bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing a roadmap for planning and implementation of interoperability capability in e-government
Authors: Sharma Rajesh , Panigrahi Prabin Kumar 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to propose a tool in the form of a roadmap for planning and implementation of interoperability capabilities. The issue of interoperability is gaining importance for offering services as “one-stop shop” due to rapid developments in the field of e-government in recent times. Several complexities are associated with this important dimension, and there is an urgent need for developing a tool to facilitate rollout of e-government projects with interoperability capabilities. The proposed roadmap can enable knowledge sharing among key stakeholders for building a common vision and contribute to planning and implementation of interoperability features of e-government.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper is an exploratory study using the phenomenographic interpretive approach. The literature review identifies the facets and the issues that are crucial for facilitating interoperability. The status of interoperability in some of the developed countries is reviewed where e-government is in a relatively mature stage. Based on the review, this paper identifies an initial set of issues that can guide semi-structured interviews with policymakers, partners and the government agencies implementing e-government projects. The views of these key stakeholders are then analyzed and used for developing the roadmap for implementation of interoperability of e-government services. The findings are then mapped in India’s context for triangulation purpose.

Findings
– The paper provides insights into various planning and implementation issues that have to be addressed for building interoperability capability. A roadmap is proposed encompassing the essential legal, regulatory, organizational and technical aspects that are deemed essential for successful planning and implementation of interoperability capability.

Research limitations/implications
– The study has the limitation that the exploratory part of the study is based on inputs from key actors in the Indian context only. It needs to be validated by empirical studies in various contexts.

Practical implications
– The roadmap proposed will be useful for the policymakers, as it can guide them for planning and implementing e-government systems with interoperability capabilities. It can be used as a knowledge-sharing tool for spreading awareness of steps required for designing and implementing interoperability capabilities.

Originality/value
– The paper contributes by providing a tool in the form of a roadmap that can be used by the policymakers and implementers to take a holistic view of requirements for development of interoperability capabilities. The paper can form the basis for future research in specific issues of interoperability.
E-government: applications in the labor and social security regulatory area
Authors: Stefanou Constantinos J. , Skouras Anastasios 
Published: October 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to primarily address the need for expanding e-government in Greece in the labour market. The authors attempt to analyse e-government initiatives in labour and social security legislation areas and identify whether private sector companies are willing to utilize them. The re-organization of government functions and procedures is discussed as a means of achieving the desired objectives of all interested parties.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study is based on a survey of companies in the area of Heraklion, Crete. A questionnaire instrument was used to collect the data. The authors attempted to identify whether companies would prefer to use either the Integrated Information System (IIS) that the Ministry of Labour has initiated or Payroll Information System (PIS) that is proposed by the authors and provided via a cloud computing platform by the public sector. In addition, the authors use the Delphi technique and a panel of experts consisting of Inspectors of the Ministry of Labour in an attempt to identify which of the aforementioned systems would help make controls more efficient and effective.

Findings
– The companies acknowledge the need for e-government and about 50 per cent of them would feel positive about using the proposed application (PIS). Small companies are more willing to accept PIS and large companies feel more positive about using the IIS. Furthermore, the panel of experts agree that the adoption of PIS would help the most in the fight against undeclared work.

Research limitations/implications
– The questionnaires were completed by 75 companies in the area of Heraklion, Crete, Greece. The sample, although representative of the structure of Greek industrial sector, is nevertheless small and expresses only the local culture. This limitation provides at the same time opportunities for further research. Although the need for e-government is recognized, there are concerns about the possible failure of new applications’ implementation.

Practical implications
– Labour and social security legislation areas are important for modern countries. The paper provides a model of e-government on these areas that if implemented could reduce administrative costs and facilitate public control.

Social implications
– The proposed model could enhance employees’ protection and effectively reduce undeclared work.

Originality/value
– This study is a first attempt to analyse e-government initiatives in labour and social security legislation areas in Greece. The main idea is not simply to make procedures electronic but to re-organize and re-define these procedures. Thus, the model that is proposed by the authors as a possible way of e-governance appears to help the most in reducing companies’ administration costs, increasing the protection received by the employees and assisting public services in conducting more effective and simpler controls.
Leaf colour polymorphisms: a balance between plant defence and photosynthesis
Authors: Menzies Ignatius J. , Youard Luke W. , Lord Janice M. , Carpenter Kaylyn L. , van Klink John W. , Perry Nigel B. , Schaefer H. Martin , Gould Kevin S. 
Published: October 2015

Summary

Whether plants use leaf colour to deter herbivores remains controversial. The warning signal hypothesis predicts that red pigmentation is adaptive by reducing herbivory; plants with predominantly red foliage should have higher fitness than those with green leaves. Despite many discussions, this prediction has rarely been tested, and alternative, non‐exclusive hypotheses cannot be ruled out.

We have exploited leaf colour polymorphism in Pseudowintera colorata to test the warning signal hypothesis and to address possible alternative explanations.

Consistent with warning signals, redder foliage contained higher concentrations of polygodial, a sesquiterpene dialdehyde with strong antifeedant properties, and incurred less herbivory than green leaves. Redder plants hosted 22% fewer lepidopteran leafroller larvae than neighbouring green plants.

However, contrary to the predictions of the hypothesis, there were no differences in fitness parameters between red and green plants. Overall leaf canopy colour was not a significant predictor of the number of seeds per fruit or of mean seed weight. This may be explained by differences in photosynthesis: green P. colorata leaves had 47% higher maximum CO2 assimilation rates than matched red leaves from neighbouring plants.

These results indicate that the benefits of deterring insect herbivores by signalling may be balanced by the higher photosynthetic rate of non‐signalling plants. A balance between signalling and photosynthesis is a novel mechanism for the maintenance of leaf colour polymorphisms in nature.

Synthesis. Anthocyanin pigments may simultaneously serve multiple functions within leaves, and individuals of the same plant species may use different strategies to cope with insect herbivores. Therefore, investigations into the role of these pigments in plant–insect interactions need to consider plant physiology and the diversity of plant defence mechanisms.
Comparison of Polyphenol Profile and Inhibitory Activities Against Oxidation and α‐Glucosidase in Mulberry (Genus Morus) Cultivars from China
Authors: Jin Qing , Yang Jiufang , Ma Liyan , Cai Jieling , Li Jingming 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMulberry (genus Morus) is a significant source of polyphenols, which can promote positive effects on human health. China has various mulberry cultivars, however, many Chinese mulberry cultivars have been only minimally studied. To solve this lack of research, 8 mulberry cultivars (Da10, Tang10, Yueshen74, Yuefenshen, Longsang, Ningxia1hao, Taiwanguosang, and Baiyuwang) from 4 regions of China were assessed to determine their polyphenol profiles using HPLC‐MS/MS and then tested for their antioxidant and anti‐α‐glucosidase activities in vitro. A total of 18 nonanthocyanins and 4 anthocyanins were quantified in mulberry cultivars; among these polyphenols, chlorogenic acid, quercetin 3‐O‐rutinoside, and cyanidin 3‐O‐glucoside were confirmed as the major phenolic acid, flavonol derivative, and anthocyanin, respectively. Two types of stilbene compounds, piceid, and piceatannol, were detected for the 1st time in all mulberry cultivars. Moreover, the methanolic extracts of different mulberry cultivars showed disparate antioxidant and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activities, and this discrepancy was mainly attributed to varying the anthocyanin content. Based on our results, Taiwanguosang is proposed to be a good candidate suitable for further process due to its high level of anthocyanins.
Assessment of health‐related quality of life in Egyptian HCV‐infected recipients after living donor liver transplantation
Authors: El‐Meteini Mahmoud , Montasser Iman Fawzy , El Gendy Eman , Dabbous Hany , Hashem Reem ELS , William Peter , Bahaa Mohamed , Sakr Mohammed Amin 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveUnderstanding issues pertaining to quality of life is essential for any disease, particularly in recipients of liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of liver transplantation on Egyptian recipients' health‐related quality of life (HRQOL).MethodsA prospective study carried out at the Ain Shams Center for Organ Transplantation (Cairo, Egypt), including 35 recipients for the evaluation of HRQOL using short form 36 score (Arabic version) and Beck Depression Inventory scores pre‐transplantation and 1 and 6 months afterwards.ResultsThe mean age of the recipients was 49.27 ± 8.16 years. Among them, 17 patients were highly educated. A statistically significant improvement in all dimensions of their HRQOL was observed after liver transplantation. Their physical functioning was 45.00 ± 34.34 before liver transplantation while after 1 and 6 months it was 57.50 ± 20.66 and 74.83 ± 19.27, respectively (P < 0.001).All 17 patients completed their first year after transplantation, showing a statistically significant improvement in all dimensions of their HRQOL one year after liver transplantation except that in mental health, role limitation due to emotional health emotional and social functioning domains.ConclusionHRQOL is an important aspect of liver transplantation that should not be neglected.
The development of genetic and molecular markers to register and commercialize Penicillium rubens (formerly Penicillium oxalicum) strain 212 as a biocontrol agent
Authors: Villarino Maria , De Cal Antonieta , Melgarejo Paloma , Larena Inmaculada , Espeso Eduardo A. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryPenicillium oxalicum strain 212 (PO212) is an effective biocontrol agent (BCA) against a large number of economically important fungal plant pathogens. For successful registration as a BCA in Europe, PO212 must be accurately identified. In this report, we describe the use of classical genetic and molecular markers to characterize and identify PO212 in order to understand its ecological role in the environment or host. We successfully generated pyrimidine (pyr‐) auxotrophic mutants. In addition we also designed specific oligonucleotides for the pyrF gene at their untranslated regions for rapid and reliable identification and classification of strains of P. oxalicum and P. rubens, formerly P. chrysogenum. Using these DNA‐based technologies, we found that PO212 is a strain of P. rubens, and is not a strain of P. oxalicum. This work presents PO212 as the unique P. rubens strain to be described as a BCA and the information contained here serves for its registration and commercialization in Europe.
The effect of heat stress on gene expression and synthesis of heat‐shock and milk proteins in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Hu Han , Zhang Yangdong , Zheng Nan , Cheng Jianbo , Wang Jiaqi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this study, bovine mammary epithelial cells were used to study stress responses after cells were exposed to 42°C for 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 8 or 12 h, and 38°C as control. The transcription of the genes (HSP27, HSP70 and HSP90) of heat shock protein (Hsp) was significantly enhanced under heat stress (HS). The peak transcription of HSP70 was 14 times the control at 1 h. Expression of proteins Hsp27 and Hsp70 was gradually increased under HS, with rapid deposition of Hsp70 in epithelial cells. The major milk protein genes of β‐casein (CSN2) and butyrophilin (BTN1A1) were down‐regulated and the synthesis of total caseins was decreased. After the cells were under HS (42°C) for 1 or 5 h, the cells were cultured at 38°C for 1, 6, 12 or 24 h for recovery. When the cells were cultured at 38°C for 24 h after HS for 1 h, the transcription of HSP70, HSP90, CSN2 and BTN reached normal levels. Our results suggest that HS initiated Hsp synthesis and decreased the milk protein synthesis. Hsp70 is extremely sensitive to HS and mainly responsible for mammary cell protection from HS.
Effect of Iron and Carbon Monoxide on Fibrinogenase‐like Degradation of Plasmatic Coagulation by Venoms of Six Agkistrodon Species
Authors: Nielsen Vance G. , Redford Daniel T. , Boyle Patrick K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAnnually, thousands suffer poisonous snakebite, often from defibrinogenating species. It has been demonstrated that iron and carbon monoxide change the ultrastructure of plasma thrombi and improve coagulation kinetics. Thus, this investigation sought to determine whether pre‐treatment of plasma with iron and carbon monoxide could attenuate venom‐mediated catalysis of fibrinogen obtained from Agkistrodon species with fibrinogenase activity. Human plasma was pre‐treated with ferric chloride (0–10 μM) and carbon monoxide‐releasing molecule‐2 (CORM‐2, 0–100 μM) prior to exposure to 0.5–11 μg/ml of six different Agkistrodon species’ venom. The amount of venom used for experimentation needed to decrease coagulation function of one or more kinetic parameters by at least 50% of normal values for (e.g. half the normal speed of clot formation). Coagulation kinetics were determined with thrombelastography. All six snake venoms degraded plasmatic coagulation kinetics to a significant extent, especially prolonging the onset to clot formation and diminishing the speed of clot growth. Pre‐treatment of plasma with iron and carbon monoxide attenuated these venom‐mediated coagulation kinetic changes in a species‐specific manner, with some venom effects markedly abrogated while others were only mildly decreased. Further in vitro investigation of other pit viper venoms that possess fibrinogenolytic activity is indicated to identify species amenable to or resistant to iron and carbon monoxide‐mediated attenuation of venom‐mediated catalysis of fibrinogen. Lastly, future pre‐clinical investigation with animal models (e.g. rabbit ear‐bleed model) is planned to determine whether iron and carbon monoxide can be used therapeutically after envenomation.
Consultation about Sexual Health Issues in the Year after Childbirth: A Cohort Study
Authors: McDonald Ellie , Woolhouse Hannah , Brown Stephanie J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundPostnatal sexual health remains underresearched. The main aims of this study were to investigate the prevalence of postnatal sexual health issues, and the extent to which primary care practitioners routinely inquire about sexual health issues.Method1,507 first time mothers were recruited in early pregnancy and followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. Sexual health issues were assessed at every follow‐up using a checklist.ResultsEighty‐nine percent of women reported sexual health issues in the first 3 months postpartum. The most common sexual health issues at 3 months postpartum were: loss of interest in sex, pain during sex, vaginal tightness, and lack of lubrication. Fifty‐one percent continued to report loss of interest in sex at 12 months postpartum, and around 30 percent reported persisting pain. Although most women had contact with primary care practitioners during the first 3 months postpartum, only 24 percent recalled being asked about sexual health issues by general practitioners and 14 percent by maternal and child health nurses. Women who had a cesarean delivery had equivalent or higher odds of reporting persisting sexual health issues, but had lower odds of being asked directly about sexual problems (OR 0.58 [95% CI 0.4–0.9]).ConclusionsSexual health issues are extremely common after childbirth. There was no evidence that women who had a cesarean delivery experienced fewer sexual health problems. Despite frequent contact with health professionals, women rarely discussed sexual health issues unless health professionals asked them directly. Given the high prevalence of postpartum sexual health issues routine inquiry is warranted.
Nephron‐sparing surgery across a nation – outcomes from the British Association of Urological Surgeons 2012 national partial nephrectomy audit
Authors: Fernando Archie , Fowler Sarah , O'Brien Tim ,   the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS)
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveTo determine the scope and outcomes of nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS), i.e. partial nephrectomy, across the UK and in so doing set a realistic benchmark and identify fresh contemporary challenges in NSS.Patients and MethodsIn 2012 reporting of outcomes of all types of nephrectomy became mandatory in the UK. In all, 148 surgeons in 86 centres prospectively entered data on 6 042 nephrectomies undertaken in 2012. This study is a retrospective analysis of the NSS procedures in the dataset.ResultsA total of 1 044 NSS procedures were recorded and the median (range) surgical volume was 4 (1–39) per consultant and 8 (1–59) per centre. In all, 36 surgeons and 10 centres reported on only one NSS. The indications for NSS were: elective with a tumour of ≤4.5 cm in 59%, elective with a tumour of >4.5 cm in 10%, relative in 7%, imperative in 12%, Von Hippel–Lindau in 1%, and unknown in 11%. The median (range) tumour size was 3.4 (0.8–30) cm. The technique used was minimally invasive surgery in 42%, open in 58%, with conversions in 4%. The histology results were: malignant in 80%, benign in 18%, and unknown in 2%. In patients aged <40 years 36% (36/101) had benign histology vs 17% (151/874) of those aged ≥40 years (P < 0.01). In patients with tumours of <2.5 cm 29% (69/238) had benign histology vs 14% (57/410) with tumours of 2.5–4 cm vs 8% (16/194) with tumours of ≥4 cm (P = 0.02). In patients aged <40 years with of tumours of <2.5 cm 44% (15/34) were benign. The 30‐day mortality was 0.1% (1/1 044). There were major complications (Clavien–Dindo grade of ≥IIIa) in 5% (53/1 044). There was an increased risk of complications after extended elective NSS of 19% (19/101) vs elective at 12% (76/621) (relative risk [RR] 1.54; P < 0.01). Margins were recorded in 68% (709/1 044) of the patients, with positive margins identified in 7% (51/709). Positive surgical margins after NSS for pathological T3 (pT3) tumours were found in 47.8% (11/23) vs 6.1% (32/523) for pT1a, tumours (RR 5.61; P < 0.01). In all, 14% (894/6 042) of the patients underwent surgery for T1a tumours: 55% (488/894) by NSS, 42% (377/894) by radical nephrectomy (RN), and in 3% (29/894) the procedure used was unknown. Major complications after occurred in 4.9% (24/488) of NSS vs 1.3% (5/377) of RN (P < 0.01). Limitations included poor reporting of renal function data and no data on tumour complexity.ConclusionsIn its first year, mandatory national reporting has provided several challenging contemporary insights into NSS.
The impact of re‐transurethral resection on clinical outcomes in a large multicentre cohort of patients with T1 high‐grade/Grade 3 bladder cancer treated with bacille Calmette–Guérin
Authors: Gontero Paolo , Sylvester Richard , Pisano Francesca , Joniau Steven , Oderda Marco , Serretta Vincenzo , Larré Stéphane , Di Stasi Savino , Van Rhijn Bas , Witjes Alfred J. , Grotenhuis Anne J. , Colombo Renzo , Briganti Alberto , Babjuk Marek , Soukup Viktor , Malmström Per‐Uno , Irani Jacques , Malats Nuria , Baniel Jack , Mano Roy , Cai Tommaso , Cha Eugene K. , Ardelt Peter , Vakarakis John , Bartoletti Riccardo , Dalbagni Guido , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Xylinas Evanguelos , Karnes Robert J. , Palou Joan 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo determine if a re‐transurethral resection (TUR), in the presence or absence of muscle at the first TUR in patients with T1‐high grade (HG)/Grade 3 (G3) bladder cancer, makes a difference in recurrence, progression, cancer specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS).Patients and methodsIn a large retrospective multicentre cohort of 2451 patients with T1‐HG/G3 initially treated with bacille Calmette–Guérin, 935 (38%) had a re‐TUR. According to the presence or absence of muscle in the specimen of the primary TUR, patients were divided in four groups: group 1 (no muscle, no re‐TUR), group 2 (no muscle, re‐TUR), group 3 (muscle, no re‐TUR) and group 4 (muscle, re‐TUR). Clinical outcomes were compared across the four groups.ResultsRe‐TUR had a positive impact on recurrence, progression, CSS and OS only if muscle was not present in the primary TUR specimen. Adjusting for the most important prognostic factors, re‐TUR in the absence of muscle had a borderline significant effect on time to recurrence [hazard ratio (HR) 0.67, P = 0.08], progression (HR 0.46, P = 0.06), CSS (HR 0.31, P = 0.07) and OS (HR 0.48, P = 0.05). Re‐TUR in the presence of muscle in the primary TUR specimen did not improve the outcome for any of the endpoints.ConclusionsOur retrospective analysis suggests that re‐TUR may not be necessary in patients with T1‐HG/G3, if muscle is present in the specimen of the primary TUR.