bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fundamental parameters for a minimal mass design of prismatic tensegrity cylinder subjected to a compressive force
Authors: Vumiliya Angelo , Luo Ani , Liu Heping , González Andrés
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a study on the static behavior of prismatic tensegrity structures and an innovative form for determining the effect of mechanical properties and geometric parameters on the minimal mass design of these structures.

Design/methodology/approach

The minimal mass design in this paper considers a stable class-two tensegrity tower built through stable models. Using the proposed structures, comprehensive parametric studies are performed to examine the mass (in which the masses of joints are ignored), the mass ratio between a class-two tensegrity tower and a single element, both having the same diameter and length and afterward determine a reliable mass saving structure under various circumstances.

Findings

The simulations show that the mass ratio versus the number of units is a nonlinear regressive curve and predicts that the proposed model outperforms the standard model when the variation parameter considered is a vertical force. The difference in mass between these structures is visible when the gap gradually decreases while the number of units increases. On the geometrical aspect, the gap between the masses is not significant.

Originality/value

This paper helps to understand the influences of geometric parameters and the mechanical properties on the design of cylinder tensegrity structures dealing with a compressive force.
Why amending building codes? An investigation of the benefits of regular building code amendment in New Zealand
Authors: Nwadike Amarachukwu Nnadozie , Wilkinson Suzanne
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The New Zealand building code has played a vital role in reducing the impact of disasters in the built environment. Following the nature of earthquake occurrences, the associated impacts such as building collapse and the increase in technological innovation in the building sector, the New Zealand building code has been frequently amended. The building code amendment ensures that buildings and other related infrastructures can withstand the impact of ground shaking without substantial damages to buildings. The purpose of this paper is to identify and explore the benefits of building code amendments in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

Document analysis and closed-ended questionnaire were adopted as data collection instruments for this study. The relevant stakeholders comprise structural engineer, geotechnical engineer, architect, building services consulting engineer, licensed building practitioner, project manager, building contractor, local authority, academic/researcher and quantity surveyor.

Findings

A significant proportion of the survey participants that agreed to the importance of building code amendments in New Zealand justify the benefits of the amendments. The study serves as a useful guide to policy regulators and researchers who are exploring other aspects of regular building code amendments in New Zealand. The findings from this study suggest that amending the New Zealand building code needs a proactive approach to promote local technology, enhance low-cost construction materials, training of code users and reducing bureaucracy in design approval and construction inspection. The study concludes that improving on the 28 factors identified in this study would contribute intensively to disaster risk reduction in the built environment and an increase in compliance level in New Zealand.

Originality/value

This paper originality comes from its practical approach towards identifying the benefits of building code amendments
Managing NHS money in Portugal: who decides?
Authors: Reis Ana Maria , Pinto Borges Ana , Araújo Nuno
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The need to reduce health expenditures raises the discussion on rationing possibilities and there is a growing interest in considering society's perspectives. The aim of this paper was to evaluate Portuguese citizens' opinion regarding the imposition of limits on National Health Service (NHS) spending. We also asked who decides how NHS money is spent, in order to obtain the respondents' views on public involvement.

Design/methodology/approach

An online questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistics, factorial analysis and a logit model were applied.

Findings

Our results showed that most of the respondents believe citizens have low participation on NHS' financial decisions, confirming the lack of public involvement. Health professionals are more likely to agree with limits on NHS spending, which could indicate potential inefficiencies.

Practical implications

From a health policy perspective, we have concluded that different stakeholders should be involved before deciding how public spending limits should be implemented. Health professionals' perspectives should be considered, taking advantage of their experience.

Originality/value

The main novelty of this paper is the evaluation of whether there should be limits on NHS spending, comparing health professionals and non-health professionals.
The positioning of green brands in enhancing their image: the mediating roles of green brand innovativeness and green perceived value
Authors: Lin Jialing , Zhou Zhimin
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how green brand positioning facilitated by utilitarian environmental benefits and nature connectedness may influence green brand image, as mediated by green perceived value (GPV) and brand innovativeness and how brand type moderates these relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using an online survey method, and structural equation modeling was employed to test the research hypotheses with a sample of 826 Chinese respondents.

Findings

The results demonstrate that utilitarian environmental benefits directly enhance green brand image. Both utilitarian environmental benefits and nature connectedness indirectly influence green brand image through GPV and brand innovativeness. Subsequently, green brand innovativeness positively affects GPV. The moderating effects of brand type on the relationships in the model are also established.

Practical implications

Organisations should enhance green value and brand innovativeness when adopting green brand positioning tools to strengthen green brand image and implement diverse green branding strategies between brands of physical goods and services.

Originality/value

Although previous studies have investigated how perceived benefits affect the development of brand image, the issue has not been examined based on the human associative memory framework from a green branding perspective. No empirical study has simultaneously included both green brand innovativeness and GPV in this formation process. Additionally, the moderating role of brand type in the model has not been explored previously.
Analysis of the causal effects of imports and foreign direct investments on indigenous innovation in developing countries
Authors: Asunka Benjamin Azembila , Ma Zhiqiang , Li Mingxing , Amowine Nelson , Anaba Oswin Aganda , Xie Haoyang , Hu Weijun
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the performance of indigenous innovation in developing countries in the era of trade liberalization. It analyzes indigenous innovation from research and development (R&D) investments to innovation output and its effect on economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample for this study includes 20 middle-income countries across five continents for the period between 1994 and 2018. The study employs the Crepon Duguet and Mairessec CDM model in a panel data setting to do a multistage analysis of the innovation process. A vector error correction model VECM is employed to test for Granger causality between the variables investigated.

Findings

The results show that imports and foreign direct investments (FDI) have generally have short-run and long-run causal effects on domestic R&D investments. In regions where imports and FDI do not have individual causal effects on innovation output, a joint increase in each of them and R&D have both short-run and long-run causal effects. Indigenous innovation is a significant contributor to economic growth when a country can produce and export novel products.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is only limited to developing economies, and due to the unavailability of data, only 20 countries were captured.

Practical implications

Imported products and FDI are critical to the innovation drive when such activities are targeted at enhancing indigenous innovation from R&D to the production of new products. Hence, policy formulation should encourage the absorption of foreign technologies that serve as inputs to indigenous innovation.

Originality/value

This paper focuses specifically on indigenous innovation and analyses the influence of foreign technologies in this effort. It tests the moderating roles of imports and FDI in the relationship between R&D and innovation output, concluding that both variables enhance the effect of R&D on innovation output.
A moderated mediating mechanism of omnichannel customer experiences
Authors: Le Angelina Nhat Hanh , Nguyen-Le Xuan-Doanh
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to create a well-integrated and unified customer experience anytime, anywhere, through any channel is the leading objective of omnichannel retailers. Scholars advocate the crucial role of channel integration quality (CIQ)–specifically its components of channel-service configuration and integrated interactions–in formulating the customer experience, which in turn determines their patronage intention. However, a dearth of research exists on the dynamic nature of this particular mechanism. The potential mediating and moderating effects of customer empowerment and Internet usage have hardly been considered at all in the context of omnichannel retailing. These research gaps will be addressed in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a data set of 312 omnichannel customers, the partial least square–structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the hypothesised relationships.

Findings

The results reveal the dynamic mechanism in which channel-service configuration and integrated interactions are the key factors that not only directly enable omnichannel retailers to deliver customers with a seamless shopping experience but also empower customers to shape their own consumption experiences. The findings also demonstrate the contingency role of consumers' Internet usage in such a dynamic mechanism. Finally, the notion that a strong customer experience increases their intention for patronage is supported by the empirical evidence.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by quantitatively examining the moderated mediating mechanism of forming customer experience and its subsequent patronage behaviour in the context of omnichannel retailers.
Organizing and orchestrating microfinance initiatives: a contextual inquiry
Authors: Kayongo Sarah , Tom Marilyn , Mathiassen Lars
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand how microfinance initiatives (MFIs) are organized and orchestrated to serve internal and external stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study of three international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)–CARE, Oxfam and Grameen Foundation–provided insights into how they each organize and orchestrate MFIs. We used Pettigrew's (1987, 1990) contextual inquiry framework to guide our data collection and analysis of 20 interviews to understand how capacity building, technology adaptation and outcome measurement interact with content, context and process.

Findings

We found that CARE's classical model exemplifies decades of successful MFI service delivery, serving as a benchmark for other NGOs. Oxfam's adaptive model builds on CARE's model to leverage MFIs as platforms for achieving multisectoral outcomes. Finally, Grameen Foundation's innovative model builds on both CARE's classical and Oxfam's adaptive models, using human-centered design and scalable business practices. We also found overlaps between the three models, demonstrating the continuous adaptation of MFI models based on changing contexts, such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Research limitations/implications

Our research focused on three NGOs headquartered in the USA, involving interviews with staff members having microfinance expertise. We offer analytical generalizability while emphasizing that any change in cultural context, institutional setting or operational conditions may produce different outcomes.

Originality/value

We provide exemplary and comparative insights into key issues related to organizing and orchestrating MFIs for NGO practitioners, scholars and policymakers who wish to understand prevailing service delivery models. Finally, we demonstrate the contextual inquiry framework as a viable approach to learn how NGOs organize and orchestrate MFIs through content, context and process.
Technostress and its influence on employee information security policy compliance
Authors: Nasirpouri Shadbad Forough , Biros David
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study focuses on unintended negative consequences of IT, called technostress. Given that employees are recognized as a major information security threat, it makes sense to investigate how technostress resulting from employees' constant interaction with IT influences the likelihood of security incidents. Although past research studied the concept of security-related technostress, the effect of IT use itself on employees’ extra-role activities such as security-related behaviors is unanswered. Thus, this paper aims to provide an understanding of the negative impact of technostress on employee information security policy (ISP) compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on technostress literature, this research develops a research model that investigates the effect of technostress on employee intention to violate ISPs. It also extends the dimensionality of technostress construct by adding a new dimension called “techno-unreliability” that shows promising results. The authors use online survey data from a sample of 356 employees who have technology-based professions. We apply the structural equation modeling technique to evaluate the proposed research model.

Findings

Findings showed that IT use imposes high-level perceptions of a set of technostress creators, which makes users rationalize their ISP violations and engage in non-compliant behaviors. Further analysis of each dimension of technostress showed that techno-complexity, techno-invasion and techno-insecurity account for higher ISP non-compliant behaviors.

Originality/value

This study provides a new understanding of technostress to the context of information security and emphasizes on its negative impact on employee ISP compliance behaviors.
Internal control quality and voluntary disclosure: does CEO duality matter?
Authors: Khlif Hichem , Samaha Khaled , Amara Ines
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The authors examine the association between internal control quality (ICQ) and voluntary disclosure and test whether chief executive officer (CEO) duality, as a proxy for CEO structural power, moderates such a relationship in an emerging market (Egypt).

Design/methodology/approach

ICQ is measured using a survey of external auditors, while a content analysis approach is used to measure the level of voluntary disclosure in annual reports.

Findings

Based on a sample of 512 firm-year observations over the period of 2007–2014, the authors document that ICQ is positively and significantly associated with voluntary disclosure, suggesting that better controls improve corporate reporting policy. In addition, CEO duality moderates the association between ICQ and voluntary disclosure since this positive relationship association becomes insignificant for companies characterised by CEO duality. These results remain stable after controlling for endogeneity (self-selection problem), political instability and industry characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of the study provide preliminary evidence on the association between ICQ and voluntary disclosure, and how CEO structural power may affect this association. Future empirical investigations may extend this work to cover the relationship between ICQ and other attributes of corporate transparency including earnings quality and accounting conservatism.

Practical implications

The findings highlight the need for Egyptian regulators to enact new rules obliging firms to communicate information about ICQ or charging auditors to report information about firm's ICQ in their reports. The results also alert policymakers about the adverse effect of combined leadership structure (CEO duality) since it mitigates the positive impact of ICQ on voluntary disclosure.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to internal control literature by exploring the association between ICQ and voluntary disclosure on an emergent unregulated market with respect to internal control disclosure. They also highlight how CEO duality, as a proxy for CEO power, mitigates the beneficial effect of ICQ on corporate reporting policy on the Egyptian stock exchange (EGX).
Spatial-based model for oil palm plantation suitability rating and its smallholder farmers’ competitiveness: a case study at Kampar Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia
Authors: Safriyana Safriyana , Marimin Marimin , Anggraeni Elisa , Sailah Illah
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to construct models to classify independent smallholder farmers’ (ISFs) plantation suitability and its competitiveness index. It proposes the models with the objective to accommodate ISFs as the main source of raw material for the palm oil industry. It was predicted that the supply of oil palm fresh fruit bunch would depend on ISFs’ plantations due to the government policy that restricts the expansion of the plantations.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was designed using a geographic information system approach and analytical hierarchy process for mapping the suitability of smallholder farmers’ oil palm plantation in the Kampar Regency. The competitiveness index was measured using a modified Diamond Porter framework and competitiveness index quantification. The model was conducted on 177 respondents from five districts in Kampar Regency.

Findings

The results indicated that it mapped 128,936.759 hectares area of ISFs’ oil palm plantation in the Kampar Regency. The results of plantation suitability showed that only 13.88% of plantations owned by ISFs were potential, 71.21% of them were in the developing category and 14.91% of plantations were non-potential. The competitiveness index showed there were only 7.91% of them at the developed competitive position, 73.45% at developing a competitive position and 18.64% at the least-developed position.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for developing ISFs’ capacity building and best practice management for oil palm optimization, resulting in bargaining positions and social well-being.

Originality/value

The study had succeeded to visualize ISFs’ plantation area suitability and competitiveness at Kampar Regency, Riau Province. The model provides a brisk understanding and valuable information about ISFs’ conditions spatially. It offers specific outcomes and becomes important in optimize and develop the existing plantations at the right time and exact location.
Do shareholder's independency and board size affect synergies from cross-border bank mergers and acquisitions? International evidence from social network analysis
Authors: Chen Sheng-Hung , Hsu Feng-Jui , Lai Ying-Chen
Published: December 2020

Purpose

There is little known globally on the association among the independent shareholder, board size and merger and acquisition (M&A) performance. This paper addresses the global issue about cross-border M&A in banking sector, particularly exploring the role of difference in the independent shareholder and board size between acquirer and target banks on synergy gains based on the international study.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on cross-border bank M&As data on 59 deals from 1995 to 2009, we initially apply social network analysis techniques to explore the country connectedness of the acquirer-target banks in cross-border M&As. Ordinary least squares (OLS) with robust standard errors is further used to investigate synergy gains within the difference in the degree of bank independent shareholder and board sizes between the acquirer and target banks.

Findings

Our results indicate that the acquiring banks are generally interconnected with the targeted banks and that some of acquiring banks are clearly concentrated in Asian countries including China, Hong Kong, and Philippines. Moreover, we find that cross-border M&As with larger difference in independent shareholders between the bidder and target bank would result in higher synergy gains in all cases of takeover premiums on 1 day, 1 week and 4 weeks. In addition, financial differences between the bidder and target banks have a significant impact on synergetic gains, a topic not explored in previous studies. There is no evidence that institutional and governance differences between bidder and target bank have significant cross-border impacts on takeover premiums with respect to 1 day, 1 week and 4 weeks, respectively.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by exploring the international issue about the role of difference in the degree of bank independent shareholder and board sizes between acquirer and target banks on synergy gains. Based on bank cross-border M&As data on 59 deals from 1995 to 2009, we initially apply social network analysis to explore the country connectedness of acquirer-target bank in cross-border M&As, while ten ordinary least squares (OLS) with robust standard errors is used to investigate synergy gains within the difference in the degree of bank independent shareholder and board sizes between acquirer and target banks.
Modelling fishing location choice and spatial behaviour of fishers near a marine protected area
Authors: Sultan Riad Mohammed
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study investigates whether higher catch rates near a marine protected area (MPA), and/or in other fishing areas within a choice set, attract more fishers. A survey conducted in the fishing grounds near an MPA located in south east of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean shows concentration of fishers in regions with lower catch rates. This contrasts with the predictions of the “fishing the line” hypothesis and the ideal free distribution (IFD) that fishers are likely to be attracted near the MPA with higher resource abundance.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the random utility model as the framework and the random parameter logit (RPL) model, the study attempts to explain spatial behaviour of fishers. Expected catch and catch variability are modelled using the Just and Pope (JP) production function. The study also estimates effort elasticities with respect to expected catch and catch variability and simulates the relocation of effort from area closure.

Findings

The paper concludes that higher catch does attract fishers but is a partial and very restrictive explanation of fishers' behaviour. The “fishing the line” hypothesis does hold to some extent, but it should not be taken for granted that rising catch rates in adjacent waters will increase fishing pressure. The paper concludes that factors such as catch variability, distance from homeport to fishing ground, potential physical risk and attitudes towards risk of fishers affect spatial behaviour of fishers and should be considered for the placement and size of MPAs. The study also finds that the responsiveness of effort to catch rates is lowest in areas which are already heavily fished and easily accessible.

Practical implications

The identification of fishing areas as complements (when fishing in one area increases fishing effort in another) and substitutes is valuable information for determining the placement and size of an MPA. A larger reserve is likely to have more displacement effect in this case than a smaller one. Therefore, a small or a network of a small reserve may be appropriate. The premise to select the site and size of the reserve is to avoid overconcentration of fishers in alternative fishing areas, which can be vulnerable to excessive fishing and unintended effects from fishers.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to an understanding of fishing behaviour and its impact on the configuration of marine reserves. It discusses the importance of effort elasticities to determine the placement and size of an MPA. Studies on this topic are very scanty in the Indian Ocean region. It also shows the application of location choice model, the RPL model and the JP production function in the fisheries sector for a small island.
Reverse logistics uncertainty in a courier industry: a triadic model
Authors: Wang Michael , Wang Bill , Chan Ricky
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Due to increasing supply chain complexity, the supply chain uncertainty has become an imperative issue, which hinders the development of modern logistics and supply chain management. The paper attempts to conceptualize reverse logistics uncertainty from supply chain uncertainty literature and present the types of reverse logistics uncertainty in a triadic model.

Design/methodology/approach

The concept of reverse logistics uncertainty is developed based on a triadic model of logistics uncertainty and supply chain uncertainty literature. A desk research is conducted to develop a taxonomy of reverse logistics uncertainty. To better depict the reverse logistics uncertainty, we use case studies to discuss the types of reverse logistics uncertainty in the triadic model.

Findings

The study reveals four types of supply chain uncertainties in the reverse logistics. We call them reverse logistics uncertainty. Type-A and Type-B uncertainty are new types of supply chain uncertainty in the reverse logistics.

Research limitations/implications

The types of reverse logistics uncertainty have not been empirically validated in industries. Especially, the two new types including Type-A and Type-B reverse uncertainty need further exploration.

Originality/value

Although reverse logistics has been discussed in the past decades, very few studies have been conducted on the supply chain uncertainty in returns management arena. The paper offers valuable insights to better understand the supply chain uncertainty in the reverse logistics. This also provides suggestions for both managers and researchers to reflect on the reverse logistics uncertainty management and business sustainability.
On the equivalence of the conductivity and resistivity equations in the interpretation of induced polarization data
Authors: Kozhevnikov Nikolai O. , Antonov Evgeny Y.
Published: December 2020

There are several models accounting for the induced polarization phenomenon in terms of complex, frequency‐dependent conductivity σ or resistivity ρ = 1/σ. The most popular ones are the Cole–Cole conductivity and Pelton resistivity models. Each model includes four parameters: resistivity ρ (or its inverse, conductivity σ), chargeability m, relaxation time τ and frequency dependence c. Some authors argue that these models predict different relaxation times and are equivalent provided that this difference is accounted for in interpreting induced polarization data. We show that the discussion about the equivalence of the Cole–Cole conductivity and Pelton resistivity equations might arose from not taking into consideration the difference between the relaxation time as a model parameter, and that observed experimentally. We also show that, when comparing models as such, there is no reason to talk about different relaxation times. The equivalence of conductivity and resistivity equations manifests itself in that both, with allowance made for the measurement circuit, predict the same experimental data.
Students’ use of GCSE access arrangements
Authors: Hipkiss Amanda , Woods Kevin A. , McCaldin Tamsin
Published: December 2020

Access arrangements (AAs) in GCSE and GCE examinations are the reasonable adjustments made for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) under the Equality Act 2010. The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) sets out evidence requirements for allowing AAs on behalf of awarding bodies, although there is a lack of research into the efficacy of AAs in enabling students with SEND to demonstrate their attainment. This article reports findings from research in a school for 11‐ to 16‐year‐olds, which gathered feedback from 60 students on their use of AAs in GCSE examinations. Outcomes for those allowed AAs are compared with those who had none. Use of extra time and students’ reasons for use or non‐use are also reported. The researchers recommend research into the predictive utility of AA evidence requirements for allowing extra time, and time sufficiency in exams for all students.
Quantifying the Multiplier Effect of Southern California’s Turf Removal Rebate Program with Time‐Series Aerial Imagery
Authors: Marx Andrew
Published: December 2020

From 2014 to 2016, water agencies in Southern California provided more than $350 million in rebates to owners who converted their turf to drought‐tolerant landscaping. In order to provide a fuller understanding of the water savings of this program, this study establishes that there was a behavioral contagion, or a multiplier effect, from rebate participants in the program. An imagery‐based, time‐series analysis of 20 Southern California neighborhoods from 2012 to 2018 was performed to detect what parcels converted their lawns without a rebate and how they were spatially correlated with rebate participants. This correlation was then used on almost 55,000 rebate participants to estimate the multiplier benefits for the entire program at 132%. For every 100 rebate participants, the multiplier effect helped contribute to an additional 132 parcels to convert to drought‐tolerant landscaping. This methodology was compared with a previous study in the Irvine Ranch Water District providing similar results. This study provides the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California a better understanding of the water savings per rebate dollar of the Turf Removal Rebate Program as well as providing a robust approach for cities or water agencies to estimate the multiplier effect of their turf rebate programs.
Atherosclerotic disease burden after bariatric surgery in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ardissino Maddalena , Watson Francesca , Amin Ravi , Collins Peter , Moussa Osama , Purkayastha Sanjay ,   Imperial Obesity Study Group
Published: December 2020

Background

The rising rates of obesity, along with its associated morbidities, represent an important global health threat. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is among the most common and hazardous obesity‐related morbidity, and it is especially prevalent among those who suffer from type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Bariatric surgery (BS) is known to help with effective weight management and reduce the burden of cardiovascular risk factors, especially T2DM.

Methods

A nested propensity‐matched cohort study was carried out using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. The cohort included 1186 patients with no past history of ASCVD, 593 of whom underwent BS and 593 propensity‐score matched controls, followed up for a mean of 42.7 months. The primary end point was the incidence of new ASCVD; defined as new coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CeVD), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), or miscellaneous atherosclerotic disease; secondary end points included primary end point components alone and all‐cause mortality.

Results

Patients who underwent BS had significantly lower rates of new ASCVD (hazard ratio [HR] 0.53, confidence interval [CI] 0.30‐0.95, P = 0.032. There were no significant differences in rates of CAD, CeVD, and PAD individually across cohorts, but a lower rate of all‐cause mortality was observed in the BS cohort (HR 0.36, CI 0.19‐0.71, P = 0.003).

Conclusions

BS was associated with improved ASCVD outcomes and lower mortality in patients with obesity and T2DM. This study provides evidence for increased awareness of potential benefits of BS in the management of obesity by highlighting a potential role in primary prevention for ASCVD.
Measurements of human tolerance to horizontal rotation within an MRI scanner: Towards gantry‐free radiation therapy
Authors: Buckley Jarryd G , Smith Allan “Ben” , Sidhom Mark , Rai Robba , Liney Gary P , Dowling Jason A , Metcalfe Peter E , Holloway Lois C , Keall Paul J
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Recent advances in image guidance and adaptive radiotherapy could enable gantry‐free radiotherapy using patient rotation. Gantry‐free radiotherapy could substantially reduce the cost of radiotherapy systems and facilities. MRI guidance complements a gantry‐free approach because of its ability to visualise soft tissue deformation during rotation. A potential barrier to gantry‐free radiotherapy is patient acceptability, especially when combined with MRI. This study investigates human experiences of horizontal rotation within an MRI scanner.

Methods

Ten healthy human participants and nine participants previously treated with radiotherapy were rotated within an MRI scanner. Participants' anxiety and motion sickness was assessed before being rotated in 45‐degree increments and paused, representing a multi‐field intensity‐modulated radiotherapy treatment. An MR image was acquired at each 45‐degree angle. Following imaging, anxiety and motion sickness were re‐assessed, followed by a comfort questionnaire and exit interview. The significance of the differences in anxiety and motion sickness pre‐ versus post‐imaging was assessed using Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests. Content analysis was performed on exit interview transcripts.

Results

Eight of ten healthy and eight of nine patient participants completed the imaging session. Mean anxiety scores before and after imaging were 7.9/100 and 11.8/100, respectively (P = 0.26), and mean motion sickness scores were 5.3/100 and 13.7/100, respectively (P = 0.02). Most participants indicated likely acceptance of rotation if MRI were to be used in a hypothetical treatment. Physical discomfort was reported to be the biggest concern.

Conclusions

Horizontal rotation within an MRI scanner was acceptable for most (17/19) participants.
Indirect terrestrial transmission of amphibian chytrid fungus from reservoir to susceptible host species leads to fatal chytridiomycosis
Authors: Burns Thomas J. , Scheele Ben C. , Brannelly Laura A. , Clemann Nick , Gilbert Deon , Driscoll Don A.
Published: December 2020

The amphibian chytrid fungal pathogen (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, henceforth Bd) has had a devastating impact on biodiversity, causing the decline or extinction of over 500 amphibian species. Yet, our understanding of Bd transmission pathways remains incomplete, in particular for host species with weak aquatic associations, and between reservoir and susceptible host species. We examined Bd transmission from a potential reservoir host to a potentially susceptible critically endangered host; directly assessing the capacity of the former to transmit Bd, and the susceptibility of the latter as a Bd host. Using cohousing versus sequential use of the same enclosure by the two species, we distinguished the effects of direct versus indirect (environmental) transmission. Our study provides clear evidence that both direct and indirect terrestrial transmission from a reservoir to susceptible host species results in fatal chytridiomycosis. Transmission mode had no effect on overall morbidity or disease progression in the susceptible species. Our results demonstrate that reservoir and susceptible hosts do not need to be in the same place at the same time, or within an aquatic environment for transmission to occur. Our demonstration of indirect terrestrial transmission from a reservoir to susceptible host identifies mechanisms by which Bd may drive ongoing declines in populations where the pathogen is now endemic. Identifying these transmission pathways is important for understanding long‐term extinction vulnerability of remnant populations of declining species challenged by disease.
Contexts of Reception as Figured Worlds: Recent‐Arrival Immigrant Youth in High School ESL and Content‐Area Classrooms
Authors: Park Jie Y.
Published: December 2020

Theorizing classrooms as contexts of reception shaped by ideological, relational, and pedagogical dimensions, and drawing on ethnographic data from a yearlong study of recent‐arrival immigrant youths' educational experiences in an urban U.S. high school, this paper describes how a group of recent‐arrival youth acted upon the discourses, pedagogical practices, and identity categories in their content‐area and ESL classes. It challenges traditional depictions of school engagement that focus on youths' personal traits and individual attributes.
The Efficacy of Combined Electroacupuncture and Auricular Pressure on Sleep Quality in Patients Receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment
Authors: Yu Kai‐Chiang , Wei Han‐Ting , Chang Shang‐Chih , Huang Kuei‐Yu , Hsu Chung‐Hua
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives

Previous studies have revealed that the electroacupuncture or auricular‐point pressure as a single treatment approach is beneficial for relieving insomniac symptoms among patients under methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). This study is designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of combining two treatments.

Methods

This study was a randomized, controlled, crossover trial. A total of 50 participants were recruited from the Linsen Chinese Medicine and Kunming Branches of Taipei City Hospital and randomly assigned to Groups A (25 participants) and B (25 participants). In Group A (electroacupuncture at the Hegu point (LI4) and Zusanli point (ST36) and auricular‐point pressure on the Shenmen point) and Group B (only auricular‐point), the interventions were implemented biweekly for 4 weeks. After a 1‐week washout period, a crossover of the groups was performed. Sleep quality, according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and daily attendance rate of MMT were evaluated.

Results

Combined therapy significantly improved sleep quality, especially in the PSQI subscales of subjective sleep quality (60.91% vs 20.93%, P < 0.05) and sleep latency (42.59% vs 11.28%, P < 0.05). A significantly higher daily attendance rate was noted in combined therapy than single therapy (87% ± 2% vs 82% ± 2%, P < 0.001).

Discussion and Conclusions

The combination of the electroacupuncture with auricular‐point pressure demonstrated high efficacy for improving sleep quality and increasing MMT adherence compared with single therapy of auricular‐point pressure.

Scientific Significance

Combined therapy of the electroacupuncture and auricular‐point pressing should be introduced as a routine, facilitating treatment for patients under methadone maintenance. (Am J Addict 2020;00:00–00)
Levosimendan in veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator supported patients: Impact on the success of weaning and survival
Authors: Alonso‐Fernandez‐Gatta Marta , Merchan‐Gomez Soraya , Gonzalez‐Cebrian Miryam , Diego‐Nieto Alejandro , Alzola Elisabete , Toranzo‐Nieto Ines , Barrio Alfredo , Martin‐Herrero Francisco , Sanchez Pedro L.
Published: December 2020

Weaning failure and mortality rates in veno‐arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA‐ECMO) supported patients are significant. Small studies suggest the possible usefulness of levosimendan in this environment, especially in postcardiotomy shock. We performed a retrospective analysis of VA‐ECMO implants in a referral hospital comparing weaning failure and survival of patients treated with levosimendan with a control group. From 2013 to May 2020, 123 VA‐ECMO for several indications were implanted. Levosimendan was administered in 23 patients (18.7%) with good tolerance. Levosimendan was used more frequently in cardiogenic shock due to acute coronary syndrome indication, and in patients with lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at the implant. No significant differences were found in success of ECMO weaning (60.9% levosimendan group vs. 44% non‐levosimendan group, P = .169) despite worse LVEF in levosimendan group. Survival at follow‐up (20.6 [58] months) was higher in the group that received levosimendan, although without finding statistically significant differences (47.8% vs. 32.0%, log rank P = .124). Levosimendan can be safely administered during VA‐ECMO support. Patients receiving levosimendan were weaned similarly from circulatory support despite worse LVEF. Its use did not influence in short‐ and medium‐term survival. Randomized studies are needed to evaluate the levosimendan impact in this indication.
Design and Pilot data of the high myopia registration study: Shanghai Child and Adolescent Large‐scale Eye Study (SCALE‐HM)
Authors: He Xiangui , Deng Junjie , Xu Xian , Wang Jingjing , Cheng Tianyu , Zhang Bo , Zhao Huijuan , Luan Mengli , Fan Ying , Xiong Shuyu , Zhu Jianfeng , Zou Haidong , Xu Xun
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To describe the methodology and pilot data of the Shanghai Child and Adolescent Large‐scale Eye Study (SCALE‐HM).

Methods

This is a population‐based, prospective, examiner‐masked study with annual follow‐up. Patients are 4‐ to 18‐year‐olds with high myopia. The participants will fill out questionnaires and then undergo visual acuity, axial length (AL), intraocular pressure, ophthalmologist assessment, microperimetry, cycloplegic refraction, Pentacam, wavefront aberration, fundus, blood and saliva examinations. To describe the pilot data, intergroup differences were assessed witht‐tests or analysis of variance and a logistic regression model was used to determine the independent factors associated with peripapillary atrophy (PPA).

Results

Overall, 134 eyes of 79 participants met the pilot study recruitment criteria. The mean AL and spherical equivalent were 26.91 ± 1.07 mm and −9.40 ± 1.77 D, respectively. Peripapillary atrophy (PPA) (N = 112) and tessellated fundus (N = 67) were the most common fundus changes. The mean AL was significantly longer in PPA (27.08 ± 0.93 mm) than in non‐PPA eyes (26.06 ± 1.31 mm; p < 0.001). Axial length (AL) (p = 0.041) was the only independent factor associated with PPA. Axial length (AL) was significantly longer in eyes with diffuse chorioretinal atrophy (N = 11; 28.02 ± 1.31 mm) than without myopic retinal lesions (N = 56; 26.48 ± 0.91 mm, p < 0.001) or with tessellated fundus (N = 67; 27.09 ± 0.97 mm, p = 0.012). The myopic degree was higher in eyes with diffuse chorioretinal atrophy than without myopic retinal lesions (−10.51 ± 2.76 D versus −9.06 ± 1.58 D, p = 0.039).

Conclusion

Peripapillary atrophy and tessellated fundus were common in children and adolescents with high myopia. Results from this prospective study will help to understand the mechanisms, development and prognosis of these changes and can guide early myopia screening.
Tomographic and aberrometric assessment of first‐time diagnosed paediatric keratoconus based on age ranges: a multicentre study
Authors: Rocha‐de‐Lossada Carlos , Prieto‐Godoy Mario , Sánchez‐González José‐María , Romano Vito , Borroni Davide , Rachwani‐Anil Rahul , Alba‐Linero Carmen , Peraza‐Nieves Jorge , Kaye Stephen B. , Rodríguez‐Calvo‐de‐Mora Marina
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To describe paediatric keratoconus (KC) patients by tomographic and aberrometric characteristics at first diagnosis, in a multicentre study.

Methods

We included 278 eyes from 139 paediatric patients, with a first tomographic diagnosis (Pentacam®) of KC prior to 18 years old. KC classification was based on the KC Index (≥ 1.07) and Topographic Keratoconus Classification (TKC ≥ 1). Patients were divided based on age ranges (14 and under and over 14 years) and gender. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS statistics 25.0. ANOVA factor was carried out comparing to compare groups.

Results

278 eyes were screened, and 230 eyes were diagnosed with paediatric KC. Mean age was 15.48 ± 2.33 (6 to 18) years. We found differences in terms of TKC (2.08 ± 0.89 and 2.38 ± 0.82, p < 0.05) and spherical aberration (−0.71 ± 0.97 and −1.07 ± 1.36, p < 0.05) among the 14 years old or under and above 14 years old groups, respectively. Overall, female paediatric KC patients presented a more severe TKC, Belin Ambrosio Display, maximum keratometry, asphericity and primary and secondary coma aberrations compared to male KC patients. We observed a correlation between CDVA and asphericity (r = 0.71, p < 0.01), as well as between CDVA and spherical aberration (r = 0.69, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our findings revealed that the debut of KC is usually in a moderate to advanced stage in the paediatric population at first diagnosis, particularly in female patients. Corneal tomography should be systematically performed in children with recent onset of corneal astigmatism.
Long‐term results of rescue photodynamic therapy for type 1 neovascularization refractory to anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Park Un Chul , Kim Bo Hee , Choe Hye Rim , Yeon Dong Yun , Yu Hyeong Gon
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To evaluate long‐term results of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a rescue treatment in patients with type 1 neovascularization refractory to intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Methods

Patients who underwent reduced‐fluence PDT for refractory type 1 neovascularization, which showed persistent subretinal and/or intraretinal fluid after three or more consecutive anti‐VEGF treatments, and were followed up for ≥24 months were reviewed.

Results

Seventy‐eight eyes of 78 patients were included, and 37 (47%) were classified as polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). The mean number of anti‐VEGF injections before rescue PDT was 8.5 ± 5.4, and the mean follow‐up period after rescue PDT was 74.0 ± 29.4 months. At 3 months after rescue PDT, exudation completely resolved in 55 (71%) patients and vision significantly improved (p = 0.021). Resolution of exudation was associated with choroidal vascular hyperpermeability [odds ratio (OR), 3.82; p = 0.031] and lower maximal height of pigment epithelial detachment (OR, 0.69; p = 0.018). In these patients, exudation recurred in 49 (89%) after mean period of 13.5 months. Vision significantly worsened at 24 months after rescue PDT, and thereafter, and the vision decrease was more prominent in patients with PCV. Rescue PDT could be repeated for recurrent or persistent exudation without increasing the risk of complications.

Conclusion

In patients with type 1 neovascularization refractory to anti‐VEGF, reduced‐fluence PDT is an effective and safe rescue treatment. Therapeutic efficacy wore off during long‐term follow‐up, but rescue PDT may be repeated safely.
COVID‐19 and social work practice for older adults in China
Authors: Lin Wenyi , Yin Wanxia
Published: December 2020

After the spread of COVID‐19, the Chinese central government has issued a series of policies and regulations to guide the prevention and control of the epidemic in the elderly care industry. Social workers provided a series of services for older adults in nursing homes and in the community. All efforts made by government agencies and social workers have helped older adults go through the difficult time.