bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Standardisation of legal documentation in Islamic home financing in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Yusoff Syarah Syahira , Oseni Umar A.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an analytical literature survey of selective studies on legal documentation in Islamic home financing with particular reference to Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the legal positivist methodology, with particular reference to inclusive legal positivism which takes into consideration the possibility of moral values challenging positive law. Within the context of this study, though positive law provides for rules that govern contractual matters in Islamic home financing, standardisation is a functionality of maslahah (or public interest) which transcends the mandatory provisions of positive law but helps to protect the interest of all stakeholders. This is analysed through a systematic literature review which aims to provide practical insights into industry practices relating to Islamic home financing in Malaysia.

Findings

This paper provides information on the standard documentation used by conventional banks and existing practices of diverse models of legal documentation in the home financing sector within the Islamic financial services industry in Malaysia. It also recognises the need for standard documentation that is not onlySharīʿah-compliant but also consumer-friendly, as the terms of any standard financing agreement ought to ensure consumer protection. There is also the need for aShari’ah-compliant Sales and Purchase Agreement, as it forms part of the complete set of legal documentation for Islamic home financing.

Research limitations/implications

It is not an exhaustive study, as it did not consider practices in other jurisdictions offering Islamic financial services and products but only focusses on Malaysia. Though one may not generalise the findings of this study, Malaysia remains a leading model and a global hub for Islamic financial services and products.

Practical implications

A very useful source of information on the current state of legal documentation in Islamic home financing in Malaysia and the prevailing practices in the industry, which may serve as a guide for policymakers such as the Association of Islamic Banks in Malaysia (AIBIM) to embark on a full scale project of standardisation of all the legal documentation used in Islamic home financing.

Originality/value

This study fulfils an identified need of standardisation of legal documentation used in Islamic home financing in Malaysia and offers practical help to policymakers and future researchers starting out on systemic reforms.
Setting acceptable prices: a key for success in retailing
Authors: Rondan-Cataluña F. Javier , Escobar-Perez Bernabe , Moreno-Prada Manuel A.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

This research enables the authors to highlight the importance of proper pricing for retailers. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of demand-based pricing, providing empirical results that reveal the validity of this pricing philosophy in the sport retailing industry. In particular, this study has identified the limits of acceptable prices for the products studied, selected the most appropriate method for pricing products suffering from high competition and compared the impact produced on price perceptions according to different retail environments to be able to relate changes in the acceptable prices ranges according to the geographical location of each point of sale, differentiating between rural or urban environment and type of client.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors have carried out surveys of 350 customers in each of the three points of sale analysed. Therefore, there are a total of 1,050 interviewees, for the three products analysed. The direct method of acceptable prices setting is developed. In addition, ANOVA and t-test have been carried out to find differences between the three shops.

Findings

One main finding is that the acceptable price range is not unique. Each point of sale has one that is distinct because it depends on many factors: the competition, the economic capacity of the closest residents, the location of the point of sale or the ability to attract customers.

Originality/value

The foremost contribution of this paper is to demonstrate empirically how considering the local demand at setting prices would generate larger earnings, even for a small retail chain. The direct method of setting acceptable prices enables us to set the prices according to the demand. The best option is if these prices are above the costs. It can be noted that the prices should be set according to each shop, and a different price used in each point of sale to maximise profits and to adapt to what the typical customer of each shop is willing to pay, despite the products being the same and the points of sale belonging to the same retail chain.
Influencing sustainability by controlling future brownfields in Africa: a case study of Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremariam Mikiale Gebreslase , Zhu Yuming , Ahmad Naveed , Bekele Dawit Nega
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The increasing African population and economic growth leading to urbanisation continues to increase the need to redevelop brownfields as a strategy of encouraging sustainable development of cities, in particular in Ethiopia. However, the adoption of brownfield redevelopment in Ethiopia is at initial stage. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to highlight the framework based on grey-incidence decision-making approach to manage brownfields in African countries by taking Ethiopia as case example. The grey-incidence decision-making model integrates multiple factors such as economic, social, environmental, technical and associated risks and provides an effective decision-making and management tool for environmental practitioners and government agencies.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires were used to collect data on terms and definitions of brownfield. The questions were prepared on the basis of currently used definitions developed by a number of developed countries. Moreover, this study utilises a grey-incidence decision-making approach to help in management and decision-making for the implementation of brownfield redevelopment projects (BRPs) in the remediated sites.

Findings

Standard definition of brownfield and essential guidelines for brownfield redevelopment is proposed for Ethiopian context. The research findings were tested and verified using literature data and survey from major stakeholders. In addition, the grey-incidence decision-making approach is applied for the evaluation of BRPs in the remediated sites. A framework is proposed to control future brownfields for African countries by taking Ethiopia as a case example.

Originality/value

This research stresses the significance of an urban structure to address sustainable development, and the need to consider redevelopment of brownfields and identify the potential for a specific government policy framework. This research provides the best opportunity for Ethiopia by devising an urban land policy and create a strategy to contribute social, economic, financial and environmental benefits. It also provides a foundation to solve environmental issues by involving all major stakeholders, including community citizens, environmentalists and government agencies, and it also serves as guidelines to transform brownfields into Greenfields; and finally, it contributes to achieve the 2030 UN global goals.
Comparison of productivity and quality of bacterial nanocellulose synthesized using culture media based on seven sugars from biomass
Authors: Chen Genqiang , Wu Guochao , Chen Lin , Wang Wei , Hong Feng F. , Jönsson Leif J.
Published: March 2019

Komagataeibacter xylinus ATCC 23770 was statically cultivated in eight culture media based on different carbon sources, viz. seven biomass‐derived sugars and one sugar mixture. The productivity and quality of the bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) produced in the different media were compared. Highest volumetric productivity, yield on consumed sugar, viscometric degree of polymerization (DPv, 4350–4400) and thermal stability were achieved using media based on glucose or maltose. Growth in media based on xylose, mannose or galactose resulted in lower volumetric productivity and DPv, but in larger fibril diameter and higher crystallinity (76–78%). Growth in medium based on a synthetic sugar mixture resembling the composition of a lignocellulosic hydrolysate promoted BNC productivity and yield, but decreased fibril diameter, DPv, crystallinity and thermal stability. This work shows that volumetric productivity, yield and properties of BNC are highly affected by the carbon source, and indicates how industrially relevant sugar mixtures would affect these characteristics.
Differential risk group of developing stroke among older women with gouty arthritis: A latent transition analysis
Authors: Huang Hui‐Chuan , Chiang Hsueh‐Ping , Hsu Nai‐Wei , Huang Chien‐Fang , Chang Sheng Hsuan , Lin Kuan‐Chia
Published: March 2019

Objective

Gout‐related comorbidities are intricate and its clinical features may demonstrate sex difference; however, few studies have evaluated the links between comorbidities and gout in a female population. The objectives of this study were to compare the aggregation and transitive trajectories of comorbidities of gout, and their consequences in female and male gout populations.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A female and male gout population were followed up from 2000 to 2009 to identify the comorbidities of cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic kidney disease. The cumulative incidence of stroke from 2000 to 2010 was examined. A latent trajectory analysis was used to determine the transitive trajectories of the comorbidities of gout.

Results

Both female and male patients with gout had five risk cluster transition (CT) phenotypes of comorbidities within 10‐year follow‐up: CT1 and CT2, with various persistent comorbidities; CT3, with few persistent comorbidities; and CT4 and CT5, with transfer to cluster 1 from other clusters. The female participants in CT2 predominantly experienced DM and were associated with significantly increased risk of developing stroke.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a notable risk factor for the development of stroke in female patients with gout. Early assessment and management for the comorbidities of gout, particularly in DM, would effectively reduce future stroke risk in female gout population.
Does resource availability help determine the evolutionary route to multicellularity?
Authors: Hamant Olivier , Bhat Ramray , Nanjundiah Vidyanand , Newman Stuart A.
Published: March 2019

Genetic heterogeneity and homogeneity are associated with distinct sets of adaptive advantages and bottlenecks, both in developmental biology and population genetics. Whereas populations of individuals are usually genetically heterogeneous, most multicellular metazoans are genetically homogeneous. Observing that resource scarcity fuels genetic heterogeneity in populations, we propose that monoclonal development is compatible with the resource‐rich and stable internal environments that complex multicellular bodies offer. In turn, polyclonal development persists in tumors and in certain metazoans, both exhibiting a closer dependence on external resources. This eco‐evo‐devo approach also suggests that multicellularity may originally have emerged through polyclonal development in early metazoans, because of their reduced shielding from environmental fluctuations.
Service users’ and carers’ experiences of engaging with early intervention services: A meta‐synthesis review
Authors: Loughlin Matthew , Bucci Sandra , Brooks Joanna , Berry Katherine
Published: March 2019

Aim

The provision and implementation of early intervention for psychosis services (early intervention services [EIS]) has received increasing attention over recent years. Maximizing engagement with EIS is of clinical and economic importance, and exploring the experiences of those who access EIS is vital. Although research has been conducted exploring the experiences of engaging with EIS from both a service user and carer/family member point of view, these data have not been systematically collated to generate new understanding. The primary aim of this study is to review, critically appraise and synthesize qualitative findings relating to the experiences of service users and/or carers and family members engaging with EIS.

Methods

Four databases were systematically searched. Studies were analysed using an inductive thematic analysis approach, within a critical realist epistemological framework. Studies were critically appraised using the critical appraisal skills programme tool.

Results

Fourteen papers were identified for inclusion. Three main themes were identified: the importance of a personal relationship with an EIS staff member, the impact of this relationship and consideration of life after EIS. The importance of a strong relationship with EIS staff was the most prominent theme throughout the papers reviewed.

Conclusions

The quality of the therapeutic relationship with at least one EIS staff member was the single most important factor in determining whether the experience of accessing EIS was a positive or negative one. The majority of the studies reviewed were conducted in the United Kingdom or Australia. Therefore, more research across countries is needed to understand transferability of findings.
Climate change reduces resilience to fire in subalpine rainforests
Authors: Mariani Michela , Fletcher Michael‐Shawn , Haberle Simon , Chin Hahjung , Zawadzki Atun , Jacobsen Geraldine
Published: March 2019

Climate change is affecting the distribution of species and the functioning of ecosystems. For species that are slow growing and poorly dispersed, climate change can force a lag between the distributions of species and the geographic distributions of their climatic envelopes, exposing species to the risk of extinction. Climate also governs the resilience of species and ecosystems to disturbance, such as wildfire. Here we use species distribution modelling and palaeoecology to assess and test the impact of vegetation–climate disequilibrium on the resilience of an endangered fire‐sensitive rainforest community to fires. First, we modelled the probability of occurrence of Athrotaxis spp. and Nothofagus gunnii rainforest in Tasmania (hereon “montane rainforest”) as a function of climate. We then analysed three pollen and charcoal records spanning the last 7,500 cal year BP from within both high (n = 1) and low (n = 2) probability of occurrence areas. Our study indicates that climatic change between 3,000 and 4,000 cal year bp induced a disequilibrium between montane rainforests and climate that drove a loss of resilience of these communities. Current and future climate change are likely to shift the geographic distribution of the climatic envelopes of this plant community further, suggesting that current high‐resilience locations will face a reduction in resilience. Coupled with the forecast of increasing fire activity in southern temperate regions, this heralds a significant threat to this and other slow growing, poorly dispersed and fire sensitive forest systems that are common in the southern mid to high latitudes.
Prevalence of cytochrome P450‐mediated potential drug–drug interactions in residents of intermediate care facilities for older adults in Japan
Authors: Hamada Shota , Ohno Yoshiyuki , Kojima Taro , Ishii Shinya , Okochi Jiro , Akishita Masahiro
Published: March 2019

Aim

Limited information is available on the prevalence of drug–drug interactions (DDI) in residents of long‐term care facilities who often receive multiple drugs. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of clinically relevant cytochrome P450‐mediated potential DDI in residents of intermediate care facilities for older adults (called Roken) in Japan.

Methods

A nationwide drug utilization study was carried out for Roken residents in 2015 (up to five residents per facility). Potential DDI were identified with an explicit list of drugs that can be involved in clinically relevant cytochrome P450‐mediated DDI in Japan. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of the number of drugs prescribed with the presence of potential DDI, adjusted for age, sex and long‐term care needs level.

Results

The study included 1222 residents of 348 Roken who were prescribed two or more active drug substances. The participants who received ≥6 and ≥10 drugs represented 49% and 10% of total participants, respectively. In total, 42 two‐drug combinations involving potential DDI were identified in 33 participants (2.7%) – benzodiazepines, proton pump inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and anti‐epileptic drugs were frequently involved. The adjusted odds ratios for potential DDI were 2.84 (95% confidence interval 1.15–7.02) or 7.82 (95% confidence interval 2.96–20.70) in residents receiving six to nine drugs or ≥10 drugs, compared with those receiving two to five drugs.

Conclusions

Approximately 3% of Roken residents were at risk for clinically relevant DDI. Reducing the number of drugs prescribed through medication reviews would mitigate the potential risk. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 513–517.
Fluctuant storage temperature increased the heterogeneous distributions of pH and fermentation products in large round bale silage
Authors: Li Ping , Gou Wenlong , Zhang Yu , Yang Fuyu , You Minghong , Bai Shiqie , Shen Yixin
Published: March 2019

In practical of silage production, variations in the fermentation parameters of silage might be attributable to changes in weather data, especially for ambient temperature. The objective of this study was to investigate how the changed temperature of outside weather condition affects distributions of pH and fermentation products in large round bale silage. The bale silages (1.22 m × 1.25 m ø; density, about 168.9 kg dry matter [DM]/m3) were produced by BR6090 Combi from New Holland Agriculture, wrapped with six layers of stretch film, stored at ambient temperature (2–20°C) and constant temperature (10°C; 15°C; 25°C) for 3, 9, 15, 45 and 90 days. Compared with other silages, silage stored at 25°C had higher (p < 0.05) lactic acid content, lower (p < 0.05) pH, butyric acid content and ammonia‐nitrogen (N) ratio of total N. Fluctuant storage temperature limited lactic acid fermentation process with delayed pH decline and continuous butyric production and crude protein (CP) degradation. The differences of pH, lactic acid, propionic acid and ammonia‐N were considerably less evident in the centre of silages stored at different temperatures, and they increased towards the boundaries. The data shows that fluctuant storage temperature had undesirable effect on the fermentation quality of silage, especially for the external part of silo; relatively high and stable storage temperature for initial stage of ensiling process was necessary, but did not promote a positive response to the homogeneous distributions of pH and fermentation products in large round bale silage.
Practices of healthcare professionals in communicating with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug users in Thailand: a qualitative study
Authors: Jarernsiripornkul Narumol , Phueanpinit Pacharaporn , Pongwecharak Juraporn , Krska Janet
Published: March 2019

Objective

This study aimed to explore practices among healthcare professionals in nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) information provision.

Methods

In-depth interviews were conducted with orthopaedic physicians (OPs), hospital and community pharmacists (CPs) in northeastern Thailand. Ten hospitals and 20 pharmacies in five provinces were purposively selected. Interviews followed a topic guideline, were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using a framework approach.

Key findings

Fifty-one participants were involved: 13 OPs, 20 hospital pharmacists and 18 CPs. Four main themes emerged: general information, safety information, differences between new and regular NSAID users and non-selective and selective NSAID users. Pharmacists mostly provided information on administration and indication. While all three groups informed of adverse effects, this was selective, related to factors including trading, time available, patients’ age and perceived ability to understand. Gastrointestinal adverse effect information was most commonly provided, with other side effects, drug interactions and need to monitor for adverse effects rarely mentioned. Variation was reported in provision of safety information depending on whether patients were using selective or non-selective NSAIDs, and new or long-term users.

Conclusions

The content and frequency of NSAID information provision varied between health professionals. Greater awareness of NSAID risks is essential; therefore, strategies to improve information provision to Thai patients are desirable.
Motivation and satisfaction of volunteers for community‐based urban agriculture programmes
Authors: Ramalingam Leelanayagi , Sharifuddin* Juwaidah , Mohamed Zainal Abidin , Ali Fazlin
Published: March 2019

Urban agriculture means cultivating plants and raising livestock within cities for food and other uses. A Community‐based Urban Agriculture Programme is where people from residential areas get together as volunteers to practise urban agriculture in an empty space within residential areas. However, the programme encounters problems when it is incapable of attracting enough volunteers and retaining them in order to establish a sustainable programme. This study aims to determine the relationship between the dimensions of motivation and satisfaction of volunteers on the Community‐based Urban Agriculture Programme. Data collected from 375 volunteers on the Community‐based Urban Agriculture Programme in Klang Valley, Malaysia were analysed using descriptive analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. It was found that the most significant predictor of Community‐based Urban Agriculture Programme volunteers’ satisfaction was favoured by external factors such as campaigns, support groups, Department of Extension, and community as well as government policy, followed by love of farming, social referents, and values. Therefore, there should be a focus on the above‐mentioned dimensions of motivation in order to enhance the satisfaction of volunteers towards the Community‐based Urban Agriculture Programme.
Financial planning required to keep elephants in zoos in the United Kingdom in accordance with the Secretary of State's Standards of Modern Zoo Practice for the next 30 years
Authors: Sach F. , Fitzpatrick M. , Masters N. , Field D.
Published: March 2019

In June 2017, the Secretary of State's Standards of Modern Zoo Practice (SSSMZP) were updated with an appendix relating specifically to elephants (Appendix 8.8: Elephants). This update was published to bring elephant management standards in line with recognized advancing best practice. All zoos in the UK holding elephants are inspected against the new appendix, in accordance with the Zoo Licensing Act 1981, by dedicated Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)‐appointed inspectors. Achieving the standards set out within the new appendix will require financial investment and careful planning from all the zoos holding elephants within the UK. At the time of writing, the annual cost of keeping a breeding group of elephants at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, UK, was calculated from data collected over the last 10 years and the financial investment required to achieve SSSMZP compliance was estimated. The commercial benefit that elephants bring to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo was also quantified using feedback from visitor surveys. The cost of keeping a breeding herd of elephants at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo was estimated at £593 021–£641 863 per year, excluding indirect staffing costs, ground rent and contributions made by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to field‐conservation projects. Costs for achieving SSSMZP compliance will be considerably greater with substantial capital investment required. The commercial benefit was found to be extensive; with predicted significant increased visitor dwell time and secondary spend in the presence of elephants. Using ZSL Whipsnade Zoo as an example, this paper aims to consider holistically the financial costs when planning and implementing an optimum, welfare‐centred, sustainable future for elephants in zoos.
Ergodicity of fine‐grained canonical relaxor ferroelectric (Bi0.5Na0.5)1‐xBaxTiO3 films
Authors: Salazar Norberto , Pérez‐Mezcua Dulce , Calzada M. Lourdes , Gil Adriana , Ricote Jesús
Published: March 2019

The drastic reduction in dimensions in thin films, together with the low crystallization temperatures used, normally results in a large reduction in the grain size. It has been reported that relaxor ferroelectric states are stabilized at room temperature for fine‐grained ceramics and films that behave as normal ferroelectrics for large grains. In this work, the effects of the grain size reduction on the relaxor characteristics are analyzed for a composition that is already a canonical relaxor with a nonergodic state at room temperature: (Bi0.5Na0.5)1‐xBaxTiO3 (BNBT). The comparison of the local polar ordering within BNBT grains studied with piezoresponse force microscopy on large‐grained ceramics and fine‐grained thin films shows that the development of stable long‐range ferroelectric order with the application of an electric field is hampered due to the small grain size of the grains. The ergodic character of the high‐temperature phase is thus stabilized at room temperature, following a similar mechanism as the one discussed for other noncanonical relaxors.
Association between illegal use of substances and suicidal behavior in school students: An integrative review of empirical data
Authors: Karanikola Maria , Zisimou Prodromoula , Nystazaki Maria , Koutrouba Anna , Severinsson Elisabeth
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Investigation of the association between type of suicidal behavior and type and frequency of illegal use of substances (IUS) among school students (aged between 12 and 18 years), with a focus on gender differences.

Design and Methods

A systematic review in PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Scopus was performed. Identified articles were published between 2007 and 2018.

Results

Twenty empirical studies confirmed the association between IUS and suicidality, strongly differentiated between males and females, highlighting the importance of gender‐specific mediating factors.

Conclusions

Mental health nurses need to document gender factors, frequency, and motivation of IUS when screening adolescents experiencing suicidal behavior and IUS.
Influence of host use adaptation on the dispersal propensity of Callosobruchus maculatus
Authors: Bergeron Paul E. , Clary Steven J. , Mercader Rodrigo J.
Published: March 2019

Local adaptation can lead to significant differences in host use that may influence population growth and spread. Here, we test the potential for adaptation of one behavioural component (host acceptance) to lead to cross‐adaptation for a separate behavioural component (dispersal propensity) using the cowpea seed beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus. C. maculatus originating from the same source population were subjected to selection for host use by rearing them for over 40 generations on either the preferred host of the ancestral population, Vigna radiata, or a marginal host for the ancestral population, Cicer arietinum. Host acceptance was then assayed using four choice and no‐choice oviposition assays including a low‐quality host, Lens culinaris, a marginal host, C. arietinum, and two high‐quality hosts, V. radiata and V. unguiculata. Dispersal was assayed in interconnected arenas containing one of three different hosts: V. radiata, V. unguiculata or C. arietinum. As expected, differences in host acceptance were present, in this case consisting of greater acceptance of the lower quality hosts in the C. arietinum population, but no significant differences in host preference hierarchy. Dispersal propensity in the C. arietinum population was significantly lower than in the V. radiata population, despite the absence of any difference in selection pressures for dispersal. Furthermore, significant differences in dispersal propensity in arenas containing different hosts were present in the V. radiata population, but not in the C. arietinum population. Results highlight the need to consider local adaptation when developing management recommendations, even for behaviours for which selection pressures are not directly apparent.
Decreased expression of cell polarity protein Scribble correlated with altered subcellular localization of the Crumbs homologue 3 protein in human adenomyotic endometrial cells
Authors: Wu Xiaoyi , Zuo Weiwen , Liu Haiou , Wang Zehua , Xu Congjian
Published: March 2019

Aim

Previous studies have revealed that loss of cell apical‐basal polarity contributed to the early stages of tumorigenesis. Adenomyosis involves a down‐growth and aberrant implantation of the endometrial basalis into the myometrium. This study discovered aberrant expression of polarity protein Scribble (Scrib) and Crumbs homologue 3 protein (CRB3) in epithelial cells of diffuse adenomyosis.

Methods

This was a case‐controlled study, including 39 patients with histologic evidence of adenomyosis, and 48 patients with carcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix without adenomyosis or endometriosis as control. Adenomyotic foci, eutopic endometrium of adenomyotic patients as well as normal endometrium were collected. Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT‐PCR), Immunoreactivity, confocal microscopy and immune electron microscopy were conducted to evaluate Scribble expression and localization of Scribble and CRB3.

Results

Scrib was screen out as an abnormally expressed polarity protein in adenomyotic eutopic endometrium (ADM‐EU) at messenger RNA (mRNA) level. The ADM‐EU and adenomyotic ectopic endometrium showed a significantly decreased expression of Scrib compared with normal endometrium (all P‐values <0.05). Scrib decreased significantly in ADM‐EU than normal endometrium only in patients at proliferative phase and with severe dysmenorrhea (P‐values <0.01, P‐values <0.001 respectively). In ADM‐EU, Scrib expression significantly lowered in patients with severe dysmenorrhea than mild dysmenorrhea (P‐values <0.05). Aberrant redistribution of CRB3 from apical to basal lateral membrane portion was also detected in experiments by confocal microscopy immune electron microscopy (all P‐values <0.01).

Conclusion

Basolateral polarity protein Scrib was found decreased significantly in endometrial cells of adenomyosis at mRNA and protein level, compared with normal endometrium. Menstrual phase and severity of dysmenorrhea has an impact on Scrib expression. Scrib decrease was accompanied by aberrant redistribution of CRB3 from apical to basal lateral membrane portion.
A Document Review of Exclusionary Practices in the Context of Australian School Education Policy
Authors: Iacono Teresa , Keeffe Mary , Kenny Amanda , McKinstry Carol
Published: March 2019

Internationally, there is a commitment to inclusive education for students with disability. In Australia, equality of access to mainstream schools is a key policy feature, with educational exclusion of children with disability being unlawful. In this review, the aim was to identify and analyze contemporary documents that point to failures in inclusive policy and legislation in Australia and the state of Victoria by demonstrating educational exclusion of school students with disability. A search of the gray literature was conducted to identify relevant documents from 2010 to 2017. Reference lists of retrieved documents were also searched for other sources. The review included 23 documents and findings demonstrated that the needs of children and families are often not met, with a disconnection evident between inclusive educational policy, legislation, and practices that exclude children with disability from mainstream education. Restrictive practices and gatekeeping act to dissuade families from enrolling children in mainstream education, with many seeking enrolment in special schools. However, concerns with special school practices, such as the use of restrictive interventions have been documented. Parents have resorted to homeschooling, with associated emotional and economic consequences. Tensions between schools and parents were evident, with parents not always having the opportunity to be fully involved in decision‐making processes and planning. The key finding of this review was a clear gap between policy and legislative intentions and practices in schools. Lack of clarity on reasonable adjustments and an underpinning research evidence base to policy results in schools being left to develop their own practices. Strong leadership is needed from principals, and a whole of school commitment, to traverse policy practice gaps that continue to impact on the ability of children with disability to be well‐supported in accessing mainstream schools.
The influence of vitamin D supplementation on local and systemic inflammatory markers in periodontitis patients: A pilot study
Authors: Meghil Mohamed M. , Hutchens Lance , Raed Anas , Multani Neha A. , Rajendran Mythilypriya , Zhu Haidong , Looney Stephen , Elashiry Mahmoud , Arce Roger M. , Peacock Mark E. , Dong Yanbin , Cutler Christopher W.
Published: March 2019

Objectives

Vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency is a worldwide public health issue that has been linked to numerous inflammatory disorders, including periodontitis. There is increasing support for a role for adequate vitamin D levels in overall health. Populations with darker skin color have a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency and periodontitis. The purpose of this small pilot study was to investigate the influence of 12 weeks of 25(OH)D vitamin D supplementation (VDS) on mediators of systemic inflammation in dark‐skinned, periodontitis patients.

Materials and Methods

A total of 23 patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were randomly assigned to the vitamin D group or placebo group and received intensive single visit scaling and root planning to elicit a systemic inflammatory response.

Results

Vitamin D supplementation increased serum 25(OH)D levels approximately 2‐fold over baseline levels; moreover, VDS group had reduced peripheral blood CD3 and CD3+CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTLs) counts and reduced pro‐inflammatory salivary cytokines. In contrast, VDS group had higher levels of the autophagy‐related proteins and other proteins crucial for anti‐microbial autophagy in whole blood PBMCs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, VDS has multiple benefits for reducing systemic inflammation and promoting induction of autophagy‐related proteins related to anti‐microbial functions.
Agent Causation and the Phenomenology of Agency
Authors: Clarke Randolph
Published: March 2019

Several philosophers claim that the phenomenology of one's own agency conflicts with standard causal theories of action, couched in terms of causation by mental events or states. Others say that the phenomenology isprima facieincompatible with such a theory, even if in the end, a reconciliation can be worked out. Here, it is argued that the type of action theory in question is consistent with what can plausibly be said to be presented to us in our experience of our agency. Several routes to a claim that there is nevertheless aprima facieincompatibility are examined, and all are found wanting. The phenomenology of agency, it is argued, is no threat to a standard causal theory of action.
EEG predictors of dreaming outside of REM sleep
Authors: Zhang Jing , Wamsley Erin J.
Published: March 2019

The stream of human consciousness persists during sleep, albeit in altered form. Disconnected from external input, the mind and brain remain active, at times creating the bizarre sequences of thought and imagery that comprise “dreaming.” Yet despite substantial effort toward understanding this unique state of consciousness, no reliable neurophysiological indicator of dreaming has been discovered. Here, we identified electroencephalographic (EEG) correlates of dreaming using a within‐subjects design to characterize the EEG preceding awakenings from sleep onset, REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, and N2 (NREM Stage 2) sleep from which participants were asked to report their mental experience. During the transition into sleep, compared to periods during which participants reported thinking, emergence of dream imagery was associated with increased absolute power below 7 Hz. During later N2, dreaming conversely occurred during periods of decreased relative power below 1 Hz, accompanied by an increase in relative power above 4 Hz. No EEG predictors of dreaming were identified during REM. These observations suggest an inverted‐U relationship between dreaming and the prevalence of low‐frequency EEG rhythms, such that dreaming first emerges in concert with EEG slowing during the sleep‐wake transition, but then disappears as high‐amplitude slow oscillations come to dominate the recording during later N2 sleep.
Dynamic Tax Evasion with Habit Formation in Consumption*
Authors: Bernasconi Michele , Levaggi Rosella , Menoncin Francesco
Published: March 2019

We model the optimal intertemporal decision of an agent who chooses tax evasion and consumption, over an infinite lifetime horizon, where consumption is driven by habits. We find the following: (i) tax evaders reduce consumption in the early stages of habit accumulation and increase it over time; (ii) habit formation has a dampening effect on tax evasion; (iii) neglecting tax evasion can lead to habit overestimation; (iv) the effect of the tax rate on tax evasion is ambiguous; (v) heavy fines are more efficient than frequent controls in reducing tax evasion.
Effects of School-related Factors and Early Learning Experiences on Mathematics Achievement “A Multilevel Analysis to Analyse the TIMSS Data”
Authors: Aru Sıdıka Akyüz , Kale Mustafa
Published: March 2019

The overall aim of this study is to investigate the effect of school-related factors and early learning experiences on mathematics achievement. In this causal-comparative research, HLM analysis was performed on the data of 6378 students, their parents, and 241 school principals and primary school teachers. As a result of the HLM analysis, at the student level, learning resources at home, parent-child communication on homework/assignments, parent-child activities in early learning years, and the skills acquired during these years were found to have statistically significant effects on the mathematics academic achievement scores of primary school students. At the school level, on the other hand, the socioeconomic structure of the school, the importance that the school attaches to mathematics academic achievement and teachers’ perceptions about it, teachers’ experiences, and a safe and disciplined school environment have significant effects. These results indicate the importance of early learning experiences especially in the development of the academic performance of primary school students.
Advances in Understanding of Pool Boiling Heat Transfer—From Earth on to Deep Space
Authors: Dhir Vijay K.
Published: March 2019

In this work, the effectiveness of the numerical simulations in advancing fundamental understanding of bubble dynamics and nucleate pool boiling heat transfer is discussed. The results of numerical simulations are validated with experiments on ground, in parabolic flights and on the International Space Station (ISS). As such validation is carried out when the level of gravity is varied over seven orders of magnitude. It is shown that reduced gravity stretches the length and time scales of the process and generally leads to degradation of rate of heat transfer associated with nucleate boiling.
Adhesion Asymmetry in Peeling of Thin Films With Homogeneous Material Properties: A Geometry-Inspired Design Paradigm
Authors: Ghareeb Ahmed , Elbanna Ahmed
Published: March 2019

Peeling of thin films is a problem of great interest to scientists and engineers. Here, we study the peeling response of thin films with nonuniform thickness profile attached to a rigid substrate through a planar homogeneous interface. We show both analytically and using finite element analysis that patterning the film thickness may lead to direction-dependent adhesion such that the force required to peel the film in one direction is different from the force required in the other direction, without any change to the film material, the substrate interfacial geometry, or the adhesive material properties. Furthermore, we show that this asymmetry is tunable through modifying the geometric characteristics of the thin film to obtain higher asymmetry ratios than reported previously in the literature. We discuss our findings in the broader context of enhancing interfacial response by modulating the bulk geometric or compositional properties.
A Study of Transverse Buckling Effect on the Characteristics of Nuclides Burnup Wave in a Fast Neutron Multiplying Media
Authors: Kumar Manish , Singh Om Pal
Published: March 2019

A study of transverse buckling effect on the characteristics of nuclides burnup wave in multiplying media (cylindrical geometry) has been carried out. The burnup wave is characterized in terms of velocity of propagation, transient length (TL), and transient time (TT) in establishing the burnup wave and full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the established region of the wave. The uranium–plutonium fuel cycle is considered. The sensitivity of the results is studied for different radial buckling led leakage of neutrons. It is discovered that the velocity of the wave increases with the increase in the radius of the cylinder (i.e., reduction in the transverse buckling and hence increase in radial neutron leakage). FWHM is relatively insensitive to radial neutron leakage. The transient time and transient length are very large for smaller radius; these decrease with the increase in radius. The study provides insight on the build-up of burnup wave in the neutron multiplying media and brings out the importance of transverse buckling led radial neutron leakage on the characteristics of fuel burnup wave in multiplying media.
Knee Flexion Angle at Initial Contact During Jump Landing in Individuals With and Without Chronic Ankle Instability: A Critically-Appraised Topic
Authors: Hartzell Jacob T. , Kosik Kyle B. , Hoch Matthew C. , Gribble Phillip A.
Published: March 2019

Clinical Scenario: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is characterized by the residual symptoms and feelings of instability that persist after an acute ankle sprain. Current literature has identified several neuromuscular impairments associated with CAI that may negatively impact sagittal plane knee kinematics during dynamic activities. This has led researchers to begin examining sagittal plane knee kinematics during jump landing tasks. Understanding changes in movement patterns at the knee may assist clinicians in designing rehabilitation plans that target both the ankle and more proximal joints, such as the knee. Clinical Question: What is the evidence to support the notion that patients with CAI have decreased sagittal plane knee flexion angle at initial contact during a jump-landing task compared to healthy individuals? Summary of Key Findings: The literature was systematically searched for level 4 evidence or higher. The search yielded two case-control studies which met the inclusion criteria. Based on limited evidence, there are mixed results for whether sagittal plane knee kinematic at initial contact differ between those with and without CAI. Clinical Bottom Line: There is weak evidence to support changes in sagittal plane knee kinematics at initial contact during a jump landing in individuals with CAI compared to healthy controls. Strength of Recommendation: In accordance with the Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, a grade of C for level 4 evidence is recommended due to variable findings.
Current Evidence in Management of Concussion Baseline Testing in ADHD and Learning Difficulties Patients: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Fisher Mindi , Tierney Ryan , Russ Anne , Mansell Jamie
Published: March 2019

Clinical Question: In concussed patients, will having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning difficulties (LD) versus not having ADHD or LD cause higher symptom severity scores or invalid baseline protocols? Clinical Bottom Line: Research supports the concept that there is a difference at baseline for individuals with ADHD and/or LD compared with those who do not.
Composite Functional Movement Screen Score to Predict Injury in Emergency Service Personnel: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Stapleton Drue
Published: March 2019

Clinical Question: Does the published literature support the use of composite FMS score to predict work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in emergency service personnel (ESP)? Clinical Bottom Line: There is conflicting evidence of the usefulness of composite FMS score to predict WMSD in emergency service personnel.
Fun, Failure, and Fulfillment: A Case-Study Approach to Informal Athlete Leadership in Minor League Baseball
Authors: Imholte Philip D. , Blanton Jedediah E. , McAlarnen Michelle M.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to crystalize a single case of informal athlete leadership in Minor League Baseball (MiLB) during the 2015 season. Teammates and coaches of a Class A MiLB team voted for the highlighted participant as the best athlete leader on the team. The first author conducted 8 individual semistructured interviews with the participant, 2 coaches, and 5 teammates. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis and open-ended prompts based on leadership and athlete literature, the first author learned about the highlighted participant’s emergence as a leader on a team without formal leadership titles. Findings revealed 4 main themes: navigating personal on-the-field failure, fulfilling others’ expectations, helping teammates manage emotions, and fostering a fun working environment. Findings also indicated 1 foundational theme, having a philosophy, that grounded the 4 main themes. Implications for athlete leadership development and future directions for athlete leadership research are discussed.
Pharmacodynamic Attainment of the Synergism of Meropenem and Fosfomycin Combination against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Producing Metallo-β-Lactamase
Authors: Albiero James , Mazucheli Josmar , Barros Juliana Pimenta dos Reis , Szczerepa Marcia Maria dos Anjos , Nishiyama Sheila Alexandra Belini , Carrara-Marroni Floristher Elaine , Sy Serubbabel , Fidler Matthew , Sy Sherwin K. B. , Tognim Maria Cristina Bronharo
Published: March 2019

Fosfomycin combined with other antimicrobials has shown good efficacy against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in both
in vitro
and clinical studies; however, the activity of fosfomycin combined with other antimicrobials against metallo-β-lactamase (MBL)-producing
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains has not been tested. The objective of this study was to determine the synergism and optimal intravenous dosing regimens of fosfomycin with meropenem against MDR and MBL-producing
P. aeruginosa
strains.
Indirubin Analogues Inhibit
Trypanosoma brucei
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Short and
T. brucei
Growth
Authors: Efstathiou Antonia , Gaboriaud-Kolar Nicolas , Myrianthopoulos Vassilios , Vougogiannopoulou Konstantina , Subota Ines , Aicher Stephanie , Mikros Emmanuel , Bastin Philippe , Skaltsounis Alexios-Leandros , Soteriadou Ketty , Smirlis Despina
Published: March 2019

The protozoan parasite
Trypanosoma brucei
is the causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). The disease is fatal if it remains untreated, whereas most drug treatments are inadequate due to high toxicity, difficulties in administration, and low central nervous system penetration.