bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Performing Local Health Departments Relate Their Experiences at Community Engagement in Emergency Preparedness
Authors: Schoch-Spana Monica , Ravi Sanjana , Meyer Diane , Biesiadecki Laura , Mwaungulu Geoffrey
Published: October 2017

Context:

Local health departments (LHDs) are implementing a national mandate to engage community partners, including individuals, businesses, and community- and faith-based organizations in the larger public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) enterprise.

Objective:

Investigate how LHDs of varying size and resource levels successfully engage the community in PHEP to help uncover “best practices” that aspiring agencies can replicate, particularly in low-resource environments.

Design:

In-depth, semistructured qualitative interviews with practitioners from 9 highly performing LHDs.

Setting:

Participating agencies comprised equal amounts of small (serving <50 000 residents), medium (serving 50 000-500 000 residents), and large (serving >500 000 residents) LHDs and were diverse in terms of geographic region, rural-urban environment, and governance structure.

Participants:

A cross section of LHD staff (n = 34) including agency leaders, preparedness coordinators, public information officers, and health educators/promoters.

Main Outcome Measure:

Local health department performance at community engagement as determined by top scores in 2 national LHD surveys (2012, 2015) regarding community engagement in PHEP.

Results:

Based on key informant accounts, high-performing LHDs show a holistic, organization-wide commitment to, rather than discrete focus on, community engagement. Best practices clustered around 5 domains: administration (eg, top executive who models collaborative behavior), organizational culture (eg, solicitous rather than prescriptive posture regarding community needs), social capital (eg, mining preexisting community connections held by other LHD programs), workforce skills (eg, cultural competence), and methods/tactics (eg, visibility in community events unrelated to PHEP).

Conclusions:

For LHDs that wish to enhance their performance at community engagement in PHEP, change will entail adoption of evidence-based interventions (the technical “what”) as well as evidence-based administrative approaches (the managerial “how”). Smaller, rural LHDs should be encouraged that, in the case of PHEP community engagement, they have unique social assets that may help offset advantages that larger, more materially resourced metropolitan health departments may have.
Oxygen, Left/Right Asymmetry, and Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Vieira Alexandre R. , Dattilo Sheila
Published: October 2017

Cleft lip and palate is the most common craniofacial birth defect, and its etiology has been the focus of many reports in the literature. It is well accepted that both genetics and environment play a role in the condition; however, the authors still have not been able to translate what have been learned into clinical applications. This paper provides an interpretation of 2 possible mechanisms leading to cleft lip and palate in humans. First, the authors reflect on the known association between maternal cigarette smoking and risk for cleft lip and palate and the proposed hypoxic mechanism put forward to explain this association. Second, the authors reflect on the difference in frequency between left and right cleft lip and propose that without more extensive clinical definitions, it will be difficult to definitely unveil genetic targets that can be used for counseling.
Nasopharyngoscopic Analyses through Anterior Maxillary Distraction Osteogenesis for Adolescent Patients With Cleft Palate
Authors: Imai Yoshimichi , Nakajo Tetsu , Nishimura Kazuaki , Kanzaki Hiroyuki , Daimaruya Takayoshi , Satoh Akimitsu , Igarashi Kaoru , Tachi Masahiro
Published: October 2017

Anterior maxillary distraction osteogenesis (AMDO) is a novel technique for correcting hypoplastic maxilla by sagittal expansion of the maxilla. Recent reports suggest that AMDO does not have an effect on fragile velopharyngeal function in patients with cleft palate. Furthermore, no studies have evaluated the impact of AMDO on velopharyngeal function.

We adopted AMDO to correct severe hypoplastic maxilla in adolescent patients with cleft palate and evaluated its impact on velopharyngeal space and function in 8 patients aged 12 to 21 years who underwent AMDO from 2006 to 2014. All the patients had received treatment for cleft palate; however, they still exhibited marginal velopharyngeal insufficiency. The mean activation of the distractor was 10.9 ± 0.9 mm.

We determined changes in velopharyngeal closure ratio and closure pattern via nasopharyngoscopy. Additionally, skeletal changes were evaluated using lateral cephalograms.

The mean horizontal advancement in the cephalogram obtained 1 year after the distraction was +6.4 mm. Nasopharyngoscopic examination revealed that no deterioration of velopharyngeal gap had occurred after AMDO in all 8 patients. The velopharyngeal closure pattern changed from coronal to circular in 1 patient.

Our results indicate that AMDO achieved correction of hypoplastic maxilla without deterioration in velopharyngeal gap and function. Therefore, AMDO is an effective and optimal approach for correcting hypoplastic maxilla especially in patients with fragile velopharyngeal function, such as those with cleft palate.
Endoscopic Full-thickness Resection for Gastric Subepithelial Tumors Originating From the Muscularis Propria: A 69-Case Series
Authors: Sun Meiling , Song Jitao , Song Xinuan , Liu Bingrong
Published: October 2017

Objective:

This report describes a mini-invasive technique called endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR) for the treatment of gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs) originating from the muscularis propria (MP).

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed 69 patients with gastric SETs originating from the MP at our hospital between September 2009 and July 2016. The data from each patient were reviewed, including patient information, tumor characteristics, procedure-related data, and recurrence rates.

Results:

Successful complete resection by EFR was achieved in 69 cases. The complete resection rate was 100%, and the mean resected tumor size was 2.25±1.40 (range, 0.6 to 6) cm. No residual tumor recurrence was detected during the follow-up period in 57 patients. The other 12 patients were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions:

EFR seems to be a safe and effective technique for the treatment of patients with gastric SETs originating from the MP.
Muscle Strength and Independence for Older Individuals in Nursing Homes
Authors: Tarsuslu-Şimşek Tülay , Yanardag Mehmet
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of isometric muscle strength of the lower and upper extremities on independence in activities of daily living in older people living in nursing homes.

Methods:

The study involved 111 voluntary older persons living in 3 nursing homes, who met the inclusion criteria. The sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were recorded. Muscle strength of the shoulder flexors, extensors, abductors, external rotators, elbow flexors and extensors in the upper extremities, and hip flexors, extensors, abductors, knee flexors, and extensors in the lower extremities were evaluated with an isometric dynamometer. The level of independence in the daily living activities of the older persons was assessed with the Functional Independence Measure in this study.

Results:

A significant difference was determined in the muscle strength of the shoulder and elbow extensor in the right side for both males and females (P < .05). In both genders, a statistically significant relationship was found between functional independence and the muscle strength of the shoulder flexor, extensor, abductor, elbow flexor, hip extensor, and knee flexor in both sides of the extremities (P < .05).

Conclusion:

The muscle strength values of the upper extremities were more associated with the activity level of daily living than the muscle strength of the lower extremities in older persons. The level of daily living activities was seen to be more affected by the muscle strength values of the older females than the males.
Antiplatelet therapy after stroke: should it differ in the acute and chronic phase after stroke
Authors: Leng Xinyi , Leung Thomas W. , Wong K.S. Lawrence
Published: October 2017

Purpose of review

Reviewing existing evidence regarding well tolerated and effective antiplatelet treatment in patients with acute or chronic, noncardioembolic ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Recent findings

For patients with high-risk stroke or TIA, for instance, minor stroke or high-risk TIA, or stroke of atherosclerotic origin with evidence suggesting risk of artery-to-artery embolism or with high-grade, symptomatic arterial stenosis, early initiated, short-term dual antiplatelet (e.g. aspirin and clopidogrel) is effective in reducing the risk of recurrent stroke and other vascular events which does not increase the risk of severe or fatal bleeding, as compared with mono antiplatelet therapy. However, long-term application of aggressive antiplatelet therapies after a noncardioembolic stroke or TIA increases the bleeding risks. Triple antiplatelet therapy is not appropriate for noncardioembolic stroke or TIA, in view of the high bleeding risk. In addition, emerging antiplatelets such as ticagrelor and cilostazol may work better in certain subgroups of stroke patients, which warrants further investigation.

Antiplatelet therapies should differ in the acute and chronic phases among patients with high-risk stroke or TIA when more aggressive antiplatelet treatment is reasonable in the acute phase, but no solid evidence supports different antiplatelet strategies in acute and chronic phases in patients with low-risk noncardioembolic stroke.
New insights into cerebral small vessel disease and vascular cognitive impairment from MRI
Authors: Smith Eric E. , Beaudin Andrew E.
Published: October 2017

Purpose of review

We review recent MRI research that addresses two important challenges in cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) research: early diagnosis, and linking SVD with cognitive impairment. First, we review studies of MRI measurements of blood flow and blood–brain barrier integrity. Second, we review MRI studies identifying neuroimaging correlates of SVD-related cognitive dysfunction, focusing on brain connectivity and white matter microarchitecture. This research is placed in context through discussion of recent recommendations for management of incidentally discovered SVD, and neuroimaging biomarker use in clinical trials.

Recent findings

Cerebral perfusion, cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), blood–brain barrier permeability, and white matter microarchitecture are measurable using MRI, and are altered in SVD. Lower cerebral blood flow predicts a higher future risk for dementia, whereas decreased CVR occurs at early stages of SVD and is associated with future white matter hyperintensity growth. Two new approaches to analyzing diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data in SVD patients have emerged: graph theory-based analysis of networks of DTI connectivity between cortical nodes, and analysis of histograms of mean diffusivity of the hemispheric white matter.

New, advanced quantitative neuroimaging techniques are not ready for routine radiological practice but are already being employed as monitoring biomarkers in the newest generation of trials for SVD.
MtlR negatively regulates mannitol utilization by Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Byer Tanner , Wang Jessica , Zhang Mark G. , Vather Naomi , Blachman Anna , Visser Bryan , Liu Jane M.
Published: October 2017

The phosphoenopyruvate:carbohydrate phosphotransferase system (PTS) enables Vibrio cholerae – and other bacteria – to recognize and transport exogenous carbon sources for energy, including the six-carbon sugar alcohol, mannitol. The mannitol-specific PTS transporter is encoded by mtlA and its expression is expected to be regulated by the putative repressor encoded by the mtlR gene. Here, we show that mtlR overexpression inhibits V. cholerae growth in medium supplied with mannitol as the sole carbon source and represses MtlA-mediated biofilm formation. We demonstrate that when V. cholerae is grown in non-mannitol medium, knocking out mtlR leads to both increased MtlA protein and mtlA mRNA levels, with these increases being especially pronounced in non-glucose sugars. We propose that in non-mannitol, non-glucose growth conditions, MtlR is a major regulator of mtlA transcription. Surprisingly, with regard to mtlR expression, transcript and protein levels are highest in mannitol medium, conditions where mtlA expression should not be repressed. We further show that MtlR levels increase during growth of the bacteria and linger in cells switched from mannitol to non-mannitol medium. Our data suggests an expression paradigm for mtlA where MtlR acts as a transcriptional repressor responsible for calibrating MtlA levels during environmental transitions.
Shavenbaby and Yorkie mediate Hippo signaling to protect adult stem cells from apoptosis
Authors: Bohère Jérôme , Mancheno-Ferris Alexandra , Akino Kohsuke , Yamabe Yuya , Inagaki Sachi , Chanut-Delalande Hélène , Plaza Serge , Kageyama Yuji , Osman Dani , Polesello Cédric , Payre François
Published: October 2017

To compensate for accumulating damages and cell death, adult homeostasis (e.g., body fluids and secretion) requires organ regeneration, operated by long-lived stem cells. How stem cells can survive throughout the animal life yet remains poorly understood. Here we show that the transcription factor Shavenbaby (Svb, OvoL in vertebrates) is expressed in renal/nephric stem cells (RNSCs) ofDrosophilaand required for their maintenance during adulthood. As recently shown in embryos, Svb function in adult RNSCs further needs a post-translational processing mediated by Polished rice (Pri) smORF peptides and impairing Svb function leads to RNSC apoptosis. We show that Svb interacts both genetically and physically with Yorkie (YAP/TAZ in vertebrates), a nuclear effector of the Hippo pathway, to activate the expression of the inhibitor of apoptosisDIAP1. These data therefore identify Svb as a novel nuclear effector in the Hippo pathway, critical for the survival of adult somatic stem cells.
Mutualistic acacia-ants show that specialized bacteria are not required for the evolution of herbivory
Authors: Rubin Benjamin E.R. , Kautz Stefanie , Wray Brian D. , Moreau Corrie S.
Published: October 2017

Acacia-ant mutualists in the genus Pseudomyrmex nest obligately in acacia plants and, through stable isotope analysis, we show that they are among the strictest of herbivores, feeding exclusively from their hosts. The diets of herbivorous insects such as these are often enriched by obligate bacterial endosymbionts through nitrogen recycling and even gaseous di-nitrogen fixation. We, therefore, examine the bacterial communities associated with mutualistic acacia-ants, comparing them with related non-mutualists in order to determine whether they host bacterial partners likely to contribute to the enrichment of their diets. However, despite their low trophic position, we find no evidence for bacteria-assisted nutrition in either adults or larvae. These acacia-ants do not host any species- or clade-specific bacteria, though several lineages of acetic acid bacteria present across social insects do differ in abundance between mutualists and non-mutualists, likely in response to the sugar-rich diets of their hosts. In addition, two novel lineages of Actinomycetales inhabit both mutualistic and non-mutualistic Pseudomyrmex and differ in abundance between the juveniles of these groups, potentially serving as defensive symbionts. Metagenomic sequencing of these taxa reveal substantial capacity for the production of defensive chemicals. Overall, we find little evidence for nutrition-associated bacteria in these strictly herbivorous ants, showing that bacteria are not as essential to animal nutrition as is often hypothesized.
MAK and CCRK kinases regulate kinesin-2 motility inC. elegansneuronal cilia
Authors: Yi Peishan , Xie Chao , Ou Guangshuo
Published: October 2017

Kinesin-2 motors power the anterograde intraflagellar transport (IFT), a highly ordered process that assembles and maintains cilia. It remains elusive how kinesin-2 motors are regulatedin vivo. Here we perform forward genetic screen to isolate suppressors that rescue the ciliary defects in the constitutive active mutation of OSM-3-kinesin (G444E) inC. eleganssensory neurons. We identify theC. elegansDYF-5 and DYF-18, which encode the homologs of mammalian male germ cell-associated kinase (MAK) and cell cycle-related kinase (CCRK). Using time-lapse fluorescence microscopy, we show that DYF-5 and DYF-18 are IFT cargo molecules and are enriched at the distal segments of sensory cilia. Mutations ofdyf-5anddyf-18generate the elongated cilia and ectopic localization of kinesin-II at the ciliary distal segments. Genetic analyses reveal thatdyf-5anddyf-18are also important for stabilizing the interaction between IFT particle and OSM-3-kinesin. Our data suggest that DYF-5 and DYF-18 act in the same pathway to promote handover between kinesin-II and OSM-3 in sensory cilia.
Adaptive feature detection from differential processing in parallel retinal pathways
Authors: Ozuysal Yusuf , Kastner David B. , Baccus Stephen A.
Published: October 2017

To transmit information efficiently in a changing environment, the retina adapts to visual contrast by adjusting its gain, latency and mean response. Additionally, the temporal frequency selectivity, or bandwidth changes to encode the absolute intensity when the stimulus environment is noisy, and intensity differences when noise is low. We show that the On pathway of On-Off retinal amacrine and ganglion cells is required to change temporal bandwidth but not other adaptive properties. This remarkably specific adaptive mechanism arises from differential effects of contrast on the On and Off pathways. We analyzed a biophysical model fit only to a cell's membrane potential, and verified pharmacologically that it accurately revealed the two pathways. We conclude that changes in bandwidth arise mostly from differences in synaptic threshold in the two pathways, rather than differences in synaptic release dynamics. Different efficient codes are selected by different thresholds in two independently adapting neural pathways.
Nuclear Abl Drives miR-34c Transfer by Extracellular Vesicles to Induce Radiation Bystander Effects
Authors: Rastogi Shubhra , Hwang Amini , Chan Josolyn , Wang Jean YJ
Published: October 2017

Ionizing radiation stimulates nuclear accumulation of Abl tyrosine kinase that is required for directly irradiated cells to produce microRNA-34c-containing extracellular vesicles, which transfer the microRNA into non-irradiated cells to induce reactive oxygen species and bystander DNA damage.

Ionizing radiation (IR) activates an array of DNA damage response (DDR) that includes the induction of bystander effects (BE) in cells not targeted by radiation. How DDR pathways in irradiated cells stimulate BE in non-targeted cells is mostly unknown. We show here that extracellular vesicles from irradiated cells (EV-IR) induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage when internalized by un-irradiated cells. We found that EV-IR from Abl-NLS-mutated cells could not induce ROS or DNA damage, and restoration of nuclear Abl rescued those defects. Expanding a previous finding that Abl stimulates miR-34c expression, we show here that nuclear Abl also drives the vesicular secretion of miR-34c. Ectopic miR-34c expression, without irradiation, generated EV-miR-34c capable of inducing ROS and DNA damage. Furthermore, EV-IR from miR34-knockout cells could not induce ROS and raised γH2AX to lesser extent than EV-IR from miR34-wild type cells. These results establish a novel role for the Abl-miR-34c DDR pathway in stimulating radiation-induced bystander effects.
Morphological phylogenetic analysis with inapplicable data
Authors: Brazeau Martin D. , Guillerme Thomas , Smith Martin R.
Published: October 2017

Non-independence of characters is a real phenomenon in phylogenetic data matrices, even though phylogenetic reconstruction algorithms generally assume character independence. In morphological datasets, the problem results in characters that cannot be applied to certain terminal taxa, with this inapplicability treated as “missing data” in a popular method of character coding. However, this treatment is known to create spurious tree length estimates on certain topologies, potentially leading to erroneous results in phylogenetic searches. Here we present a single-character algorithm for ancestral states reconstruction in datasets that have been coded using reductive coding. The algorithm uses up to four traversals on a tree to resolve final ancestral states – which are required in full before a tree can be scored. The algorithm employs explicit criteria for the resolution of ambiguity in applicable/inapplicable dichotomies and the optimization of missing data. We score trees following a previously published procedure that minimizes homoplasy over all characters. Our analysis of published datasets shows that, compared to traditional methods, our new method identifies different trees as “optimal”; as such, correcting for inapplicable data may significantly alter the outcome of tree searches.
Sex-biased microRNA expression in mammals and birds reveals underlying regulatory mechanisms and a role in dosage compensation
Authors: Warnefors Maria , Mössinger Katharina , Halbert Jean , Studer Tania , VandeBerg John L. , Lindgren Isa , Fallahshahroudi Amir , Jensen Per , Kaessmann Henrik
Published: October 2017

Sexual dimorphism depends on sex-biased gene expression, but the contributions of microRNAs (miRNAs) have not been globally assessed. We therefore produced an extensive small RNA sequencing data set to analyze male and female miRNA expression profiles in mouse, opossum, and chicken. Our analyses uncovered numerous cases of somatic sex-biased miRNA expression, with the largest proportion found in the mouse heart and liver. Sex-biased expression is explained by miRNA-specific regulation, including sex-biased chromatin accessibility at promoters, rather than piggybacking of intronic miRNAs on sex-biased protein-coding genes. In mouse, but not opossum and chicken, sex bias is coordinated across tissues such that autosomal testis-biased miRNAs tend to be somatically male-biased, whereas autosomal ovary-biased miRNAs are female-biased, possibly due to broad hormonal control. In chicken, which has a Z/W sex chromosome system, expression output of genes on the Z Chromosome is expected to be male-biased, since there is no global dosage compensation mechanism that restores expression in ZW females after almost all genes on the W Chromosome decayed. Nevertheless, we found that the dominant liver miRNA, miR-122-5p, is Z-linked but expressed in an unbiased manner, due to the unusual retention of a W-linked copy. Another Z-linked miRNA, the male-biased miR-2954-3p, shows conserved preference for dosage-sensitive genes on the Z Chromosome, based on computational and experimental data from chicken and zebra finch, and acts to equalize male-to-female expression ratios of its targets. Unexpectedly, our findings thus establish miRNA regulation as a novel gene-specific dosage compensation mechanism.
A two-dimensional copper(I) coordination polymer based on 1-[2-(cyclohexylsulfanyl)ethyl]pyridin-2(1H)-one
Authors: Park Hyunjin , Kim Jineun , Im Hansu , Kim Tae Ho
Published: October 2017

The reaction of copper(I) iodide with 1-[2-(cyclohexylsulfanyl)ethyl]pyridin-2(1H)-one (L, C13H19NOS) in acetonitrile/dichloromethane results in a crystalline coordination polymer, namely poly[bis{μ2-1-[2-(cyclohexylsulfanyl)ethyl]pyridin-2(1H)-one}tetra-μ3-iodidotetracopper(I)], [Cu4I4L2]n. The asymmetric unit comprises two ligand molecules, four copper(I) ions and four iodide ions. Interestingly, the O atoms are bound to the soft copper(I) ions. The stair-step clusters of Cu and I atoms in the asymmetric unit are linked repeatedly, giving rise to infinite chains along [100]. Neighbouring infinite chains are linked through theLmolecules, forming a two-dimensional brick-wall structure. These two-dimensional networks are stacked alternately along [001]. Additionally, there are intermolecular C—H...I hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions between the ligands.
(1E,5E)-2,5-Dibromocyclododeca-1,5-dien-9-yne
Authors: Detert Heiner , Schollmeyer Dieter
Published: October 2017

The title compound, C12H14Br2, was prepared by bromination/dehydrobromination ofE,E,Z-cyclododecatriene. The crystal is composed ofC2-symmetrical molecules with anEconformation of the bromoalkene fragments and nearly linear alkyne units. The torsion angles in the ring suggest significant ring strain.
Recognition and reward in the academy
Authors: Hammarfelt Björn
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The publication oeuvre of a researcher carries great value when academic careers are assessed, and being recognised as a successful candidate is usually equated with being a productive author. Yet, how publications are valued in the context of evaluating careers is so far an understudied topic. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a content analysis of assessment reports in three disciplines – biomedicine, economics and history – this paper analyses how externalities are used to evaluate publication oeuvres. Externalities are defined as features such as reviews and bibliometric indicators, which can be assessed without evaluating the epistemological claims made in the actual text.

Findings

All three fields emphasise similar aspects when assessing: authorship, publication prestige, temporality of research, reputation within the field and boundary keeping. Yet, how these facets of quality are evaluated, and the means through which they are assessed differs between disciplines. Moreover, research fields orient themselves according to different temporal horizons, i.e. history looks to the past and economics to the future when research is evaluated.

Research limitations/implications

The complexities involved in the process of evaluating candidates are also reflected in the findings, and while the comparative approach taken effectively highlights domain specific differences it may also hide counter-narratives, and subtle intradisciplinary discussion on quality.

Originality/value

This study offers a novel perspective on how publications are valued when assessing academic careers. Especially striking is how research across different fields is evaluated through different time horizons. This finding is significant in the debate on more overarching and formal systems of research evaluation.
What makes a nursing home a home? Insights from family members and friends
Authors: Weeks Lori , Chamberlain Stephanie , Keefe Janice
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the concept of homelikeness from the perspective of family members and friends of nursing home residents across different models of nursing homes.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed-methods study examined survey data collected from 397 family members and friends of residents living in 23 nursing homes representing three models of care (traditional, new augmented, and full scope). Participants completed a homelikeness scale and a measure of the importance of nursing home spaces to family members and friends. This study also involved conducting three focus groups with 20 family members and friends to provide further insights into the findings.

Findings

Analysis of survey data indicated quite high levels of homelikeness overall. Significant differences did emerge between traditional model nursing homes compared to new full-scope and new augmented models for all items in the homelikeness scale and for many items about nursing home spaces. Qualitative results provided insights into how homelikeness can be fostered through public and private spaces and through care and relationships.

Research limitations/implications

As this study was conducted in one Canadian province, the results may not be applicable to other geographic areas. In addition, there are limitations in survey response rate.

Practical implications

Homelikeness can be supported across models of care by fostering relationships between residents and staff, ensuring that that family and friends feel welcome, and creating public and private physical spaces that are conducive to new and ongoing relationships.

Originality/value

The results provide evidence to nursing home decision makers about how to foster a homelike environment in various models of nursing homes.
Rapid rehousing of formerly homeless jail and prison inmates
Authors: Hignite Lance R. , R. Haff Darlene
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the programmatic effectiveness of a post-incarceration support service, Jail In-Reach, to rapidly and permanently re-house newly released offenders with a documented history of homelessness, substance abuse and mental health disorders.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from SEARCH Homeless Services using the Adult Texas Recommended Assessment Guidelines survey instrument by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Repeated measures analysis of variance were performed to determine the effects of select predictors on the likelihood of permanent housing, which, for this research, is considered programmatic success.

Findings

Results indicate clients exhibited decreased risks of self-harm, employment problems, housing instability, co-occurring substance use, and criminal justice involvement as well as increased social support. Over half of the program participants either disappeared from the program or only secured temporary housing.

Research limitations/implications

This was a small pilot project with limited generalizability. There have been no follow-up studies to examine long term permanent housing success. No data were available as to why participants dropped out of the program.

Practical implications

Intensive advocacy and support services provided pre- and post-institutional release could provide formerly homeless inmates with co-occurring substance abuse and mental health issues with positive outcomes.

Social implications

Housing stability and connections to social service agencies are key factors for ensuring ex-offenders do not become re-incarcerated.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature related to reducing homelessness among ex-offenders, to the effectiveness of critical time intervention-based programming, and the need for building social capital amongst this unique and underserved population.
The mediating role of tinnitus perception between hearing impairment and development of psychological problems in male and female tinnitus patients
Authors: Aqeel Muhammad , Ahmed Ammar , Akhtar Tanvir
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of psychological problems (stress, anxiety, depression) between hearing impairment (HI) and tinnitus in tinnitus patients. Sample comprised of 110 patients (male, n=70; female, n=40).

Design/methodology/approach

The purposive sampling technique was used based on correlational design. Two scales, tinnitus handicap inventory developed by Newman et al. (1996), and depression, anxiety and stress scale developed by Lovibond and Lovibond (1995), were employed to assess tinnitus, anxiety, stress and depression among tinnitus patients.

Findings

The study revealed that tinnitus was positively significant correlated with depression (r=0.55, p<0.001), anxiety (r=0.63, p<0.001), stress (r=0.54, p<0.001) and hearing loss (r=0.81, p<0.001). The results also revealed that hearing loss was positively significant predictor for tinnitus (β=20.72, p<0.001). Further, it was revealed that tinnitus was positively significant predicted by anxiety (β=2.62, p<0.001), stress (β=2.33, p<0.001) and depression (β=2.71, p<0.001); the interaction between psychological symptoms and hearing loss was negatively significant predictor for stress (β=−0.51, p<0.001), anxiety (β=−0.57, p<0.001) and depression (β=−0.62, p<0.001). Moreover, it was revealed that female tinnitus patients were more predisposed to stress, anxiety and depression as compared to male tinnitus patients. Results also elaborated that those tinnitus patient who had profound HI were less inclined toward psychological problems as compared to those tinnitus patients who had mild to moderate level of HI. This study would be helpful for the clinical setting to tackle the psychological problems of tinnitus patients.

Research limitations/implications

This study consisted on population from urban cities of Pakistan; therefore, the findings cannot be generalized on overall population. In future, descriptive as well as experimental studies will be beneficial to describe the mechanism of tinnitus across gender in detail. Native tool for measuring gender-related problems would be effective in future as it integrates cultural aspects as well.

Originality/value

There is a consensus across researchers that tinnitus is one of the most important biological problem which initiates various other psychological problem (Minen et al., 2014; Vogel et al., 2014). Numerous studies have been conducted to find out the relationship of tinnitus with various psychological and biological factors (Boi et al., 2012; Li et al., 2014; Marciano et al., 2003; McCormack et al., 2015; Møller et al., 2010; Udupi et al., 2013; Zöger et al., 2006).
Smoke and mirrors at the United Nations’ universal periodic review process
Authors: Patel Gayatri
Published: October 2017

Purpose

In 2006, the United Nations’ Human Rights Council was tasked to establish a new human rights monitoring mechanism: the universal periodic review process. The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of discussions held in the process, over the two cycles of review in relation to women’s rights to access health care services.

Design/methodology/approach

This investigation is a documentary analysis of the reports of 193 United Nations’ state reports, over two cycles of review.

Findings

The primary findings of this investigation reveal that despite an apparent consensus on the issue, a deeper analysis of the discussions suggests that the dialogue between states is superficial in nature, with limited commitments made by states under review in furthering the protection of women’s right to access health care services in the domestic context.

Practical implications

Considering the optimism surrounding the UPR process, the findings reveal that the nature of discussions held on women’s rights to health care services is at best a missed opportunity to make a significant impact to initiate, and inform, changes to practices on the issue in the domestic context; and at worst, raises doubts as to whether the core aim of the process, to improve the protection and promotion of all human rights on the ground, is being fulfilled.

Originality/value

Deviating from the solely technocratic analysis of the review process in the existing literature, this investigation has considered the UPR process as a phenomenon of exploration in itself, and will provide a unique insight as to how this innovative monitoring mechanism operates in practice, with a particular focus on women’s right to access health care services.
A case for a health promotion framework: the psychosocial experiences of female, migrant sex workers in Ireland
Authors: Sweeney Leigh-Ann , FitzGerald Sharron
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the barriers preventing women in prostitution from accessing co-ordinated health services in the Republic of Ireland. By examining the experiences of migrant women engaged in prostitution, the research contributes to knowledge pertaining to the psychosocial experiences of female sex workers’ access to healthcare.

Design/methodology/approach

The study interviewed migrant women across Ireland, using a biographical narrative approach and an adapted voice-centred relational model of analysis to determine the necessity for a health promotion strategy for this demographic.

Findings

The findings indicate migrant women work primarily indoors, hold precarious legal status and are in Ireland due to processes of globalisation, migration and economic necessity. The women discussed their entry into prostitution and their experiences within prostitution in the context of their psychosocial experiences.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings are from a small qualitative sample confined to the Republic of Ireland, it is the first study to prioritise migrant sex workers’ psychosocial experiences in Ireland.

Practical implications

The research concludes education and service development that respects the various social determinants impacting women in prostitution is missing but remains necessary in Ireland. It finds a gendered reform of policies using an ecological framework for health that can address issues of poverty, migration and the global trends of the sex industry.

Social implications

This means a national review of current services in health, social work and community development fields is timely.

Originality/value

This paper gives insight into the lives of migrant women involved in the sex industry and can make an important contribution to future research directions and practice in Irish and European prostitution contexts.
Economic freedom and veto players jointly affect entrepreneurship
Authors: Lihn Jacob , Bjørnskov Christian
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how the strength of political veto players affects the long-run credibility of economic institutions and how they jointly affect entrepreneurial activity.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ an annual panel covering 30 OECD countries from 1993 to 2011.

Findings

An error correction model identifies a positive and significant short-run effect on self-employment from large government spending at low levels of veto player strength. A static model conversely indicates that smaller government spending is positively associated with entrepreneurship at lower levels of veto player strength in the long run.

Originality/value

The authors are the first to explore the interaction of economic and political institutions in the development of entrepreneurship.
A contract theory approach to special and differential treatment and the WTO
Authors: Switzer Stephanie
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper is prompted by the dissatisfaction of developing countries regarding the grant of special and differential treatment (SDT) under the legal framework of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). As a result of such dissatisfaction, the Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations explicitly called for a review of such treatment with a view to making it more precise, effective and operational. This mandate has not yet been met to the satisfaction of many developing countries. This paper aims to provide an alternative way of examining and evaluating the contestation which exists regarding SDT in the WTO.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the conceptual framework provided by the economic contract theory and in particular, the concept of the incomplete contract to provide a scaffold for analysing SDT. This approach is intended to offer insights beyond those elucidated so far in the literature on the topic.

Findings

This paper, by using an economic contract theory approach, finds that SDT is constructed as an incomplete contract. Furthermore, the suboptimal outcomes associated with incomplete contracts are apparent in the constitution of SDT. This finding is useful in both an evaluative and programmatic sense, providing us with an alternative entry point to explain some of the shortcomings with SDT, as well as garnering us with a useful conceptual tool to think upon how SDT can be improved.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the literature on SDT within the WTO in particular and differential treatment in international law in general. Drawing on literature on the WTO as an incomplete contract, the paper provides an original frame for analyzing SDT and draws attention, in particular, to the utility of the economic contract theory as a programmatic and evaluative frame for SDT and differential treatment more generally.
A systematic review of evidence on psychometric properties of information literacy tests
Authors: Mahmood Khalid
Published: October 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the results of a systematic review of the evidence on psychometric properties of information literacy (IL) tests.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage search strategy was used to find relevant studies in two subject and three general databases. A descriptive review of test characteristics and psychometric properties was presented. The review included 29 studies describing psychometric properties of 18 IL tests.

Findings

It was found that the classical test theory was applied for all tests. However, the item response theory was also applied in three cases. Most of the psychometric tests were developed in the USA using ACRL IL competency standards. The most commonly used psychometric analyses include content validity, discriminant validity and internal consistency reliability.

Research limitations/implications

Only studies in English language are included in this review.

Practical implications

The study recommends that standards should be developed for the use and reporting of psychometric measures in designing IL tests. Librarians need to be trained in psychometric analysis of tests.

Originality/value

It is the first study that systematically reviewed psychometric properties of IL tests. The findings are useful for librarians who are teaching IL courses.
Institutional repositories in Africa: obstacles and challenges
Authors: Dlamini Ncamsile Nombulelo , Snyman Maritha
Published: October 2017

Purpose

Access to appropriate scholarly information can play a positive role in the development of African countries. Institutional repositories (IRs) have the potential to enhance access and sharing of research-based information generated in Africa. Developing IRs is a consequence of the internet’s fundamental influence on the availability and distribution of scholarly information. IRs were instituted to optimise open access of scholarly information that can be freely distributed on the internet. The perception is that the IRs are not embraced in Africa as a valuable tool as the case is in other regions of the world. Research carried over to explore the reasons for the perceived little development and exploitation of IRs in Africa is limited. The purpose of this paper is to report on a survey that attempted to identify the obstacles and challenges regarding IRs in African academic institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A webometric approach and online semi-structured questionnaires filled in by IR managers or people responsible for IR management were used to collect data for this study. Responses were received from 26 respondents.

Findings

The major obstacles were identified as inadequate funding or financial support, lack of support from institutional management and lack of awareness of IRs at institutional management level.

Research limitations/implications

The study selected only IR managers or people responsible for IR management and administration in different African academic institutions with existing IRs as respondents. Other people in these institutions might have valuable knowledge about issues regarding the IRs in their institutions from whom no data were collected.

Originality/value

Based on the findings, the paper recommends strategies on how African academic institutions could increase the number of IRs and improve the utilisation of IRs in the continent.
Subject-based retrieval of scientific documents, case study
Authors: Mohebi Azadeh , Sedighi Mehri , Zargaran Zahra
Published: October 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an approach for retrieving a set of scientific articles in the field of Information Technology (IT) from a scientific database such as Web of Science (WoS), to apply scientometrics indices and compare them with other fields.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors propose to apply a statistical classification-based approach for extracting IT-related articles. In this approach, first, a probabilistic model is introduced to model the subject IT, using keyphrase extraction techniques. Then, they retrieve IT-related articles from all Iranian papers in WoS, based on a Bayesian classification scheme. Based on the probabilistic IT model, they assign an IT membership probability for each article in the database, and then they retrieve the articles with highest probabilities.

Findings

The authors have extracted a set of IT keyphrases, with 1,497 terms through the keyphrase extraction process, for the probabilistic model. They have evaluated the proposed retrieval approach with two approaches: the query-based approach in which the articles are retrieved from WoS using a set of queries composed of limited IT keywords, and the research area-based approach which is based on retrieving the articles using WoS categorizations and research areas. The evaluation and comparison results show that the proposed approach is able to generate more accurate results while retrieving more articles related to IT.

Research limitations/implications

Although this research is limited to the IT subject, it can be generalized for any subject as well. However, for multidisciplinary topics such as IT, special attention should be given to the keyphrase extraction phase. In this research, bigram model is used; however, one can extend it to tri-gram as well.

Originality/value

This paper introduces an integrated approach for retrieving IT-related documents from a collection of scientific documents. The approach has two main phases: building a model for representing topic IT, and retrieving documents based on the model. The model, based on a set of keyphrases, extracted from a collection of IT articles. However, the extraction technique does not rely on Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency, since almost all of the articles in the collection share a set of same keyphrases. In addition, a probabilistic membership score is defined to retrieve the IT articles from a collection of scientific articles.