bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Deep Roots of Success in Effective Civil Services
Authors: Hira Anil , Shiao Kai 
Published: February 2016

As discussed in the preface to this edition, there are three cases in the developing world which stand out in regard to corruption: Singapore, Hong Kong, and Chile. While all have had differing rates of economic growth and their own particular struggles with governance, they are the only consistently high performers over long periods of time. To better understand the roots of their success, this article compares the three cases with two other cases with perennial issues of corruption, Nigeria and Paraguay. Our analysis is organized around three basic categories. The first is to examine the personnel systems of each civil service and to see how reforms in recruitment and promotion—the main focus of aid agencies—have reduced corruption. The second is to examine sanctions for corruption in order to understand how they become real rather than just rhetorical. Civil service reform efforts so far have focused on the first two. Using the most similar/different comparative approach, we conducted field research in the three success cases and secondary research in all five. This in itself is revealing as comparing Chile to the East Asian cases has not been done before. We find similarities among the success and failures of the first two categories. Therefore, we must dismiss them as having limited effectiveness. Given such conditions are necessary but insufficient, we turn to a third category, namely the culture around civil services, finding there are clear contrasts in the culture of success and failure cases. Moreover, all three of the former countries were at one time rife with corruption, thus raising the key question of how they changed. If there are cultural inflection points that can be identified that line up with the transformation of dishonesty to honesty in our three success cases, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Chile, and cultural sticking points in the other cases, we can explain the failure of formal reform efforts. This suggests we need a new research agenda on cultural change as a part of future reform efforts.
Evaluating Change Management in an Indian Commercial Vehicle Manufacturing Firm
Authors: Venkataraman A. 
Published: February 2016

The article endeavours to understand the intellection, implementation and ramifications of change management on workers and managers through changes in the mode of work organisation and on organisational culture. It is a qualitative ethnographic study that tries to communicate the non-linear, partial nature of the change management process and the challenges that underpin its implementation in the Indian context. This paper makes a contribution to the larger intellectual conversation by going beyond the existing literature’s commentary on the impact of lean manufacturing on employees, from merely a cause and effect standpoint. It does this by drawing attention to an indeterminate subjective space that underpins interaction of employee aspiration, and work related viewpoints, corporate image, infrastructural constraints and the mode of work organisation that lean manufacturing seeks to modify. This indeterminate subjective space of organisational interaction between multiple stakeholders determines the outcome of change management. It also brings out the importance of context in impacting senior management’s decision making in its implementation of change management. The main impediments underlying the implementation of change management in the case study firm and India, comprised of limitations of personnel, infrastructure, market compulsions, supply chains and varying management repertoires and individual aspirations. The implementation of lean manufacturing in the case study firm was exacerbated by varying working arrangements prevalent within the same plant and degrees of automation and advancement in the same plant. Corporate and plant level management spoke of empowerment, participative management and long-term developmental objectives. In the same breath, there were more immediate economic and cost reduction imperatives for it to consider such as outsourcing and closing of its production shops. These counteracting measures in conjunction with the difficult Industrial Relations history of the plant made attempts to secure the wholehearted acquiescence of workers difficult. Poor communication and multiple anxieties of various stakeholders about their careers and relevance made the outcome the change management programme partial and unrealised. Finally, the paper has also highlighted the problems inherent in lean manufacturing and added voice to the sobering critique of lean manufacturing.
The meaning of self-reported death anxiety in advanced cancer
Authors: Tong Eryn , Deckert Amy , Gani Nina , Nissim Rinat , Rydall Anne , Hales Sarah , Rodin Gary , Lo Chris 
Published: February 2016

Background: Death anxiety is important but understudied in palliative care. New self-report measurements have been developed, but their interpretation and clinical utility may not be evident. Aim: To inform our understanding of death anxiety in patients with advanced cancer by exploring the relationship between this self-reported symptom and its clinical presentation. Design: Participants were part of a psychotherapy trial in advanced cancer. First therapy session transcripts were analyzed using interpretive description in patients reporting low, moderate, and high death anxiety on the Death and Dying Distress Scale (DADDS). Setting/participants: A total of 16 participants (10 women and 6 men) with advanced or metastatic cancer were sampled from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada. Six participants reported low death anxiety scores (Death and Dying Distress Scale: 0–19), five moderate (Death and Dying Distress Scale: 20–50), and five high (Death and Dying Distress Scale: 51–75). Results: The low death anxiety group exhibited psychological readiness for death, or contrastingly, non-reflectiveness about death. The moderate group recognized the imminence of mortality, which impacted treatment decisions and future plans. Prior experience with death was discussed as raising the salience of mortality. The high group felt dominated by powerful emotions and could not make sense of their situation. Their distress was exacerbated by substantial relational concerns. Conclusion: Self-reported death anxiety is affected by the awareness and ability to reflect on mortality. Death and Dying Distress Scale scores may facilitate exploration of this symptom as part of a clinical assessment and may serve to guide treatment approaches. Greater attention to death anxiety is consistent with and recommended by contemporary approaches to palliative care.
Prevalence rate and influencing factors of preoperative anxiety and depression in gastric cancer patients in China: Preliminary study
Authors: Xu Le , Pan Qiong , Lin Renqin 
Published: February 2016

Objectives To investigate the prevalence rate and influencing factors of preoperative anxiety and depression in patients with gastric cancer, in China. Methods Patients with gastric cancer who were diagnosed by gastroscopy and would accept laparoscopic surgery were eligible for the study. Each participant completed self-administered questionnaires, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire (MCMQ), Social Support Rating Scale, and Type D personality scale before surgery. Routine blood tests were undertaken within 7 days before surgery, to calculate the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Based on HADS, patients were divided into an anxiety/depression group and a nonanxiety/depression group. Results Fifty-three patients with gastric cancer were included in the study. The prevalence of preoperative anxiety and/or depression was 20.75% (11/53). Factors influencing preoperative anxiety and depression were a resigned dimension of coping style, type D personality and NLR. Logistic regression analysis showed that a higher score for the resigned dimension of coping style on the MCMQ and a higher NLR were significantly associated with preoperative anxiety and depression. Conclusions The prevalence of preoperative anxiety and depression in Chinese patients with gastric cancer may be influenced by both the coping mode and NLR.
The phenotype of migraine with unilateral cranial autonomic symptoms documents increased peripheral and central trigeminal sensitization. A case series of 757 patients
Authors: Barbanti P , Aurilia C , Dall’Armi V , Egeo G , Fofi L , Bonassi S 
Published: February 2016

Background Migraine with unilateral cranial autonomic symptoms (UAS) is a putative migraine endophenotype with convincing response to trigeminal-targeted treatments that still needs a thorough characterization. Objective The objective of this article is to carefully investigate the clinical phenotype of migraine with UAS in a large group of patients for more accurate migraine diagnoses, improved clinical management, and better outcome prediction. Methods We studied 757 consecutive episodic and chronic migraineurs in a tertiary headache clinic with face-to-face interviews, detailing in depth their lifestyle, sociodemographic and headache characteristics. Results Migraineurs with UAS (37.4%) differed from the general migraine population with respect to longer attack duration (OR = 2.47, p < 0.02, having >72-hour long attacks), more strictly unilateral (OR = 3.18, p < 0.001) and severe headache (OR = 1.72, p = 0.011), more frequent allodynia (OR = 3.03, p < 0.001) and photophobia (OR = 1.87, p = 0.019). Conclusions Migraine patients with UAS are characterized not only by symptoms due to intense peripheral trigeminal activation but also to central sensitization. Our study broadens the knowledge on the clinical and phenotypic characteristics of migraine with UAS, suggests pathophysiological implications, and supports the need for future prospective clinical studies.
Protein Quality and Growth in Malnourished Children
Authors: Manary Mark , Callaghan Meghan , Singh Lauren , Briend André 
Published: February 2016

Background: Protein quality refers to the amounts and ratios of essential amino acids in a food. Two methods most commonly used for determining protein quality are the protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) and the digestible indispensible amino acid score (DIAAS). Objective: To use existing literature to compare different amino acid profiles and PDCAAS and DIAAS scores in individuals with acute inflammation and to assess their relationship with weight gain in children with severe acute malnourished (SAM). Methods: A series stable isotope studies were previously conducted in children with SAM and acute infection, and these data were reviewed with respect to protein synthesis. Eleven published treatment trials for SAM with different therapeutic foods were analyzed to examine the relationship between protein quality scores with weight gain (g/kg/d). Protein scores were calculated with the PDCAAS and DIAAS amino acid reference patterns. A DIAAS score adjusted for the higher weight gain expected in malnourished children was also used. Bivariate correlation analysis was used to examine this relationship. Results: The protein kinetic data supported the hypothesis that a balance of amino acids that matches the composition of acute-phase proteins maximizes amino acid synthesis. Protein quality scores were highly correlated with the rate of weight gain in recovery from SAM, and the DIAAS scoring system adjusted for the higher expected weight gain had the strongest correlation with the observed weight gain. Conclusion: Protein quality scores must account for physiologic status so that they better match with needs and thus better promote health.
Influence of Foreign Institutional Investments (FIIs) on the Indian Stock Market: An Insight by VAR Models
Authors: Vardhan Harsh , Sinha Pankaj 
Published: February 2016

The study examines the influence of foreign institutional investments (FIIs) on the Indian equity market and its role in integration with the United States (US) equity market. Different vector autoregression (VAR) models have been employed for sub-periods created by the structural breaks. Despite global recessionary conditions, both purchase and sales of FIIs have steadily increased. The FII inflows and outflows are significantly influenced by the domestic equity market. The exchange rate has no effect on FII inflows; however, outflows are influenced by its change. The US equity market has no influence on FIIs’ inflows but has marginal impact on the outflows. JEL Classification: C58, C54, G23, G18, G15
Board Independence, Audit Quality and Earnings Management: Evidence from Egypt
Authors: Khalil Mohamed , Ozkan Aydin 
Published: February 2016

Using a unique dataset for Egyptian firms, we investigate the relationship between board independence, audit quality and earnings management. We test whether firm-level corporate governance provisions matter in an emerging market setting characterised by weak legal enforcement and inadequate external discipline by the market for corporate control. Our results cast doubt on the notion that a higher ratio of non-executive members is associated with lower earnings management. We find that the effect of board independence on earnings management practices is contingent on the levels of ownership held by executive directors and large shareholders, as well as the composition of audit committee. In addition, the results are consistent with the view that high-quality auditors are effective in reducing earnings management. JEL Classification: M41, M48
An evidence-based scale for the antecedents of depressive symptoms in Australian adults
Authors: Liu Xin , Furuya-Kanamori Luis , Siskind Dan , Crompton David , Williams Gail M , Kostner Karam , Vitetta Luis , Doi Suhail A 
Published: February 2016

Objective: To develop and test a self-reported scale designed to measure the antecedents of depression. Methods: Participants of the Sustainable Mastery of Innovative Lifelong Exercise (SMILE) Tai Chi program were invited to complete the scale for antecedents of depressive symptoms. The scale included questions regarding events/factors the participants have experienced over the past three months and preceded their depressive symptoms. The reliability of the questions was assessed using the Cronbach’s alpha. Principal components analysis was used to examine if there were domains of interest across the scale questions. Results: A total of 126 participants completed the scale. The scale had a good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.82). Principal components analysis identified three components (life events, psychosocial problems, and physical/health problems) in the scale and the components detected the root categories of depression in more than 56% of the cases. Conclusions: This simple self-administered scale has proven to provide a reliable measure for the antecedent factors of depression in the SMILE Tai Chi cohort; further validation of the scale in different settings is encouraged.
Spirituality and Awareness of Diagnoses in Terminally Ill Patients With Cancer
Authors: Lai Carlo , Luciani Massimiliano , Galli Federico , Morelli Emanuela , Del Prete Francesca , Ginobbi Patrizia , Penco Italo , Aceto Paola , Lombardo Luigi 
Published: February 2016

Objective: Aims of the present study were to investigate the association between awareness of own illness condition and psychological outcome in end-of-life phase and to test the association between the spirituality and the awareness of own illness condition. Methods: Three hundred and ninety-nine terminally ill patients with cancer were enrolled in a hospice in central Italy. One hundred patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. The Systems of Belief Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and a psychological interview to determine the level of awareness of the illness diagnosis (aware; partially aware; and not aware) were administered to terminally ill patients. Results: The main finding was that the awareness of one’s own illness condition was positively associated with the extrinsic spirituality and negatively associated with intrinsic spirituality (regression model R = .26; R2 = .07; adjusted R2 = .05; F2, 97 = 3.45; P = .036). The aware group showed lower anxiety and depression ( F2, 97 = 1.9; P = . 075; F2, 97 = 2.6; P = .04) scores than partially aware and not aware groups. The psychological outcome was not associated with the spirituality level. Conclusion: In terminally ill patients with cancer, the levels of depression and anxiety were lower in patients aware of their own illness state. Moreover, higher levels of extrinsic and lower levels of intrinsic spirituality predicted the awareness of one’s own illness state.
Gender identity disorders and multiple sclerosis risk: A national record-linkage study
Authors: Pakpoor Julia , Wotton Clare J , Schmierer Klaus , Giovannoni Gavin , Goldacre Michael J 
Published: February 2016

Background: An altered balance of gonadal hormones in males with gender identity disorders (GIDs) may increase multiple sclerosis (MS) risk both inherently and secondary to treatment in undergoing male-to-female conversion. Objective: We investigated any association between GIDs and MS through analysis of record-linked hospital statistics. Method: Analysis of English Hospital Episode Statistics, 1999–2012. Results: The adjusted rate ratio (RR) of MS following GIDs in males was 6.63 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.81–17.01, p = 0.0002). The RR of MS following GIDs in females was 1.44 (95% CI = 0.47–3.37, p = 0.58). Conclusion: We report a strong association between GIDs and MS in male-to-females, supporting a potential role for low testosterone and/or feminising hormones on MS risk in males.
Lessons learned: Infrastructure development and financial management for large, publicly funded, international trials
Authors: Larson Gregg S , Carey Cate , Grarup Jesper , Hudson Fleur , Sachi Karen , Vjecha Michael J , Gordin Fred ,   INSIGHT Group
Published: February 2016

Background/aims: Randomized clinical trials are widely recognized as essential to address worldwide clinical and public health research questions. However, their size and duration can overwhelm available public and private resources. To remain competitive in international research settings, advocates and practitioners of clinical trials must implement practices that reduce their cost. We identify approaches and practices for large, publicly funded, international trials that reduce cost without compromising data integrity and recommend an approach to cost reporting that permits comparison of clinical trials. Methods: We describe the organizational and financial characteristics of The International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials, an infectious disease research network that conducts multiple, large, long-term, international trials, and examine challenges associated with simple and streamlined governance and an infrastructure and financial management model that is based on performance, transparency, and accountability. Results: It is possible to reduce costs of participants’ follow-up and not compromise clinical trial quality or integrity. The International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials network has successfully completed three large HIV trials using cost-efficient practices that have not adversely affected investigator enthusiasm, accrual rates, loss-to-follow-up, adherence to the protocol, and completion of data collection. This experience is relevant to the conduct of large, publicly funded trials in other disease areas, particularly trials dependent on international collaborations. Conclusion: New approaches, or creative adaption of traditional clinical trial infrastructure and financial management tools, can render large, international clinical trials more cost-efficient by emphasizing structural simplicity, minimal up-front costs, payments for performance, and uniform algorithms and fees-for-service, irrespective of location. However, challenges remain. They include institutional resistance to financial change, growing trial complexity, and the difficulty of sustaining network infrastructure absent stable research work. There is also a need for more central monitoring, improved and harmonized regulations, and a widely applied metric for measuring and comparing cost efficiency in clinical trials. ClinicalTrials.gov is recommended as a location where standardized trial cost information could be made publicly accessible.
Is intramedullary nailing better than the use of volar locking plates for fractures of the distal radius? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang J. , Zhang L. , Ma J. , Yang Y. , Jia H. , Ma X. 
Published: February 2016

We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that compared the use of intramedullary nails and volar locking plates in distal radial fractures. PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Collaboration Central database were used to find randomized controlled trials that met the eligibility criteria. Two reviewers screened the studies, extracted the data, evaluated the methodological quality and analysed the data with RevMan 5.1 software. No statistically significant differences were detected in the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand and the Gartland and Werley scores, radiographic parameters, wrist range of motion, grip strength, total complication rate and incidence of tendon rupture between the two groups. However, carpal tunnel syndrome occurred less often after intramedullary nailing. The two fixation methods achieved equal clinical, functional and radiological outcomes for primary fixation of the indicated types of distal radial fractures. Level of evidence: Therapeutic/LevelI
Technique Tip
Authors: Matson Andrew P. , Shi Glenn G. , Parekh Selene G. 
Published: February 2016

Subtalar arthrodesis is considered to be the gold standard surgical solution for end-stage subtalar joint arthrosis. Although subtalar joint fusion rates are high, nonunion has been reported to range from 0% to 43%. Revision subtalar arthrodesis regardless of etiology often requires removal of loose hardware in soft bone. The inability of screw threads to engage bone may result in longer operative time, frustration for the surgeon, and potential negative outcome for the patient. We describe a novel technique in which a cannulated drill bit is used as a tamp to remove subtalar arthrodesis screws. We have found this method to be efficient and safe and transferable to any extremity. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level V: Expert opinion
Intra-parenchymal brainstem haemorrhage secondary to iatrogenic needle injury after a parenteral injection in a cat
Authors: Brocal Josep , Guevar Julien , Stalin Catherine , Durand Alexane , Gutierrez-Quintana Rodrigo 
Published: February 2016

Case summary A 6-month-old female domestic shorthair cat was presented with acute onset non-ambulatory right hemiparesis and horizontal nystagmus following an injection attempt in the neck, during which the cat did not cooperate. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-defined intra-axial lesion on the right side of the myelencephalon. The lesion was T2-weighted hypointense and T1-weighted hypointense to isointense to grey matter, non-contrast enhancing, with perilesional oedema and signal void on T2*-weighted images. A linear hyperintense lesion in the muscles of the right dorsolateral aspect of the neck on short tau inversion recovery images was also observed. These MRI findings were consistent with iatrogenic brainstem haemorrhage and a muscle needle tract. The cat made a good recovery with just mild residual neurological deficits 6 weeks after the injury. Relevance and novel information To our knowledge, this is the first report of an iatrogenic brainstem needle injury in a cat and the first report of a central nervous system iatrogenic trauma after a parenteral injection. Care should be taken with neck parenteral injections, especially in the cranial cervical area.