bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The nature of well-being objective function in tax-free regime of ethico-economics
Authors: Choudhury Masudul Alam
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explain the effect of a tax-free regime of socioeconomics in the social well-being function. This paper carries on the message that has been recognized in the economic theory and by many for a long time now. This is that the incidence of all forms of taxes – direct and indirect taxes – proves to cause inequitable distribution of wealth. The rich still comprises the top 1 per cent of the income earners despite the existence of heavy tax burden. This paper goes beyond this observation and its explanation to make the case that the tax regime also causes distortionary effects in the generalized system of social and economic relations.

Design/methodology/approach

In the midst of the generalized system of simulating the well-being function, subject to what is called the circular causation system of the endogenous variables is explained by the critical parameter of the epistemic nature in the unity of knowledge by complementarities between the variables signifying the good choices.

Findings

This paper also contrarily establishes and explains the nature of equitable production and distribution of income in society at large. The tax-free regime is explained to generate and sustain balanced inter-causality between the critical variables in the generalized system of equations for simulating the well-being function. Some of the special properties of the evolutionary learning kind of the well-being simulation problem in the tax-free regime are brought out.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical work could follow.

Practical implications

Of special interest are the Arab Middle Eastern countries, most of which do not levy tax on households; with a small rate on businesses.

Social implications

This paper goes beyond this observation and its explanation to make the case that the tax regime also causes distortionary effects in the generalized system of social and economic relations. Most importantly, the presence of tax regime disturbs the balanced forms of inter-causality between the critical variables of the social and economic type. The social well-being is thus eroded in the midst of a tax regime.

Originality/value

This paper is a rare one of its kind to bring out the question surrounding the tax-free regimes usually practiced in Islamic fiscal theory and today adopted by many Muslim countries in the Middle East.
Factors influencing the selection of unit trust funds among Malaysian retail investors
Authors: Mohammed Kamil Naail , Subramaniam Muthaloo , Ali Halane Elmi , Musah Mohammed Borhandden , Alex Acheampong
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The efficiency of unit trust (UT) funds from quite number of contexts across the globe has been highlighted in previous literature. Yet, there is dearth of research that empirically investigates the factors that influence the selection of UT funds by retailers, particularly in the Malaysian setting. This paper aims to narrow this research gap, whereby perception of past performance, perception of funds’ commitment to Shari’ah compliance, perception of funds’ size and perception of risk tolerance are hypothesized to exert statistically significant influences on the selection of UT funds by retail investors in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical study uses a quantitative research approach whereby survey data have been sampled from 140 retail investors from around Malaysia, using simple random sampling technique. Data analysis has been carried out using multiple regression analysis employing SPSS version 20.0.

Findings

The empirical research finds that perceptions of fund size and Shari’ah compliance significantly influence the selection of UT among retail investors in Malaysia. However, there were no enough evidences to support the claims that perceptions of past performance and of risk tolerance influence the selection of UT among Malaysian retail investors.

Research limitations/implications

This research is cross-sectional and uses data from Malaysia only.

Practical implications

The findings from this research will have enormous implications for policymakers in the accounting and finance sectors of government and private financial institutions and for individual professional Malaysian investors. In particular, investors in Malaysia and potential investors abroad may be enlightened by the findings of this research. Again, Islamic financial institutions may use the findings to boost their performance improvement interventions, thus, having clear evidence of the actual factors that influence retailers in the Malaysian setting.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the pioneering research works that empirically explores the factors that influence Malaysian retailers to invest in UT funds. This research is expected to stimulate further research in this novel area.
Becoming a more culturally responsive teacher by identifying and reducing microaggressions in classrooms and school communities
Authors: Darvin Jacqueline
Published: January 2018

Purpose

There is more to culturally responsive teaching than selecting multicultural texts and designing inclusive lesson. This paper aims to support teachers in becoming more culturally responsive by guiding them in how to recognize and respond to microaggressions in their daily interactions with students, colleagues, and parents.

Design/methodology/approach

Microaggressions have been defined as “brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults toward people of color”.

Findings

When classroom interactions contain microaggressions, students are damaged in both seen and unseen ways. Interactions between teachers, students and parents afford powerful occasions to analyze classroom communication and provide windows into the nature of student–student, student–teacher and teacher–parent relationships.

Practical implications

Regardless of where, when, why or how they occur, these interactions provide brief opportunities for culturally responsive teachers to demonstrate that they respect their students’ home and community cultures, accept who their students are and honor the education that they receive both inside and outside of school.

Social implications

Becoming more adept at recognizing and addressing microaggressions is one way that teachers can become more culturally responsive. For students, being able to identify and respond more effectively to microaggressions creates greater opportunities for all students to think critically and engage in social action.

Originality/value

This paper presents an original viewpoint on identifying and reducing microaggressions in classrooms and school communities.
Deconstructing teacher quality in urban early childhood education
Authors: Young Jemimah L. , Butler Bettie Ray , Dolzhenko Inna N. , Ardrey Tameka N.
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to deconstruct the extant scholarship on quality in early childhood education and to emphasize the importance of extending the literature to explore the potential influence that a teachers’ educational background may have on kindergarten readiness for African American children in urban early learning settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Research has identified high-quality early education as a significant contributor to the academic success and development of young children. This paper examines current conceptualizations and trends in early childhood education related to the needs of African American children.

Findings

Our assessment indicates that the early learning of African American children in urban settings warrants further consideration by educational stakeholders. Specifically, the process and structural quality of urban early learning environments requires more culturally responsive approaches to policy and practice.

Originality/value

Improving the early learning opportunities of African American students in urban settings has practical and social implications that substantiate the value of the process and structural quality assessments. Recommendations for policy and practice are centered on a growth-based model of opportunities. Policy recommendations include creating urban teacher credentials and sustaining urban education, while practical recommendations include creating opportunities for vicarious experiences, affirming interactions and engaging in multicultural discourse.
E-commerce and entrepreneurship in SMEs: case of myBot
Authors: Shemi Alice P. , Procter Chris
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The adoption of e-commerce in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is a much researched topic in developed and developing nations. The application of mobile devices, and social media networks (SMNs) such as Facebook has revolutionalised the e-commerce adoption process in SMEs. However, research into this area is still developing and there is a dearth of knowledge on how SMEs in developing countries enact and apply this phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to explain how e-commerce entrepreneurship using SMN is conceptualised and applied in SMEs, and to highlight factors that influence this e-commerce innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

An interpretive and qualitative case study approach was adopted as a methodological foundation in a firm pseudo-named, myBot. The study employed the contextualism theory as a meta-theoretical framework to conceptualise and analyse the e-commerce entrepreneurship process in the firm. The study employed face-to-face semi-structured and unstructured interviews with the manager as primary means of obtaining in-depth information. Further information was obtained through website content analysis and document analysis of the firm’s reports and observations.

Findings

The results unearth a socially constructed feature of e-commerce entrepreneurship that draws from myBot’s manager’s innovative ability to use Facebook and e-mail to increase sales through its niche market. Factors that propelled e-commerce entrepreneurial activities using Facebook include trust, commitment and innovativeness.

Research limitations/implications

The revelation of this study may have changed due to the dynamic changes in the information and communication technology industry and how these are employed in a particular country and region of the world. Thus, results may not be generalised to other contexts. The study has a methodological limitation as it only had one informant who could respond to the study questions.

Practical implications

The study provides a practical application of using the contextualism theory to analyse e-commerce entrepreneurship in SMN.

Social implications

The application of e-commerce using SMNs such as Facebook widens the scope of tools that SMEs may use.

Originality/value

The study provides a theoretical lens into the understanding of an e-commerce entrepreneurship process using a contextualism theory. The paper showcases how e-commerce using Facebook can be portrayed in a developing country context.
Factors influencing investor’s decision making in Pakistan
Authors: Rasheed Muhammad Haroon , Rafique Amir , Zahid Tayyaba , Akhtar Muhammad Waqar
Published: January 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at the impact of two most commonly used heuristics, namely, representative bias and availability bias on investment decision making and to check that either locus of control interact with the said relations through theoretical proposal and then verification through empirical evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a quantitative research using a survey questionnaire for its data collection. Data are collected from 227 investors operating at Islamabad, Lahore, and Sargodha in Pakistan and analyzed using structural equation modeling while the interaction effect is analyzed through simple linear regression following the rules set by Baron and Kenny (1986).

Findings

The results reveal that both of the heuristics under study significantly cause investors to deviate from rational decision making while the locus of control have no significant moderating effect.

Originality/value

The proposed model provides insight on how the behavioral factors can lead investors to suboptimal decision making. This study is first of its kind to quantify the degree of irrationality caused by these factors. The findings of this study are practically useful for individual investors, investment managers, and also for policy makers.
Increased risk of psoriasis following scabies infection: A nationwide population‐based matched‐cohort study
Authors: Liu Jui‐Ming , Lin Chien‐Yu , Chang Fung‐Wei , Liu Yueh‐Ping , Liang Chung‐Pin , Hsu Ren‐Jun
Published: January 2018

Both scabies and psoriasis are pruritic inflammatory skin diseases. The clinical manifestations are similar and provocation of psoriasis by mite bite was reported. The association between scabies and psoriasis was not investigated before. We conducted this nationwide population‐based matched‐cohort study to describe if patients with a diagnosis of scabies have a different risk of developing new psoriasis. From the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, patients with scabies (n = 5137) were identified and matched for age and sex with non‐scabies controls (n = 19 142). We tracked them for a 7‐year period to identify the incidence of psoriasis. One hundred and ninety (0.8%) patients with newly diagnosed psoriasis were identified; 91 (1.8%) from the scabies group and 99 (0.5%) from the control group. Patients with scabies had a higher risk of subsequent psoriasis, with a crude hazard ratio of 3.45 and an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 3.03 (95% confidence interval, 2.24–4.11). An increased risk for psoriasis among patients with scabies was observed (aHR, 3.03). Immunopathology involving the T‐helper 17 cell‐mediated inflammatory pathway may contribute to this association. Physicians may consider implementing assessments of psoriatic symptoms in patients with scabies.
Successful management of steroid‐resistant vascular tumors associated with the Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon using sirolimus
Authors: Tan Xiaoyun , Zhang Jing , Zhou Shaoyi , Liu Zhenyin , Zhang Tao , Xia Jiejun
Published: January 2018

Vascular tumors associated with Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP) are life‐threatening and the mortality is as high as 10–30%. Steroids are considered the primary choice for drug therapy. However, there are many steroid‐resistant cases. In the present study, analyzed data are presented to support the use of sirolimus in clinical practise for the treatment of corticosteroid‐resistant vascular tumors with KMP in eight infants between June 2015 and April 2017 in a single hospital. The time to initial response was 6.8 ± 2.7 days. The average stabilization time for the platelet count was 19.1 ± 8.5 days. At the time of publication, the average duration of sirolimus treatment was 14.1 ± 4.0 months, and the average time for sirolimus treatment as a single agent was 12.6 ± 4.2 months. The side‐effects were tolerable and included oral ulcer, fever, pain, skin rash and transient ascension of serum transaminase and cholesterol. Our study indicated that sirolimus therapy is an effective and safe method for the treatment of corticosteroid resistant vascular tumors associated with KMP in infants.
Inhibition of BRD4 attenuates cardiomyocyte apoptosis via NF‐κB pathway in a rat model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Sun Yiping , Xie Ying , Du Luping , Sun Jingwu , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: January 2018

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) remains the most common cause of heart failure (HF) worldwide. For almost 50 years, HF has been recognized as a determinant of adverse prognosis after MI, but efforts to promote myocardial repair have failed to be translated into clinical therapies.

Aims

In this study, we investigated the effects of BRD4 on cardiac function and the underlying mechanism.

Material and Methods

The in vivo rat model of AMI and in vitro neonatal cardiomyocytes were established and cultured respectively, the BRD4 and NPPA/NPPB expression levels were detected by qPCR and Western blot, and interaction of BRD4 with acetylation RelA or NPPA/B promoters were examined by co‐immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, respectively.

Results

We found that BRD4 protein expression was significantly increased in cardiomyocytes of MI rat model and cardiomyocytes under hypoxia, accompanied by the expression of natriuretic peptide A (NPPA) and natriuretic peptide B (NPPB). Functionally, knockdown of BRD4 greatly downregulated the NPPA and NPPB in vivo and in vitro, improved the hemodynamic and biometric parameters in rat with heart failure, as well as decreased the apoptosis occurrence. In vitro studies further demonstrated that BRD4 bound with acetylated RelA to enhance the activation of NF‐κb signaling, which resulted in activation of NPPA and NPPB transcriptions.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings suggest that inhibition of BRD4 attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis via NF‐κB pathway in myocardial infarction, and this study sheds light on developing new strategies to overcome myocardial damage.
Hidradenitis suppurativa, a review of pathogenesis, associations and management. Part 1
Authors: Vekic Dunja Ana , Frew John , Cains Geoffrey David
Published: January 2018

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic, painful, autoinflammatory condition resulting in nodules, abscesses and sinus tracts. We present an evidence‐based review providing new understanding of the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa and associated comorbidities. By the nature of their speciality, dermatologists are uniquely positioned to investigate and treat patients with this condition. Data collected from a subspecialty hidradenitis suppurativa clinic (N = 106) and experiences thereof are discussed in this review.
The need for further surgical intervention following primary hysteroscopic morcellation of submucosal leiomyomas in women with abnormal uterine bleeding
Authors: Maheux‐Lacroix Sarah , Mennen Jennifer , Arnold Amy , Budden Aaron , Nesbitt‐Hawes Erin , Won HaRyun , Abbott Jason
Published: January 2018

Background

Intrauterine hysteroscopic morcellators have been studied as an alternative method for removing submucosal leiomyomas.

Aims

To assess the long‐term efficacy of hysteroscopic morcellation of submucosal leiomyomas in women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).

Materials and Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study including all women with AUB who underwent a hysteroscopic resection with mechanical morcellation of a benign submucosal leiomyoma confirmed at histopathology. Need for further surgery, patient satisfaction, symptom resolution and post‐operative complications were documented by direct patient contact after a minimum of six months of follow‐up.

Results

A total of 73 women were included in the study with a mean length of follow‐up of 32 ± 13 months. Mean total size of pathology at the time of index surgery was of 42 ± 20 mm. A total of 9/73 (12%) women required subsequent hysterectomy and 20/73 (27%) any subsequent related surgery (operative hysteroscopy, abdominal myomectomy or hysterectomy) with the estimated three‐year cumulative incidence being 30 ± 6%. Satisfaction rate of participants was 84%. In multivariate Cox proportional analyses, only a total size of pathology of 50 mm or more was found to be significantly associated with the risk of requiring further surgical procedures (hazard ratio = 2.9, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Hysteroscopic morcellation of submucosal leiomyomas is an effective method to manage women with AUB, although women with larger pathology have an increased risk of requiring subsequent surgical procedures.
The Popularity Costs of Economic Crisis under Electoral Authoritarianism: Evidence from Russia
Authors: Rosenfeld Bryn
Published: January 2018

While a large literature recognizes that economic crises threaten the stability of electoral autocracies, we know relatively little about how citizens form economic perceptions and how they attribute blame for worsening conditions in these regimes. To gain traction on these questions, I exploit subnational variation in economic performance across Russia's regions during a recent downturn, combining regionally representative surveys of more than 67,000 voting‐age respondents with data on growth and unemployment. Contrary to conventional wisdom that citizens are passive consumers of propaganda, I show that they extract objective economic information from personal experience and local conditions. Moreover, I find that they give greater weight to this information where regional party dominance makes economic performance a clearer indicator of the ruling party's competence and when they believe the media are biased. These results suggest limits on illiberal regimes' ability to exploit informational asymmetries to bolster popular support during economic downturns.
Acute coronary syndrome of very unusual etiology
Authors: Barbosa‐Barros Raimundo , Pérez‐Riera Andrés R. , Koivula Kimmo , de Carvalho Santos Jairo , de Abreu Luiz C. , Nikus Kjell
Published: January 2018

Aortitis is one of many possible manifestations of tertiary syphilis. Aortic disease is the most common of all cardiovascular syphilitic lesions. Aortic diseases caused by tertiary syphilis include aortitis, aortic root dilation, aneurysm formation, aortic regurgitation and coronary ostial stenosis. A less common manifestation of syphilitic aortitis is coronary artery ostial narrowing related to aortic wall thickening. We report a case of a 40‐year‐old male patient admitted with a clinical picture of acute coronary syndrome (unstable angina). He had no risk factors for coronary artery disease. The physical examination revealed nothing remarkable. The admission electrocardiogram (ECG) showed ST segment depression in the anterolateral and inferior leads (Figure 1). The coronary angiogram showed critical ostial stenosis of the right (RCA) and left main coronary artery (Figure 2a, b). Cardiac‐computed tomography showed aortic wall thickening with involvement of bilateral coronary ostia (Figure 2b, c). The patient was referred for coronary bypass surgery after treatment with two doses of penicillin G. The laboratory test was strongly positive for syphilitic infection. Postoperative treatment with benzathine penicillin, in doses recommended for tertiary syphilis, was implemented.
Four days of simulated shift work reduces insulin sensitivity in humans
Authors: Bescos R. , Boden M. J. , Jackson M. L. , Trewin A. J. , Marin E. C. , Levinger I. , Garnham A. , Hiam D. S. , Falcao‐Tebas F. , Conte F. , Owens J. A. , Kennaway D. J. , McConell G. K.
Published: January 2018

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 4 consecutive simulated night shifts on glucose homeostasis, mitochondrial function and central and peripheral rhythmicities compared with a simulated day shift schedule.

Methods

Seventeen healthy adults (8M:9F) matched for sleep, physical activity and dietary/fat intake participated in this study (night shift work n = 9; day shift work n = 8). Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity before and after 4 nights of shift work were measured by an intravenous glucose tolerance test and a hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp respectively. Muscles biopsies were obtained to determine insulin signalling and mitochondrial function. Central and peripheral rhythmicities were assessed by measuring salivary melatonin and expression of circadian genes from hair samples respectively.

Results

Fasting plasma glucose increased (4.4 ± 0.1 vs. 4.6 ± 0.1 mmol L−1; P = .001) and insulin sensitivity decreased (25 ± 7%, P < .05) following the night shift, with no changes following the day shift. Night shift work had no effect on skeletal muscle protein expression (PGC1α, UCP3, TFAM and mitochondria Complex II‐V) or insulin‐stimulated pAkt Ser473, pTBC1D4Ser318 and pTBC1D4Thr642. Importantly, the metabolic changes after simulated night shifts occurred despite no changes in the timing of melatonin rhythmicity or hair follicle cell clock gene expression across the wake period (Per3, Per1, Nr1d1 and Nr1d2).

Conclusion

Only 4 days of simulated night shift work in healthy adults is sufficient to reduce insulin sensitivity which would be expected to increase the risk of T2D.
Microdenervation of the spermatic cord for post‐vasectomy pain syndrome
Authors: Tan Wei Phin , Tsambarlis Peter N. , Levine Laurence A.
Published: January 2018

Objective

To evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent microdenervation of the spermatic cord (MDSC) for post‐vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) at our institution.

Methods

A retrospective study of all patients who underwent MDSC for PVPS by a single surgeon between March 2002 and October 2016 was performed. Pain was documented using the numerical rating scale (NRS). Spermatic cord block (SCB) was performed on all patients, and success was defined as NRS score ≤1 for >4 h. All patients had failed medical therapy prior to MDSC. All previous procedures for PVPS had been performed elsewhere. Surgical success was defined as a postoperative NRS score of ≤1.

Results

A total of 27 patients with 28 scrotal units underwent MDSC for PVPS. The median (1st quartile; 3rd quartile) follow‐up was 10 (2; 16.5) months. The median (range) duration of pain prior to surgery was 57 (8–468) months. Pain was bilateral in 14 (52%), left‐sided in eight (30%) and right‐sided in five patients (19%). Data on SCB were available for 23 patients, with a success rate of 96%. The median (range) preoperative pain NRS score was 7 (2–10). The median (range) pain score after SCB on the NRS scale was 0 (0–5). The median (range) postoperative pain score on the NRS was 0 (0–9). Overall success was achieved in 20 of 28 testicular units (71%). Patients with involvement of multiple structures in the scrotum (i.e. testis, epididymis, spermatic cord) had a success rate of 81% and were more likely to have a successful surgery (P < 0.001). Five patients had failed a prior epididymectomy and three had failed a vaso‐vasostomy for PVPS; this had no correlation with the success of MDSC (P = 0.89).

Conclusion

The MDSC procedure is a reasonably successful, durable and valuable approach for PVPS, especially when pain involves multiple structures in the scrotum (testis, epididymis, spermatic cord). MDSC was equally efficacious in patients who had previously failed a procedure for PVPS. No patient had a worsening NRS score after MDSC. This is the largest study to date evaluating MDSC for the treatment of PVPS.
Nuclear and membrane estrogen receptor antagonists induce similar mTORC2 activation‐reversible changes in synaptic protein expression and actin polymerization in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Xing Fang‐Zhou , Zhao Yan‐Gang , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , He Li , Zhao Ji‐Kai , Liu Meng‐Ying , Liu Yan , Zhang Ji‐Qiang
Published: January 2018

Aims

Estrogens play pivotal roles in hippocampal synaptic plasticity through nuclear receptors (nERs; including ERα and ERβ) and the membrane receptor (mER; also called GPR30), but the underlying mechanism and the contributions of nERs and mER remain unclear. Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) is involved in actin cytoskeleton polymerization and long‐term memory, but whether mTORC2 is involved in the regulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by ERs is unclear.

Methods

We treated animals with nER antagonists (MPP/PHTPP) or the mER antagonist (G15) alone or in combination with A‐443654, an activator of mTORC2. Then, we examined the changes in hippocampal SRC‐1 expression, mTORC2 signaling (rictor and phospho‐AKTSer473), actin polymerization (phospho‐cofilin and profilin‐1), synaptic protein expression (GluR1, PSD95, spinophilin, and synaptophysin), CA1 spine density, and synapse density.

Results

All of the examined parameters except synaptophysin expression were significantly decreased by MPP/PHTPP and G15 treatment. MPP/PHTPP and G15 induced a similar decrease in most parameters except p‐cofilin, GluR1, and spinophilin expression. The ER antagonist‐induced decreases in these parameters were significantly reversed by mTORC2 activation, except for the change in SRC‐1, rictor, and synaptophysin expression.

Conclusions

nERs and mER contribute similarly to the changes in proteins and structures associated with synaptic plasticity, and mTORC2 may be a novel target of hippocampal‐dependent dementia such as Alzheimer's disease as proposed by previous studies.
Effects of uncertainty and variability on population declines and IUCN Red List classifications
Authors: Rueda‐Cediel Pamela , Anderson Kurt E. , Regan Tracey J. , Regan Helen M.
Published: January 2018

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Categories and Criteria is a quantitative framework for classifying species according to extinction risk. Population models may be used to estimate extinction risk or population declines. Uncertainty and variability arise in threat classifications through measurement and process error in empirical data and uncertainty in the models used to estimate extinction risk and population declines. Furthermore, species traits are known to affect extinction risk. We investigated the effects of measurement and process error, model type, population growth rate, and age at first reproduction on the reliability of risk classifications based on projected population declines on IUCN Red List classifications. We used an age‐structured population model to simulate true population trajectories with different growth rates, reproductive ages and levels of variation, and subjected them to measurement error. We evaluated the ability of scalar and matrix models parameterized with these simulated time series to accurately capture the IUCN Red List classification generated with true population declines. Under all levels of measurement error tested and low process error, classifications were reasonably accurate; scalar and matrix models yielded roughly the same rate of misclassifications, but the distribution of errors differed; matrix models led to greater overestimation of extinction risk than underestimations; process error tended to contribute to misclassifications to a greater extent than measurement error; and more misclassifications occurred for fast, rather than slow, life histories. These results indicate that classifications of highly threatened taxa (i.e., taxa with low growth rates) under criterion A are more likely to be reliable than for less threatened taxa when assessed with population models. Greater scrutiny needs to be placed on data used to parameterize population models for species with high growth rates, particularly when available evidence indicates a potential transition to higher risk categories.
Death and the Self
Authors: Nichols Shaun , Strohminger Nina , Rai Arun , Garfield Jay
Published: January 2018

It is an old philosophical idea that if the future self is literally different from the current self, one should be less concerned with the death of the future self (Parfit, ). This paper examines the relation between attitudes about death and the self among Hindus, Westerners, and three Buddhist populations (Lay Tibetan, Lay Bhutanese, and monastic Tibetans). Compared with other groups, monastic Tibetans gave particularly strong denials of the continuity of self, across several measures. We predicted that the denial of self would be associated with a lower fear of death and greater generosity toward others. To our surprise, we found the opposite. Monastic Tibetan Buddhists showed significantly greater fear of death than any other group. The monastics were also less generous than any other group about the prospect of giving up a slightly longer life in order to extend the life of another.
Clinical and imaging spectrum of tuberculosis‐associated fibrosing mediastinitis
Authors: Liu Tongxi , Gao Li , Xie Sheng , Sun Hongliang , Liu Min , Zhai Zhenguo
Published: January 2018

Purpose

Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare disorder characterized by an excessive fibrotic reaction within the mediastinum, which can result in compression of mediastinal structures. To investigate the clinical and imaging characteristics of TB‐associated FM, patients with evidence of TB infection were retrospectively evaluated in this study.

Materials and Methods

A total of 33 patients with clinically diagnosed FM and evidence of TB infection were selected from the database of two institutional medical centers. Medical records were reviewed to evaluate the clinical disease spectrum, responses to therapy and imaging characteristics.

Results

TB‐associated FM showed distinctive infiltrative pattern on chest CT, such as bilateral involvement and hilar predominance. The majority of patients presented with nonspecific respiratory symptoms due to the compression of mediastinal broncho‐vascular structures. Echocardiography discovered pulmonary hypertension to various degrees in 60% of patients. Although only a part of patients responded to medical therapy, they seldom showed deterioration during the follow‐up.

Conclusions

TB‐associated FM shows some specific imaging characteristics, reflecting immune‐mediated fibrotic reaction secondary to TB infection. The insidious progression to mediastinal fibrosis after TB infection poses a challenge to the early diagnosis and results in subsequent respiratory dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension.
Continuous glucose monitoring in pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes: benefits for mothers, using pumps or pens, and their babies
Authors: Feig D. S. , Murphy H. R.
Published: January 2018

Aims

To review the current literature on the use of continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy in women with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We searched the literature for randomized controlled trials using continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy in women with Type 1 diabetes.

Results

Three randomized trials were found and discussed in this review. One UK study found a reduction in large‐for‐gestational‐age infants; however, only masked continuous glucose monitoring was used in that study. A Danish study used intermittent real‐time continuous glucose monitoring and found no differences. The present authors conducted the CONCEPTT trial, in which pregnant women and women planning pregnancy were randomized to receive continuous glucose monitoring or standard care. We found a greater drop in HbA1c, more time spent in the target range, and a reduction in some adverse neonatal outcomes in women using continuous glucose monitoring. Numbers‐needed‐to‐treat to prevent a large‐for‐gestational‐age infant, a neonatal intensive care unit admission for >24 h, and a neonatal hypoglycaemia event were low. These findings were seen in both injection and pump users and across all countries. Possible reasons for differences in study findings are discussed. In addition, several issues need further study. Glycaemic variability and differences in dietary intake may also have played a role. Despite excellent glycaemic control, babies continue to be large. More research is needed to understand the role of glucose targets and the dynamic placental processes involved in fetal growth.

Conclusions

The use of continuous glucose monitoring in women with Type 1 diabetes in pregnancy is associated with improved glycaemic control and neonatal outcomes. Further research examining the glycaemic and non‐glycaemic variables involved in fetal growth and the cost–benefit of using continuous glucose monitoring in pregnancy is warranted.
Diabetes and technology in 2030: a utopian or dystopian future?
Authors: Kerr D. , Axelrod C. , Hoppe C. , Klonoff D. C.
Published: January 2018

The ability of an individual living with diabetes to have human‐to‐human contact with their healthcare provider is not keeping pace with the number of people developing diabetes. From a futurist perspective, however, this dichotomy of diabetes care represents an opportunity for digital healthcare. The focus of technological innovation is unlikely to be the replacement of the multidisciplinary diabetes team but rather the provision of meaningful individual and family support between clinic visits and, on a larger scale, the facilitation of population health management for diabetes. We can also expect to see new therapies, including implantable drug delivery systems, automated closed‐loop systems and miniaturized non‐invasive glucose monitoring systems. New digital health technologies will create a ‘digital diabetes ecosystem’ to enhance rather than devolve care from humans. Concerns related to data privacy and ownership will inevitably rise, thus a future for diabetes care relying heavily on technology is not inevitably utopian. Nevertheless, revolutions in the development of novel sensors, accumulation of ‘big data’, and use of artificial intelligence will provide exciting opportunities for preventing, monitoring and treating diabetes in the near future.
Dichotomy of development aid’s ambition and neoliberal imperatives: A case‐study of private‐sector development in Bangladesh
Authors: Husain Matt
Published: January 2018

Development in the twenty‐first century (“neo‐liberalism”) is a tool and its success and sustainability depend on how this tool is applied on a specific grounded reality. This article investigates how this modernization process continually co‐creates globalized Bangladesh through private sector development. While this field report highlights the challenges development aid donors can face in Bangladesh’s post‐colonial culture, it also unveils the dichotomous traction between globalization and inequality as well as the friction poverty reduction, through private sector development, can generate in impoverished countries. Finally, this report attempts to reconsider the ways in which the aid development ambitions of equality and liberty can find a workable balance with the neo‐liberal Imperative for private sector development. This article calls for improving quality control to generate greater impact of development aid resources in developing private sectors.
PARTIAL TAX HARMONIZATION THROUGH INFRASTRUCTURE COORDINATION
Authors: Sanz‐Córdoba Patricia , Theilen Bernd
Published: January 2018

In this article, we analyze the role of infrastructure coordination in facilitating partial tax harmonization within a coalition of asymmetric jurisdictions. Two main results are obtained. First, productivity asymmetries represent a serious handicap for partial tax harmonization that can be remedied by coordinating nontax instruments when they allow to reduce these asymmetries. Second, infrastructure coordination through the choice of a common investment level is particularly indicated when asymmetries between potential members of a tax coalition are large. The current usage of European Union (EU) structural funds orientated to reduce regional infrastructure deficits is therefore suitable to facilitate tax harmonization within the EU. (JEL H87, H54, H21)
Ultrasonographic‐based predictive factors influencing successful return to racing after superficial digital flexor tendon injuries in flat racehorses: A retrospective cohort study in 469 Thoroughbred racehorses in Hong Kong
Authors: Alzola R. , Easter C. , Riggs C. M. , Gardner D. S. , Freeman S. L.
Published: January 2018

Background

Superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury is an important health and welfare concern in racehorses. It is generally diagnosed with ultrasonography, but predictive ultrasonographic features have not been reported.

Objectives

To determine ultrasonographic features of forelimb SDFT injury at initial presentation in Thoroughbred racehorses that could predict a successful return to racing (completing ≥5 races).

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Digitised ultrasonographic images of 469 horses with forelimb SDFT injuries from the Hong Kong Jockey Club (2003–2014) were evaluated, using a previously validated ultrasonographic scoring system. Six ultrasonographic parameters were evaluated (type and extent of the injury, location, echogenicity, cross‐sectional area and longitudinal fibre pattern of the maximal injury zone [MIZ]), as well as horse signalment, retirement date and number of races before and after injury. Data were analysed by generalised linear regression with significance at P<0.05.

Results

Cases were divided into two groups: 1) For cases of SDFT tendonitis with core lesions, cross‐sectional area at the MIZ was the most significant factor determining a successful return to racing (P = 0.03). If the lesion was <50% of the total cross‐sectional area, horses had 29–35% probability of successfully racing again, but if it was ≥50% this decreased to 11–16%. 2) For cases of SDFT tendonitis without a core lesion, longitudinal fibre pattern at the MIZ best predicted a successful return to racing (P = 0.002); if the affected longitudinal fibre pattern was <75% of the total, horses had 49–99% probability of successfully return to racing, but if it was ≥75% this decreased to 14%.

Main limitations

Prognostic information may not be applicable to other breeds/disciplines.

Conclusions

This is the first study to describe ultrasonographic features of forelimb SDFT injuries at initial presentation that were predictive of successful return to racing. The outcomes will assist with early, evidence‐based decisions on prognosis in Thoroughbred racehorses.
An integrative review exploring the physical and psychological harm inherent in using restraint in mental health inpatient settings
Authors: Cusack Pauline , Cusack Frank Patrick , McAndrew Sue , McKeown Mick , Duxbury Joy
Published: January 2018

In Western society, policy and legislation seeks to minimize restrictive interventions, including physical restraint; yet research suggests the use of such practices continues to raise concerns. Whilst international agreement has sought to define physical restraint, diversity in the way in which countries use restraint remains disparate. Research to date has reported on statistics regarding restraint, how and why it is used, and staff and service user perspectives about its use. However, there is limited evidence directly exploring the physical and psychological harm restraint may cause to people being cared for within mental health inpatient settings. This study reports on an integrative review of the literature exploring available evidence regarding the physical and psychological impact of restraint. The review included both experimental and nonexperimental research papers, using Cooper's (1998) five‐stage approach to synthesize the findings. Eight themes emerged: Trauma/retraumatization; Distress; Fear; Feeling ignored; Control; Power; Calm; and Dehumanizing conditions. In conclusion, whilst further research is required regarding the physical and psychological implications of physical restraint in mental health settings, mental health nurses are in a prime position to use their skills and knowledge to address the issues identified to eradicate the use of restraint and better meet the needs of those experiencing mental illness.
Estimation of the radiation dose for pediatric CBCT indications: a prospective study on ProMax3D
Authors: Marcu Maria , Hedesiu Mihaela , Salmon Benjamin , Pauwels Ruben , Stratis Andreas , Oenning Anne Caroline Costa , Cohen Mike E. , Jacobs Reinhilde , Baciut Mihaela , Roman Raluca , Dinu Cristian , Rotaru Horatiu , Barbur Ioan ,   DIMITRA Research Group
Published: January 2018

Background

An increasing number of CBCT units and a wide variability of radiation doses have been reported in dentistry lately.

Aim

To estimate the effective, cumulative, and organ absorbed doses in children exposed to CBCT over 2 years.

Design

A prospective study was conducted in children who underwent CBCT diagnostic imaging with the ProMax3D machine. Organ and effective doses were calculated by Monte Carlo simulation using 5‐ and 8‐year‐old pediatric voxel phantoms. Extrapolation procedures were applied to estimate doses for other ages and CBCT protocols used in clinical conditions.

Results

The median effective dose was 137.9 μSv, and the median cumulative dose was 231.4 μSv. Statistically significant differences in the effective doses and cumulative doses were found for various indications of CBCT in children (P < 0.001). The median absorbed organ dose for brain and thyroid was significantly higher for the clinical condition that required large FOVs (2.5 mGy and 1.05 mGy, respectively) compared to medium (0.19 and 0.51 mGy) and small FOVs (0.07 and 0.24 mGy; P < 0.05). The radiation dose of salivary glands did not vary significantly with FOV.

Conclusion

The results revealed the variation of CBCT doses and the influence of FOV size in pediatric exposure.
Role of oxygen vacancies in long persistent phosphor Ca2Ga2GeO7: Zn2+
Authors: Zhou Junhe , Long Zhangwen , Wang Qi , Zhou Dacheng , Qiu Jianbei , Xu Xuhui
Published: January 2018

Acting as the electron trap, oxygen vacancies can strongly influence the long persistent luminescence (LPL) properties were verified in Ca2Ga2GeO7: Zn2+ (CGGZ) phosphor. The existence of oxygen vacancies in this self‐excitation material was confirmed by a simple fluorescence probe method. The introduction of zinc ions promotes the generation of oxygen vacancies, as well as optimizes its LPL properties. Thermoluminescence (TL) analysis revealed that electrons in deep trap will effectively transfer to the shallow one via the bridge of interstitial zinc. Accordingly, a mechanism for PL and LPL in this Gallogermanates was provided.
Structural phase transition and electrical properties of Sr2+ substituted porous PMN‐PZT ceramics
Authors: Liu Wei , Lv Lin , Wang Yanzhong , Xue Chaorui , Dong Yingge , Wang Jianhong , Yang Jinlong
Published: January 2018

In this study, Sr2+ modified porous PMN‐PZT ceramics with one‐dimensional pore channels were produced by the ionotropic gelation process of alginate/PMN‐PZT suspensions. The ion‐exchange method was employed during the fabrication procedure to adjust the content of SrO addition. With the SrO addition increasing from 1.653 wt.% to 2.957 wt.%, the structural phase of porous PMN‐PZT ceramics transformed from rhombohedral (R) to tetragonal (T) perovskite phase. Accordingly, the electromechanical coupling coefficient (kt) value of porous PMN‐PZT ceramics decreased from 64.7% to 58.7%, while the hydrostatic figure of merit (HFOM) value increased from 1510 to 5547 × 10−15 m2/N, and acoustic impedance Z value ranged from 4.59 to 7.55 MRayls, which helped for applications in underwater transducers or hydrophones.