bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acceptability and perceived utility of different diagnostic tests and sample types for trachoma surveillance in the Bijagos Islands, Guinea Bissau
Authors: Sahota Ramandeep Singh , Sanha Salimato , Last Anna , Cassama Eunice , Goncalves Adriana , Kelly Ann H , Street Alice , Harding-Esch Emma M
Published: January 2021

Background

Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide and is nearing elimination as a public health problem in Guinea Bissau. It is imperative that elimination is followed by a successful postvalidation surveillance programme. The aim of this study was to determine the acceptability and perceived utility of different diagnostic tests and sample types that could be used for postvalidation trachoma surveillance in the Bijagos Islands, Guinea Bissau.

Methods

Semistructured interviews with community members and stakeholders involved in trachoma elimination were followed by focus group discussions with community members, covering experiences with trachoma and views on trachoma diagnostic methods and sample types.

Results

In this setting, all diagnostic tests and sample types used for trachoma surveillance were generally considered acceptable by communities. A preference for laboratory-based testing and finger-prick blood samples was expressed as these results were considered more accurate and applicable to a range of diseases beyond trachoma.

Conclusions

Appropriate community and stakeholder engagement and communication regarding the purpose and processes around diagnostic practice prior to trachoma programme implementation are crucial for long-term successful disease-elimination efforts.
Resurfacing Capitate Pyrocarbon Implant Without Capitate Pole Resection to Improve Clinical Results in the Treatment of Chronic Wrist Arthritis
Authors: Rocchi Lorenzo , Fulchignoni Camillo , Marcuzzi Augusto
Published: January 2021

Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) is a long-time, well-accepted, easy-to-reproduce procedure for the treatment of several painful degenerative conditions of the wrist, when capitate pole and radius lunate fossa are preserved. It has been reported to relieve pain and preserve a substantial wrist range of motion, although a partial loss of strength has to be expected because of the decreased length of the carpus. Since 2010, a new technique has been described in the literature using the resurfacing capitate pyrocarbon implant, combined with PRC. This implant has been designed to perform PRC even in the presence of degenerate joint surfaces, and thus resolves the limited indications of this procedure; however, if a resection of the capitate pole is performed to set up the implant, similar to PRC it may not positively influence the recovery of strength. The authors propose an resurfacing capitate pyrocarbon implant technique without any capitate bone resection, to preserve as much as possible the carpus length and so to improve the functional recovery. The surgical technique, is described in detail and preliminary results are discussed.
Effect of fluid resuscitation on cerebral integrity
Authors: Ziebart Alexander , Breit Christian , Ruemmler Robert , Hummel Regina , Möllmann Christian , Jungmann Florian , Kamuf Jens , Garcia-Bardon Andreas , Thal Serge C. , Kreitner Karl-Friedrich , Schäfer Michael K.E. , Hartmann Erik K.
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The treatment of haemorrhagic shock is a challenging task. Colloids have been regarded as standard treatment, but their safety and benefit have been the subject of controversial debates. Negative effects, including renal failure and increased mortality, have resulted in restrictions on their administration. The cerebral effects of different infusion regimens are largely unknown.

OBJECTIVES

The current study investigated the impact of gelatine-polysuccinate, hydroxyethyl starch (HES) and balanced electrolyte solution (BES) on cerebral integrity, focusing on cerebral inflammation, apoptosis and blood flow in pigs.

DESIGN

Randomised experimental study.

SETTING

University-affiliated large animal research unit.

ANIMALS

Twenty-four juvenile pigs aged 8 to 12 weeks.

INTERVENTION

Haemorrhagic shock was induced by controlled arterial blood withdrawal to achieve a combination of relevant blood loss (30 to 40 ml kg−1) and haemodynamic deterioration. After 30 min of shock, fluid resuscitation was started with either gelatine-polysuccinate, HES or BES. The animals were then monitored for 4 h.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cerebral perfusion and diffusion were measured via arterial-spin-labelling MRI. Peripheral tissue perfusion was evaluated via white light spectroscopy. Cortical and hippocampal samples were collected at the end of the experiment. The numbers of cerebral cell nuclei were counted and mRNA expression of markers for cerebral apoptosis [glucose transporter protein type 1 (SLC2A), lipocalin 2 (LCN-2), aquaporin-4 (AQP4)] and inflammation [IL-6, TNF-α, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)] were determined.

RESULTS

The three fluid protocols all stabilised the macrocirculation. Fluid resuscitation significantly increased the cerebral perfusion. Gelatine-polysuccinate and HES initially led to a higher cardiac output but caused haemodilution. Cerebral cell counts (as cells μm−2) were lower after colloid administration in the cortex (gelatine-polysuccinate, 1.8 ± 0.3; HES, 1.9 ± 0.4; each P < 0.05 vs. BES, 2.3 ± 0.2) and the hippocampus (gelatine-polysuccinate, 0.8 ± 0.2; HES, 0.9 ± 0.2; each P < 0.05 vs. BES, 1.1 ± 0.1). After gelatine-polysuccinate, the hippocampal SLC2A and GFAP were lower. After gelatine-polysuccinate, the cortical LCN-2 and TNF-α expression levels were increased (each P < 0.05 vs. BES).

CONCLUSION

In a porcine model, fluid resuscitation by colloids, particularly gelatine-polysuccinate, was associated with the occurrence of cerebral injury.

ETHICAL APPROVAL NUMBER

23 177-07/G 15-1-092; 01/2016.
Assessing the antinociceptive effect of nitrous oxide to tetanic stimulation in anaesthetised patients with new intra-operative nociception monitors
Authors: Coulombe Marie-Andrée , Décary Elizabeth , Maximos Sarah , Brulotte Véronique , Drolet Pierre , Tanoubi Issam , Issa Rami , Zaphiratos Valérie , Verdonck Olivier , Fortier Louis-Philippe , Godin Nadia , Idrissi Moulay , Raft Julien , Richebé Philippe
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Nitrous oxide (N2O) has been used since the 19th century for its analgesic, antinociceptive and anxiolytic effects during surgical procedures in awake and anaesthetised patients. However, quantification of noxious stimuli that occur under general anaesthesia is a constant challenge for anaesthesiologists, and recently two new indices have been developed to assess intra-operative nociception.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to quantify with new indices as well as with more classical clinical parameters the antinociceptive effect of N2O during general anaesthesia.

DESIGN

Prospective, open label, patient-blinded, observational and descriptive trial.

SETTING

Single-centre academic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty American Society of Anesthesiologists’ physical status 1 to 3 patients undergoing general anaesthesia for elective abdominal surgery via laparotomy were recruited.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Intra-operative pain was assessed using a standardised electrical stimulation of the forearm (tetanic stimulation at 70 mA, 100 Hz for 30 s), at 0, 25 and 50% inhaled N2O/O2. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure, bispectral index, the analgesia nociception index and the nociception level (NOL) index were used to evaluate intra-operative nociception before and after each standardised tetanic stimulation.

RESULTS

There was a 16% reduction of the analgesia nociception index reaction, a 31% reduction of the NOL reaction and a 51% reduction of the HR reaction to a standardised electrical tetanic nociceptive stimulation during administration of 50% N2O. Administration of 50 or 25% inhaled N2O produced the same quality of antinociception based on HR and NOL index analyses. HR and the NOL index were the best parameters to identify the antinociceptive effect of intra-operatively administered N2O.

CONCLUSION

In anaesthetised patients, our study demonstrated clinically significant antinociceptive properties of N2O. Our results showed that low concentrations of N2O (25%) are as effective as higher concentrations (50%) to achieve a significant antinociceptive effect. These findings may help decrease negative effects of using higher concentrations of N2O, including its side effects and its environmental pollution.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov registration identifier: NCT02701478.
Effect of Asbestos Exposure on the Frequency of EGFR Mutations and ALK/ROS1 Rearrangements in Patients With Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yilmaz Senay , Demirci Nilgun Yilmaz , Metintas Selma , Zamani Adil , Karadag Mehmet , Guçlu Ozge A. , Kabalak Pinar Akin , Yilmaz Ulku , Ak Guntulu , Kizilgoz Derya , Ozturk Akin , Yilmaz Ufuk , Batum Ozgur , Kavas Murat , Serifoglu Irem , Unsal Meftun , Komurcuoglu Berna E. , Cengiz Tuba Inal , Ulubay Gaye , Ozdemirel Tugce S. , Ozyurek Berna A. , Kavurgaci Suna , Alizoroglu Dursun , Celik Pinar , Erdogan Yurdanur , In Erdal , Aksoy Asude , Altin Sedat , Gunluoglu Gulsah , Metintas Muzaffer
Published: January 2021

Objective:

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of asbestos exposure on cancer-driver mutations.

Methods:

Between January 2014 and September 2018, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma receptor tyrosine kinase (ALK), and c-ros oncogene 1 receptor tyrosine kinase gene (ROS1) alterations, demographic characteristics, asbestos exposure, and asbestos-related radiological findings of 1904 patients with lung adenocarcinoma were recorded.

Results:

The frequencies of EGFR mutations, ALK, and ROS1 rearrangements were 14.5%, 3.7%, and 0.9%, respectively. The rates of EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements were more frequent in asbestos exposed non-smokers (48.7% and 9%, respectively). EGFR mutation rate was correlated to female gender and not-smoking, ALK rearrangement rate was correlated to younger age, not-smoking, and a history of asbestos exposure.

Conclusions:

The higher rate of ALK rearrangements in asbestos-exposed lung adenocarcinoma cases shows that asbestos exposure may most likely cause genetic alterations that drive pulmonary adenocarcinogenesis.
Single-use flexible ureteroscopes: how to choose and what is around the corner?
Authors: Bahaee Jamsheed , Plott Jeffrey , Ghani Khurshid R.
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

The pace of technology development with single-use endoscopy has led to a range of disposable ureteroscopes. We review the development of single-use scopes, deconstruct the basic design and functional characteristics of available devices, and discuss future directions for next-generation platforms.

Recent findings

Currently available devices are differentiated on the basis of several core features. The optical, deflection and irrigation characteristics are marginally different with no device clearly superior in every category. Studies comparing single-use ureteroscopes in patients linked to outcomes are limited. The incorporation of next-generation technologies into these platforms include sensors to monitor intrarenal pressure and temperature, suction of fluid and fragments, and computer vision for artificial intelligence.

Each ureteroscope has specific features that may be advantageous in different circumstances. Single-use devices could transform the ureteroscope from a visual conduit to a transformative surgical instrument that improves outcomes and reduces complications.
Biological aspects of aging that influence response to anticancer treatments
Authors: Crimmin Jane , Fulop Tamas , Battisti Nicolò Matteo Luca
Published: January 2021

Purpose of review

Cancer is a disease of older adults, where fitness and frailty are a continuum. This aspect poses unique challenges to the management of cancer in this population. In this article, we review the biological aspects influencing the efficacy and safety of systemic anticancer treatments.

Recent findings

The organ function decline associated with the ageing process affects multiple systems, including liver, kidney, bone marrow, heart, muscles and central nervous system. These can have a significant impact on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of systemic anticancer agents. Comorbidities also represent a key aspect to consider in decision-making. Renal disease, liver conditions and cardiovascular risk factors are prevalent in this age group and may impact the risk of adverse outcomes in this setting.

The systematic integration of geriatrics principles in the routine management of older adults with cancer is a unique opportunity to address the complexity of this population and is standard of care based on a wide range of benefits. This approach should be multidisciplinary and involve careful discussion with hospital pharmacists.
Impact of Meteorological factors on wheat growth period and irrigation water requirement —A case study of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region in China
Authors: Xu Chengcheng , Lu Chuiyu , Wang Jianhua
Published: January 2021

This study analyzes the irrigation water requirement of wheat in the growth stage in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region under the changes of meteorological factors conditions, using the growth period data, and meteorological data from 80 meteorological stations, from 2000 to 2019. The results show that: (1) The annual average precipitation, average wind speed, and average relative humidity of the growth period in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region show a downward variation trend, while the temperature variation shows an upward trend. Moreover, relative humidity and radiation exhibit a negative spatial correlation. (2) Wheat irrigation water requirement in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region gradually decreases from north to south and east to west. However, the eastern region shows a gradually increasing trend, while the western region shows a decreasing trend. (3) Meteorological factors are negatively correlated with irrigation water requirement, potential evapotranspiration, effective precipitation, and relative humidity, and significantly positively correlated with sunshine hours, average temperature, and wind speed. The overall variation in irrigation water requirement has the highest correlation with potential evapotranspiration. However, the yearly variations in regional irrigation water requirement are dependent on factors such as wind speed, relative humidity, and radiation.
Single-crystal-to-single-crystal phase transitions of commensurately modulated sodium saccharinate 1.875-hydrate
Authors: Rekis Toms , Schaller Achim M. , Kotla Surya Rohith , Schönleber Andreas , Noohinejad Leila , Tolkiehn Martin , Paulmann Carsten , van Smaalen Sander
Published: January 2021

This work reports reversible, single-crystal-to-single-crystal phase transitions of commensurately modulated sodium saccharinate 1.875-hydrate [Na(sac)(15/8)H2O]. The phases were studied in the temperature range 298 to 20 K. They exhibit complex disordered states. An unusual reentrant disorder has been discovered upon cooling through a phase transition at 120 K. The disordered region involves three sodium cations, four water molecules and one saccharinate anion. At room temperature, the structure is an eightfold superstructure that can be described by the superspace group C2/c(0σ20)s0 with q = (0, 3/4, 0). It demonstrates maximum disorder with the disordered chemical entities having slightly different but close to 0.50:0.50 disorder component ratios. Upon cooling, the crystal tends to an ordered state, smoothly reaching a unified disorder component ratio of around 0.90:0.10 for each of the entities. Between 130 and 120 K a phase transition occurs involving a sudden increase of the disorder towards the disorder component ratio 0.65:0.35. Meanwhile, the space group and general organization of the structure are retained. Between 60 and 40 K there is another phase transition leading to a twinned triclinic phase. After heating the crystal back to room temperature its structure is the same as before cooling, indicating a complete reversibility of the phase transitions.
The financial vulnerability trap: using latent transition analysis to explore the dynamics of consumers’ financial vulnerability over time
Authors: Hoffmann Arvid , McNair Simon , Pallant Jason
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine how psychological characteristics predict membership of and transitions between states of higher vs lower financial vulnerability – and vice versa – over time.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a dynamic latent class model (latent transition analysis) to explore the dynamics of consumers’ financial vulnerability over time using longitudinal data obtained by repeatedly administering a measure of financial vulnerability.

Findings

This research finds that consumers in a state of lower vulnerability are “fragile” in having a relatively high likelihood of moving to a state of higher vulnerability, whereas those in a state of higher vulnerability are “entrenched” in having a relatively low likelihood of moving to a state of lower vulnerability. This pattern of results is called the “financial vulnerability trap.” While financial self-efficacy explains state membership, the consideration of future consequences drives state transitions.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could follow consumers over a longer period and consider the role of alternative psychological characteristics besides those examined.

Practical implications

This research provides practitioners with actionable insights regarding the drivers of changes in consumers’ financial vulnerability across time, showing the value of financial self-efficacy and the consideration of future consequences when developing strategies to prevent consumers from sliding from a state of lower to higher financial vulnerability over time.

Originality/value

There is scant research on financial vulnerability. Further, prior research has not examined whether and how consumers’ psychological characteristics help explain their membership of and transitions between states of different levels of financial vulnerability over time.
Entrepreneurship in emerging markets: mapping the scholarship and suggesting future research directions
Authors: Inkizhinov Boris , Gorenskaia Elena , Nazarov Dashi , Klarin Anton
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To provide a comprehensive systematic review of entrepreneurship in the context of emerging markets (EMs). The area of research is topical considering the rise of EMs on the global scene and the importance of entrepreneurship in the development of EMs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilizes scientometrics to provide a systematic review of the emerging field of entrepreneurship in EMs (EEMs). The entire Web of Science database was searched, and 2,568 scholarly outputs were extracted and analyzed as a result. The review further compares the EEMs research to the mainstream entrepreneurship research based on the top trending and high impact themes, demonstrates which countries published and are studied in the EEMs scholarship, and finally, it provides a proportion of empirical research done on EEMs to highlight methods utilized in the existing research.

Findings

The scientometric review reveals three broad domains of the EEMs scholarship–(1) Entrepreneurship in EMs and its implications; (2) MNEs, institutional environments, and FDI; and (3) Strategy, innovation and performance. The findings demonstrate that EEMs' scholarship primarily discusses environments within which EEMs takes place, the implications of EEMs, strategy and performance of EEMs (macro and meso-levels), thus highlighting the need for micro-level (individual-based) analysis of EEMs. Approximately, a third of the EEMs research is of empirical nature, more should be done especially in quantitative studies to develop this field further.

Originality/value

This research is unique in providing the largest review of EEMs scholarship. It divides the entire scholarship into three inter-related research streams and identifies future research directions in this immensely important field of research.
Confucianism and corporate fraud
Authors: Tang Xudong , Gu Yan , Weng Ruoyu , Ho Kungcheng
Published: January 2021

Purpose

Confucianism underpins Chinese traditional culture and the values of the Chinese people. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between adherence to Confucianism and corporate irregularities.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the historical numbers of Jinshi (Imperial Scholars) in the Ming and Qing dynasties within 200 km of a company's location to proxy for the influence of Confucianism on the company, presenting strong evidence that Confucianism significantly reduces corporate irregularities.

Findings

The authors' findings are robust even when criticized with alternative definitions of Confucianism, sensitivity analysis and instrumental variable regression. The authors also discover that this effect is weaker in state-owned and foreign enterprises and weakened by the influence of Western culture.

Originality/value

This paper brings a new traditional-cultural perspective to the understanding of corporate irregularities and contributes to the literature on culture and finance. This paper also helps the authors understand the “China Puzzle” that is China's rapid economic development under an imperfect legal system.
Exiting poverty: a systematic review of U.S. postsecondary education and job skills training programs in the post-welfare reform era
Authors: Oh Sehun , DiNitto Diana M. , Kim Yeonwoo
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to (1) systematically identify evaluation studies of U.S. active labor market programs (ALMPs) focusing on postsecondary education and job skills training for low-income individuals with employment barriers (hereinafter, Human Capital Development [HCD] programs) since the U.S. federal welfare reform of 1996, and (2) provide a synthesis of common strategies used by programs that reported post-program earnings higher than poverty thresholds.

Design/methodology/approach

Using Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) criteria endorsed by the Cochrane Collaboration, we identified evaluation studies of HCD programs from seven electronic databases and experts' suggestions. Using data (e.g., post-program earnings, main types of services) extracted from the included studies, we describe common strategies used by the programs reporting earnings above the poverty level.

Findings

Of 877 studies identified from an initial search, 10 studies met our inclusion/exclusion criteria and thus were included in the final sample. Findings showed that HCD programs reporting earnings above the poverty level for a family of three were characterized by (1) curriculums targeting specific job sectors and occupations, (2) local employers' involvement in developing curriulums and providing work opportunities and (3) post-program job retention and career advancement services.

Originality/value

The present study used a systematic review approach to fill gaps in research regarding HCD-focused ALMPs in the U.S. post-welfare reform era by identifying common strategies the effective programs used to help participants obtain employment and exit poverty. Findings may inform the design and implementation of employment programs that will help low-income individuals with employment barriers acquire marketable knowledge and job skills, and thus increase their economic self-sufficiency via improved employment outcomes.
Adapting results-based financing to respond to endogenous and exogenous moderators in Zimbabwe
Authors: Kadungure Artwell , Brown Garrett Wallace , Loewenson Rene , Gwati Gwati
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study examines key adaptations that occurred in the Zimbabwean Results-Based Financing (RBF) programme between 2010 and 2017, locating the endogenous and exogenous factors that required adaptive response and the processes from which changes were made.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is based on a desk review and thematic analysis of 64 policy and academic literatures supplemented with 28 multi-stakeholder interviews.

Findings

The programme experienced substantive adaption between 2010 and 2017, demonstrating a significant level of responsiveness towards increasing efficiency as well as to respond to unforeseen factors that undermined RBF mechanisms. The programme was adaptive due to its phased design, which allowed revision competencies and responsive adaptation, which provide useful insights for other low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) settings where graduated scale-up might better meet contextualised needs. However, exogenous factors were often not systematically examined or reported in RBF evaluations, demonstrating that adaptation could have been better anticipated, planned, reported and communicated, especially if RBF is to be a more effective health system reform tool.

Originality/value

RBF is an increasingly popular health system reform tool in LMICs. However, there are questions about how exogenous factors affect RBF performance and acknowledgement that unforeseen endogenous programme design and implementation factors also greatly affect the performance of RBF. As a result, a better understanding of how RBF operates and adapts to programme level (endogenous) and exogenous (external) factors in LMICs is necessary.
Leader–member exchange, employee turnover intention and presenteeism: the mediating role of perceived organizational support
Authors: Huang Ing-Chung , Du Pey-Lan , Wu Li-Fan , Achyldurdyyeva Jennet , Wu Li-Chang , Lin Chih Seng
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a study that examines the influence of leader–member exchange (LMX) on employees' turnover intention and presenteeism with the mediating role of perceived organizational support in the context of the semiconductor industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study based on a sample of 124 department managers and 241 team members in five high-tech companies in Taiwan. Structural equation modelling analysis was used for hypothesis testing.

Findings

The results reveal that perceived organization support significantly relates to employees' turnover intention and mediates the relationship between LMX and turnover intention. Additionally, employees' presenteeism is influenced by perceived LMX.

Practical implications

The results of the study are of high importance for high-tech companies, which continuously strive for innovation efficiency and sustainability. Managers and practitioners could benefit from better understanding regarding the importance of perceived organization support and LMX in affecting employee behaviours and company performance.

Originality/value

The present study finds a significant positive relationship between LMX and presenteeism, which is contrary to the previous research.
Thermally regulated cotton fabric coated with expanded graphite stabilized paraffin mixture as composite phase change material
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xing Enzheng , Hao Shang , Xiao Yonghe , Li Ruonan , Yao Jiming , Li Yonggui
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aims to manufacture cotton fabric with thermal regulation performance by using the composite phase change material (CPCM) prepared by coating paraffin doped with expanded graphite (EG), and the thermal effect of the fabric material was evaluated and characterized.

Design/methodology/approach

EG/paraffin CPCM with shape stability and enhanced thermal conductivity were prepared by the impregnation method and then finished on the surface of cotton fabric with coating technology. The microstructure, crystal structure, chemical composition, latent heat property and thermal conductivity were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter and thermal constant analyzer. The photo-thermal effect of the coated fabric was studied by a thermal infrared imager.

Findings

CPCM prepared with a mass ratio of EG to paraffin of 1:8 showed excellent shape stability and low paraffin leakage rate. The latent heat of the CPCM was 51.6201 J/g and the thermal conductivity coefficient was increased by 11.4 times compared with the mixed paraffin. After the CPCM was coated on the surface of the cotton fabric, the light-to-heat conversion rate of the C-EG/PA3 sample was improved by 86.32% compared with the original fabric. In addition, the coated fabric showed excellent thermal stability and heat storage performance in the thermal cycling test.

Research limitations/implications

EG can improve the shape stability and thermal conductivity of paraffin but will reduce the latent heat energy.

Practical implications

The method developed provided a simple and practical solution to improving the thermal regulation performance of fabrics.

Originality/value

Combining paraffin wax with fabrics in a composite way is innovative and has certain applicability in improving the thermal properties of fabrics.
Decent work in the Economy for the Common Good reports: a documentary analysis
Authors: Pereira Susana Alves , dos Santos Nuno Rebelo , Pais Leonor , Zappalà Salvatore
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to describe and characterise the actions carried out by Italian organisations participating in the Economy for the Common Good (ECG) movement and to analyse these actions through the lens of decent work (DW), identifying patterns leading to a typology and conceptual propositions on the subject.

Design/methodology/approach

A documentary analysis was conducted on 14 reports describing the actions taken by Italian organisations that belong to the ECG movement. Qualitative content analysis was performed using QSR-NVivo12. The descriptive analysis of the codes was made, as well as a cluster analysis based on coding similarity.

Findings

A total of 1,497 actions were coded, and four clusters, grouping sets of the common good reports, were identified. Results suggest that Customers, Business Partners and Staff and Owners are the most addressed stakeholders, human dignity and environmental sustainability are the most addressed values and Fulfilling and Productive Work and Fundamental Principles and Values at Work are the most addressed DW dimensions. Additionally, all clusters are intensive in environmental concerns but have differentiated priorities. Cluster analysis suggests three drivers: recognition, core business closeness and social common good impact. A total of five conceptual propositions are being made useable by organisational leaders who intend to adhere to the ECG movement.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation is the low number of organisations participating in the ECG movement in Italy, which restricts the scope of the conclusions.

Practical implications

The results are helpful as inputs for designing interventions in organisations that intend to start or strengthen their involvement in the ECG movement.

Originality/value

Identifying DW aspects related to common good indicators and the four approaches to the ECG adhesion corresponding to the four clusters.
Rising importance of remote learning in India in the wake of COVID-19: issues, challenges and way forward
Authors: Joshi Seema
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The present paper highlights the increasing importance of remote learning amidst the closure of educational institutions in India in the wake of COVID-19. This paper not only discusses critical issues and challenges that remote learning system in the higher education sector in India has been encountering amidst this pandemic but also sheds light on ways to deal with them.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper makes use of secondary sources of data along with descriptive and comparative approaches to examine the issues, challenges and way forward for a transition from face-to-face teaching to remote learning in the case of India.

Findings

The paper suggests that greater use of this alternative mode of learning can be made for checking “human capital deficit,” preventing loss of future earnings (because of loss of education) and also for preparing a future-ready digital workforce to surf the Industry 4.0 wave. Besides, this can help to achieve the goal of “Education for all” and Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4). Among others, concerted policies for bridging skill gaps, forging partnerships and following equity-oriented policies for ensuring learning outcomes seem to be the way forward for a resilient education system.

Originality/value

As per our knowledge, no such study on the use of remote learning covering the higher education sector in India amidst COVID-19 has been done so far.
Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopic localization versus percutaneous CT‐guided localization for thoracoscopic resection of small pulmonary nodules
Authors: Yang Yan‐Long , Li Zi‐Zhe , Huang Wei‐Chao , Zhuang Jia , Lin Dai‐Ying , Zhong Wen‐Zhao , Lan Bin
Published: January 2021

Background

Identification of small pulmonary nodules is challenging in a limited intrathoracic field during minimally invasive video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and preoperative localization is required. Various techniques have been reported with some failure and complications. Here, we compare the feasibility and safety between electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopic marking and computed tomography (CT)‐guided percutaneous marking using indocyanine green (ICG) and iopamidol.

Methods

A total of 47 patients with small‐sized pulmonary nodules, scheduled to undergo video‐assisted thoracoscopic limited resection, were enrolled in this study. A mixture of diluted ICG and iopamidol was injected into the lung parenchyma as a marker, using CT‐guided percutaneous or electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopic injection techniques and the results were examined and compared.

Results

A total of 35 and 12 patients underwent preoperative marking by percutaneous injection and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopic injection, respectively, in which a marker was detected in 33/35 (94.3%) and 12/12 (100%) patients. No combination of these procedures was performed in any patient. All markers were successfully detected in three patients who underwent injection marking at two different lesion sites. Pneumothorax occurred in five patients (14%) in the percutaneous marking group, which was relieved in all patients without the necessity for chest tube drainage. No other complication was observed in this study.

Conclusions

Electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopic injection techniques using indocyanine green fluorescence plus iopamidol are safe and effective, and comparable with CT‐guided localization. Furthermore, a bronchoscopic approach enables marking of multiple lesion areas without increasing patient risk, especially for puncture‐related pneumothorax.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Either computed tomography (CT)‐guided percutaneous or electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopic injection techniques can be used for preoperative marking of pulmonary nodules with indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence.

What this study adds

Indocyanine green (ICG) is a safe and easily detectable fluorescent marker for video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

A bronchoscopic injection approach enables marking of multiple lesion areas without increasing the risk of pneumothorax.
The effectiveness of corporate governance hybrid models in emerging markets: The case of the Issuer Recognition program
Authors: González Maximiliano , Guzmán Alexander , Téllez Diego , Trujillo María‐Andrea
Published: January 2021

Research question/issue

What is the Issuer Recognition (IR) program, and what has been its impact as a new and replicable corporate governance hybrid form used in the Colombian Securities Exchange (CSE)?

Research findings/insights

We find that the IR program has significantly increased the information disclosure level of the adopting firms. This set of firms that were among the opaquest businesses in the region in 2010 ranked at the top in terms of disclosure in 2017. In addition, using as a benchmark the rate of implementation of the Colombian Country Code (soft law), we are able to show that the IR program serves as a strong signaling mechanism in the Colombian capital market.

Theoretical/academic implications

The literature is not conclusive on the effectiveness of hard law and soft law regulations in the emerging markets. In this paper, we show that hybrid models, such as the innovative Colombian's IR, might serve as a solution for the effective implementation of good corporate governance practices at the country level.

Practitioner/policy implications

The advantages and impacts of hybrid models are relatively unknown for policymakers, stock exchange promoters, and agency surveillance bodies, given the lack of empirical evidence of their application's effects. This paper seeks to increase the awareness of these models and call for their development and implementation, especially in emerging markets.
Care partner–assisted intervention to improve oral health for older adults with cognitive impairment: A feasibility study
Authors: Wu Bei , Anderson Ruth A. , Pei Yaolin , Xu Hanzhang , Nye Kathleen , Poole Patricia , Bunn Melanie , Lynn Downey Christine , Plassman Brenda L.
Published: January 2021

Background and Objectives

Older adults with cognitive impairment often experience poor oral health outcomes due to inadequate oral hygiene practices. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a care partner–assisted intervention to improve the oral hygiene of community‐dwelling older adults with cognitive impairment.

Material and Methods

The 6‐month intervention included 25 older adults with mild dementia or mild cognitive impairment, who were randomly assigned to Treatment Group 1 or Treatment Group 2. Treatment Group 1 (n = 7) received an educational booklet. Treatment Group 2 (n = 18) received a booklet, a tailored care plan for the participants with cognitive impairment and the care partner received four coaching sessions to learn to facilitate good oral hygiene. Both groups received electric toothbrushes. The study consisted of a 3‐month active intervention and 3‐month maintenance phase. The outcomes of gingival index, plaque index and overall oral health status based on the Oral Health Assessment Tool were measured at baseline, 3 months (end of active intervention) and 6 months of the study.

Results

This study had very low dropout rate. Participants’ oral hygiene improved in this study. In comparison to Treatment Group 1, participants in Treatment Group 2 had a greater reduction in plaque level and gingival inflammation, and greater improvement in overall oral health status.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the feasibility of this intervention designed to improve the oral health of persons with cognitive impairment and it lays the foundation for using this protocol in a future large randomised clinical trial.
Detection of browning of fresh‐cut potato chips based on machine vision and electronic nose
Authors: Hongyang Tu , Daming Huang , Xingyi Huang , Aheto Joshua Harrington , Yi Ren , Yu Wang , Ji Liu , Shuai Niu , Mengqi Xu
Published: January 2021

This study explored the feasibility of achieving rapid nondestructive detection of browning in potatoes from a visual and olfactory perspective. In five grades, 15 pieces were taken out from each batch, respectively, and tested for browning characteristics using Chroma meter (CM), machine vision (MV), and electronic nose (E‐nose). Linear discriminant analysis, support vector machine (SVM), K‐Nearest Neighbor, and Back Propagation Artificial Neuron Network were used to classify the samples. The discriminant accuracy of the MV and E‐nose datasets was 0.960 and 0.813, respectively, and this increased to 1,000 after data fusion. Partial least squares regression and SVM regression were also used to investigate the correlation between two data sets and CM data. The MV results for L*, a*, and b* were 0.864, 0.966, and 0.992, with variances of 1.062, 0.575, and 0.123, respectively, indicating a very strong correlation. The predicted result of E‐nose for a* reached 0.705, and the variance was 1.815, which also showed a high correlation. The data fusion models for L*, a*, and b* yielded 0.883, 0.968, and 0.997, with variances of 1.264, 0.633, and 0.083, respectively. These results indicated that MV and E‐nose can be used as nondestructive detection tools for detecting browning in potatoes.

Practical Applications

Potato products are popular among consumers because of its rich nutrition and processing characteristics. However, enzymatic reactions during peeling and processing of fresh‐cut potato results in color defects which compromise the quality of the final products. Therefore, it is an inevitable requirement for the development of the industry to adopt appropriate methods to detect and prevent browning in fresh‐cut potatoes as a means of strengthening quality management. The present study explored the feasibility of rapid nondestructive detection of browning in potato from the visual and olfactory aspects. A new idea for the application of machine vision and electronic nose in the field of nondestructive detection of agricultural products was proposed. At the same time, this article has certain reference value to the quality management of potato and other fruit and vegetable processing industry.
Perceptions of Youngsters on Interior Space Quality in Relation to Materiality and Spatial Design
Authors: Wong Chiang Her , Abdul Aziz Aniza
Published: January 2021

Studies discovered that humans spent around 80% of our time indoor and this phenomenon is deteriorating our health physically and psychologically. Thus, it is important to study the effects of different interior designs on our emotions. The previous studies and researches done on interior spaces are mostly focusing on measurable physical attributes of interior whereas the psychological relationships between interior design criteria and human emotions have not been well studied. Therefore, this research paper aims to determine the suitable interior space for youngsters from different backgrounds in terms of spatial quality and materiality. In this paper, 4 types of commonly-used materials in Malaysia, namely Timber, Concrete, Bricks and Stones are selected to be studied and analyzed based on the respondents’ preferences and perceptions of warmness or coolness of materials. The results showed that there is no distinctive relationship between respondents’ preferences to materials and their educational backgrounds but respondents of different races showed different degree of acceptance towards different finishing materials. The paper proof the respondents prefer to have warm-feeling materials such as timber and bricks for their home design as compared to cold-feeling materials such as concrete and stones. The results will serve as a material-selection guideline for designers.
Alginate Degradation: Insights Obtained through Characterization of a Thermophilic Exolytic Alginate Lyase
Authors: Arntzen Magnus Ø. , Pedersen Bjørn , Klau Leesa J. , Stokke Runar , Oftebro Maren , Antonsen Simen G. , Fredriksen Lasse , Sletta Håvard , Aarstad Olav A. , Aachmann Finn L. , Horn Svein J. , Eijsink Vincent G. H.
Published: January 2021

The potential markets for seaweed-derived products and seaweed processing technologies are growing, yet commercial enzyme cocktails for complete conversion of seaweed to fermentable sugars are not available. Such an enzyme cocktail would require the catalytic properties of a variety of different enzymes, where fucoidanases, laminarinases, and cellulases together with endo- and exo-acting alginate lyases would be the key enzymes.
Harnessing CRISPR-Cas9 for Genome Editing in Streptococcus pneumoniae D39V
Authors: Synefiaridou Dimitra , Veening Jan-Willem
Published: January 2021

Streptococcus pneumoniae
(the pneumococcus) is an important opportunistic human pathogen killing more than 1 million people each year. Having the availability of a system capable of easy genome editing would significantly facilitate drug discovery and efforts to identify new vaccine candidates.
Monitoring COVID-19 Transmission Risks by Quantitative Real-Time PCR Tracing of Droplets in Hospital and Living Environments
Authors: Piana Andrea , Colucci Maria Eugenia , Valeriani Federica , Marcolongo Adriano , Sotgiu Giovanni , Pasquarella Cesira , Margarucci Lory Marika , Petrucca Andrea , Gianfranceschi Gianluca , Babudieri Sergio , Vitali Pietro , D’Ermo Giuseppe , Bizzarro Assunta , De Maio Flavio , Vitali Matteo , Azara Antonio , Romano Ferdinando , Simmaco Maurizio , Romano Spica Vincenzo
Published: January 2021

Several studies evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the environment. Saliva and nasopharyngeal droplets can land on objects and surfaces, creating fomites.
State of the evidence: a survey of global disparities in clinical trials
Authors: Marshall Iain James , L'Esperance Veline , Marshall Rachel , Thomas James , Noel-Storr Anna , Soboczenski Frank , Nye Benjamin , Nenkova Ani , Wallace Byron C
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Ideally, health conditions causing the greatest global disease burden should attract increased research attention. We conducted a comprehensive global study investigating the number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published on different health conditions, and how this compares with the global disease burden that they impose.

Methods

We use machine learning to monitor PubMed daily, and find and analyse RCT reports. We assessed RCTs investigating the leading causes of morbidity and mortality from the Global Burden of Disease study. Using regression models, we compared numbers of actual RCTs in different health conditions to numbers predicted from their global disease burden (disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)). We investigated whether RCT numbers differed for conditions disproportionately affecting countries with lower socioeconomic development.

Results

We estimate 463 000 articles describing RCTs (95% prediction interval 439 000 to 485 000) were published from 1990 to July 2020. RCTs recruited a median of 72 participants (IQR 32–195). 82% of RCTs were conducted by researchers in the top fifth of countries by socio-economic development. As DALYs increased for a particular health condition by 10%, the number of RCTs in the same year increased by 5% (3.2%–6.9%), but the association was weak (adjusted R2=0.13). Conditions disproportionately affecting countries with lower socioeconomic development, including respiratory infections and tuberculosis (7000 RCTs below predicted) and enteric infections (9700 RCTs below predicted), appear relatively under-researched for their disease burden. Each 10% shift in DALYs towards countries with low and middle socioeconomic development was associated with a 4% reduction in RCTs (3.7%–4.9%). These disparities have not changed substantially over time.

Conclusion

Research priorities are not well optimised to reduce the global burden of disease. Most RCTs are produced by highly developed countries, and the health needs of these countries have been, on average, favoured.