scholarly journals Beyond Ambiguity: A Practical Framework for Developing and Implementing Open Government Reforms

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Merlin Chatwin ◽  
Godwin Arku
Keyword(s):  
Local Governments ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Open Government ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Specific Content ◽  
Extensive Literature Search ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Government Reforms ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Systems Framework

The broad idea of ‘Open Government’ is widely accepted as a facilitator for rebuilding trust and validation in governments around the world. The Open Government Partnership is a significant driver of this movement with over 75 member nations, 15 subnational government participants and many others local governments implementing reforms within their national frameworks. The central tenets of transparency, accountability, participation, and collaboration are well understood within scholarly works and practitioner publications. However, open government is yet to be attributed with a universally acknowledged definition. This leads to questions of adaptability and salience of the concept of open government across diverse contexts. This paper addresses these questions by utilizing a human systems framework called the Dialogue Boxes. To develop an understanding of how open government is currently positioned within scholarly works and practitioner publications, an extensive literature search was conducted. The search utilized major search engines, often-cited references, direct journal searches and colleague provided references. Using existing definitions and descriptions, this paper populates the framework with available information and allow for context specific content to be populated by future users. Ultimately, the aim of the paper is to support the development of open government action plans that maximize the direct positive impact on people’s lives.

scholarly journals A fluorine turns a medicinal benzodiazepine into NPS: the case of flualprazolam

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagoula-Stamatina A. Ntoupa ◽  
Ioannis I. Papoutsis ◽  
Artemisia A. Dona ◽  
Chara A. Spiliopoulou ◽  
Sotiris A. Athanaselis
Keyword(s):  
World Wide Web ◽  
Biological Samples ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
World Wide ◽  
Legal Status ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Clinical Effects ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Extensive Literature Search ◽  
Available Information

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this review is to summarize the existing knowledge on flualprazolam, a novel ‘designer’ benzodiazepine that derives from the fluorination of the phenyl moiety in the ortho-position of alprazolam. Methods An extensive literature search was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar and World Wide Web using relevant keywords. All articles found were gathered, and the available information is presented. Results This article reviews the existing knowledge on chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, prevalence and current legal status of flualprazolam. Moreover, forensic and clinical cases where flualprazolam was involved worldwide, as well as flualprazolam seizures, along with the methods for its determination in biological samples are presented. Conclusions The recent flualprazolam-related cases have raised concerns to regulatory authorities and international stakeholders suggesting that flualprazolam should be under international control. The urgent international control of flualprazolam, despite the limited information on clinical effects and pharmacologic characteristics available, is an important measure for the prevention of its increasing abuse worldwide.

Anticancer Hybrid Combinations: Mechanisms of Action, Implications and Future Perspectives

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (36) ◽  
pp. 4312-4333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva M. Domínguez-Martín ◽  
Ana M. Díaz-Lanza ◽  
Célia M. C. Faustino
Keyword(s):  
Paradigm Shift ◽  
Molecular Level ◽  
Chemotherapeutic Agent ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Synergistic Interactions ◽  
Extensive Literature Search ◽  
Preclinical And Clinical Studies ◽  
Phytochemical Components ◽  
Combination Regimens

The exponential growth of cancer cases worldwide together with recent advances concerning the pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease at the molecular level led to a paradigm shift in chemotherapy, from monotherapy to targeted drug combination regimens. However, adverse effects and the emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) limit the effectiveness of these therapies. In this context, hybrid combinations mixing anticancer drugs and bioactive phytochemical components from medicinal plants, or even plant extracts, that can act synergistically on multiple targets and signaling pathways represent a promising approach with the potential to expand the current therapeutic arsenal. This review aims to provide a synopsis on anticancer hybrid combinations based on their multi-target mechanisms and synergistic effects from an extensive literature search focusing mainly on publications from the last ten years. In most of these combinations, the phytochemical component was shown to enhance the anticancer activity of the chemotherapeutic agent and to sensitize chemoresistant tumors in several types of cancer. Hybrid combinations, due to synergistic interactions, are also associated with less severe adverse events since lower doses can be used to achieve the same therapeutic effect. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed, as well as the development of an adequate regulatory framework, before hybrid combination therapy can be translated into clinical practice.

Recent developments and opportunities in fighting COVID-19

Coronaviruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vikram Rao ◽  
Subrat Kumar Bhattamisra
Keyword(s):  
World Health ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Therapeutic Molecules ◽  
Discharged Patients ◽  
Extensive Literature Search ◽  
Repurposed Drugs ◽  
Health Organization

Background: COVID-19, a Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) was first diagnosed in the patients from Wuhan, China in December 2019. Within couple of months of infection, it was declared as pandemic by World health organization. COVID-19 has become the most contagious infection with a serious threat to global health. In this review, we aimed to discuss the pathogenesis, diagnostics, current treatments and potential vaccines for COVID-19. Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted using keywords “COVID-19”; “Coronavirus”; “SARS-Cov-2”; “SARS” in public domains of Google, Google scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. Selected articles were used to construct this review. Results: SARS-Cov-2 uses the Spike (S) protein on its surface to recognize the receptor on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and bind with 10-folds greater affinity than SARS-Cov-1. Molecular assays and immunoassays are the most frequently used tests whereas computed tomography (CT) scans, Artificial intelligence enabled diagnostic tools were also used in patients. In therapeutic treatment, few drugs were repurposed and there are 23 therapeutic molecules including the repurposed drugs are in different stages of clinical trial. Similarly, development of vaccines is also in the pipeline. Few countries have managed well to contain the spread by rapid testing and identifying the clusters. Conclusion: Till now, the acute complications and mortality of COVID-19 has been linked to the pre-existing comorbid conditions or age. Besides the development of therapeutic strategies that includes drugs and vaccine, the long term implication of COVID-19 infection in terms of the disorder/disability in the cured/discharged patients is a new area to investigate.

scholarly journals The Differential Diagnosis of Sterile Pyuria in Pediatric Patients: A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 2333794X2199371
Author(s):  
Donald W. Bendig
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Pediatric Patients ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Sterile Pyuria ◽  
Extensive Literature Search ◽  
Definition Of

Sterile pyuria is a common finding in pediatric patients. Literature describing the diagnoses as well as clinical characteristics of children with sterile pyuria is lacking. This review was performed to establish an evidence-based approach to the differential diagnosis by way of an extensive literature search. The definition of pyuria is inconsistent. The various causes of pediatric sterile pyuria identified were classified as either Infectious or Non-Infectious. Sub-categories of Infectious causes include: Viral Infection, Bacterial Infection, Other Infections (tuberculosis, fungal, parasitic), Sexually Transmitted Infections, Recent Antibiotic Therapy. Non-Infectious causes include: Systemic Disease, Renal Disease, Drug Related, Inflammation adjacent to Genitourinary Tract. Clinicians that encounter pediatric patients with sterile pyuria and persistent symptoms should consider the substantial differential diagnosis described in this study.

scholarly journals Can Vaccination Trigger Autoimmune Disorders? A Meta-Analysis

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 821
Author(s):  
Marek Petráš ◽  
Ivana Králová Lesná ◽  
Jana Dáňová ◽  
Alexander M. Čelko
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Autoimmune Disorders ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Measures Of Association ◽  
Assessment Development ◽  
Extensive Literature Search ◽  
The Stability

Vaccination as an important tool in the fight against infections has been suggested as a possible trigger of autoimmunity over the last decades. To confirm or refute this assumption, a Meta-analysis of Autoimmune Disorders Association With Immunization (MADAWI) was conducted. Included in the meta-analysis were a total of 144 studies published in 1968–2019 that were available in six databases and identified by an extensive literature search conducted on 30 November 2019. The risk of bias classification of the studies was performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The strength of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. While our primary analysis was conducted in terms of measures of association employed in studies with a low risk of bias, the robustness of the MADAWI outcome was tested using measures independent of each study risk of bias. Additionally, subgroup analyses were performed to determine the stability of the outcome. The pooled association of 0.99 (95% confidence interval, 0.97–1.02), based on a total of 364 published estimates, confirmed an equivalent occurrence of autoimmune disorders in vaccinated and unvaccinated persons. The same level of association reported by studies independently of the risk of bias was supported by a sufficient number of studies, and no serious limitation, inconsistency, indirectness, imprecision, and publication bias. A sensitivity analysis did not reveal any discrepancy in the primary result. Current common vaccination is not the cause of any of the examined autoimmune disorders in the medium and long terms.

scholarly journals Musculoskeletal biomechanics in sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit activities with stroke subjects: a systematic review

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Danielli Coelho de Morais Faria ◽  
Viviane Amaral Saliba ◽  
Luci Fuscaldi Teixeira-Salmela
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Manual Search ◽  
Sit To Stand ◽  
Extensive Literature Search

INTRODUCTION: Sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit are two of the most mechanically demanding activities undertaken in daily life and which are usually impaired in stroke subjects. OBJECTIVES: To determine the distinguishing characteristics in musculoskeletal biomechanical outcomes of the sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit activities with stroke subjects, with an emphasis on the clinical management of stroke disabilities, in a systematic review. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An extensive literature search was performed with the MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PEDro, LILACS, and SciELO databases, followed by a manual search, to select studies on musculoskeletal biomechanical outcomes in both activities with stroke subjects, without language restrictions, and published until December/2007. RESULTS: Out of the 432 studies, only 11 reported biomechanical outcomes of both activities and none reached the total score on the selected quality parameters. The majority of the experimental studies which compared groups did not achieve acceptable scores on their methodological quality (PEDRo). The investigated conditions and interventions were also restricted. Only one study compared biomechanical outcomes between the activities, but only evaluated the time spent to perform them. Few musculoskeletal biomechanical outcomes have been investigated, being weight bearing on the lower limbs and duration of the activities the most investigated. CONCLUSION: There is little information regarding musculoskeletal biomechanical outcomes during these activities with stroke subjects and no definite conclusions can be drawn regarding the particularities of these outcomes on their performance with stroke survivors.

scholarly journals Magnetic Suspension with Motorization to Measure the Speed of Gravity

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
pp. 1760020
Author(s):  
Henrique Linares ◽  
Carlos Frajuca ◽  
Fabio S. Bortoli ◽  
Givanildo A. Santos ◽  
Francisco Y. Nakamoto
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Magnetic Bearing ◽  
Magnetic Suspension ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Sliding Bearing ◽  
Speed Of Gravity ◽  
Engineering Problems ◽  
Extensive Literature Search ◽  
Hybrid Bearing

This work aims to design a magnetic suspension for an experiment to measure gravitys velocity. Such device must rotate two objects symmetrically with the greatest mass and largest radius as possible, at the speed of [Formula: see text], which means this device falls into the high-speed machines category. The guidelines and solutions proposed in this paper constitute a contribution to this class of engineering problems and were based on an extensive literature search, contacts with experts, the tutors and author’s experience, as well as on experimental results. The main solution proposed is a hybrid bearing that combines a radial passive magnetic bearing with an axial sliding bearing, here called MPS (Magnetic Passive and Sliding) bearing.

Whose money matters in public education: A “public” good that parents purchase

2021 ◽  
pp. 147821032110343
Author(s):  
Eunju Kang
Keyword(s):  
Public Schools ◽  
Public Education ◽  
School Districts ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
New York State ◽  
Federal State ◽  
Education Funding ◽  
Funding Policy ◽  
State And Local

Instead of asking whether money matters, this paper questions whose money matters in public education. Previous literature on education funding uses an aggregate expenditure per pupil to measure the relationship between education funding and academic performance. Federalism creates mainly three levels of funding sources: federal, state, and local governments. Examining New York State school districts, most equitably funded across school districts among the 50 states, this paper shows that neither federal nor state funds are positively correlated with graduation rates. Only local revenues for school districts indicate a strong positive impact. Parents’ money matters. This finding contributes to a contentious discourse on education funding policy in the governments, courts, and academia with respect to education funding and inequality in American public schools.

The genus Carex (Cyperaceae) in Armenia

Phytotaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 494 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-41
Author(s):  
JACOB KOOPMAN ◽  
TARON ALEKSANYAN ◽  
ALLA ALEKSANYAN ◽  
GEORGE FAYVUSH ◽  
MARINA OGANESIAN ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Literature Search ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Extensive Literature Search

In this paper we present an updated checklist, key and maps for all the currently known Carex taxa present in Armenia. The present work is based on the revision of the vouchers in herbaria ERE, W and MW, extensive literature search, and field research carried out in 2015–2019. As a result, 71 species of Carex are known from Armenia. Besides, the first Carex hybrid in Armenia has been found and provided here with a binomial name.

Impact of dental implant diameter on the efficiency of fatigue - a systematic review analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Mohamed Tharwat Hamed ◽  
Hisham Abdullah Mously ◽  
Moayyad Motaz Ghulman ◽  
Ghada Hussein Naguib
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Dental Implant ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Wide Diameter ◽  
Review Analysis ◽  
Body Fracture ◽  
Extensive Literature Search ◽  
Technical Complication ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Objective: The present study explains the success and failure of dental implant diameter on the efficiency of fatigue by conducting a systematic review analysis. Methods: An extensive literature search was conducted to carry out systematic review using different scholarly platforms and libraries. A total of 12 studies published within the past 20-year time (1999-2019) were included following the inclusion and exclusion criteria based on the PRISMA guidelines. Additionally, the study outcomes were evaluated to determine their perceptions regarding the role of dental implant diameter in influencing the implant’s fatigue performance. Results: The implant diameter can be categorized into wide diameter (5-6 mm), regular diameter (3.75-4 mm), and small/narrow diameter (3-3.4 mm). The narrow diameter implants are indicated through thin alveolar ridges and mesiodistal spaces (less than 7 mm). The implants with narrow diameter would offer greater risk of fatigue failure for clinical situations with significant functional loading. No significant differences were found either in success or failure of dental implant diameter on fatigue efficiency after 1-year and 3-year follow-up. Conclusion: The technical complication of dental implant include abutment screw loosening or fracture, abutment and superstructure fracture, and implant body fracture. The study has study has mainly focused on the impact of dental implant diameter on the efficiency of fatigue and reviewed a significant impact of dental implant diameter on the fatigue efficiency. Keywords: Dental Implants, Efficiency, Perception. Continuous...

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