bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In search of smart public governance: the case of Lithuania
Authors: Šiugždinienė Jurgita , Gaulė Eglė , Rauleckas Rimantas 
Published: October 2017

Faced with rapidly changing economic and societal pressures and complex public policy problems, governments must respond proactively to new challenges. It is just one of the characteristics of being smart. This article analyses the recently introduced concept of smart public governance, a concept that requires better conceptualization. This article defines the characteristics and criteria of smart public governance and suggests an instrument for its assessment. Piloting of the methodology at the central government level in Lithuania suggests that the Lithuanian system of public governance cannot yet be considered a smart social system. Some characteristics of smartness are already well expressed, and some positive examples do exist. However, smart public governance is not yet a part of Lithuania’s government culture. Points for practitioners The article advances the concept of smart public governance by discussing and refining key dimensions of this construct and attempts to operationalize these dimensions and various sub-dimensions using empirically testable indicators. To demonstrate the potential of the proposed framework, we present empirical results based on an expert survey of top public executives in Lithuania. These results, first, provide a theoretically grounded assessment of smart public governance within the Lithuanian system of central government and, second, point to those areas of public governance that need to be strengthened.
Muslim Women’s Marriage, Pregnancy, Abortion and Spacing of Children
Authors: Raja Ariffin Raja Noriza , Talib @ Abdul Mutalib Muzalwana Abdul , Satar Nurulhuda Mohd , Hanafi Hanira , Othman Azmah , Tumin Makmor , Zahari Rustam Khairi 
Published: October 2017

Background: This study investigates the decisions on marriage, pregnancy, abortion and spacing of children among Muslim women (MW) residing in the United States, Iran and Malaysia to explore the occurrences as well as socio-demographic characteristics associated with the likelihood of making an independent decision regarding sexual and reproductive health rights. Methods: A total of 1140 MW in Washington, D.C. (the United States), Tehran (Iran) and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) participated in this study, and the number of respondents were equally distributed across the three cities. To examine the occurrences of sexual and reproductive rights violation, we report the descriptive statistics from the responses given by MW in these cities. Results: On the decision to solemnize marriage, 84.5 per cent of MW in Malaysia reported that the marriage decision is made jointly with their husbands, but this figure stands at only 30 per cent in Iran and 47.9 per cent in the United States. More than 80 per cent and 72 per cent of MW in Malaysia and Iran, respectively, make decisions on pregnancy, abortion and spacing of children jointly with their husbands. Conclusions: Policymakers should promote jointly made (made by wife and husband together) decisions among Muslims, which accords with Islamic teachings and is considered as good practice among Muslims.
Transforming Dubai Logistics Corridor into a Global Logistics Hub
Authors: Sundarakani Balan 
Published: October 2017

The case discusses the various factors that bolstered positioning Dubai as the ideal location for a logistics hub, located at the crossroads of international trade and commerce between the Eastern and Western worlds. Dubai is also regarded as the gateway to the world’s most progressive markets which include Greater Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and the East European countries. The case illustrates some of the critical challenges faced by the city in particular and the country as a whole, in the past decade, thereby evaluating the issues and risks that can hinder its strategic logistics developmental roadmap. The case can be taken up for subjects such as logistics and supply chain management, operations management, global logistics systems, warehouse management and strategic management, and to enrich concepts related but not limited to facility location strategy, logistics network expansion strategy, country analysis, distribution hub location strategy, etc.
Clinical research in an academic psychiatry department: some general principles and case studies
Authors: Keightley Philip , Maguire Paul , Reay Rebecca E , Cubis Jeffrey C , Craigie Peggy , Looi Jeffrey CL 
Published: October 2017

Objective: This paper gives guidance for developing collaborative clinical research within an academic psychiatry department. Methods: We describe the experience at the Australian National University Medical School, and present three case studies. Results: The results reveal that general principles include, but are not limited to, intellectual curiosity, mentorship, collaboration and protected time. Conclusions: We conclude that a particular strength of a new research department at a medical school may be close collaborative research within clinical settings.
Suicide of Australians during the Vietnam War
Authors: Pridmore Saxby , Ahmadi Jamshid , Pridmore William 
Published: October 2017

Objectives: National suicide rates fall during times of war. This fits with the notion of the population coming together against a common foe. But, what happens in the case of a war which is not fully supported, which draws the population and families apart? We consider this question by examining the Australian suicide rates during the divisive Vietnam War. Methods: We graphed and examined the Australian suicide figures for 1921–2010. Results: We found clear evidence of a decrease in the suicide rate for World War II (consistent with other studies), but a marked elevation of suicide during the Vietnam War. Conclusions: The elevation of the Australian suicide rate during the Vietnam War is consistent with Durkheim’s social integration model – when social integration is lessened, either by individual characteristics or societal characteristics, the risk of suicide rises.
In a Genomic Era, Placental Pathology Still Holds the Key in the Nondysmorphic Stillbirth
Authors: Campbell Jamie , Armstrong Kristy , Palaniappan Nithiya , Maher Eddy , Glancy Mary , Porteous Mary , Mckenzie Kathryn J , Evans Margaret J 
Published: October 2017

Objective To explore the relative utility of genetic testing in contrast to placental pathology in explaining causation of death in the structurally normal stillborn population. Methods A retrospective review of a structurally normal stillborn infant cohort in South East Scotland between 2011 and 2015, defined by death at or after 24 weeks of gestation. We reviewed pathology reports and collected demographic data on cases. This information was collated with genetic test results (quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction and microarray analysis) and placental pathology to create a database for analysis. Primary Results Within the structurally normal population (n = 131), there were 125 genetic tests performed and 11 abnormal results. Sixty-six microarray analyses were performed, and 2 (3%) of the results were thought likely to reflect cause of stillbirth (1 case of incomplete trisomy 4 and 1 case of deletion of chromosome Xp in a female). Analysis was significantly limited in 2 cases as parental samples were not available. The placental pathology was available in a total of 129 cases; significant findings were identified in 100 cases; 79 (61%) showed changes that were considered to have caused death (including cord “accidents”), and a further 21 (16%) showed findings likely to influence the management of subsequent pregnancies. Conclusions We reaffirm the utility of placental examination in the investigation of stillbirth. In cases of nondysmorphic stillbirth where placental pathology does not explain the cause of stillbirth, microarray analysis of fetal DNA can add further diagnostic information in 3% of cases but can add further diagnostic confusion, and it is important that parental bloods are taken to minimize this risk.
What Does PLIER Really Do?
Authors: Therneau Terry M. , Ballman Karla V. 
Published: October 2017

Motivation Our goal was to understand why the PLIER algorithm performs so well given its derivation is based on a biologically implausible assumption. Results In spite of a non-intuitive assumption regarding the PM and MM errors made as part of the derivation for PLIER, the resulting probe level error function does capture the key characteristics of the ideal error function, assuming MM probes only measure non-specific binding and no signal.
BeadDatapackR: A Tool to Facilitate the Sharing of Raw Data from Illumina BeadArray Studies
Authors: Smith Mike L. , Lynch Andy G. 
Published: October 2017

Microarray technologies have been an increasingly important tool in cancer research in the last decade, and a number of initiatives have sought to stress the importance of the provision and sharing of raw microarray data. Illumina BeadArrays provide a particular problem in this regard, as their random construction simultaneously adds value to analysis of the raw data and obstructs the sharing of those data. We present a compression scheme for raw Illumina BeadArray data, designed to ease the burdens of sharing and storing such data, that is implemented in the BeadDataPackR BioConductor package ( http://bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/BeadDataPackR.html ). It offers two key advantages over off-the-peg compression tools. First it uses knowledge of the data formats to achieve greater compression than other approaches, and second it does not need to be decompressed for analysis, but rather the values held within can be directly accessed.
Perceived risks and use of psychotherapy via telemedicine for patients at risk for suicide
Authors: Gilmore Amanda K , Ward-Ciesielski Erin F 
Published: October 2017

Introduction Suicide is a major public health problem and its human, emotional, and economic costs are significant. Individuals in rural areas are at highest risk for suicide. However, telemedicine services are typically not rendered to individuals who are actively suicidal. The goals of the current study were to identify the risks of using telemedicine for mental healthcare from the perspective of licensed mental health providers and to determine factors associated with the use of telemedicine with patients who are at high risk for suicide. Methods A total of 52 licensed mental health providers were recruited online through several professional organization listservs and targeted emails. Providers completed online questionnaires regarding demographics, caseload of suicidal patients, perceived risks for using telemedicine with patients at risk for suicide, attitudes towards telemedicine, and use of telemedicine with patients at risk for suicide. Results Three key perceived risks associated with using telemedicine were identified, including assessment, lack of control over patient, and difficulties triaging patients if needed. It was also found that individuals who had more positive attitudes towards telemedicine, younger providers, and more experienced providers were more likely to use telemedicine with patients who are at high risk for suicide. Discussion To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the perceived risks and use of telemedicine with patients at high risk for suicide. It is essential to continue this line of research to develop protocols for the provision of evidence-based therapy via telemedicine for this high-risk group.
Gender and Sexual Minorities’ Practice and Embodiment of Authentic Leadership: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Fine Leigh E. 
Published: October 2017

The Problem There are three barriers that might prevent gender and sexual minority (GSM) persons from putting the tenets of authentic leadership into practice. First, full authenticity with all social actors could carry risk in a world where heterosexuality and conformity to the gender binary remain the norm. Second, because of norms that surround the embodiment of leadership, GSM leaders who may wish to practice authenticity may not be able to be authentic in a way that is intelligible to others. Third, the very term authenticity is problematic: If authenticity is dependent on other’s interpretations of behavior as authentic, then there may be no such thing as an authentic self. The Solution This review of the literature outlines how human resource development (HRD) professionals may put authentic leadership principles into practice with GSM people—or to the ends of creating a more expansive understanding of what the authentic could be for us all. Interrogating the concept of authenticity and agitating for structural change can allow more individuals to realize their authentic selves. The Stakeholders Through collective engagement in the project of troubling and reconstructing authentic leadership based on the scholarship related to GSM people’s obstacles in practicing such, then we may be able to yet promote new forms of authenticity for all leaders.
Up to a Third of Renal Transplant Recipients Have Deficiencies in Cognitive Functioning
Authors: Stoessel Lisa , Schieber Katharina , Jank Sabine , Reber Sandra , Grundmann Franziska , Lueker Christine , Vitinius Frank , Paslakis Georgios , Eckardt Kai-Uwe , Erim Yesim 
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Kidney transplantation is beneficial in improving cognitive abilities in patients with chronic kidney disease; however, there is still uncertainty concerning which cognitive domains benefit and to what extent. Aim: In the present study, cognitive functioning of renal transplant recipients was compared to normative data. Sociodemographic and clinical parameters that were associated with low cognitive performance were identified. Design: A total of 109 renal transplant recipients (63% men) participated in the study, with a mean age of 51.8 (standard deviation [SD] = 14.2) years. The cognitive test battery consisted of measurements assessing memory, attention, executive function, reproductive, and deductive ability. Results: In all tests, participants showed mean scores ranging within 1 SD of the population means. However, except for tests measuring memory, the percentage of participants scoring more than 1 SD below normed means was higher than expected in a normal distribution of performance. In certain tests, up to a third of the participants scored below average. Participants with continuous low performance (11%) showed higher age, poorer education, a longer time since transplantation, higher serum levels of urea and creatinine, and were more likely to have a deceased donor allograft. Discussion: Altough cognitive performance in renal transplant recipients matches normative data and confirms former findings, the amount of patients scoring more than 1 SD below average suggests that there are a considerable number of patients whose cognitive performance in certain domains lies below those of the general population. The identified sociodemographic and biochemical factors might be helpful to identify renal transplant recipients at risk.
Impact of Injection Speed, Volume, and Site on Pain Sensation
Authors: Zijlstra Eric , Jahnke Johannes , Fischer Annelie , Kapitza Christoph , Forst Thomas 
Published: October 2017

Background: Painful subcutaneous insulin injections may decrease treatment compliance. Improving injection comfort therefore represents a particular area of technological research in which steady progress has been made since the introduction of the insulin pen in 1985. Injection pain can be influenced by many variables, but relatively little is known about their impact. This study investigated the impact of injection volume (range 0-2250 µL), speed (range 0-800 µL/sec), and site (abdomen vs thigh) on pain sensation. Method: In random order, patients (n = 80) with type 1 or type 2 diabetes received 24 saline injections subcutaneously through a 27G ultra-thin-wall needle. Injections were performed in the abdomen (n = 19) and thigh (n = 5) with predefined speed-volume combinations. For each injected speed-volume combination, patients scored their pain sensation on a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). Results: The mean pain scores for speed-volume combinations were all in the lower part (<20 mm) of the VAS, indicating zero to mild pain. Pain sensation was statistically higher ( P < .05) with the 2250 µL volume compared to other injection volumes (range 4.3-5.1 mm) and with thigh compared to abdomen injections (2.1 mm). Pain sensation did not change with increasing injection speed. Patient acceptance of the injection pain was high for all injections (range 93.7-98.7%). Conclusions: In summary, large volume and thigh injections are rated more painful, but the clinical impact of these findings is likely marginal considering the low absolute pain levels and high patient acceptance rates. Injection speed does not influence pain sensation.
Acceptability of Implantable Continuous Glucose Monitoring Sensor
Authors: Barnard Katharine D. , Kropff Jort , Choudhary Pratik , Neupane Sankalpa , Bain Stephen C. , Kapitza Christoph , Forst Thomas , Link Manuela , Mdingi Colleen , DeVries J. Hans 
Published: October 2017

Background: Real-time continuous glucose monitoring is associated with significant benefits for diabetes management. Implantable sensors could overcome some challenges reportedly associated with device visibility, psychosocial functioning and sensor durability. Methods: A psychosocial assessment was conducted to determine acceptability and impact of an implantable continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensor as part of the PRECISE trial. Questionnaires were administered to participants comprising the Diabetes Distress Scale, the CGM impact scale, and bespoke device satisfaction. Results: Fifty-one participants across the United Kingdom (n = 10) and Germany (n = 41) completed the questionnaires. Of these, 90% had T1D, 50% followed an insulin pump therapy regimen, and 45% of the participants were previous CGM users. CGM Impact Scale results show 86% (n = 44) of participants reported feeling better (14% neutral) about their diabetes control with 90% CGM naïve participants and 81% previous CGM users reporting increased confidence about their diabetes management. Furthermore, 73% (n = 37) felt more safe (27% neutral) while sleeping and 78% (n = 39) more confident (22% neutral) about avoiding serious hypoglycemia. Responses correspond with an average improvement in HbA1c from 7.51 to 7.05 ( P < .0001) over the 90 days use of the CGM. Overall, the system was rated highly on ease of use, convenience and comfort. 84% would choose to be inserted again with 93% of CGM naïve participants (86% previous CGM users) reporting minimized burden of diabetes. Conclusions: Implantable CGM devices are acceptable to users and are evaluated favorably. The considerable majority of participants (93% of first time users and 77% previous CGM users) would like to continue using the system to help manage their diabetes more effectively.
Cerebrospinal fluid spaces between intracranial venous sinuses and overlying dura mater: magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Tsutsumi Satoshi , Ono Hideo , Yasumoto Yukimasa 
Published: October 2017

Purpose The intracranial venous sinuses are thought to lie interdurally, circumferentially contacting the dura maters. There has been no report documenting the cerebrospinal fluid spaces intervening between the venous sinuses and overlying dura mater. Here, we explored such structures using magnetic resonance imaging. Methods A total of 206 patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging with a T2-weighted or constructive interference steady-state sequence. Imaging data were analysed on a workstation. Results The peri-superior sagittal sinus cerebrospinal fluid spaces were identified in 100% of 133 patients who underwent coronal and sagittal T2-weighted imaging and in 98.6% of 73 with a constructive interference steady-state sequence. Among the 205 patients, the cerebrospinal fluid spaces were distributed over the frontoparietal region in 84% and the parietal region in 16%. On sagittal sections performed for 58 patients, the cerebrospinal fluid spaces were identified between the superior sagittal sinus and overlying dura mater. The peri-sinus spaces were found in 91% of the identified transverse sinuses, 29% of the straight and 70% of the occipital sinuses. The peri-superior sagittal sinus cerebrospinal fluid spaces were classified into five distinct appearances. The circumferential type was the most predominant and was found in 68.7%, followed by lateral in 10.2%, lateral plus inferior in 7.5%, lateral plus superior in 6.8% and superior in 6.8%. Conclusions The intracranial venous sinuses do not circumferentially contact with the dura maters. Instead, they are adjacent to the cerebrospinal fluid spaces intervening between the walls and overlying dura maters. These spaces are critical when considering tumour extensions contralateral to the superior sagittal sinus and safe surgical manoeuvres around it.
Effect of Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I‐1572 on symptoms, gut microbiota, short chain fatty acids, and immune activation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: A pilot randomized clinical trial
Authors: Cremon Cesare , Guglielmetti Simone , Gargari Giorgio , Taverniti Valentina , Castellazzi Anna Maria , Valsecchi Chiara , Tagliacarne Carlotta , Fiore Walter , Bellini Massimo , Bertani Lorenzo , Gambaccini Dario , Cicala Michele , Germanà Bastianello , Vecchi Maurizio , Pagano Isabella , Barbaro Maria Raffaella , Bellacosa Lara , Stanghellini Vincenzo , Barbara Giovanni 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundEvidence suggests a role of intestinal microbiota‐host interactions in the pathophysiology and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).ObjectiveThe objective of this article is to assess the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I‐1572 on clinical and gut microbiota‐related factors in IBS.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, cross‐over, 18‐week, placebo‐controlled, pilot trial assessing the effect of Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I‐1572 on symptoms, gut microbiota composition, fecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA), immunoglobulin A, and cytokines in IBS. The intestinal microbial ecosystem was characterized by 16S rRNA gene profiling.ResultsForty IBS patients were enrolled from five Italian centers. Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I‐1572 did not significantly improve IBS symptoms, including primary efficacy variables worst abdominal pain/discomfort and IBS degree of relief. Interestingly, Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I‐1572 induced a significant reduction in genus Ruminococcus, dominated by taxa related to Ruminococcus bromii and Ruminococcus callidus, a significant increase in the SCFAs acetate and butyrate, and a significant reduction in the pro‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐15.ConclusionsThis pilot study shows that Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I‐1572 is able to modulate gut microbiota structure/function and reduce immune activation in IBS. As no statistically significant effect on IBS‐symptoms was found, further studies are necessary to determine the role of this probiotic in IBS. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov registry under identifier NCT02371499.