bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
S. bovis urinary tract infection, management and associations
Authors: Marek Aleksandra , Macleod Mairi
Published: March 2020

Background

As part of a move to improve antimicrobial stewardship NHS GGC recently implemented identification to species level and Vitek 2 sensitivity testing on all urinary isolates. As part of this we have noticed an increased number of isolates of the Streptococcus bovis group in urinary samples. It is possible that these were previously labelled as Enterococcus spp. The significance of S. bovis isolates in urinary tract is uncertain.

Methods

We reviewed a year of S. bovis urinary isolates to ascertain whether there is any association with GI malignancy or endocarditis as is recognised with blood culture isolates of this group.

Results

54 isolates were reviewed dating between Feb 2018 and 2019 allowing at least 6 months follow up. 94% of cases were in females. 46% of isolates were mixed usually with a member of the Enterobactereaceales. There were no cases of either known or newly diagnosed endocarditis amongst this patient cohort. 9% of cases had a known GI malignancy.

Conclusion

9% of our urinary isolates of S. bovis were associated with a known GI malignancy. This is compared with 11% of blood culture isolates also from our unit in 2016.
Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia management in a busy London DGH; is early switch to ceftriaxone safe?
Authors: McGuire Emma , Woods Kate , Boyd Aileen
Published: March 2020

Background:

Standard of care for management of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) is 2-4 weeks intravenous (IV) flucloxacillin or glycopeptide. Ceftriaxone (CRO) is used to facilitate management of SAB under out-patient antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) services once patients are medically stable, however published data on this approach are limited.

Methods:

Retrospective review of SAB cases at Homerton Hospital: 1st August 2015 to 31st July 2018. Cases were identified from the microbiology database and clinical data retrospectively collected from electronic patient records.

Results:

83 cases of SAB were included. Median age was 56 years (IQR 45-74); 53 (63.9%) were male. 70 (84.3%) had complicated SAB, 4 (4.8%) had MRSA bacteraemia and 11/80 (13.8%) were PVL positive. After excluding patients who died or were transferred whilst on IV therapy; 8/11 (72.7%) uncomplicated SAB patients and 29/55 (52.7%) complicated SAB patients received the standard duration of IV anti-staphylococcal therapy. Median length of stay (LOS) was 32 days (IQR 16-52.5). 30-day mortality was 9.6%; in hospital mortality was 14.5%.

Eight (8/83, 9.6%) patients switched to CRO prior to completion of standard IV flucloxacillin therapy to facilitate OPAT. Median length of IV flucloxacillin in this group was 12 days (IQR 7-16). Ceftriaxone MIC was performed on 1/8 isolates (3mg/L). 7/8 had complicated SAB. Median LOS was 13 days (IQR 9-17). There were no deaths or relapsed infections. 1 patient developed C. difficileinfection on CRO.

Conclusion:

In this cohort ceftriaxone was a safe and effective follow-on therapy from flucloxacillin for management of SAB and allowed reduced LOS.
Unravelling the benefits and barriers to utilising whole-genome sequencing in the investigation of outbreaks
Authors: Parcell Benjamin , Gillespie Stephen , Holden Matthew
Published: March 2020

Background

This prospective study was established to develop and evaluate methods to harness pathogen sequencing in the clinical microbiology environment. We describe new insights into the clinical benefits of using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for outbreak investigation with solutions for the practical barriers to implementation in clinical settings.

Methods

Surveillance software (ICNet) and statistical process control charts (SPCs) detected potential outbreaks of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), Enterobacteriaceae producing extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), Listeriaspp. and optrAgene positive enterococci. Isolates were sent to reference laboratories for conventional typing and the Infection Group, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews for WGS (Illumina Inc, San Diego, CA, USA) and bioinformatic data analysis.

Results

Over 400 isolates have been sequenced to date. WGS replaced multiple typing techniques in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa ICU outbreak. It confirmed two patient’s Listeria spp. isolates were indistinguishable prompting hospital kitchen inspections, identified a patient to be carrying two strains of VRE and confirmed that vancomycin-sensitive Enterococcus faecium isolates related to a VRE cluster. We observed five main barriers to implementing WGS (infrastructure, performance/quality assessment of data, isolate selection, clinical result interpretation and database management).

Conclusion

WGS is beneficial in outbreaks of uncommon organisms and when conventional typing cannot show whether isolates are linked or not. Identifying barriers assisted us in developing a clinical decision aid that can be used by clinicians when applying WGS to outbreak investigations.
The Unexpected Streptococcus
Authors: Casha Ramon , Gerada Alessandro , Folb Jonathan , Sammut Hannah
Published: March 2020

We report a case of Abiotrophia defectiva blood stream infection in a 45 year old male, renal transplant patient. Abiotrophia defectiva is a Gram positive coccus, classified as a nutritionally variant streptococcus secondary to its fastidious growth and culture media requirements. Further testing using the Staph aureus streak method exhibited satellitism, characteristic of this class of streptococci. This species is associated with endovascular infection with high rates of embolization and treatment failure secondary to its inherent resistance to antibiotics. Despite culturing Abiotrophia defectiva from four blood cultures we could not confidently prove underlying endocarditis despite repeated trans-oesphageal echocardiograms separated one week apart. The patient also reported the presence of a PTFE aorto-venous (AV) graft in situ and a brachiocephalic stent which was inserted 4 years ago following complications post-renal transplant insertion. This led to further investigation with FDG PET-CT to help ascertain any possible underlying source of infection. The only tracer uptake was exhibited in this patient’s PTFE AV graft. This prompted surgical removal of the AV graft which did not culture Abiotrophia defectiva. 16S PCR detected the presence of Staphylococcus epidermidis but was unable to detect Abiotrophia. A pragmatic antibiotic regime of 4 weeks of IV Benzylpenicillin 2.4g 4 hourly was used. Gentamicin was avoided in view of his history of renal transplant. A further four week course of oral high dose Amoxicillin was prescribed. Despite this unorthodox antibiotic therapy the patient remains well two months after cessation of therapy.
An Uncommon Infection in Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Authors: Wong Nicholas , Price Arthur , Pan Daniel , Sahota Amandip
Published: March 2020

Cryptococcus neoformanscan cause life-threatening disease in both immunocompromised and healthy patients. We report a case of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in a 68 year old patient with a history of common variable immunodeficiency due to a NFKB1 gene mutation and indeterminate colitis.

Our patient was admitted following a fall where he fractured his left humerus. During his admission, a persistent fever was noted despite broad spectrum antibiotic therapy. His neurological condition deteriorated over four weeks, with impaired cognition progressing to aphasia and obtundation. Following initial concerns over an ischaemic stroke, he was found to be serum cryptococcal antigen positive, and subsequent cerebrospinal fluid analysis confirmed CNS cryptococcosis by culture. His neurological condition improved with combination of liposomal amphotericin and flucytosine and he is currently undergoing rehabilitation.

The NFKB1 mutation is associated with common variable immunodeficiency and hypogammaglobulinaemia. Our patient was on weekly subcutaneous immunoglobulin replacement, but also required long term glucocorticoids (prednisolone 20mg daily) to control his colitis.

To our knowledge, this is the first description of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis in a patient with the NFKB1 mutation. Cryptococcal disease is an important differential diagnosis in immunosuppressed patients with fever and neurological symptoms and full recovery is possible with prompt recognition and treatment.
Carbon Quantum Dots Conjugated CRISPR-cas9-gRNA Antimicrobials Against Antibiotic Resistant Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Gupta Surbhi , Jindal Neha , Pooja D. , Yadav Manisha
Published: March 2020

Background:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections. UTI, although treatable, is now becoming increasingly tough to control because of rampant antimicrobial resistance in the Enterobacteriaceae family, particularly inEscherichia coli. Due to increased resistance, there is an exigency to develop novel therapeutic targets to combat these resistance strains. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-technology has emerged as an important tool for gene editing based therapeutics.

Methods:

Here, we report an efficient gene editing strategy based on direct delivery of Cas9 and gRNA into Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) isolate. P-fimbriae plays major role in bacterial adherence to the uroepithelium through the Galα1-4Gal-binding PapG adhesin. We have covalently conjugated cas9 protein with CQD’s using EDC/NHS chemistry and targeted papG gene by synthesizing sequence specific complimentary gRNA. The targeting efficiency was confirmed by performing adherence assay, biofilm assay, flow cytometry and qRT-PCR.

Results:

There is a significant reduction of adherence ability of papG mutant strain as compared to control observed through microscopy. Also, significant reduction in biofilm formation (p-value < 0.001) was noticed in treated sample (0.565 ± 0.003) vs control (1.020± 0.008). The relative qRT-PCR data of knockdown strains (p<0.05) also revealed the dramatic decrease in the expression of papG gene, taking 16s rRNA gene as an endogenous control for normalization. The same result was observed from flow cytometry and SEM analysis.

Conclusion:

Hence, we conclude that CQD-CRISPR-Cas9-gRNA could be a novel therapeutic strategy for the eradication or treatment of antibiotic resistant pathogenic E. coli-based pathologies.
Epidemiological and clinical features of COVID-19 patients with and without pneumonia in Beijing, China
Authors: Yang Penghui , Ding Yibo , Xu Zhe , Pu Rui , Li Ping , Yan Jin , Liu Jiluo , Meng Fanping , Huang Lei , Shi Lei , Jiang Tianjun , Qin Enqiang , Zhao Min , Zhang Dawei , Zhao Peng , Yu Lingxiang , Wang Zhaohai , Hong Zhixian , Xiao Zhaohui , Xi Qing , Zhao Dexi , Yu Peng , Zhu Caizhong , Chen Zhu , Zhang Shaogeng , Ji Junsheng , Cao Guangwen , Wang Fusheng
Published: March 2020

Background

SARS-CoV-2-caused coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is posing a large casualty. The features of COVID-19 patients with and without pneumonia, SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility in asymptomatic carriers, and factors predicting disease progression remain unknown.

Methods

We collected information on clinical characteristics, exposure history, and laboratory examinations of all laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to PLA General Hospital. Cox regression analysis was applied to identify prognostic factors. The last follow-up was February 18, 2020.

Results

We characterized 55 consecutive COVID-19 patients. The mean incubation was 8.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.55-10.29) days. The mean SARS-CoV-2-positive duration from first positive test to conversion was 9.71 (95%CI, 8.21-11.22) days. COVID-19 course was approximately 2 weeks. Asymptomatic carriers might transmit SARS-CoV-2. Compared to patients without pneumonia, those with pneumonia were 15 years older and had a higher rate of hypertension, higher frequencies of having a fever and cough, and higher levels of interleukin-6 (14.61 vs. 8.06pg/mL, P=0.040), B lymphocyte proportion (13.0% vs.10.0%, P=0.024), low account (<190/µL) of CD8+ T cells (33.3% vs. 0, P=0.019). Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that circulating interleukin-6 and lactate independently predicted COVID-19 progression, with a hazard ratio (95%CI) of 1.052 (1.000-1.107) and 1.082 (1.013-1.155), respectively. During disease course, T lymphocytes were generally lower, neutrophils higher, in pneumonia patients than in pneumonia-free patients. CD8+ lymphocytes did not increase at the 20th days after illness onset.

Conclusion

The epidemiological features are important for COVID-19 prophylaxis. Circulating interleukin-6 and lactate are independent prognostic factors. CD8+ T cell exhaustion might be critical in the development of COVID-19.
Are there systematic biases in RNA-seq data analysis? A case study for Amphimedon queenslandica sponge as a model object
Authors: Feranchuk Sergey
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

The performance of a functional annotation approach for RNA-seq bioinformatics pipelines was to be compared with the method where groups of genes are generated with no relation to ontologes. Three publicly available RNA-Seq experiments for Amphimedon queenslandica sponge were used for the designed comparison. One of these experiments was referred in the publication where stages of embryo development were compared for a wide range of animal species.

METHODS

The expression levels were re-calculated here for three independent series of experiments. The functional annotation of differential expression levels was than conducted. This allow to compare an applicability of the two approaches, and to re-evaluate the interpretation provided in the mentioned publication.

RESULTS

It was confirmed by the conventional approach that Wnt and Notch pathways do operate in a development of a sponge embryo. The method of annotation which uses unbounded grouping of genes was effective in an ability to separate development stages of sponge embryo. In addition, the published results were by a suggestion distorted by an artifact, caused by a positive feedback in the stage of data processing.
The spatiotemporal estimation of the dynamic risk and the international transmission of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: A global perspective
Authors: Lin Yuan-Chien , Chi Wan-Ju , Lin Yu-Ting , Lai Chun-Yeh
Published: March 2020

An ongoing novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia infection outbreak called COVID-19 started in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. It both spread rapidly to all provinces in China and started spreading around the world quickly through international human movement from January 2020. Currently, the spatiotemporal epidemic transmission patterns, prediction models, and possible risk analysis for the future are insufficient for COVID-19 but we urgently need relevant information, particularly from the global perspective.

We have developed a novel two-stage simulation model to simulate the spatiotemporal changes in the number of COVID-19 cases and estimate the future worldwide risk. Based on the connectivity of countries to China and the country’s medical and epidemic prevention capabilities, different scenarios are generated to analyze the possible transmission throughout the world and use this information to evaluate each country’s vulnerability to and the dynamic risk of COVID-19.

Countries’ vulnerability to the COVID-19 outbreak from China is calculated for 63 countries around the world. Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan are the most vulnerable areas. The relationship between each country’s vulnerability and days before the first imported case occurred shows a very high exponential decrease. The cumulative number of cases in each country also has a linear relationship with vulnerability, which can compare and quantify the initial epidemic prevention capabilities to various countries’ management strategies. In total, 1,000 simulation results of future cases around the world are generated for the spatiotemporal risk assessment. According to the simulation results of this study, if there is no specific medicine for it, it will likely form a global pandemic. This method can be used as a preliminary risk assessment of the spatiotemporal spread for a new global epidemic. * Note: This study was completed on February 15, 2020.
Detectable serum SARS-CoV-2 viral load (RNAaemia) is closely associated with drastically elevated interleukin 6 (IL-6) level in critically ill COVID-19 patients
Authors: Chen Xiaohua , Zhao Binghong , Qu Yueming , Chen Yurou , Xiong Jie , Feng Yong , Men Dong , Huang Qianchuan , Liu Ying , Yang Bo , Ding Jinya , Li Feng
Published: March 2020

Background

Although the SARS-CoV-2 viral load detection of respiratory specimen has been widely used for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) diagnosis, it is undeniable that serum SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid (RNAaemia) could be detected in a fraction of the COVID-19 patients. However, it is not clear that if the incidence of RNAaemia could be correlated with the occurrence of cytokine storm or with the specific class of patients.

Methods

This study enrolled 48 patients with COVID-19 admitted to the General Hospital of Central Theater Command, PLA, a designated hospital in Wuhan, China. The patients were divided into three groups according to the Diagnosis and Treatment of New Coronavirus Pneumonia (version 6) published by the National Health Commission of China. The clinical and laboratory data were collected. The serum viral load detection and serum IL-6 levels were determined. Except for routine statistical analysis, Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) analysis was used to establish a patient status prediction model based on real-time RT-PCR Ct value.

Findings

The Result showed that cases with RNAaemia were exclusively confirmed in critically ill patients group and appeared to reflect the illness severity. Further more, the inflammatory cytokine IL-6 levels were significantly elevated in critically ill patients, which is almost 10-folds higher than those in other patients. More importantly, the extremely high IL-6 level was closely correlated with the incidence of RNAaemia (R=0.902) and the vital signs of COVID-19 patients (R= −0.682).

Interpretation

Serum SARS-CoV-2 viral load (RNAaemia) is strongly associated with cytokine storm and can be used to predict the poor prognosis of COVID-19 patients. Moreover, our results strongly suggest that cytokine IL-6 should be considered as a therapeutic target in critically ill patients with excessive inflammatory response.
Views and Experiences of Parents and Physicians on the Care Provided to Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Cameroon
Authors: Agborndip Ettamba , Kadia Benjamin Momo , Ekaney Domin Sone Majunda , Mbuagbaw Lawrence Tanyi , Rees David C , Bedford Helen
Published: March 2020

Background

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) affects two in 100 Cameroonian new-borns, with 50-90% of affected children dying before their fifth birthday. Despite this burden, there is no national SCD programme in Cameroon. This study aimed to assess parents’ and physicians’ knowledge of SCD, their satisfaction with the quality of care and their recommendations to improve the treatment of SCD in Cameroon.

Methods

A multi-centre cross-sectional survey was conducted in English and French, using structured questionnaires distributed in electronic format to physicians throughout Cameroon. Paper-based questionnaires were also administered to parents in the West and North West regions of Cameroon. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analysed using the SPSS statistical software.

Results

Fifty-four parents and 205 physicians were recruited. We found that 72.2% of parents had good knowledge of SCD, 72.2% of parents were satisfied with the quality of care. Attending a sickle cell clinic (AOR 22, 95% CI 17.70-250) was significantly associated with having good knowledge. Just 14.2% of physicians had good knowledge and 23.3% of physicians were satisfied with the available management standards of SCD. Seeing more than five patients per month (AOR 3.17, 95% CI 1.23-8.20) was significantly associated with having good knowledge. Sickle cell clinics, national guidelines and subsidised treatment were the top three measures proposed by physicians and parents to improve the management of SCD.

Conclusion

Knowledge of SCD and satisfaction with care were poor among Cameroonian physicians. There is a need for a national programme and a comprehensive system of care for SCD in Cameroon.
The complex relationship between effort and heart rate: a hint from dynamical analysis
Authors: Mongin D. , Chabert C. , Uribe-Caparros A. , Vico Guzmán J. F. , Hue O. , Alvero-Cruz J. R. , Courvoisier D. S.
Published: March 2020

Heart rate during effort test has been previously successfully adjusted with a simple first order differential equation with constant coefficients driven by the body power expenditure. Although producing proper estimation and yielding pertinent indices to analyze such measurement, this approach suffers from its inability to model the saturation of the heart rate increase at high power expenditure and the change of heart rate equilibrium after effort. The objective of the present study is to improve this model by considering that the amplitude of the heart rate response to effort (gain) depends on the power expenditure value. Therefore, heart rate and oxygen consumption of 30 amateur athletes were measured while they performed a maximum graded treadmill effort test. The proposed model was able to predict 99% of the measured heart rate variance during exercise. The gains estimated at the different power expenditures were constant but noisy before the first ventilatory threshold, stable and decreasing slightly with power increase between the two ventilatory thresholds, before decreasing in a more pronounced manner after the second ventilatory threshold. The slope of the decrease of heart rate gain with power expenditure was correlated with the deflection angle of the heart rate performance curve and with the maximum oxygen consumption. These results reflect the changes of metabolic energy systems at play during the effort test and are consistent with the analysis of the heart rate performance curve given by the Conconi method, thus validating our new approach to analyze heart rate during effort test.
Cockayne syndrome proteins CSA and CSB maintain mitochondrial homeostasis through NAD+signaling
Authors: Okur Mustafa N. , Fang Evandro F. , Fivenson Elayne M. , Tiwari Vinod , Croteau Deborah L. , Bohr Vilhelm A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Cockayne syndrome (CS) is a rare premature aging disease, most commonly caused by mutations of the genes encoding the CSA or CSB proteins. CS patients display cachectic dwarfism and severe neurological manifestations and have an average life expectancy of 12 years. The CS proteins are involved in transcription and DNA repair, with the latter including transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair (TC-NER). However, there is also evidence for mitochondrial dysfunction in CS, which likely contributes to the severe premature aging phenotype of this disease. While damaged mitochondria and impaired mitophagy were characterized in mice with CSB deficiency, such changes in the CS nematodes and CS patients are not fully known.

Results

Our cross-species transcriptomic analysis in CS postmortem brain tissue, CS mouse and nematode models show that mitochondrial dysfunction is indeed a common feature in CS. Restoration of mitochondrial dysfunction through NAD+supplementation significantly improved lifespan and healthspan in the CS nematodes, highlighting mitochondrial dysfunction as a major driver of the aging features of CS. In cerebellar samples from CS patients, we found molecular signatures of dysfunctional mitochondrial dynamics and impaired mitophagy/autophagy. In primary cells depleted for CSA or CSB, this dysfunction can be corrected with NAD+supplementation.

Conclusions

Our study provides support for the interconnection between major causative aging theories, DNA damage accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and compromised mitophagy/autophagy. Together these three agents contribute to an accelerated aging program that can be averted by NAD+supplementation.
Crystal structure of 2-[bis(benzylsulfanyl)methyl]-6-methoxyphenol
Authors: Raghuvanshi Abhinav , Knauer Lena , Viau Lydie , Knorr Michael , Strohmann Carsten
Published: March 2020

The title compound, C22H22O2S2, 1, represents an example of an ortho-vanillin-based functionalized dithioether, which could be useful as a potential chelating ligand or bridging ligand for coordination chemistry. This dithioacetal 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbca. The phenyl rings of the benzyl groups and that of the vanillin unit form dihedral angles of 35.38 (6) and 79.77 (6)°, respectively. The crystal structure, recorded at 100 K, displays both weak intramolecular O—H...O and intermolecular O—H...S hydrogen bonding.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 3,6-bis(pyrimidin-2-yl)-1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine dihydrate
Authors: Khotchasanthong Kenika , Jittirattanakun Siripak , Chainok Kittipong
Published: March 2020

In the title compound, C10H8N8·2H2O or H2bmtz·2H2O [bmtz = 3,6-bis(2′-pyrimidyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine], the asymmetric unit consists of one-half molecule of H2bmtz and one water molecule, the whole H2bmtz molecule being generated by a crystallographic twofold rotation axis passing through the middle point of the 1,4-dihydro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine moiety. In the crystal, N—H...O, N—H...N, O—H...O hydrogen bonds and aromatic π–π stacking interactions link the components into a three-dimensional supramolecular network. Hirshfeld surface analysis was used to further investigate the intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, and globalization
Authors: Berlie Jean A.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This article looks at the differences and similarities between globalization and the role of China on globalization, in particular for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China (HKSAR).

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on research, reading, and interviews on globalization.

Findings

China is promoting the new globalization of the century called Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which is a unique way to boost again the economy of China.

Originality/value

Studies of the New Maritime and Land Silk Road of China are rare; in particular, the role of the HKSAR is ignored. Macau also plays a role because it was the first point of globalization in the seventeenth century. China is really a global country, and the Chinese are numerous in all continents. Chinese Internet role is also mentioned.

Globalization is a key concept not only for China and Asia but also for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Africa, and countries in Latin America such as Bolivia and Venezuela. This article looks at the differences and similarities between globalization and the role of China on globalization. The HKSAR and the Greater Bay Area are part of the same country. China is developing the new globalization of the century called, in 2017, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The current definition of Chinese globalization includes land and maritime Silk Road, now the BRI.
The importance of context in understanding football fans’ reactions to corporate stadia naming rights sponsorships
Authors: Gillooly Leah , Medway Dominic , Warnaby Gary , Grimes Tony
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore fans’ reactions to corporate naming rights sponsorship of football club stadia and identify a range of contextual factors impacting these reactions.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative, quasi-ethnographic research design is adopted, focusing on three football clubs in North West England. Data are gathered through online message board discussions, focus groups and auto-ethnographic approaches.

Findings

Geographic, image and functional dimensions of sponsorship fit are noted as contextual factors in determining fans’ reactions to corporate stadium names. It is also proposed that some forms of fit (in particular geographic fit) are more important than others in this regard. Beyond issues of fit, three additional contextual factors are identified that potentially influence fans’ reactions to corporate stadium names: prior involvement with the club by the sponsor; fans’ perceived impact of the sponsorship investment; and whether the stadium is new or long-established.

Research limitations/implications

Future research might examine the relative importance and implications of the identified contextual factors, alongside seeking other potential areas of contextual framing.

Practical implications

Sponsorship naming rights negotiations need to be sensitive to a variety of contextual factors. Furthermore, sponsors would do well to have a good awareness of their own brand image and its congruency with the identity of the club and fan base.

Originality/value

This nuanced, qualitative analysis extends existing, quantitative-based research by identifying a range of contextual factors which shape fans’ reactions to corporate stadium naming.
Investigation of performance of small wind turbine blades with winglets
Authors: Kulak Michal , Lipian Michal , Zawadzki Karol
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the results of the performance study of wind turbine blades equipped with winglets. An investigation focusses on small wind turbines (SWTs), where the winglets are recalled as one of the most promising concepts in terms of turbine efficiency increase.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate a contribution of winglets to SWT aerodynamic efficiency, a wind tunnel experiment was performed at Lodz University of Technology. In parallel, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations campaign was conducted with the ANSYS CFX software to investigate appearing flow structures in greater detail.

Findings

The research indicates the potential behind the application of winglets in low Reynolds flow conditions, while the CFD study enables the identification of crucial regions influencing the flow structure in the most significant degree.

Research limitations/implications

As the global effect on a whole rotor is a result of a small-scale geometrical feature, it is important to localise unveiled phenomena and the mechanisms behind their generation.

Practical implications

Even the slightest efficiency improvement in a distributed generation installation can promote such a solution amongst energy prosumers and increase their independence from limited natural resources.

Originality/value

The winglet-equipped blades of SWTs provide an opportunity to increase the device performance with relatively low cost and ease of implementation.
Tourism in conflict zones: animosity and risk perceptions
Authors: Alvarez Maria , Campo Sara , Fuchs Galia
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to explore the topic of perceived terrorism risk and animosity as interrelated within the context of countries suffering from armed struggles and terror. The research investigates how these constructs influence the visitation decisions of millennials.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation focuses on three countries in the Mediterranean basin with varied degrees of risk but who include a conflict area, for comparison purposes. The data was collected through an online questionnaire aimed at young millennial students.

Findings

The study confirms that animosity, for the millennial generation, is derived from conflicts and past historical events, or from political and social issues in the target country. In addition, the results show that animosity not only influences the perceived attractiveness of the destination, and through it the intention to visit the place, but also increases the perceptions of terror risk at the destination.

Research limitations/implications

The research corroborates the importance of investigating animosity and perceived risk together. It also empirically verifies the influence of animosity on visitation intentions via the mediating role of perceived attractiveness of the destination and perceived risk of terror.

Originality/value

The study investigates animosity in countries that suffer from armed political conflicts resulting in terror attacks, a context different from that of other already existing studies. The research also examines how animosity and perceived risk interact with each other to influence visitation decisions, a topic which is lacking in the literature.
Development, present status and performance analysis of agriculture insurance schemes in India
Authors: Singh Pankaj , Agrawal Gaurav
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Agriculture insurance is the panacea for the farming community. Many policy interventions were implemented for stimulating agriculture insurance access to farmers in India. However, access to agriculture insurance constantly remained one of the major challenges to Indian policy planners. The goal of the present paper is to explore current policy interventions in the area of agriculture insurance in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper reviews and analyzes the evidence literature through a content analysis method on development and performance analysis perspective of existing agriculture insurance schemes in India.

Findings

Agriculture insurance is a significant risk management policy, but this is not easily reachable to the majority of farmers in India. The government of India introduces a novel agriculture scheme every decade, but every crop insurance scheme was inconsistent and ineffective owing to operational defects. Agriculture insurance in India is still developing in terms of coverage, scope, and exposure, but farmers' dissatisfaction about agriculture insurance turned out to be a negative word of mouth. Insurance illiteracy and farmers' preference for agriculture relief payments are the main reasons for limited access to agriculture insurance. The current crop insurance schemes are improperly operated because of implementation issues at the state level.

Research limitations/implications

This paper will be useful for researchers and academicians to analyze the past and present status of crop insurance in India.

Originality/value

The paper is the unique work of the authors as it has attempted to present India's journey with agriculture insurance. An effort is made in the present study to provide a comprehensive and holistic developmental and performance analysis perspective of agriculture insurance in India.
Examining a multi-dimensional undeclared work via the REBUS-PLS
Authors: Quintano Claudio , Mazzocchi Paolo
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This article intends to investigate on the undeclared work (UW) by involving several features, which can be evaluated throughout a set of appropriate variables. The REBUS-PLS (Response Based procedure for detecting Unit Segments–Partial Least Squares) has been proposed in order to support policy decisions targeted to this heterogeneous scenario. The authors refer to Italy, due to the disparity of its territorial districts, but the conclusions can be extended to different European countries.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 2,877,000 firms has been involved for empirical analysis. The manifest variables have been obtained by fixing both NACE codes and the NUTS2 level.

Findings

The analysis confirms that the model is suitable to evaluate the effects of the indicators connected to ‘Labour force’, ‘Tax system’, ‘Non-Profit Organizations’, and ‘Migrants’. Special prominence has been dedicated to the labour inspections' features.

Research limitations/implications

If the management designs the policy actions by using the model proposed, a critical evaluation of the implications is needed, by focusing different perspectives and several weaknesses.

Practical implications

Assuming that the Italian regions are relatively homogeneous, results reveal no significant correlations to the UW, except for the taxes. In contrast, the involvement of the heterogeneity shows that the UW significantly depends on the changes of Labour force, Tax system and NPOs dimensions, in 11 out of 18 Italian regions. No clear evidence emerges from Migrants feature, which seems to have a negatively impact on the UW.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, compared to the previous research papers, the analysis of the UW via REBUS-PLS and the mentioned manifest variables, has never been undertaken so far.
Analyst says a lot, but should you listen? Evidence from Russia
Authors: Vukovic Darko , Ugolnikov Vladislav , Maiti Moinak
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether the publication of analyst recommendations has reaction in the Russian stock market. This study also aims to determine the other factors that influence the reaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Event study analysis (ESA) and regression models are used in this study.

Findings

The study finds that Russian stock market significantly reacts to analyst recommendations publications. Then study deeply investigates about the influence of other factors on the Russian market when an analyst's recommendations are published such as changes in recommendation levels, companies' size and general economic situation. The analysis done in the context of three types of recommendations: “buy,” “hold” and “sell.” The study finds that the market reacts not only to separate forecasts and subsequent recommendations, but also to the changes in recommendations' levels as well. Interestingly, the study finds that the impact of crises is not found to be a significant factor in the context of the Russian market.

Research limitations/implications

Analysts used to spend much more resources on conducting a fundamental analysis than ordinary investors do. Therefore, they usually possess valuable privileged information that is supposed to influence stock prices when published. However, the present study argues that the direction, extent and period of a reaction of an analyst's recommendations are highly complicated and depend on what factors are under consideration in a particular research. Very often, the authors who dedicate their papers to develop and study markets choose a couple of (or even one) factors and delve into them. Nevertheless, to the author's best knowledge, few frequently cited and well-conducted research focused on such an emerging market as the Russian one. Thus, it seems reasonable that there is a gap in the literature that needs to be filled while considering other important factors. The study findings have a significant investment policy content.

Originality/value

In several senses, the present study is unique. First, it investigates whether analyst recommendations sufficiently affect the Russian stock market; second, it determines whether the significant factors such as changes in recommendation levels, companies' size and general economic situation have influence on the reaction. Finally, the study discusses about whether there is an impact of crises in the present study findings.
The light in their eyes: creating a multicultural education course for doctoral-level students
Authors: Halpern Clarisse , Aydin Hasan
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceptions of graduate students about the need for a multicultural education course at doctoral level in a mid-sized higher education public institution in Southwest Florida.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study method was applied with multiple sources of data collected, including semi-structured interviews, observations and students’ written papers, online discussions and assignments that aimed to prepare educators to teach culturally diverse students and challenge their own perceptions about culture, race and other multicultural education-related topics.

Findings

The findings indicate that, even though the multicultural education course promoted an eye-opening transformational experience for students through their interactions and learning from each other, the students still need further training in multicultural education because of their limited culturally responsive teaching skills.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations of the study are that both the researchers were deeply involved with the material and the class, as the class professor and one of the students, which might have affected the authors’ perception about the students’ journey in learning about multicultural education. The researchers’ dual-role (as researchers and course professor and graduate assistant) might have influenced the participants’ responses, as they knew they were part of a research project. Thus, the participants’ spontaneity in sharing their opinions and beliefs about multicultural education may have been hampered, perhaps responding what the researchers expected rather than with their authentic perspectives on the topics.

Practical implications

The implications of this study to teachers, educators and practitioners are that it invites the readers to reflect on their academic preparedness to work with culturally diverse students. For policymakers, the study indicates the need for creating standards that aim to examine in-service graduate student teachers about their self-efficacy, readiness and dispositions to work with culturally diverse students.

Originality/value

Because of the limited publications on doctoral students learning multicultural education, the authors’ study offers an important insight into the transformational experience of doctoral students learning multicultural education and the implications for improving graduate courses in multicultural education.
A theory of branched situational judgment tests and their applicant reactions
Authors: Reddock Craig M. , Auer Elena M. , Landers Richard N.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Branched situational judgment tests (BSJTs) are an increasingly common employee selection method, yet there is no theory and very little empirical work explaining the designs and impacts of branching. To encourage additional research on BSJTs, and to provide practitioners with a common language to describe their current and future practices, we sought to develop a theory of BSTJs.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the absence of theory on branching, we utilized a ground theory qualitative research design, conducting interviews with 25 BSJT practitioner subject matter experts.

Findings

Our final theory consists of three components: (1) a taxonomy of BSJT branching features (contingency, parallelism, convergence, and looping) and options within those features (which vary), (2) a causal theoretical model describing impacts of branching in general on applicant reactions via proximal effects on face validity, and (3) a causal theoretical model describing impacts on applicant reactions among branching designs via proximal effects on consistency of administration and opportunity to perform.

Originality/value

Our work provides the first theoretical foundation on which future confirmatory research in the BSJT domain can be built. It also gives both researchers and practitioners a common language for describing branching features and their options. Finally, it reveals BSJTs as the results of a complex set of interrelated design features, discouraging the oversimplified contrasting of “branching” vs “not branching.”
Micropigmentation for vitiligo on light to moderately colored skin: Updated evidence from a clinical and animal study
Authors: Ju Hyun Jeong , Eun Sung Hye , Lee Han Na , Lee Ji Hae , Kim Gyong Moon , Bae Jung Min
Published: March 2020

Micropigmentation, also termed medical tattooing, can be a useful alternative treatment for patients with vitiligo who are resistant to conventional treatments. To assess the benefits and risks of micropigmentation in the treatment of refractory vitiligo, 25 lesions of 14 patients with vitiligo (Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV) were subjected to micropigmentation using an electric tattooing machine between December 2018 and March 2019. The procedure was repeated until satisfactory results were obtained. Treatment response was assessed by color matching of the treated lesion and surrounding skin using a 4‐point scale (poor, fair, good and excellent). Excellent color matching was achieved in 80% (20/25) of cases after a median of three (range, 1–5) treatment sessions. Procedure‐associated pain was considerable, but no anesthetic injection was needed. Immediate erythema and swelling were noticed after each procedure, but resolved within a few days. Overall, the treatment was tolerable. This study was limited by a small sample, no control group and a short follow‐up period. This study revealed that micropigmentation was beneficial for patients with refractory vitiligo who had light to moderately colored skin. Pigment selection, implantation depth and selection of body parts amenable to treatment were critical.
Increased risk of psychiatric disorders in adult patients with vitiligo: A nationwide, population‐based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chih‐Yu , Wang Wei‐Ming , Chung Chi‐Hsiang , Tsao Chang‐Huei , Chien Wu‐Chien , Hung Chih‐Tsung
Published: March 2020

Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin disease that has a major impact on the quality of life of patients. However, a nationwide study of the association between vitiligo and the incidence of inclusive psychiatric diseases has not been conducted in the Asian population. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the association between vitiligo and the risk of psychiatric disorders using a nationwide database in Taiwan. Data were collected from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from 2000 to 2013. In total, 1432 subjects with vitiligo and 5728 age‐, sex‐ and index year‐matched controls were enrolled in this study. Patients with vitiligo tend to have more coexisting psychiatric disorders than healthy individuals, regardless of their sex, age group and facility level of care. After adjusting for sex, age, comorbidity, urbanization and facility level of care, the adjusted hazard ratio of overall psychiatric disorders for patients with vitiligo was 2.926 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.646–3.236; P < 0.001). Among them, the highest adjusted hazard ratios were found for obsessive–compulsive disorder, at 10.790 (95% CI, 9.756–11.932; P < 0.001). Vitiligo is associated with an increased risk of various psychiatric disorders. By providing a better understanding of the psychosocial burden associated with vitiligo, these results emphasize the need to evaluate the mental health of patients with vitiligo by treating physicians.