bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization and Performance Benchmarking for Postoperative Imaging in Children With Complicated Appendicitis
Authors: Kashtan Mark A. , Graham Dionne A. , Rangel Shawn J.
Published: July 2020

Objective:

The aim of this study was to characterize hospital-level variation and establish diagnostic performance benchmarks for postoperative imaging in children with complicated appendicitis.

Summary Background Data:

Wide variation in preoperative imaging in children with suspected appendicitis has been previously described. Variation in the use and accuracy of postoperative imaging to diagnose suspected organ space infection (OSI) following appendectomy has not been characterized.

Methods:

Multicenter retrospective analysis of children who underwent appendectomy for complicated appendicitis using data from the NSQIP-Pediatric Appendectomy Pilot Collaborative. Resource utilization measures included rates of postoperative imaging [ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT)] and imaging-associated diagnostic efficiency ratio (DER; number of OSIs diagnosed/study obtained). Radiation stewardship measures included US utilization process measures (rate of US as the initial diagnostic study and rate of CTs preceded by an attempt at US) and CT-associated DER. Hospital-level observed-to-expected ratios (O/Es) were calculated for each measure after adjusting for demographic characteristics and disease severity using multivariable regression.

Results:

A total of 1316 patients from 20 hospitals were included. Overall, 18.3% of patients underwent postoperative imaging (hospital range: 4.8%–33.3%), and O/Es varied 3.5-fold among hospitals (P < 0.01). The overall imaging-associated DER was 0.56 OSIs/study (hospital range: 0–1.00), and O/Es varied 2.7-fold among hospitals (P < 0.01). Significant variation was also observed for US as the initial diagnostic study (overall: 41.5%; O/E range: 0.40–2.01, P < 0.01), CTs preceded by US (overall: 27.3%; O/E range: 0–3.66, P < 0.01), and CT-associated DER (overall: 0.69 OSI's/CT; O/E range: 0–1.80, P < 0.01). Fifty percent of hospitals were a statistical outlier on at least 1 measure.

Conclusion:

Significant variation exists across hospitals in imaging practices to diagnose suspected OSI following appendectomy. Imaging utilization benchmarking may assist hospitals in prioritizing quality improvement efforts to optimize resource utilization and radiation stewardship.
Factors Associated With Long-Term Use of Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation for Management of Overactive Bladder Syndrome
Authors: Gordon Toya , Merchant Maqdooda , Ramm Olga , Patel Minita
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The aims of the study were to estimate the rate of percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation maintenance therapy (PTNS-MT) among women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and evaluate factors associated with long-term use of PTNS.

Methods

Patients who completed 12 weekly sessions of PTNS (PTNS-IN) for OAB between 2009 and 2016 within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California were identified using Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases codes. Bivariate analysis was performed to compare demographic and clinical variables. A logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with PTNS-MT compared with the use of alternative treatments following PTNS-IN.

Results

Of the 1331 patients who initiated PTNS for OAB, 347 (26%) completed PTNS-IN. Of these, 46% (n = 158) continued with long-term PTNS therapy, defined as completion of at least 8 additional PTNS sessions for a 32-week period. On bivariate analysis, those choosing PTNS-MT were more likely to be white (88%, P < 0.0001), nondiabetic (89%, P = 0.03), did not use anticholinergics before PTNS initiation (41%, P = 0.04), and had no prior surgery for stress incontinence (SUI; 84%, P = 0.01). In multivariable analysis, race was a significant factor with black, Hispanic, and Asian women less likely to continue with PTNS-MT. Women with prior use of first-line OAB therapy were 78% more likely to undergo PTNS-MT. Women with prior surgery for SUI were 53% less likely to continue PTNS-MT.

Conclusions

Almost half of patients who completed PTNS-IN continued with PTNS-MT. White race, prior use of first-line OAB therapy, and no prior surgery for SUI were associated with long-term therapy.
Hepatic inflammation after burn injury is associated with necroptotic cell death signaling
Authors: Idrovo Juan-Pablo , Boe Devin M. , Kaahui Soncy , Yang Weng-Lang , Kovacs Elizabeth J.
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Burn injury still has a high attributable mortality. The elevated mortality rate of severe burns is still concerning. Hepatic inflammation and injury are common after burns and are associated with poor outcomes. Necroptosis is a programmed cell death linked with inflammation. Thus, assessing necroptotic pathways in the liver can lead to new therapeutic modalities to improve mortality after severe burns.

METHODS

Mice underwent 15% total body surface area burn or sham injury. Three hours after burn, the mice were euthanized to collect blood and livers. Histology, injury markers, genes expression, and tissue protein levels were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Compared with sham, burned mice had heightened liver inflammatory cell infiltration and edema. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were increased by 4.9- and 3.4-fold, respectively, in burned mice relative to sham (p< 0.05). Expression of tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, and CXCL1 (KC) genes were elevated in livers of burned mice by 10-, 86-, 10-, and 828-fold, respectively, compared with sham (p< 0.05). Expression of necroptotic genes, namely, receptor-interacting protein kinases 1 and 3, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like in livers of burned mice were increased by 10-, 13-, and 4.5-fold, respectively, relative to sham (p< 0.05). Receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 and phosphorylated mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein levels measured by Western-blot in livers after burn injury were elevated by 22- and 17-fold, respectively, compared with sham (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Liver damage occurs early after burns in mice and is associated with elevation of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokine, and proteins involved in the necroptotic pathway. This study suggests that necroptosis plays a role in the pathogenesis of liver failure secondary to burn injury.
Impact of uric acid on liver injury and intestinal permeability following resuscitated hemorrhagic shock in rats
Authors: Khazoom François , L’Écuyer Sydnée , Gilbert Kim , Gagné Marc-André , Bouchard Caroline , Rose Christopher F. , Rousseau Guy , Charbonney Emmanuel
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Multiorgan failure is a consequence of severe ischemia-reperfusion injury after traumatic hemorrhagic shock (HS), a major cause of mortality in trauma patients. Circulating uric acid (UA), released from cell lysis, is known to activate proinflammatory and proapoptotic pathways and has been associated with poor clinical outcomes among critically ill patients. Our group has recently shown a mediator role for UA in kidney and lung injury, but its role in liver and enteric damage after HS remains undefined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the role of UA on liver and enteric injury after resuscitated HS.

METHODS

A murine model of resuscitated HS was treated during resuscitation with a recombinant uricase, a urate oxidase enzyme (rasburicase; Sanofi-Aventis, Canada Inc, Laval, Canada), to metabolize and reduce circulating UA. Biochemical analyses (liver enzymes, liver apoptotic, and inflammatory markers) were performed at 24 hours and 72 hours after HS. Physiological testing for enteric permeability and gut bacterial product translocation measurement (plasma endotoxin) were performed 72 hours after HS. In vitro, HT-29 cells were exposed to UA, and the expression of intercellular adhesion proteins (ZO-1, E-cadherin) was measured to evaluate the influence of UA on enteric permeability.

RESULTS

The addition of uricase to resuscitation significantly reduced circulating and liver UA levels after HS. It also prevented HS-induced hepatolysis and liver apoptotic/inflammatory mediators at 24 hours and 72 hours. Hemorrhagic shock–induced enteric hyperpermeability and endotoxemia were prevented with uricase.

CONCLUSIONS

After resuscitated HS, UA is an important mediator in liver and enteric injury. Uric acid represents a therapeutic target to minimize organ damage in polytrauma patients sustaining HS.
Valproic acid decreases resuscitation requirements after hemorrhage in a prolonged damage-control resuscitation model
Authors: Biesterveld Ben E. , Williams Aaron M. , Kemp Michael T. , Wakam Glenn K. , Siddiqui Ali Z. , O’Connell Rachel L. , Shamshad Alizeh , Chtraklin Kiril , Bhatti Umar F. , Li Yongqing , Alam Hasan B.
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhage is the leading cause of preventable death in trauma. Future military conflicts are likely to be in austere environments, where prolonged damage-control resuscitation (p-DCR) may be required for 72 hours before evacuation. There is a need to demonstrate that p-DCR is feasible and to optimize its logistics. Dried plasma (DP) is a practical alternative to conventional blood products in austere settings, and valproic acid (VPA) improves survival in preclinical models of trauma and hemorrhage. We performed the current experiment to study the synergistic effects of VPA and DP and hypothesized that VPA treatment would decrease the fluid resuscitation requirements in p-DCR.

METHODS

Female swine were subjected to 50% hemorrhage (associated with 20% survival using non–plasma-based p-DCR) and left unresuscitated for 1 hour to simulate medic response time. They were then randomized to receive VPA (150 mg/kg + DP 250 mL; DP-VPA group; n = 5) or DP alone (DP group; n = 6). All animals were resuscitated to a systolic blood pressure of 80 mm Hg with lactated Ringer according to the Tactical Combat Casualty Care Guidelines for 72 hours, after which packed red blood cells were transfused to simulate evacuation to higher levels of care.

RESULTS

The DP-VPA group needed significantly (p = 0.002) less volume of lactated Ringer to reach and maintain the target systolic blood pressure. This would translate to a 4.3 L volume sparing effect for a 70-kg person.

CONCLUSION

Addition of a single dose of VPA significantly decreases the volume of resuscitation required in a p-DCR model.
Biologic mesh implantation is associated with serious abdominal wall complications in patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery: A randomized-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Jakob Manuel O. , Haltmeier Tobias , Candinas Daniel , Beldi Guido
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Open, emergency abdominal surgery is associated with a high incidence of fascial dehiscence and incisional hernia. Implantation of biologic meshes potentially reinforces the abdominal wall and therefore decreases such complications. The aim of this prospective randomized study was to compare the outcome after prophylactic intraperitoneal implantation of a biologic Strattice mesh (Allergan, Dublin, Ireland) with standard abdominal closure in patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery.

METHODS

A two-arm randomized clinical trial was performed in patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery at Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland, from April 2016 to March 2019. Patients were randomly assigned to prophylactic implantation of a biological intraperitoneal mesh using Strattice, Allergan (mesh group), or standard abdominal closure using a single, continuous running suture (no-mesh group). Because of safety concerns, patient enrollment was closed prematurely.

RESULTS

Eligibility for inclusion was assessed in 61 patients. A total of 48 patients were randomized (21 in the mesh group, 28 in the no-mesh group). No differences in baseline characteristics were found. Abdominal wall complications requiring reoperations were more frequent in the mesh group compared to the no-mesh group (5 [83.3%] of 13 vs. 1 [14.3%] of 13 patients, p = 0.026). Mesh-associated abdominal wall complications included nonintegration of the mesh into the abdominal wall, dissolution of the mesh, and mesh-related infections.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing emergency abdominal surgery, intraperitoneal biologic Strattice mesh implantation is associated with significantly more frequent abdominal wall complications requiring reoperation. Therefore, the use of such meshes cannot be recommended in the contaminated environment of emergency abdominal surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic, level I.
MoBPSweb: A web-based framework to simulate and compare breeding programs
Authors: Pook T. , Büttgen L. , Ganesan A. , Ha N.T. , Simianer H.
Published: July 2020

Selective breeding is a continued element of both crop and livestock breeding since early prehistory. In this work, we are proposing a new web-based simulation framework (“MoBPSweb”) that is combining a unified language to describe breeding programs with the simulation software MoBPS, standing for ‘Modular Breeding Program Simulator’. Thereby, MoBPSweb is providing a flexible environment to enter, simulate, evaluate and compare breeding programs. Inputs can be provided via modules ranging from a Vis.js-based flash environment for “drawing” the breeding program to a variety of modules to provide phenotype information, economic parameters and other relevant information. Similarly, results of the simulation study can be extracted and compared to other scenarios via output modules (e.g. observed phenotypes, accuracy of breeding value estimation, inbreeding rates). Usability of the framework is showcased along a toy example of a dairy cattle breeding program on farm level, with comparing scenarios differing in implemented breeding value estimation, selection index and selection intensity being considered. Comparisons are made considering both short and long-term effects of the different scenarios in terms of genomic gains, rates of inbreeding and the accuracy of the breeding value estimation. Lastly, general applicability of the MoBPSweb framework and the general potential for simulation studies for genetics and in particular in breeding are discussed.
A role for protease activated receptor type 3 (PAR3) in nociception demonstrated through development of a novel peptide agonist
Authors: Mwirigi Juliet , Kume Moeno , Hassler Shayne N , Ahmad Ayesha , Ray Pradipta R. , Jiang Changyu , Chamessian Alexander , Mseeh Nakleh , Ludwig Breya P , Rivera Benjamin D. , Nieman Marvin T , Van de Ven Thomas , Ji Ru-Rong , Dussor Gregory , Boitano Scott , Vagner Josef , Price Theodore J
Published: July 2020

The protease activated receptor (PAR) family is a group of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) activated by proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular domain. PARs are expressed in a variety of cell types with crucial roles in hemostasis, immune responses, inflammation, and pain. PAR3 is the least researched of the four PARs, with little known about its expression and function. We sought to better understand its potential function in the peripheral sensory nervous system. Mouse single-cell RNA sequencing data demonstrates that PAR3 is widely expressed in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Co-expression of PAR3 mRNA with other PARs was identified in various DRG neuron subpopulations, consistent with its proposed role as a coreceptor of other PARs. We developed a lipid tethered PAR3 agonist, C660, that selectively activates PAR3 by eliciting a Ca2+response in DRG and trigeminal (TG) neurons.In vivo, C660 induces mechanical hypersensitivity and facial grimacing in WT but not PAR3-/-mice. We characterized other nociceptive phenotypes in PAR3-/-mice and found a loss of hyperalgesic priming in response to IL-6, carrageenan, and a PAR2 agonist, suggesting that PAR3 contributes to long-lasting nociceptor plasticity in some contexts. To examine a potential role of PAR3 in regulating activity of other PARs in sensory neurons, we administered PAR1, PAR2, and PAR4 agonists and assessed mechanical and affective pain behaviors in WT and PAR3-/-mice. We observed that the nociceptive effects of PAR1 agonists were potentiated in the absence of PAR3. Our findings suggest a complex role of PAR3 in the physiology and plasticity of nociceptors.
D614G Spike Variant Does Not Alter IgG, IgM, or IgA Spike Seroassay Performance
Authors: Klumpp-Thomas Carleen , Kalish Heather , Hicks Jennifer , Mehalko Jennifer , Drew Matthew , Memoli Matthew J , Hall Matthew D , Esposito Dominic , Sadtler Kaitlyn
Published: July 2020

Emergence of a new variant of spike protein (D614G) with increased infectivity and transmissibility has prompted many to analyze the potential role of this variant in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. When a new variant emerges, there is a concern regarding whether an individual exposed to one variant of a virus will have cross-reactive immune memory to the second variant. Accordingly, we analyzed the serologic reactivity of D614 (original) and G614 variant spike proteins. We found that antibodies from a high-incidence population in New York City reacted both toward the original D614 spike and the G614 spike variant. These data suggest that patients who have been exposed to either SARS-CoV-2 variant have humoral immunity that can respond against both variants. This is an important finding both for SARS-CoV-2 disease biology and for potential antibody-based therapeutics.
A case-control and cohort study to determine the relationship between ethnic background and severe COVID-19
Authors: Zakeri Rosita , Bendayan Rebecca , Ashworth Mark , Bean Daniel M , Dodhia Hiten , Durbaba Stevo , O’Gallagher Kevin , Palmer Claire , Curcin Vasa , Aitken Elizabeth , Bernal William , Barker Richard D , Norton Sam , Gulliford Martin , Teo James TH , Galloway James , Dobson Richard JB , Shah Ajay M
Published: July 2020

Background

People of minority ethnic background may be disproportionately affected by severe COVID-19 for reasons that are unclear. We sought to examine the relationship between ethnic background and (1) hospital admission for severe COVID-19; (2) in-hospital mortality.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study of 872 inner city adult residents admitted to hospital with confirmed COVID-19 (cases) and 3,488 matched controls randomly sampled from a primary healthcare database comprising 344,083 people resident in the same region. To examine in-hospital mortality, we conducted a cohort study of 1827 adults consecutively admitted with COVID-19. Data collected included hospital admission for COVID-19, demographics, comorbidities, in-hospital mortality. The primary exposure variable was self-defined ethnicity.

Results

The 872 cases comprised 48.1% Black, 33.7% White, 12.6% Mixed/Other and 5.6% Asian patients. In conditional logistic regression analyses, Black and Mixed/Other ethnicity were associated with higher admission risk than white (OR 3.12 [95% CI 2.63-3.71] and 2.97 [2.30-3.85] respectively). Adjustment for comorbidities and deprivation modestly attenuated the association (OR 2.28 [1.87-2.79] for Black, 2.66 [2.01-3.52] for Mixed/Other). Asian ethnicity was not associated with higher admission risk (OR 1.20 [0.86-1.66]). In the cohort study of 1827 patients, 455 (28.9%) died over a median (IQR) of 8 (4-16) days. Age and male sex, but not Black (adjusted HR 0.84 [0.63-1.11]) or Mixed/Other ethnicity (adjusted HR 0.69 [0.43-1.10]), were associated with in-hospital mortality. Asian ethnicity was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted HR 1.54 [0.98-2.41]).

Conclusions

Black and Mixed ethnicity are independently associated with greater admission risk with COVID-19 and may be risk factors for development of severe disease. Comorbidities and socioeconomic factors only partly account for this and additional ethnicity-related factors may play a large role. The impact of COVID-19 may be different in Asians.

Funding sources

British Heart Foundation (CH/1999001/11735 and RE/18/2/34213 to AMS); the National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR BRC) at Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London (IS-BRC-1215-20006); and the NIHR BRC at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London (IS-BRC-1215-20018).
Phage-delivered CRISPR-Cas9 for strain-specific depletion and genomic deletions in the gut microbiome
Authors: Lam Kathy N. , Spanogiannopoulos Peter , Soto-Perez Paola , Alexander Margaret , Nalley Matthew J. , Bisanz Jordan E. , Nayak Renuka R. , Weakley Allison M. , Yu Feiqiao B. , Turnbaugh Peter J.
Published: July 2020

Mechanistic insights into the role of the human microbiome in the predisposition to and treatment of disease are limited by the lack of methods to precisely add or remove microbial strains or genes from complex communities. Here, we demonstrate that engineered bacteriophage M13 can be used to deliver DNA toEscherichia coliwithin the mouse gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Delivery of a programmable exogenous CRISPR-Cas9 system enabled the strain-specific depletion of fluorescently marked isogenic strains during competitive colonization and genomic deletions that encompass the target gene in mice colonized with a single strain. Multiple mechanisms enabledE. colito escape targeting, including loss of the CRISPR array or even the entire CRISPR-Cas9 system. These results provide a robust and experimentally tractable platform for microbiome editing, a foundation for the refinement of this approach to increase targeting efficiency, and aproof-of-conceptfor the extension to other phage-bacterial pairs of interest.
Defining the transcriptional landscape of infiltrating immune cells in human and mouse bladder cancer
Authors: Yu Haocheng , Sfakianos John P. , Wang Li , Daza Jorge , Galsky Matthew D. , Bhardwaj Nina , Elemento Olivier , Faltas Bishoy M. , Zhu Jun , Mulholland David J.
Published: July 2020

The tumor immune cell landscape is composed of infiltrating myeloid cells (TIMs) and lymphocytes (TILs) that are important for regulating tumor progression and response to immune therapies. Since at least 70% of bladder cancer patients are poorly responsive to immune checkpoint blockade, there is a need for in depth analysis of the immune landscape both within individual tumor samples and between patients. To facilitate this, we have conducted single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to map and transcriptionally define immune cells from 10 human bladder tumors. While all human tumors showed the of presence of major immune cell types, significant differences were observed in the relative numbers of these populations. To determine the translational utility of these findings we also performed scRNA-seq of TIMs-TILs isolated from mouse bladder tumors that were induced by the BBN carcinogen. In human and mouse comparison, we identified significant cross-species conservation in gene expression programs for NK, T, dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages immune cell populations. Our data identified the conserved expression of key immunotherapy targets between human and mouse tumors including coordinately high gene expression ofPD-1,CTLAandIDO1while also noting species divergent expression ofTIM3,LAG3andCD274(PDL-1). To identify predictive immune cell-tumor interactions we computed conserved ligand-receptor (cell-cell) interaction scores between immune cell subsets and the epithelial tumor compartment. Together, this study defines the transcriptional status of bladder cancer immune cells and provides the rationale for future studies related to treatment response and therapeutic resistance.
2-LocusCleave and Rescueselfish elements harness a recombination rate-dependent generational clock for self limiting gene drive
Authors: Oberhofer Georg , Ivy Tobin , Hay Bruce A
Published: July 2020

Self-limiting gene drive allows control over the spread and fate of linked traits.Cleave and Rescue(ClvR) elements create self-sustaining drive and comprise a DNA sequence-modifying enzyme (Cas9-gRNAs,Cleaver) that disrupts an essential gene, and a tightly linked, uncleavable version of the essential gene (Rescue).ClvRspreads by creating conditions in which those without it die because they lack essential gene function. We show that whenClvRis implemented in a 2-locus format, with key elements –Rescue(and Cargo), and Cas9 and/or gRNAs – located at different genomic positions, spread of theRescueis self-limiting. Drive strength and duration are determined by a recombination rate-dependent generational clock, providing an important point of control for different ecological and regulatory contexts. We implement 2-locusClvRinDrosophila. Rescuespreads to high frequency in a Cas9-dependent manner, while the frequency of Cas9 decreases, demonstrating transient drive and loss of future drive potential.
Reducing e-waste in China's mobile electronics industry: the application of the innovative circular business models
Authors: Marke Alastair , Chan Carmen , Taskin Gozde , Hacking Theo
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The objectives of this research are to (1) fill the evidence gap of circular business activities and (2) enrich the knowledge base about the drivers of and barriers to circular economy business model (CEBM) that supports e-waste reduction in China’s mobile electronics industry. To answer the overarching research question of whether there are CEBMs emerging to address e-waste in China’ mobile electronics industry, we in this paper divided it into three sub-questions: (1) What CEBMs can support e-waste reduction? (2) Is there evidence for their implementation in China? and (3) What are the drivers of and barriers to these business model innovations?

Design/methodology/approach

We started with setting the scene on the importance of better e-waste management and the scale of e-waste problem in China. Building on the oft-quoted ReSOLVE framework, developed by EMF (2015) and consolidated in Lewandowski (2016), we have refined from it 11 CEBMs to suit the context of e-waste reduction. These 11 models include regenerate, life cycle extension, take-back services, product sharing systems, optimise resource value, produce on demand, circular supplies, resource recovery, industrial symbiosis, product-as-a-service and transformative innovation. We have mapped these refined models against the evidence of circular business practices identified in the corporate sustainability reports of eight out of top 12 mobile electronics manufacturers in China.

Findings

Our research findings show that six out of these 11 CEBMs are de facto practised in many of these companies. They include life cycle extension, collection services, optimise resource value, circular supplies, resource recovery and industrial symbiosis, although circular economy is still early-stage endeavours in the industry. As confirmed in our expert and company interviews, CEBM stems largely from profit and policy drivers. The key to building successful CEBMs to eliminate e-waste is, indeed, multi-stakeholder collaboration across the mobile electronics industry, which involves effective collection, reuse and recycling systems.

Originality/value

The lessons learnt can promote peer learning among EEE manufacturers and inform policymakers of effective strategies to create an enabling environment in which circular economy models can thrive.
Finance, corporate value and credit market freedom in overinvesting US firms
Authors: Iona Alfonsina , De Benedetto Marco Alberto , Assefa Dawit Zerihun , Limosani Michele
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Using a sample of US firms more likely to be affected by agency problems, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between corporate value and financial policies and to study whether credit market freedom (CMF) affects this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors identify a sub-sample of non-financial US firms potentially affected by agency problems using a joint criterion of over-investment and high cash-holdings. A generalized method of moment econometric framework is then used to estimate the impact of cash-holdings and leverage policies on firm value for this sub-sample. This exercise is also performed by taking into account the level of CMF of the state where the firm operates.

Findings

The results show that the relationship between cash-holdings – or leverage – and firm value is “U-shaped.” In addition, when the authors focus on the role played by the level of CMF, the authors find a number of interesting facts: CMF facilitates the firms’ access to external finance, thereby relaxing the need of internal funds for investing; the relationship between cash-holdings and firm value is “U-shaped” only in states enjoying high levels of CMF; the probability of observing firms more likely to be affected by agency problems is higher in states with high levels of CMF.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical findings provide important insights to policymakers, shareholders and practitioners. To policymakers, the results suggest that providing institutional environments with greater CMF can enhance the firm access to external finance, the level of corporate investment and the economic growth. To shareholders, the findings highlight that the conflicts of interest between managers and shareholders may be more severe in states with higher CMF; therefore, adequate financing policies and corporate governance mechanisms must be used to mitigate these conflicts and maximize the firm value. Finally, to practitioners, the evidence suggests that, in valuing a firm, they must take into consideration whether the economic environment provides managers with more freedom to stockpile cash and invest sub-optimally.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the corporate finance and governance literature in two respects. First, it provides new evidence on the shape of the relationship between cash holdings and firm value for firms affected by empire-building managers. Second, at the best of the knowledge, it is the first corporate finance study, which analyzes the role played by the CMF at the state level on the capital structure and the level of investment of the firms.
Switching harmonic suppression design based on multi-objective optimization algorithm with constraint processing
Authors: Huang Songtao , Ye Jie , Wang Haozhe , Li Baojin , Shen Anwen , Deng Junli
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Traditional switching harmonic suppressor design methods require domain experts to adjust design parameters due to various complex performance requirements and practical limitations in switching ripple suppressor designs. The purpose of this paper is to present a method for filter parameter design.

Design/methodology/approach

An improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA II) was used in the inductor-capacitor-inductor (LCL) filter design to find the optimal design parameters, and a method was proposed to handle the constraints by transforming the them into decision variables.

Findings

The performance of the proposed algorithm in parameter designing was verified by simulation on MATLAB and experimental results on hardware-in-the-loop plat-form with StarSim software. The results indicate that the optimization algorithm has a better effect than the traditional expert parameters on each optimization index, especially on the switching harmonic suppression.

Originality/value

The paper presents an improved multi-objective optimization algorithm with ingenious constraints handing to obtain better filter parameters and reduces switching harmonics.
A secure communication approach in OFDM using optimized interesting region-based video watermarking
Authors: Wagdarikar Amir M.U. , Senapati Ranjan K.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The technique for hiding confidential data in specific digital media by enhancing the graphical contents is known as watermarking. The dissemination of information over a secure channel is essential for multimedia applications. The purpose of this study is to develop a secure communication approach for OFDM system.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper exploits a secure communication in the orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system using wavelet-based video watermarking technique. In this work, the Chronological-MS algorithm is used for securing the data communication in the OFDM system. Here, the secret message is embedded in video frames using wavelet transform for hiding sensitive information and the hidden information is transmitted over the OFDM system. The Chronological-MS algorithm is used for selecting the optimal regions in the video for embedding secret message. In embedding phase, wavelet coefficients are obtained by applying wavelet transform on the frame for embedding the secret message. Meanwhile, in extraction phase, the inverse wavelet transform is applied to extract the secret message.

Findings

Considering number of frames, the maximum Peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) value is attained by proposed Wavelet + Chronological MS method for Video 2 with value 73.643 dB, respectively. Meanwhile, the minimum mean squared error (MSE) attained by the proposed Wavelet + Chronological MS method is when considering number of frames with MSE values as 0.001 for both Videos 1 and 2. The minimum bit error rate (BER) value is attained by the proposed method with value 0.00009 considering random noise with Video 1. Thus, the proposed Wavelet + Chronological MS have shown better results than the existing techniques.

Originality/value

This work proposes a wavelet-based watermarking method using Chronological-MS, for initiating secured communication over an OFDM. One of the main advantages of wavelets is that they offer a simultaneous localization in time and frequency domain. Hence, the proposed method offers the highly secured data transmission over the OFDM.
Tracking the Covid zones through geo-fencing technique
Authors: R. Anto Arockia Rosaline , R. Lalitha , G. Hariharan , N. Lokesh
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Because of the outbreak of Covid 19, the entire world is thinking of new strategies, preventive measures to safeguard the human life from the widespread of the pandemic. The areas where people are affected are marked as containment zones and people are not allowed to exit out of those areas. Similarly, new people are not allowed to enter inside those areas. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to propose a methodology to track the Covid zones, to enhance and tighten the security measures. A geo-fence is created for the containment zone. The person who enters or exits out of that particular zone will be monitored and alert message will be sent to that person’s mobile.

Design/methodology/approach

After tracking the location of a suspicious individual, the geo-fenced layer is mapped in the area and then the virtual perimeter is used for further trapping process. This geo-fenced layer can be viewed by the citizens as soon as it is updated by the Covid monitoring team. The geo-fencing is a concept of building a virtual perimeter area. This virtual perimeter monitoring system helps in monitoring the containment zones effectively. It reduces operational costs by using an automated system based on wireless infrastructure. It also alerts the authorities immediately to catch the violators. Thus, it helps to speed up the process of inspecting the containment zones and monitoring the individuals who violate the rules given by government.

Findings

The proposed methodologies will be an effective way to track the Covid’s communal spread. But the workflow of the system demands the required data sets and permission in legal manner to set up the environment that maintains the constitutional law and order in practice. The application developed was a prototype to display how it works if the required data sets are provided by the government. There are several tracking models that are released across the world such as Aarogya setu (India), Trace together (Singapore) and Hagmen (Israel). All these models are based on Bluetooth proximity identification; though Bluetooth proximity identification is helpful for high range in a short distance, the privacy concern is debatable one. Using modern technology, it is so easy to crack the individual gadgets and with Bluetooth enabling it makes things even worse. Thus, it is important to maintain the tracking a safer and secure one, and another issue with those Bluetooth-based applications is that tracking can be done only if the user enabled the Bluetooth option, if not the entire functioning would become a mess. The proposed methodology of tracking without Bluetooth will ensure data security also.

Originality/value

This was developed as a project by our third-year students of the Department of Information Technology of our college.
Case study design for short-term predictable disasters
Authors: Grass Emilia , Fischer Kathrin
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this work is the development of a structured case study design process for developing case studies in humanitarian logistics, in particular for short-term predictable disaster situations like floods and hurricanes. Moreover, useful public sources are presented in order to enable researchers to find relevant data for their case studies more easily.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured framework for case study design is set up, splitting the process into different steps and phases.

Findings

The framework is applied to an illustrative example, where case studies with different numbers and levels of detail of scenarios are designed based on the three-day forecast for hurricane Harvey in 2017. The corresponding solutions demonstrate the relevance of using as much forecast information as possible in case study building, and in particular in scenario design, in order to get useful and appropriate results.

Research limitations/implications

The case study design process is mostly suitable for short-term predictable disasters, but can also be adapted to other types of disasters. The process has been applied to one specific hurricane here which serves as an example.

Practical implications

Also for practitioners, the results of this work are highly relevant, as constructing realistic cases using real data will lead to more useful results. Moreover, it is taken into account in the case study design process that relief agencies are regularly confronted with disasters in certain areas and hence need to define the basic planning situation and parameters “once and for all” and on a long-term basis, whereas disaster specific data from forecasts are only available within a short time frame.

Originality/value

The new design process can be applied by researchers as well as practitioners, and the publicly available data sources will be useful to the community.
The performative practices of consultants in a change network: an actor–network practice perspective on organisational change
Authors: Caldwell Raymond , Dyer Coral
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This article positions actor–-network theory (ANT) as a practice perspective and deploys it to explore the performative practices of internal consultancy teams as they implemented major programmatic change projects within a global telecommunication company. The change process required the creation of a “change network” that emerged as a boundary spanning and organising network as the consultants sought to implement and translate a highly structured change methodology and introduce new meta-routines within the organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

By combining the methodological datum of ANT to “follow the actors” (whatever form they take) with the guiding principle of practice theory to focus on practices rather than practitioners, the research explored the in-between temporal spaces of performative practices as they unfolded in relation to standardised routines, material artefacts and the tools and techniques of a systematic change methodology. By a method of “zooming out” and “zooming in” the research examined both the larger context of action and practice in which the change network emerged and the consultants' performative practices; but without falling into static macro–micro dualism, or a purely ethnographic “thick description” of practice. The research is based on interviews (25), participant observation and a review of the extensive documentation of the change methodology.

Findings

The findings indicate both how consultants' performative practices are embedded in the social and material arrangements of a change network, and why the intentional, expert or routine enactment of a highly standardised change methodology into practice is intrinsically problematic. Ultimately, the consultants could not rely on knowledge as a fixed, routine or pre-given empirical entity that predefined their actions. Instead, the consultants' performative practices unfolded in temporal spaces of in-betweenness as their actions and practices navigated shifting and multiple boundaries while confronting disparate and often irreconcilable ideas, choices and competing interests.

Research limitations/implications

As an ANT practice perspective, the research blends mixed methods in an illustrative case study, so its findings are contextual, although the methodological rationale may be applicable to other contexts of practice.

Originality/value

The theoretical framing of the research contributes to repositioning ANT as practice theory perspective on change with a central focus on performative practice. The illustrative case demonstrates how a boundary spanning “change network” emerged and how it partly defined the temporal spaces of in-betweenness in which the consultants operated.
An exploration of motives and behavior across Facebook and Twitter
Authors: Spiliotopoulos Tasos , Oakley Ian
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on how people navigate the social media ecosystem and how they decide, which social network site (SNS) to use. To this end, the current study draws from uses and gratifications (U&G) theory to elicit and compare motives for the use of Facebook and Twitter and uses behavioral data to examine the findings in the context of technology non-use.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to 232 Facebook users and the results were complemented with 12 usage variables collected via the Facebook application programing interface for the same users. Exploratory factor analysis identified and described the motives for using Facebook and Twitter and multiple regression models examined the relationships between the motives for using the two sites. A multivariate analysis of variance and a series of t-tests investigated the differences in actual behavior between Twitter users and non-users.

Findings

Results suggest that SNS users will use both sites to gratify their need for information, but will only do so for entertainment that has social characteristics. Furthermore, Facebook users that are more embedded in the site and use the site to support their offline life are more likely to also use Twitter.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for SNS researchers, designers and managers by highlighting the motivational and behavioral differences between users of the two sites and the importance of technological affordances for understanding and explaining SNS selection.

Originality/value

This study extends previous cross-site U&G and non-use research by combining survey and behavioral data.
Early intervention systems for police: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Gullion Christi L. , King William R.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive literature review of prior empirical studies that have examined early intervention (EI) systems or programs in policing.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature search of various government and academic databases (e.g. Emerald, Google Scholar, National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS), Sage, Taylor & Francis and Wiley) was conducted.

Findings

This systematic review identified eight EI studies that matched the selection criteria. Of these, two are multiagency studies and six are individual agency studies. Findings across studies are generally positive but overall relatively inconsistent with regard to EI systems' effectiveness.

Practical implications

Police agencies benefit in identifying and addressing at-risk officers to ensure police accountability and officer safety, health and wellness. This research is invaluable for optimizing how EI systems can use agency data for such predictions.

Originality/value

This state-of-the-art review on EI systems in policing is the first of its kind. EI systems have been implemented by many police agencies, yet a limited number of empirical studies have been conducted. This systematic review will be useful for researchers who wish to further explore how EI systems are utilized and whether EI systems are successful/effective.
Flexible working and applicant attraction: a person–job fit approach
Authors: Stich Jean-François
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The ability to work anytime from anywhere is attractive to job seekers, who respond by developing needs regarding flexible working. Flexibility needs are compared to the flexibility perceived in job advertisements to form an overall perception of flexibility fit. The purpose of this paper is to examine both the impact of flexibility fit (on applicant attraction) and its antecedents.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of flexibility fit on applicant attraction and its antecedents are examined using person–job (PJ) fit theory. 92 job seekers analyzed a total of 391 job advertisements. The hypotheses are tested using multilevel structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that perceived flexibility fit is positively related to job pursuit and job acceptance intentions. They further show that perceived flexibility fit is driven by perceived job advertisements' flexibility exceeding applicants' needed flexibility, which in turn is driven by the flexibility actually present in job advertisements exceeding applicants' flexibility needs.

Originality/value

This study contributes to literature on new ways of working by highlighting the desirable nature of flexibility and its impact on fit perceptions. It further contributes to literature on job search and PJ fit by investigating a full model of fit, examining both outcomes and antecedents of perceived fit. For practitioners, this study highlights the importance of advertising flexibility to attract applicants.
Top management team international experience, international information acquisition and international strategic decision rationality
Authors: Azam Akbar , Bertolotti Fabiola , Boari Cristina , Atif Mian Muhammad
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test whether Top Management Team (TMT) international experience is positively associated to international information acquisition from managerial international contacts and whether international information partially mediates the positive relationship between TMT international experience and international strategic decision rationality.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a survey of small- and medium-sized of international Pakistani software firms.

Findings

This study reports that TMT international experience-international strategic decision rationality relationship to international information acquisition and that this information acquisition partially mediates the TMT international experience, i.e. international strategic decision rationality relationship.

Practical implications

When selecting the members of their TMT, international firms should pay careful attention to their international experience.

Originality/value

Previous research demonstrates that TMT international experience has a positive effect on international strategic decision rationality and that this effect is transferred to performance. This study shows that the positive effect of TMT international experience is derived from the personal international knowledge and the international information collected from managers’ international contacts. This ability to make rational international strategic decisions could have a positive effect on decision-making and firm performance.