bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How to understand a development corridor? The case of Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia‐Transport corridor in Kenya
Authors: Lesutis Gediminas 
Published: November 2019

In order to advance the emerging research on development corridors, this paper, drawing on the geographical as well as broader critical social science literatures on infrastructure, offers three different pathways how research on large‐scale infrastructural projects could be conceptually developed. Using the example of Lamu Port–South Sudan–Ethiopia‐Transport corridor in Kenya, the paper discusses how imaginaries and material practices of development corridors could be understood as (1) practices of establishing frontiers of extractive capital accumulation that (2) create fragmented forms of state territoriality characterised by complex interaction between the state and private actors and (3) through ideals of “modernity” valorise some lives over others. Although not exhaustive, taken together these approaches demonstrate that development corridors are not just material practices of infrastructural development that translate into sustainable economic growth and development, as advocated by “win‐win” mainstream development discourses. Instead, the approaches outlined in the paper demonstrate that development corridors are value‐laden practices that play a specific function in creating and sustaining socio‐political orders increasingly dominated by global capitalist expansion, as well as different forms of extraction, state–private actor assemblages, and normative ordering of life that the constitution of these orders sets in motion. Through these analyses, the paper contributes to the geographical scholarship on mega‐infrastructures by indicating how the globally structured politics of infrastructure – such as development corridors – advance capitalist expansion by materialising not just in urban or peri‐urban contexts, as is common to focus within the literature, but also play an important role in producing geographies of states, characterised by extractivism, contested territorialities, and normative ordering of life.
The backroads of AI: The uneven geographies of artificial intelligence and development
Authors: McDuie‐Ra Duncan , Gulson Kalervo 
Published: November 2019

Artificial intelligence is being reconfigured as a set of technologies that can address poverty with precision. The impacts of AI will both exacerbate and ameliorate the conditions of uneven development. Recent debates focus on the disruptive effects of AI, particularly to replication of development trajectories that have had success in reducing poverty. In this paper we further these debates by analysing the backroads of AI. The backroads serve as a metaphor for understanding the ways AI will travel from the sites of incubation to the frontlines of uneven development. We explore dialogues between AI and development in two arenas: the World Bank's Development Impact Evaluation initiative (DIME) and the Government of India's national AI strategy, #AIforAll. We argue that both these arenas serve as hubs from which AI will travel out along the backroads to remote, poor, and fragmented polities. While the World Bank utilises AI as technology to empower experts and mobilise a techno‐political authority, what we refer to as precision AI, India seeks to function as a second‐tier AI hub, making AI cheaper and more accessible domestically and for other developing countries, what we refer to as populist AI. We conclude by discussing the interrelations of precision and populist AI along the backroads, and the potential of backroads research for mapping AI, uneven geographies of development and technology and the impacts of AI's disruptions at different scales.
Deregulation and regional specialization: Evidence from Canadian agriculture
Authors: Carter Colin A. , Ferguson Shon M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFor about 70 years, the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) was one of the world's largest export “single desk” state traders in agriculture, until it was deregulated in 2012 and stripped of its marketing powers. One of the main crops controlled by the CWB was barley. We estimate the impact of the removal of the CWB's single desk on the spatial pattern of malting barley production in Western Canada. We find that deregulation encouraged growers located closer to malt barley processing plants to increase production relative to growers located further from the plants. This change in cropping patterns after deregulation can be explained by efficiency gains, combined with transportation and handling cost savings.
Current perspectives on recurrent pituitary adenoma: The role and timing of surgery vs adjuvant treatment
Authors: Hayhurst Caroline , Taylor Peter N. , Lansdown Andrew J. , Palaniappan Nachi , Rees Dafydd Aled , Davies John Stephen 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe clinical course of pituitary adenoma can be highly variable. Aggressive pituitary tumours may require multimodal therapy with multiple operations. Even standard pituitary adenomas exhibit relatively high long‐term recurrence rates and delayed intervention is often required. The indications for revision surgery in the endoscopic era are expanding for both functioning and nonfunctioning tumours, including access to the cavernous sinus and intracranial compartments. Although revision surgery can be challenging, it has been demonstrated to be both safe and effective. The question of the use of early radiotherapy in pituitary adenoma remains controversial. Our increasing understanding of pituitary tumour biology facilitates individualized treatment and surveillance protocols, with early intervention in high‐risk adenoma subtypes. In this review, we discuss the treatment options for recurring pituitary tumours and focus on the role of revision surgery.
Morphological phylogeny of the Tegulinae (Mollusca: Vetigastropoda) reinforces a Turbinidae position
Authors: Dornellas Ana Paula , Couto Diogo Ribeiro , Simone Luiz Ricardo L. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA cladistic analysis of the Tegulinae (Turbinidae) is presented using 132 morphological characters and 41 taxa. Tegulinae is recovered and is sister to Prisogaster niger (Prisogasterinae) within the family Turbinidae. This scenario, with Tegulinae as a subfamily within Turbinidae, corroborates with the most molecular analyses. Tegulinae comprises >40 extant species, belonging to eight genera. Morphological studies have not resolved the placement of Tegulinae within Trochoidea sufficiently, and the systematic positions of the genera have never been investigated as a primary objective. The present morphology‐based analysis of genus‐level relationships within Tegulinae provides a robust, phylogenetic diagnosis of each group, rooted on a firm hypothesis of evolutionary relationships. An additional search was performed to include the tegulines Omphalius nigerrimus and Carolesia blakei terminals using unweighted and implied weighting. Our morphological data provide a solid foundation for ensuing systematic research on Tegulinae, as well as Trochoidea, and evidence facilitating the diagnosis of generic and suprageneric groups.
Self‐reported sexual dysfunction in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Sörensson M. , Asplund D. , Matthiessen P. , Rosenberg J. , Hallgren T. , Rosander C. , González E. , Bock D. , Angenete E. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimPatients with rectal cancer often experience sexual dysfunction after treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate sexual function in a prospective cohort of patients regardless of treatment and tumour stage and explore what factors might affect sexual activity 1 year after diagnosis.MethodThe QoLiRECT study (Quality of Life in RECTal cancer) is a prospective study on the health‐related quality of life in patients with rectal cancer in Denmark and Sweden. Questionnaires were completed at diagnosis and 1 year. Clinical data were retrieved from national quality registries.ResultsQuestionnaire data were available from 1085 patients at diagnosis and 920 patients at 1 year. Median age was 69 years (range 25–100). At diagnosis, 29% of the women and 41% of the men were sexually active, which was lower than an age‐matched reference population. This was further reduced to 25% and 34% at 1 year. Risk factors for sexual inactivity were absence of sexual activity prior to the diagnosis and the presence of a stoma. Women experienced reduced lubrication and more dyspareunia at 1 year compared with the time of diagnosis. In men, erectile dysfunction increased from 46% to 55% at 1 year.ConclusionSexual activity in patients with rectal cancer is lower at diagnosis compared with the population norm and is further reduced at 1 year. The presence of a stoma contributed to reduced sexual activity after operation. Sexual dysfunction was difficult to evaluate due to low sexual activity in the cohort. In men, erectile dysfunction is common.
Morbidity associated with the immediate vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous flap reconstruction after radical pelvic surgery
Authors: Proctor M. J. , Westwood D. A. , Donahoe S. , Chauhan A. , Lynch A. C. , Heriot A. G. , Sent‐Doux K. , Creagh T. , Frizelle F. A. , Wakeman C. J. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimPatients who undergo radical pelvic surgery often have problems with perineal wound healing and pelvic collections. While there is recognition of the perineal morbidity, there also remains uncertainty around the benefit of vertical rectus abdominus myocutaneous (VRAM) flaps due to the balance between primary healing and the complications associated with this form of reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with significant flap and donor site related complications following VRAM flap reconstruction for radical pelvic surgery.MethodA retrospective analysis of VRAM flap related complications was undertaken from prospectively maintained databases for all patients undergoing radical pelvic surgery (2001– 2017) in two cancer centres.ResultsIn all, 154 patients were identified [median age 62 years (range 26–89 years), 80 (52%) men]. Thirty‐three (21%) patients experienced significant donor or flap related complications. Major complications (Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3) related to the abdominal donor site occurred in nine (6%) patients, while those related to the flap or perineal site occurred in 28 (18%) patients. Only smoking (P = 0.003) and neoadjuvant radiotherapy (P = 0.047) were associated with the development of significant flap related complications on univariate analysis. Flap related complications resulted in a significantly longer hospital stay (P < 0.001).ConclusionCareful patient selection is required to balance the risks vs the benefits of VRAM flap reconstruction. Immediate VRAM reconstruction in patients undergoing radical pelvic surgery can achieve early healing and stable perineal closure; it has a low but significant morbidity. Major flap related complications are significantly associated with smoking status and neoadjuvant radiotherapy and result in a prolonged length of hospital stay.
The politics of government reorganizations: Evidence from 30 OECD countries, 1980–2014
Authors: Ryu Lanhee , Moon M. Jae , Yang Jae‐jin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRevisiting the seminal study of March and Olson (1983), this article aimed to empirically test whether or not government reorganizations at the ministerial level can be better explained by political factors than administrative and functional rhetoric. Government reorganizations have often been understood as functional adaptations to increase organizational efficiency and effectiveness, but little empirical research has been conducted on their political context. By analyzing pooled‐time series data from 30 OECD countries from 1980–2014 taken from the Statesman's Yearbook, this article sought to examine whether changes in political power are associated with government reorganizations and whether their intensity is affected by the country's political system (parliamentarism or presidentialism), transitions of administrative power, and political cycles of the top executive's tenure. The results suggested that government reorganizations are more likely to occur in parliamentary systems, after transitions of political power, and at the beginning of the top executive's tenure.
Communities, health‐care organizations and the contingencies and contradictions of engagement: A case study from Chile
Authors: Montenegro Cristian R. , Mercado Nérida 
Published: November 2019

AbstractContextDespite a growing interest in service‐user involvement in mental health services, the interaction between health institutions and local groups is only beginning to receive attention, particularly in global south settings.ObjectiveLooking at a participatory initiative in Chile, this study explores how, under unfavourable administrative conditions, health organizations approach and work with communities.MethodsWe interviewed policy‐makers (5), local professionals (10), service users and community representatives (6) linked to a concrete participatory initiative. Participant observation in relevant meetings helped to enrich the interpretations. Thematic analysis was applied to interview transcripts and field notes.FindingsThe findings present a sequence of actions starting with the creation of a network of community‐based groups. A set of problems ensued, related to the group's diversity, internal representation, decision‐making and funding processes. In response, processionals implemented simultaneously bureaucratic and democratic adjustments, developing a vision of community that ignored the particularities—including the motivations—of local groups.Discussion and conclusionBased on these findings, we argue that participatory initiatives should be studied as on‐going achievements shaped by broad policy orientations and local configurations of interest. In the process, they produce ad hoc forms of knowledge and visions of community that provide orientation to the agents involved.
Development of a rapid method for codfish identification in processed fish products based on SYBR Green real‐time PCR
Authors: Xiong Xiong , Yuan Fangying , Huang Manhong , Cao Min , Xiong Xiaohui 
Published: November 2019

SummaryUsing species outside the order Gadiformes to prepare codfish products has been widely revealed as a new type of fraud in China, highlighting the necessity to establish proper methods for codfish species identification. This work aimed to develop a new SYBR Green real‐time PCR assay for the detection of codfish ingredient (mainly the eight Gadiformes species, Gadus morhua, Gadus macrocephalus, Theragra chalcogramma, Pollachius virens, Melanogrammus aeglefinus, Merluccius merluccius, Merluccius australis and Albatrossia pectoralis) in processed fish products based on mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Results highlighted the positive Cq (cycle quantification value, average value 19.18 ± 1.49) only from the eight Gadiformes species, with no fluorescent signal (Cq > 32) for the other sixty‐seven non‐Gadiformes species. The absolute limit of detection was 0.048 ng genomic DNA. Methodology validation succeeded in twenty‐six commercial products. These results demonstrated that the newly developed method is suitable for the identification of codfish ingredient in processed fish products.
State of Control: Unknown Migrant Children
Authors: Lundstedt Andreas 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRecently, crises seem to predominate migration policymaking. They are commonly seen as critical junctures which precipitate major policy change. However, rather than creation of something new, crises can instead be vehicles for restoring the order of the past. This article examines the case of asylum‐seeking unaccompanied minors in Sweden, where drastic changes have been made in the aftermath of the perceived “migration crisis” of 2015. Employing historical institutionalist theory, it examines decades of Swedish migration policymaking through analysis of state inquiries, law proposals and court rulings. It argues that the changes introduced 2015 were not qualitatively new, but rather a result of long‐simmering tensions. These tensions lie between state attempts to control migration, particularly of “unidentifiable” individuals, and the rights accorded to migrants. The article shows that Sweden's migration framework of bounded universalism has gradually been altered by tools that categorize migrants, with implications for migration policy as a whole.
Child‐rearing experiences and home environment concerns among Southeast Asian immigrant mothers in transnational marriage families in Taiwan
Authors: Liang Hwey‐Fang , Wu Kuang‐Ming , Wang Ying‐Hsiang , Chen Yong‐Chuan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimsTo explore the child‐rearing experiences of immigrant mothers and their concerns about children's home environments in the contexts of transnational marriage families and non‐native culture.BackgroundImmigrant mothers are often disadvantaged by a relative lack of information on and access to children's healthcare, but little research exists on the experiences of mothers in transnational marriage families as they attempt to provide a secure home environment while navigate an unfamiliar culture.DesignA descriptive phenomenological research design based on intuition was employed to explore immigrant mothers’ unique lived reality through their subjective experiences and perceptions.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews with 15 immigrant mothers from 15 transnational marriage families were conducted between May 2016–February 2017. Narratives were analyzed using the descriptive phenomenological method because it permits systematic discovery of the lived experiences from the perspective of the study's participants.ResultsThree major themes were identified: (a) striving to maintain a secure home for children; (b) suffering and struggling with difficulties; and (c) trying to overcome difficulties and build an adequate family environment. The essential, prevailing concept of immigrant mothers’ experience in child‐rearing was identified as ‘Where my child is, is home.’ConclusionImmigrant mothers bond emotionally and physically to their new land via their children. Their child‐raising experiences are interwoven with their roles in their new familial and cultural homes.ImpactImmigrant brides often become mothers soon after marrying to continue their husbands’ family line. Understanding their unique child‐rearing experiences and challenges in providing a secure home in a non‐native culture will help nurses provide effective care. Study results will benefit paediatric/family nurses in any setting where care for transnational marriage families is provided, those families themselves, public policymakers and future researchers.
The factors associated with subjective cognitive decline and cognitive function among older adults
Authors: Lee JuHee , Sung Jooyoun , Choi MoonKi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAimsTo explore the risk factors for subjective cognitive decline and cognitive function among older adults in South Korea.DesignThis study employed a descriptive cross‐sectional design.MethodsA convenience sample of 182 patients was recruited from a senior welfare center in Seoul. The mean age of the participants was 78.4 years (SD 5.91). Among them, 64.3% were women. The data were collected by a trained research assistant using structured questionnaires from September 2016–February 2017. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, depression, physical and cognitive activity levels, instrumental activities of daily living, subjective cognitive decline, and cognitive function were assessed. Student's t tests, chi‐square tests, and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used for statistical analyses.ResultsThe findings revealed that 37.4% of the participants were not cognitively intact. Depression, perceived health status, and cognitive function were significantly associated with subjective cognitive decline (F = 7.10, p < .001, adjusted R2 = 25.3). Age, educational level, perceived health status, and subjective cognitive decline were significantly related to cognitive function (F = 20.98, p < .001, adjusted R2 = 47.0). After controlling for these variables, cognitive activity was significantly and independently related to cognitive function.ConclusionThe results suggest that for the maintenance of cognitive function, cognitive activity should be encouraged. In addition, older adults who complain of subjective cognitive decline and have risk factors such as depression need therapeutic interventions to prevent actual decrease of cognitive function.ImpactThe present findings advance prior knowledge by considering variables such as physical and cognitive activity levels to provide novel evidence that can be used to develop interventions for community‐dwelling older adults. Thus, to be effective, nursing interventions must seek to improve cognitive function through intellectual stimulation.
A systematic literature review on Internet of things in education: Benefits and challenges
Authors: Kassab Mohamad , DeFranco Joanna , Laplante Phillip 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWith close to 20.4 billion devices connected to the Internet to be deployed by 2020, Internet of things (IoT) is already being leveraged in diverse sectors. Now, because of the ubiquitous nature of IoT devices, schools and academic institutions are looking to incorporate IoT in educational activities. With the increased use of IoT in the education domain, it is of utmost importance to study how this technology with its distinguished system functions such as sensing and decision making can support and challenge the pedagogical processes for all interrelated actors (faculty, students, and staff) as well as all involved assets (e.g., libraries, classrooms, and labs). Although there have been several contributions on the inclusion of IoT into the education domain, there is still a lack of consolidated and coherent views on this subject. Hence, we are motivated to close the gap of knowledge and embarked on mapping out the published studies available. This study presents the results of a systematic literature review focusing on the benefits and the challenges faced in education in integrating IoT into the curriculum and educational environments. Different mapping views of the extracted studies are provided as long as a summary of the already implemented tools and a list of gap research questions yet to be investigated.
Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii subsp. demodicis is the endobacterium of Demodex folliculorum
Authors: Clanner‐Engelshofen B.M. , French L.E. , Reinholz M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundDemodex spp. mites are the most complex member of the human skin microbiome. Mostly they are commensals, although their pathophysiological role in inflammatory dermatoses is recognized. Demodex mites cannot be cultivated in vitro, so only little is known about their life cycle, biology and physiology. Different bacterial species have been suggested to be the endobacterium of Demodex mites, including Bacillus oleronius, B. simplex, B. cereus and B. pumilus.ObjectivesOur aim was to find the true endobacterium of human Demodex mites.MethodsThe distinct genetic and phenotypic differences and similarities between the type strain and native isolates are described by DNA sequencing, PCR, MALDI‐TOF, DNA‐DNA hybridization, fatty and mycolic acid analyses, and antibiotic resistance testing.ResultsWe report the true endobacterium of Demodex folliculorum, independent of the sampling source of mites or life stage: Corynebacterium kroppenstedtii subsp. demodicis.ConclusionsWe anticipate our finding to be a starting point for more in‐depth understanding of the tripartite microbe–host interaction between Demodex mites, its bacterial endosymbiont and the human host.