bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and density-functional-theory calculations of electronic band structure of hollow sphere WS2
Authors: Akple Maxwell Selase , Apevienyeku Holali Kwami
Published: September 2018

A novel and low-cost synthesis of tungsten disulfide (WS2) transition metal dichalcogenide was carried out via gas-solid reaction in a horizontal quartz reactor. In this process, the prepared hollow WO3 precursor was sulfided with CS2 at 550 °C at different durations under N2 gas atmosphere. The as-prepared WS2 samples were formed by substitution of O by S during the sulfidation process. The characterization of these samples was performed employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface area, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. The characterization results showed that the as-prepared WS2 samples were of high quality and purity. No significant differences were observed in various WS2 samples synthesized during different sulfidation periods. The calculated results obtained from the density functional theory (DFT) indicate that WS2 has an indirect band gap of ca. 1.56 eV, which is in agreement with experimental band gap of ca. 1.50 eV. Combining the experimental and DFT results suggests that the novel method used in the synthesis of WS2 has a potential application for large scale production. The obtained WS2 are of high quality and can be implemented in photocatalysis, catalysis, photovoltaics, optoelectronic devices and photosensor devices.
Induction chemotherapy, chemoradiotherapy and consolidation chemotherapy in preoperative treatment of rectal cancer - long-term results of phase II OIGIT-01 Trial
Authors: Golo Danijela , But-Hadzic Jasna , Anderluh Franc , Brecelj Erik , Edhemovic Ibrahim , Jeromen Ana , Omejc Mirko , Oblak Irena , Secerov-Ermenc Ajra , Velenik Vaneja
Published: September 2018

Background

The purpose of the study was to improve treatment efficacy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) by shifting half of adjuvant chemotherapy preoperatively to one induction and two consolidation cycles.

Patients and methods

Between October 2011 and April 2013, 66 patients with LARC were treated with one induction chemotherapy cycle followed by chemoradiotherapy (CRT), two consolidation cycles, surgery and three adjuvant capecitabine cycles. Radiation doses were 50.4 Gy for T2-3 and 54 Gy for T4 tumours in 1.8 Gy daily fraction. The doses of concomitant and neo/adjuvant capecitabine were 825 mg/m2/12h and 1250mg/m2/12h, respectively. The primary endpoint was pathologic complete response (pCR).

Results

Forty-three (65.1%) patients were treated according to protocol. The compliance rates for induction, consolidation, and adjuvant chemotherapy were 98.5%, 93.8% and 87.3%, respectively. CRT was completed by 65/66 patients, with G ≥ 3 non-hematologic toxicity at 13.6%. The rate of pCR (17.5%) was not increased, but N and the total-down staging rates were 77.7% and 79.3%, respectively. In a median follow-up of 55 months, we recorded one local relapse (LR) (1.6%). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 64.0% (95% CI 63.89–64.11) and 69.5% (95% CI 69.39–69.61), respectively.

Conclusions

In LARC preoperative treatment intensification with capecitabine before and after radiotherapy is well tolerated, with a high compliance rate and acceptable toxicity. Though it does not improve the local effect, it achieves a high LR rate, DFS, and OS.
Epidemiology of oral mucosal lesions in Slovenia
Authors: Kansky Andrej Aleksander , Didanovic Vojko , Dovsak Tadej , Brzak Bozana Loncar , Pelivan Ivica , Terlevic Diana
Published: September 2018

Background

Among the diseases of oral mucosa, malignant tumors are the most dangerous, but not the most common lesions that might appear in the oral cavity. Since most of the studies are focused on the detection of cancer in the oral cavity, we were interested in detecting the frequency of benign changes of the oral mucosa in Slovene population. Oral mucosal lesions are important pointer of oral health and quality of life, especially in elderly. The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions, together with information on the risk habits associated with oral health, such as tobacco and alcohol use, can help in planning future oral health studies and screening programs.

Patients and methods

Survey upon oral mucosal lesions was conducted during the national project for oral cancer screening in spring 2017 in the Slovenia in which more than 50% of dentists participated and 2395 patients (904 men and 1491 women) were included.

Results

Clinical examination, which was conducted according to the WHO standards revealed that 645 patients (27%) had oral mucosal lesions. The ten most common oral lesions detected were fibroma, gingivitis, Fordyce spots, white coated tongue, cheek biting, linea alba, denture stomatitis, geographic tongue, recurrent aphthous ulcerations and lichen planus.

Conclusions

Overall, these epidemiological data suggest need for specific health policies for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral mucosal lesions.
Three-dimensional ultrasound evaluation of tongue posture and its impact on articulation disorders in preschool children with anterior open bite
Authors: Kravanja Sanda Lah , Hocevar-Boltezar Irena , Music Maja Marolt , Jarc Ana , Verdenik Ivan , Ovsenik Maja
Published: September 2018

Background

Tongue posture plays an important role in the etiology of anterior open bite (AOB) and articulation disorders, and is crucial for AOB treatment planning and posttreatment stability. Clinical assessment of tongue posture in children is unreliable due to anatomical limitations. The aim of the study was to present functional diagnostics using three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) assessment of resting tongue posture in comparison to clinical assessment, and the associations between the improper tongue posture, otorhinolaryngological characteristics, and articulation disorders in preschool children with AOB.

Patients and methods

A cross-sectional study included 446 children, aged 3–7 years, 236 boys and 210 girls, examined by an orthodontist to detect the prevalence of AOB. The AOB was present in 32 children. The control group consisted of 43 children randomly selected from the participants with normocclusion. An orthodontist, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist and a speech therapist assessed orofacial and ENT conditions, oral habits, and articulation disorders in the AOB group and control group. Tongue posture was also assessed by an experienced radiologist, using 3DUS. The 3DUS assessment of tongue posture was compared to the clinical assessment of orthodontist and ENT specialist.

Results

The prevalence of AOB was 7.2%. The AOB group and the control group significantly differed regarding improper tongue posture (p < 0.001), and articulation disorders (p < 0.001). In children without articulation disorders from both groups, the improper tongue posture occured less frequently than in children with articulation disorders (p < 0.001). After age adjustment, a statistical regression model showed that the children with the improper tongue posture had higher odds ratios for the presence of AOB (OR 14.63; p < 0.001) than the others. When articulation disorders were included in the model, these odds ratios for the AOB became insignificant (p = 0.177). There was a strong association between the improper tongue posture and articulation disorders (p = 0.002). The 3DUS detected the highest number of children with improper resting tongue posture, though there was no significant difference between the 3DUS and clinical assessments done by orthodontist and ENT specialist.

Conclusions

The 3DUS has proved to be an objective, non-invasive, radiation free method for the assessment of tongue posture and could become an important tool in functional diagnostics and early rehabilitation in preschool children with speech irregularities and irregular tongue posture and malocclusion in order to enable optimal conditions for articulation development.
Case report: Life-saving pulmonary endarterectomy for a young female with primary antiphospholipid syndrome complicated by severe chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Palevičiūtė Eglė , Malickaitė Radvilė , Matačiūnas Mindaugas , Šileikienė Virginija , Kryžauskaitė Lina , Širmenis Raimundas , Karalius Rimantas , Gumbienė Lina
Published: September 2018

Background: Prothrombotic state and impaired clot dissolution can contribute to the occurrence of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Pulmonary endarterectomy - the surgical removal of the organized thromboembolic material from the proximal pulmonary arteries - is the procedure of choice and potentially a curative option for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, including patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. We report an exceptionally severe and complicated case with favourable outcome. Case presentation: We present a case of a successful high risk pulmonary endarterectomy in a 29-year-old female with primary antiphospholipid syndrome and end-stage chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Despite highly complicated perioperative course an impressive improvement in symptoms and functional status was achieved. Conclusion: We hope that this complicated but successfully managed case of a combination of two rare diseases will arouse earlier suspicion and timely diagnosis for such patients and will encourage physicians to promptly refer the suitable patients to a pulmonary endarterectomy team. It is important to remember that severe thrombocytopenia may occur in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Review: The choice and cardiovascular safety of particular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Authors: Černeckis Jonas , Samuolytė Austėja , Baltušytė Greta , Ivanickaitė Rugilė , Puteikis Kristijonas
Published: September 2018

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are authorized for the relief of pain and inflammation in a wide range of conditions including the discomfort associated with headaches, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and menstrual pain and are available by prescription or over-the-counter (OTC). We reviewed common adverse effects of NSAIDs (especially those related to cardiovascular [CV] system) along with NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), EMA (European Medicines Agency), and the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) guidelines for safe and effective use of particular NSAIDs. Furthermore, we examined the NSAIDs market in Lithuania in a period between June 2016 and May 2017 and discussed how well recommendations mentioned above were followed. We emphasized that there was a high percentage of diclofenac prescribed in Lithuania while international guidelines encourage prescribing ibuprofen or naproxen for their relatively lower CV risk. Reviewing past trials, we observed that despite existing guidelines no single NSAID could be considered to be the safest one due to a lack of superiority trials
Asnawa – The Forgotten Mountain
Authors: Kafoor Sherwan
Published: September 2018

In Kurdish vocabulary, Asnawa means a place where iron is rich in the area. The five iron quarries of Asnawa are located to the south-east of Penjween town. A difficult unpaved road climbs through the Bilkian valley leads to the area of the iron ore which can be visited only by a four-wheel drive vehicle. The aria is about 1350 meters high in elevation and takes only half an hour from Penjween to reach to the quarries. The areas surrounding the road and the quarries are dangerous as being full of remnants of weapons especially mine fields and different kinds of unexploded shells.
Nonradiographic Measurement of Hallux Valgus Angle Using Self-photography
Authors: Yamaguchi Satoshi , Sadamasu Aya , Kimura Seiji , Akagi Ryuichiro , Yamamoto Yohei , Sato Yasunori , Sasho Takahisa , Ohtori Seiji
Published: September 2018

Background

Radiographs of the feet are the reference standard for measuring the hallux valgus angle. However, the availability and use of radiographs are constrained due to cost and radiation exposure. Less invasive, nonradiographic assessments have been proposed, although measurement using self-photography has not been reported.

Objectives

To determine (1) reliability of photographic hallux valgus angle (pHVA) measurement using the same photographs of the feet, (2) reliability of repeated self-photography trials, and (3) measurement error when the radiographic hallux valgus angle (rHVA) is estimated using the pHVA.

Methods

In this reliability study, participants took photographs of their own feet using a digital camera. The intrarater and interrater reliability of pHVA measurements were then assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and 95% minimum detectable change (MDC). The participants took photographs twice, and the reliability of repeated self-photography trials was examined. Participants also received radiographs of their feet, from which the rHVA was measured. The measurement error was assessed using the mean difference and 95% limits of agreement.

Results

The intrarater and interrater ICC of pHVA measurement was 0.99, with MDCs less than 2°. The ICC of pHVA measurement for repeated self-photography was 0.96, and the MDC was 6.9°. The pHVA was systematically lower than the rHVA, by 5.3°.

Conclusion

Measurement of the pHVA using self-photography was reproducible, although pHVA measurement underestimated the rHVA. The pHVA can be a useful nonradiographic method to quantify hallux valgus deformity. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(2):80–86. Epub 12 Sep 2018. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2019.8280
Exploratory Study of 6-Month Pain Trajectories in Individuals With Predominant Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis: A Cohort Study
Authors: Mills Kathryn , Eyles Jillian P. , Martin Michael A. , Hancock Mark J. , Hunter David J.
Published: September 2018

Background

Knowledge of patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA) pain trajectories is vital to helping clinicians and patients make shared disease-specific decisions regarding treatment options and coping strategies.

Objectives

To describe the pain trajectories of people living with patellofemoral OA who present to a chronic care management program, and to explore baseline characteristics associated with different trajectories.

Methods

In this prospective longitudinal cohort study, 88 participants who presented to a chronic care management program reported their worst pain over the previous week at baseline and at 6, 12, 18, and 26 weeks using a 10-cm visual analog scale. Trajectories (classes) were identified using latent class growth analysis. Demographics, pain, physical performance, strength, quality of life, mental health, and lower limb/foot structural measures obtained at baseline were assessed for association with trajectory class membership.

Results

Individuals in class 1 (28%) exhibited high, persistent pain from baseline (7.8 ± 1.7 cm), which continued over time (P = .52). Class 2 (57%) displayed moderate baseline pain (4.8 ± 1.8 cm), which also remained persistent (P = .97). Individuals in class 3 (15%) showed low, improving pain (baseline pain, 2.6 ± 1.2 cm) over time (P = .017). At baseline, poor Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) scores, local and proximal sensitivity to pressure, and lower knee extensor strength were associated with increased odds of following the high-pain trajectory (range [95% confidence interval], 1.03 [1.00, 1.07] to 16.24 [2.53, 104.34]).

Conclusion

Distinct pain trajectories appear to exist in people with patellofemoral OA presenting to a chronic care management program. Baseline variables may be useful for identifying individuals at risk of poorer prognosis. Larger studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of this finding.

Level of Evidence

Prognosis, level 2b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(1):5–16. Epub 12 Sep 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8354
PENGEMBANGAN BUKU CERITA BERBASIS PENDIDIKAN KARAKTER UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KREATIVITAS AUD
Authors: Miranda Dian
Published: September 2018

Anak merupakan pembelajar yang penuh kejujuran dalam mengekspresikan perasaan dan imajinasinya. Terkait dengan imajinasi, pada dasarnya semua anak kreatif dimana menurut George & Zhou (dalam Ashkanasy & Rowe, 2008) kreativitas adalah suatu produk ide atau solusi yang bersifat baru dan berguna. Menurut munandar (2002) salah satu manfaat kreativitas ilah dapat meningkatkan kulitas hidup dan memecahkan masalah dari berbagai  sudut pandang, oleh sebab itu kreativitas penting untuk diasah sejak dini, agar menjadi karakter yang melekat dalam diri anak. Namun perlu difahami bahwa kreativitas tidak hanya terkait dengan kebaruan, tetapi juga harus berguna. Oleh sebab itu, kreativititas tidak boleh semaunya dan harus dibatasi dengan kemampuan memilih hal yang baik dan buruk, bermanfaat atau tidak bermanfaat, atau bahkan berdampak negatif. Oleh sebab itu anak perlu untuk diarahkan mengenai cara mengekspresikan perasaan dan imajinasinya dengan benar sesuai dengan nilai dan norma yang diterima di masyarakat maupun agama. Dalam rangka upaya meningkatkan kemampuan kreativitas dan menanamkan nilai karakter anak, maka penelitian ini berusaha untuk merancang dan membuat sebuah media pembelajaran yang sesuai bagi anak yaitu sebuah buku cerita bergambar bermuatan pendidikan karakter dan juga dapat meningkatkan kreativitas anak. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah  metode research and development (R&D)  dengan model prosedural, yaitu model yang bersifat deskriptif, yaitu menggariskan langkah-langkah yang harus diikuti untuk menghasilkan produk. Hasil yang didapat dari penelitian ini ialah buku cerita bergambar dinilai baik sebagai media penanaman karakter  religius, toleransi, bersahabat, peduli sosial, disiplin, dan cinta damai serta baik digunakan sebagai media pengembang kreativitas anak usia dini khususnya anak usia 5-6 tahun.
MENINGKATKAN MOTIVASI DAN PRESTASI BELAJAR MATEMATIKA MELALUI MODEL PEMBELAJARAN TEAMS GAMES TOURNAMENT
Authors: Astini Rini
Published: September 2018

Motivasi dan Prestasi Belajar siswa/siswi kelas VII A SMP Negeri 3 Sukadana sangatlah rendah khususnya pada mata pelajaran Matematika. hal ini didtemukan saat pelaksanaan team theacing yang berkesimpulan bahwa masalah utama pada saat pelaksanaan pelajaran Matematika adalah semagat belajar dan kemampuan siswa masih sangat kuraan  saat pembelajaran berlangsung. Untuk mengatasi kurangnya motivasi siswa dalam pelajaran matematika maka perlu usaha peningkatan motivasi dengan memberi variasi model pembelajaran yang bersifat  Cooperative Learning  yang menarik atau menyenangkan, yang melibatkan siswa, yang dapat meningkatkan aktivitas dan tanggung jawab siswa. Salah satunya adalah model pembelajaran  Teams Games Tournament (TGT).  Setelah diterapkannya pembelajaran dengan menggunakan model Teams Games Tournament  (TGT) selama 2 siklus penelitian tindakan kelas yaitu berupa peningkatan prestasi belajar dan motivasi siswa  Pada siklus I dengan materi Operasi Hitung Bilangan Bulat rata-rata hasil nilai siswa 62,78. Pada siklus II dengan materi persegi rata-rata hasil nilai siswa 68,33.
One-Step Femtosecond Laser Ablation Synthesis of Sub-5 Nm Gold Nanoparticles Embedded in Silica
Authors: John Mallory , Tibbetts Katharine
Published: September 2018

We report the synthesis of silica-gold nanoparticles (silica-Au NPs) using a one-step femtosecond-reactive laser ablation in liquid (fs-RLAL) technique by focusing femtosecond laser pulses onto a silicon wafer immersed in an aqueous KAuCl4 solution. Characterization of the silica-Au NPs revealed two populations of Au NPs: (i) larger, isolated Au NPs with diameter 7.3±2.1 nm, and (ii) smaller Au NPs (3.4±0.8 nm) embedded in an amorphous silica matrix, along with new species of silicon observed from XPS analysis. The catalytic activity of the silica-Au NPs towards the reduction of para-nitrophenol by NaBH4 is significantly higher compared to the control Au NPs synthesized in the absence of a silicon wafer and other Au NPs recently reported in literature. The formation of the two populations of silica-Au NPs is ascribed to reaction dynamics occurring on two distinct timescales. First, the dense electron plasma formed within tens of femtoseconds of the laser pulse initiates reduction of the [AuCl4]– complex, leading to the formation of larger isolated Au NPs. Second, silicon species ejected from the wafer surface hundreds of picoseconds or later after the initial laser pulse reduce the remaining [AuCl4 ]– and encapsulate the growing clusters, forming ultrasmall Au NPs embedded in the silica matrix. The morphologies of the silica-Au NPs generated from fs-RLAL are distinct from those reported in recent RLAL experiments with nanosecond lasers, reflecting distinct mechanisms occurring on the different pulse duration timescales.
Peak Force Visible Microscopy for Determination of Exciton Diffusion Length in Organic Photovoltaic Blends
Authors: Wang Haomin , Wang Le , Shang Yuequn , Ning Zhijun , Xu Xiaoji
Published: September 2018

In this article, we developed a new nano spectroscopic technique, peak force visible (PF-vis) microscopy, which is based on the peak force tapping mode in an atomic force microscope to both visualize nanoscale morphology and estimate exciton diffusion lengths of donor domains in organic photovoltaic blends. Nano phase-separations in P3HT:PCBM and TFB:PCBM blend films were clearly revealed by PF-vis microscopy with a high spatial resolution less than 10 nm. A model that correlates PF-vis signal and the exciton diffusion length was also developed to estimate the diffusion lengths of P3HT and TFB to be 2.9±0.3 and 9.0±1.5 nm, respectively. PF-vis microscopy is expected to assist the evaluation of OPV materials, therefore accelerating the pace of innovation of OPVs.
Computationally Driven Discovery of Layered Quinary Oxychalcogenide p-Type Transparent Conductors
Authors: Williamson Benjamin , Limburn Gregory , Hyett Geoffrey , Scanlon David
Published: September 2018

Despite the major advances in n-type transparent conductors (TCs), the scarcity and performance of an equivalent p-type TC has been a stumbling block for the opto-electronics industry for decades. Solid design principles such as the 'chemical modulation of the valence band', where the Cu 3d states mix with the anion 'p' states have allowed for the identification of many Cu(I)-based oxides, chalcogenides and even pnictides. Due to advances in thin film fabrication techniques, the controlled formation of layered materials has become a more facile task allowing new materials such as [Cu2S2][Sr3Sc2O5] to surface as potential candidates. [Cu2S2][Sr3Sc2O5] has been shown to have a wide optical band gap (~3.1eV) and has claims of high hole mobilities. Using chemical intuition for designer cation choice in the perovskite layer ([Sr3Sc2O5]), we have screened 24 variants of this structure type using high throughput density functional theory. Our calculations have uncovered 8 new thermodynamically stable semiconductors, with applications ranging from transparent conductors to photovoltaics. Our predictions have been validated by experimental synthesis of a new p-type TC, with a conductivity superior to all known p-type TCs.
MOF Decomposition and Introduction of Repairable Defects Using a Photodegradable Strut
Authors: Yan Jingjing , MacDonald John , Burdette Shawn
Published: September 2018

Utilizing a photolabile ligand as MOF strut can make a framework undergo full or partial decomposition upon irradiation. For the first time, a nitrophenylacetate derivative has been incorporated into MOF as a backbone linker via PLSE method. The photo-induced decarboxylation of the NPDAC-MOF represents a novel way of degrading a MOF, which provides an innovative approach to formulating photoresponsive porous materials with potential applications in molecular release and drug delivery. When photoactive linker is mixed with non-photolabile linker via partial PLSE, the MOF structure can be retained after irradiation, but with the introduction of multiple defects, offering a new method to create vacancies in MOFs. Defect repair can be achieved by treatment with replacement ligands, the scope of which is an interesting area for developing customizable MOF contents.
A Simple Magneto-Structural Correlation for Dysprosium(III) Single-Molecule Magnets with Ligands on the Anisotropy Axis
Authors: Ding You-Song , Winpenny Richard , Zheng Yan-Zhen
Published: September 2018

By studying pentagonal-bipyramidal dysprosium(III) single-molecule magnets (SMMs) we show that the energy barrier for magnetization reversal (Ueff) shows a linear correlation to the axial Dy-X bond lengths, adjusted for the ionic or covalent radii of the ligands bound.
The Treaty and democratic government
Authors: Ladley Andrew
Published: September 2018

This is the first of a series of articles exploring current implications of the Treaty of Waitangi for New Zealand governance. Here, the objective is to locate the persistent Māori demand for some form of self government in its democratic context of government by- consent. The argument is that the issues are not conceptually difficult. In particular, fears about ‘sovereignty’ are unwarranted. The current burst of activity in ‘Treaty negotiation’ is not a threat to New Zealand’s democracy, but a sign of its strength – a positive and expected part of the constitutional system. As in any democracy, however, there are legitimate questions about the framework within which such negotiation takes place and its limits.
Preparing for “Peak Oil”: towards a preliminary agenda
Authors: Piddington Ken
Published: September 2018

“In summary, the problem of the peaking of conventional world oil production is unlike any yet faced by modern industrial society. The challenges and uncertainties need to be much better understood. Technologies exist to mitigate the problem. Timely, aggressive risk management will be essential.” This quotation is from the executive summary of a major report issued in February 2005 on the peaking of world oil production. That in itself is unremarkable, but the document – which has come to be known as “The Hirsch Report” – was sponsored by the United States Department of Energy (DOE). There are all the usual disclaimers about the policy of the United States Government. Nevertheless, as early as 2003, DOE clearly decided that a sound technical analysis of the issues raised by the approach of “Peak Oil” was a job which would be worth the investment of time and money.
Providing for retirement: some key issues
Authors: Hawke Richard
Published: September 2018

This topic has become one of the most problematic areas of policy debate around the world. The onset of a marked demographic transition, combined with debate about the role of government and the efficiency of public provision, has provided both a trigger and a platform for debate. In New Zealand, retirement income policy has been a volatile and unresolved issue since the 1970s. During the 1980s and 1990s there was considerable debate about the long-term policy settings. Following the passage of the New Zealand Superannuation Act (2001) the issue appeared to drop off the political radar. However, it has been revived more recently as a result of political and other contributions – such as New Zealand First’s proposal for a “golden age card” and the New Zealand Institute’s discussion papers on an “Ownership Society”. This flow of ideas, combined with the shifting demographic profile, should ensure that retirement income will remain a live issue in the minds of the electorate.
What are the limits to public service advising? The ‘Public Argument’ test
Authors: Baehler Karen
Published: September 2018

Some Wellington policy advisers seem to feel underemployed these days. Although the volume of work is reportedly high, they complain about being relegated to implementing policies rather than formulating them. Where big picture policy is concerned, it is said that governments mostly develop their ideas outside the public service’s field of vision, in party caucuses, think tanks, and prime ministers’ inner circles, or in consultation with special advisers who report directly to ministers. Policy advisers are then left to fill in the blanks. Some imply that things used to be ‘better’ and that advisers used to exert more leverage over high-level policy directions.
Deconstructing cabinet collective responsibility
Authors: White Nicola
Published: September 2018

New Zealand politics is getting very post-modern. In artistic terms, the new government arrangements are decidedly cubist – all the key elements are there, but it’s just not put together in the way you expect. Does it matter? Is the nation going to learn to like Picasso, or at least to live with it?
Is there now a role for economic instruments in New Zealand’s domestic climate change policy?
Authors: Ward Murray
Published: September 2018

In late December 2005, the reconstituted Labour-led government announced that a carbon charge would not be introduced in 2007. Indeed, it now appears that there will be no broad-based economic instrument to mitigate climate change before 2012. This story made the world’s climate change press. A carbon charge has been on New Zealand’s policy agenda since the mid-1990s, and until very recently had been supported by both centre-right and centre-left governments. It was the centrepiece of the climate change policy announced by the Labour led government in 2002 when it ratified the Kyoto Protocol. So why the abrupt change of policy?
Implementing cross-cutting policy in New Zealand: health and safety for aircraft in operation
Authors: Matsas Nick
Published: September 2018

Cross-cutting policy issues have been defined as issues ‘involving or affecting the work of more than one agency or sector’ (Review of the Centre Advisory Group, 2001). It has not always been straightforward to make progress with these types of issues, partly because of the artificial boundaries created by legislative regimes, budget vote structures, agency administrative structures and differences in professional paradigms and boundaries. One method of implementing crosscutting policy that has been used in New Zealand is to designate an agency to administer a statute for a particular sector, where the act is normally administered by another agency. An example of this is the designation of the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) to administer the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (HSE Act) for ‘aircraft in operation’.
The gendered tertiary education transition: when did it take place and what are some of the possible policy implications?
Authors: Callister Paul , Newell James , Perry Martin , Scott David
Published: September 2018

There has been much publicity in recent years about how girls are performing better than boys in many areas of schooling (Driessen, 2005). But in recent times New Zealand has also experienced a gender transition in tertiary educational enrolment and attainment, with, for the first time in our history, women participating in tertiary education at a significantly higher rate than men. This article sets out the magnitude and timing of the changes, highlights some of the reasons being put forward for them, and considers how the changes might influence a range of behaviour.
Child protection and interagency collaboration
Authors: Walker Ann
Published: September 2018

Improving interagency collaboration can be regarded as one of the most important public management challenges for governments in the 21st century, in New Zealand and in other countries. Since the election of a Labour-led government in New Zealand in 1999, a second wave of state sector reforms has been introduced. At the heart of these reforms is the desire by the government to adopt new ways of working – in partnerships with communities, and in a joined-up way across government sectors. Such approaches have been heralded as a panacea for the endemic fragmentation and ‘siloisation’ that is attributed to the first wave of state sector reforms started in the mid-1980s. The underlying philosophy of these ‘new’ approaches to policy development and implementation seems commonsensical. This article looks at the Strengthening Families Strategy as a case study of interagency collaboration in the field of child welfare and protection.
Forging a Kiwi economic identity through economic transformation
Authors: Mallard Trevor
Published: September 2018

This paper sets out in detail what the government’s thinking is around its economic transformation agenda, where it comes from, and where we are going with it. First, I discuss the need for policy prescriptions to reflect a distinct Kiwi economic identity. I then discuss the government’s vision of economic transformation, before reflecting on the policy agenda and the need for effective partnerships to contribute to success.
Rethinking the funding of New Zealand’s election campaigns
Authors: Geddis Andrew
Published: September 2018

The 2005 general election campaign was notable not only for its close-fought nature, but also for a range of deeply concerning, and in some cases undoubtedly unlawful, behaviour by various electoral participants. The Labour Party exceeded the statutory maximum on its ‘election expenses’ by at least $418,603, primarily due to the costs associated with producing and distributing its pledge card to voters. Furthermore, the use of parliamentary funding to pay for this campaign material prompted a post-election review by the auditor-general, which revealed widespread misuse of this source of funds by a range of parties and individual MPs (Auditor-General, 2006). The National Party’s negligence in failing to account for GST when booking election broadcast time meant that it was able to screen some $112,000 more in campaign advertising than the law allowed. Both National and Labour, and to a lesser degree some smaller parties, used anonymous donations and trusts to shield the identity of their major donors, allowing hundreds of thousands of dollars to flow into their campaign coffers from hidden sources.
Policy instruments for a sustainable future
Authors: Read Peter
Published: September 2018

This paper focuses on policy instruments designed to drive the preferential adoption of two technology types – involving carbon-conservative processing of the products of the land commercially as food, fibre and fuel (biofuel) – whilst, through tradability, generating the cash flow needed to finance the necessary capital investments. These are technologies for getting carbon dioxide (CO2) out of the atmosphere, and technologies for stocking it (or carbonaceous material derived from atmospheric CO2 somewhere other than in the atmosphere.
Internationalisation and the future of the School of Government
Authors: Hawke Gary
Published: September 2018

The School of Government has achieved a good deal in its first five years. This includes developing a strategic studies programme to go beside those in public management and public policy, and ensuring that students can move among these programmes. There is still work to be done to get the most out of our suite of programmes, and one of the chief tasks of the next five years is to enhance the international element in our teaching and research.
‘What is to be done?’
Authors: Stokes Terry
Published: September 2018

My distinguished predecessor, the foundation head of the School of Government at Victoria University of Wellington, Professor Gary Hawke, recently wrote about the establishment and development of the school during its first quinquennium (Hawke, 2008). For the future, he urged that there be an increasingly international focus. After six months or so in the job, I thought it might be timely to comment on the school as I have found it to be and, especially, on the directions in which I would like to see it go.
The oil market: players, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Partow Negar
Published: September 2018

Growing concern over the ever-increasing price of oil makes investigating new approaches to oil policy necessary. In the last year the price of oil has increased sharply due to the instability and the political tensions in the Middle East. Such an increase in prices in a short time has significant implications for oil-dependent societies. It also means that major oil consumers like China and the United States invest in storing oil, which could result in more shortage and even higher prices. Although governments attempt to lessen their dependency on fossil fuel by investing in alternative fuels, in the short term they need to form strategies to cope with such unstable situations. New Zealand in this regard remains a unique case, with many underdeveloped oil reserves and a possible future as an active player in the international oil market.
Framing a post-2012 climate change agreement: the quest for ‘comparability of efforts’
Authors: Boston Jonathan
Published: September 2018

A formidable number of complex issues will need to be resolved if a new global agreement on climate change is to be reached to cover the years immediately following the expiry of the first commitment (or ‘compliance’) period under the Kyoto Protocol in 2012. With little doubt, the most contentious issue will be how to allocate the burden of reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In short, there is a need for a fair sharing of the ‘effort’ between countries. But what is fair? What principles and considerations are relevant? And how should such principles and considerations be weighted?
Getting serious about achieving the millennium development goals in the Pacific: strengthening economic development
Authors: Coates Barry
Published: September 2018

The Pacific has huge potential and a richness of natural, social and human resources that should assure a bright future. However, in the short term the Pacific's problems are mounting. The legacy of conflicts over recent years continues to affect countries, including Solomon Islands and Tonga, and Fiji is suffering a serious downturn as a result of the coup and declines in its sugar and clothing exports. Meanwhile, the global financial crisis is likely to worsen, and swine flu is likely to further curtail travel and tourism. High food and energy prices continue, and the impacts of climate change are becoming more evident and more serious.
Behaviour change: insights for environmental policy making from social psychology and behavioural economics
Authors: Cornforth Alana
Published: September 2018

This paper surveys research on behaviour change and identifies ways that social psychology and behavioural economics can assist with environmental policy making. By understanding why and how people make decisions – and how decisions are affected by framing, habits, cognitive biases, and risk perception and interpretation – we can design policies that are more effective, less costly and more acceptable to the public.
ACC: the lessons from history
Authors: St John Susan
Published: September 2018

The 2008 National-led government, concerned with what it saw as an explosion in costs, claimed that the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) board did not have the skills to secure the financial stability of the ACC scheme. In March 2009 the minister, Nick Smith, dismissed the chair of the board, Ross Wilson, and appointed in his place accountant John Judge.
How does the proposed Regulatory Responsibility bill measure up against the principles? Changing the role of Parliament and the courts
Authors: Tanner George
Published: September 2018

The Regulatory Responsibility Bill is, at its heart, an interpretative measure that would require the courts to interpret legislation in a way that ensures so far as possible that it is consistent with a set of principles contained in the bill. This article looks at the bill from two perspectives. The first is whether the bill itself conforms to those principles. The second is what impact the bill might have on the existing relationship between the legislature and the courts, and whether it is compatible with current approaches to the interpretation of legislation mandated by Parliament and applied by the courts.
A view of the legal debate
Authors: Palmer Geoffrey
Published: September 2018

What is proposed amounts to a substantial constitutional change. It can be seen as a shift in power away from the executive branch of government towards the courts. The legitimate source for this shift of power remains unclear. To be successful, constitutional changes have to be enduring. I do not detect any widespread public consensus on the issues surrounding this set of changes.
The case for better parliamentary scrutiny of legislation
Authors: Caygill David
Published: September 2018

I began as a sceptic of a Regulatory Responsibility Bill. It was obviously a deliberate echo of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 1994. And of all the reforms for which the reform period of the 1980s and 1990s is now remembered (the State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986, the State Sector Act 1988, Public Finance Act 1989, Reserve Bank Act 1989 and so on) the Fiscal Responsibility Act I have always regarded as the least significant.
Deregulatory irresponsibility: takings, transfers and transcendental institutionalism
Authors: Bertram Geoff
Published: September 2018

The taskforce on the Regulatory Responsibility Bill has put forward what it considers to be six ‘broadly accepted principles of good legislation’. I shall argue, from the standpoint of an economist, against this description. In their present form, several of the principles have extreme implications for policy; and some fundamental requirements of good legislation are missing entirely from the taskforce’s list, and apparently will have to be defended before the courts every time they are implemented.
Financing political parties in the United Kingdom
Authors: Rowbottom Jacob
Published: September 2018

Shortly after the 2010 general election in the United Kingdom, the new Conservative/Liberal Democrat coalition government promised to reform the way British political parties are financed and ‘to remove big money from politics’. Such promises are not new, and in the last decade there has been no shortage of legislative action on party funding. The problem has been that the laws failed to address some of the biggest concerns about money in politics, and that the political actors found strategies to avoid the controls. Looking at the UK approach, this article aims to give an overview of the controls in place, while highlighting some of the main difficulties experienced. While the UK laws have some differences compared with those proposed in New Zealand (particularly in relation to third-party activity), there is much common ground and the British experience may offer some lessons and show some of the pitfalls in regulating political finance.
Contemporary issues in Canadian political finance regulation
Authors: Feasby Colin
Published: September 2018

Canada shares with New Zealand a heritage of British constitutional traditions and the Westminster form of parliamentary government. These common origins make comparative study of the two countries’ experiences regulating political finance inviting. Canada and New Zealand, however, differ in important ways which have had significant impacts on the regulation of political finance. This article outlines the Canadian political finance regime and identifies some contemporary issues that may be of interest to observers from New Zealand.
Ethnic mobility: is it important for research and policy analysis?
Authors: Brown Paul , Callister Paul , Carter Kristie , Engler Ralf
Published: September 2018

Public policy discussions involving ethnicity often assume that people remain in fixed ethnic categories over their lifecycles. While New Zealand research carried out a decade ago had already identified ethnic mobility in the census in relation to Māori, the dramatic and somewhat unexpected increase in ‘New Zealander’- type responses in the 2006 census provided a very high profile example of people changing their responses to ethnicity questions. Research into the growth of New Zealander-type responses in the census has focused primarily on whether these are valid responses, how they should be recorded and reported on, and how these decisions might affect the overall usefulness of ethnicity data. One question in this research has been where these responses came from: that is, what these people recorded in the previous census.
Income inequality and the economy of ideas
Authors: Bromell David
Published: September 2018

Among OECD countries, New Zealand has moved from having relatively low income inequality in the early 1980s to having above average inequality by the mid-2000s (OECD, 2008). Research conducted by Bryan Perry (2009) at the Ministry of Social Development shows that in New Zealand in 2008 the percentile ratio of income inequality (equivalised disposable household income before deducting housing costs) for P90 (top decile) to P10 (bottom decile) was 4.0, compared to 3.3 in 1984. The ratio for P80 (top quintile) to P20 (bottom quintile) for before-housing costs in 2008 was 2.6, compared to 2.3 in 1984.
Strategic decision making frameworks
Authors: Selwood Stephen
Published: September 2018

The New Zealand Council for Infrastructure Development (NZCID) considers that there is a need for a much more strategic, more sophisticated and better balanced approach to prioritisation of infrastructure investment in New Zealand. This was one of the key reasons why NZCID was a cornerstone funder of the New Zealand Centre for Advanced Engineering (CAENZ) study into improving capital investment decision-making frameworks. In commenting on the need for reform of decision-making frameworks, this article traces the history of public sector project prioritisation methods, with a particular focus on transport. It critically assesses the approach used in conventional cost-benefit analysis (CBA), as applied during the 1990s and early 2000s. CBA is then compared with the much more politically driven approach adopted from 2003 onwards. The paper concludes by arguing that New Zealand must develop more strategic project prioritisation and decision-making methods which appropriately value economic, social/cultural and environmental benefits and costs.
Executive power 60 years on: has anything changed?
Authors: Kumarasingham Harshan
Published: September 2018

When New Zealand changed its electoral system from first-past-the-post (FPP) to mixed member proportional representation (MMP), the move was heralded as the end of old politics. Prime ministers and their Cabinet would no longer be the ‘elected dictatorship’. The executive would now be constrained by greater checks and balances. The two-party system that had held New Zealand politics hostage for at least 60 years would end and instead a greater diversity of interests would be represented in the House of Representatives, a House that could better hold the executive to account. This was the aim, but has it happened? This article examines recent instances of executive actions that are akin to those taken in the FFP era that MMP has been unable to eliminate. It also offers suggestions for how to increase the accountability of the executive by strengthening the constitution and other branches and offices of state.
Origins of the legislation and policy relating to minerals in conservation
Authors: Woollaston Philip
Published: September 2018

On 4 September 1990 I introduced into Parliament the Protected Areas (Prohibition on Mining) Bill – sometimes referred to as PAPOM. It was a government bill, introduced in my role as minister of conservation. The genesis of the  bill was long and tortuous, though by no means as long as  the seven years it took for parts of it to find their way into  the statute book as the Crown Minerals Amendment  Act No 2 1997.
A mining industry view
Authors: Baker Chris
Published: September 2018

Media coverage in the lead-up to and during the schedule 4 debate presented anti-mining advocacy with no analysis of their arguments, to the exasperation of the resource sector. Despite our attempts to set the record straight, little notice was taken, by opponents or the media. The only conclusion to be drawn is that environmental non-governmental organisations shunned rational debate in order to pursue a harmful campaign.