bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-dose 2-deoxy glucose stabilises tolerogenic dendritic cells and generates potent in vivo immunosuppressive effects
Authors: Christofi M. , Le Sommer S. , Mölzer C. , Klaska I. P. , Kuffova L. , Forrester J. V.
Published: October 2020

Cell therapies for autoimmune diseases using tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) have been promisingly explored. A major stumbling block has been generating stable tolDC, with low risk of converting to mature immunogenic DC (mDC), exacerbating disease. mDC induction involves a metabolic shift to lactate production from oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and β-oxidation, the homeostatic energy source for resting DC. Inhibition of glycolysis through the administration of 2-deoxy glucose (2-DG) has been shown to prevent autoimmune disease experimentally but is not clinically feasible. We show here that treatment of mouse bone marrow-derived tolDC ex vivo with low-dose 2-DG (2.5 mM) (2-DGtolDC) induces a stable tolerogenic phenotype demonstrated by their failure to engage lactate production when challenged with mycobacterial antigen (Mtb). ~ 15% of 2-DGtolDC express low levels of MHC class II and 30% express CD86, while they are negative for CD40. 2-DGtolDC also express increased immune checkpoint molecules PDL-1 and SIRP-1α. Antigen-specific T cell proliferation is reduced in response to 2-DGtolDC in vitro. Mtb-stimulated 2-DGtolDC do not engage aerobic glycolysis but respond to challenge via increased OXPHOS. They also have decreased levels of p65 phosphorylation, with increased phosphorylation of the non-canonical p100 pathway. A stable tolDC phenotype is associated with sustained SIRP-1α phosphorylation and p85-AKT and PI3K signalling inhibition. Further, 2-DGtolDC preferentially secrete IL-10 rather than IL-12 upon Mtb-stimulation. Importantly, a single subcutaneous administration of 2-DGtolDC prevented experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU) in vivo. Inhibiting glycolysis of autologous tolDC prior to transfer may be a useful approach to providing stable tolDC therapy for autoimmune/immune-mediated diseases.
Promising potential of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-folate to enhance tumor response to immunotherapy—a preclinical study using a syngeneic breast cancer model
Authors: Guzik Patrycja , Siwowska Klaudia , Fang Hsin-Yu , Cohrs Susan , Bernhardt Peter , Schibli Roger , Müller Cristina
Published: October 2020

Purpose

It was previously demonstrated that radiation effects can enhance the therapy outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this study, a syngeneic breast tumor mouse model was used to investigate the effect of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-folate as an immune stimulus to enhance anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy.

Methods

In vitro and in vivo studies were performed to characterize NF9006 breast tumor cells with regard to folate receptor (FR) expression and the possibility of tumor targeting using [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-folate. A preclinical therapy study was performed over 70 days with NF9006 tumor-bearing mice that received vehicle only (group A); [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-folate (5 MBq; 3.5 Gy absorbed tumor dose; group B); anti-CTLA-4 antibody (3 × 200 μg; group C), or both agents (group D). The mice were monitored regarding tumor growth over time and signs indicating adverse events of the treatment.

Results

[177Lu]Lu-DOTA-folate bound specifically to NF9006 tumor cells and tissue in vitro and accumulated in NF9006 tumors in vivo. The treatment with [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-folate or an anti-CTLA-4 antibody had only a minor effect on NF9006 tumor growth and did not substantially increase the median survival time of mice (23 day and 19 days, respectively) as compared with untreated controls (12 days). [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-folate sensitized, however, the tumors to anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy, which became obvious by reduced tumor growth and, hence, a significantly improved median survival time of mice (> 70 days). No obvious signs of adverse effects were observed in treated mice as compared with untreated controls.

Conclusion

Application of [177Lu]Lu-DOTA-folate had a positive effect on the therapy outcome of anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy. The results of this study may open new perspectives for future clinical translation of folate radioconjugates.
Passive Versus Active Intra‐Abdominal Drainage Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Retrospective Study Using The American College of Surgeons NSQIP Database
Authors: Lemke Madeline , Park Lily , Balaa Fady K. , Martel Guillaume , Khalil Jad Abou , Bertens Kimberly A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Prophylactic drainage following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) reduces morbidity and mortality. Little evidence exists to advise on whether passive gravity (PG) or active suction (AS) drainage systems result in superior outcomes. This study examines the relationship between drainage system and morbidity following PD.

Methods

All patients undergoing elective PD with an operatively placed drain in the 2016 ACS‐NSQIP database were included. Pre‐ and intra‐operative factors were examined. Multivariable logistic regression and coarsened exact matching (CEM) were used to assess for an association between drainage system (PG vs. AS) and morbidity. The primary outcome was postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF).

Results

In total, 3430 patients were included: 563 (16.4%) with PG and 2867 (83.6%) with AS drainage system. On multivariable regression, 1787 patients were included. Drainage type was not associated with POPF, surgical site infection, delayed gastric emptying, or re‐operation. AS drainage was protective against percutaneous drain insertion (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.44–0.96, p = 0.033). In the CEM cohort (n = 268), superficial SSI was higher in the AS group (0.8% vs. 6.0%, p = 0.036). There was a trend toward higher rates of composite total SSI (PG 15.7%, AS 23.9%, p = 0.092) and organ space SSI (PG 14.2%, AS 20.2%, p = 0.195) in the AS group; this did not demonstrate statistical significance.

Conclusions

The findings of this study suggest that AS drainage is protective against percutaneous drain insertion, but may be associated with increased risk of SSI. There was no relation between drainage type and POPF. A prospective, randomized controlled trial is warranted to further explore these findings.
The Dinaric Mountains versus the Western Carpathians: Is structural heterogeneity similar in close-to-primeval Abies–Picea–Fagus forests?
Authors: Paluch J. , Keren S. , Govedar Z.
Published: October 2020

In this study, we analysed patterns of spatial variation in the basal area of live and dead trees and structural complexity in close-to-primeval forests in the Dinaric Mts. The results were compared with an analogous study conducted in the Western Carpathians. The research was carried out in the Janj, Lom and Perucića forest reserves (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in mixed-species stands of silver fir Abies alba Mill., European beech Fagus sylvatica L. and Norway spruce Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. In the core zones of the reserves, concentric sample plots (154 and 708 m2) were set in a regular 20 × 20 m grid covering approximately 10 ha. The analyses revealed varying distribution patterns of live canopy trees, suggesting that these characteristics may fluctuate to some extent at the regional level. At the spatial scale of 708 m2, attractive associations between dead canopy trees were found, but this tendency disappeared with increasing area. Although stands in the Dinaric Mts. are characterized by an almost twofold greater biomass accumulation compared to those from the Western Carpathians, the study revealed analogous bell-shaped distributions of stand basal areas of live trees and a very similar trend of decreasing variation in stand basal area and structural heterogeneity with increasing spatial scale. Nonetheless, the higher growing stocks, lower ratios of dead to live tree basal area and lower proportion of homogeneous structure types found in the Dinaric Mts. may suggest a less severe disturbance history over recent decades in this region compared to the Western Carpathians.
Logic-based technologies for multi-agent systems: a systematic literature review
Authors: Calegari Roberta , Ciatto Giovanni , Mascardi Viviana , Omicini Andrea
Published: October 2020

Precisely when the success of artificial intelligence (AI) sub-symbolic techniques makes them be identified with the whole AI by many non-computer-scientists and non-technical media, symbolic approaches are getting more and more attention as those that could make AI amenable to human understanding. Given the recurring cycles in the AI history, we expect that a revamp of technologies often tagged as “classical AI”—in particular,logic-basedones—will take place in the next few years. On the other hand, agents andmulti-agent systems(MAS) have been at the core of the design of intelligent systems since their very beginning, and their long-term connection withlogic-based technologies, which characterised their early days, might open new ways to engineerexplainable intelligent systems. This is why understanding the current status oflogic-based technologies for MASis nowadays of paramount importance. Accordingly, this paper aims at providing a comprehensive view of those technologies by making them the subject of asystematic literature review(SLR). The resulting technologies are discussed and evaluated from two different perspectives: the MAS and the logic-based ones.
Introduction to symposium ‘Reimagining land: materiality, affect and the uneven trajectories of land transformation’
Authors: Sippel Sarah Ruth , Visser Oane
Published: October 2020

Over the past decade land has again moved to the centre of resource conflicts, agrarian struggles, and competing visions over the future of food and farming. This renewed interest in land necessitates asking the seemingly simple, but pertinent, question ‘whatisland?’ To reach a more profound understanding of the uniqueness of land, and what distinguishes land from other resources, this symposium suggests the notion of ‘land imaginaries’ as a crucial lens in the study of current land transformations. Political-economy, and the particular economic, financial, or political interests of various actors involved in land projects do not directly result in, or translate into, outcomes, such as dispossession and enclosure, increased commodification, financialization, and assetization, or mobilization and resistance. All these processes are informed by different imaginaries of land—the underlying understandings, views, and visions of what land is, can, and should be—and associated visions, hopes, and dreams regarding land. Drawing on a variety of case studies from across the world, crossing Global North/South and East/West, and including contemporary and historical instances of land transformation, this symposium addresses the multifaceted ways in which implicit, explicit, and emergent understandings of land shape current land transformations.
The prognostic significance of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) in invasive breast cancer
Authors: Kariri Yousif A. , Alsaleem Mansour , Joseph Chitra , Alsaeed Sami , Aljohani Abrar , Shiino Sho , Mohammed Omar J. , Toss Michael S. , Green Andrew R. , Rakha Emad A.
Published: October 2020

Background

Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is a prognostic factor in early-stage invasive breast cancer (BC). Through bioinformatics, data analyses of multiple BC cohorts revealed the positive association between interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) LVI status. Thus, we explored the prognostic significance of ISG15 in BC.

Methods

The prognostic significance of ISG15 mRNA was assessed in METABRIC (n = 1980), TCGA (n = 854) and Kaplan–Meier Plotter (n = 3951). ISG15 protein was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (n = 859) in early-stage invasive BC patients with long-term follow-up. The associations between ISG15 expression and clinicopathological features, expression of immune cell markers and patient outcome data were evaluated.

Results

High mRNA and protein ISG15 expression were associated with LVI, higher histological grade, larger tumour size, hormonal receptor negativity, HER2 positivity, p53 and Ki67. High ISG15 protein expression was associated with HER2-enriched BC subtypes and immune markers (CD8, FOXP3 and CD68). High ISG15 mRNA and ISG15 expressions were associated with poor patient outcome. Cox proportional multivariate analysis revealed that the elevated ISG15 expression was an independent prognostic factor of shorter BC-specific survival.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for the role of ISG15 in LVI development and BC prognosis. Further functional studies in BC are warranted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ISG15.
Disease-free and overall survival after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer: breast-conserving surgery compared to mastectomy in a large single-centre cohort study
Authors: Simons Janine M. , Jacobs Julien G. , Roijers Joost P. , Beek Maarten A. , Boonman-de Winter Leandra J. M. , Rijken Arjen M. , Gobardhan Paul D. , Wijsman Jan H. , Tetteroo Eric , Heijns Joan B. , Yick C. Y. , Luiten Ernest J. T.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The extended role of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in the neoadjuvant setting may raise concerns on the oncologic safety of BCS compared to mastectomy. This study compared long-term outcomes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) between patients treated with BCS and mastectomy.

Methods

All breast cancer patients treated with NAC from 2008 until 2017 at the Amphia Hospital (the Netherlands) were included. Disease-free and overall survival were compared between BCS and mastectomy with survival functions. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was performed to determine prognostic variables for disease-free survival.

Results

561 of 612 patients treated with NAC were eligible: 362 (64.5%) with BCS and 199 (35.5%) with mastectomy. Median follow-up was 6.8 years (0.9–11.9). Mastectomy patients had larger tumours and more frequently node-positive or lobular cancer. Unadjusted five-year disease-free survival was 90.9% for BCS versus 82.9% for mastectomy (p = .004). Unadjusted five-year overall survival was 95.3% and 85.9% (p < .001), respectively. In multivariable analysis, clinical T4 (cT4) (HR 3.336, 95% CI 1.214–9.165, p = .019) and triple negative disease (HR 5.946, 95% CI 2.703–13.081, p < .001) were negative predictors and pathologic complete response of the breast (HR 0.467, 95% CI 0.238–0.918, p = .027) and axilla (HR 0.332, 95% CI 0.193–0.572, p = .001) were positive predictors for disease-free survival. Mastectomy versus BCS was not a significant predictor for disease-free survival when adjusted for the former variables (unadjusted HR 2.13 (95%CI: 1.4–3.24), adjusted HR 1.31 (95%CI: 0.81–2.13)). In the BCS group, disease-free and overall survival did not differ significantly between cT1, cT2 or cT3 tumours.

Conclusion

BCS does not impair disease-free and overall survival in patients treated with NAC. Tumour biology and treatment response are significant prognostic indicators.
The Properties of Powers: Didactic Contract and Gender Gap
Authors: Ferretti Federica , Giberti Chiara
Published: October 2020

National and international large-scale assessments of mathematics show that, in most nations, males achieve better results than females and Italy is one of the countries with a greater gap. Many research studies in mathematics education have analysed this issue, using both quantitative and qualitative methods to understand the sources and characteristics of this gap. This study focuses on a specific Grade 10 task that requires algebraic manipulations of powers with the same base. Item-level analysis enables the study of gender differences on specific content, before using the lenses of mathematics education theories to interpret macro-phenomena emergeing from standardized assessment results. The quantitative analysis, carried out using the Rasch statistical model, highlights a gender gap in favour of males in this task and, furthermore, a variance in choices of incorrect options between males and females; the interviews conducted provide a key to understanding this phenomenon in terms of didactic contract.
Theory and the breadth-and-depth method of analysing large amounts of qualitative data: a research note
Authors: Edwards Rosalind , Davidson Emma , Jamieson Lynn , Weller Susie
Published: October 2020

This research note builds on a previously published discussion of the ‘breadth-and-depth’ method for working with extensive amounts of secondary qualitative data, to consider the way that theory can be used and developed as part of this method. We illustrate potential deductive, inductive, and abductive logics of the relationship between theory and data that can be pursued using the method, but note that in reality research analysis rarely proceeds along such clear categorical lines. Rather, qualitative researchers are more likely to pursue a flexible retroductive logic and analytic practice that the breadth-and-depth method also can accommodate.
The effects of different cooking modes on the 137Cs, 40K, and total K content in Boletus edulis (King Bolete) mushrooms
Authors: Saba Martyna , Falandysz Jerzy
Published: October 2020

This study aimed to get an insight into the effects of household processing on the leaching behaviour of 137Cs and 40K from fresh, frozen and dried Boletus edulis (King Bolete) mushrooms. Three processes were investigated—blanching, blanching and pickling, and drying followed by grinding and soaking. The activity concentrations of 137Cs and 40K in the fresh unprocessed mushrooms were 270 Bq kg−1 dry biomass (27 Bq kg−1 whole weight) and 590 Bq kg−1 db (59 Bq kg−1 ww), respectively. Blanching of fresh mushrooms decreased 137Cs activity by 55%, and 40K activity by 34%, and blanching of deep-frozen mushrooms caused a reduction of 52% and 44% (db) (equivalent to whole weight reductions of 37% and 8.5%, and 67% and 22%, respectively). Blanching and pickling of fresh mushrooms decreased 137Cs activity by 83% and 40K activity by 87%, while blanching deep-frozen mushrooms resulted in decreases of 88% and 80% (db) (whole weight decreases of 77% and 81%, and by ~ 84% and 72%, respectively). This study confirms earlier reports that blanching of fresh or frozen mushrooms alone is not as efficient at removing 137Cs as blanching followed by pickling. The study also shows that the initial rate of fruiting body disintegration and pre-preparation (comparing fresh, deep-frozen, or dried and ground) can have an impact on the leaching rate of the water soluble fraction of metallic elements.
Patient Satisfaction for Telehealth Physical Therapy Services was Comparable to that of In-Person Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Eannucci Erica Fritz , Hazel Kayla , Grundstein M. Jake , Nguyen Joseph T. , Gallegro James
Published: October 2020

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the practice of physical therapy (PT), from a model based on in-person delivery to one that includes telehealth. However, research is needed to assess value, patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes in the delivery of telehealth PT.

Purposes

We sought to compare patient satisfaction with in-person and telehealth PT and to determine the factors—such as age, gender, or insurance payer—that contributed to patient satisfaction scores.

Methods

Patients between the ages of 18 and 90 years who received outpatient PT at our institution were texted a patient satisfaction survey. Surveys were sent to patients who received in-person PT from January 1 to May 8, 2020, and to patients who received telehealth PT from April 21 to May 8, 2020. Patients' age, gender, insurance payer, and written comments were also collected. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare survey scores between groups. χ-squared tests were used to compare categorical patient characteristics between groups.

Results

In total, 12,345 surveys were sent out. We included completed surveys from 1147 patients in the analysis. Of these, 33% identified as male and 67% as female, mean age was 60.3 years, 58% had commercial insurance, 36% had Medicare, 3% had Medicaid, 2% had no-fault/worker's compensation, and 1% had international insurance. The question of satisfaction was answered by 1074 patients. No statistical difference in satisfaction was seen in age or gender groups. Satisfaction differed by insurance type, but when analysis excluded patients with international insurance, there was no difference between groups. In-person PT patients reported higher satisfaction in achieving treatment goals, as rated on a 1-to-5 scale (4.7 ± 0.6), than telehealth PT patients (4.6 ± 0.6), although it is unclear if this result is clinically meaningful. There was no significant difference in the remaining follow-up questions.

Conclusion

We found no overall difference in patient satisfaction between those receiving in-person PT and those receiving telehealth PT. This was true for initial and follow-up visits, with the exception of two categories: the “ability of scheduling an appointment” and “progress towards attaining your treatment goals.” However, the clinical significance of these two exceptions is questionable. Ongoing research is indicated to evaluate the efficacy of telehealth PT while identifying the best patients and conditions for use during non-crisis times. Future studies should determine the effect of telehealth PT on patient-reported outcome measures, function, and value.
The Refeeding Syndrome: a neglected but potentially serious condition for inpatients. A narrative review
Authors: Ponzo Valentina , Pellegrini Marianna , Cioffi Iolanda , Scaglione Luca , Bo Simona
Published: October 2020

The Refeeding Syndrome (RFS) is a potentially serious, but still overlooked condition, occurring in individuals who are rapidly fed after a period of severe undernourishment. RFS derives from an abnormal electrolyte and fluid shifts leading to many organ dysfunctions. Symptoms generally appear within 2–5 days of re-feeding and may be absent/mild or severe and life threating, depending on the pre-existing degree of malnutrition and comorbidities. The lack of a standard definition and the nonspecificity of the symptoms make both incidence estimate and diagnosis difficult. In 2020, the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) proposed a unifying definition for the RFS and its severity classification. The awareness of the condition is crucial for identifying patients at risk, preventing its occurrence, and improving the management. The objectives of this narrative review were to summarize the current knowledge and recommendations about the RFS and to provide useful tips to help physicians to recognize and prevent the syndrome.
Tool wear estimation in turning of Inconel 718 based on wavelet sensor signal analysis and machine learning paradigms
Authors: Segreto Tiziana , D’Addona Doriana , Teti Roberto
Published: October 2020

In the last years, hard-to-machine nickel-based alloys have been widely employed in the aerospace industry for their properties of high strength, excellent resistance to corrosion and oxidation, and long creep life at elevated temperatures. As the machinability of these materials is quite low due to high cutting forces, high temperature development and strong work hardening, during machining the cutting tool conditions tend to rapidly deteriorate. Thus, tool health monitoring systems are highly desired to improve tool life and increase productivity. This research work focuses on tool wear estimation during turning of Inconel 718 using wavelet packet transform (WPT) signal analysis and machine learning paradigms. A multiple sensor monitoring system, based on the detection of cutting force, acoustic emission and vibration acceleration signals, was employed during experimental turning trials. The detected sensor signals were subjected to WPT decomposition to extract diverse signal features. The most relevant features were then selected, using correlation measurements, in order to be utilized in artificial neural network based machine learning paradigms for tool wear estimation.
Iterative framework for image registration and partial volume correction in brain positron emission tomography
Authors: Matsubara Keisuke , Ibaraki Masanobu , Shidahara Miho , Kinoshita Toshibumi ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2020

Imprecise registration between positron emission tomography (PET) and anatomical magnetic resonance (MR) images is a critical source of error in MR imaging-guided partial volume correction (MR-PVC). Here, we propose a novel framework for image registration and partial volume correction, which we term PVC-optimized registration (PoR), to address imprecise registration. The PoR framework iterates PVC and registration between uncorrected PET and smoothed PV-corrected images to obtain precise registration. We applied PoR to the [11C]PiB PET data of 92 participants obtained from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative database and compared the registration results, PV-corrected standardized uptake value (SUV) and its ratio to the cerebellum (SUVR), and intra-region coefficient of variation (CoV) between PoR and conventional registration. Significant differences in registration of as much as 2.74 mm and 3.02° were observed between the two methods (effect size <  − 0.8 or > 0.8), which resulted in considerable SUVR differences throughout the brain, reaching a maximal difference of 62.3% in the sensory motor cortex. Intra-region CoV was significantly reduced using the PoR throughout the brain. These results suggest that PoR reduces error as a result of imprecise registration in PVC and is a useful method for accurately quantifying the amyloid burden in PET.
Outcomes of Cancer Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preparedness to Practising Continuous Cancer Care
Authors: Ramachandra C. , Sugoor Pavan , Karjol Uday , Arjunan Ravi , Altaf Syed , Halkud Rajshekar , Krishnappa R. , Chavan Purushotham , Siddappa K. T. , Shetty Rathan , Pallavi V. R. , Rathod Praveen , Shobha K. , Sabitha K. S.
Published: October 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented pressure on healthcare services. Deprioritisation of nonemergency clinical services and growing concerns of adverse outcomes of COVID-19 in cancer patients is having a deleterious impact across oncologic practice. We report cancer surgery outcomes taking into account the acuity of the COVID-19 situation. A prospectively maintained database of the Department of Surgical Oncology was analysed from 1st May to 30th June, 2020, to evaluate the perioperative outcomes, morbidity and mortality following major surgical procedures. A total of 359, preoperatively, tested negative for COVID-19 underwent surgery. Median age was 52 years with 26.7% (n = 96) above the age of 60 years. Sixty-one percent (n = 219) patients were American Society of Anaesthesiology grades II–III. As per surgical complexity grading, 36.8% (n = 132) cases were lower grades (I–III) and 63.2% (n = 227) were complex surgeries (IV–VI). 5.3% (n = 19) had ≥ grade III Clavien-Dindo complication, and the postoperative mortality rate was 0.27% (n = 1). Major complication rates in patients > 60 years were 9.3% in comparison to 4.1% in < 60 years (p = 0·63). The median hospital stay was 1–10 days across subspecialties. Postoperatively, repeat COVID 19 testing in 2 suspected patients were negative. Our study showed that after screening, triaging and prioritisation, asymptomatic cases may undergo cancer surgeries without increased morbidity during COVID-19 pandemic.
Production simulations based on a productivity potential proxy function: An application to UNISIM-I-D and PUNQ-S3 synthetic reservoirs
Authors: Roque Waldir L. , Araújo Cristina P.
Published: October 2020

Oil recovery from a reservoir involves quite a lot of challenges related to well placement before any action can be taken. An important step is proposing a reservoir target area that provides an indication of high potential for oil recovery. In other words, a position presenting high productivity potential according to some criteria. A simple proposal is the potential productivity proxy function (PP) based on the oil-bearing and mobility capacities of oil suggested as $$\phi k{S_{\rm o}}^n$$

ϕ
k

S
o

n

, where n is a correlation parameter, $$\phi$$
ϕ
is porosity, k is absolute permeability and $$S_{\rm o}$$

S
o

is oil saturation at grid block. In this paper, we consider this proxy function as a well placement strategy based on the column-wise ($${\text {PP}}_{\rm C}$$

PP
C

) and layer-wise ($${\text {PP}}_{\rm L}$$

PP
L

) values. To test this model, the UNISIM-I-D and PUNQ-S3 synthetic reservoirs are considered. Several production simulations are realized assuming a set of vertical wells placed at the best $${\text {PP}}_{\rm C} \cap {\text {PP}}_{\rm L}$$

PP
C

∩

PP
L

, supported by the additional considerations of minimizing the water saturation and respecting a minimum distance between wells. The results, compared to the production of the original grouped UNISIM-I-D and grouped PUNQ-S3 wells, show a reasonable performance of the PP strategy for well placement. In addition, the net present value shows that the proposed wells are economically feasible. The study provided that under certain conditions, $${\text {PP}}_{\rm C} \cap {\text {PP}}_{\rm L}$$

PP
C

∩

PP
L

is an alternative approach to find out target positions exhibiting a high productivity potential for well placement appropriateness and oil recovery.
A New Approach for the Design, Construction and Control of Compacted Mineral Liners of a MSW Landfill Capping
Authors: Cortellazzo G. , Mandaglio M. C. , Busana S. , Favaretti M. , Moraci N.
Published: October 2020

Design parameters typically used for the mineral liner of landfill cover system (e.g. water contentw, dry densityρdand hydraulic conductivityk) are often difficult to obtain on site. After construction, these experimental parameters need to be checked against the predicted values. In this paper, a rigorous procedure for design, construction and control of a compacted mineral liner in a capping multilayer system has been developed. The procedure has been schematically subdivided in three phases. The first phase (design) was based on a wide preliminary set of laboratory tests, composed of classification, compaction and permeability tests. An analytical relationship among degree of saturationSr, dry densityρdand hydraulic conductivitykis also defined. The second phase (construction) was developed through a suitable compaction of the mineral liner planned after the design phase. The last phase (in-site control) consists of checking the design parameters (w,Sr,ρd,k) actually achieved on site. A comparison between coefficientsk, obtained through site permeability tests and an analytical relationship obtained in the design phase, was made successfully. Owing to this new approach, it will no longer be necessary to perform in situ permeability tests, but it will be enough to define the above-mentioned analytical relationship during the design phase. In this way, a dangerous damage to the mineral liner, caused by the execution of invasive permeability tests, will be also avoided.
Potential advantages in combining smart and green infrastructure over silo approaches for future cities
Authors: Kaluarachchi Yamuna
Published: October 2020

Cities are incorporating smart and green infrastructure components in their urban design policies, adapting existing and new infrastructure systems to integrate technological advances to mitigate extreme weather due to climate change. Research has illustrated that smart green infrastructure (SGI) provides not only climate change resilience but also many health and wellbeing benefits that improve the quality of life of citizens. With the growing demand for smart technology, a series of problems and challenges, including governance, privacy, and security, must be addressed. This paper explores the potential to transition from grey, green, or smart silos to work with nature-based solutions and smart technology to help change cities to achieve considerable environmental and socio-economic benefits. The concepts of grey, green, and smart infrastructure are presented, and the needs, benefits, and applications are investigated. Moreover, the advantages of using integrated smart, green nature-based solutions are discussed. A comprehensive literature review is undertaken with keyword searches, including journal papers, stakeholder and case study reports, and local authority action plans. The methodology adopts multimethod qualitative information review, including literature, case studies, expert interviews, and documentary analysis. Published data and information are analysed to capture the key concepts in implementing SGI systems, such as storm-water control, flood and coastal defense, urban waste management, transportation, recreation, and asset management. The paper investigates the elimination of silo approaches and the alleviation of the destructions caused by extreme weather events using these interdependent SGI systems supported by novel data-driven platforms to provide nature-based solutions to boost the health and wellbeing of the residents.
Making socio-legal Research More Social by Design: Anglo-German Roots, Rewards, and Risks
Authors: Perry-Kessaris Amanda
Published: October 2020

This Article looks for signs of Anglo-German life in the literature and practice under-pinning the current move to use “designerly ways” in socio-legal research; and asks whether design has a role to play in nurturing a sense of Anglo-German socio-legal community. It argues that a “sociological imagination” is essential if we are to fully understand possible synergies between design and socio-legal research, and the risks and rewards of activating them; and that while we cannot know what socio-legal research will or ought to look like in the coming months and years we must pay more attention to designing those moments that we are lucky enough to share in person.
Finding New Ways of “Doing” Socio-Legal Labor Law History in Germany and the UK: Introducing a “Minor Comparativism”
Authors: Zahn Rebecca
Published: October 2020

Labor law scholars have been receptive to socio legal methods, going beyond doctrinal legal sources and looking to other disciplines including industrial relations, sociology, and history. This Article revisits the development of socio legal labor law scholarship in Germany and the UK in order to understand the different approaches within the context of two different legal and academic cultures, and considers how a comparison can provide new insights at a time when the discipline is in a state of flux. In particular, this Article focuses on how history can provide an entrée into different ways of comparing labor law and labor relations systems. It seeks to start a methodological debate on “how to do” labor law history within the context of the discipline’s socio legal origins. In a final section, it uses insights from history and comparative law in order to develop a new methodology—a “minor comparativism”—which unearths the processes and influences underpinning the historical development of labor law which have hitherto escaped the legal record. Such an approach enables scholars to reassess traditional narratives—a worthwhile endeavor at a time when the future role of labor law in regulating work is under scrutiny.
ON THE JESUIT-MARONITE PROVENANCE OF LEBANON'S CRIMINALIZATION OF HOMOSEXUALITY
Authors: Strenski Ivan
Published: October 2020

Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code, effectively, criminalizes homosexual practices. Most commentators have claimed that its existence in modern Lebanon is a “colonial relic,” specifically of the French Mandate, 1920–1946. But since 1791, French penal codes have not criminalized same-sex relations. I argue, instead, that Article 534 was the product of native religious, legal, and moral thinking among the Maronites, reinforced by the Thomistic and post-Tridentine moral theology taught in Lebanon by the Jesuit missions. Thomistic and post-Tridentine moral theology classified same-sex relations as worthy of condemnation as “unnatural acts”—the same language used in Article 534. Therefore, as a product of Lebanese political and religious sectarianism, Article 534 is a specific case of a congenial collaboration of Jesuit moral theology and a conservative Maronite ethical and legal koine.
Islam, gender segregation, and political engagement: evidence from an experiment in Tunisia
Authors: Bush Sarah Sunn , Prather Lauren
Published: October 2020

The Arab world has historically had limited descriptive representation for women, although that is changing. Will having more women officeholders lead women citizens to become more engaged? Or could it depress engagement due to pervasive gender biases? To answer these questions, this paper uses a nationally-representative experiment in Tunisia. Unexpectedly, people were less likely to want to contact their representatives when primed to think of a mixed-gender group of officeholders compared to an all-women group. This pattern did not vary according to respondents’ gender. Further analyses reveal that the effect was concentrated among Islamists, which is consistent with some Islamists’ support for gender segregation. This finding encourages research examining women's political presence in conservative environments where gender segregation is common.
Women’s Descriptive Representation and Gendered Import Tax Discrimination
Authors: BETZ TIMM , FORTUNATO DAVID , O’BRIEN DIANA Z.
Published: October 2020

We identify a form of gender-based governmental discrimination that directly affects billions of women on a daily basis: the setting of import tariffs for gendered goods. These tax rates, which can differ across otherwise identical gender-specific products, often impose direct penalties on women as consumers. Comparing nearly 200,000 paired tariff rates on men’s and women’s apparel products in 167 countries between 1995 and 2015, we find that women suffer a tax penalty that varies systematically across countries. We demonstrate that in democracies, women’s presence in the legislature is associated with decreased import tax penalties on women’s goods. This finding is buttressed by a comparison of democracies and non-democracies and analyses of the implementation of legislative gender quotas. Our work highlights a previously unacknowledged government policy that penalizes women and also provides powerful evidence that descriptive representation can have a substantial, direct impact on discriminatory policies.
The Exploratory Mindset and Corporate Innovation
Authors: He Zhaozhao , Hirshleifer David
Published: October 2020

We propose that chief executive officer (CEO) exploratory mindset (inherent desire to search for novel ideas and long-term orientation) promotes innovation. Firms with CEOs with PhD degrees (PhD CEOs) produce more exploratory patents with greater novelty, generality, and originality. PhD CEOs engage less in managing earnings and stock prices, invest more in research and development (R&D) and alliances, generate higher long-term value of patents, and experience more positive market reactions to R&D alliances. Their firms achieve superior long-run operating performance. They tend to be hired by research-intensive firms with poor financial performance. Evidence from managerial incentive shocks and turnovers suggests that these effects do not derive solely from CEO–firm matching.
Epidemiologic significance of Toxoplasma gondii infections in turkeys, ducks, ratites and other wild birds: 2009–2020
Authors: Dubey J. P. , Murata F. H. A. , Cerqueira-Cézar C. K. , Kwok O. C. H. , Su C.
Published: October 2020

Toxoplasma gondii infections are common in humans and animals worldwide. Wild and domestic avian species are important in the epidemiology of T. gondii infections because felids prey on them and excrete millions of oocysts in the environment, disseminating the infection. Herbivorous birds are also excellent sentinels of environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts because they feed on the ground. Toxoplasma gondii infections in birds of prey reflect infections in intermediate hosts. Humans can become infected by consuming undercooked avian tissues. Here, the authors reviewed prevalence, persistence of infection, clinical disease, epidemiology and genetic diversity of T. gondii strains isolated from turkeys, geese, ducks, ratites and avian species (excluding chickens) worldwide 2009–2020. Genetic diversity of 102 T. gondii DNA samples isolated worldwide is discussed. The role of migratory birds in dissemination of T. gondii infection is discussed.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is associated with beliefs on the origin of the novel coronavirus in the UK and Turkey
Authors: Salali Gul Deniz , Uysal Mete Sefa
Published: October 2020

Background

Much research effort is focused on developing an effective vaccine for combatting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Vaccine development itself, however, will not be enough given that a sufficient amount of people will need to be vaccinated for widespread immunity. Vaccine hesitancy is on the rise, varies across countries, and is associated with conspiratorial worldview. Given the rise in COVID-19-related conspiracy theories, we aimed to examine the levels of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its association with beliefs on the origin of the novel coronavirus in a cross-cultural study.

Methods

We conducted an online survey in the UK (N = 1088) and Turkey (N = 3936), and gathered information on participants' willingness to vaccinate for a potential COVID-19 vaccine, beliefs on the origin of the novel coronavirus, and several behavioural and demographic predictors (such as anxiety, risk perception, government satisfaction levels) that influence vaccination and origin beliefs.

Results

In all, 31% of the participants in Turkey and 14% in the UK were unsure about getting themselves vaccinated for a COVID-19 vaccine. In both countries, 3% of the participants rejected to be vaccinated. Also, 54% of the participants in Turkey and 63% in the UK believed in the natural origin of the novel coronavirus. Believing in the natural origin significantly increased the odds of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.

Conclusions

Our results point at a concerning level of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, especially in Turkey, and suggest that wider communication of the scientific consensus on the origin of the novel coronavirus with the public may help future campaigns targeting COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.
The impact of old-age pensions on the happiness level of elderly people – evidence from China
Authors: Han Junqiang , Zhang Xiaodong , Meng Yingying
Published: October 2020

As an important source of income for elderly people, pensions have a great impact on their wellbeing. There are three different pension systems in China (the Old-age Insurance System for Government Agencies and Institutions (OISGAI), the Basic Old-age Insurance System for Urban Employees (BOISUE) and the Social Insurance of the Old-age Pension for Urban and Rural Residents (SIOPURR)). This study empirically analyses the impact of various pension types on the happiness of elderly people in China and further explores the potential impact mechanism using the 2014 China Family Panel Studies data. The study suggests that first, receiving pensions from OISGAI, BOISUE and SIOPURR is positively correlated with the happiness level of elderly people. Second, the sense of happiness of elderly people who receive BOISUE is higher than that of those receiving SIOPURR, which is mainly caused by the difference in the level of pension benefits. When the level of benefits is controlled for, there is no significant difference between these two groups. Third, when they have the same level of pension benefits, the happiness of elderly people who receive OISGAI is significantly higher than that of those who receive pensions from the other two systems, which is possibly related to the hidden ‘special’ government guarantee and the difference of the growth rate of the benefit level.
Rural place attachment and urban community integration of Chinese older adults in rural-to-urban relocation
Authors: Zhang Jinfeng , Wang Bin
Published: October 2020

With China's rapid urbanisation, many residents, especially older adults, are suffering from psychological problems induced by rural-to-urban relocation. This study examines the association between older adults’ rural place attachment and their depression after relocation, as well as the protective roles of neighbourhood social cohesion and sense of community in the relocation place. Chinese older adults (N = 224) who relocated from rural villages to urban communities completed a survey for this study. The results showed that older adults with stronger rural place attachment experienced more depressive symptoms and a lesser sense of community in the relocation place. In addition, the association between rural place attachment and depression was weakened by neighbourhood social cohesion. That is, compared with older adults perceiving low neighbourhood social cohesion, the positive association between rural place attachment and depression was weaker for older adults perceiving high neighbourhood social cohesion. Furthermore, neighbourhood social cohesion's protective role depended on sense of community. In particular, neighbourhood social cohesion buffered the association between rural place attachment and depression for older adults with a strong sense of community but not for older adults with a weak sense of community. These results have implications for developing resources within neighbourhoods and communities to promote relocation adjustment for older adults.
Expressing what? The stigmatization of the defendant and the ICC’s institutional interests in the Ongwen case
Authors: Minkova Liana Georgieva
Published: October 2020

The potential of international criminal trials to express the wrongfulness of mass atrocities and instil norms of appropriate behaviour within communities has been subject to a lively theoretical debate. This article makes an important empirical contribution by examining the limitations to the expressivist aspiration of international criminal justice in the context of the message communicated by the International Criminal Court’s Office of the Prosecutor (ICC-OTP) in the Ongwen case. A detailed analysis of the selection of charges, modes of liability, and the overall presentation of the Prosecutor’s arguments at trial suggests that the ICC-OTP’s limited capabilities to apprehend suspects and its dependency on state co-operation risk the excessive stigmatization of the few defendants available for trial for the purpose of demonstrating the Court’s capability of prosecuting notorious criminals. As the only apprehended commander from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), Dominic Ongwen has been presented by the ICC-OTP as the ‘cause’ of crimes committed in Northern Uganda without due regard for the degree of his alleged involvement in those crimes compared to other LRA commanders, the role of other actors in the conflict, or the significance of his own victimization as a child. Ongwen’s excessive stigmatization expressed the importance of the Ugandan investigation after a decade of showing no results. Yet, it also produced a simplistic narrative which failed to express the complexity of violence in Northern Uganda.