bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vulnerability in a tracked society: Combining tracking and survey data to understand who gets targeted with what content
Authors: Bol Nadine , Strycharz Joanna , Helberger Natali , van de Velde Bob , de Vreese Claes H
Published: October 2020

While data-driven personalization strategies are permeating all areas of online communication, the impact for individuals and society as a whole is still not fully understood. Drawing on Facebook as a case study, we combine online tracking and self-reported survey data to assess who gets targeted with what content. We tested relationships between user characteristics (i.e. socio-demographic and individual perceptions) and exposure to branded content on Facebook. Findings suggest that social media use sophisticated algorithms to target specific groups of users, especially in the context of gender-stereotyping and health. Health-related content was predominantly targeted at older users, females, and at those with higher levels of trust in online companies, as well as those in poorer health conditions. This study provides a first indication of unfair targeting that reinforces stereotypes and creates inequalities, and suggests rethinking the impact of algorithmic targeting in creating new forms of individual and societal vulnerabilities.
Infrastructures of tracking: Mapping the ecology of third-party services across top sites in the EU
Authors: Helles Rasmus , Lomborg Stine , Lai Signe Sophus
Published: October 2020

Today, websites operate in a modular fashion, outsourcing the surveillance and datafication of users to outside companies, along with security functions, video hosting, and so on. These third-party services (TPSs) function as key enablers of the web, with respect to functionality and the monetization of user activity. Departing from critical data studies and media systems analysis, the article contributes to understanding TPS infrastructures by placing these in a wider context of markets, cultural differences and regulation. Through a study of top-150 websites from the 28 EU countries, the article demonstrates how the use of TPSs varies between different parts of the region and different types of sites, and traces this variation to issues of language, regulatory traditions and differences in online businesses. These insights may inform current debates about surveillance capitalism and big data, by linking different forms of commodification of users’ behavioural data to broader social and cultural structures.
Coupled in-nozzle flow and spray simulation of Engine Combustion Network Spray-G injector
Authors: Mohan Balaji , Badra Jihad , Sim Jaeheon , Im Hong G
Published: October 2020

A coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian approach was employed to Engine Combustion Network (ECN) Spray-G simulations. The Eulerian in-nozzle flow simulation was conducted with a small plenum attached to the nozzles, and the results were fed to the Lagrangian spray simulation. For Eulerian simulation, the homogeneous relaxation model (HRM) coupled with the volume of fluid (VOF) method was used. HRM proved to be good at predicting the phase change phenomena due to vaporization mechanisms, that is, both cavitation and flash boiling. As a one-way coupling, quantities such as rate of injection (ROI), mass injected through each hole, discharge coefficient, spray plume angle and half cone angle predicted from the Eulerian simulations were used as the initial and boundary conditions for the subsequent Lagrangian spray simulations using the blob injection model. Non-flashing (Spray-G1) and flashing (Spray-G2) spray was simulated, and the results were validated quantitatively against the published data in terms of the liquid and vapor penetration lengths, and good agreements were obtained. Furthermore, the simulation predicted the liquid and gas axial velocity and sauter mean diameter for Spray-G1 condition in agreement with the droplet size and particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements from literature.
Effect of the exhaust thermal insulation on the engine efficiency and the exhaust temperature under transient conditions
Authors: Arnau Francisco Jose , Martín Jaime , Piqueras Pedro , Auñón Ángel
Published: October 2020

As well as new advances in the after-treatment systems are required to achieve the new pollutant emission requirements, new designs of the exhaust line can be considered in order to increase the engine efficiency and the after-treatment effectiveness. In the present work, a one-dimensional gas dynamic model has been used to carry out a simulation study comparing several exhaust insulation solutions. This solutions include the insulation of the exhaust ports, the exhaust manifold, the internal surface of the turbine volute, the turbine external housing, as well as different combinations of these solutions. A transient analysis has been done in order to evaluate the increment in the exhaust gases temperature, fuel economy and pollutant emission levels over the WLTC (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Cycle) at three different temperature conditions. As a conclusion, a 12% increment in the turbine outlet gas enthalpy can be achieved by insulating both the exhausts ports and the exhaust manifold. Moreover, more than 30% less pollutant emissions are released to the environment with this setup.
Improvement of the Upper Extremity at the Subacute Stage Poststroke: Does Hand Dominance Play a Role?
Authors: Hmaied Assadi Samar , Feige Gross-Nevo Revital , Dudkiewicz Israel , Barel Haim , Rand Debbie
Published: October 2020

Background

The impact of hand dominance on the expected (motor and functional ability and daily use) improvement of the affected upper extremity (UE) in subacute stroke has not yet been investigated.

Objectives

To compare between the affected dominant and affected nondominant UE (1) on rehabilitation admission (T1) for motor and sensory abilities, functional ability, and daily use and (2) 6 weeks poststroke onset (T2) and the UE recovery between T1 and T2 regarding percent change, improvement effect size, and percent of participants achieving minimal clinical important difference (MCID).

Methods

Multicenter longitudinal study.

Results

Thirty-eight participants with affected dominant and 51 participants with affected nondominant UE were recruited. On T1 and T2, between-group differences were not seen for all UE variables. Significant improvement in the motor and functional ability, daily use, and perceived recovery between T1 and T2 were seen for the affected dominant ( z = −3.01 to −4.13, P < .01) and nondominant UEs ( z = −4.59 to −5.32, P < .01). Effect size improvement values were moderate and large in the affected dominant and nondominant UE (respectively). In addition, 14% to 40% of the participants in both UEs achieved MCID.

Conclusions

Significant and similar clinical meaningfulness in UE improvement can be expected during subacute rehabilitation; however, improvement magnitude and percent improvement is different for the UE domains of the affected dominant and the affected nondominant UEs. These findings highlight the distinct roles of the dominant and nondominant hands during bimanual daily activities, which can guide clinicians during stroke rehabilitation.
What does it mean to be civic-ready? Uncovering citizenship conceptualizations in US states that require the ‘citizenship test’
Authors: Johnson Aaron Paul
Published: October 2020

There is a growing trend within civics education within the United States to adopt the USCIS naturalization civics exam (commonly referred to as the ‘citizenship test’), which consists of 100 multiple choice questions, to determine the civic readiness of students. This study explores civics education within eight US states that have adopted the ‘citizenship test’ model through the lens of citizenship conceptualizations evidenced within their high school civics state standards. Utilizing a directed content analysis, the researcher located more than 230 standards within three citizenship discourse categories: civic republican, liberal, and reconstructionist. Citizenship within the examined state standards, was largely conceptualized as civic republican in orientation (96%) and nested within untroubled assumptions of US society and desires for a common American identity that often crowded out attention to diversity and conflict and in doing so, mirrored exclusionary practices common to standardized, high-stakes assessments including the USCIS naturalization civics exam.
Can electronic assessment tools improve the process of shared decision-making? A systematic review
Authors: Wickramasekera Nyantara , Taylor Sarah K , Lumley Elizabeth , Gray Thomas , Wilson Emma , Radley Stephen
Published: October 2020

Background:

Patient involvement in decision-making plays a prominent role in improving the quality of healthcare. Despite this, shared decision-making is not routinely implemented. However, electronic assessment tools that capture patients’ history, symptoms, opinions and values prior to their medical appointment are used by healthcare professionals during patient consultations to facilitate shared decision-making.

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of electronic assessment tools to improve the shared decision-making process.

Method:

A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Published literature was searched on MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO to identify potentially relevant studies. Data were extracted and analysed narratively.

Results:

Seventeen articles, representing 4004 participants, were included in this review. The main findings were significant improvement in patient–provider communication and provider management of patient condition in the intervention group compared to the control group. In contrast, patient–provider satisfaction and time efficiency were assessed by relatively few included studies, and the effects of these outcomes were inconclusive.

Conclusion:

This review found that communication and healthcare professional’s management of a patient’s condition improves because of the use of electronic questionnaires. This is encouraging because the process of shared decision-making is reliant on high-quality communication between healthcare professionals and patients.

Implications:

We found that this intervention is especially important for people with chronic diseases, as they need to establish a long-term relationship with their healthcare provider and agree to a treatment plan that aligns with their values. More rigorous research with validated instruments is required.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell–Derived Exosomes: A Potential Therapeutic Avenue in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Jeyaraman Madhan , Muthu Sathish , Gulati Arun , Jeyaraman Naveen , G.S Prajwal , Jain Rashmi
Published: October 2020

Knee osteoarthritis is the leading cause of functional disability in adults. The goals of knee osteoarthritis management are directed toward symptomatic pain relief along with the attainment of the functional quality of life. The treatment strategy ranges from conservative to surgical management with reparative and restorative techniques. The emergence of cell-based therapies has paved the way for the usage of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cartilage disorders. Currently, global researchers are keen on their research on nanomedicine and targeted drug delivery. MSC-derived exosomes act as a directed therapy to halt the disease progression and to provide a pain-free range of movements with increased quality of cartilage on regeneration. International Society for Extracellular Vesicles and the European Network on Microvesicles and Exosomes in Health and Disease have formed guidelines to foster the use of the growing therapeutic potential of exosomal therapy in osteoarthritis. Although regenerative therapies with MSC are being seen to hold a future in the management of osteoarthritis, extracellular vesicle–based technology holds the key to unlock the potential toward knee preservation and regeneration. The intricate composition and uncertain functioning of exosomes are inquisitive facets warranting further exploration.
Knowledge about self-care and associated factors among heart-failure patients in Ayder Referral Hospital, Ethiopia, 2018: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hailu Gebru Tsegu , Hagos Mekonen Haftea , Gemechu Kiros Kbrom
Published: October 2020

Background:

Good knowledge of self-care related to heart failure (HF) is key to improve patient outcomes. However, information regarding how much patients know about self-care is lacking in developing countries, particularly in the study setting.

Objective:

The objectives of this study were to assess HF patients’ knowledge about self-care and to explore predictors among HF patients in Ayder comprehensive specialised referral hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia.

Methods:

This hospital-based cross-sectional study design was undertaken in Ayder comprehensive specialised referral hospital, Tigray, Ethiopia. A total of 408 HF patients participated, and the study was done between February and April 2018. An interviewer-assisted structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Bivariate logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to identify the predictors associated with knowledge about self-care.

Results:

The mean age of the participants was 45.4 years (standard deviation=19 years). Around 255 (62.5%) of the participants had poor self-care knowledge. Age, New York Heart Association classes, duration of the disease and previous hospitalisation were the factors associated with knowledge about self-care.

Conclusion:

More than half of all participants had poor knowledge about self-care. Improving existing prevention strategies and strengthening patients’ knowledge are recommended to address this knowledge deficit.
Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostatic urethra following a remote history of primary brachytherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Peak Taylor C , Goodman Michael M , Fenu Elena M , Hemal Ashok K
Published: October 2020

Secondary malignancies are a known, albeit uncommon, complication of radiation for prostate cancer, either in the form of external beam radiotherapy or seed-implant brachytherapy. Of these secondary malignancies, mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostatic urothelium is an extremely rare clinical entity that has only once been reported in the literature. We report the case of an 80-year-old gentleman who initially underwent low-dose brachytherapy for low-risk prostate cancer 18 years ago. He subsequently developed recurrent gross hematuria and obstructive voiding symptoms. He underwent cystoscopy and transurethral resection of a large tumor from within the prostate. Final pathology of the tumor revealed a mucinous adenocarcinoma. Further immunostaining revealed this is likely to have originated from the prostatic urothelium. Given his age, comorbidities, and no clear data demonstrating that aggressive extirpative surgery provides a clinical benefit, we elected to undergo surveillance. Clinicians should be aware of mucinous adenocarcinoma of the prostatic urethra as an extremely rare, radiation-induced malignancy. Once a diagnosis is made, extirpative surgery is an option for localized disease, although prognosis remains poor.
Understanding User Acceptance of Clinical Decision Support Systems to Promote Increased Cancer Screening Rates in a Primary Care Practice
Authors: Kelsey Elizabeth A. , Njeru Jane W. , Chaudhry Rajeev , Fischer Karen M. , Schroeder Darrell R. , Croghan Ivana T.
Published: October 2020

Objective:

Clinical decision support systems (CDDSs) in the electronic medical record (EMR) have been implemented in primary care settings to identify patients due for cancer screening tests, while functioning as a real time reminder system. There is little known about primary care providers (PCPs) perspective or user acceptance of CDSS. The purpose of this study was to investigate primary care provider perceptions of utilizing CDSS alerts in the EMR to promote increased screening rates for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and colorectal cancer.

Methods:

An electronic survey was administered to PCPs in a Midwest Health Institution community internal medicine practice from September 25, 2019 through November 27, 2019.

Results:

Among 37 participants (9 NP/Pas and 28 MD/DOs), the NP/PA group was more likely to agree that alerts were helpful (50%; P-value = .0335) and the number of alerts (89%; P = .0227) in the EMR was appropriate. The NP/PA group also was more likely to find alerts straightforward to use (78%, P = .0239). Both groups agreed about feeling comfortable using the health maintenance alerts ( MD/DO = 79%; NP/PA = 100%).

Conclusion:

CDSSs can promote and facilitate ordering of cancer screening tests. The use of technology can promptly identify patients due for a test and act as a reminder to the PCP. PCPs identify these alerts to be a beneficial tool in the EMR when they do not interrupt workflow and provide value to patient care. More work is needed to identify factors that could optimize alerts to be even more helpful, particularly to MD/DO groups.
Does Distanced Self-Talk Facilitate Emotion Regulation Across a Range of Emotionally Intense Experiences?
Authors: Orvell Ariana , Vickers Brian D. , Drake Brittany , Verduyn Philippe , Ayduk Ozlem , Moser Jason , Jonides John , Kross Ethan
Published: October 2020

Research indicates that a subtle shift in language—silently referring to oneself using one’s own name and non–first-person-singular pronouns (i.e., distanced self-talk)—promotes emotion regulation. Yet it remains unclear whether the efficacy of distanced self-talk depends on the intensity of the negative experience reflected on and whether the benefits extend to emotionally vulnerable individuals. Two high-powered experiments addressed these issues. Distanced as opposed to immersed self-talk reduced emotional reactivity when people reflected on negative experiences that varied in their emotional intensity. These findings held when participants focused on future and past autobiographical events and when they scored high on individual difference measures of emotional vulnerability. The results also generalized across various types of negative events. These findings illuminate the functionality of language for allowing people to regulate their emotions when reflecting on negative experiences across the spectrum of emotional intensity and highlight the need for future research to examine the clinical implications of this technique.
COVID-19 in an Infant with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Case Report
Authors: Azouz Haya , Gerrits Peter , Surhigh Julie , Kalladi Puthanpurayil Shabana
Published: October 2020

In the midst of current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, little is known about the implications of this new virus on patients with underlying chronic comorbidities. Herein, we present a case of a 5-week-old infant with congenital adrenal hyperplasia who acquired SARS-CoV-2 and recovered with minimal medical support.
Comparison of Telemedicine Screening of Diabetic Retinopathy by Mydriatic Smartphone-Based vs Nonmydriatic Tabletop Camera-Based Fundus Imaging
Authors: Han Yong Seok , Pathipati Mythili , Pan Carolyn , Leung Loh-Shan , Blumenkranz Mark Scott , Myung David , Toy Brian Chiwing
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

To compare dilated smartphone-based imaging with a nonmydriatic, tabletop fundus camera as a teleophthalmology screening tool for diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Methods:

This was a single-institutional, cross-sectional, comparative-instrument study. Fifty-six patients at a safety-net hospital underwent teleophthalmology screening for DR using standard, nonmydriatic fundus photography with a tabletop camera (Nidek NM-1000) and dilated fundus photography using a smartphone camera with lens adapter (Paxos Scope, Verana Health). Masked graders performed standardized photo grading. Quantitative comparisons were performed employing descriptive, κ, Bland-Altman, and receiver operating characteristic analyses

Results:

Posterior segment photography was of sufficient quality to grade in 89% of mydriatic smartphone-imaged eyes and in 86% of nonmydriatic tabletop camera-imaged eyes ( P = .03). Using the tabletop camera as the reference to detect moderate nonproliferative DR or worse (referral-warranted DR), mydriatic smartphone-acquired photographs were found to be 82% sensitive and 96% specific. Dilated smartphone imaging detected referral-warranted DR in 3 eyes whose tabletop camera imaging did not demonstrate referral-warranted DR. Secondary masked review of medical records for the discordances in referral-warranted status from the two imaging modalities was performed, and it revealed revised sensitivity and specificity values of 95% and 98%, respectively. Overall, there was good agreement between tabletop camera and smartphone-acquired photo grades (κ = 0.91 ± 0.1, P < .001; area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.99, 95% CI, 0.98-1.00).

Conclusions:

Mydriatic smartphone-based imaging resulted in fewer ungradable photos compared to nonmydriatic table-top camera imaging and detected more patients with referral-warranted DR. Our study supports the use of mydriatic smartphone teleophthalmology as an alternative method to screen for DR.
TLR3/TAK1 signalling regulates rhinovirus-induced interleukin-33 in bronchial smooth muscle cells
Authors: Ramu Sangeetha , Calvén Jenny , Michaeloudes Charalambos , Menzel Mandy , Akbarshahi Hamid , Chung Kian Fan , Uller Lena
Published: October 2020

Background

Asthma exacerbations are commonly associated with rhinovirus (RV) infection. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) plays an important role during exacerbation by enhancing Type 2 inflammation. Recently we showed that RV infects bronchial smooth muscle cells (BSMCs) triggering production of interferons and IL-33. Here we compared levels of RV-induced IL-33 in BSMCs from healthy and asthmatic subjects, and explored the involvement of pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) and downstream signalling pathways in IL-33 expression.

Method

BSMCs from healthy and severe and non-severe asthmatic patients were infected with RV1B or stimulated with the PRR agonists poly(I:C) (Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)), imiquimod (TLR7) and poly(I:C)/LyoVec (retinoic acid-inducible gene 1 (RIG-I)/melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (MDA5)). Knockdown of TLR3, RIG-I and MDA5 was performed, and inhibitors targeting TBK1, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) were used. Gene and protein expression were assessed.

Results

RV triggered IL-33 gene and protein expression in BSMCs. BSMCs from patients with non-severe asthma showed higher baseline and RV-induced IL-33 gene expression compared to cells from patients with severe asthma and healthy controls. Furthermore, RV-induced IL-33 expression in BSMCs from healthy and asthmatic individuals was attenuated by knockdown of TLR3. Inhibition of TAK1, but not NF-κB or TBK1, limited RV-induced IL-33. The cytokine secretion profile showed higher production of IL-33 in BSMCs from patients with non-severe asthma compared to healthy controls upon RV infection. In addition, BSMCs from patients with non-severe asthma had higher levels of RV-induced IL-8, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-17A, IL-5 and IL-13.

Conclusion

RV infection caused higher levels of IL-33 and increased pro-inflammatory and Type 2 cytokine release in BSMCs from patients with non-severe asthma. RV-induced IL-33 expression was mainly regulated by TLR3 and downstreamviaTAK1. These signalling molecules represent potential therapeutic targets for treating asthma exacerbations.
Respiratory dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: a narrative review
Authors: D'Arrigo Andrea , Floro Stefano , Bartesaghi Francesca , Casellato Chiara , Sferrazza Papa Giuseppe Francesco , Centanni Stefano , Priori Alberto , Bocci Tommaso
Published: October 2020

The presence of respiratory symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) has been known since the first description of the disease, even though the prevalence and incidence of these disturbances are not well defined. Several causes have been reported, comprising obstructive and restrictive pulmonary disease and changes in the central ventilatory control, and different pathogenetic mechanisms have been postulated accordingly. In our review, we encompass the current knowledge about respiratory abnormalities in PD, as well as the impact of anti-Parkinsonian drugs as either risk or protective factors. A description of putative pathogenetic mechanisms is also provided, and possible treatments are discussed, focusing on the importance of recognising and treating respiratory symptoms as a key manifestation of the disease itself. A brief description of respiratory dysfunctions in atypical Parkinsonism, especially α-synucleinopathies, is also provided.
Occupationversusenvironmental factors in hypersensitivity pneumonitis: population attributable fraction
Authors: Barnes Hayley , Olin Anna-Carin , Torén Kjell , McSharry Charles , Donnelly Iona , Lärstad Mona , Iribarren Carlos , Quinlan Patricia , Blanc Paul D.
Published: October 2020

Background

Despite well-documented case series of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), epidemiological data delineating relative contributions of risk factors are sparse. To address this, we estimated HP risk in a case-referent study of occupational and nonoccupational exposures.

Methods

We recruited cases of HP by ICD-9 codes from an integrated healthcare delivery system (IHCDS) and a tertiary medical care centre. We drew referents, matched for age and sex, from the IHCDS. Participants underwent comprehensive, structured telephone interviews eliciting details of occupational and home environmental exposures. We employed a hierarchical analytic approach for data reduction based on the false discovery rate method within clusters of exposures. We measured lung function and selected biomarkers in a subset of participants. We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate exposure-associated odds ratios (ORs) and population attributable fractions (PAFs) for HP.

Results

We analysed data for 192 HP cases (148 IHCDS; 44 tertiary care) and 229 referents. Occupational exposures combined more than doubled the odds of developing HP (OR 2.67; 95% CI 1.73–4.14) with a PAF of 34% (95% CI 21–46%); nonoccupational bird exposure also doubled the HP odds (OR 2.02; 95% CI 1.13–3.60), with a PAF of 12% (3–21%). Lung function and selected biomarkers did not substantively modify the risk estimates on the basis of questionnaire data alone.

Discussion

In a case-referent approach evaluating HP risk, identifiable exposures accounted, on an epidemiological basis, for approximately two in three cases of disease; conversely, for one in three, the risk factors for disease remained elusive.
Understanding the Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients With Cancer, Their Caregivers, and Health Care Workers in Singapore
Authors: Ng Kennedy Yao Yi , Zhou Siqin , Tan Sze Huey , Ishak Nur Diana Binte , Goh Zack Zhong Sheng , Chua Zi Yang , Chia Jace Ming Xuan , Chew Ee Ling , Shwe Than , Mok Jacklyn Kah Yeen , Leong Shen Si , Lo Joanne Si Ying , Ang Zoe Li Ting , Leow Jo Lene , Lam Chanel Wei Jie , Kwek Jin Wei , Dent Rebecca , Tuan Jeffrey , Lim Soon Thye , Hwang William Ying Khee , Griva Konstadina , Ngeow Joanne
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a global impact, and Singapore has seen 33,000 confirmed cases. Patients with cancer, their caregivers, and health care workers (HCWs) need to balance the challenges associated with COVID-19 while ensuring that cancer care is not compromised. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological effect of COVID-19 on these groups and the prevalence of burnout among HCWs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of patients, caregivers, and HCWs at the National Cancer Centre Singapore was performed over 17 days during the lockdown. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and Maslach Burnout Inventory were used to assess for anxiety and burnout, respectively. Self-reported fears related to COVID-19 were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 624 patients, 408 caregivers, and 421 HCWs participated in the study, with a response rate of 84%, 88%, and 92% respectively. Sixty-six percent of patients, 72.8% of caregivers, and 41.6% of HCWs reported a high level of fear from COVID-19. The top concern of patients was the wide community spread of COVID-19. Caregivers were primarily worried about patients dying alone. HCWs were most worried about the relatively mild symptoms of COVID-19. The prevalence of anxiety was 19.1%, 22.5%, and 14.0% for patients, caregivers, and HCWs, respectively. Patients who were nongraduates and married, and caregivers who were married were more anxious. The prevalence of burnout in HCWs was 43.5%, with more anxious and fearful HCWs reporting higher burnout rates.

CONCLUSION

Fears and anxiety related to COVID-19 are high. Burnout among HCWs is similar to rates reported prepandemic. An individualized approach to target the specific fears of each group will be crucial to maintain the well-being of these vulnerable groups and prevent burnout of HCWs.
Andrew Marvell in Russia
Authors: Hennings Jan , Holberton Edward
Published: October 2020

This article examines interactions between diplomatic representation, state bureaucracy, and rhetoric in early modern diplomacy. It analyzes manuscripts in the hand of the poet Andrew Marvell, which he wrote as secretary to the Earl of Carlisle’s 1663–64 embassy to Moscow. The manuscripts show how a battle over diplomatic ceremony and honor unfolded into disputes over the forms and decorum used in a lively exchange of diplomatic letters and written complaints. These texts were edited, translated, and published for English and international audiences by another embassy secretary, Guy Miège. The article traces the afterlife of the embassy letters in print, arguing that Marvell and Miège became central agents in shaping how the embassy was perceived at home and further afield. The wider context of public diplomacy drew from the secretaries’ considerable skill in framing diplomatic letters for consumption by different audiences. Early modern ambassadors performed rituals of sovereignty, symbolizing status and rank, but the complex art of diplomatic image-making was also directed by lower-ranking embassy personnel. Examining the relationship between bureaucratic practices and the performative nature of diplomacy, this article shows how secretaries exerted significant influence on the reception of early modern diplomatic relations.
Afterword
Authors: Watkins John
Published: October 2020

Scholars of contemporary international relations have long noted the rise of such nonstate agents as global corporations and NGOs on the world stage. With that shift in mind, John Robert Kelley has questioned the continued viability of an institutional definition of diplomacy that dates back to the eighteenth century. If corporate directors and NGO officers have as much impact in shaping international systems as traditionally commissioned diplomats, it might make more sense to redefine diplomacy as a behavior that can be carried out by nonstate, noncommissioned agents. As the essays gathered in this special issue suggest, that behavioralist redefinition of diplomacy might apply just as well to the premodern state system, before the rise of the familiar foreign office, as to the postmodern state system, whose multilayered complexities extend, resist, and often successfully counter the policy goals of traditional diplomats. Diplomats mattered in premodern state relations. But so did merchants and missionaries, writers, actors, and other artists.
Evaluation of antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of bioactive compounds produced from endophytic fungi of Himalayan yew (Taxus wallichiana) in Nepal
Authors: Gauchan Dhurva Prasad , Kandel Pratistha , Tuladhar Astha , Acharya Ashesh , Kadel Upendra , Baral Aayush , Shahi Arjan Bir , García-Gil María Rosario
Published: October 2020

Background: Endophytic fungi are largely underexplored in the discovery of natural bioactive products though being rich sources of novel compounds with promising pharmaceutical potential. In this study, Taxus wallichiana, which has huge medicinal value, was investigated for its endophytic diversity and capability to produce bioactive secondary metabolites by analyzing antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties.

Methods: The endophytes were identified by ITS-PCR using genomic DNA samples. The secondary metabolites were extracted by solvent extraction method using ethyl acetate. The antioxidant activity was analyzed by Thin Layer Chromatography, Total Phenol Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) and DPPH assay, and the antimicrobial activity was analyzed by agar-well diffusion method. Brine shrimp lethality assay was used to analyze the cytotoxicity of the fungal extracts.

Results: Out of 16 different Taxus trees sampled from different locations of Dhorpatan, 13 distinctive endophytic fungi were isolated and grouped into 9 different genera: Bjerkandera, Trichoderma, Preussia, Botrytis, Arthrinium, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Sporormiella and Daldinia. The ethyl acetate extracts isolated from three endophytic fungi: Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides and Alternaria brassicae showed significant TPC values of 204±6.144, 312.3±2.147 and 152.7±4.958µg GAE/mg of dry extract, respectively, and TFC values of 177.9±2.911, 644.1±4.202 and 96.38±3.851µg RE/mg of dry extract, respectively. Furthermore, these three extracts showed a dose dependent radical scavenging activity with IC50 concentration of 22.85, 22.15 and 23.001 µg/ml, respectively. The extracts of C. cladosporioides and A. brassicae also showed promising antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 250μg/ml for all bacteria. Both the samples showed cytotoxic property against shrimp nauplii with LC50 of 104.2 and 125.9µg/ml, respectively.

Conclusions: The crude fungal extracts obtained from endophytes: A. alternata, C. cladosporioides and A. brassicae upon purification and further identification of the bioactive compounds can be a fascinating source for novel pharmaceutical agents.
UNICORNS: Uveitis in childhood prospective national cohort study protocol
Authors: Kellett Salomey , Rahi Jugnoo S , Dick Andrew D. , Knowles Rachel , Tadić Valerija , Solebo Ameenat Lola
Published: October 2020

Background: Childhood uveitis is a rare inflammatory eye disease which is typically chronic, relapsing-remitting in nature, with an uncertain aetiology (idiopathic). Visual loss occurs due to structural damage caused by uncontrolled inflammation. Understanding of the determinants of long term outcome is lacking, including the predictors of therapeutic response or how to define disease control.

Aims: To describe disease natural history and outcomes amongst a nationally representative group of children with non-infectious uveitis, describe the impact of disease course on quality of life for both child and family, and identify determinants of adverse visual, structural and developmental outcomes.

Methods: UNICORNS is a prospective longitudinal multicentre cohort study of children newly diagnosed with uveitis about whom a core minimum clinical dataset will be collected systematically. Participants and their families will also complete patient-reported outcome measures annually from recruitment. The association of patient (child- and treatment- dependent) characteristics with outcome will be investigated using logistic and ordinal regression models which incorporate adjustment for within-child correspondence between eyes for those with bilateral disease and repeated outcomes measurement. 

Discussion: Through this population based, prospective longitudinal study of childhood uveitis, we will describe the characteristics of childhood onset disease. Early (1-2 years following diagnosis) outcomes will be described in the first instance, and through the creation of a national inception cohort, longer term studies will be enabled of outcome for affected children and families.
Animal assisted activities in the children's hospital: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Howe Rachel , Nicholson Sandra , Lafferty Attracta , Davies Carmel , Stokes Diarmuid , Kroll Thilo
Published: October 2020

The introduction of animal interventions in healthcare are relatively common; however, their actual effectiveness and longer term findings are not so well known or published, especially in relation to the children’s hospital setting.  It is important to plot where and why animal interventions take place but also to focus on how the human animal bond impacts on children, their parents and staff in a children’s hospital setting.  Family members, including companion animals, are important supports which help children to relax and give them a sense of familiarity to navigate the busy and stressful hospital environment.  The scoping review of the literature proposed will explore the scientific evidence for animal assisted activities (AAA) in children’s hospitals and will map results prior to undertaking a full scale research project.   Arksey and O’Malley’s framework guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute will frame this review protocol.  Appendices are used to ensure transparency of methods. The protocol is presented in narrative style to demonstrate flow and fluency and appeal to wider readership.
The Unintended Consequences of Antipiracy Laws on Markets with Asymmetric Piracy: The Case of the French Movie Industry
Authors: Bellégo Christophe , De Nijs Romain
Published: October 2020

In many markets of the digital economy, some products are more prone to online piracy than some of their substitutes. These situations of asymmetric online piracy distort the competition between products. Using the French antipiracy law known as HADOPI (Haute Autorité pour la diffusion des œuvres et la protection des droits d'auteur sur internet) as a natural experiment, we study the asymmetric effects of online piracy on cinema admissions. Applying four estimation strategies at different levels of observation (town, movie, country, and consumer), we find that introduction of the law is associated with a 9% increase in the market share of American movies but that this increase occurs at the expense of other movies. These findings primarily originate from a high initial level of asymmetric piracy between American and other movies. This asymmetry was attenuated by the antipiracy law, resulting in a fiercer competition between movies and, as a side effect, in a decrease in the legal consumption of less-pirated products. These results have important implications for firms whose profits may be affected by legislation fighting piracy as well as for governments for the design of their policy.
Social Advertising Effectiveness Across Products: A Large-Scale Field Experiment
Authors: Huang Shan , Aral Sinan , Hu Yu Jeffrey , Brynjolfsson Erik
Published: October 2020

We collaborated with a large online social network to conduct a randomized field experiment measuring social ad effectiveness across 71 products in 25 categories among more than 37 million users.
A Model of Brand Architecture Choice: A House of Brands vs. A Branded House
Authors: Yu Jungju
Published: October 2020

This research investigates a multiproduct firm’s decision of whether to use the same brand or different brands in different product markets, and in particular how this decision depends on the relatedness between the product markets.
Prepurchase Information Acquisition and Credible Advertising
Authors: Gardete Pedro M. , Guo Liang
Published: October 2020

Consumers can decide whether to acquire more information about their valuations prior to purchase. In this paper, we examine pricing and advertising strategies when consumers can engage in prepurchase information acquisition. We show that consumer information acquisition can increase valuation heterogeneity and undermine a firm’s ability to extract consumer surplus. As a result, interestingly, a higher product quality can exert a nonmonotonic impact on equilibrium information acquisition, hurt firm profitability, and lead to lower consumer surplus. We also demonstrate that prepurchase information acquisition can be an endogenous mechanism to enable credible advertising in a cheap-talk setting. We show that quality claims in advertisements can be informative even when the firm can freely misrepresent its advertising message. Informative advertising can arise because a higher perceived quality can not only increase consumers’ expected value, but it also induces more information acquisition and thus hurts the firm’s ability to extract consumer surplus. This novel explanation for the credibility of cheap-talk advertising is distinguished from those identified in the literature (e.g., matching between firm types and heterogenous consumers, restrictive communication on multidimensional attributes). Moreover, we show that a higher quality can soften competition by inducing more information acquisition, thus benefiting the rival firm’s profitability.

This paper was accepted by Matthew Shum, marketing.
Affine Modeling of Credit Risk, Pricing of Credit Events, and Contagion
Authors: Monfort Alain , Pegoraro Fulvio , Renne Jean-Paul , Roussellet Guillaume
Published: October 2020

We propose a discrete-time affine pricing model that simultaneously allows for (i) the presence of systemic entities by departing from the no-jump condition on the factors’ conditional distribution, (ii) contagion effects, and (iii) the pricing of credit events. Our affine framework delivers explicit pricing formulas for default-sensitive securities such as bonds and credit default swaps (CDSs). We estimate a euro-area multicountry version of the model and address economic questions related to the pricing of sovereign credit risk. We find that both frailty (common factors) and contagion phenomena are important to account for the joint dynamics of credit spreads. Our results also provide evidence of credit-event pricing, which is at the source of substantial credit risk premiums, even for short maturities. Finally, we extract measures of depreciation-at-default from CDSs denominated in different currencies.

This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.
Competition Among Proprietary and Open-Source Software Firms: The Role of Licensing in Strategic Contribution
Authors: August Terrence , Chen Wei , Zhu Kevin
Published: October 2020

In enterprise software markets, firms are increasingly using services-based business models built on open-source software (OSS) to compete with established, proprietary software firms. Because third-party firms can also strategically contribute to OSS and compete in the services market, the nature of competition between OSS constituents and proprietary software firms can be complex. Moreover, their incentives are likely influenced by the licensing schemes that govern OSS. We study a three-player game and examine how open-source licensing affects competition among an open-source originator, an open-source contributor, and a proprietor competing in an enterprise software market. In this regard, we examine (1) how quality investments and prices are endogenously determined in equilibrium, (2) how license restrictiveness impacts equilibrium investments and the quality of offerings, and (3) how license restrictiveness affects consumer surplus and social welfare. Although some in the open-source community often advocate restrictive licenses such as the GNU General Public License because it is not always in the best interest of the originator for the contributor to invest greater development effort, such licensing can actually be detrimental to both consumer surplus and social welfare when it exacerbates this incentive conflict. We find such an outcome in markets characterized by software providers with similar development capabilities yet cast in favor of the proprietor. In contrast, when these capabilities either become more dispersed or remain similar but tilt in favor of open source, a more restrictive license instead encourages greater effort from the OSS contributor, leads to higher OSS quality, and provides a larger societal benefit.

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems.
Revenue Management with Repeated Customer Interactions
Authors: Calmon Andre P. , Ciocan Florin D. , Romero Gonzalo
Published: October 2020

Motivated by online advertising, we model and analyze a revenue management problem where a platform interacts with a set of customers over a number of periods. Unlike traditional network revenue management, which treats the interaction between platform and customers as one-shot, we consider stateful customers who can dynamically change their goodwill toward the platform depending on the quality of their past interactions. Customer goodwill further determines the amount of budget that they allocate to the platform in the future. These dynamics create a trade-off between the platform myopically maximizing short-term revenues, versus maximizing the long-term goodwill of its customers to collect higher future revenues. We identify a set of natural conditions under which myopic policies that ignore the budget dynamics are either optimal or admit parametric guarantees; such simple policies are particularly desirable since they do not require the platform to learn the parameters of each customer dynamic and only rely on data that is readily available to the platform. We also show that, if these conditions do not hold, myopic and finite look-ahead policies can perform arbitrarily poorly in this repeated setting. From an optimization perspective, this is one of a few instances where myopic policies are optimal or have parametric performance guarantees for a dynamic program with nonconvex dynamics. We extend our model to the cases where supply varies over time and where customers may not interact with the platform in every period.

This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, optimization.
Financial Intermediation Chains in an Over-the-Counter Market
Authors: Shen Ji , Wei Bin , Yan Hongjun
Published: October 2020

We analyze financial intermediation chains in a search economy that is populated by investors with heterogeneous valuations of an asset. In equilibrium, investors with moderate valuations choose to be intermediaries, and those with extreme valuations are their customers. The average length of intermediation chains is shown to be decreasing in search cost, search speed, and market size but increasing in investors’ trading needs. These predictions are distinct from those implied by existing models in the literature. Our empirical evidence, based on data from the U.S. corporate bond market, is mostly consistent with our model predictions.

This paper was accepted by Tomasz Piskorski, finance.