized Gordon – Loeb breach function, with the help of fuzzy expectation operator.
Sustainability can start with a garden!
Authors: Newsome David
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a readily accessible synopsis of a complex subject and consider sustainability from a personal experiential level right through to a big picture study in the context of sustainable cities.

Design/methodology/approach

A combination of personal experiences, on-line sources and research papers were used to trace the complex human dilemma of achieving sustainability in city environments. Although a difficult task for many people to embrace, the study presented here forwards the idea that it is possible for individuals, communities and governments to make a positive contribution by engaging in the garden city concept.

Findings

This paper provides a context and study on the complexities surrounding achieving sustainable cities, yet at the same time providing some insight as to what can be achieved if all levels of society are engaged.

Research limitations/implications

This paper emphasises the issues surrounding and importance of sustainable cities and considers a tangible goal for city dwellers at all levels of society.

Practical implications

This paper enables an appreciation of the role urban gardens, right through to the role that appropriate government policy, can play in contributing to, developing and conserving greenspace in cities.

Social implications

This paper fosters a simplified understanding of the potential of citizen contribution providing there is some awareness and the motivation to make a difference.

Originality/value

The study offers a brief personal perspective and connects this with relevant literature to build a case that urban sustainability, although complex, is achievable even though it may take small steps in gaining the necessary momentum.
Board characteristics and foreign equity ownership: evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Md Mamunur
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of board characteristics on foreign equity ownership (FEO) in the listed public limited companies of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected data from 418 annual reports of listed companies of Bangladesh for the years 2015, 2016 and 2017 to examine the effect of board characteristics on FEO. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression methods are used to test the hypotheses of the study.

Findings

The results show that board size has significant negative influence on FEO. Other board characteristics variables such as board independence and female directorship appear to have an insignificant influence on FEO. However, several firm characteristics variables such as return on assets, market-to-book ratio, firm size and firm age have a significant positive relationship with FEO. While presenting the regression results separately for manufacturing and non-manufacturing firms, the findings reveal a number of differences in the results between the two sectors.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of the study is that it concentrates only on three years annual report data in analyzing the hypothesized relationships.

Practical implications

Policy makers, regulators and top management can get meaningful insights with respect to optimal board structure and firm characteristics to attract foreign investors as the results revealed significant effects of several board and firm characteristics variables on FEO.

Originality/value

The present study includes the presence of female directors on the board to represent board characteristics. No other study has examined the relationship between FEO and female directors.
The mediating effect of productivity on profitability in Indian construction firms
Authors: Cyril Edison Jolly , Singla Harish Kumar
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate the effect of firm age and size on profitability and productivity of construction firms in India. It also attempts to understand the indirect effect of firm age and size on profitability mediated through firm's productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Data of 64 construction firms, for a period of 12 years (2006–2017), were collected. In order to measure the direct and indirect effect of size and age on profitability and productivity, a structural equation model was developed. In the structural models, productivity is a latent variable measured through proxies of material productivity (MP), labor productivity (LP) and equipment productivity (EP). The profitability is measured using three financial ratios: return on asset (ROA), return on capital employed (ROCE) and return on net worth (RONW). Then the direct and indirect effect of age and size is measured on ROA, ROCE, RONW and productivity.

Findings

The findings of the study suggest that age has a direct negative effect on profitability; however, it has an indirect positive effect on profitability, which is mediated by firm's productivity. This positive indirect effect compensates the direct negative effect and leads to an overall positive effect of firm age on profitability. However, firm size shows no effect on profitability and productivity.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, the study is the first attempt to measure the indirect effect of age and size on profitability, mediated through productivity. The study also examines the interrelationship among firms’ profitability and productivity and bridges an important research gap. The study proposes an integrated theoretical framework with a clear view of the interrelationships among age, size, profitability and productivity for construction firms in India, which can be further tested and validated for generalization.
Macroeconomic factors, corporate governance and financial malpractices in Nigerian banks
Authors: Omankhanlen Alexander Ehimare , Tometi Ediomi Abasi-Favor , Urhie Ese
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Many studies have traced the collapse of most banks in the past to weak corporate governance. In response to this, the Central Bank of Nigeria established a Code of Corporate Governance which was made mandatory for all banks in Nigeria since 2003. Fifteen years after this provision the amount of actual loss attributed to financial malpractices in banks is still substantial. Available statistics show that the number of fraud cases has been on the increase in recent times.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examined the extent to which corporate governance has mitigated or moderated the effect of two macroeconomic factors – unemployment and inflation – on fraud in Nigerian banks. An interactive model was specified and estimated with PROCESS – a computational tool developed by Andrew Hayes.

Findings

The result revealed that while the structure of corporate governance by banks in Nigeria moderates the effect of unemployment, the reverse is the case for inflation.

Practical implications

This goes to show that the motivation factor stipulated by the fraud triangle theory holds sway in Nigeria.

Originality/value

It is recommended that efforts to bring a lasting solution to the challenge of financial malpractices in Nigerian banks must adopt a holistic approach.
Exploring potential cruisers behavior based on a preference model: the Japanese cruise market
Authors: Kawasaki Tomoya , Lau Yui-yip
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the preferences of potential Japanese cruise ship tourists and identify the factors influencing their participation in cruise ship tourism. In the analysis, preference for cruise ports in East Asia is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The behavioral model of potential cruiser is developed through a mixed ordered logit approach. The data are collected by means of the stated preference method with the application of a Web-based questionnaire. Multiple answers are collected from each respondent. Hence, panel effects between answers are considered so as to obtain a robust model.

Findings

The results show that Nagasaki and Hong Kong ports are preferred, and other domestic ports, namely, Kobe, Kagoshima, and Naha are also relatively popular places to visit. However, potential Japanese cruisers are reluctant to visit two South Korean destinations which are frequently selected as cruise lines by avoiding Cabotage rule. Besides, shorter cruise duration and lower prices increase the possibility of participation in cruise tourism, particularly for working people. Retirees tend to have less interest in cruise tourism. However, Japanese-related services will increase retirees’ intentions to participate in cruise tourism.

Research limitations/implications

This study attempts to analyze potential cruisers’ behavior toward cruise ship tourism in Japan and discusses how to increase the number of cruisers participating in cruise ship tourism. In this vein, repeat behavior should also be analyzed. Repeat behavior contributes to the maintenance and increase in cruisers in Japan.

Originality/value

There is no study on potential cruiser’s behavior analysis in Japan which is the emerging country as cruise market. Thus, the number of potential cruisers is expected to be high. This study reveals that potential cruisers’ preferences on cruise ship services (e.g. duration, price, on board services, etc.), which are separately analysed for working ages and retirees. Besides, preferences on port of calls in East Asian context are revealed. These results are useful for cruise ship industries, especially for cruise lines.
A proposal for a national frame of reference for the accreditation of engineering programs in Tunisia
Authors: Khelifi Adel , Khlifi Slaheddine , Khelifi Nabil , Essaieb Hamdi
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to propose a national frame of reference for the accreditation of engineering programs (EPs) in Tunisia. It uses as a benchmark the structure used by the world’s leading accreditation systems such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and Commission des Titres d’Ingénieur. It provides a comprehensive framework for academic institutions to evaluate the performance of their programs. In addition, it suggests the procedures, steps and timeline for the application process and defines the required documents that should be submitted.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes the standards applied by well-established accreditation agencies such as ABET, Commission Titre Ingenieur and European Accredited Engineer, studies the perceptions of academicians who participated in six workshops and uses the results of surveys and interviews to characterize their opinions about accreditation. A sample population of 146 faculty members, experts and policymakers from 23 different higher education institutions in Tunisia, who had participated in the workshops mentioned above, was solicited to participate in the survey. The opinions of 51 respondents who responded to the survey were analyzed. This methodology led to the establishment of a proposed national frame of reference for accreditation of EPs.

Findings

Analysis reveals that the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR) provides authorization (“habilitation”) to institutions allowing them to offer their educational program. However, it is inaccurate to consider this procedure as accreditation because it is more of a licensure process. In addition, the MHESR grants the “habilitation” to those institutions that successfully apply. The National Authority for Assessment, quality assurance and accreditation Instance Nationale de l’Evaluation, de l’Assurance Qualité et de l’Accréditation (IEAQA) is not involved in this process, which makes the latter’s role trivial.

Practical implications

This frame of reference will help the MHESR to evaluate the EPs based on a comprehensive analysis of well-established accreditation systems, to improve its “habilitation” process by splitting it into two parts as per international practice, namely, licensure and accreditation and to make the existence and role of the IEAQA much clearer.

Originality/value

This study is the foremost study to propose a comprehensive frame of reference for accrediting EPs in Tunisia.
Entrepreneurial growth intention and capability approach in agriculture: lesson from Sri Lanka
Authors: Sachitra Vilani , Padmini Chandra
Published: August 2020

Purpose

It is imperative to offer a new perspective of Entrepreneurial Growth Intention (EGI) that draws directly upon the capability approach. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of capabilities in the context of EGI in the floriculture industry in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was exploratory and is mainly qualitative in nature. In-depth interviews were carried out with the owners of farms who possess experience in floriculture commercial cultivation in Sri Lanka.

Findings

The results emerged that there are different perspectives among farm owners regarding EGI. Drawing attention on the stories of our participants and making a three-phase analysis, we identified 31 key actions denoted by the farm owners. This work then suggests that the seven capabilities might be fruitfully framed around EGI.

Research limitations/implications

As the results stress the role of capabilities in the formation of an entrepreneur's growth intention is vital. Therefore, more targeted measures should be drawn to build fair and supportive facilities to obtain advanced knowledge, to familiarise with the emergence of technology and to attain professional services specifically in financial literacy.

Originality/value

The question of what factors influence EGI at the farm level is still largely unexplored as less is known about the effect of capabilities on EGI. The study expands the current debates on EGI and institutional environment, which allows the mapping out of capability development.
Embryo growth and seed germination of four taxa of Narcissus (section Pseudonarcissi) conserved under non‐recalcitrant seed conditions in germplasm banks
Authors: Herranz Sanz José M. , Copete Carreño Miguel A. , Herranz Ferrer Raquel , Santiago González Alejandro , Copete Carreño Elena , Ferrandis Gotor Pablo
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to determine the germinative ability of the seeds of four Narcissus taxa belonging to Section Pseudonarcissi after they had been conserved under the conditions of non‐recalcitrant seed storage protocols. For each taxon (N. alcaracensis, N. longispathus, N. radinganorum and N. pseudonarcissus subsp. munozii‐garmendiae), one seed lot was desiccated to 4% moisture content (MC) and stored under laboratory conditions (22°C, 40–50% relative humidity (RH), whereas another was dehydrated to 3% MC and stored at −10°C. The latter treatment simulated standard conservation conditions for non‐recalcitrant seeds. After 26 months, embryo growth and germination were evaluated. Seed responses were correlated with their MC upon dispersal. Seeds of N. alcaracensis, N. longispathus and N. radinganorum left to dry on the mother plant during maturation had 8–10% MC when dispersed, tolerated non‐recalcitrant seed conservation and germinated to >90% under the most favorable incubation conditions. Narcissus pseudonarcissus subsp. munozii‐garmendiae seeds did not undergo maturation drying and had 46.7% MC upon dispersal. They reached 100% germination after being desiccated to 4% and stored at 22°C, were not recalcitrant, but failed to germinate when stored at −10°C under non‐recalcitrant seed conservation conditions. Therefore, N. alcaracensis, N. longispathus and N. radinganorum seeds can be conserved under non‐recalcitrant seed conditions in germplasm banks, whereas those of N. pseudonarcissus subsp. munozii‐garmendiae are moderately recalcitrant. Seed storage behavior is influenced primarily by the extent of maturation drying of the seeds on the mother plant.
The medicinal and aromatic plants business of Uttarakhand: A mini review of challenges and directions for future research
Authors: Chandra Pramod
Published: August 2020

The medicinal and aromatic plants resources of Uttarakhand, India offer significant opportunities of employment and livelihood for rural communities and contribute a large share in the medicinal and aromatic plants trade of India. With the growing trade of medicinal and aromatic plants resources in the global market, the medicinal and aromatic plants business of Uttarakhand is also continuously growing in terms of trade volume, value and market reach. But, considering the ecological importance as well as unregulated exploitations of these resources, the growing business activities in this sector appear incompatible to the sustainability agenda. Through a mini review, this study assesses the medicinal and aromatic plants sector of Uttarakhand and identifies key challenges that seem incompatible for resource and business sustainability and offers some prospective research directions essential for identifying pragmatic solutions to support sustainability in the sector. This review identifies nine key challenges to sustainability in Uttarakhandʼs medicinal and aromatic plants sector. It is therefore pertinent that future research focus on the prevailing challenges of the medicinal and aromatic plants sector of Uttarakhand to develop strategies for sustainable business prospects.
The effects of antibiotics on the reproductive physiology targeting ovaries in the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus
Authors: Ha Young‐Ran , Jeong Se‐Jin , Jang Chang‐Won , Chang Kyu‐Sik , Kim Hyun‐Woo , Cho Shin‐Hyoung , Lee Hee‐Il
Published: August 2020

Mosquitoes have adapted to various environmental conditions. Symbionts with mosquitoes impact this adaptation in different environments. In the field, mosquitoes could get exposed to antibiotics during their developmental period, which could reduce or eliminate their symbiotic microbes. However, the side effects of the antibiotics on the ovary and reproductive physiology of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of tetracycline and combinations of rifampicin and tetracycline at environmentally acceptable levels on the reproductive physiology of ovaries in Ae. albopictus. Rifampicin and tetracycline in combination reduced the hatching rate and fertility of Ae. albopictus compared to the untreated control group. These antibiotics induced histopathological damage and reactive oxygen species production in the ovaries. The combination of antibiotics decreased the expression of surface protein of Wolbachia (WSP) in Ae. albopictus. Additionally, the expression of Toll like receptor 2 (TLR2) and Myd88 were triggered by the combinations. The findings demonstrate the detrimental effects of antibiotics, particularly combinations of rifampicin and tetracycline, on the reproductive capacity of Ae. albopictus females.
Susceptibility‐guided quadruple therapy is not superior to medication history‐guided therapy for the rescue treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ji Chao Ran , Liu Jing , Li Yue Yue , Qiao Chen , Qu Jun Yan , Hu Jun Nan , Lin Min Juan , Ji Rui , Li Li Xiang , Zuo Xiu Li , Li Yan Qing
Published: August 2020

Objective

In this study we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of two personalized rescue therapies for Helicobacter pylori infection.

Methods

An open‐label, single‐center, randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients who had failed one or two regimens for H. pylori infection were randomized to receive a 14‐day bismuth‐containing quadruple therapy guided by antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) or personal medication history (PMH). In the AST group, either two of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole or levofloxacin were prescribed according to the AST. In the PMH group, amoxicillin plus either levofloxacin or furazolidone were prescribed based on the patient's history of quinolone use. The primary outcomes were eradication rates confirmed by an urea breath test 6 weeks after treatment. The secondary outcomes were adherence, incidence of adverse events (AE) and cost‐effectiveness.

Results

Altogether 164 with a positive culture received AST‐guided therapy and 192 received PMH‐guided therapy, respectively. Both AST‐ and PMH‐guided therapies achieved comparable eradication rate (intention‐to‐treat analysis: 78.10% vs 74.29%, P = 0.42; per‐protocol analysis: 87.10% vs 88.64%, P = 0.80). The AST clarithromycin regimen had a lower per‐protocol eradication rate than the levofloxacin (75.47% vs 96.30%, P = 0.03) or furazolidone‐containing regimen (75.47% vs 92.75%, P = 0.02). Both groups had high compliance with low incidences of AE, and PMH‐guided therapy had a lower medical cost.

Conclusions

AST‐guided therapy was not superior to PMH‐guided therapy as a second‐ or third‐line treatment for H. pylori infection. Considering the cost‐effectiveness, PMH therapy is clinically more favorable.
Associations between Apgar scores and children’s educational outcomes at eight years of age
Authors: Yisma Engida , Mol Ben W. , Lynch John W. , Mittinty Murthy N. , Smithers Lisa G.
Published: August 2020

Background

Low Apgar scores are associated with neonatal morbidity and mortality, but effects of Apgar scores of 0–5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (compared with 10) on longer‐term neurodevelopmental outcomes are less clear.

Aim

To examine the associations between Apgar scores of 0–5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 (compared with 10) and children’s educational outcomes as measured by the Australian National Assessment Program—Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests at age eight.

Materials and Methods

We merged perinatal data including all children born in South Australia from 1999 to 2008 with school assessment data (NAPLAN). School assessments included five learning areas (domains)—reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. Each domain was categorised according to performing at or below National Minimum Standards (≤NMS). Effects were estimated using Augmented Inverse Probability Weighting (AIPW) accounting for a range of maternal, perinatal and sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

Risk differences comparing five‐minute Apgar scores of 0–5 with Apgar scores of 10 for children performing ≤NMS for each domain were: reading (0.07 (95% CI −0.16 to 0.29)), writing (0.27 (95% CI −0.14 to 0.68)), spelling (0.15 (95% CI −0.10 to 0.40)), grammar (0.04 (95% CI −0.21 to 0.29)) and numeracy (0.21 (95% CI −0.04 to 0.45)). Risk differences for children performing ≤NMS were also evident when Apgar score of 6 was compared with Apgar score of 10.

Conclusions

Children with five‐minute Apgar scores of 0–5 and 6, compared with Apgar score of 10, are at higher risk of scoring at/below the NMS on the NAPLAN assessments at eight years.
Peripapillary and parafoveal microvascular changes in eyes with optic neuritis and their fellow eyes measured by optical coherence tomography angiography: an Exploratory Study
Authors: Lee Ga‐In , Park Kyung‐Ah , Oh Sei Yeul , Min Ju‐Hong , Kim Byoung Joon
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate parafoveal and peripapillary microvascular alterations in eyes with optic neuritis (ON) along with their fellow eyes compared to healthy control eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A).

Methods

We included 31 ON‐affected eyes and 31 fellow eyes of 31 patients who had experienced unilateral ON and 33 eyes of 33 healthy controls in this exploratory retrospective cross‐sectional study. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A) was used to generate microvascular structural images and quantify the vessel density of the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP), the deep retinal capillary plexus (DRCP) and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) segments. We used the Kruskal–Wallis test for the comparison of OCT‐A results between the three groups and generalized estimating equation models for the pairwise comparisons.

Results

There were significant differences of SRCP (p = 0.0003) and RPC segment (p < 0.0001) vessel densities between the three groups. Specifically, there was a reduction in parafoveal and peripapillary vessel density in the ON‐affected eyes compared to fellow eyes (SRCP, estimates, −1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI], −3.07, −0.87; RPC, −6.95, 95% CI, −8.70, −5.19) and controls (SRCP, −3.15, 95% CI, −4.61, −1.69; RPC, −8.66, 95% CI, −10.55, −6.76). The superior sector of the RPC segments vessel density in the fellow eyes was decreased compared to the controls (−4.93, 95% CI, −8.07, −1.80).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that microvascular changes occur in both the affected eye and unaffected fellow eye after a unilateral ON episode. Future studies are needed to clarify the clinical implications of these findings.
Effects of a monocarboxylate transport 1 inhibitor, AZD3965, on retinal and visual function in the rat
Authors: Allen Annette E. , Martin Elizabeth A. , Greenwood Katherine , Grant Claire , Vince Peter , Lucas Robert J. , Redfern William S.
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose

Inhibition of monocarboxylate transport 1 (MCT1) is of interest in targeting highly glycolytic tumours. However, MCT1 is expressed in retina, and so inhibition of MCT1 could affect retinal function.

Experimental Approach

AZD3965, an MCT1 inhibitor selected for clinical development, and two additional MCT1 inhibitors were evaluated for effects on visual acuity in albino (Han Wistar) rats. The effects of AZD3965 on visual acuity and electroretinography (ERG) were further investigated in pigmented (Long‐Evans) rats, with dosing for up to 7 days.

Key Results

All three MCT1 inhibitors reduced visual acuity within 2 h of dosing, suggesting a class effect. The deficit caused by AZD3965 (1,000 mg·kg−1 p.o. per day for 4 days) in Long Evans rats recovered to pre‐dose levels 7 days after cessation of dosing. AZD3965 (50 to 1,000 mg·kg−1 p.o.) reduced the amplitude of scotopic a‐ and b‐waves, and photopic b‐wave of the ERG in a dose‐related fashion, within 2 h of dosing. The effects on the scotopic ERG had diminished by Day 7 of dosing, demonstrating partial restoration of function despite continued treatment. Seven days after cessation of dosing at the highest dose tested (1,000 mg·kg−1), there was recovery of both scotopic a‐ and b‐ waves and, to a lesser extent, photopic b‐wave. ERG was affected at lower plasma exposures than was visual function.

Conclusions and Implications

This study clarifies the role of the MCT1 transporter in retinal function. The monitorability of the functional effects on the retina enabled safe clinical use of AZD3965.
Allogeneic expanded adipose‐derived stem cells in the treatment of rectovaginal fistulas in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Nikolic M. , Stift A. , Reinisch W. , Vogelsang H. , Matic A. , Müller C. , von Strauss und Torney M. , Riss S.
Published: August 2020

Aim

Crohn's disease (CD)‐related rectovaginal fistulas (RVFs) are rare, challenging to treat and associated with a high morbidity. Due to a significant lack of data, we aimed to analyse the safety and feasibility of allogeneic adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) in the treatment of CD‐related RVF.

Method

Four consecutive patients with CD‐related RVF underwent treatment with expanded allogeneic ASCs extracted from a healthy donor in a tertiary referral centre in 2019. None of the patients had an intestinal diversion at the time of the treatment. Follow‐up was performed 6 months postoperatively.

Results

The median operation time was 45 min with a median hospital stay of 3 days. No intra‐operative complications occurred. Three patients (75%) developed recurrent RVF after a median follow‐up of 19 days. Two patients required surgical treatment including loose seton drainage due to discharge and pain. One patient developed recurrence of symptoms after 10 days, but refused further surgical therapy. Only one patient (25%) showed healing of the RVF, with re‐epithelialization of both the vaginal and rectal opening and absence of clinical symptoms.

Conclusion

Expanded allogeneic ASC therapy represents a novel safe treatment option for CD‐associated RVF. Although efficacy appears limited, further controlled studies are required to draw robust conclusions.
The elusiveness of representativeness in general population surveys for alcohol
Authors: Rehm Jürgen , Kilian Carolin , Rovira Pol , Shield Kevin D. , Manthey Jakob
Published: August 2020

Population survey research is limited by biases introduced through the exclusion of sub‐populations from the sampling frame and by non‐response bias. This is a particular problem for alcohol surveys, where populations such as the homeless and the institutionalised—who consume on average more alcohol than the general population—are usually excluded, and where people who respond to alcohol surveys tend to consume less alcohol than those who do not. These biases lead to the underestimation of alcohol consumption at the population level, which can be corrected for by triangulating alcohol consumption data with population data sources (i.e. taxation and production). Other methods which account for the biases inherent in surveys include triangulation with outcomes (e.g. traffic injuries), calculation of estimates for groups which are outside common sampling frames, and combining probabilistic sampling with new methodologies, such as computer‐assisted web interviews. In particular, population surveys do not attract sufficient participation numbers for certain groups, such as the marginalised urban male youths. In this situation, it may be helpful to add estimates generated via respondent‐driven sampling or non‐probabilistic web panels restricted to a specific group to such population surveys. Additionally, computer‐assisted web interviews perform better for sensitive questions, such as those about personal alcohol use. In sum, based on the objectives, the future of survey will need to include statistical modelling, adding data from external sources for validation and combining data from various types of surveys.
Defining dental operative skills curricula: An ADEE consensus paper
Authors: Field James , Dixon Jonathan , Towers Ashley , Green Rachel , Albagami Hathal , Lambourn Guy , Mallinson Julie , Fokkinga Wietske , Tricio‐Pesce Jorge , Crnić Tin , Vital Sibylle
Published: August 2020

This paper reports on the recent activity of the pan‐European consensus of the ADEE Special Interest Group for Pre‐Clinical Operative Skills. Following the previous recommendations from the group, and in order to support teachers and to harmonise the delivery of skills training across Europe, a more formal curriculum relating to pre‐clinical operative skills needs to be created. This paper reports European consensus surrounding the categorisation (level of importance, and difficulty) of basic operative dental clinical skills within the undergraduate curriculum and provides recommendations relating to session structure and timing of curricular elements for basic operative dental clinical skills teaching.
The role of grain size in static and cyclic deformation behaviour of a laser reversion annealed metastable austenitic steel
Authors: Droste Matthias , Järvenpää Antti , Jaskari Matias , Motylenko Mykhaylo , Weidner Anja , Karjalainen Pentti , Biermann Horst
Published: August 2020

Different grain sizes were created in a metastable 17Cr‐7Mn‐7Ni steel by martensite‐to‐austenite reversion at different temperatures using a laser beam. Two fully reverted material states obtained at 990°C and 780°C exhibited average grain sizes of 7.7 and 2.7 μm, respectively. The third microstructure (610°C) consisted of grains at different stages of recrystallization and deformed austenite. A hot‐pressed, coarse‐grained counterpart was studied for reference. The yield and tensile strengths increased with refined grain size, maintaining reasonable elongation except for the heterogeneous microstructure. Total strain‐controlled fatigue tests revealed increasing initial stress amplitudes but decreasing cyclic hardening and fatigue‐induced α′‐martensite formation with decreasing grain size. Fatigue life was slightly improved for the 2.7‐μm grain size. Contrary, the heterogeneous microstructure yielded an inferior lifetime, especially at high strain amplitudes. Examinations of the cyclically deformed microstructure showed that the characteristic deformation band structure was less pronounced in refined grains.
Fatigue assessment of high strength welded joints through the strain energy density method
Authors: Foti Pietro , Berto Filippo
Published: August 2020

The main aim of the present work is to investigate, through the strain energy density method, the fatigue behaviour of high strength welded joints realised employed in hydraulic runner blades. The geometries, found in literature, present the welding bead machined in order to have no geometrical discontinuities in the specimen realising a wide fitting radius between the two welded plates; the only critical geometrical discontinuity in the specimen is given by the lack of penetration that leads to an internal crack‐like defect. The specimens presented failure both from the weld toe and from the weld root depending on the amount of welding penetration. The results, summarised in this work with the strain energy density method, show clearly the possibility to consider a unique master curve for this kind of joints regardless of the failure initiation point. Acquiring, through a finite element model, the strain energy density value both at the weld toe and at the weld root and comparing them, the method is proved to be adequate to detect the most critical area of the joint. A first fatigue master curve in terms of cyclic averaged strain energy density value is provided for the fatigue design of high strength welded joints.
Psychometric validation of the Partners in Health scale as a self‐management tool in patients with liver cirrhosis
Authors: Ramachandran Jeyamani , Smith David , Woodman Richard , Muller Kate , Wundke Rachel , McCormick Rosemary , Kaambwa Billingsley , Wigg Alan
Published: August 2020

Background and Aim

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease complicated by recurrent hospital admissions. Self‐management skills could facilitate optimal disease management. At present there is no validated instrument for measuring self‐management in these patients. Hence, we evaluated the internal reliability and construct validity of the Partners in Health (PIH) scale, a chronic condition self‐management tool in cirrhotic patients.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, the PIH scale was administered to 133 consenting patients within a Chronic Liver Failure Program of a tertiary hospital from February 2017 to May 2018. A Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate a priori four‐factor structure. Omega coefficients and 95% credible intervals (CrI) were used to assess internal reliability. Known‐group validity was assessed in patients receiving active case management (n = 60) versus those without (n = 73).

Results

The mean (± standard deviation (SD)) age of the participants was 62 (±11) years. Model fit for the hypothesised model was adequate (posterior predictive P‐value = 0.073) and all hypothesised factor loadings were substantial (>0.6) and significant (P < 0.001). Omega coefficients (95% CrI) for the PIH subscales of Knowledge, Partnership, Management and Coping were 0.88 (0.82–0.91), 0.68 (0.57–0.76), 0.92 (0.89–0.94) and 0.89 (0.85–0.92) respectively. The mean (±SD) overall PIH score was higher in patients receiving case management compared to those without case management (81 ± 12 vs 73 ± 17, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The dimensionality, known‐group validity and reliability of the PIH scale for measuring self‐management in patients with liver cirrhosis were confirmed. Its clinical predictive value requires further assessment.
Hyperspectral imaging in wound care: A systematic review
Authors: Saiko Gennadi , Lombardi Phoebe , Au Yunghan , Queen Douglas , Armstrong David , Harding Keith
Published: August 2020

Multispectral and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) are emerging imaging techniques with the potential to transform the way patients with wounds are cared for, but it is not clear whether current systems are capable of delivering real‐time tissue characterisation and treatment guidance. We conducted a systematic review of HSI systems that have been assessed in patients, published over the past 32 years. We analysed 140 studies, including 10 different HSI systems. Current in vivo HSI systems generate a tissue oxygenation map. Tissue oxygenation measurements may help to predict those patients at risk of wound formation or delayed healing. No safety concerns were reported in any studies. A small number of studies have demonstrated the capabilities of in vivo label‐free HSI, but further work is needed to fully integrate it into the current clinical workflow for different wound aetiologies. As an emerging imaging modality for medical applications, HSI offers great potential for non‐invasive disease diagnosis and guidance when treating patients with both acute and chronic wounds.
Wound assessment, imaging and monitoring systems in diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review
Authors: Chan Kai Siang , Lo Zhiwen Joseph
Published: August 2020

Patients with diabetes mellitus have a lifetime risk of 15% to 25% of developing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). DFU is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Wound imaging systems are useful adjuncts in monitoring of wound progress. Our study aims to review existing literature on the available wound assessment and monitoring systems for DFU. This is a systematic review of articles from PubMed and Embase (1974 – March 2020). All studies related to wound assessment or monitoring systems in DFUs were included. Articles on other types of wounds, review articles, and non‐English texts were excluded. Outcomes include clinical use, wound measurement statistics, hospital system integration, and other advantages and challenges. The search identified 531 articles. Seventeen full‐text studies were eligible for the final analysis. Five modalities were identified: (a) computer applications or hand‐held devices (n = 5), (b) mobile applications (n = 2), (c) optical imaging (n = 2), (d) spectroscopy or hyperspectral imaging (n = 4), and (e) artificial intelligence (n = 4). Most studies (n = 16) reported on wound assessment or monitoring. Only one study reported on data capturing. Two studies on the use of computer applications reported low inter‐observer variability in wound measurement (inter‐rater reliability >0.99, and inter‐observer variability 15.9% respectively). Hand‐held commercial devices demonstrated high accuracy (relative error of 2.1%‐6.8%). Use of spectroscopy or hyperspectral imaging in prediction of wound healing has a sensitivity and specificity of 80% to 90% and 74%to 86%, respectively. Majority of the commercially available wound assessment systems have not been reviewed in the literature on measurement accuracy. In conclusion, most imaging systems are superior to traditional wound assessment. Wound imaging systems should be used as adjuncts in DFU monitoring.
Mucosal responses of brown‐marbled grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskål, 1775) following intraperitoneal infection with Vibrio harveyi
Authors: Chieng Catherine Cheng Yun , Daud Hassan Mohd , Yusoff Fatimah Md , Thompson Kim Dawn , Abdullah Maha
Published: August 2020

Groupers are popular aquaculture species in South‐East Asia, but their cultivation is affected by infectious disease outbreaks. Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissues provide a first‐line defence against pathogens; however, few studies are available relating to cellular or proteomic responses of mucosal immunity in grouper. Skin, gill and intestine were sampled from brown‐marbled grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus (Forsskål, 1775) at 4 and 96 hr post‐infection (hpi) and 7 days post‐infection (dpi) following intraperitoneal infection with Vibrio harveyi, and stained with haematoxylin/eosin and Alcian Blue/periodic acid–Schiff. Skin mucus was analysed by 2D‐gel electrophoresis, and proteins modulated by the bacterial infection identified. In the infected fish, significant increases in sacciform cells in skin and increased levels of nucleoside diphosphate kinase in mucus were detected at 4 hpi. At 96 hpi, goblet cells containing acidic mucins significantly increased in the intestine, while those containing mixed mucins increased in skin and gills of infected fish. Proteasome subunit alpha type‐I and extracellular Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase levels also increased in mucus. Rodlet and mast cells did not appear to respond to the infection. Mucosal tissues of grouper appeared actively involved in response to Vibrio infection. This information may help future research on improving grouper health, production and vaccine development.
The relationship between famine exposure in early life and left atrial enlargement in adulthood
Authors: Huang Y.‐Q. , Liu L. , Yu Y.‐L. , Lo K. , Chen C.‐L. , Huang J.‐Y. , Zhou Y.‐L. , Feng Y.‐Q.
Published: August 2020

Background

Increased left atrium diameter (LAD) is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between nutrition status and left atrial enlargement (LAE) is still unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the association of famine exposure in early life with LAE in adulthood.

Methods

Participants were divided into non‐exposed, fetal, early, middle and late childhood exposed groups according to birth data. LAE was defined when LAD was ≥3.9 cm in women and ≥4.1 cm in men, or ≥2.3 cm m−2 by a sex‐independent cut‐off normalised for body surface area. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) between famine exposure and LAE.

Results

In total, 2522 [905 male, mean (SD) age 59.1 (3.65) years] subjects were enrolled, including 392 (15.5%) LAE subjects. The prevalence of LAE in non‐exposed, fetal, early, middle and late childhood exposed groups was 55 (10.8%), 38 (11.2%), 88 (18.1%), 102 (16.7%) and 109 (19.0%), respectively. Compared to the non‐exposed group, the ORs for LAE were in fetal (OR = 0.956, 95% CI = 0.605–1.500, P = 0.847), late (OR = 1.748, 95% CI = 1.208–2.555, P = 0.003), middle (OR = 1.647, 95% CI = 1.140–2.403, P = 0.008) and early (OR = 1.630, 95% CI = 1.116–2.399, P = 0.012) childhood exposed groups after adjusting potential cofounders. When stratified by gender, smoking, body mass index, hypertension and diabetes, we found that the effect of famine exposure on LAE was only modified by diabetes (Pinteraction = 0.007).

Conclusions

Famine exposure during childhood stage might increase the risk of LAE in adults, and this effect interacts with diabetes.
The use of online support by people with intellectual disabilities living independently during COVID‐19
Authors: Zaagsma M. , Volkers K.M. , Swart E.A.K. , Schippers A.P. , Van Hove G.
Published: August 2020

Background

During the COVID‐19 outbreak, service providers in the Netherlands had to switch towards providing remote support for people with intellectual disabilities living independently. This study aims to provide insight into the use of online support during the outbreak.

Methods

We analysed quantitative data on planned and unplanned contacts between the online support service DigiContact and its service users.

Results

The results indicate that the COVID‐19 outbreak and the related containment measures had a strong impact on online support use, specifically on the unplanned use of online support.

Conclusion

Offering online support as a standard component of services for independently living people with intellectual disability enables service providers to be flexible and responsive towards fluctuations in both support needs and onsite support availability during a social crisis such as COVID‐19.