bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A supressão da vazante e o início do vazio: água e “insegurança administrada” no Vale do Jequitinhonha – MG
Authors: Zhouri Andréa , Oliveira Raquel , Laschefski Klemens
Published: June 2017

As formas contemporâneas de inserção do país na economia-mundo resultam muitas vezes em processos conflitivos envolvendo parcelas das populações locais, do Estado e dos agentes empresariais cujos investimentos se baseiam na exploração intensiva de recursos naturais. No Vale do Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais, os conflitos se multiplicam tendo por objeto a gestão das águas. Na literatura especializada, os conflitos sobre a água estão associados às condições distributivas, à desigualdade social e ao descompasso entre diferentes representações culturais. Nesse horizonte, este artigo examina, em particular, o conflito e os desafios vivenciados pelas comunidades ribeirinhas residentes a jusante da barragem de Irapé no que se refere às alterações provocadas em seu modo de vida a partir da instalação da usina no rio Jequitinhonha. Através da experiência como pesquisadores e assessores junto a essas comunidades, o texto discute as controvérsias sóciotécnicas e normativas envolvidas na naturalização da água como mercadoria, destacando seus efeitos na produção de um estado de insegurança e vulnerabilidade imposto à população local
Gestos, águas e palavras na pesca amazônica
Authors: Sautchuk Carlos Emanuel
Published: June 2017

O presente trabalho contrasta duas formas de relação com o meio hídrico no estuário do Amazonas – os lagos e a costa. Argumenta-se que a abordagem sobre o ambiente não pode prescindir de um tratamento das relações técnicas, o que envia ao problema do ritmo e do tempo. Ao fim, demonstra-se como nos lagos a pesca de pirarucu envolve relações semióticas, enquanto na costa a relação das técnicas com a maré resultam numa cinética (força, resistência etc.).
A rediscovered 1696 decree poster of the Governor General in Batavia, with unexpected stylistic particularities
Authors: Mahdi Waruno
Published: June 2017

A 1696 decree forbidding the opening of new sugar-, arrack-, lime-, and brick- production sites because of the scarcity of firewood was generally disobeyed. Its official poster was not archived, but ended up in a foreign library, where it was recently rediscovered. It presents a unique original full-length official text of that time. This makes it possible to examine the language style, which cannot be appreciated in reedited publications of official documents. This provides unexpected socio-linguistic insights into the particularities of relationships between VOC functionaries and the home office.
Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Lyase Enhances the Activation of IKKε To Promote Type I IFN–Mediated Innate Immune Responses to Influenza A Virus Infection
Authors: Vijayan Madhuvanthi , Xia Chuan , Song Yul Eum , Ngo Hanh , Studstill Caleb J. , Drews Kelly , Fox Todd E. , Johnson Marc C. , Hiscott John , Kester Mark , Alexander Stephen , Hahm Bumsuk
Published: June 2017

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) lyase (SPL) is an intracellular enzyme that mediates the irreversible degradation of the bioactive lipid S1P. We have previously reported that overexpressed SPL displays anti-influenza viral activity; however, the underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrate that SPL functions as a positive regulator of IKKε to propel type I IFN–mediated innate immune responses against viral infection. Exogenous SPL expression inhibited influenza A virus replication, which correlated with an increase in type I IFN production and IFN-stimulated gene accumulation upon infection. In contrast, the lack of SPL expression led to an elevated cellular susceptibility to influenza A virus infection. In support of this, SPL-deficient cells were defective in mounting an effective IFN response when stimulated by influenza viral RNAs. SPL augmented the activation status of IKKε and enhanced the kinase-induced phosphorylation of IRF3 and the synthesis of type I IFNs. However, the S1P degradation-incompetent form of SPL also enhanced IFN responses, suggesting that SPL’s pro-IFN function is independent of S1P. Biochemical analyses revealed that SPL, as well as the mutant form of SPL, interacts with IKKε. Importantly, when endogenous IKKε was downregulated using a small interfering RNA approach, SPL’s anti-influenza viral activity was markedly suppressed. This indicates that IKKε is crucial for SPL-mediated inhibition of influenza virus replication. Thus, the results illustrate the functional significance of the SPL–IKKε–IFN axis during host innate immunity against viral infection.
High-Throughput Single-Cell Analysis of B Cell Receptor Usage among Autoantigen-Specific Plasma Cells in Celiac Disease
Authors: Roy Bishnudeo , Neumann Ralf S. , Snir Omri , Iversen Rasmus , Sandve Geir Kjetil , Lundin Knut E. A. , Sollid Ludvig M.
Published: June 2017

Characterization of Ag-specific BCR repertoires is essential for understanding disease mechanisms involving humoral immunity. This is optimally done by interrogation of paired H chain V region (VH) and L chain V region (VL) sequences of individual and Ag-specific B cells. By applying single-cell high-throughput sequencing on gut lesion plasma cells (PCs), we have analyzed the transglutaminase 2 (TG2)-specific VH:VL autoantibody repertoire of celiac disease (CD) patients. Autoantibodies against TG2 are a hallmark of CD, and anti-TG2 IgA-producing gut PCs accumulate in patients upon gluten ingestion. Altogether, we analyzed paired VH and VL sequences of 1482 TG2-specific and 1421 non–TG2-specific gut PCs from 10 CD patients. Among TG2-specific PCs, we observed a striking bias in IGHV and IGKV/IGLV gene usage, as well as pairing preferences with a particular presence of the IGHV5-51:IGKV1-5 pair. Selective and biased VH:VL pairing was particularly evident among expanded clones. In general, TG2-specific PCs had lower numbers of mutations both in VH and VL genes than in non–TG2-specific PCs. TG2-specific PCs using IGHV5-51 had particularly few mutations. Importantly, VL segments paired with IGHV5-51 displayed proportionally low mutation numbers, suggesting that the low mutation rate among IGHV5-51 PCs is dictated by the BCR specificity. Finally, we observed selective amino acid changes in VH and VL and striking CDR3 length and J segment selection among TG2-specific IGHV5-51:IGKV1-5 pairs. Hence this study reveals features of a disease- and Ag-specific autoantibody repertoire with preferred VH:VL usage and pairings, limited mutations, clonal dominance, and selection of particular CDR3 sequences.
Bacterial and Viral Products Affect Differential Pattern Recognition Receptor Activation of Chicken Thrombocytes Evidenced through RNA Sequencing
Authors: Ferdous Farzana , Saski Christopher , Bridges William , Burns Matthew , Dunn Heather , Elliott Kathryn , Scott Thomas R.
Published: June 2017

It is now well understood that thrombocytes (nucleated platelets) express TLRs and respond to both bacterial and viral products. Release of proinflammatory molecules can be expected following relatively short exposure times to LPS, lipoteichoic acid (LTA), thymidine homopolymer phosphorothioate oligonucleotide [Poly(dT)], and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [Poly(I:C)]. This study reports the varied expressions of genes encoded for components of the TLR, nucleotide binding oligomerization domain–like receptor, and retinoic acid-inducible gene RIG–like receptor signaling pathways in response to the TLR ligands listed above. Highly sensitive RNA-sequencing technologies were used to analyze the complete transcriptome of thrombocytes treated with all four microbial products for a period of 1 h. A total of 14,326 gene transcripts were found in chicken thrombocytes across all ligand exposures. After 1 h of stimulation with ligands, 87, 138, 1013, and 22 genes were upregulated for LTA, LPS, Poly(dT), and Poly(I:C), and 12, 142, 249, and 16 genes were downregulated for LTA, LPS, Poly(dT), and Poly(I:C), respectively, with at least a 1-fold change relative to unexposed thrombocytes. Summarizations of biological processes, protein classes, and biochemical pathways reveal the role of chicken thrombocytes in proinflammatory responses linked to key signaling pathways. TLR, nucleotide binding oligomerization domain–like receptor, and retinoic acid-inducible gene RIG-like receptor pathways were mapped based on the transcriptome results with gene expression for common signal and proinflammatory mediators highlighted. The information reported in this study is useful for defining a limited set of proinflammatory molecules to evaluate in cases of either bacterial or viral disease monitoring.
Profiles of Long Noncoding RNAs in Human Naive and Memory T Cells
Authors: Spurlock Charles F. , Shaginurova Guzel , Tossberg John T. , Hester Jonathan D. , Chapman Nathaniel , Guo Yan , Crooke Philip S. , Aune Thomas M.
Published: June 2017

We employed whole-genome RNA-sequencing to profile mRNAs and both annotated and novel long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human naive, central memory, and effector memory CD4+ T cells. Loci transcribing both lineage-specific annotated and novel lncRNA are adjacent to lineage-specific protein-coding genes in the genome. Lineage-specific novel lncRNA loci are transcribed from lineage-specific typical- and supertranscriptional enhancers and are not multiexonic, thus are more similar to enhancer RNAs. Novel enhancer-associated lncRNAs transcribed from the IFNG locus bind the transcription factor NF-κB and enhance binding of NF-κB to the IFNG genomic locus. Depletion of the annotated lncRNA, IFNG-AS1, or one IFNG enhancer-associated lncRNA abrogates IFNG expression by memory T cells, indicating these lncRNAs have biologic function.
Le aree prioritarie per la biodiversità della provincia di Novara. Una proposta multidisciplinare
Authors: Bogliani Giuseppe , Casale Fabio , Celada Claudio , Crua Luciano , Di Paolo Romina , Ferrarato Massimiliano , Gilio Nicola , Luoni Federica , Massara Matteo , Masuzzo Tiziana , Soldarini Massimo , Vietti Davide
Published: June 2017

Con questa ricerca sono state individuate le Aree prioritarie per la conservazione della biodiversità della provincia di Novara quale operazione di partenza al fine di disegnare, in una fase successiva, la Rete Ecologica Provinciale su basi naturalistiche. A questa operazione hanno partecipato 26 naturalisti esperti, ossia dotati di competenze personali pregresse e di adeguata conoscenza del territorio della provincia di Novara, per i seguenti 6 temi focali: (a) Flora e vegetazione, (b) Invertebrati, (c) Anfibi e Rettili, (d) Uccelli, (e) Mammiferi, (f) Ecosistemi acquatici e pesci. Agli esperti è stato chiesto di individuare i temi focali più rappresentativi per la loro disciplina e di assegnare in modo comparativo un valore naturalistico di aree diverse del territorio provinciale. La metodologia adottata, basata sull’ottenimento delle informazioni dirette da parte dei maggiori esperti presenti sul territorio, è stata integrata per porzioni del territorio poco esplorato con un’analisi in ambiente GIS sulla base di database dell’uso del suolo e delle pressioni antropiche. Questo ha permesso di cartografare le aree più importanti per la conservazione della biodiversità. La gap analysis delle Aree prioritarie con le Aree protette e con altre categorie di tutela del territorio già presenti (parchi e riserve naturali, SIC, ZPS), ha permesso di valutare l’efficacia di queste seconde per la conservazione della biodiversità. Le Aree prioritarie sono state effettivamente localizzate quasi totalmente ma non esclusivamente in Aree protette. Tuttavia, l’insieme delle Aree protette del territorio novarese escludeva porzioni significative di territori di elevato valore per la biodiversità, ora meglio definiti con questa ricerca.
Nonalcoholic Wernicke’s Encephalopathy: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Center in Northern India
Authors: Shah Irfan Ahmad , Asimi Ravouf Parvaiz , Kawoos Yuman , Wani Maqbool , Saleem Tahir , Baba Waqas Nabi
Published: June 2017

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the demographic features, clinical presentation, and management and outcome of fifty cases of nonalcoholic Wernicke’s encephalopathy from a tertiary care hospital of a region with reported incidence of thiamine deficiency disorders. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective study, fifty adult cases of Wernicke’s encephalopathy were analyzed. The diagnosis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy was made according to the European federation of neurological societies guidelines 2010. Response to thiamine replacement and associated brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were also considered as supportive evidence. Results: The mean age of patients was 50.38 years with 20 males and 30 females. The most common clinical manifestations were alteration in sensorium in 30 (60%), ataxia in 18 (36%), memory impairment in 15 (30%), nystagmus in 35 (70%), ophthalmoparesis in 11 (22%), and seizures in 4 (8%). A total of 42 patients had a history of recurrent vomiting. All patients had polished rice as their staple diet. Thirty-five patients had associated polyneuropathy and 15 had a gastrointestinal disorder. Twenty patients underwent MRI which showed both typical and atypical lesions. Majority of patients showed partial or complete response to intravenous thiamine. On discharge, the most common residual symptoms were lower limb weakness, ataxia, and memory impairment. Conclusion: The study shows high incidence of nonalcoholic Wernicke’s encephalopathy in the region with predominant causative factor being a thiamine deficient diet. Recurrent vomiting can be a prominent early symptom of thiamine deficiency and its recognition can help in the early diagnosis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy and related thiamine deficiency disorders. Thiamine fortification of food should be done in areas with reported incidence of thiamine deficiency disorders.
Symptomatic Vertebral Hemangioma in a Young Child
Authors: Martin William , Rajmohan Ravi , Belirgen Muhittin
Published: June 2017

Vertebral hemangiomas (VHs) are the most common benign vertebral neoplasm and typically are asymptomatic, only to be discovered incidentally on imaging from the fourth to fifth decade of life. Seldom do they enlarge to a point of compression, causing pain and focal neurologic deficits. We present the rare case of an 8-year-old female who presented with paraparesis after a fall. Imaging revealed a pathological fracture of the T8 vertebra with retropulsion and spinal cord compression from both fracture and epidural tumor tissue. The patient underwent an anterior and posterior removal of the tumor, decompression, and fusion. Pathological report of specimen biopsy confirmed a benign hemangioma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the same age as the youngest previously reported case of symptomatic VH and it is the longest to be recurrence-free at follow-up. The hemangioma was successfully treated with tumor removal, decompression, and fusion. No adjuvant treatment was required, and she remained asymptomatic without recurrence at her 4-year follow-up.
Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder among Rural, Urban, and Tribal Children (1–10 Years of Age)
Authors: Raina Sunil Kumar , Chander Vishav , Bhardwaj Ashok K. , Kumar Dinesh , Sharma Seema , Kashyap Vipasha , Singh Mitasha , Bhardwaj Amit
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Studies on autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have largely focused on children in specific settings. The current scenario of research in ASDs is limited largely to clinic-based case reports, case series, and retrospective chart reviews. The present study is the first population-based prevalence study conducted across rural, urban, and tribal populations in India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional two-phase study was conducted cring children in the age group of 1–10 years of age across geographical regions representing rural, urban, and tribal populations. The first phase (screening phase) involved administration of the Hindi version of the Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism. Those identified as suspected of ASD and 10% of all classified as nonsuspects for autism were also evaluated by the clinical team in second phase (evaluation phase). Results: Forty-three children out of a total of 28,070 children in rural, urban, and tribal area in the age group of 1–10 years were diagnosed as cases of ASD yielding a prevalence of 0.15% (95% confidence interval [CI] =0.15–0.25). Logistic regression analysis showed a two times significantly higher risk of diagnosing ASD in rural area as compared to tribal (odds ratio [OR]; 95% CI = 2.17 [1.04–4.52], P = 0.04). Male sex and upper socioeconomic group of head of family/father had a higher risk of getting diagnosed as autism as compared to lower socioeconomic group (OR; 95% CI - 3.23; 0.24–44.28, P = 0.38). Conclusions: Estimation of true prevalence of ASD in India is going to improve policies on developmental disabilities.
Whether Superficial Abdominal Reflex is Affected by Subcostal Transverse Abdominal Incisions? A Prospective, Observational Early Experience
Authors: Bajaj Jitin , Pateriya Anurag , Thakur Dileep Singh , Ratre Shailendra , Parihar Vijay , Somashekar Uday , Yadav Yad Ram , Sharma Dhananjaya
Published: June 2017

Introduction: Superficial abdominal reflex (SAR) is an important part of the neurologic assessment. It is normally present and may be present or absent in various physiological as well as pathological conditions. The presence of an abdominal incision creates a dilemma in the mind of the clinician for it affecting this reflex. As there is no literature on this, we decided to study the effect of abdominal incisions on SAR. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective, observational study. We evaluated the patients requiring transverse subcostal incision (range 3–12 cm) both preoperatively and postoperatively, for their abdominal reflexes. Patients with preoperative normal and symmetrical abdominal reflexes were included in the study. Postoperatively, we compared the change of SAR with the preoperative status and analyzed the data. Results: A total of 94 patients underwent surgeries, out of which 54 patients came under inclusion criteria, comprising 36 males and 18 females. Subcostal transverse abdominal incisions were made for surgeries including both gastrointestinal and ventriculoperitoneal shunts. SAR was found unaffected by the incisions in all patients. Conclusions: Although the study was small, subcostal transverse abdominal incisions were not found to affect SAR.
Malaria-Associated Mortality in the Australian Defence Force during the Twentieth Century
Authors: Shanks G. Dennis
Published: June 2017

Malaria has been a military problem throughout history capable of causing epidemics that stop military operations. Individual mortality was examined from records of the three major wars of the 20th century that involved Australia in which 133 (1914–1919), 92 (1943–1945), and two (1965–1967) soldiers are known to have died with malaria. Those dying were predominately enlisted soldiers with a mean age of 29 years often complicated by other infections such as influenza, pneumonia or scrub typhus. Lethal epidemics of falciparum malaria occurred in Palestine/Syria in October 1918 and New Guinea in September 1943 to March 1944. Although no Australian soldier has died in nearly 50 years from malaria, there were three serious falciparum infections in soldiers in East Timor 1999–2000 who might have died if intensive care had not been provided. Recent military deployments into Africa including United Nations contingents still show falciparum malaria’s lethality despite the availability of effective malaria chemoprophylaxis.
Study of Vitamin D Status among Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Jayakumar Nithya P , Rao Bharathi , Shetty Nikil
Published: June 2017

Aims

To evaluate vitamin D, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus levels in postmenopausal women attending gynecology outpatient department in Lady Goschen and Kasturba Medical College Attavar hospitals.

Objective

To study the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among the studied group. To correlate vitamin D levels with diet and environmental factors.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted in 100 postmenopausal women attending Lady Goschen hospital and Kasturba Medical College Attavar hospital, Mangaluru. It was a hospital-based, prospective cross-sectional study conducted over the period between August 2014 and June 2016. Levels of vitamin D and serum calcium and phosphorus were assessed in them.

Results

A total of 11% were found to have vitamin D deficiency, 38 and 48% had insufficient levels and sufficient levels of vitamin D respectively, 53% had normal levels of serum calcium, and 47% had inadequate levels. About 70% were found to have normal levels of serum phosphorus and 24% had inadequate levels. Dietary intake was found to be inadequate in 61% of the studied population. Serum calcium and phosphorus deficiency had significant corelation with vitamin D deficiency. Also significant corelation was noted with sun exposure and dietary intake in relation to vitamin D. No corelation was established between hypertension, diabetes and vitamin D.

Conclusion

This study helped us to assess basal levels of vitamin D, serum calcium, and serum phosphorus among postmenopausal women, giving us an idea regarding prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among South Indian postmenopausal women. We should consider counseling all postmenopausal patients regarding the benefit of vitamin D supplementation, adequate dietary intake, and sun exposure.

How to cite this article

Jayakumar NP, Rao B, Shetty N. Study of Vitamin D Status among Postmenopausal Women. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2017;5(1):28-34.
Hysteroscopic Management of Intrauterine Pathologies: A Case Series of 296 Patients
Authors: Pathak Charu , Yadav Garima
Published: June 2017

Aims

To discuss the incidence of various hysteroscopic findings in patients of infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), and postmenopausal bleeding and to compare the prevalence of various uterine pathologies in patients of primary and secondary infertility.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective observational study, which evaluated 296 patients who underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy for evaluation of primary or secondary infertility, AUB, and postmenopausal bleeding over a period of 18 months in a Gynae-endoscopy Unit. Detailed hysteroscopic evaluation of the endocervical canal and uterine cavity in all recruited cases was done by the same surgeon and the data were collected by reviewing the case records.

Results

Among the 296 cases analyzed, 157 cases were of primary infertility, 81 cases were of secondary infertility, 45 cases were of AUB, and 13 cases presented with postmenopausal bleeding. Among the primary infertility patients, 58.6% had abnormal findings on hysteroscopy, while among the secondary infertility patients, hysteroscopy revealed abnormalities in as high as 72.5% cases. In the present study, uterine synechiae was the most common abnormality detected among the infertile patients. Endometrial polyps were the most common pathology detected among patients with AUB and postmenopausal bleeding.

Conclusion

Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive and highly safe technique to directly visualize the endocervical canal, uterine cavity, and tubal ostia. It has an added advantage of treating the pathology in the same sitting, thus improving the clinical outcomes. Based on our findings, we conclude that uterine pathologies are a major contributor in causing infertility and menstrual irregularities, which are missed on blind modalities like hysterosalpingography and dilatation and curettage.

Clinical significance

This article stresses on the use of hysteroscopy as a primary diagnostic modality in evaluating patients of infertility, AUB, and postmenopausal bleeding in order to increase the detection rates of uterine pathologies.

How to cite this article

Yadav G, Manchanda R, Pathak C. Hysteroscopic Management of Intrauterine Pathologies: A Case Series of 296 Patients. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2017;5(1):35-40.
Management of Postmenopausal Vaginal Atrophy: Review of Literature
Authors: Dayal Meena , Yadav Preeti
Published: June 2017

Aim

As there is dilemma for treatment of postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, effort has been made to review the literature for the same.

Background

About half of all postmenopausal women will experience symptoms related to urogenital atrophy. Vaginal atrophy becomes clinically apparent 4 to 5 years after menopause, and subjective complaints as well as objective changes are present in 25 to 50% of all postmenopausal women.

Review results

Measures could be taken for not only treatment but also prevention of atrophy before symptoms become troublesome, but establishment of this prevention principle globally would require a formal cost-effective analysis and further research.

Conclusion

Treatment with local estrogen is simple, safe, and can transform a woman’s quality of life.

Clinical significance

Women experiencing sexual and urinary symptoms as a consequence of vaginal atrophy should be diagnosed and treated without delay in order to avoid a cascade of events which do not resolve spontaneously.

How to cite this article

Yadav P, Dayal M. Management of Postmenopausal Vaginal Atrophy: Review of Literature. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2017;5(1):51-57.
Bilateral Ovarian Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pilli Ganga S , Davanagere Reshma , Suranagi Vijayalaxmi V , Bannur Hema B
Published: June 2017

Ovarian cancer accounts for 6% of all cancers among women. The majority (85–90%) of malignant ovarian tumors are epithelial. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) has been described as a primary ovarian carcinoma in which definite urothelial features are present, but no benign, metaplastic, and/or proliferating Brenner tumor can be identified. It accounts for 1 to 2% of all ovarian tumors. Bilateral involvement is still rare. It is reported to be chemosensitive and has better prognosis than other types of common epithelial tumors of the ovary. Here, we report a rare case of bilateral TCC of the ovary managed by staging operation, followed by postoperative chemotherapy.

How to cite this article

Bannur HB, Suranagi VV, Davanagere R, Pilli GS. Bilateral Ovarian Transitional Cell Carcinoma. J South Asian Feder Menopause Soc 2017;5(1):69-70.
A Tale of Two Systems: Conflict, Law and the Development of Water Allocation in Two Common Law Jurisdictions
Authors: Martin Paul , Becker John C
Published: June 2017

This paper examines how the law governing water has evolved in the United States and Australia. The evolution of water law in these jurisdictions demonstrates that the ‘scientific modernism’ that prioritises economics and hydrology as the pivots around which water institutions are designed may be an incomplete model. From the history we recount, we suggest that, ranking equally with these considerations in shaping water law and policy, is the broader framework of laws and institutions, and legal culture within a society. These factors shape the types of solutions to conflicts in a society and determine, to a substantial degree, the solutions to water conflicts that become law, which then in part determine future legal solutions. This observation is of more than theoretical importance. Towards the end of this paper we consider the latest water modernist experiment, the Australian Water Act. We suggest that closer attention to social factors and legal traditions would have resulted in a more effective law. We believe this holds important lessons for water policy generally.
The risks of using REDD+ to manage rich socio-ecological systems
Authors: Martin Paul Vincent
Published: June 2017

REDD+ is an important development in environmental and social justice policy instruments. However, its success depends on a network of complex contingencies, and the achievement of difficult governance transformations in countries that are under severe economic pressure. It ought be obvious that there are significant risks associated with this endeavour, but overt risk management, using standard approaches, is not evident. This paper highlights some of the many risks that the governance of REDD+ (in common with most environmental policy innovations) needs to pay attention to in order to avoid policy failure. There are eight distinct elements that have to work for the REDD+ program to achieve its public policy goals, and each of these carries its own risk. These are: securitisation of carbon sequestration; protection for complex non-carbon values, ensuring the integrity of the supply of credit; multi-level administration and aggregation of tradeable carbon interests; managing the social and economic imbalance of interests; deploying new methods for measurement and securitisation of interests; ensuring a platform of rules, administrative and enforcement systems, teams and intelligence networks; and achieving price and ‘brand’ competitiveness in a crowded carbon offsets marketplace. Although the issues listed in this paper are not comprehensive, they highlight major concerns and support the argument that a comprehensive and systematic approach to policy risk is likely to add value to the REDD+ implementation. The paper suggests that good management practice would separate risk management from policy or instrument development, and embed this aspect of good governance with a sufficient level of authority to ensure that the negative potentials are managed with a degree of vigour consistent with the importance of the issues.
The Australian Movement against Uranium Mining: Its Rationale and Evolution
Authors: Branagan Marty
Published: June 2017

This paper begins with a brief historical overview of the Australian movement against uranium mining, before focussing on two major campaigns: Roxby and Jabiluka. It describes the reasons the activists gave at the time for their blockades of the Roxby Downs uranium mine in South Australia in 1983 and 1984. These reasons – such as perceptions that the industry is unsafe - have changed little over time and were the basis for the campaign against the proposed Jabiluka mine in the Northern Territory in 1998. They continue to be cited by environmental groups and Aboriginal Traditional Owners to this day as new situations arise, such as the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident.The paper then describes how the movement evolved between the Roxby and Jabiluka blockades, with changes to the movement’s philosophy, strategy, tactics and internal dynamics. This analysis includes a comparison between two anti-nuclear bike rides, one a year after the 1984 Roxby blockade and involving some of the same activists, and another at the time of the Jabiluka blockade. This author was present at all these events, and provides an emic (insider) perspective within a longitudinal participant-observation methodology. Although this perspective obviously has a subjective element, the paper fills a gap in that there is little written history of these blockades (particularly Roxby) and more generally of Australian resistance to uranium mining, let alone the aspects of nonviolence and movement evolution. It is an introductory history of these campaigns, examining the direct action components, the practicalities of nonviolent campaigning, and the evolution of Australian anti-uranium activism.
Mining in a sustainable world: program; bios and abstracts; commentaries:
Authors: Williams Jacqueline
Published: June 2017

This section contains three documents:Commentaries: which are short versions of papers that were presented at the Mining in a Sustainable World conference (UNE, 13 to 15 October 2013). The papers were submitted by authors for inclusion in the journal but not for peer review.Program of the Mining in a Sustainable World conference (UNE, 13 to 15 October 2013).Bios and Abstracts of presenters at the Mining in a Sustainable World conference (UNE, 13 to 15 October 2013).
'Better justice?' or 'shambolic justice?': Governments' use of information technology for access to law and justice, and the impact on regional and rural legal practitioners
Authors: Hart Caroline
Published: June 2017

This paper reports the results of a study on whether government use of information technology potentially compromises access to law and justice by Queensland regional and rural (RR) legal practitioners. The paper describes current approaches to the use of information technology by state and federal governments, and provides an insight into the challenges and opportunities identified by individual RR legal practitioners, policy-makers and the judiciary on the use of such technology. The paper makes recommendations to promote increased access to law and justice for RR legal practitioners when using government information technology.
Cultural Stewardship Accountability of Seed Bank Institutions for Indigenous Knowledge
Authors: Shepheard Mark L
Published: June 2017

A growing emphasis among seed banks in Australia and globally is the collection of seed and information associated with wild crop relatives of food and fodder crops. This is part of scientific efforts to store and document plant traits that may prove useful to deal with risks to food and bio security in the face of global climate changes. This has implications for indigenous communities because of the risk that indigenous knowledge may be collected and included as ‘data’ rather than as knowledge with significant cultural tethering. This articl provides a theoretical context for institutional seed banks to engage with indigenous people and specify indigenous knowledge stewardship accountability. This should help seed banks to operate with sensitivity to cultural wellbeing and minimise the risks from failure to satisfy accountability for indigenous knowledge stewardship. The article identifies four interrelated dimensions of indigenous knowledge stewardship, and identifies a tentative process for institutions to adapt this to indigenous knowledge stewardship strategy and practice. The process for realising indigenous knowledge stewardship accountability is the subject of further research.
Respuestas de las mujeres shuar al conflicto socioambiental en el área del Proyecto Mirador (Ecuador)
Authors: Verdú Delgado Ana Dolores
Published: June 2017

El Proyecto Mirador es un proyecto de minería a gran escala situado en la Cordillera del Cóndor que planea iniciar aproximadamente en 2018 la extracción de unas 60.000 toneladas de roca al día. La magnitud del impacto socio-ambiental que produce esta actividad se debe a su vez a que se da en un área habitada en parte por la nacionalidad indígena shuar, que disfruta del derecho constitucional a conservar sus territorios ancestrales. En este texto analizo cuáles son los impactos que tiene la minería a gran escala sobre la población femenina shuar y cuál es su percepción en torno al conflicto que plantea. Los datos que manejo mantienen coherencia con el discurso ecofeminista centrado en la particularidad de las mujeres rurales de los países del “Sur” en relación con la naturaleza y el desarrollo.
Competencies in Physical Education Teaching: An Investigation of Teachers' Perceptions in the Southern Governorates of Jordan
Authors: Altaweel Adnan , AlJa'afreh AlMothana
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to investigate physical education teachers’ perceptions of their teaching competencies (2) to examine potential differences in physical education teachers’ perceptions of their teaching competencies based on their gender and academic qualification. Descriptive approach was selected to guide the study. The study consisted of 127 physical education teachers from schools in four Governorates at the Southern of Jordan: Tafila, Maan, Aqaba, and Karak. A questionnaire instrument was used to collect data from the participants. The questionnaire instrument consisted of four scales: planning competencies, implementation competencies, personal and social competencies, and motivational competencies. The results showed that the participants’ perceptions of the levels of their educational competencies varied between low and high. The participants believed that the level of their planning competencies was low. While they believed that the level of their implementation competencies was high. The participants believed that the level of their personal/social and motivational competencies was moderate. The findings showed that there were significant differences in the physical education teachers’ perceptions of the levels of their educational competencies based on their gender and academic qualifications. Based on the findings, recommendations were presented.
Pathology review impacts clinical management of patients with T1‒T2 bladder cancer
Authors: Traboulsi Samer L. , Brimo Fadi , Yang Yutong , Maedler Chelsea , Prévost Noémie , Tanguay Simon , Aprikian Armen G. , Kassouf Wassim
Published: June 2017

Introduction: We sought to evaluate the contemporary role of a pathology review on management implications of patients with bladder cancer.Methods: A total of 98 consecutive specimens from transurethral resections in patients with suspected bladder tumours were reviewed at our institution by genitourinary pathologist. Patients were classified into risk groups according to pathology reports obtained before and after review. A management course was proposed according to local institutional practice patterns and main urological guidelines.Results: Overall, 34.7% of pathological reviews had significant changes associated with management implications, the majority of which were due to changes in risk category (and/or stage). On review pathology, 12 patients were recommended radical cystectomy instead of conservative management and two patients avoided radical cystectomy. Six patients initially staged as T1 and whose staging did not change after review had a proposed change in management in the form of early cystectomy as a treatment option, as they were deemed very high-risk secondary to high-risk features (such as carcinoma in situ or lymphovascular invasion found on review). Ten patients initially staged as T2 demonstrated high-risk features on review.Conclusions: Review by genitourinary pathologist remains important, as it defines more clearly the tumour risk category and influences the management of T1‒T2 bladder cancer patients. A complete initial pathological report has the potential to further decrease the discrepancy between initial and review reports.
Positive surgical margins during partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma: Results from Canadian Kidney Cancer information system (CKCis) collaborative
Authors: Bansal Rahul K. , Tanguay Simon , Finelli Antonio , Rendon Ricardo , Moore Ronald B. , Breau Rodney H. , Lacombe Louis , Black Peter C. , Kawakami Jun , Drachenberg Darrel , Pautler Stephen , Saarela Olli , Liu Zhihui , Jewett Michael A.S. , Kapoor Anil
Published: June 2017

Introduction: We sought to determine the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis for patients with positive surgical margin (PSM) during partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).Methods: From the Canadian Kidney Cancer information system (CKCis) database, a historical cohort of PN patients with PSM were identified and compared to negative surgical margin (NSM). Risk factors for PSM were examined through multivariable logistic regression. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare progression- free survival.Results: Of 1103 patients, 972 (88.1%), 71 (6.4%), and 60 (5.4%) had NSM, PSM, and unknown status, respectively. Median patient age and tumour size were 61 years and 3.0 cm for both groups. From multivariable analysis, pathological stage ≥T3 (odds ratio [OR] 2.51; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–5.60) and Fuhrman grade 4 (OR 5.35; 95% CI 1.11‒25.72) were associated with PSM, whereas age, operative technique, and tumour size were not. Forty-nine (5.0%) patients from the NSM cohort and seven (9.9%) from the PSM cohort had a local/systemic progression of disease (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.4; 95% CI 0.6‒3.6). There were three (0.3%) cancer-related deaths in the NSM group and none in the PSM group. After median followup of 19 (interquartile range [IQR] 5‒42) and 15 (IQR 7–30) months, 855 (91.4%) and 61 (89.7%) patients were alive in the NSM and PSM groups, respectively.Conclusions: PSM occurred in 6.4% of PNs performed for RCC in this pan-Canadian cohort. Higher stage and grade are associated with a higher risk of positive margin. The small association between a PSM and progression suggests that complete nephrectomy is not necessary in patients with a PSM. The main study limitations are lack of nephrometry score and possible reporting bias.
Canadian Urological Association position statement on the use of transvaginal mesh
Authors: Welk Blayne , Carlson Kevin V. , Baverstock Richard J. , Steele Stephen S. , Bailly Gregory G. , Hickling Duane R.
Published: June 2017

Stress incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are common conditions. There is high-level evidence that midurethral mesh slings for stress incontinence are effective and safe; however, the rare but serious potential risks of this surgery must be discussed with the patient. The use of transvaginal mesh for prolapse repair does not appear to be supported by the current evidence, and its use should be restricted to specialized pelvic floor surgeons and specific clinical situations.
Advances in basic science methodologies for clinical diagnosis in female stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Abdulaziz Marwa , Deegan Emily G. , Kavanagh Alex , Stothers Lynn , Pugash Denise , Macnab Andrew
Published: June 2017

We provide an overview of advanced imaging techniques currently being explored to gain greater understanding of the complexity of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) through better definition of structural anatomic data. Two methods of imaging and analysis are detailed for SUI with or without prolapse: 1) open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with or without the use of reference lines; and 2) 3D reconstruction of the pelvis using MRI. An additional innovative method of assessment includes the use of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which uses non-invasive photonics in a vaginal speculum to objectively evaluate pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function as it relates to SUI pathology. Advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are described. The recent innovation of open-configuration magnetic resonance imaging (MRO) allows images to be captured in sitting and standing positions, which better simulates states that correlate with urinary leakage and can be further enhanced with 3D reconstruction. By detecting direct changes in oxygenated muscle tissue, the NIRS vaginal speculum is able to provide insight into how the oxidative capacity of the PFM influences SUI. The small number of units able to provide patient evaluation using these techniques and their cost and relative complexity are major considerations, but if such imaging can optimize diagnosis, treatment allocation, and selection for surgery enhanced imaging techniques may prove to be a worthwhile and cost-effective strategy for assessing and treating SUI.
New research in bladder cancer, ASCO-GU 2017
Authors: Black Peter C. , Sridhar Srikala
Published: June 2017

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New research in testicular cancer, ASCO-GU 2017
Authors: Hamilton Robert J. , Kollmansberger Christian
Published: June 2017

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Implementation Influence of ISO9000 on Organization’s Performance
Authors: AL Othman Amal , Taan EL Hajjar Said
Published: June 2017

Implementing the International Organization for Standardization (ISO9000) in Bahrain Council of Representatives offers many prospects to diversify Bahrain’s Parliament and raise management development and duties. This paper entirely explores the potential items of customer focus, leadership, people’s involvement, and continual improvement, which will be used as a scale to measure the impact of ISO 9000 on Bahrain Council of Representatives performance and other private sector organizations to recognize that potential. This research work is mainly designed based on one of quantitative approaches, which is the survey questionnaire. Data was collected from Council of Representative’s Staff in the Kingdom of Bahrain by distributing the questionnaire randomly to Council of Representative’s employees and consequently analyzed through quantitative analysis methods. Overall findings show that all items appear to be useful and contribute to the overall reliability of their corresponding construct. This research work will help define best items and constructs for stakeholders’ who are interested in applying ISO9000 standards in the organizations, prioritize improvement of employees and enhance performance relative to shareholders’ expectations and liable organization development. This paper fills a prevailing gap by providing a distinctive reliable assessment scale of such effectiveness and comprehensive assessment measure through an organized analysis of pertinent arcade data in the kingdom of Bahrain.
Fraud and Forensic Accounting Education: Prospects and Challenges in Nigeria
Authors: Herbert Wilson E. , Onyilo Francis , Ene Emeka E. , Tsegba Ioraver N.
Published: June 2017

This study first investigates the availability of fraud and forensic accounting (FFA) education in Nigeria. The paper then analyses the perceptions of academics and practitioners on the demand for, relevance and integration of, FFA in Nigeria. The data obtained through a questionnaire survey was analysed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis (K-W) and Chi-Square tests. The results (i) indicate an increasing market demand for fraud examiners and forensic accountants; and (ii) suggest that FFA be given adequate coverage in the accounting curriculum in response to market demand. On the benefits of FFA education and training, there is virtual unanimity that it will: (i) widen the employment horizon and opportunities for graduates; (ii) help to combat fraud, corruption and financial crimes, (iii) strengthen the credibility of financial reporting, and (iv) help to rebuild investors’ confidence and trust in financial reports. The findings also support integration at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The policy implication draws attention to regulatory importance and expediency of integrating FFA education into the accounting curriculum. This calls for regulatory initiative in developing the Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) for FFA programmes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
Responsible Gambling Strategies for Internet Gambling: An Empirical Investigation into the Italian Gambling Market
Authors: Calvosa Paolo
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study is to analyse, in the Italian sports betting sector, the impact of Internet gambling on the level of consumption of gambling products and the responsible gambling strategies adopted by the on line gambling operators. From the methodological viewpoint the research work has been organised into two phases. In the first phase, an empirical investigation has been carried out on a sample of Italian consumers directed towards measuring the impact that the use of the Internet has on the volume of bets made on sports events. In the second phase, an analytical work has been performed on the on line gambling websites of the main operators of the Italian sports betting market, directed towards examining the measures adopted for promoting responsible gambling. The results of the empirical research indicate, on the one hand, that in the Italian market, as has happened in other national gambling markets, the legalization of on line sports betting may determine an increase in the level of consumption of gambling products and, thus, in the potential risks of excessive gambling; and, on the other hand, that the normative approach adopted in the Italian gambling market, based on a ‘concession model’ which provides for a strong public control of the gambling operators, has favoured a widespread adoption by the on line betting companies of an articulated series of measures aimed towards harm minimisation in Internet gambling. Thus, the findings of this study contribute towards the economic-managerial literature on the theme of firms’ social responsibility by providing important insights for gambling firms and public policy makers regarding the responsible gambling strategies for Internet gambling adoptable in the markets, such as the Italian one, in which on line gambling is fully regulated.