bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Introduction to Discourse Studies
Authors: Renkema Jan , Schubert Christoph 
Published: November 2018

This new edition of Introduction to Discourse Studies (IDS) is a thoroughly revised and updated version of this successful textbook, which has been published in four languages and has become a must-read for anyone interested in the analysis of texts and discourses. Supported by an international advisory board of 14 leading experts, it deals with all main subdomains in discourse studies, from pragmatics to cognitive linguistics, from critical discourse analysis to stylistics, and many more. The book approaches major issues in this field from the Anglo-American and European as well as the Asian traditions. It provides an ‘academic toolkit’ for future courses on discourse studies and serves as a stepping stone to the independent study of professional literature. The chapters are subdivided in modular sections that can be studied separately. The pedagogical objectives are further supported by
over 500 index entries covering frequently used concepts that are accurately defined with examples throughout the text;more than 150 test-yourself questions, all elaborately answered, which are ideal for self-study;nearly 100 assignments that provide ample material for lecturers to focus on specific topics in their courses.

Jan Renkema is Emeritus Professor of Discourse Quality at the Department of Communication and Information Sciences at Tilburg University, The Netherlands. He is also editor of Discourse, of Course (2009) and author of The Texture of Discourse (2009). In 2009, a Chinese edition of Introduction to Discourse Studies was published by Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press.

Christoph Schubert is Full Professor of English Linguistics at Vechta University, Germany. He is author of an Introduction to English text linguistics (2nd ed. 2012) and co-editor of Pragmatic Perspectives on Postcolonial Discourse (2016) and Variational Text Linguistics (2016).
Feasibility of infant hearing screening from a developing country context
Authors: Kanji Amisha , Khoza-Shangase Katijah , Petrocchi-Bartal Luisa , Harbinson Shannon 
Published: November 2018

Purpose:
To explore the feasibility of infant hearing screening from a developing country context.

Methods:
A descriptive research design was employed, using a combination of surveys, questionnaires and face-to-face semi-structured interviews; as well as conduction of audiological measures such as otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and automated auditory brainstem responses (AABR) during hearing screening. Participants comprised low–risk neonates, high-risk neonates and primary health care nursing managers.

Results:
Findings indicated that (1) screening at the Midwife Obstetric Unit 3-day assessment clinic may be more practical; (2) screening at primary health care clinics is not feasible until the identified barriers are addressed and; (3) factors such as ambient noise levels, availability of space for screening and time of discharge influence the practicability and efficiency of screening within a hospital context.

Conclusion:
There are a number of factors which influence the practicability and efficiency of newborn hearing screening. Each of these factors may vary depending on the level of healthcare setting and may either facilitate or act as barriers toward the implementation of newborn hearing screening in the South African context.
The application of mobile edge computing in agricultural water monitoring system
Authors: Fan D H , Gao S 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The intelligent construction and development of traditional agricultural water production process has become an important pillar industry in China’s coastal areas. With the application of IoT technology, the agricultural water monitoring process can manage the data collected by the sensor system in real time. In this paper, a data link management solution is proposed in combination with advanced Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) technology, which effectively realizes the sinking of business anchor points and greatly reduces the business response time. The practical application shows that the scheme realizes the network and intelligence of agricultural water monitoring system management, and has broad market prospect.
Estimation of diffusion coefficients of ascorbate-based ions at infinite dilution through electrolytic conductivity measurements
Authors: Soriano A N , Dollente K G R , Tabaquero R J D , Adornado A P 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Ascorbic acid is a naturally-occurring organic compound that has high water solubility. One significant parameter that can describe the mobility and transport of ascorbic acid and its mineral salts in water systems is the diffusion coefficient. Molar conductivity data were determined from electrolytic conductivity data measured at different concentrations of ascorbate-based ions (dilute region) and temperatures (293.15 to 313.15 K). From these data, the infinite dilution diffusion coefficients of the ascorbic acid and mineral salts in water were estimated using the Nernst-Haskell Equation. The Nernst-Einstein Equation was used to predict the infinite dilution self-diffusion coefficients of the representative ascorbate-based ions ([H+], [Na+], and [Ca2+]). For most temperatures and concentrations considered, the Ca2+ cation had the highest molar conductivity but the [H+] cation had the highest correlated infinite dilution self-diffusion coefficient of 11.4105 × 10−9 m2/s at 313.15 K. The [Na+] and [Ca2+] cations had values of correlated infinite dilution self-diffusion coefficient of 2.6263 × 10−9 m2/s and 2.4045 × 10−9 m2/s at 313.15 K, respectively. The molar conductivity and diffusion coefficient of the ions at infinite dilution were in the order of [H+] > [Na+] > [Ca2+]. It was found that an increase in temperature also increases the diffusion coefficient. This study was able to estimate infinite dilution diffusion coefficient data for ascorbate-based ions. Thus, the results of this study can serve as a basis and reference for future researches to have a better understanding of the fate and transport of ascorbate-based ions in the environment.
Prediction of self-diffusion coefficients of ions from various livestock antibiotics in water at infinite dilution
Authors: Soriano A N , Bonifacio P B , Adamos K G , Adornado A P 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to the existence and fate of Pharmaceutically Active Compounds (PHAC) used to treat bacterial diseases in humans as well as veterinary medicine to prevent disease in animals such as poultry, cattle, swine, and fish during animal food production and as growth promoters like antibiotics entering the environment turned out to be a problem when not removed in a normal wastewater treatment plant as it has increased effects on the disturbance of the natural bacterial ecosystem, presence of it in the effluent of sewage treatment plants as well as to surface and groundwater, and concerns for human health. Fate and transport of particles is an important matter that describe their physical form and behavior in different media with primary concern of determining the transport speed and combined effects of the chemicals in their discharge environments. In order to predict the fate and transport in the environment, one important parameter that indicates how individual molecules and ions move through a medium under a concentration gradient at a certain pressure and temperature is the diffusion coefficient. In relation to the previously published work on diffusion coefficient of various livestock antibiotics at infinite dilution, the present work extended the calculation to determine the self-diffusion coefficient of constituent ions from the studied antibiotics using the Nernst-Einstein Equation. Other parameters such as activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and hydrodynamic radius needed in describing the infinite dilution diffusion behavior were also calculated using Arrhenius-type equation and Stokes-Einstein Equation, respectively. The results may provide an adequate understanding of the mobility and behavior of these constituent ions from these livestock antibiotics when present in environmental water system, which may be of help for future studies for the removal of these antibiotics which can lead to the microbial resistance bacteria.
Therapeutic Alliance Between Dietitians and Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: The Effect of Training in a Health Behavior Change Intervention
Authors: Murray Rebecca , Baker Amanda , Halpin Sean , Britton Ben , McCarter Kristen , Palazzi Kerrin , Beck Alison K 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background
The relationship between a clinician and their client—the “therapeutic alliance” is a robust predictor of outcome in healthcare settings; yet, few interventions to improve alliance have been tested. Motivational interviewing is a client-centered approach that embodies many principles and strategies consistent with a strong therapeutic alliance.

Purpose
To examine whether alliance is enhanced by training dietitians to deliver a motivational interviewing informed health behavior change intervention (“Eating as Treatment”; EAT) as part of routine consultations with patients with head and neck cancer. The predictive ability of motivational interviewing techniques was also assessed.

Methods
A secondary analysis of the EAT stepped-wedge cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted. Patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy (n = 307) were treated by radiotherapy dietitians (n = 29) during the control (Treatment as Usual) or intervention (EAT) phase. Alliance was rated during the first and final weeks of radiotherapy, and again 4 and 12 weeks post-radiotherapy. Dietetic sessions were audiotaped. Week one sessions were objectively rated for dietitians’ use of motivational interviewing techniques.

Results
Generalized linear-mixed effects regressions found no effect of EAT on dietitian-rated alliance (p = .237). After excluding outliers, patient-rated alliance was 0.29 points lower after EAT training (p = .016). Post hoc analyses revealed lower patient ratings on perceived support and dietitian confidence. Hierarchical multiple regressions found that no specific motivational interviewing techniques predicted patient-rated alliance. Dietitian acknowledgment of patient challenges was related to dietitian-rated alliance (β =.15, p =.035).

Conclusions
Patient and dietitian ratings of alliance were high after EAT training, but not significantly improved. Further research is needed to better understand the differential impact of intervention training and delivery on patient and clinician ratings of therapeutic alliance.

Clinical Trial information
Trial registration number ACTRN12613000320752
Does Public Sector Outsourcing Decrease Public Employment? Empirical Evidence from OECD Countries
Authors: Potrafke Niklas 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
I examine the extent to which public sector outsourcing relates to public employment in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. I use new panel data on public sector outsourcing. The sample includes 26 countries over the period 2009–2015. Contrary to common expectations, the results do not suggest that public sector outsourcing expenditure was negatively related to public employment in the full sample. The relation between public sector outsourcing and public employment, however, does vary across countries. If anything, the growth in public sector outsourcing in period t − 1 was positively correlated with the growth in public employment in period t. When public sector outsourcing gives rise to regrouping public employees but not reducing public employment, outsourcing may even increase inefficiencies in the public sector. (JEL codes: L33, J45, P16, C23).
Pharmacogenomic clinical decision support design and multi-site process outcomes analysis in the eMERGE Network
Authors: Herr Timothy M , Peterson Josh F , Rasmussen Luke V , Caraballo Pedro J , Peissig Peggy L , Starren Justin B 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTo better understand the real-world effects of pharmacogenomic (PGx) alerts, this study aimed to characterize alert design within the eMERGE Network, and to establish a method for sharing PGx alert response data for aggregate analysis. Seven eMERGE sites submitted design details and established an alert logging data dictionary. Six sites participated in a pilot study, sharing alert response data from their electronic health record systems. PGx alert design varied, with some consensus around the use of active, post-test alerts to convey Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium recommendations. Sites successfully shared response data, with wide variation in acceptance and follow rates. Results reflect the lack of standardization in PGx alert design. Standards and/or larger studies will be necessary to fully understand PGx impact. This study demonstrated a method for sharing PGx alert response data and established that variation in system design is a significant barrier for multi-site analyses.
Validation of Minimal Residual Disease as Surrogate Endpoint for Event-Free Survival in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Galimberti Stefania , Devidas Meenakshi , Lucenti Ausiliatrice , Cazzaniga Giovanni , Möricke Anja , Bartram Claus R , Mann Georg , Carroll William , Winick Naomi , Borowitz Michael , Wood Brent , Basso Giuseppe , Conter Valentino , Zimmermann Martin , Suciu Stefan , Biondi Andrea , Schrappe Martin , Hunger Stephen P , Valsecchi Maria Grazia 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to assess whether minimal residual disease (MRD) at the end of induction front-line treatment can serve as a surrogate endpoint for event-free survival (EFS) in childhood B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Methods
The analysis was based on individual data of 4830 patients from two large phase III trials that asked a randomized question on the effect of different corticosteroids (dexamethasone vs prednisone) during induction chemotherapy on EFS. The association between MRD classified in three ordered categories [negative = 0, low positive = (>0 and <5 × 10−4), and positive = (≥5 × 10-4)] and EFS at the individual and trial levels was evaluated with the meta-analytic approach based on the Plackett copula model. Centers within trial were grouped according to geographical area, and a total of 28 units were identified for the analysis.

Results
MRD at the end of induction was a poor surrogate for treatment effect on EFS at the trial level, with Rtrial2 = 0.09 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.00 to 0.29), whereas at the individual level it was strongly associated with EFS, with an odds ratio of 3.90 (95% CI = 3.35 to 4.44) of failure for patients with higher compared with lower MRD levels. Additional sensitivity and relevant subgroup analyses confirmed these findings at both trial- and patient-level association.

Conclusions
Although MRD is a robust biomarker highly predictive of outcome for individual patients, clinicians and regulatory bodies should be cautious in using early MRD response in the context of complex multiagent acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy as an early surrogate endpoint to predict the effect of a randomized treatment intervention on long-term EFS.
Types of yeasts that cause vulvovaginal candidiasis in chronic users of corticosteroids
Authors: Farhan Mohammed A , Moharram Ahmed M , Salah Tareq , Shaaban Omar M 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe current study aims to compare between the types of yeasts that cause vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) in women using corticosteroid medication compared to nonusers and estimate their sensitivity to available commercial antifungal agents. In a descriptive analytical cross-sectional study, we recruited 41 chronic corticosteroid users diagnosed clinically to have VVC from Women's Health Hospital, Assiut University, Egypt. Forty-seven age-matched women with VVC were recruited as a control group. Full history and clinical examination were performed. Vaginal sterile swab obtained from the vagina of each participant was subjected to direct Gram-stained smear examination as well as a culture on Sabouraud's glucose agar and HiCrome Candida agar. Further identification of the isolates was done using traditional methods. Fifty out of 88 samples (56.8%) were positive in culture including 25 samples (61%) from corticosteroid users group and 25 (53.2%) from noncorticosteroid users with no statistically significant difference (P = .302). The chronic corticosteroid users had more incidence of recurrent VVC as compared to nonusers (65.9% vs 40.4%, respectively) (P = .015). There was a significantly higher rate of non-Candida albicans (NCA) infections in corticosteroid users compared with nonusers (48% vs 20%, respectively) (P = .036). A higher significant difference in resistance of the isolates against clotrimazole (P = .003) and ketoconazole (P = .017) was demonstrated in corticosteroid users compared to nonusers. Thus, chronic corticosteroid use causes frequent attacks of VVC and increases the frequency of infection by NCA strains. Also, it increases resistance to common antifungal agents especially azole group.
Chlorhexidine Showers are Associated With a Reduction in Surgical Site Infection Following Spine Surgery: An Analysis of 4266 Consecutive Surgeries
Authors: Chan Andrew K , Ammanuel Simon G , Chan Alvin Y , Oh Taemin , Skrehot Henry C , Edwards Caleb S , Kondapavulur Sravani , Miller Catherine A , Nichols Amy D , Liu Catherine , Dhall Sanjay S , Clark Aaron J , Chou Dean , Ames Christopher P , Mummaneni Praveen V 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication following spinal surgery. Prevention is critical to maintaining safe patient care and reducing additional costs associated with treatment.

OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of preoperative chlorhexidine (CHG) showers on SSI rates following fusion and nonfusion spine surgery.

METHODS
A mandatory preoperative CHG shower protocol was implemented at our institution in November 2013. A cohort comparison of 4266 consecutive patients assessed differences in SSI rates for the pre- and postimplementation periods. Subgroup analysis was performed on the type of spinal surgery (eg, fusion vs nonfusion). Data represent all spine surgeries performed between April 2012 and April 2016.

RESULTS
The overall mean SSI rate was 0.4%. There was no significant difference between the pre- (0.7%) and postimplementation periods (0.2%; P = .08). Subgroup analysis stratified by procedure type showed that the SSI rate for the nonfusion patients was significantly lower in the post- (0.1%) than the preimplementation group (0.7%; P = .02). There was no significant difference between SSI rates for the pre- (0.8%) and postimplementation groups (0.3%) for the fusion cohort (P = .21). In multivariate analysis, the implementation of preoperative CHG showers were associated with significantly decreased odds of SSI (odds ratio = 0.15, 95% confidence interval [0.03-0.55], P < .01).

CONCLUSION
This is the largest study investigating the efficacy of preoperative CHG showers on SSI following spinal surgery. In adjusted multivariate analysis, CHG showering was associated with a significant decrease in SSI following spinal surgery.
Health-related quality of life and costs in Sjögren’s syndrome
Authors: Miyamoto Samira T , Valim Valéria , Fisher Benjamin A 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has an increasing role in medical decision-making. This review of the literature aims to provide an overview on HRQoL, costs, and work disability in SS, a disease characterized by focal lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands with no therapeutics of proven immunomodulatory potential. HRQoL is markedly reduced in SS in multiple studies across many countries when compared with HRQoL in healthy controls. The reduction in HRQoL is similar to that observed in other chronic diseases such as RA, SLE, FM and, interestingly, non-SS sicca syndrome. Impaired HRQoL in SS has been found to be associated with fatigue, pain/articular involvement, ocular and oral involvement, pruritus, sexual dysfunction, impaired sleep, pulmonary manifestations, psychological dysfunction and impaired physical function. Until now, no therapeutic has been shown to improve HRQoL in an adequately powered double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial. Although primary SS does not, in general, impair life expectancy and is often inappropriately considered a benign ‘nuisanvce’ disease for those patients without systemic manifestations, the associated costs and work disability are striking. This, together with the significant reduction in HRQoL, strongly argues for the development of new therapeutic approaches to manage this neglected disease.
First Aid and Voluntarism in England, 1945–85
Authors: Ramsden Stefan , Cresswell Rosemary 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
First aid was the focus of growing voluntary activity in the post-war decades. Despite the advent of the National Health Service in 1948, increased numbers of people volunteered to learn, teach, and administer first aid as concern about health and safety infiltrated new activities and arenas. In this article we use the example of the Voluntary Aid Societies (VAS, focusing in particular on St John Ambulance) to highlight continuities and change in the relationship between state and voluntary sector in health and welfare provision during the four decades after 1945. Though the state assumed vastly expanded health and welfare responsibilities after the war, the continuing vitality of the VAS suggests cultural continuities that the post-war welfare state did not eradicate. The article therefore builds on the insights of historians who argue that volunteering remained a vital component of British society across the later twentieth century, and that the state and voluntary sector were not mutually exclusive.
Identification and characterization of Coronaviridae genomes from Vietnamese bats and rats based on conserved protein domains
Authors: Phan My V T , Ngo Tri Tue , Hong Anh Pham , Baker Stephen , Kellam Paul , Cotten Matthew 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
The Coronaviridae family of viruses encompasses a group of pathogens with a zoonotic potential as observed from previous outbreaks of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Accordingly, it seems important to identify and document the coronaviruses in animal reservoirs, many of which are uncharacterized and potentially missed by more standard diagnostic assays. A combination of sensitive deep sequencing technology and computational algorithms is essential for virus surveillance, especially for characterizing novel- or distantly related virus strains. Here, we explore the use of profile Hidden Markov Model-defined Pfam protein domains (Pfam domains) encoded by new sequences as a Coronaviridae sequence classification tool. The encoded domains are used first in a triage to identify potential Coronaviridae sequences and then processed using a Random Forest method to classify the sequences to the Coronaviridae genus level. The application of this algorithm on Coronaviridae genomes assembled from agnostic deep sequencing data from surveillance of bats and rats in Dong Thap province (Vietnam) identified thirty-four Alphacoronavirus and eleven Betacoronavirus genomes. This collection of bat and rat coronaviruses genomes provided essential information on the local diversity of coronaviruses and substantially expanded the number of coronavirus full genomes available from bat and rats and may facilitate further molecular studies on this group of viruses.