bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An investigation of key predictors of organizational citizenship behavior of civil servants
Authors: Obedgiu Vincent , Nkurunziza Gideon , Simiyu Gabriel , Lubogoyi Bumaali
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the key predictors of organizational citizenship behavior of civil servants in local governments in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

The study draws on a quantitative approach and cross-sectional survey design. Data were collected using a self-administered closed-ended questionnaire from a sample size of 265 respondents derived using Krejcie and Morgan (1970) from a population of 844 civil servants using stratified simple random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistical software vs 23 and Hypotheses tested using Hayes (2018) Process Macro v3.2 (Model 4).

Findings

The findings revealed that organizational justice has a significant positive effect on organizational commitment, which impact positively on organizational citizenship behavior of civil servants. The study further reveals an indirect-only mediation where organizational justice affects organizational citizenship behavior through organizational commitment. The study proves that there is no direct relationship such a relationship is enhanced through organizational commitment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to knowledge by providing key information on the predictors of organizational citizenship behavior of civil servants. The indirect-only mediation findings give some new insights into theory and literature. This study has eventually changed the direction of the debate popularly held among previous scholars who believe that organizational justice relates to organizational citizenship behavior. This is relevant in understanding the concept of organizational citizenship behavior and filling the practical gap that exists in Ugandan context.
Choice and interest in designed learning environments: the case of FUSE Studios
Authors: DiGiacomo Daniela K. , Van Horne Katie , Penuel William R.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Empirical investigation into the e-learning innovation, FUSE Studios, is both timely and relevant because FUSE is rapidly expanding domestically and abroad and there is continued interest in the interdisciplinary fields of information and learning sciences in the constructs of choice and interest as they relate to the provision and design of learning experiences. In particular, this paper aims to contribute to scholarly and design-based conversations on how e-learning innovations – especially those situated within the digital youth and constructionism strands of research – can be designed in ways that support robust opportunities for learning for young people (Reynolds et al., 2019).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon a large corpus of mixed-methods data including computer-generated activity log data, youth survey data and studio facilitator interview data, this paper examines patterns of use and interest-related experience among young people in a range of FUSE Studios settings across the USA.

Findings

The results suggest that student choice within FUSE’s curricular and Studio model tends to support a broad exploration of interests across a wide range of youth, rather than a deep dive into particular Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) content areas.

Practical implications

Alongside the broad exploration that was found to characterize the patterns of student choice in FUSE Studios, a striking number of students from those surveyed reported that FUSE supported their interest development: they liked the FUSE challenges, were always able to find something of interest to do in the FUSE Studios and saw the FUSE challenges are supportive of their current and future interests. (See similar findings in Stevens et al., 2016). We understand these student self-reported experiences as evidence that the FUSE Studios model did well to encourage meaningful, interest-driven learning experiences for youth.

Originality/value

Committed to making research usable for practice, this paper offers implications for future e-learning designs that seek to make choice and interest central to the organization of activity and environment.
Customer’s expectations and perceptions of reference marketing programs
Authors: Morgado Andre Vilares
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to study organizational purchasing and relationship formation in interactions between customers and suppliers of capital equipment and the factors affecting the ability of reference marketing programs to deliver their expected purchasing benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

This work adopts an inductive research strategy and combines a critical realist approach with a qualitative research method consisting of in-depth interviews with purchasing managers from the energy industry.

Findings

By presenting a new theoretical model that aims to explain the referencing phenomenon, this study offers a deeper understanding of referencing and thus new perspectives on how and under what circumstances the customer–supplier relationship can be leveraged.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the qualitative nature of the research, no claim to statistical significance can be made. The model presented here helps the authors to understand the empirical phenomena as exhibited in the recorded interviews, but it does not allow for statistical generalization. The model allows for a certain degree of analytic inference but only within the study’s boundaries and limitations because the above findings are specific to the electric power industry.

Practical implications

A deeper understanding of this phenomenon allows suppliers to pursue strategies based on efficient reference marketing programs. The paper ends by presenting useful recommendations for reference marketing best practices and suggestions for improving the use of references in organizational purchasing.

Originality/value

The available literature on referencing does not clarify the factors that affect the ability of reference marketing to deliver its purchasing benefits. Thus, the facts and circumstances associated with the influence that reference marketing programs have on purchasing behavior have yet to be determined.
Does regional trade promote economic growth? Evidence from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Authors: Okoro Agwu Sunday , Ujunwa Augustine , Umar Farida , Ukemenam Angela
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the impact of regional and non-regional trade on economic growth using annual data from Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member countries for the period 2007 to 2017.

Design/methodology/approach

Trade data were decomposed into regional (trade among ECOWAS Member States) and non-regional (trade between ECOWAS Member States and the rest of the world). We used the dynamic system GMM to estimate the models and introduced exchange rate, unemployment rate, population growth and gross capital formation as controlled variables.

Findings

The results revealed that the estimated coefficient of ECOWAS regional trade is statistically significant and positive in predicting growth, while the non-regional trade coefficient is negative and not statistically significant in predicting growth. Other predictors of growth introduced into the model as controlled variables, such as exchange rate, unemployment rate, population growth and gross capital formation, displayed mixed results. More importantly, population growth, unemployment and exchange rate depreciation hurt economic growth, while gross capital formation promotes economic growth.

Practical implications

The findings provide strong support in favour of the Krugman (1991) hypothesis that regional trade agreements (RTAs) are a better alternative to global trade.

Originality/value

Our decision to disaggregate ECOWAS trade is unique and influenced largely by the objective of the study, which is to establish the type of ECOWAS trade that is a good predictor of growth. The evidence from our findings support the theory that RTAs are a better catalyst to economic growth.
Suggestions for standardization of halal tourism in hospitality industry
Authors: Pamukcu Huseyin , Sariisik Mehmet
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the expectations of hotel guests regarding the halal standards in the hotels where they stay. Besides, the determination of differences in demographic characteristics of the participants is among the objectives of the research. Thus, taking into consideration the halal standard expectations of the participants, the results that will support the applications of accommodation establishments have been attempted to be figured out.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research methods were used in this research. Owing to the lack of a specific scale in the related literature, the questionnaire used in the study was created as a result of pilot tests conducted with the expressions mentioned in the theoretical studies. In a sense, this research provides a basis for the development of a scale that was not available in this area. Analysis methods were decided by considering the preconditions for parametric test techniques.

Findings

Islamic lifestyle is specified as the most common reason for choosing halal concept hotels. Additionally, there are some other outstanding reasons like halal food, safer holiday etc. Watching TV during the holidays is the least important reason to spend time. It has been determined that the attitude toward halal tourism changes according to gender and women’s attitude toward tourism is more positive than men’s. In addition to this, it is found out that the attitude of halal tourism differs by age for males, while it differs by educational status for women. It is ensured that potential entrepreneurs can achieve significant economic gains by attracting investors’ attention to this market. Besides, the possibility of meeting the holiday needs of the masses with religious sensitivities within the country is revealed by halal tourism. The emergence of sufficient tourism facilities will show that this group will be respected and valued. Hence, this will also contribute positively to social tolerance.

Research limitations/implications

Halal tourism is an issue for almost all tourism (accommodation, eating, recreation, transportation) businesses. However, this dissertation focused on accommodation establishments and other tourism enterprises were excluded from the scope of the study.

Practical implications

It is believed that this study is authentic in the way it offers a universal halal tourism model for the hospitality industry as well as the comprehensive literature review that it is built on. Thus, it is expected to have a significant impact on both practical and theoretical knowledge.

Originality/value

This study is unique in terms of increasing the satisfaction of the people demanding the halal concept accommodation establishments can apply halal tourism and offering a standardization proposal for that. It is thought that this research is original and that it is important for both the practice field and the theoretical field to provide a standardization which can be applied in accommodation establishments.
Research and development of autism diagnosis information system based on deep convolution neural network and facial expression data
Authors: Zhao Wang , Lu Long
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Facial expression provides abundant information for social interaction, and the analysis and utilization of facial expression data are playing a huge driving role in all areas of society. Facial expression data can reflect people's mental state. In health care, the analysis and processing of facial expression data can promote the improvement of people's health. This paper introduces several important public facial expression databases and describes the process of facial expression recognition. The standard facial expression database FER2013 and CK+ were used as the main training samples. At the same time, the facial expression image data of 16 Chinese children were collected as supplementary samples. With the help of VGG19 and Resnet18 algorithm models of deep convolution neural network, this paper studies and develops an information system for the diagnosis of autism by facial expression data.

Design/methodology/approach

The facial expression data of the training samples are based on the standard expression database FER2013 and CK+. FER2013 and CK+ databases are a common facial expression data set, which is suitable for the research of facial expression recognition. On the basis of FER2013 and CK+ facial expression database, this paper uses the machine learning model support vector machine (SVM) and deep convolution neural network model CNN, VGG19 and Resnet18 to complete the facial expression recognition.

Findings

In this study, ten normal children and ten autistic patients were recruited to test the accuracy of the information system and the diagnostic effect of autism. After testing, the accuracy rate of facial expression recognition is 81.4 percent. This information system can easily identify autistic children. The feasibility of recognizing autism through facial expression is verified.

Research limitations/implications

The CK+ facial expression database contains some adult facial expression images. In order to improve the accuracy of facial expression recognition for children, more facial expression data of children will be collected as training samples. Therefore, the recognition rate of the information system will be further improved.

Originality/value

This research uses facial expression data and the latest artificial intelligence technology, which is advanced in technology. The diagnostic accuracy of autism is higher than that of traditional systems, so this study is innovative. Research topics come from the actual needs of doctors, and the contents and methods of research have been discussed with doctors many times. The system can diagnose autism as early as possible, promote the early treatment and rehabilitation of patients, and then reduce the economic and mental burden of patients. Therefore, this information system has good social benefits and application value.
Sustainability reporting and performance of MENA banks: is there a trade-off?
Authors: Buallay Amina , Fadel Sayed M. , Al-Ajmi Jasim Yusuf , Saudagaran Shahrokh
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Sustainability reporting has been widely adopted by firms worldwide given stakeholders’ need for more transparency on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. This study aims to investigate the relationship between ESG and bank’s operational (return on assets [ROA]), financial (return on equity [ROE]) and market performance (Tobin’s Q) in a group of emerging countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Design/methodology/approach

This study examines 59 banks listed on the stock exchanges of MENA countries over a period of 10 years (2008-2017). Only conventional banks with all data for at least two years are included in the sample. The core independent variable is ESG scores, and the dependent variables are ROA, ROE and Tobin’s Q. This study uses bank- and country-specific control variables to measure the relationship between sustainability reporting and bank’s performance.

Findings

The findings from the empirical results demonstrate a significant positive impact of ESG on performance and economic benefits to shareholders. However, the relationship between ESG disclosures varies individually; unlike the majority of published research, the authors found that social performance plays a negative role in determining bank’s profitability and value. Furthermore, the authors present evidence in support of the impact of bank- and country-specific factors in determining bank’s performance.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the impact of sustainability reporting on banks’ performance in the MENA region. It provides evidence that questions the positive relationship between sustainability reporting and financial measures of performance.
Properties of glass/epoxy sandwich structure for electronic boards
Authors: Pietrikova Alena , Lenger Tomas , Fricova Olga , Popovic Lubos , Livovsky Lubomir
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to characterize a novel glass/epoxy architecture sandwich structure for electronic boards. Understanding the thermo-mechanical behavior of these composites is important because it is possible to pre-determine whether defined “internal” thick laminates will be suitable for embedding components in the direction of the axis “z,” i.e. this method of manufacturing multilayer laminates can be used for incoming miniaturization in electronics.

Design/methodology/approach

Laminates with a low glass transition temperature (Tg) and high Tg with E-glass type were treated, tested and compared. Testing samples were manufactured by nonstandard two steps unidirectional lamination as a multilayer structure based on prepreg layers and as “a sandwich structure” to explore its effect on thermo-mechanical properties. The proposed tested method determines the time and temperature-dependent viscoelastic properties of the board by using dynamic mechanical analysis, thermo-mechanical analysis and three-point bend tests.

Findings

This testing method was chosen because the main property that promotes sandwich structure is their high stiffness. Glass/epoxy stiff and thermal stabile sandwich structure prepared by nonstandard two-stage lamination is proper for embedding components and the next miniaturization in electronics.

Originality/value

Compared with by-default applied glass-reinforced homogenous laminates, novel architecture sandwich structure is attractive because of a combination of strength, stiffness and all while maintaining the miniaturization requirement and multifunctional application in electronics.
Chasing productivity demands, worker well-being, and firm performance
Authors: Ab Wahab Mastura , Tatoglu Ekrem
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of chasing productivity demands on worker well-being and firm performance in manufacturing firms in Malaysia. Flexible work arrangements and human resources support are used as moderators to mitigate the adverse impacts associated with chasing productivity demands.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 213 workers from manufacturing firms through a survey questionnaire utilizing structural equation modeling.

Findings

The findings of the study show that flexible work arrangements play a significant role in moderating the relationship between chasing productivity demands and well-being, and between chasing productivity demands and firm performance. The study also shows that flexible work arrangements are important to buffer the adverse effects of chasing productivity demands on worker well-being. In addition, flexible work arrangements strengthen the positive effect of worker well-being on firm performance.

Research limitations/implications

This study highlights the importance of flexible work arrangements in overcoming the negative impact of the relationship between chasing productivity demands and worker well-being and strengthening the positive impact of the relationship between worker well-being and firm performance.

Originality/value

This study has extended the variable of chasing productivity demands in the existing literature on the job demands–job control model, specifically in manufacturing firms.
Vulnerable minds, bodily thoughts, and sensory spirits: local theory of mind and spiritual experience in Ghana
Authors: Dulin John
Published: March 2020

This essay looks at the resonances between common cultural models of the mind in the central region of Ghana and patterns of spiritual experience among charismatic evangelical Christians and practitioners of southern Ghana's indigenous religion, known as traditionalists. In particular, I examine the resonance between the model of the mind that construes it as porous, as vulnerable to forcible take‐over by hostile entities, and experiences of divine beings insistently pushing people to do their will. It is also relatively common for people in Ghana to report seeing the divine with their eyes and hearing it with their ears. I argue that this experience resonates with, and is perhaps facilitated by, a tendency of local models of mind in Ghana to blend sense and percept.
Unpopular Sovereignty?
Authors: Somek Alexander , Wilkinson Michael A.
Published: March 2020

Popular sovereignty was presented in modern constitutional discourse as a mode of collective action. It was supposedly manifest in the power to constitute, control and dismantle governments. Important strands of contemporary constitutional theory, notably legal constitutionalism and deliberative democracy, have taken leave of this tradition. They have severed the connection between sovereignty and action. What remains of popular sovereignty is fundamental rights and values, or dispersed networks of deliberation. This is based on the the idea that the place of power is ‘empty’ and legitimised on the principle of including ‘All‐Affected‐Interests’. The very concept of sovereignty thus becomes unpopular. This contribution aims to re‐establish the link between popular sovereignty and action by examining sovereignty's emancipatory telos, its majoritarian mode of operation and its dependence on political citizenship.
Metabolic modulation of redox state confounds fish survival against Vibrio alginolyticus infection
Authors: Gong Qi‐yang , Yang Man‐jun , Yang Li-fen , Chen Zhuang‐gui , Jiang Ming , Peng Bo
Published: March 2020

Vibrio alginolyticus threatens both humans and marine animals, but hosts respond to V. alginolyticus infection is not fully understood. Here, functional metabolomics was adopted to investigate the metabolic differences between the dying and surviving zebrafish upon V. alginolyticus infection. Tryptophan was identified as the most crucial metabolite, whose abundance was decreased in the dying group but increased in the survival group as compared to control group without infection. Concurrently, the dying zebrafish displayed excessive immune response and produced higher level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Interestingly, exogenous tryptophan reverted dying rate through metabolome re‐programming, thereby enhancing the survival from V. alginolyticus infection. It is preceded by the following mechanism: tryptophan fluxed into the glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), promoted adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and further increased the generation of NADPH. Meanwhile, tryptophan decreased NADPH oxidation. These together ameliorate ROS, key molecules in excessive immune response. This is further supported by the event that the inhibition of pyruvate metabolism and TCA cycle by inhibitors decreased D. reiro survival. Thus, our data indicate that tryptophan is a key metabolite for the host to fight against V. alginolyticus infection, representing an alternative strategy to treat bacterial infection in an antibiotic‐independent way.
Myriocin‐induced adaptive laboratory evolution of an industrial strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals its potential to remodel lipid composition and heat tolerance
Authors: Randez‐Gil Francisca , Prieto Jose A. , Rodríguez‐Puchades Alejandro , Casas Josefina , Sentandreu Vicente , Estruch Francisco
Published: March 2020

The modification of lipid composition allows cells to adjust membrane biophysical properties in response to changes in environmental temperature. Here, we use adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) in the presence of myriocin, a sphingolipid (SLs) biosynthesis inhibitor, to remodel the lipid profile of an industrial yeast strain (LH) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The approach enabled to obtain a heterogeneous population (LHev) of myriocin‐tolerant evolved clones characterized by its growth capacity at high temperature. Myriocin exposure also caused tolerance to soraphen A, an inhibitor of the acetyl‐CoA carboxylase Acc1, the rate‐limiting enzyme in fatty acid de novo production, supporting a change in lipid metabolism during ALE. In line with this, characterization of two randomly selected clones, LH03 and LH09, showed the presence of lipids with increased saturation degree and reduced acyl length. In addition, the clone LH03, which displays the greater improvement in fitness at 40°C, exhibited higher SL content as compared with the parental strain. Analysis of the LH03 and LH09 genomes revealed a loss of chromosomes affecting genes that have a role in fatty acid synthesis and elongation. The link between ploidy level and growth at high temperature was further supported by the analysis of a fully isogenic set of yeast strains with ploidy between 1N and 4N which showed that the loss of genome content provides heat tolerance. Consistent with this, a thermotolerant evolved population (LH40°) generated from the parental LH strain by heat‐driven ALE exhibited a reduction in the chromosome copy number. Thus, our results identify myriocin‐driven evolution as a powerful approach to investigate the mechanisms of acquired thermotolerance and to generate improved strains.
Improvement of homologous GH10 xylanase production by deletion of genes with predicted function in the Aspergillus nidulans secretion pathway
Authors: Zubieta Mariane P. , Gerhardt Jaqueline A. , Rubio Marcelo V. , Terrasan César R. F. , Persinoti Gabriela F. , Antoniel Everton P. , Contesini Fabiano J. , Prade Rolf A. , Damasio André
Published: March 2020

Filamentous fungi are important cell factories for large‐scale enzyme production. However, production levels are often low, and this limitation has stimulated research focusing on the manipulation of genes with predicted function in the protein secretory pathway. This pathway is the major route for the delivery of proteins to the cell exterior, and a positive relationship between the production of recombinant enzymes and the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway has been observed. In this study, Aspergillus nidulans was exposed to UPR‐inducing chemicals and differentially expressed genes were identified by RNA‐seq. Twelve target genes were deleted in A. nidulans recombinant strains producing homologous and heterologous GH10 xylanases. The knockout of pbnA (glycosyltransferase), ydjA (Hsp40 co‐chaperone), trxA (thioredoxin) and cypA (cyclophilin) improved the production of the homologous xylanase by 78, 171, 105 and 125% respectively. Interestingly, these deletions decreased the overall protein secretion, suggesting that the production of the homologous xylanase was specifically altered. However, the production of the heterologous xylanase and the secretion of total proteins were not altered by deleting the same genes. Considering the results, this approach demonstrated the possibility of rationally increase the production of a homologous enzyme, indicating that trxA, cypA, ydjA and pbnA are involved in protein production by A. nidulans.
New relationship of E2F1 and BNIP3 with caveolin‐1 in lung cancer‐associated fibroblasts
Authors: Shen Cheng , Chen Xuanming , Xiao Kai , Che Guowei
Published: March 2020

In recent years, studies have found that E2F1, a downstream effector of caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1), participates in tumor cell metabolic reprogramming. E2F1 modulates mitochondrial fusion and mitophagy. Bioinformatic analysis has identified the E2F1‐MFN2 axis as a regulator of mitophagy. Our data establish a new novel paradigm for regulation of the tumor cell metabolic reprogramming pathway by Cav‐1 that is operationally linked and mutually dependent on the transcriptional activation of E2F1 and induces mitophagy with BNIP3 in cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs).
Primary lung squamous cell carcinoma and its association with gastric metastasis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Nemoto Mariko , Prasoon Pankaj , Ichikawa Hiroshi , Hanyu Takaaki , Kano Yosuke , Muneoka Yusuke , Usui Kenji , Hirose Yuki , Miura Kohei , Shimada Yoshifumi , Nagahashi Masayuki , Sakata Jun , Ishikawa Takashi , Tsuchida Masanori , Wakai Toshifumi
Published: March 2020

Nearly 50% of primary lung carcinoma patients present with distant metastasis at their first visit. However, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) metastasis is an infrequent impediment. Herein, we report a case of progressive dysphagia and epigastralgia as an initial manifestation of recurrence as gastric metastasis of primary lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after curative surgery. A 64‐year‐old man was diagnosed with primary lung SCC of the right lower lobe, and underwent thoracoscopic lower lobectomy. One year after lobectomy, computed tomography (CT) scan showed a gastric fundal mass located in the gastric cardia which measured 5 cm. Endoscopic biopsies and histopathology subsequently confirmed that tumor was SCC. The patient then underwent proximal gastrectomy with resection of the diaphragmatic crus. Following surgery, histopathological examination revealed gastric metastasis from primary lung SCC.

Key points

Gastric metastasis of primary lung carcinoma is one of the rarest phenomena. Gastrointestinal symptoms should raise suspicion of the presence of advanced metastatic disease with poor prognosis.
N‐acetylcysteine reduces cocaine‐seeking behavior and anterior cingulate glutamate/glutamine levels among cocaine‐dependent individuals
Authors: Woodcock Eric A. , Lundahl Leslie H. , Khatib Dalal , Stanley Jeffrey A. , Greenwald Mark K.
Published: March 2020

N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) is a cystine prodrug shown to reduce cocaine‐ and cue‐primed reinstatement of cocaine‐seeking behavior in preclinical studies. In this inpatient study, the effects of NAC maintenance versus placebo on cocaine‐seeking behavior were examined during cocaine‐primed and unprimed self‐administration sessions among non‐treatment‐seeking, cocaine‐dependent individuals. Twelve participants completed this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, within‐subject crossover study. Each participant was maintained for 1 week (Sat–Fri) on NAC (1200‐mg TID; 3600 mg/day total) and 1 week on placebo (0‐mg TID); medication order was randomized. A subset of participants underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy scans (n = 8) on the third day of medication (Mon) to assess neurochemistry in the rostral anterior cingulate (rACC; voxel = 4.5 cm3). In four randomized sessions (Tue–Fri) each week, each participant could earn unit amounts of cocaine (10 mg, fixed) versus money ($0.50 vs. $1.50) on a choice, progressive ratio schedule after insufflating active versus placebo cocaine‐priming doses (110 mg vs. 4 mg). Relative to the placebo priming dose, the active cocaine priming dose (110 mg) increased cocaine‐seeking behavior (p = .003). NAC reduced cocaine‐primed cocaine‐seeking behavior compared with placebo levels (p = .044) but did not alter placebo‐primed cocaine‐seeking behavior. The larger money alternative ($1.50) suppressed cocaine‐seeking behavior relative to the smaller money alternative ($0.50; p = .011). Compared with placebo levels, NAC significantly decreased rACC glutamate + glutamine levels (p = .035) and numerically decreased rACC glutamate levels (p = .085). These preliminary findings indicate that NAC suppresses cocaine‐seeking behavior in some, but not all, experimental scenarios. Further, our findings suggest NAC may exert its therapeutic effects by modulating excitatory tone in the rACC.
Bank ownership type and temporal evolution of long‐term bank funding in the period 2005–2017
Authors: Meriläinen Jari‐Mikko
Published: March 2020

This study uses a large panel dataset of Western European banks to examine the determinants of bank funding stability. Banks are divided into three categories by bank ownership type; the ownership types in this study are commercial banks, cooperative banks and savings banks. Three sources of stable bank funding are investigated: customer deposits, equity, and long‐term liabilities. Furthermore, the sum of these funding components is used as a proxy variable for a bank's total available stable funding (ASF). A special focus is on the temporal evolution of these funding types. The regression results show that commercial banks’ funding became much more stable in the period 2005–2017. However, that funding remains, on average, less stable than does cooperative and savings banks’ funding. In addition, funding stability has remained at the pre‐crisis level in cooperative and savings banks, despite a steep dip in cooperative banks’ ASF during the sovereign debt crisis. Furthermore, banks substantially decreased financing from long‐term liabilities after the financial crisis, replacing it with customer deposits and equity.
Dentists’ perspectives on barriers to providing oral health care in French psychiatric hospitals with on‐site dental clinics
Authors: Couatarmanach Antoine , Sherlaw William , Prigent Pierre‐Marie , Harpet Cyrille , Bertaud Valérie
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Psychiatric inpatients suffer from poorer oral health than the general population, and difficulties in accessing necessary dental treatment remain even when a dedicated dental service is available within the psychiatric hospital. The aim of this study was to identify barriers to access dental care from the point of view of dentists working within French psychiatric hospitals.

Methods

The relatively small number of dentists working in psychiatric hospitals necessitated a qualitative approach. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed and coded in a conventional content analysis approach.

Results

Eight interviews were conducted. Six of the dentists interviewed were men, and two were women. Three of them worked full‐time in a psychiatric facility, while the other five worked partly in the hospital and partly in private practice. The average duration for interviews was 54 minutes (minimum 24 min, maximum 89 min). The interviews highlighted three dimensions of barriers to access to dental care. The first dimension was directly related to the patient. This may be linked to the patient's psychiatric disorder but not necessarily. This also encompasses refusal of care. A second dimension regrouped events related to the organization of the hospital (locally), such as communication issues between staff members within the dental office, and with other staff members from the psychiatric ward. A third dimension included difficulties related to the overall organization of the healthcare system, including financial issues and deinstitutionalization.

Conclusions

In‐site dental consultations appear as an interesting tool to enhance access to oral care for psychiatric inpatients. However, difficulties remain from the dentists' perspective.
Genetics of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gil‐Ortuño Cristina , Sebastián‐Marcos Patricia , Sabater‐Molina María , Nicolas‐Rocamora Elisa , Gimeno‐Blanes Juan R. , Fernández del Palacio María J.
Published: March 2020

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by an abnormal increase in myocardial mass that affects cardiac structure and function. HCM is the most common inherited cardiovascular disease in humans (0.2%) and the most common cardiovascular disease in cats (14.7%). Feline HCM phenotype is very similar to the phenotype found in humans, but the time frame for the development of the disease is significantly shorter. Similar therapeutic agents are used in its treatment and it has the same complications, such as heart failure, thromboembolism and sudden cardiac death. In contrast to humans, in whom thousands of genetic variants have been identified, genetic studies in cats have been limited to fragment analysis of two sarcomeric genes identifying two variants in MYBPC3 and one in MYH7. Two of these variants have also been associated with human disease. The high prevalence of the reported variants in non‐affected cats hinders the assumption of their pathogenicity in heterozygotes. An in‐depth review of the literature about genetic studies on feline HCM in comparison with the same disease in humans is presented here. The close similarity in the phenotype and genotype between cats and humans makes the cat an excellent model for the pathophysiological study of the disease and future therapeutic agents.
Governance, Information Spillovers, and Productivity of Local Firms: Toward an Integrated Approach to Foreign Direct Investment and Global Value Chains
Authors: Murakami Yoshimichi , Otsuka Keijiro
Published: March 2020

Information spillovers from multinational enterprises to local firms in developing countries are examined in the literature on global value chains and foreign direct investment. However, global value chain studies and foreign direct investment studies are carried out independently and separately. While global value chain studies describe an important mechanism that underlies the productivity improvements of local firms in developing countries, most foreign direct investment studies attempt to assess econometrically the impacts on the productivity of local firms. This survey article concludes that an integrated approach incorporating the insightful perspective of global value chain studies into the empirical approach of foreign direct investment studies will likely reveal the channel through which information spillovers lead to the productivity improvements of local firms in developing countries.
Right ventricle assessment in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Pardo Sanz Ana , Santoro Ciro , Hinojar Rocío , Salido Luisa , Rajjoub Ez‐Alddin , Monteagudo Juan Manuel , García Ana , González Ariana , Hernández‐Antolín Rosana , Sánchez Recalde Ángel , Zamorano José Luis , Fernández-Golfín Covadonga
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Limited data are available regarding the evaluation of right ventricular (RV) performance in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of RV dysfunction in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI and long‐term changes.

Methods

Consecutive patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI from January 2016 to July 2017 were included. RV anatomical and functional parameters were analyzed: RV diameters, fractional area change, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), S‐wave tissue Doppler of the tricuspid annulus (RV‐S'TDI), global longitudinal strain (RV‐GLS), and free wall strain (RV‐FWS). Preprocedure and 1‐year echo were analyzed.

Results

Final population included 114 patients, mean age 83.63 ± 6.31 years, and 38.2% women. The prevalence of abnormal RV function was high, variable depending on the parameter that we analyzed, and it showed a significant reduction 1 year after TAVI implantation: 13.9% vs 6.8% (TAPSE < 17mm), P = .04; 26.3% vs 20% (fractional area change < 35%), P = .048; 41.2% vs 29.2% (RV‐S'TDI < 9.5cm/s), P = .04; 48.7% vs 39.5% (RV‐GLS > [20]), P = .049; and 48.7% vs 28.9% (RV‐FWS > [20]), P = .03. Significant differences were noted between patients with low‐flow (LF) vs normal‐flow (NF) AS in RV dysfunction prevalence as well as in RV function recovery which is less evident in LF compared with NF patients.

Conclusions

RV dysfunction is high among symptomatic AS patients undergoing TAVI, with variable prevalence depending on the echocardiographic parameter used.
Effectiveness of home care for fever treatment in older people: A case–control study compared with hospitalized care
Authors: Arai Yasuyuki , Suzuki Takao , Jeong Seungwon , Inoue Yusuke , Fukuchi Masahiko , Kosaka Yoshimichi , Nagashima Koji , Ohta Hideki
Published: March 2020

Aim

To examine whether the outcomes of fever treatment through home care differ from those through hospitalized care for older people who regularly receive home care in Japan.

Methods

A retrospective survey of medical record‐based data for 679 older people who regularly received home care provided by a clinic in Japan. From these data, 61 fever cases (21 cases treated in the hospital and 40 treated at home and assigned to the hospitalized and home‐care groups, respectively) were selected for analysis through a matching process. We compared the two groups in terms of mortality rate at 90 days after fever onset, and concerning changes in respective ranks for “Degree of Independent Living for the Elderly with Disability” and “Degree of Independent Living for the Elderly with Dementia” from immediately before fever onset to 90 days after fever onset.

Results

The mortality rate tended to be higher in the hospitalized group than in the home‐care group (33% vs. 13%, respectively, P = 0.05). The hospitalized group also had a higher proportion of patients whose disability had worsened (43% vs. 23%, respectively, P = 0.16) and a significantly higher proportion of patients whose dementia had worsened (29% vs. 6%, respectively, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that home care is more effective than hospitalized care for treating fever in older people who regularly receive home care in Japan, as it leads to lower mortality and better maintenance of activities of daily living capabilities. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 482–487.
Evaluating the cross‐cultural validity of three family quality of life sub‐scales
Authors: Hepperlen Renee A. , Rabaey Paula , Hearst Mary O.
Published: March 2020

Background

Families of children with disabilities often face unique challenges. Developed in a U.S. context, the Beach Center Family Quality of Life measure assesses the effectiveness of supports and services that families receive. This study examines whether items from three sub‐scales of the Beach Center instrument perform similarly for two samples, one from Lusaka, Zambia, and the second from a Midwestern U.S. state.

Methods

This cross‐sectional research used secondary data and completed hierarchical ordinal regression analyses on item‐level performance within the sub‐scales.

Results

Only one item flagged for potential item bias with remaining items performing similarly when controlling for overall sub‐scale scores.

Conclusions

This study extends existing research on the cultural and linguistic appropriateness of the Beach Center measure, providing additional validity evidence about the internal structure of the scales. Findings indicate that these items are acceptable outcome measures for policy and programme evaluations in Zambia.
TAT‐dextran–mediated mitochondrial transfer enhances recovery from models of reperfusion injury in cultured cardiomyocytes
Authors: Maeda Hideki , Kami Daisuke , Maeda Ryotaro , Murata Yuki , Jo Jun‐ichiro , Kitani Tomoya , Tabata Yasuhiko , Matoba Satoaki , Gojo Satoshi
Published: March 2020

Acute myocardial infarction is a leading cause of death among single organ diseases. Despite successful reperfusion therapy, ischaemia reperfusion injury (IRI) can induce oxidative stress (OS), cardiomyocyte apoptosis, autophagy and release of inflammatory cytokines, resulting in increased infarct size. In IRI, mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor, which involves the production of reactive oxygen species, activation of inflammatory signalling cascades or innate immune responses, and apoptosis. Therefore, intercellular mitochondrial transfer could be considered as a promising treatment strategy for ischaemic heart disease. However, low transfer efficiency is a challenge in clinical settings. We previously reported uptake of isolated exogenous mitochondria into cultured cells through co‐incubation, mediated by macropinocytosis. Here, we report the use of transactivator of transcription dextran complexes (TAT‐dextran) to enhance cellular uptake of exogenous mitochondria and improve the protective effect of mitochondrial replenishment in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) against OS. TAT‐dextran–modified mitochondria (TAT‐Mito) showed a significantly higher level of cellular uptake. Mitochondrial transfer into NRCMs resulted in anti‐apoptotic capability and prevented the suppression of oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria after OS. Furthermore, TAT‐Mito significantly reduced the apoptotic rates of cardiomyocytes after OS, compared to simple mitochondrial transfer. These results indicate the potential of mitochondrial replenishment therapy in OS‐induced myocardial IRI.
Temporal patterns of hospital readmissions according to disease category for patients after elective colorectal surgery
Authors: Grass Fabian , Hübner Martin , Crippa Jacopo , Lovely Jenna K. , Huebner Marianne , Larson David W.
Published: March 2020

Rationale

The aim of this study was to identify temporal readmission patterns according to baseline disease categories to provide opportunities for targeted interventions.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of consecutive adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent elective colorectal resections (2011‐2017) at Mayo Clinic Rochester, MN. A prospective administrative database including patient demographics, procedure characteristics, discharge information and specifics on 30‐day readmissions (to index facility) including timing and reasons was utilized. The ICD‐9 codes were regrouped into the main pathologies Cancer, Crohn's disease (CD)/chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC), and diverticular disease.

Results

In total, 521 (7.2%) out of 7245 patients undergoing inpatient colorectal surgery were readmitted. In all increments of time from discharge (0‐2 days: 31.3% of all readmissions, 3‐7 days: 32.4% of all readmissions, 8‐14 days: 18% of all readmissions, and 15‐30 days: 18.3% of all readmissions), reasons for readmission differed significantly (all P < 0.001). Across all disease categories, early readmissions (within 2 days of discharge) were most likely due to ileus/obstruction (53.4% of early readmissions), whereas with 42.5%, infection was the most common cause for late readmissions (>7 days). Patients with home discharge were more likely to be readmitted earlier within the 30‐day observation period (P = 0.099), whereas patients with a longer length of index hospital stay (>7 days) were readmitted later (P = 0.080).

Conclusions

Reasons for readmission appear to be universal across different disease categories. Targeted educational and collaborative measures may help to mitigate the burden of hospital readmissions to index facilities.
Identification of a morning out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest cluster of high‐incidence: towards a chrono‐preventive care strategy
Authors: Baert Valentine , Vilhelm Christian , Escutnaire Joséphine , Marc Jean‐Baptiste , Wiel Eric , Tazarourte Karim , Goldstein Patrick , Khoury Carlos El , Hubert Hervé , Génin Michaël ,   on behalf GR‐RéAC
Published: March 2020

Rationale, aims, and objectives

The human body is regulated by intrinsic factors which follow a 24‐hour biological clock. Implications of a circadian rhythm in the out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are studied but the literature is not consistent. The main objective of our study was to identify temporal cluster of high or low incidence of OHCA occurrence during a day.

Methods

Multicentre comparative study based on the French national OHCA registry data between 2013 and 2017. After describing the population, the detection of significant temporal clusters of OHCA incidence was achieved using temporal scan statistics based on a Poisson model adjusted for age and gender. Then, comparisons between identified patients clusters and the rest of the population were performed.

Results

During the study, 37 163 medical OHCA victims were included. The temporal scan revealed a significant 3‐hour high incidence temporal cluster between 8:00 am and 10:59 am (Relative R = 1.76, P < .001). In the identified cluster, OHCA occurred more out of the home with fewer witnesses, and advanced life support was less attempted in the cluster. No difference was observed on the return of spontaneous circulation, survival at hospital admission, and survival 30 days after the OHCA or at hospital discharge.

Conclusions

We observed a three‐hour morning high incidence peak of OHCA. This high incidence could be explained by different physiological changes in the morning. These changes are well known and the evidence of a morning peak of cardiovascular disease should enable medical teams to adapt care strategy and hospital organization.