BackgroundHeterogeneous healthcare instance data can hardly be integrated without harmonizing its schema-level metadata. Many medical research projects and organizations use metadata repositories to edit, store and reuse data elements. However, existing metadata repositories differ regarding software implementation and have shortcomings when it comes to exchanging metadata. This work aims to define a uniform interface with a technical interlingua between the different MDR implementations in order to enable and facilitate the exchange of metadata, to query over distributed systems and to promote cooperation. To design a unified interface for multiple existing MDRs, a standardized data model must be agreed on. The ISO 11179 is an international standard for the representation of metadata, and since most MDR systems claim to be at least partially compliant, it is suitable for defining an interface thereupon. Therefore, each repository must be able to define which parts can be served and the interface must be able to handle highly linked data. GraphQL is a data access layer and defines query techniques designed to navigate easily through complex data structures.ResultsWe propose QL4MDR, an ISO 11179-3 compatible GraphQL query language. The GraphQL schema for QL4MDR is derived from the ISO 11179 standard and defines objects, fields, queries and mutation types. Entry points within the schema define the path through the graph to enable search functionalities, but also the exchange is promoted by mutation types, which allow creating, updating and deleting of metadata. QL4MDR is the foundation for the uniform interface, which is implemented in a modern web-based interface prototype.ConclusionsWe have introduced a uniform query interface for metadata repositories combining the ISO 11179 standard for metadata repositories and the GraphQL query language. A reference implementation based on the existing Samply.MDR was implemented. The interface facilitates access to metadata, enables better interaction with metadata as well as a basis for connecting existing repositories. We invite other ISO 11179-based metadata repositories to take this approach into account.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to determine whether anti-money laundering measures are capable of providing a solution to the growing problem of public sector corruption in Iraq and, if so, the extent to which changes are required to the current Iraqi AML regime to enhance its effectiveness against such corruption. Design/methodology/approach -This paper will initially explore the growing problem of public sector corruption in Iraq and the measures taken to address such corruption. Subsequently, the corruption-money laundering relationship and the ability of AML measures based on prevailing international standards to serve as an anti-corruption tool will be analysed. Finally, the current Iraqi AML regime will be examined to observe whether and to what extent changes are required to enhance its effectiveness against public sector corruption. Findings -Considering the widely acknowledged nexus between corruption and money laundering, a robust AML regime can be effectively utilised by Iraq to combat endemic public sector corruption. This regime must involve a system where financial institutions at their own expense monitor transactions and file suspicious transaction reports with the Iraqi Money Laundering Reporting Office. This, in turn, must identify cases from those suspicious transaction reports that require further investigation by Iraqi anti-corruption bodies and other law enforcement authorities, who should be empowered to investigate, freeze, seize and confiscate the suspected corrupt proceeds. Such a regime would provide a clear avenue for the obtaining of financial intelligence capable of exposing corruption, thereby addressing the fundamental issue presently encountered by Iraqi anti-corruption bodies. Amendments are, however, needed to Iraqi anti-money laundering laws to enhance their effectiveness in combating public sector corruption. Most importantly, financial institutions must be required to apply enhanced customer due diligence measures to domestic politically exposed persons. Research limitations/implications -This paper is a result of a remote analysis of material published in relation to the subject matter of the paper. Local and regional analysis (e.g. including interviews with the relevant agencies) would be required to confirm the practicality of the propositions made in the paper. Further, the draft version of the revised Iraqi anti-money laundering law was not examined in an in depth manner due to the uncertainty in its status, including, in particular, whether it has been submitted to the Council of Representatives for approval. Originality/value -Although the topics of corruption in Iraq, the Iraqi AML regime and the corruption-money laundering relationship have been the subject of academic analysis, the related topics have not collectively been examined to determine whether, and to what extent, the Iraqi AML regime can address the rapidly growing problem of public sector corruption in Iraq. Accordingly, the findings in this paper will be of interest to Iraqi lawmakers, Iraqi law e...

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