bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chest CT versus RT-PCR for the Detection of COVID-19: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies
Authors: Karam Mohammad , Althuwaikh Sulaiman , Alazemi Mohammad , Abul Ahmad , Hayre Amrit , Alsaif Abdulmalik , Barlow Gavin
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To compare the performance of chest computed tomography (CT) scan versus reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the initial diagnostic assessment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search of electronic information was conducted to identify studies comparing the diagnostic performance within the same patient cohort of chest CT scan versus RT-PCR in COVID-19 suspected cases. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were primary outcome measures. Secondary outcomes included other test performance characteristics, discrepant findings between both investigations and main chest CT findings. Random effects modelling was used for the analyses.

Results

Thirteen non-randomised studies enrolling 4092 patients were identified. Accuracy was statistically significantly higher for RT-PCR versus chest CT (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.22, P = 0.001). Chest CT is also less specific than RT-PCR. Ground-glass opacities and consolidations were the most common chest CT manifestations. Importantly, early small studies tended to favour chest CT versus later larger studies.

Conclusion

Chest CT is inferior to RT-PCR for the initial detection of COVID-19 and has more false positives. It may still be useful in confirming COVID-19, however, in patients with a suspicious clinical presentation, but who have a false-negative SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test.

Highlights

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Chest computed tomography (CT) is less specific in the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) when compared to reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

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The accuracy of RT-PCR is statistically significantly higher than chest CT for COVID-19.

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Chest CT, however, can detect false-negative and true-positive RT-PCR cases.
Understanding the Bias between the Number of Confirmed Cases and Actual Number of Infections in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chen Xingang , Hazra Dhiraj Kumar
Published: June 2020

The number of positive cases confirmed in the viral tests is a probe of the actual number of infections of COVID-19. The bias between these two quantities is a key element underlying the determination of some important parameters of this disease and the policy-making during the pandemic. To study the dependence of this bias on measured variables, we introduce a parameterization model that motivates a method of organizing the daily data of the numbers of the total tests, confirmed cases, hospitalizations and fatalities. After comparing with the historical data of the USA in the past few months, we find a simple formula relating these four variables. As a few applications, we show, among other things, how this formula can be used to project the number of actual infections, to provide guidance on how the test volume should be adjusted, and to derive an upper bound on the overall infection fatality rate of COVID-19 (< 0.64%, 95% C.L.) and a theoretical estimate of its value.
Serologic cross-reactivity of SARS-CoV-2 with endemic and seasonal Betacoronaviruses
Authors: Hicks Jennifer , Klumpp-Thomas Carleen , Kalish Heather , Shunmugavel Anandakumar , Mehalko Jennifer , Denson John-Paul , Snead Kelly , Drew Matthew , Corbett Kizzmekia , Graham Barney , Hall Matthew D , Memoli Matthew J , Esposito Dominic , Sadtler Kaitlyn
Published: June 2020

In order to properly understand the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection and development of humoral immunity, researchers have evaluated the presence of serum antibodies of people worldwide experiencing the pandemic. These studies rely on the use of recombinant proteins from the viral genome in order to identify serum antibodies that recognize SARS-CoV-2 epitopes. Here, we discuss the cross-reactivity potential of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with the full spike proteins of four other Betacoronaviruses that cause disease in humans, MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, HCoV-OC43, and HCoV-HKU1. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), we detected the potential cross-reactivity of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 towards the four other coronaviruses, with the strongest cross-recognition between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS /MERS-CoV antibodies, as expected based on sequence homology of their respective spike proteins. Further analysis of cross-reactivity could provide informative data that could lead to intelligently designed pan-coronavirus therapeutics or vaccines.
Effect of omega-3 LCPUFA supplementation on maternal fatty acid and oxylipin concentrations during pregnancy
Authors: Best K P , Gibson R A , Yelland L N , Leemaqz S , Gomersall J , Liu G , Makrides M
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) have been associated with a reduction in risk for preterm birth. However, there is limited understanding of how fatty acids and their bioactive derivatives (oxylipins) change over the course of pregnancy. Here we document the changes in concentration of fatty acids and oxylipins during pregnancy and how fatty acid status and oxylipin concentrations are affected by supplementation with omega-3 LCPUFA. We also investigate the degree to which fatty acid and oxylipin changes across pregnancy are influenced by baseline omega-3 status.

Materials and Methods

We profiled the fatty acids in all lipids in dried blood spots (total blood fatty acids) by gas chromatography and free (unesterified) fatty acids and their associated oxylipins in separate dried blood spot samples by LC-MS-MS collected from a random sample of 1263 women with a singleton pregnancy who participated in the ORIP (Omega-3 fats to Reduce the Incidence of Prematurity) trial. ORIP is a double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 5544 participants and designed to determine the effect of supplementing the diets of pregnant women with omega-3 LCPUFA on the incidence of early preterm birth. Maternal whole blood finger prick samples were collected at baseline (∼14 weeks gestation) and at completion of the study intervention period (34 weeks gestation).

Results

The concentration of most total and free polyunsaturated fatty acids and their associated oxylipins declined over the course of pregnancy. Omega-3 LCPUFA supplementation increased total DHA and 7-HDHA and mitigated the decline in free DHA, 4-HDHA and 14-HDHA. The intervention had minimal or no effect on free EPA, LA, AA and their associated oxylipins. Omega-3 LCPUFA supplementation in women with higher omega-3 status at baseline was associated with a significant increase in 7-HDHA and 4-HDHA between the treatment and control whereas there were no differences between groups in 7-HDHA and 4-HDHA in women with intermediate or lower baseline omega-3 status.

Conclusion

Our data suggest a differential response with or without omega-3 supplementation for DHA and DHA-derived oxylipins, which may have an important role to play in modulating pregnancy duration. Further work is needed to understand their role, which may allow us to better tailor omega-3 supplementation for preterm birth prevention.
Association Between Nursing Home Crowding and COVID-19 Infection and Mortality in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Brown Kevin A. , Jones Aaron , Daneman Nick , Chan Adrienne K. , Schwartz Kevin L. , Garber Gary E. , Costa Andrew P. , Stall Nathan M.
Published: June 2020

Importance

Nursing home residents have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic. Prevention recommendations have emphasized frequent testing of healthcare personnel and residents, but additional strategies are needed to protect nursing home residents.

Objective

We developed a reproducible index of nursing home crowding and determined whether crowding was associated with incidence of COVID-19 in the first months of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Population-based retrospective cohort study of over 78,000 residents of 618 distinct nursing homes in Ontario, Canada from March 29 to May 20, 2020.

Exposure

The nursing home crowding index equalled the average number of residents per bedroom and bathroom.

Outcomes

Primary outcomes included the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 infection and mortality, per 100 residents; introduction of COVID-19 into a home (≥1 resident case) was a negative tracer.

Results

Of 623 homes in Ontario, we obtained complete information on 618 homes (99%) housing 78,607 residents. A total of 5,218 residents (6.6%) developed COVID-19 infection, and 1,452 (1.8%) died with COVID-19 infection as of May 20, 2020. COVID-19 infection was distributed unevenly across nursing homes: 4,496 (86%) of infections occurred in just 63 (10%) of homes. The crowding index ranged across homes from 1.3 (mainly single-occupancy rooms) to 4.0 (exclusively quadruple occupancy rooms); 308 (50%) homes had high crowding index (≥2). Incidence in high crowding index homes was 9.7%, versus 4.5% in low crowding index homes (p<0.001), while COVID-19 mortality was 2.7%, versus 1.3%. The likelihood of COVID-19 introduction did not differ (31.3% vs 30.2%, p=0.79). After adjustment for regional, nursing home, and resident covariates, the crowding index remained associated with increased risk of infection (RR=1.72, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.11-2.65) and mortality (RR=1.72, 95%CI: 1.03-2.86). Propensity score analysis yielded similar conclusions for infection (RR=2.06, 95%CI: 1.34-3.17) and mortality (RR=2.09, 95%CI: 1.30-3.38). Simulations suggested that converting all 4-bed rooms to 2-bed rooms would have averted 988 (18.9%) infections of COVID-19 and 271 (18.7%) deaths.

Conclusions and Relevance

Crowding was associated with higher incidence of COVID-19 infection and mortality. Reducing crowding in nursing homes could prevent future COVID-19 mortality.
Using Machine Learning to assess Covid-19 risks
Authors: Muthya Srikanth , Nair Renjith S , Arokiaswamy Thanga Prabhu , Prakash Anusha
Published: June 2020

IMPORTANCE

Identifying potential Covid-19 patients in the general population is a huge challenge at the moment. Given the low availability of infected Covid-19 patients clinical data, it is challenging to understand and comprehend similar and complex patterns in these symptomatic patients. Laboratory testing for Covid19 antigen with RT-PCR | (Reverse Transcriptase) is not possible or economical for whole populations.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a Covid risk stratifier model that classifies people into different risk cohorts, based on their symptoms and validate the same.

DESIGN

Analysis of Covid cases across Wuhan and New York were done to identify the course of these cases prior to being symptomatic and being hospitalised for the infection. A dataset based on these statistics were generated and was then fed into an unsupervised learning algorithm to reveal patterns and identify similar groups of people in the population. Each of these cohorts were then classified and identified into three risk levels that were validated against the real world cases and studies.

SETTING

The study is based on general population.

PARTICIPANTS

The adult population were considered for the analysis, development and validation of the model

RESULTS

Of 1 million observations generated, 20% of them exhibited Covid symptoms and patterns, and 80% of them belonged to the asymptomatic and non-infected group of people. Upon clustering, three clinically obvious clusters were obtained, out of which the Cluster A had 20% of the symptomatic cases that were classified into one cohort, the other two cohorts, Cluster B had people with no symptoms but with high number of comorbidities and Cluster C had people with few leading indicators for the infection with few comorbidities. This was then validated against 300 participants whose data we collected as a part of a research study through our Covid-research tool and about 92% of them were classified correctly.

CONCLUSION

A model was developed and validated that classifies people into Covid risk categories based on their symptoms. This can be used to monitor and track cases that rapidly transition into being symptomatic which eventually get tested positive for the infection in order to initiate early medical interventions.
Buy one painting, get two names. On the valuation of artist collaborations in the art market
Authors: Radermecker Anne-Sophie V.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To analyze the market reception of multi-authored works of art through the lens of collaborative old master paintings (“formal/prestige collaboration”). This paper tests whether multi-authored attribution strategies (i.e. naming two artists as brand names) affect buyers' willingness to pay differently from single-authored works in the auction market.

Design/methodology/approach

This case study focuses on collaborative paintings by Flemish masters, based on a data set comprising 11,630 single-authored and collaborative paintings auctioned between 1946 and 2015. Hedonic regressions have been employed to test whether or not co-branded artworks are differently valued by buyers and how the reputation of each artist might influence valuation.

Findings

Despite the opportunity for buyers to purchase one artwork with two brand names, this study reveals that the average value of collaborative paintings is statistically lower than that of single-authored paintings. This is especially true when a reputed master was involved in the collaboration. The present findings suggest that the valuable characteristics of formal collaborations (i.e. double brand name, dual authorship and reputation, high-quality standards) are no longer perceived and valued as such by buyers, and that co-branding can affect the artist brand equity because of a contagion effect. We argue that integral authorship is more valued than partial authorship, suggesting that the myth of the artist as a lone genius is still well-anchored in purchasing habits.

Research limitations/implications

Prestige collaborations are a very particular form of early co-branding in the art world, with limited data available. Further research should consider larger samples to reiterate the analysis on other collaboration forms in order to challenge the current findings.

Practical implications

Researchers and living artists should be aware that brand building and co-branding are marketing strategies that may generate negative effects on prices in the art market. The perceived and market value of co-branded works are time-varying, and depends on both the context of reception of these works and the reputation of the artists at time t.

Originality/value

This market segment has never been considered in art market studies, although formal collaboration is one of the earliest documented forms of co-branding in the art world. This paper provides new empirical evidence from the auction market, based on buyers' willingness to pay, and it further highlights the reception of multi-authored art objects in Western art markets that particularly value individual creators.
A systematic review of BIM usage for life cycle impact assessment
Authors: Crippa Julianna , Araujo Aline M.F. , Bem Diogo , Ugaya Cássia M.L. , Scheer Sergio
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper searches for integration methods proposed by different authors that assess the life cycle of a building using models of building information modeling (BIM) and it also compares and discusses them.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic literature review (SLR) is selected as the main research method of the present paper, aiming to collect and critically analyze multiple research studies. This paper is not only limited to studies where the whole life cycle has been assessed but also includes other papers which only integrated BIM to analyze carbon footprint, embodied carbon dioxide (CO2) or energy consumption.

Findings

Taking into account the countries that have published articles about the subject, it is possible to deduce that it has been studied in all of the continents, except Africa. In comparison with other continents, Asia and Europe have developed more studies. Furthermore, 76% of the 34 selected articles were published in journals and only 24% in conferences proceedings, and the number of papers that relates life cycle assessment (LCA) methods using BIM has grown from 2013 to 2015, proving that the current theme is relevant. Several aspects of this literature review show the need to develop automated processes for LCA of buildings during the project's development phase. There is already a tendency to compare LCA results for buildings applied to BIM models, contributing to decision-making related to alternate projects, selection of materials, suppliers and components from an environmental perspective.

Originality/value

In the current global scenario, it is the notorious negative impact on the environment over the years caused by the architecture, engineering and construction industry (AEC). The integration of BIM–LCA can reduce time and improve the application of environmental analysis. Moreover, the proper application of a LCA method to evaluate the environmental impacts of the project can be hindered due to lack of information in the database about the materials or due to failures in the interoperability between BIM software and the LCA tool.
Linking agriculture to nutrition: the evolution of policy
Authors: Fan Shenggen , Yosef Sivan , Pandya-Lorch Rajul
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize the evolution of global and national policies linking agriculture to nutrition in 2010–2020, and provides insights on the recent policy trajectory in China to illustrate how individual countries are addressing agriculture and nutrition.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors utilize a noncomprehensive review of gray and peer-review literature, as well as a case study approach.

Findings

Select countries have made initial strides in linking agriculture and nutrition through policy, though progress is not widespread and uneven.

Practical implications

Researchers can begin closing the existing knowledge gaps on agriculture and nutrition. Policymakers can learn from the country lessons and experiences in agriculture and nutrition policy.

Originality/value

This paper provides one of the only overviews of global policy on agriculture and nutrition during the period 2010–2020.
Hybrid processes for a new era of strategic foresight
Authors: Pinto Jean Paul , Medina Javier
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new strategic foresight process that combines aspects from science fiction, speculative design and tools linked to organizational processes, first, to generate potential new services and products and, second, to reduce problems associated with the construction of low-impact and irrelevant scenarios for decision-making processes. As a new proposal, it invites reflection and debate.

Design/methodology/approach

After reviewing the literature on the key concepts that represent the essence of strategic foresight, as well as the traditional processes to reflect on the future, a proposal for a new hybrid, integrative foresight process that allows moving from imagination to the materialization of scenarios will be presented.

Findings

The new hybrid process makes evident the need to articulate strategic foresight with other areas of knowledge and management tools to build scenarios with greater impact on decision-making and greater added value from strategic foresight to organizational processes.

Originality/value

The proposed integrative model articulates tools that already exist, but the originality of the proposal lies in that there are no models that integrate science fiction, speculative design, and other organizational tools in a single process.
Financial ratio analysis of law firm's strategy and job satisfaction
Authors: Han Seonghee , Song KiKyung , Whang Eunyoung
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Job satisfaction along with a work–life balance of attorneys in law firms has become an important issue to the legal industry. This paper examines the relationship between strategic positioning of law firms and the job satisfaction of their associates.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 1,108 firm year observations of US law firms from 2007 to 2016, this paper examines how a firm's strategic positioning affects the job satisfaction of its associates. The strategic positioning is measured with two financial ratios derived from modified DuPont analysis: revenue per lawyer (RPL) and leverage (LEV). To compare the level of associates' job satisfaction depending on law firms' RPL and LEV, this paper uses t-tests. In addition, this paper adopts OLS regression and simultaneous equations to examine the relation between law firms' strategic positioning and their associates' job satisfaction.

Findings

This paper shows that associates in the law firms with a high LEV strategy have lower job satisfaction because these firms provide a more demanding work environment than in the firms with a high RPL strategy.

Originality/value

This paper first documents empirical evidence that a firm's strategic positioning significantly influences job satisfaction of its employees, using data on the legal industry which is human-capital-intensive and is considered one of the sectors that provide the most notorious work environments.
Restructuring toward a modernized agro-food value chain through vertical integration and contract farming: the swine-to-pork industry in Vietnam
Authors: Dong Dzung Dao , Moritaka Masahiro , Liu Ran , Fukuda Susumu
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Restructuring swine and pork value chain plays important role in agriculture reformation of Vietnam, the top global pork-lover and swine producer worldwide. This study aims at investigating the modernization of its entire swine-to-pork value chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This study combines the secondary data and primary data. The secondary data included the publications, procurements, databases from both worldwide and in Vietnam. Primary data comprised the results from field-trips in March 2018 and February 2019 that used in-depth interviews with representative key persons of involving stake-holders.

Findings

The prevalence of contract farming, vertical expansion and conglomerate mergers mainly boost vertical coordination in the industry, which creates three hierarchy paradigms of governance named the full- and semi-vertically integrated model, and the formal coordinating relation institution. Consequently, consolidation has occurred and lead the swine and pork value chain toward modernization.

Research limitations/implications

This study generalizes its first trends of the modernization of the swine-to-pork industry instead of provides its concreted impacts to the involved stakeholders.

Social implications

Swine and pork industries retain historical and socio-political issues in Vietnam. Social problems are going to raise if number of traditional swine producers are failed in the competition from the equipped large-scale producers leading by the giant vertically-integrated contractors.

Originality/value

This study provides the empirical synthesis of the vertical coordination in entitle swine and pork value chain of Vietnam through combining the view of the strategic alliance of the firm and global value chain governance.
Teaching with OER during pandemics and beyond
Authors: Van Allen Jennifer , Katz Stacy
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning materials openly licensed so that others may retain, reuse, revise, remix or redistribute (the 5Rs) these materials. This paper aims to raise awareness of OER by providing a rationale for using these learning materials and a strategy for educators to get started with OER during the collective crisis and beyond.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a broad research base and anecdotes from personal experience, the authors make the case that OER improves student access to learning materials and improves the learning experience in both PK-12 and higher education contexts.

Findings

The authors define and describe the benefits of OER to provide practical suggestions educators can implement during the pandemic and beyond.

Practical implications

To support educators in finding and using OER, this paper highlights repositories that include a breadth of various learning materials across subject areas and educational contexts. The authors provide specific suggestions for finding, personalizing and contextualizing OER.

Originality/value

This work not only provides an overview of OER with particular considerations for educators during the COVID-19 pandemic but also makes the case that OER should be integrated into classrooms beyond the pandemic.
ICT proficiency: perspectives of Tangaza University College librarians in Kenya
Authors: Agava Stanislaus L. , Underwood Peter G.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to assess the information and communications technology (ICT) proficiency of library and information science (LIS) professionals working in Tangaza University College (TUC) Library, Kenya.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design using a single case study was adopted in the study, which gathered data through a census. Data were collected using a structured interview.

Findings

The study findings indicated that the majority of TUC librarians have very high ICT competence in basic ICT and some Web technologies; however, they lack technical ICT skills. Furthermore, though ICT courses are offered during LIS professional training, TUC librarians lack opportunities to implement some of their advanced ICT skills. Lack of funding, time, practical lessons, personal interest, training opportunities and ICT obsolescence were highlighted as challenges librarians encounter in their pursuit of acquiring ICT skills.

Practical implications

The study recommends that regular ICT-related training programmes be conducted for librarians and be offered in the form of workshops, seminars and conferences. Furthermore, there is a need for an academic curriculum in LIS schools to have more practical ICT-related components. Library staff should be encouraged to develop a personal interest in pursuing ICT skills, and librarians should also make use of ICT training opportunities that are freely available online for personal development.

Originality/value

The study is beneficial to those concerned with developing training programmes for librarians to strengthen areas deemed to have shortcomings.
The influence of post-visit emotions on destination loyalty
Authors: Godovykh Maksim , Tasci Asli D.A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The influence of different factors including emotional states on loyalty has been previously discussed in the literature. However, the influence of post-visit emotions evoked by emotional stimuli on tourist loyalty lacks empirical attention. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of post-visit emotional stimuli on destination loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The study applied an online scenario-based experimental design to identify the impact of positive and negative affective pictorial stimuli on destination loyalty. A sample of 500 adult US residents who visited Orlando within the past 12 months was recruited to take part in the experiment. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the loyalty of three groups, two of which were manipulated with emotional stimuli, positive pictures and negative pictures and one control group with no pictures.

Findings

Results show that it is possible to influence visitor loyalty after visitation. Post-visit exposure to positive emotional stimuli generates higher levels of destination loyalty, while negative emotional stimuli generate lower levels of destination loyalty, in comparison with no stimuli scenario.

Originality/value

The study adds to the literature by providing support for the influence of post-visit emotional stimuli on destination loyalty, which lacked empirical attention, thus, far. As visitor experience lasts much longer than the visit itself, the study results are significant for increasing destination loyalty after the trip.
Higher prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with erythrodermic psoriasis
Authors: Zheng Jianfeng , Gao Yunlu , Liu Na , Li Ying , Chen Fujuan , Yu Ning , Ding Yangfeng , Yi Xuemei
Published: June 2020

The association of psoriasis with thyroid dysfunction has been investigated. However, it remains unclear; some papers indicate it, and others do not. In this study, we evaluate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PsV), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) and erythrodermic psoriasis (EP), and the association of thyroid dysfunction with inflammation. Data on 201 psoriatic patients visiting our hospital from January 2014 to November 2017 (159 men and 42 women; 74 PsV, 42 PsA, 38 GPP and 47 EP) were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty‐three percent of psoriatic patients had thyroid dysfunction. The percentage of patients with thyroid dysfunction was the highest in those with EP (60% EP, 42% GPP, 19% PsA, 19% PsV). The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction decreased significantly when patients switched from EP to PsV or PsA (58% vs 17%; median, 20.5; range, 4–65 months). Most of the patients with thyroid dysfunction had low thyroxine syndrome (serum levels of free thyroxine are low, but serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone level is normal). Patients with thyroid dysfunction demonstrated significantly higher CD3+ and CD4+ T‐cell absolute count levels than those without thyroid dysfunction. Meanwhile, patients with thyroid dysfunction demonstrated lower immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgM levels than those without thyroid dysfunction. Finally, patients with thyroid dysfunction demonstrated higher elevated serum C‐reactive protein levels than those without dysfunction in total, although there were no statistical differences. Our data indicate that thyroid dysfunction in patients with psoriasis may be associated with inflammation caused by psoriasis.
Rayleigh wave separation using high‐resolution time‐frequency polarization filter
Authors: Kazemnia Kakhki Mohsen , Mansur Webe J. , Peters Franciane C.
Published: June 2020

Obtaining geological information from seismic data motivates researchers to innovate and improve seismic wave processing tools. Polarization‐based methods have received much attention regarding their ability to discriminate between different phases of the seismic wave based on polarity. Combining the intuitive definition of polarity in the frequency domain (monochromatic waves) with the non‐stationary properties provided by time‐domain methods, time‐frequency approaches are attracting widespread interest because they localize the information extracted from the seismic waves in the joint time and frequency domains. Due to the lack of high‐resolution time‐frequency maps, the time‐frequency polarization approach was not able to resolve specific temporal polarity changes in the seismic signal. The main objective of this study was to devise a robust time‐frequency‐based polarization filtering method using high‐resolution polarization attributes obtained directly from the sparse time‐frequency map without using Eigen analysis or analytic signals. The method proposed here utilizes a computationally effective sparsity‐based adaptive S‐transform to obtain a high‐resolution polarization map of an inherently non‐stationary seismogram for the entire frequency content of the signal at different times. The superiority of the proposed method over the S‐transform method was verified using synthetic and real data sets to calculate the polarization attributes in the time‐frequency domain and separate the Rayleigh waves from the seismogram.
The health benefits, functional properties, modifications, and applications of pea (Pisum sativum L.) protein: Current status, challenges, and perspectives
Authors: Ge Jiao , Sun Cui‐Xia , Corke Harold , Gul Khalid , Gan Ren‐You , Fang Yapeng
Published: June 2020

In recent years, the development and application of plant proteins have drawn increasing scientific and industrial interests. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is an important source of high‐quality vegetable protein in the human diet. Its protein components are generally considered hypoallergenic, and many studies have highlighted the health benefits associated with the consumption of pea protein. Pea protein and its hydrolysates (pea protein hydrolysates [PPH]) possess health benefits such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, and modulating intestinal bacteria activities, as well as various functional properties, including solubility, water‐ and oil‐holding capacities, and emulsifying, foaming, and gelling properties. However, the application of pea protein in the food system is limited due to its poor functional performances. Several frequently applied modification methods, including physical, chemical, enzymatic, and combined treatments, have been used for pea protein to improve its functional properties and expand its food applications. To date, different applications of pea protein in the food system have been extensively studied, for example, encapsulation for bioactive ingredients, edible films, extruded products and substitution for cereal flours, fats, and animal proteins. This article reviews the current status of the knowledge regarding pea protein, focusing on its health benefits, functional properties, and structural modifications, and comprehensively summarizes its potential applications in the food industry.
Coping with Risks from Natural Disasters on Farms in Wales – Does Insurance Have a Role?
Authors: Hill Berkeley , Bradley Dylan
Published: June 2020

Risks faced by agricultural producers come in many forms and can be classified in different ways. Similarly, tools to enable farmers to cope with risks are diverse. This article focuses on natural disasters, which seem set to increase in frequency with global warming, and the possible use of insurance to mitigate their effects. The specific example chosen is extreme weather incidents in Wales, where heavy snow and low temperatures in localised hill and mountain areas occasionally have substantial impacts on livestock numbers and the viability of farms there. Among the policy responses considered by the Welsh Government is the use of subsidised insurance. We review the attributes of such a scheme, set up in advance of extreme weather incidents, and what factors have prevented their establishment so far. A lack of statistical evidence on past farm‐level losses is only part of the explanation; and weather incidents are only one form of impact that has to be taken into account. Even if subsidised insurance can be made to work as a policy tool, this is not necessarily the most efficient use of public funds. Welfare support as used in Wales in 2013 or education and training in resilience to risk may be preferable.
Changes in cell membrane properties and phospholipid fatty acids of bacillus subtilis induced by polyphenolic extract of Sanguisorba officinalis L
Authors: Zhu Hong‐lin , Chen Gang , Chen Sun‐ni , Wang Rui‐qi , Chen Long , Xue Hui , Jian Su‐ping
Published: June 2020

Sanguisorba officinalis L. (family Rosaceae, subfamily Rosoideae) is a plant found throughout Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Eastern Asia. This study demonstrated the antibacterial activity of a purified polyphenolic extract (PPE) from S. officinalis L. against Bacillus subtilis using growth inhibitory and apoptosis assays, and investigated the antibacterial mechanism responsible for changes in cell membrane properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that PPE altered the cell wall and membrane properties of B. subtilis. Further determination of cell membrane integrity and permeability revealed that B. subtilis membrane integrity was more severely damaged by PPE at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) than at the minimum bactericidal concentrati on (MBC). Instead, PPE at the MBC reduced cell membrane fluidity by significantly decreasing the proportion of anteiso‐ and iso‐branched phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) from 64.17 ± 0.28% and 27.23 ± 0.03% in the control to 5.57 ± 1.06% and 6.00 ± 1.40%, respectively (P < 0.001). Scanning electron microscopy revealed different effects of PPE on cell morphology, demonstrating that, at the MIC and MBC, PPE exerted antibacterial activity by disrupting the cell membrane and reducing cell membrane fluidity, respectively. Consequently, this study elucidated changes in the bacterial membrane due to exposure to PPE and its potential use as an antimicrobial agent.

Practical Application

The abuse of synthetic chemical preservatives raises food safety concerns; however, plant‐derived polyphenolic compounds may be a safe and effective alternative. This study demonstrated the strong antibacterial activity of a purified polyphenolic extract (PPE) of Sanguisorba officinalis L. and revealed its antibacterial mechanism against Bacillus subtilis, suggesting that it may provide a useful antimicrobial agent in food industry applications.
COVID‐19: From pathogenesis models to the first drug trials
Authors: Brüssow Harald
Published: June 2020

The number of people infected with SARS‐CoV‐2, and sadly dying from COVID‐19, has exploded, and so the amount of literature on the novel coronavirus and the disease it causes has increased proportionately. The case numbers in some countries are beyond the epidemic peak, but the uncertainty about a second wave keeps politicians and societies under pressure. Appropriate decision‐making and winning support from the population depends on precise scientific information rather than leaving the field to scaremongers of all proveniences. This mini‐review is an update of earlier reports (Brüssow, Microb Biotechnol 2020a;13:607; Brüssow, Microb Biotechnol 2020b; https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.13592).
Hill Valley University
Authors: Sainty Barbara , Wall Ed
Published: June 2020

Hill Valley University is faced with a number of issues in the current year, including a $12 million deficit. You, CPA, are asked to analyze a number of strategic and operational issues to help the Board make important decisions regarding various program growth and cost savings opportunities. You also are asked to assess the impact of various initiatives on the university's strategic plan and its students. Some issues, such as recruiting more international students and increasing class size, may affect the student learning experience. Other issues, such as the building of a new residence and the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, may help the university increase its ranking. You, CPA, are also asked to incorporate your recommendations into a five‐year budget.
Difference in characteristics and outcomes of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, usual type in cervix: A population‐based study from SEER 18 database
Authors: Li Lihong , Du Qiang , Zhang Xun , An Jusheng , Song Yan
Published: June 2020

Aim

Cervical basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma with little recognition. Our objective was to identify difference in characteristics and outcomes between BSCC and squamous cell carcinoma, usual type (SSC, UT).

Methods

A total of 32 BSCC patients and 6387 SCC, UT patients, diagnosed from 2004 to 2014, were identified using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.

Results

More BSCC patients presented with older age as compared to SCC, UT (patients over 40 years old: 87.5% vs 60.5%, P  < .01). Univariate survival analysis shows that overall survival (OS) and disease‐specified survival (DSS) in the BSCC group were slightly better than SCC, UT group, but without statistical significance. Furthermore, BSCC presented similar prognosis in both DSS and OS compared to SCC, UT when matching other parameters with the propensity score matching methods.

Conclusion

BSCC tends to appear in older people. However, BSCC appears to carry a similar prognosis compared to SCC, UT.
Treatment of age‐related macular degeneration after cataract surgery: a study from the Swedish National Cataract and Macula Registers
Authors: Westborg Inger , Albrecht Susanne , Granstam Elisabet , Karlsson Niklas , Kugelberg Maria , Lundström Mats , Montan Per , Behndig Anders
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To characterize pre‐ and perioperative factors associated with treatment for wet age‐related macular degeneration (wet AMD) after cataract surgery.

Methods

This register‐based cohort study with data from the Swedish National Cataract Register (NCR) and the Swedish Macula Register (SMR) from 2010 to 2017 compared eyes with and without preoperative AMD that had undergone cataract surgery and was subsequently treated for wet AMD to eyes not treated within the study period. All first‐eye surgeries registered in the NCR from 2010 to 2017 and matching eyes found in the SMR that had undergone treatment for wet AMD ≥ 1 year after the cataract procedure were included. Data for cataract surgery date, age and gender, use of a blue‐blocking IOL, preoperative visual acuity, ocular comorbidities, posterior capsule rupture and date of AMD treatment initiation were extracted.

Results

The only independent factor associated with postoperative treatment of wet AMD in both groups was female gender (67.3% vs. 58.8%, p < 0.001 and 66.4% vs. 60.6%, p = 0.001, respectively). Older age was an independent factor in eyes without preoperative AMD (78.4 ± 6.5 vs. 73.4 ± 9.6 years, p < 0.001). A blue‐blocking IOL appeared to decrease the likelihood of subsequent wet AMD treatment slightly but not statistically significant in eyes with preoperative AMD (52.7% vs. 56.8%, p = 0.110).

Conclusions

Some factors (female gender, high age) are associated with undergoing subsequent treatment for wet AMD to a higher extent. If the use of a blue‐blocking IOL offers any protection from undergoing AMD treatment after cataract surgery, such an effect must be very small.
Pneumatic retinopexy preceded by drainage of subretinal fluid for the treatment of severe bullous retinal detachment
Authors: Morescalchi Francesco , Russo Andrea , Gandolfo Federico , Carnazza Mario , Bahja Hassan , Costagliola Ciro , Semeraro Francesco
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To compare the efficacy and safety outcomes of scleral buckling (SB) and drainage–injection–pneumoretinopexy (DIP), a modified pneumatic retinopexy technique, in which, before gas injection, subretinal fluid is drained with a simultaneous injection of balanced salt solution (BSS) in the vitreous chamber, for the treatment of severe superior bullous rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (SBRD).

Methods

This prospective, randomized, comparative study included 58 eyes with severe SBRD that were randomized 1:1 to undergo SB or DIP. The main outcome measures included success rate, visual acuity, mean change in refractive error and surgery duration.

Results

The primary anatomic success rate was 93% for both procedures. Both groups showed significantly improved visual acuity after surgery. The change in refractive error and surgery duration was significantly higher in the SB group. Drainage–injection–pneumoretinopexy (DIP) appeared to be less traumatic, but with a longer persistence of subretinal fluid in a greater number of patients.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that both SB and DIP are safe and effective treatments yielding functional and anatomical recovery in patients with severe SBRD. However, the DIP technique may be easier and less costly, with a success rate similar to that of SB.
Gradual decline in outpatient antibiotic prescriptions in paediatrics: A data warehouse–based 11‐year cohort study
Authors: Grammatico‐Guillon Leslie , Jafarzadeh S. Reza , Laurent Emeline , Shea Kimberly , Pasco Jeremy , Astagneau Pascal , Adams William , Pelton Stephen
Published: June 2020

Aim

To describe trends in antibiotic (AB) prescriptions in children in primary care over 11 years, using a large data warehouse.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study assessed outpatient AB prescriptions 2007‐2017, using the Massachusetts Health Disparities Repository. The evolution of paediatric outpatient AB prescriptions was assessed using time‐series analyses through annual per cent change (APC) for the population and for children with or without comorbid condition.

Results

About 25 000 children were followed in primary care with 31 248 AB prescriptions reported in the data warehouse. The youngest children had more AB prescriptions. Penicillins were prescribed most frequently (46%), then macrolides (28%). One third of children had comorbid conditions, receiving significantly more antibiotics (30.3 vs 21.0 AB/100 child‐years, relative risk: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.40, 1.46). Overall AB prescription decreased over the period (APC = −5.34%, 95% CI: −7.10, −3.54), with similar trends for penicillins (APC = −5.49; 95% CI: −8.27, −2.62) and macrolides (APC = −6.46; 95% CI: −8.37, −4.58); antibiotic prescribing declined more in children with comorbid conditions.

Conclusion

Outpatient AB prescribing decline was gradual and consistent in paediatrics over the period. Prescription differences persisted between age groups, conditions and indication. The availability of routine care data through data warehouse fosters the surveillance automation, providing inexpensive fast tools to design appropriate antimicrobial stewardship.
Economic Predictors of Differences in Interview Faking Between Countries: Economic Inequality Matters, Not the State of Economy
Authors: König Cornelius J. , Langer Markus , Fell Clemens B. , Pathak Raghuvar Dutt , Bajwa Nida ul Habib , Derous Eva , Geißler Sanja M. , Hirose Shinichi , Hülsheger Ute , Javakhishvili Nino , Junges Nilve , Knudsen Birgit , Lee Michael S.W. , Mariani Marco G. , Nag Gopal C. , Petrescu Claudia , Robie Chet , Rohorua Halahingano , Sammel Lavinia D. , Schichtel Désirée , Titov Sergei , Todadze Ketevan , von Lautz Alexander H. , Ziem Martina
Published: June 2020

Many companies recruit employees from different parts of the globe, and faking behavior by potential employees is a ubiquitous phenomenon. It seems that applicants from some countries are more prone to faking compared to others, but the reasons for these differences are largely unexplored. This study relates country‐level economic variables to faking behavior in hiring processes. In a cross‐national study across 20 countries, participants (N = 3,839) reported their faking behavior in their last job interview. This study used the random response technique (RRT) to ensure participants’ anonymity and to foster honest answers regarding faking behavior. Results indicate that general economic indicators (gross domestic product per capita [GDP] and unemployment rate) show negligible correlations with faking across the countries, whereas economic inequality is positively related to the extent of applicant faking to a substantial extent. These findings imply that people are sensitive to inequality within countries and that inequality relates to faking, because inequality might actuate other psychological processes (e.g., envy) which in turn increase the probability for unethical behavior in many forms.