bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collective intelligence defines biological functions in Wikipedia as communities in the hidden protein connection network
Authors: Zinovyev Andrei , Czerwinska Urszula , Cantini Laura , Barillot Emmanuel , Frahm Klaus M. , Shepelyansky Dima L.
Published: April 2019

English Wikipedia, containing more than five millions articles, has approximately eleven thousands web pages devoted to proteins or genes most of which were generated by the Gene Wiki project. These pages contain information about interactions between proteins and their functional relationships. At the same time, they are interconnected with other Wikipedia pages describing biological functions, diseases, drugs and other topics curated by independent, not coordinated collective efforts. Therefore, Wikipedia contains a directed network of protein functional relations or physical interactions embedded into the global network of the encyclopedia terms, which defines hidden (indirect) functional proximity between proteins. We applied the recently developed reduced Google Matrix (REGOMAX) algorithm in order to extract the network of hidden functional connections between proteins in Wikipedia. In this network we discovered tight communities which reflect areas of interest in molecular biology or medicine. Moreover, by comparing two snapshots of Wikipedia graph (from years 2013 and 2017), we studied the evolution of the network of direct and hidden protein connections. We concluded that the hidden connections are more dynamic compared to the direct ones and that the size of the hidden interaction communities grows with time. We recapitulate the results of Wikipedia protein community analysis and annotation in the form of an interactive online map, which can serve as a portal to the Gene Wiki project.
Superficial bound of the depth limit of 2-photon imaging in mouse brain
Authors: Takasaki Kevin , Abbasi-Asl Reza , Waters Jack
Published: April 2019

2-photon fluorescence microscopy has been used extensively to probe the structure and functions of cells in living biological tissue. 2-photon excitation generates fluorescence from the focal plane, but also from outside the focal plane, with out-of-focus fluorescence increasing as the focus is pushed deeper into tissue. It has been suggested that the 2-photon depth limit, beyond which results become inaccurate, is where in- and out-of-focus fluorescence are equal. We found the depth limit of 2-photon excitation in mice with GCaMP6 indicator expression in all layers of visual cortex, by comparing near-simultaneous 2- and 3-photon excitation. 2-photon results were accurate only superficial to 450 μm, matching the depth at which in-and out-of-focus fluorescence were equal. The expected depth limit is deeper in tissue with fewer fluorophores outside the plane of interest. Our results, from tissue with a largely homogenous distribution of fluorophores, establish a superficial bound on the 2-photon depth limit in the mouse visual cortex.
Single-cell imaging reveals unexpected heterogeneity of TERT expression across cancer cell lines
Authors: Rowland Teisha J. , Dumbović Gabrijela , Hass Evan P. , Rinn John L. , Cech Thomas R.
Published: April 2019

Telomerase is pathologically reactivated in most human cancers, where it maintains chromosomal telomeres and allows immortalization. Because telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) is usually the limiting component for telomerase activation, numerous studies have measured TERT mRNA levels in populations of cells or in tissues. However, little is known about TERT expression at the single-cell and single-molecule level. Here we analyzed TERT expression across 10 human cancer lines using single-molecule RNA FISH and made several unexpected findings. First, there was substantial cell-to-cell variation in number of transcription sites and ratio of transcription sites to gene copies. Second, previous classification of lines as having monoallelic or biallelic TERT expression was found to be inadequate for capturing the TERT gene expression patterns. Finally, TERT mRNA had primarily nuclear localization in cancer cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), in stark contrast to the expectation that mature mRNA should be predominantly cytoplasmic. These data reveal unappreciated heterogeneity, complexity, and unconventionality in TERT expression across human cancer cells.
An In-Silico Investigation of Menthol Metabolism
Authors: Limpanuparb Taweetham , Lorpaiboon Wanutcha , Chinsukserm Kridtin
Published: April 2019

Prevalence of mentholated products for consumption has brought great importance to studies on menthol’s metabolic pathways to ensure safety, design more potent derivatives, and identify therapeutic benefits. Proposed pathways of (-)-menthol metabolism based on metabolites found experimentally in previous works by Yamaguchi, Caldwell & Farmer, Madyastha & Srivatsan and Hiki et al. were not in agreement. This in silico approach is based on the three in vivo studies and aims to resolve the discrepancies. Reactions in the pathways are conjugation with glucuronic acid/sulfate, oxidation to alcohol, aldehyde & carboxylic acid, and formation of a four-membered/five-membered ring. Gas-phase structures, standard Gibbs energies and SMD solvation energies at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level were obtained for 102 compounds in the pathways. This study provides a more complete picture of menthol metabolism by combining information from three experimental studies and filling missing links in previously published pathways.
Childhood conditions, pathways to entertainment work and current practices of female entertainment workers in Cambodia: Baseline findings from the Mobile Link trial
Authors: Brody Carinne , Chhoun Pheak , Tuot Sovannary , Swendeman Dallas , Yi Siyan
Published: April 2019

Background

Entertainment venues have been identified as an important location for HIV prevention due to the increasing number of young female entertainment and sex workers at these venues. The purpose of this report is to increase understanding of the childhood conditions, pathways to entertainment work and current practices of female entertainment workers (FEWs) in Cambodia.

Methods

Data used for this study were collected in April 2018 as part of the baseline survey of the Mobile Link, a randomized controlled trial to improve sexual and reproductive health of FEWs in Cambodia. We used a stratified random sampling method to recruit 600 FEWs for face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analyses were performed.

Results

Most participants came from childhood homes without electricity (82.0%) or running water (87.0%). Most women moved to the city in the last ten years (80.5%) for economic reasons (43.7%). About a third worked in the garment industry prior to the entertainment industry (36.7%). Participation in transactional sex in the past three months was reported by 36.0%. Women reported low condom use practices with non-paying partners (23.4% used condom with partner at last sex), excessive and forced alcohol use at work (33.1% reported being forced to drink alcohol at work more than once a month), low modern contraception use (31.4% was using modern contraception), and experiences of gender-based violence (23.3% reported verbal threats, physical abuse or forced sex in the past six months).

Conclusions

This information will help to support the development of future individual and structural level interventions for the safety and support of FEWs. In addition, these results may contribute to an evidence base that can inform policy level changes intended to support the realization of full human rights for entertainment works in Cambodia including the rights to health, safety, and respectful employment.
Intrauterine exposure to hyperglycaemia in pregnancy and risk of adiposity in the offspring at 10 years of age – A community based retrospective cohort study in Sri Lanka
Authors: Herath Himali , Herath Rasika , Wickremasinghe Rajitha
Published: April 2019

Background

Intrauterine exposure to a hyperglycemic environment can cause long term changes in body composition resulting in increased adiposity and cardio metabolic risk in the offspring. The aim of this study was to determine the association between hyperglycaemia in pregnancy (HIP) and risk of adiposity in the offspring at 10-11 years of age.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Colombo district, Sri Lanka. 7205 children who were born in 2005 were identified through schools and Public Health Midwives in the community. Mothers of these children still possessing antenatal records were interviewed and relevant data were extracted from medical records to identify eligible participants. Exposure status (hyperglycaemia in pregnancy) was ascertained based on client held antenatal records. 159 children of mothers with HIP (exposed) and 253 children of mothers with no HIP (non-exposed) were recruited. Height, weight, waist circumference and triceps skin fold thickness (TSFT) of participants were measured to ascertain outcome status.

Results

The mean ages (SD) of exposed and non-exposed groups were 10.9 (0.3) and 10.8 (0.3) years respectively. The median BMI (17.6 vs 16.1, p<0.001), waist circumference (63cm vs 59.3 cm, p<0.001) and triceps skinfold thickness (13.7mm vs 11.2mm, p< 0.001) were significantly higher in the exposed group than in the non-exposed group.

Children who were exposed to intrauterine hyperglycaemia were more likely to be overweight (aOR=2.5, 95% CI 1.3-4.7), have abdominal obesity (aOR=2.9, 95% CI 1.2-6.8) and high TSFT > 70thcentile (aOR=2.1, 95% CI 1.2-3.9) at 10-11 years of age than children who were not exposed after adjusting for maternal BMI, birth weight and birth order.

Conclusions

Intrauterine exposure to HIP is associated with significantly higher risk of adiposity in the offspring at 10 years of age.
Synthesis and crystal structure of a neodymium borosilicate, Nd3BSi2O10
Authors: Chong Saehwa , Kroll Jared O. , Crum Jarrod V. , Riley Brian J.
Published: April 2019

A lanthanide borosilicate, trineodymium borosilicate or Nd3BSi2O10, was synthesized using a flux method with LiCl, and its structure was determined from X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The structure is composed of layers with [SiO4]4− and [BSiO6]5− anions alternating along the c axis linked by Nd3+ cations between them.
The role of HR in leadership development
Authors: Maheshwari Shilpa Kabra , Yadav Jaya
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Business environments have become more complex, dynamic, and uncertain in the past few decades. To navigate this complexity, organizations need to enhance their competitiveness, improve performance, and build leadership. Though leadership contributes to strategic advantage, the challenge for human resources (HR) to build the next generation of leaders remains. This has sparked the need for practitioners to understand the role of HR in enhancing leadership capability.

Design/methodology/approach

Using qualitative analysis and practitioner insights, this paper contributes to the understanding of the role of HR in leadership development.

Findings

The study proposes the HR PACE model for the role of HR in leadership development.

Practical implications

This study has potentially significant implications for HR, leadership development scholars, and practitioners while designing and implementing leadership development in organizations.

Originality/value

While empirical studies on how HR practices of recruitment, performance management, training, and development impact organizations exist, there are rare studies assessing the role of HR in leadership development. This study examines the role of HR in leadership development.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment in Swedish acute geriatric settings
Authors: Wressle Ewa , Törnvall Eva
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) is a widely used approach in geriatric care and involves multidisciplinary assessments focused on determining a frail elderly person’s medical, psychological and functional capability to develop an integrated plan for treatment. The purpose of this paper is to describe and scrutinize the CGA implementation process at six acute geriatric departments in three county councils and to study the outcome by the documentation in the patient medical records, and the staff perceptions using CGA.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the implementation process stages. Outcome measures were based on patient medical records reviews at baseline and follow-ups at year 1 and year 2. Staff perceptions of using CGA were gathered by a questionnaire at the second follow-up.

Findings

The implementation had not yet reached sustainability so the implementation process must continue. Results show that documentation on the different areas increased in year 1, as well as the use of standardized assessment tools. However, results from the reviews for year 2 showed some decrease. Staff considered CGA to have high value for the geriatric patient but pointed out the need for continuing education.

Originality/value

Successful strategies for this implementation were strong support from the managers, small seminars, CGA rounds, good introduction routines for new staff and the use of reminders such as pocket-sized focus cards. A high staff turnover occurred during the study, which probably had a significant negative impact on the results.
Patient involvement in consultation for atrial fibrillation – the cardiologists’ perspective
Authors: Hellström Muhli Ulla , Trost Jan , Siouta Eleni
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the accounts of Swedish cardiologists concerning patient involvement in consultations for atrial fibrillation (AF). The questions were: how cardiologists handle and provide scope for patient involvement in medical consultations regarding AF treatment and how cardiologists describe their familiarity with shared decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive study was designed. Ten interviews with cardiologists at four Swedish hospitals were held, and a qualitative content analysis was performed on the collected data.

Findings

The analysis shows cardiologists’ accounts of persuasive practice, protective practice, professional role and medical craftsmanship when it comes to patient involvement and shared decision-making. The term “shared decision-making” implies a concept of not only making one decision but also ensuring that it is finalised with a satisfactory agreement between both parties involved, the patient as well as the cardiologist. In order for the idea of patient involvement to be fulfilled, the two parties involved must have equal power, which can never actually be guaranteed.

Research limitations/implications

Methodologically, this paper reflects the special contribution that can be made by the research design of descriptive qualitative content analysis (Krippendorff, 2004) to reveal and understand cardiologists’ perspectives on patient involvement and participation in medical consultation and shared decision-making. The utility of this kind of analysis is to find what cardiologists said and how they arrived at their understanding about patient involvement. Accordingly, there is no quantification in this type of research.

Practical implications

Cardiologists should prioritise patient involvement and participation in decision-making regarding AF treatment decisions in consultations when trying to meet the request of patient involvement.

Originality/value

Theoretically, the authors have learned that the patient involvement and shared decision-making requires the ability to see patients as active participants in the medical consultation process.
Predictors of organic tea purchase intentions by Chinese consumers
Authors: James Mark X. , Hu Zhimin , Leonce Tesa E.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that influence Chinese consumers’ purchase of organic products, with a focus on organic tea.

Design/methodology/approach

A structured questionnaire was used to survey 202 shoppers in Guangdong Province, China. The data were analyzed using multivariate regression.

Findings

The study suggests two significant predictors of organic tea purchase intentions: perceiving organic tea as a healthier alternative to non-organic tea; perceiving the purchase of organic tea as a status symbol. Younger respondents and respondents with higher educational attainment reported greater organic tea purchase intentions. Non-significant predictors of organic tea purchase intentions were respondents’ knowledge of organic tea through media exposure, their gender and income.

Research limitations/implications

The findings help further research on consumer preferences regarding organic foods providing key insights for researchers and marketers as they strive to make informed decisions in the emerging organic food retail environment. Specifically, Chinese consumers perceiving organic tea as a healthy option and as a status symbol are more likely to state organic tea purchase intentions. These results point to the need for extended research on key antecedents of Chinese consumers’ purchase intentions of organic products.

Originality/value

Little was known about the motivations of Chinese consumers for purchasing organic food products, as the psychological and demographic factors that are associated with organic food purchase behavior in China were not well researched. Specifically, there is still a notable gap in the understanding of how consumers in China make organic tea purchase decisions. With organic foods occupying a progressively larger portion of Chinese diets and budgets, this research fills in some of the knowledge gap by examining how the social norms of status symbols influence Chinese consumers’ purchase intentions of organic tea.
Search broadly or search narrowly? Role of knowledge search strategy in innovation performance
Authors: Li Jian , Li Yishu , Yu Yue , Yuan Ling
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to shed some new light on the mixed findings of previous empirical studies on the effect of knowledge search breadth (SB) on firms’ 2019 innovation performance (IP).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a contingent approach that examines the two organizational factors in determining the shape of the SB-IP curve. The empirical study is based on survey data gathered from 414 Chinese firms. In dealing with concerns on simultaneity and reverse causality, perceived time-lag between outcome variable and explanatory variables was introduced.

Findings

This study reveals that knowledge novelty and absorptive capacity are two functions underlying the SB-IP relationship. The results also indicate that innovation orientation and firm age moderate the SB-IP relationship in different ways: the more innovation-oriented the firm, the steeper the inverted U-shaped SB-IP relationship will be, while the older the firm, the flatter the SB-IP relationship will be. Interestingly, there is strong evidence for the shape-flip phenomenon of the SB-IP curve: SB has an inverted U-shaped effect on IP when a firm is young; however, SB has a U-shaped effect when the firm is older than 37 years.

Originality/value

By revealing two underlying functions and two moderators of the association between SB and IP at the firm level, this paper contributes to shed some new light to the mixed results reported by previous empirical studies that have examined the effect of knowledge search on firm innovation.
The legal profession in Kenya and its anti-money laundering obligations or lack thereof
Authors: Gikonyo Constance
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the inclusion of lawyers in Kenya’s anti-money laundering regime and the role they can play towards assisting in detection and gate-keeping of potential money laundering activities. Kenya is a transit point for trade-based money laundering. Accordingly, it is vulnerable to money laundering that can be facilitated by legal professionals, through their misuse by criminals. These professionals can be both enablers and perpetrators.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is secondary in nature. It is based on reviewing relevant literature and analysing the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Regulations. The legislation and the rules form the core of Kenya’s anti-money laundering regime.

Findings

The omission of legal professionals from Kenya’s anti-money laundering regime constitutes a big gap under its preventative mechanisms. Further, it makes them attractive to criminals because they are under no legal obligation to report potential money laundering activities. Ultimately, the inclusion of lawyers as DNFBPs is necessary. This would seal the extant regulatory gap and ensure enhanced awareness amongst the legal professionals of the money laundering risks that they face.

Originality/value

Given Kenya’s money laundering susceptibility, it is necessary and prudent to critically consider the inclusion of legal professionals in its anti-money laundering mechanisms. The paper seeks to make a practical and scholarly contribution in considering the issue and possibly trigger further discussions, as well as the necessary legislative and policy changes. This would positively enhance the success of Kenya’s anti-money laundering regime in detecting money laundering activities.
Implementation evaluation: a future direction in money laundering investigation
Authors: Zolkaflil Salwa , Omar Normah , Syed Mustapha Nazri Sharifah Nazatul Faiza
Published: April 2019

Purpose

Malaysia has implemented a comprehensive AML/CFT framework, yet its effectiveness remains questionable due to low number of prosecutions on money laundering cases. Therefore, this study aims to understand the reasons for low number of prosecutions, by addressing the challenges faced by the law enforcement agencies in conducting money laundering investigation. This study then identifies future improvement actions to enhance their effectiveness in combating money laundering in future.

Design/methodology/approach

This study distributed surveys to the law enforcement agencies that are responsible for conducting money laundering investigation in Malaysia. In total, 65 surveys were distributed; however, only 61 were returned to the researchers. Out of the 61 surveys returned, only 39 can be analysed due to incomplete answers given by respective respondents.

Findings

The results show that the investigating officers are facing difficulties in gathering sufficient information to support their charges. Besides information gathering, they are also facing difficulties due to short investigation timeframe regulated in the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001. This study concludes that, although the law enforcement agencies have the power to investigate money laundering and terrorism financing under the act, Malaysia is lacking in having a good investigative support system to assist the law enforcement agencies during the investigation process.

Practical implications

The results of this study are helpful to the regulators and law enforcement agencies in determining the flaws of the current money laundering investigation practices. This study also provides suggestions for future improvement action.

Originality/value

Lack of study focuses on money laundering investigation conducted by the law enforcement agencies, especially in the Malaysian setting, makes the study valuable to the money laundering research.
Determining the nexus between financial inclusion and economic development in Pakistan
Authors: Raza Muhammad Subtain , Tang Jun , Rubab Sana , Wen Xin
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the relationship between financial inclusion and economic development in Pakistan based on available sources of detailed data and assess its outcome of financial inclusion on basic standards of life, then accord relevant recommendations to prompt economic growth and development.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design selected for data analysis was meta-analysis, besides, data analysis over the period 2010-2015 was performed by using a descriptive statistical approach, regression and correlation analysis, i.e. the Pearson correlation matrix.

Findings

The authors find a positive relationship between financial inclusion and economic development, resultantly; increase in financial inclusion may lead to an increase in economic development. In detail, the number of the number of bank accounts (per 1,000 adult population) and the number of bank branches (per 100,000 people) have a positive relationship with human development index (HDI). Where else the amount of automated teller machines per 1,000 km2(per cent) reveals a negative relationship.

Practical implications

The study has shown that expand financial access such as strengthen the establishment of bank accounts and bank branches can increase economic development in Pakistan. That is the government should focus on the financial inclusion policies as a means of ameliorating poverty, through a participation of all economic agents in the financial system. There is an utmost need for the Government of Pakistan to prioritize the importance of financial inclusion.

Originality/value

The novelty of the study is taken HDI and three representative indicators as a measurement of economic growth and financial inclusion, respectively, meanwhile, meta-analysis, multivariate regression model sum up that poverty alleviation is connected with the development of a more inclusive financial services sectors.
The use of cryptocurrencies in the money laundering process
Authors: Albrecht Chad , Duffin Kristopher McKay , Hawkins Steven , Morales Rocha Victor Manuel
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the money laundering process itself, how cryptocurrencies have been integrated into this process, and how regulatory and government bodies are responding to this new form of currency.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a theoretical paper that discusses cryptocurrencies and their role in the money laundering process.

Findings

Cryptocurrencies eliminate the need for intermediary financial institutions and allow direct peer-to-peer financial transactions. Because of the anonymity introduced through blockchain, cryptocurrencies have been favored by the darknet and other criminal networks.

Originality/value

Cryptocurrencies are a nascent form of money that first arose with the creation of bitcoin in 2009. This form of purely digital currency was meant as a direct competitor to government-backed fiat currency that are controlled by the central banking system. The paper adds to the recent discussions and debate on cryptocurrencies by suggesting additional regulation to prevent their use in money laundering and corruption schemes.
Impact of iron reduction on the metabolism of Clostridium acetobutylicum
Authors: List Cornelia , Hosseini Zhaleh , Lederballe Meibom Karin , Hatzimanikatis Vassily , Bernier‐Latmani Rizlan
Published: April 2019

Iron is essential for most living organisms. In addition, its biogeochemical cycling influences important processes in the geosphere (e.g., the mobilization or immobilization of trace elements and contaminants). The reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) can be catalysed microbially, particularly by metal‐respiring bacteria utilizing Fe(III) as a terminal electron acceptor. Furthermore, Gram‐positive fermentative iron reducers are known to reduce Fe(III) by using it as a sink for excess reducing equivalents, as a form of enhanced fermentation. Here, we use the Gram‐positive fermentative bacterium Clostridium acetobutylicum as a model system due to its ability to reduce heavy metals. We investigated the reduction of soluble and solid iron during fermentation. We found that exogenous (resazurin, resorufin, anthraquinone‐2,6‐disulfonate) as well as endogenous (riboflavin) electron mediators enhance solid iron reduction. In addition, iron reduction buffers the pH, and elicits a shift in the carbon and electron flow to less reduced products relative to fermentation. This study underscores the role fermentative bacteria can play in iron cycling and provides insights into the metabolic profile of coupled fermentation and iron reduction with laboratory experiments and metabolic network modelling.
Organising through compassion: The introduction of meta‐virtue management in theNHS
Authors: Pedersen Kirstine Z. , Roelsgaard Obling Anne
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the comprehensive compassionate care reform programme within the National Health Service (NHS) in England. Through a synoptic reading of policy documents, we show how ‘compassion’ is introduced as an overarching meta‐virtue designed to govern relationships and formal positions in health care. Invoking an ‘ethics of office’ perspective, mainly drawing on the thinking of Max Weber, we evaluate the promotion of compassion as a managerial technology and argue how seemingly humanistic and value‐based approaches to healthcare management might have unintended consequences for the quality of care and the conduct of health professionals that in some ways resemble and in some ways exceed those of the more traditional New Public Management measures, which the new compassion paradigm is expected to outdo. In the paper's final sections, we turn to the original work of the nursing icon Florence Nightingale to argue that compassion and other virtues should continuously be formulated and re‐formulated in relation to the role‐specific skills and duties of particular offices in the healthcare sector.
Understanding what makes a positive school experience for pupils with SEND: can their voices inform inclusive practice?
Authors: Dimitrellou Eleni , Male Dawn
Published: April 2019

Since the advent of the ideology of inclusion, several concerns have been raised worldwide regarding the effectiveness of its implementation. In the UK, governmental evidence suggests that maintaining pupils with special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) within mainstream school settings, is one of the greatest challenges (DfE, 2018). There is now, more than ever, the need to explore pupils with SENDs’ mainstream experiences and understand the challenges they encounter. This study explores the voices of secondary‐aged pupils with social emotional mental health difficulties and moderate learning difficulties as a way of understanding their needs and thus, facilitating their inclusion. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse data from semi‐structured interviews with 37 pupils with SEND and 8 typical pupils as a comparable group. The findings indicate that the school experiences of pupils differ based on their type of need. Yet, despite the differences, all the pupils expressed similar views on what makes a positive school experience. The four emerged themes were interesting lessons, effective control of challenging behaviour, equal allocation of teachers’ support and positive relations. The study concludes by proposing that listening to the voices of pupils with SEND can be a powerful tool to inform inclusive practice.
Observations on the relationship between the dietetic objective structured clinical examination and placement outcome
Authors: Parkin Tracey , Collinson Avril
Published: April 2019

Aim

Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) are used extensively in medical education to prepare students for the clinical setting. Their use in dietetic education is still relatively new, and relationships to placement outcomes are unknown. The aim of this study was to explore 11 years of OSCE and placement data to answer the following questions: Does the OSCE predict dietetic placement outcome? and, What are the student perceptions of the benefits of OSCE in preparation for practice?

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from 328 students between 2006 and 2017 who had completed their final year OSCE and placement. Aggregate OSCE marks and mean marks obtained in active and passive OSCE stations were compared with placement outcome. Evaluation questionnaires completed by students at the end of the OSCE were collated.

Results

Aggregate marks achieved in OSCE stations were significantly different for students who passed (mean = 63.24, SD = 7.94), struggled (mean = 58.25, SD = 8.82) or failed (mean = 57.31, SD = 8.28) placement, P < 0.001. Majority of students perceived the OSCE as a meaningful and fair assessment (92%) that helped to prepare them for practice (82%).

Conclusions

The OSCE provides a meaningful assessment of dietetic student skills in preparation for practice. Aggregate OSCE marks provide a consistent indicator of students who are likely to struggle in practice.
Piperacillin/tazobactam vs carbapenems for patients with bacterial infection: Protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Petersen Marie Warrer , Perner Anders , Sjövall Fredrik , Jonsson Andreas Bender , Steensen Morten , Andersen Jakob Steen , Achiam Michael Patrick , Frimodt‐Møller Niels , Møller Morten Hylander
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Early empirical broad‐spectrum antimicrobial therapy is recommended for patients with severe infections, including sepsis. β‐lactam/β‐lactamase inhibitor combinations or carbapenems are often used to ensure coverage of likely pathogens. Piperacillin/tazobactam is proposed as a carbapenem‐sparing agent to reduce the incidence of multidrug‐resistant bacteria and superinfections. In the recently published MERINO trial, increased mortality from piperacillin/tazobactam was suggested in patients with bacteraemia with resistant Escherichia coli or Klebsiella species. Whether these findings also apply to empirical piperacillin/tazobactam in patients with other severe infections, including sepsis, is unknown. We aim to assess the benefits and harms of empirical and definitive piperacillin/tazobactam vs carbapenems for patients with severe bacterial infections.

Methods and analysis

This protocol has been prepared according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Protocols statement, the Cochrane Handbook and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. We will include randomised clinical trials assessing piperacillin/tazobactam vs carbapenems in patients with severe bacterial infections of any origin. The primary outcome will be all‐cause short‐term mortality ≤ 90 days. Secondary outcomes will include all‐cause long‐term mortality > 90 days, adverse events, quality of life, use of life support, secondary infections, antibiotic resistance, and length of stay. We will conduct meta‐analyses, including pre‐planned subgroup and sensitivity analyses for all assessed outcomes. The risk of random errors in the meta‐analyses will be assessed by trial sequential analysis.
The Electoral Poetics of James Scullin's Campaign against Alfred Deakin, 1906: Anticipating “Fusion”
Authors: Byrne Liam
Published: April 2019

In the 1906 federal election James Scullin, then an unknown grocer, challenged the sitting Prime Minister, Alfred Deakin, for his seat of Ballaarat. This article examines this important event in Scullin's under‐researched life story to consider the “electoral poetics” of electioneering in the early federation. Scullin's challenge to Deakin prefigured the defining realignment of Australian politics to come, the “Fusion” of 1909, and is indicative of Labor's new self‐conceptualisation as a potential government with a mission to fundamentally restructure Australian democracy. This article explores Scullin's work as an expositor of this mission, and its significance for his political life.
Randomised controlled trial: susceptibility‐guided therapy versus empiric bismuth quadruple therapy for first‐line Helicobacter pylori treatment
Authors: Chen Qi , Long Xiaohua , Ji Yingjie , Liang Xiao , Li Dongping , Gao Hong , Xu Beili , Liu Ming , Chen Ying , Sun Yunwei , Zhao Yan , Xu Gang , Song Yanyan , Yu Lou , Zhang Wei , Liu Wenzhong , Graham David Y. , Lu Hong
Published: April 2019

Background

Increasing Helicobacter pylori resistance has led to decreases in treatment effectiveness.

Aim

To test the effectiveness of susceptibility‐guided therapy vs a locally highly effective empiric modified bismuth quadruple therapy for first‐line H pylori treatment in a region with high antimicrobial resistance.

Methods

We compared 14‐day susceptibility‐guided with empiric therapy using a multicentre superiority‐design trial, which randomised H pylori infected subjects 3:1 to (a) susceptibility‐guided therapies contained esomeprazole 20 mg and amoxicillin 1 g b.d. plus clarithromycin 500 mg, metronidazole 400 mg b.d., or levofloxacin 500 mg daily for susceptible infections or bismuth 220 mg b.d. and metronidazole 400 mg q.d.s. for triple‐resistant infections; (b) Empiric therapy contained esomeprazole 20 mg, bismuth 220 mg b.d., amoxicillin 1 g and metronidazole 400 mg t.d.s. Primary outcome was H pylori eradication.

Results

Between February 2017 and March 2018, 491 subjects were screened and 382 were randomised. Both the susceptibility‐guided and the empiric regimens were highly successful with per‐protocol eradication rates of 97.7% (250/256) vs 97.6% (81/83, P = 1.00) and intent‐to‐treat eradication rates of 91.6% (262/286) vs 85.4% (82/96, P = 0.12). Overall, susceptibility‐guided therapy was not superior to empiric therapy with 0.1% per‐protocol (95% CI −3.1% to 3.2%) and 6.2% intent‐to‐treat (−0.3% to 12.7%) eradication difference. Both approaches had high adherence and low adverse event rates.

Conclusions

Both susceptibility‐guided and empiric therapies provided excellent eradication rates. Clinically, the choice would hinge on availability of susceptibility testing and/or a locally highly effective empiric therapy.
Will more organs save more lives? Cost‐effectiveness and the ethics of expanding organ procurement
Authors: Persad Govind
Published: April 2019

The assumption that procuring more organs will save more lives has inspired increasingly forceful calls to increase organ procurement. This project, in contrast, directly questions the premise that more organ transplantation means more lives saved. Its argument begins with the fact that resources are limited and medical procedures have opportunity costs. Because many other lifesaving interventions are more cost‐effective than transplantation and compete with transplantation for a limited budget, spending on organ transplantation consumes resources that could have been used to save a greater number of other lives. This argument has not yet been advanced in debates over expanded procurement and could buttress existing concerns about expanded procurement. To support this argument, I review existing empirical data on the cost‐effectiveness of transplantation and compare them to data on interventions for other illnesses. These data should motivate utilitarians and others whose primary goal is maximizing population‐wide health benefits to doubt the merits of expanding organ procurement. I then consider two major objections: one makes the case that transplant candidates have a special claim to medical resources, and the other challenges the use of cost‐effectiveness to set priorities. I argue that there is no reason to conclude that transplant candidates’ medical interests should receive special priority, and that giving some consideration to cost‐effectiveness in priority setting requires neither sweeping changes to overall health priorities nor the adoption of any specific, controversial metric for assessing cost‐effectiveness. Before searching for more organs, we should first ensure the provision of cost‐effective care.
A prospective cohort study on survival and success of one‐piece mini‐implants with associated changes in oral function: Five‐year outcomes
Authors: Enkling Norbert , Haueter Marius , Worni Andreas , Müller Frauke , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues , Schimmel Martin
Published: April 2019

Objective

To investigate in a prospective cohort study the 5‐year post‐loading survival and success of one‐piece mini dental implants (MDIs) in edentulous subjects with mandibular implant overdentures (IODs) and to report the associated changes of oral function with respect to patient age.

Materials and methods

Independently living edentulous patients were recruited and provided with new complete dentures. After an adaptation period, four one‐piece MDIs (diameter 1.8 mm) were installed in the interforaminal region and immediately loaded. At baseline pre‐operative (BL), as well as at 1‐year and 5‐year follow‐up examinations, chewing efficiency was assessed with a validated color‐mixing ability test and maximum voluntary bite force (MBF) was recorded with a digital force gauge. Implant survival and success were evaluated at 5‐year follow‐up. Non‐parametric tests served to analyze the differences between time points.

Results

Twenty patients participated in the study (5 men and 15 women; age at BL: n = 10 ≤ 65 years and n = 10 > 65 years). All patients were available for a 5‐year follow‐up (n = 2 in their long‐term care facility; n = 1 only by telephone). The survival and success rates were both 100% after 61 ± 5.7 months. Chewing efficiency did not change over the first year (p = 0.167), but was improved at 5 year fup (n = 19) compared to baseline (p = 0.033) and to 1 year (p < 0.001). The MBF (n = 19 at 5‐year follow‐up) increased continuously over time (p < 0.001), but was less pronounced in the older cohort (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Mini dental implants seem to be a successful treatment option for edentulous elderly patients with very high survival and success rates, and serve to improve long‐term oral function.
Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome caused by first‐line antituberculosis drugs: Two case reports and a review of the literature
Authors: Coster Alison , Aerts Olivier , Herman Anne , Marot Liliane , Horst Niels , Kenyon Chris , Vlieghe Erika , Hainaut Philippe , Baeck Marie
Published: April 2019

Background

Patients suffering from drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome caused by first‐line antituberculosis drugs often need to be retreated rapidly. Patch tests prior to the reintroduction of antituberculosis drugs are rarely performed.

Objectives

To highlight those drugs most often involved in DRESS caused by antituberculosis drugs, illustrate the potential value of patch tests to identify these culprit(s), and provide insights into how to rapidly retreat these patients.

Methods

A detailed description of the work‐up of two illustrative patients, together with a literature review of similar cases, is provided.

Results

All first‐line antituberculosis drugs may cause DRESS syndrome, but rifampicin and isoniazid are most frequently involved. Patch tests can be performed sooner than usually advised in the context of DRESS syndrome, and potentially with lower test concentrations, but false‐negative results are possible. Sequential reintroduction of patch test‐negative drugs is feasible, although the dose and order of drugs to be readministered, as well as the use of concomitant systemic corticosteroids, remain a matter of debate.

Conclusion

Patch tests in the context of DRESS syndrome caused by antituberculosis drugs, despite their shortcomings, may potentially guide rapid retreatment of these patients.
THE FISCAL POLICY RESPONSE TO PUBLIC DEBT IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Small Oronde , Brown Leanora , Canavire‐Bacarreza Gustavo
Published: April 2019

Theoretical models on fiscal sustainability hypothesize that indebted governments can lower their current debt by generating future primary surpluses, ceteris paribus. While both developed and developing countries struggle with the issue of debt stabilization, the latter, in particular face heightened sensitivity from creditors, which provides them an impetus to respond more strongly to stabilize their debt. Based on a panel of 53 developing countries, we examine the fiscal response of these countries to changes in their debt‐to‐gross domestic product ratio. We find evidence of a positive relationship between the debt and primary surplus and that countries adjust along both the revenue and expenditure margins at roughly the same rate. (JEL E62, H50, O11)
Co‐Creating, Co‐producing and Connecting: Museum Practice Today
Authors: Barnes Pamela , McPherson Gayle
Published: April 2019

We argue in this paper that museums have become hybrid spaces, where consumers look and challenge what they see; they form part of what they see; with some aspects of exhibitions now co‐created and co‐produced by the consumer (Kershaw et al. ,b; Solis ). This paper draws on an example from a group that we worked with using performance as a tool to engage a ‘hard to reach’ or ‘socially excluded’ groups. We conclude that by allowing audiences to co‐create and co‐produce exhibitions and performance; this can turn the museum rhetoric of community engagement into practice and create a space that is truly inclusive for the communities it serves. We demonstrate how the possibility of seeing museums as hybrid spaces, which can adapt, can be used for education and entertainment, and how that has in turn led to the transformation of people's lives in a previously socially excluded community.
From Incremental Dispossession to a Cumulative Land Grab: Understanding Territorial Transformation in India's North Karanpura Coalfield
Authors: Oskarsson Patrik , Lahiri‐Dutt Kuntala , Wennström Patrick
Published: April 2019

This article explores a great contradiction in rural land debates in India: on the one hand, explosive political contestation that is often able to halt proposed land acquisition; on the other, an unprecedented urban‐industrial expansion that is appropriating rural land. The authors argue that land grabbing for mining proceeds in an incremental manner, yet its cumulative effect leads to territorial transformation. To investigate this incremental appropriation, a temporal study of the North Karanpura coal mining tract in eastern India was conducted, combining remote sensing, interviews and official land‐use data. The results reveal a cumulative land grab of thousands of hectares from the late 1980s to the present day as open‐cut coal mines swallow up vast swathes of agricultural fields and forests. The political economy mechanism behind this immense land grab, which to date has gone undetected, consists of three phases: the reservation of the land as a coalfield with multiple coal blocks; the division of the blocks into separate mines; and the flexible expansion of individual mines wherever reduced resistance to land acquisition is encountered. This research indicates that an aggregate analysis of land dynamics can more robustly place the dramatic rearrangements of the Indian countryside within the international land grabbing debate.
TRANSITION OF INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS STUDENTS TO THE U.S. LABOR MARKET: THE ROLE OF VISA POLICY
Authors: Demirci Murat
Published: April 2019

I analyze how visa policies affect international students' transition to the U.S. labor market. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program permits international students to work via a student visa for a limited period after graduation before obtaining a work visa—an uncertain process due to the binding visa cap. I find that the extension in the length of OPT terms for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) increases their likelihood of initially staying in the United States and using OPT. This result suggests that uncertainties about obtaining work visas hinder international STEM students' participation in the U.S. labor market. (JEL J61, K37, I23).