bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of financial management practices on technical performance of building contractors in northeast Nigeria
Authors: Sa'eed Abdulmalik , Gambo Nuru , Inuwa Ibrahim Ibrahim , Musonda Innocent
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of financial management practices of small-scale building contractors on the technical performance of the contractors in the northern part of Nigeria with international best practices. Previous studies argued that the technical performance of small-scale building contractors in developing countries is poor because of insufficient cash to acquire strategic resources at the outset of a project. This continues to pose a challenge to the sustainable development of the construction industry, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. There is, therefore, a need to identify, assess and compare the effects of financial practices of the contractors with technical performance best practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The technical performance of each contractor was evaluated using a five-point Likert scale. This is used to obtain the mean technical performance levels of the contractors. A questionnaire survey was administered to the professionals in the industry who were selected by using a proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The contractors’ performance was compared using ANOVA with post hoc, and the effects of contractors’ financial management practices were determined using multiple regression analysis.

Findings

The results of this study indicated that the contractors in Nigeria were average technical performers and there were large effects of financial management practices on the technical performance of contractors in building projects.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to small-scale building contractors in northeast Nigeria. One of the implications of this study is that it provides the criteria for an evaluation of small-scale building contractors’ technical performance in Nigeria and other developing countries that faced similar problems.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this study are that it establishes the current level of contractors' technical performance and serves as an awareness of contractors' current financial practices.

Social implications

This study created bases for self-evaluation of contractors’ technical performance and competition among small-scale contractors in Nigeria for the enhancement of productivity particularly in rural areas for national development.

Originality/value

This study emanated from the government reports and past studies in the area of performance management based on the persistence of poor technical performance of small-scale contractors in the construction industry.
Comparison of tuberculosis indicators after implementation of the clinical protocol for tuberculosis and HIV management in Iranian prisons: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: SeyedAlinaghi SeyedAhmad , Farhoudi Behnam , Ataeinia Bahar , Dadras Omid , Hosseini Mostafa , Jafari Sirous , Mazaheri-Tehrani Elham , Alasvand Ramin , Shahbazi Mohammad , Mohraz Minoo
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the defined indicators of tuberculosis (TB) control program in the intervention and control prisons, after implementation of the national clinical protocol for TB and HIV management in Iranian prisons, suggesting active health service provision in all steps of service provision.

Design/methodology/approach

This was quasi-experimental study conducted among inmates of two prisons in Iran. Great Tehran prison was purposively chosen as the intervention prison and Karaj prison was purposively chosen as control prison as well. Intervention and control prisons were compared in terms of the TB indicators within three periods (before intervention, during implementation and follow-up period) from October 2013 to June 2014.

Findings

Number of inmates with TB symptoms who underwent TB workup was four times more in intervention prison compared to control prison (9.3 vs 2.5 cases out of 1,000 inmates per month in the case prison compared to the control prison). Such difference was also significant in the intervention prison, comparing before and during the intervention period. The patient finding in case prison increased significantly after the intervention (223.6 vs 81.8 cases out of 100,000 inmates per year). The number of TB cases who received HIV testing increased from 50 to 100%.

Originality/value

Active health service provision has significantly improved indicators in the intervention prison. The authors recommend implementation of this guideline in all prisons of Iran. Integration of other diseases with high burden among prisoners is also recommended in the active health services provision.
Distracted driving prevention: an analysis of recent UK campaigns
Authors: Diegelmann Svenja , Ninaus Katharina , Terlutter Ralf
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze message features of fear appeals in current British road safety campaigns directed against mobile phone use while driving and to discuss barriers to explicit theory use in campaign message design.

Design/methodology/approach

This message-centred research takes a qualitative content analytical approach to analyze nine British web-based road safety campaigns directed against mobile phone use while driving based on the extended parallel process model. Message content and message structure are analyzed.

Findings

There still exists a gap between theory and road safety campaign practice. The study reveals that campaigns with fear appeals primarily use threatening messages but neglect efficacy-based contents. Severity messages emerge as the dominant content type while self-efficacy and response efficacy are hardly represented. Fear appeal content in the threat component was mainly communicated through the mention of legal, financial and physical harm, whereas efficacy messages communicated success stories and encouragement. As regards message structure, the threat component always preceded the efficacy component. Within each component, different patterns emerged.

Practical implications

To enhance efficacy in campaigns directed against distracted driving and to reduce the gap between theory and practice, social marketers should include messages that empower recipients to abstain from mobile phone use while driving. Campaigns should show recommended behaviours and highlight their usefulness and effectiveness.

Originality/value

This paper adds to limited research conducted on effect-independent message properties of fear appeals. It enhances understanding of fear appeal message features across the structure and content dimension. By discussing barriers to explicit theory use in social marketing practice and offering practical implications for social marketers, it contributes towards reducing the barriers to explicit theory use in campaign message design.
Association of dietary quality indices with sleep quality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Paknahad Zamzam , Yazdanpanah Leila , Maracy Mohammad Reza , Moravejolahkami Amir Reza , Javad-Mousavi Seyed Ali , Nemati Abbas
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffer from many health problems including poor sleep. This paper aims to evaluate the relationship between diet quality indices (DQIs) and sleep quality in COPD.

Design/methodology/approach

The current cross-sectional study was carried on 121 COPD patients. Subjective quality of sleep was determined by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and categorized into “poor” and “good” sleep quality. Dietary history was assessed by the DQIs. Disease status was categorized according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Guidelines.

Findings

In total, 103 men and 18 women with a mean age of 66.1 ±10.9 were studied. The subjects were categorized into four groups based on GOLD; 3.3% of subjects were at Stage 1, 38% in Stage 2, 38% in Stage 3 and 20.7% in Stage 4. In total, 38% of subjects were good, and 62% were bad sleepers according to PSQI score. There was no significant relationship between the severity of COPD and PSQI score. We observed a significant inverse relation between PSQI total score and Mediterranean diet (MED) scale, Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2010 and HEI-2005 (p= 0.024, 0.037 and 0.024, respectively) in males.

Originality/value

This study showed a high prevalence of poor quality of sleep and sleep disturbances among COPD patients. There was an inverse association between PSQI and sleep disorders and DQIs scores in COPD patients. Regardless of the severity of airflow obstruction, poor diet quality may constitute a risk factor for sleep quality.
Dietary glycemic index, glycemic load and risk of ulcerative colitis: results from a case-control study
Authors: Movahedian Mina , Rahmani Jamal , Yari Zahra , Rashvand Samaneh , Hekmatdoost Azita
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possible relationship of dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) with ulcerative colitis (UC) risks because there is insufficient evidence on the association of GI and GL with UC incidences.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case–control study, dietary GI and GL of 62 patients with histology-confirmed UC and 124 controls were assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. The primary outcome measure was the association between dietary GI and GL and UC risk.

Findings

In age-adjusted and unadjusted models, there was no statistically significant association between dietary GI and GL and UC risk. However, after adjusting for all known covariates, the odds ratio of UC in third tertile of GI was 2.86 folds higher than first tertile (95% CI: 1.02–8.00, p for trend = 0.04). In the case of GL, when the confounders were adjusted, although subjects in the third tertile were at 2.70 times higher risk of having UC than those in the first tertile (95% CI: 0.72–10.15, p for trend = 0.15), the association was not statistically significant.

Originality/value

In conclusion, the findings indicate a positive relationship between dietary GI and risk of UC. Further prospective studies are needed to elucidate if the findings are consistent, in addition to experimental studies to explore the potential mechanisms of this association.
Socially responsible investments (SRIs) – mapping the research field
Authors: Barroso Jessica Sardinha Siqueira , Araújo Elaine Aparecida
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to perform a mapping of the studies field about socially responsible investments (SRI), showing the different existing lines of research about nowadays theme. Additionally, the study shows considerations and prospects possible future agenda of research related to the SRI thematic.

Design/methodology/approach

It was performed a systematic literature review from a database of 691 articles selected in the ISI Web of Science. The computer software – HistCite is used to define the lines of research.

Findings

Based on the study and analysis of the identified lines of research, future study possibilities in this area were shown. So, it was identified five lines of research, which were named by the construction of SRI portfolio, investors’ behavior, SRI versus corporate social responsibility, institutional investors and comparison between conventional investors and SRI. These lines were evidenced in a citation map.

Originality/value

This paper complements the existing literature reviews, as it uses a broader time horizon (1981 to 2018) and has a different approach, using the HistCiteTM software, which enabled the identification of the different lines of research related to SRI. Additionally, it has been raised ten possible ways to future studies related to the SRI thematic.
Greenhouse gas emissions disclosure: comparing headquarters and local subsidiaries
Authors: Hoştut Sibel , Deren van het Hof Seçil
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the greenhouse gas emissions disclosures in sustainability reports of the automotive industry both from headquarters and Turkish subsidiaries. Further, it aims to understand to what extent these corporations disclose greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of the research consists of the global brands Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Daimler and Fiat. Global and national sustainability reports from headquarters and local subsidiaries are examined. To determine the disclosure for emissions content analysis is conducted. The GRI 305: Emissions standard, which sets out the reporting requirements on the issue emissions is used to identify the disclosures both from headquarters and subsidiaries.

Findings

The sector-specific findings show that all sustainability reports from headquarters disclose much more specific information on greenhouse gas emissions than the reports from subsidiaries. Corporations that offer the most comprehensive sustainability reports disclose the least pages in environmental information. However, presenting the least information does not mean that these reports are rare in quality. Especially, two corporations who offer the least pages on environmental issues fully disclosed the classification of GRI 305: Emissions standard. It can be stated that these corporations emphasize the quality and not the quantity of disclosure. Although, local subsidiaries are not reporting to the extent as headquarters do good applications together with specific information are applied.

Originality/value

The investigation contributes to the research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) by exploring the GHG emissions disclosures across borders by analyzing sustainability reports of both the headquarters of the automotive industry and their local subsidiaries as the actual production units in Turkey.
Composite Machine Learning Algorithm for Material Sourcing,
Authors: Casale Amanda , Dettman Josh
Published: April 2020

This study developed a composite machine learning algorithm for attribution of materials of forensic interest (like ammonium nitrate) to original sources. k‐nearest neighbor and random forest models were used for source elimination and classification, respectively, in a two‐step, composite algorithm based on particle color, size/shape, and trace element concentration features. Novel approaches for simulation to supplement within‐source reference features based on empirically measured multi‐lot analyses, an improved hold‐one‐lot‐out method for cross‐validation, an assessment of the likelihood of the presence of a reference sample, fusion of the source probabilities from the respective classification models, and the calculation of metrics for assessing ensemble sourcing performance are described. Excellent sourcing predictions were obtained; the sourcing algorithm identified the correct source as the top choice 89% of the time, and the correct source was identified to be an average of 2.7 times more likely than the most likely incorrect source.
Effect of Climate Warming and Drought on Urban Stream Temperatures in a Semiarid, Seasonal System
Authors: Stewart Iris T. , Engh Meghan K. , Parchem Claire P.
Published: April 2020

Stream temperatures are key indicators for aquatic ecosystem health, and are of particular concern in highly seasonal, water‐limited regions such as California that provide sensitive habitat for cold‐water species. Yet in many of these critical regions, the combined impacts of a warmer climate and urbanization on stream temperatures have not been systematically studied. We examined recent changes in air temperature and precipitation, including during the recent extreme drought, and compared the stream temperature responses of urban and nonurban streams under four climatic conditions and the 2008–2018 period. Metrics included changes in the magnitude and timing of stream temperatures, and the frequency of exceedance of ecologically relevant thresholds. Our results showed that minimum and average daily air temperatures in the region have increased by >1°C over the past 20 years, warming both urban and nonurban streams. Stream temperatures under drought warmed most (1°C–2°C) in late spring and early fall, effectively lengthening the summer warm season. The frequency of occurrence of periods of elevated stream temperatures was greater during warm climate conditions for both urban and nonurban streams, but urban streams experienced extreme conditions 1.5–2 times as often as nonurban streams. Our findings underscore that systematically monitoring and managing urban stream temperatures under climate change and drought is critically needed for seasonal, water‐limited urban systems.
Maximum likelihood estimation for outcome‐dependent samples
Authors: Clark Robert Graham
Published: April 2020

In outcome‐dependent sampling, the continuous or binary outcome variable in a regression model is available in advance to guide selection of a sample on which explanatory variables are then measured. Selection probabilities may either be a smooth function of the outcome variable or be based on a stratification of the outcome. In many cases, only data from the final sample is accessible to the analyst. A maximum likelihood approach for this data configuration is developed here for the first time. The likelihood for fully general outcome‐dependent designs is stated, then the special case of Poisson sampling is examined in more detail. The maximum likelihood estimator differs from the well‐known maximum sample likelihood estimator, and an information bound result shows that the former is asymptotically more efficient. A simulation study suggests that the efficiency difference is generally small. Maximum sample likelihood estimation is therefore recommended in practice when only sample data is available. Some new smooth sample designs show considerable promise.
Long‐term outcome of patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis responding to intravenous steroids
Authors: Salameh Robert , Kirchgesner Julien , Allez Matthieu , Carbonnel Franck , Meyer Antoine , Gornet Jean‐Marc , Beaugerie Laurent , Amiot Aurelien
Published: April 2020

Background

The long‐term outcome of patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) responding to intravenous steroids (IVS) has been poorly reported.

Aims

To assess relapse‐free survival in patients with ASUC responding to IVS.

Methods

Between January 2006 and December 2017, 142 consecutive patients with ASUC (according to modified Truelove‐and‐Witts criteria) responding to IVS were included in this multicentre retrospective study. Relapse was defined by a partial Mayo Clinic score >4 and/or the need for another maintenance therapy.

Results

Among the 142 included patients (100 naïve of immunomodulator and/or biological agent) hospitalised for ASUC, 59 (41.5%) were treated at discharge with 5‐aminosalicylic acid, 60 (42%) with immunomodulators, 18 (13%) with anti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents and 5 (3.5%) with vedolizumab. After a median follow‐up of 4.8 (2.6‐7.3) years, 90 (63.4%) had relapsed and 12 (8.5%) had required colectomy. The probabilities of relapse‐free survival were 58%, 48% and 40% at 1, 2 and 5 years respectively. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients with <6 liquid stools per day at day 3 (hazard ratio 0.56, 95%CI [0.34‐0.91]), a partial Mayo Clinic score <2 at day 5 (0.41 [0.21‐0.80]) and anti‐TNF maintenance therapy (0.37 [0.16‐0.87]) were less likely to relapse. The probabilities of colectomy‐free survival were 96%, 95% and 91% at 1, 2 and 5 years respectively.

Conclusion

Despite a high relapse rate, patients with ASUC responding to IVS had a low rate of colectomy after 5 years of follow‐up. Early response to IVS and maintenance therapy with biological agents were associated with a lower rate of relapse.
Improving junior doctor medicine prescribing and patient safety: An intervention using personalised, structured, video‐enhanced feedback and deliberate practice
Authors: Green William , Shahzad Muhammad Waseem , Wood Stephen , Martinez Martinez Maria , Baines Andrew , Navid Ahmad , Jay Robert , Whysall Zara , Sandars John , Patel Rakesh
Published: April 2020

Aims

This research investigated the effectiveness of an intervention for improving the prescribing and patient safety behaviour among Foundation Year doctors. The intervention consisted of simulated clinical encounters with subsequent personalised, structured, video‐enhanced feedback and deliberate practice, undertaken at the start of four‐month sub‐specialty rotations.

Methods

Three prospective, non‐randomised control intervention studies were conducted, within two secondary care NHS Trusts in England. The primary outcome measure, error rate per prescriber, was calculated using daily prescribing data. Prescribers were grouped to enable a comparison between experimental and control conditions using regression analysis. A break‐even analysis evaluated cost‐effectiveness.

Results

There was no significant difference in error rates of novice prescribers who received the intervention when compared with those of experienced prescribers. Novice prescribers not participating in the intervention had significantly higher error rates (P = .026, 95% confidence interval [CI] Wald 0.093 to 1.436; P = .026, 95% CI 0.031 to 0.397) and patients seen by them experienced significantly higher prescribing error rates (P = .007, 95% CI 0.025 to 0.157). Conversely, patients seen by the novice prescribers who received the intervention experienced a significantly lower rate of significant errors compared to patients seen by the experienced prescribers (P = .04, 95% CI −0.068 to −0.001). The break‐even analysis demonstrates cost‐effectiveness for the intervention.

Conclusion

Simulated clinical encounters using personalised, structured, video‐enhanced feedback and deliberate practice improves the prescribing and patient safety behaviour of Foundation Year doctors. The intervention is cost‐effective with potential to reduce avoidable harm.
Nitric oxide affects cisplatin cytotoxicity oppositely in A2780 and A2780‐CDDP cells via the connexin32/gap junction
Authors: Fan Lixia , Zheng Ningze , Peng Fuhua , Zhao Ziyu , Fan Di , Cai Shaoyi , Tao Liang , Wang Qin
Published: April 2020

Chemoresistance is a main obstacle in ovarian cancer therapy and new treatment strategies and further information regarding the mechanism of the medication cisplatin are urgently needed. Nitric oxide has a critical role in modulating the activity of chemotherapeutic drugs. Our previous work showed that connexin32 contributed to cisplatin resistance. However, whether nitric oxide is involved in connexin32‐mediated cisplatin resistance remains unknown. In this study, using A2780 and A2780 cisplatin‐resistant cells, we found that S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐penicillamine, a nitric oxide donor, attenuated cisplatin toxicity by decreasing gap junctions in A2780 cells. Enhancement of gap junctions using retinoic acid reversed the effects of S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐penicillamine on cisplatin toxicity. In A2780 cisplatin‐resistant cells, however, S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐penicillamine enhanced cisplatin toxicity by decreasing connexin32 expression. Downregulation of connexin32 expression by small interfering RNA exacerbated the effects of S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐penicillamine on cisplatin cytotoxicity and upregulation of connexin32 expression by pcDNA transfection reversed the effects of S‐nitroso‐N‐acetyl‐penicillamine on cisplatin cytotoxicity. Our study suggests for the first time that combining cisplatin with nitric oxide in clinical therapies for ovarian cancer should be avoided before cisplatin resistance emerges. The present study provides a productive area of further study for increasing the efficacy of cisplatin by combining cisplatin with the specific inhibitors or enhancers of nitric oxide in clinical treatment.
Risk management in Canada's agricultural sector in light of COVID‐19
Authors: Ker Alan P.
Published: April 2020

The unexpected introduction and spread of COVID‐19 has presented significant challenges for every aspect of Canadian society. Although the food and agricultural sector is positioned better than most, there are many risks that will need to be managed in the coming months. The suite of Federal‐Provincial‐Territorial Business Risk Management (BRM) programs delivered under the Canadian Agricultural Policy framework are meant to assist farmers in managing risks; however, there are no corresponding specialized programs for agribusinesses. The underlying structure of the BRM program was developed decades ago and certainly not with any thought to the possibility of a global pandemic. This article considers to what extent the BRM program and, more broadly, government programming will assist farmers in managing new risks. By default, the article is speculative in nature given that we are currently at the onset of the pandemic in Canada.
Exploring and Exploiting Uncertainty: Statistical Learning Ability Affects How We Learn to Process Language Along Multiple Dimensions of Experience
Authors: Divjak Dagmar , Milin Petar
Published: April 2020

While the effects of pattern learning on language processing are well known, the way in which pattern learning shapes exploratory behavior has long gone unnoticed. We report on the way in which individual differences in statistical pattern learning affect performance in the domain of language along multiple dimensions. Analyzing data from healthy monolingual adults' performance on a serial reaction time task and a self‐paced reading task, we show how individual differences in statistical pattern learning are reflected in readers' knowledge of linguistic co‐occurrence patterns and in their exploration and exploitation of content‐specific and task‐general information. First, we investigated the extent to which an individual's pattern learning correlates with his or her sensitivity to systematic morphological and syntactic co‐occurrences, as evidenced while reading authentic sentences. We found that the stream of morphological and syntactic information has a more pronounced effect on the reading speed of, as we will label them, content‐sensitive learners in that the more probable the co‐occurrence pattern, the faster their reading of that pattern will be. Next, we investigated how differences in pattern learning are reflected in the ways in which individuals approach the reading task itself and adapt to it. Casting this relation in terms of exploration/exploitation strategies, known from Reinforcement Learning, we conclude that content‐sensitive learners are also more likely to initially probe (explore) a wider range of directly relevant patterns, which they can later use (exploit) to optimize their reading performance further. By affecting exploratory behavior, pattern learning influences the information that is gathered and becomes available for exploitation, thereby increasing the effect pattern learning has on language cognition.
Geopolitics, Food Security, and Imaginings of the State in Qatar’s Desert Landscape
Authors: Monroe Kristin V.
Published: April 2020

In June 2017, a geopolitical crisis that emerged in the Arab Gulf between Qatar and several of its neighboring countries resulted in the severing of diplomatic ties and the imposition of a land, sea, and air embargo on Qatar. This article explores how the import, production, and consumption of food in Qatar came to constitute a key geopolitical axis during the first year of the crisis. Building on scholarly work that examines food as not just a part of the economic and social fields but also a form of political engagement, I argue that food became an important arena of politics during the blockade in several ways. First, the state’s reorganization of trade networks and its support for Qatari agricultural production became a site for the expansion of the state’s food security agenda. Second, the consumption of food—and the physical space of the supermarket itself—became a geopolitical battleground as new trade arrangements led to the replacement of products made by “blockading countries” with those from alternative ones. The intensification of local agricultural production, in turn, forged a “buy local” consumer culture that shaped, and was shaped by, nationalist sentiments. Looking closely at the import, production, and consumption of food during the blockade illuminates the ways in which food is an everyday medium through which state ideologies and state imaginings of the nation are constructed and circulated.
Transfer of basic science knowledge in a problem‐based learning curriculum
Authors: Ali Kamran , Cockerill Josephine , Bennett Jon H. , Belfield Louise , Tredwin Christopher
Published: April 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate transfer of basic science knowledge for clinical application in our BDS programme by exploring the correlations between student performance in integrated dental science (IDS) examinations and applied dental knowledge (ADK) tests.

Methods

Numeric test scores were drawn from summative IDS and ADK assessments undertaken by BDS students spanning six academic years (2013‐14 to 2018‐19) for two cohorts (2013 and 2014). The data included a total of 13 test scores for each cohort with four IDS tests, taken in Years 1 and 2, and nine ADK tests taken in Years 3, 4 and 5.

Results

The sample included 120 students across both cohorts with 65 females (54%) and 55 males (46%). The correlation coefficients between the successive tests and the combinations of IDS and ADK scores were positive, all being greater than 0.48, and all being significantly correlated (P < .001). Regarding correlation between standardised averages across all IDS tests and all ADK tests, performance remained significantly correlated: (2013 cohort: r (53) = .667, P < .001; 2014 cohort: r (50) = .700, P < .001).

Conclusions

The results of this study show that the students’ knowledge of basic sciences correlates with their applied dental knowledge and may offer a predictive value. These findings may be attributed to a PBL curriculum and student‐led learning at our school.
Gatekeeping by Allegations: An Examination of Verified, Unfounded, and Fabricated Allegations of Child Maltreatment Within the Context of Resist and Refusal Dynamics
Authors: Saini Michael , Laajasalo Taina , Platt Stacey
Published: April 2020

Allegations of child maltreatment and neglect, including child sexual abuse, in the context of child custody disputes pose particular challenges for child protection services, family law professionals and the courts to identify children at risk of harm, as well as children impacted and exposed to other risk factors. Accurately identifying child maltreatment requires assessing the background, the history and the context of the allegations in order to differentiate confirmed, unfounded, and fabricated allegations. The paper provides a review of the history and current understanding of allegations within the context of child custody disputes by considering the connections of fabricated allegations to the theory of alienation and the role of gatekeeping. The paper then examines the social science literature regarding allegations within child protection investigations (the prevalence, types of maltreatment, reporter of allegations, and case outcomes) and explores the factors that have contributed to the challenges faced by child protection services to investigate and make determinations regarding allegations within the context of child custody disputes. We argue for early assessment protocols for child protection services to screen child custody cases, to differentiate allegations of alienation from other types of harm, to enhance role clarity in these volatile situations, to refrain from “taking sides” and to work collaboratively with the family law community. Lastly, we offer legal implications to improve collaboration between child protection services and the family law field to better respond to these complex cases.
We're Still Taking X‐Rays but the Patient is Dying: What Keeps us from Intervening More Quickly in Resist‐Refuse Cases?
Authors: Greenberg Lyn R. , Schnider Robert A.
Published: April 2020

Professionals frequently lament the fact that the dynamics of resist‐refuse cases are often entrenched before the family receives effective intervention. Dysfunctional behavior patterns can become entrenched, with severe impairment of children's ability to function. Assessment is a critical component in the process of assisting families, but can come to so dominate the process that the situation is unrecoverable once the assessment is completed and meaningful interventions begin. The authors will describe commonly encountered obstacles to early intervention in resist‐refuse cases, ranging from systemic stressors to the persistence of inaccurate beliefs and information and practices that undermine accountability. Practical strategies, including a broader conceptual model, integrating assessment into intervention, encouraging lawyers and courts to take earlier action, and suggestions for future professional development will be addressed.
Concepts, Controversies And Conundrums Of “Alienation:” Lessons Learned In A Decade And Reflections On Challenges Ahead
Authors: Fidler Barbara Jo , Bala Nicholas
Published: April 2020

There have been significant advances in understandings and practice related parent–child contact problems (PCCPs), with a growing consensus about some issues and continuing controversy about others. It is widely acknowledged that PCCP cases are most fruitfully understood from a multi‐factorial perspective. While some cases may be totally the “fault” of one parent (a parent perpetrating violence or abuse, or a parent exhibiting alienating behavior), in many situations both parents bear some responsibility: focusing on a single cause is rarely helpful. Most professionals and researchers agree that the challenge in practice is to distinguish between false positives and false negatives for both alienation (or unjustified rejection) and realistic estrangement (justified rejection). There is continuing controversy over whether the concept of “alienation” should be used, especially in court proceedings, and a related disagreement about the extent to which family courts are now failing to respond adequately to cases of intimate partner violence (IPV) or child abuse when alienation is also raised. Continuing education, intentional exploration of alternative hypotheses, and active perspective‐taking will contribute to effective professional involvement. Increased parent education and prevention can play an important role, although for the more severe PCCP cases the family courts system will continue to play a critical role. While more research must be done, given the complexity of issues, conclusive findings are unlikely in the near future. Legislators and family justice professionals must make decisions based on a thorough analysis of each family's circumstances in the context of our present knowledge, taking account of the limits of the law. They will often face the conundrum of making decisions in the face of uncertainty.
Response to “Ideology and Rhetoric Replace Science and Reason in Some Parental Alienation Literature and Advocacy: A Critique,” by Milchman, Geffner, and Meier
Authors: Bernet William
Published: April 2020

The author wrote an article, “Parental Alienation and Misinformation Proliferation,” for this Special Issue of Family Court Review, which is devoted to various aspects of parental alienation (PA). This short article is a response to the article by Milchman, Geffner, and Meier, which discussed my article and other contributions to the Special Issue. All of these articles represent an attempt by the Editors of the Special Issue to promote “dialogue” among writers who have different perspectives regarding parental alienation. In my view, this is a misguided endeavor, since the publication of cascading criminations, recriminations, and re‐recriminations simply creates confusion and consternation for the readers of Family Court Review. This new article offers an alternative approach for creating constructive dialogue among PA‐promoters and PA‐detractors, that is, convene a face‐to‐face discussion of these individuals and encourage them to write an article together in which they jointly explain their various perspectives regarding PA.
Antimicrobial activity, toxicity and accumulated hard‐tissue debris (AHTD) removal efficacy of several chelating agents
Authors: Giardino L. , Bidossi A. , Del Fabbro M. , Savadori P. , Maddalone M. , Ferrari L. , Ballal N. V. , Das S. , Rao B. S. S.
Published: April 2020

Aim

To evaluate the antimicrobial, toxicity and cleaning effectiveness of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and maleic acid (MA) alone and combined with cetrimide (CTR).

Methodology

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects were assessed on Chinese hamster cells V79 using the MTT, clonogenic and micronucleus assays, respectively. The bacterial inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC, respectively) were determined on a strain of Enterococcus faecalis. Antimicrobial tests were performed on a biofilm model after treatment with the chelating agents by using a biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) and confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) assays. Quantification of cell biomass and percentage of live and dead cells in the biomass were assessed for each group. The percentage reduction of accumulated hard‐tissue debris (AHTD) after root canal preparation and final irrigation protocols was evaluated by micro‐CT. Statistical tests of one‐way analysis of variance (anova), Bonferroni test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Dunn’s multiple comparison test and Wilcoxon matched‐pairs signed‐rank tests were used.

Results

Cetrimide alone as well as in combination with EDTA and MA at dilutions of 1/10 and 1/100 was significantly more toxic as compared to untreated controls (P < 0.001). All tested mixtures were nontoxic at a dilution of 1/1000. EDTA retained a weak inhibitory and bactericidal effect against planktonic cells, whilst MA inhibited cells growth and killed 99.9% of the cells when diluted. CTR revealed the most prominent effect, being inhibitory and bactericidal, also when diluted. Cetrimide alone or combined with EDTA was able to remove, respectively, 40% (P < 0.01) and 60% (P < 0.001) of the entire biomass after 1 min. Conversely, MA alone and in combination with CTR did not have a significant effect on biomass reduction. After final irrigation, the AHTD volume was significantly decreased in all groups (P < 0.05). EDTA + CTR and MA + CTR were associated with a significant reduction in the percentage of AHTD on the entire root canal compared to the same solutions without surfactant.

Conclusions

7% MA was less cytotoxic in comparison with 17% EDTA. The addition of cetrimide to EDTA and MA removed accumulated hard‐tissue debris effectively from the canal walls and increased their antimicrobial activity when compared to the same solutions without detergents.
Circular RNA MYLK promotes tumour growth and metastasis via modulating miR‐513a‐5p/VEGFC signalling in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Jianfa , Huang ChenChen , Zou Yifan , Yu Jing , Gui Yaoting
Published: April 2020

Growing evidence indicates that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are promising biomarkers, as they play significant roles in the development of various cancers. The circular RNA MYLK (circMYLK) has been reported to be involved in the development of malignant tumours, including liver, prostate and bladder cancers. Nevertheless, the biological function of circMYLK in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unclear. In this study, we observed that circMYLK is notably up‐regulated in RCC. Increased circMYLK expression led to a larger tumour size, distant metastasis and poor prognosis of RCC patients. Moreover, circMYLK silencing repressed RCC growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circMYLK can capture miR‐513a‐5p to facilitate VEGFC expression and further promote the tumorigenesis of RCC cells. In summary, our findings demonstrate that circMYLK has an oncogenic role in RCC growth and metastasis by modulating miR‐513a‐5p/VEGFC signalling. Thus, circMYLK has potential as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in the treatment of RCC.
Histology at diagnostic gastroscopy predicts outcome after intestinal resection in pediatric Crohn's disease
Authors: Tan Zien Vanessa , Kosana Kiranmai , Savarino Jeffrey , Croft Nicholas , Naik Sandhia , Kaplan Jess , Giles Edward
Published: April 2020

Background and Aim

Pediatric Crohn's disease (CD) has been shown to have a high recurrence rate following surgical resection. Risk factors for postoperative CD recurrence in children are not well known. The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing postoperative recurrence in pediatric CD.

Methods

Pediatric CD patients who underwent surgical resection with primary anastomosis with a minimum follow up of 2 years were identified from databases at the Royal London Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital. Patients were subdivided into a recurrence group defined by clinical, endoscopic, histological, radiological and/or surgical outcomes, and a nonrecurrence group. Patient demographics, initial gastroscopy and colonoscopy findings, Paris classification, and preoperative and postoperative pharmacotherapy were analyzed.

Results

Ninety‐six children who underwent an ileal or ileocolonic resection with primary anastomosis were identified. Fifty‐seven children had postoperative recurrence. Recurrence was associated with abnormal initial gastroscopy findings (P = 0.0077), ileocolonic disease location (P = 0.03), and perianal disease involvement (P = 0.04).

Patients with abnormal initial gastroscopy had higher rates of relapse (hazard ratio 3.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.86–6.30], P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that abnormal diagnostic gastroscopy histology was a significant independent predictor of postoperative recurrence in this cohort (odds ratio 1.33, 95% CI [1.04–1.70], P = 0.024). The most common histological abnormality was non‐Helicobacter gastritis, found in 29/46 (63%).

Conclusion

This dual‐center study has shown that the presence of upper gastrointestinal tract inflammation, especially non‐Helicobacter gastritis, at the time of diagnosis, is associated with an increased risk of postoperative recurrence in pediatric CD.
Post‐Acute Care Preparedness in a COVID‐19 World
Authors: Tumlinson Anne , Altman William , Glaudemans Jon , Gleckman Howard , Grabowski David C.
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has led to a surge of patients requiring post‐acute care. In order to support federal, state and corporate planning, we offer a four‐stage regionally oriented approach to achieving optimal systemwide resource allocation across a region's post‐acute service settings and providers over time. In the first stage, the post‐acute care system must, to the extent possible, help relieve acute hospitals of non‐COVID‐19 patients to create as much inpatient capacity as possible over the surge period. In the second stage after the initial surge as subsided, post‐acute providers must protect vulnerable populations from COVID‐19, prepare treat‐in‐place protocols for non‐COVID‐19 admissions, and create and formalize COVID‐19 specific settings. In the third stage after a vaccine has been developed or an effective prophylactic option is available, post‐acute care providers must assist with distribution and administration of vaccinations and prophylaxis, develop strategies to deliver non‐COVID‐19 related medical care, and begin to transition to the post‐COVID‐19 landscape. In the final stage, we must create health advisory bodies to review post‐acute sector's response, identify opportunities to improve performance going forward, and develop a pandemic response plan for post‐acute care providers. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1150–1154, 2020.
Make and buy in a polluting industry
Authors: Iida Takeshi , Mukherjee Arijit
Published: April 2020

The literature paid significant attention to analyze the rationale for the make‐or‐buy strategy of firms. However, a related empirically relevant strategy of make and buy did not get much attention. We show that the presence of tax/subsidy policies, which are particularly important in the presence of environmental pollution, may create a rationale for the make‐and‐buy strategy of firms. Thus, we provide a new rationale for the make‐and‐buy strategy of firms which is different from the existing reasons, such as uncertainty, market power of the input suppliers, moral hazard, and capacity utilization. We also show that international harmonization, where countries set taxes cooperatively, can promote outsourcing compared with the situation where the countries set taxes non‐cooperatively. Further, global welfare maximizing outsourcing is less than the harmonization case. While global welfare is higher under global welfare maximization compared with harmonization, the total environmental damage can be lower under the latter case than the former case. Hence, higher welfare not necessarily implies lower environmental damage.
Real‐world effectiveness of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for mixed genotype hepatitis C infection: A multicenter pooled analysis in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Wen‐Nan , Hung Chao‐Hung , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Chen Mei‐Yen , Tung Shui‐Yi , Wei Kuo‐Liang , Lu Chung‐Kuang , Chen Chien‐Hung , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Hu Jin‐Hung , Chen Wei‐Ming , Chang Te‐Sheng
Published: April 2020

Data on direct‐acting antiviral agent (DAA) treatment for mixed genotype hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are scant. This study examined the effectiveness of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) for mixed HCV genotype infection in a real‐world setting in Taiwan. We analysed the data from all patients with mixed HCV genotype infections treated with GLE/PIB or LDV/SOF from 2017 to 2019 in three Chang Gung Memorial Hospitals in Taiwan. The primary treatment outcome was sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment cessation (SVR12). Adverse events (AEs) were also evaluated. A total of 5190 HCV patients received DAA treatment during this time period. Among them, 116 patients (2.2%) had mixed infections of any 2 or 3 genotypes of 1a, 1b, 2, 3 and 6. Fifty‐four patients received GLE/PIB and 62 received LDV/SOF. SVR12 rates for LDV/SOF vs GLE/PIB therapy were 96.6% (56/58) vs 100% (51/51) by the per‐protocol analysis and 90.3% (56/62) vs 94.4% (51/54) by the evaluable population analysis. Two patients with 1b + 6 and 1b + 2 genotype infections in the LDV/SOF group had relapse. Evaluating the GLE/PIB vs LDV/SOF groups for the most common AEs revealed pruritus (16.7% vs 4.8%), abdominal discomfort (5.6% vs 8%) and fatigue (5.6% vs 4.8%). One patient with AE‐related treatment discontinuation presented with liver decompensation after 4‐week GLE/PIB therapy. DAA‐related significant laboratory abnormalities occurred in two patients with >3× elevated bilirubin level in the GLE/PIB group. GLE/PIB and LDV/SOF are well tolerated and achieve high SVR12 rates for patients with mixed HCV genotype infection.
Using Utterance Recall to Assess Second Language Proficiency
Authors: Culbertson Gabriel , Andersen Erik , Christiansen Morten H.
Published: April 2020

Obtaining quick and reliable evidence regarding the proficiency of learners is a perennial issue in second language (L2) learning research. In this study, we examined naturalistic utterance recall as a measure of L2 learning proficiency that can be easily extracted from videos and automatically scored using the video's captions. In our recall task, learners listen to audio clips and write down as much of the utterance as they can remember. We evaluated this naturalistic recall task with a sample of English native speakers who are learning Spanish at beginner to advanced levels, as well as Spanish native speakers. The results suggest that our recall measure is a better predictor of a learner's ability to translate heard sentences than a shortened version of a standardized listening multiple‐choice comprehension test. Our findings suggest naturalistic utterance recall can offer an accurate and efficient method for predicting foreign language proficiency.