bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Giving Consent
Authors: Schaber Peter
Published: November 2024

By giving consent, we sometimes give permission or make it the case that we are not wronged. What does it take for an act to be an act of consent? This is the question this paper deals with. The question does not presuppose the view that consent is a communicative act. For those who take it as a mental state, the question is what does it take to express consent? It will be argued that an act is an act of consent if and only if the consent-giver believes she gives someone permission to do or omit something by performing the act. A normative intention is not required for consent. It is further argued that this view also bears on the question of what falls within the scope of consent and shows how it differs from the evidential account advocated by Tom Dougherty. I also argue that the view defended in this paper does not imply – as some think – that the consent-receiver could wrong the consent-giver without being able to know that this is the case.
Tweeting for Influence: Analysing France and China’s Cultural Diplomacy on Social Media, a Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Meehan Rémi
Published: November 2024

How are states using cultural diplomacy on social media to expand their power? This research analyses over 67,000 tweets from the French and Chinese Ministries of Foreign Affairs (mfa s) as well as their respective state-sponsored cultural networks including Institut Français, Alliance Française, and the Confucius Institutes. Stephen Lukes’ three-dimensional power framework, where cultural authority legitimizes power over others, provides the study’s theoretical basis. In analysing the tweets, I employ a mixed methods approach including vader sentiment analysis, word frequency analysis, and thematic analysis. While both states aim to present their cultures as high-value cultures, the similarities end there. As a liberal democracy, France encourages open expression through its cultural institutions, including discourse critical of France. In contrast, China’s cultural diplomatic messaging is precisely controlled and speaks about China in invariably exalting terms. This study offers evidence that regime type has a powerful effect on cultural diplomatic messaging on social media.
Freedom of Association in Ireland
Authors: Ó Conaill Seán
Published: November 2024

This article examines, the manner in which the right of freedom of association enshrined in Article 40.6.1.iii. It is divided into two parts. Part i outlines the textual basis of the right, its historical development and its nature and scope understood within a unique constitutional context: its scope, relationship with international law, limitations, and relationship with other rights. Part ii then considers some of the rationales for respecting, protecting and promoting freedom of association. It seeks to outline and map the key underpinnings of the approach of Courts, the legislature and scholars when engaging with the right.
Freedom of Association at the echr: a Right in Service of Democracy
Authors: Cahill Maria
Published: November 2024

This article lays out how the right to freedom of association is protected by the European Court of Human Rights interpreting Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Part i considers how the Court defines “associations” and how it has developed three component aspects of the right: the right to form associations, the right not to be forced to join an association, and the right of the association to organisational autonomy. Part ii outlines the volume and types of disputes that arise, as well as the relationship between freedom of association and other fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression. Part iii reflects on the rationales that the European Court of Human Rights offers for why the right to freedom of association is important, focusing in particular, on its insistence that the right to freedom of association is essential to the proper functioning of democracy.
Freedom of Association in Spain
Authors: Morales Sancho Guillermo A.
Published: November 2024

How is freedom of association protected in Spain? What are the contours developed by the Constitutional and Supreme Courts in dialogue with the Strasbourg and Luxembourg jurisprudence? Have equality and anti-discrimination laws moved the frontiers of associations’ autonomy? These are the questions tackled in this nutshell synthesis of Freedom of Association in Spain.
Freedom of Association in Italy: Genesis, Evolution and Limits of Protection of Associations in the Italian Legal System
Authors: Monti Matteo
Published: November 2024

This paper analyses the different dimensions of freedom of association in Italy. Section 1 introduces the topic and highlights some methodological issues related to comparative law. Section 2 briefly describes the evolution of the provisions protecting freedom of association in Italy from the Albertine Statute to the 1948 Constitution and gives an overview of the various constitutional provisions in which there is an intersection between the issue of freedom of association and the protection of intermediate bodies. Section 3 analyses the entitlement to the right to freedom of association and outlines some past and present derogations for certain categories of public servants, the regulation of constitutionally prohibited associations and the issue of compulsory associations. Section 4 analyses the rights in associations and the rights of associations focusing on compulsory associations and ideologically oriented organisations. Section 5 draws some conclusions and points out some recent legislative trends.
The Purpose and Potential of Freedom of Association in Ethiopia
Authors: Negesse Kelali Kiros
Published: November 2024

In a country where community engagement and social welfare is a predominant phenomenon, constitutional recognition of freedom of association plays a crucial role in guaranteeing a sustained enjoyment of the right. The constitution puts group rights at the forefront of every other right; the nation, nationalities and peoples of the country are expressly recognized as the guardians of the constitution. This article is organized in five parts. In part one, the article addresses the historical and political context of freedom of association in Ethiopia. Part two provides a review of the major contents of national and international legal norms governing freedom of association in Ethiopia. In part three, the article critically evaluates the restrictions to freedom of association in light of the rationale for protection of the right. The last part evaluates the compatibility of judicial decisions in light of the protection of freedom of association in Ethiopia. The article culminates with a conclusion.
Positive Attributable Visual Sources Attenuate the Impact of Trigger Sounds in Misophonia
Authors: Mahzouni Ghazaleh , Welch Moorea M. , Young Michael , Reddy Veda , Samermit Patrawat , Davidenko Nicolas
Published: November 2024

Misophonia is characterized by strong negative reactions to everyday sounds, such as chewing, slurping or breathing, that can have negative consequences for daily life. Here, we investigated the role of visual stimuli in modulating misophonic reactions. We recruited 26 misophonics and 31 healthy controls and presented them with 26 sound-swapped videos: 13 trigger sounds paired with the 13 Original Video Sources (OVS) and with 13 Positive Attributable Visual Sources (PAVS). Our results show that PAVS stimuli significantly increase the pleasantness and reduce the intensity of bodily sensations associated with trigger sounds in both the misophonia and control groups. Importantly, people with misophonia experienced a larger reduction of bodily sensations compared to the control participants. An analysis of self-reported bodily sensation descriptions revealed that PAVS-paired sounds led participants to use significantly fewer words pertaining to body parts compared to the OVS-paired sounds. We also found that participants who scored higher on the Duke Misophonia Questionnaire (DMQ) symptom severity scale had higher auditory imagery scores, yet visual imagery was not associated with the DMQ. Overall, our results show that the negative impact of misophonic trigger sounds can be attenuated by presenting them alongside PAVSs.
Association of greening bacterium with fruit morphological disorder ‘Waywar’ in monsoon cropping of Nagpur mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) grown in central India
Authors: Kalatippi A.S. , Pandey S.K. , Huchche A.D. , Das A.K. , Nair Reena , Jyothsna J.
Published: November 2024

In the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra and the surrounding parts of central India, Waywar (citrus greening bacterium) fruit disorder, also known as wasteful fruit disorder, is a common manifestation of Nagpur mandarin fruit. In Vidarbha, the condition is also known as cock bund, while in China, it is called ‘Red Nose.’ According to early research, this condition is caused by abiotic stress factors, such as poor nutrition, too much moisture in the root zone, and other incorrect cultural practices. Recent research, however, has unequivocally shown that Candidatus Liberobacter asiaticus, the citrus greening bacterium, is responsible for this illness. When compared to normal growing fruits (0.82–0.89), the length to diameter ratio of Waywar fruits at the peak of incidence was reported in the range of 0.95–1.09, indicating their oblong shape. Premature Waywar fruits had higher acidity levels (1.75 to 2.04%) than normal fruits (1.65 to 2.03%) and produced seeds that were not viable. The cultural treatments applied to reduce the ill effects of the disorder improved the physico-chemical characteristics of Nagpur mandarin fruit at the time of harvesting. When compared to the untreated control, foliar spraying with growth regulators 2,4-D (15 ppm) and GA3 (15 ppm) enhanced the amount of fruit retained per plant at harvest. The critical fruit quality parameters like TSS (10.10%) and vitamin C (39.37 mg/100 ml) were highest in GA3 treated fruits. Maximum TSS/Acid ratio (14.00) and minimum acidity (0.69%) were noted with phosphorus applied at three times the RDF level at harvest.
An investigative study to utilise the Fusarium-damaged wheat as a feedstock for the black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)
Authors: Kumar V. , Ochoa-Sanabria C. , Tanaka T.
Published: November 2024

This study investigated Fusarium-damaged wheat kernels (FDK) as a potential feeding substrate for black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens; BSFL). Fusarium-damaged kernels are considered unsuitable for food and feed due to the presence of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins, like deoxynivalenol (DON), pose health risks when consumed by animals at concentrations exceeding the limits established by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. However, BSFL have shown higher tolerance to mycotoxins, suggesting that FDK may be used as a feeding substrate for BSFL intended for animal consumption. To assess this, three FDK-based diets with varying concentrations of DON (4.49 ± 0.08 ppm, 6.04 ± 0.02 ppm, and 6.83 ± 0.04 ppm) and a healthy wheat-based diet (0 ppm DON; control diet) were formulated to grow the larvae. The diets were fed to larvae to assess their preference based on DON concentration. Concurrently, the accumulation of DON in BSFL biomass and its effects on growth parameters were evaluated. The larvae showed no preference for any DON concentration. The DON levels accumulated in the BSFL biomass were minimal, regardless of the DON concentration in the feed (), with the highest recorded at 0.87 ± 0.04 ppm compared to 6.83 ± 0.06 ppm in the diet. Despite the potential harm of FDK to animals, the growth parameters of BSFL improved, with larvae on FDK-based diets reaching a live body weight of 185.0 ± 3.2 mg compared to 177.6 ± 4.2 mg for the control on Day 15. The nutritional profile remained nearly identical across all DON concentrations (∼41% crude lipid and ∼39% crude protein in dried biomass). These findings suggest that BSFL raised on FDK-based diets can be used effectively for feed purposes.
Beyond the Ultima Thule on the Open Sea: the Chinese and Western Encounters in Trans-cultural Literary Perspectives
Authors: Wang Zhaoyu
Published: November 2024

Utilizing ancient Chinese, Latin, and Greek literary sources, this paper examines the interconnected evidence relating to maritime trade from the late 2nd century bc to the 6th century ad. By analyzing the similarities and differences found in texts regarding regions from the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean, the paper explores aspects that transcend the geographical boundaries of both Chinese and Greco-Roman civilizations, with the goal of throwing light on the flourishing of Sino-Roman maritime trade during late antiquity.
Petalidium namibense (Acanthaceae), a new species from Namibia
Authors: SWANEPOEL WESSEL , WYK ABRAHAM E. VAN
Published: November 2024

Petalidium namibense, hitherto confused with P. englerianum, P. rossmannianum, and the widespread P. variabile, is here described as a new species. It is a range-restricted species, only known from the area to the southwest, west and northwest of Puros in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia, where it grows at the base of rocky outcrops, on arid hillsides, and along ephemeral riverbeds and drainage lines. Diagnostic characters for P. namibense include the pale grey appearance of the plants, corky bark on older stems, vegetative parts with a dense white indumentum of relative long dendritic trichomes appearing lanate, flowers borne in short few-flowered dichasia, and bracteoles narrowly ovate. The flowers of P. namibense are distinctive in having the two upper corolla lobes discolorous, abaxially light brown, adaxially vermillion, without nectar guides, and connate towards the base for 25–40% of their length. The anterior lobe is adaxially magenta with two relative long, narrowly triangular yellow nectar guides. The two lateral lobes are adaxially vermillion, or distally magenta, grading to vermillion towards the throat, and lack conspicuous nectar guides. A comparison of key morphological features distinguishing P. namibense from P. sesfonteinense, its closest relative in appearance, as well as from P. englerianum, P. rossmannianum, and P. variabile, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, a provisional conservation assessment of Vulnerable (VU) is recommended for the new species.
Review of the genus Anthobium Leach, 1819 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae) of Western Palaearctic region
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V.
Published: November 2024

Taxonomic and faunistic data for seven species of the atrocephalum and two species of the fusculum groups of the genus Anthobium Leach, 1819 of the Western Palaearctic region are presented. Three species are redescribed and illustrated: North African A. longicorne (Fauvel, 1886), Iberian A. moczarskii (Scheerpeltz, 1961) and Caucasian A. tenue (Eppelsheim, 1881). Five new synonymies are proposed: A. atrocephalum (Gyllenhal, 1827) = Lathrimaeum gracilicorne Luze, 1905 syn. n., = L. abantense Fagel, 1968 syn. n., = L. urgelense Fagel, 1968 syn. n., A. melanocephalum (Illiger, 1794) = L. hamatum Luze, 1905 syn. n., and A. unicolor (Marsham, 1802) = L. deinekini Roubal, 1913 syn. n. Lectotypes for Lathrimaeum deinekini Roubal, 1913, L. longicorne Fauvel, 1886 and L. tenue Eppelsheim, 1881 are designated. The habitus and aedeagi of A. atrocephalum, A. ganglbaueri (Luze, 1905), A. metallicum (Luze, 1905) and A. unicolor are provided. Aedeagi of A. longicorne, A. metallicum and A. moczarskii are illustrated for the first time. A key of Western Palaearctic species of Anthobium is presented. Distributional maps of all redescribed species are given. Several species are recorded for the first time: A. atrocephalum from Morocco, Azerbaijan and Iran, A. melanocephalum from Azerbaijan, A. moczarskii from Portugal, A. tenue from Russia, and A. unicolor and A. ganglbaueri (Luze, 1905) from Georgia.
New herb gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Aulacideini) from Kyrgyzstan, with description of a new genus and a review of the genus Panteliella Kieffer, 1901
Authors: NASTASI LOUIS F. , DEANS ANDREW R.
Published: November 2024

We describe three new aulacideine herb gall wasp species (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Aulacideini) from Kyrgyzstan, a country from which only two Aulacideini species were previously known. One of our new species represents a new genus, which we describe here as Soparia oshensis Nastasi gen. and sp. nov. We describe Panteliella rugosa Nastasi sp. nov., representing a new genus record for Kyrgyzstan. To further facilitate species recognition in Panteliella, we redescribe the genus and the species P. fedtschenkoi; provide a translated description of P. bianchii Vyrzhikovskaya, 1962; comment on complications affecting this genus; and provide a key to Panteliella species. Lastly, we describe Isocolus barakus Nastasi sp. nov., a species with morphology atypical of Isocolus. We provide a key to the Kyrgyz genera of Aulacideini to ensure that they remain diagnosable for future study. Our findings illustrate the continued unveiling of a diverse herb cynipid fauna in Central Asia and a need for further taxonomic study in the region.
Ancistrocerus shibuyai (Yasumatsu, 1938), stat. restit. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae), an overlooked trans-Palaearctic species
Authors: FATERYGA ALEXANDER V. , PROSHCHALYKIN MAXIM YU.
Published: November 2024

Ancistrocerus shibuyai (Yasumatsu, 1938), stat. restit. was hitherto considered a subspecies of A. trifasciatus (Müller, 1776) distributed in Russia (Eastern Siberia, Far East), Mongolia, China (North-East), Korean Peninsula, and Japan, while A. trifasciatus trifasciatus was known to have a nearly trans-Palaearctic distribution. Due to minor but distinct morphological differences between A. shibuyai and A. trifasciatus, the former one is hereby recognized as a separate species. Based on the extensive material examined, A. shibuyai is shown to be widely distributed in the boreal zone of the Palaearctic region; particularly, the species is recorded for the first time from Austria, Ukraine, European part of Russia, Urals, Western Siberia, and Kazakhstan. Ancistrocerus trifasciatus var. moeschleri Blüthgen, 1938, syn. nov. and A. balticus Budrys & Orlovskytė, 2023, syn. nov. are synonymized with A. shibuyai. Distribution and biology of both A. shibuyai and A. trifasciatus are briefly discussed. A lectotype is designated for Odynerus trifasciatus orientalis Kostylev, 1938.
Vertical Sectioning of the Cartilaginous Vault for Rhinoplasty: Technique and Assessment
Authors: Boeckmann Jacob , Hakimi Amir A. , Martin Elaine , Merna Catherine , Hu Allison C. , Foulad Allen , Wong Brian J. F.
Published: November 2024

Objectives:

To describe and assess the vertical sectioning technique for mid vault dissection in patients undergoing primary and secondary rhinoplasty.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 208 patients undergoing primary or revision rhinoplasty utilizing the vertical sectioning technique. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale was administered to patients pre- and post-operatively. A detailed description of the technique is presented.

Results:

Mean follow up was 8.59 ± 7.30 months. Spreader grafts were used in 185 patients (89%), upper lateral cartilage autospreader flaps were utilized in 16 patients (7.7%), and both spreader grafts and autospreader flaps were used in 7 patients (3.4%). Ten primary rhinoplasty patients (4.8%) and 3 revision rhinoplasty patients (4.5%) complained of functional nasal obstruction post-operatively. At time of last follow-up, there was a significant improvement in mean NOSE scores for patients receiving spreader grafts (71.2 ± 21.4-21.5 ± 2.8, P < .001), autospreader flaps (69.2 ± 25.9-17.2 ± 21.5, P < .001), and both (57.9 ± 35.0-26.1 ± 20.2, P = .03).

Conclusion:

The vertical sectioning technique respects the anatomic, functional, and esthetic relationship of the middle vault, while maximizing cartilage preservation.
Multidimensional gender ideologies: How do they relate to work-family arrangements of mothers with dependent children in Poland and western Germany?
Authors: Joecks Jasmin , Kurowska Anna , Pull Kerstin , Schober Pia
Published: November 2024

This study uses a multidimensional approach to identify gender ideologies and investigate their association with work-family arrangements among mothers of dependent children in Poland and western Germany. Based on data from the Generations and Gender Survey, we apply ordinal latent class analysis and identify five gender ideology classes: (1) traditional, (2) intensive parenting, (3) ambivalent, (4) moderately egalitarian, and (5) strongly egalitarian. In both countries, we find that the intensive parenting class resembles the traditional class in terms of lower maternal employment, a more gendered division of housework and childcare, and a smaller probability of using formal childcare, whereas the ambivalent respondents mostly practice work-care arrangements that are similar to the moderately egalitarian class. With respect to informal care, mothers who identify with strong egalitarianism significantly differ from the traditional class in western Germany, but they do not in Poland—thus highlighting the role of the cultural and institutional context in explaining the complex links between mothers’ gender ideologies and work-family arrangements.
A unified method to generate representative volume elements with tailored random fibre arrangements to estimate the shear and transverse behaviours of unidirectional continuous fibres composite plies
Authors: Mechin Pierre-Yves , Borras Anastasia , Cottard Kellian , Keryvin Vincent
Published: November 2024

Axial compressible strength is a key design parameter of CFRP laminate structures, especially for Aerospace where maximum flexure on wings is driven by the global margin of safety on compressive loads. One of its main limiting contributors is the non-linear shear behaviour of the unidirectional ply. This shear response can be predicted by using generated (quasi-)random microstructures set within representative volume elements (RVE). Different microstructures with or without clusters of fibres (resulting from manufacturing processes) are necessary to quantify the mechanical variability. The variability of the microstructures is characterised by the variation of the arrangement, the volume fraction and the misalignment of the fibres. This leads to significant variations in the mechanical performance, in particular for the shear behaviour. In this study, we propose a unified algorithm that makes it possible to generate all the different positions of fibres in microstructures with very high fibre volume fractions. The microstructural parameters responsible for variations in mechanical behaviour are identified to establish a correlation between fibre distribution and the mechanical response. Finally, a composite cross-section is analysed to estimate the local non-linear shear behaviour as well as the compressive strength as an example to illustrate the benefit of complex microstructures modelling.
Study of the residual stress distribution in SiCp/Al composites under thermal cycling conditions
Authors: Yao Junge G , Wang Qingping , Zhang Chao
Published: November 2024

In this study, a three-dimensional random representative volume element model was constructed using the finite element method combined with Python script to investigate the residual stress distribution in SiCp/Al composites with varying volume fractions, particle shapes, and particle size under thermal cycling conditions. The model has two different particle morphologies: spheres and irregular polygons. The results show that the irregular polygonal SiC particles exhibit higher residual stresses than spherical particles before and after thermal cycling due to their complex load transfer pathways and higher stress concentration at particle corners, which makes them more consistent with the characterization of SiCp/Al composites under practical application conditions. As the volume fraction of SiC particles increases, the particle spacing decreases, hindering the release of thermal stresses through plastic deformation. Notably, the relief rate of residual stress reached 53% in the 12 vol% SiCp/Al composites, with the stress decreasing from 698 MPa to 328 MPa after 50 thermal cycles. In contrast, the reduction rate for 18 vol% composites is only 13% after thermal cycling. Furthermore, compared to larger particles (7.3 µm, 8.9 µm), the smaller particles (4.3 µm, 5.9 µm) exhibit a more uniform stress distribution and lower thermal stresses before and after thermal cycling. Consequently, our work provides a significant theoretical basis for the design and application of SiCp/Al composites, especially for the application of materials under extreme temperature changes.
Managerialism in church and care organizations
Authors: Coppen Martin , Edmeads Andy
Published: November 2024

We examine two examples of managerialism, in a Church of England parish reorganization and in a hospice. After reflecting on New Testament management concepts, we analyse the negative consequences of managerialism in these examples and the regulatory changes that made it possible. The article ends by suggesting how trust lost through poor management could be rebuilt through a holistic pastoral sensitivity to the whole community served by the organization, including the staff.
Covid-19, the Eucharist and spreading disease through Christianity’s holiest rite
Authors: Moore Tanner
Published: November 2024

During the Covid-19 pandemic in the USA, churches were faced with a question of medical and metaphysical importance: can Christianity’s rite of Holy Communion spread Covid-19? This article examines Christian responses to Covid-19 through a case study of five of Christianity’s multifaceted Covid eucharistic policies, arguing that the responses of churches in times of crisis reflect a nuanced understanding of the metaphysical theories surrounding the Eucharist. The goal of this article is to serve as a primer on the relationships between beliefs of the Eucharist and Covid-19 in American churches, seeking to provide an overview and facilitate further inquiry into modern concerns of Christianity’s holiest rite and the spread of disease.
A threshold account of last resort in the ethics of war
Authors: Matsumoto Masakazu
Published: November 2024

This study aims to demonstrate the essential role that the condition of last resort plays in determining when waging war is exceptionally justified. In recent years, this condition has been criticised despite being considered an indispensable condition for just war. According to the commonly accepted Exhaustion View, the last resort occurs after all other options are exhausted. However, the categorical precedence of non-military measures may exacerbate the situation. In order to address this issue, this study presents an alternative Threshold View of last resort. According to this view, the last resort indicates when a certain threshold is crossed, and the initial presumption against war is overridden by more stringent justifications for waging war. By presenting and defending this view, this study addresses the various objections directed at the last resort condition without undermining the requirement of lastness embedded in it.
When Guests Become Hosts: The Boomerang Effect of Tourists’ Negative Behaviors on Their Country of Origin
Authors: Qiu Wei , Li Yilin , Fu Xiaoxiao , Yu Xiaoya , Lv Xingyang
Published: November 2024

Tourists are commonly regarded as ambassadors shaping their country’s image in international tourism. However, the role of the boomerang effect for outbound tourists on their country of origin is often overlooked in theory and practice. Through four studies, this groundbreaking research explores the boomerang effect of tourists’ negative behaviors on their home countries, encompassing the impact on tourism imports and subsequent spillover effects on manufacturing product exports. The findings reveal that tourists’ negative behaviors not only diminish the willingness of destination residents to visit the tourist-originating country by influencing perceived warmth and psychological distance but also decrease their intention to purchase manufactured products from the country of origin by amplifying psychological distance. Importantly, the moderating effect of product added value in spillover effects is highlighted. These conclusions expand the influence of tourists’ negative behaviors and innovatively bridge theoretical perspectives between the tourism and manufacturing industries on the reverse country-of-origin effects.
Neural observer-based output feedback control for electrohydraulic cylinder systems with state constraints and input saturation
Authors: Liu Weimiao , Liu Minghao , Yang Panpan , Cheng Junzhou , Wang Xuyang
Published: November 2024

The output feedback control for electrohydraulic cylinder systems with state constraints and input saturation is investigated in this paper. For the unmeasured state information, a neural observer is constructed to estimate the velocity and acceleration of electrohydraulic cylinders. Considering the physical limitations of electrohydraulic cylinder systems, the time-varying barrier Lyapunov function is employed to guarantee that the system states are confined within the preset region. In addition, a dynamic auxiliary system is designed to deal with the issue of input saturation. On this basis, an output feedback controller is presented to realize the displacement tracking of the reference trajectory by employing the dynamic surface control (DSC) technique. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that the proposed control algorithm can ensure that the control system remains semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUUB). The simulation results also showcase the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Who can refuse? Attitudes About the Fertility Decisions of Wives and Husbands
Authors: Oslawski-Lopez Jamie , Tabor Jaclyn A.
Published: November 2024

This research explored Americans’ responses to dual questions from the “Constructing the Family II” survey asking if it was “all right” for wives and husbands to refuse to have children with their spouses. We reviewed the data descriptively, demographically using multinomial logistic regression, and qualitatively, investigating subset respondents’ rationales. Most respondents supported or opposed refusal equally, with only about five percent of respondents supporting refusal for one partner but not both. Among subset respondents, qualitative themes varied by refusal type and included Family Considerations, Rights, and Nuclear Family Ideals. Together, the quantitative and qualitative findings suggested that those who supported refusal for both spouses were the most egalitarian; however, these respondents along with those who supported refusal for one partner but not both were also likely to provide dissimilar, and often quite traditionally gendered, rationales. We conclude that despite surface-level egalitarianism, attitudes about fertility decision-making were not free from gendered thinking.
Fossil Fuel Subsidy Inventories vs. Net Carbon Prices
Authors: Böhm Jens , Peterson Sonja
Published: November 2024

Price incentives for reducing fossil fuel related carbon emissions are an important component of effective and efficient climate policy. Current incentives stem from a mixture of energy taxes and carbon pricing (incentivizing less emissions) and diverse support measures for fossil fuels (incentivizing more emissions). We develop a net carbon price indicator that complements existing subsidy and carbon pricing indicators. It can be calculated on different aggregation levels and compared across countries. We calculate the different components and our aggregate indicator for the year 2018 and for eight countries including the worlds’ six largest emitters. Our analysis reveals large differences in net carbon prices across countries and across sectors within countries. We argue that the sectoral differences can inform about adequate national policy reforms while the aggregate national indicator can be useful for international negotiations about comparable national efforts.
A Survival Analysis of Rural-Urban Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake in the United States
Authors: Datta Biplab Kumar , Jaremski Jennifer E. , Ansa Benjamin E. , Odhiambo Lorriane , Clary Catherine , Islam K. M. Monirul , Johnson J. Aaron
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Though urban-rural disparities in COVID-19 vaccination coverage was documented at a point of time, little is known on the evolution of vaccination uptake over time. This study, using individual level time-to-event data, intend to assess the differences in monthly progression of vaccination uptake among U.S. adults by urban/rural residence.

Design

Survival analysis.

Setting

Urban and rural areas in 29 U.S. states.

Subjects

135,969 adults aged 18+ years.

Measures

Time (in months) to receive the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech- and Moderna- COVID-19 Vaccine in December 2020.

Analysis

Kaplan-Meier survivor functions and stratified Cox proportional hazard models were estimated for the event of being vaccinated by urban/rural residence for 25 months starting from December 2020. Monthly survival probabilities for urban- and rural- adults were further assessed within certain demographic and socioeconomic groups.

Results

We found a gradual divergence of COVID-19 vaccination uptake in favor of urban adults, which was robust across sex, age groups, race and ethnicity, education, and income levels. In April 2021, after vaccine eligibility was expanded, 42.2% adults in urban and 53.3% adults in rural areas were unvaccinated. While only 19.3% urban adults remained unvaccinated in December 2022, this rate was 32.5% among rural adults. Compared to their urban counterparts, rural adults were 0.77 (95% CI: 0.76 - 0.79) times as likely to receive the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

Conclusions

Time-to-event analysis of vaccination against COVID-19 indicated a lower uptake among rural adults, which was persistent across different demographic and socioeconomic groups.
Personality trait change during adolescence as a predictor of later substance use, depressive symptoms, and perceived maturity
Authors: Schultz Leah H , Spengler Marion , Andrews Judy A , Jackson Joshua J , Hill Patrick L
Published: November 2024

Adolescence is considered a critical period for understanding how individuals develop their self-concepts and personality dispositions, with the assumption that these changes presage important life outcomes. However, this tenet has been infrequently tested; few studies have included rigorous, frequent assessment of personality traits during adolescence, particularly from multiple rater perspectives. The current study utilizes data from the Oregon Youth Substance Use Project (OYSUP; N = 951), which followed students throughout their school years into early adulthood. Student- and teacher-reports of the Big Five personality traits were assessed yearly from grades 7 to 10, as well as drug use, well-being, and maturity outcomes later in emerging adulthood. Using latent growth curve models and true intraindividual change score models, results indicated that youth exhibited relative stability but significant trait changes on multiple domains during adolescence. Moreover, individual differences in these changes predicted likelihood for drug use and depressive symptoms later, as well as the students’ perceptions of their status as being developed adults, even when accounting for initial trait levels. Findings differed somewhat between youth- and teacher-reports of personality, with both demonstrating value for predicting young adult outcomes, indicating multiple perspectives of personality development are important.
Mechanical characterization of natural fiber composites prepared with untreated and treated ficus religiosa root fibers
Authors: Arul Marcel Moshi A. , Ravindran D. , Venkatkumar D.
Published: November 2024

Surface modification techniques are used to modify the surface of the natural fibers in order to improve the surface characteristics; in turn other relevant significant properties of the fiber and its composites. In the present work, epoxy composites have been prepared with the untreated and treated F. religiosa root fiber samples at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt.% fiber loading. Mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact strength of the prepared composite specimens have been tested as per the ASTM standards. From the results, it has been identified that the strength of the proposed composites increases with the increase in fiber loading, and the composites made up of 20 wt.% of the NaOH solution treated fiber sample exhibits better properties under mechanical characterization study. Alkalization filled the holes, cracks, and pores on the outer layer of fibers and significantly improved the surface roughness, which was reflected in the improvement of the proposed composites.
Rethinking economic planning
Authors: Sorg Christoph , Groos Jan
Published: November 2024

The special issue ‘Rethinking Economic Planning’ contributes to the emerging literature on economic planning in the age of digitalization and climate crisis. This introduction will first situate the new planning debate in the context of the historical socialist calculation debate. We will then provide an overview of the current literature on democratic economic planning, elaborate on the contributions of this special issue and its individual papers against this background, and summarize the six texts. We close with a brief section on gaps in the debate.
Certified Child Life Specialists in Hospice and Palliative Care Organizations: A State of the Profession
Authors: Mangers-Deans Jennifer , Friedberg Alyssa , Downing Kimberly , Lindley Lisa C.
Published: November 2024

Background

Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLSs) provide developmentally appropriate psychosocial care to children to promote positive coping. However, little is known about the current professional landscape and opportunities for professional growth, especially in hospice and palliative care.

Objectives

To conduct a needs assessment among CCLS and examine the role in hospice and palliative care.

Methods

CCLSs were surveyed on their experience and needs in providing care in hospice and palliative care organizations. The online survey contained questions about demographics and work environment. The survey included multiple choice, yes/no, and open-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were generated from the survey items and comments/open-ended questions were coded and assessed for themes.

Results

Among the 191 respondents, most were females (96.3%), under 40 years of age (63.8%), Caucasian (87.4%), and non-Hispanic (95.3%) with under 12 years of full-time work experience (57.0%). CCLSs commonly worked in urban/suburban (67.5%) pediatric programs (62.3%) with clients ranging from perinatal (33.5%) to adult caregivers of children (60.2%). Themes from the open-ended questions were: (a) role clarification, (b) staffing, (c) funding, (d) training/education, (e) professionality, and (f) self-care.

Conclusions

Key insights into the profession, along with challenges and opportunities of working within the hospice and palliative care setting were identified. The findings highlighted the unique need for professional development among CCLSs.
Philosophical and Ethical Underpinnings of the Medical Decision-Making Process: A Focus on Patient Values and Preferences
Authors: Erstad Brian L.
Published: November 2024

Current clinical practice is based on the principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM) with clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) often serving as a source of information for the medical decision-making process. There are philosophical and ethical tenets underlying this process including those pertaining to patient values and preferences. Despite their importance, these tenets may receive less attention than the empirically derived recommendations in CPGs based on the principles of EBM. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of the medical decision-making process with a focus on patient values and preferences so pharmacists and other clinicians can appreciate the interplay between science, philosophy and ethics when providing patient- or person-centered care. Appreciation of these discussions should help practitioners to recognize the limitations and challenges when attempting to incorporate population-based evidence into a patient-specific medical decision-making process that often necessitates reconciliation and negotiation between the clinician and patient when striving to provide optimal care.
Systemic therapy for non–clear cell renal cell carcinomas: A systematic review
Authors: Ara Balqees , Babar Anum , Atif Durkho , Ghafoor Bushra , Shah Mustafa , Abdullah Syed Maaz , Safi Danish , Kamran Amir
Published: November 2024

Objective

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common kidney cancer, with clear cell RCC being the predominant subtype. However, non-clear cell RCC constitutes a significant proportion of cases, presenting distinct challenges in treatment due to its varied histological subtypes. Despite recent advancements, the optimal therapeutic approach for non-clear cell RCC remains uncertain due to limited high-quality evidence. This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of systemic therapies in nccRCC subgroups.

Data source

A comprehensive literature search identified studies from 2010 to 2024, using PubMed and Clinicaltrials.gov databases focusing on clinical trials and treatment outcomes.

Data summary

Results highlight the evolving therapeutic landscape, with targeted agents and immunotherapy demonstrating promising anti-tumor effects. Notably, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as sunitinib and mTOR inhibitors like temsirolimus have shown efficacy across different subtypes. Combination therapies, including immunotherapy-based regimens, have also shown favorable outcomes. immune checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab demonstrated encouraging antitumor activity. Furthermore, specific targeting of signaling pathways, such as the c-MET pathway, has demonstrated efficacy in certain PapillaryRCC.

Conclusion

While combination therapies, including immunotherapies, have shown positive outcomes, immune checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab and pembrolizumab have demonstrated encouraging antitumor activity. Additionally, targeting the c-MET pathway has proven effective in certain papillary RCC. Further research is warranted to establish optimal treatment strategies and improve outcomes for patients with non-clear cell RCC. Systemic therapy for non-clear cell RCC is complex and evolving. Further research is needed to delineate optimal treatment strategies for different histological subtypes and improve patient outcomes.
Qualitative analysis of clinical pharmacy interventions in an inpatient leukemia service
Authors: AL-Hadaddin Rand , Mustafa Nour , Alyamani Ahmad , Faqeer Nour
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Leukemia, a complex hematological malignancy, requires a multidisciplinary treatment approach, with clinical pharmacists playing a crucial role. However, their involvement in clinical practice is not well-documented in the literature. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of clinical pharmacy interventions (CPIs) reported by clinical pharmacists.

Method

This retrospective study involved extraction of CPIs entered into a pharmacy documentation database “Quantifi®” between January 2019 and June 2023. These CPIs included direct clinical pharmacist interventions (DCPIs), detected medication errors (MEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Results

A total of 6286 CPIs were extracted, of which DCPIs, MEs and ADRs accounted for 5701 (90.7%), 357 (5.7%) and 228 (3.6%) reports, respectively. The most prevalent DCPIs were drug therapy discontinuation (n = 1080, 18.9%). Antimicrobials were the most common medications associated with DCPIs (n = 1991, 34.9%). Physicians accepted 99.4% of DCPIs and 64.1% (n = 3656) of direct interventions were considered significant. Among detected MEs, antimicrobials were the most reported medications (n = 158, 44.3%), with pharmacy internal errors being the most prevalent cause of the events (n = 172, 48.2%). Among the reported ADRs, hematological reactions were the most common (n = 81, 35.5%), and antineoplastic agents were the most frequently associated medications with ADRs (n = 164, 71.9%).

Conclusion

This study highlights the crucial role of clinical pharmacists in managing leukemia patients, emphasizing their key interventions and ability to identify MEs and ADRs. Further research is needed to explore the clinical outcomes and financial impact of their involvement.
Estimates and trends in the global burden of glaucoma influenced by metabolic risk factors from Global Burden of Disease Study between 1990 to 2019
Authors: Chen Juan , Fan Hua , Yu Qingwen , Tang Ting , Tong Xuhan , Hu Siqi , You Yao , Zhang Shenghui , Chen Chen , Tang Jiake , Wang Hu , Fu Xinyan , Zhang Xingwei , Wang Mingwei , Cheng Yongran
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Glaucoma is an irreversible eye disease that causes blindness, which not only causes visual impairment and economic burden to patients, but also increases the social burden. This study aimed to estimate the global burden of glaucoma due to metabolic risk over the past 30 years.

Methods

The number and rate of deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized rates (ASRs) for metabolic risk factors-induced glaucoma were extracted. The estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) for ASRs were calculated using a generalized linear model with a Gaussian distribution to quantify the temporal trends in the global burden of metabolic risk factor-attributed glaucoma. The strength and direction of the association between the sociodemographic index (SDI) and the DALY rate were measured using Spearman's rank-order correlation.

Results

Approximately 0.07% of the global DALYs of glaucoma in 1990 were associated with metabolic risk factors, which increased to 0.1% in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, the global DALY cases of glaucoma caused by metabolic risk factors and the global burden of DALYs increased, whereas the DALY rate decreased with a higher SDI regional grade. The ASR of glaucoma disability loss years with a metabolic high risk increased with age, reaching the highest in the >85-year-old age group.

Conclusion

The burden of glaucoma caused by metabolic risk factors has increased over the past three decades, especially in regions with a low SDI and in old-age groups.