bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an Age-corrected Normative Database for Saccadic Vector Optokinetic Perimetry (SVOP)
Authors: Tatham Andrew J. , McClean Pam , Murray Ian C. , McTrusty Alice D. , Cameron Lorraine A. , Perperidis Antonios , Brash Harry M. , Fleck Brian W. , Minns Robert A.
Published: November 2020

Precis:

Normal age-corrected threshold sensitivity values were determined for a new eye tracking perimeter and compared with standard automated perimetry (SAP).

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine threshold visual field sensitivities in normal subjects performing saccadic vector optokinetic perimetry (SVOP), a new eye tracking perimeter.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 113 healthy participants performed SVOP and SAP in both eyes with the order of testing randomized. The relationship between SAP and SVOP sensitivity was examined using Bland-Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement. The relationship between sensitivity and age was examined by pointwise linear regression and age-corrected normal threshold sensitivities were calculated.

Results:

After excluding unreliable tests, 97 participants with a mean age of 65.9±10.1 years were included. Average SAP mean deviation was −0.87±1.56 dB, SAP sensitivity was 29.20±1.68 dB and SVOP sensitivity was 32.18±1.96 dB. SVOP had a longer test duration (431±110 compared with 307±42 seconds for SAP, P<0.001). On average, the mean sensitivity obtained using SVOP was 2.98 dB higher than average SAP sensitivity, with 95% limits of agreement of −0.11 to 6.15 dB. For each decade older, SAP sensitivity decreased by 0.93 dB (95% confidence interval: 1.21 to 0.64) and SVOP sensitivity decreased by 1.15 dB (95% confidence interval: 1.47 to 0.84).

Conclusions:

The results provide age-corrected normative values for threshold sensitivities from SVOP. Overall, SVOP provided a similar shaped hill of vision as SAP however threshold sensitivities were higher, meaning results are not interchangeable.
Precipitating Factors Related to the Formation of Grandfamilies
Authors: Joseph Rachel , Goodrich Cindy
Published: November 2020

The physical and emotional absence of parents persuades grandparents to assume responsibility for their grandchildren. Several reasons exist for this situation including parent absenteeism secondary to drug use. An increase in deaths associated with substance/drug use, despite regulations, indicates a growing trend toward grandfamilies. Such social and family dynamics have consequences for grandparents, children, health care providers, and other members of the health care team. This article examined the literature for the reasons leading to grandfamilies, the consequences, and the nurse's responsibility.
Disruptive Demographics
Authors: Alexander G. Rumay , Johnson James H.
Published: November 2020

The nursing profession faces both a labor shortage and a diversity problem. Nine proactive strategies—rooted in the disruptive demographic trends that are transforming our nation—are advanced to address these 2 critical issues.
Nurse Leader Competencies
Authors: Morse Virginia , Warshawsky Nora E.
Published: November 2020

The coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in turbulent times challenging nurse leaders to adopt, adapt, and develop new leadership competencies to navigate current and future challenges. In never-imagined approaches, nurse leaders have responded to a different type of crisis management. In this new era, nursing leadership will need competencies to reshape the future of nursing and nurses' role in caring for patients, families, and promotion of healthy communities along with a focus on reducing health disparities. The pandemic has drawn critical focus on the health and well-being needs of nurses. The American Organization for Nursing Leadership and the Association for Leadership Science in Nursing have offered insights of nursing leadership competencies critical for practice and education in shaping the future.
Diagnostic uncertainty in pediatric chronic pain: nature, prevalence, and consequences
Authors: Neville Alexandra , Jordan Abbie , Pincus Tamar , Nania Cara , Schulte Fiona , Yeates Keith Owen , Noel Melanie
Published: November 2020

Introduction:

Diagnostic uncertainty (DU), which is the perception that a label or explanation for a patient's health problem is missing or inaccurate, has been linked to distress, anxiety, and difficulty coping among adults with pain. This study examined the prevalence of DU among youth with chronic pain and their parents and the relation of parent and youth DU with youth pain, pain-related constructs, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods:

Participants included 174 youth with chronic pain (M

age
= 14.28 years; 73% female) and one of their parents (91% mothers) recruited from a tertiary-level pediatric chronic pain program in Canada. Youth and parent DU was assessed using a brief measure of 3 empirically derived yes/no questions regarding whether the youth and parent had received a clear diagnosis/explanation for their/their child's pain and whether they believed there was something else happening with their/their child's pain that doctors had not yet found. Youth reported on their pain intensity, pain interference, pain catastrophizing, fear of pain, and HRQoL.

Results:

Thirty-one percent of youth and 28% of parents experienced DU. Seventy percent of parents and youth were in agreement regarding their experience of DU. Youth DU was linked to higher youth catastrophic thinking about their pain. Parent DU was linked to greater youth pain interference and intensity and lower youth HRQoL.

Conclusion:

Diagnostic uncertainty is experienced by nearly a third of youth with chronic pain and their parents and is linked to worse youth pain, pain catastrophizing, and HRQoL.
COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test as Screening Strategy at the Points-of-Entry: Experience in Lazio Region, Central Italy, August-October 2020
Authors: Colavita Francesca , Vairo Francesco , Meschi Silvia , Valli Beatrice , Lalle Eleonora , Castilletti Concetta , Fusco Danilo , Spiga Giuseppe , Bartoletti Pierluigi , Ursino Simona , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Di Caro Antonino , Vaia Francesco , Ippolito Giuseppe , Capobianchi Maria Rosaria
Published: November 2020

COVID-19 pandemic is becoming one of the most dramatic health, social and economic global challenges in recent history. Testing is one of the main components of the public health response to contain the virus spreading. There is an urgent need to expand testing capacity and antigen rapid tests (Ag RDT) represent good candidates for point-of-care and mass surveillance testing to rapidly identify people with SARS-CoV-2 infection, counterbalancing lower sensitivity as compared to the gold standard molecular tests with timeliness of results and possibility of recurred testing. Here, we report preliminary data of the testing algorithm implemented at the points-of-entry (airports and port) in Lazio Region (Central Italy) on travelers arriving between 17th of August to 15th of October, 2020, using the STANDARD F COVID-19 Antigen Fluorescence ImmunoAssay. Our findings show that the probability of molecular confirmation of Ag RDT positive results is directly dependent from the semi-quantitative results of this Ag RDT, and that the molecularly confirmed samples actually harbor infectious virus. These results support the public health strategies based on early screening campaigns in settings where molecular testing is not feasible or easily accessible, using rapid and simple point of care tests, able to rapidly identify those subjects who are at highest risk of spreading SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns reveal clinically relevant predictive and prognostic subtypes in osteosarcoma
Authors: Lietz Christopher E. , Newman Erik T. , Kelly Andrew D. , Lozano-Calderon Santiago A. , Ebb David H. , Raskin Kevin A. , Cote Gregory M. , Choy Edwin , Nielsen G. Petur , Haibe-Kains Benjamin , Aryee Martin J. , Spentzos Dimitrios
Published: November 2020

Background

Osteosarcoma (OSA) is an aggressive malignancy predominantly affecting children and young-adults. Genetic analysis has characterized very few recurrent mutations in OSA, and an improved understanding of interpatient tumor heterogeneity is needed for clinical management.

Methods

We analyzed genome-wide DNA methylation in primary OSA tumors from the NCI Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET) program (n = 83) profiled using the Illumina 450K methylation array. We tested if broad genomic methylation predicted outcomes and defined supervised methylomic signatures predictive of Recurrence Free Survival (RFS), Chemotherapy Response (CR), and Metastatic disease at Diagnosis (MetDx). We assessed methylation pattern reproducibility in two independent clinical datasets (n = 28 and 34) and in an in vitro dataset (n = 11). Correlations between genomic methylation and transcription were tested using TARGET RNA-seq data. An in silico pharmacogenomic screen was performed to identify agents for future stratified application.

Results

Genome-wide methylation defined two subgroups. Relatively hypomethylated tumors experienced better chemotherapy response (Odds Ratio = 6.429, Fisher’s p = 0.007), longer RFS (metastatic, median 2.3 vs 26.7 months, localized, median 63.5 vs 104.7 months, stratified log-rank p = 0.006), and Overall Survival (p = 5×10-4) than hypermethylated tumors. Robust genomic methylation signatures predictive of RFS and CR were defined, and the signatures’ methylation patterns were reproducible in the independent clinical and in vitro datasets. The RFS signature was enriched for intragenic sites, whereas the CR signature and clinically relevant genome-wide methylation patterns were enriched for intergenic sites. Normal-tissue-like methylation patterns were associated with poor prognosis and in vitro analysis suggested that the methylation signatures are associated with tumor aggressiveness. Downstream transcriptional analysis revealed that genes annotated to the RFS methylation signature were also predictive survival. The transcriptional program represented in the RFS signature included several critical cellular pathways, whereas the CR signature was associated with much fewer known pathways, possibly reflecting a much broader cellular “methylation state” related to chemoresponse. A pharmacogenomic screen identified potential therapies, including epigenomic modifiers, for future stratified clinical application.

Conclusion

Genomic methylation offers insight into patient prognosis and could be a useful tool for developing alternate adjuvant therapeutic strategies.
Evaluating recovery, cost, and throughput of different concentration methods for SARS-CoV-2 wastewater-based epidemiology
Authors: LaTurner Zachary W. , Zong David M. , Kalvapalle Prashant , Gamas Kiara Reyes , Terwilliger Austen , Crosby Tessa , Ali Priyanka , Avadhanula Vasanthi , Santos Haroldo Hernandez , Weesner Kyle , Hopkins Loren , Piedra Pedro A. , Maresso Anthony W. , Stadler Lauren B.
Published: November 2020

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect communities across the globe, the need to contain the spread of the outbreaks is of paramount importance. Wastewater monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the causative agent responsible for COVID-19, has emerged as a promising tool for health officials to anticipate outbreaks. As interest in wastewater monitoring continues to grow and municipalities begin to implement this approach, there is a need to further identify and evaluate methods used to concentrate SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA from wastewater samples. Here we evaluate the recovery, cost, and throughput of five different concentration methods for quantifying SARS-CoV-2 virus RNA in wastewater samples. We tested the five methods on six different wastewater samples. We also evaluated the use of a bovine coronavirus vaccine as a process control and pepper mild mottle virus as a normalization factor. Of the five methods we tested head-to-head, we found that HA filtration with bead beating performed the best in terms of sensitivity and cost. This evaluation can serve as a guide for laboratories establishing a protocol to perform wastewater monitoring of SARS-CoV-2.

Highlights

Five methods for concentrating SARS-CoV-2 RNA from wastewater evaluated

Method performance characterized via recovery, cost, throughput, and variability

HA filtration with bead beating had highest recovery for comparatively low cost

Bovine coronavirus, pepper mild mottle virus assessed as possible recovery controls
Evaluation of the accuracy and ease-of-use of Abbott PanBio - A WHO emergency use listed, rapid, antigen-detecting point-of-care diagnostic test forSARS-CoV-2
Authors: Krüger L.J. , Gaeddert M. , Tobian F. , Lainati F. , Gottschalk C. , Klein J.A.F. , Schnitzler P. , Kräusslich H.G. , Nikolai O. , Lindner A.K. , Mockenhaupt F.P. , Seybold J. , Corman V.M. , Drosten C. , Pollock N.R. , Knorr B. , Welker A. , de Vos M. , Sacks J.A. , Denkinger C.M. ,   for the study team
Published: November 2020

Background

Diagnostics are essential for controlling the pandemic. Identifying a reliable and fast diagnostic is needed to support testing. We assessed performance and ease-of-use of the Abbott PanBio antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT).

Methods

This prospective, multi-centre diagnostic accuracy study enrolled at two sites in Germany. Following routine testing with RT-PCR, a second study-exclusive swab was performed for Ag-RDT testing. Routine swabs were nasopharyngeal (NP) or combined NP/oropharyngeal (OP) whereas the study-exclusive swabs were NP. To evaluate performance, sensitivity and specificity were assessed overall and in predefined sub analyses accordingly to cycle-threshold values, days of symptoms, disease severity and study site. Additionally, an ease-of-use assessment and System Usability Scale (SUS) were performed.

Findings

1108 participants were enrolled between Sept 28 and Oct 30, 2020. Of these, 106 (9·6%) were PCR-positive. The Abbott PanBio detected 92/106 PCR-positive participants with a sensitivity of 86·8% (95% CI: 79·0% - 92·0%) and a specificity of 99·9% (95% CI: 99·4%-100%). The sub analyses indicated that sensitivity was 95·8% in CT-values <25 and within the first seven days from symptom onset. The test was characterized as easy to use (SUS: 86/100) and considered suitable for point-of- care settings.

Interpretation

The Abbott PanBio Ag-RDT performs well forSARS-CoV-2testing in this large manufacturer independent study, confirming its WHO recommendation for Emergency Use in settings with limited resources.

Funding

The Foundation of Innovative New Diagnostics supplied the test kits for the study. The internal funds from the Heidelberg University as well as the Charité Berlin supported this study.
On the anti-correlation between COVID-19 infection rate and natural UV light in the UK
Authors: Blum Arnon , Nicolaou Constantina , Henghes Ben , Lahav Ofer
Published: November 2020

While it is well established that the rate of COVID-19 infections can be suppressed by social distancing, environmental effects may also affect it. We consider the hypothesis that natural Ultra-Violet (UV) light is reducing COVID-19 infections by enhancing human immunity through increasing levels of Vitamin-D and Nitric Oxide or by suppressing the virus itself. We focus on the United Kingdom (UK), by examining daily COVID-19 infections (F) and UV Index (UVI) data from 23 March 2020 to 10 March 2021. We find an intriguing empirical anti-correlation between log10(F) and log10(UVI) with a correlation coefficient of −0.934 from 11 May 2020 (when the first UK lockdown ended) to 10 March 2021. The anti-correlation may reflect causation with other factors which are correlated with the UVI. We advocate that UVI should be added as a parameter in modelling the pattern of COVID-19 infections and deaths. We started quantifying such correlations in other countries and regions.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on infant and pediatric asthma: a multi-center survey using an administrative database in Japan
Authors: Bun Seiko , Kishimoto Kenji , Shin Jung-ho , Takada Daisuke , Morishita Tetsuji , Kunisawa Susumu , Imanaka Yuichi
Published: November 2020

Background

Limited data are available on the relationship between infant and pediatric asthma and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19).

Political limitations such as school closure may affect the treatment behavior of pediatric asthma. To investigate the trends of treatment behavior in the field of pediatrics during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study using Diagnosis Procedure Combination (DPC) data from the Quality Indicator/Improvement Project (QIP) database. We identified children with asthma aged 15 years or younger who were patients from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2020. The main outcome was a comparison between asthma patients’ treatment behavior before the COVID-19 pandemic and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We statistically tested the admission volume changes based on the discharge date after adjusting for seasonality through a Fourier term using an interrupted time-series analysis (ITS).

Results

We identified 10,481 inpatients cases in 67 hospitals and 258,911 out-patients cases in 180 hospitals who were diagnosed with asthma. We performed ITS analysis for inpatients. The reduction in the number of patients during this period was estimated to be 232 (P=0.001). In addition, ITS analysis was performed for patients aged <3 years. The reduced number of patients during this period was estimated to be 155 (P<0.001).

Conclusions

We found that the number of pediatric asthma patients dramatically decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to continue research into the trends of pediatric asthma patients after the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.

Key Messages

There are increasingly available data on the relationship between adults’ asthma and COVID-19. However, in the fields of pediatrics, limited data are available. Patients with moderate to severe asthma who needed hospitalization dramatically decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides, doctors prescribed nebulizers more than metered-dose inhalers by the clinical guideline recommendation. Our findings reinforce the value of political inventions, such as school closure reduced the number of asthma attacks in infants and school-age children.
Deconvoluting the T cell response to SARS-CoV-2: specificity versus chance- and cognate cross-reactivity
Authors: Lehmann Alexander A. , Kirchenbaum Greg A. , Zhang Ting , Reche Pedro A. , Lehmann Paul V.
Published: November 2020

SARS-CoV-2 infection takes a mild or clinically inapparent course in the majority of humans who contract this virus. After such individuals have cleared the virus, only the detection of SARS-CoV-2-specific immunological memory can reveal the exposure, and hopefully the establishment of immune protection. With most viral infections, the presence of specific serum antibodies has provided a reliable biomarker for the exposure to the virus of interest. SARS-CoV-2 infection, however, does not reliably induce a durable antibody response, especially in sub-clinically infected individuals. Consequently, it is plausible for a recently infected individual to yield a false negative result within only a few months after exposure. Immunodiagnostic attention has therefore shifted to studies of specific T cell memory to SARS-CoV-2. Most reports published so far agree that a T cell response is engaged during SARS-CoV-2 infection, but they also state that in 20-81% of non-SARS-CoV-2-exposed individuals, T cells respond to SARS-CoV-2 antigens (mega peptide pools), allegedly due to T cell cross-reactivity with coronaviruses causing Common Cold (CCC), or other antigens. Here we show that by introducing irrelevant mega peptide pools as negative controls to account for chance cross-reactivity, and by establishing the antigen dose-response characteristic of the T cells, one can clearly discern between cognate T cell memory induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection vs. cross-reactive T cell responses in individuals who had not been infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Evolutionary drivers of polymorphic sexual signals in slender anoles
Authors: Prates Ivan , D’Angiolella Annelise B. , Rodrigues Miguel T. , Melo-Sampaio Paulo R. , de Queiroz Kevin , Bell Rayna C.
Published: November 2020

Phenotypic variation among populations, as seen in the signaling traits of many species, provides an opportunity to test whether similar factors generate shared phenotypic patterns in different parts of a species’ range. We investigate whether genetic divergence, abiotic gradients, and sympatry with closely related species explain variation in the dewlap colors of slender anoles,Anolis fuscoauratus. To this aim, we characterized dewlap diversity in the field, inferred population genetic structure and evolutionary relationships, assessed whether dewlap morphs are associated with climate and landscape variables, and tested for non-random associations in the distribution ofA. fuscoauratusmorphs and sympatricAnolisspecies. We found that dewlap colors vary among but not within sites inA. fuscoauratus. Regional genetic clusters included multiple morphs, while populations with similar dewlaps were often distantly related. Morphs did not segregate in environmental space, suggesting that dewlaps are not locally adapted to abiotic factors. Instead, we found a negative association between certain morphs andAnolisspecies with similar relative dewlap brightness, suggesting that interactions with closely related species promoted dewlap divergence amongA. fuscoauratuspopulations. Slender anoles emerge as a promising system to address questions about parallel trait evolution and the contribution of signaling traits to speciation.
The effect of insecurity and corruption on opportunity-driven entrepreneurship in Mexico: an fsQCA analysis
Authors: Pinazo-Dallenbach Pablo , Castelló-Sirvent Fernando
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Opportunity-driven entrepreneurship (ODEs) is a key to economic development. Consequently, the emigration of potential ODEs constitutes a barrier to the development of the country of origin. Thus, this study examines how the combined effect of subjective insecurity, corruption perception, subjective norm towards emigration, socioeconomic level and the entrepreneurial intention of potentially opportunity-driven university students can affect their propensity to emigrate.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of students (N = 354) from the Technological University of the State of Zacatecas is surveyed, and a causal model based on the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) configuration methodology is proposed.

Findings

The results suggest that future graduates are more likely to emigrate when their corruption and/or insecurity perceptions are high. In addition, the subjective norm is decisive when taking the decision to emigrate. Finally, in the specific cases of individuals with the highest entrepreneurial intentions as well, their perceptions of corruption and insecurity have a great influence.

Originality/value

This study addresses, from a cognitive point of view, the effect on ODEs of phenomena that are strongly prevalent in Mexico, such as citizen insecurity, corruption, poverty and the migratory tradition.
Airtel: Pricing in the Cannibalisation Era and Transition to Data
Authors: Sahay Arvind , Tiwari Tara
Published: November 2020

On October 1, 2017, Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer-India and South Asia, Bharti Airtel, was in his New Delhi office reviewing current trends and Airtel's position in Indian Telecom. His primary concern was the shifting data consumption trend in the Indian Telecom Industry (Exhibit 1) and the disruptive changes that were impacting pricing and profitability since the entry of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (Jio) in September 2016. Data consumption in Indian telecom had started increasing exponentially after the entry of Jio who offered lifetime free voice services followed by rock-bottom data tariffs. As Vittal reviewed the data, he wondered if the voice market through a non-VOIP provision was now saturated and would rapidly decline. He was also concerned about the price and revenue implications for Airtel. How might the voice market evolve? How should he act on the pricing front to enable Airtel revenues to continue to grow in the context of what appeared to be predatory pricing by Reliance Jio?
Implementing a HBIM approach to manage the translocation of heritage buildings
Authors: Heesom David , Boden Paul , Hatfield Anthony , De Los Santos Melo Aneuris , Czarska-Chukwurah Farida
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present a study which exploited synergies between the fields of Heritage BIM, conservation and building translocation to develop a new approach to support a digitally enabled translocation process. The translocation (or relocation) of buildings or structures is a niche area of the construction sector and much of the significant work in this field has focused on the relocation of heritage buildings. However, hitherto there was a paucity of work between translocation and the process and technology of BIM.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a constructive research approach to analyse the phenomenon of heritage translocation. As part of this approach, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with professionals engaged in heritage translocation projects within the UK, and this was supported by a multi-faceted review of literature within the cross cutting themes of translocation and HBIM. Building on the results, a BIM-enabled process was implemented to support the translocation of a 19th-century timber framed building in the UK.

Findings

Following analysis of results of semi-structured interviews and supported by findings from prevailing literature in the field of translocation and HBIM, a HBIM for Translocation Conceptual Framework (TransHBIM) was developed. Building on the key constructs of the framework, a HBIM-based workflow was implemented to develop a digitally enabled translocation process, which provided a new approach to managing and documenting heritage translocation where disassembly and reconstruction are utilised. The workflow provided a more effective way of documenting individual elements of the building within a digital environment opening up potential for new simulation of the entire process.

Originality/value

Current approaches to translocation involve traditional/manual methods of recording the building and cataloguing the key heritage elements for all aspects of the process. This new approach implements BIM technologies and processes along with the use of barcode or RFID tags to create a digital bridge between the physical elements of the building and the BIM database. This provides more accurate recording of the heritage and also opens up opportunities to support the process with additional digital simulation techniques enhancing the efficiency of the entire process.
Gender equality in the workplace in Quebec: strategic priority for employers or partial response to institutional pressures?
Authors: Genin Émilie , Laroche Mélanie , Marchadour Guénolé
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the challenges posed for employers by gender equality in the workplace, in a seemingly favourable institutional context (the province of Quebec, Canada), and the reasons why employers adopt (or not) gender equality measures (GEMs) exceeding legal requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach draws on both institutional theory and the strategic human resource management (SHRM) approach. Our research is based on a quantitative study involving human resource management professionals in Quebec (n = 296).

Findings

The results allow us to link GEMs with certain SHRM orientations (Yang and Konrad, 2011) and institutional pressures (Lawrenceet al., 2009). The findings show that, for approximately two-thirds of the employers in the sample, gender equality was not a strategic priority. Consistent with our hypothesis, a greater number of GEMs were found when gender equality was a strategic priority for the employer. Unionization and legal requirements were also positively correlated with the presence of GEMs.

Originality/value

The findings indicate a combined effect of SHRM and institutions on GEMs. They point out the relative dependency of employers on the pressures stemming from the institutional framework, and it captures some of the current challenges involved in adopting a SHRM approach with a view to achieving gender equality.
Gender, workplace fun and organisational inclusion: an empirical study
Authors: Mousa Mohamed , Ayoubi Rami , Massoud Hiba
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper addresses nurses working in public hospitals in order to find out how gender may affect their perception of both diversity management and organisational inclusion. Moreover, and given the novelty of workplace fun and the lack of research in this field in the context of developing countries, the authors explore the relationship between diversity management and organisational inclusion and explore workplace fun as a predictor of organisational inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 360 questionnaires were collected from nurses in three public hospitals in Egypt. The authors applied a t-test to identify how gender may affect perceptions of diversity management. Moreover, the authors employed hierarchical regressions to test gender and diversity management as predictors of organisational inclusion and to test whether workplace fun can predict organisational inclusion, too.

Findings

The findings indicate that compared to their male colleagues, female nurses respond to diversity management practices more positively. Second, no significant statistical differences in the mean values for female and male nurses were observed regarding their perceptions of organisational inclusiveness. Third, diversity management is positively associated with organisational inclusion for the nurses. Finally, workplace fun mediates the relationship between diversity management perceptions and organisational inclusion.

Originality/value

This paper contributes by filling a gap in human resources (HR) research in the health-care sector, in which empirical studies on the relationship between gender, workplace fun and organisational inclusion have been limited so far.
Quality improvement at East London NHS Foundation Trust: the pathway to embedding lasting change
Authors: O'Sullivan Owen P. , Chang Nynn Hui , Baker Philip , Shah Amar
Published: November 2020

Purpose

East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) is a major provider of mental healthcare and community health services. Quality improvement (QI) has become central to its organisational policy and goals for which it has received national and international attention.

Design/methodology/approach

This piece reflects on the Trust's transformation and its approach. It provides many examples and discusses several of the associated challenges in building and sustaining QI momentum. It is the result of a range of perspectives from staff involved in planning and building large-scale QI capability. It contextualises QI's current status in UK mental healthcare.

Findings

Several key factors were identified: board-led commitment to organisational transformation; investment in training and resources to support staff motivation; clear and realistic project goals in line with the service's over-arching strategic direction; support for service users and staff at all levels to get involved to address issues that matter to them; and, finally, placement of a high value on service user and staff qualitative feedback.

Practical implications

Building QI capability represents a significant challenge faced by all large healthcare providers. Sharing experiences of change can assist other organisations achieve the necessary buy-in and support the planning process.

Originality/value

Achieving and sustaining lasting organisational change in healthcare is challenging. This article provides a background on QI at ELFT and reflects on the pathway to its present position at the forefront of the application of QI within healthcare.
Factors associated with willingness to pay for health insurance and pension scheme among informal economy workers in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Miti Jairous Joseph , Perkio Mikko , Metteri Anna , Atkins Salla
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the main factors influencing willingness to pay for health insurance and pension schemes among informal workers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Historically, informal economy workers have been excluded from social protection coverage. There is a growing need, interest and policy discourse in LMICs to extend social security to informal economy workers. However, little is known about informal workers' willingness to pay (WTP) for social security services in different LMIC settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a systematic review and searched five databases from 1987 to 2017. Included papers focused on “social security”, “social insurance”, “pension”, “informal economy”, “informal sector” and “informal workers” in LMICs. Authors conducted independent data appraisal and data extraction. A total of 1790 papers were identified. After exclusion, 34 papers were included in the analysis. Given the heterogeneous results, the authors performed a narrative synthesis to consolidate the findings of the different studies.

Findings

In total, 34 studies from 17 countries were included in the review, out of which 23 studies focused on health insurance, 7 studies on pension schemes and 4 studies on social security in general. The study showed that income and trust were associated with WTP for both health insurance and pension schemes. In addition, family size, age, education and residential area were common factors for both forms of social security. For health insurance, experience of sickness, attitude and presence of medical doctors as well as distance from the healthcare facility all played a role in determining WTP. For pension schemes, low and flexible contribution rates, benefit package, government subsidies and quality of administration of the schemes influenced enrolment and contributions.

Research limitations/implications

More evidence is needed for WTP for pensions among informal workers.

Practical implications

The findings show that socio-economic differences, scheme-type (health or pension) and level of trust influence WTP for health insurance or pension among informal sector workers. The review results suggest that the factors influencing WTP for health insurance and pensions interplay in a complex web of relations. More evidence is needed on WTP for pensions among informal workers.

Social implications

Further studies are particularly needed on the interrelationship of the influences to WTP, including gender issues, access barriers and socioeconomic factors, among program design issues for social security.

Originality/value

This paper is based on a systematic review methodology and contributes to the discourse on extending social security to informal economy workers based on evidence from various countries.
Lost Generations: Long‐Term Effects of the COVID‐19 Crisis on Job Losers and Labour Market Entrants, and Options for Policy*
Authors: von Wachter Till
Published: November 2020

This paper discusses the potential long‐run effects of large‐scale unemployment during the COVID‐19 crisis in the labour market on vulnerable job losers and labour market entrants in the United States. The paper begins by contrasting measures of the scale of job loss during the crisis. These measures are paired with estimates from past recessions indicating that the costs of job loss and unemployment can reduce workers’ earnings and raise their mortality for several decades. Focusing only on a subset of vulnerable job losers, the potential lifetime earnings losses from job loss related to the COVID‐19 pandemic are predicted to be up to $2 trillion. Related losses in employment could imply a lasting reduction in the overall employment–population ratio. For these workers, losses in potential life years could be up to 24 million. Even at the low range, the resulting estimates are substantially larger than losses in potential life years from deaths directly due to COVID‐19. New labour market entrants are at risk to suffer long‐term losses in earnings and mortality as well. Based partly on experiences in other countries, the paper discusses potential reforms to short‐time compensation programmes and unemployment insurance, which could help limit the short‐ and long‐term harm from layoffs going forward.
The Income and Consumption Effects of COVID‐19 and the Role of Public Policy*
Authors: Piyapromdee Suphanit , Spittal Peter
Published: November 2020

We provide empirical evidence on the labour market impacts of COVID‐19 in the UK and assess the effectiveness of mitigation policies. We estimate the relationship between employment outcomes and occupational and industrial characteristics and assess the effects on consumption. Seventy per cent of households in the bottom fifth of the earnings distribution hold insufficient assets to maintain current spending for more than one week. We compare the effectiveness of the UK's Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and of Economic Impact Payments in the US. The EIPs are more effective at mitigating consumption reductions as they have full coverage, depend on household structure and are higher for low‐income workers.
Fragmentation and the Future: Investigating Architectures for International AI Governance
Authors: Cihon Peter , Maas Matthijs M. , Kemp Luke
Published: November 2020

The international governance of artificial intelligence (AI) is at a crossroads: should it remain fragmented or be centralised? We draw on the history of environment, trade, and security regimes to identify advantages and disadvantages in centralising AI governance. Some considerations, such as efficiency and political power, speak for centralisation. The risk of creating a slow and brittle institution, and the difficulty of pairing deep rules with adequate participation, speak against it. Other considerations depend on the specific design. A centralised body may be able to deter forum shopping and ensure policy coordination. However, forum shopping can be beneficial, and fragmented institutions could self‐organise. In sum, these trade‐offs should inform development of the AI governance architecture, which is only now emerging. We apply the trade‐offs to the case of the potential development of high‐level machine intelligence. We conclude with two recommendations. First, the outcome will depend on the exact design of a central institution. A well‐designed centralised regime covering a set of coherent issues could be beneficial. But locking‐in an inadequate structure may pose a fate worse than fragmentation. Second, fragmentation will likely persist for now. The developing landscape should be monitored to see if it is self‐organising or simply inadequate.
Perceived societal anomie, collective memory, and support for collective action: Perceiving that current French society is anomic influences present support for collective action through the reconstructed national past
Authors: Ionescu Octavia , Tavani Jean Louis , Collange Julie
Published: November 2020

The present research aimed to examine whether perceiving anomie within current society affects people’s representations of the national past and their support for collective actions through the reconstructed past. In two studies, we showed that perceived anomie affects people’s evaluation of some features of a past national figure (Study 1: Charles de Gaulle, former French president who had an important role during World War II) and an event (Study 2: May 68, an important French social movement that took place in May 1968). In Study 1, participants in the anomie conditions reconstructed de Gaulle as more positive (e.g., more moral, associated with more positive emotions) than did those in the neutral condition. In Study 2, the effects were different according to the anomie dimension made salient and were moderated by political orientation: Compared to participants in the neutral condition, salience of social fabric disintegration led to less positive representations of May 68 for rightist participants whereas salience of leadership disregulation led leftist participants to consider May 68 as more central in the French identity. Moreover, the reconstructed past induced by perceived anomie in turn influenced participant’s support for normative collective actions (Studies 1 & 2) and actions against outgroups (Study 2), but not their support for violent actions.
Generation COVID‐19 – Should the foetus be worried?
Authors: Iqbal Aysha , Burrin Charlotte , Aydin Ezra , Beardsall Kathryn , Wong Hilary , Austin Topun
Published: November 2020

Aim

The aim of this narrative review was to evaluate the risks, both direct and indirect, to the foetus from the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

Direct and indirect risks were defined as (a) vertical infection (congenital or intrapartum), (b) maternal infection and its sequelae, and (c) sources of maternal stress during lockdown, including social isolation and altered healthcare provision.

Results

Early studies suggest that vertical viral transmission is low; however, there may be an important effect of maternal infection on foetal growth and development. The impact of various degrees of lockdown on prospective mothers’ health, habits and healthcare provision is of concern. In particular, increased maternal stress has been shown to have a significant effect on foetal brain development increasing the risk of mental health, and cognitive and behavioural disorders in later life.

Conclusion

From the evidence available to date, direct risks to the foetus from the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus are low. Indirect effects of the pandemic, particularly resulting from the effect of maternal stress on the developing brain, can have lifelong detrimental impacts for this generation of children.
Factors related to enrolment in early therapy services following neonatal intensive care unit discharge
Authors: Heiny Elizabeth , Wolf Sarah , Collins Margaux , Durant Kellner Polly , Pineda Roberta
Published: November 2020

Aim

Early therapy can improve developmental outcomes for preterm infants. However, preterm infants who are referred have low enrolment in early therapy services following neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge. This manuscript aims to investigate the relationship between infant medical and sociodemographic factors and enrolment in early therapy services post‐NICU discharge, when system‐related barriers to access are minimised.

Methods

This was a retrospective investigation of 89 families with infants born ≤32 weeks of gestation. Families were approached for enrolment into early therapy services following NICU discharge through Baby Bridge programming, which aims to improve access to therapy services following NICU discharge.

Results

Seventy‐three (82%) families enrolled in early therapy services, and 16 (18%) families declined. Parents were more likely to enrol in early therapy if they had public insurance (P = 0.01), a maternal psychiatric diagnosis (P = 0.02) or additional children under 18 years in the home (P = 0.01). No infant medical factors were related to enrolment.

Conclusion

Although enrolment rates were high, 18% of families refused therapy services, despite removing system‐related barriers to access. Targeted interventions can be developed to increase enrolment in early therapy services among populations who are most likely to refuse therapy services after NICU discharge.
Risk factors for esophageal iodine‐unstained lesions and changing trends among Japanese alcohol‐dependent men (2003‐2018)
Authors: Yokoyama Akira , Omori Tai , Yokoyama Tetsuji
Published: November 2020

Globally, a decreasing incidence of male esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) has been observed in recent decades. We evaluated the determinants of esophageal distinct iodine‐unstained lesions (DIULs), high‐cancer‐risk lesions and ESCC, among 3858 Japanese alcohol‐dependent men (40‐79 years) who underwent chromoendoscopic screening between 2003 and 2018. The initial screening detected DIULs ≥ 5 mm in 541 patients (dysplasia in 319 and SCC in 129) and multiple DIULs in 640. The detection rates for DIULs and chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), pack‐years, and the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) decreased over the course of the study period, while the detection of hiatal hernia and/or columnar‐lined esophagus (HH/CLE) and the carriers of inactive heterozygous aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2, rs671) increased. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that an older age, larger number of pack‐years, smaller body mass index, larger MCV, presence of a slow‐metabolizing alcohol dehydrogenase‐1B genotype (rs1229984), presence of an inactive heterozygous ALDH2 genotype, and more advanced degree of CAG increased the odds ratios (ORs) for DIULs, while the 2008‐2013 and 2014‐2018 screening periods had lower ORs for DIULs than the 2003‐2007 screening period. The presence of HH/CLE decreased the OR for multiple DIULs and was associated with a more proximal location of ESCC. In conclusion, the detection of DIULs in an alcohol‐dependent population decreased between 2003 and 2018. In addition to reported determinants of ESCC, CAG and HH/CLE were associated with the risk of DIULs. Enigmatically, however, the decline in the detection of DIULs was not adequately explained by these factors and warrants further research.
Atypical cytological presentation of granular cell tumour: Tumour‐associated fibrosis may affect fine‐needle aspiration cytology accuracy
Authors: Vitagliano Giulio , Montella Marco , Cozzolino Immacolata , Alfano Carmine , Barbato Alfonso , Zeppa Pio , Caputo Alessandro
Published: November 2020

The cytological features of granular cell tumour (GCT) are generally quite typical but, in some cases, the fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) diagnosis of GCT may be difficult or impossible because of unusual sites of onset or equivocal cytological features. In this report, two GCTs with atypical FNAC features are described in order to investigate the causes and provide possible diagnostic tips. From a series of nine histologically proven GCTs, two inconclusive FNAC cases were retrieved. Smears were poorly cellular showing isolated naked nuclei, anisonucleosis, granular chromatin and occasional small nucleoli. The background was finely granular in one case. Histological controls of these cases revealed marked fibrosis. Tumour‐associated fibrosis in GCT is variable and does not seem to influence clinical behaviour but it influences the harvest and the integrity of granular cells collected by FNAC. When GCT smears are poorly cellular, attention should be paid to the granular background and to the few granular cells, if any, as they might be the only features to suggest a GCT.