bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scanning Electron Microscopy of Trypsin-Treated Enamel from Fluorosed Rat Molars
Authors: Kardos T.B. , Hunter A.R. , Hubbard M.J.
Published: January 2017

Fluoride-induced pitting and porosity of teeth have long been observed, but little progress has been made in determining their origin. We have observed, in the trypsin-treated surfaces of enamel, pits that disappear on completion of maturation, following the removal of the protein matrix and full mineralization. Since these pits were considered to be similar to those seen in fluorotic teeth, this scanning electron microscope (SEM) study was undertaken to determine the effect of fluoride on these transient developmental pits during enamel matrix maturation. A group of 20 eight-day-old rats was given daily intraperitoneal injections of NaF (20 mg/kg [9 mg F-/kg] body weight) for five days. Twenty control animals received intraperitoneal injections of isotonic saline. Maxillary and mandibular molars were dissected from the 13-day-old animals, washed in HEPES buffered (Ca2+/Mg2+) free basal medium, Eagle's (BME), incubated in 3% trypsin/BME for 5-10 min at room temperature, then indirectly sonicated in BME for 2-4 min. Clean crowns were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde for three hr, dehydrated, critical-point-dried, and sputter-coated for SEM. Pits in the surfaces of developing enamel were observed in all groups. In control teeth, the pitting was restricted to the cervical margin, whereas in teeth from the fluoride-treated animals, pits were observed on some cuspal surfaces in addition to the cervical margin. These results confirmed that pits in trypsin-treated surfaces of developing enamel are a transient developmental event and showed that, in the presence of a high dose of fluoride, the maturation of enamel is modified with retention of the pits.
Ectopic Tooth Enamel. An SEM Study of the Structure of Enamel in Enamel Pearls
Authors: Risnes S.
Published: January 2017

Eighteen human molars with enamel pearls ranging in diameter from 0.8 to 2.7 mm were sectioned, acid-etched, and processed for SEM observation. In addition to pearl enamel, the specimens contained crown enamel for comparison. All pearls were of the composite type. The enamel layer reached maximal thicknesses of between 0.3 and 0.7 mm opposite the tip of the dentinal cone. The enamel structure was normal, but more variable and irregular than crown enamel. The prism course was often irregular throughout the whole thickness of enamel. Distinct Hunter-Schreger bands were absent. Prisms and interprism were occasionally difficult to identify as separate entities. The packing of crystals seemed to be less tight in pearl enamel. The scarcity of Retzius lines was attributed to the method of preparation. Prism cross-striations with a periodicity ranging between 1.3 and 4.5 μm were frequently encountered. A superficial prism-free zone with a regular 1.7-2.5-μm striation was present in localized regions of many pearls. The formation time of a medium-sized pearl was calculated to be about 11.5 months. A variety of cross-cut prism configurations was observed. Occasional hypoplastic lesions and hypomineralized areas were encountered. In conclusion, pearl enamel possesses most of the structural attributes of crown enamel, but in general its organization seems to be less orderly. Enamel pearls represent developmental disturbances in position and timing more than in structure.
Caries Prevention-Fluoride: Reaction Paper
Authors: Bowen W.H.
Published: January 2017

Although the prevalence of caries has declined in young persons in developed countries, there is still a need for water fluoridation. The effectiveness of fluoride is dependent on the ambient levels of fluoride in the oral cavity. Fluoride appears to exert the bulk of its protective effect locally by promoting remineralization of early carious lesions. Nevertheless, fluoride tablets continue to be prescribed as if the action of fluoride is expressed systemically. There is an urgent need to explore the clearance of fluoride from the mouth and to develop methods to ensure constant levels of fluoride in the oral cavity, thereby reducing both the need for frequent exposure and the amount necessary for clinical effect.
Geriatric Dentistry and Prevention: Research and Public Policy
Authors: Gershen J.A.
Published: January 2017

Changing demographics, including the increase in life expectancy and the growing numbers of elderly, has focused attention on the need for dental research activities to be expanded for geriatric dentistry. The elderly are at greater risk for oral disease, since gains in longevity result in more medically compromising conditions or systemic disease with oral manifestations. Also, as edentulism decreases and as more teeth are retained by the elderly, the pattern of oral diseases and the treatment of dental conditions will be altered. Barriers to self-care and professional care must be removed, and prevention and early intervention strategies must be formulated to reduce the risk of oral diseases. Risk factors for oral diseases in the elderly can be reduced by personal home-care regimens, professionally provided preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic care, changes in high-risk behavior, and a supportive environment.

Generating new information about the prevention of oral diseases and conditions that have an impact on the elderly requires a substantial research effort. A research agenda for the elderly should include: epidemiologic studies of relevant oral diseases and related risk factors; investigations of patient and provider attitudes and behavior related to oral health; studies of the relationship between general health and oral health; development and testing of preventive and treatment strategies for conditions such as xerostomia, root caries, secondary caries, and gingival recession; and studies for the evaluation of the impact of the aging population on the dental delivery system.

Public policy options to support geriatric oral health care and research are limited by the Government's pre-occupation with cost containment and the lack of visibility for dental programs. Many of the national health proposals for universal coverage and for elimination of financial barriers to health care do not include disease prevention or health promotion programs; dentistry is not mentioned even in those proposals that do include prevention. NIDR is gathering support for geriatric oral health research with its new initiative, entitled the "Research and Action Program to Improve the Oral Health of Older Americans and Other Adults at High Risk". Funding for this program may depend in part on changing national priorities and the dental profession's ability to become more intimately involved in the public debate regarding the future of the nation's health care system.
Interactions Between Dental Amalgams and the Oral Environment
Authors: Marek M.
Published: January 2017

Dental amalgam fillings interact in a complex way with the environment in the oral cavity as they are subjected to chemical, biological, mechanical, and thermal forces. These forces change the restoration's appearance and properties, while metal ions, amalgam debris, non-metallic corrosion products, and mercury vapor are released into the oral cavity. The phenomena and conditions that affect the amalgam/ environment interaction include the chemistry and biochemistry of the environment, formation of biofilms on the amalgam surfaces, existence of localized corrosion cells, galvanic contacts with other metallic restorations, abrasion during mastication, and synergistic effects of the different forces.

Corrosion processes result in a degradation of the functional amalgam properties, while tarnishing reactions cause discoloration. Corrosion degradation of amalgam fillings is due mainly to localized corrosion cells in pores and crevices. Corrosion on occlusal surfaces is accelerated by abrasion during mastication, which removes the protective surface films.

The average total amounts of metal species, including mercury, released per day in vivo from a restoration have not been determined. Much of the reported indirect evidence for high mercury release rates is either unreliable or controversial. A more detailed investigation is needed and will require the development of more sophisticated techniques of sampling in vivo, as well as both experimental and theoretical modeling in vitro.
Teratological Aspects of Dental Amalgam
Authors: Larsson K.S.
Published: January 2017

The teratogenic effect is determined by four factors: (1) the agent, (2) the dose, (3) the stage of embryonic development, and (4) the genetic constitution of the embryo. The first two factors are of particular interest and warrant further comment. It should be emphasized that the mercury released from dental amalgam is mainly metallic mercury vapor. The dose of mercury vapor from dental amalgam fillings in the order of 5 ug/day is very low compared with the doses in a teratological study and is not likely to exceed the threshold necessary for a teratogenic effect to occur.

The concentration of the teratogen at the target tissue is determined not only by the degree of placental transfer but also by other factors, such as the distribution within the maternal organism, the affinity to the fetal liver and blood, the hematocrit value, and the passage through the ductus venosus. These factors might help to explain toxicological mechanisms and species differences and have to be considered if the results of animal experiments are to be extrapolated to human conditions. Neither epidemiological data nor animal experimental data indicate that the release of metallic mercury vapor from dental amalgam therapy should cause teratogenic effects. A comparison with the incorporation of the fetotoxic methyl mercury might be justified.
Oral Mucosa and Skin Reactions Related to Amalgam
Authors: Holmstrup P.
Published: January 2017

Documented cases of oral mucosa and skin affections related to amalgam restorations are rare, although the exact incidence is unknown. Lesions of the oral mucosa may be due to specific immunologic or non-specific toxic reactions toward products generated from restorations. The immunologic reaction most probably involved in mucosal affections related to amalgam is the delayed or cell-mediated (type IV) reaction. Such reactions are seen in contact allergy, and the term "contact lesions of the oral mucosa" has been used. There is a much lower tendency of sensitization through mucous membranes than through skin, and it is questionable whether mercury released from amalgam restorations is able to sensitize a patient.

A chronic toxic reaction may be established due to repeated or constant influence to toxic agents in low concentrations over long periods. Such reactions are most frequently localized to the contact zone with the toxic agent. Chronic toxic reactions may possibly be seen in areas of the oral mucosa in direct contact with amalgam fillings. Since the clinical features of these lesions do not differ from those of lesions due to contact hypersensitivity, the diagnosis is obtained by exclusion based on a negative patch test.
Dental Amalgam— Environmental Aspects
Authors: Arenholt-Bindslev D.
Published: January 2017

Increasing knowledge about the risk of toxic effects caused by anthropogenic mercury accumulation in ecosystems has resulted in a growing pressure for reduction of the discharge of mercury waste. Consequently, the mercury waste problems of dental clinics have been given increased attention, and restrictions on handling and discharge of contaminated waste have been established in several countries.

Major amalgam particles from trituration surplus of those produced during the carving and burnishing of new amalgam restorations are generally collected in coarse filters and sold for refinement. Minor amalgam particles released by production of new fillings or by removal of old restorations partly sediment in tubes and drains. The remaining particles are carried with the waste water stream to the local purifying plant. In Scandinavia, the industrial discharge of mercury-contaminated waste water has been reduced to a minimum. According to recent investigations, dental clinics appear to be responsible for the major amount of mercury collected in the sludge generated in purifying plants. If threshold values for heavy metal content, including mercury, are exceeded, the sludge is not allowed to be recycled as fertilizer. Installation of an approved amalgam-separating apparatus in dental clinics is now mandatory in several countries-for example, Switzerland, Germany, Sweden, and Denmark. Approval of amalgam separators is based on national testing programs, including clinical or laboratory tests demanding 95-99% separating efficiency.
Toxicology Versus Allergy in Restorative Dentistry
Authors: Munksgaard E.C.
Published: January 2017

The frequency of side-effects among dental patients is very low and is seen mostly as mild allergic reactions. Among the dental staff, contact allergic eczema is occasionally seen, induced by certain metals and various organic materials.
Principles of Risk Assessment
Authors: Clarkson Thomas W.
Published: January 2017

_ This review discusses the basic principles of risk assessment as used in general toxicology and in monitoring side-effects of therapeutic treatments. It also outlines how these principles may apply to assessment of biological reactions to dental restorative materials. Mercury exposure from amalgam fillings is used as an example. The calculations performed are intended only as illustrations, and many other factors must be taken into account. Thus, the calculations are not intended as the last word in risk assessment of amalgam fillings.
Dental Composites/Glass Ionomers: the Materials
Authors: Bowen Rafael L. , Marjenhoff William A.
Published: January 2017

Most commercial dental composites contain liquid dimethacrylate monomers (including BIS-GMA or variations of it) and silica-containing compositions as inorganic reinforcing filler particles coated with methacrylate-functional silane coupling agents to bond the resin to the filler. They also contain initiators, accelerators, photo-initiators, photosensitizers, polymerization inhibitors, and UV absorbers.

Durability is a major problem with posterior composites. The typical life-span of posterior composites is from three to 10 years, with large fillings usually fewer than five years. Polymerization shrinkage and inadequate adhesion to cavity walls are remaining problems. Some pulp irritation can occur if deep restorations are not placed over a protective film. Some have advocated the use of glass-ionomer cement as a lining under resin composite restorations in dentin.

The concept of glass-ionomer cements (GICs) was introduced to the dental profession in the early 1970's. Current GICs may contain poly(acrylic acid) or a copolymer. Higher-molecular-weight copolymers may also be used to improve the physical properties of some GICs. Stronger and less-brittle hybrid materials have been produced by the addition of watersoluble compatible polymers to form light-curing GIC formulations.

The ion-leachable aluminosilicate glass powder, in an aqueous solution of a polymer or copolymer of acrylic acid, is attacked by the hydrated protons of the acid, causing the release of aluminum and calcium ions. Salt bridges are formed, and a gel matrix surrounds the unreacted glass particles. The matrix is adhesive to mineralized tissues. Provisions must be made for maintenance of the water balance of restorations for the first 24 hours. A varnish to seal newly-placed restorations is provided by most manufacturers. The introduction of metal powder to GICs significantly improved abrasion resistance.
Biodegradation of Dental Composites/ Glass-Ionomer Cements
Authors: Øilo G.
Published: January 2017

Studies of the degradation processes, types of tests, and measurements and analyses of substances leaching out from resin-based composite materials and glass-ionomer cements are reviewed. For both types of materials, the initial release rate rapidly decreases to a low, but nearly constant, level.

For composites, various types of degradation processes have been demonstrated. Elements from filler particles and degradation products from the resin ( e.g., formaldehyde) leak out. Many substances are not properly identified. It is, however, difficult for in vitro and in vivo degradation to be compared.

For glass ionomers, a total disintegration of a surface layer is observed, together with a slow release of elements from the bulk. Of the elements released, fluoride is the most interesting. Marked differences have been shown between in vitro and in vivo solubility tests.
Local and Systemic Responses To Dental Composites and Glass Ionomers
Authors: Stanley Harold R.
Published: January 2017

For many years, the dental profession worked mainly with rather inert restorative materials that had a limited contact with vital tissue, and the opportunity for local and systemic complications was minimal. However, conditions have changed in recent years where the two leading non-mercury-containing materials, resin composites and glass-ionomer cements, are chemically active compounds and can have detrimental effects on pulp tissue.

With the advent of light-curing techniques with incremental layering, resin component formulae that were formerly found to be quite irritating to the pulp have become less so with the elimination of the need for matrices and pressure for good adaptation to be gained. As experience revealed the deficiencies and dangers of ultraviolet-light-curing techniques, visible-light-curing systems were developed that provided greater depth of cure, a higher degree of polymerization with less shrinkage with incremental layers, and less porosity.

When glass-ionomer cements (GICs) were first introduced, with just one acid (polyacrylic), pulpal responses were classified as bland. With the addition of many more acids to enhance certain characteristics and reduce the setting time, GICs have become more irritating, especially when used as luting agents in areas where the remaining dentin thickness is 0.5 mm or less. Gold foil and amalgam are inert and innocuous restorative materials but require pressure for condensation which creates an exaggerated inflammatory response.

This presentation emphasizes the pulpal responses and side-effects of these non-mercury-containing restorative materials and how to keep them within an acceptable range of biocompatibility. Despite the lack of any substantial appearance of soft tissue and systemic responses to resin composites and GICs, the results of a survey of recent literature are included.
Side-Effects of Dental Ceramics
Authors: Mackert J.R.
Published: January 2017

Evaluation of side-effects to low-dose exposure of any agent is difficult, especially if the agent exhibits a low toxicity. The most common way to approach such evaluation is to define special groups which are exposed more than others. Studies of such risk groups may facilitate interpretation of information related to those exposed to a low dose. For dental materials, dentists, dental assistants, and laboratory technicians represent typical risk groups. In addition to receiving dental treatments and having restorations like anyone else, they handle the materials in their daily work. The exposure to the materials occurs more frequently and at a higher dose for these groups than for the patient receiving dental treatment. Thus, the possibilities for side-effects are greater. Some materials are handled more closely by laboratory technicians than by other members of the dental team, e.g., dental ceramics.
Dental Amalgam: the Materials
Authors: Marshall S.J. , Marshall G.W.
Published: January 2017

The goal of this presentation is to describe the material as it is used clinically, explain why small quantities of Hg can be released, and suggest ideas for amalgams that do not release mercury. A set amalgam is a dynamic material that undergoes many microstructural changes during clinical use, related to both the elevated temperature and corrosion-prone environment in the mouth and mechanical forces applied to the restoration. Amalgams can be divided roughly into two groups by their copper content: low Cu (traditional) and high Cu. High-Cu amalgams generally perform better clinically, but all amalgams corrode to some extent in the mouth. Some corrosion is deemed to be a positive factor, because corrosion product deposition reduces leakage at the margins of restorations; that is, the restorations are partly self-sealing. One of the reasons cited for the improved clinical performance of high-Cu amalgams over low-Cu amalgams is that the corrosion-prone phase, γ 2, is nearly eliminated in high-Cu amalgams.

Future research should involve improvements in the clinical performance of dental amalgams, studies of the mercury release from various types of amalgams and the toxic potential of this exposure, and the development of new amalgam systems that reduce the mercury exposure. Although the longevity of modern amalgams is impressive, it is important for their stability to be increased both clinically and microstructurally. An amalgam should be developed with a stable microstructure that, once set, would not change during clinical use. Microstructural changes lead to clinical deterioration. A stable system would not corrode, and the matrix transformation γ 1 to β1 would be prohibited. The latter effect could be achieved by stabilization of the γ1 phase or development of a system that would form the stable β1 phase during amalgamation. Such a system would simultaneously improve clinical performance and reduce the potential for biological side-effects from its deterioration. Studies of the potential for Hg release should be conducted with proper consideration of the microstructures of amalgam systems and alterations in the structures induced by clinical use. Careful studies are needed of the toxic potential from exposure to these materials as they are used clinically.
Chemical Sensors and Biosensors for Fluoride: Current Status and Developing Technologies
Authors: Schultz J.S.
Published: January 2017

Portable sensors for bioanalytes are becoming of increasing interest, because their development will permit analyses of biological samples at the point of sampling, i.e., at the time when an individual is being examined by a health professional. In this paper, the design requirements for a fluoride sensor are outlined.

Currently, commercially available fluoride sensors, ion-selective electrodes, do provide the capability to measure fluoride content in samples directly. However, the sensitivity of these devices is lower than the normal content of fluoride in plasma, and thus, samples must be concentrated before measurement. Recent progress in improving the sensitivity of chemical sensors for fluoride shows sensitivities up to 0.1 μmol/L, which is within the range of interest.

In addition, the use of biological systems for developing sensors (biosensors) is expanding rapidly, because of the potential of achieving high selectivity and sensitivity through the use of the amplification power of enzymes. However, relatively few enzyme systems have been discovered that are affected by fluoride-thus the need for expanded research to find appropriate enzymes for this purpose. The characteristics of some enzymes, such as adenylate cyclase, that could be used in the development of a fluoride biosensor are discussed.
Dental Fluorosis: Its Use as a Biomarker
Authors: Den Besten P.K.
Published: January 2017

Several epidemiological studies, beginning with those of Dean and co-workers in the 1940's, clearly demonstrate the relationship between dental fluorosis in humans and the level of fluoride in water supplies. These studies and others have shown that, in a population, there is a direct relationship among the degree of enamel fluorosis, plasma and bone fluoride levels, and the concentration of fluoride in drinking water. However, dental fluorosis is a reflection of fluoride exposure only during the time of enamel formation, somewhat limiting its use as a biomarker. In addition, the degree of fluorosis is dependent not only on the total fluoride dose, but also on the timing and duration of fluoride exposure. At the level of an individual response to fluoride exposure, factors such as body weight, activity level, nutritional factors, and the rate of skeletal growth and remodeling are also important. These variables, along with an individual variability in response to similar doses of fluoride, indicate that enamel fluorosis cannot be used as a biological marker of the level of fluoride exposure for an individual.
Strategies for Improving the Assessment of Dental Fluorosis: Focus on Chemical and Biochemical Aspects
Authors: Aoba T.
Published: January 2017

In order to assess fluoride accumulation and effects in developing dental tissues, one must determine the concentration profile of fluoride in the tissue and to assess separately the labile (i.e., free ions in fluid and ions associated with organic matter) and stable (i.e., incorporated into apatite lattice) pools of fluoride. Free fluoride ions in the mineralizing milieu markedly affect the driving force for precipitation and, as a result, the nature of precipitating crystals. The fluoride incorporated into the crystalline lattice increases the stability of the formed mineral. Improvement in the understanding of the mechanism of dental fluorosis requires more comprehensive information about the effects of fluoride on the ionic composition of the fluid phase, the nature of the initially precipitating mineral(s), the interactions between crystals and matrix proteins, and the enzymatic degradation of the proteins. Recent observations relevant to the role of fluoride in enamel formation include: (1) that there are threshold concentrations of fluoride below which the precipitation and hydrolysis of thin-platy octacalcium phosphate is facilitated but beyond which de novo apatite precipitation prevails; (2) that the presence of fluoride in the mineralizing milieu most likely affects the steady-state concentrations of mineral lattice ions; (3) that incorporation of fluoride into the stable pool is retarded by the presence of matrix proteins, particularly amelogenins, which inhibit the growth of apatite crystals; (4) that increasing the degree of fluoridation of apatite crystals enhances the adsorption of amelogenins onto the crystal surface, and (5) that amelogenins pre-adsorbed onto apatite crystals are more resistant to enzymatic cleavages by trypsin (used as a prototype of amelogeninases).
Strategies for Improving the Assessment of Dental Fluorosis: Focus on Optical Techniques
Authors: Angmar-Månsson B. , De Josselin de Jong E. , Sundström F. , Ten Bosch J.J.
Published: January 2017

In its milder forms, enamel fluorosis is characterized clinically by diffuse opacities. The appearance is due to optical properties of a subsurface or surface porous layer with lower mineral content. These areas usually have texture and color similar to those of initial caries lesions but generally another shape and location. Therefore, several optical methods, previously used to diagnose initial caries lesions, were applied to fluoride-induced opacities on extracted premolars and on incisors of four subjects in vivo. These methods included light-scattering measurements, white light illumination, violet light illumination, ultraviolet illumination, and laser fluorescence. Video images were captured with a charge-coupled-device (CCD) camera, digitized, and computer-processed. It is concluded that the light-scattering monitor can be used for the determination of the local porosity of fluorotic enamel and that the laser fluorescence method might be developed into a method applicable for the assessment of the severity of enamel fluorosis.
An investigation into flow behavior and acoustic mechanisms at the trailing edge of an airfoil
Authors: Jackson Beren R , Dakka Sam M
Published: January 2017

The aerodynamic and acoustic testing of a NACA0012 airfoil section was performed in an open wind tunnel, focusing on noise mechanisms at the trailing edge to identify and understand sources of noise production. The sound measurement profiles were captured by embedding microphones along the chord at various distances from the trailing edge and at different geometric angles of attack. The embedded microphones have successfully captured all noise sources due to aerodynamic flow over the NACA 0012 airfoil at the trailing edge, which included the following major peak frequencies: 44, 93, 166, and 332 Hz. The fundamental frequency of the model tested was identified by peak frequency (166 Hz). It appears that these frequencies do not deviate as the angle of attack is increased. The general trend is Strouhal numbers decrease as the flow moves downstream which indicates the amount of resonance (i.e. periodic, non-random vortices) decreases further downstream, which is to be expected given the onset of turbulence. Two bands of frequencies were identified. The frequency spectra between 1 and 3 kHz show a measure of far-field noise energy while frequency spectra in the range 3–10 kHz show near-field noise energy which is due to mechanisms associated with wake flow (separation).
Bridging language barriers, bonding against immigrants: A visual case study of transnational network publics created by far-right activists in Europe
Authors: Doerr Nicole
Published: January 2017

With the growing importance of digital and social media, visual images represent an increasingly attractive medium for far-right political entrepreneurs to mobilize supporters and mainstream voters in the context of increasing polarization and widespread fears of immigrants and refugees. This article investigates how far-right activists use cartoon images poking fun at immigrants to construct a shared ethno-nationalist bond of solidarity across multilingual and transnational networks and publics. Focusing on right-wing activists as political entrepreneurs, I will explore the visual and discursive translation of nationalist symbols and cartoons within different national political contexts and across linguistic and cultural boundaries. Combining the discourse historical approach (DHA) with multimodal analysis, I will trace the cross-cultural translation and sharing of an anti-immigrant poster created by the Swiss People’s Party (SVP), a right-wing political party in Switzerland, in its controversial ‘black sheep’ campaign. Second, I will show how far-right sympathizers in Italy and Germany, inspired by the SVP, created their own ‘black sheep’ cartoons in which they imagine a racist bond of transnational solidarity through the use of images depicting immigrants as Europe’s other. This article contributes to the study of transnational network publics by showing the relevance of non-verbal and visual translation strategies used by radical right-wing political entrepreneurs to forge stronger alliances cross-nationally and cross-linguistically.
The Science Center Movement: contexts, practice, next challenges
Authors: Beetlestone John G. , Johnson Colin H. , Quin Melanie , White Harry
Published: January 2017

As the science center movement expands worldwide, the time seems ripe to stimulate an informed debate centered on the purpose, practices, and achievements of science centers, together with the challenges they face in the next decade.

The first section of this paper focuses on current practice, drawing dimensions from artifact to education, from didactic to empowering, from tutti-frutti to story line, from museum to Disney. Programs beyond the exhibition, and links with the formal education system and the local community, are also considered.

The second section deals with the diversity of contexts within which science centers operate—cultural, political, financial, educational—and coins the acronym ASSET: Alternative Settings for Science, Engineering, and Technology.

The final section looks to the future, identifying funding gaps, the need for longitudinal evaluation studies, and the challenge of new information technologies. Finally, in the spirit of international challenge, the authors pose three leading questions: What lies beyond the existing-exhibit clone? Can an Art/Science divide be defined? How can we communicate contemporary science and scientific issues?
I don't want to see the pictures: science writing and the visibility of animal experiments
Authors: Turner J. Z.
Published: January 2017

The use of animals in research and development is one of the areas of science (human reproductive research and technology is perhaps another) where the fact that current practices are sanctioned in legislation does not prevent them from being controversial. This article examines the visibility of this issue in terms of the way science writers and scientific research papers report research that involves animals. Three journals with a scientific readership ( Nature, Science, and New Scientist) and two journals with a mixed scientist/nonscientist readership ( The Economist and The Times Higher Education Supplement) were examined. I have looked at the frequency of reports, the amount of experimental detail given, and the use of language, illustrations, and humor. Common features of these reports are the paucity of detail about the procedures carried out on the animals, their welfare and living conditions, and the numbers of animals used. However, there are significant differences between the journals with a “scientist” readership and those with a “mixed” readership in their readiness to debate the moral issue involved in human uses of animals. From these data the conclusion can be drawn that public debate might be improved by increasing the visibility of the animals themselves in reports of research involving their use.
The new genetics and health: mobilizing lay expertise
Authors: Kerr Anne , Cunningham-Burley Sarah , Amos Amanda
Published: January 2017

Public understanding of the new genetics is often criticized in discussions about the social and ethical issues the new genetics raise. In this paper we challenge the “deficit model” evident in this dominant discourse, and offer a constructivist approach. We explore lay expertise about the new genetics, presenting an analysis of data from ten focus group discussions with a range of lay people. After distinguishing four different types of knowledge lay people hold—technical, methodological, institutional, and cultural—we go on to consider how lay people's mobilization of this “stock of knowledge” is influenced by social location and social context, exploring in particular interviewees' perceptions of relevancy. We conclude that identifying lay people as expert in, rather than ignorant of, the way genetics may shape their lives is a fundamental first step in moving toward greater lay participation in policy discussions and, ultimately, decision making about the new genetics and health.
State of Bangladesh Civil Service Management (2009–2012)
Authors: Islam Md. Shahriar , Mahmud Rifat
Published: January 2017

The Awami League (AL)-led Grand Alliance came to power with a ‘Charter for Change’ in 2009 in order to ensure good governance in Bangladesh. From 2009 to 2012, the government has taken various steps to make the civil service efficient and capable. This article strives to explore what the AL government has done to manage the civil service during 2009–12. The article analyses newspaper articles on the AL government’s actions on recruitment, promotion, and transfer. It also analyses the role of the media in exposing the state of the civil service management by conducting structured interviews of purposively sampled respondents. The article shows that the AL-led government has manoeuvred the civil service through partisan decisions on recruitment, promotion and transfer, which have left the civil service management in disarray.
Women Representation in Pakistani Legislatures
Authors: Khattak Shabana Shamaas Gul , Hussain Akhtar
Published: January 2017

Women representation in decision-making and law-making is considered as a vital step in women empowerment. The Martial Law regime of General Pervez Musharraf1 brought in a drastic change in the composition of Pakistani legislatures at both central and provincial levels and has increased 17 per cent of reserved seats for women in 2002. However, this was much less than the 33 per cent stated in Strategic Objective G-2 in the plan. This step was deemed as a landmark in materialising the long-cherished dream of empowering Pakistani women. The purpose of this study is to assess the discourse on women’s political empowerment and their level of participation in mainstream politics by analysing the gender gaps in the Election Laws—General Elections of 2002, 2008 and 2013. Women are now present in all the legislative assemblies of Pakistan from more than a decade. How far this change has remained useful in addressing and solving the problems faced by Pakistani women? Furthermore, how these women legislators have performed on specific women-related issues or is this step just an extension of strengthening the dominant families in Pakistani politics? The issue of quota discourses in the Parliament is also discussed.
Scarcity of Nurses in India
Authors: Gill Reema
Published: January 2017

The human resources for health (HRH), especially nurses, constitute an important part of health systems. It is difficult to ascertain comprehensive information on the availability of health workers globally due to irregular reporting of data from the countries. However, experts have proposed minimum thresholds for achieving certain health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These thresholds have been used as yardsticks by others for determining HRH shortages in their nations. As per the minimum threshold developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), not enough health workers are available in India, especially in the rural areas. The nurse to population ratio in India is even lower than some of the other developing countries in Asia. Various factors, such as low professional and socio-economic status, gender issues, lack of political will on part of the government and unregulated private sector, have led to scarcity of nurses in numbers as well as qualitatively in India. To overcome the dismal working and social conditions, many Indian nurses are migrating to developed nations, further exacerbating the nursing shortages in the country. Inclusive planning, adequate financing and political commitment on the part of all stakeholders are required for overcoming the shortage of health personnel existing in India.
Health Status and Demand for Health Care
Authors: Das Subhrabaran , Talukdar Alfina Khatun
Published: January 2017

Women are deprived and neglected in all respects, especially in the rural areas of the country. This attitude has a negative impact on their health status. The study attempts to examine the health status of the rural married women, especially for Muslim married women belonging different groups, viz., reproductive group, premenopause group and menopause group. This commentary focuses on health status of rural Muslim married women in Cachar district based on their health indicators. This study also attempts to find the health infrastructure that prevails in this area and the demand for the health care for them. The study reveals that most of the women, especially under the reproductive group, suffer from acute malnutrition problem, while women belonging to premenopause and menopause group face the problem of overweight and obesity, mostly. Due to shortage of health care facilities, there is a high demand for health care. The study reveals that household size, per capita income, distance of the health centre from house, per capita area of house and kachcha house are the significant determinants of demand for health care facilities.
Contextualizing Health Literacy to Health Care Organizations
Authors: Annarumma Carmela , Palumbo Rocco
Published: January 2017

Parker, Ratzen and Lurie (2003) pointed out that a silent epidemic is affecting the health status of the American population, namely poor health literacy. Actually, inadequate health literacy is the main cause of the patients’ inability to navigate the health care environment, paving the way for inappropriateness in the provision of care as well as for poor health outcomes. Moreover, it has been esteemed that a third of the European population is not able to properly understand, process and use health information (HLS-EU Consortium, 2012). The same issue has been identified in several Asian countries (see, for example, Nakayama et al., 2015; Pednekar, Gupta & Gupta, 2011). What is striking is that—until today—the attention has been focused on the individual determinants of low health literacy, while studies concerning the organizational health literacy—that is to say, the ability of health care organization to establish friendly and comfortable relationships with the patients—are uncommon (Weaver, Wray, Zellin, Gautam & Jupka, 2012). This article is aimed at exploring the way health care organizations deal with patients living with inadequate health literacy. Drawing on the prevailing literature (Brach et al., 2012; DeWalt et al., 2013; Matthews & Sewell, 2002; Murphy-Knoll, 2007; Stableford & Mettger, 2007) the main approaches to improve organizational health literacy are examined. Then, a distinction between formal and informal tools to address organizational health literacy is suggested and the effectiveness of both of them is compared. The findings of the research suggest that informal tools are more common than formal tools, even though the former have lower perceived effectiveness as compared with the latter. Health care organizations seem to be still far from effectively activating comprehensive organizational health literacy pathways. There is a desperate need for systemic efforts to enhance the awareness of organizational health literacy and to encourage processes of change towards health literate organizational environments.
A Study of Out-of-pocket Health Expenditures
Authors: Shaikh Imlak , Singh Shabda
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study is to analyze health care expenditures in seven South Asian countries, namely, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal. The data are taken for 19 years from 1995 to 2013. We specifically examine the out-of-pocket health care expenditure in these countries. Per capita health expenditure differences have been compared. We also develop regression model for out-of-pocket expenditure with the factors affecting it, that is, per capita health expenditure, household final consumption expenditure and public health expenditure. Logarithm values of out-of-pocket expenditure have also been used to develop a separate log model for the same. The results suggest that Maldives has the highest per capita health expenditure, while out-of-pocket health expenditure as a percentage of total expenditure on health is the highest for India. The key determinant of out-of-pocket expenditures is the final household expenditures as the percentage of GDP.
Does Bank Failure Affect Client Firms? Micro Evidence from Estonia
Authors: Jõeveer Karin
Published: January 2017

This article explores the effect of a bank’s failure on its client firms using the 1998 bankruptcy of a middle-sized Estonian bank. The firms studied in this article are privately held and do not rely on public equity. The performance of the firms receiving credit from the failed bank is compared to that of a matched set of other firms. The client firms are found to be more likely to fail after their bank’s failure even after controlling for firm characteristics before the event. A decrease in the liquidity of the client firms is also detected just after a bank failure, suggesting that the loss of liquidity may be the linkage between a bank failure and the failure of the clients.

JEL Classification: G14, G21, G3
Modelling the Paradox in Stock Markets by Variance Ratio Volatility Estimator that Utilises Extreme Values of Asset Prices
Authors: Shaik Muneer , Maheswaran S.
Published: January 2017

We document the presence of the random walk effect in stock indices and, at the same time, find that the constituent stocks of the indices are excessively volatile. This gives rise to a paradox in stock markets between the behaviour of the stock index and its constituent stocks. We address this phenomenon in this article and reconcile the seemingly contradictory inferences by extending the Binomial Markov Random Walk (BMRW) model.

JEL Classification: C15, C58, G15
Could Sociocracy be the Way to MSME Governance?
Authors: Saxena Anand , Jagota Rajni
Published: January 2017

In an earlier article, we addressed the question: Should the MSMEs, that is, the micro, small and medium enterprises, be governed the corporate way? Drawing on (a) the contribution of the MSMEs to the economic and social development in their respective settings, (b) systemic nature of their ailments, (c) institutional and organisational contingency theory of corporate governance and (d) the theory of articulation (upward delegation) of decision-making, we suggested a model of articulation of the MSME governance ( Saxena & Jagota, 2015 ). In this article, we delve deeper into the issue of the MSME governance with reference to the emerging paradigm of dynamic governance that is known in Europe and other parts of the world as sociocracy. The word sociocracy is derived from the Latin and Greek words socius (companion) and kratein (to govern). It implies the rule by the ‘socios’, people who have a social relationship with each other—as opposed to the democracy rule by the ‘demos’, the general mass of people. As a system of governance, it relies on consent-based decision-making through active self-disclosure and feedback. It is stated to streamline decision-making, kindle creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit and heighten productivity via individual engagement, commitment and empowerment. We posit that such a system of governance is particularly suitable for ethnic entrepreneurship, natural business clusters and the social and solidarity economy that many a country in Asia and Africa typify. In this article, we penetrate deeper into the functioning of representative clusters and communities and delineate principles and practices that could provide the edifice of the sociocratic architecture and dynamics of the MSME governance.
Analysis of Board Size and Firm Performance: Evidence from NSE Companies Using Panel Data Approach
Authors: Kalsie Anjala , Shrivastav Shikha Mittal
Published: January 2017

This article seeks to examine the relationship between the board size and firm performance. Existing literature on board size is based on different theories of corporate governance. While agency theory and resource dependency theory suggest that the board size positively affects performance, stewardship theory favours smaller board size and argues that larger board size negatively impacts the firm performance. The present article adds to the empirical literature by employing panel data analysis of 145 non-financial companies listed in the NSE CNX 200 Index of India corresponding to 16 industries. The study is carried out for a period of five years from 2008 to 2012. The firm performance has been measured using Tobin’s Q and the market-to-book value ratio (MBVR) as market-based measures and return on assets (ROA) and return on capital employed (ROCE) as accounting-based measures. The fixed effect model, random effect model and feasible generalised least square (FGLS) regression models are applied to achieve the above-mentioned objectives. The results conclude that the board size has a positive and significant impact on the firm performance.