bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incorporating Longitudinal Comorbidity and Acute Physiology Data in Template Matching for Assessing Hospital Quality
Authors: Hu Wenqi , Chan Carri W. , Zubizarreta José R. , Escobar Gabriel J.
Published: February 2018

Objective:

We sought to build on the template-matching methodology by incorporating longitudinal comorbidities and acute physiology to audit hospital quality.

Study Setting:

Patients admitted for sepsis and pneumonia, congestive heart failure, hip fracture, and cancer between January 2010 and November 2011 at 18 Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals.

Study Design:

We generated a representative template of 250 patients in 4 diagnosis groups. We then matched between 1 and 5 patients at each hospital to this template using varying levels of patient information.

Data Collection:

Data were collected retrospectively from inpatient and outpatient electronic records.

Principal Findings:

Matching on both present-on-admission comorbidity history and physiological data significantly reduced the variation across hospitals in patient severity of illness levels compared with matching on administrative data only. After adjustment for longitudinal comorbidity and acute physiology, hospital rankings on 30-day mortality and estimates of length of stay were statistically different from rankings based on administrative data.

Conclusions:

Template matching–based approaches to hospital quality assessment can be enhanced using more granular electronic medical record data.
Implementation of an Oxytocin Checklist to Improve Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Sundin Courtney , Mazac Lauren , Ellis Kathleen , Garbo Candon
Published: February 2018

Background:

Oxytocin is one of the most common drugs administered in obstetrics. Since its designation as a high-alert medication by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices in 2007, there has been much attention to oxytocin administration during labor. Oxytocin is generally safe when administered correctly, but adverse perinatal outcomes can occur during uterine tachysystole.

Purpose:

The purpose of this project was to evaluate and compare results of maternal and fetal outcomes of induction of labor for women at term prior to and after implementation of a newly developed oxytocin checklist.

Project Design and Methods:

To evaluate the practice change associated with the implementation of the new oxytocin checklist, 200 cases based on retrospective medical record reviews were compared with 200 cases after implementation.

Results:

Use of the checklist was associated with several significant clinical outcomes, including decreases in tachysystole, decreases in cesarean births for concern about fetal status based on electronic fetal monitoring data, decreases in length of first stage labor, and decreases in maximum dose of oxytocin.

Clinical Implications:

Results are similar to previous research. Early physician buy-in, clinical team education, and ongoing evaluation enhanced facilitation of the oxytocin checklist. Clinical outcomes were favorable.
Perceptions of Adult Women on Losing Their Mothers at an Early Age
Authors: Gunn Jennie , Huebner Carroll Gunn , McCoy Kristen
Published: February 2018

Purpose:

To explore the lived experience of women over the age of 21 who lost their mothers before the age of 18.

Methods:

Using qualitative methodology, motherless child–adult women were gathered through emails, word of mouth, and snowballing techniques. Interviews were conducted at the convenience of the women. The women coparticipated with identification of emerging themes using thematic analysis.

Results:

Eight women who lost their mothers before the age of 18 participated. Eight themes emerged: (1) Understanding: For wounded hearts only; (2) Coming apart: Finding my mother's daughter and self-worth; (3) Unconditional love: Grieving for and identifying with my champion; (4) Finding help: Filling the empty place with God; (5) Pitying the motherless child: Making it worse; (6) Filling in: Others as mother; (7) The ebb and flow: Grieving; and (8) Becoming mother: Taking on the Role.

Clinical Implications:

The nurse has the opportunity to improve care for women who lost their mothers before the age of 18 years. During pregnancy, childbirth, and childrearing, the woman may feel sad and anxious without the guidance of her mother. Special ways of caring may be instituted to provide her comfort such as allowing and encouraging her to bring a special item of her mother's to procedures and events so that she may feel connected with her, allowing someone to stand in for her mother, perhaps assisting in finding of another motherless child adult to be with her as needed, and the voicing of understanding of her loss while remaining nonjudgmental about her emotions during these times.
The Effect of Radiation on Quality of Life throughout the Breast Reconstruction Process: A Prospective, Longitudinal Pilot Study of 200 Patients with Long-Term Follow-Up
Authors: Devulapalli Chris , Bello Ricardo J. , Moin Emily , Alsobrooks James , Fallas Pablo Baltodano , Ohkuma Rika , Manahan Michele A. , Sacks Justin M. , Cooney Carisa M. , Rosson Gedge D.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Despite well-established correlation of postmastectomy radiotherapy and surgical complications in breast reconstruction, its impact on patient reported outcomes is less clear. We sought to determine the effect of postmastectomy radiotherapy on patient reported outcomes throughout the breast reconstruction process.

Methods:

Patients undergoing prosthetic and autologous breast reconstruction from November 2010 to June 2013 were prospectively followed with BREAST-Q surveys (preoperatively, after expander placement, and 6 and 12 months after final reconstruction). Paired t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and multiple linear regression were used to determine the effect of radiation on patient reported outcomes.

Results:

Two hundred patients were included in the study, of which 51 (25.5 percent) received postmastectomy radiotherapy. Prosthetic reconstruction was performed in 75 patients (37.5 percent), autologous reconstruction was performed in 118 (59 percent), and pure fat grafting was performed in seven (3.5 percent). At one-year follow-up, the nonirradiated group reported higher BREAST-Q scores when compared with the irradiated group, in Satisfaction with Breasts (p = 0.003), Psychosocial Well-being (p = 0.003), Sexual Well-being (p < 0.001), Physical Well-being of Chest (p = 0.024), and Satisfaction with Outcome (p = 0.03). When accounting for baseline values, Satisfaction with Breasts and Physical Well-being of Chest significantly worsened in irradiated patients undergoing prosthetic reconstruction, an effect not seen with autologous reconstructions. All irradiated patients significantly worsened in Psychosocial Well-being and Sexual Well-being scores.

Conclusions:

Postmastectomy radiotherapy is associated with worse patient reported outcomes following breast reconstruction. Autologous reconstruction can mitigate patient dissatisfaction in some domains.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, II.
Sifting through the Evidence: A Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Neurotization in Breast Reconstruction
Authors: Weissler Jason M. , Koltz Peter F. , Carney Martin J. , Serletti Joseph M. , Wu Liza C.
Published: February 2018

Background:

An untoward outcome following breast reconstruction is diminished or complete loss of sensation. As the reconstructive paradigm continues to evolve, sensory restoration following reconstruction remains a research focus. Despite the multitude of published outcomes, there is marked heterogeneity across studies, thus confounding published outcomes. This study critically appraises the literature to summarize outcomes and establish a framework to guide clinical practice and future research.

Methods:

A literature review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in an effort to perform a meta-analysis. The Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov online databases were queried to capture all publications between 1990 and 2017 that investigated postreconstruction breast sensation. The primary outcome of interest was breast sensation following both implant-based and autologous reconstruction with or without neurotization. Secondary outcomes of interest included time to sensory testing and patient-reported outcomes.

Results:

Overall, 503 titles were screened, from which 37 articles were ultimately included for analysis, accounting for 1299 patients. There was major methodologic variability and inconsistent measurable outcomes across studies. It can be deduced that postoperative sensation returns spontaneously and unpredictably, neurotization enhances the magnitude and rapidity of sensory restoration when compared to nonneurotized reconstruction, and a sensate reconstruction improves patient-reported outcomes.

Conclusions:

Significant study design discrepancies exist, making it difficult to combine data and assess results. To effectively study breast sensation and the impact of neurotization, future investigation will depend on standardizing the way in which breast sensation is measured.
Effects of Botulinum Toxin on Improving Facial Surgical Scars: A Prospective, Split-Scar, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hu Li , Zou Yun , Chang Shih-Jen , Qiu Yajing , Chen Hui , Gang Ma , Jin Yunbo , Lin Xiaoxi
Published: February 2018

Background:

Early intervention might improve the quality of surgical scars. Botulinum toxin type A has been shown to improve surgical scars in the past decade. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of botulinum toxin type A on surgical facial scars.

Methods:

In this prospective, split-scar, double-blind, randomized controlled trial, 16 consecutive patients who underwent facial surgery between June and October of 2015 were enrolled. Botulinum toxin type A was injected randomly into half of each surgical wound closure immediately after surgery. The scars were assessed independently by two plastic surgeons at a 6-month follow-up visit using the Vancouver Scar Scale and the visual analogue scale. The scar width was also measured.

Results:

Fourteen patients completed the study. The visual analogue scale score and scar width measurements revealed a significant improvement in appearance and narrower scars for the botulinum toxin type A–treated halves of the scars (p = 0.046 and p = 0.001, respectively). The mean Vancouver Scar Scale score was 4.68 for the botulinum toxin type A–injected group and 5.24 for the control group (p = 0.15). In addition, the Vancouver Scar Scale height score was significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.008).

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that early postsurgical botulinum toxin injections can produce better, narrower, and flatter facial surgical scars.

CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:

Therapeutic, II.
Quantifying Normal Craniofacial Form and Baseline Craniofacial Asymmetry in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Cho Min-Jeong , Hallac Rami R. , Ramesh Jananie , Seaward James R. , Hermann Nuno V. , Darvann Tron A. , Lipira Angelo , Kane Alex A.
Published: February 2018

Background:

Restoring craniofacial symmetry is an important objective in the treatment of many craniofacial conditions. Normal form has been measured using anthropometry, cephalometry, and photography, yet all of these modalities have drawbacks. In this study, the authors define normal pediatric craniofacial form and craniofacial asymmetry using stereophotogrammetric images, which capture a densely sampled set of points on the form.

Methods:

After institutional review board approval, normal, healthy children (n = 533) with no known craniofacial abnormalities were recruited at well-child visits to undergo full head stereophotogrammetric imaging. The children’s ages ranged from 0 to 18 years. A symmetric three-dimensional template was registered and scaled to each individual scan using 25 manually placed landmarks. The template was deformed to each subject’s three-dimensional scan using a thin-plate spline algorithm and closest point matching. Age-based normal facial models were derived. Mean facial asymmetry and statistical characteristics of the population were calculated.

Results:

The mean head asymmetry across all pediatric subjects was 1.5 ± 0.5 mm (range, 0.46 to 4.78 mm), and the mean facial asymmetry was 1.2 ± 0.6 mm (range, 0.4 to 5.4 mm). There were no significant differences in the mean head or facial asymmetry with age, sex, or race.

Conclusions:

Understanding the “normal” form and baseline distribution of asymmetry is an important anthropomorphic foundation. The authors present a method to quantify normal craniofacial form and baseline asymmetry in a large pediatric sample. The authors found that the normal pediatric craniofacial form is asymmetric, and does not change in magnitude with age, sex, or race.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Strength and Consistency of the Associations between Dupuytren Disease and Diabetes Mellitus, Liver Disease, and Epilepsy
Authors: Broekstra Dieuwke C. , Groen Henk , Molenkamp Sanne , Werker Paul M. N. , van den Heuvel Edwin R.
Published: February 2018

Background:

The role of diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and epilepsy as risk factors for Dupuytren disease remains unclear. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the strength and consistency of these associations were examined.

Methods:

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched for articles reporting an association between Dupuytren disease and diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and epilepsy published before September 26, 2016. The frequencies of Dupuytren disease and diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and epilepsy were extracted, as was information on potential confounders. Generalized linear mixed models were applied to estimate pooled odds ratios, adjusted for confounders. Heterogeneity between studies was quantified using an intraclass correlation coefficient and was accounted for by a random effect for study.

Results:

One thousand two hundred sixty unique studies were identified, of which 32 were used in the meta-analyses. An association between Dupuytren disease and diabetes mellitus was observed (OR, 3.06; 95 percent CI, 2.69 to 3.48, adjusted for age), which was stronger for type 1 diabetes mellitus than for type 2 diabetes mellitus but was not statistically significant (p = 0.24). An association between Dupuytren disease and liver disease was observed (OR, 2.92; 95 percent CI, 2.08 to 4.12, adjusted for sex). Dupuytren disease and epilepsy were associated, yielding an OR of 2.80 (95 percent CI, 2.49 to 3.15). Heterogeneity between studies was moderate to low.

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrate an association between Dupuytren disease and diabetes mellitus, liver disease, and epilepsy. Prospective, longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate the pathways causing these associations.
Detach Yourself: The Positive Effect of Psychological Detachment on Patient Safety in Long-Term Care
Authors: Buljac-Samardžić Martina , Dekker-van Doorn Connie , Van Wijngaarden Jeroen
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Delivering health care is emotionally demanding. Emotional competencies that enable caregivers to identify and handle emotions may be important to deliver safe care, as it improves resilience and enables caregivers to make better decisions. A relevant emotional competence could be psychological detachment, which refers to the ability to psychologically detach from work and patients in off-duty hours. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between psychological detachment and patient safety. In addition, the ability of teams to create a safe environment to discuss errors and take personal risks, i.e., psychological safety, was explored as an underlying condition for psychological detachment.

Methods

A total of 1219 caregivers (response rate = 44%) from 229 teams in two long-term care organizations completed a survey on psychological safety and psychological detachment at T0. Team managers rated patient safety of those teams at two points in time (T0 and T1).

Results

Two-level regression analysis showed that both psychological safety (β = 0.72, P < 0.01) and psychological detachment (β = 0.54, P < 0.05) relate directly to patient safety. Psychological safety relates positively to psychological detachment (β = 0.48, P < 0.01) but was, however, not an underlying condition.

Conclusions

Perceived patient safety is enhanced by emotional competencies, at individual level by psychological detachment and at team level by psychological safety. Caregivers should be aware of the important influence emotional competencies have on patient safety and be trained to develop these competencies. Future research should focus on exploring underlying conditions for emotional competencies.
[44Sc]Sc-PSMA-617 Biodistribution and Dosimetry in Patients With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Carcinoma
Authors: Khawar Ambreen , Eppard Elisabeth , Sinnes Jean Phlippe , Roesch Frank , Ahmadzadehfar Hojjat , Kürpig Stefan , Meisenheimer Michael , Gaertner Florian C. , Essler Markus , Bundschuh Ralph A.
Published: February 2018

Aim

[44Sc]Sc-PSMA-617 with 3.9-hour half-life, in vitro and in vivo characteristics similar to [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 and possibility of delayed imaging after 24 hours or later, implies it to be advantageous than [68 Ga]Ga-PSMA-617 for pretherapeutic dosimetric assessment for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 in metastatic castration-resistant prostate carcinoma (mCRPC) patients. In this study, we investigated biodistribution and radiation exposure to normal organs with [44Sc]Sc-PSMA-617 in mCRPC patients.

Methods

Five mCRPC patients (mean age, 69 years) enrolled for [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapy were injected with 40–62 MBq [44Sc]Sc-PSMA-617 intravenously; Siemens Biograph 2 PET/CT system was used to acquire dynamic PET data (30 minutes) in list mode over the abdomen, followed by the collection of static PET/CT images (skull to mid-thigh) at 45 minutes, 2 and approximately 20 hours postinjection. Time-dependent changes in percentage activity in source organs (kidneys, bladder, salivary glands, small intestine, liver, spleen, and whole body) were determined. Bone marrow and urinary bladder contents residence time were also calculated. Source organs residence time, organ-absorbed doses, and effective doses were determined using OLINDA/EXM software.

Results

Physiological tracer uptake was seen in kidneys, liver, spleen, small intestine, urinary bladder, and salivary glands and in metastases. Kidneys with highest radiation absorbed dose of 3.19E-01 mSv/MBq were the critical organs, followed by urinary bladder wall (2.24E-01 mSv/MBq, spleen [1.85E-01], salivary glands [1.11E-01], and liver [1.07E-01] mSv/MBq). Red marrow dose was found to be 3.31E-02 mSv/MBq. The mean effective dose of 3.89E-02 mSv/MBq and effective dose of 1.95 mSv was estimated from 50 MBq (treatment planning dose) of [44Sc]Sc-PSMA-617.

Conclusions

[44Sc]Sc-PSMA-617 is found to be a very promising radiopharmaceutical that can be used for pre [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 therapeutic dosimetric assessment.
Prediction of Overall Survival Based on Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 Mutation and 18F-FDG Uptake on PET/CT in Patients With Cerebral Gliomas
Authors: Kim Dongwoo , Kim Soyoung , Kim Se Hoon , Chang Jong Hee , Yun Mijin
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This retrospective study aimed to correlate 18F-FDG uptake on PET/CT with isocitrate dehydrogenase enzyme isoform 1 (IDH1) mutation in patients with cerebral gliomas. Hierarchical interactions between factors affecting overall survival (OS) were also examined.

Methods

In 59 patients with glioma, the ratio of the SUVmax of a glioma to the SUVmean of the contralateral cortex (G/C ratio) on 18F-FDG PET/CT and the presence of IDH1 mutation were correlated. The prognostic value of clinicopathologic factors and G/C ratio for OS were assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model and classification and regression tree models.

Results

The mean G/C ratio of IDH1-mutant tumors was significantly lower than that of IDH1 wild-type tumors (0.73 vs 1.14, P = 0.004). In multivariate analysis, IDH1-mutant and G/C ratio were significant for OS. The classification and regression tree modeling identified 3 risk groups for OS (group 1: IDH1 mutant [hazard ratio, 0.2]; group 2: G/C ratio ≤0.8 with IDH1 wild type [hazard ratio, 0.83]; group 3: G/C ratio >0.8 with IDH1 wild type [hazard ratio, 1.9]) (overall P < 0.001). The mean OS was 37.0 months in group 1, 28.6 months in group 2, and 20.7 months in group 3, respectively, showing significant differences among the groups (group 1 vs group 2: P = 0.023, group 2 vs group 3: P = 0.049, group 1 vs group3: P < 0.001).

Conclusions

18F-FDG uptake of IDH1-mutant gliomas was significantly lower than that of IDH1 wild-type gliomas. IDH1 mutation was the most important factor in identifying patients with the best prognosis, whereas increased 18F-FDG uptake provided additional prognostic information for predicting poor OS among patients with IDH1 wild-type gliomas.
Recurrent Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma on 68Ga–Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen PET/CT
Authors: Arora Saurabh , Damle Nishikant Avinash , Parida Girish Kumar , Singhal Abhinav , Nalli Harish , Dattagupta Shreya , Bal Chandrasekar
Published: February 2018

The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is highly expressed in prostate cancer cells. Few other malignancies have shown expression of PSMA. We present a case of 35-year-old man with medullary thyroid carcinoma, post total thyroidectomy and bilateral neck dissection, now presenting with rising calcitonin levels (doubling time 9 months) and local neck recurrence with negative 131I-MIBG scan. We decided to perform 68Ga-PSMA-HBED-CC PET/CT scan to assess PSMA expression and explore the therapeutic option in view of rising serum calcitonin. It revealed intense PSMA uptake in the soft tissue mass in left thyroid bed and cervical lymph nodes.
Robin Sequence: Continuing Heterogeneity in Nomenclature and Diagnosis
Authors: van Nunen Daan P.F. , van den Boogaard Marie-José H. , Breugem Corstiaan C.
Published: February 2018

Objective:

Heterogeneity in both nomenclature and diagnostic criteria has hindered the interpretation of research into the congenital condition most widely known as (Pierre) Robin syndrome or sequence. In 2009, the discussion regarding its diagnosis and nosology was reopened to converge on a uniform eponym and standard set of diagnostic criteria. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of this debate.

Materials and Methods:

This is a retrospective review of the nomenclature and diagnostic criteria employed in studies about this condition that were indexed in the MEDLINE literature database (PubMed) and published during 2009 to 2016.

Results:

A total of 440 studies were retrieved of which the majority used the eponyms “Pierre Robin sequence” (62.0%) or “Robin sequence” (23.4%). During the study period, there was a significant shift toward the use of “sequence” in preference over “syndrome.” Only 71.4% of studies mentioned their criteria for diagnosis, which remained heterogeneous throughout the study period.

Conclusion:

Since 2009, the debate has not produced a consensus eponym and standard diagnosis. This is unfortunate given the enduring controversies over the optimal management of a condition associated with a high morbidity and mortality. A renewed effort is needed to arrive at a workable consensus to enhance the retrievability of relevant literature and facilitate the interpretation of outcome studies.
Innovate Global Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Cleft Lip and Palate Charity Database
Authors: Patel Pinkal S. , Chung Karen Y. , Kasrai Leila
Published: February 2018

Background:

There is an emerging interest in global surgery. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery recognizes the important role that nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) play in the delivery of cleft lip and/or palate (CLP) surgical care. To better address the unmet burden of surgical disease, the commissioners propose the use of a centralized registry to maximize coordination of global surgical volunteerism efforts. This study aims to create a comprehensive database of CLP organizations.

Methods:

A systematic search of the following resources was conducted: The Plastic Surgery Foundation, Smile Train, Wikipedia, Google, and lists of surgical NGOs. A secondary review of each organization's website was performed to verify inclusion criteria and to extract data. Organizations were classified as providing surgical or nonsurgical care.

Results:

Thirty-one organizations providing CLP care were reviewed, with 30 that met inclusion criteria. Of the 20 surgical NGOs, 50% use a diagonal approach of international outreach, 40% a vertical one-way approach, and 10% a horizontal approach. All 10 of the nonsurgical NGOs provide care through a horizontal approach. Their offices are distributed across North America (43%), Asia (27%), Europe (23%), and Australia (7%). Forty-three percent of the organizations provide CLP surgeries or services in more than 1 country; 93% do so with a multidisciplinary team. A majority of the organizations established collaborations with host institutions (80%).

Conclusion:

To the authors’ best knowledge, this database includes the largest collection of CLP organizations. This list will be made publicly available to inform surgical care planning, facilitate collaboration, and promote further research.
Rotational 3D mechanogenomic Turing patterns of human colon Caco-2 cells during differentiation
Authors: Zheng Gen , Kalinin Alexandr A. , Dinov Ivo D. , Meixner Walter , Zhu Shengtao , Wiley John
Published: February 2018

Recent reports suggest that actomyosin meshwork act in a mechanobiological manner alter cell/nucleus/tissue morphology, including human colon epithelial Caco-2 cancer cells that form polarized 2D epithelium or 3D sphere/tube when placed in different culture conditions. We observed the rotational motion of the nucleus in Caco-2 cells in vitro that appears to be driven by actomyosin network prior to the formation of a differentiated confluent epithelium. Caco-2 cell monolayer preparations demonstrated 2D patterns consistent with Allan Turing’s “gene morphogen” hypothesis based on live cell imaging analysis of apical tight junctions indicating the actomyosin meshwork. Caco-2 cells in 3D culture are frequently used as a model to study 3D epithelial morphogenesis involving symmetric and asymmetric cell divisions. Differentiation of Caco-2 cells in vitro demonstrated similarity to intestinal enterocyte differentiation along the human colon crypt axis. We observed rotational 3D patterns consistent with gene morphogens during Caco-2 cell differentiation. Single- to multi-cell ring/torus-shaped genomes were observed that were similar to complex fractal Turing patterns extending from a rotating torus centre in a spiral pattern consistent with gene morphogen motif. Rotational features of the epithelial cells may contribute to well-described differentiation from stem cells to the luminal colon epithelium along the crypt axis. This dataset may be useful to study the role of mechanobiological processes and the underlying molecular mechanisms as determinants of cellular and tissue architecture in space and time, which is the focal point of the 4D nucleome initiative.
Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure and properties of a two-dimensional uranyl coordination polymer based on a flexible zwitterionic ligand
Authors: Cui Wen , Wang Ruyu , Shu Xi , Fan Yu , Liu Yang , Jin Yongdong , Xia Chuanqin , Huang Chao
Published: February 2018

The interaction between the uranyl cation, (UO2)2+, and organic species is of interest due to the potential applications of the resulting compounds with regard to nuclear waste disposal and nuclear fuel reprocessing. The hydrothermal reaction of various uranyl compounds with flexible zwitterionic 1,1′-[1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(pyridin-1-ium-4-carboxylate) dihydrochloride (Bpmb·2HCl) in deionized water containing drops of H2SO4resulted in the formation of a novel two-dimensional uranyl coordination polymer, namely poly[tetraoxido{μ2-1,1′-[1,4-phenylenebis(methylene)]bis(pyridin-1-ium-4-carboxylate)}di-μ3-sulfato-diuranium(VI)], [(UO2)2(SO4)2(C20H16N2O4)]n, (1). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that this coordination polymer exhibits a layered arrangement and the (UO2)2+centre is coordinated by five equatorial O atoms. The structure was further characterized by FT–IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The polymer shows high thermal stability up to 696 K. Furthermore, the photoluminescence properties of (1) has also been studied, showing it to exhibit a typical uranyl fluorescence.
Planarity of heteroaryldithiocarbazic acid derivatives showing tuberculostatic activity: structure–activity relationships
Authors: Szczesio Małgorzata , Gołka Jolanta , Korona-Głowniak Izabela , Orlewska Czesława , Gobis Katarzyna , Olczak Andrzej
Published: February 2018

The search for new tuberculostatics is an important issue due to the increasing resistance ofMycobacterium tuberculosisto existing agents and the resulting spread of the pathogen. Heteroaryldithiocarbazic acid derivatives have shown potential tuberculostatic activity and investigations of the structural aspects of these compounds are thus of interest. Three new examples have been synthesized. The structure of methyl 2-[amino(pyridin-3-yl)methylidene]hydrazinecarbodithioate, C8H10N4S2, at 293 K has monoclinic (P21/n) symmetry. It is of interest with respect to antibacterial properties. The structure displays N—H...N and N—H...S hydrogen bonding. The structure ofN′-(pyrrolidine-1-carbonothioyl)picolinohydrazonamide, C11H15N5S, at 100 K has monoclinic (P21/n) symmetry and is also of interest with respect to antibacterial properties. The structure displays N—H...S hydrogen bonding. The structure of (Z)-methyl 2-[amino(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]-1-methylhydrazinecarbodithioate, C9H13N4S2, has triclinic (P\overline{1}) symmetry. The structure displays N—H...S hydrogen bonding.
New quaternary carbide Mg1.52Li0.24Al0.24C0.86as a disorder derivative of the family of hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structures and the effect of structure modification on the electrochemical behaviour of the electrode
Authors: Pavlyuk Volodymyr , Kulawik Damian , Ciesielski Wojciech , Pavlyuk Nazar , Dmytriv Grygoriy
Published: February 2018

Magnesium alloys are the basis for the creation of light and ultra-light alloys. They have attracted attention as potential materials for the accumulation and storage of hydrogen, as well as electrode materials in metal-hydride and magnesium-ion batteries. The search for new metal hydrides has involved magnesium alloys with rare-earth transition metals and doped byp- ors-elements. The synthesis and characterization of a new quaternary carbide, namely dimagnesium lithium aluminium carbide, Mg1.52Li0.24Al0.24C0.86, belonging to the family of hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structures, are reported. The title compound crystallizes with hexagonal symmetry (space groupP\overline{6}m2), where two sites with \overline{6}m2 symmetry and one site with 3m. symmetry are occupied by an Mg/Li statistical mixture (in Wyckoff position 1a), an Mg/Al statistical mixture (in position 1d) and C atoms (2i). The cuboctahedral coordination is typical for Mg/Li and Mg/Al, and the C atom is enclosed in an octahedron. Electronic structure calculations were used for elucidation of the ability of lithium or aluminium to substitute magnesium, and evaluation of the nature of the bonding between atoms. The presence of carbon in the carbide phase improves the corrosion resistance of the Mg1.52Li0.24Al0.24C0.86alloy compared to the ternary Mg1.52Li0.24Al0.24alloy and Mg.
The ontological law of Tawhid contra ‘Shari’ah-compliance’ in Islamic portfolio finance
Authors: Choudhury Masudul Alam
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this study/paper is the generalized ontological law of monotheism (unity of knowledge) and its functioning in the financial world system is summarized and contrasted with the recent conception of “shari’ah-compliance”. Thereby, some specific rulings of shari’ah-compliance in Islamic finance are critically annulled. The principal problem of the inability of shari’ah-compliance in the formalism of rate-setting and debt cancellation is pointed out in analytical ways. The alternative valuation models in the light of the Tawhidi ontological law are formalized. Many important issues are examined in analytical and Tawhidi authentic ways of Islamic law contra to shari’ah-compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

The epistemological approach commencing from the Tawhidi ontological law is used as the premise of developing analytical formalism to counter the irrelevant rulings done by the field of shari’ah compliance. Thereby, endogenous moral and ethical foundations are studied in deriving analytical finance models of asset valuation, rate-determination and debt cancellation.

Findings

Substantive analytical results are derived for intellection in the area of the primal ontological law of Tawhid that negates many of the rulings framed up in shari’ah-compliance area of Islamic law. These results can guide financial academia, practitioners and policymakers.

Research limitations/implications

The paper can be expanded subsequently to the area of analytical Islamic finance in general by further investigating the Modigliani and Miller theorem on optimal debt-equity structure of corporate finance. An introduction to this study is provided in this paper as a starting point of dealing with the debt problem of shari’ah-compliance.

Practical implications

The paper presents important guidance as input for the rulings of shari’ah-compliance idea held by shari’ah advisory boards and similar institutions presently operating at the financial level.

Social implications

The paper presents a subtle transformation of the social and financial order in the light of the Tawhidi ontological law quite differently from the way that shari’ah-compliance envisions.

Originality/value

The theoretical and projected applied perspectives in analytical finance presented in this paper provide a methodological worldview for all areas of social finance with ethical consciousness. Such analytical approach is much needed today in the reconstruction of global finance in the scale of ethics and away from the sole focus on capital market efficiency.
Mediation effect of dynamic capability in the relationship between knowledge management and strategic leadership on organizational performance accountability
Authors: Najmi Kamariah , Kadir Abdul Rahman , Kadir Muh. Isa Ansari
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This study aims to examine and assess the effect of knowledge management and strategic leadership on performance of hospitals by using variables’ mediating effect of dynamic capability.

Design/methodology/approach

The population included in this study are all the elements of leadership, i.e. both structural and functional leaders at the four hospitals in Makassar [the central government (Dr Wahidin Sudiro Husodo), Regional General Hospital belonging to the Provincial Government of South Sulawesi (Hospital Labuang Baji and hospitals Hajj) and government hospitals (hospitals belonging Makassar City Government)]. The sample size resulting from the analysis tools included approximately 100 respondents. This research used both structural, i.e. structural equation modeling (SEM), and Sobel tests for assessing the mediation effects.

Findings

First, dynamic capabilities as a mediation variable in relationship between the knowledge management and performance of hospitals, indicates that higher knowledge management will result in improved hospital performance, if the mediated dynamic capability was also higher. Second, dynamic capabilities as the mediation in the relationship between strategic leadership and hospital performance indicates that a higher strategic leadership will lead to improved hospital performance, if the mediated dynamic capability was also higher.

Originality/value

The results of previous studies on knowledge management in public sector organizations were not sufficiently clear. Moreover, the study of knowledge management in the health services industry also received less attention from previous researchers. This research attempts to fill the gap further by examining the influence of knowledge management on organizational dynamic capability and organizational performance of hospitals. The presence of the mediating variable dynamic capability also differentiates this study from previous studies.
Secretary, Ministry of Finance vs Md. Masdar Hossain and others
Authors: Hossaini Md. Rafiqul Islam
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the legendary decision of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh. Apart from this, the author’s aim is to analyse the constitutional interpretation done by the Higher Judiciary of the Country. Another aim of this note is to simplify the decision of this case for the understanding of the mass people and law students.

Design/methodology/approach

To conclude this paper, both qualitative and analytical methods have been used.

Findings

In this paper, a summarized fact of the case has been presented. In addition to that, decision of the High Court Division in the Writ petition has been simplified with six simple points. Moreover, major arguments submitted by both the Appellant’s and Respondent’s Lawyers have been summarized. Decision of the Appellate Division has been simplified with 12 simple points along with the reasoning behind the judgement.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, only the case of Secretary, Ministry of Finance vs Md. Masdar Hossain and Others has been studied and analysed in depth.

Practical implications

This paper will mainly help the Law and Social Science students for simply understanding the decision and the reasoning behind the decision of the case. Apart from that, this case noting will help both academics and legal professionals to study this case within a short period.

Social implications

This paper will help mass people who want to study about this case to simply understand the case in depth. In addition to that, people will get known about the procedure hoe the subordinate judiciary of Bangladesh became independent.

Originality/value

This conceptual paper is the original piece of work and is not under review in any other journal. This paper has not been published previously in any other journal.
A critical analysis of e-commerce contracts with relevance to the UAE and the United Kingdom
Authors: Jaradt Nashat Mahmoud
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to note how in-line the laws of each country are with the current best recommendations. The focus will be on the UAE and the UK for the purpose of creating a contrast between countries which have different regulations in general and between contrasting countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper seeks to critically analyze the state of e-commerce contract laws in terms of what forms a part of the law normally and to what extent the similarities have been enacted in the international laws. A critical analysis of the information derived through the search was undertaken. This methodology was to ascertain the viability of the information in terms of its consistency with the contemporary laws in each country relating to e-commerce. Comparisons were made on topic-by-topic basis within the searches.

Findings

It was clear through the information reviewed from both the UAE and the UK that both countries’ laws are advanced in terms of being inclusive of the best common practices noted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This shows that both countries, through their vastly different legal structures, have implemented similar laws with regard to e-commerce.

Originality/value

This report is original in its value to e-commerce laws, as it is the first to consider how different countries e-commerce contract laws lineup to the OECD-recommended rules related to it. The value of this research is to show to what degree is there cohesion within the e-commerce laws on an international level.
Assessing the prudential approach of the Financial Services Commission towards corporate failure in Mauritius
Authors: Mahadew Roopanand , Luchmun Bhavna
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the sphere of corporate failure in Mauritius. The causes are explained and urge to take preventive measures is justified therein. Recommendations are finally proposed to prevent corporate failure in Mauritius.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used is based on a mixture of the legal research method and case study analysis. This paper analyses every legal instrument such as enactments, binding rules, regulations and guidelines relevant to the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the insurance sector in Mauritius.

Findings

The prudential approach by the FSC is on the basis of any attempt for preventing corporate failure in Mauritius. However, there is still room for improvement with amendments that can be brought to various stages, such as the licensing, compliance and regulation stage.

Research limitations/implications

In terms of research limitation, this is an area that is quite new in Mauritius, implying that literature would mostly be indirect in nature. However, it has a high implication as it positions itself as one of the first pieces of literature on the issue of corporate failure in Mauritius. It can be the beginning of a long and required series of literature much needed in the field.

Practical implications

The effectiveness of the regulatory power of the FSC is essential for the financial sector’s future of Mauritius. The amendments that are proposed thought this study would help to immediately improve the health of this essential sector.

Social implications

It posits the business world as an area in which the social impacts are significant. The social implications would be towards researchers, students, practitioners and policymaker. Also, it is a piece of research that would be important for investors who would want to invest in the financial sectors in Mauritius.

Originality/value

This paper will be highly instrumental to policymakers, regulatory authorities, international investors and local businessmen wishing to enter the financial services sector to have a better idea of how this very important pillar of the economy of Mauritius can be shielded better against failure and how it can be enhanced to promote the economic growth of Mauritius.
Compulsory military service, civilian wages, and retirement decision
Authors: Lim Hyunjoon
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effect of veteran status on civilian wages and on retirement age through employing individual-level data.

Design/methodology/approach

Instrumental variable (IV) estimation specifications show that, contrary to public perception, veteran status has a statistically significant positive impact on an individual’s civilian wage and thus helps him retire earlier than his non-veteran counterpart.

Findings

Moreover, the wage premium effect largely holds for less-educated men; however, for highly educated men, military service has adverse effects on their subsequent wages, and thus, on their retirement age. In line with this result, the effects of veteran status on retirement age largely hold for the relatively less-educated group.

Originality/value

This is the first finding to shed light on the link between veteran status and the decision to retire. This work is also first attempt to explore relationship between compulsory military service and subsequent civilian labor market performance, using the Korean individual-level data via relevant IV estimation methodology.
Deriving the hierarchical relationship of factors of fly ash handling
Authors: Sushil  , Singh Surya Prakash , Singh Aarti
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework of fly ash (FA) handling by using the total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) technique in the Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual framework of the FA handling technique has been developed by using the TISM technique, where the FA handling factors have been identified from literature and verified by experts.

Findings

The conceptual framework of FA handling technique developed by using TISM contributes to the development of FA handling hierarchy. The framework identifies that there are 12 important factors which play a vital role in FA handling. The conceptual model indicates that particle size distribution derives FA handling technology.

Research limitations/implications

This study identified important factors for FA handling and it has implication for both organizations and policy makers. This study delivers the factors which play an important role in handling FA in a thermal power plant. This study highlights important linkages essential for the expansion of FA handling technologies and policies.

Originality/value

This study is unique in itself as it studies the FA handling factors through the qualitative modeling technique and has made its contribution in FA handling by providing the conceptual framework for managing FA in the thermal power plant.
Reflections on sustainable Ålidhem
Authors: Lindbergh Lars , Olofsson Thomas , Vesterberg Jimmy , Andersson Staffan , Wilson Timothy L.
Published: February 2018

Purpose

This work is initiated under the premise that reliable evaluation methods are necessary to ensure investments in energy conservation, and the purpose of this paper is to contribute to that literature. It describes some pilot changes and their impact in an actual field study oriented toward upgrading municipal public housing (MPH) units.

Design/methodology/approach

The research for this paper was connected to an MPH refurbishment project situated in northern Sweden. The overall energy efficiency goal within the project was a 40-50 percent reduction in the supplied energy for central electricity, domestic hot water and space heating. In order to evaluate if these goals were feasible, a measurement system was installed in a pilot building and in a neighboring building used as a reference. The evaluation was conducted by comparing the post-retrofit performance of the pilot building with the performance of the reference building when it was kept in its initial state (a comparison possible because both buildings had initial similarities).

Findings

Impacts could be quantified insofar as a reference (control) building in the same environment was sustained for comparison purposes. A 43 percent improvement was observed in energy utilization in the pilot building compared to its reference companion (99.8 vs 174.5 kWh/m2 per year). When the approach described herein was applied to new construction, the present goal of 65 kWh/m2 was approached as measured by Swedish standards.

Practical implications

Results should be of interest to academics in the housing field, professionals involved in refurbishment and residents themselves, renting MPH flats.

Originality/value

This study is unique in the following ways: first, it really was a field experiment with a control, thus it did not have any exogenous interference in interpreting results. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of its kind. The second interesting characteristic was that results were subsequently used in the refurbishment of other buildings in the complex and in the construction of others. The major value of the paper may be associated with its timing. It comes at a time when the Kyoto agreement has raised concerns about sustainability, but also at a time when many buildings are facing a need for refurbishment.