bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public export credit insurance in the Netherlands: An input–output approach
Authors: van den Berg Marcel , Van Beveren Ilke , Lemmers Oscar , Span Tommy , Walker Adam N. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study assesses the contribution of the Dutch public export credit insurance facility (ECIF) to Dutch GDP and employment. Unlike previous studies concerning export credit insurance, which generally adopt the gravity model of trade, we adopt an input–output approach. The results show that the contribution of economic activity insured by the public ECIF to GDP averages 0.24% annually. This concerns value added generated both by exporters and by their domestic suppliers in the value chain. The contribution to employment shows an average of 0.27%, accumulating to 95,000 jobs (FTE) over 5 years. The estimated contribution of the public ECIF to the Dutch economy should be considered an upper boundary of its true contribution. Therefore, we examine the extent to which the above economic gains would be realised if the facility was unavailable using highly disaggregated trade data. The basic idea is that if certain products are only exported to certain destinations with the aid of the public ECIF, then this indicates a high degree of additionality. The inconclusiveness of our results underlines the difficulties in assessing the degree of additionality.
The future of canine glaucoma therapy
Authors: Komáromy András M. , Bras Dineli , Esson Douglas W. , Fellman Ronald L. , Grozdanic Sinisa D. , Kagemann Larry , Miller Paul E. , Moroi Sayoko E. , Plummer Caryn E. , Sapienza John S. , Storey Eric S. , Teixeira Leandro B. , Toris Carol B. , Webb Terah R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCanine glaucoma is a group of disorders that are generally associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP) resulting in a characteristic optic neuropathy. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in dogs and may be either primary or secondary. Despite the growing spectrum of medical and surgical therapies, there is no cure, and many affected dogs go blind. Often eyes are enucleated because of painfully high, uncontrollable IOP. While progressive vision loss due to primary glaucoma is considered preventable in some humans, this is mostly not true for dogs. There is an urgent need for more effective, affordable treatment options. Because newly developed glaucoma medications are emerging at a very slow rate and may not be effective in dogs, work toward improving surgical options may be the most rewarding approach in the near term. This Viewpoint Article summarizes the discussions and recommended research strategies of both a Think Tank and a Consortium focused on the development of more effective therapies for canine glaucoma; both were organized and funded by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Vision for Animals Foundation (ACVO‐VAF). The recommendations consist of (a) better understanding of disease mechanisms, (b) early glaucoma diagnosis and disease staging, (c) optimization of IOP‐lowering medical treatment, (d) new surgical therapies to control IOP, and (e) novel treatment strategies, such as gene and stem cell therapies, neuroprotection, and neuroregeneration. In order to address these needs, increases in research funding specifically focused on canine glaucoma are necessary.
Real World, Real People: Can We Assess Walking on a Treadmill to Establish Step Count Recommendations in Adolescents?
Authors: MacDonald Mhairi J. , Fawkner Samantha G. , Niven Ailsa G. , Rowe David 
Published: May 2019

Background: Currently, it is not known how much walking should be advocated for good health in an adolescent population. Step count recommendations for minimum time in moderate-intensity activity have been translated predominantly from treadmill walking. Purpose: To compare the energy cost of walking on a treadmill with overground walking in adolescent girls. Methods: A total of 26 adolescent girls undertook resting metabolic measurements for individual determination of 1 metabolic equivalent using indirect calorimetry. Energy expenditure was subsequently assessed during treadmill and overground walking at slow, moderate, and fast walking speeds for 4 to 6 minutes. Treadmill step rates were matched overground using a metronome. Results: The energy cost of treadmill walking was found to be significantly greater than and not equivalent to overground walking at 133 steps per minute; (equivalent to the fast walking pace): 3.90 (2.78–5.01), P < .001, mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) = 18.18%, and metabolic equivalent 0.77 (0.54–1.00), P < .001, MAPE = 18.16%. The oxygen cost per step ( mL·step−1) was significantly greater and not equivalent on the treadmill at 120 and 133 steps per minute: 0.43 (0.12–0.56), P < .05, MAPE = 10.12% versus 1.40 (1.01–1.76), P < .001, MAPE = 17.64%, respectively. Conclusion: The results suggest that there is a difference in energy cost per step of walking on a treadmill and overground at the same step rate. This should be considered when utilizing the treadmill in energy expenditure studies. Studies which aim to provide step recommendations should focus on overground walking where most walking activity is adopted.
Association of industry ties with outcomes of studies examining the effect of wholegrain foods on cardiovascular disease and mortality: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chartres Nicholas , Fabbri Alice , McDonald Sally , Turton Jessica , Allman-Farinelli Margaret , McKenzie Joanne , Bero Lisa 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveTo determine if observational studies examining the association of wholegrain foods with cardiovascular disease (CVD) with food industry sponsorship and/or authors with conflicts of interest (COI) with the food industry are more likely to have results and/or conclusions that are favourable to industry than those with no industry ties, and to determine whether studies with industry ties differ in their risk of bias compared with studies with no industry ties.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.Data sourcesWe searched eight databases from 1997 to 2017 and hand searched the reference lists of included studies.Eligibility criteria for selecting studiesCohort and case–control studies that quantitatively examined the association of wholegrains or wholegrain foods with CVD outcomes in healthy adults or children.Results21 of the 22 studies had a serious or critical risk of bias. Studies with industry ties more often had favourable results compared with those with no industry ties, but the Confidence Interval (CI) was wide, Risk Ratio (RR)=1.44 (95% CI 0.88 to 2.35). The same association was found for study conclusions. We did not find a difference in effect size (magnitude of RRs) between studies with industry ties, RR=0.77 (95% CI 0.58 to 1.01) and studies with no industry ties, RR=0.85 (95% CI 0.73 to 1.00) (p=0.50) I20%. These results were comparable for studies that measured the magnitude using Hazard Ratios (HR); industry ties HR=0.82 (95% CI 0.76 to 0.88) versus no industry ties HR=0.86 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.91) (p=0.34) I20%.ConclusionsWe did not establish that the presence of food industry sponsorship or authors with a COI with the food industry was associated with results or conclusions that favour industry sponsors. The association of food industry sponsorship or authors with a COI with the food industry and favourable results or conclusions is uncertain. However, our analysis was hindered by the low level of COI disclosure in the included studies. Our findings support international reforms to improve the disclosure and management of COI in nutrition research. Without such disclosures, it will not be possible to determine if the results of nutrition research are free of food industry influences and potential biases.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42017055841.
Prospective mixed methods study of online and offline social networks and the development of sexual agency in adolescence: the Social Networks and Agency Project (SNAP) protocol
Authors: Lim Megan S C , Cooper Spring , Lewis Larissa , Albury Kath , Chung Kon Shing Kenneth , Bateson Deborah , Kang Melissa , Skinner S Rachel 
Published: May 2019

IntroductionSocial media may play a role in adolescent sexual development. The limited research on social media use and sexual development has found both positive and negative influences. The focus of this study is on sexual agency: a positive sexual outcome. This paper describes the protocol for the Social Networks and Agency Project (SNAP) study which aims to examine the relationship between online and offline social networks and the development of healthy relationships and sexual agency in adolescence.Methods and analysisThe SNAP study is a mixed methods interdisciplinary longitudinal study. Over an 18-month period, adolescents aged 15–17 years at recruitment complete three questionnaires (including demographics, sexual behaviour, sexual agency and social networks); three in-depth interviews; and fortnightly online diaries describing their sexual behaviour and snapshots of their social networks that week. Longitudinal analyses will be used to describe changes in sexual behaviour and experiences over time, sexual agency, social media use, and social network patterns. Social network analysis will be used to capture relational data from which we will be able to construct sociograms from the respondent’s perspective. Interview data will be analysed both in relation to emergent themes (deploying a grounded theory approach), and from a cross-disciplinary perspective. This mixed method analysis will allow for comparisons across quantitative and qualitative data, for consistency and differences, and will enhance the robustness of data interpretation and conclusions drawn, as multiple data sources are triangulated.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was granted by the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee and the Family Planning New South Wales Ethics Committee. The study will provide comprehensive, prospective information on the social and sexual development of adolescents in the age of social media and findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
Perceptions about the implementation of physiotherapist prescribing in Australia: a national survey of Australian physiotherapists
Authors: Noblet Timothy David , Marriott John F , Jones Taryn , Dean Catherine , Rushton Alison B 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo explore: (1) the views of Australian physiotherapists regarding potential implementation of non-medical prescribing in Australia, (2) how the geographical location and health sector in which a clinician works may influence their perceptions and (3) the perceptions of Australian physiotherapists about how physiotherapist prescribing might impact the care that the profession can provide.DesignA cross-sectional descriptive survey using open and closed questions.SettingParticipants completed an online questionnaire.Participants883 Australian Health Professionals Registration Authority (AHPRA)-registered physiotherapists, working across all states and territories.Outcome measuresAn online questionnaire was developed by a panel of subject experts and pretested (n=10) for internal consistency. A hyperlink to the questionnaire was emailed to all members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association. A reminder email was sent 4 weeks later. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, with use of absolute risk reductions (ARRs) and 95% CIs to determine the likelihood that health sector or geographical location were associated with specific views. Thematic analysis enabled synthesis of the qualitative data.Results79.0% participants felt that physiotherapist prescribing should be introduced in Australia, with 71.2% wanting to train as prescribers. Clinical governance, risk management, regulation of clinicians and the development of an education framework were identified as priorities for implementation. Participants working in the private sector were significantly more likely to train as prescribers than those in the public sector (ARR 9.9%; 95% CI 3.5 to 16.4) or educational/research institutions (ARR 23.3%; 95% CI 12.8 to 33.8), with city dwellers significantly more likely to train compared with physiotherapists in remote regions (ARR 19.8%; 95% CI 0.8 to 39.2). Physiotherapist prescribing was predicted to improve efficiency of healthcare delivery, access to medicines and reductions in healthcare costs.ConclusionsAHPRA-registered physiotherapists perceive that the introduction of autonomous physiotherapist prescribing would be beneficial for the Australian population and should be introduced. Decision makers should consider the results of this survey in conjunction with cost–benefit and risk analysis when planning the introduction of physiotherapist prescribing.
Psychometric testing of a short-form questionnaire for the measurement of health experiences among people with musculoskeletal disorders undergoing multimodal rehabilitation
Authors: Wiitavaara Birgitta , Rissén Dag , Högberg Hans , Nilsson Annika 
Published: May 2019

AimThe aim of the present study was to assess if a previously suggested short-form questionnaire tested among women with non-specific neck-shoulder pain is suitable also for use among men and women with non-specific musculoskeletal disorders in any part of the body, by testing its construct validity by a confirmatory factor analysis. If not, the secondary aim was to investigate the evolving factor structure when performing an explorative factor analysis of data in the expanded sample.MethodsQuestionnaire data were collected in three different contexts, in primary care via eight different multimodal rehabilitation teams and in specialised care via two different specialist care centres. The sample consisted of 116 men (n=29) and women (n=87) with non-specific musculoskeletal disorders.Data were analysed using confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis and a visual comparison between the result of the principal component analysis in the present study and the results attained in a previous study with a similar aim and design.ResultsThe confirmatory factor analyses did not end up in a model with acceptable measures for validity. Three models were tested, none of them met the criterion for an acceptable model, and the goodness-of-fit statistics were not fully acceptable. The exploratory factor analysis had only partly comparable result compared with previous study.ConclusionThe results of the present study did not prove the suggested short-form questionnaire to be suitable for evaluation of symptoms among men and women with non-specific musculoskeletal disorders in any part of the body. Further studies including larger samples are recommended.Trial registration number92199001.
Difference in the characteristics of mortality reports during a heatwave period: retrospective analysis comparing deaths during a heatwave in January 2014 with the same period a year earlier
Authors: Pham Tony , Young Caitlin , Woodford Noel , Ranson David , Young Carmel M F , Ibrahim Joseph E 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesTo describe the characteristics of deaths reported to the Coroners Court of Victoria (CCOV) during Victoria’s last heatwave (14–17 January 2014) and subsequent 4 days (18–21 January) using medicolegal data obtained from both the police investigation report and the pathologist’s report.Design, setting and participantsA single-jurisdiction population-based retrospective analysis of consecutive heat-related deaths (HRDs) reported to the CCOV between 14 and 21 January 2014 with a historical comparison group.Main outcome measuresDescriptive statistics were used to summarise case demographics, causes of death and the types of investigations performed. The cases from 2014 were subgrouped into HRD and non-HRD.ResultsOf the 222 cases during the study period in 2014, 94 (42.3%) were HRDs and 128 (57.7%) were non-HRDs. HRDs were significantly older than non-HRDs (70.5 years: SD=13.8 vs 61.0 years: SD=22.4, t(220)=3.60, p<0.001, 95% CI 4.3 to 14.6). The most common primary cause of death in HRDs was circulatory system disease (n=57, 60.6%), which was significantly higher when compared with non-HRDs (n=39, 30.5%; χ2=20.1, p<0.001, OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.0 to 6.2). HRDs required significantly greater toxicology investigation (89.4% (n=84) vs 71.9% (n=92); χ2=10.9, p<0.001, OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.54 to 7.03) and greater vitreous biochemistry testing (40.4% (n=38) vs 16.4% (n=21); χ2=16.0, p<0.001, OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.9 to 6.5).ConclusionsA heatwave places a significant burden on death investigation services. The inclusion of additional laboratory tests and more detailed circumstantial information are essential if the factors that contribute to HRDs are to be identified.
Evaluating NHS Stop Smoking Service engagement in community pharmacies using simulated smokers: fidelity assessment of a theory-based intervention
Authors: Jumbe Sandra , James Wai Y , Madurasinghe Vichithranie , Steed Liz , Sohanpal Ratna , Yau Tammy K , Taylor Stephanie , Eldridge Sandra , Griffiths Chris , Walton Robert 
Published: May 2019

ObjectivesSmokers are more likely to quit if they use the National Health Service (NHS) Stop Smoking Service (SSS). However, community pharmacies experience low service uptake. The Smoking Treatment Optimisation in Pharmacies (STOP) programme aims to address this problem by enhancing staff training using a theory-based intervention. In this study, we evaluated intervention fidelity using simulated smokers (actors) to assess smoker engagement and enactment of key intervention components by STOP trained staff.DesignAn observational pilot study.SettingsFive community pharmacies in North East London with an NHS SSS.MethodsSix actors, representative of East London’s population, were recruited and trained to complete intervention fidelity assessments. Consenting pharmacy staff from five participating pharmacies received STOP Intervention training. Four weeks after the staff training, the actors visited the participating pharmacies posing as smokers eligible for smoking cessation support. Engagement behaviour by pharmacy staff and enactment of intervention components was assessed using a scoring tool derived from the STOP logic model (scoring range of 0–36), and contemporaneous field notes taken by actors.Results18 of 30 completed assessments were with STOP trained staff (10/18 were counter assistants). Mean score for smoker engagement was 24.4 (SD 9.0) points for trained and 16.9 (SD 7.8) for untrained staff, respectively. NHS SSS leaflets (27/30) were the most common smoking cessation materials seen on pharmacy visits. Most trained counter staff engaged with smokers using leaflets and a few proactively offered appointments with their cessation advisors. Appropriate use of body language was reported on 26/30 occasions alongside the use of key phrases from the STOP training session (n=8). Very few pharmacy staff wore STOP promotional badges (4/30).ConclusionsSTOP training may change client engagement behaviour in pharmacy staff and could improve the uptake of the NHS SSS. A cluster randomised controlled trial is currently in progress to evaluate its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.Trial registration numberISRCTN16351033.
Health-related quality of life and well-being in people over 75 years of age with end-stage kidney disease managed with dialysis or comprehensive conservative care: a cross-sectional study in the UK and Australia
Authors: Shah Karan K , Murtagh Fliss E M , McGeechan Kevin , Crail Su , Burns Aine , Tran Anh D , Morton Rachael L 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveTo measure health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and well-being in older people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and to determine the association between treatment type and sociodemographic characteristics on these outcome measures. In addition, to assess the convergent validity between the HRQoL and well-being measure and their feasibility and acceptability in this population.DesignProspective cross-sectional study.SettingThree renal units in the UK and Australia.Participants129 patients with ESKD managed with dialysis or with an estimated glomerular filtration ≤10 mL/min/1.73 m2and managed with comprehensive conservative, non-dialytic care.Outcome measuresHRQoL and well-being were assessed using Short-Form six dimensions (SF-6D, 0–1 scale); Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL-36) (0–100 scale) and Investigating Choice Experiments Capability Measure-Older people (ICECAP-O, 0–1 scale). Linear regression assessed associations between treatment, HRQoL and well-being. Pearson’s correlation coefficient assessed convergent validity between instruments.ResultsMedian age of 81 years (IQR 78–85), 65% males; 83 (64%) were managed with dialysis and 46 (36%) with conservative care. When adjusted for treatment type and sociodemographic variables, those managed on dialysis reported lower mean SF-6D utility (−0.05, 95% CI −0.12 to 0.01); lower KDQOL Physical Component Summary score (−3.17, 95% CI −7.61 to 1.27); lower Mental Component Summary score (−2.41, 95% CI −7.66 to 2.84); lower quality of life due to burden (−28.59, 95% CI −41.77 to −15.42); symptoms (−5.93, 95% CI −14.61 to 2.73) and effects of kidney disease (−16.49, 95% CI −25.98 to −6.99) and lower overall ICECAP-O well-being (−0.07, 95% CI −0.16 to 0.02) than those managed conservatively. Correlation between ICECAP-O well-being and SF-6D utility scores was strong overall, 0.65 (p<0.001), but weak to moderate at domain level.ConclusionsOlder people on dialysis report significantly higher burden and effects of kidney disease than those on conservative care. Lower HRQoL and well-being may be associated with dialysis treatment and should inform shared decision-making about treatment options.Trial registration numberUK (IRAS project ID: 134360andREC reference 14/LO/0291) and Australia (R20140203 HREC/14/RAH/36).
Current endovascular strategies for posterior circulation large vessel occlusion stroke: report of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery Standards and Guidelines Committee
Authors: Kayan Yasha , Meyers Philip M , Prestigiacomo Charles J , Kan Peter , Fraser Justin F 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundThe aim of this publication is to provide a detailed update on the diagnosis, treatment, and endovascular techniques for posterior circulation emergent large vessel occlusion (pc-ELVO).MethodsWe performed a review of the literature to specifically evaluate this disease and its treatments.ResultsData were analyzed, and recommendations were reported based on the strength of the published evidence and expert consensus.ConclusionWhile many questions about pc-ELVO remain to be studied, there is evidence to support particular practices in its evaluation and treatment.
Data Management Systems Research at TU Berlin
Authors: Abedjan Ziawasch , Breß Sebastian , Markl Volker , Rabl Tilmann , Soto Juan 
Published: May 2019

Data management systems research at TU Berlin is spearheaded by the Database Systems and Information Management (DIMA) Group, the Big Data Management (Big- DaMa) Group, as well as the affiliated Intelligent Analytics for Massive Data (IAM) Research Group at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). Jointly, our research activities encompass a wide variety of database topics, including benchmarking, data integration, modern hardware, and scalable data processing.
As of Fall 2018, the current team is comprised of three university professors, thirteen senior and postdoc researchers, twenty PhD students, and several research assistants. Among our notable accomplishments is the DFG-funded Stratosphere Research Unit, which laid the groundwork for what would later become Apache Flink. DIMA has also been leading the Berlin Big Data Center, one of only two BMBF-funded Big Data Competence Centers in Germany since 2014. In addition, DIMA is co-directing the Berlin Center for Machine Learning, one of four BMBF-funded Machine Learning Competence Centers in Germany.