bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using implementation science to build intimate partner violence screening and referral capacity in a fracture clinic
Authors: Velonis Alisa J. , O'Campo Patricia , Rodrigues Jessica J. , Buhariwala Pearl
Published: April 2019

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Over the past two decades, research informing good clinical practices related to intimate partner violence (IPV) has been plentiful, yet partner violence screening remains challenging to translate into action. In spite of the documented efficacy of routine screening for women of reproductive age and the availability of validated screening instruments, many IPV screening programmes lack the components necessary for success. In Toronto, a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians is using the tools of implementation science to scale up an evidence‐based IPV screening and response programme in an urban orthopaedic clinic where prior screening attempts have been ineffective.

Methods

Using the Active Implementation Framework as a guide, researchers collected data across multiple sources to inform the first stage of implementation. Analysis focused on identifying the characteristics of the clinic that support or hinder implementation of new processes, evidence‐based screening practices that fit with the clinic, and characteristics of a strong implementation team.

Results

Through this process, researchers and clinicians uncovered organizational strengths and weaknesses related to IPV screening that may not have been identified previously. The need to incorporate technology into our screening processes became apparent, as did the importance of shared communication and colearning between clinicians and researchers.

Conclusions

The benefits of investing in the preparatory phases of implementation are discussed. Without undertaking the process of gathering and analysing data, examining the factors that support effective and sustainable implementation, and investing in the creation of a strong implementation team, it is likely that decisions about our screening approaches would have resulted in a less‐effective and sustainable process.
Comprehensive study of intrinsic viscosity, steady and oscillatory shear rheology of Barhang seed hydrocolloid in aqueous dispersions
Authors: Niknam Rasoul , Ghanbarzadeh Babak , Ayaseh Ali , Adun Perihan
Published: April 2019

Barhang seed (Plantago major seed [PMS]) is rich of gum and can be potentially used as a new hydrocolloid in foodstuffs for different purposes. Rheological behaviors of hydrocolloids are the most important features of them in food applications. For this reason, the different rheological behaviors of the PMS gum in aqueous solutions were determined. The PMS gum solutions showed shear thinning and thixotropic behaviors depend on concentrations. The resulted data from steady shear flow tests demonstrated that the stress–shear rate, apparent viscosity–shear rate, and stress–time data were well fitted in Herschel–Bulkley, Carraeu, and Figuni–Shoemaker models with high R2 and lower RMSE values. In strain and frequency sweep experiments, the PMS solutions with 0.1 and 0.5% wt/vol concentration indicated viscous‐like behavior which related to lack of strong interactions in the structure however, the samples with 1 and 2% wt/vol showed gel‐like behavior which was attributed to more stable interactions between polysaccharide chains. Intrinsic viscosity of this hydrocolloid was in the range of 19.211–19.683 dL/g, which indicates random coil structure of PMS gum in solution.

Practical applications

The most important functional property of hydrocolloids is thickening features, which are related to their ability in enhancing of viscosity and formation of gel structure at relatively low concentration. Thickening and viscoelastic properties of hydrocolloids have critical role in consumer acceptance and stability of different food products such as fruit juices, sauces, ready jells, and desserts. Hence, identification and determination of properties of new food hydrocolloids are interested in food industries.
Contextual Relational Uncertainty Model: Understanding Ambiguity in a Changing Sociopolitical Context of Marriage
Authors: Monk J. Kale , Ogolsky Brian G.
Published: April 2019

Uncertainty about the future of a close relationship is important to consider given the association between relational uncertainty and well‐being. These concerns and questions are likely compounded by accelerated rates of societal change that are rife with ambiguity, which could erode relational confidence, especially for those in marginalized unions. Despite the importance of the sociopolitical environment, there is limited insight into how this context might shape various forms of uncertainty. Thus, we propose an integrative framework, the contextual relational uncertainty model, to understand the intersection of contextual ambiguity and relational uncertainty during times of change for individuals in marginalized relationships. As an exemplar of sociopolitical transitions, we describe the changes related to same‐sex marriage in the 21st century to illustrate the utility and initial explication of the model. We describe suggestions for future research and clinical implications of exploring sociopolitical uncertainty, as well as its antecedents and consequences.
Life cycle assessment of recirculating aquaculture systems: A case of Atlantic salmon farming in China
Authors: Song Xingqiang , Liu Ying , Pettersen Johan Berg , Brandão Miguel , Ma Xiaona , Røberg Stian , Frostell Björn
Published: April 2019

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) are an alternative technology to tackle the major environmental challenges associated with conventional cage culture systems. In order to systematically assess the environmental performance of RAS farming, it is important to take the whole life cycle into account so as to avoid ad hoc and suboptimal environmental measures. So far, the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) in aquaculture, especially to indoor RAS, is still in progress. This study reports on an LCA of Atlantic salmon harvested at an indoor RAS farm in northern China. Results showed that 1 tonne live‐weight salmon production required 7,509 kWh farm‐level electricity and generated 16.7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (eq), 106 kg of SO2 eq, 2.4 kg of P eq, and 108 kg of N eq (cradle‐to‐farm gate). In particular, farm‐level electricity use and feed product were identified as primary contributors to eight of nine impact categories assessed (54–95% in total), except the potential marine eutrophication (MEU) impact (dominated by the grow‐out effluents). Among feed ingredients (on a dry‐weight basis), chicken meal (5%) and krill meal (8%) dominated six and three, respectively, of the nine impact categories. Suggested environmental improvement measures for this indoor RAS farm included optimization of stocking density, feeding management, grow‐out effluent treatment, substitution of feed ingredients, and selection of electricity generation sources. In a generic context, this study can contribute to a better understanding of the life cycle environmental impacts of land‐based salmon RAS operations, as well as science‐based communication among stakeholders on more eco‐friendly farmed salmon.
Using spatially explicit commodity flow and truck activity data to map urban material flows
Authors: Yeow Lih Wei , Cheah Lynette
Published: April 2019

To analyze and promote resource efficiency in urban areas, it is important to characterize urban metabolism and particularly, material flows. Material flow analysis (MFA) offers a means to capture the dynamism of cities and their activities. Urban‐scale MFAs have been conducted in many cities, usually employing variants of the Eurostat methodology. However, current methodologies generally reduce the study area into a “black box,” masking details of the complex processes within the city's metabolism. Therefore, besides the aggregated stocks and flows of materials, the movement of materials—often embedded in goods or commodities—should also be highlighted. Understanding the movement and dispersion of goods and commodities can allow for more detailed analysis of material flows. We highlight the potential benefits of using high‐resolution urban commodity flows in the context of understanding material resource use and opportunities for conservation. Through the use of geographic information systems and visualizations, we analyze two spatially explicit datasets: (1) commodity flow data in the United States, and (2) Global Positioning System‐based commercial vehicle (truck) driver activity data in Singapore. In the age of “big data,” we bring advancements in freight data collection to the field of urban metabolism, uncovering the secondary sourcing of materials that would otherwise have been masked in typical MFA studies. This brings us closer to a consumption‐based, finer‐resolution approach to MFA, which more effectively captures human activities and its impact on urban environments.
Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus leukoderma treated with melanocyte‐keratinocyte transplantation procedure
Authors: Abdo Aguiar Lara Silveira , Rossini Rita de Cássia , Mesquita Lismary Aparecida de Forville , Dellatorre Gerson
Published: April 2019

Depigmented lesions may occur as postinflammatory sequelae of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), leading to great psychosocial impact. A 53‐year‐old male patient presented with post‐SCLE depigmented facial lesions after five years of disease stability. We proposed surgical treatment with melanocyte‐keratinocyte transplantation procedure (MKTP), and after five months the patient achieved 90% repigmentation, without Koebner phenomenon (KP). In theory, KP is a possible complication of MKTP procedure since the preparation of the receptor area involves the use of dermabrasion. In an attempt to avoid it, we suggest to maintain the treatment of the underlying disease and wait for a minimum period of disease stability before the procedure.
No impact of treated hyperprolactinemia on cumulative live birth rate and perinatal outcomes in in vitro fertilization‐embryo transfer
Authors: Duan Yuwei , Liu Xinyan , Hou Wenhui , Deng Mingfen , Gao Jun , Zhou Canquan , Xu Yanwen
Published: April 2019

Aim

To investigate whether treated hyperprolactinemia has an impact on pregnancy outcomes in in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection‐embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI‐ET).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 535 women who underwent IVF/ICSI‐ET between January 2012 and December 2016, of which 123 had treated hyperprolactinemia (case group), 369 were matched controls. Besides, 43 remained hyperprolactinemic after treatment consisted of abnormal group. Cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) after one oocyte retrieval cycle was taken as the primary outcome. A time‐to‐event analysis using Fine and Gray's test was used to compare CLBR between case and control groups.

Results

The median prolactin level was 80.00 ng/mL before dopamine agonist treatment in case group, and it reduced to 14.80 ng/mL after the treatment, similar to the level of control group (15.17 ng/mL, P = 0.316). No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between case and control groups. The CLBR after one oocyte retrieval cycle were 69.1% (85/123) and 66.4% (245/369) in the case group and control group, respectively (P = 0.580). No significant differences were found between case and control groups in perinatal outcomes. Pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of abnormal group were similar to those of case and control groups.

Conclusion

Impact of treated hyperprolactinemia on CLBR and perinatal outcomes in IVF‐ET was not evident.
The ratio of cavum septi pellucidi width to anteroposterior cerebellar diameter: A novel index as a diagnostic adjunct for prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 18
Authors: He Miao , Du Liu , Xie Hongning , Lei Ting , Zheng Qiao , Wu Lihong
Published: April 2019

Aim

To explore the effectiveness of cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) width to anteroposterior cerebellar diameter (APCD) ratio as a diagnostic adjunct for prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 18.

Methods

Images of normal fetal brain within 15 and 35 weeks were stored in our center from 2016 to 2017. Images of aneuploid fetuses were retrospectively collected from 2004 to 2017. The transverse cerebellar diameter, APCD and CSP width were measured. CSP/APCD and APCD/transverse cerebellar diameter ratios were calculated and compared between euploid and aneuploid fetuses.

Results

One thousand and forty one fetuses were analyzed, including 817 euploid fetuses and 224 aneuploid fetuses (trisomy 21 117 cases, trisomy 18 82 cases, trisomy 13 9 cases, sex‐linked 16 cases). No correlation had been found between both ratios and gestational weeks (P > 0.05). In aneuploid groups, means of ratios were both significantly different just between trisomy 18 group and euploid group (P < 0.05). The best area under the curve was shown by the CSP/APCD ratio. The cutoff value of CSP/APCD was 0.46 (sensitivity 87.0%, specificity 85.0%).

Conclusion

A wide CSP or cerebellar hypoplasia warrants a more detailed ultrasound screening and genetic counseling. A larger CSP/APCD ratio alerts us to trisomy 18 syndrome, especially in cases with subtle anomalies.
Identifying Indicators of Readiness and Capacity for Implementing Farm‐to‐School Interventions
Authors: Lee Eunlye , Smathers Carol , Zubieta Ana C. , Ginnetti Sarah , Shah Anjli , Freedman Darcy A.
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Farm‐to‐school interventions are recommended strategies to improve dietary behaviors among school‐aged children. Tools are needed to assess community readiness and capacity to optimize farm‐to‐school implementation. The objective of this study was to identify and prioritize factors to inform tailored farm‐to‐school implementation by practitioners working in diverse contexts.

METHODS

Practitioners and community residents (N = 194) participated in semistructured interviews (N = 18) and focus groups (N = 23). Thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes and subthemes influencing farm‐to‐school implementation. The subthemes were operationalized into measureable indicators. The themes and their associated indicators were prioritized through a consensus conference with an expert panel (N = 18).

RESULTS

The qualitative data analysis and consensus conference yielded 4 themes and 17 indicators associated with community readiness and capacity to implement farm‐to‐school. The themes represent school capacity, networks and relationships, organizational and practitioner capacity, and community resources and motivations.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight a range of indicators of community readiness and capacity needed to support farm‐to‐school implementation. Results offer guidance for tailoring intervention delivery based on levels of community, school, practitioner, and organizational readiness and capacity.
Use of rating scales versus check‐all‐that‐apply ballots in quantifying strain‐specific Cannabis aroma
Authors: Gilbert Avery N. , DiVerdi Joseph A.
Published: April 2019

Previous research using a check‐all‐that‐apply (CATA) method to describe the strain‐specific aroma of dried Cannabis flower revealed two major clusters, one characterized as woody, earthy, herbal and the other as citrus, lemon, sweet, and pungent. In this study, participants rated 10 strains (including seven strains not previously tested) using numeric rating scales and a slightly smaller set of odor descriptors. The results confirm the two major scent clusters, and indicate a possible intermediate cluster differentiated by a skunk note. We observed systematic variation in the use of descriptors and rating scales: evaluators who used more odor descriptors tended to assign higher scale ratings. Nevertheless, the CATA and rating scale methods yielded similar results.

Practical applications

The use of quantitative rating scales to characterize Cannabis aroma produces results similar to those obtained via CATA evaluation, but at the potential cost of increased test session time and perceived effort on the part of panelists. Given the large number of strains awaiting quantitative sensory assessment, the speedier CATA approach seems preferable for establishing strain‐specific aroma profiles and for mapping features of the Cannabis olfactory space. A reduced set of 40 descriptors is adequate to specify cannabis aroma; skunk and diesel are confirmed as valid descriptors.
Dynamic changes in electroencephalogram spectral power with varying apnea duration in older adults
Authors: Uddin Md B. , Su Steven W. , Chen Wenhui , Chow Chin Moi
Published: April 2019

Sleep apnea elicits brain and physiological changes and its duration varies across the night. This study investigates the changes in the relative powers in electroencephalogram (EEG) frequency bands before and at apnea termination and as a function of apnea duration. The analysis was performed on 30 sleep records (375 apnea events) of older adults diagnosed with sleep apnea. Power spectral analysis centered on two 10‐s EEG epochs, before apnea termination (BAT) and after apnea termination (AAT), for each apnea event. The relative power changes in EEG frequency bands were compared with changes in apnea duration, defined as Short (between 10 and 20 s), Moderate (between 20 and 30 s) and Long (between 30 and 40 s). A significant reduction in EEG relative powers for lower frequency bands of alpha and sigma were observed for the Long compared to the Moderate and Short apnea duration groups at BAT, and reduction in relative theta, alpha and sigma powers for the Long compared to the Moderate and Short groups at AAT. The proportion of apnea events showed a significantly decreased trend with increased apnea duration for non‐rapid eye movement sleep but not rapid eye movement sleep. The proportion of central apnea events decreased with increased apnea duration, but not obstructive episodes. The findings suggest EEG arousal occurred both before and at apnea termination and these transient arousals were associated with a reduction in relative EEG powers of the low‐frequency bands: theta, alpha and sigma. The clinical implication is that these transient EEG arousals, without awakenings, are protective of sleep. Further studies with large datasets and different age groups are recommended.
Pharmacokinetics of imidocarb dipropionate in white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) after single intramuscular administration
Authors: Milnes Ellie L. , Delnatte Pauline , Woodbury Murray , Hering Adam , Lee Sam , Smith Dale A. , Nemeth Nicole M. , Gu Yu , Gehring Ronette , Johnson Ron
Published: April 2019

This study was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetics of imidocarb, a carbanilide derivative, in white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). The pharmacokinetic properties of a single intramuscular (IM) dose of imidocarb were determined in 10 deer. A single IM injection of 3.0 mg/kg imidocarb dipropionate was administered, and blood samples were collected prior to, and up to 48 hr after imidocarb administration. Plasma imidocarb concentrations were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. The disposition of plasma imidocarb was best characterized by a two‐compartment open model. The mean ± SE maximal imidocarb concentration in deer was 880.78 ± 81.12 ng/ml at 38.63 ± 5.30 min postinjection. The distribution phase had a half‐life (t1/2α) of 25.90 ± 10.21 min, and plasma imidocarb concentration declined with a terminal elimination half‐life (t1/2β) of 464.06 ± 104.08 min (7.73 ± 1.73 hr). Apparent volume of distribution based on the terminal phase (VZ/F) was 9.20 ± 2.70 L/kg, and apparent total body clearance (Cl/F) was 15.97 ± 1.28 ml min−1 kg−1.
Alterations in activated T‐cell cytokine expression in healthy dogs over the initial 7 days of twice daily dosing with oral cyclosporine
Authors: Riggs Caitlin , Narayanan Lakshmi , Mulligan Charlee , Wills Robert , Mackin Andrew , Fellman Claire , Thomason John , Archer Todd
Published: April 2019

Cyclosporine is a powerful T‐cell inhibitor used in the treatment of immune‐mediated and inflammatory diseases in the dog. There is limited information on how to best monitor patients on cyclosporine therapy. Currently, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assays are available. Pharmacokinetic assays that measure the concentration of cyclosporine in the blood are used to assess if an appropriate drug concentration has been achieved; however, target blood drug concentrations have not been shown to reliably correlate with suppression of T‐cell function in the dog. In human transplant recipients, therapeutic drug monitoring has shifted to include pharmacodynamic‐based monitoring. Our laboratory has validated a RT‐qPCR assay to measure the pharmacodynamic effects of cyclosporine in the dog. In this study, activated T‐cell expression of IL‐2 and IFN‐γ was measured using RT‐qPCR daily for 7 consecutive days in 8 healthy Walker hounds receiving oral cyclosporine at a dosage of 10 mg/kg every 12 hr. Cytokine production was found to be markedly decreased within 24 hr after the initiation of cyclosporine and remained significantly decreased for the duration of the project. Based on these results, cyclosporine causes a rapid drop in T‐cell cytokine production that is sustained with continued dosing in healthy dogs. Although performed in healthy dogs, this study demonstrated a marked decrease in cytokine suppression within 24 hr of drug administration, suggesting that pharmacodynamic monitoring of cyclosporine's effects on T cells could be considered within several days of commencing therapy in dogs suffering from life‐threatening immune‐mediated disorders.
The reliability of cutaneous low‐frequency oscillations in young healthy males
Authors: Hodges Gary J. , Mallette Matthew M. , Cheung Stephen S.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Spectral analyses of laser‐Doppler flowmetry measures enable a simple and non‐invasive method to investigate mechanisms regulating skin blood flow. We assessed within‐day and day‐to‐day variability of cutaneous spectral analyses.

Methods

Eleven young, healthy males were tested twice in three identical sessions, with 19 to 24 days between visits, for a total of six tests. Wavelet data were analyzed at rest, in response to local skin heating to 42 and 44°C, and during 5‐minutes PORH. We did this for six frequency bands commonly associated with physiological functions. To assess reliability, we calculated CV and ICC scores.

Results

At rest, mean CV for the wavelet data ranged from 21% to 24% and ICC scores ranged from 0.67 to 0.91. During local heating, mean CV scores ranged from 17% to 22% and mean ICC scores ranged from 0.71 to 0.95. For peak PORH, CV ranged from 14% to 23% and the ICC range was 0.88 to 0.97. For the area under the curve of the PORH, CV range was 12% to 21% and ICC range was 0.81 to 0.92.

Conclusions

These analyses indicate good‐to‐excellent reliability of the wavelet data in healthy young males.
Desacralizing Political Theology: Dionysius the Areopagite and Giorgio Agamben
Authors: Newheiser David
Published: April 2019

Giorgio Agamben argues that Christian thought provides the paradigm of modern governmental power, which reinforces mundane government by investing it with glory. Agamben claims that Dionysius the Areopagite exemplifies this structure; in his view, Dionysian negative theology serves to sacralize ecclesiastical power. In response, I argue that Dionysius desacralizes every authority, affirming that some things are sacred even as he subjects that affirmation to thoroughgoing critique. Against both dogmatic adherence and pure profanation, Dionysius models a politics that draws on the power of the sacred while holding it open to unpredictable development.
Skill mix change between physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses in nursing homes: A qualitative study
Authors: Lovink Marleen H. , van Vught Anneke (J.A.H.) , Persoon Anke , Koopmans Raymond T.C.M. , Laurant Miranda G.H. , Schoonhoven Lisette
Published: April 2019

Nursing home physicians face heavy workloads, because of the aging population and rising number of older adults with one or more chronic diseases. Skill mix change, in which professionals perform tasks previously reserved for physicians independently or under supervision, could be an answer to this challenge. The aim of this study was to describe how skill mix change in nursing homes is organized from four monodisciplinary perspectives and the interdisciplinary perspective, what influences it, and what its effects are. The study focused particularly on skill mix change through the substitution of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, or registered nurses for nursing home physicians. Five focus group interviews were conducted in the Netherlands. Variation in tasks and responsibilities was found. Despite this variation, stakeholders reported increased quality of health care, patient centeredness, and support for care teams. A clear vision on skill mix change, acceptance of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered nurses, and a reduction of legal insecurity are needed that might maximize the added value of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered nurses.
Incidence of Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Hemophilia Undergoing Hip and Knee Joint Replacement without Chemoprophylaxis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Peng Hui‐ming , Wang Long‐chao , Zhai Ji‐liang , Jiang Chao , Weng Xi‐sheng , Feng Bin , Gao Na
Published: April 2019

Objective

To establish the prevalence of clinically significant venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in hemophilia patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without chemoprophylaxis and a modified coagulation factor substitution.

Methods

A cohort of patients who underwent THA and TKA from June 2002 to April 2017 were included. Based on World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) guidelines, a modified coagulation factor substitution regimen was adopted. All patients were under a standardized postoperative protocol with routine mechanical prophylaxis against VTE. None of the patients received prophylactic anticoagulation. Only symptomatic patients were referred for radiological examination to exclude VTE. We evaluated the patient demographics and calculated the prevalence of VTE in our cohort.

Results

A total of 98 patients were reviewed. The patients were all men. Thirty‐one patients underwent primary THA with 39 hip arthroplasties (only 1 case with hemophilia B) and 67 patients underwent primary TKA with 101 knee arthroplasties (5 cases with hemophilia B). The mean age was 34.2 ± 7.8 years. The mean body mass index was 21.2 ± 5.7 kg/m2. There was 100% compliance to mechanical prophylaxis. The mean time to ambulation was 6.8 days (±2.5 days), and the mean hospital stay was 32.4 days (±7.1 days). There was only 1 hemophilia B patient with clinically significant VTE. None of the other 97 surgical cases had symptomatic VTE within 6 months after the procedure. This translates to a prevalence of 1.02%.

Conclusion

Given the low incidence (1.02%) of clinically significant VTE in our cohort, routine chemoprophylaxis in hemophilia patients undergoing THA and TKA may not be needed.
Regulating lobbying through voluntary transparency clubs: The connoisseurs’ assessment. Evidence from the European Union
Authors: Bunea Adriana , Gross Vlad
Published: April 2019

Regulating private actors’ participation in policy‐making is key to democratic governance. Across political systems, targeted transparency is used to regulate lobbying activities. We examine the extent to which primary regulatory targets (organizations with frequent access to policy‐makers) support the architecture of lobbying regulation regimes set up as voluntary transparency clubs. Our empirical testing ground is the European Union. We conceptualize the EU Transparency Register as a Voluntary Transparency Club, elaborate on its club goods, and derive a set of theoretical expectations about its members’ evaluations of the club's transparency standards, membership size, and monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. We find significant differences between members’ and non‐members’ assessment regarding the regulatory performance of this transparency club. Members with frequent access to executive policy‐makers criticize the club's transparency standards and do not consider the Register a useful regulatory instrument. Yet, they support expanding its regulatory remit and increasing the club membership.
Psychotherapy for the 21st century: An integrative, evolutionary, contextual, biopsychosocial approach
Authors: Gilbert Paul
Published: April 2019

Fragmentation of processes and interventions plague the psychotherapies (Gilbert & Kirby,). Part of the problem is that we have not agreed on a framework that could be the basis for integrating knowledge and the scientific enquiry of processes and interventions. This paper outlines an approach that brings together a variety of different disciplines in the service of consilience (Wilson,, Consilience: The unity of knowledge, Vintage, New York, NY; Siegel,). It presents the importance of an evolutionary framework for understanding the proclivities and dispositions for mental suffering and antisocial behaviour, and how they are choreographed in different sociodevelopmental contexts. Building on earlier models (Gilbert,, Human nature and suffering, Routledge, London, UK; Gilbert,, Clin. Psychol. Psychother., 2, 135; Gilbert,, Br. J. Med. Psychol., 71, 353; Gilbert,, Case formulation in cognitive behaviour therapy: The treatment of challenging cases, Wiley, Chichester, UK, pp. 50–89) the call is for anintegrative, evolutionary, contextual, biopsychosocial approachto psychology and psychotherapy.

Practitioner points

Evolutionary functional analysis is part of an evolutionary, contextual, biopsychosocial approach to mental health that can serve as a scientific platform for the future developments of psychotherapy.

Therapist skills and training will increasing need to focus on the multidimensional textures of mental states especially the context‐social‐body linkages.

Therapies of the future will also focus more on the moral aspects of therapy and address the need to promote prosocial and ethical behaviour to self and others.
The experience of combined and sequential liver and kidney transplantation from a single living donor in patients with primary hyperoxaluria type 1
Authors: Ozer Ali , Aktas Hikmet , Bulum Burcu , Emiroglu Remzi
Published: April 2019

LKT is the only effective treatment for PH1 because it replaces both the source (liver) and the target (kidney) of the disease. Most studies report on LKT in patients with PH1 from deceased donors. This study reports on five patients who underwent LKT from a single living  donor between April 2017 and March 2018. Combined LKT was performed for 1 patient and sequential LKT for the remainder. The median age of the patients at the time of diagnosis and transplantation was 5.5 (0.3‐18) and 10 (6‐21) years, respectively. All patients received left lateral liver segment transplantation, except one patient who received right liver lobe transplantation. No liver graft loss was observed, and liver function tests were stable at the final evaluation of all patients. Renal function tests of the patients were also stable at the final assessment, except for the young adult patient. None of the patients suffered from acute rejection. One patient died at the second month following liver transplantation due to severe pneumonia and sepsis. This study concludes that combined or sequential LKT from a single living donor can be safely performed and provides encouraging results for even the youngest and smallest patients with PH1.
An investigation of different types of eyewear and face shields in protecting patients and operators from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Britton Jason , Eadie Ewan , Turner David
Published: April 2019

Background

Phototherapy and photochemotherapy are commonly used treatment modalities for a range of chronic skin conditions. Whilst undergoing ultraviolet radiation exposure, patients can wear personal protective equipment. Face shields in combination with other forms of skin cover may be worn to provide both skin and eye protection. There are a number of different types of eyewear and face shields available for purchase. Some of these have clear identifications that show the levels of protection provided whilst others may not have any.

Methods

A series of similar experiments has been undertaken independently at two phototherapy treatment centres—Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds and Ninewells Hospital, Dundee—to investigate the effectiveness of different face shields and eye protection that are available for purchase in the United Kingdom (UK). Two similar examples of one face shield were tested at both centres, and another was transferred between the units.

Results

Not all examples of the face shields and protective eyewear provided the wearer full protection between 300 nanometres and 400 nanometres (nm). Cost and conformance to different standards was not always a good indicator. Some inexpensive examples tested also met British Association of Dermatology protective sunglasses guidelines.

Conclusions

It is incumbent on all centres to check the properties of protective face shields and eyewear provided to patients and operators to guard against the effects from ultraviolet radiation. There is no correlation between price of the protective equipment and level of protection offered, and there may be opportunity for cost savings.
Education stock and its implication for income inequality: The case of Asian economies
Authors: Arshed Noman , Anwar Awais , Hassan Muhammad Shahid , Bukhari Samra
Published: April 2019

This study develops a quadratic relationship between education and income inequality among Asian developing economies for the period from 1960 to 2015. Panel cointegration and fully modified OLS is applied for the estimation of long‐run coefficients. The results show that initial, primary, secondary, and tertiary enrollment increases inequality. However, the effect of education on income inequality becomes negative after a certain threshold level (i.e., 97.5% for primary, 43.5% for secondary, and 11% for tertiary). Thus, this result proves the Kuznets phenomenon of an inverted U‐shape relationship for primary, secondary, and tertiary enrollments.
Non‐discriminatory Trade Policies in Panel Structural Gravity Models: Evidence from Monte Carlo Simulations
Authors: Sellner Richard
Published: April 2019

This paper provides Monte Carlo (MC) simulation evidence on the performance of methods used for identifying the effects of nondiscriminatory trade policy (NDTP) variables in panel structural gravity models. The benchmarked methods include a fixed effect (FE) estimator that utilizes data on intra national trade flows, the bonus‐vetus (BV) and the two‐stage fixed effect (FE‐2S) estimator. The results indicate that only the FE estimates are unbiased and consistent under very general assumptions of the data generating process. The favourable asymptotic properties of the FE estimator unfold as the number of period T increases.
Non-parametric Overdose Control for Dose Finding in Drug Combination Trials
Authors: Lam Chi Kin , Lin Ruitao , Yin Guosheng
Published: April 2019

With the emergence of novel targeted anticancer agents, drug combinations have been recognized as cutting edge development in oncology. However, limited attention has been paid to overdose control in the existing drug combination dose finding methods which simultaneously find a set of maximum tolerated dose (MTD) combinations. To enhance patient safety, we develop the multiple-agent non-parametric overdose control (MANOC) design for identifying the MTD combination in phase I drug combination trials. By minimizing an asymmetric loss function, we control the probability of overdosing in a local region of the current dose combination. We further extend the MANOC design to identify the MTD contour by conducting a sequence of single-agent subtrials with the dose level of one agent fixed. Simulation studies are conducted to investigate the performance of the designs proposed. Although the MANOC design can prevent patients from being allocated to overtoxic dose levels, its accuracy and efficiency in dose finding remain competitive with existing methods. As an illustration, the MANOC design is applied to a phase I clinical trial for identifying the MTD combinations of buparlisib and trametinib.
Universal basic income: A viable policy alternative?
Authors: Ciaian Pavel , Ivanov Andrey , Kancs d'Artis
Published: April 2019

Although the need for an efficient Roma integration policy is growing in Europe, surprisingly little robust scientific evidence regarding potential policy costs and expected benefits of alternative policy options has supported the policy design and implementation so far. The present study attempts to narrow this evidence gap and aims to shed light on long‐run economic, budgetary and fiscal effects of selected education and employment policies for the inclusion of the marginalised Roma in the EU. We employ a general equilibrium approach that allows us to assess not only the direct impact of alternative Roma integration policies but also to capture all induced feedback effects. Our simulation results suggest that although Roma integration policies would be costly for the public budget, in the medium‐to‐long run, economic, budgetary and fiscal benefits may significantly outweigh short‐ to medium‐run Roma integration costs. Depending on the integration policy scenario and the analysed country, the full repayment of the integration policy investment (positive net present value) may be achieved after 7 to 9 years. In terms of the GDP, employment and earnings, the universal basic income scenario may have the highest potential impacts, particularly in the medium‐to‐long run.
FRAMEWORK FOR ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF RURAL AREAS IN MALAYSIA: A TERRITORIAL APPROACH
Authors: Rashid Mohamad Fadhli , Ngah Ibrahim , Misnan Siti Hajar
Published: April 2019

Rural, poor and marginalized community often face many challenges in achieving economic equality and attaining socio-economic sustainability, especially among rural communities who have limited sources of income. Although it involves complex issues, it cannot be disregarded. Rural areas and its communities are important aspects of a country’s political and economic stability. In countries with emerging and developing economies such as Malaysia, rural populations constitute the majority of citizens. They are generally poorer and more disadvantaged than their urban counterparts. The study determines the factors for the differences in economic performance of the rural areas in Malaysia. The study also provides the framework to revitalize rural areas and the methods to use this framework that measure rural economic performance. Several methods were used to collect the information from rural communities using in-depth interview and structured survey. These two methods are important for this research in order to understand how the rural areas and its communities faced situation of growth or decline. By using this framework, the analysis of differentiation of economic performance provides understanding on how variation of factor influencing economic performance in rural areas and direct measures should be implemented in solving issues of rural decline.
ASSESSING PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS PUBLIC BUS SERVICE AMONG THE CAR USERS IN ISKANDAR MALAYSIA
Authors: Pung Jia Chyi , Mokhtar Safizahanin
Published: April 2019

Encouraging car users to bus use has been a central topic to control the deteriorating traffic condition. In this light, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) has deployed extensive investments in order to improve public bus service on its connectivity, service time and etc. Nevertheless, low bus ridership remains and car use is the main contributor of vehicular activity. Under this premise, various scholars have highlighted distorted perceptions towards bus use as a barrier to promote modal shift from car to bus use. An empirical study is necessary to examine the factors that shape distorted perceptions towards bus use among the car users in Iskandar Malaysia. Therefore, this research aims to assessing perceptions towards public bus service among the car users in Iskandar Malaysia. In order to assess car users’ perceptions, online questionnaire survey was conducted with sample size of 102. Car users who reside in residential neighbourhoods within 910 meters radius and nearby bus stops along Trans Iskandar BeXTRA Route BET3 were targeted as key respondents. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) is utilized in order to identify significant perceived variables that influence bus use among the car users. Results from GLM show the significant perceived variables in relation to bus use are twofold: affective i.e. safety (from crimes) and instrumental i.e. bus network, costs and bus stop facilities. Results of this research prove that perceptions in relation to instrumental and affective variables are influential to promote modal shift from car to bus use. Therefore, understanding car users’ perceptions may assist in modal shift to bus use.
INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION, SECOND HOME PROGRAMMES DEVELOPMENT AND MALAYSIA EXPERIENCE
Authors: Khan Mohd Jamsyeer , Misnan Siti Hajar , Ismail Hairul Nizam
Published: April 2019

Second homes primarily used for leisure and recreation, which located away from the city. The scenario changed over the years as there are a lot of programmes, namely second home or international migration programmes around the world that promote and attract the foreigners, not only to live in other countries but also giving the opportunities to invest in the reporting economy. Therefore, the objectives of international migration have covered from labour (work), recreation and labour, retirement and investment to date. However, previous literature which has studied second home programmes does not give overview of the programmes elsewhere, rather than focusing on programme individually. In Malaysia context, Malaysian government has introduced Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, an international residency scheme that allows the foreigners to live in Malaysia on a long stay up to 10 years. These does not exclude other countries to do so, as in Indonesia, Thailand, Malta, Spain, Portugal and Philippines. Thus, the aim of this paper is to review comprehensively on the development of second homes and second home programmes, to study the pattern behind the evolution, including lessons from Malaysia experience. This paper explains range of historical developments of second homes and second home programmes, in relation of international differences in practice, and the connection with Malaysia experience, MM2H programme. Although this paper will not provide in depth contribution on institutional theory, however it provides an important foundation for further theoretical development, which also offers useful review for case studies of practice.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE QUALITY OF PROPERTY VALUATION REPORT IN KADUNA METROPOLIS, NIGERIA
Authors: Aliyu Bilkisu Adamu , Hassan Muhammad , Sipan Ibrahim
Published: April 2019

The study examines the quality of valuation reports in Kaduna metropolis with a view to examining their satisfaction level and thus improving on the quality of the valuers’ reports. The survey method employs the use of self-administered questionnaire coupled with interview to obtain the relevant data. A total of 15 Banks and 20 estate surveying and valuation firms were studied. Data collected were analyzed using tables and relative importance index. The result of the examination of 18 valuers’ reports in comparison with the standard expected shows that valuers’ reports were meeting the standard. The result also showed 53.3% of the banks are at least satisfied with overall contents of their valuation reports. However, the examination of clients’ needs revealed that they would prefer to see more details on the reports. The result shows that “clients demand more information on the larger property market and valuation calculation to convince them on how the valuers arrived at the value; a portion stating the complexity of the market and the position of the property in the market; more emphases on the analytical aspects of the valuation and the estate surveyors and valuers should state how certain they are about the valuation figures”. The study concluded that there should be greater understanding between the clients and estate surveyors with respect to the needs of the clients in the area of valuation reports as well as greater understanding of the limitation of the value figure.
An Efficient and Authentication Signcryption Scheme Based on Elliptic Curves
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Gupta Pratik
Published: April 2019

Signcryption schemes are compact and specially suited for efficiency-critical applications such as smart card dependent systems. Several researchers have performed a large number of significant applications of signcryption such as authenticated key recovery and key establishment in one mall data packet, secure ATM networks as well as light weight electronic transaction protocols and multi-casting over the internet. In this paper we have proposed an efficient and efficient scheme of signcryption symmetric key solutions, using elliptic curves by reducing senders computational cost. It needs two elliptic curve point multiplication for sender and comparative study of computational cost for sender and recipient as well as there is no any inverse computation for sender and recipient. This makes it more crucial than others.
Modified Cramer’s Rule and its Application to Solve Linear Systems in WZ Factorization
Authors: Babarinsa Olayiwola , Kamarulhaili Hailiza
Published: April 2019

The proposed modified methods of Cramer's rule consider the column vector as well as the coefficient matrix concurrently in the linear system. The modified methods can be applied since Cramer's rule is typically known for solving the linear systems in $WZ$ factorization to yield Z-matrix. Then, we presented our results to show that there is no tangible difference in performance time between Cramer's rule and the modified methods in the factorization from improved versions of MATLAB. Additionally, the Frobenius norm of the modified methods in the factorization is better than using Cramer's rule irrespective of the version of MATLAB used.
The Wiener and Zagreb Indices of Conjugacy Class Graph of the Dihedral Groups
Authors: Alimon Nur Idayu , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Erfanian Ahmad
Published: April 2019

Topological indices are numerical values that can be analysed to predict the chemical properties of the molecular structure and the topological indices are computed for a graph related to groups. Meanwhile, the conjugacy class graph of  is defined as a graph with a vertex set represented by the non-central conjugacy classes of . Two distinct vertices are connected if they have a common prime divisor. The main objective of this article is to find various topological indices including the Wiener index, the first Zagreb index and the second Zagreb index for the conjugacy class graph of dihedral groups of order  where the dihedral group is the group of symmetries of regular polygon, which includes rotations and reflections. Many topological indices have been determined for simple and connected graphs in general but not graphs related to groups.  In this article, the Wiener index and Zagreb index of conjugacy class graph of dihedral groups are generalized.