bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse events related to bystander naloxone administration in cases of suspected opioid overdose in British Columbia: An observational study
Authors: Moustaqim-Barrette Amina , Papamihali Kristi , Williams Sierra , Ferguson Max , Moe Jessica , Purssell Roy , Buxton Jane A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Take-Home Naloxone programs have been introduced across North America in response to rising opioid overdose deaths. There is currently limited real-world data on bystander naloxone administration, overdose outcomes, and evidence related to adverse events following bystander naloxone administration.

Methods

The research team used descriptive statistics from Take-Home Naloxone administration forms. We explored reported demographic variables and adverse events among people who received by-stander administered naloxone in a suspected opioid overdose event between August 31, 2012 and December 31, 2018 in British Columbia. We examined and contextualized differences across years given policy, program and drug toxicity changes. We used multivariate logistic regression to examine whether an association exists between number of ampoules of naloxone administered and the odds that the recipient will experience withdrawal symptoms.

Results

A large majority (98.1%) of individuals who were administered naloxone survived their overdose and 69.2% had no or only mild withdrawal symptoms. Receiving three (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 1.64 (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.08–2.48)) or four or more (AOR 2.19 (95% CI: 1.32–3.62)) ampoules of naloxone was significantly associated with odds of moderate or severe withdrawal compared to receiving one ampoule of naloxone.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence from thousands of bystander reversed opioid overdoses using Take-Home Naloxone kits in British Columbia, and suggests bystander-administered naloxone is safe and effective for opioid overdose reversal. Data suggests an emphasis on titration during bystander naloxone training in situations where the person experiencing overdose can be adequately ventilated may help avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. We identified a decreasing trend in the likelihood of moderate or severe withdrawal over the study period.
Yield of tumor samples with a large guide-sheath in endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial biopsy for non-small cell lung cancer: A prospective study
Authors: Katsurada Naoko , Tachihara Motoko , Jimbo Naoe , Yamamoto Masatsugu , Yoshioka Junya , Mimura Chihiro , Satoh Hiroki , Furukawa Koichi , Otoshi Takehiro , Kiriu Tatsunori , Yasuda Yuichiro , Tanaka Tomonori , Nagano Tatsuya , Nishimura Yoshihiro
Published: October 2021

Background

Adequate tumor tissue is required to make the best treatment choice for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Transbronchial biopsy (TBB) by endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) is useful to diagnose peripheral lung lesions. The data of tumor cell numbers obtained by two different sizes of GSs is limited. We conducted this study to investigate the utility of a large GS kit to obtain many tumor cells in patients with NSCLC.

Methods

Patients with a peripheral lung lesion and suspected of NSCLC were prospectively enrolled. They underwent TBB with a 5.9-mm diameter bronchoscope with a large GS. When the lesion was invisible in EBUS, we changed to a thinner bronchoscope and TBB was performed with a small GS. We compared the tumor cell number prospectively obtained with a large GS (prospective large GS group) and those previously obtained with a small GS (small GS cohort). The primary endpoint was the tumor cell number per sample, and we assessed characteristics of lesions that could be obtained by TBB with large GS.

Results

Biopsy with large GS was performed in 55 of 87 patients (63.2%), and 37 were diagnosed with NSCLC based on histological samples. The number of tumor cells per sample was not different between two groups (658±553 vs. 532±526, estimated difference between two groups with 95% confidence interval (CI); 125 (-125–376), p = 0.32). The sample size of the large GS group was significantly larger than that of the small GS cohort (1.75 mm2 vs. 0.83 mm2, estimated difference with 95% CI; 0.92 (0.60–1.23) mm2, p = 0.00000019). The lesion involving a third or less bronchus generation was predictive factors using large GS.

Conclusions

The sample size obtained with large GS was significantly larger compared to that obtained with small GS, but there was no significant difference in tumor cell number. The 5.9-mm diameter bronchoscope with large GS can be used for lesions involving a third or less bronchus generation.
Experiences of stroke survivors and measurement of post stroke participation and activity across seasons—A mixed methods approach
Authors: Barclay Ruth , Leclair Leanne , Webber Sandra C.
Published: October 2021

Participation and activity post stroke can be limited due to adverse weather conditions. This study aimed to: Quantify and compare summer and winter participation and activity, and explore how community dwelling people with stroke describe their feelings about their level of participation and activity by season. This embedded mixed-methods observational study took place in a city with weather extremes. Community dwelling individuals at least one year post-stroke, able to walk ≥50 metres +/- a walking aide were included. Evaluations and interviews occurred at participants’ homes in two seasons: Reintegration to Normal living Index (RNL), Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) and descriptive outcomes. Participants wore activity monitors for one week each season. Analysis included descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and an inductive approach to content analysis. Thirteen individuals participated in quantitative evaluation with eight interviewed. Mean age 61.5 years, 62% female and mean 6.2 years post-stroke. No differences between winter-summer values of RNL, ABC, or activity monitor outcomes. However, participants felt they could do more and were more independent in summer. The winter conditions such as ice, snow, cold and wind restricted participation and limited activities. Nonetheless, many participants were active and participated despite the winter challenges by finding other ways to be active, and relying on social supports and personal motivation. The qualitative findings explained unexpected quantitative results. Participants described many challenges with winter weather, but also ways they had discovered to participate and be active despite these challenges. Changes to future studies into seasonal differences are suggested.
Cases of replacing diffractive bifocal intraocular lens with extended depth of focus intraocular lens due to waxy vision
Authors: Takabatake Ryu , Takahashi Makiko , Yoshimoto Takuya , Higashijima Fumiaki , Kobayashi Yuka , Yamashiro Chiemi , Kimura Kazuhiro
Published: October 2021

Purpose

To investigate the postoperative course of patients who explanted a diffractive bifocal intraocular lens (IOL) due to waxy vision and implanted with an extended depth of focus IOL.

Methods

This study evaluated 29 eyes of 25 patients who underwent diffractive bifocal IOL explantation followed by TECNIS Symfony® implantation because of dissatisfaction due to waxy vision at the Takabatake West Eye Clinic between January 2018 and November 2019. The indication criteria for this surgery were patients with uncorrected distance visual acuity of 0.05 logMAR or better, without eye diseases that may affect visual function, and no dissatisfactions about photic phenomena. We investigated patient demographics, uncorrected and corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, contrast sensitivity, subjective symptoms, time to IOL explantation, explanted IOL type, and spectacle independence.

Results

The time to the IOL exchange after the initial IOL implantation was 55.3 ± 50.4 days (range: 14–196 days). The logMAR corrected distance visual acuity before and after IOL exchange were −0.13 ± 0.06 and −0.14 ± 0.06, respectively (p = 0.273). After IOL exchange surgery, the area under log contrast sensitivity function increased significantly from 1.07 ± 0.12 to 1.21 ± 0.12 (p < 0.001), and the waxy vision symptoms improved. The spectacle independence rate at the last visit was 88.0%.

Conclusion

For patients who complain of waxy vision despite good visual acuity after diffractive bifocal IOL implantation, exchange to extended depth of focus IOL was considered one of the useful surgical options.
The Return of Twin Peaks: Squaring the Circle
Authors: Boulègue Franck
Published: October 2021

Franck Boulègue's latest book about David Lynch and Mark Frost's famous television series focuses on the eighteen new episodes directed by Lynch for season 3, screened in 2017. Analyses the season with special importance given to readings from an intertextual, ontological and spiritual perspectives.
The Politics of Migration and Mobility in the Art World: Transnational Baltic Artistic Practices across Europe
Authors: Duester Emma
Published: October 2021

Explores the nature of artistic practices for highly mobile artists from the Baltic States, moving regularly across multiple borders across Europe in order to maintain their position on the global art world. Artists with trans-local homes that combine and connect homeland, host country and a unique understanding of home and belonging.
Material Media-Making in the Digital Age
Authors: Binns Daniel
Published: October 2021

There is now no shortage of media for us to consume, from streaming services and video-on-demand to social media and everything else besides. This has changed the way media scholars think about the production and reception of media. Missing from these conversations, though, is the maker: in particular, the maker who has the power to produce media in their pocket.

How might one craft a personal media-making practice that is thoughtful and considerate of the tools and materials at one's disposal? This is the core question of this original new book. Exploring a number of media-making tools and processes like drones and vlogging, as well as thinking through time, editing, sound and the stream, Binns looks out over the current media landscape in order to understand his own media practice. 

The result is a personal journey through media theory, history and technology, furnished with practical exercises for teachers, students, professionals and enthusiasts: a unique combination of theory and practice written in a highly personal and personable style that is engaging and refreshing.

This book will enable readers to understand how a personal creative practice might unlock deeper thinking about media and its place in the world. 

The primary readership will be among academics, researchers and students in the creative arts, as well as practitioners of creative arts including sound designers, cinematographers and social media content producers. 

Designed for classroom use, this will be of particular importance for undergraduate students of film production, and may also be of interest to students at MA level, particularly on the growing number of courses that specifically offer a blend of theory and practice. The highly accessible writing style may also mean that it can be taken up for high school courses on film and production.

It will also be of interest to academics delivering these courses, and to researchers and scholars of new media and digital cinema.
An extension to the planar Markus–Yamabe Jacobian conjecture
Authors: Sabatini Marco
Published: October 2021

We extend the planar Markus–Yamabe Jacobian conjecture to
differential systems having Jacobian matrix with eigenvalues with negative
or zero real parts.
Linear flows on compact, semisimple Lie groups: stability and
periodic orbits
Authors: Stelmastchuk Simão
Published: October 2021

Our first purpose is to study the stability of linear flows on real,
connected, compact, semisimple Lie groups. Our second purpose is to study
periodic orbits of linear and invariant flows. As an application, we
present periodic orbits of linear or invariant flows on SO(3) and SU(2)
and we study periodic orbits of linear or invariant flows on SO(4).
The Evolution of the Enzyme Immunoassay/Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Tarassishin Leonid
Published: October 2021

50 years ago the Enzyme Immunoassay Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, mostly known as ELISA was developed. This is a powerful but simple method that is very widely used in the diagnostic practice, as well as in biomedical research. During this time a number of ELISA modification were developed that significantly increased its properties, especially the senstivity, such as avidin-biotin assay, immuno-PCR, nano-ELISA and finally, the digital ELISA. This short review describes the principles of ELISA and the evolution from a conventional assay to the modern ultra-sensitive method. Most of the immunological methods have two components: antigen and antibody. The high specificity of their interaction gives a possibility to detect one of them if other one is included in the reaction as a specific partner. The simplest method for antigen detection in the presence of the antibody is immune diffusion (radial immune diffusion in that case), which practically the formation of precipitate of the “antigen-antibody” complex, when the target antigen diffuses from well into agarose containing the specific antibody. Unfortunately, this assay, as well as other traditional methods, like hemagglutination or complement fixation, have a low sensitivity and are unwieldy.
Would John Stuart Mill Support or Reject Net Neutrality?
Authors: Buresh Donald L.
Published: October 2021

In this article, the philosophy of John Stuart Mill is applied to the notion of net neutrality. It is argued that Mill would support net neutrality, provided it does not come in conflict with the principles of capitalism. The essay posits that Mill would contend that net neutrality would be supported if it promoted the greatest good for the greatest number of people. On the other hand, Mill would be against net neutrality if it harmed others, particularly those individuals without market power. The article observed that Mill believed that the purpose of government is to ensure the welfare of the people. In general, the paper concludes that Mill would probably have supported net neutrality.
A pedologia como polígrafo da pedagogia (pressupostos psicopedagógicos) em Faria de Vasconcelos (1880-1939)
Authors: Martins Ernesto Candeias
Published: October 2021

O estudo, de índole histórico-descritivo na área da História da Educação, aborda os pressupostos psicopedagógicos da Pedologia, como ciência do desenvolvimento da criança fundada na Pedagogia, propostos pelo pedagogo português Faria de Vasconcelos. Analisaremos e refletiremos, na base duma metodologia hermenêutica, o conteúdo desses aspetos na sua obra e recorrendo a fontes secundárias sobre esta temática. Este pedagogo impregnado de ideias do Movimento da Escola Nova, associadas à sua experiência em Bierges (Bélgica) fornece contributos ao estudo científico da criança/infância. Os dois pontos da estrutura do texto coincidem com os objetivos estabelecidos: analisar a Pedagogia norteada pela Pedologia, no estudo do desenvolvimento da criança, sustentando-se na pedagogia experimental; interpretar os pressupostos psicopedagógicos do crescimento e autonomia da criança, as funções físico-psíquicas (princípios: continuidade e solidariedade) e o humanismo antropológico. Vasconcelos é um dos promotores da Pedotecnia e da psicopedagogia no estudo das crianças escolares na História da Educação em Portugal.
Editorial
Authors: Gatti Júnior Décio
Published: October 2021

Este é o vigésimo volume publicado dos Cadernos de História da Educação, com o qual se alcança vinte anos de publicação do periódico, de 2002 a 2021. No presente volume, que também inaugura a modalidade de publicação contínua, foram publicados um total de 58 colaborações, a saber: 01 artigo especial; 07 artigos em dossiê; 36 artigos em fluxo contínuo; 01 tradução; 01 comunicação; 12 resenhas.
DATALUTA estrangeirização da terra
Authors: Pereira Lorena Izá
Published: October 2021

A realidade está em constante movimento e nos coloca a necessidade de avançarmos em certos debates. Diante de um contexto de convergência de múltiplas crises ou discursos de crises (alimentar, ambiental, climática, energética e financeira) e mudanças Geopolíticas globais, a corrida mundial por terras intensifica-se. É neste cenário que a categoria de estrangeirização da terra do Banco de Dados da Luta pela Terra (DATALUTA) é foi criada. Assim, este artigo tem como objetivo debater acerca da criação da categoria DATALUTA Estrangeirização da terra, bem como explorar os avanços teóricos e metodológicos da mesma. Nestes sete anos de pesquisa o DATALUTA Estrangeirização da terra passou por diferentes processos que reverberaram na qualificação do mesmo.
A questão agrária e os movimentos e organizações de luta pela terra
Authors: Moreira Fabiano Greter
Published: October 2021

Para a construção desta pesquisa, buscou-se descrever os movimentos socioterritoriais[1] e as organizações sindicais e sociais presentes nos assentamentos do município de Nova Andradina/MS, que permitiram ou contribuíram na conquista pela terra, bem como as influencias da centralidade agrária sob a criação dos assentamentos do município. Tratou-se de evidenciar suas representatividades dentro dos assentamentos, suas formas de luta pela conquista da terra junto aos assentados, bem como sua atuação nos assentamentos após a desapropriação. Além dos movimentos e organizações de luta pela terra, foram apontados elementos dos processos de configuração da questão agrária no Brasil, Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul e no município de Nova Andradina. O processo metodológico pautou-se em uma pesquisa qualitativa e com aporte de entrevistas semiestruturadas, aplicadas junto aos assentados do município. Com os relatos dos participantes da pesquisa, foi possível compreender as ações exercidas pelos movimentos socioterritoriais e organizações sociais na criação dos assentamentos de Nova Andradina.
Association of Serum Copper Levels and Amine Oxidase Copper Gene 1 (AOC1) with Migraineurs
Authors: Somavarapu Thomas Anne Sahithi , Saraswathy Radha , Anne Anuhya , Thayanithy Muthu
Published: October 2021

Migraine is a common neurovascular multifactorial disease with biochemical abnormalities in the central nervous system (CNS). It is characterized by episodes of frequent headaches, affecting about 14% of the world's population. Trace elements are essential to play an important role in neurotransmission and causing oxidative stress in patients with migraine. Also, it is hypothesized that Histamine (biogenic amine), catabolized by Diamine oxidase (DAO), induces a vascular headache. DAO contains Copper as a cofactor and is coded by the Amine oxidase copper containing 1 (AOC1) gene. This study aims to determine the level of serum copper (Cu), an association of the AOC1 gene and antioxidant capacity in migraine patients. In this study, a total number of 200 individuals (patients and controls) were equally distributed in each group according to demographic details obtained. The results obtained from this study were found to be significant to migraine. The frequency of T allele (rs10156191) in exon 4 AOC1 was 7.5% in migraineurs OR of 16.13; 95% CI- 0.63 to 47.97, and the p-value was observed to be 0.074. The mean concentration of Cu was found to be 0.09 ± 0.02 mg/L and 0.22 ± 0.10 mg/L in patients and controls, respectively. Antioxidant capacity of serum was found to be lower in patients (3 ± 1.2 μM ascorbic acid equivalents) when compared to controls (7 ± 0.9 μM ascorbic acid equivalents). Decreased Cu and a nonsynonymous of rs10156191 are associated with migraine, which may decrease in DAO activity. Further research, needs to be focused on the DAO activity that can determine the migraine-inducing effect.
Influence of Hydrostatic Pressure on the Formation of Voids in Gelled Crude Oil
Authors: Chala Girma T. , Sulaiman Shaharin A. , Japper-Jaafar Azuraien , Wan Abdullah Wan Ahmad Kamil
Published: October 2021

Production of waxy crude oil from offshore fields has increased in the last decade. However, the operation is being challenged with the high wax content of crude oil that tends to precipitate at lower temperature. This paper presents the effects of hydrostatic pressure on the voids formed in waxy crude oil gel. A flow loop rig that simulates offshore waxy crude oil transportation was used to produce the gel. A Magnetic Resonance Imaging of 3-Tesla system was used to scan the gelled samples in horizontal and vertical pipes. The hydrostatic pressure effect was found to be most significant near the pipe wall as a change in percent voids volume of 0.53% was observed at that region. In particular, the voids volume reduction was more pronounced in the lower half side of the pipe. The total volume of voids in the vertical pipe was lower than that in the horizontal pipe, and this suggests that the gel in the vertical pipe became denser due to the effects from the hydrostatic pressure. Conversely, the voids volume around the pipe core in the vertical pipe was higher when compared to that in the horizontal pipe. The change in voids volume near the pipe core and wall shrunk to a minimum and converged to 0.18% voids volume at larger duration of the hydrostatic effect. Further, hydrostatic pressure was observed to have significant influences for higher duration making the void size to be distributed across and along the pipeline; however, it was found to have insignificant effects on voids size distribution for smaller duration. The findings of this study can help for better understanding of voids formation in vertical pipelines that would further assist in developing a model predicting restart pressure accurately.
«Iustitia et ius naturale» en «De iure belli ac pacis»
Authors: Doyle Sánchez Daniel
Published: October 2021

En este artículo se muestra cómo, según Hugo Grocio, el derecho natural (ius naturale), también en su dimensión subjetiva, depende de una relación primaria con la justicia entendida en un sentido moral amplio. La tesis que sugiero es que la reconstrucción crítica que hace Grocio de las categorías aristotélicas de la justicia (correctiva-distributiva en términos de expletiva-atributiva respectivamente) determina, en buena medida, la forma en que se concibe el ius. Es decir, el contenido del derecho natural en Grocio no se reduce a un ámbito articulado por meros derechos subjetivos, como con frecuencia se tiende a pensar, sino que se extiende a un ámbito genuinamente moral en el que se abre un espacio donde la ley natural puede y debe ser entendida a la luz de las exigencias de la virtud, y no viceversa.
Effect of Cashflow on the Networth of construction firms in Nigeria
Authors: Akparhuere Godwin Oghenekohwo , EMEJULU Callistus Emeka , Nwoha Chike Earnest
Published: October 2021

The main objective of this study is to ascertain the effect of Cashflow on the Networth of construction firms in Nigeria. The specific objectives are to: determine the relevance of operating activities to Networth of construction firms in Nigeria; ascertain the relevance of investing activities to Networth of construction firms in Nigeria; and to verify the relevance of financing activities to Networth of construction firms in Nigeria. The study adopted the ex-post facto research design and the data for analysis were obtained from the annual reports and financial statements of accounts of two (2) sampled firms from the construction industry in Nigeria, namely Julius Berger Nig. Plc and MISTA Nig. Ltd. The data collected covered 10 years (2009-2018) for Julius Berger and MIXTA Nig. Ltd and were then pooled and analysed using SPSS v 20.0, the tools of analysis being correlation coefficient (r), coefficient of determination (R2), F-ratio (ANOVA), t-test (for the tests of hypotheses), and the regression analysis for fitting the models. Findings revealed that operating activities cost, investing activities costs and financing activities cost have no significant relevance to Networth of construction firms in Nigeria. The conclusion was that the construction industry in Nigeria, though bereft of adequate amount of data to accomplish the aim of this study, has at least opened a new dimension about this contemporary issue in research. That would be a welcome dimension in our effort to improve the Building and Construction sector for development. Based on the findings, the study recommends that Managers should adopt cost reduction practices that would increase efficiency of operations that could translate to higher Networth; more investment activities should be encouraged by Construction firms so as to consolidate on the present situation; and the managements of Construction firms are advised to increase the financing activities in the industry so as to improve total assets. This will grow more assets and reduce the size of liability of the firms in the future. The implication is that since all the three components do not have significant effect on the Networth of construction companies in Nigeria, it might be difficult to generalize the findings. Therefore, it might need further investigation using larger sample size and different analytical approaches to ascertain the effect of Cashflow on Networth of Building and Construction firms in Nigeria.
CEO Compensation, Managerial Overconfidence and Performance of Sharia Compliant Firms and Non-Sharia Compliant Firms: Evidence from Listed GCC Firms
Authors: Abdalkrim Gaafar Mohamed
Published: October 2021

Background: The positive relationship between managerial overconfidence and performance implies that overconfident managers overestimate their ability to create value and improve their firm’s performance, which also lead to overestimate their own firms returns by taking over other firms. Purpose: The study examines relationship between managerial overconfidence, CEO compensation, and performance of sharia compliant firms and non-sharia compliant firms for 207 GCC listed firms from 2010 to 2014. Methodology: The study sample comprised of 207 firms for the main empirical analysis. The data used in this study were collected from GCC stock exchange data-base and firms financial report provided by website argaam.com between 2010 and 2018. Findings: The study found that managerial overconfidence is positively and significantly related to firm performance. CEO compensation and managerial overconfidence is also associated positively with sharia–compliant firms’ performance. The findings supported first hypothesis that managerial overconfidence leads to better firms’ performance. Originality: The study has revealed a positive impact of sharia compliant firms’ managerial overconfidence on firm performance. Furthermore, the effect of CEO compensation is favorable in sharia compliant firms.
Emergent Implications of the ‘Combined School’ Phenomenon: Lessons from the Upgraded Nangula Combined School in Limulunga District, Zambia
Authors: Mpofu Martin , Kakana Fabian , Mundende Kasonde , Makondo Francina , Muleya Gistered , Simui Francis
Published: October 2021

This study was conducted at Nangula Combined school in Limulunga District of Western Province, Zambia. It investigated the emergent implications of the ‘Combined School’ phenomenon through experiences of selected stakeholders of the said school using qualitative methodology and Case Study design. The study sample had 25 participants who were purposively sampled. Key findings of the study revealed that the school had experienced some slight positive changes in infrastructural development. The study also revealed that the introduction of senior secondary classes in the school had been appreciated by all stakeholders as it had reduced some distances that learners cover to access education. On a negative part, the study found that the school had a critical shortage of staff accommodation. The few available houses were in a dilapidated state. Inadequate desks, tables and chairs and weekly boarding facilities also characterized the experiences in this school. Further findings of this study were that the school was understaffed, especially at the primary section, which had three teachers only. Besides, the existence of both primary school trained teachers and secondary school trained teachers in one school enhanced the superiority and inferiority complexes. The school had an inadequate supply of teaching and learning resources coupled with the absence of specialized rooms, technology facilities like mobile network and internet connectivity. Thus, it is recommended that the government should embark on infrastructural development and provide adequately trained teachers. Provision of teaching and learning resources and more desks, chairs and tables should be a priority. It is important also to facilitate the upgrading of teachers who have acquired higher professional qualifications. To curb the inferiority and superiority perceptions that exists between the secondary trained teachers and the primary trained teachers, the study recommends that the two sections be split and work independently.
Examining the Role of Economic Actors in Post-war Reintegration Processes: Case of Sierra Leone.
Authors: Iwara MaryAnne
Published: October 2021

This paper examines post-conflict peacebuilding activities in Sierra Leone by critically looking at the role of economic actors in the reintegration process of its post-war Disarmament Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) initiative. The civil war that lasted for 11 years in Sierra Leone, put doubts on the national governments ability to effectively provide both victims and perpetuators, the necessary protection and assistance needed to fully assume responsibilities within the communities. Because of this, poverty was further entrenched, thereby increasing the countries susceptibility to return to conflict. Though reintegration processes are continuous, integrative and involve exhaustive budgetary commitments, the process, in Sierra Leone was short-termed, not well coordinated and took time to begin delivering. With the United Nations, World Bank and the weak national government leading the process, financing was often insufficient or late, in combination with the lack of a coherent planning strategy; all these factors contributed to lapses in socio-economic profiling, skills and vocational training and spread disillusionment and resentment among ex-combatants and victims. Using content analysis, the paper argues that, post-war countries need active, equitable and profitable economic sectors if they are to graduate from conflict and from post-conflict aid-dependency. Moreover, as social contracts and corporate social responsibility to communities they govern and operate in, economic actors must create enabling environments and, generate jobs to support legitimate local capacities. The utility of this paper lies in the idea that for any post-conflict country to attain long-term social and economic development, reintegration programme design and activities, must holistically incorporate critical economic actors.
Behavioral Pattern of Rent Distribution of Subsidized Fertilizer)
Authors: Sastra Eka , Damanhuri Didin , Achzani Noer Azam , Aerani Ahmad
Published: October 2021

The subsidized fertilizer policy is the government's effort to increase agricultural production and productivity in general. However, in the distribution process, there are still various distribution problems that lead to rent-seeking behavior. The purpose of this research is to describe the behavior of rent-seekers in the distribution of subsidized fertilizers. The research method used is focus group discussion (FGD) involving various stakeholders including (1) government, (2) academics, (3) associations, (4) farmer groups, (5) government-owned enterprises, and fertilizer distributors. The results showed that there had been a pattern of rent-seekers distributing subsidized fertilizers to farmers. The behavior of these rent-seekers includes fertilizer prices exceeding the Highest Economic Price (HET), transaction costs, fertilizer distribution that is not on target until there is a shortage of fertilizer. The government needs to develop a new strategy to optimize the distribution of subsidized fertilizers to farmers. The strategy is to change the subsidy policy to a direct subsidy to farmers. Furthermore, the government needs to optimize investment in the agricultural sector in the form of technology, human resources, electricity, and road infrastructure.
Using a three-layered social-cognitive network analysis framework for understanding online collaborative discussions
Authors: Ouyang Fan , Dai Xinyu
Published: October 2021

Understanding the relationship between social and cognitive engagement has critical implications for collaborative learning theory, pedagogy and analytics. This study proposed a three-layered social-cognitive network analysis framework for examining the relationship between students’ social and cognitive engagement from summative, epistemic and micro-level perspectives within online collaborative discussions. A multi-method approach was used, consisting of social network analysis, quantitative content analysis, statistical analysis, epistemic network analysis and social-cognitive network visualisation. The results showed that from a summative perspective, students’ social participatory roles were critical indicators of their level of cognitive engagement. From an epistemic perspective, socially active students tended to shift towards more group-level cognitive structure, while inactive students showed a decreasing individual-level cognitive structure throughout the discussion duration. From a micro-level perspective, a large proportion of individual students showed continually changing social participatory roles with fluctuating cognitive engagement levels. The findings have implications for collaborative learning theory, pedagogy support and learning analytics.

Implications for practice or policy:

Researchers can use the three-layered social-cognitive network analysis framework to examine student engagement.

Instructors should encourage student agency for facilitating high-quality online collaborative discussion.

Instructors should consider students’ different engagement levels in online discussions.
Emergent LOTE motivation? The L3 motivational dynamics of Japanese-major university students in China
Authors: Wu Xinran , Liu Yongcan
Published: October 2021

This study explores language other than English (LOTE) learners’ third language (L3) motivational dynamics within the framework of the L2 motivational self-system theory. Analytical primacy is given to the role of the language learning experience in generating individual variances and non-linearities in motivational development. Four Japanese-major university students depicted their distinct L3 motivational fluctuations on a Motivational Timeline Sheet and recounted their stories of learning experience through narrative interviews, which were coded revealing the corresponding changes in learners’ L3 self-guides. It is found that learners’ meaning-making of experience provides the foundation for their self-guide construction, which leads to the emergence of motivation. Self-efficacy, relational influences, and perceived relevance of L3 learning play mediating roles between the learning experience and motivational change. This study calls for a non-reductionist and developmental way of conceptualising LOTE-as-L3 motivation and for attention paid to the unique opportunities and struggles faced by LOTE learners.
Soluble CD40 ligand and outcome in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Angeli Fabio , Verdecchia Paolo , Savonitto Stefano , Cavallini Sara , Santucci Andrea , Coiro Stefano , Sclafani Rocco , Riccini Clara , De Servi Stefano , Cavallini Claudio
Published: October 2021

Objectives

CD40 ligand (CD40L), a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family and expressed by a variety of cells, is involved in the basic mechanisms of inflammation, atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Some studies suggest that the soluble form of CD40L (sCD40L) is a predictor of major cardiovascular events and mortality in a variety of clinical settings, but data from literature are conflicting.

Methods

We studied consecutive patients with acute (ACS) or chronic (CCS) coronary syndrome who underwent percutaneous coronary artery intervention (PCI). Blood samples for sCD40L dosage were taken at baseline immediately before PCI. We tested the relation between sCD40L and pre-specified outcome measures consisting of new ACS, clinical restenosis and all-cause mortality. We recruited 3,841 patients (mean age 64 ± 11 years, 79% men) with ACS (n=2,383) or CCS (n=1,458).

Results

During a mean follow-up of two years (±0.6 years), 642 patients developed ACS, 409 developed restenosis (≥70% of at least one of the previously treated coronary segments) and 175 died. For each 1-standard deviation increase in sCD40L (0.80 ng/mL), the hazard ratios (HRs) for ACS, restenosis, and mortality were 1.11 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05 to 1.18, p<0.0001), 1.10 (95% CI: 1.02 to 1.19, p=0.010), and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.86 to 1.16, p=0.983), respectively. In multivariable Cox regression models with adjustment for several potential confounders including age, acute or chronic coronary syndrome, multi-vessel disease, stent placement, diabetes, previous coronary events and dyslipidemia, sCD40L remained an independent predictor of ACS and coronary restenosis. There were no interactions between sCD40L and acute or chronic coronary syndrome or stent placement.

Conclusions

Among patients with ACS or CCS who undergo PCI, higher levels of sCD40L predict an increased risk of acute coronary events and coronary restenosis, but not of mortality.
Penalized likelihood estimation of the proportional hazards model for survival data with interval censoring
Authors: Ma Jun , Couturier Dominique-Laurent , Heritier Stephane , Marschner Ian C.
Published: October 2021

This paper considers the problem of semi-parametric proportional hazards model fitting where observed survival times contain event times and also interval, left and right censoring times. Although this is not a new topic, many existing methods suffer from poor computational performance. In this paper, we adopt a more versatile penalized likelihood method to estimate the baseline hazard and the regression coefficients simultaneously. The baseline hazard is approximated using basis functions such as M-splines. A penalty is introduced to regularize the baseline hazard estimate and also to ease dependence of the estimates on the knots of the basis functions. We propose a Newton–MI (multiplicative iterative) algorithm to fit this model. We also present novel asymptotic properties of our estimates, allowing for the possibility that some parameters of the approximate baseline hazard may lie on the parameter space boundary. Comparisons of our method against other similar approaches are made through an intensive simulation study. Results demonstrate that our method is very stable and encounters virtually no numerical issues. A real data application involving melanoma recurrence is presented and an R package ‘survivalMPL’ implementing the method is available on R CRAN.
Miss Marjoribanks’s Pronouns; or, the General, the Particular, and the Novel
Authors: Gray Erik
Published: October 2021

Erik Gray, “Miss Marjoribanks’s Pronouns; or, the General, the Particular, and the Novel” (pp. 223–252)

The novel as a genre is always concerned with questions of the general and the particular: it details the particulars of everyday lives as representatives of general truths and characteristics. Margaret Oliphant’s Miss Marjoribanks (1866) not only reflects on this familiar binary but also reveals how easily the distinction between its two terms collapses. The tendency of the heroine, Lucilla Marjoribanks, to refer to all men as “They” illustrates this phenomenon. She uses the pronoun, with no antecedent, to refer either to a particular group of men or to men in general; her doing so both demeans men, by grouping them into an indiscriminate mass, and exalts them, by treating them as so significant as to need no introduction. By the same token, Lucilla’s various suitors are at the same time generalized—they appear as nearly interchangeable functions of the marriage plot—and particularized, since marriage itself involves a form of “particular” (Oliphant’s word) attention. And in the election plot that dominates the final volume of the novel, Lucilla’s chosen candidate, Mr. Ashburton, is singled out precisely for being so typical. Miss Marjoribanks thus demonstrates how the very building blocks of narrative, like those of language, effectively confound the distinction between general and particular. In its elucidation of this tendency of the novel genre, and of art in general, lies the genius and importance of Oliphant’s novel.
Metabolic health during a randomized controlled lifestyle intervention in women with PCOS
Authors: Dietz de Loos Alexandra , Jiskoot Geranne , Beerthuizen Annemerle , Busschbach Jan , Laven Joop
Published: October 2021

Context

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Both PCOS and MetS are associated with excess weight.

Objective

To examine the effect of a three-component lifestyle intervention (LSI) with or without short message service (SMS+ or SMS−, respectively) on the prevalence and severity of MetS and metabolic parameters, compared to care as usual (CAU).

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Women diagnosed with PCOS and a BMI >25 kg/m2 (n = 183) were either assigned to a 1-year three-component (cognitive behavioural therapy, diet, and exercise) LSI, with or without SMS support, or to CAU which provided weight-loss advice only. Main outcome measures included changes in the prevalence of MetS, the continuous MetS severity z-score (cMetS z-score), metabolic parameters, and the impact of weight loss.

Results

After 1 year, the decrease in the cMetS z-score was greater in the SMS+ group than the CAU group (−0.39, P  = 0.015). The prevalence of MetS changed with −21.6% (P  = 0.037), −16.5% (P  = 0.190), and +7.0% (P  = 0.509) in both LSI groups and CAU group, respectively. A post hoc analysis for both LSI groups combined vs CAU resulted in a MetS difference of −25.9% (P  = 0.046). Moreover, weight loss per se resulted in significantly favourable effects on all metabolic parameters.

Conclusions

This three-component LSI was more successful in improving metabolic health compared to CAU. Therefore, we recommend this intervention to women with PCOS and excess weight, provided that a clinically relevant weight loss is being pursued.
Homeostatic regulation of lipid droplet content in mammalian oocytes and embryos
Authors: Ibayashi Megumi , Aizawa Ryutaro , Mitsui Junichiro , Tsukamoto Satoshi
Published: October 2021

Lipid droplets (LDs) consist of a core of neutral lipids such as triacylglycerols and cholesteryl esters covered by a phospholipid monolayer. Recent studies have shown that LDs not only store neutral lipids but are also associated with various physiological functions. LDs are found in most eukaryotic cells and vary in size and quantity. It has long been known that mammalian oocytes contain LDs. Porcine and bovine oocytes contain substantial amounts of LDs, which cause their cytoplasm to darken, whereas mouse and human oocytes are translucent due to their low LD content. A sufficient amount of LDs in mammalian oocytes has been thought to be associated with oocyte maturation and early embryonic development, but the necessity of LDs has been questioned because embryonic development proceeds normally even when LDs are removed. However, recent studies have revealed that LDs play a crucial role during implantation and that maintaining an appropriate amount of LDs is important for early embryonic development, even in mammalian species with low amounts of LDs in their oocytes. This suggests that a fine-tuned balance of LD content is essential for successful mammalian embryonic development. In this review, we discuss the physiological importance of LDs in mammalian oocytes and preimplantation embryos based on recent findings on LD biology.
Insertarse, adaptarse y construir: Participación del exilio chileno en las universidades estatales costarricenses a partir de 1974
Authors: Ramírez-Hernández Marcela
Published: October 2021

Profesionales de diversas ramas ocupacionales y disciplinas fueron expulsados de Chile como consecuencia de las políticas represivas y del desmantelamientodel Estado durante la dictadura de Augusto Pinochet. Costa Rica, como país receptor de este flujo migratorio contó, entre las décadas de 1970 y 1980, conla presencia de más de un centenar de profesionales chilenos, quienes encontraron en las universidades locales un campo fértil para el fortalecimientoy desarrollo de sus habilidades. Este artículo pretende reconocer sus perfiles socio profesionales y recorridos por la academia, empleando como fuentes los archivos universitarios y las entrevistas personales. A partir de la indagación se identificó que, a través del quehacer académico, varias de estas personas generaron significativos aportes desde la producción intelectual, la innovación temática, la administración universitaria, la fundación de carreras o desde el enriquecimiento metodológico y teórico a múltiples áreas del saber.
Exilio, despojo y resonancias: Chilenos en Costa Rica
Authors: Obando-Brenes Ronald
Published: October 2021

El artículo señala aspectos de la comprensión subjetiva del exiliado chileno en Costa Rica a raíz del golpe de Estado en 1973; desde la compilación de las oralidades se obtienen sus posibles categorías de situación respecto a las causales y consecuencias de su devenir existencial, hechos fraguados de afecciones, restricciones, indefiniciones cercanas y ajenas que se corresponden con la desposesión material y cognitiva de sus posibilidades de vida, partiendo desde la transformación identitaria.
Viajes por los ríos subterráneos del pensamiento con Noé Jitrik: Crítica, traducción y canon
Authors: Giuliano Facundo , Zanetti Luisina
Published: October 2021

El presente ensayo muestra una entrevista y una reflexión con uno de los más importantes pensadores de Nuestra América, Noé Jitrik, en torno a las relaciones que se tejen entre herencias de pensamiento y los problemas que el reconocimiento, el canon; al mismo tiempo, podrá encontrarse la traducción como un viaje en sí mismo con sus propias complejidades epistémicas, políticas e históricas.
La resistencia y opresión de la iglesia católica en Chile:1973-1990
Authors: Sampson Elizabeth Abigail
Published: October 2021

El régimen pinochetista duró diecisiete años en Chile. Durante ese período, laiglesia católica experimentaba muchos desafíos con el dictador, Augusto Pinochet.Es notable que las múltiples perspectivas dentro de la iglesia católica chilena contribuyeron a los retos ya enfrentados por esa organización religiosa. La iglesia católica era como una contracultura y luchaba contra la opresión religiosa. Este artículo destaca los varios métodos de resistencia de la iglesia católica chilena (1973-1990).
La que de rojo se viste…
Authors: Lizano-Quirós Laura
Published: October 2021

Este ensayo reflexiona sobre cómo una simple prenda de vestir se torna en una compleja expresión de la representación estereotipada de la sexualidad y el cuerpo de las mujeres, las relaciones de poder desiguales, las violencias sexuales y de todo tipo y señala la subjetividad de la impartición de justicia, casi siempre en casos de violencia sexual, sesgada desde lo patriarcal
Hacer la revolución. Guerrillas latinoamericanas de los años sesenta a la caída del muro (Siglo XXI, Eds. Editorial Trotta, 2019), de Aldo Marchesi
Authors: Díaz-Venegas Daniel
Published: October 2021

Reseña del libro: 

Hacer la revolución. Guerrillas latinoamericanas de los años sesenta a la caída del muro (Siglo XXI, Eds. Editorial Trotta, 2019) de Aldo Marchesi