bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Journals Have Preferences? Insights from The Journal of Higher Education
Authors: Havey Nicholas , Chang Mitchell J.
Published: October 2022

Using five years of publishing data from the Journal of Higher Education, we describe the publication pipeline at the journal, explore trends with respect to topic, the geographic distribution of authors, and each paper's methodological approach. Following the presentation of these trends, we discuss implications for the field of higher education and those publishing within it.
Design and simulation of type-I graphene/Si quantum dot superlattice for intermediate-band solar cell applications
Authors: Sarkhoush Masumeh , Rasooli Saghai Hassan , Soofi Hadi
Published: October 2022

Recent experiments suggest graphene-based materials as candidates for use in future electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this study, we propose a new multilayer quantum dot (QD) superlattice (SL) structure with graphene as the core and silicon (Si) as the shell of QD. The Slater–Koster tight-binding method based on Bloch theory is exploited to investigate the band structure and energy states of the graphene/Si QD. Results reveal that the graphene/Si QD is a type-I QD and the ground state is 0.6 eV above the valance band. The results also suggest that the graphene/Si QD can be potentially used to create a sub-bandgap in all Si-based intermediate-band solar cells (IBSC). The energy level hybridization in a SL of graphene/Si QDs is investigated and it is observed that the mini-band formation is under the influence of inter-dot spacing among QDs. To evaluate the impact of the graphene/Si QD SL on the performance of Si-based solar cells, we design an IBSC based on the graphene/Si QD (QDIBSC) and calculate its short-circuit current density (Jsc) and carrier generation rate (G) using the 2D finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. In comparison with the standard Si-based solar cell which records Jsc = 16.9067 mA/cm2 and G = 1.48943 × 1028 m−3⋅s−1, the graphene/Si QD IBSC with 2 layers of QDs presents Jsc = 36.4193 mA/cm2 and G = 7.94192 × 1028 m−3⋅s−1, offering considerable improvement. Finally, the effects of the number of QD layers (L) and the height of QD (H) on the performance of the graphene/Si QD IBSC are discussed.

Graphical abstract
Natural killer cell immunotherapy in glioblastoma
Authors: Hosseinalizadeh Hamed , Habibi Roudkenar Mehryar , Mohammadi Roushandeh Amaneh , Kuwahara Yoshikazu , Tomita Kazuo , Sato Tomoaki
Published: October 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most difficult cancers to treat because GBM has the high therapeutic resistance. Recently, immunotherapies for GBM have been used instead of conventional treatments. Among them, Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has the potential to treat GBM due to its properties such as the absence of restriction by antigen-antibody reaction and deep penetration into the tumor microenvironment. Especially, genetically engineered NK cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells, dual antigen-targeting CAR NK cells, and adapter chimeric antigen receptor NK cells are considered to be an important tool for GBM immunotherapy. Therefore, this review describes the recent efforts of NK cell-based immunotherapy in GBM patients. We also describe key receptors expressing on NK cells such as killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor, CD16, and natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2DL) receptor and discuss the function and importance of these molecules.
Seasonal and diel activity patterns of small mammal guilds on the Pannonian Steppe: a step towards a better understanding of the ecology of the endangered Hungarian birch mouse (Sicista trizona) (Sminthidae, Rodentia)
Authors: Cserkész Tamás , Kiss Csaba , Sramkó Gábor
Published: October 2022

Temporal activity differences facilitate species’ coexistence by reducing interspecific competition. Such patterns can be studied via diel activity analysis, but obtaining data in cryptic mammals is difficult. We investigated the annual and diel activity pattern of such a small mammal, the endangered Hungarian birch mouse (Sicista trizona trizona), in its only known habitat. We employ trail cameras for the first time to reveal the diel and annual activity of a sminthid species. Data acquisition included the spring and summer seasons between 2019 and 2022 and was extended to detect the activity overlaps with other common coexisting rodents and shrews. The diel activity results rely on 581 detections of S. trizona over 5670 trap-nights of camera trap deployment characterising also activity pattern of the small mammal community in this Central European grassland ecosystem. S. trizona was not recorded during the day but was active at dawn and night, and in comparison with other coexisting species, its activity level was high. The presumed cold sensitivity was not confirmed as we detected activity at −6 °C. Diel activity peaked in early May in the mating season. Although the diel activity pattern of co-occurring small mammal species was also nocturnal, activity overlaps were relatively high suggesting that temporal niche partitioning is limited within the habitat. Our work provides the first insight into temporal overlaps within a small mammal community in a natural European grassland, moreover, also the first documented research on the activity pattern of a sminthid in its natural habitat.
The final frontier: what is distinctive about the bioethics of space missions? The cases of human enhancement and human reproduction
Authors: Szocik Konrad , Reiss Michael J.
Published: October 2022

We examine the bioethical issues that arise from long-duration space missions, asking what there is that is distinctive about such issues. We pay particular attention to the possibility that such space missions, certainly if they lead to self-sustaining space settlements, may require human enhancement, and examine the significance of reproduction in space for bioethics. We conclude that while space bioethics raises important issues to do with human survival and reproduction in very hazardous environments, it raises no issues that are distinct from those in terrestrial bioethics. Rather, space bioethics raises extreme versions of bioethical issues that are already found in the military, when working in extreme environments (such as Antarctica), or when living in circumstances (such as in prison) where one’s autonomy is severely curtailed.
Considering Global Development? Insights from Applications for FDA Breakthrough Therapy and EMA PRIME Designations
Authors: Hanaizi Zahra , Kweder Sandra , Thor Shannon , Ribeiro Sonia , Marcal Anabela
Published: October 2022

The United States Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) each have programs to expedite development of products identified as having potential to address unmet medical needs: the Breakthrough therapy (BT) and Regenerative Medicines Advanced Therapies designation programs in the US and the Priority Medicines (PRIME) scheme at EMA. We reviewed commonalities and differences in requests submitted and products designated through these programs, with the intent to explore ways to better support global development. During the period from PRIME’s launch in April 2016 to 31 December 2020, 151 requests were made to both BT and PRIME programs and the agencies reached concordant outcomes to grant or deny requests for almost two thirds of the cases (93/151, 62%), suggesting similar perspectives across international regulators on the potential of the products under study. Forty-two (42/151, 28%) products were granted both BT and PRIME, thus found by both Agencies to have the potential to address an unmet need for a serious condition, and thereby products for which efficient development would be highly desirable. Working toward better engagement on global development strategies is in the best interests of patients and public health. With this in mind, Agencies and sponsors should take advantage of existing collaborative opportunities, such as parallel scientific advice, and work to identify fresh approaches to support global development of products for unmet medical needs.
Perceived privacy in home office and musculoskeletal complaints: a test of family–work conflict, work–family conflict, and relaxation as mediators
Authors: Wütschert Milena Sina , Pereira Diana , Eggli Andrea , Schulze Hartmut , Elfering Achim
Published: October 2022

Many employees have had to telework all year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though working from home has many advantages, there are also some disadvantages worth to consider. Lack of privacy is a relevant factor when it comes to the development of severe musculoskelatal issues. This study investigated the link between perceived privacy in home office and musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs). Family–work conflict (FWC), work–family conflict (WFC), and relaxation were tested as potential mediators for the relationship between perceived privacy and MSCs. The present study’s questionnaire was filled out by 287 teleworking employees. Hypotheses were tested via multiple mediation analyses examining levels of perceived privacy in home office, and its relationship on MSCs. Furthermore, the underlying effect of FWC, WFC, and MSCs were tested with a structural equation model. As assumed, lack of privacy while working at home was linked to individuals more frequently experiencing MSCs. However, the structural equation model showed no significant mediation effect. Work design efforts must address privacy while employees perform telework at home to prevent MSCs.
Urban rail transit FAO system: technological development and trends
Authors: Tang Tao , Liu Wentao , Ding Shukui , Gao Chunhai , Su Shuai
Published: October 2022

This paper introduces the worldwide history of fully automatic operation (FAO) system in urban rail transit, followed by the development status in China. Then, the architecture and characteristics of the FAO system are described, and the analysis method of system design requirements is proposed based on the human factors engineering. The key technologies are introduced from the aspects of signaling system, vehicle system, communication system, traffic integrated automation system and reliability, availability, maintainability, and safety (RAMS) assurance. Furthermore, based on the independent practical experience of the FAO system, this paper summarizes the management methods for the construction and operation of FAO lines and prospects its future development trends toward a more intelligent urban rail transit system.
Atlas in progress – health care for patients with chronic illness
Authors: Byhring Hanne Sigrun , Vonen Barthold
Published: October 2022

Over the last 7 years the Norwegian health atlas service has produced a total of 11 atlases covering subjects such as psychiatric health services, gynecology, orthopedics, specialist health services for children and for the elderly and healthcare quality to mention some. The form of all 11 atlases has been more or less the same since the first atlas was published in 2015. Over time we have realized that our atlas “products” could and should be more easily accessible, to better serve as a tool for improving health care services. Therefore, as part of the process of creating our latest atlas, the Atlas of health care for patients with chronic illness, we have set about reinventing the visual expression of the net-based presentation. The Atlas of health care for patients with chronic illness also provides the first opportunity to explore the possibilities and limitations of a unique new data set covering most government-funded health care in Norway for a time period of 4 years, where we can follow each patient across levels of care. Since the publication of the first health atlas for Norway in 2015, much attention has been given to geographic variation in the use of health services. However, as far as we can see little has changed – the atlases have sparked discussions, but not as much action from the decisionmakers. It is clear to us that to spark real change, we must engage more and better with the intended users of the atlases – leaders and decisionmakers, health care professionals and patients and indeed the national ministry of health. Finding ways to achieve this will be a main focus for our efforts in the coming years.
Anesthetists knowledge, practices, and associated factors towards infection prevention in Addis Ababa public hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Alemayehu Terefe , Tesfaye Biruk , Woldeyohannes Misrak , Regasa Teshome , Neme Derartu
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Background

Every year, hundreds of millions of individuals are afflicted by preventable illnesses in the health care system. In surgical patients in Sub-Saharan Africa, the rate of nosocomial infection ranges from 2.5 to 30.9%. Anesthesia doctors have a direct impact on the risk of perioperative infection. In the operating theater, 7% of surgical patients have a healthcare-associated infection. According to a study, bacterial transmission in the OR anesthesia work area was linked to 30-day postoperative illnesses in as many as 16% of surgical patients.

Objective

This study aims to assess anesthetists knowledge, practices, and associated factors towards infection prevention in xxx public hospitals.

Method

ology: A cross-sectional survey of 220 anesthetists working in xxx hospitals was undertaken using standardized pretested and self-administered questionnaires. The information gathered was double-checked for accuracy before being entered into the EPI INFO7 software and then exported to SPSS version 24 for analysis. For bivariate and multivariable analysis, descriptive statistical analysis was done, and a logistic regression model was built. A 95% confidence level and an alpha of 0.05 were employed to determine the existence of a relationship between variables.

Result

A total of 220 anesthetists took part. 82.7% (95% of CL: 77.7–87.7) and 48.2% (95% of CL: 41.4–55.4) of respondents were rated as knowledgeable about infection prevention and safe procedures, respectively. The presence of an infection prevention committee and recommendations is significantly linked to both knowledge and practice in infection prevention.

Conclusion

According to the findings of this study, the majority of anesthetists have a good understanding of infection prevention and nearly half of anesthetists have inadequate infection prevention practice. Infection prevention guidelines should be developed, enough supplies of personal protective equipment should be available, and an infection prevention committee should be strengthened.

Highlights
Clinical outcome of rapid diagnosis and antibiotic stewardship in patients with bloodstream infection in Lampang Hospital
Authors: Sakulkonkij Parichart , Bruminhent Jackrapong
Published: October 2022

Bloodstream infection is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment contribute to a favorable prognosis. We demonstrate a reduction of time to proper antibiotics and reduced mortality utilizing prompt diagnosis and antibiotic stewardship by infectious diseases physicians at a general hospital in Thailand.
Risk Perception, Learning, and Willingness to Pay to Reduce Heart Disease Risk
Authors: Dickie Mark , Adamowicz Wiktor , Gerking Shelby , Veronesi Marcella
Published: October 2022

The paper investigates the validity of individual perceptions of heart disease risks, and examines how information and risk perceptions affect marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) to reduce risk, using data from a stated preference survey. Results indicate that risk perceptions held before receiving risk information are plausibly related to objective risk factors and reflect individual-specific information not found in aggregate measures of objective risk. After receiving information, individuals’ updates of prior risk assessments are broadly consistent with Bayesian learning. Perceived heart disease risks thus satisfy construct validity and provide a valid basis for inferring MWTP to reduce risk. Consistent estimators of the relationship of MWTP to endogenously perceived risk are developed. Estimating MWTP based on objective rather than subjective risks causes misleading inferences about benefits of risk reduction. An empirical case study shows that estimated benefits may be as much as 60–98 % higher when estimated using individuals’ heterogeneous perceptions of risk than when using aggregate estimates of objective risk. The main contributions include assessing the validity of risk perceptions and their updating, consistently estimating the relationship between MWTP and endogenously perceived risk, and demonstrating the importance of employing risk perception information for accurate benefit measurement.
Informatics education for translational research teams: An unrealized opportunity to strengthen the national research infrastructure
Authors: Mendonca Eneida A. , Richesson Rachel L. , Hochheiser Harry , Cooper Dan M. , Bruck Meg N. , Berner Eta S.
Published: October 2022

Objective:

To identify the informatics educational needs of clinical and translational research professionals whose primary focus is not informatics.

Introduction:

Informatics and data science skills are essential for the full spectrum of translational research, and an increased understanding of informatics issues on the part of translational researchers can alleviate the demand for informaticians and enable more productive collaborations when informaticians are involved. Identifying the level of interest in different topics among various types of of translational researchers will help set priorities for development and dissemination of informatics education.

Methods:

We surveyed clinical and translational science researchers in Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) programs about their educational needs and preferences.

Results:

Researchers from 23 out of the 62 CTSA hubs responded to the survey. 67% of respondents across roles and topics expressed interest in learning about informatics topics. There was high interest in all 30 topics included in the survey, with some variation in interest depending on the role of the respondents.

Discussion:

Our data support the need to advance training in clinical and biomedical informatics. As the complexity and use of information technology and data science in research studies grows, informaticians will continue to be a limited resource for research collaboration, education, and training. An increased understanding of informatics issues across translational research teams can alleviate this burden and allow for more productive collaborations. To inform a roadmap for informatics education for research professionals, we suggest strategies to use the results of this needs assessment to develop future informatics education.
Developing patient-centered outcomes research infrastructure in a rural community through patient and stakeholder engagement and education during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lovelett Carly , Medeiros Michelle , Jaremczuk Daniel , Flanagan Jennie , Shaver Jennifer , LaLone Elaine , Kedar Eyal
Published: October 2022

In addition to facing numerous healthcare disparities, rural America is chronically underrepresented in clinical research. This gap was made more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. St Lawrence Health, located in rural Upstate New York, established its Clinical and Rural Health Research Department in 2015 to help close this gap. The research department then launched the DISRUPTS (Developing InfraStructure for Research to Utilize Patient-centered Techniques at St Lawrence Health System) program to build the infrastructure to conduct Patient-Centered Outcomes Research (PCOR). Together with a diverse committee, the team used proven methods and frameworks to develop a model for engagement, content creation, and education delivery that was successfully used to create educational programs on PCOR and COVID-19. The resulting DISRUPTS webinars had a combined total of over 450 live attendees and over 1,110 views on recordings. Furthermore, nearly one-third of those who participated in the COVID-19 vaccines webinar indicated they were more likely to receive a COVID-19 vaccine after taking part. DISRUPTS can serve as an important model for other rural communities that aim to increase access to and engagement in PCOR, and which hope to improve outreach and education efforts in their communities.
Methodological issues when using face prototypes: A case study on the Faceaurus dataset
Authors: Bovet Jeanne , Tognetti Arnaud , Pollet Thomas V.
Published: October 2022

Prototype faces, created by averaging faces from several individuals sharing a common characteristic (for example a certain personality trait), can be used for highly informative experimental designs in face research. Although the facial prototype method is both ingenious and useful, we argue that its implementation is associated with three major issues: lack of external validity and non-independence of the units of information, both aggravated by a lack of transparency regarding the methods used and their limitations. Here, we describe these limitations and illustrate our claims with a systematic review of studies creating facial stimuli using the prototypes dataset ‘Faceaurus’. We then propose some solutions that can eliminate or reduce these problems. We provide recommendations for future research employing this method on how to produce more generalisable and replicable results.
A spectral inspection for turbulence amplification in oblique shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction
Authors: Yu Ming , Zhao MingXiang , Tang ZhiGong , Yuan XianXu , Xu ChunXiao
Published: October 2022

Turbulence amplification and the large-scale coherent structures in shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interaction flows have been studied at length in previous research, while the direct association between these two flow features is still lacking. In the present study, the transport equation of turbulent kinetic energy spectra is derived and utilized to analyse the scale-by-scale energy budget across the interaction zone, enabling us to reveal the association between the genesis of the large-scale motions and the turbulence amplification. For the presently considered flow with incipient shock-induced separation, we identified in turbulent kinetic energy spectra distribution that the most energetic motions are converted from the near-wall small-scale motions to large-scale motions consisting of velocity streaks and cross-stream circulations as they go through the interaction zone. The amplification of streamwise velocity fluctuation is triggered first, resulting in the emergence of large-scale velocity streaks, which is attributed to the adverse pressure gradient, as indicated by the spectra of the production term. The energy carried by large-scale velocity streaks is transferred to other velocity components by the pressure-strain term, producing large-scale cross-stream circulations. When large-scale motions are convected downstream, their energy is transferred via turbulent cascade to smaller scales and dissipated by viscosity. The spanwise uniform fluctuations, reminiscent of the unsteadiness of the separation bubble, are contributed primarily by the inter-scale energy transfer from the finite spanwise scale motions.
Subject relativewhoin Ontario, Canada: Change from above in a transplanted ecology
Authors: Brook Marisa , Tagliamonte Sali A.
Published: October 2022

Whoas a restrictive relativizer in English is an old change from above. In urban dialects, it still acts as a prestige form, whereas it is infrequent or negligible in rural British and American varieties. We compare earlier findings from Toronto, the largest city in the province of Ontario (D’Arcy & Tagliamonte, 2010), with a range of communities from the Ontario Dialects Project (Tagliamonte, 2003–present). While none of the rural locations has as muchwhoas Toronto, there is a substantial range. Regions along the major highways to the north and east of the city have morewho, while the smaller towns in less accessible locations have less, consistent with a Cascade Model effect (Labov, 2003). Nonetheless,whoshows evidence of diffusion, increasing in apparent time in recent decades. We suggest that this reflects overt pressure from above, consistent with the enduring role that prestige plays in English relativizer variation.
Listening in/to Literature
Authors: Mitchell Tamara L.
Published: October 2022

This essay reviews the following works:

Tropical Riffs: Latin America and the Politics of Jazz. By Jason Borge. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2018. Pp. 266. $26.95 paperback. ISBN: 9780822369905.

The Cry of the Senses: Listening to Latinx and Caribbean Poetics. By Ren Ellis Neyra. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2020. Pp. xvii + 222. $25.95 paperback. ISBN: 9781478011170.

Hearing Voices: Aurality and New Spanish Sound Culture in Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. By Sarah Finley. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2019. Pp. 252. $60.00 hardcover. ISBN: 9781496211798.

Writing by Ear: Clarice Lispector and the Aural Novel. By Marília Librandi. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2018. Pp. xxi + 214. $88.00 hardcover. ISBN: 9781487502140.

The Senses of Democracy: Perception, Politics, and Culture in Latin America. By Francine R. Masiello. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2018. Pp. 326. $25.95 paperback. ISBN: 9781477315040.

Sonar: Navegación/localización del sonido en las prácticas artísticas del siglo XX. By Luz María Sánchez Cardona. Mexico City: Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana; Juan Pablos Editor, 2018. Pp. 171. $34.99 paperback. ISBN: 9786072815469.
Lifestyle and dietary factors, iron status and one-carbon metabolism polymorphisms in a sample of Italian women and men attending a Transfusion Medicine Unit: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bortolus Renata , Filippini Francesca , Chiaffarino Francesca , Udali Silvia , Rinaldi Marianna , Gandini Giorgio , Montagnana Martina , Lippi Giuseppe , Olivieri Oliviero , Parazzini Fabio , Friso Simonetta
Published: October 2022

Iron (Fe) status among healthy male and female blood donors, aged 18–65 years, is estimated. General characteristics and lifestyle factors, dietary habits and major one-carbon metabolism-related polymorphisms were also investigated. An explorative cross-sectional study design was used to examine a sample of blood donors attending the Transfusion Medicine Unit of the Verona University Hospital, Italy. From April 2016 to May 2018, 499 subjects were enrolled (255 men, 244 women, 155 of whom of childbearing age). Major clinical characteristics including lifestyle, dietary habits and Fe status were analysed. The MTHFR 677C > T, cSHMT 1420C > T, DHFR 19bp ins/del and RFC1 80G > A polymorphisms were also assayed. Mean plasma concentrations of Fe and ferritin were 16·6 µmol/l (95 % CI 16·0, 17·2) and 33·8 µg/l (95 % CI 31·5, 36·2), respectively. Adequate plasma Fe concentrations (> 10·74 µmol/l) were detected in 84·3 % and adequate ferritin concentrations (20–200 µg/l) was found in 72·5 % of the whole cohort. Among the folate-related polymorphisms analysed, carriers of the DHFR 19bp del/del mutant allele showed lower ferritin concentration when compared with DHFR 19bp ins/del genotypes. In a sample of Italian healthy blood donors, adequate plasma concentrations of Fe and ferritin were reached in a large proportion of subjects. The relationship of Fe status with lifestyle factors and folate-related polymorphisms requires more investigation to clarify further gene–nutrient interactions between folate and Fe metabolism.
Circulating direct infusion MS and NMR metabolomic profiles of post-gonadectomy kittens with or without additional dietary choline supplementation
Authors: Godfrey Hannah , Rankovic Alexandra , Grant Caitlin E. , Abood Sarah K. , Shoveller Anna Kate , Bakovic Marica , Verbrugghe Adronie
Published: October 2022

Choline is beneficial for energy metabolism and growth in various species. Choline may work similarly in kittens at risk of obesity. Direct infusion MS (Di-MS) and NMR spectroscopy were used to investigate the metabolomic signatures of kittens supplemented with or without additional dietary choline for 12 weeks. Fifteen intact male kittens consumed a base diet (3310 mg choline/kg DM) to their daily metabolisable energy requirement (DER) over an 11-week acclimation. Kittens were gonadectomised and assigned, based on body weight, to the base diet (CONTROL,n7) or the base diet with 300 mg/kgBW0·75additional choline as choline chloride (CHOLINE,n8) and offered three times their individual energy requirement divided into three meals. At weeks −1 and 12, fasted blood was sampled and serum analysed for 130 metabolites via Di-MS and fifty-one metabolites via NMR spectroscopy. Changes in fasted metabolites were assessed using a repeated-measures GLIMMIX procedure with time and group as fixed effects, and time as a repeated measure. Metabolites of one-carbon metabolism and lipids increased, and medium-chain acyl carnitines decreased from week −1 to 12 for CHOLINE (P< 0·05), but not CONTROL (P> 0·05). Increases in amino acid, biogenic amine and organic compound concentrations were observed in both groups (P< 0·05). The results suggest impacts of dietary choline at greater intakes than currently recommended on one-carbon metabolism and fatty acid oxidation, and these may promote healthy growth in post-gonadectomy kittens.
A New Old Reign: How Traditional Privileges and Old Laws Established Austrian Rule in the Southern Netherlands after 1713
Authors: Karstens Simon
Published: October 2022

How did early modern sovereigns establish authority over newly acquired territories? This is the question behind this article which examines the beginning of Austrian rule in the Southern Netherlands after the Peace of Utrecht 1713. Transfers of sovereignty like these marked the end of international conflicts and lead to the change or reinforcement of the social and political order within affected territories. Therefore, their analysis offers new insight into early modern state building. To achieve this, the article first offers an overview of the events before and after the transfer of sovereignty. This is followed by a closer look at the vital role of the relationship between the local church and the new ruler. Finally, a spotlight will be cast on a tax called Pain d'Abbaye, which serves as a example for an empowering interaction that helped to create a stable relationship between the new Lord and his new subjects.
Metternich and the Suez Canal: Informal Diplomacy in the Interests of Central Europe
Authors: Šedivý Miroslav
Published: October 2022

Klemens von Metternich played an important role as leader of the Austrian bureaucrats and diplomats in supporting construction of the Suez Canal. He participated in many ways, often informal ones, which before 1848 resulted from his political circumspection and afterward from the fact that he was just a private individual. His so-to-speak informal diplomacy is interesting not only because it discloses the high level of interest he and other Austrian dignitaries paid to the issue but also because it reveals how accessible Metternich was to those involved in the project regardless of nationality, political leanings, and religion. Metternich's interest in the Suez Canal brought him into contact with Europeans as well as Ottomans, conservatives as well as liberals, and even Saint-Simonians: in other words, all who wished to cooperate for the benefit of central Europe and beyond.
Black Police Power: The Political Moment of the Jamaica Constabulary
Authors: Maoz Eilat
Published: October 2022

Contemporary debates on policing trace the rise of “law and order” populism and police militarization to colonial histories and imperial boomerang effects. In a time marked by the renewed imperative “to decolonize,” however, few studies examine what decolonizing policing did or could look like in practice. This article draws on oral history narratives of Jamaican police officers to recover their ideas about transforming the colonial Jamaica Constabulary Force in the 1970s. Born out of black power mobilizations and under a democratic socialist government (1972–1980), police decolonization was viewed as part of broader transformative effort to rid the country of colonial inheritances in economics, culture, and politics. Jamaican policemen, radicalized since the early twentieth century, then began revising their social mandate and ask who the police should serve and protect. Ultimately, due to internal contradictions and external pressures, the experiment failed, giving rise to police populism and increased violence against black men and women in the ghettos. The episode reveals how populism emerges out of a failure of emancipatory campaigns and how radical critique can turn into ideological justification. It also highlights the need to distinguish between diverse, contradictory, and overlapping demands to decolonize societies and institutions today.
Expert-based assessment of the climate change vulnerability of amphibians and reptiles of Uruguay
Authors: Vaz-Canosa Pablo , Laufer Gabriel , Borteiro Claudio , Baldo Diego , Prigioni Carlos , Soutullo Alvaro
Published: October 2022

Climate change (CC) is a major threat to biodiversity, increasing species extinction risk. Assessments of its possible impacts on species are crucial for designing conservation strategies. Here, we adjusted a global trait-based approach to the national level and apply it to Uruguay (South America) to evaluate the CC vulnerability of its herpetofauna. A total of 112 species were assessed in a scenario of CC projections for 2050 with regard to three dimensions of vulnerability: sensitivity, low adaptive capacity and exposure. We conducted the assessment through an expert elicitation process based on the Delphi method. We found that most local species (64.6% amphibians; 100% reptiles) were highly sensitive to CC. Among them, seven amphibians (14.6%) and seven reptiles (10.9%) were identified as highly vulnerable to CC. Important gaps in the life-history traits of the species were found that should guide future research. The structured expert consultation process allowed us to gather more and better information than if it had only been based on published sources. Our study identified challenges associated with changing the scale from global to national that might be used for similar assessments in other countries.
Développement d’une version française adaptée de l’Ambivalent Ageism Scale : une mesure de l’âgisme
Authors: D’hondt Sylvie , Degryse Jean-Marie
Published: October 2022

L’objectif de cette étude était d’introduire un processus de traduction et de validation de l’Ambivalent Ageism Scale en français. L’Ambivalent Ageism scale (AAS) est la première échelle de mesure qui prend en compte l’âgisme bienveillant. Notre étude a suivi trois grandes étapes : la traduction, l’enquête et la validation. L’enquête transversale a été réalisée auprès d’étudiants de master en Sciences de la santé publique de la Faculté de santé publique de l’UClouvain lors de l’année académique 2019–2020 : sur 544 inscrits, 111 étudiants ont participé. L’échantillon était majoritairement composé de professionnels de la santé, avec un âge moyen de 31,47 ans (écart type = 7,48 ans). En conclusion, la version française de l’AAS est composée de douze items et est subdivisée en trois nouveaux facteurs : la surprotection (six items), l’infantilisation (quatre items) et le contrôle (deux items) auprès des personnes âgées. La nouvelle mesure de l’âgisme paternaliste (MAP) est une échelle de mesure simple et courte qui identifie des stéréotypes et des attitudes paternalistes à l’égard des personnes âgées.
Material and Sensory Experiences of Mesolithic Resinous Substances
Authors: Little Aimée , Needham Andy , Langley Andrew , Elliott Benjamin
Published: October 2022

Mesolithic resinous adhesives are well known for their role as hafting mastic within composite technologies, yet it is increasingly clear that their usage was more diverse than this. Birch-bark tar has been recovered from Mesolithic contexts as chewed lumps linked to medicinal treatment of toothache and oral diseases, and as a decorative element on ornaments and art objects; and an amorphous resinous substance possibly derived from pine or spruce resin has been found within a burial context. This diversity of applications suggests that resins and tars may have been understood in different ways which did not always privilege their mechanical functionality. To underscore the limited archaeological perspective of conifer resins and tars as hafting agents, we draw on data sourced from a wide range of ethnographically documented societies, demonstrating the array of economic and social functions these materials have for contemporary hunter-gatherer groups. Using archaeological case studies, we illustrate how a deeper understanding of the material and sensory properties of resins and tars, and the trees from which they are derived, opens new insights into the diverse roles resinous materials performed within Mesolithic worldviews.
A Study of Symbolic Interactionism and Communication from the Perspective of American Social Psychology
Authors: Wang Lihui
Published: October 2022

The concept of ‘symbolic interactionism’ has been particularly compelling since its inception as a method for studying human group life and human behaviour. Symbolic interactionism represents one of the most sociological reserach projects in social psychology, and the founders of communication, such as Lazarsfeld, Lewin, and Hovland, are all related to social psychology. Therefore, this article will attempt to answer the following questions through a historical review of the development of social psychology in the United States: symbolic interactionism is so closely related to communication studies, but why is it gradually missing in the establishment of communication studies? Can symbolic interactionism have a new academic resonance with contemporary communication research?
Keeping Everyone on Board: Gregory the Great’s ‘Theory of Iconoclasm’
Authors: Crostini Barbara
Published: October 2022

Pope Gregory the Great (s. 590–604) wrote two letters to Bishop Serenus of Marseilles, reproaching his acts of iconoclasm that had led to schism in his community. These short documents are considered to contain Gregory’s theory of art as a book for the illiterate and have been criticized for destroying the aura of sacred art to all subsequent Western developments. Here, I argue that the pope’s fundamental contribution is to offer instead a theory of iconoclasm. Relying on previous ideas about the pedagogical and communicative power of art and its ability to reach a larger audience beyond the elite, Gregory defends the rights of the community of ‘gentiles and illiterates’ who find in portable painted panels an expression of their identity in the church at Marseilles. Serenus’s wish to impose a superior orthodoxy on the pious if incorrect habits of his flock cannot justify his resorting to iconoclasm. The pope’s vigorous condemnation protects the vulnerable minority and sets an important precedent against any acts of iconoclasm in the West.
An evaluation of value-based outcomes for women admitted to a dialectical behaviour therapy integrated practice unit: a follow-up study
Authors: Webb Elanor Lucy , Girardi Alessandra , Fox Emily , Wallang Paul
Published: October 2022

Background:

An earlier evaluation (Fox et al., 2014) highlighted reductions in risk behaviours and restrictive practices for women admitted to low secure dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) unit. Since then, a value-based healthcare model has been adopted.

Aims:

To explore changes in health, social and psychological functioning, risk, quality of life, and in incidents of violence and restrictive practices, over the initial 12-month period of admission to a specialist DBT service.

Method:

Data were extracted from electronic clinical records for 41 women with emotionally unstable personality disorder admitted to a specialist integrated practice unit (IPU) providing a comprehensive DBT programme. Secondary analysis was conducted on an anonymous dataset of routinely collected outcome measures at baseline admission, and 6 and 12 months post-admission. ANOVAs and pairwise post hoc comparisons, and non-parametric equivalents, were conducted to examine changes in outcomes.

Results:

Findings showed statistically significant improvements in mental health scores on the ReQOL (p<.01), global, wellbeing, problems, functioning and risk scores on the COREOM (all p<.01), and severe disturbance, emotional wellbeing, socioeconomic status, risk and need scores on the HoNOS-Secure (all p<.05). Significant reductions in risk behaviours (p<.01) and restrictive practices (p<.01) were also apparent. The most substantiative improvements were largely demonstrated over a 12-month admission period.

Conclusions:

Admission to the DBT IPU yielded significant improvements on outcomes pertaining to quality of life, psychological distress, and risk. Importantly, these are outcomes that aligned with patients’ perceptions of recovery.
The Customary Obligation to Avoid, Reduce, or Prevent Statelessness in South Asia
Authors: IMMANUEL Andrea Marilyn Pragashini
Published: October 2022

South Asia, as a region, consists of several stateless groups as well as groups at the risk of statelessness. However, none of the South Asian states are parties to the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, thus these states do not have specific obligations arising from this Convention to avoid, reduce, or prevent statelessness in the region. In this context, this article ascertains that despite the prevalence of statelessness, there exists state practice andopinio jurisin South Asia that point to an emerging customary international law obligation to avoid, reduce, or prevent statelessness.
A Validation and Extension of State-Level Public Policy Mood: 1956–2020
Authors: Lagodny Julius , Jones Rebekah , Koch Julianna , Enns Peter K.
Published: October 2022

To fully understand state policy outcomes or elections in the US, we need valid over-time measures of state-level public opinion. We contribute to the research on measuring state public opinion in two ways. First, we respond to Berry, Fording, Hanson, and Crofoot’s (BFHC) critique of Enns and Koch’s measure of state policy mood. We show that when BFHC’s analysis is performed using the same states and examining annual change, it validates the Enns and Koch measure and raises questions about the Berry, Ringquist, Fording, and Hanson measure. Second, we generate a new measure of state policy mood building on Enns and Koch’s approach. The new measure has even better properties than the previous measure and relates to state presidential vote and state policy liberalism in similar ways to Caughey and Warshaw’s measure of state economic liberalism. We conclude with recommendations for using the various direct measures of state public opinion.
Die anderen Zecken-übertragenen Infektionen in Mitteleuropa
Authors: Weber Rainer
Published: October 2022

Zusammenfassung. Die Häufigkeit Zecken-übertragener Infektionen nimmt zu, die Verbreitungsgebiete von Zecken dehnen sich aus, bisher unbekannte Pathogene werden neu entdeckt und anderswo bekannte Pathogene treten an neuen geografischen Orten auf. Mit Fokus auf die Epidemiologie in Mitteleuropa, aber auch unter Berücksichtigung reisemedizinischer Aspekte, werden in der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit die selteneren Zecken-assoziierten Mikroorganismen diskutiert: Anaplasmen, Babesien, Borrelia miyamotoi, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Ehrlichien, Francisella tularensis, Rickettsien, Rückfallfieber-Spirochäten sowie Zecken-assoziierte Viren. Neben den häufigen Schildzecken ( Ixodes sp.) kommen in Europa zahlreiche anderen Zeckenarten vor, die Pathogene übertragen können. Zecken-übertragene Infektionen sollten bei fieberhaften Erkrankungen unklarer Ätiologie, bei neu aufgetretenen Exanthemen oder bei fieberhaften neurologischen Manifestationen differenzialdiagnostisch erwogen werden. Die Differenzialdiagnose beginnt mit dem «daran denken», da – abgesehen vom Erythema migrans – die einzelnen Leitsymptome von Zecken-assoziierten Infektionen unspezifisch sind. Die Patienten selbst berichten oftmals nicht über eine mögliche Exposition gegenüber Zecken und weniger als 50% der Infizierten haben einen Zeckenstich wahrgenommen. Die Anamnese soll Beruf, Freizeitaktivitäten, Reisen und Immunstatus umfassen. Bei splenektomierten und immundefizienten Personen können Zecken-übertragene Infektionen schwer und lebensbedrohlich verlaufen.
Association Between Weather Parameters and SARS‐CoV‐2 Confirmed Cases in Two South African Cities
Authors: Ogunjo Samuel , Olusola Adeyemi , Orimoloye Israel
Published: October 2022

Several approaches have been used in the race against time to mitigate the spread and impact of COVID‐19. In this study, we investigated the role of temperature, relative humidity, and particulate matter in the spread of COVID‐19 cases within two densely populated cities of South Africa—Pretoria and Cape Town. The role of different levels of COVID‐19 restrictions in the air pollution levels, obtained from the Purple Air Network, of the two cities were also considered. Our results suggest that 26.73% and 43.66% reduction in PM2.5 levels were observed in Cape Town and Pretoria respectively for no lockdown (Level 0) to the strictest lockdown level (Level 5). Furthermore, our results showed a significant relationship between particulate matter and COVID‐19 in the two cities. Particulate matter was found to be a good predictor, based on the significance of causality test, of COVID‐19 cases in Pretoria with a lag of 7 days and more. This suggests that the effect of particulate matter on the number of cases can be felt after 7 days and beyond in Pretoria.
Contaminant Binding and Bioaccessibility in the Dust From the Ni‐Cu Mining/Smelting District of Selebi‐Phikwe (Botswana)
Authors: Ettler Vojtěch , Hladíková Karolína , Mihaljevič Martin , Drahota Petr , Culka Adam , Jedlicka Radim , Kříbek Bohdan , Vaněk Aleš , Penížek Vít , Sracek Ondra , Bagai Zibisani
Published: October 2022

We studied the dust fractions of the smelting slag, mine tailings, and soil from the former Ni‐Cu mining and processing district in Selebi‐Phikwe (eastern Botswana). Multi‐method chemical and mineralogical investigations were combined with oral bioaccessibility testing of the fine dust fractions (<48  and <10 μm) in a simulated gastric fluid to assess the potential risk of the intake of metal(loid)s contaminants. The total concentrations of the major contaminants varied significantly (Cu: 301–9,600 mg/kg, Ni: 850–7,000 mg/kg, Co: 48–791 mg/kg) but were generally higher in the finer dust fractions. The highest bioaccessible concentrations of Co, Cu, and Ni were found in the slag and mine tailing dusts, where these metals were mostly bound in sulfides (pentlandite, pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite). On the contrary, the soil dusts exhibited substantially lower bioaccessible fractions of these metals due to their binding in less soluble spinel‐group oxides. The results indicate that slag dusts are assumed to be risk materials, especially when children are considered as a target group. Still, this exposure scenario seems unrealistic due to (a) the fencing of the former mine area and its inaccessibility to the local community and (b) the low proportion of the fine particles in the granulated slag dump and improbability of their transport by wind. The human health risk related to the incidental ingestion of the soil dust, the most accessible to the local population, seems to be quite limited in the Selebi‐Phikwe area, even when a higher dust ingestion rate (280 mg/d) is considered.