bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satisfaction with an expatriate job
Authors: Mäkelä Liisa , Kangas Hilpi , Suutari Vesa
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on satisfaction with an expatriate job and how such satisfaction is linked to leadership. Specifically, this research examines how two different kinds of distances – physical distance and functional distance – between an expatriate and his/her supervisor are related to satisfaction with the expatriate job.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted among 290 Finnish expatriates. Moderated hierarchical regression analysis was conducted in order to test the research hypothesis.

Findings

The results show that low functional distance with a supervisor is related to greater satisfaction with the expatriate job. The physical distance is not directly connected to expatriate job satisfaction, but the common effect of the two types of distance shows that among those whose functional distance is low, working in the same country with the leader is linked to greater expatriate satisfaction than recorded among those who were physically distant. Interestingly, expatriates with high functional distance are more satisfied with the expatriate job if they work in a different country to their supervisor.

Originality/value

This study makes a contribution in three areas; first, it addresses the understudied phenomena of international work-specific job satisfaction, specifically satisfaction with an expatriate job. Second, it provides new knowledge on the outcomes of leader distance in the context of expatriation, a work situation that is inherently related to changes in physical location and to organizational relationships. Third, it contributes to leadership literature and highlights the importance of the conditions and the context in which leadership occurs.
Revitalising rural Scotland: Loch Fyne, branding and belonging
Authors: Clark Julie , Rice Gareth
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. It seeks to explore the relationship between place branding in rural areas and community building. Furthermore, the paper advances the growing body of work, that examines the role of events in destination revitalisation and competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach stems from the Chicago School of Sociology, and visual methodologies. The ethnographic fieldwork consisted of purposeful conversations with event organisers, social interactions with members of the local community and other event attendees, field notes and photographs.

Findings

The Loch Fyne Food Fair in Argyll and Bute highlights a manifold disjuncture between place marketing and place branding, which, in turn, reflects the different approaches to how cities and rural areas seek to remain competitive. The authenticity of the brand, as signalled through image and language, is a key feature of the event’s success, as is the creation of a welcoming and inclusive “third place” environment. The interdependence between the aesthetic, escapist, educational and entertainment realms of the Fair experience have helped to secure the loyalty of visitors and locals, alike.

Originality/value

The paper offers practical insights into the ways in which place branding can be deployed to sustain a successful rural event and extends knowledge of the status of events and festivals as third places. The case study demonstrates how paying careful attention to the elements of the experience economy can enrich the distinctiveness of a rural event.
Understanding trust across cultures: an empirical investigation
Authors: Thanetsunthorn Namporn , Wuthisatian Rattaphon
Published: October 2019

Purpose

In today’s business world, trust is an essential ingredient for business success, as it serves as a foundation for enhancing a network of positive relationships among businesses, clients, employees and stakeholders. This study aims to shed light on a deeper and more substantial understanding of trust by examining the casual association between national culture and trust.

Design/methodology/approach

The study empirically investigates the extent to which cultural factors promote and constrain the level of trust using a mixed sample of 46 developed and developing countries observed over the period of 1990-2014.

Findings

The study provides new empirical evidence that trusting behavior is explained systematically by national culture. Countries with high individualistic and high long-term oriented cultures are the most favorable environment that fosters trust among people in society. In contrast, individuals from countries with the expression of high power distance and high uncertainty avoidance cultures appear to exhibit less trust in others.

Practical implications

The study provides managerial implications, especially for managers and management consultants in a global context, regarding the cultural relevance of trust in the new and foreign environment, and the effective management of trust among culturally diverse workforces and business relationships. In addition, the study should serve as a supplemental learning material in the business and management disciplines to demonstrate the essential role of trust in the global business environment.

Originality/value

The study adds to the existing body of knowledge on trust by offering new empirical insights into how culture plays an influential role in the creation of trust. This serves as a good starting point for academic scholars and practicing professionals to further develop appropriate management strategies and execution plans for managing trust across different cultural settings.
The role of human capital outcomes in generating business ideas
Authors: Sobakinova Donata , Zhou Yan , Durrani Dilawar Khan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Despite the existence of a vast body of research on entrepreneurship, little is known about why some entrepreneurs are able to generate and realize more business ideas than others. This study aims to present a prospective answer to this question by empirically examining the relationships among human capital outcomes (entrepreneurial knowledge and skills) and the number of business ideas generated and implemented. Additionally, the authors examined the moderating effect of the entrepreneurial self-efficacy on the proposed relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

A statistical analysis on a sample of 340 Russian entrepreneurs was conducted.

Findings

The results from the analysis indicated that human capital outcomes (entrepreneurial knowledge and skills) are positively related to the number of generated and implemented ideas. Furthermore, it was seen that entrepreneurial self-efficacy significantly moderates the relationship between human capital outcomes and the number of implemented ideas. However, self-efficacy has no significant moderating effect on the relationships among human capital outcomes and the number of generated ideas. Finally, the results showed that the number of ideas generated mediates the relationships among human capital outcomes and the number of ideas implemented.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has investigated the combination of such variables as entrepreneurial human capital outcomes, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and the number of new business ideas. This paper investigates this gap in the literature with an empirical analysis of the relations between the mentioned variables based on data collected from Russian entrepreneurs.
Contesting Eco‐Urbanism from Below: The Construction of ‘Zero‐Waste Neighborhoods’ in Chinese Cities
Authors: Lin George C.S. , Kao Shih‐Yang
Published: October 2019

How should we understand the recent rapid spread of eco‐urbanism around the world and its move into the mainstream? This understanding has become increasingly dominated by narratives of the urban sustainability fix, which stresses the logic of capital accumulation. Within the broader structural processes of ecological modernization, such as transitioning to low‐carbon growth, consideration of—let alone interest in—the diversity of local politics that shapes the practice and forms of contestation of eco‐urbanism has often been relegated to a position of secondary importance. Meanwhile, investigations of the relationship between the growth of climate governance and grassroots environmental activism often ignore space production as an underlying process of political‐economic transformation. Drawing on a detailed case study of the prevalence of zero‐waste neighborhood experiments in many Chinese cities, which have recently become obsessed with low‐carbon growth, this article underscores the potential of grassroots activism to change the nature, dynamics and landscape of eco‐urbanism significantly. On the basis of the intriguing evidence presented here, it calls for a new understanding of eco‐urbanism: one which is more attentive to the diversity, heterogeneity and contextual sensitivity of urban change at the grassroots level.
Characterization and Preservation Performance of Multilayer Film with Insect Repellent and Antimicrobial Activities for Sliced Wheat Bread Packaging
Authors: Lee Jung‐Soo , Park Min A. , Yoon Chan Suk , Na Ja Hyun , Han Jaejoon
Published: October 2019

A multilayer film containing star anise essential oil and thymol coating layers (SAEO and TH, respectively), with insect repellent and antimicrobial properties, has been developed using bar coating and adhesive lamination processes. Our previous study reported the in vitro activities of this polypropylene film (PP)/SAEO/polyethylene terephthalate film (PET)/TH/low‐density polyethylene film (LDPE) multilayer film. The current study focused on demonstrating the morphological, optical, and mechanical properties of the film, and evaluating its in vivo activities when used as a bread packaging material. The developed film was 15.03% thicker and 1.86% less transparent than the control film (without active agent coating layers: PP/PET/LDPE). While the color values of the developed film were slightly different from the control film, both films appeared similar to the naked eye. The tensile strength in the developed film was somewhat lower than that of the control film, while both films had statistically comparable values for elongation at break. During storage of sliced bread packaged in the developed film, the film both deterred insects from approaching toward and impeded the growth of microorganisms in the bread. These results suggest the potential applicability of the developed film as an active food packaging material with insect repellent and antimicrobial activities.

Practical Application

A multilayer film incorporated with insect repellent and antimicrobial coating layers was applied in sliced wheat bread packaging. The developed film effectively inhibited approaches of stored‐product insects to packaged bread and growth of microorganisms on the bread surface. It can be used as an active food packaging material that improves the safety and shelf‐life of foods.
Local and landscape factors affecting tadpole diversity in subtropical Atlantic Forest streams
Authors: Anciutti Maria Aparecida Cristo , Bastiani Veluma Ialú Molinari De , Dal Magro Jacir , Carasek Fabio Luiz , Baldissera Ronei , Lucas Elaine Maria
Published: October 2019

Analysing which environmental features influence structure of communities is important to establish management and conservation priorities for regional biodiversity. In this study, we analysed the structure of amphibian larval assemblages in southern Brazilian streams and their relationships with local and landscape factors. We sampled tadpoles in 18 streams between November 2014 and February 2015. We collected pH, electric conductivity, temperature and dissolved oxygen in streams, and performed laboratory analyses to estimate metal concentrations in water samples. We collected metrics describing landscape factors, such as the land cover classification of a set of buffers around the streams. We found eight amphibian species in total. Tadpole richness was higher in streams with greater cover of agriculture in the 50 and 100 m buffers, but it was also lower in streams with greater cover of buildings in the 100 m buffer. Highest abundance was also found in streams with greater dissolved oxygen and larger areas of dams in the 250 m buffer, but it was lower in streams with larger areas of forests in the 500 m buffer. The presence of agriculture in the immediate surroundings of streams can increase richness of amphibians due to the occupation by open‐habitat species. On the other hand, the low number of rheophilic species suggests that soil use may restrict permanence of these species.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Zeiser Robert
Published: October 2019

Acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) remains a major complication after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). The emergence of different immuno‐prophylaxis strategies, such as post‐transplant cyclophosphamide or anti‐thymocyteglobulin has reduced the incidence of acute GVHD in recent years. The biology of the acute GVHD we observe in the clinic may change due to the use of novel immuno‐stimulatory agents, including immune checkpoint inhibitors or anti‐neoplastic immune‐modifiers, like lenalidomide, given before or after allo‐HSCT. Here we discuss the recent advances in our understanding of acute GVHD with a focus on early events of the disease, including tissue damaging factors, innate immune cells, costimulatory pathways, immune cell signalling, immuno‐regulatory cell types, biomarkers of GVHD and regenerative approaches. New insight in the pathogenesis of acute GVHD has revealed the role of pro‐inflammatory intracellular signalling, defects in intestinal tissue regeneration and anti‐bacterial defence, as well as a reduced diversity of the microbiome, which will be the basis for the development of novel therapies.
Brentuximab vedotin for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma after autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kaloyannidis Panayotis , Hertzberg Mark , Webb Kate , Zomas Athanasios , Schrover Rudolf , Hurst Michael , Jacob Ian , Nikoglou Thalia , Connors Joseph M.
Published: October 2019

Brentuximab vedotin (BV) is the first approved novel agent for salvage treatment of relapsed or refractory (R/R) classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In this study, a literature‐based analysis was undertaken to assess, via an indirect treatment comparison, the comparative efficacy of BV to salvage chemotherapy as treatment for R/R cHL patients following ASCT. This comparative effectiveness research was undertaken to support a reimbursement submission for BV to the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. Retrospective analysis of individual patient data from four data sources demonstrated that the use of BV as first salvage treatment in cHL patients relapsing or progressing post‐ASCT achieved improvements in both clinical response and overall survival. More specifically, BV was associated with an incremental improvement of 22% in overall response rate compared to salvage chemotherapy. Five‐year overall survival and progression‐free survival rates were 92·2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 85·5–99·3%] and 32·2% (95% CI: 19·1–54·6%) respectively for BV, compared to 30·5% (95% CI: 22·2–42·0%) and 3·2% (95% CI: 1·1–8·9%) respectively for salvage chemotherapy. The encouraging results from this conservative analysis have the potential to support informed clinical management and funding decisions for the first salvage of cHL patients demonstrating recurrence after ASCT.
IgM paraprotein‐associated peripheral neuropathy: small CD20‐positive B‐cell clones may predict a monoclonal gammopathy of neurological significance and rituximab responsiveness
Authors: Chen Lucia Y. , Keddie Stephen , Lunn Michael P. , Bomsztyk Joshua , Vitsaras Evan , Gupta Rajeev , D'Sa Shirley
Published: October 2019

IgM paraprotein‐associated peripheral neuropathy (PN) in patients without overt evidence of lymphoma is a recognised clinical entity of unknown aetiology. Interrogating the bone marrow B‐cell or plasma cell clones underlying paraproteinemic neuropathies may improve our understanding of both pathogenesis and treatment options. This retrospective observational analysis of IgM paraprotein‐associated PN identified five patients with small pathological MYD88 L265P and CD20‐positive B‐cell clones in their bone marrow using multi‐parametric flow cytometry, who have shown durable neurological response to rituximab. We posit that multi‐parametric flow cytometry may be instrumental in identifying the cellular source of the paraprotein in IgM paraprotein‐associated PN, and thus directing appropriate immunomodulatory therapy. Further understanding of these small pathological B‐cell clones may also provide additional insight into mechanisms of monoclonal gammopathy of clinical significance overall.
Management of anaemia in pre‐term infants
Authors: Saito‐Benz Maria , Flanagan Peter , Berry Mary J.
Published: October 2019

Pre‐term infants have one of the highest transfusion requirements within the hospital‐setting. The vast majority of blood transfusions performed in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) are for medically stable pre‐term infants with anaemia of prematurity, with the aim of improving oxygen delivery to the vital organs during the crucial phase of growth and development. However, despite the frequency of transfusion in this population, the potential benefits and harms of ‘top up’ transfusion are not fully understood, leading to practice variation between clinicians, institutions and countries. Significant advances have been made in the prevention of anaemia of prematurity, with recent emphasis on optimising infants’ circulatory volume at birth via placental transfusion and preserving infants’ own blood volume through innovative minimal sampling techniques. More research is urgently needed to establish optimal transfusion thresholds for these high‐risk pre‐term infants, for whom benefits as well as adverse outcomes may have consequences that extend for decades throughout the recipients’ life‐course. In this review, we will discuss some of the consensus and controversies regarding optimal management of anaemia in pre‐term infants and highlight potential areas for future research.
Long non‐coding RNAs in cutaneous biology and proliferative skin diseases: Advances and perspectives
Authors: Tang Lipeng , Liang Yongxin , Xie Hesong , Yang Xiaozhi , Zheng Guangjuan
Published: October 2019

Advances in transcriptome sequencing have revealed that the genome fraction largely encodes for thousands of non‐coding RNAs. Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are a class of non–protein‐coding RNAs longer than approximately 200 nucleotides in length, are emerging as key epigenetic regulators of gene expression recently. Intensive studies have characterized their crucial roles in cutaneous biology and diseases. In this review, we address the promotive or suppressive effects of lncRNAs on cutaneous physiological processes. Then, we focus on the pathogenic role of dysfunctional lncRNAs in a variety of proliferative skin diseases. These evidences suggest that lncRNAs have indispensable roles in the processes of skin biology. Additionally, lncRNAs might be promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cutaneous disorders.
Acrolocalized variant of lichen sclerosus initially manifesting as degenerative collagenous plaques of the hands
Authors: Sánchez‐Mateos Diana Santiago , Jo‐Velasco Margarita , Alegría‐Landa Victoria , del Carmen Fariña‐Sabaris María , Requena Luis
Published: October 2019

Lichen sclerosus involving the hands is very uncommon. On the other hand, degenerative collagenous plaques of the hands is a rare condition characterized by keratotic, translucent papules in linear array, on the radial border of the hands. Histopathologically, lesions of degenerative collagenous plaques of the hands show increased collagen bundles in upper half of the dermis and dermal elastosis. We describe the clinical and histopathological progression experienced by a woman who initially presented lesions with clinical and histopathological appearance of degenerative collagenous plaques of the hands, which evolved into characteristic lichen sclerosus. We propose that some cases of the so‐called degenerative collagenous plaques of the hands may represent an acrolocalized lichen sclerosus at an early stage.
Consumer Inter‐Product Showrooming and Information Service Provision in an Omni‐Channel Supply Chain
Authors: Zhang Tao , Li Gang , Cheng T. C. Edwin , Shum Stephen
Published: October 2019

Facilitated by physical showrooms, many online first retailers have embarked on the practice of omni‐channel retailing. This offline to online mode (information delivery offline and product fulfillment online) empowers consumers’ showrooming behavior in two ways, namely, intra‐product showrooming (intra‐SR) and inter‐product showrooming (inter‐SR). As the physical showroom usually displays a partial assortment of the online products, consumer inter‐SR, i.e., the behavior of inspecting one product offline but buying a different or related product online, is critical to firms’ decisions. Moreover, inter‐SR facilitated by the retailer's omni‐channel operations changes the nature of upstream competition between manufacturers. In this article, we develop a theoretical model to investigate consumer inter‐SR behavior and the information service provision in an omni‐channel supply chain. Our main findings are as follows. First, consumer inter‐SR benefits the manufacturer whose product is displayed online exclusively but hurts the manufacturer whose product is dual‐channel displayed; inter‐SR is beneficial to the omni‐channel retailer only when the inter‐SR intensity is not too high. Second, under the service compensation contract, the dual‐channel manufacturer and the retailer can be coordinated to provide enhanced information service; the online‐exclusive manufacturer, however, may be either better off or worse off depending on the relative strengths of the utility‐increasing effect and the service‐differentiating effect of the information service enhancement. Third, the consumers located far from the showrooms are more likely to be hurt by the inter‐SR behavior and the information service compensation, while the local consumers generally benefit from them. Finally, the in‐store inventory that facilitates immediate product fulfillment has a positive impact on the retailer's information service provision.
Q&A
Authors: Pinchot Gifford , Jamieson David
Published: October 2019

As a founder and the president of Bainbridge Graduate Institute, Pinchot III has become a force for sustainability in business and the champion of “intrapreneurs” in organizations. He comes to organization development and design from a background in the social sciences… and from blacksmithing.

With a career that spans 40 years—basically two‐thirds of the history of organization development—Jamieson has consulted, taught, and written about OD while sitting on or chairing most of its major boards and organizations.
The Case for Design Consulting
Authors: Rousseau John
Published: October 2019

After many years of working to get design a seat at the table when company development and strategy was being considered, the business world is finally taking notice.

One result is that design consultancies are rapidly being snapped up as a result of corporate in‐sourcing. Does this signal a new era in the business of design?

A series of acquisitions and other developments at marquee design firms led this consultant to wonder: What's in store for the business of design?
Hyundai Motor Company: Evolution of a Design Organization
Authors: Chung Kyung‐won , Kim Yu‐Jin , Bencuya Sue
Published: October 2019

How a company with very little experience in designing automobiles, in a country still reeling from civil war, used design to bring it to the forefront of the industry—and managed this over a scant four decades.

A short history of an automotive powerhouse.
Freshwater mussels increase survival of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in drying pools
Authors: DuBose Traci P. , Ashford Kathryn , Vaughn Caryn C.
Published: October 2019

Between global climate change and anthropogenic water needs, freshwater systems are becoming more intermittent, stressing organisms adapted to perennial waters. Drought‐induced intermittency concentrates aquatic organisms into drying pools. These pools represent refugia from desiccation but apply other stressors, such as extreme temperatures and increased competition for dwindling resources. In the Southern United States, fishes and freshwater mussels are often concentrated together in drying pools during seasonal, summer droughts. This can result in increased competition for food among invertivorous fish, but also increased food abundance for these fish because mussels increase macroinvertebrate abundance. Further, since mussels require fish as hosts for their ectoparasitic larval phase, glochidia, competition with their host during this biologically active time is detrimental to mussels. We conducted an experiment to examine the effects of freshwater mussels on trophic resources and fish survival in drying pools. We stocked mesocosms with juvenile largemouth bass that were infected or uninfected with glochidia and tracked abiotic conditions, trophic resources and fish survival for 10 days. We found that fish survived longer in the presence of adult mussels, regardless of their infection status. We suspect that prey items supplemented by adult freshwater mussels increased the survival of fish. Thus, the presence of adult mussels and the resources that increase in their presence potentially mitigate stress to fish in “ecological crunch times.” By conserving mussels, fish populations might withstand droughts more easily.
Development of an instrument to assess oral hygiene ability in older adults: The oral hygiene ability instrument
Authors: Grönbeck Lindén Ingela , Andersson Pia , Dahlin‐Ivanoff Synneve , Gahnberg Lars , Hägglin Catharina
Published: October 2019

Objectives

To describe the development process of an instrument to assess the ability to manage daily oral hygiene and the cause of impaired oral hygiene. The instrument is initially aimed for use by the dental team in the ageing population.

Background

Oral hygiene is an important component of oral health. Inability to manage oral hygiene combined with other risk factors often results in poor oral health and impaired quality of life.

Methods

A guideline for instrument development was used during the construction of the instrument. The method included three phases: I. planning: the purpose and target group of the instrument were determined, and a literature review and qualitative focus‐group study were conducted; II. construction: objectives were formulated, and a pool of items was built; and III. evaluation and validation, which included two pilot studies, interviews, item analyses and revision of the instrument.

Results

The planning and construction phases resulted in an instrument with 47 items comprising three parts: (a) interview, (b) clinical examination and (c) observation of activities of daily living (oral hygiene). After two pilot studies, the instrument was found to have good content validity. Analyses of qualitative and quantitative data resulted in a reduction in the number of items to 33.

Conclusion

OHAI can be a valuable tool as a preventive method to identify older adults at risk of impaired oral health. However, the instrument needs further evaluation before wider use.
Frailty and oral health: Findings from the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project
Authors: Valdez Eduardo , Wright Fredrick A. Clive , Naganathan Vasi , Milledge Kate , Blyth Fiona M. , Hirani Vasant , Le Couteur David G. , Handelsman David J. , Waite Louise M. , Cumming Robert G.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To examine whether frailty in older men is associated with poorer oral health and lower levels of dental service utilisation.

Background

Poor oral health has been associated with some frailty components. Less is known about the link between frailty and oral health outcomes.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis. Data were collected from 601 older men with both frailty status and oral health information. Frailty was defined as meeting three or more of the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria: weight loss, weakness, exhaustion, slowness and low activity. Dental service utilisation (DSU) behaviour was collected from self‐response questionnaires and face‐to‐face interviews. Oral status (number of remaining and functional teeth, periodontal disease, active coronal decayed surface [ACDS] and self‐rated oral health [SROH]) was recorded by two oral health therapists. The association between frailty and oral health behaviour and risk markers was modelled using logistic regression.

Results

Nineteen per cent of the participants were identified as frail. There were significant associations between frailty and dentition status (odds ratio [OR]: 2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: (1.17‐5.30), and frailty and ACDS (OR: 3.01, CI: 1.50‐6.08) but only ACDS remained significant after adjusting for confounders (adjusted OR: 2.46, CI: 1.17‐5.18). There was no association between frailty and DSU and frailty and SROH.

Conclusion

Frailty was independently associated with the presence of dental caries. However, DSU, SROH and other oral health markers were not significantly associated with frailty after adjusting for confounders. The prevalence of periodontal disease was high regardless of their frailty status.
The Neurocognitive Assessment in the Metabolic and Aging Cohort (NAMACO) study: baseline participant profile
Authors: Métral M , Darling KEA , Locatelli I , Nadin I , Santos G , Brugger P , Kovari H , Cusini A , Gutbrod K , Tarr PE , Calmy A , Lecompte TD , Assal F , Monsch A , Kunze U , Stoeckle M , Schwind M , Schmid P , Pignatti R , Di Benedetto C , Du Pasquier R , Cavassini M ,   the NAMACO study group,   Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: October 2019

Objectives

The aim of the study was to examine baseline neurocognitive impairment (NCI) prevalence and factors associated with NCI among patients enrolled in the Neurocognitive Assessment in the Metabolic and Aging Cohort (NAMACO) study.

Methods

The NAMACO study is an ongoing, prospective, longitudinal, multicentre and multilingual (German, French and Italian) study within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study. Between 1 May 2013 and 30 November 2016, 981 patients ≥ 45 years old were enrolled in the study. All underwent standardized neuropsychological (NP) assessment by neuropsychologists. NCI was diagnosed using Frascati criteria and classified as HIV‐associated or as related to other factors. Dichotomized analysis (NCI versus no NCI) and continuous analyses (based on NP test z‐score means) were performed.

Results

Most patients (942; 96.2%) had viral loads < 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL. NCI was identified in 390 patients (39.8%): 263 patients (26.8%) had HIV‐associated NCI [249 patients (25.4%) had asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI)] and 127 patients (13%) had NCI attributable to other factors, mainly psychiatric disorders. There was good correlation between dichotomized and continuous analyses, with NCI associated with older age, non‐Caucasian ethnicity, shorter duration of education, unemployment and longer antiretroviral therapy duration.

Conclusions

In this large sample of aging people living with HIV with well‐controlled infection in Switzerland, baseline HIV‐associated NCI prevalence, as diagnosed after formal NP assessment, was 26.8%, with most cases being ANI. The NAMACO study data will enable longitudinal analyses within this population to examine factors affecting NCI development and course.
Freedom of association in the Bangladeshi garment industry: A policy schizophrenia in labour regulation
Authors: RAHIM Mia Mahmudur , ISLAM Sk Samidul
Published: October 2019

The right to freedom of association is fundamental for the establishment of labour unionism as an institution. While the Government of Bangladesh requires enabling legal provisions for unionization in its garment industry, regulation to ensure the right to freedom of association has proved ineffective in upholding labour unionism. This article highlights the need for legislation capable of drawing on the complementary skills and resources of the Government, factory owners, labour unions and global brands to secure a sustained commitment and contribution towards the socio‐economic and political dimensions of labour relations in Bangladesh's ready‐made garment industry.
L'effet de la qualification globale sur les rendements de la suréducation et de la sous‐éducation: résultats pour la Malaisie
Authors: WYE Chung‐Khain , ISMAIL Rahmah
Published: October 2019

En Malaisie, l'offre d'emplois qualifiés ne suffit pas à absorber l'afflux de diplômés du supérieur, une situation qui pourrait renforcer la prime salariale des travailleurs surdiplômés et réduire la pénalité salariale des sous‐diplômés. Dans ce contexte, les auteurs s'intéressent à l'effet des compétences au sens large (la «qualification globale») sur ces distorsions, en exploitant des données d'enquête recueillies en 2015 en Malaisie péninsulaire. L'analyse montre que la détention de certaines compétences limite les pénalités induites par les défauts d'appariement sous l'angle du niveau de diplôme. Les établissements de formation et les entreprises auraient donc intérêt à promouvoir l'acquisition de capacités spécifiquement liées à l'emploi.
Prescribing direct‐acting antivirals to treat hepatitis C virus in a general practice setting in Australia: ‘so why not do it’?
Authors: Heard Emma , Massi Luciana , Smirnov Andrew , Selvey Linda A.
Published: October 2019

Background

The recent implementation of a scheme to provide universal access to direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) medication to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) places Australia in a unique position to reach global HCV elimination goals. To achieve this, increasing the uptake and success of DAA treatment in general practice settings is essential.

Aims

To explore current enablers and residual barriers to HCV treatment in general practice settings in the post‐interferon era from both general practitioner (GP) and patient perspectives.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews with 11 GP and 27 patients were conducted to draw out both challenges and facilitators particularly relevant to DAA uptake and treatment journeys.

Results

Key enablers for successful treatment identified by this study included peer‐led GP support and skill development, utilisation of electronic reminder systems, trusting relationships with patients and engaging with patients' social and family networks. Barriers related to accessible testing facilities and knowledge and confidence with DAA treatment continue to limit GP‐led treatment.

Conclusions

Despite a universal access scheme, barriers to DAA prescription in general practice settings remain. These include access to fibrosis testing and GP confidence in DAA prescription. Strengthening peer‐led GP skill development and utilisation of electronic reminder systems may help GP prioritise HCV treatment. Access to fibrosis testing and pathology services with no out‐of‐pocket costs to patients, particularly in outer‐metropolitan areas, should be urgently addressed.
Short‐term colectomy is avoided in over half of regional patients failing medical therapy for acute severe ulcerative colitis with co‐ordinated transfer and tertiary care
Authors: Patrick Desmond , Doecke James D. , Irwin James , Hanigan Katherine , Simms Lisa A. , Howlett Mariko , Radford‐Smith Graham L.
Published: October 2019

Background

Many patients presenting with an acute severe ulcerative colitis to a regional hospital are transferred to a metropolitan hospital for specialised care.

Aims

To evaluate the outcomes and characteristics of these patients.

Method

A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted to examine the 30‐day colectomy rate using prospectively collected data on 69 consecutive index cases of acute severe ulcerative colitis transferred from regional hospitals to our metropolitan hospital meeting Truelove and Witts criteria. Those that avoided colectomy were followed out to 1 year to examine outcomes.

Results

The 30‐day colectomy rate was 46.4% (32/69) in regional transfer patients. Rescue therapy was administered to 65% (45/69) of patients after transfer to our metropolitan hospital. Colectomy was avoided in 55% of these patients at 30 days. Colectomy free status was maintained in 78% (29/39) of these patients. Mortality was 0% at 30 days and 1 year.

Conclusion

Over 50% of the patients failing therapy in a regional centre and requiring transfer avoided short term colectomy with co‐ordinated referral for rescue therapy in a tertiary metropolitan inflammatory bowel disease unit. These patients would have ultimately required colectomy in their regional hospital without intervention.
The practical utility of the Welch Emotional Connection Screen for rating parent–infant relational health
Authors: Fagan Marcus A. , Frosch Cynthia A. , Middlemiss Wendy , LaCoursiere Jasmine N. , Owen Margaret T. , Hane Amie A. , Welch Martha G.
Published: October 2019

Emotional Connection (EC) measured by the Welch Emotional Connection Screen (WECS) was related to the Parent–Infant Interaction Rating System (PIIRS), a 5‐point adaptation of the rating system developed for the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (e.g., NICHD Early Child Care Research Network, 1999, Developmental Psychology, 35, 1399). Parent–infant dyads (n = 49 mothers; 43 fathers) were videotaped during face‐to‐face interaction at infant age 6 months; interactions were coded with both the WECS and PIIRS. At age 3, mothers completed the Child Behavior Checklist. WECS ratings of EC were associated with PIIRS rating items for both mother–infant and father–infant dyads. Mother–infant EC related positively to maternal sensitivity and positive regard for child, child positive mood and sustained attention, and dyadic mutuality, and negatively with maternal intrusiveness. Father–infant EC related positively to fathers' positive regard for child, child positive mood and sustained attention, and dyadic mutuality. Mother–infant EC predicted child behavior problems at age 3 better than mother–infant PIIRS ratings of dyadic mutuality. With fathers, neither EC nor dyadic mutuality ratings predicted mother‐reported child behavior problems. Findings highlight the practical utility of the WECS for identifying potentially at‐risk dyads and supporting early relational health.
Health‐related street outreach: Exploring the perceptions of homeless people with experience of sleeping rough
Authors: Ungpakorn Rosa , Rae Bernadette
Published: October 2019

Aims

To understand how health‐related street outreach is perceived by homeless people with experience of sleeping rough. Specialist nursing and primary care services are expected to provide street outreach but there is no specific guidance on how to deliver it.

Design

A qualitative description study.

Method

Purposive opportunistic sampling was used to recruit participants from three drop‐in centres in London. Ten semi‐structured interviews were conducted between 4 June 2018 ‐ 28 June 2018 and Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis was used.

Results

Health‐related street outreach was perceived as being able to offer a human connection that reduced the sense of isolation and exclusion commonly experienced on the street. People with experience of sleeping rough felt it could overcome access barriers and provide a bridge to healthcare services. Crucially the right approach was deemed to be essential and was defined by participants in terms of location, timing, the outreach team, and the verbal and non‐verbal styles used by outreach workers.

Conclusion

Health‐related street outreach is a valuable health promotion tool for people experiencing homelessness that should be financially supported by healthcare commissioners and employers. Providers of health‐related street outreach must adopt the right approach and the development of guidelines could assist services to achieve this.

Impact

The findings of this study can inform planning and review of health‐related street outreach to ensure that the approach taken by healthcare workers is acceptable to, and based on the views of, the people these services are provided for.
Outcomes of nurse practitioner‐led care in patients with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Smigorowsky Marcie J. , Sebastianski Meghan , Sean McMurtry Michael , Tsuyuki Ross T. , Norris Colleen M.
Published: October 2019

Aim

To assess randomized controlled trials evaluating the impact of nurse practitioner‐led cardiovascular care.

Background

Systematic review of nurse practitioner–led care in patients with cardiovascular disease has not been completed.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data sources

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and ProQuest were systematically searched for studies published between January 2007 ‐ June 2017.

Review Methods

Cochrane methodology was used for risk of bias, data extraction and meta‐analysis. The quality of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Results

Out of 605 articles, five articles met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistical difference between nurse practitioner‐led care and usual care for 30‐day readmissions, health‐related quality of life and length of stay. A 12% reduction in Framingham risk score was identified.

Conclusion

There are a few randomized control trials assessing nurse practitioner‐led cardiovascular care.

Impact

Low to moderate quality evidence was identified with no statistically significant associated outcomes of care. Nurse practitioner roles need to be supported to conduct and publish high‐quality research.
Bipolar radiofrequency ablation creates different lesion characteristics compared to simultaneous unipolar ablation
Authors: Nguyen Duy T. , Zheng Lijun , Zipse Matthew M. , Borne Ryan T. , Tzou Wendy S. , Fleeman Blake , Sauer William H.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Both bipolar and simultaneous radiofrequency ablation (bRFA, simRFA) have been used to treat thick midmyocardial substrate as well as during circular, multipolar ablation between shorter distances.

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the biophysical parameters of simRFA, sequential unipolar RFA (seqRFA), and bRFA.

Methods

Bovine myocardium was placed in a circulating saline bath. To simulate thick substrate conditions, two open irrigated ablation catheters were oriented across from each other, with myocardium in between. Thermocouples were placed in the center, ±2 mm, of the myocardium. Unipolar ablations were performed sequentially or simultaneously at 50 W for 60 seconds and compared to bRFA using the same settings. In addition, to simulate multipolar ablation, two open irrigated ablation catheters were oriented on the same side and perpendicular to myocardium at 1, 2, and 4 mm spacing. SimRFA were performed at 15 and 25 W for 60 seconds and compared to bRFA.

Results

For thicker tissue, simRFA produced similar lesion volume and depth compared to bRFA but with a lesion geometry similar to seqRFA. Unlike seqRFA and simRFA, bRFA had a necrotic core spanning the myocardium. Core depths, volumes, and temperatures were significantly greater for bRFA lesions compared to simRFA or seqRFA (Figure, P < .001). Similar results were consistent for bRFA and simRFA at shorter spacings.

Conclusions

BRFA has greater core lesion temperatures, corresponding to a denser and larger necrotic core, than either simRFA or seqRFA. This may have implications for considering the optimal strategy for deep midmyocardial substrates or during multipolar ablation.
Identification of repetitive atrial activation patterns in persistent atrial fibrillation by direct contact high‐density electrogram mapping
Authors: Wolf Michael , Tavernier René , Zeidan Ziad , El Haddad Milad , Vandekerckhove Yves , Pooter Jan De , Phlips Thomas , Strisciuglio Teresa , Almorad Alexandre , Kyriakopoulou Maria , Lycke Michelle , Duytschaever Mattias , Knecht Sébastien
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Recent studies have characterized drivers in persistent atrial fibrillation using automated algorithm detection with panoramic endocardial mapping by means of basket catheters. We aimed to identify repetitive atrial activation patterns (RAAPs) during ongoing atrial fibrillation (AF) based upon automated annotation of unipolar electrograms (EGMs) recorded with a high‐density regional endocardial contact mapping catheter.

Methods

In 14 persistent AF patients, high‐resolution EGMs were recorded for 30 seconds at sequential PentaRay (Biosense Inc) positions covering the entire biatrial surface. All recordings were reviewed off‐line with dedicated software allowing automated annotation of the local activation time of the unipolar fibrillatory EGMs (CARTOFINDER; Biosense Inc). RAAPs were defined as a consistent activation pattern (for ≥3 consecutive beats) of either focal activity with centrifugal spread (RAAPfocal) or rotational activity across the PentaRay splines spanning the AF cycle length (RAAProtational).

Results

A total of 498 PentaRay recordings were analyzed (35.6 ± 7.6 per patient). The number of PentaRay recordings displaying RAAP was 9.8 ± 3.1 per patient (range = 3‐15), of which 2.4 ± 2.4 RAAProtational (range = 0‐7), and 7.4 ± 4.4 RAAPfocal (range = 1‐13). 77% of RAAPs portrayed focal firing. The median number of repetitions per 30 second recording was 11 (range = 3‐225) per recording. RAAPs were observed both in the right atrium (RA) (35%) and left atrium (LA) (65%), with the majority being near the left PVs/appendage (35% of all RAAPs) and the superior vena cava/right appendage (23% of all RAAPs).

Conclusion

High‐resolution, sequential endocardial EGM‐based mapping allows identification of RAAPs in persistent AF. In our series, focal firing was the most frequently observed pattern.
Cardiac electrophysiological characteristics of silent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: What causes asymptomaticity?
Authors: Hironobe Naoya , Sairaku Akinori , Nakano Yukiko , Tokuyama Takehito , Okamura Sho , Okubo Yosaku , Shimizu Wataru , Kihara Yasuki
Published: October 2019

Background

A diagnosis of silent paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) is highly challenging due to its asymptomatic and intermittent nature. The goal of the present study was to clarify its asymptomaticity with the use of a comprehensive electrophysiological approach.

Methods

We prospectively compared (a) 24‐hour Holter monitoring data, (b) invasive cardiac electrophysiological properties, (c) AF inducibility, and (d) outcome of radiofrequency catheter ablation between patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF and those with silent paroxysmal AF, defined as transient asymptomatic AF detected by chance.

Results

Patients with silent paroxysmal AF (N = 57) were more likely than patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF (N = 282) to be male (75.4% vs 56.7%; P = .009), and to have a previous stroke (17.5% vs 6.7%; P = .008), more prolonged atrio‐His interval (114.9 ± 29.1 vs 105.5 ± 24.1 ms; P = .01), longer atrioventricular nodal effective refractory period (352.3 ± 103 vs 318.2 ± 77.2 ms; P = .007), slower Wenckebach cycle length (488.5 ± 83.9 vs 443.3 ± 74.9 ms; P < .001), and lower maximum heart rate during AF (128.7 ± 31.9 vs 143.9 ± 29.6 beats/min; P = .02). Atrial ectopy (median [interquartile range], 385 [88, 2430] vs 207 [73.8, 870.8] beats/24 h; P = .02) and pharmacological AF induction (66.7% vs 43.2%; P = .02) were more common in silent paroxysmal AF patients. There was no difference in the 1‐year freedom from AF following the ablation between the two patient groups.

Conclusions

The more attenuated atrioventricular conduction properties in silent paroxysmal AF patients may explain their asymptomatic nature, and their higher likelihood of atrial arrhythmias may increase the chance to detect AF episodes. Whether or not they benefit from catheter ablation is uncertain.