bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A research-based approach for evaluating resources for transitioning to teaching online
Authors: Aguilar Stephen J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper provides a research-based approach for evaluating resources for transitioning to teaching online.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses Davies’ (2011) discussion of technological literacy; Koehler and Mishra’s (2009) Technology, Pedagogy and Content Knowledge (TPACK); Leacock and Nesbit’s (2011) Learning Object Review Instrument; and Reynolds and Leeder’s (2018) expanded notion of “technology stewardship” to underpin an approach that educators can use to evaluate educational resources for transitioning to teaching online.

Findings

This paper introduces and applies an approach focused on evaluating the source of a given educational resource, as well as how it can be implemented.

Research limitations/implications

This paper synthesizes frameworks relating to qualities of educational technologies and frameworks relating to qualities of educators, and introduces two criteria for evaluating resources for transitioning to distance learning.

Practical implications

This paper provides readily applicable criteria for evaluating resources in a time of emergency distance learning.

Social implications

This approach enables educators to evaluate resources in a time of emergency distance learning.

Originality/value

The synthesis of four approaches to evaluating educational technologies, and applying the approach to four resources that have emerged to address COVID-19-related instructional needs.
Influence of independent directors on the market risks of Indian banks
Authors: Shukla Ankur , Narayanasamy Sivasankaran , Ayyalusamy Kanagaraj , Pandya Saurabh Kaushik
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore the influence of independent directors (non-executive directors) on the market risks of the Indian banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on the data collected over a period of seven years (2009-2016) for a set of 29 Indian banks that are the constituents of the National Stock Exchange 500 Index. The data for independent directors of the sample banks are extracted from the annual reports of the banks, whereas the data relating to the dependent and control variables are compiled from the Ace equity and the Reserve Bank of India databases. The study uses the panel data method for analysis of the collected data for the sample banks.

Findings

This study concludes that independent directors increase the market risks for Indian banks (measured through equity beta).

Originality/value

This is, perhaps, the first paper to look into the impact of independent directors on the market risks of Indian banks. The policymakers and banks may need to be aware of the risk implications of the findings of the study in the Indian context, such that the independent directors enable their banks in reducing the market risks.
The impact of using a cloud supply chain on organizational performance
Authors: Lin Meichun , Lin Chinho , Chang Yong-Sheng
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to indicate the advantages of using cloud computing services, including the ways in which firms use cloud-based services to achieve accessibility, better communication, flexibility and effective provision of services. However, little evidence has been obtained related to the effectiveness of applying cloud computing services to supply management chains.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a sample of 223 top 1,000 manufacturing firms in Taiwan that had implemented cloud-based supply chain management systems (CSCMs) was surveyed to determine what kind of internal resources in these companies were allocated to this implementation effort, how collaborative relationships were established in the existing supply chain to help make the transitions successful, how well their systems are working now that they have been implemented and whether these new systems have improved cycle time performance and the overall performance of their organizations. The study also examines the interrelationships among these variables.

Findings

The results reveal that, from the perspective of the managers who were surveyed, an effective allocation of internal organizational resources does have a positive, strong effect on external CSCM conditions. They also showed that when the relationship between internal and external resources is well constructed, the result is that CSCM improves supply chain management cycle time performance, which, in turn, leads to positive organizational performance.

Originality/value

The study reports some useful insights from the managers of CSCM systems related to how the execution of CSCM solutions can improve cycle time and organizational performance by enhancing internal organizational management and joint collaboration among supply chain partners. The findings from this survey will be useful to managers who are considering creating cloud-based supply management systems in the future.
OECD’s global principles and EU’s tax crime measures
Authors: Turksen Umut , Abukari Adam
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate and provide pathways for leveraging the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD’s) Ten Global Principles (TGPs) for countering tax crimes in the EU.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is guided by the combination of traditional and innovative research methods drawn from criminal law and justice, public regulatory theory and tax law, based on socio-legal and comparative methodologies.

Findings

The research shows that EU has achieved considerable amount of progress when it comes to meeting the TGPs. However, law and practice in EU Member States indicate that there are different legal, human and organisational approaches to fighting tax crimes. The TGPs could be strategically applied to complementing the EU’s Fifth Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD) and other initiatives on Administrative Cooperation.

Research limitations/implications

Although the TGPs appear encompassing, there are opportunities to harness the potency of these principles and to provide more tailored principles that can help engineer sustainable remedies for countering tax crimes in the EU.

Practical implications

The paper critically analyses, through a multidisciplinary approach, the main legal, human and organisational factors influencing the prosecution of tax crimes in the EU Member States.

Social implications

Realignment and harmonisation of tax enforcement paractices in the EU Member States thus help in the reduction of tax gap resulting from tax offences.

Originality/value

The paper provides novel approaches and findings based on empirical info obtained from face-to-face focus groups with end users and law enforcement agencies in tax enforcement eco-system in ten different EU Member States.
Case management service quality and patient-centered care
Authors: Perera Sandun , Dabney Beverly Waller
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Providing care that is patient-centered is an important objective in the modern healthcare industry. Despite this objective, hospital inpatient case managers and the services they provide are evaluated routinely without including patients' perspectives. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to fill this research gap by using patient expectations and perceptions to assess the overall quality of and patient satisfaction with hospital case management services.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates five dimensions of case management services – reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy and tangibles – and how they affect overall quality and patient satisfaction. Study surveys are based on the SERVQUAL instrument. Survey data from a cross-sectional sample of 67 inpatients are analyzed using principal component analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, GAP analysis and a predictive model.

Findings

The preliminary part of the study identifies “tangibles” and “nontangibles” – reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy – as the main components. Among these two components, only nontangibles have a positive and significant effect on both quality and patient satisfaction according to patient perspectives. GAP analysis indicates that gaps between patient expectations and perceptions of reliability and assurance are significant. Finally, the proposed predictive model reveals that gaps in assurance have a significant impact on both overall quality and satisfaction, while gaps in empathy have a significant impact on satisfaction, but not overall quality.

Originality/value

Studies on service quality at the case manager level are limited. This study is the first in this domain to evaluate quality and satisfaction from the patient perspective.
Implications of customer participation in outsourcing non-core services to third parties
Authors: De Pourcq Kaat , Verleye Katrien , Larivière Bart , Trybou Jeroen , Gemmel Paul
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Focal service providers increasingly involve customers in the decision-making about outsourcing parts of the service delivery process to third parties. The present study investigates how customers' outsourcing decisions affect the formation of the waiting experience with the focal service provider, by which the objective waiting time, environmental quality and interactional quality act as focal drivers.

Design/methodology/approach

To test our hypotheses in the context of cancer care, we gathered process data and experience data by means of a patient observation template (n = 640) and a patient survey (n = 487). The combined data (n = 377) were analyzed using Bayesian models.

Findings

This study shows that opting for a service triad (i.e. outsourcing non-core services to a third party) deduces customers' attention away from the objective waiting time with the focal service provider but not from the environmental and interactional quality offered by the focal service provider. When the type of service triad coordination is considered, we observe similar effects for a focal service provider-coordinated service triad while in a customer-coordinated service triad the interactional quality is the sole experience driver of waiting experiences that remains significant.

Originality/value

By investigating the implications of customer participation in the decision-making about outsourcing parts of the service delivery process to third parties, this research contributes to the service design, service triad and service operations literature. Specifically, this study shows that customer outsourcing decisions impact waiting experience formation with the focal service provider.
Dynamics of wellbeing co-creation: a psychological ownership perspective
Authors: Chen Tom , Dodds Sarah , Finsterwalder Jörg , Witell Lars , Cheung Lilliemay , Falter Mareike , Garry Tony , Snyder Hannah , McColl-Kennedy Janet R.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

People are responsible for their wellbeing, yet whether they take ownership of their own or even others' wellbeing might vary from actor to actor. Such psychological ownership (PO) influences the dynamics of how wellbeing is co-created, particularly amongst actors, and ultimately determines actors' subjective wellbeing. The paper's research objective pertains to explicating the concept of the co-creation of wellbeing and conceptualizing the dynamics inherent to the co-creation of wellbeing with consideration of the influences of all involved actors from a PO perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

To provide a new conceptualization and framework for the dynamics of wellbeing co-creation, this research synthesizes wellbeing, PO and value co-creation literature. Four healthcare cases serve to illustrate the effects of engaged actors' PO on the co-creation of wellbeing.

Findings

The derived conceptual framework of dynamic co-creation of wellbeing suggests four main propositions: (1) the focal actor's wellbeing state is the intangible target of the focal actor's and other engaged actors' PO, transformed throughout the process of wellbeing co-creation, (2) PO over the focal actor's wellbeing state is subject to the three interrelated routes of exercising control, investing in the target, and intimately knowing the target, which determine the instigation of wellbeing co-creation, (3) the level of PO over the focal actor's wellbeing state can vary, influence and be influenced by the extent of wellbeing co-creation, (4) the co-creation of wellbeing, evoked by PO, is founded on resource integration, which influences the resources–challenges equilibrium of focal actor and of all other engaged actors, affecting individual subjective wellbeing.

Originality/value

This article provides a novel conceptual framework that can shed new light on the co-creation of wellbeing in service research. Through the introduction of PO the transformation of lives and wellbeing can be better understood.
Health-care workers’ knowledge and management skills of psychosocial and mental health needs and priorities of individuals with COVID-19
Authors: Hamdan Mansour Ayman , Al Shibi Ahmad N. , Khalifeh Anas H. , Hamdan Mansour Laith A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the knowledge and management skills of health-care workers regarding psychosocial and mental health priorities and needs of individuals with COVID-19.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study. The data collected conveniently from 101 health-care workers in Jordan directly managing care of individuals with COVID-19.

Findings

Health-care workers have moderate-to-high level of knowledge and management skills of psychological distress related to COVID-19; means ranged from 50%–70% agreement and confidence. In general, health-care workers were able to identify mental and psychosocial health needs and priorities at a moderate level. Health-care workers knowledge had a positive and significant correlation with age (r = 0.24, p = 0.012) and years of experience (r = 0.28, p = 0.004), and a significant difference was found in their management between those who are trained on psychological first aids and those who are not (t = −3.11, p = 0.003).

Practical implications

There is a need to train health-care workers to integrate psychosocial and mental health care to manage care psychological distress related to COVID-19.

Originality/value

This study is emphasizing the need for mental health psychosocial support training and in integration. Health-care workers providing care to individuals with COVID-19 are not aware of mental health priorities and needs of their patients. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge adding more understanding about competencies of health-care workers providing care and their preparedness to manage care individuals with COVID-19.
Decomposition of leaf litter mixtures across biomes: The role of litter identity, diversity and soil fauna
Authors: Zhou Shixing , Butenschoen Olaf , Barantal Sandra , Handa Ira Tanya , Makkonen Marika , Vos Veronique , Aerts Rien , Berg Matty P. , McKie Brendan , Van Ruijven Jasper , Hättenschwiler Stephan , Scheu Stefan
Published: June 2020

At broad spatial scales, the factors regulating litter decomposition remain ambiguous, with the understanding of these factors largely based on studies investigating site‐specific single litter species, whereas studies using multi litter species mixtures across sites are rare.

We exposed in microcosms containing single species and all possible mixtures of four leaf litter species differing widely in initial chemical and physical characteristics from a temperate forest to the climatic conditions of four different forests across the Northern Hemisphere for 1 year.

Calcium, magnesium and condensed tannins predicted litter mass loss of single litter species and mixtures across forest types and biomes, regardless of species richness and microarthropod presence. However, relative mixture effects differed among forest types and varied with the access to the litter by microarthropods. Access to the microcosms by microarthropods modified the decomposition of individual litter species within mixtures, which differed among forest types independent of litter species richness and composition of litter mixtures. However, soil microarthropods generally only little affected litter decomposition.

Synthesis. We conclude that litter identity is the dominant driver of decomposition across different forest types and the non‐additive litter mixture effects vary among biomes despite identical leaf litter chemistry. These results suggest that across large spatial scales the environmental context of decomposing litter mixtures, including microarthropod communities, determine the decomposition of litter mixtures besides strong litter trait‐based effects.
Baseline, delta, and achieved low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk in patients on statin therapy: A post‐hoc resampling mediation analysis of treating new targets [TNT] trial
Authors: Hyun Myung Han , Jang Jae Won , Lee Eunmi , An Hyonggin , Seog Seo Hong
Published: June 2020

Clinical guidelines for monitoring low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) after statin therapy do not clearly define the clinical roles of baseline LDL‐C, ΔLDL‐C, and achieved LDL‐C according to statin intensity. We performed post‐hoc analysis of the Treating to New Target (TNT) study to evaluate individual LDL‐C parameters after statin therapy. Primary outcome was the risk for total major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We use resampling multilevel mediation analysis to analyze complex relationships among LDL‐C parameters based on similar statin intensities. Tertiles for resample A (matched baseline LDL‐C; distinct achieved LDL), resample B (matched ΔLDL‐C; distinct baseline LDL‐C), and resample C (matched achieved LDL‐C; distinct ΔLDL‐C) were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard ratios. In original data analysis, the incidence of MACE was reduced in those with lower achieved LDL‐C in total, low, and high intensity statin users (hazard ratios [HRs] = 0.990, 0.992, 0.992; respectively; all P‐values < .001). In mediation analysis, resample A showed consistently high incidence for MACE in the middle tertile (HR = 1.237; 95% confidential interval [CI] = 1.008‐1.517; P‐value = .041) and highest tertile (HR = 1.275; 95% CI = 1.021‐1.592; P‐value = .032) compared to the lowest tertile. However, resamples B and C did not show consistent differences. Similarly, no consistent statistical difference in MACE according to statin intensity. Lower achieved LDL‐C decreased MACE in participants with a similar baseline LDL‐C after statin therapy. However, the change in absolute values of ΔLDL‐C and achieved LDL‐C should be interpreted in an individualized manner due to their complex collinearity, and statin intensity should also be taken into consideration.
Effects of farm credit access on agricultural commercialization in Ghana: Empirical evidence from the northern Savannah ecological zone
Authors: Sekyi Samuel , Abu Benjamin Musah , Nkegbe Paul Kwame
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how farmers' access to credit affects agricultural commercialization in the northern Savannah ecological zone of Ghana. The study uses data from the Ghana Feed the Future baseline survey involving a total sample of 2,962 farm households. The study employs endogenous switching regression for ordered outcomes to account for endogeneity and self‐selection bias in the decision to access credit. The results from the estimations revealed that education, age, nonfarm business equipment, multiple crop production, and group membership are the variables influencing farmers' access to credit. Agricultural commercialization is determined by gender, age, marital status, household size, farm size, nonfarm business equipment, means of transport, group membership, assets index, multiple crop production, and location. In terms of causal effect, the results show that credit access stimulates higher commercialization. Thus policies that enhance farmers' access to credit are more likely to be successful in getting them to commercialize.
Role of NLRP3 inflammasome in liver disease
Authors: Al Mamun Abdullah , Akter Afroza , Hossain Sukria , Sarker Tamanna , Safa Shoronika A. , Mustafa Quazi G. , Muhammad Syed A. , Munir Fahad
Published: June 2020

Inflammasomes have become an important natural sensor of host immunity, and can protect various organs against pathogenic infections, metabolic syndromes, cellular stress and cancer metastasis. Inflammasomes are intracellular multi‐protein complexes found in both parenchymal and non‐parenchymal cells, stimulating the initiation of caspase‐1 and interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐18 in response to cell danger signals. Inflammasomes induce cell death mechanisms. The potential role of NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in alcoholic and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis, hepatitis, nanoparticle‐induced liver injury and other liver diseases has recently attracted widespread attention from clinicians and researchers. In this review we summarize the role played by the NLRP3 inflammasome in molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms in the pathogenesis and progression of liver disease. This article aims to establish that targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome and other inflammasome components may make a significant therapeutic approach to the treatment of liver disease.
Oral epidemiological examination – protocol: the National Study of Adult Oral Health 2017–18
Authors: Do Loc G , Peres Karen G , Ha Diep H , Roberts‐Thomson Kaye F
Published: June 2020

The National Study of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH) 2017–18 aimed to collect data on population oral health status of the Australian adult population. This complex nation‐wide project required reliable data collection procedures. The NSAOH 2017–18 Oral Epidemiological Examination Protocol has been developed based on internationally accepted examination procedures. Examiners have been trained and calibrated in using the protocol. Details of the clinical examination components are provided. Examiner reliability has been tested and presented.
Oral health impacts among Australian adults in the National Study of Adult Oral Health (NSAOH) 2017–18
Authors: Brennan David S , Luzzi Liana , Chrisopoulos Sergio , Haag Dandara G
Published: June 2020

Background

This paper examines oral health impacts of toothache experience, self‐rated oral health (SROH), being uncomfortable with dental appearance, and avoiding foods in the Australian adult population.

Methods

The explanatory variables include age, sex, region, income, area‐based SES, dental insurance and visiting pattern. The data were collected in the interview in NSAOH 2017–18.

Results

There were lower percentages with: toothache in the highest (14.8%) than middle (21.2%) and lower income tertiles (25.2%); fair/poor SROH in the highest (15.8%) than middle (24.1%) and lower tertiles (34.8%); uncomfortable with appearance in the highest (29.1%) than middle (35.3%) and lower tertiles (42.2%); and food avoidance in the higher (15.3%) than middle (22.9%) and lower tertiles (34.4%). There were higher percentages with: toothache in the unfavourable (32.2%) than intermediate (23.1%) and favourable (11.7%) visiting groups; fair/poor SROH in the unfavourable (44.0%) than intermediate (27.4%) or favourable (10.2%) groups; being uncomfortable about appearance in the unfavourable (47.6%) than intermediate (39.5%) or favourable (25.8%) groups; and avoiding foods in the unfavourable (34.8%) than intermediate (26.0%) or favourable (14.5%) groups.

Conclusions

Socioeconomic status and dental visiting were associated with oral health impacts. Oral health impacts were worse for those with lower income and unfavourable visiting patterns.
Prolonged abnormal isolated aminotransferase levels in healthy children is a benign condition
Authors: Magen‐Rimon Ramit , Shaoul Ron
Published: June 2020

Aim

Hypertransaminasaemia is a common incidental finding in children. It has been demonstrated that even prolonged elevation usually resolves spontaneously without clear aetiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a longer follow‐up period, on a larger group, supports the previous findings.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical charts of children diagnosed with prolonged idiopathic hypertransaminasaemia, which spontaneously resolved over the follow‐up period.

Results

Of the 468 patients screened for elevated transaminases levels, 87 patients younger than 5 years of age were included in the study. An aetiology was found in half of the patients, and the most common aetiologies were fatty liver and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.

Aminotransferase abnormality persisted for a median of 10 months, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels ranged from 1.5 to 15.9‐fold of the upper limit of normal (ULN).

After normalisation of transaminase levels, the values remained normal for a documented mean period of 6.4 ± 3.0 years.

Conclusion

Although idiopathic asymptomatic aminotransferase elevation in healthy children resolves spontaneously in most children, the abnormality may be prolonged. Comprehensive workup finds aetiology only in half of the patients, and the most common aetiologies are fatty liver and CMV hepatitis, which can be diagnosed by non‐invasive methods.
Effect of a low‐voltage electrical stimulation on yak meat tenderness during postmortem aging
Authors: Chen Meng‐Yin , Tian Yuan , Yu Qun‐Li , Han Ling , Zhao Suo‐Nan , Song Ren‐De
Published: June 2020

This study evaluates the effect of a low‐voltage electrical stimulation (ES) on the tenderness of yak longissimus muscle (LM). Samples from 16 yak bulls were divided into four treatment groups: normal chilling (NC), ES and chilling (ES & C) for 72 s (ES &C 72 s), ES & C for 90 s (ES & C 90 s), and ES & C for 108 s (ES & C 108 s). The temperature, the pH, the glycogen content, the Warner‐Bratzler shear force (WBSF), the myofibril fragmentation index (MFI), and the muscle ultrastructure were determined during the course of postmortem aging. ES caused a rapid decrease in the pH to form a high‐temperature and low‐pH environment. The glycogen content gradually decreased with aging. The WBSF value of the ES & C groups was significantly lower than for the NC group (p < .05). The MFI values of ES & C groups after 24 hr postmortem aging were significantly higher than for the NC group. We concluded that ES improved yak meat tenderness during postmortem aging and that the different duration time by ES indicated different effects, and its affect was remarkable in the ES & C 90 s.
Altered cerebral perfusion in bipolar disorder: A pCASL MRI study
Authors: Zeng Victor , Lizano Paulo , Bolo Nicolas R. , Lutz Olivia , Brady Roscoe , Ivleva Elena I. , Dai Weiying , Clementz Brett , Tamminga Carol , Pearlson Godfrey , Keshavan Matcheri
Published: June 2020

Background

Neurovascular abnormalities are relevant to the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD), which can be assessed using cerebral blood flow (CBF) imaging. CBF alterations have been identified in BD, but studies to date have been small and inconclusive. We aimed to determine cortical gray matter CBF (GM‐CBF) differences between BD and healthy controls (HC) and to identify relationships between CBF and clinical or cognitive measures.

Methods

Cortical GM‐CBF maps were generated using Pseudo‐Continuous Arterial Spin Labeling (pCASL) for 109 participants (BD, n = 61; HC, n = 48). We used SnPM13 to perform non‐parametric voxel‐wise two‐sample t‐tests comparing CBF between groups. We performed multiple linear regression to relate GM‐CBF with clinical and cognitive measures. Analysis was adjusted for multiple comparisons with 10,000 permutations. Significance was set at a voxel level threshold of P < .001 followed by AlphaSim cluster‐wise correction of P < .05.

Results

Compared to HCs, BD patients had greater GM‐CBF in the left lateral occipital cortex, superior division and lower CBF in the right lateral occipital, angular and middle temporal gyrus. Greater GM‐CBF in the left lateral occipital cortex correlated with worse working memory, verbal memory, attention and speed of processing. We found using voxel‐wise regression that decreased gray matter CBF in the bilateral thalamus and cerebellum, and increased right fronto‐limbic CBF were associated with worse working memory. No clusters were associated with clinical variables after FDR correction.

Conclusions

Cortical GM‐CBF alterations are seen in BD and may be related to cognitive function, which suggest neurovascular unit dysfunction as a possible pathophysiologic mechanism.
Real‐world non‐interventional long‐term post‐authorisation safety study of ruxolitinib in myelofibrosis
Authors: Barraco Fiorenza , Greil Richard , Herbrecht Raoul , Schmidt Burkhard , Reiter Andreas , Willenbacher Wolfgang , Raymakers Reinier , Liersch Rüdiger , Wroclawska Monika , Pack Robert , Burock Karin , Karumanchi Divyadeep , Gisslinger Heinz
Published: June 2020

Primary objective of this non‐interventional, post‐authorisation safety study was to provide real‐world safety data [incidence of adverse drug reactions (ADRs)/serious adverse events (SAEs)] on adult patients with myelofibrosis exposed/or not exposed to ruxolitinib. Key secondary objectives included the incidence/outcome of events of special interest (bleeding events, serious/opportunistic infections, second primary malignancies, and deaths). Overall, 462 patients were included [prevalent users = 260, new users = 32, non‐exposed = 170 (inclusive of ruxolitinib‐switch, n = 57)]. The exposure‐adjusted incidence rates (per 100 patient‐years) of ADRs (19·3 vs. 19·6) and SAEs (25·2 vs. 25·0) were comparable amongst new‐users versus prevalent‐users cohorts, respectively; most frequent ADRs across all cohorts included thrombocytopenia, anaemia, epistaxis, urinary tract infection, and herpes zoster. Anaemia, pneumonia, general physical health deterioration, sepsis, and death were the most frequent SAEs across all cohorts. Incidence rates of bleeding events (21·6) and serious/opportunistic infections (34·5) were higher in ruxolitinib‐switch cohort versus other cohorts. The incidence rate of second primary malignancies was higher in the prevalent‐users cohort (10·1) versus other cohorts. The observed safety profile of ruxolitinib in the present study along with the safety findings from the COMFORT/JUMP/EXPAND studies support the use of ruxolitinib for long‐term treatment of patients with myelofibrosis.
Biofilm formation on zirconia and titanium over time—An in vivo model study
Authors: Desch Anton , Freifrau von Maltzahn Nadine , Stumpp Nico , Dalton Marly , Yang Ines , Stiesch Meike
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate volume, vitality and diversity of biofilms on the abutment materials zirconia and titanium as a function of time using an in vivo model for the biofilm formation.

Materials and methods

The development of biofilms on zirconia and titanium grade 4 test specimens in the human oral cavity over time was analysed. After pretreatment, a total of 96 titanium and 96 zirconia discs were fixed on 12 composite splints, which were worn by 12 volunteers. After 6 hr, 24 hr, 3 days and 5 days, biofilms on 48 specimens of each material were analysed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The microbiota composition on the other 48 test specimens was examined using full‐length 16S sequence analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS and R, and level of significance was set at 0.05.

Results

Confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis of the biofilms revealed significant changes in volume over time on zirconia and titanium. The material did not significantly influence the volume or live/dead ratio at the individual time points. The composition of the microbiome was influenced by the age of the biofilm, but not by the material of the test specimen. The most frequently found bacteria were Streptococcus spp., followed by Neisseria spp., Rothia spp., Haemophilus spp., Gemella spp. and Abiotrophia spp.

Conclusions

On both materials, the quantity and diversity of the microbiome increased over time. Apart from a slight difference in Veillonella abundance at one time point, there were no significant differences between zirconia and titanium.
The challenge of biased evidence in conservation
Authors: Christie Alec P. , Amano Tatsuya , Martin Philip A. , Petrovan Silviu O. , Shackelford Gorm E. , Simmons Benno I. , Smith Rebecca K. , Williams David R. , Wordley Claire F. R. , Sutherland William J.
Published: June 2020

Efforts to tackle the current biodiversity crisis need to be as efficient and effective as possible given chronic underfunding. To inform decision‐makers of the most effective conservation actions, it is important to identify biases and gaps in the conservation literature to prioritize future evidence generation. We used the Conservation Evidence database to assess the state of the global literature that tests conservation actions for amphibians and birds. For the studies in the database, we investigated their spatial and taxonomic extent and distribution across biomes, effectiveness metrics, and study designs. Studies were heavily concentrated in Western Europe and North America for birds and particularly for amphibians, and temperate forest and grassland biomes were highly represented relative to their percentage of land coverage. Studies that used the most reliable study designs—before‐after control‐impact and randomized controlled trials—were the most geographically restricted and scarce in the evidence base. There were negative spatial relationships between the numbers of studies and the numbers of threatened and data‐deficient species worldwide. Taxonomic biases and gaps were apparent for amphibians and birds—some entire orders were absent from the evidence base—whereas others were poorly represented relative to the proportion of threatened species they contained. Metrics used to evaluate effectiveness of conservation actions were often inconsistent between studies, potentially making them less directly comparable and evidence synthesis more difficult. Testing conservation actions on threatened species outside Western Europe, North America, and Australasia should be prioritized. Standardizing metrics and improving the rigor of study designs used to test conservation actions would also improve the quality of the evidence base for synthesis and decision‐making.
The impact of a nationwide hands‐on workshop on the diagnostic rates and management of obstetrical anal sphincter Injuries in Israel
Authors: Ginath S. , Alcalay M. , Ben Ami M. , Bssam Abbas Y. , Cohen G. , Condrea A. , Feit H. , Gershi H. , Gold R. , Goldschmidt E. , Gordon D. , Groutz A. , Lavy Y. , Levy G. , Lowenstein L. , Marcus N. , Padoa A. , Samuelof A. , Tevet A. , Weintraub A. Y.
Published: June 2020

Aim

The aim was to evaluate the influence of a half day, hands‐on, workshop on the detection and repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIs).

Method

Starting in February 2011, hands‐on workshops for the diagnosis and repair of OASIs were delivered by trained urogynaecologists in departments of tertiary medical centres in Israel. The structure of the hands‐on workshop resembles the workshop organized at the International Urogynecological Association annual conferences. Participants included medical staff, midwives and surgical residents from each medical centre. We collected data regarding the rate of OASIs, 1 year before and 1 year following the workshop, in 11 medical centres. The study population was composed of parturients with the following inclusion criteria: singleton pregnancy, vertex presentation and vaginal delivery. Pre‐viable preterm gestations (< 24 weeks), birth weight < 500 g, stillborn, and those with major congenital anomalies, multifoetal pregnancies, breech presentations and caesarean deliveries were excluded from the analysis.

Results

In the reviewed centres, 70 663 (49.3%) women delivered prior to the workshop (pre‐workshop group) and 72 616 (50.7%) women delivered following the workshop (post‐workshop group). Third‐ or fourth‐degree perineal tears occurred in 248 women (0.35%) before the workshop, and in 328 (0.45%) following the workshop, a significant increase of 28.7% (P = 0.002). The increase in diagnosis was significant also in women with third‐degree tears alone, 226 women (0.32%) before the workshop and 298 (0.41%) following the workshop, an increase of 28.3% (P = 0.005).

Conclusion

The detection rate of OASIs has significantly increased following the hands‐on workshop. The implementation of such programmes is crucial for increasing awareness and detection rates of OASI following vaginal deliveries.
Corrosion‐fatigue behaviour of Cr–Mo steel under biaxial tension
Authors: Gaur Vidit , Doquet Véronique , Persent Emmanuel , Roguet Eléonore
Published: June 2020

Combined cyclic tension and internal pressure tests with various proportions of each loading were run on a 2.5%Cr–1%Mo steel in air and in 3.5% NaCl solution, with and without cathodic protection to investigate the effect of positive stress biaxiality on corrosion‐fatigue lives and damage mechanisms. At free potential, a strong reduction in fatigue resistance was observed for uniaxial as well as for equibiaxial cyclic tension and attributed to multiple crack initiation from corrosion pits. Cathodic protection completely cancelled the detrimental effect of the corrosive environment on fatigue lives whatever the load biaxiality was, in spite of an obvious enhancement of intergranular fracture attributed to hydrogen embrittlement.
Additive impacts of deoxygenation and acidification threaten marine biota
Authors: Steckbauer Alexandra , Klein Shannon G. , Duarte Carlos M.
Published: June 2020

Deoxygenation in coastal and open‐ocean ecosystems rarely exists in isolation but occurs concomitantly with acidification. Here, we first combine meta‐data of experimental assessments from across the globe to investigate the potential interactive impacts of deoxygenation and acidification on a broad range of marine taxa. We then characterize the differing degrees of deoxygenation and acidification tested in our dataset using a ratio between the partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide (pO2/pCO2) to assess how biological processes change under an extensive, yet diverse range of pO2 and pCO2 conditions. The dataset comprised 375 experimental comparisons and revealed predominantly additive but variable effects (91.7%, additive; 6.0%, synergistic; and 2.3%, antagonistic) of the dual stressors, yielding negative impacts across almost all responses examined. Our data indicate that the pO2/pCO2‐ratio offers a simplified metric to characterize the extremity of the concurrent stressors and shows that more severe impacts occurred when ratios represented more extreme deoxygenation and acidification conditions. Importantly, our analysis highlights the need to assess the concurrent impacts of deoxygenation and acidification on marine taxa and that assessments considering the impact of O2 depletion alone will likely underestimate the impacts of deoxygenation events and their ecosystem‐wide consequences.
‘Put some balls on that woman’: Gendered repertoires of inequality in screen composers’ careers
Authors: Cannizzo Fabian , Strong Catherine
Published: June 2020

This study contributes to debates about gendered career outcomes in the creative industries using data collected in interviews with Australian screen composers. We identify how gendered inequalities are legitimated through professional norms by comparing the responses of screen composers on barriers to women’s advancement. The article explores how three distinct interpretive repertoires help reproduce the gender inequality regime present in the screen composition field. These repertoires are ‘art vs. equality’, where working towards equality can be framed as antithetical to artistic ideals; ‘gendered music’, where men and women are posited as making fundamentally different types of music; and ‘confidence’, where men are framed as innately possessing certain entrepreneurial skills vital to success in the creative industries, while women both shoulder the blame for not possessing such skills and recognize the risks inherent for them in performing confidence. By focusing on repertoires, this study describes the means by which gender‐based discrimination is made overt and offered justification among screen composers, posing challenges to organizations and individuals seeking to address gender inequality in the profession.
Liver disease in pregnancy
Authors: Sasamori Yukifumi , Tanaka Atsushi , Ayabe Takuya
Published: June 2020

Development of liver diseases during pregnancy is not uncommon. They are caused by either a disorder that is unique to pregnancy or an acute or chronic liver disease that already exists or coincidentally develops as a comorbidity of pregnancy. Liver diseases unique to pregnancy include hyperemesis gravidarum; hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia; hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome; intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy; and acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Chronic liver diseases that affect pregnancy, or are affected by pregnancy, mainly include autoimmune liver diseases and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Prompt diagnosis and management of liver diseases in pregnancy, while very challenging, is extremely important, as they might cause adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Therefore, a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach involving both hepatologists and obstetricians is required. In this review article, the up‐to‐date epidemiology, etiology, clinical features, and outcomes of liver diseases in pregnancy are discussed, to promote a deeper understanding among physicians, and subsequently improved outcomes.
Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma during the COVID‐19 outbreak: The Working Group report of JAMTT‐HCC
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Kurosaki Masayuki , Ikeda Masafumi , Aikata Hiroshi , Hiraoka Atsushi , Torimura Takuji , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: June 2020

This contingency guide was formulated on the premise that delivering standard treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has come under strain due to the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic. Measures required are likely to vary largely across regions and individual institutions, depending on the level of the strain imposed by the pandemic (e.g., number of inpatients infected with COVID‐19 and the availability of resources, including personal protective equipment and inpatient beds). In addition, models suggest that the second and third waves of COVID‐19 will occur before effective vaccines and medicines become widely available in Japan (expected time, 2–3 years). This guide should serve as a good reference for best practices in the management of HCC, which is in light of the possible risk of impending collapse of the healthcare system due to a surge in COVID‐19 infections.
Preparation of high‐strength lightweight alumina with plant‐derived pore using corn stalk as pore‐forming agent
Authors: Li Xuesong , Li Yuanbing , Li Shujing , Wei Zhipeng , Xiang Ruofei
Published: June 2020

To improve the mechanical and thermal insulation properties of lightweight alumina, which was prepared by using pore‐forming agent from biological sources, the silica sol‐infiltrated corn stalk was utilized. Spring back and hygroscopicity of corn stalk powder as well as cold compressive strength, thermal conductivity, microstructure, and pore size distribution of lightweight alumina were characterized. The results indicate that impregnation of silica sol leads to different degrees of decrease in spring back height due to achieving better mesh by silica gel between the corn stalk powders, and then improves the formability, although at the same time the large number of hydrophilic groups results in an increase in hygroscopicity. Furthermore, sol impregnated pore‐forming agent optimizes the microstructure of the lightweight alumina pores. Lightweight alumina with a cold compressive strength up to 48.64 MPa was produced, and with the silica sol concentration of 3 wt%, lower thermal conductivity values at all test temperatures were obtained. Hence, the use of corn stalk impregnated with the appropriate concentration of silica sol as pore‐forming agent could enhance the mechanical and thermal insulation properties of lightweight alumina for the spheroidization of pore shape, randomization of pore distribution as well as miniaturization of pore size.
Fabrication of novel silicon carbide‐based nanomaterials with unique hydrophobicity and microwave absorption property
Authors: Zhong Bo , Zhang Jinze , Wang Hanqun , Xia Long , Wang Chunyu , Zhang Xiaodong , Huang Xiaoxiao , Wen Guangwu
Published: June 2020

Novel SiC‐based nanomaterials, namely the nitrogen and aluminum co‐doped SiC@SiO2 core‐shell nanowires and nitrogen‐doped SiO2/Al2O3 nanoparticles, have been fabricated through a facile thermal treatment process based on the chemical vapor deposition and vapor‐liquid reaction. These nanomaterials show remarkable hydrophobicity with a water contact angle (CA) over 140°, which are aroused by the surface zigzag morphology of the nanostructures and the hydrocarbyl groups generated during the preparation process. Moreover the nanocomposites also exhibit relatively prominent microwave absorption (MA) properties in the frequency range of 2.0‐18.0 GHz. The minimum reflection loss (RL) value as low as −23.68 dB can be observed at 14.16 GHz when the absorber thickness is 2.6 mm with a loading rate of 16.7 wt%. And the nanocomposites‐based absorbent can achieve an effective absorption bandwidth (RL < −10 dB) of 4.48 GHz with the absorbent thickness of 2.5 mm. This enhanced microwave attenuation performance can be attributed to multiple polarizations and perfect impedance matching conditions, as well as multiple internal reflections. These marvelous properties make these N and Al co‐doped SiC@SiO2 core‐shell nanowires and N‐doped SiO2/Al2O3 nanoparticles display extensive application potential as MA materials in harsh environment.
Combined washing effect of noni extract and oregano essential oil on the decontamination of Listeria monocytogenes on romaine lettuce
Authors: Kang Ji‐Hoon , Song Kyung Bin
Published: June 2020

Combined washing effect of noni extract (NE) and oregano essential oil (OE) on the decontamination of Listeria monocytogenes on romaine lettuce was examined. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) between NE and three different essential oils (cinnamon leaf, thyme and OE) was determined. Fractional inhibitory concentration index results indicated that OE only had an additive effect (FICI = 1). Noni extract/oregano essential oil combined washing resulted in the greatest reduction in viable cell numbers (3.42 log CFU g−1) relative to non‐washed samples. Furthermore, the combined washing was more effective than sodium hypochlorite washing in terms of reducing the microbial load (>1.44‐log reduction). Washing treatment did not change the surface colour or total phenolic content in lettuce samples. These results suggest that NE/OE combined washing is applicable as a novel decontamination treatment to ensure the microbial safety of romaine lettuce without changing the quality.