bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Foreign Aid and Quality of Government
Authors: Dietrich Simone , Winters Matthew S. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This chapter reviews empirical literature on foreign aid and QoG. The chapter begins with a description of how scholarship on foreign aid and QoG developed in conjunction with prominent debates in the development community. The chapter discusses three major debates: whether or not QoG moderates foreign aid effectiveness, whether or not donors give aid selectively based on QoG, and whether or not foreign aid undermines or can help build QoG. With regard to aid effectiveness, the most recent literature suggests that aid can be effective even under conditions of poor QoG. With regard to selectivity, the existing literature shows an increasing selectivity for overall aid flows since the end of the Cold War and provides evidence of selectivity in terms of type of aid. The evidence that aid undermines QoG is not as strong as has been claimed by some of the initial studies in this literature. The chapter concludes by suggesting ways forward for all three literatures.
Bringing Politics Back In
Authors: Persson Anna 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Why are some states able to provide public goods and promote broad-based development whereas other states do not have the capacity to do any of these things? In search for an answer to this question, the past few decades have witnessed a radical increase in studies emphasizing a presumed negative role of ethnic fractionalization. Having been referred to as “one of the most powerful hypotheses in political economy,” the negative impact of ethnic fractionalization is now even so widely accepted that it has become a “standard” control in regressions explaining variation in political, social, and economic development. This chapter introduces, revisits, and confronts this so-called “diversity debit hypothesis,” focusing on the role of the Quality of Government. In particular, the chapter emphasizes the need to endogenize the relationship between ethnic fractionalization and public goods provision in a way that brings the state up front of the analysis as a social force in its own right, with the power to shape notions of “us” and “them” and, thus, development outcomes.
Governance Beyond the State
Authors: Carlitz Ruth , Lust Ellen 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The past two decades have seen a “good governance” agenda gain prominence among both scholars and practitioners. When the state performs well, a number of positive consequences are expected to follow as a result. However, state institutions are not the sole determinants of development outcomes. This chapter takes an expanded view of governance, highlighting the role of nonstate, or social, institutions. Such an expanded view can help account for the variation we observe across and within countries in the quality of service delivery. Specifically, we show how social institutions can affect the targeting of public goods and services, the information that citizens have about the quality of service delivery, and their willingness and ability to make demands for improved services. We conclude by reflecting on the research agenda that emerges if we take social institutions more seriously, and the policy implications that may result.
Pockets of Effectiveness and Islands of Integrity
Authors: McDonnell Erin Metz , Vilaça Luiz 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The administrative quality of states is typically measured at the level of national governments, tacitly presuming organizational strength is evenly distributed throughout the organizations comprising central state administration. However, those organizations vary substantially in providing impartial, effective, and honest administration. This chapter examines variation in the quality of government within central state administrations, a newly consolidating subfield identified with “pockets of effectiveness” or “islands of integrity.” This scholarship analyzes how some state agencies manage to offer high-quality administration in challenging institutional contexts where many peer organizations are weak, ineffectual, or corrupt. The chapter discusses methodological challenges and traces the history of first- and second-wave scholarship in this subfield. Then through meta-analysis, it identifies four major theoretical themes in prior scholarship: technical competence and incentives, external networks, autonomy, and organizational culture. The chapter concludes with promising avenues for future research, identifying ways scholars and practitioners interested in quality of government broadly can benefit from the findings of this subfield.
Quality of Government and Welfare State Support
Authors: Kumlin Staffan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Abstract: Research on citizens’ support for government redistribution, social protection, and public services (shorthand: welfare state support) has been late to examine quality of government explanations. Slowly but surely in the 2000s, however, scholars have compensated a previous neglect. This literature provides examples of how research on welfare state attitudes is expanding beyond the much-studied rich Western welfare states. In terms of substantive questions, scholars increasingly seek to answer questions such as: Are citizens’ assessments of various “quality of government” aspects positive or negative across space and time? Are assessments multi- or unidimensional? What aspects of quality of government do citizens assess? Are evaluations rooted in relevant information and objective facts? Finally, how do quality of government factors affect normative support for the welfare state and its constituent policies and aspects?
State Capacity, Quality of Government, Sequencing, and Development Outcomes
Authors: D'Arcy Michelle , Nistotskaya Marina 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This chapter provides a review of the state capacity and institutional sequencing literatures. It begins with a discussion on the conceptualization of the notion of state capacity, examining the pros and cons of the existing conceptual approaches with regard to measurement and inference. It also surveys the existing empirical indicators, highlighting recent progress in this area, particularly relating to measures of informational capacity and territorial reach. The chapter proceeds with a review of the scholarly debate about institutional sequencing, considering the theoretical arguments and empirical evidence of both the “state first” and “democracy first” literatures. This is followed by an assessment of the existing evidence of the effects of state capacity on economic development and public goods provision. The final section summarizes the state of the art, reflecting on challenges and outlining possible avenues for future research.
“Quality of Government”
Authors: Kirby Nikolas , Wolff Jonathan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Until recently, with some notable exceptions, contemporary political philosophy has had little to say about topics of “governance.” Unlike earlier thinkers, contemporary theorists have largely ignored topics such as bureaucracy, institutions, corruption, public integrity, and public service. Accordingly, Rothstein and Jan Teorell’s idea of “Quality of Government” (“QoG”), combined with the work of other political scientists and public administration theorists, invites a welcome and long overdue return to topics of governance for political philosophy. This chapter first aims to clarify the precise question to which “QoG” is intended to be answer, that is, the question of “good governance” and distinguish it from more traditional philosophical concerns with justice and legitimacy. We review the limited philosophical landscape, and then critique of the QoG as a theory of good governance. Finally, we tentatively outline an alternative account, and consider directions for future research.
A Rhetorical Genre(?)
Authors: Polemis Ioannis 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The chapter is a case study of Byzantine learned rhetoric in action, and some of the complications that one faces when one applies the concept of “genre” to Byzantine rhetoric. The test case is the invective, in Greek ψόγος, from the perspective of Byzantine rhetorical education and practice. After a series of general observations on rhetorical definitions of the “invective,” as well as on the fact that the invective resembles more a rhetorical “mode,” which is present in a variety of “genres,” than a “genre” per se, the chapter reviews a few representative related texts from the middle and late Byzantine period.
School Law Enforcement Officer Perceptions of Developmentally Oriented Training
Authors: Scheuermann Brenda , Billingsley Glenna , Dede-Bamfo Ohenewaa , Martinez-Prather Kathy , White Shawna R 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
School-based policing, one of the fastest-growing areas of law enforcement, requires unique skills and presents unique challenges. Specialized training for school resource officers (SROs) is encouraged by the US Departments of Education and Justice (2016) and states are increasingly making available or requiring SROs to complete training designed to better prepare them for school settings. In 2016, Texas mandated a comprehensive, 16-h training programme for SROs from moderate and large school districts. In this paper, we describe a survey conducted to assess perceptions of the first class of SROs to complete that training. We describe SROs’ perceptions of the quality and content of the training, need for the training, and the self-reported impact of training on officers’ daily job activities. Based on the largely positive responses and comments from over 400 SROs, we provide recommendations for policy makers considering similar specialized training for SROs.
The Relationship Between Sleep Quality, Sleep-Related Biomarkers, and Motor Skill Acquisition in People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Al-Sharman Alham , Al-khazaaleh Heba Mefleh , Khalil Hanan , Aburub Ala’S , El-Salem Khalid 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Objective
Neurorehabilitation that involves learning new motor skills is one of the promising clinical methods for motor recovery in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS); therefore, factors that influence the acquisition of motor skills in PwMS need to be investigated. Sleep disturbances are common in PwMS; however, no study has investigated the effect of sleep and sleep-related biomarkers on skill acquisition in PwMS. This study aimed to examine the effect of sleep and sleep-related biomarkers on motor acquisition in PwMS.

Methods
Forty participants with MS and 40 controls were recruited in this study. To assess motor acquisition, each participant was asked to perform a novel game through a virtual reality (VR) system 5 times (blocks). The main outcome measures for each block were the required time to complete the VR game and the recorded errors. The difference in scores between Block 5 and Block 1 for both outcomes were considered to represent motor skill acquisition. Sleep was assessed by self-report using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and objectively using sleep monitor technology. Serotonin level was assessed using means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using plasma samples.

Results
There were significant positive correlations in both groups between motor skill acquisition and PSQI score. In PwMS, significant negative correlation between motor skill acquisition and sleep efficiency and significant positive correlation between motor skill acquisition and sleep latency were also observed. Interestingly, a significant negative correlation was observed between motor skill acquisition and the plasma serotonin level in both groups. Most of these correlations remained significant after controlling for disease severity, fatigue, baseline performance, and cognitive status.

Conclusion
Sleep quality may influence motor skill acquisition in PwMS. Circulatory serotonin level might explain this relationship.

Impact
Physical therapists are encouraged to be aware of sleep quality and sleep assessment. Sleep management strategies should be considered when treating PwMS.
The influence of particle size of Enogen Feed corn and conventional yellow dent corn on nursery and finishing pig performance, carcass characteristics and stomach morphology
Authors: Williams Hadley R , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , DeRouchey Joel M , Goodband Robert D , Gebhardt Jordan T , Paulk Chad B 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Enogen Feed corn is a variety developed by Syngenta Seeds (Downers Grove, IL) that has been genetically modified to contain an α-amylase enzyme trait (SYT-EFC). Originally, Enogen feed corn was developed for the ethanol industry due to its reduction in viscosity of the corn mash, thus eliminating the need to add a liquid form of the α-amylase enzyme. However, there is a potential application for Enogen Feed corn to be used in livestock diets due to the increase in α-amylase enzyme potential to increase starch digestibility. A more common method of increasing starch digestibility in corn is to finely grind it to reduce particle size. This increases the surface area and allows for greater interaction with digestive enzymes. We hypothesized that pigs fed Enogen feed corn potentially could achieve similar gain:feed ratio (G:F) at larger particle sizes than conventional corn because of the differences in starch digestibility. In experiment 1, a total of 360 pigs (DNA 200 × 400, Columbus, NE; initially 6.6 ± 0.1 kg BW) were used with five pigs per pen and 12 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of corn source (Enogen Feed corn or conventional yellow dent corn) and ground corn particle size (300, 600, or 900 µm). Overall, there was a corn source × particle size interaction (linear, P = 0.027) for G:F. There was no effect due to particle size when pigs were fed conventional yellow dent corn, but in pigs fed Enogen Feed corn, G:F increased with decreasing particle size. Neither corn source nor particle size affected (P &gt; 0.05) overall average daily gain (ADG) or average daily feed intake (ADFI). In experiment 2, a total of 323 pigs (241 × 600; DNA, Columbus, NE; initially 50.0 ± 1.3 kg) were used with nine pigs per pen and six pens per treatment. Treatments were identical as experiement 1. Overall, corn source had no effect on finishing pig ADG, ADFI or G:F. For corn particle size, ADG and G:F increased (linear, P &lt; 0.014) and ADFI decreased (P = 0.043) as particle size decreased. For stomach morphology, there was a tendency for a corn source × particle size interaction (P = 0.055) for keratinization score with keratinization increasing linearly (P = 0.001) as particle size of the corn decreased for yellow dent corn with no change in keratinization score as particle size decreased for Enogen Feed corn. In summary, reducing corn particle size improved G:F with no major differences observed between corn sources for overall pig performance.
Anaphylaxis viewed by experts: unmet needs
Authors: Sala-Cunill Anna , Cardona Victoria 
Published: July 2021

Purpose of review
The purpose of the review is to identify unmet needs in the management of anaphylaxis, covering aspects such as epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Recent findings
Redefinition of clinical diagnostic criteria may allow a better identification of anaphylaxis. International diagnostic coding system improvement will be major step for future policies and epidemiological studies. Digital health can aid in managing anaphylaxis.

Summary
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency; current data show that frequently identification of the reaction, acute and long-term management, are not optimal. Therefore, there is a need to implement strategies to improve the situation. This review has identified unmet needs in anaphylaxis regarding aspects such as epidemiology, severity scoring, definition and diagnostic criteria, anaphylaxis in infants and toddlers, cofactors, biomarkers, long-term management, undertreatment and availability of epinephrine autoinjectors. Strategies focused on education, legislation, digital health and research are proposed.
Intersegmental Kinematics of the Upper Cervical Spine
Authors: Lorente Ana I. , Hidalgo-García César , Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo , Maza-Frechín Mario , López-de-Celis Carlos , Pérez-Bellmunt Albert 
Published: July 2021

Study Design.
Biomechanical study using cadaveric cervical spines.

Objective.
To evaluate joint mobility and stiffness at the craniovertebral junction.

Summary of Background Data.
Data on the intersegmental kinematics of the craniovertebral joints are available in the literature with a widespread range of values. The effect that alar ligament injuries have on intersegmental kinematics remains unclear and requires further biomechanical investigation.

Methods.
Ten occipito-atlanto-axial (C0-C1-C2) human specimens were articulated to flexion, extension, bilateral lateral bending, and bilateral axial rotation. The moment–rotation response was continuously tracked through the entire range of motion before and after unilateral alar ligament transection of the right side.

Results.
The intersegmental (C0-C1/C1-C2) moment–rotation response was continuously quantified in full flexion (7.2 ± 6.6°/12.1 ± 5.8°), extension (11.1 ± 6.4°/3.0 ± 2.8°), lateral bending to the right (3.1 ± 2.2°/1.6 ± 1.2°) and left sides (3.3 ± 1.6°/2.1 ± 1.5°), and axial rotation to the right (1.2 ± 3.5°/32.3 ± 9.3°) and left sides (2.7 ± 2.6°/25.3 ± 8.3°). Unilateral alar ligament transection increased the range of motion of C0-C2 in the three planes of movement; however, intersegmental motion alterations were not always observed.

Conclusion.
Increases in the range of extension and lateral bending at C0-C1, which had not been reported previously, were observed. Further, the range of rotation on the right and left sides increased, in conjunction with the increased ranges at C0-C1 and C1-C2.

Level of Evidence: N/A
Methylprednisolone and 60 Days in Hospital Survival in Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pneumonia
Authors: Go Ronaldo C. , Shah Roshan , Nyirenda Themba , Oe Yukiko , Sarfraz Khurram , Panthappattu Justin J. , Philip Lesley , Bheeman Chandni , Shah Neel , Shah Sapan , Dar Sophia , Hung Sung , Rahman Waqas , Im Hyun , Marafelias Michael , Omidvari Karan , Pradhan Anuja , Sadikot Sean , Rose Keith M. , Sperber Steven J. , Josephs Joshua 
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES:
To determine methylprednisolone’s dose, duration, and administration from onset of symptoms and association with 60 days in hospital survival of coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia.

DESIGN:
Cohort study.

SETTING:
Thirteen hospitals in New Jersey, United States during March to June 2020.

PATIENTS:
Seven-hundred fifty-nine hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

INTERVENTIONS:
We performed a propensity matched cohort study between patients who received methylprednisolone and no methylprednisolone. Patients in the methylprednisolone group were further differentiated into dose (high dose and low dose), duration, and administration from onset of symptoms.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
In the propensity matched sample, 99 out of 380 (26%) in no methylprednisolone, 69 out of 215 (31.9%) in low-dose methylprednisolone, and 74 out of 164 (55.2%) high-dose methylprednisolone expired. Overall median survival for no methylprednisolone (25.0 d), low-dose methylprednisolone (39.0 d), high-dose methylprednisolone (20.0 d), less than or equal to 7 days duration (19.0 d), 7–14 days duration (30.0 d), greater than 14 days duration (44.0 d), onset of symptoms less than or equal to 7 days (20.0 d), and onset of symptoms 7–14 days (27.0 d) were statistically significant (log-rank p ≤ 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression showed nursing home residents, coronary artery disease, and invasive mechanical ventilation were independently associated with mortality. Methylprednisolone was associated with reduced mortality compared with no methylprednisolone (hazard ratio, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.27–0.59; p < 0.001) but no added benefit with high dose. Low-dose methylprednisolone for 7–14 days was associated with reduced mortality compared with less than or equal to 7 days (hazard ratio, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22–0.91; p = 0.0273), and no additional benefit if greater than 14 days (hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.60–2.69; p = 0.5434). Combination therapy with tocilizumab was associated with reduced mortality over monotherapy (p < 0.0116).

CONCLUSIONS:
Low-dose methylprednisolone was associated with reduced mortality if given greater than 7 days from onset of symptoms, and no additional benefit greater than 14 days. High dose was associated with higher mortality.
Automated Assessment of Brain CT After Cardiac Arrest—An Observational Derivation/Validation Cohort Study
Authors: Kenda Martin , Scheel Michael , Kemmling André , Aalberts Noelle , Guettler Christopher , Streitberger Kaspar J. , Storm Christian , Ploner Christoph J. , Leithner Christoph 
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES:
Prognostication of outcome is an essential step in defining therapeutic goals after cardiac arrest. Gray-white-matter ratio obtained from brain CT can predict poor outcome. However, manual placement of regions of interest is a potential source of error and interrater variability. Our objective was to assess the performance of poor outcome prediction by automated quantification of changes in brain CTs after cardiac arrest.

DESIGN:
Observational, derivation/validation cohort study design. Outcome was determined using the Cerebral Performance Category upon hospital discharge. Poor outcome was defined as death or unresponsive wakefulness syndrome/coma. CTs were automatically decomposed using coregistration with a brain atlas.

SETTING:
ICUs at a large, academic hospital with circulatory arrest center.

PATIENTS:
We identified 433 cardiac arrest patients from a large previously established database with brain CTs within 10 days after cardiac arrest.

INTERVENTIONS:
None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:
Five hundred sixteen brain CTs were evaluated (derivation cohort n = 309, validation cohort n = 207). Patients with poor outcome had significantly lower radiodensities in gray matter regions. Automated GWR_si (putamen/posterior limb of internal capsule) was performed with an area under the curve of 0.86 (95%-CI: 0.80-0.93) for CTs taken later than 24 hours after cardiac arrest (similar performance in the validation cohort). Poor outcome (Cerebral Performance Category 4–5) was predicted with a specificity of 100% (95% CI, 87–100%, derivation; 88–100%, validation) at a threshold of less than 1.10 and a sensitivity of 49% (95% CI, 36–58%, derivation) and 38% (95% CI, 27–50%, validation) for CTs later than 24 hours after cardiac arrest. Sensitivity and area under the curve were lower for CTs performed within 24 hours after cardiac arrest.

CONCLUSIONS:
Automated gray-white-matter ratio from brain CT is a promising tool for prediction of poor neurologic outcome after cardiac arrest with high specificity and low-to-moderate sensitivity. Prediction by gray-white-matter ratio at the basal ganglia level performed best. Sensitivity increased considerably for CTs performed later than 24 hours after cardiac arrest.