bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissemination of information to dairy farmers in Jammu and Kashmir: Developing a web module
Authors: Singh Jaspal , Kumar Pranav , Singh Amandeep
Published: November 2019

The Internet is booming with need-based information and communication technologies (ICTs) catering to the needs of a huge number of farmers. For dissemination of scientific dairy practices a need-based Web Module for Scientific Dairy Practices (WMSDP) was developed. A total of 120 farmers from Jammu District and 20 scientists from the Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu were selected by proportionate random sampling for assessing and prioritizing the information needs of the farmers. Information on healthcare management was highly required by the farmers, followed by information on fodder production and management, general management, nutrition and feeding, and least on breeding and reproduction. The scientists prioritized information on general management as most required, followed by information on healthcare management, breeding and reproduction, nutrition and feeding, and least on fodder production and management. Keeping the information needs of the farmers and priority of the scientists in mind, an interactive IT-enabled web module was developed using the latest Microsoft dot (.) net technology. The perceived utility of WMSDP was calculated based on six indicators and the overall perceived utility score was found to be 11.18 out of 12.00. ICT tools like WMSDP can be an excellent medium for dissemination of required information to the farmers.
Insights into the perception that research ethics committees are a barrier to research with seriously ill children: A study of committee minutes and correspondence with researchers studying seriously ill children
Authors: Butler Ashleigh E , Vincent Katherine , Bluebond-Langner Myra
Published: November 2019

Background:

Research ethics committees are commonly perceived as a ‘barrier’ to research involving seriously ill children. Researchers studying seriously ill children often feel that committees view their applications more harshly compared to applications for research with other populations. Whether or not this is the case in practice is unknown.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to explore committees’ concerns, expectations and decisions for research applications involving seriously ill children submitted for review in the United Kingdom.

Design:

Content analysis of committee meeting minutes, decision letters and researcher response letters.

Setting/participants:

Chief investigators for National Institute of Health Research portfolio studies involving seriously ill children were contacted for permission to review their study documents.

Results:

Of the 77 applications included in this study, 57 received requests for revisions at first review. Committee expectations and concerns commonly related to participant information sheets, methodology, consent, recruitment or formatting. Changes were made to 53 of these studies, all of which were subsequently approved.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that committees review applications for research involving seriously ill children with the same scrutiny as applications for research with other populations. Yet, the perception that committees act as a barrier to this type of research persists. We suggest that this perception remains due to other factors including, but not limited to, the high levels of formatting or administrative revisions requested by committees or additional study requirements needed for research involving children, such as multiple versions of consent forms or participant information sheets.
Nitrous oxide causes peripheral neuropathy in a dose dependent manner among recreational users
Authors: Winstock Adam R , Ferris Jason A
Published: November 2019

Background:

Nitrous oxide (N2O) has been used in clinical and recreational settings for over 150 years. Through inactivation of the Vitamin B12 dependent enzyme, methionine synthase, N2O can lead to the development of peripheral neuropathy. This study sought to determine the relationship between the exposure and risk of neurological symptoms in the largest ever sample of users.

Design:

Data are drawn from the Global Drug Survey (GDS) over three consecutive years (2014–2016). The Global Drug Survey is an online, cross-sectional survey of substance use, translated into multiple languages.

Participants:

Respondents to the Global Drug Survey who provided details on N2O use and the experience of paraesthesia in the previous 12 months.

Measurements:

Questions relating to N2O use, peripheral neuropathy, age and gender were explored among last year’s users.

Findings:

Of 241,566 respondents, 41,181 (17.0%) indicated that they had ever used nitrous oxide; of these, 42.1% had used in the last 12 months. For the final model, data from 16,124 participants who had used N2O in the last 12 months and had provided responses on age, dose, gender and paraesthesia were used. Of these, the number of respondents reporting persistent numbness/tingling (paraesthesia) in their hands or feet was 537 (3.3%). Although the risk was very low among infrequent users, there was a strong dose–response relationship. For people indicating one or two doses per session, the probability of reporting paraesthesia was approximately 0.018 by comparison; for people indicating 100 doses per session the probability was approximately 0.085. The association, between dose and paraesthesia was influenced by gender and age.

Conclusion:

While infrequent, episodic users are not at risk, a minority of heavy users are at dose-dependent risk of developing serious neurological consequences. Better education and raised awareness of early symptoms are required.
Comparative analysis of long-term care quality for older adults in China and Western countries
Authors: Min Li , Huilan Xu
Published: November 2019

Objective

Based on theoretical and methodological research and the results of a literature review, we evaluated and comparatively analyzed the quality of long-term care for older populations in China and in Western countries.

Methods

We performed a literature review, using the search terms long-term care and care services for older adults, in the databases ProQuest, CNKI, and Wanfang Data.

Results

Our comparative analysis demonstrated that the overall quantity of articles related to long-term care for older populations was relatively large. The literature comprises advanced accumulated experiences in terms of theoretical and methodological perspectives in developed countries. The field of long-term care is relatively young in China and we could retrieve only a few related studies.

Conclusions

The system of long-term care for older populations in China has much room for improvement. In addition, the evaluation criteria for long-term care quality remain controversial. Relevant research focusing on the quality of long-term care services in the country lacks comprehensive, systematic, and scientific validation, comparison, and evaluation. This topic warrants further evidence-based investigation in China.
First known case of Eperythrozoon endocarditis in China
Authors: Zhang Junli , Zhang Xiangyun , Wang Heng , Zhou Zhihui
Published: November 2019

Eperythrozoonosis is a zoonosis transmitted from animals to humans. It is caused by bacteria in the genus Eperythrozoon. These bacteria have a high infection rate and can cause varying degrees of damage. This is the first case report of infective endocarditis caused by Eperythrozoon. The patient had a 30-day history of remittent fever accompanied by chills and progressive weakness and gradually recovered after 6 weeks of minocycline treatment.
Analysis of the effect of overusing thumbs on smartphone games
Authors: Wang Dong , Tang Liang , Wu Huihui , Gu Dongyun
Published: November 2019

Objective

To assess the impact of repetitive movements of the thumb caused by playing a smartphone game continuously for 30 min.

Methods

This study recruited healthy volunteers. They were instructed to play a game called Subway Surfers, which ran continuously. Subjects played the game for 30 min. The function of the abductor pollicis brevis and extensor pollicis brevis muscles was assessed by surface electromyography and the signals were obtained at 10 min, 20 min and 30 min. The median frequency (MDF) was used as an indicator of muscle fatigue. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the subjective discomfort of the volunteers.

Results

Twelve subjects participated in this study. The MDF of the abductor pollicis brevis and extensor pollicis brevis muscles decreased significantly over the test period. The MDF of the extensor pollicis brevis had decreased significantly by 10 min after the start of the gaming session, while the abductor pollicis brevis had decreased significantly by 20 min. The VAS scores significantly increased after 30 min of continuous gaming.

Conclusions

This study suggests that playing continuous games on a smartphone might result in chronic muscle injury. Continuous gaming time should be kept below 20 minutes.
Effects of capacitive and resistive electric transfer therapy in patients with painful shoulder impingement syndrome: a comparative study
Authors: Paolucci T , Pezzi L , Centra MA , Porreca A , Barbato C , Bellomo RG , Saggini R
Published: November 2019

Objective

Capacitive and resistive electric transfer therapy (CARE) reduces pain and improves quality of life for many orthopaedic degenerative and inflammatory disorders. The research aim was to determine the effects of CARE on painful shoulder. The outcomes were pain reduction and recovery of shoulder function.

Methods

A retrospective, observational case-control study was conducted. Participants were 46 patients (22 in the CARE group and 24 in the SHAM group). Clinical data, pain (visual analogic scale, VAS) and functional scale scores (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scale, and Constant–Murley Scale) were measured at baseline T0 (before treatment), T1 (after treatment) and follow-up T2 (2 months after the end of the treatment).

Results

VAS scores in the CARE group improved from 7.23 ± 1.11 at baseline to 2.68 ± 0.99 at follow-up. The SHAM group did not experience any improvement. Similarly, functional scale scores improved in the CARE group compared with the SHAM group.

Conclusion

Considering the small number of sessions needed, low cost and long-term benefits, CARE could be a useful therapeutic option for the conservative management of shoulder pain to restore pain-free and powerful movement to the shoulder joint.
Effect of remifentanil infusion on the hemodynamic response during induction of anesthesia in hypertensive and normotensive patients: a prospective observational study
Authors: Lee Soo Kyung , Jeong Mi Ae , Sung Jeong Min , Yeon Hyo Jin , Chang Ji Hee , Lim Hyunyoung
Published: November 2019

Background

The induction of general anesthesia may cause hemodynamic instability. Remifentanil is often administered to suppress the hemodynamic response. We aimed to evaluate the effect of remifentanil infusion on the hemodynamic response to induction of anesthesia in hypertensive and normotensive patients.

Methods

Patients were divided into two groups: Group H (n = 102) were hypertensive patients and Group C (n = 107) were normotensive patients. During induction, all patients received 1 µg/kg of remifentanil as a loading dose over 2 minutes, followed by a continuous infusion at 0.05 µg/kg/minute. We analyzed the systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures and heart rate pre-induction, pre-intubation, immediately post-intubation, and at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 minutes after intubation.

Results

The systolic, diastolic, and mean pressures before induction were significantly higher in group H compared with group C, but there was no significant difference between the two groups immediately after intubation. Blood pressures immediately after intubation were similar to the pre-induction blood pressure. There was no significant difference in heart rate between the two groups at any time point.

Conclusions

Remifentanil infusion effectively attenuates the hemodynamic response to induction of general anesthesia in hypertensive and normotensive patients.
Reversal of left bundle branch block–induced cardiomyopathy by His bundle pacing
Authors: Liu Fei , Zeng Lijun , Yin Xiaomeng , Gao Lianjun , Xia Yunlong , Dong Yingxue
Published: November 2019

A 61-year-old woman was referred to our institution for evaluation of severe nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy and left bundle branch block (LBBB). After permanent His bundle pacing, the LBBB was immediately corrected; however, the right bundle branch was injured during the procedure. Subsequent recovery of the right bundle branch block and normalization of heart function were observed during follow-up. This case indicates that LBBB might result in the development of nonischemic cardiomyopathy and emphasizes the necessity of a temporary pacemaker during His bundle pacing for patients with LBBB.
Out of steam: Energy, materiality, and political ecology
Authors: Cederlöf Gustav
Published: November 2019

Energy is increasingly used as a lens to study wider social processes. For political ecologists, ‘energy’ has usually been seen as a resource or socio-technical system that gives rise to contentious social relations. This article instead thinks of energy as a materiality with thermodynamic properties. At once, energy becomes an analytical concept with physical and political-economic dimensions. Developing this perspective, the article examines the notion of ecologically unequal exchange and unpacks discussions on how energy systems are co-productive of politicised environments. The outcome is an expanded definition of political ecology set out in relation to three modes of social power.
Uttering geographies: Speech acts, felicity conditions and modes of existence
Authors: Ogborn Miles
Published: November 2019

The geographies of speech has become stuck in a form of interpretation which considers the potentially infinite detail of spoken performances understood within their equally infinitely complex contexts. This paper offers a way forward by considering the uses, critiques and reworkings of J.L. Austin’s speech act theory by those who study everyday talk, by deconstructionists and critical theorists, and by Bruno Latour in his AIME (‘An Inquiry into Modes of Existence’) project. This offers a rethinking of speech acts in terms of power and space, and a series of ontological differentiations between forms of utterances and enunciations beyond human speech.
Study on in vitro performance verification protocol for left ventricular assist device
Authors: Li Shu , Hsu Po-Lin , Hao Ye , Ren Haiping
Published: November 2019

Objective:

In vitro performance verification of ventricular assist devices using a mock circulatory loop is a prominent step to guarantee the system responses and the device performance and safety before the in vivo tests and ultimately clinical trials.

Methods:

In this article, we performed a comprehensive literature research to establish a verification matrix consisting of 12 test cases, defined by a set of physiological parameters which are commonly used to characterize a physiological condition. The clinical hemodynamic indicators for defining successful mechanical support were used as the acceptance criteria. A mock circulatory loop was customized to simulate the test cases, and a full verification protocol was described in details. An example left ventricular assist device was incorporated in the loop to accomplish a standard ventricular assist device performance verification.

Result:

The test cases based on clinical data with sufficient safety margin represent our understanding in defining the extremes of operation. The mock circulatory loop was capable of generating the test conditions in the verification matrix and reproducing the Frank–Starling law of the native heart. The effect of the left ventricular assist device assistance (characterized by the total systemic flow, mean aortic pressure, and left atrial pressure) was well verified by the proposed protocol and acceptance criteria.

Conclusion:

To date, all left ventricular assist devices made in China have been evaluated according this protocol and some of them have entered the clinical trial stage. We are closely observing the clinical data in order to further improve the performance of the platform and encourage more advances in mechanical circulatory assist devices.
The Effects of Social Characteristics of Jobs on the Cognitive Skills of Adults in the United States: A PIAAC Analysis
Authors: Lopes Tobin , Scully-Russ Ellen , Zarestky Jill , Collins Joshua C.
Published: November 2019

There is contrary research around whether collaboration at work fosters individual learning and skill development. This study’s purpose was to examine the relationship between social characteristics of jobs on adults’ cognitive skills as measured by the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC). For select industry sectors, we used a linear regression model to predict scores for PIAAC scales—literacy, numeracy, and problem solving in technology-rich environments—based on the independent variables gender, education level, frequency of workplace collaboration, and frequency of sharing work-related information. Results showed level of collaboration at work is negatively associated with PIAAC scores, contradicting current thinking on the role of social interactions in the workplace. We conclude there may be an overemphasis on the social characteristics in job design in some industries and workplaces, leaving little support and time for other activities known to support workplace learning, like management support and time for reflection.
“Let Me Do What I Please With It . . . Don’t Decide My Identity For Me”: LGBTQ+ Youth Experiences of Social Media in Narrative Identity Development
Authors: Bates Adam , Hobman Trish , Bell Beth T.
Published: November 2019

Social media provides Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Plus (LGBTQ+) youth with daily access to a broader sociocultural dialogue that may shape narrative identity development. Through in-depth narrative interviews, this study sought to understand the lived experiences of 11 LGBTQ+ undergraduates ( age range = 19-23) building narrative identities in the cultural context of social media and the role of social media within this process. Interviews were analyzed using an interpretative, individual analysis of personal stories. These experiences were then compared and contrasted through thematic analysis to identify four shared narrative themes. Narratives of merging safe spaces highlight how LGBTQ+ youth now have regular access to safe environments online/offline which facilitate more secure identity development. Narratives of external identity alignment describe social media as a tool for LGBTQ+ youth to seek out identities that match their preexisting sense of self. Narratives of multiple context-based identities encapsulate how adolescents’ identity markers are multiple and invoked in a context-dependent manner. Finally, narratives of individuality and autonomy characterize how LGBTQ+ youth perceive themselves as highly individualized members of a wider community. These findings highlight the complex role social media plays within LGBTQ+ youth identity development. The implications are discussed within.
Precariousness, Gender, Resistance and Consent in the Face of Global Production Network’s ‘Reforms’ of Pakistan’s Garment Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Ayaz Muhammad , Ashraf Muhammad Junaid , Hopper Trevor
Published: November 2019

This case study of the restructuring of Pakistan’s garment manufacturing industry explores how attempts to increase capital’s control over the labour process intersect with local patriarchal structures and trigger workers’ reflexivity and agency causing unanticipated consequences. Using Archer’s notion of agency, the article examines the theoretical space where capitalism meets patriarchy, and both are reproduced. The focus on reflexivity, anchored between objective contexts and agents’ personal concerns, helps theorize capital–labour–gender relations in global supply chains and explains workers’ impactful resistance to protect a supposedly precarious work regime. Our findings challenge the notion that globalization reduces workers’ agency and their potential for impactful resistance.
A new model of industrial internet of things with security mechanism—An application in complex workshop of diesel engine
Authors: Liu Jiangshan , Chen Ming , Wang Liang
Published: November 2019

Intelligent manufacturing is the future development direction of manufacturing industry. There are still some problems lurk in the traditional mode of production, such as “information island” and “network security”, which result in low productivity but high-cost production, and information leakage. With application of the new generation information technology in manufacturing field is expanded, the deep integration of information technology and manufacturing industry promotes the development of production towards intellectualization, networking, and service. Single mode of production is gradually replaced by the way of large-scale collaborative production, so the traditional industrial internet of things (IoT) and manufacturing architecture are not suitable for the needs of actual production any more. For instance, the great challenges of compatibility and coordination of interface protocols, huge data, cost, and safety. In order to solve these problems, a new model of industrial IoT with security mechanism used in intelligent workshop is proposed. Firstly, this article analyzes the current situation of manufacturing industry and information technology, a secure transmission model of industrial IoT was designed based on the new generation information technology. Secondly, combined with the structure of the IoT and the real production demands, a six-tier industrial IoT architecture based on the new generation information technology is proposed. Finally, the three dimensions of the intelligent manufacturing model are expanded according to the architecture of the IoT. Not only a six-tier intelligent manufacturing system framework based on the new generation of information technology is obtained, but also the network security mechanism is introduced. On one hand, it realizes the coordinated operation of industrial chain, supply chain, and value chain of production process, on the other hand, it also improves the networking, intellectualization, and service level of industrial production. What is more the system can also provide the reference model for the various application of IoT.
A novel approach to design and control of an active suspension using linear pump control–based hydraulic system
Authors: Lee Jeongwoo , Oh Kwangseok , Yi Kyongsu
Published: November 2019

This paper presents a novel design and control method of an active suspension system using a linear pump control–based hydraulic system for a cost-effective application. Various active suspension systems have been proposed and applied to vehicles due to its ability to improve ride comfort and handling performance even though these active suspension systems are not popular because of their complexity, high cost, heavyweight, and low power efficiency. A new type of active suspension actuator system was designed and validated herein based on the methods of actuator sizing and modified control scheme to address the aforementioned issues. System power capability has been analyzed under various dynamics and road conditions. Active suspension actuator components have been designed based on the results. The electro-hydraulic system is powered by a battery to reduce the energy consumption of the system; hence, it is operated by torque on demand. A double-acting linear hydraulic motor pump with a dual rack and pinion has been proposed for hydraulic force control with a simple on/off switch operation. The actuator force has been controlled by continuous linear motor pump displacement control via torque control using a three-phase synchronous brushless alternative current motor. Dynamic performance evaluation of the actuator system has been conducted using AMESIM and actual rig test. Active height and roll control algorithms for the enhancement of vehicle dynamics considering actuator dynamics have also been developed and validated through the rig and real vehicle tests. The evaluation results showed that the linear motor pump–based active suspension system performs as well as the previous complicated hydraulic active suspension system. The new active system proposed in this study was able to improve the vehicle dynamics using cost-effective actuation system significantly.
The relationship among plasma copeptin, carboxyhemoglobin, and lactate levels in carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Ozkan S , Salt O , Durukan P , Sen A , Bulbul E , Duman A , Kavalci C
Published: November 2019

Objective:

The aim of our study is to determine whether there is a change in the plasma levels of copeptin and there is a relationship among the plasma levels of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), lactate, and copeptin levels in patients presenting to the emergency department with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Methods:

Fifty-seven patients admitted to the emergency department with CO poisoning were included in the study. The blood samples of the patients were collected on arrival 0th, 6th, and 12th hours for copeptin, lactate, and COHb levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS-17 statistical software.

Results:

Arrival serum copeptin levels of the patients were compared to copeptin levels of healthy individuals and a statistically significant difference was found between them ( p = 0.008). There was a statistically significant difference between the arrival levels of copeptin and 6th-hour ( p = 0.006) and 12th-hour ( p = 0.001) levels of copeptin. There was no significant difference between 6th-hour and 12th-hour copeptin levels ( p = 0.51). In terms of serum lactate levels, there was a significant difference between arrival and 6th h ( p < 0.001), arrival and 12th h ( p < 0.001), and 6th and 12th h ( p < 0.001). Likewise, in terms of serum COHb levels, there was a significant difference between arrival and 6th h ( p < 0.001), arrival and 12th h ( p < 0.001), and 6th and 12th h ( p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between COHb and lactate levels on arrival ( r = 0.52; p = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Copeptin as a stress hormone can be used in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with CO poisoning. However, the copeptin level was not superior to COHb and lactate levels.
Imputing missing time-dependent covariate values for the discrete time Cox model
Authors: Murad Havi , Dankner Rachel , Berlin Alla , Olmer Liraz , Freedman Laurence S
Published: November 2019

We describe a procedure for imputing missing values of time-dependent covariates in a discrete time Cox model using the chained equations method. The procedure multiply imputes the missing values for each time-period in a time-sequential manner, using covariates from the current and previous time-periods as well as the survival outcome. The form of the outcome variable used in the imputation model depends on the functional form of the time-dependent covariate(s) and differs from the case of Cox regression with only baseline covariates. This time-sequential approach provides an approximation to a fully conditional approach. We illustrate the procedure with data on diabetics, evaluating the association of their glucose control with the risk of selected cancers. Using simulations we show that the suggested estimator performed well (in terms of bias and coverage) for completely missing at random, missing at random and moderate non-missing-at-random patterns. However, for very strong non-missing-at-random patterns, the estimator was seriously biased and the coverage was too low. The procedure can be implemented using multiple imputation with the Fully conditional Specification (FCS) method (MI procedure in SAS with FCS statement or similar packages in other software, e.g. MICE in R). For use with event times on a continuous scale, the events would need to be grouped into time-intervals.
Helping the Helpless: Contribution of Rural Extension Services to Smallholder Farmers’ Climate Change Adaptive Capacity and Adaptation in Rural Ghana
Authors: Asare-Nuamah Peter , Botchway Ebo , Onumah Justina A.
Published: November 2019

While there is no doubt that extension services play an active role in promoting smallholder farmers’ adaptive capacity and adaptation to climate change, there is a dearth of information and research on how this institution champions climate change adaptation in rural farming communities in Ghana. This study employed a qualitative case study design and interviewed 15 extension officers and 26 smallholder farmers to understand how extension services enhance smallholder farmers’ climate change adaptive capacity and adaptation in the rural Adansi North District in Ghana. The findings indicate that extension services adopt multiple strategies to build the adaptive capacity of farmers to climate change. Through the transfer of skills and knowledge, technology and innovations, supply of inputs, technical advice and liaison role with existing local institutions, farmers are able to adapt to climate change. The study further revealed that extension services are hindered by geographical, sociocultural and economic challenges which affect their alignment and fitness to effectively assist smallholder farmers. The study recommends strengthening the capacity of the extension institution. Moreover, more experts must be trained to provide special, targeted and important services to smallholder farmers in respect of climate change sensitization and adaptation.
Corporate Governance, Firms’ Characteristics and Environmental Performance Disclosure Practices of Indian Companies
Authors: Pareek Ritu , Pandey Krishna Dayal , Sahu Tarak Nath
Published: November 2019

This study attempts to explore the effect of corporate governance parameters like board size and independent directors along with firm-specific characteristics such as age, size and profitability on the environmental performance disclosure of 38 National Stock Exchange (NSE) listed Indian non-financial companies for the period of 2013–2017. This study uses panel data analysis and finally documents a positive impact of board size and age of firm on the environmental performance disclosures of Indian companies. The study also finds a significant and negative effect of board independence on the environmental performance disclosure of such companies. The study based on its findings questions the role of independent directors as an internal regulatory body and suggests external regulatory specifications for better environmental performance and its disclosure to the public.
Whether States Have Capacity to Sustain Projected Growth in GST Collection During the GST Compensation Period?
Authors: Mukherjee Sacchidananda
Published: November 2019

Achieving harmonisation in design, structure and administration of taxes on goods and services was the major driving force behind the introduction of goods and services tax (GST) in India. Goods and services tax subsumes many taxes from both union and state tax bases. Achieving tax harmonisation in a federal system curtails fiscal autonomy of both the union and sub-national governments and therefore faces steep resistance. Revenue uncertainty associated with any tax reform is a major cause for concern for all governments and therefore the assurance of revenue protection given by the union government to states helped to achieve broad consensus in favour of GST. On average, state taxes subsumed under the GST used to contribute two-third of own tax revenue and finance one-third of total expenditure for general category states. Unlike the union government, states have limited taxation power (tax handles) to generate additional revenue to cope up with any major revenue shortfall on account of GST collection. Therefore, the revenue protection enshrined under the GST Compensation Act has played an important role behind introduction of GST in India. This has also helped the GST Council to experiment with design, structure and administration of GST during the GST compensation period (first 5 years of GST implementation) to moderate the impact of GST on Indian economy as well as facilitate ease of tax compliance.

Given the ongoing shortfall in GST collection, many scholars believe that liberal GST revenue protection granted under the GST Compensation Act to states is unjustifiable. The GST compensation period will be over by June 2022, and thereafter GST collection of individual states is expected to depend on their tax capacity as well as tax effort. It is worthy to investigate whether states have tax capacity to sustain 14 per cent growth rate in tax collection, as projected in the GST Compensation Act. The objective of this article is to estimate tax capacity of the states with reference to major tax revenue subsumed under GST and see whether states could sustain 14 per cent growth in their GST collection during the GST compensation period if they put adequate tax effort.

JEL Classification: H21, H68, H71, H77
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Physical Abuse at Home Among School-Going Adolescents in Malaysia: A Population-Based Nationwide Study
Authors: Saminathan Thamil Arasu , Ganapathy Shubash Shander , Sooryanarayana Rajini , Hasim Mohd Hazrin bin , Mohd Anuar Mohd Fuad , Ahmad Fazila Haryati , Tan LeeAnn , Awaluddin S. Maria , Aris Tahir , Rosman Azriman
Published: November 2019

We assessed the current situation of physical abuse among adolescents at home in Malaysia. A total of 27 497 school-going adolescents answered a self-administered questionnaire during the Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey 2017. A complex sampling analysis was applied to identify factors associated with physical abuse among adolescents using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of physical abuse at home among students was 11.8%. Our result shows that adolescents aged 13 years had significantly higher odds of such abuse, with odds decreasing as the adolescents age. Girls and adolescents from Indian ethnicity (minority ethnic group) had higher odds of such abuse. Other associated factors were mental health problems, substance abuse, and problems at school. Physical abuse among adolescents at home should be countered with appropriate measures.
Selling Your Soul on the Information Superhighway: Consenting to Services in Direct-to-Consumer Tele-Mental Health
Authors: Goldkind Lauri , Wolf Lea
Published: November 2019

Direct-to-consumer tele-mental health services—therapy delivered by video conference, email, and text message—is a burgeoning model of service delivery. The practice of on-demand digital psychotherapy presents ethical questions, as new economic models, service delivery systems, and therapeutic models are introduced. Virtual therapy, now offered on a subscription basis by third-party providers, requires users to accept Terms of Service (ToS) agreements to access services. This article describes the results of a survey in which participants ( n = 579) were asked to compare the values of the Human Rights Framework with the language of one tele-mental health platform’s ToS user agreement. Findings suggest that those clients with prior experience with a mental health professional will find the ToS agreements to be the most ethically compromised. Similarly, employed and better educated individuals also found the ToS to be ethically suspect. The most vulnerable of the groups we surveyed, individuals who hold less education and those who are unemployed, may be at most risk for signing consent to a system they do not understand. The study provides one example of the ethical questions that emerge from the introduction of a new model of for-profit service provision in mental health. Recommendations for consumers and practitioners are suggested.
Cross-Cultural Learning in Gameplay: BAFÁ BAFÁ, Persuasive Technology, and the Exploration of Intercultural Sensitivity
Authors: Wendorf Muhamad Jessica , Yang Fan
Published: November 2019

Background. Serious games have the potential to provide benefits that beyonds entertainment value. Recent growth in the empirical research of serious games shows their abilities to deliver prosocial messages.

Aim. This study aims to examine the use of games in the management of cultural schemas as well as moderating intercultural sensitivity and intercultural communication competence. Moreover, this study explores how and why simulation games, such as BAFÁ BAFÁ, function as persuasive technologies (PTs) effectively motivating individuals into behavior change.

Method. An experimental study with three conditions (game, reading, and control) was conducted to examine the effects of BAFÁ BAFÁ on enhancing participants’ intercultural sensitivity as well as communication competence compared to reading intercultural materials or regular activity.

Results. Both intercultural sensitivity and communication competence were measured with multi-dimensional scales, and the results of the multi-variate analyses indicated that the intercultural simulation game BAFÁ BAFÁ can facilitate the increase of participants’ intercultural sensitivity and communication competence.
Taking the AE’s Perspective: Insights into Seemingly Irrational Decisions
Authors: Bliese Paul
Published: November 2019

This manuscript gives insight into the mind of the action or associate editor when making decisions regarding the revise and resubmit process. Based on personal experiences, I offer advice regarding what authors can do to increase the odds the revision will be a success. The goal of the article is to encourage authors to evaluate the revision process from the editor’s perspective—the person who has access to the full range of available information. Viewing the revision from an editor’s perspective may help authors approach several aspects of the revision process in ways that enhance the likelihood of a positive outcome.
Supporting Beginning Music Teachers: The Development of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Mentorship Program
Authors: Baumgartner Christopher M.
Published: November 2019

In the fall of 2016, leadership in the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OkMEA) recognized the need for a formal, music mentorship program for beginning educators. I provide a detailed description of how the mentorship co-chairs, president, immediate past president, and president-elect of OkMEA designed and implemented a statewide music teacher mentorship program. Interviews, documents, and participant survey responses highlighted the rationale for program creation as well as characteristics of program design, recruitment, and implementation that resulted in successes and challenges during the first year. Music teacher educators and music education leaders charged with designing MEA-sponsored mentorship programs in other states should carefully consider how they address participant recruitment, mentor preparation, communication with and among program participants, community-building among beginning teachers, and long-term funding needed for program sustainability.
“Humbled by Life”: Poetic Representations of Existential Pathways and Personal Life Philosophies Among Older Adults in Norway
Authors: Lehmann Olga V. , Brinkmann Svend
Published: November 2019

In this article, we support the use of poetic representations to study experiential and existential meaning-making. We do so by presenting five spoken-word poems, which we created out of the transcriptions of 14 in-depth interviews with Norwegian older adults, prior to their enrollment in a biographical writing course. The poetic representations which have been named by themes from the transcript are (a) Where love takes us, (b) Relax during catastrophes, (c) Learning to see humankind as one common humanity, (d) Listen inward, (e) Life is, indeed, too short. Each poetic representation condenses diverse meanings and perspectives about life. They also maintain the anonymity of participants, as the plurality of their voices becomes one within the stanzas. While presenting this creative form of qualitative inquiry and providing some methodological reflections, we also discuss the implications of this approach for the theoretical development of the notions of personal life philosophies and existential pathways in cultural psychology.
A second strain gradient damage model with a numerical implementation for quasi-brittle materials with micro-architectures
Authors: Nguyen Tuan HA , Niiranen Jarkko
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a quasi-brittle damage model for micro-architectural materials is presented within the framework of isogeometric analysis to exploit the high-order continuity of the non-uniform B-spline basis functions. The constitutive relation depends not only on the strain field, but also on their first and second strain gradient terms. The simplified second-gradient elasticity formulation from Mindlin’s theory is employed with corresponding micro-architecture-related length scales to capture the material nonlocality and size effects. The strain-based damage is modelled by a nonlocal independent field coupled to the displacement field. Influences of the two types of nonlocalities (manufactured micro-architectures and damage-induced micro-defects) on the response of structures, as well as the damage initiation and propagation, are analysed through numerical experiments. A formula to determine the micro-defect-related length scale from macroscopic measurements is proposed, boosting the accuracy and applicability of the model. In addition, relevant open problems and further developments of this damage model are discussed.
Age- and Sex-Specific Increases in Stimulant Prescribing Rates—California, 2008-2017
Authors: Tseregounis Iraklis Erik , Stewart Susan L. , Crawford Andrew , Marshall Brandon D. L. , Cerdá Magdalena , Shev Aaron B. , Henry Stephen G.
Published: November 2019

Objective: To describe trends in prevalent and incident stimulant prescribing between 2008 and 2017 in California. Method: Statewide trends were estimated by age and sex category for prevalent (any) and incident (no prescriptions in the preceding 2 years) stimulant prescribing while adjusting for area-level covariates. Results: Prevalent prescribing rates increased by 126%, while incident prescribing increased 23%. Patients aged 25 to 44 years experienced over 200% increases in prevalent prescribing and 34% to 55% increases in incident prescribing. Among patients older than 25, women had consistently higher prescribing rates than men. ZIP code tabulation areas with the largest minority populations had the lowest baseline prescribing rates but experienced the greatest annual prescription rate increases. Conclusion: Adult stimulant prescribing increased substantially for early working aged adults. Prescription rates were greater for women than men.
Building a Social Justice Narrative for Public Health
Authors: Wallack Lawrence
Published: November 2019

Public health is the place where science, policy, politics, and activism converge. Each public health issue is a snapshot where we can see the unfolding of the collective processes that define who we are, what we believe, and what we value as a society. Our professional strength is our commitment to community and social justice values, but we are challenged to effectively communicate these values in an individualistic, market-dominated society. It is this language of community, and the values it represents, that must be the core of the narrative animating a more just and healthier society. A public health perspective characterized by social justice argues that public health problems are primarily socially generated and can be predicted based on the level of injustice and inequality in a society. Thus, the solutions to such problems must be through progressive social and public health policies and are best understood as a collective responsibility shared across the various levels of society. When we can develop a narrative that effectively communicates the social justice values that are the foundation of this perspective, ours will be a society that better understands the meaning of public health and responds more appropriately to its challenges. We will then be collectively more effective in better translating our values into caring, and more effective, public policy. This will not be easy, but it will be necessary.
Assessment of treatment outcomes in hyperthyroid cats treated with an orally administered fixed dose of radioiodine
Authors: Yu Lucia , Lacorcia Lauren , Finch Sue , Johnstone Thurid
Published: November 2019

Objectives

The aims of this study were to describe the treatment outcomes following oral administration of a fixed dose (138 MBq; 3.7 mCi) of radioiodine in hyperthyroid cats and to examine the correlation between total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations before and after treatment.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study that documented the TT4 concentration and clinicopathological parameters at the time of diagnosis and after treatment. Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between TT4 concentrations before and after treatment. The difference in pre- and post-treatment variables between cats that had TT4 concentrations below or within the reference interval (RI) was compared by the Mann–Whitney U-test.

Results

Of 161 cats, 133 (82.6%) cats had TT4 concentrations within the RI, four (2.5%) cats had TT4 concentrations above the RI and 24 (14.9%) cats had TT4 concentrations below the RI after treatment. The severity of hyperthyroidism at diagnosis, as measured by the percentage of TT4 elevation above the upper limit of the RI, had no impact on the odds of cats having low TT4 concentrations after treatment (odds ratio 1.00; 95% confidence interval 0.96–1.05; P = 0.828).

Conclusions and relevance

When using an orally administered fixed dose of radioiodine for the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism, TT4 concentrations at diagnosis cannot be used to predict TT4 concentrations after treatment. The proportion of cats with TT4 concentrations below the lower limit of the RI after treatment was 14.9%. Further work is required to optimise oral radioiodine dosing to achieve maximal euthyroid outcomes.
Safety of Intra-articular Methotrexate Injection With and Without Electroporation for Inflammatory Small Joints in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Tada Masahiro , Inui Kentaro , Okano Tadashi , Mamoto Kenji , Koike Tatsuya , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: November 2019

The general disease activity of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well controlled by disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, but local inflammation often remains in a few small joints. Electroporation, making small pores in cell membranes, has proven useful for drug delivery. The safety of a combination therapy of methotrexate (MTX) and electroporation for local joint inflammation in RA was investigated in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, exploratory study (UMIN000016606). The patients were randomly allocated to groups receiving a combination of MTX and electroporation (True-EP) and MTX alone (False-EP) groups. The MTX solution was injected into finger joints under ultrasound guidance. The True-EP group underwent electroporation with MTX, and the False-EP group was given MTX but only pinched using the electrode. The ultrasound grade, disease activity, and safety were evaluated from baseline to 26 weeks. Five patients (3 True-EP and 2 False-EP) with a mean age of 57.4 years and disease duration of 10.2 years were enrolled. The grey-scale grade was unchanged in 3 cases (2 True-EP and 1 False-EP) and increased in 2 cases (1 True-EP and 1 False-EP). Disease activity was alleviated in 3 cases (2 True-EP and 1 False-EP). No patients experienced burned skin or electroshock. The combination therapy of electroporation and MTX was safe for RA patients.