bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of welfare reform in London - using benefits data to track the effect of government policies on employment outcomes
Authors: Tonutti Giovanni
Published: June 2018

BackgroundThe last three parliamentary terms have marked a period of unprecedented change for the UK welfare system. Alongside reducing public spending, boosting behavioural incentives has represented the overarching drive behind the majority of reforms introduced.

ObjectivesPolicy in Practice has pooled benefits data across nineteen of thirty-two London boroughs to track changes in living standards and the impact of welfare reforms on low-income Londoners over a period of two years. This paper models and assesses the impact of two flagship welfare reforms on households’ behavioural responses. The policies analysed are the benefit cap and the impact of Universal Credit on selfemployed households.

MethodsThe project has gathered a sample of over 570,000 real households. Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support data has been collected from participating local authorities on a monthly basis for two years. The study combines complex policy modelling to forecast the future impact of Universal Credit on the living standards of self-employed households, with a Difference-in-Difference regression to understand the impact of the benefit cap on the employment outcomes of households affected.

FindingsThe findings of the analysis indicate a positive impact of the benefit cap on employment outcomes, with a difference in employment rates of 3.5 percentage points in favour of households affected by the cap, compared to the control group. At the same time, the model forecasts significant income losses for self-employed households as the result of the application of a Minimum Income Floor under Universal Credit, with an average income reduction of £341 p/m.

ConclusionThe research highlights the potential of locally held administrative data in systematically tracking the impact of policies and the effectiveness of government interventions. This work fits within the broader mission of Policy in Practice to promote an outcome-based approach to the design and delivery of social policy.
The Northern Ireland Baby Hearts Study: A Case-Control study using a hybrid data linkage method
Authors: McCullough Nichola , Dolk Helen , Loane Maria , Lagan Briege M , Casey Frank , Craig Brian
Published: June 2018

BackgroundThe Northern Ireland (NI) Baby Hearts study aimed to investigate risk factors for congenital heart defects (CHD), and to investigate the health behaviours of a representative sample of NI pregnant women.

MethodsWe performed a case-control study with hybrid data collection methods, including self-administered iPad questionnaire or postal questionnaire, information held in maternity records and linkage to prescription records. Cases (n=286) were recruited following diagnosis prenatally or postnatally, controls (n=966) were recruited during recruitment months in each maternity unit at 18-20 weeks gestation.

FindingsRefusal rates for questionnaire completion were low (7-8%). Among those recruited, consent for access and linkage to medical records was high (98%). Recruitment of both cases and controls was closely representative of the NI population in terms of age, area of residence and deprivation. There was considerable discordance between self-report questionnaires, maternity records and prescription records regarding medications taken in the first trimester, and between self-report questionnaires and maternity records regarding behaviours such as preconceptional folic acid, pregnancy planning, and smoking. However, there were no differences between cases and controls that would indicate recall bias.

ConclusionsOur results suggest that hybrid data collection approaches are a useful way forward for aetiological studies.
Challenges of administrative data linkages: experiences of Administrative Data Research Centre for England (ADRC-E) researchers
Authors: Morris Hannah , Lanati Silvia , Gilbert Ruth
Published: June 2018

BackgroundLinkage between administrative datasets routinely collected by government departments and other statutory bodies create rich resources for policy-relevant research. We describe how ADRC-E has achieved linkage between health and education data for England, and the challenges presented by this process.

MethodsA key task of ADRC-E is to progress exemplar studies of novel data linkages, and build relationships with data providers. While navigating untested data application and permission processes, ADRC-E researchers have maintained detailed timelines and developed a framework to improve the efficiency of future applications.

ResultsThe ADRC-E has approval to link four one-year birth cohorts of the National Pupil Database and Hospital Episode Statistics to facilitate research into outcomes for children with chronic conditions. The timeline of 3 years and 4 months represents 6 face-to-face meetings and 108 email and telephone correspondences. The technical challenges of data linkage have yet to be overcome before we receive data for research. Other examples of data timelines for cross-sectoral data linkage requests will be reported.

ConclusionsThe shifting legal landscape governing the use of personal data, and a lack of precedent mean that unlocking administrative data for research requires substantial time, diligence and expertise on the part of both researcher and data provider.
The efficacy of surgical parathyroidectomy assessed using Australian administrative pharmaceutical data and quasi-experimental design
Authors: Purkiss Shaun , Keegal Tessa , Wollersheim Dennis , Vally Hassan
Published: June 2018

BackgroundAdministrative data base research may have a role in surgical quality outcome evaluation. Such data provide independent and epidemiological perspectives of surgical performance that may differ from the results generated by the surgical units themselves. This may be of significance in decisions concerning health resource allocation, the appraisal of procedures and identification of specialised units. Primary hypoparathyroidism is recognised as associated with several chronic conditions and parathyroidectomy is an established surgical treatment.

ObjectivesThis study examines the scope of a linked Australian pharmaceutical database to assess patient outcomes following parathyroidectomy for primary hypoparathyroidism using therapeutic profiles and chronic conditions defined by proxy.

MethodsThe prevalence of a range of chronic conditions were identified within a surgical cohort (age>50, N=610) using allocated World Health Organization Anatomical-Therapeutic codes.

An observational study with quasi experimental design was employed to track the pre and post-operative prevalence trends of chronic diseases and treatment groupings. Treatment efficacy was assessed by regression discontinuity after surgery and mortality estimated by proxy using service discontinuation.

FindingsParathyroidectomy had significant beneficial effects upon the prevalence of bodily and bone pain, treatments for cardiovascular disorders and infective episodes. In contrast, dyslipidaemias, psychosis, depression, glaucoma and obstructive airways diseases showed no evidence of regression discontinuity. Four year survival was 89%.

ConclusionsThe Australian data employed can define chronic conditions and track pre and post-operative prevalence trends to provide an alternative perspective for assessment of surgical treatment. This method has the potential for the evaluation of infrequently performed procedures and may reduce reporting biases and provide new insights into surgical practice.
Chronic Disease Prevalence. A perspective using Administrative Data from Australia
Authors: Purkiss Shaun , Keegal Tessa , Wollersheim Dennis , Vally Hassan
Published: June 2018

BackgroundPharmaceutical administrative data can provide an alternative method to assess chronic disease prevalence. The data within prescription exchanges includes the specific nature of the medication dispensed which can be utilised for case definition by proxy of certain chronic diseases.

ObjectivesThis study examines the potential of Australian administrative pharmaceutical data to define chronic disease and provide population prevalence estimates. The utility of allocated World Health Organization Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) codes to the treatment supplied will be assessed and the validity of the results generated compared with other Australian sources of chronic disease prevalence.

Methods23 chronic conditions were defined by ATC codes within an Australian (administrative) Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) dataset. This enabled calculation of chronic disease prevalences for the period 2003 to 2014 using Australian census data as denominator values.

FindingsPrevalence estimates from PBS data when compared with questionnaire based studies demonstrated homogeneity overall (Mann-Whitney P>0.05). PBS prevalence estimates of diabetes, gout and asthma showed respective correlations of 0.999, 0.8385 and 0.58 to 0.82 with community surveys. In general, the prevalence of most chronic conditions rose. Cardiovascular disorders, iron deficiency treatment, HIV and prescription pain medication however demonstrated notable increases. Prevalence estimates were influenced by artefactual factors including new government regulation in 2012. For diabetes prevalence estimates this improved the correlation associated with community survey data.

ConclusionsAustralian pharmaceutical administrative data have potential utility for chronic disease prevalence estimates. Advantages include low costs, speed of analysis, high power and good representation. We consider the technique offers a complimentary perspective of chronic disease prevalence providing new insights into population health.
A case of pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne (PAPA) syndrome successfully treated with combination therapy of corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and colchicine
Authors: Hashizume Hideo , Kageyama Reiko , Umayahara Takatsune , Morio Tomohiro
Published: June 2018

Pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne (PAPA) syndrome is an autoinflammatory disease characterized by destructive inflammation of the skin and joints in association with genetic mutation of the Pombe Cdc15 homology family member PSTPIP1. Because a therapeutic strategy specific to this disease has not been established, treatment is always challenging for clinicians. We herein describe a case of PAPA syndrome with typical clinical features successfully treated with combination therapy of traditional anti-inflammatory drugs. A 39-year-old man presented with painful plaques on his extremities that had been present for several years. Large brown plaques were observed on both arms and legs with numerous fistulae and ulcers. Cystic acne lesions subsequently appeared on his cheeks and upper back. We diagnosed the patient with PAPA syndrome based on the presence of typical clinical features; however, no genetic mutations of exon-1 to 15 of PSTPIP1were found. Although recent reports have emphasized the efficacy of biologics that target inflammatory cytokines such as antibodies to interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, use of these agents remains uncovered by health insurance in Japan, showing unresolved discrepancy in practical use for clinicians. The present patient was successfully treated with combined therapy of a corticosteroid, colchicine, and cyclosporine A, encouraging the use of this combination therapy as a novel therapeutic option.
Tendencia de la incidencia, mortalidad y supervivencia por cáncer en Pasto, Colombia
Authors: Yepez Chamorro María Clara , Jurado Fajardo Daniel Marcelo , Bravo Goyes Luisa Mercedes , Bravo Ocaña Luis Eduardo
Published: June 2018

Introducción: En Colombia es necesario que se continúe produciendo información de calidad y actualizada sobre la magnitud del cáncer a partir de los datos de los registros para contribuir a la toma de decisiones y a la implementación de estrategias de promoción de la salud, prevención y tratamiento del cáncer con el objetivo de disminuir el impacto en la población.Objetivo: Describir la incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer en el Municipio de Pasto.Metodología: Estudio observacional descriptivo de la morbi-mortalidad causada por tumores malignos en Pasto durante 1998-2012. La recolección, procesamiento y sistematización de los datos se realizó de acuerdo a parámetros estandarizados internacionalmente para registros poblacionales de cáncer. Las tasas de incidencia y mortalidad se calcularon por periodo, sexo, edad y localización del tumor.Resultados: En el período 1998-2012 se registraron 8.010 casos nuevos de cáncer, de ellos, 57,7% se presentaron en mujeres. Se reportaron 4.214 muertes, 52% en mujeres. La incidencia y mortalidad no presentó cambios significativos durante 15 años de observación y los tumores que casusas mayor morbi-mortalidad afectan al  estómago, cuello uterino, mama y próstata.Discusión: El cáncer en general constituye un importante problema de salud para la población de Pasto. El comportamiento global de la incidencia y el aumento de la mortalidad por cáncer en relación con otras causas de muerte, evidencian la necesidad de fomentar y fortalecer programas de promoción y prevención, enfocados especialmente hacia los tumores que producen mayor morbi mortalidad en la población.
PLANIFICACIÓN ESTRATÉGICA EN EMPRESAS DEL SECTOR PÚBLICO DE LA PROVINCIA DE SANTA ELENA, 2017
Authors: Bacilio Bejeguen Jacqueline Rocio , Reyes Tomalá Lorena , Alomoto Tomalá Mario , De la Cruz Pozo Luis , Salgado Suárez María , Sánchez Lino Jacinto
Published: June 2018

El objetivo del presente artículo consiste en diagnosticar la función administrativa de las instituciones públicas de la provincia de Santa Elena, específicamente la etapa de la planificación estratégica, la contribución teórica se realiza con la finalidad de confrontar  la parte teórica con la práctica, de reconocer que la planificación estratégica tiene su razón de ser, como es la satisfacción de las necesidades de la población y velar por la calidad del servicio prestado; y, que se ejecuta a través de un proceso participativo y continuo. Se exponen los resultados de las encuestas realizadas a los administradores de las instituciones públicas de la provincia de Santa Elena que formaron parte de una muestra simple pero que realzan la importancia de esta función y explica las debilidades, que como ciudadanos visualizamos al reclamar nuestro derecho como contribuyentes, dejando en el pensamiento si para ser un administrador público necesita conocimientos y habilidades más que los votos populares o una simple designación.  

 Palabras claves: administración, función, planificación estratégica, instituciones públicas.

ABSTRACT

The aim of this article is to diagnose the administrative function of the public institutions of the province of Santa Elena, specifically the stage of strategic planning, the theoretical contribution is made with the purpose of confronting the theory with practice, to recognize that the strategic planning has its reason to be, as is the satisfaction of the needs of the population and ensure the quality of the service rendered; and, that is executed through a participatory and continuous process. The results of the surveys directed to administrators of public institutions of the province of Santa Elena who formed part of a simple sample but that highlight the importance of this function and explains the weaknesses, that we as citizens visualize to claim our right as taxpayers, leaving in the thinking if a public administrator needs knowledge and skills more than the popular votes or a simple designation.
EL FEMICIDIO COMO CONSECUENCIA DE LA VIOLENCIA SEXUAL EXTREMA Y LA PORNOGRAFÍA
Authors: Tapia Blacio Ana María , Verdesoto Bernal Narcisa De Jesús , Arias Peláez Oscar Javier
Published: June 2018

El femicidio es una problemática social de gran envergadura en el país, debido a ello se planteó como objetivo determinar en qué medida el femicidio es consecuencia de la violencia sexual extrema generada por la pornografía, aplicando la metodología descriptiva, cuali-cuantitativa, bibliográfica, de campo, con uso de la encuesta y entrevista a una muestra de egresados de las Facultades de Jurisprudencia y Ciencias Sociales y Políticas; y, Psicología de la Universidad de Guayaquil y de dos expertos, respectivamente, cuyos resultados reflejaron que el femicidio presentó tendencia incremental en Ecuador, duplicación en el 2016, evidenciándose que existe relación entre la violencia sexual extrema y la visualización frecuente de material pornográfico de alto impacto, al que se tiene fácil acceso a cualquier edad por el uso de la tecnología moderna, en conclusión, el femicidio puede ser una consecuencia de la violencia sexual extrema que a su vez tiene implicaciones directas con la pornografía.

Palabras clave: Femicidio, violencia sexual, pornografía.

ABSTRACT

Femicide is a social problem of great importance in Ecuador, due to which the objective of this research was to determine to what extent femicide is a consequence of the extreme sexual violence generated by pornography, applying the descriptive, qualitative-quantitative, bibliographic methodology of field; in addition, a survey and an interview were applied to a sample of graduates of the Faculties of Jurisprudence and Social Science and Politic and Psychology of the University of Guayaquil and along with two experts, respectively, whose results reflected that femicide presented an incremental trend in Ecuador, duplication in 2016, evidencing that there is a relationship between extreme sexual violence and frequent visualization of high impact pornographic material, which is easily accessible at any age by the use of modern technology, in conclusion, femicide may be a consequence of sexual violence extreme that in turn has direct implications with pornography.
Caracterización geoquímica de las partículas atmosféricas sedimentables recolectadas en estaciones de servicio de la ciudad de Cumaná, noreste de Venezuela
Authors: Gamboa Adriana , Álvarez Carlos
Published: June 2018

Las estaciones de servicio (E/S) pueden aportar contaminantes al aire, suelo y los cuerpos de agua. Con la finalidad de analizar la concentración biodisponible (bio) y residual (res) de; y la fracción orgánica (FO) en partículas atmosféricas sedimentables recolectadas E/S de la ciudad, se tomaron muestras en tres estaciones, considerando tres lugares de muestreo (entrada, surtidor y salida), durante tres semanas. Para la determinación de metales biodisponibles, las muestras (<50 mallas) se agitaron a temperatura ambiente con CH3COOH durante 5 horas. El residuo se trató a 80 ºC con HNO3-HCl (3:1), para obtener la fracción residual. La concentración de metales se determinó por espectroscopia de absorción atómica y la FOE por extracción Soxhlet. La acumulación de las especies químicas resultó mayor en el área del surtidor, lo que implica que es el lugar de muestreo idóneo para analizar el impacto de las E/S como fuentes contaminantes. Existieron diferencias significativas (p<0,05) en las medianas de Fe(bio), Pb(res) y FOE en función del lugar de la toma y la estación, lo que permite inferir posibles diferencias en las fuentes de emisión y las condiciones de acumulación de estos. La correlación positiva entre Fe(bio) con Ni(bio) y FOE; y de Fe(res) con Pb(res), indica la asociación de las especies de acuerdo a las fuentes de emisión.    

ABSTRACT

Services stations can provide contaminants into the air, soils, and waterbodies. In order to analyze Fe, Pb, Cd, Ni residual and bioavailable content, and organic fraction (OF) associated to atmospheric settled particles, samples were taken in three service stations of Cumaná city (northeastern Venezuela), considering three sampling sites (1) entry; (2) petrol pump, and exit, for three weeks. The metals bioavailable fraction analyses consisted in stir the samples at lab temperature with acetic acid for 5 hours. The residue was treated at 80 ° C with HNO3-HCl (3:1), to obtain the residual fraction. The concentration of metals was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and organic fraction by Soxhlet extraction. At the petrol pump, more metals were accumulated, which implies that it is an ideal place to carry out impact studies of service stations as fixed sources of pollutants. There were significant differences (p <0,05) in the medians of Fe (bio), Pb (res) and OF according to the sampling sites, and the services stations: Which allows to infer possible differences in emission sources and accumulationconditions. The positive correlation between Fe (bio) with Ni (bio) and OF; and of Fe (res) with Pb (res), indicates the association of the species according to the emission sources.
Estudio comparativo de la actitud hacia la estadística en estudiantes de administración de una universidad privada de Lima Este, 2016
Authors: Delgado Arenas Raúl , Julca Vera Noemi , Pérez Pérez Miguel , Araujo García Erixson
Published: June 2018

El propósito de este estudio consistió en reportar los resultados de la aplicación de la escala de actitud hacia la estadística (EAE) a una muestra no aleatoria de 92 estudiantes de la Escuela Profesional de administración de una universidad privada de Lima Este correspondiente a los turnos mañana, tarde y noche, en relación a las siguientes dimensiones; valor que le dan a la estadística, nivel de dificultad percibida, el afecto hacia la estadística y la competencia cognitiva de los estudiantes, que cursaban la materia de estadística. Alrededor de un 60% manifiestan una actitud favorable o muy favorable hacia la estadística y solo un 4.3% desfavorable. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en el puntaje total de la escala de los estudiantes de esta muestra en función del turno de estudio: mañana, tarde y noche.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research lies in to report the results of Attitude Scale Application to (EAE) Random Sample Statistic of 92 students of Business School from Lima private university corresponding to morning, afternoon and evening shifts respect to the following dimensions: Statistic value, Perceived difficulty level, Statistic Affection, Cognitive Competence Stastistic Students. Around 60% show favorable attitude to statistic course but not 4.3%. There is no meaningful differences in the Students Scale Final Results who attend in morning, afternoon and evening shifts.
Use of digital badges for training in digital skills within higher education
Authors: Borras-Gene Oriol
Published: June 2018

Digital competence is a key and vital skill for academics connected and adapted to new technologies. Through its Tele-Education Office, the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, offers members of the university’s educational community training in digital educational skills. Alternatives to traditional credentials will be required to accredit this type of skills by means of digital badges. Taking advantage of the opportunities offered by the Web, digital badges provide suitable support for this type of training. This article reports a proposal for implementing Open Badges for the accreditation of training courses and the results achieved over a one-year period
Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of Experiences of Four Individuals Reporting Exposure to Workplace Bullying in the UK
Authors: O'Neill Mary , Borland Denise
Published: June 2018

Workplace bullying is a toxic dynamic that is widespread in the modern workplace. While there is a wealth of qualitative data about the process of bullying, very little is documented about the emotional and cognitive experiences of those exposed to workplace bullying. What do they feel about themselves? What do they feel towards the perpetrators of the abuse and their organisation? This is an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of the experiences of four individuals who self-identified and were also operationally identified as being bullied by a manager within their organisation. Common themes were identified across the four individuals and are discussed using TA concepts, specifically those from the cathexis and classical schools of TA. The results suggest that the bullying dynamic is predicated on discounting by the participants, their managers and the organisations. The participants were discounted by their managers through a negative and withholding stroke pattern of criticism and blame. This resulted in a loss of trust in their employer and lack of support by the organisation, both of which were seen as a discount of the individual. The participants react to their situation by moving into script which could be seen through the Miniscript process.   Citation - APA format:O'Neill, M. & Borland, D. (2018). Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of Experiences of Four Individuals Reporting Exposure to Workplace Bullying in the UK. International Journal of Transactional Analysis Research & Practice, 9(1), 23-42. https://doi.org/10.29044/v9i1p23
About Sensations, Emotions and Feelings: A Contribution to the Theoretical Basis of Transactional Analysis
Authors: Costa Jane Maria Pancinha
Published: June 2018

This article is intended to present new thinking and expansion of the knowledge of emotions and feelings within transactional analysis, through a dialogue between Eric Berne, Antonio Damasio and Humberto Maturana. From Berne comes the guiding framework of transactional analysis and the core concept of ego states. From Damasio comes the distinction between feeling, emotion and mood as well as an understanding of the organisation of the brain. From Maturana comes an understanding of the importance of emotions, particularly the emotion of love, in the process of human evolution. From this dialogue can be seen the foundation for the five primary emotions referred to within transactional analyis: anger, fear, sadness, joy and love. Finally, there is a proposal to update the concept of ego states in line with that dialogue. Citation - APA format:Costa, J. (2018). About Sensations, Emotions and Feelings: A Contribution to the Theoretical Basis of Transactional Analysis. International Journal of Transactional Analysis Research & Practice, 9(1), 43-51. https://doi.org/10.29044/v9i1p43
Akdeniz meyve sineği Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae)’nın Kırşehir’deki ilk kaydı ve barkodlaması
Authors: İpekdal Kahraman , Kaya Tayfun
Published: June 2018

Akdeniz meyve sineği, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera:
Tephritidae) kozmopolit bir meyve zararlısıdır. Türkiye’de Akdeniz, Ege ve
Karadeniz Bölgesi’nde yayılış gösterdiği bilinmektedir. İç Anadolu’da büyük
zararlara neden olmamakla birlikte, yaşamasına elverişli sınırlı habitatlardaki
varlığı uzun zaman önce Ankara’da tespit edilmiştir. Bu çalışma kapsamında
soğuk kış koşullarının yaşandığı Kırşehir’de gerçekleştirilen armut, şeftali ve
erik örneklemelerinde de C. capitata
tespit edilmiştir. Zararlının tespiti hem morfolojik, hem de mitokondriyel COI
gen bölgesine ait primer ile moleküler barkodlama yapılarak gösterilmiştir. Bu
çalışmada, Kırşehir’de bilinen biyolojisine uygun olmamasına karşın, C. capitata’nın görülmesi ile ilgili
olarak iki hipotez öne sürülmüştür. Birincisi C. capitata’nın Kırşehir’e, şehir dışından satılmak üzere getirilen
meyvelerle geldiği, Kırşehir’de geçici yaz populasyonları oluşturduğu ancak
soğuk geçen kışlar nedeniyle burada kışlamadığıdır. İkincisi ise C. capitata’nın Kırşehir kış şartlarında
hayatta kalabilen yerleşik bir populasyonunun olduğudur. İkinci hipotezi
sınamak için bu çalışma kapsamında, Kırşehir’de yapılan örneklemelerden elde
edilen C. capitata larvası bulunan
meyveler bir meyve bahçesinde toprak üzerine yerleştirilmiş ve üzeri,
predasyondan korumak ve çıkan erginleri yakalamak amacıyla sinek teli ile
kapatılmıştır. İzleyen ilkbahara kadar yapılan gözlemlerde burada herhangi bir
ergine rastlanmamıştır. Bu sonuç ikinci hipoteze ilişkin olumsuz bir kanıttır.
Ancak bunun sağlıklı bir şekilde ortaya konması için daha kapsamlı kış
denemelerinin yapılması gerekmektedir. Bununla birlikte C. capitata ev ya da ahır gibi kapalı mekanlarda
kışlayabileceğinden ikinci hipotezin hala geçerli olabileceği göz ardı
edilmemelidir. Bu çalışma C. capitata’nın
Kırşehir’deki ilk kaydıdır. Ayrıca bu çalışma ile Türkiye’den ilk kez C. capitata mitokondriyel dizi verisi de
bildirilmektedir.
State Medical Boards Self-Examination:
Authors: Haley Kathleen , Fisher Kimberly
Published: June 2018

Consistency in the application of sanctions is a desirable objective of medical boards. This paper retrospectively reviews two types of misconduct that regularly come before medical boards: cases involving inappropriate prescribing of controlled substances to self, family and friends and sexual misconduct. To determine consistency in decision-making investigative case files, we reviewed who the complainant was and his or her relationship with the licensee, the conduct alleged and proven, the licensee's response, the licensee's investigative history, the interview demeanor, and other aggravating and mitigating factors. Each case was considered on its own merits. An analysis of this data suggests that the Oregon Medical Board is consistent in applying sanctions.
Establishing a System of Postgraduate Medical Education in Pakistan
Authors: Chaudhry Zafar Ullah
Published: June 2018

Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) and specialist care made a late beginning in developing countries and has progressed quite slowly, compared to the developed world. Historically, medical graduates in developing countries desiring to pursue PGME had to travel to Western centers to acquire specialist qualifications; and after having spent a significant time period it became difficult for them to return from those settings, resulting in “brain drain” from the developing nations and a loss of national resources. The status of overall medical education in Pakistan was dismal at the time of its independence in 1947. Pakistan inherited only a few undergraduate medical colleges, and none offered any postgraduate qualification. The majority of doctors seeking postgraduate education preferred to go to England and the United States. In this situation, the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Pakistan (CPSP) was established in 1962 as an autonomous corporate body to cater to the needs of PGME and to provide specialists for the health care needs of the country. The college started offering fellowship and membership programs in different fields of medicine and dentistry — a hallmark of the College System of PGME, which focuses primarily upon rigorous clinical training. It has succeeded in achieving high standards in PGME and specialization, making its qualifications at par with the institutions of the developed world. This paper describes the policies and strategies adopted by the College to earn recognition for its qualifications, both within the country and in the international community.
Oversight of Medical Care Quality:
Authors: Burney Richard E.
Published: June 2018

Not long after physicians began to gather in organized groups and form professional societies in the 19th century, it became clear that education, training and practices were highly variable and that oversight to prevent outright quackery was needed. Although the situation is quite different today, experience has shown that continued oversight of medical care is still necessary. Some modern physicians may allow their knowledge, skills, and practices to become out of date, resulting in ineffective, unnecessary and expensive care. They may engage in any number of unprofessional behaviors, ranging from substance abuse to billing and insurance fraud, leading to disciplinary actions by external agencies. That said, providing oversight in today's highly complex health care delivery system is not a simple task to accomplish. Many rules, regulations, structures and processes have been put into place, all trying to ensure that medical care is safe, affordable and of high quality. This essay briefly describes the history and evolution of medical oversight — from its relatively simple beginnings in licensing and accreditation initiated over a century ago to the multiplex of oversight programs currently in place — including a look at some of the new, innovative and data-driven approaches being used today.
Genetic diversity in Dactylonectria pauciseptata associated with black foot disease in New Zealand
Authors: Sheng Yu , Jones Eirian E. , Ridgway Hayley J.
Published: June 2018

The fungal genera Ilyonectria and Dactylonectria are causal agents of black foot disease affecting grapevines. A New Zealand survey of grapevines symptomatic for this disease was conducted in 2005, and 11 D. pauciseptata isolates were recovered. The incidence of this disease has increased over the last decade so a multi-gene approach was used to accurately identify these isolates and to determine whether they could infect grapevine roots in vitro. Eight of the original 11 D. pauciseptata isolates remained viable and were recovered from storage. DNA sequencing, universally primed polymerase chain reaction (UP-PCR) and a detached root assay were used to characterise these eight isolates. Phylogenetic analyses of ITS, Î²-tubulin, EF1-Î± and histone gene regions showed a monophyletic clade using the rRNA gene, EF1-Î± and histone gene, but paraphyletic based on Î²-tubulin. UP-PCR showed genetic diversity, with five major groups (P<0.01), with major groups concordant with the Î²-tubulin phylogeny. Pathogenicity tests with two common rootstocks showed that isolates produced lesions. Two distinct groups of D. pauciseptata were identified. Both groups are capable of infecting grapevine roots.
Efecto analgésico intraoperatorio de ketorolaco, meloxicam y ketoprofeno por goteo continuo en cirugías de oforosalpingohisterectomía (OSH) en caninos
Authors: Llambo-Villacrés E.H. , Villamarín-Barragan D.R. , Avilés-Esquivel D.F , Valle-Velástegui E.L.
Published: June 2018

El presente estudio evaluó el control del dolor intraoperatorio en 54 caninos hembras mediante AINEs administrados por vía intravenosa a goteo continuo en cirugías de oforosalpingohisterectomía; se dividieron aleatoriamente en 9 grupos de 6 individuos, las dosis utilizadas fueron: ketoprofeno (F1) 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 1.5 mg/kg; meloxicam (F2) 0.025 mg/kg, 0.05 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg y ketorolaco (F3) 0.12 mg/kg, 0.2 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg. Se midió: Frecuencia Cardiaca, Frecuencia Respiratoria, Saturación de oxígeno, Presión Arterial Media y Temperatura. La analgesia post operatoria se evaluó mediante la escala de Glasgow modificada. Antes y después de cada procedimiento se aplicó el perfil de medición NSAID para hepato y nefrotoxicidad considerando: Alanino aminotransferasa, Aspartato aminotransferasa, Gamma glutamil transferasa, Nitrógeno ureico en sangre y Creatinina. Mediante INFOSTAT se realizó análisis de varianza y comparación de medias con Tukey al 5%. Los mejores resultados fueron F1D2= ketoprofeno 1 mg/kg y F2D3= meloxicam 0,1 mg/kg, observándose mínima variación en la mayoría de marcadores somáticos para el dolor. Todos los grupos presentaron puntajes bajos de dolor para escala de Glasgow modificada y no se apreció variación en protocolos NSAID, validándose entonces el uso de ketorolaco, meloxicam y ketoprofeno por goteo continuo en la fase de mantenimiento anestésico
Microstructural and mechanical properties of novel β-type Ti–Nb–Ni alloys containing a second phase
Authors: Li Peiyou
Published: June 2018

The microstructure and mechanical properties of novel β-type Ti74-xNb26Nix (x = 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 at.%) alloys with a low Young's modulus and containing different amounts of a second phase (Ti2Ni and Ni3Nb) were investigated. The experimental results show that the relative volume fractions of Ti2Ni phase in the Ti–Nb–Ni alloys increased with increasing Ni content. The mechanical properties of Ti–Nb–Ni alloys varied with the amount of second phase. Ti70Nb26Ni4, Ti66Nb26Ni8, and Ti62Nb26Ni12 alloys containing a small amount of Ti2Ni phase exhibited a higher plastic strain; however, Ti58Nb26Ni16, Ti54Nb26 · Ni20, and Ti50Nb26Ni24 alloys containing a large amount of Ti2Ni phase and a small amount of Ni3Nb phase exhibited a small plastic strain. The increase in strength and decrease in plasticity of alloys can be mainly attributed to the increase in high-strength brittle Ti2Ni phase and grain refining of the β-phase matrix. In addition, Ti50Nb26Ni24 alloy with a low Young's modulus has a high yield strength and elastic energy; this has potential application as biomedical and functional materials.
Microstructure of Ti/Al multilayer foils ignited with electric current
Authors: Maj Łukasz , Morgiel Jerzy , Szlezynger Maciej
Published: June 2018

Magnetron sputtered Ti/Al freestanding multilayer foils were treated with an electric current pulse of 0.5 A or 4 A for ∼1 s in order to initiate a self-sustaining high-temperature synthesis. Scanning electron microscopy observations showed that the sample treated with 0.5 A is characterized by the presence of periodic rippled bands, while the 4 A one has a nearly unaffected shape. Transmission electron microscopy experiments revealed that the microstructure of Ti/Al foil ignited with 0.5 A consists of large equiaxed grains of γ-TiAl phase and alternating plates of γ-TiAl + α2-Ti3Al phases, carrying vestiges of their initial multilayer character, while the 4 A treatment resulted in the formation of a duplex microstructure.
Microstructure evolution mechanisms of undercooled Ni80Cu20 alloys
Authors: Ma Kai , Zhao Yuhong , Xu Xiaolong , Hou Hua
Published: June 2018

Microstructure evolution mechanisms of undercooled Ni80Cu20 alloys were systematically studied, and two types of grain refinement were observed in the as-solidified microstructures. The first type of grain refinement appeared in a low undercooling range (i.e., 50 K ≤ ΔT ≤ 90 K). The remelting of primary dendrites during or after rapid solidification was due to liquid/solid interfacial tension and chemical superheating. The second type of grain refinement occurred in a high undercooling range (i.e., ΔT ≥ 165 K), in which the liquid phase pressure drop due to solidification contraction induced the flow of liquid in the inter-dendrite region and produced stress accumulation in the dendrites. At the slow solidification stage, i.e., post-recalescence period, recrystallization was observed. In addition, highly undercooled Ni80Cu20 alloy melts were quenched before rapid solidification by Ga–In liquid alloy, and partially recrystallized microstructures were obtained. Using electron backscattering diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques, the occurrence of recrystallization was verified experimentally.
Dynamic fragmentation and spheroidization of α phase grains during hot deformation of Ti-6Al-4V alloy
Authors: Motyka Maciej , Sieniawski Jan , Ziaja Waldemar , Mroczka Malwina , Bryliński Mateusz
Published: June 2018

Development of mechanical properties of titanium alloys is usually achieved by the control of their microstructure (globular, lamellar, bimodal). Dynamic fragmentation and spheroidization of elongated α phase grains, formed from martensite laths, in the microstructure of Ti-6Al-4V alloy are considered in the paper. The effects of α phase grain spheroidization was evaluated in tensile tests over a temperature range of 800–900°C and strain rate range of 10−3–10−2s−1. Completed spheroidization of elongated α phase grains and subsequent growth of equiaxed grains for all deformation modes were found. A low value of apparent activation energy for deformation was calculated – suggesting grain boundary sliding was the main deformation mechanism. The results showed good correlation with the kinetic rate equation based on the Zener–Hollomon parameter.
Formation and characterization of hot tearing in AZ series alloys
Authors: Liu Wenjun , Jiang Bin , Luo Suqin , Liu Bo
Published: June 2018

Hot tearing susceptibility (HTS) of AZ31, AZ61, and AZ91 magnesium alloys was investigated with the constrained rod casting process at an average cooling rate of 1.5 K s−1. The experimental results showed that the maximum HTS that was associated with the AZ31 alloy resulted from the coarse dendrites and poor feeding ability during the final stages of solidification. The HTSs in the AZ91 and AZ61 alloys were much smaller, due to the finer microstructure and good feeding ability. The results were verified through examination of the as-cast microstructure, and simulation of the solidification process.
Huzurevindeki Yaşlı Bireylere Oynatılan Zekâ Oyununun Yaşlıların Bilişsel Becerilerine, Yalnızlık ve Psikolojik İyi Oluş Düzeylerine Etkisi
Authors: Yavuz Oğuzhan , Yavuz Yelda
Published: June 2018

Bu araştırmanın amacı, bilişsel becerileri destekleyen bir
kutu oyununun yaşlıların yalnızlık, psikolojik iyi oluş ve bilişsel
becerilerine etkisini incelemektir. Araştırma "deneme modeli" olarak
tasarlanmıştır. Araştırmada bağımsız değişken, ön test ve son test arasında
deney grubuna uygulanan bilişsel becerileri destekleyen sil baştan adlı kutu
oyunudur. Çalışmanın bağımlı değişkenleri ise yaşlıların yalnızlık, psikolojik
iyi oluş ve bilişsel beceri düzeyleridir. Araştırmada uygulanan kutu oyununun,
yaşlı bireylerin yalnızlık, psikolojik iyi oluş ve bilişsel becerilerini nasıl
etkilediğini görmek amacıyla, "ön test- son test kontrol gruplu deneysel
desen" kullanılacaktır. Araştırma özel bir huzurevinde 65 yaş ve üzeri
yaşlıların katılımıyla gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu araştırma 8' i deney 8'i
kontrol olmak üzere 16 yaşlı birey ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmada,
verileri toplamak amacıyla araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulmuş “Kişisel
Bilgi Soru Listesi”, çalışmaya katılanların yalnızlık düzeyini  ölçmek amacıyla Russell ve ark. (1978)
tarafından geliştirilen Türkçeye uyarlaması ise Demir (1989) tarafından yapılan
20 maddeden ve tek boyuttan oluşan UCLA Yalnızlık Ölçeği, Psikolojik iyi oluş
düzeyini ölçmek için Tennant ve ark., (2007) tarafından geliştirilen Keldal
(2015) tarafından Türkçeye uyarlanan 14 maddeden ve tek boyuttan oluşan Warwick-Edinburgh Mental İyi Oluş Ölçeği,
Bilişsel Becerileri ölçmek için ise Nasreddine ve ark., (2005) tarafından
geliştirilen Türkçeye uyarlaması Selekler ve Cangöz (2009) tarafından yapılan Montreal
Bilişsel Değerlendirme  Ölçeği (MOCA) kullanılmıştır. Deney ve kontrol gruplarına uygulama
öncesinde ve sonrasında elde ettikleri puanların karşılaştırılması amacıyla
Mann Withney U Testi ve Wilcoxon Eşleştirilmiş Çiftler İşaretlenmiş Sıra
Sayıları testi uygulanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda oyununun bilişsel becerileri
geliştirdiği, yalnızlık düzeyini düşürdüğü ve psikolojik iyi oluşu yükselttiği
bulunmuştur.
Implementasi Kansei Engineering Dalam Desain Tampilan Website Perguruan Tinggi
Authors: Ramadhan Yudhi Raymond
Published: June 2018

Tampilan sebuah website awalnya dikembangkan dari sisi fungsi dan kegunaan website tersebut. Seiring dengan perkembangan zaman, dalam merancang tampilan sebuah website mulai melibatkan sisi perasaan atau emosi dari pengguna website. Penelitian ini mengimplementasikan metode Kansei Engineering dalam merancang tampilan sebuah website perguruan tinggi, dimana sisi perasaan atau emosi pengguna dapat dilibatkan dalam merancang tampilan sebuah website. Metodologi yang digunakan adalah metodologi Kansei Engineering Type I, yang memecah sebuah konsep desain menjadi sub konsep. Penelitian ini menggunakan 15 Kansei Word dan 16 spesimen website perguruan tinggi. Partisipan yang terlibat pada penelitian ini adalah 70 partisipan yang terdiri dari 10 orang dosen dan  60 orang mahasiswa STIEB Perdana Mandiri. Hasil kuesioner dari partisipan kemudian diolah dengan menggunakan analisis statistik multivariat yakni Cronbach’s Alpha, Coefficient Correlation Analysis (CCA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Factor Analysis (FA) dan analisis Partial Least Square (PLS). Berdasarkan hasil pengolahan data dari seluruh partisipan diperoleh tiga rekomendasi elemen desain tampilan website Perguruan Tinggi yang mewakili perasaan atau emosi dari pengguna website perguruan tinggi.Kata kunci: Kansei Engineering, website, perasaan, emosi, perguruan tinggi The website interface was originally developed in terms of functionality and usability of the website. Along with the development of the era, in designing website interface began to involve the feelings or emotions of website users. This research implemented Kansei Engineering method of designing higher education website interface, which are the feelings or emotions of users can be involved in designing website interface. The methodology used was the Kansei Engineering Type I, which breaks down a design concept into sub concepts. This study used 15 Kansei Words and 16 specimens of higher education websites. Participants involved in this research were 70 participants consisted of 10 lecturers and 60 students of STIEB Perdana Mandiri. The results of questionnaires from the participants were processed using multivariate statistical analysis are Cronbach's Alpha, Coefficient Correlation Analysis (CCA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Factor Analysis (FA) and Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis. Based on the results of data processing from all participants, there are obtained three recommendations of design elements of the higher education website that represents the feelings or emotions of higher education website users.Keywords: Kansei Engineering, website, feelings, emotions, higher education
A Photoswitchable Colorimetric Sensor for Fluoride Based on a Dithienylethene Unit
Authors: Li Ziyong , Zhang Honglin , Zhang Haining , Xie Yanfu , Chen Hong , He Chaojun , Wang Yangyang , Ya Huiyuan , Guo Hui
Published: June 2018

A novel dithienylethene amide-based photoswitchable anion receptor was synthesised by amidation of 4,4′-(cyclopent-1-ene-1,2-diyl) bis(5-methylthiophene-2-carboxylic acid) with 4-nitroaniline in 56% yield under mild conditions; its structure was confirmed by NMR, MS and elemental analysis. Investigation of its photochromic properties indicated that 4,4′-(cyclopent-1-ene-1,2-diyl)bis[5-methyl-N-(4-nitrophenyl) thiophene-2-carboxamide] had good reversibility and excellent fatigue resistance upon irradiation with UV or visible light and can serve as a colorimetric sensor for fluoride, resulting in a significant change in the absorption spectrum.
Stereochemical Aspects of Some Rearrangements of Gibberellic Acid
Authors: Hanson James R.
Published: June 2018

The stereochemistry of some rearrangement reactions of the diterpenoid plant hormone gibberellic acid, including the allylic rearrangements of substituents and the lactone in ring A, rearrangements involving ring B and the Wagner–Meerwein rearrangements of rings C and D, are reviewed.
Crosstalk between ERα and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signalling and Implications for the Development of Anti-Endocrine Resistance
Authors: Montaser Rugaia Z. , Coley Helen M.
Published: June 2018

Although anti-endocrine therapies have significantly advanced the treatment of breast cancer, they pose the problem of acquired drug resistance. The oestrogen receptor (ER)-expressing breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and T47D alongside their in vitro derived resistant counterparts MCF-7-TR (tamoxifen-resistant) and T47D-FR (fulvestrant-resistant) showed dual resistance to fulvestrant and tamoxifen in the presence of upregulated HER1 and HER2 growth factor receptors. Our study demonstrated that tamoxifen resistance and fulvestrant resistance are associated with collateral sensitivity to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) lapatinib (p < 0.0001) and afatinib (p < 0.0001). Further, we found that over time, the TKIs reactivated ERα protein and/or mRNA in tamoxifen- and fulvestrant-resistant cells. Combinations of anti-endocrine agents with afatinib gave rise to significantly enhanced levels of apoptosis in both T47D-FR and MCF-7-TR in a synergistic manner versus additive effects of agents used singly. This was associated with p27kip1 induction for anti-endocrine-resistant cells versus parental cells. Our data supports the use of combination treatment utilising dual HER1/2 inhibitors in breast cancer patients showing resistance to multiple anti-endocrine agents.