bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of COSO framework in whistle-blowing activities of public higher-learning institutions
Authors: Dangi Mohamad Ridhuan Mat , Nawawi Anuar , Salin Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to determine whether higher-learning institutions have sufficient internal controls to manage whistle-blowing or similar means when encountering repetitive complaints requiring similar corrective actions. This study attempts to classify complaints as per categories, criteria and components of the COSO framework using a checklist called self-assessment checklist of internal control kits so that complaint activities can be efficiently and effectively managed.Design/methodology/approachAs a case study, one public university in Malaysia was selected, and 740 complaints were examined over a four-year period. Two methods of data collection, namely, document analysis and interviews, were used.FindingsThis study found no internal controls established to oversee the complaints that were received. Hence, repetitive complaints were received for similar areas and functions over a period. The application of COSO framework on complaints and whistle-blowing activities, however, led to more organised and visible problems; therefore, effective corrective and preventive action may be conducted.Research limitations/implicationsThis study was conducted on only one organisation with several series of interviews and limited period of document analysis because of privacy and confidentiality of the information. Future research should collect and analyze data from a higher number of organisations with more respondents for interviews and a longer period for document analysis to obtain more accurate results.Practical implicationsThis study provides further evidence on the suitability of COSO framework for different types of organisations, either public or private, and has been successfully adopted globally. It is effective not only to manage the operation and financial matters but also to manage complaints and whistle-blowing activities in organisations.Originality/valueThis study is original because it focuses on the current practices of internal control in government entities, particularly for organisations that operate as higher-learning institutions, which is scarce in the literature. In addition, this study analysed the drawbacks of internal control systems, especially in dealing with whistle-blower reports and complaints by referring to the list of complaints made by their stakeholders.
Budget institutions and government effectiveness
Authors: Dahan Momi , Strawczynski Michel 
Published: April 2020

PurposeDo budget institutions play a role in explaining why government effectiveness is higher in some advanced countries than in others?Design/methodology/approachEmploying an original panel data set that covers four years (1991, 2003, 2007 and 2012), we find that budget centralization is associated with lower government effectiveness in OECD countries after accounting for a list of control variables, such as gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, government expenditure and country- and year-fixed effects.FindingsWe show that less-centralized countries display significantly better performance in health and infrastructure and a similar effectiveness in tax collections. The negative relationship between budget centralization and government effectiveness seems to manifest, especially at the execution stage of the budgeting process, but it is not significant at the formulation and legislation stages. These results survive a list of sensitivity tests.Research limitations/implicationsOur paper finds that centralization is associated with lower effectiveness in field areas like health and education. However, it has been previously shown that centralization improves fiscal responsibility. Thus, our findings point out to the need of achieving the right balance between fiscal responsibility and government effectiveness.Practical implicationsResults suggest that when governments at the national level are aiming at achieving effectiveness in field areas like health and education, they shall avoid excessive centralization at the execution stage of the budget.Social implicationsEffectiveness in the provision of public health, and education can be enhanced by giving more power to the field ministries at the execution stage of the budget preparation.Originality/valueWhile decentralized budget power was proved at the local government level, this paper belongs to the small group of contributions that deal with this issue at the central government level.
Emerging paradigm for land records in India
Authors: Gupta Rashi , Shah Mona N. , Mandal Satya N. 
Published: April 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to establish the importance of land records for urban development. The study focuses on how traditionally land records were managed and presently what are the important parameters impacting the land record management systems in India.Design/methodology/approachThe framework adopted for the study was as follows: 1) literature study: aim to study the historical issues, to study global systems across the globe, various government reforms. 2) Present system of land management: to study the administrative, legal, economic issues, problems and potential in the present system. 3) Technology interventions: to study how technology can help to make the system more robust and trustworthy. 4) Conclusion: to study how the recommended technological measures will work and how to implement it in the system. Several pilot interviews were carried out to understand how the present system of land record management works in India, and important parameters were established through the pilot interviews of various stakeholders in the system.FindingsThe study brings out certain striking facts about the inefficiencies in the system since centuries, which are still being carried forward. Any reforms by the authorities have not been able to solve the issues and reduce the number of litigations because digitisation was only a step forward to replicate the wrong entries of records in digitised format. Thus, a paradigm shift in technology is required to bring a considerable change in the present management system.Originality/valueVarious studies worldwide have been done in several countries regarding land records, but all the studies are in piecemeal basis. Very less literature is available on the study that how land records effect large scale urban development projects. This study is an attempt to study impact of land records on urban development and to bring back transparency in the system to reduce the number of litigations on the most important ingredient of built environment, which is land.
Factors associated with consumer perception and conduct toward certified beef from Brazil
Authors: Brunoro Joana Resende Paglis , Lopes Marcos Aurélio , Demeu Fabiana Alves , Bruhn Fábio Raphael Pascoti , Rigueira Luciana Lana , Faria Peter Bitencourt , Rocha Christiane Maria Barcellos Magalhães da , Contini Enio , Pacheco Eline Oliveira , Maia Érica Mariz , Junqueira Lucio Violim 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe aims of this study were to establish a relationship between consumers’ socioeconomic aspects, key meat attributes, and consumer perception and conduct toward traced beef in Brazil. The authors applied a structured form in 52 supermarkets in eight Brazilian cities, through interviews with 2.949 consumers, in 2012. Federal or state inspection stamp was the attribute that most influenced the consumers’ purchase decision (14.1%). Most of the interviewees (57.3%) had never heard about bovine traceability. Among those who had heard about bovine traceability, 63.2% would be willing to pay more for beef with certified origin. Consumers with higher education and income had a better knowledge about this type of certification, as well as older consumers, and therefore they would be willing to pay more for certified beef. This research suggests that educational level was the reason that most influenced Brazilian consumers during beef purchase.
The score test for the two‐sample occupancy model
Authors: Karavarsamis N. , Guillera‐Arroita G. , Huggins R.M. , Morgan B.J.T. 
Published: April 2020

SummaryThe score test statistic from the observed information is easy to compute numerically. Its large sample distribution under the null hypothesis is well known and is equivalent to that of the score test based on the expected information, the likelihood‐ratio test and the Wald test. However, several authors have noted that under the alternative hypothesis this no longer holds and in particular the score statistic from the observed information can take negative values. We extend the anthology on the score test to a problem of interest in ecology when studying species occurrence. This is the comparison of two zero‐inflated binomial random variables from two independent samples under imperfect detection. An analysis of eigenvalues associated with the score test in this setting assists in understanding why using the observed information matrix in the score test can be problematic. We demonstrate through a combination of simulations and theoretical analysis that the power of the score test calculated under the observed information decreases as the populations being compared become more dissimilar. In particular, the score test based on the observed information is inconsistent. Finally, we propose a modified rule that rejects the null hypothesis when the score statistic is computed using the observed information is negative or is larger than the usual chi‐square cut‐off. In simulations in our setting this has power that is comparable to the Wald and likelihood ratio tests and consistency is largely restored. Our new test is easy to use and inference is possible. Supplementary material for this article is available online as per journal instructions.
No association to sudden infant death syndrome detected by targeted amplicon sequencing of 24 genes
Authors: Ferrante Linda , Opdal Siri H. , Nygaard Vegard 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimThe aim was to identify genetic variants associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) that can cause disease or introduce vulnerability. Genes reported in a previous SIDS study to have altered messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression in SIDS were investigated.MethodsSamples from 81 SIDS (56 male/28 female) with a median age of 4 months (range 0.75‐9 months) were analysed using Illumina TruSeq custom amplicon for 24 selected genes. Samples were collected from autopsy at Oslo university hospital from children whom died suddenly and unexpectedly from 1988 to 2006. The controls were the germline variation database, Norgene (no description of cases available).ResultsAfter filtering for rare variants, there were a total of 38 variants in the 81 SIDS cases and 462 variants in the 789 controls. After the filtration and curation steps, we found 36 rare variants. The overall occurrence of rare variants for all the SIDS samples was lower than for the Norgene population.ConclusionThere was no association between rare variants in the included genes and SIDS. Although not statistically significant, two of the SIDS cases had a rare variant in the MyD88 gene: rs746651350, rs200424253.
Synthesis, biological activities, and docking study of novel chalcone‐pleuromutilin derivatives
Authors: Xie Chuan , Zhang Siyu , Zhang Wei , Wu Chunxia , Yong Can , Sun Yuhao , Zeng Zhengxing , Zhang Qian , Huang Zixin , Chen Tian , Zhang Yuanyuan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe issue of antibiotic resistance is becoming progressively serious these days, and the feasible solution to address it is to develop and discover novel antibiotics. The diterpene natural pleuromutilin is a prominent candidate for its special mode of action by inhibiting protein synthesis. In this study, a series of novel pleuromutilin derivatives with chalcone moiety was designed and synthesized, and their antibacterial activities were assessed in vitro. As suggested from the results, most of compounds exhibited potent activities against two methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 33591 and 43300. The further modification of the chalcone structure, aza‐cyclic derivatives were afforded and then assessed, and potent activities against the tested strains were reported. The preliminary docking studies were conducted to explore the interactions between target molecules and binding site.
Anti‐MDA5‐associated dermatomyositis
Authors: Gupta Rajiv , Kumar Sunil , Gow Peter , (Hsien‐Cheng) Chang Leon , Yen Linda 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAnti‐MDA5‐associated dermatomyositis (MDA5‐associated DM) is an uncommon presentation of idiopathic inflammatory myositis, typically amyopathic, associated with rapidly progressive, treatment refractory interstitial lung disease and poor prognosis, particularly in patients with concomitant rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RP‐ILD). We report two cases of MDA5‐associated DM with fatal outcome in one of the patients, despite ‘aggressive triple therapy’ for RP‐ILD.
Targeting IRS‐1/mPGES‐1/NOX2 to inhibit the inflammatory response caused by insulin‐like growth factor‐I‐induced activation of NF‐κB and NLRP3 in cancer cells
Authors: Wang Chao , Li Shulin , Wang Yang , An Yanan , Shen Keshu , Wang Xuefei , Luan Wenjing , Ma Fangxue , Ni Lihui , Zhou Hong , Liu Mingyuan , Yu Lu 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐l (IGF‐1) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are abnormally elevated in various tumour tissues, and IGF‐1 has been reported to be associated with the development and progression of inflammation in cancers. In this study, we found that IGF‐1 activated nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and NLRP3 inflammatory signalling via IRS‐1/mPGES‐1/NOX2‐regulated ROS. Additionally, in the B16‐F10 tumour‐bearing mouse model, the number of tumours, tumour growth, invasion of tissues and expression of proinflammatory factors in peripheral blood were significantly decreased by treatment with an inhibitor combination compared with those of the IGF‐1 group. Taken together, targeting IRS‐1/mPGES‐1/NOX2 to inhibit inflammation related to NF‐κB and NLRP3 is a potential strategy for controlling the development and progression of cancer.
Time protective effect of contact with a general practitioner and its association with diabetes-related hospitalisations: a cohort study using the 45 and Up Study data in Australia
Authors: Ha Ninh Thi , Harris Mark , Preen David , Moorin Rachael 
Published: April 2020

ObjectivesTo evaluate the relationship between the proportion of time under the potentially protective effect of a general practitioner (GP) captured using the Cover Index and diabetes-related hospitalisation and length of stay (LOS).DesignAn observational cohort study over two 3-year time periods (2009/2010–2011/2012 as the baseline and 2012/2013–2014/2015 as the follow-up).SettingLinked self-report and administrative health service data at individual level from the 45 and Up Study in New South Wales, Australia.ParticipantsA total of 21 965 individuals aged 45 years and older identified with diabetes before July 2009 were included in this study.Main outcome measuresDiabetes-related hospitalisation, unplanned diabetes-related hospitalisation and LOS of diabetes-related hospitalisation and unplanned diabetes-related hospitalisation.MethodsThe average annual GP cover index over a 3-year period was calculated using information obtained from Australian Medicare and hospitalisation. The effect of exposure to different levels of the cover on the main outcomes was estimated using negative binomial models weighted for inverse probability of treatment weight to control for observed covariate imbalance at the baseline period.ResultsPerfect GP cover was observed among 53% of people with diabetes in the study cohort. Compared with perfect level of GP cover, having lower levels of GP cover including high (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 2.8, 95% CI 2.6 to 3.0), medium (IRR 3.2, 95% CI 2.7 to 3.8) and low (IRR 3.1, 95% CI 2.0 to 4.9) were significantly associated with higher number of diabetes-related hospitalisation. Similar association was observed between the different levels of GP cover and other outcomes including LOS for diabetes-related hospitalisation, unplanned diabetes-related hospitalisation and LOS for unplanned diabetes-related hospitalisation.ConclusionsMeasuring longitudinal continuity in terms of time under cover of GP care may offer opportunities to optimise the performance of primary healthcare and reduce secondary care costs in the management of diabetes.
Short-term PsychoEducation for Carers To Reduce Over Medication of people with intellectual disabilities (SPECTROM): study protocol
Authors: Deb Shoumitro , Limbu Bharati , Crawford Mike , Weaver Tim 
Published: April 2020

IntroductionPsychotropic medications that are primarily licenced for the treatment of psychiatric disorders are used widely (32%–85%) among people with intellectual disabilities (ID) often for the management of problem (challenging) behaviour in the absence of a psychiatric disorder. Care staff play a pivotal role in the prescribing process. Currently, no staff training programme exists to address the issue of overprescribing of psychotropic medication in people with ID, thus highlighting an urgent need for developing a psychoeducational programme (PEP) specifically designed to address this issue. We propose to develop a PEP for care staff using the methodology described in the UK Medical Research Council guide for complex interventions.Methods and analysisThe development of the PEP will involve (1) gathering information on available relevant training programmes, (2) running four focus groups with care staff and other professionals to establish the content and format of the PEP, and (3) organising a co-design event involving all relevant stakeholders to discuss the format of the PEP. A core project team will develop the PEP under guidance from the PEP Development Group which will consist of 10–12 relevant stakeholder representatives. Feedback from selected stakeholders on a draft PEP will allow us to refine the PEP before implementation. The PEP will have web-based modules supplemented by face to face training sessions. When the final draft is ready, we will field test the PEP on six to eight care staff from community care homes for people with ID. After completing the field test, we will run a focus group involving participants in the PEP to get feedback on the PEP.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval for this study was waived by the UK Health Regulatory Authority as the study does not collect any patient related information and only include care staff outside the UK NHS. This will be the first ever such universally freely available PEP supported by training manual and slides.
Emergency medical services use and its association with acute ischaemic stroke evaluation and treatment in Singapore
Authors: Xu Hanzhang , Xian Ying , Woon Fung Peng , Bettger Janet Prvu , Laskowitz Daniel T , Ng Yih Yng , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Matchar David Bruce , De Silva Deidre Anne 
Published: April 2020

Background
Emergency medical services (EMS) is a critical link in the chain of stroke survival. We aimed to assess EMS use for stroke in Singapore, identify characteristics associated with EMS use and the association of EMS use with stroke evaluation and treatment.

Methods
The Singapore Stroke Registry combines nationwide EMS and public hospital data for stroke cases in Singapore. Multivariate regressions with the generalised estimating equations were performed to examine the association between EMS use and timely stroke evaluation and treatment.

Results
Of 3555 acute ischaemic patients with symptom onset within 24 hours admitted to all five public hospitals between 2015 and 2016, 68% arrived via EMS. Patients who used EMS were older, were less likely to be female, had higher stroke severity by National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and had a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation or peripheral arterial disease. Patients transported by EMS were more likely to receive rapid evaluation (door-to-imaging time ≤25 min 34.3% vs 11.1%, OR=2.74 (95% CI 1.40 to 5.38)) and were more likely to receive intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA, 22.8% vs 4.6%, OR=4.61 (95% CI 3.52 to 6.03)). Among patients treated with tPA, patients who arrived via EMS were more likely to receive timely treatment than self-transported patients (door-to-needle time ≤60 min 52.6% vs 29.4%, OR=2.58 (95% CI 1.35 to 4.92)).

Conclusions
EMS use is associated with timely stroke evaluation and treatment in Singapore. Seamless EMS-Hospital stroke pathways and targeted public campaigns to advocate for appropriate EMS use have the potential to improve acute stroke care.
Endoscopic cyst gastrostomy for traumatic pancreatic pseudocysts in children: a case series
Authors: Farr Bethany J , Fox Victor L , Mooney David P 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundPancreatic pseudocysts may develop after high-grade pancreatic injuries in children. Many resolve without intervention, and the management of symptomatic pseudocysts that persist remains controversial, with various open, percutaneous and laparoscopic approaches to intervention described. Successful endoscopic cyst gastrostomy has been reported in children with pancreatic pseudocysts of mixed etiology.MethodsThe trauma registry and electronic medical record of a level 1 pediatric trauma center were queried for children with a symptomatic pseudocyst following pancreatic trauma over a 12-year period, from 2008 to 2019.ResultsWe describe a case series of five consecutive children with persistent symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts following blunt abdominal trauma all successfully treated with endoscopic cyst gastrostomy.DiscussionEndoscopic cyst gastrostomy appears to be safe and effective in the management of symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts in children following pancreatic trauma.Level of evidence5 – retrospective case series.
Quantum Poker—a game for quantum computers suitable for benchmarking error mitigation techniques on NISQ devices
Authors: Fuchs Franz G. , Falch Vemund , Johnsen Christian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractQuantum computers are on the verge of becoming a commercially available reality. They represent a paradigm shift in computing, with a steep learning gradient. The creation of games is a way to ease the transition for beginners. We present a game similar to the Poker variant Texas hold ’em with the intention to serve as an engaging pedagogical tool to learn the basics rules of quantum computing. The concepts of quantum states, quantum operations and measurement can be learned in a playful manner. The difference to the classical variant is that the community cards are replaced by a quantum register that is “randomly” initialized, and the cards for each player are replaced by quantum gates, randomly drawn from a set of available gates. Each player can create a quantum circuit with their cards, with the aim to maximize the number of 1’s that are measured in the computational basis. The basic concepts of superposition, entanglement and quantum gates are employed. We provide a proof-of-concept implementation using Qiskit (Aleksandrowicz et al. in An open-source framework for quantum computing, 2019). A comparison of the results for the created circuits using a simulator and IBM machines is conducted, showing that error rates on contemporary quantum computers are still very high. For the success of noisy intermediate scale quantum (NISQ) computers, improvements on the error rates and error mitigation techniques are necessary, even for simple circuits. We show that quantum error mitigation (QEM) techniques can be used to improve expectation values of observables on real quantum devices.