bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tetrakis(2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzenethiolato-κS)(triphenylphosphane-κP)osmium(IV): a monoclinic polymorph
Authors: Zeleny Paulina , Arroyo Maribel , Meléndez Lidia , Bernès Sylvain
Published: December 2019

The structure of the title compound, [Os(C6HF4S)4{P(C6H5)3}], has been previously reported [Arroyo et al. (1994). J. Chem. Soc. Dalton Trans. pp. 1819–1824], in the space group P\overline{1}. We have now obtained a monoclinic polymorph for this compound, crystallized from ethanol, while the previous form was obtained from a hexane/chloroform mixture. The molecular structure is based on a trigonal–bipyramidal OsIV coordination geometry, close to that observed previously in the triclinic form.
(2,2′-Bipyridine-κ2
N,N′)(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato-κ2
N,O)palladium(II) monohydrate
Authors: Ha Kwang
Published: December 2019

In the title compound, [Pd(C7H3NO4)(C10H8N2)]·H2O, the PdII cation is four-coordinated in a distorted square-planar coordination geometry defined by the two N atoms of the 2,2′-bipyridine ligand, one O atom and one N atom from the pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate anion. The complex and solvent water molecule are linked by intermolecular hydrogen bonds. In the crystal, the complex molecules are stacked in columns along the a axis.
Overcoming barriers for building energy efficiency retrofits: insights from hotel retrofits in Sri Lanka
Authors: Fasna M.F.F. , Gunatilake Sachie
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Despite the pressures around the world to retrofit existing buildings to have higher energy performance, still the level of adoption and implementation of Building Energy Efficiency Retrofits (BEER) appear comparatively low. The purpose of this paper is to explore the barriers that affect the successful implementation of BEER in actual project level executions and identify strategies to overcome such barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, two case studies were conducted in selected hotel buildings to explore the barriers that hamper the adoption and implementation of BEER in the local context and in turn identify the strategies to overcome them. Altogether 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with respondents involved in different phases of these BEER projects. The data were analysed using code-based content analysis.

Findings

Altogether 38 barriers were identified under the three main project phases. Furthermore, the study revealed 77 strategies to overcome the identified barriers, classified as individual, organisational and national level strategies.

Originality/value

This paper has made a unique contribution to the field by identifying the barriers in each phase of BEER projects and proposing strategies to be taken at different levels to overcome them. The findings of this study will provide a basis for setting up country-wide and organisation-wide strategies for successfully improving the energy efficiency of existing hotel buildings.
Investment apportionments among participants of PPP rental retirement villages
Authors: Liu Shijing , Jin Hongyu , Liu Chunlu , Xie Benzheng , Mills Anthony
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine public–private partnership (PPP) approaches for the construction of rental retirement villages in Australia and to allocate the investment proportions under a certain project return rate among three investors which are the government, private sectors and pension funds. The apportionment will achieve a minimum overall investment risk for the project.

Design/methodology/approach

Capital structure, particularly determination of investment apportionment proportions, is one of the key factors affecting the success of PPP rental retirement villages. Markowitz mean-variance model was applied to examine the investment allocations with minimum project investment risks under a certain projected return rate among the PPP partners for the construction of rental retirement villages.

Findings

The research findings validate the feasibility of the inclusion of pension funds in the construction of PPP rental retirement villages and demonstrate the existence of relationships between the project return rate and the investment allocation proportions.

Originality/value

This paper provides a quantitative approach for determination of the investment proportions among PPP partners to enrich the theory of PPP in relation to the construction of rental retirement villages. This has implications for PPP partners and can help these stakeholders make vital contributions in developing intellectual wealth in the PPP investment area while providing them with a detailed guide to decision making and negotiation in relation to investment in PPP rental retirement villages.
An integrated approach of Lean-Green construction: Sri Lankan perspective
Authors: Pandithawatta T.P.W.S.I. , Zainudeen N. , Perera C.S.R.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Construction industry hesitates to associate Green concepts on building projects mainly due to its high initial investment cost. Even if it is economical in the long run, often the benefits are suppressed with the costs generated through non-value-adding activities in the construction process. Lean construction principles have proved to eliminate such waste while enhancing the construction process. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of the integration of Lean and Green concepts in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The fundamental principles of both Lean and Green construction were evaluated through an extensive literature survey. A qualitative approach was adopted, and thus, based on the literature findings, expert interviews were conducted with professionals having experience in both Green and Lean concepts. Furthermore, the findings were validated through experts to analyse the adaptability of the integration. Content analysis technique was utilised with NVivo software programme to analyse the findings.

Findings

The integration of the Green concept was found to alter the traditional application of Lean concept, considering the social and environmental aspects without limiting to economic considerations. The study revealed that the perception of the Sri Lankan stakeholders towards the application of integrated Lean-Green concept is focussed on a positive direction. As a result, the identified enablers to implementing the integrated concept supersede the barriers by confirming the appropriateness of the application in the local construction industry.

Originality/value

A framework was developed through the findings to guide the implementation of integrated Lean-Green application in Sri Lankan context.
Manpasand Beverages Ltd: Agile Capabilities for Sustained Growth
Authors: Banerjee Arindam
Published: December 2019

The case tells the story of a first generation entrepreneur, Dhirendra Singh, and his struggle for 15 years to establish a mango pulp based beverage marketing company without any external support and funding. The case highlights the travails that Dhirendra goes through in marketing an undifferentiated product, a mango drink. He survives, largely due to his grit and some lucky breaks, until an external funding agency notices him 15 years after he started his journey.

With growth and stability (in 2017, it was the fourth largest packaged beverage in India) come new issues for the enterprise to grapple with. The case leaves the reader to reflect upon these challenges that the company encounters. Can the company overcome these hurdles and thrive? How, is the question that remains unanswered.
Exporting the Golden Bean
Authors: Mahale Harish , Anamika R , Kumar Vinod A
Published: December 2019

This case deals with the need of a European company to import organic soybean from India. The company's India Operations Manager wants to know the feasibility of such a venture. The case describes the procurement of organic soybean from a city in central India, understanding standards of organic production, and finally the costs and procedures involved in exporting the organic soybean to Europe.
Frankies for You (FFY)
Authors: Shruti Dave
Published: December 2019

Frankies For You is a comprehensive case on standard costing. It stresses the importance of adopting cost control tools like budgeting by small organizations. FFY is a small food joint started by Mr. Raj Singh. After the first month of operation, he finds that though sales volume has increased compared to the budget, the actual profit has fallen. Detailed variance analysis has to be used to find the cause for this anomaly, to evaluate the performance of the staff and to assign responsibilities. The case also refers to Activity Based Pricing, an important contemporary costing principle.
MotherRock LP: Natural Gas Calendar Spread
Authors: Verma Jayanth R.
Published: December 2019

The case deals with risk management issues related to a large calendar spread position in a highly seasonal and volatile commodity (natural gas). Apart from fundamental factors affecting the supply and demand for natural gas, the spread is also exposed to transient price movements in the futures market itself. The case is designed to be used in courses on derivatives, alternative investments and hedge funds.
Spark Publishing and Printing House: Short-Run Managerial Decision Raises a ‘Hamlet-Like’ Dilemma (SPPH)
Authors: Dave Shruti
Published: December 2019

Spark Publishing and Printing House is a comprehensive case on relevant costs analysis for short run alternative choice decisions. It stresses the importance of future differential cash flow analysis and highlights the irrelevance of past and non differential costs for managerial decisions. SPPH is a reputed publishing and printing house. It has two departments: Publishing and Printing and Distribution. SPPH has received a proposal from Fine Printing Press to take up its printing and distribution work for initial period of one year. The managerial decision involved is whether to outsource or to maintain status quo. Relevant cost analysis is to be used to determine which alternative is cost effective.
Great Northern Iron Ore Properties
Authors: Joshy Jacob , Varma Jayanth R.
Published: December 2019

The case presents a context of irrational pricing in a stock and demonstrates the possible role of investor heuristics operating in the financial markets. The case is ideal in a course on behavioral finance to teach topics like the limits to arbitrage or the influence of various heuristics in financial markets.
Spectrum Management in India (A)
Authors: Jain Rekha
Published: December 2019

Case A uses the context of unfair, non-transparent process of spectrum allocation by the Indian government to private operators that led to Supreme Court (SC) cancel 122 licenses. It gives scope to discuss the relationship between policy and regulatory agencies and their effectiveness, role of other institutes outside telecom sector such as the Prime Minister Office, Empowered Group of Ministers and the Comptroller & Auditor General of India.
Railroad Laundry Service
Authors: Banerjee Arindam
Published: December 2019

The case is about a service provided to rail commuters who lack the time to attend to their daily chores because of the long hours spent in commuting. It talks about the process of building the business of providing a laundry pick up and drop off service at the railway station. The case may be a good starter for defining the business in terms of customer need served and how the entire operation is aligned towards addressing the need.
From Hero Honda to Hero V/s Honda in the Indian Market: Creating New Consumer Memories and Perception
Authors: Sahay Arvind , Mathen Nidhi
Published: December 2019

In 2010, Hero Honda (HH), the largest global two-wheeler manufacturing company (based on unit sales), terminated its 26 year old JV with Honda, effective 2014. In August 2011, HH, rebranded itself as “Hero”, with a nationwide campaign across media; over three months, the campaign was rolled out on 30 TV channels, leading websites, 200 radio stations, and 4, 000 cinema halls. Signages were changed in 4, 500 touchpoints over a weekend. The case documents the market and brand position of HH and its principal competitors, Bajaj and Honda in India, the rationale for ending the JV, the rebranding requirements, and the actions taken. Pedagogically, we evaluate the rebranding effort to sustain, create, and build consumer memories and emotions.
Won't Cry Over Spoilt Milk: Amul's Response to Customer's Complaint on Social Media
Authors: Abhishek
Published: December 2019

This case traces the turn of events when Neha Tomar, a resident of Gurgaon, posted a complaint about Amul milk on Facebook. The post got over 100, 000 shares and was liked by close to 10, 000 users on Facebook. This created a flutter as Amul, India's largest food brand, was known to maintain highest standards and had come to symbolize quality in milk products category. GCMMF, owners of Amul brand, swiftly moved into action and posted the official stand on their Facebook page. The post stated that there was no problem with milk and accused Neha of concealing the facts for generating and sustaining hype. This case presents a new pattern of customer engagement wherein brand is not afraid to take on customer in social media space for managing its reputation.
RentYourFashion.Com (C)
Authors: Tripathi Sanjeev , Agrawal Rahul
Published: December 2019

Wright & Company conducted a market research for ‘Fashion Destination’ to determine the consumer purchase intention for a clothing and accessories rental service. Based on secondary research and expert interviews, the consultants came up with a preliminary business model for the service. And through qualitative research they found that consumers indeed had a purchase intention for a clothing and accessories rental service. To validate the conclusion they conducted a primary research by administering a detailed questionnaire and prepared a codebook. The consultants now had the challenge to make an analysis plan to draw appropriate inferences vis-à-vis the objectives of the research.
Aava Natural Mineral Water (A)
Authors: Jaiswal Anand Kumar , Palan Harit , Jain Ingita
Published: December 2019

Launched in 2005, Aava natural mineral water is one of the key brands in the natural mineral water market in India. It had sales of over Rs. 15 crore (150 million) in 2012 and it is the second largest brand and a volume leader in the natural mineral water category. The case discusses the dilemma faced by its Managing Director and his team in light of the emerging competition. The company needs to take important decisions related to customer segment selection, product mix and introduction of new product offerings.
Regency Hospital Limited (B): The Road Travelled
Authors: Gupta Parvinder , Gupta Nirmal
Published: December 2019

This case builds on Regency Hospital Limited (A), which describes the struggles that the founder Dr. Atul Kapoor went through in setting up the hospital and the challenges he and his team faced. Regency Hospital Limited, a multi-specialty hospital in Kanpur, India, was founded in 1995. Case (B) examines the development and progress made at the hospital, and the way various issues that the hospital faced were dealt with. It also highlights what made the hospital successful. In the process, the case highlights issues on leadership, entrepreneurship, organizational culture, and management of change.
Attention Passengers: Your Flight has been Delayed
Authors: Kulkarni Vaibhavi
Published: December 2019

The case explicates a situation wherein an international flight from Newark to Ahmedabad, with a stopover in Mumbai, is delayed during the final leg of its journey between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that all international and domestic passengers are already on board when they face this five-hour delay. The case provides a rich context to discuss issues related to difficult communication and persuasion during crisis. The captain communicates with the passengers, through a series of announcements, with updates on the situation. He attempts to manage the escalating tension within the airplane and does succeed to a certain level. The case highlights the significance of timely and well-crafted messages during crisis situations. It also illuminates how the use of rhetorical strategies influence customer perception of credibility and at times, shift attribution of blame.
Dadri Power Plant of National Thermal Power Corporation Limited
Authors: Shukla Ajay , Dutta Goutam
Published: December 2019

This case deals with steps taken by NTPC in construction and project management in 500 MW power plant. The project have several innovative ways of managing challenges, in land acquisition, design, implementation, contract worker management, enforcement of safety rules, managing regulation iand in team building in leadership. A suitable case for site management, it shows in spite of being a public sector undertaking, how the project was constructed in record time of 42 months.
Reflections on women’s career responsibilities in neoliberally driven universities
Authors: Asirvatham Sheeba , Humphries-Kil Maria
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on career aspirations and experiences explored with senior women organizational scholars employed in neoliberally driven public universities in Aotearoa (New Zealand) legally mandated to serve as a critic and conscience of society.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the 18 months period, three sequential research conversations were conducted with each of 12 participants known for their commitment to social justice and planetary well-being. The conversational approach allowed for spontaneous participant-lead development of ideas. Sequencing of conversations allowed for reflection on matters raised in previous conversations.

Findings

Vitality and creativity deemed essential to scholarly careers were reportedly under pressure. Career concepts in use indicate a protean commitment to self-direction but also recognized constraints of institutionally driven neoliberal output regimes. Detrimental impacts of neoliberal values permeating their employing institutions were offered spontaneously often in radical feminist terms but paradoxically given liberal feminist remedies.

Research limitations/implications

The 12 diverse transcripts of participant conversations generated remarkable similarities that indicate the influence of career articulations on the social construction of reality. The implications of this interpretation invite further reflection on the consequences of normalization of career metaphors and their implication in the intensification of institutional control, the weakening of professional autonomy and the system preserving restriction of career-related responsibilities.

Practical implications

Highlighting constraints to creativity and vitality necessary for scholarly work can inform further research into professional influences on justice and environmental matters in and beyond the Academy.

Social implications

In this paper a short review of Aotearoa (New Zealand) as in vanguard of neoliberal intensification globally, the implication of this doctrine in neoliberally driven universities and the impacts on career opportunities, degradations and responsibilities of scholars are explored.

Originality/value

The conversational research process contrasts with more tightly framed empirical research methods by generating spontaneous participant-led articulations of career-related dynamics explored and expanded over subsequent conversations.
Effects of family encouragement on migrant workers’ return-to-hometown intention and turnover
Authors: Li Guoliang , Fang Yanran , Song Yifan , Chen Jingqiu , Wang Mo
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Given migrant workers’ critical role in the Chinese economy, the increasing number of migrant workers who leave their organizations and return to their hometown has caused severe socioeconomic issues in China. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to migrant worker literature by revealing the micro-mechanism underlying migrant workers’ return-to-hometown intention and turnover.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a convenience sample from seven Chinese companies that employed migrant workers (n=147). The authors used path analysis to test the hypotheses.

Findings

Migrant workers’ family encouragement of returning to hometown was positively related to their return-to-hometown intention, which subsequently predicted their turnover decision in six months. Further, migrant workers’ perceived career sacrifice associated with returning to hometown weakened the effect of family encouragement to return.

Practical implications

For organizations that need to retain migrant workers, the findings indicate that it is particularly important to take migrant workers’ family needs and their career-related concerns into account. For migrant workers, the study highlights the importance of assessing gains and losses in the process of making turnover-related decisions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to migrant worker literature by investigating psychological processes underlying migrant workers return-to-hometown intention and the subsequent turnover from a micro perspective.
The diversification benefit of Islamic investment to Chinese conventional equity investors
Authors: Saiti Buerhan , Ma Yusuf , Nagayev Ruslan , Yumusak İbrahim Güran
Published: December 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which Chinese equity investors can benefit from diversifying their portfolio into Shariah-compliant (Islamic) indices. It examines three Islamic stock indices (FTSE Shariah China price index, MSCI China Islamic IMI price index and the DJ Islamic Greater China price index) and ten sectoral indices in Shanghai Stock Exchange as a sample.

Design/methodology/approach

The multivariate GARCH dynamic conditional correlations (MGARCH-DCC) is deployed to estimate the time-varying linkages of returns of the selected indices, covering approximately eight years daily data starting from 28 August 2009 to 29 September 2017.

Findings

In general, in terms of volatility, the results indicate that all Islamic Indices are less volatile than the conventional indices. From the correlation analysis, the results imply that Chinese conventional equity investors would benefit from Islamic stock indices, especially when they include DJ Islamic Greater China in their portfolio.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper may have several significant implications for the Chinese equity investors and fund managers for better understanding about co-movements of the Chinese conventional sectoral indices with the Shariah-compliant stock indices with the purpose of gaining higher risk-adjusted returns through portfolio diversification.
A comparative analysis of contemporary 155 mm artillery projectiles
Authors: Brady Matilda R. , Goethals Paul
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To recover the growing deficit between American and near-peer mobile artillery ranges, the US Army is exploring the use of the M982 Excalibur munition, a family of long-range precision projectiles. This paper aims to analyze the effectiveness of the M982 in comparison to the M795 and M549A1 projectiles to further the understanding of what this new asset contributes.

Design/methodology/approach

Based upon doctrinal scenarios for target destruction, a statistical analysis is performed using Monte Carlo simulation to identify a likely probability of kill ratio for the M982. A values-based hierarchical modeling approach is then used to differentiate the M982 from similar-type projectiles quantitatively in terms of several different attributes. Finally, sensitivity analyzes are presented for each of the value attributes, to identify areas where measures may lack robustness in precision.

Findings

Based upon a set of seven value measures, such as maximum range, effective range, the expected number of rounds to destroy a target, and the unit cost of a munition, the M982 1a-2 was found to be best suited for engaging point and small area targets. It is noted, however, that the M795 and M549A1 projectiles are likely better munition options for large area targets. Hence, an integrated targeting plan may best optimize the force’s weapon systems against a near-peer adversary.

Originality/value

The findings provide initial evidence that doctrinal adjustments in how the Army uses its artillery systems may be beneficial in facing near-peer adversaries. In addition, the values-based modeling approach offered in this research provides a framework for which similar technological advances may be examined.
The effect of knowledge management, e-learning systems and organizational learning on organizational intelligence
Authors: Soltani Zeynab , Zareie Batool , Rajabiun Leila , Agha Mohseni Fashami Ali
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Nowadays, organizations are facing fast markets’ changing, competition strategies, technological innovations and accessibility of information. In such highly dynamic situations, many factors must be coordinated to realize effective decision-making. In addition, the definition of organizational intelligence is as follows: intellectual ability to answer organizational issues and focus on the unification of human and mechanical abilities for solving problems. This paper aims to investigate important factors (organizational learning, knowledge management and e-learning systems) that influence organizational intelligence.

Design/methodology/approach

Data have been collected from 290 personnel of tax administration of East Azarbaijan, Iran. For measuring the model’s elements, a questionnaire has been proposed. Surveys have been reviewed by experts with significant experiences in the organizational intelligence field. For statistical analysis of questionnaires, the statistical package social sciences 25 and SMART-partial least squares 0.3 have been used.

Findings

Findings from the study verify the validity of the design for an organizational intelligence assessment. The outcomes indicate that e-learning systems positively affected organizational intelligence. In addition, they show that the influence of knowledge management and organizational learning on organizational intelligence is important.

Originality/value

Organizational intelligence’s multidimensional nature makes it a very useful and essential management tool. Therefore, it provides beneficial results for the organizations’ managers to study the important factors affecting it.
Novel environmentally friendly tannin-cyclohexanone formaldehyde resin for high performance applications
Authors: Kızılcan Nilgun , Sert Selda
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Cyclohexanone-formaldehyde resin (CFR) was in situ modified with tannin (T) in the presence of sodium hydroxide. The purpose of this study is to produce eco-friendly tannin-modified cyclohexanone resins (TCFR) with a one-step method that has higher decomposition temperature than CFR. The solubility, molecular weight and thermal properties of the product were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

Cyclohexanone, formalin (37 per cent aqueous solution) and tannin were mixed and 20 per cent aqueous NaOH solution was added to produce the resin. Tannin has environmentally friendly bio-based phenolic compounds that the tannin structure has been incorporated into the structure of the cyclohexanone formaldehyde resin during the in situ modification of resin, such as resole resin.

Findings

The improvement of the properties of the TCFRs produced from condensed tannin. TCFRs were soluble in common organic solvents. The product TCFR has a dark red colour.

Research limitations/implications

The reaction mixture must be stirred continuously. Subsequently, 37 per cent formalin was added drop-wise in total while refluxing. The amount of aqueous NaOH solution of it is limited, as the formed resin may become insoluble in common organic solvents. At the end of the reaction, a water-soluble resin is obtained. Then, the water of water phase was removed from TCFR reaction system, successively by evaporating with rotary evaporator.

Practical implications

This study provides the application of ketonic resins. The TCFR containing tannin groups may also promote the adhesive strength of a coating.

Social implications

These resins may be used for the preparation of adhesive. Condensed tannin, with a large amount of Catechol groups was considered for reducing the formaldehyde emission level on the adhesive system.

Originality/value

TCFR has been synthesised in the presence of a base catalyst. Environmental and ecological concerns have increased the attention paid by chemical industry to renewable raw materials.
Interspecific differences and ecological correlations of energy metabolism traits in freshwater fishes
Authors: Pang Xu , Shao Feng , Ding Shi‐Huan , Fu Shi‐Jian , Zhang Yao‐Guang
Published: December 2019

Metabolic energy fuels all biological processes, and thus, energy metabolism is vitally important for organisms. It has been suggested that interspecific variation in physiological functions is associated with the energetic metabolism of organisms, which varies considerably due to selection, adaptation and evolution.

Thus, the present study aimed to clarify the relationship between the interspecific diversification of maintenance energy expenditure and two forms of anaerobic capacity (in terms of exercise and hypoxia tolerance) in freshwater fishes. Moreover, in the context of environmental adaptation, we hypothesized that selection for increased locomotor performance in species with a fast‐flow lifestyle favours a high aerobic and anaerobic capacity and, consequently, a high maintenance metabolism, whereas selection for strong hypoxia tolerance in species with a slow‐flow lifestyle favours a reduced maintenance metabolism and a reduced aerobic capacity.

We examined these topics among 30 species of freshwater fish with different lifestyles based on the flow regimes of their habitats (fast, intermediate and slow flow). The resting metabolic rate of each species was measured, and then, the fish were subjected to two treatments: (a) exercise to exhaustion, after which we measured the maximum metabolic rate, excess post‐exercise oxygen consumption and metabolic recovery rate; and (b) hypoxia to the point of loss of equilibrium (LOE), after which we measured the metabolic response to recovery from hypoxia, including the peak metabolic rate (PMRh) and the excess post‐hypoxia oxygen consumption (EPOCh).

We found that the resting metabolic rate was positively correlated with both the aerobic and anaerobic capacity of the fishes and that species from fast‐flow habitats have higher aerobic and anaerobic capacity with concomitantly increased resting metabolism. However, neither EPOCh nor LOE was correlated with resting metabolic rate.

In summary, we suggest that selection for increased aerobic and anaerobic capacity to facilitate the demands of exercise has occurred in fast‐flow species, that selection for hypoxia tolerance may have favoured a reduction in this capacity in intermediate and slow‐flow species, and that specialized adaptations (such as flexibility in gill morphology and altered metabolic pathways) play important roles in hypoxia tolerance in some species.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Lifestyle information and commercial weight management groups to support maternal postnatal weight management and positive lifestyle behaviour: the SWAN feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bick D , Taylor C , Bhavnani V , Healey A , Seed P , Roberts S , Zasada M , Avery A , Craig V , Khazaezadah N , McMullen S , O'Connor S , Oki B , Ntim EO , Poston L , Ussher M
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To assess feasibility of a future randomised controlled trial (RCT) of clinical and cost‐effectiveness of lifestyle information and commercial weight management groups to support postnatal weight management to 12 months post‐birth.

Design

Two‐arm feasibility trial, with nested mixed‐methods process evaluation.

Setting

Inner‐city unit, south England.

Population

Women with body mass indices (BMIs) ≥25 kg/m2 at pregnancy booking or normal BMIs (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) identified with excessive gestational weight gain at 36 weeks of gestation.

Methods

Randomised to standard care plus commercial weight management sessions commencing 8–16 weeks postnatally or standard care only.

Main outcomes

Feasibility outcomes included assessment of recruitment, retention, acceptability and economic data collation. Primary and secondary end points included difference between groups in weight 12 months postnatally compared with booking (proposed primary outcome for a future trial), diet, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, mental health, infant feeding, NHS resource use.

Results

In all, 193 women were randomised: 98 intervention and 95 control; only four women had excessive gestational weight gain. A slightly greater weight change was found among intervention women at 12 months, with greatest benefit. Among women attending ten or more weight management sessions. There was >80% follow up to 12 months, low risk of contamination and no group differences in trial completion.

Conclusion

It was feasible to recruit and retain women with BMIs ≥25 kg/m2 to an intervention to support postnatal weight management; identification of excessive gestational weight gain requires consideration. Economic modelling could inform out‐of‐trial costs and benefits in a future trial. A definitive trial is an important next step.

Tweetable abstract

A feasibility RCT of postnatal weight support showed women with BMIs ≥25 kg/m2 can be recruited and followed to 12 months postnatally.
Using data mining to predict emergency department length of stay greater than 4 hours: Derivation and single‐site validation of a decision tree algorithm
Authors: Rahman Md Anisur , Honan Bridget , Glanville Thomas , Hough Peter , Walker Katie
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Health services have an imperative to reduce prolonged patient length of stay (LOS) in ED. Our objective is to develop and validate an accurate prediction model for patient LOS in ED greater than 4 hours using a data mining technique.

Methods

Data were collected from a regional Australian public hospital for all ED presentations between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2017. A decision tree algorithm was built to predict patients with an ED LOS >4 hours. A total of 33 attributes were analysed. The performance of the final model was internally validated. Clinically relevant patterns from the model were analysed.

Results

The accuracy of the model was 85%. We identified that patients at our site who were at high risk of ED LOS >4 hours were those who were waiting in ED for a medical consultation, or those who were waiting for a urology, surgical, orthopaedic or paediatric consultation if the request for consultation occurred more than 2 hours after the patient was first seen by an ED doctor.

Conclusion

This model performed very well in predicting ED LOS >4 hours for each individual patient and demonstrated a number of clinically relevant patterns. Identifying patterns that influence ED LOS is important for health managers in order to develop and implement interventions targeted at those clinical scenarios. Future work should look at the utility of displaying individual patient risk of ED LOS >4 hours using this model in real‐time at the point‐of‐care.
Increasing insulin resistance predicts adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sun Yi‐Ying , Juan Juan , Xu Qian‐Qian , Su Ri‐Na , Hirst Jane E. , Yang Hui‐Xia
Published: December 2019

Background

This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal insulin resistance (IR) in the late second trimester and pregnancy outcomes, as well as to identify risk factors of IR among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted among 2647 women diagnosed with GDM. IR was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment method for IR (HOMA‐IR) in the late second trimester (between 24 and 28 weeks), and the lipid profiles were measured at the same time. Patients were divided into groups based on quartiles of HOMA‐IR. The information on pregnancy outcomes and risk factors was extracted from the medical records of all participants and entered electronically. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the associations between HOMA‐IR and pregnancy outcomes, as well as the associations between risk factors and HOMA‐IR.

Results

Greater IR was associated with cesarean delivery, preterm delivery, macrosomia, and large for gestational age newborns, but only significantly associated with preterm delivery after adjustment for potential confounders (P < .001). Prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), weight gain before diagnosis of GDM, and triglycerides were significantly related with IR in the late second trimester (P < .001). Besides, the total area under the curve of the diagnostic 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test and glycosylated hemoglobin A1c increased from the lowest to the highest HOMA‐IR groups.

Conclusions

Increasing IR in the late second trimester predicts adverse pregnancy outcomes especially for preterm delivery in women with GDM. Additionally, prepregnancy BMI and weight gain before diagnosis of GDM are independent risk factors for the development of IR.
A Systematic review and Meta‐Analysis of the survival and clinicopathological features of p63 expression in Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Portilla Nataly , Alzate Juan P. , Sierra Fabio A. , Parra‐Medina Rafael
Published: December 2019

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare skin tumour of neuroendocrine origin with aggressive behaviour. The aims of this study were to investigate the association of p63 + MCC with clinicopathological features and to estimate survival through a systematic review and meta‐analysis. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Virtual Health Library following the PRISMA guidelines was conducted on September 2017. DerSimonian and Lard random‐effects models were used to calculate survival‐weighted means and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) among studies. Five studies met our inclusion criteria after screening 77 citations and 36 full‐text articles. The included studies enrolled 413 patients with MCC. We observed that p63 + MCC was significantly associated with mortality with OR 2.92 (95% CI [1.66–5.13]). The summary hazard ratio of multivariate analysis was 1.99 (95% CI [1.32–3.01]). The only clinicopathological feature associated with p63 + MCC with statistical significance was the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) status. The presence of MCPyV was associated as a protective factor for the expression of p63 (OR 0.25, 95% CI [0.08–0.73]). These results support that p63 + MCC evaluated by immunohistochemistry has a poor outcome. Therefore, we suggest p63 to be performed when staging MCC.
Access to Schlemm's canal for canaloplasty: an intra‐individual comparison of two dissection techniques
Authors: Grieshaber Matthias C. , Pienaar Ané , Stegmann Robert
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To compare a modified incision technique with classic scleral flap dissection for canaloplasty with canal expander regarding efficacy and safety.

Methods

In a prospective randomized pilot study of 32 eyes of 16 patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma, access to Schlemm's canal was created by deep lamellar dissection (scleral flap excision, group 1) or by vertical cut‐down incision (group 2). Following canal opening and viscodilation with microcannula and sodium hyaluronate, two Stegmann Canal Expanders were implanted, and the scleral flap or vertical incision, respectively, was closed watertight.

Results

Mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 34.9 mmHg ± 6.7 [standard deviation (SD)] in group 1 and 33.8 mmHg ± 7.7 (SD) in group 2 (p = 0.66); mean postoperative IOP without medications was 14.3 mmHg ± 2.9 (SD) in group 1 and 14.8 mmHg ± 5.2 (SD) in group 2 at 1 month (p = 0.76), and 14.4 mmHg ± 1.9 (SD) in group 1 and 16.8 mmHg ± 3.1 (SD) in group 2 at 12 months (p = 0.01). Overall, there was a significant preoperative–postoperative IOP difference between groups (19.4 mmHg ± 10.1, group 1; 16.6 mmHg ± 8.9, group 2; p = 0.02). Surgery type had a significant effect when adjusted for preoperative IOP, cup–disc ratio, eye side, follow‐up number and surgery type (p < 0.01, anova). No filtering bleb was observed in either group. Intra‐ and postoperative complications were rare and included peripheral Descemet's membrane detachment (3), microhyphema (2) and cannulation into the anterior chamber (1).

Conclusions

In this intra‐individual comparative study of ab externo canaloplasty with the canal expander, IOP reduction was substantial in both groups and slightly greater in the group with deep scleral flap excision. Additional IOP reduction by transscleral drainage through the Descemet's membrane window and intrascleral lake is suggested.
The Reliquary Bust of Saint Lambert from the Liège Cathedral, Belgium: Gemstones and Glass Beads Analysis by pXRF and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Bruni Y. , Hatert F. , George P. , Strivay D.
Published: December 2019

The reliquary bust of Saint Lambert, hosted in the Treasure of the Liège Cathedral, was produced in the early 15th century. This exceptional goldsmithery piece is covered with gold‐coated silver, and decorated by approximately 400 stones, analysed by Raman and pXRF techniques to determine their mineralogical and chemical composition. The results confirm the identification of one hundred pearls, twenty‐six rock crystals, ten amethysts, two diamonds, and numerous glass beads with a green, blue, colourless, turquoise, orange or red colour. The glass beads show a soda‐lime composition, confirming that they are contemporary of the bust and imported from Venice, as reported by historical sources. Orange beads show a lead composition and the red stone a triplet with quartz, indicating that they were added to the bust later. The cutting of gems and beads shows also a significant evolution. The metal contains approximately 60% of Au and 40% of Ag. The origin of gemstones was difficult to establish, due to the absence of characteristic trace elements, but the chemical elements used for the manufacture and colouring of the beads were determined. This study confirms the trade of stones between Liège and Venice during medieval times.
Genome‐wide re‐sequencing and transcriptome analysis reveal candidate genes associated with the pendulous comb phenotype in domestic chickens
Authors: Guo Xing , Wang Jiangxian , Ma Chendong , Wang Zhicheng , Chen Hong , Su Hu , Wan Yi , Jiang Runshen
Published: December 2019

To determine the causative variations associated with two chicken comb phenotypes, pendulous comb (PC) or upright comb (UC), two pooled genomic DNA samples from PC and UC chickens were re‐sequenced by Next‐Generation Sequencer, and genome‐wide Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected. Using three selective sweep approaches, FST, θπ, and Tajima's D, with top 5% window values serving as the threshold, a total of 84 positively selective genes (PSGs) were identified. There were no SNPs in exons of the PSGs with significant differences in allele frequencies between the two comb phenotype groups. Then, 515 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the PC and UC were identified by RNA‐seq. Three genes including CD36 (CD36 molecule), ADAMTSL3 (ADAMTS‐like 3), and AOX1 (aldehyde oxidases 1) are overlapped between PSGs and DEGs. After genotyping seven candidate SNPs in the regulatory regions of the three overlapping genes in 120 chickens from two other breeds, two variants (rs14607046 and rs731818051) in the regulatory regions of AOX1 and ADAMTSL3 were found to have significant differences in allele frequency between the PC and UC, suggesting that the two variants may be causative mutations for PC. Overall, our study shed light on the genetic basis underlying the PC phenotype in chickens.
Racial/ethnic differences in treatment quality among youth with primary care provider‐initiated versus mental health specialist‐initiated care for major depressive disorders
Authors: Yucel Aylin , Sanyal Swarnava , Essien Ekere J. , Mgbere Osaro , Aparasu Rajender , Bhatara Vinod S. , Alonzo Joy P. , Chen Hua
Published: December 2019

Objectives

To compare the racial/ethnic differences in treatment quality among youth with primary care provider‐initiated versus mental health specialist‐initiated care for major depressive disorders (MDD).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the 2005–2007 Medicaid claims data from Texas. Youth aged 10–20 during the study period were identified if they had two consecutive MDD diagnoses and received either medications for MDD or psychotherapy. Patients who received ≥84 days of medications and/or ≥4 sessions of psychotherapy for MDD treatment during 4 months of follow‐up were considered meeting the minimum adequacy of treatment.

Results

The generalized linear multilevel model (MLM) analysis revealed that both Hispanics and Blacks were approximately 30% less likely to receive adequate treatment (Hispanics – OR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.6–0.8) (Blacks – OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.6–0.8) and Hispanic children were 50% more likely to undergo MH‐related hospitalization (OR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.1–2.2) compared to their White counterparts. The odds of meeting the minimum MDD treatment adequacy were comparable between pediatric MDD cases first identified by primary care providers (PCP‐I) and psychiatrists (PSY‐I) (PCP‐I vs. PSY‐I: OR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.8–1.2), and slightly lower in those first identified by social workers/psychologists (SWP‐I) as compared to PSY‐I (SWP‐I vs. PSY‐I: OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.7–0.9). In all models, the interaction between race/ethnicity and type of provider who initiated MDD care was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Minority youths received less adequate MDD treatment compared to Whites. Hispanic children had the highest risk of having mental health‐related hospitalization. The specialty of provider who initiated MDD care had limited impact on treatment quality and was not associated with the racial/ethnic variations in treatment completion and mental health‐related hospitalizations.