bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sublingual Versus Swallowed Morphine
Authors: Dyal Brenda W. , Powell-Roach Keesha L. , Robison Jeanne , Campbell Bethaney , Yoon Saunjoo L. , Wilkie Diana J.
Published: December 2019

Background

The optimal route for immediate-release morphine administration is controversial. The known physical characteristics of morphine that allow absorption are counter to the unproven belief that sublingual morphine is absorbed more quickly.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare swallowed and sublingual morphine for effects on plasma morphine concentrations (PMCs), pain relief, and taste.

Methods

Ten participants with cancer (mean age, 50 ± 12 years) received a 10-mg morphine tablet in a randomized crossover design with repeated premeasure and postmeasure for 60 minutes. Measures included PMC and visual analog scale (100 mm) scores for pain relief and taste.

Results

Interindividual variability in maximum PMC was 25-fold (2.2–55 ng/mL). At 60 minutes, sublingual and swallowed routes were not significantly different for mean area under the curve for PMC (swallowed, 329 ± 314 ng/mL; sublingual, 314 ± 299 ng/mL) or for mean pain relief scores (swallowed, 81 ± 32; sublingual, 78 ± 31). Taste scores at 5 (P < .05), 10 (P < .04), 15 (P < .02), and 20 (P < .04) minutes after swallowed doses were significantly less unpleasant than after sublingual doses.

Conclusion

In this crossover design, between-group PMCs were similar for sublingual and swallowed morphine and resulted in a similar level of pain relief. Given the 25-fold across-participant differences in PMC after the same dose, additional research is warranted to identify the sources of this tremendous variability in PMC.

Implications for Practice

Because of unpleasant taste, which could influence adherence and subsequent analgesia, clinicians should encourage patients to swallow their morphine doses and restrict use of sublingual morphine to individuals who are unable to swallow.
Understanding Infection Prevention Practices in Optometry Clinics
Authors: Fernandes Priyanka , OYong Kelsey , Terashita Dawn
Published: December 2019

SIGNIFICANCE

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health investigated an outbreak of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis secondary to adenovirus linked to a single optometry clinic between June and July 2017. Suboptimal infection prevention practices were identified in the implicated clinic.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine infection prevention practices in optometry clinics within Los Angeles County.

METHODS

A 17-question survey on infection prevention practices among a sample of optometry providers in the county was conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The survey was administered via e-mails sent to a local optometric society's Listserv and in person at a local continuing education event for optometrists. The results were analyzed and are represented as percentages.

RESULTS

There were 42 responses, 20 via the online survey (response rate, 15%) and 22 via the in-person survey (response rate, 22%). More than half had no written hand-hygiene policy (58.5%, n = 24/41), 46.2% (n = 18/39) did not wear gloves while examining patients with eye drainage, and about half (48.6%, n = 18/37) did not use droplet precautions for patients with respiratory symptoms. The vast majority used multidose eye-drop vials (92.5%, n = 37/40), but 41.6% (n = 15/36) did not discard the vial if the tip came into contact with conjunctiva/skin/environmental surface. To ensure a clean tonometer for each patient, the majority (68.4%, n = 26/38) used 70% isopropyl alcohol, 47.4% (n = 18/38) used noncontact tonometers, and 23.6% (n = 9/38) used disposable tips (answers not mutually exclusive); none used bleach.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data highlight several areas of concern in the practice of standard or transmission-based precautions in the sampled population. First, hand-hygiene policies are not well enforced. Second, personal protective equipment is not appropriately used while examining potentially infectious patients. Third, eye-drop vials are not consistently discarded if contaminated with eye secretions. Lastly, a large proportion of surveyed practices use inadequate disinfection techniques of tonometers.
Randomized Crossover Trial Evaluating the Impact of Senofilcon A Photochromic Lens on Driving Performance
Authors: Buch John R. , Toubouti Youssef , Cannon Jessica
Published: December 2019

SIGNIFICANCE

The first contact lens to incorporate a photochromic additive was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year. Because any ophthalmic lens that absorbs visible wavelengths will reduce retinal illuminance, it is important to understand the impact of this new photochromic contact lens on vision and both daytime and nighttime driving performance.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of senofilcon A photochromic contact lens wear on vision and driving performance under real-world conditions by comparison with a nonphotochromic contact lens and plano photochromic spectacles.

METHODS

In this randomized four-visit bilateral crossover study, 24 licensed regular drivers and established wearers of soft contact lenses were enrolled. Subjects wore in random order each of three study lens types: the investigational photochromic soft contact lens (test), a nonphotochromic soft contact lens (control 1), and plano photochromic spectacle lenses (control 2). Driver performance was assessed on a closed-circuit driving track under challenging controlled conditions. The primary endpoint was overall driving performance score calculated as a composite Z score of six objective metrics.

RESULTS

All 24 subjects (mean age, 29.8 years) completed the study. For nighttime driving, the adjusted mean differences in Z score (95% confidence interval) between test and control 1 and between test and control 2 were 0.069 (−0.045 to +0.183) and 0.117 (0.003 to 0.231), respectively. For daytime driving, mean differences were 0.101 (−0.013 to +0.216) between test and control 1 and 0.044 (−0.070 to +0.158) between test and control 2. Results demonstrated noninferiority of the test lens relative to controls for nighttime and daytime driving performance using a noninferiority margin of −0.25 Z score. Noninferiority was also demonstrated on all logMAR and contrast threshold testing. No adverse events were reported during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Study results revealed no evidence of concerns with either driving performance or vision while wearing photochromic contact lenses.
Therapeutic Uses of Cannabis on Sleep Disorders and Related Conditions
Authors: Choi Seulah , Huang Barry C. , Gamaldo Charlene E.
Published: December 2019

Marijuana generally refers to the dried mixture of leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, and the term cannabis is a commonly used to refer to products derived from the Cannabis sativa L. plant. There has been an increasing interest in the potential medicinal use of cannabis to treat a variety of diseases and conditions. This review will provide the latest evidence regarding the medical risks and potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis in managing patients with sleep disorders or those with other medical conditions who commonly suffer with sleep disturbance as an associated comorbidity. Published data regarding the effects of cannabis compounds on sleep in the general population, as well as in patients with insomnia, chronic pain, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other neurological conditions, will be presented. Current trends for marijuana use and its effects on the economy and the implications that those trends and effects have on future research into medical cannabis are also presented.
Cannabis for Pediatric Epilepsy
Authors: Huntsman Richard J. , Tang-Wai Richard , Shackelford Alan E.
Published: December 2019

Epilepsy is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. Up to 30% of children with epilepsy will be refractory to standard anticonvulsant therapy, and those with epileptic encephalopathy can be particularly challenging to treat. The endocannabinoid system can modulate the physiologic processes underlying epileptogenesis. The anticonvulsant properties of several cannabinoids, namely Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol (CBD), have been demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Cannabis-based therapies have been used for millennia to treat a variety of diseases including epilepsy. Several studies have shown that CBD, both in isolation as a pharmaceutical-grade preparation or as part of a CBD-enriched cannabis herbal extract, is beneficial in decreasing seizure frequency in children with treatment-resistant epilepsy. Overall, cannabis herbal extracts appear to provide greater efficacy in decreasing seizure frequency, but the studies assessing cannabis herbal extract are either retrospective or small-scale observational studies. The two large randomized controlled studies assessing the efficacy of pharmaceutical-grade CBD in children with Dravet and Lennox–Gastaut syndromes showed similar efficacy to other anticonvulsants. Lack of data regarding appropriate dosing and pediatric pharmacokinetics continues to make authorization of cannabis-based therapies to children with treatment-resistant epilepsy challenging.
Developing robust biomarkers for vascular cognitive disorders: adding ‘V’ to the AT(N) research framework
Authors: Sachdev Perminder S.
Published: December 2019

Purpose of review

The AT(N) research framework was introduced in 2018 to define Alzheimer's disease as a biological entity. It is recognized that Alzheimer's disease lesions rarely occur in isolation in older brains, with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) being a common comorbidity. To fully characterize the disorder of dementia, the AT(N) framework needs to be extended with biomarkers for other disorders. The present review examines some of the requirements for adding a ‘V’ to the AT(N), and examines the currently available biomarkers as definitive markers of CVD.

Recent findings

Neuroimaging biomarkers of CVD have received the greatest attention, with rapid advances in MRI techniques showing the greatest promise. Challenges remain in standardization of techniques, validation of some of the results and assessing total CVD burden from diverse lesion types. Retinal imaging shows promise as a window to cerebral vasculature. Biochemical markers are advancing rapidly, but their specificity for CVD is not established.

Biomarkers of CVD have seen rapid advances but further validation and determination of their specificity are needed before they can be reliably used to delineate a V in the AT(N) framework as definitive indicators of significant CVD.
Hydroxide Ion Carrier for Proton Pump in Bacteriorhodopsin: Primary Proton Transfer
Authors: Imai M. , Ono J. , Nishimura Y. , Nakai H.
Published: December 2019

Bacteriorhodopsin (BR) is a model protein for light-driven proton pumps, where the vectorial active proton transport results in light-energy conversion. To clarify the microscopic mechanism of primary proton transfer from retinal Schiff base (SB) to Asp85 in BR, herein we performed quantum-mechanical metadynamics simulations of the whole BR system (∼3800 atoms). The simulations showed a novel proton transfer mechanism, viz. hydroxide ion mechanism, in which the deprotonation of specific internal water (Wat452) yields the protonation of Asp85 via Thr89, after which the resulting hydroxide ion accepts the remaining proton from retinal SB. Furthermore, systematic investigations adopting four sequential snapshots obtained by the time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography revealed that proton transfer took 2–5.25 μs on the photocycle. The presence of Wat401, which is the main difference between snapshots at 2 and 5.25 μs, is found to be essential in assisting the primary proton transfer.

SIGNIFICANCE

Bacteriorhodopsin (BR), the benchmark of light-driven proton pumps, has attracted much attention from diverse areas in terms of energy conversion. Despite the significant experimental and theoretical efforts, the microscopic mechanism of the proton transfers in BR is not completely unveiled. In this study, quantum-mechanical molecular dynamics simulations of whole BR system were performed to elucidate the primary proton transfer in the L intermediate state with the latest snapshots obtained from X-ray free electron laser. As a result, it is found that the hydroxide ion originating from the specific internal water, which appears at the active site only in the L state, acts as a carrier for the primary proton transfer, demonstrating the importance of hydroxide ions in proton pumps.
The Ocular Glymphatic Clearance System
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Lou Nanhong , Eberhardt Allison , Kusk Peter , Xu Qiwu , Förstera Benjamin , Peng Sisi , Yang Yujia , Shi Meng , Xavier Anna L. R. , Ertürk Ali , Libby Richard T. , Chen Lu , Thrane Alexander S. , Nedergaard Maiken
Published: December 2019

Despite high metabolic activity, the retina and optic nerve head lack traditional lymphatic drainage. We here identified a novel ocular glymphatic clearance route for fluid and wastes via the proximal optic nerve. Amyloid-β (Aβ) was cleared from the vitreous via a pathway driven by the ocular-cranial pressure difference. After traversing the lamina barrier, intra-axonal Aβ was cleared via the perivenous space and subsequently drained to lymphatic vessels. Light-induced pupil constriction enhanced, while atropine or raising intracranial pressure blocked efflux. In two distinct murine models of glaucoma, Aβ leaked from the eye via defects in the lamina barrier instead of directional axonal efflux. The discovery of a novel pathway for removal of fluid and metabolites from the intraocular space prompts a reevaluation of the core principles governing eye physiology and provides a framework for new therapeutic approaches to treat common eye diseases, including glaucoma.

One Sentence Summary

Glymphatic pathway clears ocular amyloid-β via optic nerve and fails in glaucoma.
CAP-MAP: Cap Analysis Protocol with Minimal Analyte Processing, a rapid and sensitive approach to analysing mRNA cap structures
Authors: Galloway Alison , Atrih Abdelmadjid , Grzela Renata , Darzynkiewicz Edward , Ferguson Michael A. J. , Cowling Victoria H.
Published: December 2019

Eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) is modified by the addition of an inverted guanosine cap to the triphosphate at the 5’ end. The cap guanosine and initial transcribed nucleotides are further methylated by a series of cap methyltransferases to generate the mature cap structures which protect RNA from degradation and recruit proteins involved in RNA processing and translation. Research demonstrating that the cap methyltransferases are regulated has generated interest in determining the methylation status of the mRNA cap structures present in cells. Here we present CAP-MAP: Cap Analysis Protocol with Minimal Analyte Processing, a rapid and sensitive method for detecting cap structures present in mRNA isolated from tissues or cell cultures.
Dexmedetomidine - commonly used in functional imaging studies - increases susceptibility to seizures in rats but not in wild type mice
Authors: Bortel Aleksandra , Pilgram Roland , Yao Ze Shan , Shmuel Amir
Published: December 2019

Functional MRI (fMRI) utilizes changes in metabolic and hemodynamic signals to indirectly infer the underlying local changes in neuronal activity. To investigate the mechanisms of fMRI responses, spontaneous fluctuations, and functional connectivity in the resting-state, it is important to pursue fMRI in animal models. Animal studies commonly use dexmedetomidine sedation. It has been demonstrated that potent sensory stimuli administered under dexmedetomidine are prone to inducing seizures in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.

Here we combined optical imaging of intrinsic signals and cerebral blood flow with neurophysiological recordings to measure responses in rat area S1FL to electrical forepaw stimulation administered at 8 Hz. We show that the increased susceptibility to seizures starts no later than 1 hour and ends no sooner than 3 hours after initiating a continuous administration of dexmedetomidine. By administering different combinations of anesthetic and sedative agents, we demonstrate that dexmedetomidine is the sole agent necessary for the increased susceptibility to seizures. The increased susceptibility to seizures prevails under a combination of 0.3%-0.5% isoflurane and dexmedetomidine anesthesia. The blood-oxygenation and cerebral blood flow responses to seizures induced by forepaw stimulation have a higher amplitude and a larger spatial extent relative to physiological responses to the same stimuli. The epileptic activity and the associated blood oxygenation and cerebral blood flow responses stretched beyond the stimulation period. We observed seizures in response to forepaw stimulation with 1-2 mA pulses administered at 8 Hz. In contrast, responses to stimuli administered at 4 Hz were seizure-free. We demonstrate that such seizures are generated not only in SD rats but also in Long-Evans rats, but not in C57BL6 mice stimulated with similar potent stimuli under dexmedetomidine sedation.

We conclude that high-amplitude hemodynamic functional imaging responses evoked by peripheral stimulation in rats sedated with dexmedetomidine are possibly due to the induction of epileptic activity. Therefore, caution should be practiced in experiments that combine the administration of potent stimuli with dexmedetomidine sedation. We propose stimulation paradigms that elicit seizure-free, well detectable neurophysiological and hemodynamic responses in rats. We further conclude that the increased susceptibility to seizures under dexmedetomidine sedation is species dependent.
Single-Cell Map of Diverse Immune Phenotypes in the Metastatic Brain Tumor Microenvironment of Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Liang , Dai Jinxiang , Han Run-Run , Dong Lei , Feng Dayun , Zhu Gang , Guo Wei , Wang Yuan , Chao Min , Jin Ming-zhu , Jin Shi-Jia , Wei Dong-Ping , Sun Wei , Jin Weilin
Published: December 2019

Cancer immunotherapies have shown sustained clinical success in treating primary non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, patients with brain metastasis are excluded from the trials because the brain is viewed traditionally as an immune-privileged organ. The composition and properties of tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells in metastatic brain tumors are mostly unknown. To depict the baseline landscape of the composition, gene signature, and functional states of these immune cells, we performed - single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) for 12,196cellsafter data preprocessing, including 2,241 immunecells from three surgically removed brain lesions of treatment-naïve NSCLC patients. We found a lack of T lymphocyte infiltration and activation, as well as the vast expansion of tumor-associated macrophage(TAM) in the brain lesions of NSCLC patients. By comparing our scRNAseq dataset with published data from early and late-stage primary NSCLC tumors, we showed that this compromised T cell response is unique to brain lesions. We identified a unique alternative activation (M2) gene expression pattern of the TAM in the brain metastasis and a lack of known T cell co-stimulator expression. Accumulation of M2 polarized TAM may, therefore, cause the comprised anti-tumor T cell response in metastatic brain lesions. These findings can contribute to the design of new immunotherapy strategies for NSCLC patients with brain metastasis.
DRB1 as a mediator between transcription and microRNA processing
Authors: Bielewicz Dawid , Dolata Jakub , Bajczyk Mateusz , Szewc Lukasz , Gulanicz Tomasz , Bhat Susheel Sagar , Karlik Anna , Jarmolowski Artur , Szweykowska-Kulinska Zofia
Published: December 2019

DRB1 (HYL1) is a double-stranded RNA binding protein involved in miRNA processing in plants. It is a core component of the Microprocessor complex and enhances the efficiency and precision of miRNA processing by DCL1 protein. In this work, we report a novel function of DRB1 protein in the transcription ofMIRgenes. DRB1 co-localizes with RNA Polymerase II and affects its distribution alongMIRgenes. Moreover, proteomic experiments revealed that DRB1 protein interacts with many transcription factors. Finally, we show that the action of DRB1 is not limited toMIRgenes as it impacts expression of many other genes, majority of which are involved in plant response to light. These discoveries add DRB1 as another player of gene regulation at transcriptional level, independent of its role in miRNA biogenesis.
Predictors of mothers’ performance in daily use of five servings of fruit and vegetables by rural preschoolers
Authors: Hatefnia Effat , Hossini Esmat , Rahimzadeh Mitra
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Using the PRECEDE model, the purpose of this paper is to determine the predictors of mothers’ performance in daily consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV) in rural preschoolers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out on 350 mothers of preschool children who had health records in the rural health-care centers of Iran. To collect data, a researcher-made questionnaire based on the PRECEDE model was used. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 19 software.

Findings

The results showed that 11.42 percent of the mothers observed the FV intake for their children recommended by WHO. The independent t-test showed a significant difference between the mean scores of predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors.

Originality/value

This study showed that the rate of FV intake by preschool children in rural areas was much lower than the recommended WHO rate. To promote behavior, attention to the predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors seems to be necessary.
Introducing the “5S-KAIZEN-TQM” approach into public hospitals in Egypt
Authors: Ishijima Hisahiro , Nishikido Kaori , Teshima Masashi , Nishikawa Sayumi , Gawad Eman Abdul
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify how the introduction and dissemination of the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach positively influence the Egyptian health sector and its sustainability. It also seeks to encourage effective and efficient introduction of the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach into the health sectors of low- and middle-income countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The pilot program introducing the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach into five Egyptian public hospitals spanned over 13 months from January 2016 to February 2017. During the pilot program, a series of interventions occurred to introduce the approach, such as seminars on the 5S and KAIZEN approach, consultation visits and progress report meetings. Data and information were collected through conducting interviews, observing directly and evaluating the implementation progress of 5S-KAIZEN-TQM activities.

Findings

The study identified the following factors in effective and efficient dissemination of 5S-KAIZEN-TQM activities in the Egyptian health sector: restructuring the quality management structure to establish Quality Improvement Teams and Work Improvement Teams in hospitals, generating strong leadership and commitment among leaders, conducting effective in-house trainings on the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach, monitoring and following up on 5S-KAIZEN-TQM activities and introducing the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach using non-clinical sections, which could also influence the sustainability of the activities.

Originality/value

This study holds value in its clarification of meaningful ways to disseminate and encourage the sustainability of the 5S-KAIZEN-TQM approach in Egyptian public health facilities. Moreover, officials from the Ministry of Health and Population and hospital managers in Egypt can use the findings to plan and disseminate this approach nationwide.
Analysis of the operational risk factors in public hospitals in an Indian state
Authors: Vishnu C.R. , Sridharan R. , Ram Kumar P.N. , Regi Kumar V.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Risk management in the healthcare sector is a highly relevant sub-domain and a crucial research area from the humanitarian perspective. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the managerial/supply chain risk factors experienced by the government hospitals in an Indian state. The present paper analyzes the inter-relationships among the significant risk factors and ranks those risk factors based on their criticality.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research focuses on 125 public hospitals in an Indian state. Questionnaire-based survey and personal interviews were conducted in the healthcare sector among the inpatients and hospital staff to identify the significant risk factors. An integrated DEMATEL–ISM–PROMETHEE method is adopted to analyze the impact potential and dependence behavior of the risk factors.

Findings

The analysis asserts the absence of critical risk factors that have a direct impact on patient safety in the present healthcare system under investigation. However, the results illustrate the remarkable impact potential attributed to the risk factor, namely, staff shortage in inducing other risk factors such as employee attitudinal issues, employee health issues and absenteeism altogether resulting in community mistrust/misbeliefs. Maintenance mismanagement, monsoon time epidemics, physical infrastructure limitations are also found to be significant risk factors that compromise patient satisfaction levels.

Practical implications

Multiple options are illustrated to mitigate significant risk factors and operational constraints experienced by public hospitals in the state. The study warrants urgent attention from government officials to fill staff vacancies and to improve the infrastructural facilities to match with the increasing demand from the society. Furthermore, this research recommends the hospital authorities to start conducting induction and training programs for the hospital employees to instill the fundamental code of conduct while working in hectic, challenging and even in conditions with limited resources.

Originality/value

Only limited papers are visible that address the identification and mitigation of risk factors associated with hospitals. The present paper proposes a novel DEMATEL–ISM–PROMETHEE integrated approach to map the inter-relationships among the significant risk factors and to rank those risk factors based on their criticality. Furthermore, the present study discloses the unique setting of the public healthcare system in a developing nation.
Innovations in family firms: a study of owner-managers’ knowledge development
Authors: Steinerowska-Streb Izabella , Wziątek-Staśko Anna
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the relationship between family firms’ innovation output and the continuous knowledge development of owner-managers. Moreover, the study aims to investigate the effect of the level of owner-managers’ educational background on family firms’ innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

The data originate from a primary research conducted in Poland. A log-linear analysis was used to verify the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the positive relationship between the higher levels of education of owner-managers and the innovation output of family firms does not exist. However, the innovativeness of family firms is determined by the continuous development of owner-managers’ knowledge. Family firms whose owner-managers continuously expand their knowledge introduce significantly more product and marketing innovations. This relationship appears independent of firm’s size, type of business activity and owner-managers’ educational level.

Practical implications

Understanding how the continuous development of owner-managers’ knowledge influence the firm’s innovation output is potentially valuable for managers of family firms. The findings offer also practical suggestions for policymakers on how to support structures that aim to enhance innovation in family enterprises.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the family business literature by presenting quantitative findings describing links between family firms’ innovation outputs and continuous knowledge development of owner-managers. Thus, the study broadens knowledge on factors determining innovation of family firms and influencing family business heterogeneity.
Impact of family involvement on strategy and CEO compensation
Authors: Kohli Manika , Gill Suveera
Published: December 2019

Purpose

As widely known and well established, strategic decision-making at family firms is an interface between business interests and family considerations. The purpose of this paper is to understand the underlying basis of decision-making in setting corporate strategy and designing chief executive officer (CEO) compensation at founder-vis-à-visdescendant-led family firms in the Indian pharmaceutical sector.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 106 BSE-listed pharmaceutical companies have been studied over the period 2012–2017 resulting in a total of 636 firm-year observations. Impact of family involvement in business (FIB) on corporate strategy and CEO compensation has been analysed by constructing multivariate panel data regression models. To deal with the problem of endogeneity, Arellano-Bond (1991) dynamic panel data estimation procedure has moreover been conducted.

Findings

Supporting stewardship theory, founder-owned and governed firms have been found to favour “growth” strategy and distribute “conservative” executive pay, thereby exerting a positive moderating impact on the strategy-compensation linkage. On the contrary, descendants/second-generation entrepreneurs have put forth a “conservative” stance for growth and innovation, and have rather been observed to favour a “liberal” compensation policy, thereby showcasing the application of behavioural agency theory.

Originality/value

The research is a novel attempt to unravel the interaction between corporate strategy and CEO compensation in a family firm backdrop carried out in the context of an emerging economy. The study, moreover, adopted an all-encompassing definition of FIB (ownership, management and governance).
Predicting customers’ adoption towards family takaful scheme in Pakistan using diffusion theory of innovation
Authors: Shaikh Imran Mehboob , Bin Noordin Kamaruzaman , Arijo Sindhia , Shaikh Fawad , Alsharief Ahmed
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the determinants that influence the customer’s adoption towards the use of family takaful scheme by extending diffusion theory of innovation (DOI) in the context of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The published work allied to takaful studies and DOI was reviewed. Total of 282 respondents who are non-users of family takaful product were used for the purpose of primary data collection through convenience sampling.

Findings

The customer’s adoption towards Islamic insurance is determined not only by perceived relative advantage and perceived compatibility but also by awareness and religious belief. Perceived complexity, on the contrary, turns out not to be a predictor of family takaful adoption. Further, gender, age and education do not moderate the family takaful adoption by the customers.

Research limitations/implications

This research alike others have limitations in terms of sampling method used and only covers one city of Pakistan, namely, Karachi. Further studies need to be conducted in other cities as well with a large population.

Originality/value

Extended DOI is not used in the context of takaful in Pakistan as evident from scarce literature on the empirical studies. Therefore, the authors extend the DOI in the current work. Further, this paper will be a useful reference guide for the academicians, operators of takaful business and future researchers.
Spatial usage analysis based on user activity big data logs in library
Authors: Kim Tae-Young , Gang Ju-Yeon , Oh Hyo-Jung
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This study explored spatial usage of a public library based on activity logs produced by real users. The purpose of this paper is to provide preliminary data for decision-making when establishing the library operation policy.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the goal, the author collected a variety of data including 274,242 seat reservations logs, 3,361,284 collection usage logs, and 96,098 user information for the four years in which the National Library of Korea, Sejong actually operated. The crawled data were analyzed statistically in terms of demography, month, day of week, time of day and room by room. The author conducted additional in-depth analysis according to the external factors such as weather or social demographic environment. Finally, the author discussed several issues and verified feasibility of the proposals to support decision-making in operating a library in conclusion with a secondary librarian interview.

Findings

The usage rate in all the spaces of the National Library of Korea, Sejong, has been increasing since its opening, and, in particular, the usage rate increases sharply in January, February, July and August. In addition, the usage rate during weekends was higher than that during weekdays, and all the four spaces had a high usage rate during the afternoon. These results seem to be related to weather, users’ life pattern, users’ age, and position of PCs and seats. Based on the circulation logs analysis of children’s collections, users in their 10s and 40s showed the same space usage pattern.

Originality/value

This study has significance in that it attempted to analyze logs produced by real users during the actual library operation period, which has not been frequently attempted in the previous studies on libraries. The findings will be provided as basic data to support decision-making for efficient operation of libraries.
Changing roles of university libraries of Bangladesh: an exploratory study
Authors: Rahman Md. Habibur
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the roles that should be practiced in university libraries of Bangladesh; the more specific objectives are to identify the present practicing roles of university libraries of Bangladesh, the tools and technologies which are needed for serving libraries in changing environment, the qualities of library professionals that are necessary for providing better service in changing roles of library and the problems of implementing changing roles in university libraries of Bangladesh and to explore the ways to overcome the existing problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey methods were used for gathering data using a well-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent to the respondents of some selected public and private universities of different divisions of Bangladesh including Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Sylhet and Barisal. The respondents consisted of library and information professionals and IT professionals who are working in libraries. Descriptive analysis techniques of SPSS were used to analyze the quantitative data. Qualitative data has been analyzed using thematic analysis process.

Findings

The findings revealed that there are some hindrances to provide modern library service, lack of IT skills, funds and problems of intellectual property right act and provide some suitable suggestions for the advancement of modern university libraries of Bangladesh.

Originality/value

The insights and views of the respondents regarding tools and technologies obtained from this study are original and unique in nature.
Benefits and pitfalls of a CEO’s personal Twitter messaging
Authors: Craig Russell , Amernic Joel
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This paper explores the benefits and pitfalls of a CEO’s personal messaging on Twitter.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on recent professional and scholarly literature that has explored Twitter use by executives. For empirical support, some personal tweets of Uber’s CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk are cited.

Findings

Twitter enables the exercise of leadership through language, especially by CEOs who learn how to harness its benefits and avoid its pitfalls. Communicating via a CEO’s personal Twitter account can help establish the actual and perceived organizational culture of a company; build and maintain the CEO’s reputation as an honest broker of information; and influence how a company’s business model and priorities are perceived.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to explore the implications of the use by CEO’s of their personal Twitter account for corporate purposes.
A Robust Approach to Automatically Locating Grooves in 3D Bullet Land Scans
Authors: Rice Kiegan , Genschel Ulrike , Hofmann Heike
Published: December 2019

Land engraved areas (LEAs) provide evidence to address the same source–different source problem in forensic firearms examination. Collecting 3D images of bullet LEAs requires capturing portions of the neighboring groove engraved areas (GEAs). Analyzing LEA and GEA data separately is imperative to accuracy in automated comparison methods such as the one developed by Hare et al. (Ann Appl Stat 2017;11, 2332). Existing standard statistical modeling techniques often fail to adequately separate LEA and GEA data due to the atypical structure of 3D bullet data. We developed a method for automated removal of GEA data based on robust locally weighted regression (LOESS). This automated method was tested on high‐resolution 3D scans of LEAs from two bullet test sets with a total of 622 LEA scans. Our robust LOESS method outperforms a previously proposed “rollapply” method. We conclude that our method is a major improvement upon rollapply, but that further validation needs to be conducted before the method can be applied in a fully automated fashion.
Prefrontal cortex brain damage and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Choi Sarah E. , Roy Bhaswati , Freeby Matthew , Mullur Rashmi , Woo Mary A. , Kumar Rajesh
Published: December 2019

Background

This study examined brain tissue integrity in sites that controls cognition (prefrontal cortices; PFC) and its relationships to glycemic outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

We examined 28 T2DM patients (median age 57.1 years; median body mass index [BMI] 30.6 kg/m2;11 males) and 47 healthy controls (median age 55.0 years; median BMI 25.8 kg/m2; 29 males) for cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]), glycemic control (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]), and PFC tissue status via brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). High‐resolution T1‐weighted images were collected using a 3.0‐Tesla MRI scanner, and PFC tissue changes (tissue density) were examined with voxel‐based morphometry procedures.

Results

Reduced PFC density values were observed in T2DM patients compared to controls (left, 0.41 ± 0.02 mm3/voxel vs 0.44 ± 0.02 mm3/voxel, P < 0.001; right, 0.41 ± 0.03 mm3/voxel vs 0.45 ± 0.02 mm3/voxel, P < 0.001). PFC density values were positively correlated with cognition; left PFC region (r = 0.53, P = 0.005) and right PFC region (r = 0.56, P = 0.003), with age and sex as covariates. Significant negative correlations were found between PFC densities and HbA1c values; left PFC region (r = −0.39, P = 0.049) and right PFC region (r = −0.48, P = 0.01), with age and sex as covariates.

Conclusions

T2DM patients showed PFC brain tissue damage, which is associated with cognitive deficits and poor glycemic control. Further research is needed to identify causal relationships between HbA1c, cognition, and brain changes in T2DM and to evaluate the impact of interventions to prevent brain tissue injury or neuroregeneration in this high‐risk patient population, to eventually preserve or enhance cognition and improve glucose outcomes.
Utility of Ga68 prostate‐specific membrane antigen positron‐emission tomography for pre‐operative staging of high‐risk prostate cancer in a prospective cohort
Authors: Tarr Gregory Patrick , Kashyap Puja , Dixit Devesh Datta , Willams Andrew Keith , Koya Madhusudhan Prasad , Lim Remy
Published: December 2019

Introduction

To assess the yield of Ga68 PSMA PET/CT added to the conventional staging of high‐risk prostate cancer in terms of altered staging and changes to management.

Methods

Patients with high‐risk prostate cancer without metastatic disease on conventional staging referred for Ga68 PSMA PET/CT at Mercy Radiology, Auckland, New Zealand, were prospectively recruited. Conventional staging was double read in a blinded fashion by oncology fellowship‐trained radiologists, who were also experienced in PET/CT, followed by interpretation of the PSMA PET/CT by the same radiologists. Confirmation of changes in management decision was obtained from the treating surgeon and multidisciplinary team meeting records. Ethical approval was obtained from the Health and Disability Ethics Committee. All patients gave written informed consent.

Results

A total of 49 patients were scanned. Three who were otherwise eligible for radical prostatectomy elected alternative treatments, leaving 46 patients included for analysis in the study. The addition of PSMA PET/CT was associated with highly statistically significant changes in both staging and management. The stage was changed in 32.6% (95% CI 20.8–47.1%, P < 0.001) patients upstaging in 60% and downstaging in 40%; clinical management in 34.8% (95% CI 22.6–49.3%; P < 0.001), with intramodality change in 25% and intermodality change in 75%. Factors predictive of a change in management with PSMA PET/CT included higher Gleason score and a greater proportion of prostatic cores positive for tumour.

Conclusion

The addition of Ga68 PSMA PET/CT to conventional staging in high‐risk prostate cancer frequently leads to changes in staging and management.
Advances in Research of Mineral Chemistry of Magmatic and Hydrothermal Biotites
Authors: TANG Pan , CHEN Yuchuan , TANG Juxing , WANG Ying , ZHENG Wenbao , LENG Qiufeng , LIN Bin , WU Chunneng
Published: December 2019

Biotite is an important hydrated ferromagnesian silicate mineral in igneous rocks and porphyry deposits. The determination of chemical compositions of biotite plays an important role in both igneous petrology and ore forming processes. This paper summarizes research results of magmatic and hydrothermal biotites exemplified by the Lakange porphyry Cu–Mo deposit and the Qulong porphyry Cu deposit in the Gangdese porphyry–skarn metallogenic belt, Tibet. Biotite mineral chemistry can provide critical insights into classification, geothermometer, geothermobarometry, oxygen fugacity, petrogenesis and tectonic setting, evaluating magmatic‐hydrothermal process by halogen and halogen fugacity ratios, and distinguishing between barren and mineralized rocks. Biotite provides the latest mineralogical evidence on metallogenic prognosis and prospecting evaluation for porphyry Cu polymetallic deposits or magmatic hydrothermal deposits.
PRECARIOUS CHOREIA IN SATYR PLAY
Authors: LÄMMLE REBECCA
Published: December 2019

Satyr drama is defined by the dominating presence of its eponymous chorus; yet its choreia always appears precarious and problematic. The satyrs sing and dance and are scolded for doing so, or they do not sing and dance and are scolded for not doing so. Even when they are singing and dancing, the satyrs themselves question their own choreia as they lament the impossibility of singing and dancing under current circumstances, share memories of better songs and past dances, or imagine them happening in the future. This paper considers the persistent problematization of choreia in satyr play and the specific uses of satyric choreia as a central element in the poetics of the genre, arguing that these are tied to an unabashedly Dionysiac re-construction of the origins of drama. Finally, a postscript shows how satyr drama’s treatment of choreia translates into the visual sphere on the famous Pronomos Vase.
The purpose of profit
Authors: Edmans Alex
Published: December 2019

The idea that business must sacrifice profits to do good must be turned on its head, says Alex Edmans
When women win, we all win
Authors: Peterson Randall S
Published: December 2019

When women achieve economic empowerment, everyone benefits – so it's time to tackle the deep structures underlying gender inequality. By Randall S Peterson
View from the ground
Authors: Renuncio Antonio Aragón
Published: December 2019

These shortlisted images from the LBS Photography Awards 2019 powerfully portray aspects of the global economy as it's experienced by people around the world ‐ and the beginning of a shift away from fossil fuels
Cultural intelligence
Authors: Peterson Randall S
Published: December 2019

Randall S Peterson argues that rapid innovation in places like Kenya and Peru prove we need to let go of old and unhelpful habits in today's multicultural, global business context
An evaluation of the Danish version of the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale
Authors: Simonsen Birgitte Yndgaard , Skovby Pernille , Lisby Marianne
Published: December 2019

Background

Emergence Delirium (ED) is a common complication from anesthesia. Although ED has a short duration, detection is important due to the risk that ED poses for post‐operative complications in the child. The Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) scale has been translated into Danish, but it has not yet been validated. The aim of this study was to investigate the inter‐rater reliability, criterion validity, and responsiveness of the Danish version of the PAED scale as well as to determine the prevalence of ED.

Method

A sample of 100 post‐operative children were enrolled and assessed with the PAED scale at pre‐specified time intervals. Inter‐rater reliability was assessed independently by 2 raters. For criterion validity, a clinical expert was chosen as the gold standard. Sensitivity and specificity were based on a comparison between the scoring of the raters and the gold standard. Responsiveness was assessed by comparing changes in scores. Prevalence was based on the PAED scale's cut‐off level of ≥10 points.

Results

A high level of agreement was found, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.85‐0.94. Few outliers appeared in the Bland‐Altman plot. Sensitivity ranged from 70% to 86%, and the specificity of both raters against the gold standard was 100%. Changes in scores were indicative of responsiveness. Prevalence was 13.2%.

Conclusion

The Danish version of the PAED scale was found reliable and demonstrated high levels of sensitivity and specificity. In addition, it was possible to identify changes in scores over time. Prevalence was in line with existing literature.
Genome‐wide scan of selection signatures in Dehong humped cattle for heat tolerance and disease resistance
Authors: Li R. , Li C. , Chen H. , Li R. , Chong Q. , Xiao H. , Chen S.
Published: December 2019

Dehong humped cattle (DHH) is an indigenous zebu breed from southwestern China that possesses characteristics of heat tolerance and strong disease resistance and adapts well to the local tropical and subtropical climatic conditions. However, information on selection signatures of DHH is scarce. Herein, we compared the genomes of DHH and each of Diqing and Zhaotong cattle breeds using the population differentiation index (FST), cross‐population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP‐EHH) and cross‐population composite likelihood ratio (XP‐CLR) methods to explore the genomic signatures of heat tolerance and disease resistance in DHH. Several pathways and genes carried selection signatures, including thermal sweating (calcium signaling pathway), heat shock (HSF1) and oxidative stress response (PLCB1, PLCB4), coat color (RAB31), feed intake (ATP8A1, SHC3) and reproduction (TP63, MAP3K13, PTPN4, PPP3CC, ADAMTSL1, SS18L1, OSBPL2, TOX, RREB1, GRK2). These identified pathways and genes may contribute to heat tolerance in DHH. Simultaneously, we also identified LIPH, TP63 and CBFA2T3 genes under positive selection that were associated with immunity.