bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorodeoxyglucose-avid focal lesions and extramedullary disease on 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography predict the outcomes of newly diagnosed symptomatic multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Zhong Xiao , Diao Wei , Zhao Chunyan , Jia Zhiyun
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To investigate whether the number of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-avid focal lesions and the presence of extramedullary disease (EMD) on 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography (PET/CT) can predict the outcomes of newly diagnosed symptomatic multiple myeloma patients.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis to research the prognostic significance of focal lesions and EMD on 18F-FDG PET/CT for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) using a fix-effected model. The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Manual searches were also conducted.

Results

Of the 398 citations identified in the original search, 13 original studies with a total of 2823 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled hazard ratios of focal lesions were 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41–1.86, P = 0.442, I
2 = 0%] for PFS and 2.15 (95% CI 1.74–2.57, P = 0.615, I
2 = 0%) for OS. The pooled hazard ratios of EMD were 1.89 (95% CI 1.44–2.34, P = 0.497, I
2 = 0%) for PFS and 1.91 (95% CI 1.08–2.73, P = 0.182, I
2 = 29.6%) for OS. The results of the subgroup analysis showed the same trend. No significant heterogeneity was observed among studies.

Conclusion

This meta-analysis demonstrated that patients with a higher number of FDG-avid focal lesions and EMD on PET/CT may experience a higher risk for progression and a shorter survival time than those with a few focal lesions and no EMD.
Carbon Ion Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Malouff Timothy D. , Krishnan Sunil , Hallemeier Christopher L. , Haddock Michael G. , Hoppe Bradford S. , Beltran Chris , Mahajan Anita , Trifiletti Daniel M.
Published: June 2020

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related morality worldwide, and the prognosis remains poor despite aggressive therapy. Carbon ion radiotherapy has favorable radiobiological and physical characteristics in the treatment, including a higher linear energy transfer and higher relative biological effectiveness, which increase the cell kill while potentially reducing toxicities to nearby normal tissues. Although small, early clinical studies have shown promise in both the resectable and unresectable settings to improve local control and overall survival while minimizing toxicities. Currently, there are several trials, including 2 sponsored by institutions in the United States, investigating the role of carbon ion radiotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer.
Will You Escape?
Authors: Gates Julie A. , Youngberg-Campos Michelle
Published: June 2020

In the financial flux of the healthcare industry, resources for education and onboarding are ever dwindling. Nursing professional development specialists are frequently tasked with validating knowledge and skill application in a creative way. The article discusses the use of an escape room format to rapidly validate new graduate nurses’ knowledge and skills, as well as decrease the number of education days for the organization.
Treatment of Six COVID-19 Patients with Convalescent Plasma
Authors: Jin Can , Gu Juan , Yuan Youshu , Long Qinying , Zhang Qi , Zhou Hourong , Wu Weidong , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2020

Objective

To describe the efficacy of convalescent plasma transfusion for COVID-19 patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of 6 COVID-19 patients with convalescent plasma at Guizhou Provincial Jiangjunshan Hospital – a tertial hospital, in Guiyang, Guizhou, China, from January 29, to April 30, 2020; final data of follow-up was May 12, 2020. Through the review of the electronic medical records of Guizhou Jiangjunshan Hospital, clinical data of 6 patients were obtained. Three patients with worsening symptoms after empirical treatment with antivirals were transfused convalescent plasma therapy for the first treatment, while the other three severe or critical COVID-19 patients with rapid progression were transfused. The efficacy of convalescent plasma depends on the relief of symptoms, changes in laboratory indicators and chest imaging abnormalities.

Results

The PaO2 / FiO2 and lymphocyte count of patients 1, 2 and 3 treated with convalescent plasma treatment for the first treatment period were changed from abnormal to normal. The levels of inflammation markers CRP and IL-6 of the patients decreased significantly. Chest imaging examination showed that the lung lesions gradually subsided. The relapsed patients (No. 4 and No. 6), after using convalescent plasma therapy, turned negative on two consecutive throat swab tests on Day 24 and Day 3, respectively.

Conclusions

Convalescent plasma treatment of COVID-19 is beneficial for those patients with be difficult to turn to negative or re-positive RT-PCR.

Key Points

Convalescent plasma treatment of COVID-19 is beneficial for those patients with be difficult to turn to negative or re-positive RT-PCR.
Molecular features similarities between SARS-CoV-2, SARS, MERS and key human genes could favour the viral infections and trigger collateral effects
Authors: Maldonado Lucas L. , Kamenetzky Laura
Published: June 2020

In December 2019 rising pneumonia cases caused by a novel β-coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) occurred in Wuhan, China, which has rapidly spread worldwide causing thousands of deaths. The WHO declared the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern therefore several scientists are dedicated to the study of the new virus. Since human viruses have codon usage biases that match highly expressed proteins in the tissues they infect and depend on host cell machinery for replication and co-evolution, we selected the genes that are highly expressed in the tissue of human lungs to perform computational studies that permit to compare their molecular features with SARS, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS genes. In our studies, we analysed 91 molecular features for 339 viral genes and 463 human genes that consisted of 677873 codon positions. Hereby, we found that A/T bias in viral genes could propitiate the viral infection favoured by a host dependant specialization using the host cell machinery of only some genes. The envelope protein E, the membrane glycoprotein M and ORF7 could have been further benefited by a high rate of A/T in the third codon position. Thereby, the mistranslation or de-regulation of protein synthesis could produce collateral effects, as a consequence of viral occupancy of the host translation machinery due tomolecular similarities with viral genes. Furthermore, we provided a list of candidate human genes whose molecular features match those of SARS-CoV-2, SARSand MERS genes, which should be considered to be incorporated into genetic population studies to evaluate thesusceptibility to respiratory viral infections caused by these viruses. The results presented here, settle the basis for further research in the field of human genetics associated with the new viral infection, COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 and for the development of antiviral preventive methods.
Analytical and Clinical Validation for RT-qPCR detection of SARS-CoV-2 without RNA extraction
Authors: P. Miranda José , Osorio Javiera , Videla Mauricio , Angel Gladys , Camponovo Rossana , Henríquez-Henríquez Marcela
Published: June 2020

Background

The recent COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge to laboratory diagnosis, based on the amplification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. With global contagion figures exceeding 4 million persons, the shortage of reagents for RNA extraction represents a bottleneck for testing globally. We present the validation results for a RT-qPCR protocol without prior RNA extraction. Because of its simplicity, this protocol is suitable for widespread application in resource-limited settings.

Methods

Optimal protocol was selected by comparing RT-qPCR performance under a set of thermal (65°, 70°, and 95° for 5, 10, and 30 minutes) and amplification conditions (3 or 3,5 uL loading volume; 2 commercial RT-qPCR kits with limit of detection below 10 copies/sample) in nasopharyngeal swabs stored at 4°C in sterile Weise’s buffer pH 7.2. The selected protocol was evaluated for classification concordance with the standard protocol (automated RNA extraction) in 130 routine samples and in 50 historical samples with Cq values near to the clinical decision limit.

Results

Optimal selected conditions were: Thermal shock at 70° C for 10 minutes, loading 3.5 ul in the RT-qPCR. Prospective evaluation in 130 routine samples showed 100% classification concordance with the standard protocol. The evaluation in historical samples, selected because their Cqs were at the clinical decision limit, showed 94% concordance with our confirmatory-gold standard which includes manual RNA extraction.

Conclusions

These results validate the use of this direct RT-qPCR protocol as a safe alternative for SARS CoV-2 diagnosis in case of a shortage of reagents for RNA extraction, with minimal clinical impact.
Clinical course and potential predictive factors for pneumonia of adult patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): a retrospective observational analysis of 193 confirmed cases in Thailand
Authors: Pongpirul Wannarat A. , Wiboonchutikul Surasak , Charoenpong Lantharita , Panitantum Nayot , Vachiraphan Apichart , Uttayamakul Sumonmal , Pongpirul Krit , Manosuthi Weerawat , Prasithsirikul Wisit
Published: June 2020

Background

Clinical spectrum of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear, especially with regard to the presence of pneumonia. We aimed to describe the clinical course and final outcomes of adult patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 in the full spectrum of disease severity. We also aimed to identify potential predictive factors for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods and findings

We conducted a retrospective study among adult patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who were hospitalized at Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, Thailand, between January 8 and April 16, 2020. One-hundred-and-ninety-three patients were included. The median (IQR) age was 37.0 (29.0-53.0) years, and 58.5% were male. More than half (56%) of the patients were mild disease severity, 22% were moderate, 14% were severe, and 3% were critical. Asymptomatic infection was found in 5%. The final clinical outcomes in 189 (97.9%) were recovered and 4 (2.1%) were deceased. The incidence of pneumonia was 39%. In multivariable logistic regression, increasing age (OR 2.55 per 10-year increase from 30 years old; 95% CI, 1.67-3.90; p<0.001), obesity (OR 8.74; 95%CI, 2.06-37.18; p=0.003), and higher temperature at presentation (OR 4.59 per 1°C increase from 37.2 °C; 95% CI, 2.30-9.17; p<0.001) were potential predictive factors for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Conclusion

Across the spectrum of disease severities, most patients with COVID-19 in our cohort had good final clinical outcomes. COVID-19 pneumonia was found in one-third of them. Older age, obesity, and higher fever at presentation were independent predictors of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Author summary

This report describes the clinical course and final clinical outcomes of the full spectrum of disease severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and evaluates risk factors of pneumonia in 193 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute, Thailand. The majority of patients with COVID-19 had mild disease. COVID-19 pneumonia was found in approximately 40% of patients. Older age, obesity, and higher grade of fever at presentation were independent risk factors of pneumonia in adult patients with COVID-19. Most patients in our cohort recovered and were discharged from hospital (recovery rate, 98%). Our findings can help the public health systems to estimate the burden of the disease and identify vulnerable patients in a timely manner.
The psychological effects of quarantine during COVID-19 outbreak: Sentiment analysis of social media data
Authors: Lu Weisheng , Yuan Liang , Xu Jinying , Xue Fan , Zhao Bin , Webster Chris
Published: June 2020

We rely on social distancing measures such as quarantine and isolation to contain the COVID-19. However, the negative psychological effects of these measures are non-negligible. To supplement previous research on psychological effects after quarantine, this research will investigate the effects of quarantine amid COVID-19. We adopt a sentiment analysis approach to analyze the psychological state changes of 1,278 quarantined persons’ 214,874 tweets over four weeks spanning the period before, during, and after quarantine. We formed a control group of 1,278 unquarantined persons with 250,198 tweets. The tweets of both groups are analyzed by matching with a lexicon to measure the anxious depression level changes over time. We discovered a clear pattern of psychological changes for quarantined persons. Anxious depression levels significantly increased as quarantine starts, but gradually diminished as it progresses. However, anxious depression levels resurged after 14 days’ quarantine. It was found that quarantine has a negative impact on mental health of quarantined and unquarantined people. Whilst quarantine is deemed necessary, proper interventions such as emotion management should be introduced to mitigate its adverse psychological impacts.
Terpene Synthases and Terpene Variation in Cannabis sativa
Authors: Booth Judith K. , Yuen Macaire M.S. , Jancsik Sharon , Madilao Lufiani L. , Page Jonathan E. , Bohlmann Jörg
Published: June 2020

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) resin is the foundation of a multibillion dollar medicinal and recreational plant bioproducts industry. Major components of the cannabis resin are the cannabinoids and terpenes. Variations of cannabis terpene profiles contribute much to the different flavor and fragrance phenotypes that affect consumer preferences. A major problem in the cannabis industry is the lack of proper metabolic characterization of many of the existing cultivars, combined with sometimes incorrect cultivar labeling. We characterized foliar terpene profiles of plants grown from 32 seed sources and found large variation both within and between sets of plants labeled as the same cultivar. We selected five plants representing different cultivars with contrasting terpene profiles for clonal propagation, floral metabolite profiling, and trichome-specific transcriptome sequencing. Sequence analysis of these five cultivars and the reference genome of cv Purple Kush revealed a total of 33 different cannabis terpene synthase (CsTPS) genes, as well as variations of the CsTPS gene family and differential expression of terpenoid and cannabinoid pathway genes between cultivars. Our annotation of the cv Purple Kush reference genome identified 19 complete CsTPS gene models, and tandem arrays of isoprenoid and cannabinoid biosynthetic genes. An updated phylogeny of the CsTPS gene family showed three cannabis-specific clades, including a clade of sesquiterpene synthases within the TPS-b subfamily that typically contains mostly monoterpene synthases. The CsTPSs described and functionally characterized here include 13 that had not been previously characterized and that collectively explain a diverse range of cannabis terpenes.
Selective synthesis and crystal structures of manganese(I) complexes with a bi- or tridentate terpyridine ligand
Authors: Wadayama Kosei , Takase Tsugiko , Oyama Dai
Published: June 2020

The crystal structures of two manganese(I) complexes with a different coordination mode of the supporting ligand are reported: fac-bromidotricarbonyl(4′-phenyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-κ2
N,N′)manganese(I), [MnBr(C21H15N3)(CO)3], I, and cis-bromidodicarbonyl(4′-phenyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-κ3
N,N′,N′′)manganese(I), [MnBr(C21H15N3)(CO)2], II. In both complexes, the manganese(I) atom is coordinated by terminal carbonyl ligands, a bromide ion, and a 4′-phenyl-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine ligand within a distorted octahedral environment. In I, the metal ion is facially coordinated by three carbonyl ligands and the terpyridine ligand binds in a bidentate fashion. The non-coordinating nitrogen atom in the terpyridine ligand is positioned on the side opposite to the bromido ligand. In II, the metal ion is coordinated by two carbonyl ligands in a cis configuration and the terpyridine ligand binds in a tridentate fashion; notably, one carbonyl and the trans bromido ligand are mutually disordered over two positions. In I, the complex molecules are linked by C—H...Br hydrogen bonds. In II, aromatic π–π contacts are present, as well as pairs of C—H...Br and C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Exploring and verifying BIM-based energy simulation for building operations
Authors: Li Hong Xian , Ma Zhiliang , Liu Hexu , Wang Jun , Al-Hussein Mohamed , Mills Anthony
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The operational phase of a building's lifecycle is receiving increasing attention, as it consumes an enormous amount of energy and results in tremendous detrimental impacts on the environment. While energy simulation can be applied as a tool to evaluate the energy performance of a building in operation, the emergence of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology is expected to facilitate the evaluation process with predefined and enriched building information. However, such an approach has been confronted by the challenge of interoperability issues among the related application software, including the BIM tools and energy simulation tools, and the results of simulation have been seldom verified due to the unavailability of corresponding experimental data. This study aims to explore the interoperability between the commonly used energy simulation and BIM tools and verifies the simulation approach by undertaking a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

With Autodesk Revit and EnergyPlus selected as the commonly used BIM and energy simulation tools, respectively, a valid technical framework of transferring building information between two tools is proposed, and the interoperability issues that occur during the data transfer are studied. The proposed framework is then employed to simulate the energy consumption of a single-family house, and sensitivity analysis and analysis on such parameters as schedule are conducted for building operations to showcase its applicability.

Findings

The simulation results are compared with monitored data and the results from another simulation tool, HOT2000; the comparison reveals that EnergyPlus and HOT2000 predict the total energy consumption with a difference from the monitoring data of 8.0 and 7.1%, respectively.

Practical implications

This research shows how to efficiently use BIM to support building energy simulation. Relevant stakeholders can learn from this research to avoid data loss during BIM model transformation.

Originality/value

This research explores the application of BIM for building energy simulation, compares the simulation results among different tools and validates simulation results using monitored data.
Guanxi HRM and employee well-being in China
Authors: Liu Li , Jia Yu
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Drawing on basic psychological needs theory, this paper aims to delineate how an indigenous Chinese concept guanxi HRM would undermine employee well-being in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors tested this moderated mediation model based on a survey of 321 Chinese employees.

Findings

The results are consistent with the hypotheses except for the moderating effect when employee well-being is operationalised as emotional exhaustion.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by investigating the dark side of guanxi via basic psychological needs theory and acknowledging the multidimensionality of employee well-being in the Chinese workplace.
Effect of systematic completion on public construction projects
Authors: Beste Teresa
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of a systematic commissioning process on project management performance of construction projects, expressed as cost, time, quality and customer satisfaction. The building commissioner in focus uses the term systematic completion (SC), defining it as a structured process, throughout the whole project assuring the fulfillment of functional requirements in the building.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative single case study was used to analyze the effect of a SC process by one Norwegian building commissioner in the public sector, exemplified with four projects. The analysis was conducted by studying project documents and conducting interviews.

Findings

SC has a positive effect on the performance of a construction project, enabling completion on cost, schedule and with fewer defects at handover. Involving facility management assures mutual learning, trained operations personnel and potentially lower costs of operations because of fewer corrections and optimized systems. Higher efforts and resource use in the early phases of the project and in testing are largely offset by the generated benefits.

Research limitations/implications

This case study is limited to the building commissioner’s perspective in four projects. The design team’s, the contractor’s and the client’s perspectives are not represented in the study. Only one of the projects is completed, which limits the ability to draw quantitative conclusions.

Originality/value

Existing studies focus on the technical aspect of SC. The present study provides valuable insights into the effect of SC on project management performance, especially on its implications for the takeover of the building by operations.
E-learning design and entrepreneurship in three European universities
Authors: Gentile Teresa Anna Rita , Reina Rocco , De Nito Ernesto , Bizjak Davide , Canonico Paolo
Published: June 2020

Purpose

According to Fee (2009), e-learning systems have three components: technology, learning content and e-learning design. Few studies have examined e-learning design as an educational process, although universities are increasingly using e-learning as they become more entrepreneurial. This article aimed to investigate how universities approach e-learning design.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a mixed methods approach. First, the authors carried out a quantitative analysis of the websites of the top 100 European universities in the Quacquarelli Symonds Ranking. The authors then moved to a qualitative approach, analyzing a pilot case and three case studies. Semistructured interviews were conducted with managers of e-learning services at the chosen European universities.

Findings

The 100 best European universities in the Quacquarelli Symonds Rankings all use e-learning methods. The case study universities were selected from this list. The semistructured interviews with managers of e-learning services highlighted the importance of the design of e-learning courses. However, most focused on the professional figures involved, rather than the process for e-learning and the overall design of the course.

Originality/value

The article provides a detailed study of e-learning design in an educational context. The analysis of multiple case studies allowed the authors to identify how the selected universities carry out didactic design activity through the use of technology. It therefore contributes to knowledge of cases of digital academic entrepreneurship.
Incentive magnitude and reference point shifting: a laboratory experiment
Authors: Giusti Giovanni , Dopeso-Fernández Roberto
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper analyzes how different dynamics of changes in piece-rate incentives affect individuals' exerted effort.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors constructed an across-subjects three-period laboratory setting where, for each period, they exogenously manipulate the amount of piece-rate incentive paid for correct answer. The same experimental conditions were separately applied to two different laboratory tasks, one boring and the other entertaining.

Findings

It was found that performance contingent incentives affect participants' effort provision, while the effect is task dependent and it is much stronger for the boring task. Moreover, a unique increase in the amount of piece rate between periods leads to an increase in performance only for the boring task. A decrease in piece rate incentive between periods negatively affects subjects' performance on both tasks, but only provided that the decrease follows a previous increase.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to study the effect of a sequence of changes in the amount of piece rate incentives on individual effort provided. Our main result highlights the relevance of the order in which the sequence of changes in piece-rate incentive occurs. Results could be useful for the designing of performance rewards in organizations.
Personality traits as an engine of knowledge: a quantile regression analysis
Authors: Polemis Michael
Published: June 2020

Purpose

We use disaggregated survey data set to investigate the impact of personality traits on the level of education in the USA. We attempt to shed light on the contribution of each of the Big Five personality traits on the education decision made by the individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

We use the quantile regression analysis in order to investigate to what extent certain aspects of personality may help an individual to invest in education.

Findings

Our findings uncover a significant effect of noncognitive skills on the level of education. It is shown that people with high emotional stability and agreeableness invest in human capital, especially when we move to the higher quantiles of the conditional distribution function. Moreover, we argue that the estimated signs of the traits remain stable across the quantiles, while the relevant curvatures indicate for the first time in the empirical literature, the presence of nonlinear effects. Last, our model survived robustness checks under the inclusion of two aggregated higher-order factors, namely “Alpha” and “Beta.”

Research limitations/implications

Although we used several control variables (e.g. Gender, Age) to address the impact of noncognitive skills on education, special attention should be given to the use of additional socioeconomic indicators such as the skin color of participants, the urbanization rate, the level of unemployment, the level of income, parental education among others. These measures affect the causality driven by the inclusion of certain economic and demographic characteristics and minimize the endogeneity bias drawn from the inclusion of the sample variables. One additional limitation is that the survey-based data refer only to people with higher education (>13 years of study). Therefore, our empirical findings must be tested on a richer sample to capture the effect of personality traits on a broad spectrum of educational stages (e.g. early learning years, primary education, secondary education, etc.).

Originality/value

Our empirical findings add enough new insights to the existing literature. First, we attempt to assess the role of noncognitive skills proxied by the Big Five Inventory (hereafter “BFI”) on the education decision made by the individuals. Second, we provide fresh evidence of nonlinear effects between personality traits and education totally ignored by the existing literature. Our third contribution is to analyze the role of personality in enhancing the importance of investment in higher education as a determinant of individual behavior. In this way, we contribute to the growing field of behavioral economics since the study of noncognitive skills offers a range of new ideas and expanding research opportunities for social scientists (economists, psychologists, sociologists, etc.).
How academic leaders facilitate knowledge sharing: a case of universities in Hong Kong
Authors: Lo Man Fung , Tian Feng
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The objective of this study is to investigate the factors of two sub-processes – knowledge donating and knowledge collecting – of knowledge sharing in Hong Kong higher education context. This study examines the individual factors, organizational factors and technology factor of knowledge sharing. Individual factors include enjoyment in helping others and knowledge self-efficacy while organizational factors refer to the top management support, organizational rewards and organizational culture. The use of technology system is proposed to be the technology factor.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature review, this study develops a structural model representing the impact of six latent variables on knowledge donating and knowledge collecting processes Data from a questionnaire survey of 166 respondents from academics from Hong Kong higher education sector was used to analyze the model. PLS-SEM was adopted in this study.

Findings

The result of the data analysis suggests enjoyment in helping others has a positive impact on both knowledge donating and knowledge collecting. For organizational factors, a trust and collaborative culture enhance both the sub-processes. The technology factor only contributes to the knowledge donating process. Several practical implications are provided to high education leaders, for instance, by establishing a trust and collaborative environment, academics are more eager to donate and collect knowledge.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights for researchers to further understand how individual, organizational and technology factors affect two sub-processes of knowledge sharing. On the practical side, this study validated several critical factors to successful knowledge donation and knowledge collection.
Adaptive market hypothesis and investor sentiments: global evidence
Authors: Tripathi Abhinava , Vipul Vipul , Dixit Alok
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the adaptive market hypothesis (AMH) for 21 major global market indices for the period 1998–2018. These market indices cover the 16 largest global financial markets.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantile-regression methodology is employed to examine the market efficiency of a large number of financial markets from America, Europe and the Asia–Pacific region.

Findings

The results show that the returns in higher quantiles are negatively autocorrelated, and those in lower quantiles are positively autocorrelated. This evidence is stronger for the tails of return distribution. The positive autocorrelation (momentum effect) suggests market underreaction, and the negative autocorrelation (reversal effect) suggests overreaction. Overall, market efficiency appears to be time-varying and conditioned to the state of the market.

Originality/value

This study offers considerable evidence in favor of the AMH, for a large number of financial markets. These markets are substantially different from each other in terms of geography, nature of operation and size of the economy. The results from this study would be helpful to the academics, regulators and practitioners interested in financial markets.
Synthesis of water-based cationic polyacrylate copolymer emulsion by RAFT polymerization and its application as an inkjet printing agent
Authors: Su Haojia , Cai Zhengchun , lv Zhengwei , Chen Yongkang , Ji Yongxin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

In this work, the authors used reversible addition-fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization to develop a new cationic acrylate modified epoxy resin emulsion for water-borne inkjet which have the advantages of both polyacrylate and epoxy resin. The emulsion was successfully used in the canvas coating for inkjet printing. This paper aims to contribute to the development of novel cationic emulsions for inkjet printing industry.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the epoxy acrylate was synthesized from RAFT agent and epoxy resin firstly. Cationic macromolecular emulsifier was prepared by RAFT polymerization, using 2,2’-Azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator, 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and styrene as monomer, which was directly used to prepare the emulsion. The influences of the amount of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate on particle size, zeta potential and water contact angle were studied. Finally, the cationic emulsion was used to print images by inkjet printing.

Findings

The emulsion has the smallest particle size, the highest potential and the highest water contact angle when the DM content is 13 Wt.%. The transmission electron microscopy analysis reveals the latex particles is core-shell sphere with the diameters in the range 120–200 nm. The emulsion was successfully used in the canvas coating for inkjet printing. This work will contribute to the development of novel cationic emulsions for inkjet printing industry.

Originality/value

The emulsion was successfully used in the canvas coating for inkjet printing. This work will contribute to the development of novel cationic emulsions for inkjet printing industry.
Ethics of relational and representational disclosures in qualitative migration research
Authors: Bell Justyna , Trąbka Agnieszka , Pustulka Paula
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This article engages with the framework of performativity to unpack ethical challenges of interviewing migrants in the setting of shared ethnic background of researchers and participants. From a temporal perspective of shifting contexts from a shared space of the research process, to the post-research reciprocity management, it focusses on the particular aspect of disclosure.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on several qualitative studies performed by the authors as Polish migrant researchers with Polish migrant communities in Norway, Germany and the United Kingdom, the article documents the ethical challenges that come from a shifting “audience” of the research performance.

Findings

Specifically, it discusses how the researchers perform their roles in the field with the focus on rapport building (relational disclosure), to then addressing how this performance changes when the dissemination of findings (representational disclosure) begins and continues over time.

Practical implications

This article contributes to the long-standing anthropological debate on self-reflection in the field. Also, demythologizing the relations between a researcher and participants, as well as cautioning research by reporting difficulties at different stages of the research process, will likely make it easier for future researchers who may now be better prepared and anticipate the complexities of doing fieldwork. From a temporal perspective, it can also help a broader scientific community avoid pitfalls from presenting unfavourable results prematurely. Thus, the authors hope that this paper may sensitize migration scholars to the possible predicaments in the process of interviewing their co-ethnics.

Originality/value

A methodological innovation lies in a clear focus on the cluster of ethical disclosure dilemmas and the article contributes to a lively debate on ethics of “insider research” in migration studies.
Re‐examining Strategic Flexibility: A Meta‐Analysis of its Antecedents, Consequences and Contingencies
Authors: Herhausen Dennis , Morgan Robert E. , Brozović Danilo , Volberda Henk W.
Published: June 2020

Strategic flexibility (SF) is a concept that has evolved from strategy through other disciplines, including management, marketing, innovation, entrepreneurship and operations. However, despite attempts to consolidate the domain of SF, there remain theoretical and empirical tensions underlying its antecedents, the consequences and contingencies. Based on 106 independent samples reported in 98 different studies (n = 26,940 firms), we provide a meta‐analytical examination of these tensions. We highlight and resolve several disagreements regarding the enablers, inhibitors and triggers of SF, and we reveal an adjusted mean performance effect of 0.24. We further find that the measurement of SF, as well as some, but not all, dimensions of the environment, moderate the performance effect. Finally, an explorative analysis reveals that innovation outcomes and market outcomes mediate the positive relationship between SF and financial outcomes, in addition to a negative direct effect. These insights provide a comprehensive and coherent understanding of the nomological network of SF and a stronger basis for further theorizing and conducting empirical research. Moreover, our findings help firms to refine their strategy by implementing the right enablers that drive SF and to understand how and when their investment in SF pays off.
Hungarian Food Manufacturers’ Experiences with the Production of Private Label Products
Authors: Dudás Gyula , Kürthy Gyöngyi , Darvasné Edit Ördög , Székelyhidi Katalin , Radóczné Teréz Kocsis , Takács Eszter , Vajda Ágnes
Published: June 2020

Private label products encompass all merchandise sold under a retailer's brand, which can be the retailer's own name or a name created exclusively by that retailer. The market share of this product segment has become an essential part of the consumer market in Europe. Food manufacturers adapted to this situation and developed their market strategies in light of this new segment. A survey carried out among 157 Hungarian food manufacturers in 2018 revealed that medium and large‐sized companies are the most likely to be involved in private label food production. The advantages and disadvantages of private label food production were compared with the outcome of similar research in 2010. There was a significant change relating to advantages for manufacturers of private label production between 2010 and 2018. Maintaining or increasing market share became one of the most important advantages in 2018 compared to 2010 when it was a less important factor. This is consistent with the increasing market share of private label food products in Hungary in the last decade. According to our results, the production of private label products did not reduce the level of innovation by food manufacturers, indeed there is evidence that innovation activity increased.
The retrodural space of Okada and its relevance to CT guided intervention
Authors: Croft Michael , Sampson Matthew , Ngo Jenan , Thalluri Anitha , Voyvodic Frank
Published: June 2020

The spinal epidural and posterior ligamentous complex spaces are important anatomic regions which are the target of various radiologic procedures in the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine for the purpose of analgesia and anaesthesia. Given the frequency with which procedures are performed in and around the epidural space, a sound understanding of the associated anatomy is paramount to ensure the safety and efficacy of procedural intervention.
Noninvasive electrocardiography monitoring for very early recurrence predicts long‐term outcome in patients after atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Yang De‐yan , Cheng Zhong‐wei , Liu Yong‐tai , Gao Peng , Chen Tai‐bo , Deng Hua , Cheng Kang‐an , Fan Jing‐bo , Fang Quan
Published: June 2020

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, and catheter ablation has been shown to be a highly effective treatment for patients with symptomatic AF. Very early recurrence (VER) of AF within 7 days after catheter ablation is common, but the clinical significance of VER remains unclear. We have examined the usefulness of the noninvasive electrocardiography monitor for the detection of VER and the relationship between VER and late recurrence (LR).

Methods

Eighty‐eight patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation were retrospectively included. All patients underwent primary catheter ablation at a large general hospital between March 2016 and August 2018. All patients were followed up in atrial fibrillation clinic at an interval of every 3 months for late recurrence of AF. VER was evaluated by one‐lead continuous noninvasive electrocardiography monitoring device for 7 days after ablation. The association between VER and LR was analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression model.

Results

Mean age was 62.9 ± 9.7 years, and 39.8% were female. Thirty‐two patients (36.4%) experienced VER. After a mean follow‐up of 539.36 ± 211.66 days, 17 patients (19.3%) experienced LR. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed VER was an independent predictor of LR: HR 3.6 (95% CI, 1.2–10.8), p = .020. In addition, diabetes was also associated with LR of atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions

Noninvasive electrocardiography monitoring was a useful tool for detecting VER and VER after catheter ablation was associated with LR.
Food allergens in skincare products marketed for children
Authors: Adomaite Ieva , Vitkuviene Angele , Petraitiene Sigita , Rudzeviciene Odilija
Published: June 2020

Background

The application of preparations containing food allergens can cause percutaneous sensitization and provocation. The prevalence of food allergens in children's cosmetics is unknown.

Objectives

To analyse the prevalence of food allergens in skincare products marketed for children and their association with marketing claims and product price.

Methods

We reviewed 276 skincare product ingredient labels for the presence of milk, eggs, wheat, soy, oats, tree nuts, peanuts, and sesame.

Results

More than one‐third (108; 39.1%) of the products listed at least one allergen. A total of 156 allergens were recorded, of which 65 (41.7%) were almonds, 35 (22.4%) wheat, 24 (15.4%) soy, 16 (10.3%) oats, 13 (8.3%) sesame, 2 (1.3%) milk, and 1 (0.6%) peanuts. Products that claimed to be "natural" or "ecological" were more likely to contain food allergens than those not labelled so (P < .001). The prices were higher for products containing food allergens compared with allergen‐free products (P = .028).

Conclusions

Food allergens are prevalent in children's cosmetics, especially those that claim to be natural or ecological. The most incorporated food allergens are almonds, wheat, and soy. Products containing food allergens cost more than allergen‐free ones.
Frequency of extreme freeze events controls the distribution and structure of black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) near their northern range limit in coastal Louisiana
Authors: Osland Michael J. , Day Richard H. , Michot Thomas C.
Published: June 2020

Aim

Climate change is expected to result in the tropicalization of coastal wetlands in the northern Gulf of Mexico, as warming winters allow tropical mangrove forests to expand their distribution poleward at the expense of temperate salt marshes. Data limitations near mangrove range limits have hindered understanding of the effects of winter temperature extremes on mangrove distribution and structure. Here, we investigated the influence of extreme freeze events on the abundance, height and coverage of black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) near their northern range limit in Louisiana.

Location

Coastal Louisiana, USA.

Methods

We quantified the relationships between the frequency of extreme freeze events and A. germinans abundance, height and coverage using: (a) mangrove observation points recorded via aerial surveys from a fixed‐wing aircraft; (b) 30 years of temperature data; and (c) mangrove mortality and leaf damage temperature thresholds. We used freeze frequency data and mangrove–climate relationships to evaluate and spatially depict the risk of A. germinans freeze damage across Louisiana.

Results

We identified strong negative relationships between the frequency of extreme freeze events and A. germinans abundance, height and coverage. Avicennia germinans is most abundant, tall and continuous along the south‐eastern outer coast of Louisiana, where the frequency of extreme freeze events is reduced (i.e., lower risk of mangrove freeze damage) by the buffering effects of comparatively warm Gulf of Mexico waters. Conversely, the risk of A. germinans freeze damage has historically been very high across Louisiana's Chenier Plain and within more inland wetlands in the Deltaic Plain.

Main conclusions

Our analyses advance understanding of how the frequency of extreme freeze events controls the distribution, height and coverage of A. germinans near its northern range limit. In addition to informing climate‐smart coastal restoration efforts, our findings can be used to better anticipate and prepare for the tropicalization of temperate wetlands due to climate change.
Roles of motor and cortical activity in sleep rebound in rat
Authors: Wen Yujun , Lv Yudan , Niu Jianguo , Xin Christopher , Cui Li , Vetrivelan Ramalingam , Lu Jun
Published: June 2020

Sleep pressure that builds up gradually during the extended wakefulness results in sleep rebound. Several lines of evidence, however, suggest that wake per se may not be sufficient to drive sleep rebound and that rapid eye movement (REM) and non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep rebound may be differentially regulated. In this study, we investigated the relative contribution of brain versus physical activities in REM and NREM sleep rebound by four sets of experiments. First, we forced locomotion in rats in a rotating wheel for 4 hr and examined subsequent sleep rebound. Second, we exposed the rats lacking homeostatic sleep response after prolonged quiet wakefulness and arousal brain activity induced by chemoactivation of parabrachial nucleus to the same rotating wheel paradigm and tested if physical activity could rescue the sleep homeostasis. Third, we varied motor activity levels while concurrently inhibiting the cortical activity by administering ketamine or xylazine (motor inhibitor), or ketamine + xylazine mixture and investigated if motor activity in the absence of activated cortex can cause NREM sleep rebound. Fourth and finally, we manipulated cortical activity by administering ketamine (that induced active wakefulness and waking brain) alone or in combination with atropine (that selectively inhibits the cortex) and studied if cortical inhibition irrespective of motor activity levels can block REM sleep rebound. Our results demonstrate that motor activity but not cortical activity determines NREM sleep rebound whereas cortical activity but not motor activity determines REM sleep rebound.
Testing nonlinearity in topological organization of functional brain networks
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lai Dingyao , Han Jiahui , Wang Xuewei , Lin Qiang , Zhao Xiaohu , Hu Zhenghui
Published: June 2020

Aiming to provide an argumentation on the underlying nonlinearity of the overall functional brain network via surrogate data method and graph theory. Taking the functional magnetic resonance imaging data as original data set and then shuffled the time series of each region of interest to generate surrogate data sets, corresponding original network and its 400 surrogates were obtained via computing connectivity matrixes. The results show that both the global correlation level and corresponding small‐world topological characters exhibited obvious differences between the original network and its surrogates. And the following statistical testing results demonstrate their significant distinction, and this topological difference has been proved to be caused by the intrinsic nonlinear dynamics. Accordingly, the nonlinearity of the original functional network and its superior dynamical complexity have been confirmed. The results of this study could provide a novel angle into exploring the underlying mechanism of the neural brain system and offer an essential evidence in explaining complex brain activities.