bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On a Nonlocal Multipoint and Integral Boundary Value Problem of Nonlinear Fractional Integrodifferential Equations
Authors: Ibnelazyz Lahcen , Guida Karim , Melliani Said , Hilal Khalid
Published: October 2020

The aim of this paper is to give the existence as well as the uniqueness results for a multipoint nonlocal integral boundary value problem of nonlinear sequential fractional integrodifferential equations. First of all, we give some preliminaries and notations that are necessary for the understanding of the manuscript; second of all, we show the existence and uniqueness of the solution by means of the fixed point theory, namely, Banach’s contraction principle and Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem. Last, but not least, we give two examples to illustrate the results.
Cloud Service Optimization Method Based on Dynamic Artificial Ant-Bee Colony Algorithm in Agricultural Equipment Manufacturing
Authors: Zhou Kai , Wen Yongzhao , Wu Wanying , Ni Zhiyong , Jin Tianguo , Long Xiaojun
Published: October 2020

In view of the miniaturization and decentralization characteristics of agricultural equipment factories in China, agricultural equipment manufacturing is well suited to the cloud manufacturing model, but there is no specific research on cloud services optimization for it. To fill the research gap, a cloud service optimization method is proposed in this paper. For the optimization model, the dynamic coefficient strategy and the reliability feedback update strategy are added to the mathematical model to strengthen the applicability of farming season. As optimization algorithm, a dynamic artificial ant-bee colony algorithm (DAABA) based on artificial ant colony algorithm and bee colony algorithm is presented. The optimal fusion evaluation strategy is used to save optimization time by reducing the useless iteration, and the iterative adjustment threshold strategy is adopted to improve the accuracy of cloud service by increasing the size of bee colony. Finally, the performance of DAABA is verified to be more superior by comparing with other algorithms.
On the Set Version of Selectively Star-CCC Spaces
Authors: Kočinac Ljubiša D. R. , Singh Sumit
Published: October 2020

A spaceXis said to be set selectively star-ccc if for each nonempty subsetBofX, for each collectionUof open sets inXsuch thatB¯⊂∪U, and for each sequenceAn:n∈ℕof maximal cellular open families inX, there is a sequenceAn:n∈ℕsuch that, for eachn∈ℕ,An∈AnandB⊂St∪n∈ℕAn,U. In this paper, we introduce set selectively star-ccc spaces and investigate the relationship between set selectively star-ccc and other related spaces. We also study the topological properties of set selectively star-ccc spaces. Some open problems are posed.
Iterative Tuning of Feedforward Controller with Precise Time-Delay Compensation for Precision Motion System
Authors: Sun Yixiu , Li Xiaoqing , Luo Ying , Chen Xuedong , Zeng Lizhan
Published: October 2020

The accuracy of feedforward control model including system time-delay significantly affects the position tracking performance in a precision motion system. In this paper, an iterative tuning method for feedforward control with precise time-delay compensation is proposed. First, considering system time-delay from actuator, sensor, calculation, and communication in real platform, a feedforward control model with time-delay compensation is established, and a nonlinear objective function with time-delay is designed based on the measured data of a finite time task, to minimize the position tracking error. Second, in order to deal with both the nonlinear objective function and also unknown disturbances and noise in the real system, an optimization strategy combining the Gauss–Newton iterative (GNI) scheme and instrumental variable (IV) is proposed to realize the unbiased estimation of the feedforward parameters and precise delay time. Finally, with the identified feedforward control parameters, the precise system time-delay which is a nonintegral multiple of the sampling period is compensated accurately for the feedforward control with accurate path planning time-shift in the implementation. The effectiveness of the proposed feedforward parameter tuning and precise time-delay compensation scheme is verified by the simulation and also experimental result on a precision motion platform with obvious position tracking performance improvement.
Un nuevo pacto social para la función pública
Authors: Abarzúa Eduardo
Published: October 2020

Amás de un año de la masiva expresión de malestar social que inundó nuestro país, nos encontramos próximos a definir los términos en que se estructurará una nueva Constitución. Continuar leyendo...
No es país para viejos… emprendedores
Authors: Muñoz Victor
Published: October 2020

Iniciar un emprendimiento en Chile siempre fue cosa de hombres jóvenes. Así lo muestran los estudios que desde el año 2002 realiza el Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) en nuestro país. Pero las cosas cambian, la sociedad evoluciona, las políticas públicas reaccionan e influyen. Hoy la brecha de género persiste, pero se ha reducido. Si en el 2005, por cada hombre con un emprendimiento en etapa inicial había 0,58 mujeres en esa condición, en el año 2017 la proporción de mujeres subió a 0,70. Continuar leyendo...
Mutational Landscape and Tumor Burden Assessed by Cell-free DNA in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in a Population-Based Study
Authors: Rivas-Delgado Alfredo , Nadeu Ferran , Enjuanes Anna , Casanueva-Eliceiry Sebastián , Mozas Pablo , Magnano Laura , Castrejón de Anta Natalia , Rovira Jordina , Dlouhy Ivan , Martín Silvia , Osuna Miguel , Rodríguez Sonia , Simó Marc , Pinyol Magda , Baumann Tycho , Beà Silvia , Balagué Olga , Delgado Julio , Villamor Neus , Setoain Xavier , Campo Elías , Giné Eva , López-Guillermo Armando
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

We analyzed the utility of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in a prospective population-based cohort to determine the mutational profile, assess tumor burden, and estimate its impact in response rate and outcome in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Experimental Design:

A total of 100 patients were diagnosed with DLBCL during the study period. Mutational status of 112 genes was studied in cfDNA by targeted next-generation sequencing. Paired formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples and volumetric PET/CT were assessed when available.

Results:

Appropriate cfDNA to perform the analyses was obtained in 79 of 100 cases. At least one mutation could be detected in 69 of 79 cases (87%). The sensitivity of cfDNA to detect the mutations was 68% (95% confidence interval, 56.2–78.7). The mutational landscape found in cfDNA samples was highly consistent with that shown in the tissue and allowed genetic classification in 43% of the cases. A higher amount of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) significantly correlated with clinical parameters related to tumor burden (elevated lactate dehydrogenase and β2-microglobulin serum levels, advanced stage, and high-risk International Prognostic Index) and total metabolic tumor volume assessed by PET/CT. In patients treated with curative intent, high ctDNA levels (>2.5 log hGE/mL) were associated with lower complete response (65% vs. 96%; P < 0.004), shorter progression-free survival (65% vs. 85%; P = 0.038), and overall survival (73% vs. 100%; P = 0.007) at 2 years, although it did not maintain prognostic value in multivariate analyses.

Conclusions:

In a population-based prospective DLBCL series, cfDNA resulted as an alternative source to estimate tumor burden and to determine the tumor mutational profile and genetic classification, which have prognostic implications and may contribute to a future tailored treatment.
Early Response to First-Line Anti–PD-1 Treatment in Hodgkin Lymphoma: A PET-Based Analysis from the Prospective, Randomized Phase II NIVAHL Trial
Authors: Voltin Conrad-Amadeus , Mettler Jasmin , van Heek Lutz , Goergen Helen , Müller Horst , Baues Christian , Keller Ulrich , Meissner Julia , Trautmann-Grill Karolin , Kerkhoff Andrea , Fuchs Michael , Sasse Stephanie , von Tresckow Bastian , Dietlein Markus , Borchmann Peter , Engert Andreas , Kobe Carsten , Bröckelmann Paul J.
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

A primary analysis of the ongoing NIVAHL trial demonstrated unexpectedly high interim complete response rates to nivolumab-based first-line treatment in early-stage unfavorable Hodgkin lymphoma. However, biomarkers such as metabolic tumor volume (MTV) or total lesion glycolysis (TLG) and their change under treatment (ΔMTV and ΔTLG), measured on PET, might provide additional relevant information for response assessment in this setting. Hence, the current analysis aimed to investigate early response to checkpoint inhibitor therapy beyond conventional criteria.

Patients and Methods:

NIVAHL is a prospective, randomized phase II trial that recruited between April 2017 and October 2018. Patients in arms A and B were assessed for early treatment response after two courses of doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine with two concomitant nivolumab infusions per cycle (2 × N-AVD) and 4 × nivolumab, respectively. In the current analysis, we included all 59 individuals with PET images available to the central review panel for quantitative analysis before April 30, 2019.

Results:

At interim restaging, we determined a mean ΔMTV and ΔTLG of −99.8% each in arm A after 2 × N-AVD, compared with −91.4% and −91.9%, respectively, for treatment group B undergoing 4 × nivolumab. This high decrease in MTV and TLG was observed regardless of the initial lymphoma burden.

Conclusions:

Our study showed that nivolumab-based first-line treatment leads to rapid, near-complete reduction of tumor metabolism in early-stage unfavorable Hodgkin lymphoma. Thus, PET-derived biomarkers might allow reduction or even omission of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Furthermore, MTV and TLG could be also used to optimize immune checkpoint-targeting treatments in other cancers.
The Identification of Gene Expression Profiles Associated with Granulomatous Mastitis
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Wang Lin , Wang Pilin
Published: October 2020

Background: Granulomatous mastitis (GM) is a rare chronic inflammatory disease of the breast. The current therapeutic effects of the antibiotic therapy and surgical or immunomodulatory (steroid) treatment are normally poor due to the unclear etiology. Method: This study aimed to identify the differentially expressed mRNAs in GM tissues using RNA sequencing and further explored the functions of differentially expressed mRNAs resulting in GM. Moreover, we revealed the relationship between GM and breast cancer by shared highly expressed genes in GM tissues and breast cancer tissues. Results: A total of 12,115 mRNAs were analyzed in the whole expression profile, and 207 mRNAs (136 upregulated and 71 downregulated mRNAs) were differently expressed between the GM tissues and normal tissues. The enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed mRNAs were enriched in the biological processes and played a significant role in the immune system. Besides, the genes expressed significantly highly in breast cancer tissues are found to be enriched with GM genes, which may explain the similar clinical features between breast cancer and GM. We also found that the HSD11B1 gene which was differentially expressed in GM was used as drug target of prednisone, which is a common treatment for GM. Conclusion: This study is the first to use sequencing technology to elucidate the genetic mechanisms of GM. The finding of this study may have potential value in GM diagnosis and also provides potential drug targets for GM treatment.
Early Progressive Circumpapillary Lesion as Atypical Presentation of Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Vela José Ignacio , Passabosc Clément Jean Arthur Marie , Buil Calvo José Antonio
Published: October 2020

Classical clinical findings of multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS) include multiple, small white dots scattered throughout the posterior pole, foveal granularity, posterior vitreous cells, and mild optic disc swelling. We describe the case of a 35-year-old man who was admitted to our department with an unusual presentation of MEWDS at the early onset of the disease. A unilateral circumpapillary retinal white spot was observed. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography demonstrated irregularities of the retinal pigment epithelium and disruptions of the outer retinal layers around the optic nerve without other abnormalities. A few days later, the lesion spread centrifugally from the peripapillary region and along the vascular arcades. This distinctive appearance in an early stage of the disease may suggest a disorder other than MEWDS, which can lead to a misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.
Adherence to Recommendations and Quality of Endoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surveillance in Long-Standing Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Santi Giulia , Michetti Pierre , Froehlich Florian , Rossel Jean-Benoît , Pittet Valérie , Maillard Michel H. ,   Swiss IBD Cohort Study Group
Published: October 2020

Background: Long-standing ulcerative colitis has been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Current guidelines recommend endoscopic CRC screening after 8 years of disease duration. The objectives of our study were to assess the adherence to recommendations and the quality of endoscopic procedure in long-standing ulcerative colitis. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study. We selected patients included in the Swiss IBD cohort with a disease duration of ≥8 years and an extension above the rectosigmoid junction. The complementary medical chart review focused on endoscopy and associated histological reports in 8 Swiss centers. Descriptive analyses focused on patients and their colonoscopies. Results: 309 colonoscopies were conducted among 116 patients with the following characteristics: women 47%, mean age at diagnosis 31 years, and pancolitis disease extent in 65.5% of cases; 38.8% of patients had a first screening colonoscopy <8 years, 13.8% between 8 and 10 years, and 47.4% >10 years. Cecal intubation was performed in 94.5% of cases, and bowel preparation was good to excellent in 61.5% of endoscopies. Chromoendoscopy was used in 7.4% of cases, and the mean withdrawal time was 16.4 min. Dysplasia was found in 6.2% of cases. Conclusion: Despite current international recommendations, a significant number of patients did not receive a proper endoscopic surveillance. An increased use of chromoendoscopy, monitoring of withdrawal time, and appropriate bowel preparation would increase the quality of CRC screening. The adherence to screening guidelines and endoscopic quality should be promoted and standardized.
Demographic Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Presenting Features of Children with Symptomatic Nutritional Rickets: A French Series
Authors: Flot Claire , Porquet-Bordes Valérie , Bacchetta Justine , Rothenbuhler Anya , Lienhardt-Roussie Anne , Giabicani Eloise , Gueorguieva Iva , Storey Caroline , Linglart Agnès , Salles Jean-Pierre , Edouard Thomas
Published: October 2020

Aim: To describe the demographic characteristics, risk factors, and presenting features of children with symptomatic nutritional rickets in France. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 38 children diagnosed with nutritional rickets from 1998 to 2019. Results: We observed a higher frequency of rickets in males (74 vs. 26%), in young children (median age at diagnosis: 23 months; 82% were younger than 5 years), and in children with a non-Caucasian ethnic background (89%). Most children were exclusively breastfed (78%) without adequate vitamin D supplementation (89%). The most common presentations were bowed legs (63%), hypocalcemic seizures (21%), and growth retardation (11%). Approximately half (62%) of the children were hypocalcemic. The children presenting with hypocalcemic seizures were significantly younger (0.8 vs. 2.2 years; p = 0.041) and had lower total serum calcium levels (1.44 vs. 2.17 mmol/L; p < 0.0001), higher phosphatemia (1.43 vs. 1.23 mmol/L; p = 0.020), and lower 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels (3 vs. 7 ng/mL; p = 0.020) but similar parathyroid hormone levels (357 vs. 289 ng/mL; p = 0.940) compared to rickets cases who did not experience hypocalcemic seizures. A dilated cardiomyopathy was detected in 14% of the children who had undergone echocardiography. Conclusion: Nutritional rickets remains endemic in the pediatric population and its most severe forms can have life-threatening sequelae. Health practitioners need to be cognizant of these facts to raise awareness and screen high-risk populations.
Usefulness of Testing for Fecal Calprotectin in Pediatric Gastroenterology Clinical Practice
Authors: Lężyk-Ciemniak Eliza , Tworkiewicz Magdalena , Wilczyńska Dominika , Szaflarska-Popławska Anna , Krogulska Aneta
Published: October 2020

Gastrointestinal tract symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and fever are common reasons for which parents take children to the pediatrician. An increasing prevalence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and a decrease in the median age of their onset indicate the need to search for new diagnostic methods for differentiating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) from other gastrointestinal tract diseases. An example of a novel biomarker is fecal calprotectin (FC), which is considered a noninvasive and useful marker of intestinal inflammation. This review summarizes currently available information on the use of FC in the diagnosis and monitoring of IBD in children. Additionally, it attempts to determine the course of action depending on the concentration of FC. Application of FC determination within the framework of primary medical care can decrease the number of children unnecessarily referred either to endoscopic or radiologic examination. There is a double advantage of calprotectin screening; for patients, it reduces delays in diagnosis and unnecessary exposure to endoscopy, and for doctors, it reduces pressure on endoscopy testing and facilitates decision-making. We emphasize the role of FC as a noninvasive marker, primarily in patients with IBD, in monitoring disease activity, predicting relapse, monitoring therapy efficacy, and monitoring postoperative relapses.
Ticagrelor or Prasugrel in Patients With ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Aytekin Alp , Ndrepepa Gjin , Neumann Franz-Josef , Menichelli Maurizio , Mayer Katharina , Wöhrle Jochen , Bernlochner Isabell , Lahu Shqipdona , Richardt Gert , Witzenbichler Bernhard , Sibbing Dirk , Cassese Salvatore , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Valina Christian , Kufner Sebastian , Liebetrau Christoph , Hamm Christian W. , Xhepa Erion , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Sager Hendrik B. , Wustrow Isabel , Joner Michael , Trenk Dietmar , Fusaro Massimiliano , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Schunkert Heribert , Schüpke Stefanie , Kastrati Adnan
Published: October 2020

Background:

Data on the comparative efficacy and safety of ticagrelor versus prasugrel in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention are limited. We assessed the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor versus prasugrel in a head-to-head comparison in patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods:

In this prespecified subgroup analysis, we included 1653 patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction randomized to receive ticagrelor or prasugrel in the setting of the ISAR REACT-5 trial (Intracoronary Stenting and Antithrombotic Regimen: Rapid Early Action for Coronary Treatment 5). The primary end point was the incidence of death, myocardial infarction, or stroke at 1 year after randomization. The secondary end point was the incidence of bleeding defined as BARC (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium) type 3 to 5 bleeding at 1 year after randomization.

Results:

The primary end point occurred in 83 patients (10.1%) in the ticagrelor group and in 64 patients (7.9%) in the prasugrel group (hazard ratio, 1.31 [95% CI, 0.95–1.82];
P
=0.10). One-year incidence of all-cause death (4.9% versus 4.7%;
P
=0.83), stroke (1.3% versus 1.0%;
P
=0.46), and definite stent thrombosis (1.8% versus 1.0%;
P
=0.15) did not differ significantly in patients assigned to ticagrelor or prasugrel. One-year incidence of myocardial infarction (5.3% versus 2.8%; hazard ratio, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.18–3.23];
P
=0.010) was higher with ticagrelor than with prasugrel. BARC type 3 to 5 bleeding occurred in 46 patients (6.1%) in the ticagrelor group and in 39 patients (5.1%) in the prasugrel group (hazard ratio, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.80–1.87];
P
=0.36).

Conclusions:

In patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, there was no significant difference in the primary end point between prasugrel and ticagrelor. Ticagrelor was associated with a significant increase in the risk for recurrent myocardial infarction.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01944800.
Bribery and the Informal Economy in Proverbs
Authors: Nam Roger S.
Published: October 2020

In most cases, the Hebrew Bible unequivocally condemns the use of a bribe-gift (שחד, מתן), declaring such an economic transaction as contradictory to the ways of YHWH. But three verses in Proverbs (17:8; 18:16; 21:14) advocate for a morally positive outlook in the usage of such gifts. Commentators account for this divergent view of bribery through a variety of creative solutions, though none of these explanations align with the most straightforward reading of the text to encourage bribery. Through the lens of economic anthropology, this paper suggests that the moral endorsement of the bribe-gift is a direct result of the development of a local informal economy. The economy of Yehud centered on redistribution, creating robust informal networks. Within redistributive economies, social scientific studies suggest that the bribe can broaden access. As a result, these three verses in Proverbs challenge older understandings of bribes in light of a new economic reality.
In Search of Virtue: Ancestral Inheritance in the Testament of Qahat (4Q542)
Authors: Uusimäki Elisa
Published: October 2020

This article analyses the intersection between the transmission of biblical tradition and the display of exemplarity in the Testament of Qahat (4Q542). How are virtues—i.e., qualities regarded as good and thus desirable—discussed in this Aramaic text found at Qumran? It is argued that the author embeds his priestly perspective in an expansion of biblical narrative and posits seven items of immaterial inheritance as virtues to be pursued and performed, including truth, justice, honesty, perfection, purity, holiness, and priesthood. He highlights the intellectual and moral dimensions of virtuous living, as well as the significance of aspirational attitude and divine-human relations in a good life. 4Q542 invites scholars to read Jewish sources as evidence of ancient Mediterranean virtue discourses. In the context of biblical studies, the writing offers a priestly perspective on the continuing conversation on ethical traditions in Jewish antiquity.
Space in Psalm 73 and a New Perspective for the Understanding of Ps. 73:17
Authors: Neuber Carolin
Published: October 2020

In recent years, notions of space in biblical texts have been analyzed by means of sociological concepts of spatiality, primarily based on the works of Henri Lefebvre and Edward Soja. This article explores the heuristic provided by spatial concepts for the understanding of Psalm 73 and the debated understanding of the expression “sanctuaries of God” (מִקְדְּשֵׁי־אֵל) in v. 17. The actions described in this psalm take place in social space that is constituted, endangered and renewed by the actions of the psalm’s protagonists.
Diseased Bodies and the Invaded Social Body in Biblical Depictions of the Census
Authors: Price Jason R.
Published: October 2020

The question of why biblical literature links census-taking with plague has long puzzled scholars. I propose looking at the problem through the lens of body theory, where one understanding of the body is to see it as a place upon which society and culture are mapped. Several studies anchored in this approach have found that diseased bodies are sometimes understood as symptoms of the “sick” or malfunctioning society. I propose that this representation of the sick body as a consequence of the sick society lends credibility to the interpretation that the biblical census-plague link stemmed from perceived dangers about political centralization under the monarchy. Some factions in ancient Israel viewed the census as an affront to tribal society with an emerging monarchy invading traditional village life. I argue that the diseased bodies of Israelites in these texts articulated concern for the invaded and deteriorating social body of the tribes.
The Material and Immaterial Significance of the Feast in Isaiah 25:6–8
Authors: Timmer Daniel C.
Published: October 2020

This article argues for the necessity of integrating materialist and immaterialist perspectives in biblical interpretation on theoretical and practical grounds. After briefly exploring the relationship of the two perspectives in past and present philosophy and their appropriation in biblical hermeneutics, an interpretation of YHWH’s feast in Isa. 25:6–8 is undertaken with the aim of demonstrating their compatibility, complementarity, and inseparability.
The “Space Between”: Pasolini’s Il Vangelo Secondo Matteo and the Mediation of Scripture
Authors: Clogher Paul
Published: October 2020

Rooted in Italian neorealism, Marxist theory, and centuries of Christian art and music, Pier Paolo Pasolini’s Il Vangelo secondo Matteo reactivates the Gospel against the backdrop of Italian Marxism and social life in the mid-twentieth century. Through a hermeneutical reflection, this paper argues for the film as a central moment in the mediation and reception of the Christian story. Pasolini’s transgressive and poetic cinema partakes in and expands a hermeneutical dynamic at the core of the Christian story. The film’s documentary style, political subtexts, and eclectic setting highlight how the Christian story is a lived historical experience and thus does not transcend the social or historical circumstances of its telling and retelling. In a reciprocal encounter, both film and Gospel reveal the Christian story’s multiple textuality. Taking this as its cue, this article explores how Pasolini’s Matthew reveals the role of cinema as a site of hermeneutical and Christological reflection.
Dehumanisation as Derision or Delight? Overcoming Class-Prejudice and Species-Prejudice in Job
Authors: Millar Suzanna R.
Published: October 2020

In Job 30:1–8, Job dehumanises his detractors: he depicts his low-class opponents as vile creatures in the wilderness. Dehumanisation has been a common strategy to devalue outgroups from Job’s time to our own. It functions by assuming a human-animal hierarchy (in which animals lack value), and mapping it onto a social hierarchy, delegitimising the animalised individuals at the bottom. By using this strategy, Job reveals his prejudice around other species and low classes. The logic of the divine speeches, however, overturns both these prejudices. The speeches respond to Job’s classism, not by denying that low-class humans are animals, but rather by celebrating animals (38:39–39:30). For Job, the non-human was a source of derision; for God it is a source of delight.
Galileo Reading Qohelet: Seeing the World with “Curiosity’s Eye”
Authors: Balentine Samuel E.
Published: October 2020

This essay examines Galileo’s reading of Ecclesiastes 3:11, which he cited in his letter to the Grand Duchess Christina in 1615 at the beginning of his trial for heresy. Why would Galileo have used this text in support of his intellectual inquiry? Three critical components of his intellectual environment are explored: 1) the development of scientific inquiry within the 17th c system of patronage; 2) the culture of curiosity that sustains his intellectual inquiry; and 3) the telescope and the transformation of human imagination.
The United States, the International Criminal Court, and Afghanistan: The Rupturing of Mutual Accommodation
Authors: Robb Kevin S. , Patel Shan
Published: October 2020

In September 2018, then U.S. National Security Advisor John Bolton delivered a speech that ushered in a new, more aggressive era of U.S. foreign policy vis-à-vis the International Criminal Court (icc). Washington’s disapprobation over the icc’s interest in the alleged crimes of U.S. personnel in Afghanistan has been seen as the cause for this change. While this is certainly partly true, little attention has been paid to Fatou Bensouda’s prosecutorial behaviour as an explanatory factor. Using the framework from David Bosco’s Rough Justice, this article demonstrates that a distinct shift in prosecutorial behaviour occurred when Fatou Bensouda took over as Chief Prosecutor. In contrast to Luis Moreno Ocampo’s strategic approach, avoidant of U.S. interests, Bensouda’s apolitical approach directly challenged the U.S. This shift in prosecutorial behaviour ruptured the ‘mutual accommodation’ that previously characterised the icc-U.S. relationship and, in turn, produced the shift in U.S. policy that now marginalises the Court.
The Origin and Characteristics of the Image of the Aerial Spirits
Authors: Smagina Eugenia
Published: October 2020

The parallels between the books of the Enoch cycle and the Coptic literature have not yet been fully investigated, and meanwhile they allow us to find out some data on the origin and meaning of the books of Enoch. For example, the Coptic Encomium to the Four Living Creatures from the Pierpont Morgan Library has a section which must be considered as a very close retelling of one episode from the 2nd (Slavonic) Book of Enoch. Subsequently, the image of four animals influenced the description of zoomorphic mythological characters, the so-called “leontocephals”, in the apocryphal literature. In the encomium there are a number of parallels with the 2nd Enoch, which allow to determine more precisely the date and features of this pseudepigraphon.
How Influential Are International NGO s in the Public Arena?
Authors: Vera José María , Herranz de la Casa José María
Published: October 2020

International non-governmental organisations have, for some time, been operating as diplomacy actors in the national and international public spheres. There has been an increase in their influence in the local areas of intervention of their programmes and in broader spaces where polices about the environment, inequality and other issues are decided. However, their influence has been threatened by the emergence of social movements and a flexible style of individualised activism that promotes their demands, as well as by questions around their independence and legitimacy that some of their actions generate cyclically. COVID-19 has brought into the public sphere some old challenges that international non-governmental organisations (INGO s) have been working on for years: health vulnerability, economic precarity and social emergency. This essay analyses this context, in which new challenges are appearing for INGO s concerning how they can influence the public sphere and policy-making, with the collaboration of new allies and partners.
Multilateralism Restored? City Diplomacy | in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Pipa Anthony F. , Bouchet Max
Published: October 2020

As the 75th anniversary of the United Nations occurs during one of the worst health and economic crises in modern history, multilateralism is weakened by the renewed unilateralism of major powers. International co-operation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic has been limited. This mirrors similar gridlock in collective responses to migration, climate change and humanitarian situations. Meanwhile, cities have been filling gaps in leadership. In responding to the pandemic, cities have been leveraging global co-operation to ensure a successful immediate response and shape the economic recovery. Yet as cities have attempted to insert an urban voice into the traditional multilateral system on global challenges, they have struggled to influence global policy-making. This essay examines how the COVID-19 crisis exposes the implications for the multilateral system of the growing role of cities, and how cities and their networks can adjust their current activities to maximise progress in addressing transnational challenges.
The Future of the World Health Organization: China and the United States Square Off
Authors: Lien Donald , Kortsch Joseph
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this essay is to discuss the ramifications of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic on the future of the World Health Organization (WHO). In particular, the WHO has come under fire for its initial response and reporting of the pandemic, its acceptance of Chinese self-reporting and management of the crisis and dubious claims that it failed to acknowledge and respond to data from Taiwan that indicated human–to-human transmission was occurring. These alleged missteps have brought unwanted and intense international scrutiny on the organisation and have, perhaps, left its future uncertain. This essay examines the history and mandate of the WHO, its vulnerability to national and regional political movements and some likely outcomes for the near- and long-term future. Additionally, it briefly addresses how the WHO is used as a diplomatic surrogate for the UN, especially in matters relating to Taiwan.
Petalidium kaokoense (Acanthaceae), a new species from Namibia

Authors: SWANEPOEL WESSEL
Published: October 2020

Petalidium kaokoense, here described as a new species, is only known from the Hartmann Mountains and one other location on the inland plateau in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia, where it grows on hillsides and mountain slopes. Diagnostic characters for P. kaokoense include the stout trunk on older plants, white bark, peeling on the younger branches in long, narrow strips, stellate trichomes, short inflorescences of racemoid dichasia with acute linear-oblanceolate or linear-lanceolate bracts, flowers with maroon corollas with the two upper lobes connate towards the base and the lower lobe with two yellow spots near the base. A comparison of some of the more prominent morphological features to differentiate between Petalidium kaokoense and its presumed close relative, the morphologically similar P. physaloides, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List categories and criteria, a conservation assessment of Vulnerable (VU D1) is recommended for the new species.
On the placement of Coleanthus subtilis and the subtribe Coleanthinae within Poaceae by new molecular phylogenetic data

Authors: GNUTIKOV ALEXANDER A. , NOSOV NIKOLAI N. , PUNINA ELIZAVETA O. , PROBATOVA NINA S. , RODIONOV ALEXANDER V.
Published: October 2020

Phylogenetic position of the unique grass genus Coleanthus within the tribe Poeae s. str. is discussed based on molecular phylogenetic analysis of the marker sequences, ITS and trnL–trnF. Moreover, taxa more or less related to Coleanthus were involved in our study for the maximal accuracy of the molecular phylogenetic analysis. Subtribe Coleanthinae (=Puccinelliinae) is monophyletic according to both datasets, nuclear and chloroplast genes, that probably shows certain evolutionary distance from other Poeae s. str. We confirmed the results of previous morphological studies that placed Coleanthus close to the genus Phippsia but at the same time we have not found any evidences of the affinity between the genus Phippsia and the second putative ancestor, Deschampsia. The clade which contains Coleanthus and Phippsia occupies the sister position to all other genera of the subtribe Coleanthinae. The genus Phippsia produces hybrids with Puccinellia, ×Pucciphippsia, but the relationship obtained by our data is far more distant that was considered before from its morphological features. The genus Puccinellia forms a single monophyletic clade—sister to the genus Sclerochloa and former Colpodium s. l. (Paracolpodium, Catabrosella) which are monophyletic with Catabrosa. In partial contradiction to previous research (Soreng et al. 2015)—we found that the subtribe Coleanthinae is rather distant from two-chromosome grasses in ITS analysis though chloroplast genes show the sister position of the species from the 2-chromosome grasses group, Colpodium versicolor (2n = 4), to Coleanthinae. Also we detected multiple reticulation events in the tribe Poeae s. str. and some of them—within the subtribe Coleanthinae. This can explain an uncertain position of the two-chromosome grasses in relation to Coleanthinae.
Nomenclatural notes in Physostemon (Cleomaceae)

Authors: ROALSON ERIC H. , SOARES NETO RAIMUNDO LUCIANO
Published: October 2020

Physostemon (Cleomaceae) includes 15 taxa in 10 species distributed from Mexico and the Caribbean south to Brazil and Paraguay. A full nomenclatural synonymy is presented including 7 lectotypes and 5 new combinations. Mitostylis species are moved to Physostemon based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence. A table of characteristics for differentiating species is included.
The Muscidae (Diptera) of Saudi Arabia, descriptions of two new species, new records and updated list of species
Authors: DAWAH HASSAN A. , ABDULLAH MOHAMMED A. , DEEMING JOHN C.
Published: October 2020

Despite the economic and medical importance of many species of Muscidae knowledge of species occurring in Saudi Arabia is insufficient. As part of a study on the biodiversity of Diptera of south-western Saudi Arabia a survey of the Diptera fauna of Jazan, Asir and Najran was performed from 2010 to 2015 at 22 sites. Seventy one known taxa of Muscidae were identified and recorded, 29 of which were recorded for the first time from south-western Saudi Arabia and two new species; Atherigona (Acritochaeta) afrotropicalis Deeming sp. nov. and Helina ponti Deeming sp. nov. are here described. Thus, the total number of Muscidae species that has been recorded from Saudi Arabia (including previous records of 31 species) is 102 and two subspecies. A list of all species and subspecies of Muscidae recorded from Saudi Arabia is provided. The species of Muscidae listed are predominantly of Afrotropical distribution as compared to other regions. Images of 78 taxa are presented. In addition to the results of the identifications all available literature about Muscidae of Saudi Arabia is summarized. Biological information (where known) on the species recorded in this study and the Middle East distribution are included. By developing a research collection and a checklist of species of Muscidae we hope to provide the basis for systematic studies and biogeographical and faunistic analyses, and the necessary guidelines for management of these important flies. The need for further field and laboratory work and surveillance surveys is highlighted.
A study on taxonomy and phylogeny of immature stages of Sphecidae (Hymenoptera: Apoidea)
Authors: BUYS SANDOR CHRISTIANO
Published: October 2020

A taxonomic and phylogenetic study of Sphecidae based on morphology of last instar larvae and eggs is presented, including description of the family and a key to identify genera, tribes and subfamilies. Larval morphology of 12 species of Sphecidae was studied, along with four others used as outgroups (belonging to Ampulicidae, Crabronidae and Apidae). Thirty characters were listed from the morphological studies. Four genera were included in the analysis based only on literature. Thus, representatives of all the subfamilies and tribes of the Sphecidae were included in the analysis, except those of Stangeellini. The characters matrix was submitted to a parsimonious analysis using TNT version 1.5 and generated four equally parsimonious trees, with Length = 46, Consistence Index = 0.739, Retention Index = 0.878. The hypothesis of relationship suggested by the larvae and eggs is congruent with those suggested by the adult morphology in previous studies. The taxa Sphecidae, Sceliphrinae, Podiini, Sceliphrini, Prionychini and Ammophilinae, as well the assemblages Sceliphrinae + Chloriontinae and Sphecinae + Ammophilinae were supported by larval apomorphies. No apomorphy supporting the monophyly of Sphecinae and Sphecini was found.
The advertisement call of Chiasmocleis (Syncope) carvalhoi (Nelson, 1975) (Anura: Microhylidae), with taxonomic remarks based on new morphological observations of specimens from Peruvian Amazonia
Authors: ROJAS-PADILLA OMAR , GAGLIARDI-URRUTIA GIUSSEPE , SIMÕES PEDRO IVO , CASTROVIEJO-FISHER SANTIAGO
Published: October 2020

We quantitatively describe for the first time the advertisement call of Chiasmocleis (Syncope) carvalhoi using recordings  of five specimens from northern Peruvian Amazonia. The advertisement call is characterized by a single, short, tonal, and high-pitched note. Call duration ranges between 0.03–0.06 s and its dominant frequency between 7.12–7.92 kHz. The lack of pulses within notes distinguishes C. (Syncope) carvalhoi from all congeneric species except C. (Syncope) antenori, C. (Syncope) parkeri and C. (Chiasmocleis) mantiqueira, which can be distinguished by the shorter duration of their notes and silent intervals (in C. (Syncope) antenori and C. (Syncope) parkeri) and by the lower dominant frequency (in C. (Syncope) parkeri and C. (Chiasmocleis) mantiqueira). In addition, based on our collected specimens, we report on and discuss about the variation of some external morphological characters and natural history of C. (Syncope) carvalhoi, including the absence of vocal slits and sacs. Our study reveals a potential association between the absence of vocal slits and sacs, and tonal calls in Chiasmocleis, as well as conflicting morphological diagnostics characters in the literature.
First description of immature stages of Gastropini, Gastrops willistoni Cresson (Diptera: Ephydridae) preying on eggs in a foam nest of Leptodactylus knudseni Heyer (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in Central Amazon
Authors: CAMARGO ALEXSSANDRO , DE SOUZA FRANCIELE CRISTINA , ZATWARNICKI TADEUSZ
Published: October 2020

The third instar larva and puparium of Gastrops willistoni Cresson (Diptera: Ephydridae), preying on eggs in a foam nest of Leptodactylus knudseni Heyer (Anura: Leptodactylidae), in a central Amazonian dryland forest (Brazil) are described for the first time. The fusiform larva has a short breathing tube, its anterior spiracles are fan-shaped and posterior spiracles with three spircular openings. Pupa is ovoid with a broad anterior margin and bifurcate posterior tip. The taxonomic relationship of the frog egg predators, Gastrops Williston and Typopsilopa Cresson, are discussed.
Radar Applications in Northern Scotland (RAiNS)
Authors: Neely III Ryan R. , Parry Louise , Dufton David , Bennett Lindsay , Collier Chris
Published: October 2020

The Radar Applications in Northern Scotland (RAiNS) experiment took place from February to August 2016 near Inverness, Scotland. The campaign was motivated by the need to provide enhanced weather radar observations for hydrological applications for the Inverness region. Here we describe the campaign in detail and observations over the summer period of the campaign that show the improvements that high-resolution polarimetric radar observations may have on quantitative precipitation estimates in this region compared to concurrently generated operational radar quantitative precipitation estimates (QPEs). We further provide suggestions of methods for generating QPE using dual-polarization X-band radars in similar regions.
Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Colectomy for Perforated Diverticulitis
Authors: Moghadamyeghaneh Zhobin , Talus Henry , Fitzgerald Simon , Muthusamy Muthukumar , Stamos Michael J. , Roudnitsky Valery
Published: October 2020

Background

We hypothesized that a laparoscopic approach to sigmoidectomy for perforated diverticulitis is associated with less morbidity and mortality.

Methods

The NSQIP database was used to investigate adult patients who underwent emergent colectomy with end colostomy for perforated diverticulitis. A multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to compare outcomes of patients by surgical approach.

Results

We found a total of 2937 adult patients who underwent emergent colectomy for perforated diverticulitis during 2012-2017. The rate of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) was 11.4% with 38.6% conversion rate to open. The 30-day mortality and morbidity rates were 8.8% and 65.8%, respectively. Following adjustment using a multivariate analysis, the open approach was associated with higher morbidity (67.2% vs 56.8%, AOR: 1.70, P < .01) and mean hospitalization length of patients (13 days vs 10 days, P < .01) compared to the MIS approach. Respiratory complications of ventilator dependency (14.3% vs 6%, AOR: 2.95, P < .01) and unplanned intubation (7.4% vs 2.4%, AOR: 2.14, P = .03) were significantly higher in the open approach. However, patients who underwent the open approach were older (age >70; 33.5% vs 24%, P < .01) with more comorbid conditions such as COPD (10.8% vs 7.2%, P = .04) and CHF (9% vs 3.1%, P < .0).

Conclusion

The MIS approach to emergent partial colectomy for perforated diverticulitis is associated with decreased morbidity and hospitalization length of patients. Utilization of the MIS approach for partial colectomy for perforated diverticulitis is 11.4% with a conversion rate of 38.6%. Efforts should be directed toward increasing the utilization of laparoscopic approaches for the surgical treatment of perforated diverticulitis.
Electronic Glycemic Management System and Endocrinology Service Improve Value in Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Chancellor William Z. , Mehaffey James H. , Hawkins Robert B. , Charles Eric J. , Tribble Curt , Yarboro Leora T. , Ailawadi Gorav , Kirby Jennifer L.
Published: October 2020

Background

Postoperative glycemic control improves cardiac surgery outcomes but insulin protocols are limited by complexity and inflexibility. We sought to evaluate the effect of implementing an electronic glycemic management system (eGMS) in conjunction with a cardiac surgery endocrinology consult service on glycemic control and outcomes after cardiac surgery.

Methods

All patients with a calculated preoperative risk of mortality who underwent cardiac surgery before and after implementation of an eGMS and an endocrinology consult service were identified. Glycemic control and surgical outcomes were compared using univariate analysis, and multivariate regression was used to model the risk-adjusted effects of the interventions on glycemic control, surgical outcomes, and resource utilization. The health care–related value added by the interventions was calculated by dividing risk-adjusted outcomes by total hospital costs.

Results

A total of 2612 patients were identified, with 1263 patients in the preimplementation cohort and 1349 in the postimplementation cohort. Multivariate regression demonstrated fewer postoperative hyperglycemic events (odds ratio [OR] 0.8, 95% CI, 0.65-0.99) after protocol implementation without an increase in hypoglycemic events (OR 0.96, 95% CI, 0.71-1.3). Average day-weighted mean glucose decreased from 144 to 138 mg/dL ( P < .001). The improved glycemic control correlated with a risk-adjusted decrease in composite morbidity or mortality (OR 0.61, 95% CI, 0.47-0.79). Although hospital costs increased after implementation, the protocol increased health care–related value by 38%.

Conclusion

Implementation of a protocol consisting of an eGMS paired with a cardiac surgery–specific endocrinology consult service was associated with improved glycemic control and reduced morbidity. Despite higher costs health care–related value increased as a result of eGMS implementation.