bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytophthora: an underestimated threat to agriculture, forestry, and natural ecosystems in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bose Tanay , Spies Christoffel F. J. , Hammerbacher Almuth , Coutinho Teresa A.
Published: October 2023

Phytophthora species are highly destructive plant pathogens and pose a significant threat to plants in various ecosystems, including agriculture, forest plantations, and natural environments. In sub-Saharan Africa, a total of 77 Phytophthora species have been identified and this review aims to provide an overview of the species diversity and progress of Phytophthora research in this region. Numerous important studies have been carried out in this region, contributing significantly to our understanding of Phytophthora in various research fields. However, compared to global data, the advancement of Phytophthora research in sub-Saharan Africa has been relatively slow. This is evident from the fact that some countries in the region have yet to report the presence of Phytophthora species. Thus, this review also highlights critical research gaps, particularly concerning the potential impacts of climate change, and suggests specific studies to address these gaps. The identified research studies are of utmost urgency as they not only aim to safeguard the iconic floral biodiversity of the region but also play a crucial role in enhancing the economy and ensuring food security.
Teaching sustainability at the high sea: the “One Ocean Expedition”
Authors: Eid Jarle , Aanerud Marianne , Enberg Katja
Published: October 2023

This case study explores educational practices and processes in an interdisciplinary summer course addressing SDG14 (Life below water), SDG13 (Climate action), SDG4 (Education), SDG3 (Good health and wellbeing), and SDG17 (Partnerships). From May to August in 2022, students from 12 countries participated in an undergraduate summer course (SDG 200 Ocean–Climate–Society) on the sailship Statsraad Lehmkuhl as part of the One Ocean Expedition. Sustainability, marine biology, behavioral science, and sail training were core aspects of the daily assignments for the 86 students during the Pacific crossing from Chile to Tahiti. The students took part in watch duties 24–7 and were assigned to 18 working groups in their academic studies. Active learning approaches such as team-based learning and storytelling proved essential to engage students in interdisciplinary exchange on sustainability issues. A major challenge was to strike a balance between the academic work and the requirements from sea duties and life on board a sailship. Student feedback and assessment contribute to contextualize the learning experiences and personal development during the first five weeks on board. This case study provides an example of how life on a sailship can present a formative learning experience and an interdisciplinary laboratory to study and live in alignment with SDGs and with the overall mandate of the Global Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Navigating the Rapidly Evolving Advanced Urothelial Carcinoma Treatment Landscape: Insights from Italian Experts
Authors: Santini Daniele , Banna Giuseppe Luigi , Buti Sebastiano , Isella Luca , Stellato Marco , Roberto Michela , Iacovelli Roberto
Published: October 2023

Purpose of Review

To discuss recent advances in the treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) and how best to incorporate new therapies into clinical practice.

Recent Findings

There have been several recent practice-changing phase 2 and 3 trials of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), and targeted agents in advanced UC. Based on data from these trials, ICIs can be used as first-line maintenance therapy in patients who do not progress on platinum-based chemotherapy, second-line therapy for those with progression, and first-line therapy in cisplatin-ineligible patients with PD-L1 expression; ADCs and targeted agents provide later-line treatment options.

Despite substantial progress in the treatment of advanced UC, there are still many uncertainties, including the optimal treatment sequence for novel agents, and reliable predictive biomarkers to aid in treatment selection. There is also an unmet need for effective treatment options in patients unfit for any platinum-based chemotherapy.
Sadism and Personality Disorders
Authors: Lobbestael Jill , Slaoui Ghizlane , Gollwitzer Mario
Published: October 2023

Purpose of Review

Sadistic pleasure—the enjoyment of harm-infliction to others—can have devastating interpersonal and societal consequences. The goal of the current review is to illuminate the nomological net of traits related to sadism. We aim to achieve an understanding of the current empirical status on the link between sadism and personality disorders, psychopathy, the Dark Triad, and basic personality traits in clinical and community-based samples.

Recent Findings

The field is dominated by self-report studies on the Dark Triad with convenience samples. The link with DSM personality disorders has hardly been empirically studied. Existing evidence shows that sadism is most strongly related to increased psychopathic personality traits.

Sadism can originate both from the interpersonal, affective, and behavioural basis of dark personality traits. There are diverging ideas on the differential status between sadism, psychopathy, and other dark traits. Research is needed on the causal impact of the broader range of personality disorders on sadism, in more diverse samples, including behavioural assessments of sadistic pleasure, as well as on the interplay of such personality traits with situational and affective aspects, and victim attitudes.
Vom Triple- zum Quadruplemandat?
Authors: Emanuel Markus , Graßhoff Gunther , Klomann Verena , Weinhardt Marc
Published: October 2023

Der Begriff und das Thema Nachhaltigkeit haben sich in der Sozialen Arbeit etabliert. Offen bleibt bisher, was genau mit Nachhaltigkeit verbunden wird und in welchen Kontexten Sozialer Arbeit welche Bezüge zur Nachhaltigkeitsdebatte aufgerufen werden. Der vorliegende Einführungsbeitrag in den SchwerpunktNachhaltigkeit – ein Thema (in) der Sozialen Arbeitwill aufzeigen und systematisieren, was Nachhaltigkeit für die Soziale Arbeit derzeit bedeutet und zukünftig bedeuten kann oder soll. Neben einer theoretischen Auseinandersetzung gewährt er exemplarische Einblicke in die Nachhaltigkeitsdebatten in Praxisfeldern Sozialen Arbeit, identifiziert Impulse für Theorieentwicklung und Handlungskonzepte der Sozialen Arbeit und führt in die Beiträge des Schwerpunktes ein.
Martingale Hardy Spaces and Some New Weighted Maximal Operators of Fejér Means of Walsh–Fourier Series
Authors: Baramidze Davit , Blahota István , Tephnadze George , Toledo Rodolfo
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we introduce some new weighted maximal operators of the Fejér means of the Walsh–Fourier series. We prove that for some “optimal” weights, these new operators indeed are bounded from the martingale Hardy space $$H_{p}(G)$$

H
p

(
G
)

to the Lebesgue space $$L_{p}(G)$$

L
p

(
G
)

, for $$0<p<1/2$$

0
<
p
<
1
/
2

. Moreover, we also prove sharpness of this result. As a consequence, we obtain some new and well-known results.
Exploring connectivity in Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age Greece and the Balkans using cranial non-metric analysis
Authors: Michael Dimitra Ermioni , Fibiger Linda , Moutafi Ioanna , Šlaus Mario , Katsimicha Maria , Novak Mario , Molloy Barry
Published: October 2023

The present study aims to explore connectivity and networking in Late Bronze Age (LBA)/Early Iron Age (EIA) Greece and the Balkans using morphological biodistance analysis and test the potentiality of newly introduced statistical tests, which were designed for challenging datasets, in this particular cultural area. Cranial non-metric traits were recorded in ten skeletal collections, spanning from East Crete to Romania. We followed an experimental statistical approach encompassing two different measures of divergence, the conventional and well-tested mean measure of divergence (MMD) and the newly introduced untransformed measure of divergence (UMD). Though different, results based on these two measures are mutually supporting and show that biodistances in our regional case studies mainly follow the isolation by distance model. This cautiously confirms our main hypothesis that during the LBA and EIA periods in Greece and the Balkans, personal mobility was a slow process characterized by integration, rather than displacement or transformation. The current study is the first one to infer biological affinities using cranial non-metric analysis combined with artifactual evidence, in LBA/EIA Greece and the Balkans. Building a larger dataset through future non-metric analyses will better enable exploring networking and mobility to further complement ongoing bioarchaeological, genetic, and material culture studies.
New approach of evaluating fracturing interference based on wellhead pressure monitoring data: a case study from the well group-A of Fuling shale gas field
Authors: Li Liu , YaWan Tang , Aiwei Zheng , Qian Zhang , Yimin Wang , Jin Cai
Published: October 2023

Well pattern infilling has become an effective means for improving the development effect of gas reservoirs in unconventional gas reservoirs. The hydraulic fracturing of infill wells causes widespread fracturing interference between new and old wells. Because fracturing interference has a significant influence on the production of old wells, it is urgent to evaluate the degree of fracturing interference. This paper proposes a new approach to evaluating fracturing interference between new and old wells, which is based on a systematic analysis of the variation pattern of old well wellhead fracturing during the fracturing process of new wells. This new approach not only provides a semi-quantitative evaluation for the degree of fracturing interference between fracture sections of new and old wells but also achieves inter-well connectivity evaluation between new and old wells. This new approach is applied in well group A of the Fuling gas field to demonstrate its analysis process. The results show the different types of fracturing interference result in different levels of pressure response between each fracturing section and the old wells. For example, The pressure rise of old well A7-1 is more obvious in the fracturing process of the 2nd, 14th, and 13th sections of new well A68-5, and the old well A7-2 has significant fracturing interference with the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th sections. This achieves a semi-quantitative characterization of fracturing interference between new and old wells. The degree of fracturing interference between the old well A7-2 and the new well A68-5 is the strongest in well group A, which is the effect of compression fracture interference. The old wells A7-3 and A15-3 are the least impacted by fracturing interference, and follow the old wells A15-2 and A7-1. This result has implications for assessing the degree of fracturing interference and inter-well connectivity in unconventional gas reservoirs.
Investigation of intrinsic characteristics of polymer blends via molecular simulation: a review
Authors: Jeong Sohdam
Published: October 2023

Computer simulation and modeling have proven to be powerful tools in the fields of engineering and polymer science. These computational methods not only enable us to verify experimentally observed behaviors, but also provide answers to unsolved phenomena. This review addresses the current status and trends of computational and theoretical studies in polymer blends. We briefly discuss the fundamental aspects of polymer blends, including experimental observations, theories, and a variety of molecular simulations and models for mixtures of two or more polymeric materials. In particular, this study deals with the description of coarse-grained techniques that can offer perspectives into the collective behavior and properties of complicated systems. Additionally, a detailed analysis of their structural, rheological, and mechanical properties via computation is also examined. Lastly, we summarize important findings and highlight points to be carefully considered in modeling polymer blends system accompanied by an outlook on the extension of current studies to complicated systems of many blending types.
High-order spectral collocation method using tempered fractional Sturm–Liouville eigenproblems
Authors: Dahy Sayed A. , El-Hawary H. M. , Fahim Alaa , Aboelenen Tarek
Published: October 2023

This paper presents an accurate exponential tempered fractional spectral collocation method (TFSCM) to solve one-dimensional and time-dependent tempered fractional partial differential equations (TFPDEs). We use a family of tempered fractional Sturm–Liouville eigenproblems (TFSLP) as a basis and the fractional Lagrange interpolants (FLIs) that generally satisfy the Kronecker delta (KD) function at the employed collocation points. Firstly, we drive the corresponding tempered fractional differentiation matrices (TFDMs). Then, we treat with various linear and nonlinear TFPDEs, among them, the space-tempered fractional advection and diffusion problem, the time-space tempered fractional advection–diffusion problem (TFADP), the multi-term time-space tempered fractional problems, and the time-space tempered fractional Burgers’ equation (TFBE) to investigate the numerical capability of the fractional collocation method. The study includes a numerical examination of the produced condition number $$\kappa (A)$$

κ
(
A
)

of the linear systems. The accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method are studied from the standpoint of the $$L^\infty $$

L
∞

-norm error and exponential rate of spectral convergence.
Update of the molar incisor hypomineralization: Würzburg concept
Authors: Bekes K. , Steffen R. , Krämer N.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is playing an increasingly important role in dental practice. MIH is defined as hypomineralization of systemic origin of one to four permanent first molars, often associated with affected incisors. Affected teeth are more susceptible to caries and post-eruptive enamel loss and should be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. In 2016, the Würzburg concept was developed for German-speaking countries including a classification index—the MIH Treatment Need Index (MIH-TNI)—and a treatment plan based on it for the use in daily practice. In the meantime, the concept has also gained international recognition. The aim of this paper is to update part 2 of the Würzburg concept, the treatment plan, as knowledge about MIH has increased and the disease has been studied more extensively in the last years. Other treatment approaches are now available and therefore need to be included in the concept. Although, the evidence of the different treatment options is still weak, practitioners need guidance in their daily practice.

Methods

The authors reviewed the available literature, including clinical and laboratory studies and published guidelines.

Results

The updated version of the Würzburg concept includes additional non-invasive strategies and temporary therapy options, as well as treatment approaches for incisors. It therefore covers currently available treatment modalities for MIH-affected teeth, ranging from prophylaxis, non-invasive treatment to restorative approaches and possibly even extraction.

Conclusions

This is intended to help guide the practitioner and will need to be further validated by clinical trials.
Association Between Changes in Racial Residential Segregation and Trends in Racial Disparities in Early Mortality in 220 Metropolitan Areas, 2001–2018
Authors: Siegel Michael , Rieders Madeline , Rieders Hannah , Dergham Leighla , Iyer Rohan
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Racial residential segregation has been shown to affect the absolute levels of racial disparities in a wide variety of health outcomes in the USA but it is not known whether changes in segregation also influence these racial health disparities. This study examines the relationship between changes in racial residential segregation over four decades (1980–2020) and trends in racial disparities in early mortality (under age 65) rates among non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White persons across a wide range of health outcomes in 220 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) during the period 2001–2018.

Methods

Using the CDC WONDER Underlying Cause of Death database, we derived annual estimates of race-specific death rates and rate ratios for each MSA. We used latent trajectory analysis to examine the relationship between the level of segregation and changes in segregation over time in an MSA and trends in death rate disparities in that MSA.

Results

The trajectory analysis resulted in a linear, three group model in which trajectory Groups 1 and 2 had decreasing trends in the ratios of Black to White death rates over time while in Group 3, the disparity remained almost constant over time. Increases in the level of segregation in an MSA from 1980 to 2000 were significantly associated with the likelihood that the MSA was in Group 3 and experienced no improvement in racial health disparities in mortality over time.

Conclusion

This paper provides new evidence that changes in segregation are related to trends in racial health disparities in mortality rates over time.
Assisted PD throughout Europe: advantages, inequities, and solution proposals
Authors: Malho Guedes Anabela , Punzalan Sally , Brown Edwina A. , Ekstrand Agneta , Gallieni Maurizio , Rivera Gorrín Maite , Gudmundsdottir Helga , Heidempergher Marco , Kitsche Benno , Lobbedez Thierry , Hahn Lundström Ulrika , McCarthy Kate , Mellotte George J. , Moranne Olivier , Petras Dimitrios , Povlsen Johan V. , Wiesholzer Martin
Published: October 2023

Background

Peritoneal dialysis provides several benefits for patients and should be offered as first line kidney replacement therapy, particularly for fragile patients. Limitation to self-care drove assisted peritoneal dialysis to evolve from family-based care to institutional programs, with specialized care givers. Some European countries have mastered this, while others are still bound by the availability of a volunteer to become responsible for treatment.

Methods

A group of leading nephrologists from 13 European countries integrated real-life application of such therapy, highlighting barriers, lessons learned and practical solutions. The objective of this work is to share and summarize several different approaches, with their intrinsic difficulties and solutions, which might helpperitoneal dialysis units to develop and offer assisted peritoneal dialysis.

Results

Assisted peritoneal dialysis does not mean 4 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis exchanges, 7 days/week, nor does it exclude cycler. Many different prescriptions might work for our patients. Tailoring PD prescription to residual kidney function, thereby maintaining small solute clearance, reduces dialysis burden and is associated with higher technique survival. Assisted peritoneal dialysis does not mean assistance will be needed permanently, it can be a transitional stage towards individual or caregiver autonomy. Private care agencies can be used to provide assistance; other options may involve implementing PD training programs for the staff of nursing homes or convalescence units. Social partners may be interested in participating in smaller initiatives or for limited time periods.

Conclusion

Assisted peritoneal dialysis is a valid technique, which should be expanded. In countries without structural models of assisted peritoneal dialysis, active involvement by the nephrologist is needed in order for it to become a reality.

Graphical abstract
A Fuzzy Multidimensional Risk Assessment Method for Sewer Asset Management
Authors: Roghani Bardia , Tabesh Massoud , Cherqui Frédéric
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a flexible framework that aims at estimating the risk of structural failure in sewer pipes by utilizing limited or imperfect data. To this end, classical risk analysis is enhanced by incorporating fuzzy logic and multi-criteria decision making. To account for the multi-dimensionality of collapse risk at the pipe level as a decision parameter, its distinct impacts on the environment, traffic and road condition, and quality of life are taken into account. The proposed method is applied to the sewer network of Tehran, the capital of Iran. Results show how the integration of different risk indexes can influence the criticality of pipelines for the selection of rehabilitation activities. While using the first individual risk index, only considering the risk posed to the natural environment by a collapsing pipe in terms of contamination, approximately half of the pipe lengths are classified as extremely critical by the clustering algorithm. However, when the integrated risk is calculated, this cluster encompasses only approximately 30% of the total pipe length. With a database that contains various levels of uncertainty (from 10 to 60%), the predictive reproducibility for the exact same risk cluster is above 20% and above 50% for the same or only marginally better or worse. Furthermore, pipelines that are predicted to have a better risk class than the situation without considering uncertainty, thereby underestimating the likelihood of failures or consequences, are below 15%, showing a measure of quite good robustness. Considering the budget constraints of utilities, the proposed method can be applied to any urban, aiding in the identification of high-risk sections. Nevertheless, incorporating physical validation might be beneficial for further improving the analysis.
Mechanical properties of graphene-based gyroidal sheet/shell architected lattices
Authors: Taher Somayya E. , Ashraf Juveiriah M. , Liao Kin , Abu Al-Rub Rashid K.
Published: October 2023

Creating 3D cellular structures out of 2D nanomaterials such as graphene is an active area of research since most realistic applications require multi-functional 3D objects. Graphene aerogels that are taking the topology of stochastic foam microstructures have been extensively studied. Additive manufacturing has shifted the focus from stochastic aerogels to architected 3D graphene lattices (3DGL). In this paper and for the first time, we synthesized, characterized, and mechanically tested 3DGLs with microstructures taking the topology of shell-based gyroid structure and compared their properties to tubular 3DGL. 3DGLs were fabricated using a hydrothermal-assisted dip-coating method based on 3D-printed polymer templates. Effects of number of unit cell, graphene oxide (GO) concentration, and polymer template volume fraction have been investigated. It was found that smaller polymer template volume fraction, smaller unit cell, and larger GO concentration lead to increased mechanical properties. It was found that the mechanical properties of the synthesized gyroid shell-based 3DGLs outperformed tubular and 3DGLs and stochastic graphene aerogels. Furthermore, both gyroidal shell and tubular 3DGLs exhibit stretching-dominated behavior making them ideal for synthesizing stiffer and stronger graphene lattices. This study serves as a guideline for designing multi-functional shell-based lattices made of 2D materials with enhanced mechanical properties for various applications.
Elevational and seasonal changes in a bird assemblage within a mountain system in central Mexico
Authors: Pineda-López Rubén , Tepos-Ramírez Mauricio , Acosta-Ramírez Alfredo , Calderón Angela Marlene Soto , Feregrino Abigail Ocaña
Published: October 2023

Mountain systems around the world represent very important research models because they are hot spots for biological diversity. Understanding how animals communities change across environmental variation (e.g., elevational gradients) is central. Currently, the knowledge of the Mexican avian diversity is incomplete due to the absence of detailed studies and inventories in regions such as the mountainous systems of central Mexico. These surveys represent a simple and effective measure to estimate the diversity and perform as a basis for ecological research, as well as to determine priority areas for biological conservation. Here, we sampled 113 points divided into seven elevational segments ranging from 1000 to 3100 to assess differences along elevation and between seasons. We expected to find a gradual turnover of species, as well as a monotonic decrease in richness with respect to altitude. We obtained a total of 100 bird species representing 23% of the species registered for the state and 30% of the species registered for the Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra Gorda. We observed differences in species composition only in the extremes of the gradient. We recorded highest richness values towards the middle part of the gradient decreasing with elevation in winter. The results of this work contribute to increase the knowledge about bird diversity in the state of Querétaro, and highlights the importance of diversity analysis at different levels, such α and β diversity, through altitudinal clines.
Evaluating the Impacts of Thermal Conductivity on Casson Fluid Flow Near a Slippery Sheet: Numerical Simulation Using Sixth-Kind Chebyshev Polynomials
Authors: Khader M. M. , Babatin M. M.
Published: October 2023

This study aims to elucidates the effects of Ohmic dissipation and the magnetic field on the behavior of a Casson fluid flowing across a vertically stretched surface. The goal is to solve the problem by using numerical approaches. Furthermore, the fluid’s thermal conductivity is intended to vary proportionately with temperature. The effects of thermal radiation, electric fields, and viscous dissipation are taken into account in this study. A set of partial differential equations (PDEs) is used to quantitatively reflect the numerous physical conditions that are placed on the sheet’s surrounding wall as well as the processes of momentum and heat transport. A system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is created from the set of PDEs by using similarity transformations. The mathematical model of the problem is made easier by this conversion. Furthermore, this study’s main goal is to investigate the numerical treatment of the proposed model that takes Caputo fractional-order derivatives into account. The spectral collocation method is used to solve the system of ODEs that follow from the transformation. This approach efficiently solves the problem by approximating the solution of the ODEs using Chebyshev polynomials of the sixth kind. Several observations are made to evaluate the approach’s effectiveness, and the convergence of the method is studied. Visual representations of the effects of different parameters on the velocity and temperature profiles provide a thorough understanding of their effects. These graphical representations offer insightful views into how the system behaves in various scenarios. The results of this investigation suggest that the mixed convection parameter and the local electric parameter both boost the velocity field. Further, the temperature field is positively impacted by the slip velocity, thermal conductivity, and Eckert numbers. These findings imply that altering these variables will have an impact on the system’s fluid flow and heat transfer properties.
Predictive Estimation of Finite Population Mean in Case of Missing Data Under Two-phase Sampling
Authors: Grover Lovleen Kumar , Sharma Anchal
Published: October 2023

The present paper deals with the problem of estimation of finite population mean of study variable using two auxiliary variables in two-phase sampling scheme using predictive approach in case of missing values of the study variable and unknown population mean of first auxiliary variable. Four classes of such estimators have been proposed using this predictive approach. The expressions of bias and mean square errors are derived up to first order of approximation. The optimal values of the constants involved in the proposed classes of estimators have been obtained and thus minimum mean square errors of the proposed classes are obtained in this study. The empirical and graphical comparisons with regression type estimators (under single phase and double phase sampling scheme) and also among themselves have been made for evaluating the performance of the proposed classes for different choices of non-responding units. Five real data sets and three simulated data sets following normal distribution have been used to evaluate the performance of the proposed classes. Numerical findings confirm the theoretical results obtained regarding superiority of proposed classes of estimators over the conventional regression type estimators in terms of percent relative efficiencies.
The Taft Court
Authors: Post Robert C.
Published: October 2023

The Taft Court offers the definitive history of the Supreme Court from 1921 to 1930 when William Howard Taft was Chief Justice. Using untapped archival material, Robert C. Post engagingly recounts the ambivalent effort to create a modern American administrative state out of the institutional innovations of World War I. He shows how the Court sought to establish authoritative forms of constitutional interpretation despite the culture wars that enveloped prohibition and pervasive labor unrest. He explores in great detail how constitutional law responds to altered circumstances. The work provides comprehensive portraits of seminal figures such as Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. and Louis Dembitz Brandeis. It describes William Howard Taft's many judicial reforms and his profound alteration of the role of Chief Justice. A critical and timely contribution, The Taft Court sheds light on jurisprudential debates that are just as relevant today as they were a century ago.
God, Evil, and Suffering in Islam
Authors: Sayilgan Salih
Published: October 2023

In this volume, Salih Sayilgan explores the problem of evil and suffering in Islamic theology along with the questions that both religious and non-religious people alike perennially ask: Why is there evil and suffering? What is God's role in both natural and moral evil? If God is loving, just, powerful, why is there innocent suffering? Do humans have free will or are they predestined to act in a certain way? Examining both theoretical and practical theodicy in Islam, he provides Muslim perspectives on natural and moral evil in light of Islamic theological concepts. Sayilgan interrogates several specific topics related to evil and suffering, including death, sickness, aging, disability, climate change, and pandemics. These topics are explored through case studies from the lives of Muslims, with particular attention given to the American context. A comparative and dialogical study, Sayilgan's volume also engages with Zoroastrian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, and Christian approaches, as well as non-religious perspectives. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.
Forms of Devotion in Early English Poetry
Authors: Lorden Jennifer A.
Published: October 2023

Jennifer Lorden reveals the importance of deeply-felt religious devotion centuries before it is commonly said to arise. Her ground-breaking study establishes the hybrid poetics that embodied its form for medieval readers, while obscuring it from modern scholars. Working across the divide between Old and Middle English, she shows how conventions of earlier English poetry recombine with new literary conventions after the Norman Conquest. These new conventions—for example, love lyric repurposed as devotional song—created hybrid aesthetics more familiar to modern scholars. She argues that this aesthetic, as much as changing devotional practice, rendered later affective piety recognizable in a way that earlier affective devotional conventions were not. Forms of Devotion reconsiders the roots and branches of poetic topoi, revising commonplaces of literary and religious history. This title is part of the Flip it Open Programme and may also be available Open Access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.
Brazil
Authors: Klein Herbert S. , Luna Francisco Vidal
Published: October 2023

This book is the first modern survey of the economic and social history of Brazil from early man to today. Drawing from a wide range of qualitative and quantitative data, it provides a comprehensive overview of the major developments that defined the evolution of Brazil. Beginning with the original human settlements in pre-Colombian society, it moves on to discuss the Portuguese Empire and colonization, specifically the importance of slave labor, sugar, coffee, and gold in shaping Brazil's economic and societal development. Finally, it analyzes the revolutionary changes that have occurred in the past half century, transforming Brazil from a primarily rural and illiterate society to an overwhelmingly urban, literate, and industrial one. Sweeping and influential, Herbert S. Klein and Francisco Vidal Luna's synthesis is the first of its kind on Brazil.
A multimodal antimicrobial stewardship intervention to improve antibiotic prescribing in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Anderson Shaylee , Bennett Nicholas , Aragon Laura , Kennedy Kevin , Boyd Sarah
Published: October 2023

This study assessed outcomes prior to and after electronic medical record-based clinical decision support implementation combined with prospective audit in patients with COVID-19. This multimodal stewardship intervention was associated with a decrease in antibiotic exposure for patients with COVID-19 (44.4% vs 61.8%, p = 0.002) within the first 7 days of hospitalization.
Le Scotland Act Reference, les référendums sur l’indépendance et le droit à l’autodétermination des peuples
Authors: Turp Daniel
Published: October 2023

Le jugement rendu par la Cour suprême du Royaume-Uni le 22 novembre 2022 dans le Reference by the Lord Advocate of devolution issues under paragraph 34 of Schedule 6 to the Scotland Act 1998 n’est pas passé inaperçu au Canada et au Québec. Sans doute est-ce en raison du fait que le tribunal de dernier ressort du Royaume-Uni était invité à statuer sur une question relative à l’organisation d’un référendum sur l’indépendance, comme s’y était penché la Cour suprême du Canada dans son Renvoi relatif à la sécession du Québec, mais aussi et surtout parce que le tribunal suprême britannique fait référence à ce dernier Renvoi dans le développement qu’il consacre au droit international. Le présent article situe le Scotland Act Reference dans son contexte politique et examine ensuite le jugement de la Cour suprême du Royaume-Uni sous l’angle du droit international.
Sustainable business models in ‘lighthouse’ small to medium enterprises
Authors: Stubbs Wendy , Farrelly Megan , Fabianke Kyra , Burch Sarah , Ramesh Pavit
Published: October 2023

Addressing major global environmental and social challenges requires transformation of the private sector. Small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) constitute 90% of private organisations globally, resulting in calls for research into the strategic roles SMEs can play in shaping sustainable futures through adopting sustainable business models (SBMs). The purpose of our study is to understand the factors that allow SMEs to successfully adopt SBMs. We used an exploratory qualitative approach drawing on interviews with SMEs implementing SBMs. Our findings extend contemporary insights by revealing the important role of the external support (‘enabling’) environment, and identifying—potentially transformative—capabilities that can help steer SMEs’ transitions to SBMs. These include persistence, tenacity, flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn and fail. They enable SMEs to successfully operate in times of uncertainty and rapid changes in the external environment, and respond to new requirements through changes to their business models.
Adam Smith and Sociology
Authors: Hall John A.
Published: October 2023

The central core of the work of Adam Smith is identified here, with particular reference to his own words. His argumentation is full of surprises and paradoxes, and it offers key insights for sociology, especially as it allows us to better understand key features of the modern world.
Influence of climate factors on population density and damage of the leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L., in walnut orchards, Iran
Authors: Saeidi Zarir , Zohdi Hadi , Besharat-Nejad Mohammad Hasan , Yusefi Mazaher
Published: October 2023

The effect of climate factors (temperature, humidity, precipitation, and frost days) on the population changes, damage, and infestation area of the leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina L., was studied during 2006–2018 in four parts of Iran including Saman, Arak, Najaf-abad, and Baft. For trend analysis, the Mann–Kendall test was run on time series data of both climate and pest population. According to the results, the annual mean (Kendall's statistics, T = 0.64 and 0.48), annual minimum (T = 0.60 and 0.42), and January mean (T = 0.64 and 0.61, respectively) temperatures showed increasing trends in Saman and Najaf-abad. Moreover, the annual mean minimum and January temperatures (T = 0.41 and 0.45, respectively) in Arak and the annual mean maximum temperature (T = 0.79) in Baft showed increasing trends. The number of frost days/year (Kendall's statistics, T = −0.63, −0.53, −0.32 and −0.37) and annual mean relative humidity (T = −0.43, −0.63, −0.64 and −0.42, respectively) showed decreasing trends in Saman, Arak, Baft, and Najaf-abad stations. Trend analysis indicated significant increases in the mean number of moths caught (T = 0.59, 0.76 and 0.90), the percentage of infested branches/tree (T = 0.66, 0.58, and 0.90), the number of active holes/tree (T = 0.79, 0.55, and 0.68) and the infested areas (T = 0.99, 0.73, and 0.98, respectively) in Saman, Arak and Najaf-abad stations. According to stepwise regression, the mean temperatures of January, autumn, and winter were the most effective variables for increasing Z. pyrina damage and population, while relative humidity and the number of frost days played the major role in reducing it.
Threats to Academic Freedom are Global, and So Must Be Its Defense
Authors: Feldman Ilana
Published: October 2023

As I sit down to write the introduction to this IJMES roundtable on threats to academic freedom in the Middle East and the multiple consequences of these threats for scholars from and of the region, I also am reading news about proliferating restrictions in the United States. In Florida, professors are changing their courses due to prohibitions on teaching about race issued by the state's governor and legislature, and under threat of losing their jobs and livelihood if they run afoul of these restrictions. In Minnesota an adjunct art history professor was denied future teaching opportunities and called Islamophobic by her employer for exposing her students to the range of Muslim perspectives on creating images of the Prophet Muhammad. At Harvard the former head of Human Rights Watch was initially denied a fellowship, seemingly due to the organization's reporting on Israeli human rights violations. And these instances are just a small sample of the anti–academic freedom news. They serve as a reminder that threats to academic freedom are global.
Industrialization and Academy in Contemporary Turkey
Authors: Balaban Utku
Published: October 2023

The dinner I was invited to was held after the monthly meeting of the Kayseri Chamber of Industry on a pleasant summer night in 2015. The spacious dining hall on the top floor of the chamber headquarters was filled by over a hundred industrialists from large and small companies. Kayseri's nationally celebrated cuisine was lavishly represented on our table. I was in a good mood because I had been looking forward to this opportunity for the previous two years. This meeting, and especially the part closed to the press, would hopefully give me many insights into the relations among the members of the chamber.
Unpublished trials of alprazolam XR and their influence on its apparent efficacy for panic disorder
Authors: Ahn-Horst Rosa Y. , Turner Erick H.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To test for publication bias with alprazolam, the most widely prescribed benzodiazepine, by comparing its efficacy for panic disorder using trial results from (1) the published literature and (2) the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Methods

From FDA reviews, we included data from all phase 2/3 efficacy trials of alprazolam extended-release (Xanax XR) for the treatment of panic disorder. A search for matching publications was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. Publication bias was examined by comparing: (1) overall trial results (positive or not) according to the FDA v. corresponding publications; (2) effect size (Hedges's g) based on FDA data v. published data.

Results

The FDA review showed that five trials were conducted, only one of which (20%) was positive. Of the four not-positive trials, two were published conveying a positive outcome; the other two were not published. Thus, according to the published literature, three trials were conducted and all (100%) were positive. Alprazolam's effect size calculated using FDA data was 0.33 (CI95% 0.07–0.60) v. 0.47 (CI95% 0.30–0.65) using published data, an increase of 0.14, or 42%.

Conclusions

Publication bias substantially inflates the apparent efficacy of alprazolam XR.
Verbs of sexual intercourse in the Greek Pentateuch: a lexical analysis
Authors: Evans T.V.
Published: October 2023

This article examines the neglected evidence of the Greek Pentateuch for verbs of sexual intercourse. I aim to demonstrate the translators’ skilful application of their mimetic translation method and the native-speaker competence suggested by their vocabulary choices in the relevant sphere. With one exception manifesting Hebrew interference through semantic extension, all the verbs deployed to describe sexual intercourse represent natural Greek usage and are found in classical literature going back in some cases to early epic. This provides yet another indication that the evidence of the Septuagint should no longer be dismissed when considering the post-classical development of the Greek language.
The Multilevel Politics of Government–Business Collaboration in China's Rural Poverty Alleviation
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Yahua
Published: October 2023

Collaboration between local governments and businesses for poverty reduction has not yet been fully explored in China. Based on an in-depth investigation of two counties during the Targeted Poverty Alleviation campaign, this study proposes a multilayered and relational approach to understanding how different levels of officials collaborate with business to reduce poverty. Elite bureaucrats at the county and township levels prefer a growth-oriented strategy for attracting large-scale enterprises to make investment. Their coalition with businesses has created profits and employment but also hindered authentic participation of small- and medium-sized businesses and villagers in their selected villages. In contrast, in villages that were not prioritized by elite bureaucrats, local officials could utilize their discretion and indigenous resources to exploit development opportunities and support small- and medium-sized businesses to reach poor villagers. This study unpacks China's multilevel system to understand the various forms of government–business collaboration and their implications for rural poverty reduction.
The roles and experiences of medical interpreters in palliative care: A narrative review
Authors: Slusarz Claire
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Skilled medical interpreters are essential to providing high-quality, culturally sensitive palliative care and addressing health-care disparities for patients with limited English proficiency (LEP). While the benefits of utilizing medical interpreters are well documented, interpreter roles and experiences in palliative care are unique and poorly defined. This narrative review examines the extant literature on medical interpreters in palliative care to define their unique roles and describe their experiences and recommendations.

Methods

A narrative literature review was completed through systematically searching the following databases: Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and CINHAL. Title and abstract screening was completed, followed by full-text review.

Results

Ten articles met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Medical interpreters play several roles in palliative care for patients with LEP including interpreting language and meaning, acting as a cultural broker, and advocating for patients and families. Medical interpreters report being comfortable interpreting palliative care discussions; however, they face challenges in navigating their complex roles and the emotional impact of palliative care encounters. Their recommendations to improved palliative care encounters involving medical interpreters are careful language choice, holding pre- and post-meetings, education for interpreters and health-care professionals, and further integrating the medical interpreter into the interprofessional team.

Significance of results

Medical interpreters play several complex roles when participating in palliative care encounters for patients with LEP. Understanding these roles and the experiences allows medical interpreters to be better integrated into the interprofessional team and enhances the ability to provide quality, culturally sensitive palliative care for patients with LEP. Further research is required to understand how implementing the recommendations of medical interpreters impacts patient outcomes.
Data‐ and Model‐Based Urban O3 Responses to NOx Changes in China and the United States
Authors: Chen Xiaokang , Wang Min , He Tai‐Long , Jiang Zhe , Zhang Yuqiang , Zhou Li , Liu Jane , Liao Hong , Worden Helen , Jones Dylan , Chen Dongyang , Tan Qinwen , Shen Yanan
Published: October 2023

Urban air pollution continues to pose a significant health threat, despite regulations to control emissions. Here we present a comparative analysis of urban ozone (O3) responses to nitrogen oxide (NOx) changes in China and the United States (US) over 2015–2020 by integrating various data‐ and model‐based methods. The data‐based deep learning (DL) model exhibited good performance in simulating urban air quality: the correlation coefficients (R) of O3 daily variabilities with respect to independent O3 observations are 0.88 and 0.79 over N. China, 0.87 and 0.90 over S. China, and 0.87 and 0.49 over E. United States by the DL and GEOS‐Chem chemical transport models, respectively. Furthermore, the data‐based methods suggest volatile organic compound (VOC)‐limited regimes in urban areas over northern inland China and transitional regimes over eastern US urban areas; in contrast, GEOS‐Chem model suggests strong NOx‐limited regimes. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the inconsistent O3 responses are partially caused by the inaccurate representation of O3 precursor concentrations at the locations of urban air quality stations in the simulations, while the data‐based methods are driven by the variabilities in local O3 precursor concentrations and meteorological conditions. The O3 responses to NOx changes reported here provide a better understanding of urban O3 pollution; for example, reductions in NOx emissions are suggested to have resulted in an increase in surface O3 by approximately 7 ppb in the Sichuan Basin in 2014–2020.