bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual mentor partnerships between practising and preservice teachers
Authors: Briscoe Patricia
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the potential benefits of a virtual mentorship between teacher candidates and practising teachers. Specifically, the research aimed to determine whether candidates felt they had increased their professional learning and prepared for the realities of the job early in their training program as a means to enhance their well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

A systemized, virtual mentorship network was set up and a qualitative mixed-methods study was conducted with two separate groups of 77 students total consisting over a three-month course in two consecutive years. Three data sets were collected; this paper reports on one set – qualitative self-reports from mentee participants.

Findings

The response from preservice teacher participants was, through qualitative self-reports, an overwhelmingly positive. After engaging in a guided virtual mentorship with an experienced teacher, they felt more prepared, more confident and more supported. Response from the preservice teacher participants provided evidence and confirmed a sense of improved educational preparedness for teaching by engaging in a guided virtual mentorship partnership with an experienced teacher.

Research limitations/implications

Virtual mentorships are highly beneficial for teacher candidates’ learning and professional growth; the relationships positively impact preservice teachers’ level of preparedness for the profession, which can lead to increased confidence and contribute to a positive sense of well-being. In addition, the virtual approach eliminates many of the access barriers that limit the efficacy of traditional, face-to-face mentorships. In doing so, the virtual format makes mentorships a possibility in any teacher preparatory education program, with endless opportunities to connect teachers across the world.

Originality/value

In an effort to better prepare quality teachers, a virtual mentorship program, embedded in teacher education programs, is a viable solution for shaping preservice teachers learning in the early stages of their careers, establishing a commitment to professional learning and mitigating teacher attrition rates and burnout by enhancing well-being. For these reasons, the authors believe virtual mentorships can be considered to be used as a framework for the future.
“I love this stuff!”: a Canadian case study of mentor–coach well-being
Authors: Hollweck Trista
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on a qualitative case study that examined the potential benefits, challenges and implications of the mentor–coach (MC) role as a supportive structure for experienced teachers’ well-being and sense of flourishing in schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative case study used data collected from surveys, interviews, focus groups and documentation. Data were coded and abductively analyzed using the “framework approach” with and against Seligman’s well-being PERMA framework. In order to include an alternative stakeholder perspective, data from a focus group with the district’s teacher union executive are also included.

Findings

Using the constituting elements of Seligman’s well-being (PERMA) framework, experienced teachers reported positive emotion, engagement, positive relationships, meaning and accomplishment from their MC experience. However, the MC role is not a panacea for educator well-being. Rather, the quality and effectiveness of the mentoring and coaching relationship is a determining factor and, if left unattended, negative experiences could contribute to their stress and increased workload.

Research limitations/implications

The data used in this study were based on a limited number of survey respondents (25/42) and the self-selection of the interview (n=7) and focus group participants (n=6). The research findings may lack generalizability and be positively skewed.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the current lack of empirical research on the MC experience and considers some of the wider contextual factors that impact effective mentoring and coaching programs for educators.
Blockchains and institutional competition in innovation systems
Authors: Markey-Towler Brendan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the notion of blockchain as an institutional technology, defend the idea of National Innovation Systems as institutional systems, and then make use of the theory of institutional competition to characterise challenges posed by innovation public policy by blockchain technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is to consider the nature of blockchain technology as an institutional technology, and to consider the nature of National Innovation Systems as institutional systems. The author then applies a theory of institutional competition developed elsewhere to appraise the interaction of the two.

Findings

The author expects for there to emerge sustained competition for National Innovation Systems from innovation systems implemented using blockchains. There will be pressure exerted by the latter upon the former to become more integrated, secure, usable and to greater support profit expectations for entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

The theory of institutional competition upon which this work is based makes use of cutting-edge behavioural and institutional economics. It has hitherto only been applied at a general level and has not been applied to a specific set of institutions such as National Innovation Systems.
Regional capability emergence in an entrepreneurial ecosystem
Authors: Walsh Kevin
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Entrepreneurial ecosystems offer an approach to analyse the evolution and resilience of a region by placing the emphasis on the interactions that occur between entrepreneurs and the supporting regional resources. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the transformation of a region with high-growth firms to identify the coordinating structures that evolve in response to entrepreneurial recycling of resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses network analysis to explore the scaling capability network of leaders in Dublin’s high-growth IT firms over a 15-year period.

Findings

After a gestation period of 10 years, leaders displayed prior experience from an initial entrant. Towards the end of the study period, numerous well-connected internet firms arose providing a structure resilient to exogenous and endogenous shocks.

Research limitations/implications

The findings suggest that the region’s structure changed from a satellite platform to a “hub and spoke” type district, and is showing signs of becoming a Marshallian type district, although the analysis is limited to regional knowledge capital through leadership mobility and does not consider the financial, social or institutional capital described in the entrepreneurial ecosystems literature.

Practical implications

Policy that aims to create regional resilience but minimise the scope of intervention needed can encourage the introduction of an anchor firm to a region and can complement this initiative with regional capability accumulation through labour policies that encourage resource recycling and minimise human capital leakage.

Originality/value

This contributes to an understanding of how entrepreneurial ecosystems evolve and the structure of the supporting resources that lead to increased regional resilience.
Shoals Shift Project: an ecosystem transformation success story
Authors: Morrison Edward , Barrett John D. , Fadden Janyce B.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply a reflective theory of development for entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Muscle Shoals region of northern Alabama. The theory provides guidance for practitioners and policymakers interested in developing entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Design/methodology/approach

The theory offers five propositions, which are illustrated and applied in the case study. The propositions include the need for civic leaders recognizing local talent; support networks for entrepreneurs; a quality, connected place; activities designed to increase interactivity for entrepreneurs within the ecosystem; five distinct phases producing replicable, scalable and sustainable projects; and universities providing platforms upon which the ecosystems can develop.

Findings

Application of the proposed theory is transforming the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Muscle Shoals region. In just four years, the project has produced over 30 initiatives and events, precipitously increased student participation in entrepreneurial ventures and raised over $1m.

Originality/value

The theory and its application developed from a collaboration between the Agile Strategy Lab at Purdue University and the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development at the University of North Alabama. This collaboration is replicable, scalable and sustainable, and is a model for university-led entrepreneurial ecosystem development and transformation.
Entrepreneurial ecosystems in Poland: panacea, paper tiger or Pandora’s box?
Authors: Brooks Chay , Vorley Tim , Gherhes Cristian
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the role of public policy in the formation of entrepreneurial ecosystems in Poland.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper assumes a qualitative approach to researching and analysing how public policy enables and constrains the formation of entrepreneurial ecosystems. The authors conducted a series of focus groups with regional and national policy makers, enterprises and intermediaries in three Polish voivodeships (regions) – Malopolska, Mazowieckie and Pomorskie.

Findings

The paper finds that applying the entrepreneurial ecosystems approach is a challenging prospect for public policy characterised by a theory-practice gap. Despite the attraction of entrepreneurial ecosystems as a heuristic to foster entrepreneurial activity, the cases highlight the complexity of implementing the framework conditions in practice. As the Polish case demonstrates, there are aspects of entrepreneurial ecosystems that are beyond the immediate scope of public policy.

Research limitations/implications

The results challenge the view that the entrepreneurial ecosystems framework represents a readily implementable public policy solution to stimulate entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial growth. Insights are drawn from three regions, although by their nature these are predominantly city centric, highlighting the bounded geography of entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Originality/value

This paper poses new questions regarding the capacity of public policy to establish and extend entrepreneurial ecosystems. While public policy can shape the framework and system conditions, the paper argues that these interventions are often based on superficial or incomplete interpretations of the entrepreneurial ecosystems literature and tend to ignore or underestimate informal institutions that can undermine these efforts. As such, by viewing the ecosystems approach as a panacea for growth policy makers risk opening Pandora’s box.
Lessons learned from Industry 4.0 implementation in the German manufacturing industry
Authors: Veile Johannes W. , Kiel Daniel , Müller Julian Marius , Voigt Kai-Ingo
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Industry 4.0 is assumed to yield extensive industry-spanning opportunities. However, exploiting these opportunities requires a targeted implementation of Industry 4.0. The purpose of this paper is to generate a deeper understanding of relevant implementation action. Existing recommendations are mostly general, highly aggregated and difficult to grasp. Yet, specific and concrete actions that need to be taken to accelerate the realization of Industry 4.0 are essential.

Design/methodology/approach

The article uses 13 semi-structured in-depth expert interviews as the source of empirical data. The interviews were conducted with managers from Industry 4.0-experienced German manufacturing companies. All interviews are analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Findings

The study reveals relevant and targeted aspects for Industry 4.0 implementation: the development of Industry 4.0-specific know-how, securing financial resources, integrating employees into the implementation process and establishing an open-minded and flexible corporate culture. Further aspects include comprehensive planning processes, cooperation with external partners, proper handling of data interfaces, interdisciplinary communication, an adaptable organizational structure and data security.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is limited to German manufacturing enterprises and should be transferred to other industries and countries.

Practical implications

The study supports managers to effectively implement Industry 4.0 within their organizations and consequently benefit from Industry 4.0 and derives recommendations for future research.

Originality/value

The paper is among the first to give specific and concrete examples for lessons learned from Industry 4.0 implementation, directly obtained from industrial application.
Cryptocurrencies vs global foreign exchange risk
Authors: Cheong Calvin W. H.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This study aims to examine the properties of four major cryptocurrencies and how they can be used as a simpler alternative mode of hedging foreign exchange (FX) risks as compared to existing mainstream financial risk management techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a combination of visual data representations and the classic Fama and Macbeth (1973) two-pass procedure regressions.

Findings

The findings show that cryptocurrencies can be a more effective hedge against FX risks as compared to other common hedging instruments and/or techniques such as gold or a diversified currency portfolio.

Research limitations/implications

The conclusions were arrived at based only on a small group of cryptocurrency, i.e. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Ripple. Other cryptocurrencies such as Dogecoin or ZCash might exhibit different properties.

Practical implications

Cryptocurrencies can be cost-effective and cost-efficient instruments that provide a solid hedge for investors and/or firms that are exposed to global FX volatility. Its ease of trade and virtually zero barriers to entry makes it an easily accessible alternative hedge instrument as compared to more complex items such as derivatives.

Originality/value

If cryptocurrencies are to be accepted into mainstream usage, a detailed examination of its various uses is necessary. In particular, as they are often touted to be the future of currency, its properties and price behavior relative to other mainstream financial instruments need to be well-understood, not only by finance professionals but also by laypersons.
“Virtual reality in libraries is common sense”
Authors: Smith Felicia Ann
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an Immersive Virtual Reality program to teach Information Literacy skills to college students. The proposal aims to expand the horizon of instruction into cyberspace.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explains the planning, cost and logistics required to implement such a program. The virtual reality (VR) program puts students in everyday situations that require “common sense” decision-making actions, then transfers them into a library setting requiring them to use the exact same reasoning. A crucial component of Information Literacy is Digital Literacy, so this program includes scenarios that require students to identify “Fake News.”

Findings

The paper provides insights about the Game Design Document, Concept and Design Phases as well as Performance Specifications, Deliverables and for Return on Investments used for formative assessments.

Research limitations/implications

Without securing sponsorships or collaborations due to the inordinate expense of creating virtual worlds this program remains unfunded.

Practical implications

The program is a revolutionary approach to Information Literacy instruction. It shows students that they inherently possess the cognitive tools necessary for critical evaluation skills needed to be Information Literate.

Social implications

VR can transmit knowledge without students feeling they are being preached at.

Originality/value

This program fulfills an identified need to keep libraries relevant in this technologically advanced Digital Age. This radical VR program represents a truly transformational approach to instruction that can catapult us into the virtual and eventual future of Libraries.
Fabrication and characterization of n-ZnO/p-GaSb heterojunction diode
Authors: Ali Farida Ashraf , Bose Gouranga , Kamilla Sushanta Kumar , Mishra Dilip Kumar , Pattanaik Priyabrata
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the growth and characterization of the two different compound semiconductors, namely, n-zinc oxide (ZnO) and p-gallium antimonide (GaSb). In this paper, fabrication and characterization of n-ZnO/p-GaSb heterojunction diode is analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

Thermo vertical direction solidification (TVDS) method was used to synthesize undoped GaSb ingot from high purity Ga (5N) and Sb (4N) host materials. Thermal evaporation technique is used to prepare a film of GaSb on glass substrate from the pre-synthesized bulk material by TVDS method. Undoped ZnO film was grown on GaSb film by sol–gel method by using chemical wet and dry (CWD) technique to fabricate n-ZnO/p-GaSb heterojunction diode.

Findings

The formation of crystalline structure and surface morphological analysis of both the GaSb bulk and film have been carried out by x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy analysis. From the XRD studies, the structural characterization and phase identification of ZnO/GaSb interface. The current–voltage characteristic of the n-ZnO/p-GaSb heterostructure is found to be rectifying in nature.

Originality/value

GaSb film growth on any substrate by thermal evaporation method taking a small piece of the sample from the pre-synthesized GaSb bulk ingot has not been reported yet. Semiconductor device with heterojunction diode by using two different semiconductors such as ZnO/GaSb was used by this group for the first time.
Analysis of the innovation value chain in strategic projects of the Brazilian Army
Authors: Ramalho Tarso Souza , Tarraco Elisangela Lazarou , Yokomizo Cesar Akira , Bernardes Roberto Carlos
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and compare seven case studies of strategic innovation projects of the Brazilian army; these projects present high transformational potential and high investments and are supported by technology and science policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors present herein multiple case studies in which the authors conduct a documentary analysis of the innovation processes in the Brazilian army, as well as semi-structured interviews conducted with eight servicemen with more than 15 years of working experience.

Findings

The results obtained suggest that the innovation process occurs in four stages: creation, selection, development and diffusion of ideas.

Practical implications

The research is relevant because it presents how the interaction between the Brazilian army, companies and academia strengthens the innovation ecosystem, stimulating the development of best practices for the management of strategic projects.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is to present the strategic project management of innovation based on public policies and investment in projects of the Brazilian army, which are drivers for the development of ecosystems that promote the creation and expansion of companies, the diffusion of technological knowledge in universities, and suitable solutions for the military sector.
Influence of thermal properties on residual stresses in SLM of aerospace alloys
Authors: Yakout Mostafa , Elbestawi M.A. , Veldhuis S.C. , Nangle-Smith S.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Residual stresses are induced during selective laser melting (SLM) because of rapid melting, solidification and build plate removal. This paper aims to examine the thermal cycle, residual stresses and part distortions for selected aerospace materials (i.e. Ti-6Al-4V, stainless steel 316L and Invar 36) using a thermo-mechanical finite element model. The numerical results are validated and compared to experimental data.

Design/methodology/approach

The model predicts the residual stress and part distortion after build plate removal. The residual stress field is validated using X-ray diffraction method and the part distortion is validated using dimensional measurements.

Findings

The trends found in the numerical results agree with those found experimentally. Invar 36 had the lowest tensile residual stresses because of its lowest coefficient of thermal expansion. The residual stresses of stainless steel 316L were lower than those of Ti-6Al-4V because of its high thermal diffusivity.

Research limitations/implications

The model predicts residual stresses at the optimal SLM process parameters. However, using any other process conditions could cause void formation and/or alloying element vaporization, which would require the inclusion of melt pool physics in the model.

Originality/value

The paper explains the influence of the coefficient of thermal expansion and thermal diffusivity on the induced thermal stresses using experimental and numerical results. The methodology can be used to predict the part distortions and residual stresses in complex designs of any of the three materials under optimal SLM process parameters.
Treatment and outcomes at Takiwasi Center, a Peruvian therapeutic community: identifying patient-related indicators
Authors: Defelippe Victoria , Schlütter Anna , Meriaan Annelen , Winkens Bjorn , Kavenská Veronika , Saucedo Rojas Gary , Politi Matteo
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Substance abuse is a major public health concern, with over millions of people suffering from it worldwide. Although there is an abundance of treatment options, many of these rehabilitative trajectories are subject to “drop-out”. In addition, “drop-out” is a significant risk factor for relapse. There is an urgent demand for effective treatment, which would enable patients to reduce abuse and prevent relapse. Takiwasi is an addiction treatment centre that combines traditional Amazonian plant medicine with conventional western medicine and psychotherapy. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether socio-demographics factors, such as education level and occupation, psychiatric comorbidities and primary drug use, are associated with treatment non-completion of Ayahuasca (AYA)-assisted addiction therapy.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on the first treatment episode of 121 patients were collected from the patient database from the years 2012 to 2017. To determine whether there is an association between the variables of interest and treatment non-completion, aχ2analysis and a logistic regression analysis were performed.

Findings

Of the 121 patients analysed, 48.2 per cent completed their treatment, whilst 51.8 per cent did not. Students compared to those who are employed showed significantly higher odds for treatment non-completion (p=0.006; OR=3.7; 95% CI=1.5–9.6). Other variables in the multivariable analysis showed no significant relationship with treatment non-completion. While several limitations restricted the study, the findings suggest that the AYA-assisted treatment in Takiwasi may benefit from additional support for patients who are students. Moreover, it is advised to conduct more long-term follow-up of patients in order to gain better insight into the outcome of treatment at an AYA-assisted treatment centre.

Originality/value

It appears that AYA-assisted therapy in a therapeutic community is a feasible type of treatment for addiction, for which further studies should elucidate the role of motivation in relation to socio-demographic factors and type of addiction in the risk of treatment non-completion.
Clinicopathological differentiation between Pityrosporum folliculitis and acneiform eruption
Authors: An Min Kyun , Hong Eun Hye , Cho Eun Byul , Park Eun Joo , Kim Kwang Ho , Kim Kwang Joong
Published: September 2019

Distinguishing between Malassezia folliculitis (Pityrosporum folliculitis [P. folliculitis]) and acneiform eruption, based on clinicopathological features, is challenging for clinicians. In the literature, the histopathological differences between P. folliculitis and acneiform eruption lesions have been poorly described. We aimed to determine the clinicopathologic distinctions between P. folliculitis and acneiform eruption by retrospectively analyzing the histology of hematoxylin and eosin stained tissue sections obtained from 52 patients diagnosed with these lesions. The presence of fungal spores in the follicular lumen was most consistent with a P. folliculitis diagnosis (P < 0.001). However, intrafollicular inflammation (P = 0.009), irregular patterns of keratin plugging (P = 0.008), and nuclear dust in the follicular lumen (P < 0.001) favored an acneiform eruption diagnosis. These intrafollicular characteristics and inflammatory differences are believed to be caused by necrotic keratinocytes that lead to vacuolar changes in the follicular wall (P = 0.013). We did not observe any difference between P. folliculitis and acneiform eruption lesions in terms of perifollicular inflammatory cell infiltration. Our study demonstrated that significant differences exist between P. folliculitis and acneiform eruption lesions relative to the presence of necrotic keratinocytes in the follicular wall, intrafollicular characteristics, and inflammatory cell infiltrations. Necrotic keratinocytes are believed to have a key role in these differences. These findings may contribute to an improved understanding of the pathogenesis and differential diagnosis of P. folliculitis and acneiform eruption.
Sirolimus therapy for kaposiform hemangioendothelioma with long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Wang Zuopeng , Yao Wei , Sun Hongqiang , Dong Kuiran , Ma Yangyang , Chen Lian , Zheng Shan , Li Kai
Published: September 2019

Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors have shown promising results in the management of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE). The purpose of this study was to present our experience involving sirolimus therapy for KHE. A retrospective study was conducted to review the medical documents of 26 patients with KHE who were treated with sirolimus at our hospital between March 2012 and December 2016. Fifteen males and 11 females manifested KHE in infancy with an average age of 2.9 ± 1.8 months. Multiple anatomical sites were involved. Four patients had multifocal lesions, while 22 patients had solitary lesions. Twenty‐five patients had Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP). Twenty patients completed sirolimus therapy in 28.3 ± 12.5 months. Nineteen KHE lesions reduced to small residuals with platelet counts reaching normal levels 3.7 ± 2.8 weeks after treatment; one KHE lesion had no response to therapy. One patient with multifocal lesions died due to a severe infection, although the patient had previously responded to sirolimus. Five patients remained in treatment and had good responses with normal platelet counts. Nineteen patients with anemia had normal hemoglobin levels after 3.5 ± 1.9 weeks of treatment. Mild side effects were observed. The median follow‐up time was 32 months (26–60 months), with no evidence of recurrences. Sirolimus was shown to be efficacious in the management of KHE with an average course of 28 months. The time‐to‐response was variable, with an average of 1 week. After 4 weeks of treatment, the platelet count and hemoglobin level had normalized. Multifocal KHE with KMP is more severe than solitary KHE.
Diffraction imaging using an adaptive phase filter
Authors: Li Chuangjian , Peng Suping , Zhao Jingtao , Cui Xiaoqin
Published: September 2019

As an ideal carrier of high‐resolution information, seismic diffraction can be used to clarify and locate small‐scale discontinuities or inhomogeneities in the subsurface. However, a diffraction is weak and thus be suppressed by the specular reflection. Furthermore, a diffraction would be destroyed by the conventional imaging method due to the polarity reversal of diffraction. In this paper, we analyse the behaviour of diffraction and reflection. For the image point on a horizontal or oblique reflector, the zone on both sides of the stationary point has the same energy after using a cosine weight function. Based on the behaviour, we propose the adaptive phase filter to adjust the polarity of the energy on both sides, and calculate it through the illumination angle and the reflector dip angle. This method avoids the calculation of the Fresnel zones and can further suppress residual reflection that disturb the diffraction images. Synthetic and field data applications show that the desired imaging results can be obtained by the proposed method. The test results demonstrate that the method is efficient in detecting small‐scale discontinuities or inhomogeneities in the subsurface and can provide high‐resolution information for seismic interpretation.
Effects of different abiotic and biotic factors on spatial primary seed dispersal in the semachorous species Scrophularia canina
Authors: Rodríguez‐Riaño Tomás , Pérez‐Bote José L. , López Josefa , Mayo Carlos , Valtueña Francisco J. , González Miguel , Ortega‐Olivencia Ana
Published: September 2019

Seed dispersal is one of the most important steps in the plant life cycle. However, there is, generally, a lack of fieldworks focused on wind dispersal and especially on semachorous dispersal (seeds spread when the fruits are shaken by wind and other vectors, such as animals), including boleochorous dispersal. Therefore, we aimed to determine how different types of wind and animals affected seed dispersal under natural conditions in the widespread species Scrophularia canina. We evaluated the effects of wind gusts (simulating them using a leaf blower) and wild animals (using differently sized dogs) on seed dispersal in a population located in south‐western Europe. We found that S. canina is a semachorous species, and its spatial seed dispersal was affected by wind gust speed and direction, plant structure and vector type. The results also revealed the presence of xerochasy, individual anisotropy with strong winds, and primary short‐distance dispersal associated with successional processes independent of the vector. Additionally, there was a masking effect of plant structure on the seed shadow outline. It is essential to conduct fieldworks to reveal what actually happens in nature, taking into account the characteristics determining seed dispersal. In addition, in these works it is important to find out what factors affect seed distributions of anemochorous and semachorous species.
Deaths While under Probation Supervision: What Role for Human Rights Legislation?
Authors: Phillips Jake , Gelsthorpe Loraine , Padfield Nicola
Published: September 2019

Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that ‘everyone has the right to life’. This right is contained in all human rights treaties that developed from the UDHR, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Yet, as we argue, the UK government is failing to protect this right when it comes to certain groups of people under probation supervision. To date, human rights legislation has failed adequately to protect these vulnerable individuals and to hold the state to account. This article explores the greater potential for using human rights legislation to ensure better accountability in this area.
Restoring Trust in Finance: From Principal–Agent to Principled Agent
Authors: Menzies Gordon , Hay Donald , Simpson Thomas , Vines David
Published: September 2019

Banking solves the principal–agent problem with incentive contracts which assume a Homo Economicus representative agent. However, professions can solve the principal–agent problem by assuming a ‘Reasonable Person’ representative agent, from tort law, who reliably tells the truth about hidden action. We describe a non‐virtuous circle in finance, which is a negative feedback loop between motivation crowding out arising from incentive contracts, and the subsequent need to offer incentive contacts because agents change from the Reasonable Person to Homo Economicus. We prescribe less reliance on incentive contracts in the practice of finance, and on Homo Economicus in the theory of finance.
Oral prescription opioid‐seeking behavior in male and female mice
Authors: Phillips Alysabeth G. , McGovern Dillon J. , Lee Soo , Ro Kyu , Huynh David T. , Elvig Sophie K. , Fegan Katelynn N. , Root David H.
Published: September 2019

A significant portion of prescription opioid users self‐administer orally rather than intravenously. Animal models of opioid addiction have demonstrated that intravenous cues are sufficient to cause drug seeking. However, intravenous models may not characterize oral users, and the preference to self‐administer orally appears to be partially influenced by the user's sex. Our objectives were to determine whether oral opioid‐associated cues are sufficient for relapse and whether sex differences exist in relapse susceptibility. Mice orally self‐administered escalating doses of oxycodone under postprandial (prefed) or non‐postprandial (no prefeeding) conditions. Both sexes demonstrated cue‐induced reinstatement following abstinence. In separate mice, we found that oral oxycodone cues were sufficient to reinstate extinguished oral oxycodone‐seeking behavior following abstinence without prior postprandial or water self‐administration training. During self‐administration, we incidentally found that female mice earned significantly more mg/kg oxycodone than male mice. Follow‐up studies indicated sex differences in psychomotor stimulation and plasma oxycodone/oxymorphone following oral oxycodone administration. In addition, gonadal studies were performed in which we found divergent responses where ovariectomy‐enhanced and orchiectomy‐suppressed oral self‐administration. While the suppressive effects of orchiectomy were identified across doses and postprandial conditions, the enhancing effects of ovariectomy were selective to non‐postprandial conditions. These studies establish that (a) oral drug cues are sufficient to cause reinstatement that is independent of prandial conditions and water‐seeking behavior, (b) earned oral oxycodone is larger in female mice compared with male mice potentially through differences in psychomotor stimulation and drug metabolism, and (c) gonadectomy produces divergent effects on oral oxycodone self‐administration between sexes.
Psoriasis precipitated by timolol eye drops. A series of eight cases
Authors: Mir‐Bonafé Juan Francisco , Rozas‐Muñoz Eduardo , Pedemonte‐Sarrias Eduard , Mir‐Bonafé Marc , Mir‐Bonafé Jose María , Piquero‐Casals Jaime , Puig Luis
Published: September 2019

Induction of psoriasis following administration of beta blocker containing eye drops has rarely been documented. We report eight cases of psoriasis triggered by timolol eye drops. Since the clinical and histopathological features of this drug reaction are indistinguishable from those of idiopathic psoriasis, a thorough drug history should be taken in all patients, especially elderly ones, with recent onset of psoriasis.
Old teaching tools should not be forgotten: The value of the Lewis ladder diagram in understanding bigeminal rhythms
Authors: Antiperovitch Pavel , Bayés de Luna Antoni , Nunes de Alencar José , García‐Niebla Javier , Escobar‐Robledo Luis Alberto , Restrepo Danilo Weir , Aristizabal David , Massó van Roessel Albert , Bayés‐Genís Antoni , Baranchuk Adrián
Published: September 2019

As medical education evolves, some traditional teaching methods often get forgotten. For generations, the Lewis ladder diagram (LLD) has helped students understand the mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias and conduction disorders. Similarly, clinicians have used LLDs to communicate their proposed mechanisms to their colleagues and trainees. In this article, we revisit this technique of constructing the LLD and demonstrate this process by describing the mechanisms of various bigeminal rhythms.
Reproductive CRISPR does not cure disease
Authors: Rulli Tina
Published: September 2019

Given recent advancements in CRISPR‐Cas9 powered genetic modification of gametes and embryos, both popular media and scientific articles are hailing CRISPR’s life‐saving, curative potential for people with serious monogenic diseases. But claims that CRISPR modification of gametes or embryos, a form of germline engineering, has therapeutic value are deeply mistaken. This article explains why reproductive uses of CRISPR, and germline engineering more generally, do not treat or save lives that would otherwise have a genetic disease. Reproductive uses of CRISPR create healthy people whose existence is not inevitable in the first place. Creating healthy lives has distinct and lesser moral value from saving or curing lives that would otherwise have genetic disease. The real value in reproductive uses of CRISPR is in helping a very limited population of people have healthy, genetically related children. This diminished value cannot compete with the concerns in opposition to germline engineering, nor is it worth the investment of research money.
Rethinking Indigenous Politics: The Unnoticed Struggle for Self‐Determination in Peru
Authors: Merino Roger
Published: September 2019

Most scholars characterise Peru as a country with weak indigenous movements, whose demands would have no influence in regional and national policies, even though its socio‐economic structures are similar to those of Bolivia and Ecuador, where indigenous movements are stronger. Based on fieldwork in the northern Peruvian Amazon and Lima between 2012–2013 and 2016–2018, this article argues that pro‐indigenous legislation enacted as a response to strong indigenous mobilisation as well as the creation of indigenous autonomous governments in the Amazon express an unnoticed struggle for indigenous self‐determination. These social phenomena also raise questions about the common assessment of the strength or weakness of indigenous movements.
Visualizing the Stability of 2D Point Sets from Dimensionality Reduction Techniques
Authors: Reinbold Christian , Kumpf Alexander , Westermann Rüdiger
Published: September 2019

We usek‐order Voronoi diagrams to assess the stability ofk‐neighbourhoods in ensembles of 2D point sets, and apply it to analyse the robustness of a dimensionality reduction technique to variations in its input configurations. To measure the stability ofk‐neighbourhoods over the ensemble, we use cells in thek‐order Voronoi diagrams, and consider the smallest coverings of corresponding points in all point sets to identify coherent point subsets with similar neighbourhood relations. We further introduce a pairwise similarity measure for point sets, which is used to select a subset of representative ensemble members via the PageRank algorithm as an indicator of an individual member's value. The stability information is embedded into thek‐order Voronoi diagrams of the representative ensemble members to emphasize coherent point subsets and simultaneously indicate how stable they lie together in all point sets. We use the proposed technique for visualizing the robustness of t‐distributed stochastic neighbour embedding and multi‐dimensional scaling applied to high‐dimensional data in neural network layers and multi‐parameter cloud simulations.
Regulation of active and quiescent somatic stem cells by Notch signaling
Authors: Sueda Risa , Kageyama Ryoichiro
Published: September 2019

Somatic stem/progenitor cells actively proliferate and give rise to different types of mature cells (active state) in embryonic tissues while they are mostly dormant (quiescent state) in many adult tissues. Notch signaling is known to regulate both active and quiescent states of somatic stem cells, but how it regulates these different states is unknown. Recent studies revealed that the Notch effector Hes1 is expressed differently during the active and quiescent states during neurogenesis and myogenesis: high in the quiescent state and oscillatory in the active state. When the Hes1 expression level is high, both Ascl1 and MyoD expression are continuously suppressed. By contrast, when Hes1 expression oscillates, it periodically represses expression of the neurogenic factor Ascl1 and the myogenic factor MyoD, thereby driving Ascl1 and MyoD oscillations. High levels of Hes1 and the resultant Ascl1 suppression promote the quiescent state of neural stem cells, while Hes1 oscillation‐dependent Ascl1 oscillations regulate their active state. Similarly, in satellite cells of muscles, known adult muscle stem cells, high levels of Hes1 and the resultant MyoD suppression seem to promote their quiescent state, while Hes1 oscillation‐dependent MyoD oscillations activate their proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, the expression dynamics of Hes1 is a key regulatory mechanism of generating and maintaining active/quiescent stem cell states.
Paediatric‐onset neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis: first symptoms and presentation at diagnosis
Authors: Dozières‐Puyravel Blandine , Nasser Hala , Elmaleh‐Bergès Monique , Lopez Hernandez Elisa , Gelot Antoinette , Ilea Adina , Delanoë Catherine , Puech Jean‐Philippe , Caillaud Catherine , Pichard Samia , Auvin Stéphane
Published: September 2019

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are rare, progressive disorders. Through this series of 20 patients with NCL, we illustrate differences between subtypes in their presenting symptoms and clinical, imaging, and electrophysiological results to raise awareness of symptom diversity. Data were available on presenting symptoms, genetics, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (including with low‐frequency intermittent photic stimulation), visual responses, and electron microscopy. Causal mutations were identified in 10 patients. Eleven patients had neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis type 2 (CLN2) disease and their most common presenting symptom was seizures, although motor and language defects were also reported. Five patients with CLN2 disease showed abnormalities at initial MRI, but only three showed a photic response with low‐frequency stimulation. Seizures were not as common a presenting symptom in other NCL subtypes. Patients with NCLs present with diverse symptoms, which may not be characteristic in early disease stages. These signs and symptoms should lead to rapid diagnostic confirmatory testing for NCLs.

What this paper adds

Disease presentation is not uniform for neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses.

Characteristic clinical test results may not be identified in early disease stages.
Management of chronic pain in newborn infants
Authors: Vollmer Brigitte
Published: September 2019

This commentary is on the case series by Burnsed et al. on pages 386–389 of this issue.
Rapid detection and identification of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma pini’‐related strains based on genomic markers present in 16S rRNA and tuf genes
Authors: Valiunas Deividas , Jomantiene Rasa , Ivanauskas Algirdas , Sneideris Donatas , Zizyte‐Eidetiene Marija , Shao Jonathan , Yan Zhao , Costanzo Stefano , Davis Robert E.
Published: September 2019

In order to devise a method for rapid detection of ‘Candidatus (Ca.) Phytoplasma pini’ and for distinguishing it rapidly from other phytoplasmas, we carried out preliminary sequencing of Lithuanian ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pini’ strain PineBL2 using Illumina (NGS) technology and targeted sequencing employing universal phytoplasma primers. We focused on two resulting chromosomal segments that contained a 16S rRNA gene and a translation elongation factor EF‐TU gene (tuf), respectively. Based on alignments of the ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pini’ gene sequences with the corresponding sequences of other phytoplasmas, we designed new primer pairs for PCR‐based detection of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pini’. Because ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pini’ strains are expected to reside in the pine phloem in a very low titre, one might expect that they could be detected only by nested PCR. By contrast, the primers and PCR protocols designed in the current work enabled rapid direct PCR detection and identification of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma pini’ by amplifying a 484 bp 16S rDNA segment and a 513 bp tuf gene fragment that contain regions unique to this phytoplasma.
Is articaine more effective than lidocaine in patients with irreversible pulpitis? An umbrella review
Authors: Nagendrababu V. , Duncan H. F. , Whitworth J. , Nekoofar M. H. , Pulikkotil S. J. , Veettil S. K. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: September 2019

Background

Pain management can be challenging during root canal treatment of teeth with irreversible pulpitis.

Aim

To identify whether articaine or lidocaine is the most appropriate local anaesthetic solution for teeth with irreversible pulpitis undergoing root canal treatment.

Data source

The protocol of this umbrella review is registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019137624). PubMed, EBSCHO host and Scopus databases were searched until June 2019.

Study eligibility criteria, participants and interventions

Systematic reviews published in English comparing the effectiveness of local anaesthesia following administration of articaine or lidocaine in patients undergoing root canal treatment of teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis were included. Two independent reviewers selected the studies and carried out the data extraction and the appraisal of the included reviews. Disagreements were resolved in consultation with a third reviewer.

Study appraisal and synthesis methods

The quality of the included reviews was appraised by two independent reviewers using the AMSTAR tool (a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews). Each of the 11 AMSTAR items was given a score of 1 if the specific criterion was met, or 0 if the criterion was not met or the information was unclear.

Results

Five systematic reviews with meta‐analyses were included. The AMSTAR score for the reviews ranged from 8 to 11, out of a maximum score of 11, and all reviews were categorized as ‘high’ quality. Two reviews scored 0 for item 8 in AMSTAR because the scientific quality of the clinical trials included in these reviews was not used in the formulation of the conclusions.

Limitations

Systematic reviews published only in the English language were included. Only a small number of studies were available to assess pain intensity during the injection phase, the time until the onset of anaesthesia and the occurrence of adverse events.

Conclusions and implications of key findings

Articaine is more effective than lidocaine for local anaesthesia of teeth with irreversible pulpitis undergoing root canal treatment. There is limited evidence that injection of articaine is less painful, has more rapid onset and has fewer adverse events compared with lidocaine.