bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate Power and Expansive U.S. Military Policy
Authors: Gaffney Mason 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMilitary defense is generally treated in economics texts as a “public good” because the benefits are presumed to be shared by all citizens. However, defense spending by the United States cannot legitimately be classified as a public good, since the primary purpose of those expenditures has been to project power in support of private business interests. Throughout the course of the 20th century, U.S. military spending has been largely devoted to protecting the overseas assets of multinational corporations that are based in the United States or allied nations. Companies extracting oil, mineral ores, timber, and other raw materials are the primary beneficiaries. The U.S. military provides its services by supporting compliant political leaders in developing countries and by punishing or deposing regimes that threaten the interests of U.S.‐based corporations. The companies involved in this process generally have invested only a small amount of their own capital. Instead, the value of their overseas assets largely derives from the appreciation of oil and other raw materials in situ. Companies bought resource‐rich lands cheaply, as early as the 1930s or 1940s, and then waited for decades to develop them. In order to make a profit on this long‐range strategy, they formed cartels to limit global supply and relied on the U.S. military to help them maintain secure title over a period of decades. Those operations have required suppressing democratic impulses in dozens of nations. The global “sprawl” of extractive companies has been the catalyst of U.S. foreign policy for the past century. The U.S. Department of Defense provides a giant subsidy to companies operating overseas, and the cost is borne by the taxpayers of the United States, not by the corporate beneficiaries. Defining military spending as a “public good” has been a mistake with global ramifications, leading to patriotic support for imperialist behavior.
Modern Pirates: How Arbitration Lawyers Help Corporations Seize National Assets and Limit State Autonomy
Authors: Eberhardt Pia , Olivet Cecilia 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLarge‐scale companies have worked for centuries with the governments of powerful nations to extract wealth from the rest of the world. Since the 1990s, one important method of continuing that legacy has been the use of secretive legal proceedings known as investor‐state dispute settlements (ISDS). Through this innocuous‐sounding practice, transnational corporations (TNCs) are able to blame foreign governments for their failure to extract as large a profit as they anticipated from their operations abroad. Asserting that changes in fiscal, environmental, or social policies have harmed them, TNCs have claimed that foreign governments should compensate them for the loss of potential revenues. ISDS tribunals have awarded billions of dollars as a result of such claims, mostly made under the auspices of bilateral investment treaties. Not only must governments spend millions of dollars defending themselves against assaults and tens or hundreds of millions if they lose their cases, but the ISDS system also has a chilling effect on the adoption of legislation designed to protect the health and safety of citizens.As a result of all the lawsuits in which corporations collect damages from governments under investment treaties, an array of groups in the legal industry have profited substantially: law firms representing corporate interests, arbitrators and other specialists in corporate arbitration, and litigation funders. The arbitration industry is, as a practical matter, the glue that holds the system together. The law firms involved in this industry do not wait passively for cases to arise. Instead, they actively pursue corporations to seek arbitration with governments, proselytize for the legitimacy of the current international investment regime, and block reforms that would limit arbitration opportunities. By creating methods of insulating TNCs from normal business risks and forcing host governments to bear the burden of liabilities, the arbitration system has effectively reinstituted a neo‐colonial regime through the judicial system.
THE IMPACT OF REFORMS AND PRIVATIZATION ON FIRMS’ CONDUCT IN THE PRESENCE OF INTERCONNECTED CONGLOMERATES AND WEAK AND INEFFICIENT REGULATORY INSTITUTIONS
Authors: GHULAM Yaseen 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTCritics of broad reforms, including privatization, argue that these policies may lead to the creation of rent‐seeking interconnected large business groups in the absence of a strong regulatory framework and well‐functioning courts. The empirical evidence in a developing country context in particular is however still scarce. Based on a case study of the Pakistani cement industry, this paper fills this gap. Our study shows that due to interconnected conglomerates’ tactics, such as exclusionary practices, the acquisition of smaller competitor firms and the addition of significant capacities, the industry has witnessed a stable degree of seller concentration after broader reforms including privatization. Consequently, colluding conglomerate firms have been able to maintain control over supply and prices for two decades in the post‐reform period, despite allegations of tacit collusion leading to the imposition of fines and the issuing of warnings by the regulator, which is, however, weak and inefficient.
Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy for a colon cancer patient with an ileal conduit
Authors: Suzuki Shinsuke , Nagasaki Toshiya , Akiyoshi Takashi , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Fujimoto Yoshiya , Nagayama Satoshi , Fukunaga Yosuke , Fukuoka Hironori , Ushigome Hajime , Murahashi Satoshi , Miyanari Shun , Minami Hironori , Ueno Masashi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHere, we describe our experience of laparoscopic surgery in a colon cancer patient with an ileal conduit. To our knowledge, this is the second case presented in the English‐language literature. A 71‐year‐old woman with a history of both open anterior exenteration with ileal conduit reconstruction for bladder cancer and open cholecystectomy for cholecystitis was diagnosed with ascending colon cancer (cT3N1M0). Laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with conduit preservation was planned. After adhesiolysis, complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation were achieved laparoscopically without injury to the conduit or other structures. Laparoscopic surgery for patients with an ileal conduit can be technically demanding. A preoperative plan based on preoperative imaging and the patient’s previous operative record is crucial, especially when considering the optimal balance between oncological radicality and functional outcomes.
The Quality of Life after Radical Radiotherapy for Bladder Cancer
Authors: LYNCH W. J. , JENKINS B. J. , FOWLER C. G. , HOPE-STONE H. F. , BLANDY J. P. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThe quality of life in 72 patients who had shown a complete response to radiotherapy, using a modified bladder symptom score and the Nottingham health profile, was compared with the quality of life in a similar control group matched for age and sex. There was no significant difference in either group.The records of 69 patients who had undergone post‐radiation salvage cystectomy were reviewed, looking specifically at surgical complications. There were 3 post‐operative deaths (5%), 3 pulmonary emboli and 3 fistulae—with some overlap of complications. Five patients who underwent cystectomy for intractable symptoms in the apparent absence of recurrent tumour were found to have residual cancer in the excised specimens.
Urologists' Attitudes to the Management of Bladder Cancer
Authors: LYNCH T. H. , WAYMONT B. , DUNN JANET A. , WALLACE D. M. A. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryAll consultant urologists in Great Britain and Ireland were sent 2 questionnaires relating to their management policies in bladder cancer; 82% and 78% respectively of questionnaires were completed and returned. The answers demonstrated a wide variation among urologists about the management of common clinical problems.
The Role of Tissue Expanders in Vaginoplasty for Congenital Malformations of the Vagina
Authors: PATIL U. , HIXSON F. P. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThere are many techniques of vaginoplasty in congenital malformations of the vagina, all of which involve the use of labial and perineal skin flaps. The results are not uniformly satisfactory because of delayed stenosis in many patients. To avoid this complication, we have used labial expansion with tissue expanders to obtain an elastic and sufficiently large skin flap. We recommend this technique in patients with the adrenogenital syndrome associated with varying degrees of virilisation and in other intersex anomalies.
Essential ingredients of engagement when working alongside people after their first episode of psychosis: A qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Tindall Rachel M. , Simmons Magenta B. , Allott Kelly , Hamilton Bridget E. 
Published: April 2018

AimEarly intervention services (EISs) for first‐episode psychosis (FEP) have been established internationally, however, service disengagement is a recurrent concern resulting in unplanned treatment cessation. The implications of this are far‐reaching due to the financial and personal costs associated with untreated symptoms. The aim of this meta‐synthesis was to collect, interpret and synthesize qualitative research about how engagement is experienced within EISs for FEP.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PsycINFO, Ovid MEDLINE and Ovid Emcare from date of conception to November 2016. Following initial screening, 91 abstracts and 13 full texts were reviewed for eligibility. Nine studies were then critically appraised using the CASP tool for qualitative studies, data were systematically extracted and results were synthesized using constant comparison and reciprocal translational analysis.ResultsNine qualitative studies explored engagement with EISs, from the perspectives of service users and their caregivers. No studies were found from the perspectives of clinicians or services. All 9 studies employed an inductive methodology, within an interpretivist epistemology. Five main themes were identified: experiences of finding help; factors promoting engagement; the therapeutic relationship; the role of caregivers in supporting engagement; and factors impacting ongoing engagement.ConclusionsThere is a critical need to stimulate discussion around this multifaceted phenomenon, including a continued focus on the roles of key stakeholders and clinical models that may further facilitate collaboration in treatment plans and recovery.
Assessment in a global context: An international perspective on dental education
Authors: Patel U. S. , Tonni I. , Gadbury‐Amyot C. , Van der Vleuten C. P. M. , Escudier M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAssessments are widely used in dental education to record the academic progress of students and ultimately determine whether they are ready to begin independent dental practice. Whilst some would consider this a “rite‐of‐passage” of learning, the concept of assessments in education is being challenged to allow the evolution of “assessment for learning.” This serves as an economical use of learning resources whilst allowing our learners to prove their knowledge and skills and demonstrating competence. The Association for Dental Education in Europe and the American Dental Education Association held a joint international meeting in London in May 2017 allowing experts in dental education to come together for the purposes of Shaping the Future of Dental Education. Assessment in a Global Context was one topic in which international leaders could discuss different methods of assessment, identifying the positives, the pitfalls and critiquing the method of implementation to determine the optimum assessment for a learner studying to be a healthcare professional. A post‐workshop survey identified that educators were thinking differently about assessment, instead of working as individuals providing isolated assessments; the general consensus was that a longitudinally orientated systematic and programmatic approach to assessment provide greater reliability and improved the ability to demonstrate learning.
Making Measurement Important for Education: The Crucial Role of Classroom Assessment
Authors: Wilson Mark 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis article is a written version of the Presidential Address1 I gave at the annual meeting of the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) in April 2017. It is a call to NCME members (and others who read this, of course) to rebalance their focus so that classroom assessments are seen as being at least as important as large‐scale assessments for education (in fact, in my view, they are more important). The article reviews research literature about the effects of classroom assessment to establish its importance for education. Then, the roles of large‐scale assessment are reviewed, and, in particular, it is noted how these can have negative results when the large‐scale assessments are not well aligned with sound curriculum and instructional and assessment practices grounded in theories of learning. In the next two sections (a) the idea of a learning progression is described as a way to facilitate the coherence between classroom and large‐scale assessment and (b) the idea of a “roadmap” is described, being the assessment components of the learning progression. This is followed by a description of an example of such a roadmap, developed for the Assessing Data Modeling and Statistical Reasoning project using the BEAR Assessment System (BAS). Finally, a concluding discussion reviews the ways that the coherence between large‐scale and classroom assessments can be achieved using the BAS, and hence make measurement more important for education.
Using Learning and Motivation Theories to Coherently Link Formative Assessment, Grading Practices, and Large‐Scale Assessment
Authors: Shepard L. A. , Penuel W. R. , Pellegrino J. W. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTo support equitable and ambitious teaching practices, classroom assessment design must be grounded in a research‐based theory of learning. Compared to other theories, sociocultural theory offers a more powerful, integrative account of how motivational aspects of learning—such as self‐regulation, self‐efficacy, sense of belonging, and identity—are completely entwined with cognitive development. Instead of centering assessment within systems that support use of interim and end‐of‐year standardized tests, we argue for a vision of formative assessment based on discipline‐specific tasks and questions that can provide qualitative insights about student experience and thinking, including their identification with disciplinary practices. At the same time, to be consistent with a productive formative assessment culture, grading policies should avoid using points and grades “to motivate” students but should create opportunities for students to use feedback to improve their work. We argue for districts as the locus for the design of such coherent curriculum, instruction, and assessment activity systems because districts have responsibility for curriculum, teacher professional development, and equity; and districts allocate resources for textbooks and assessment.
Towards co‐designing active ageing strategies: A qualitative study to develop a meaningful physical activity typology for later life
Authors: Guell Cornelia , Panter Jenna , Griffin Simon , Ogilvie David 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundPhysical activity levels decline in later life despite the known benefits for physical, cognitive and mental health. Older people find it difficult to meet activity targets; therefore, more realistic and meaningful strategies are needed. We aimed to develop a typology of older people's motivations and lifelong habits of being active as a starting point to co‐designing active ageing strategies in a workshop.MethodsWe conducted semi‐structured interviews with 27 participants aged 65‐80 in Norfolk, UK, and participant observation with 17 of them. At a workshop with 13 study participants and 6 government and civil society representatives, we invited reflections on preliminary findings.ResultsThree types were developed. “Exercisers” had engaged in sport and exercise throughout their life but experienced physical ill health and limitations as barriers. “Out‐and‐about‐ers” pursued social engagement and a variety of interests but experienced biographical disruption through retirement and loss of companions that limited social activities in later life. A final type characterized people who preferred “sedentary/solitary” activities. A workshop elicited suggestions for new strategies relating to these types that addressed people's specific motivations. An example was to combine social engagement and physical activity in “dog‐parent”‐walking schemes to link people through shared responsibility for a dog.ConclusionsWe suggest that these potential strategies map more closely onto the everyday life‐worlds in which public health might seek to intervene than common physical activity interventions. Most notably, this means a more differentiated understanding of barriers, and acknowledging that intellectual, social or solitary pursuits can include incidental physical activity.
Religious stigmata: a dermato‐psychiatric approach and differential diagnosis
Authors: Kechichian Elio , Khoury Elie , Richa Sami , Tomb Roland 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundStigma refers to the wounds reproduced on the human body, similar to the ones inflicted on the Christ during his crucifixion, on the palms, soles, and head, as well as the right or the left side of the chest, the lips and, the back. Whether they are genuine or fabricated, stigmata are still considered a medical enigma.ObjectiveTo summarize and analyze all available medical data about stigmata, integrating both its dermatological and psychiatric features.Methods and materialsA systematic search of Pubmed and Embase databases was conducted on August 19, 2016, using the terms stigma, stigmata, and religious.ResultsAround 300 cases of stigma have been described since the 13th century. Hematidrosis, hemolacria, bloody otorrhea, vicarious menstruation, and Gardner‐Diamond syndrome were all dermatological disorders that resulted in signs and symptoms similar to that of stigma. Stigma was often associated with the occurrence of intense emotion or great psychological stress. It also occurred in the context of simulation, factitious disorder, conversion disorder, and functional neurological symptom disorder.ConclusionStigma remains an example of the intricate relationships existing between medicine, psychiatry, psychology, spirituality, and the human body.
Safe Country of Origin: Constructing the Irregularity of Asylum Seekers in Canada
Authors: Atak Idil 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis article discusses the role of Canada's Designated Country of Origin (DCO) policy in the illegalization of asylum seekers. The policy allows the government to designate countries in which it is presumed that citizens do not face risks of persecution, torture, or similar abuse. Refugee claimants from DCOs are thus subject to accelerated processing timelines with reduced rights. Canada has implemented the policy as a way to deal with a backlog of asylum applications, increase efficiency, and exclude fraudulent refugee claims. Based on a primary field research conducted between October 2015 and May 2017 in three provinces, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, this article argues that the DCO policy is likely to have the unintended effect of shifting asylum seekers into an irregular status.
Levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel: ‘dismantling the road blocks of a journey’
Authors: Vijiaratnam Nirosen , Sue Carolyn M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLevodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel offers superior treatment to standard oral therapy in selective patients with advanced Parkinson disease. The costs involved in instituting and maintaining this treatment are high but largely mitigated with the quality of life years the treatment offers. Key to this is ensuring a high retention rate once the treatment is instituted. We outline factors and considerations from our experience and viewpoints at each stage of the process to address in this ‘journey’ patients undertake that can help maximise retention rates and benefits.
Regional patterns of genetic diversity in swine influenza A viruses in the United States from 2010 to 2016
Authors: Walia Rasna R. , Anderson Tavis K. , Vincent Amy L. 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundRegular spatial and temporal analyses of the genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns of influenza A virus (IAV) in swine inform control efforts and improve animal health. Initiated in 2009, the USDA passively surveils IAV in U.S. swine, with a focus on subtyping clinical respiratory submissions, sequencing the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes at a minimum, and sharing these data publicly.ObjectivesIn this study, our goal was to quantify and describe regional and national patterns in the genetic diversity and evolution of IAV in U.S. swine from 2010 to 2016.MethodsA comprehensive phylogenetic and epidemiological analysis of publicly available HA and NA genes generated by the USDA surveillance system collected from January 2010 to December 2016 was conducted.ResultsThe dominant subtypes and genetic clades detected during the study period were H1N1 (H1‐γ/1A.3.3.3, N1‐classical, 29%), H1N2 (H1‐δ1/1B.2.2, N2‐2002, 27%), and H3N2 (H3‐IV‐A, N2‐2002, 15%), but many other minor clades were also maintained. Year‐round circulation was observed, with a primary epidemic peak in October‐November and a secondary epidemic peak in March‐April. Partitioning these data into 5 spatial zones revealed that genetic diversity varied regionally and was not correlated with aggregated national patterns of HA/NA diversity.ConclusionsThese data suggest that vaccine composition and control efforts should consider IAV diversity within swine production regions in addition to aggregated national patterns.