bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of sedation on demand in Taiwan using water exchange and air insufflation: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hsieh Yu‐Hsi , Tseng Chih‐Wei , Koo Malcolm , Leung Felix W
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim

Completion of colonoscopy without sedation eliminates sedation cost and complications. Reported in the United States and Europe, on‐demand sedation is not routine practice in Taiwan. Water exchange (WE), characterized by infusion and nearly complete removal of infused water during insertion, reduces insertion pain compared to air insufflation (AI) during colonoscopy. We evaluated the feasibility of on‐demand sedation in Taiwan. In a randomized controlled trial of WE vs AI colonoscopy, we also aimed to determine if WE augmented the implementation by reducing insertion pain and decreasing sedation requirement.

Methods

This prospective patient‐blinded study randomized patients to AI or WE (75 patients/group) to aid insertion. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients completing without sedation.

Results

In the AI and WE groups, 76.0% and 93.3% (P = 0.006) completed without need for sedation, respectively. The WE group had lower insertion pain score (mean [SD]) (4.0 [2.9] vs 2.1 [2.6], P < 0.001), lower doses of propofol (25.7 [52.7] mg vs 9.1 [35.6] mg, P = 0.012), and less time in the recovery room (3.4 [7.4] vs 1.5 [5.5], P = 0.027) than the AI group. Patient satisfaction scores and willingness to repeat if needed in the future were similar.

Conclusion

On‐demand sedation was feasible in Taiwan. The completion rate without sedation was high in patients (76.0% with standard AI) open to the option (no prior intent to receive the standard of full or minimal sedation). WE augmented the implementation by reducing insertion pain and decreasing sedation requirement without adversely affecting patient satisfaction or willingness to repeat.
Evolving beauty—Creating and transforming inequalities
Authors: Rajanala Susruthi , Maymone Mayra B. C. , Vashi Neelam A.
Published: August 2019

Society has always been fascinated by beauty, an interest that has a psychological and evolutionary basis. Studies across various fields have shown that being beautiful can result in emotional well‐being and privilege in one's career and personal life. However, beauty is not equally distributed in our society, leading people to pursue aesthetic treatments and procedures to meet the beauty standard. Over time and with the influence of media, the societally accepted beauty standard has evolved. It is essential for clinicians to be aware of societal implications of beauty as they may serve as a motivation for patients seeking cosmetic procedures.
The use of rituximab as an adjuvant in the treatment of oral pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Fortuna Giulio , Calabria Elena , Ruoppo Elvira , Adamo Daniela , Aria Massimo , Amato Massimo , Mignogna Michele D.
Published: August 2019

Background

Pemphigus vulgaris patients with exclusive oral involvement (OPV) treated with conventional immunosuppressive therapy may be non‐responders or experience severe side effects and/or relapses. In such cases, rituximab could be used as an adjuvant in recalcitrant OPV patients.

Methods

A retrospective single‐center study on patients with oral pemphigus vulgaris treated with RTX at a dose of 375 mg/m2 was performed, evaluating the complete clinical and immunological remission, side effects of RTX, and possible correlation between anti‐desmoglein (Dsg) 3 antibodies and clinical remission.

Results

We treated 10 OPV patients, of which 60% had a moderate and 40% mild disease severity before therapy with RTX. Complete clinical remission (CCR) was achieved in 100% of OPV patients, of which 20% developed side effects and 20% experienced a relapse in a mean time of 15.2 ± 10.2 weeks. The mean time for CCR was achieved in 19.8 ± 10.3 weeks, whereas the duration of the CCR consisted in 37.4 ± 33.5 weeks. OPV patients underwent a mean follow‐up of 57.2 ± 37.7 weeks. In all patients, the mean of pemphigus disease area index (PDAI) decreased from 20.3 ± 14.1 to 0.4 ± 0.0, whereas the mean Dsg3 value dropped from 157.1 ± 40.6 to 67.0 ± 26.6 after therapy with RTX. However, no correlation was found between PDAI and anti‐Dsg3 antibodies before and after therapy with RTX (P > .05).

Conclusions

RTX represents a valid and safe alternative as an adjuvant in OPV patients with low rate of relapses and side effects.
Junction plakoglobin, a potential prognostic marker of oral squamous cell carcinoma, promotes proliferation, migration and invasion
Authors: Fang Juan , Xiao Li , Zhang Qianyu , Peng Yanshuang , Wang Zhi , Liu Ying
Published: August 2019

Background

Junction plakoglobin (JUP) is an important cell‐cell junction protein. Recently, its deregulation has been correlated with the initiation and progression of various malignancies. Our aim was to investigate the expression of JUP in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its correlation with prognosis and to further study the effects of JUP on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion of OSCC cells.

Methods

We detected JUP expression in 273 OSCC specimens using immunohistochemistry. We assessed the correlation of JUP expression with clinicopathologic parameters and patient survival by Cox regression. Then, expression levels of JUP in normal oral keratinocytes (NOKs) and OSCC cell lines were detected by Western blotting and quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR). Next, we used HSC3 cells to study the effect of JUP on tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion by using cell counting kit‐8, flow cytometry, and transwell assays, respectively.

Results

Cox regression showed that high expression of JUP was related to the poor prognosis of OSCC patients. Western blotting and qPCR assays showed that the expression level of JUP in OSCC cell lines was higher than that in NOKs. Overexpression of JUP promoted the proliferation, metastasis, and invasion of HSC3 cells and inhibited apoptosis, while the opposite was observed after JUP knockdown.

Conclusion

This study initially revealed that JUP was overexpressed in OSCC, and that JUP promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells and inhibited apoptosis. Moreover, high expression of JUP could be used as a potential prognostic marker of OSCC.
Why are we together? A dyadic longitudinal investigation of relationship motivation, goal progress, and adjustment
Authors: Holding Anne C. , Barlow Meaghan , Koestner Richard , Wrosch Carsten
Published: August 2019

Objective

This investigation used self‐determination theory to study goal striving in the context of romantic relationships. The study explored how dyadic partners’ relationship motivation impacted goal progress, personal well‐being, and relationship satisfaction. In addition, the mediating role of relationship goal progress was explored.

Method

In a prospective longitudinal study, 153 heterosexual couples rated their own relationship motivation and each reported a relationship goal and a self‐oriented goal. Goal progress was assessed approximately 1 year later. In addition, well‐being and relationship satisfaction were assessed at baseline and follow‐up.

Results

Actor–partner interdependence models revealed that actor's autonomous relationship motivation was positively associated with relationship and self‐oriented goal progress. Actor's autonomous relationship motivation, as well as both actor and partner relationship goal progress, were associated with increases in actor's subjective well‐being (SWB) and relationship satisfaction. Relationship goal progress mediated the association between actor's autonomous relationship motivation and SWB, as well as relationship satisfaction.

Conclusions

Together, these findings contribute to research on relationship motivation and goal striving in dyadic partners, by suggesting that motivational regulations impact goal regulation in romantic relationships and associated well‐being outcomes.
Use it or lose it
Authors: Khalil Fahad , Kim Doyoung , Lawarree Jacques
Published: August 2019

We examine the optimality of budget policies imposed by a funding authority on a bureaucrat who operates under a fixed budget. In particular, we study a “use‐it‐or‐lose‐it” (UILI) policy under which the bureaucrat has to return any unspent budget without being able to “roll over” any part to the next period. Instead of returning the unspent budget, the bureaucrat can go on a spending spree and engage in policy drift, which is inversely related to his motivation. The bureaucrat's motivation represents how well matched he is with the bureaucracy's mission. We show that a UILI policy is complementary to motivation as it has stronger ex ante positive incentive effects on more motivated bureaucrats. Such ex ante positive effects can overcome the ex post inefficiency of the policy and make a UILI policy optimal when the bureaucrat is well matched with the bureaucracy's mission or when its budget is large.
Saving online copyright: Virtual markets need real intervention
Authors: Tanielian Adam R. , Kampan Pakinee
Published: August 2019

The internet is a treasure chest of infringing or “pirated” entertainment media, which viewers from around the world access, copy, and share with relative ease. Data and qualitative reviews suggest infringement is ubiquitous in the streaming and downloading domain. The current approach to copyright enforcement places undue burdens on copyright owners who cannot economically advance claims against millions of individual users. Poorly constructed copyright laws and misguided Court decisions have left rights‐holders with too few remedies against commercial entities involved in the storage, retrieval, transmission, access, and streaming of their works. A five‐year exploratory and observational study were conducted to discover facts about online pirate media, how services function, how companies make money, and how they skirt around laws prohibiting unauthorized commercial exploitation of copyright. Sites discovered had multimillion‐dollar valuations and annual revenues, mostly derived from third‐party advertisements. The study found numerous deficiencies in copyright legislation and judicial interpretation that enable massive online infringement to continue. Recommendations include statutory and regulatory amendments, judicial reversals, reconstruction of the law, and development of a binding, compulsory mechanism similar to Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers’ domain name trademark dispute resolution system.
The value of different CT‐based methods for diagnosing low muscle mass and predicting mortality in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Paternostro Rafael , Lampichler Katharina , Bardach Constanze , Asenbaum Ulrika , Landler Clara , Bauer David , Mandorfer Mattias , Schwarzer Remy , Trauner Michael , Reiberger Thomas , Ferlitsch Arnulf
Published: August 2019

Background & Aims

Low muscle mass impacts on morbidity and mortality in cirrhosis. The skeletal‐muscle index (SMI) is a well‐validated tool to diagnose muscle wasting, but requires specialized radiologic software and expertise. Thus, we compared different Computed tomography (CT)‐based evaluation methods for muscle wasting and their prognostic value in cirrhosis.

Methods

Consecutive cirrhotic patients included in a prospective registry undergoing abdominal CT scans were analysed. SMI, transversal psoas muscle thickness (TPMT), total psoas volume (TPV) and paraspinal muscle index (PSMI) were measured. Sarcopenia was defined using SMI as a reference method by applying sex‐specific cut‐offs (males: <52.4 cm2/m2; females: <38.5 cm2/m2).

Results

One hundred and nine patients (71.6% male) of age 57 ± 11 years, MELD 16 (8‐26) and alcoholic liver disease (63.3%) as the main aetiology were included. According to established SMI cut‐offs, low muscle mass was present in 69 patients (63.3%) who also presented with higher MELD (17 vs 14 points; P = .025). The following optimal sex‐specific cut‐offs (men/women) for diagnosing low muscle mass were determined: TPMT: <10.7/ <7.8 mm/m, TPV: <194.9/ <99.2 cm3 and PSMI <26.3/ <20.8 cm2/m2. Thirty (27.5%) patients died during a follow‐up of 15 (0.3‐45.7) months. Univariate competing risks analyses showed a significant risk for mortality according to SMI (aSHR:2.52, 95% CI: 1.03‐6.21, P = .043), TPMT (aSHR: 3.87, 95% CI: 1.4‐8.09, P = .007) and PSMI (aSHR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.17‐6.23, P = .02), but not TPV (P = .18) derived low muscle mass cut‐offs. In multivariate analysis only TPMT (aSHR: 2.82, 95% CI: 1.20‐6.67, P = .018) was associated with mortality, SMI (aSHR: 1.93, 95% CI: 0.72‐5.16, P = .19) and PSMI (aSHR: 1.93, 95% CI: 0.79‐4.75, P = .15) were not.

Conclusion

Low muscle mass was highly prevalent in our cohort of patients with cirrhosis. Gender‐specific TPMT, SMI and PSMI cut‐offs for low muscle mass can help identify patients with an increased risk for mortality. Importantly, only TPMT emerged as an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with cirrhosis.
Parent and offspring genotypes influence gene expression in early life
Authors: Newhouse Daniel J. , Barcelo‐Serra Margarida , Tuttle Elaina M. , Gonser Rusty A. , Balakrishnan Christopher N.
Published: August 2019

Parents can have profound effects on offspring fitness. Little, however, is known about the mechanisms through which parental genetic variation influences offspring physiology in natural systems. White‐throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis, WTSP) exist in two genetic morphs, tan and white, controlled by a large polymorphic supergene. Morphs mate disassortatively, resulting in two pair types: tan male × white female (T × W) pairs, which provide biparental care and white male × tan female (W × T) pairs, which provide female‐biased care. To investigate how parental composition impacts offspring, we performed RNA‐seq on whole blood of WTSP nestlings sampled from nests of both pair types. Parental pair type had a large effect on nestling gene expression, with 881 genes differentially expressed (DE) and seven correlated gene coexpression modules. The DE genes and modules expressed at higher levels in W × T nests with female‐biased parental care function in metabolism and stress‐related pathways resulting from the overrepresentation of proteolysis and stress‐response genes (e.g., SOD2, NR3C1). These results show that parental genotypes and/or associated behaviours influence nestling physiology, and highlight avenues of further research investigating the ultimate implications for the maintenance of this polymorphism. Nestlings also exhibited morph‐specific gene expression, with 92 differentially expressed genes, comprising immunity genes and genes encompassed by the supergene. Remarkably, we identified the same regulatory hub genes in these blood‐derived expression networks as were previously identified in adult WTSP brains (EPM2A, BPNT1, TAF5L). These hub genes were located within the supergene, highlighting the importance of this gene complex in structuring regulatory networks across diverse tissues.
The plant pathogen Pectobacterium atrosepticum contains a functional formate hydrogenlyase‐2 complex
Authors: Finney Alexander J. , Lowden Rebecca , Fleszar Michal , Albareda Marta , Coulthurst Sarah J. , Sargent Frank
Published: August 2019

Pectobacterium atrosepticum SCRI1043 is a phytopathogenic Gram‐negative enterobacterium. Genomic analysis has identified that genes required for both respiration and fermentation are expressed under anaerobic conditions. One set of anaerobically expressed genes is predicted to encode an important but poorly understood membrane‐bound enzyme termed formate hydrogenlyase‐2 (FHL‐2), which has fascinating evolutionary links to the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase (Complex I). In this work, molecular genetic and biochemical approaches were taken to establish that FHL‐2 is fully functional in P. atrosepticum and is the major source of molecular hydrogen gas generated by this bacterium. The FHL‐2 complex was shown to comprise a rare example of an active [NiFe]‐hydrogenase‐4 (Hyd‐4) isoenzyme, itself linked to an unusual selenium‐free formate dehydrogenase in the final complex. In addition, further genetic dissection of the genes encoding the predicted membrane arm of FHL‐2 established surprisingly that the majority of genes encoding this domain are not required for physiological hydrogen production activity. Overall, this study presents P. atrosepticum as a new model bacterial system for understanding anaerobic formate and hydrogen metabolism in general, and FHL‐2 function and structure in particular.
Attraction of mosquitoes to primate odours and implications for zoonotic Plasmodium transmission
Authors: Bakker J. W. , Loy D. E. , Takken W. , Hahn B. H. , Verhulst N. O.
Published: August 2019

Vector‐borne diseases often originate from wildlife and can spill over into the human population. One of the most important determinants of vector‐borne disease transmission is the host preference of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes with a specialised host preference are guided by body odours to find their hosts in addition to carbon dioxide. Little is known about the role of mosquito host preference in the spillover of pathogenic agents from humans towards animals and vice versa. In the Republic of Congo, the attraction of mosquitoes to primate host odours was determined, as well as their possible role as malaria vectors, using odour‐baited traps mimicking the potential hosts of mosquitoes. Most of the mosquito species caught showed a generalistic host preference. Anopheles obscurus was the most abundant Anopheles mosquito, with a generalistic host preference observed from the olfactory response and the detection of various Plasmodium parasites. Interestingly, Culex decens showed a much higher attraction towards chimpanzee odours than to human or cow odours. Human Plasmodium parasites were observed in both human and chimpanzee blood, although not in the Anopheles mosquitoes that were collected. Understanding the role of mosquito host preference for cross‐species parasite transmission provides information that will help to determine the risk of spillover of vector‐borne diseases.
Clinical Significance of MRI and Pathological Features of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone Boundary
Authors: Chen Liang , Shi Xiao‐lin , Zhou Zi‐ming , Qin Ling‐di , Liu Xiao‐hong , Jiang Lei , Zhang Qing‐jiao , Ding Xiao‐yi
Published: August 2019

Objective

To find new clues to reduce postoperative recurrence after intralesional curettage by studying MRI and pathological features of giant tumor of bone (GCTB) boundaries.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in the departments of orthopaedic surgery and medical imaging at our hospitals from January 2006 to August 2016. A total of 16 GCTB patients confirmed by pathology were asked to participate in the present study. The age range was from 18 to 44 years (9 women and 7 men). All patients underwent MRI examination. All patients underwent en bloc resection and complete postoperative tumor segments were obtained. Five specimens were obtained randomly at the place of the segments where the GCTB boundary showed different types on MRI. Ordinary HE staining was used for all specimens and we measured the depth of local tumor cell infiltration (240 measurements). Results were expressed as means ± standard deviation. Statistical analyses were carried out with one‐way ANOVA and the Student–Newman–Keuls test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The kappa test was used to analyze the degree of agreement of observers.

Results

A total of 16 patients (median age 30.56 years; range, 18–44 years) with GCTB (the number of distal femurs and proximal tibias was 9 and 7, respectively) were tested. The boundaries of all GCTB cases were composed of clear boundary, relatively clear boundary, and blurred boundary in different proportions on MRI. Based on continuous observation of all MRI, all boundaries were incomplete. The kappa value between two radiologists and two pathologists was 0.91 and 0.88, respectively. The average depth of local tumor cell infiltration in the clear boundary, relatively clear boundary, and blurred boundary groups was 0.42 ± 0.11 mm, 2.85 ± 0.21 mm, and 4.83 ± 0.12 mm, respectively. There was statistical difference among the three groups (F = 17.62, P < 0.05). There was also statistical difference between each of the two groups (q‐value was 8.95, 14.28, and 5.21, respectively, P < 0.05). The depth of local tumor cell infiltration with blurred boundaries on MRI was the largest and the depth with clear boundaries was the smallest.

Conclusion

The intralesional curettage boundaries need to be expanded on the basis of different types of boundaries provided by MRI.
Inappropriate shock and percutaneous cardiac intervention: A lesson to learn in the cath lab
Authors: Di Stolfo Giuseppe , Mastroianno Sandra , Massaro Raimondo , Vigna Carlo , Russo Aldo , Potenza Domenico Rosario
Published: August 2019

Coronary disease is a common condition in patients affected by heart failure with severely reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). This condition represents an indication for implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in order to reduce the risk of sudden death related to arrhythmias. Nevertheless, inappropriate shocks are associated with worse quality of life, hospitalization, and death.

We present the case of an inappropriate shock related to percutaneous coronary intervention during the insertion and advancement of the guidewire into the left anterior descending artery (LAD) in a patient with an ICD.

Physicians’ awareness about the clinical implication of noise arising during a coronary procedure is very important in patients with an ICD or pacemaker, to avoid inappropriate shock or pacing inhibition and to raise the possibility of lead implantation in or helix protrusion into the coronary lumen.
Cortical auditory evoked potentials in mild cognitive impairment: Evidence from a temporal‐spatial principal component analysis
Authors: Buján Ana , Lister Jennifer J. , O’Brien Jennifer L. , Edwards Jerri D.
Published: August 2019

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered an intermediate transitional stage for the development of dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease. The identification of neurophysiological biomarkers for MCI will allow improvement in detecting and tracking the progression of cognitive impairment. The primary objective of this study was to compare cortical auditory evoked potentials between older adults with and without probable MCI to identify potential neurophysiological indicators of cognitive impairment. We applied a temporal‐spatial principal component analysis to the evoked potentials achieved during the processing of pure tones and speech sounds, to facilitate the separation of the components of the P1‐N1‐P2 complex. The probable MCI group showed a significant amplitude increase in a factor modeling N1b for speech sounds (Cohen's d = .84) and a decrease in a factor around the P2 time interval, especially for pure tones (Cohen's d = 1.17). Moreover, both factors showed a fair discrimination value between groups (area under the curve [AUC] = .698 for N1b in speech condition; AUC = .746 for P2 in tone condition), with high sensitivity to detect MCI cases (86% and 91%, respectively). The results for N1b suggest that MCI participants may suffer from a deficit to inhibit irrelevant speech information, and the decrease of P2 amplitude could be a signal of cholinergic hypoactivation. Therefore, both components could be proposed as early biomarkers of cognitive impairment.
Infrastructure, management and energy efficiency in a hypothetical semi‐intensive shrimp model farm in Brazil: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cozer Nathieli , Pont Giorgi Dal , Horodesky Aline , Ostrensky Antonio
Published: August 2019

The goal of this study was to characterize the main operational processes adopted by a shrimp aquaculture pond system in Brazil and to account the flows of energy use. The characterization was carried out via application of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRIMA) methodology. The accounting of the energy flows was made through the quantification of the energy coming from economically required resources. Based on the data and characteristics identified in Brazilian shrimp farms, a hypothetical farm consisting of four nursery tanks, nine ponds, feed, fertilizer and general deposits, a refectory, restrooms and dressing rooms, garage, and main and secondary access roads. In this hypothetical shrimp farm, the water pumping was performed by a 20 hp pump, and aeration was performed via 4 hp paddle‐type aerators. A biphasic operating system and a semi‐intensive production regime were adopted, with a initial stocking density of 43 shrimp m−2and harvest occurring when the shrimp reached an average weight of 12 g. The cultivation cycle lasted 90 days and include the pond preparation and curing period. The final yield was estimated to be 3500 kg ha−1. The total energy cost was calculated as 835.597 MJ. The most energy inputs were feed, fuels and lubricants and electricity. Shrimp production in ponds is a very intensive activity relative to the energy demand and that increasing energy efficiency is one of the essential conditions for the truly sustainable production of long‐term Brazilian shrimp farming not only for environmental but also mainly for economic reasons.
A critical overview of work‐related injury and illness in aquaculture workers from Brazil
Authors: Cavalli Lissandra Souto , Marques Flavielle Blanco , Watterson Andrew
Published: August 2019

This review outlines the available data on aquaculture injuries and diseases in Brazil along with the deficiencies in some official data. The information was obtained from the official statistical sources of Brazil, and in part, complemented by some of the few scientific studies in the area. Between 2013 and 2017, the number of injuries and work diseases in Brazilian aquaculture totalled 873 cases. The total injury claims between 2015 and 2017 were 477 cases, of which 31 are related to requests for medical aid; 345 work leave cases for less than 15 days and 96 cases for more than 15 days; and 4 fatal injuries. However, official statistical data for aquaculture may be underreporting, limited and fragmented, and the real picture may be even larger. Nevertheless, the available data provide a means to prioritize both ways of improving such statistics and, more importantly, to identify tentatively those diseases and injuries that require urgent preventative action. Also, this paper proposes some measures that may help to achieve further progress on the working conditions to reduce potential dangers.
Trade, educational costs, and skill acquisition
Authors: Ma Shihui , Liu Yue , Zhou Mohan
Published: August 2019

A model of heterogeneous agents is built to study the effects of trade and educational costs in shaping individual educational outcomes and their aggregate distribution. In a two‐country model, trade has nonmonotonic impacts on individual education choices and causes education and job polarization for both countries. We use this model to evaluate the effects of reductions in educational costs. A reduction in educational cost has no impact on occupational choice in a closed economy. In the open economy, however, it creates an expanded middle class in the home country, whereas the opposite happens in its trading partner.
Exchange rate uncertainty and import prices in the euro area
Authors: Blagov Boris
Published: August 2019

This paper analyzes the effects of exchange rate uncertainty on the pricing behavior of import firms in the euro area. Uncertainty is measured via the volatility of the structural shocks to the exchange rate in a nonlinear vector‐autoregressive model framework and is an important determinant of import prices. An increase in exchange rate uncertainty is associated with a fall in prices on average, which suggests that the exchange rate risk is borne by the importers. Controlling for the origin of imports (within or outside the euro area) is important for assessing the impact of exchange rate movements on prices.
Soft power and exports
Authors: Rose Andrew K.
Published: August 2019

This paper seeks to help establish a stylized fact: a country’s exports rise when its leadership is approved by other countries. I show this using a standard gravity model of bilateral exports, a panel of data from 2006 through 2017, and an annual Gallup survey that asks people in up to 157 countries whether they approve of the job performance of the leadership of China, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. Holding other things constant, a country’s exports are higher if its leadership is approved by the importer—“soft power” promotes exports. The soft power effect is statistically and economically significant; a 1% increase in leadership approval raises exports by around two‐thirds of a percent. This effect is reasonably robust, and different measures of soft power deliver similar results. I conservatively estimate that the >20 percentage point decline in foreign approval of American leadership between 2016 (the final year of Obama’s presidency) and 2017 (Trump’s first year) lowered American exports by at least U.S.$3 billion.
Degree‐based goodness‐of‐fit tests for heterogeneous random graph models: Independent and exchangeable cases
Authors: Ouadah Sarah , Robin Stéphane , Latouche Pierre
Published: August 2019

The degrees are a classical and relevant way to study the topology of a network. They can be used to assess the goodness of fit for a given random graph model. In this paper, we introduce goodness‐of‐fit tests for two classes of models. First, we consider the case of independent graph models such as the heterogeneous Erdös‐Rényi model in which the edges have different connection probabilities. Second, we consider a generic model for exchangeable random graphs called the W‐graph. The stochastic block model and the expected degree distribution model fall within this framework. We prove the asymptotic normality of the degree mean square under these independent and exchangeable models and derive formal tests. We study the power of the proposed tests and we prove the asymptotic normality under specific sparsity regimes. The tests are illustrated on real networks from social sciences and ecology, and their performances are assessed via a simulation study.
Argument Ellipsis and Scope Economy in Japanese
Authors: Maeda Masako
Published: August 2019

In this article, I show that in Japanese, while some focus elements obligatorily take wide scope with respect to scope‐bearing predicative heads, argument ellipsis reverses this scope possibility, so that narrow‐scope interpretation of the focus element is obligatory. I further show that Scope Parallelism (Fox 2000) overrides this narrow‐scope requirement for elided arguments; when the antecedent clause exhibits scope interaction, the elided clause shows the parallel wide‐scope option. I argue that such scope possibilities fall out from the interaction of the derivational‐PF‐deletion analysis of ellipsis (Takahashi 2013, 2017), the Morphological Merger of predicative heads (Shibata 2015), and Scope Economy and Parallelism (Fox 2000).
Adult mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa: cross‐sectional study of causes of death in Zambia
Authors: Chisumpa Vesper H. , Odimegwu Clifford O. , Saikia Nandita
Published: August 2019

Objective

To describe the age–sex pattern and socio‐economic differentials in causes of death among adults between the ages of 15 and 59 years in Zambia.

Methods

Using data from the 2010–2012 Zambia sample vital registration with verbal autopsy survey, we calculated the percentage share of causes of death, the age‐/sex cause‐specific death ratio and cause‐eliminated life expectancy at age 15.

Results

HIV/AIDS was the leading cause of death across all socio‐economic subgroups contributing 40.7% of total deaths during the study period. This was followed by deaths due to injury and accidents (11.2%). Cause‐specific death ratios due to HIV/AIDS increased by age and peaked in the 35–39 age group and were higher among females than males. The second‐leading cause of death was injuries and accidents for males and tuberculosis for females. The third‐leading cause of death was cardiovascular diseases for females and tuberculosis for males. Cause of death patterns varied notably by socio‐economic characteristics. Deaths attributable to non‐communicable diseases were more evident in adults aged 45–59 years. Eliminating HIV/AIDS in Zambia as a cause of death could raise life expectancy at age 15 by 5.7 years for males and by 6.4 years for females.

Conclusion

HIV/AIDS‐related health programmes and interventions should be further supported and strengthened, as they would significantly contribute to the reduction in adult mortality in Zambia.
Further analyses on the evolutionary “key‐protist”Halteria(Protista, Ciliophora) based on transcriptomic data
Authors: Wang Chundi , Yan Ying , Chen Xiao , Al‐Farraj Saleh A. , El‐Serehy Hamed A. , Gao Feng
Published: August 2019

Considerable discordance between morphologies and molecules, which can be caused by convergent morphologies, cryptic species or plastic phenotypes, has been frequently detected, especially in microbes. One of the best examples could be the well‐known halteriid ciliates, whose systematic position remains highly unresolved, because it resembles oligotrichs in terms of morphology while associates with hypotrichs in phylogeny based on maker genes. In the present work, we report the deep sequencing and analyses of RNA‐seq data from the representative halteriid,Halteria grandinella.The results indicate that: 1) the transcriptome includes 92,114 genes (aa ≥ 50) with the N50 of 957 bp, which is much better than the single‐cell transcriptome; 2)H. grandinellashares more homologous genes in higher sequence identity with hypotrichous oxytrichids than with oligotrichs; 3) the codon usage bias ofH. grandinellais much more similar with that of oligotrichStrombidium sulcatum, and UAA and UAG are reassigned to encode glutamine, which is a common feature of oligotrichs and hypotrichs; and 4) phylogenomic analyses based on 132 orthologs and 47,263 amino acid sites placeH. grandinellaas a sister to hypotrichs while other oligotrichs cluster together. Based on all the information so far available, we thus suggest thatH. grandinellacould be an extremely specialized “oligotrich‐like” hypotrich. The similar morphology between halteriids and oligotrichs results from convergent evolution to adapt to the planktonic lifestyle. We hypothesize the evolutionary relationship of the core spirotrichs that halteriids and oxytrichids share the most common ancestor, followed successively by other hypotrichs, oligotrichs/choreotrichs, and euplotids.
Model-based control strategies for anaerobic digestion processes
Authors: Dimitrova Neli , Krastanov Mikhail
Published: August 2019

In this paper we consider a four-dimensional bioreactor model,В describing an anaerobic wastewater treatment with methaneВ production. Different control strategies for stabilizing theВ dynamics are presented and discussed. A general andВ practice-oriented bounded open-loop control is proposed, aimed toВ steer the model solutions towards an a priori given set in thephase plane.
1965-1973: Social work and human rights: An introduction
Authors: O'Brien Mike
Published: August 2019

Introduction to:Powles, Guy, Ombudsman. (1968). Guest editorial. New Zealand Social Worker, News and Opinions, 4(4), 3-5.Jack, Miss Avery, (1968). Finland. New Zealand Social Worker, News and Opinions, 4(4), 9-13.
Finland 1968
Authors: Jack Miss Avery
Published: August 2019

Originally printed in 1968.
The journey of a profession: An introduction
Authors: Beddoe Liz
Published: August 2019

Introduction to:Ritchie, Prof. James E. (1967). The relation of the university to the profession of social work. New Zealand Social Worker: News and Opinions, 3(4), 3-13.
ICA Chicago style
Authors: Rennie Gavin , Hall Trish
Published: August 2019

An article by Trish Hall, written in 1981, is introduced by Gavin Rennie.
Changing directions?
Authors: Opie Anne
Published: August 2019

Originally printed in 1993.
Putting the baby back in the bathwater: Re-thinking the practice curriculum in social work education
Authors: Fulcher Leon C
Published: August 2019

Originally published in 1988.
Looking back on looking forward: Re-introducing Merv Hancock’s article ten years on
Authors: Van Heugten Kate
Published: August 2019

IntroducesHancock, M. (1998). The social work profession: Now and in the next ten years. Social Work Review, 10(4), pp.2-5.
Is community accountability being overlooked as a result of government-third sector partnering in New Zealand?
Authors: Aimers Jenny , Walker Peter
Published: August 2019

In recent years ‘third way’ style governments have sought to partner with third sector organisations in ‘joined up’ government. The neo-liberal basis for the third way model has sought to make government’s community collaborators more professional in their approach. This has been achieved by influencing third sector organisations to adopt quasi-business models of organisational practice and accountability.While the rationale for promoting these practices has resulted from a desire to afford third sector organisations a level of social efficacy similar to that of the professions. an increasing number of researchers (Aimers & Walker, 2008; Mulgan, 2006; Barr, 2005; Craig, 2004; Walker, 2002) have argued that business or quasi-business models are not always appropriate measures of success for the work of the third sector.We argue that with the growing emphasis on government and third sector partnerships, the relationship between the third sector and its communities is at risk of being overlooked due to the lack of insistence that such organisation should seek direction setting from local communities. One of the core characteristics of the third sector has been its embeddedness within its community. If organisations become more focused on their relationship with the state, at the expense of their community relationships, they risk overlooking a core part of their identity and purpose. We believe that community-based directional accountability provides a basis from which effective community relationships can grow.In this article we discuss how partnering with government has put community relationships of third sector community organisations at risk and offer three models of community accountability derived from real-life examples, which such organisations could use to help retain and strengthen their community embeddedness.
Child protection practice in a call centre: An emerging area of social work
Authors: Hanna Sue
Published: August 2019

Social work services based in call centres represent a controversial and often negatively viewed development in the context of service delivery. Little is known, however, about the professional knowledge, values and skills required in this work environment, or of the strengths and learning opportunities this area of practice has to offer social work in general.This paper discusses the findings of a qualitative research project which involved 14 Intake Social Workers (‘ISWs’) at the Children Youth and Family (‘CYF’) National Contact Centre (‘NCC’), (formerly known as the National Call Centre). The aim was to ascertain how ISWs constructed their child protection social work practices in an environment where they communicated with their clients exclusively by using information and communication technology (‘ICT’) procedures. Participants were also asked to comment on their perceptions of the NCC as a place to work.The findings demonstrate the development of a unique skills set that combines elements of social work and traditional call centre work, where social workers must form constructive relationships with callers who have complex problems and sets of expectations, and with the technology that mediates their practice in this highly regulated, pressured work place.
Witnessing intimate partner violence: Review of the literature on coping in young persons
Authors: Van Heugten Kate , Wilson Elizabeth
Published: August 2019

Since the mid 1980s, there has been increasing concern about the impact that witnessing intimate partner violence (also commonly known as domestic violence or spouse abuse) has on children and young persons. In an article published in Social Work Review in 1994, Pamela Millen reviewed the international literature on children who witness such abuse and reported on strategies for intervening to ameliorate the negative consequences. This article updates her literature review, attending in particular to strengths-based and ecological perspectives that have emerged over the ensuing 15 years.Social work research and literature on dealing with trauma has come to increasingly emphasise resilience (the capacity to bounce back from adversity), protective factors (buffers against the effects of trauma) and coping (managing difficulties). This focus on resilience is also encouraging a closer look at the perspectives of survivors, including survivors of childhood abuse. In-depth qualitative research has been undertaken with children and young people in order to gain a better understanding of their perspectives and coping strategies for dealing with the challenges of living with intimate partner violence, including their use of resources in the environment. Meanwhile, quantitative research has looked at relationships between a wider array of variables, raising questions about previous simple ‘cause and effect’ conclusions about the impact of intimate partner violence on children and young people. Research and literature that specifically address issues for young persons as differentiated from children remains scant.
Ko wai au?
Authors: Paniora Riki
Published: August 2019

Ko wai au? He Tane au? He Papa au? He Tungane au? he tama o te atua au, Aye hei aha Ko wai au? All of the above and more.Who I am and what I am are two questions that have brought me to this point of reflection as I determine perhaps, what I am yet to become. Cultural identity is important for people’s sense of self and how they relate to others. A strong cultural identity can contribute to people’s overall wellbeing (Ministry of Social Development, 2007). Does culture play a significant role in my determination of who I am? The purpose of this article is to take stock of who I am so as to understand what I may become. My journey has been filled with both positive and negative experiences, all of which have shaped me into the man that I am today. I wish to share some of what I believe are significant engagement points in my life that have made me the person and the professional that I consider myself to be. From my own myriad of pulsating life patterns, three key personal experiences display who I am.
Social work and the practice of social justice: An initial overview
Authors: O'Brien Michael
Published: August 2019

Social justice is a key element in social work. A sample of 192 ANZASW members recently completed a questionnaire describing their approach to social justice and the links between social justice and their practice. This overview article provides an initial summary of their thinking about and approach to social justice in that practice and reflects the various ways in which that practice is shaped by and reflects dimensions of social justice.
Will prohibiting the use of physical punishment reduce child abuse deaths among New Zealand children?
Authors: Trevathan Sophie , Briggs Lynne
Published: August 2019

The Amendment Act (Crimes (Substituted Section 59) Amendment Act, 2007) came into force on 22 June 2007. The changes in the Act amended the right of parents to use force by way of correction toward a child. The purpose of this amendment was to provide children with a safer and more secure environment to live in that is free from violence. Such a move also has the potential to provide a clearer mandate for social workers in regard to issues of child safety. While planned, reviews to determine how effective the amendment has been have not yet been undertaken.This paper presents some key findings from a larger study exploring the issue of child abuse deaths in New Zealand. In doing so a comparison of legislation and policy between New Zealand and Sweden is presented. Sweden was used as the main focus for this comparison as it introduced a ban on use of corporal punishment of children in 1979.
Appraising the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual against Recovery philosophies in elderly dementia
Authors: Aldrich Robyn
Published: August 2019

This article looks at the history of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) classification system, its role and limitations, while making comparisons and contrasts to Recovery philosophies in relation to elderly dementia from a social work perspective. It was found that the clinician, caregiver and patient can all play a role in Recovery, and while not comparable the DSM complements psychosocial models of Recovery. It was also found that with the diversification and expansion of an increasing ageing population, gerontological social workers will need to modify and adapt practice skills and interventions as changes in evidence-based practices of Recovery and the DSM are disseminated at a faster rate.
Caucusing: Creating a space to confront our fears
Authors: Giles Rebecca , Rivers Shirley
Published: August 2019

Learning does not occur in a vacuum and this reality challenges all educators to provide for the differing learning needs that exist because of students’ particular relationship to the course material. Teaching Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the colonial history of Aotearoa New Zealand to adult students of social work and counselling in mainstream tertiary education programmes provides particular challenges and opportunities for tutors and students alike. When teaching this topic, it is essential that the nature of the relationships that exist today between the peoples that represent the signatories of the Tiriti / Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 is explored. Yet, at the same time, the learning needs of all students must be met.The authors have extensive experience in the teaching of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to adult learners. They have found the practice of caucusing helpful in creating a process that affords an opportunity for a transfer of learning to take place. How this process operates is the subject of this research study. In it, the authors identify distinct differences between Maaori and non-Maaori students’ experiences of caucusing. Worthwhile explanations of these differences are provided and linked to literature findings. Excerpts from research relating to the hidden dynamics of white power and domination are provided and assist in increasing an understanding of the intense reactions expressed by students during the transfer of knowledge process. Comments from students are included to highlight the shifts in understanding as the caucusing experience proceeds. The authors suggest that this topic has quite different implications for students within the same classroom, dependent upon whether they are located within the group that has experienced colonisation and domination (Maaori) or the other group, i.e. the colonising group (non-Maaori). They highlight the need to go beyond an intellectual fact-gathering exercise to achieve significant and worthwhile educational outcomes in this topic area.
Perinatal mental health of young women
Authors: Parsons Jane
Published: August 2019

This article stems from research conducted with four pregnant women and four health professionals. Feminist research methods using semi-structured qualitative interviews explored experiences of mental health support and education provided during the perinatal stage. This article outlines the themes the pregnant women identified as significant to their mental health during pregnancy then concludes with the researcher’s analysis of these areas. These themes highlight areas of perinatal care and social work practice that can impact the health of the mother, and therefore the child, in a preventative manner.