bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase I study of CPI-613 (devimistat) in combination with chemoradiation in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Authors: Kamgar Mandana , Khan Husain Yar , Aboukameel Amro , Bannoura Sahar , Chung Brian Y. , Szabo Aniko , Li Yiwei , Al Hallak Mohammed Najeeb , Philip Philip Agop , George Ben , Christians Kathleen K. , Evans Douglas B. , Tsai Susan , Erickson Beth , Luther Sanjeev , Azmi Asfar S. , Hall William A.
Published: January 2023

TPS760

Background: Local tumor progression is a cause of significant mortality and morbidity in patients with unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Effective approaches to achieve durable local control are urgently needed. Metabolic reprogramming and enhanced mitochondrial function, both hallmarks of PDAC, are known contributors to chemo- and radio-resistance. CPI-613, a lipoic acid analog that selectively inhibits components of the Krebs cycle in tumors, showed promising preclinical synergy in combination with gemcitabine and radiation therapy (gem-RT). Methods: We describe a single-arm, single-center, open-label, phase I study designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose of CPI-613 when used concomitantly with gemcitabine and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for local control of PDAC. CPI-613 will be administered once weekly by intravenous infusion over approximately 2 hours at a starting dose of 500 mg/m2 and dose-escalated/de-escalated using a Bayesian optimal interval design. Gemcitabine will be given once weekly at 400 mg/m2 dosage and IMRT as 54 Gray (Gy) in 30 fractions (1.8 Gy per fraction) with five fractions given per week. Up to 24 patients will be enrolled for the study after meeting the following main eligibility criteria, which include: pathologically confirmed PDAC; inoperable disease that by institutional pancreatic multidisciplinary tumor board or multidisciplinary review are considered to benefit from definitive local control of the primary tumor; ECOG of 0-2; and adequate organ and marrow function after completion of intended systemic chemotherapy. The secondary objectives are to determine the recommended phase II dose of CPI-613 when used with gem-RT, safety and tolerability of CPI-613-gem-RT, overall survival, local progression-free survival (PFS), overall PFS, patient-reported quality of life after treatment, and late gastrointestinal toxicities following treatment with CPI-613-gem-RT. Clinical trial information: NCT05325281 . Support: Cornerstone Pharmaceuticals. [Table: see text]
Phase I study of autologous transgenic T cells expressing high affinity mesothelin-specific T-cell receptor (TCR; FH-TCR TMSLN) in patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDA).
Authors: Chiorean E. Gabriela , Chapuis Aude , Coveler Andrew L. , Yeung Cecilia CS , Gooley Ted , Zhen David Bing , King Gentry Teng , Hannan Lindsay Marie , Cohen Stacey A. , Safyan Rachael A , Germani Anthony , Ra Susan , Casserd Jennifer , Schmitt Thomas , Greenberg Philip D
Published: January 2023

TPS779

Background: PDA has a low tumor mutational burden and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Targeting overexpressed self-antigens with adoptive, genetically engineered, high affinity T cells may overcome immunosuppression (Stromnes I, Immunol Rev 2014). We previously engineered murine CD8+ T cells to express a high affinity MSLN-specific TCR in the KrasLSL-G12D/+; Trp53LSL-R172H/+; p48Cre/+ ( KPC) mouse model, with highest efficacy observed following serial infusions (Stromnes I, Cancer Cell 2015). We developed an autologous TCR-T cell therapy targeting MSLN, which is overexpressed by 80% of PDAs. In this first-in-human phase I trial, we seek to determine the safety, preliminary efficacy, as well as the persistence, activation, localization, and functional capacity of FH-TCR TMSLN in chemotherapy refractory, MSLN+ mPDA. Methods: Eligible pts have ECOG PS 0-1, ≥ 1 prior therapy for mPDA, life expectancy ≥ 12 wks, able/willing to undergo biopsies (at baseline, and after 3 and 6 wks of treatment), MSLN 2+ expression in ≥ 30% tumor cells by IHC, HLA-A*02:01, no HLA-B*13:02. Patients undergo leukapheresis, and approximately 3-4 weeks later, receive the first TCR-TMSLN cell infusion. Three TCR-TMSLN cell infusions given q21 days (d) are planned to be administered to each patient. Patients are enrolled in 4 cohorts by dose level (cohort 1: 1 x 109; cohort 2: 3.3 x 109; cohorts 3 and 4: 10 x 109 T cells), with a 3+3 design. Dose limiting toxicities (DLTs) are assessed during 21d after each TCR-TMSLN cells infusion. Lymphodepleting chemotherapy with fludarabine/cyclophosphamide is administered prior to the third TCR-TMSLN infusion (cohorts 1-3) or prior to the first TCR-TMSLN infusion (cohort 4). Primary endpoint is safety and DLTs. Secondary endpoints are ORR, PFS, OS. Exploratory endpoints are translational tumor and blood TCR-TMSLN cells biomarkers. Safety is assessed by CTCAE v5.0, with a goal of grade ≥ 3 TCR-TMSLN cells unexpected toxicity rate <35%; stopping rate if toxicity is ≥20% is 0.06. Response is assessed by RECIST 1.1. Enrollment of 15 patients allows >80% power to observe a statistically significant (one-sided alpha level 0.05), meaningful efficacy signal of ORR 20%. Secondary and exploratory endpoints will be descriptive and hypothesis generating. The study was activated in December 2021 and is open to accrual; 4 patients have been enrolled as of 24 Sept 2022. Clinical trial information: NCT04809766 .
Activism for Abortion Rights and Access Is Global: What the United States Can Learn from the Rest of the World
Authors: Kumar Anu
Published: January 2023

While the US Supreme Court's 1973 ruling in Roe v. Wade guaranteed a legal right to abortion, universal access to legal abortion has never been achieved in the United States. At the same time, the Helms Amendment, a US foreign-assistance policy, is keeping millions of people around the world, particularly Black and Brown people, from receiving abortion-related information and services. As abortion-rights advocates in the United States look for ways to move forward in the post-Roe era, two sources can offer insights and inspiration: the inclusive, human rights–based reproductive justice framework, and some of the strategies and approaches being used to expand access in countries around the world with restrictive abortion laws.
Abortion as a Public Health Risk in COVID-19 Antiabortion Legislation
Authors: Carson Saphronia , Carter Shannon K.
Published: January 2023

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, 12 states banned or restricted abortion access under elective-procedure restrictions. The rationale was preserving hospital capacity and personal protective equipment (PPE); however, abortions commonly take place in clinics and use less PPE than childbirth. This paper investigates the discursive construction of abortions, the people who get them, and the fetuses in this legislation. The authors analyzed 13 antiabortion documents using an iterative process of thematic coding and memo writing. Twenty-three percent of the legislation listed abortion as banned, whereas the remaining laws implied abortion within the terms “elective” or “nonessential.” Legislation used common antiabortion tactics, such as the trivialization of abortion, risk discourses, and constructions of motherhood and fetal personhood. Discourses delegitimized abortion providers and used quasi-medical justifications for banning abortion. Finally, legislation constructed abortion clinics as sites of contagion and waste and consequently as risks to public health. The results highlight the vulnerability of abortion and the connection between abortion policy and other conservative policies, and they gesture toward a strategic attempt to ban abortion federally. These findings have several implications for a post-Roe United States and for stakeholders wishing to increase abortion access.
Introduction: The Politics of Abortion 50 Years afterRoe
Authors: Kimport Katrina , Kreitzer Rebecca
Published: January 2023

Abortion is central to the American political landscape and a common pregnancy outcome, yet research on abortion has been siloed and marginalized in the social sciences. In an empirical analysis, the authors found only 22 articles published in this century in the top economics, political science, and sociology journals. This special issue aims to bring abortion research into a more generalist space, challenging what the authors term “the abortion research paradox,” wherein abortion research is largely absent from prominent disciplinary social science journals but flourishes in interdisciplinary and specialized journals. After discussing the misconceptions that likely contribute to abortion research siloization and the implications of this siloization for abortion research as well as social science knowledge more generally, the authors introduce the articles in this special issue. Then, in a call for continued and expanded research on abortion, the introduction to this special issue closes by offering three guiding practices for abortion scholars—both those new to the topic and those deeply familiar with it—in the hopes of building an ever-richer body of literature on abortion politics, policy, and law. The need for such a robust literature is especially acute following the US Supreme Court's June 2022 overturning of the constitutional right to abortion.
Outcome of head injury in motorbike riders
Authors: Ahmed Shakeel , Rehman Lal , Afzal Ali , Javeed Farrukh
Published: January 2023

Objective: To determine the impact of helmet wearing on traumatic brain injury.

Methods: We analyzed 400 cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in motorbike riders with and without helmet, from July 2017 to December 2020 presenting to the neurosurgery department at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi, Pakistan. The medical records were analyzed for CT scan findings, length of hospital stay, complications (mortality and disability), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Glasgow outcome score (GOS) at time of discharge.

Results: A total of 400 patients with head injury due to motorbike accidents were included and all were male patients. They were equally divided into two groups, 200 in Group-A (with helmet) and 200 in Group-B (without helmet). Majority of the unhelmeted patients i.e. 102 (51%), needed admission in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) compared to 70 (35%) in helmeted. When comparing non-helmeted patients to helmeted patients, the total median length of hospital stay was greater among non-helmeted patients (10 vs 05 days). Mortality was higher among non-helmeted patients seen in 50 (25%) as compared to 14 (7%) in helmeted patients. Overall, the good outcome was observed in 119 (59.5%) patients in Group-A as compared to70 (35%) patients in Group-B while 81 (40.5%) showed bad outcome in Group-A and 130 (64%) in Group-B. The failure to wear a helmet was found to be strongly linked with abnormal neuroimaging more complications, poor outcome and lower GCS on discharge as compared to patients using helmet.

Conclusion: Lack of helmet use is linked to abnormal brain imaging, more complications, and a longer stay in the hospital after a head injury.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6371

How to cite this: Ahmad S, Rehman L, Afzal A, Javeed F. Outcome of head injury in motorbike riders. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):---------.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6371

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Breastfeeding practices in nursing mothers during COVID-19 pandemic: Dual center study in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Bham Shireen Qassim , Khan Khalid Mahmood Ahmad , Munaver Sagheera Anjum , Sharif Umer Hayat Ahmed
Published: January 2023

Objective: To identify the breastfeeding practices in nursing mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Pediatrics and Gynecology & Obstetrics departments at two of the tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan from September 2020 to February 2021. Recently delivered mothers and mothers of children till two years of age on breastfeeding/formula feed were consecutively enrolled.

Results: Of 484 participants, breastfeeding was practiced by 180 (37.2%) participants, formula-fed by 85 (17.6%), and mix feed by 219 (45.2%) participants. Out of 185 mothers who had to breastfeed previous babies, 80.2% of mothers still opted to breastfeed their newborns despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Breastfeeding practices exhibited higher incidence in illiterate mothers (aOR 0.229 95% CI 0.05-0.95, p- 0.042), housewives (aOR 0.35 95% CI 0.13-0.95 p-0.040) and shorter length of stay (aOR 0.290 95% CI 0.15-0.57, p- 0.001) while formula /mixed feeding was found higher in mothers with exposure to formula feeding in previous babies (aOR 17.842, 95% CI 8.33-38.19, p- 0.001) and mothers with pain after delivery (aOR 4.526, 95% CI 2.11-9.71, p-<0.001).

Conclusion: Mothers who had to breastfeed their babies in a previous pregnancy, who were less educated, and housewives with a shorter stay in hospital have shown a stronger association with breastfeeding whereas mothers who had previous exposure to formula milk and pain after delivery have shown association to formula feed or mixed feed.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6707

How to cite this: Bham SQ, Khan KMA, Munaver SA, Sharif UHA. Breastfeeding practices in nursing mothers during COVID-19 pandemic: Dual center study in Karachi, Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6707

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The h-Index: An Indicator of Research and Publication Output
Authors: Shah Faaiz Ali , Jawaid Shaukat Ali
Published: January 2023

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.7398

How to cite this: Shah FA, Jawaid SA. The h-Index: An Indicator of Research and Publication Output. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):315-316.  doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.7398

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Early Childhood Violence Exposure Patterns in The Drakenstein Child Health Study (DCHS)
Authors: Tsunga Lucinda , Lake Marilyn , Halligan Sarah L. , Malcolm-Smith Susan , Hoffman Nadia , Heron Jon , Zar Heather , Fraser Abigail , Donald Kirsten , Stein Dan J.
Published: January 2023

Background: Research has highlighted high rates of exposure to violence among South African youth. However, work to date has been largely cross-sectional, focused on violence exposure during the adolescence period, and has been limited to specific types of violence exposure. We examined violence exposure in South African preschool children between 3 and 6 years of age, capturing both direct and indirect forms of violence, and tested for potential sex differences across the several types of exposures.

Methods: Lifetime direct and indirect exposure to domestic and community violence was measured by parental report when children were 3.5 years (N = 530), 4.5 years (N = 749) and 6 years of age (N= 417) in a South African birth cohort located in a peri-urban community.

Results: There are three main findings. First, a large proportion of children (72%-75%) were reported as having been exposed to some form of direct or indirect violent experience in their homes or communities from a young age. Second, there was significant polyvictimization,  with 49% of the children being exposed to more than one type of violence by age 6. Third, by 4.5 years of age, there was evidence that boys were more likely than girls to be exposed to domestic victimisation (28% vs. 17%) and polyvictimization (38% vs. 28%).

Conclusions: These findings highlight the high levels of violence exposure in young South African children, particularly among boys, and the need for prevention at both the community and individual levels.
Przezroczysta obecność? Relacje żydowsko-łemkowskie na terenie Grybowszczyzny. Przyczynek do badań
Authors: Kruszniewska Jolanta
Published: January 2023

ПРОЗРАЧНА ПРИСУТНІСТ? ЖЫДІВСКО‑ ЛЕМКІВСКЫ РЕЛЯЦИІ НА ҐРИБІВСКІЙ ЗЕМЛИ. ВКЛАД ДО ДОСЛІДЖЫНЬ
Статя посвячена є можности досліджаня лемківско‑жыдівскых реля- ций, піднимат стараня, жебы вызначыти можливы площыны контак- тів, што дадут ся описати. Лемкы і Жыды были свідомы свойой окре- мости і свойого істніня в границях окрисленых соспільных структур. Присутніст Жыдів на обшыри Лемковины стала ся єдном з причын входжыня в інтеракциі – на сусідскым, гандльовым, соспільным по- лях. Жыючы внутри малой соспільности мусіли выміняти ся услуга- ми – нп. в лемківскых селах породы од жыдівскых жен принимали акушеркы‑Лемкыні. Тіж як соспільны групы Жыды і Лемкы были предметом влияня зовнішніх чынників і політычных натисків. В часі ІІ світовой войны досвідчали репресий, выселіня, підлігали апаратови террору. В ситуациі загрожыня вельо сусідскых реляций переклало ся тіж на поміч Жыдам.
Private Debt and the Role of Venture Capital and Private Equity Sponsors
Authors: Buchner Axel , Espenlaub Susanne , Khurshed Arif , Mohamed Abdulkadir
Published: January 2023

This is the first study examining the key role played by venture capital and private equity (VCPE) firms in the private debt market. Private debt funds invest in companies owned (sponsored) by VCPEs and in other companies without VCPE sponsors. Using novel data, we find that private debt without VCPE sponsors generates a premium. Further analysis shows that this sponsorless premium compensates for higher risk and costs of risk mitigation as sponsorless lenders adopt a more hands-on approach emulating VCPE sponsors’ roles. Our results are robust and provide important lessons for investors and investee firms in private debt, venture lending, and VCPE.

This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4664 .
Dexterous Deity, diffident Devotee – A Study of the Shivanandalahari
Authors: Chitgopekar Nilima
Published: January 2023

The Shivanandalahari is a text replete with bhakti attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, dated c. eighth century. A text of a hundred verses, it gives us insight as to what the bhakta longs for, what are his expectations and what relationship he has with his chosen deity, that is Shiva. It indicates the myths that were known and popular at that time and how the devotee analyses those myths for his own purposes. In this essay the author has attempted an in depth study of the verses, studying the epithets, the relationships with rival divinities and the position of Shiva himself in the mind of the devotee.
Achalasia: investigation and management
Authors: Slim Naim , Williamson James ML
Published: January 2023

Achalasia, characterised by the absence of peristalsis and failure of relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter, is an uncommon degenerative condition that results in dysphagia. If left untreated it can lead to aspiration, oesophageal perforation, oesophagitis and malnutrition. It has a range of immune, allergic, viral and genetic aetiological causes. Successful diagnosis relies on the use of oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, barium swallow and oesophageal manometry to characterise the severity of the disease and to rule out underlying malignancy. Although no treatment can reverse the degenerative process, therapeutic strategies including lifestyle modification, medication, endoscopic and operative intervention can help to reduce symptoms. This article reviews the latest methods used to investigate and manage achalasia.
Aligner orthodontics: a literature review
Authors: Gogna Nikhil , Irving Murray , Nandhra Kieran
Published: January 2023

Many studies have been undertaken to understand the limitations and benefits of aligners, including systematic reviews with meta-analyses. However, there are very few comprehensive reviews of the current evidence. This literature review provides an up-to-date summary of various aspects of clear aligner therapy, including patient compliance, clinical effectiveness, social interactions and iatrogenic effects.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Clear aligners are a popular choice and the article provides an up-to-date summary of various aspects of clear aligner therapy.
Alternative Drives
Authors: Gimeno Gerardo
Published: January 2023

Leclanché explores the cost benefits of using lithium-ion batteries to power the next-generation of locomotives
Impact of Drying Techniques on Physicochemical Properties of Dried Rice and Its Influences on Rice Beer Brewing Process
Authors: Stuckey Christopher , Luthra Kaushik , Atungulu Griffiths
Published: January 2023

Highlights

Implications of microwave drying on rice brewing performance were tested.

Microwave-dried rice is most similar to natural air-dried rice in protein and amylose content.

Microwave-dried rice is most similar to natural air-dried rice in brewing utilization.

Abstract. Rice is used as an adjunct grain by the beer manufacturing industry. Before utilization, the rice has to be dried to the desired moisture content. The drying process employed may have an impact on the rice’s physicochemical properties, which influence the rice’s performance in the brewing process. This study focused on investigating the impact of microwave drying on rice’s physicochemical properties and utilization in the brewing process. Rough rice samples with an initial moisture content of 19.7% wet basis were exposed to a microwave dryer to deliver specific energy at the rate of 525 kJ/Kg of initial grain mass in a single drying pass. The effects of the single-pass continuous drying on the dried rice amylose content, protein content, and specific gravity (°Plato, fermentable sugar content) of the wort were determined. The results were compared with samples dried using natural air at 25°C and 56% relative humidity (RH) and two-pass hot-air drying at 45°C and 60°C with RH set at 20%. There was a statistical difference in measured rice amylose and protein contents (p= 0.042) between microwave-dried samples and the natural air-dried samples. However, these attributes were significantly different from those of samples dried at a higher temperature of 60°C and an RH of 20%. There was a significant difference (p=0.0197) in the initial gravity content of the all-malt samples and the rice adjunct samples, as expected, but there was no significant difference between the rice adjunct samples. Overall, this study analyzed the effect of microwave drying on rice processing and its subsequent use in the brewing process, but no measurable differences were observed among the wort’s initial and final gravity contents, attenuation levels, and alcohol by volume. Microwave drying was most comparable to natural air drying, but it results in a greater head rice yield, which may benefit rice farmers and processors. Keywords: Amylose content, Brewing process, Microwave drying, Rice drying, Specific gravity.
Calibration and Validation of RZWQM2-P Model to Simulate Phosphorus Loss in a Clay Loam Soil in Michigan
Authors: Shokrana Md Sami Bin , Ghane Ehsan , Qi Zhiming
Published: January 2023

Highlights

RZWQM2-P was tested and validated for clay loam soil using daily discharge and load data.

The model performed satisfactorily in predicting hydrology and TP load, but DRP prediction was unsatisfactory.

Inability of the model to simulate P loss in subsurface drainage discharge after fertilization event was one of the reasons for the unsatisfactory model performance.

Abstract. Phosphorus (P) loss and transport through subsurface drainage systems is a primary focus for addressing harmful algal blooms in freshwater systems. The recent development of the phosphorus (P) routine of the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2-P) has the potential to enhance our understanding of the fate and transport of P from subsurface-drained fields to surface water. However, there is a need to test the model under different fertilization, soil, climate, and cropping conditions. The objective of this study was to test the model's performance with daily drainage discharge, dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP), and total phosphorus (TP) load collected from a subsurface-drained field with clay loam soil. We calibrated RZWQM2-P using two years of measured data. Subsequently, we validated RZWQM2-P using a year and nine months of measured data. We used the Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency (NSE) and percentage bias (PBIAS) statistics for the RZWQM2-P model evaluation. The results showed that the model performance was “good” (daily NSE = 0.66 and PBIAS = -7.16) in predicting hydrology for the calibration period. For the validation period, the hydrology prediction of the model was “very good” (daily NSE = 0.76), but it had a “satisfactory” underestimation bias (PBIAS = 23.57). The model’s performance was “unsatisfactory” in simulating DRP for both calibration (daily NSE = 0.31 and PBIAS = -61.50) and validation (daily NSE = 0.32 and PBIAS = 43.68) periods. The P model showed “satisfactory” performance in predicting TP load for both calibration (daily NSE = 0.46 and PBIAS = -32.41) and validation (daily NSE = 0.39 and PBIAS = 42.90) periods, although both periods showed “unsatisfactory” percent bias. The underperformance may have been due to the model’s inability to partition fertilizer P into different P pools under high water tables or ponding conditions when using daily data. In conclusion, the RZWQM2-P model performed well for drainage discharge with daily data, but further investigation is needed to improve the P component of the model. Keywords: Field-scale modeling, Nutrient load, Phosphorus modeling, Subsurface drainage, Tile drainage, Water Quality.
Optimizing the Working Parameters of Pneumatic Pollinators Based on the Kinematic Properties of Rice Panicles
Authors: Xi Te , Feng Huaiqu , Wang Yongwei , Yang Dunhong , Li Dongfang , Yao Fuqiang , Wang Jun
Published: January 2023

Highlights

An experimental platform for the kinematic characteristics of panicles was constructed.

A regression model for the kinematic characteristics of panicles and working parameters was established.

The multi-objective optimization based on the kinematic characteristics of rice panicles was carried out.

The optimized combination of working parameters was verified by field pollination experiments.

Abstract. Pollen shedding and dispersal processes are inextricably linked to the movement state of hybrid rice panicles. The purpose of this work was to study the effect of the working parameters of the pneumatic pollinator on the kinematic characteristics of hybrid rice panicles during flowering and to further optimize the working parameters of the pollinator. An experimental platform was built to characterize the movement of the panicle. Orthogonal experiments were conducted with airflow velocity, action position, and walking speed as experimental factors and kinematic parameters such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration of the rice panicle as experimental indicators. A quadratic regression model between the working parameters and the motion characteristics of the rice panicle was constructed and analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Matrix analysis was used for multi-objective optimization of the working parameter combinations. Field pollination trials were conducted for the optimized combination of parameters. The results showed that the coefficients of determination of the regression models were all above 0.85, which indicated good accuracy. The motion characteristics of the panicle, including the displacement maximum, velocity maximum, and acceleration maximum, can be maintained at a high level when the airflow velocity is 24 m/s, the action position is 120 mm from the top of the panicle, and the walking speed is 0.4 m/s. The field experiments showed that the optimization results could obtain the desired pollen density, distribution, and uniformity. This study can serve as a reference for the development of pneumatic hybrid rice pollination theory and the optimal design of the pollinator structure. Keywords: Hybrid rice seed production, Kinematic characteristics, Mechanized pollination, Multi-objective optimization.
Coruja no quintal, 1995
Authors: De Lucena Costa Isabel Maria
Published: January 2023

Mandala realizada com a tecnica de desenho a mão livre. Utilizando lápis de cor aguarelado.
Divagações em torno de Nada
Authors: Barros José D'Assunção
Published: January 2023

poema
No retiro do Lama
Authors: De Lucena Costa Isabel Maria
Published: January 2023

Descrição poética sobre minhas impressões e sensações quando realizei um retiro de 8 dias com o Lama Padma Santem.
Força da terra
Authors: De Lucena Costa Isabel Maria
Published: January 2023

Desenho submetido à Revista Pai Inácio de Literatura e Arte.
Dalvinha
Authors: Remanso Maya
Published: January 2023

Título: DalvinhaDimensão: 30cm x 30cmTécnica: tinta óleo no quadro. Descrição: Chegando em casa com uma caixa de roupa recém lavado no Rio na cabeça. Tudo na vida precisa um pouco de equilíbrio.
O Rio Marimbus
Authors: Remanso Maya
Published: January 2023

Título: O Rio MarimbusDimensão: 23cm x 30.5cmTécnica: tinta óleo no quadro.Descrição: Muitos pessoas da comunidade ainda lavam roupa no Rio Marimbus.
Diante do mistério
Authors: Badaró Santos José Otávio Monteiro
Published: January 2023

Conto inédito sobre o sentimento que perturba o ser humano desde tempos imemoriais.
Os Fragmentos de Partes Musicais da Philarmônica Lyra Popular - Volume 2
Authors: Popular Lyra
Published: January 2023

A Segunda Revista de Partes Musicais Digitalizadas da Phylarmônica Lyra Popular de Lençóis é um esforço de parceria entre a Lyra e a Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (UEFS), do seu Campus Avançado da Chapada Diamantina (CACD) e pretende marcar o início do ano de comemoração dos 120 anos da Lyra, com o compromisso da UEFS-CACD de disponibilizar o acervo da Lira, ao mundo. A Sociedade Phylarmônica Lyra Popular de Lençóis, nos seus 120 anos (2023) mostra sua importância para o povo lençoense, forma instrumentistas e sensibilidades, resiste às intempéries, recebe apoios pontuais e de fontes diversas, às vezes uma empresa, às vezes um edital ou um patrocinador particular, de uma forma ou de outra, do poder executivo municipal e sempre da população que torce para que seus filhos dela participem, ficam orgulhosas e acompanham, aos pulos e cantorias, quando a Lyra desfila pela cidade, seja num ensaio, seja nos dias de festa.

A Lyra é composta por crianças, jovens e adultos; os ensinamentos passados entre gerações, de maioria mestiça, entre negros e pardos, homens e mulheres. As suas partes musicais passam de mão em mão, copiadas, xerocadas e agora começam a ser digitalizadas também, ainda não sabemos quantas obras estão guardadas nos seus arquivos, por certo, temos à frente a tarefa de um museu. Nesta obra, somos convidados a conhecer um conjunto de partes musicais de partituras escritas por regentes conhecidos e desconhecidos da sociedade lençoense, com temas e ritmos diversos, desde os dobrados, ritmo tradicional de filarmônicas, às polacas, fantasias, frevos, sambas, músicas populares, entre outros.
Policy analysis and policy evaluation as a profession
Authors: Viñas Verónica
Published: January 2023

Experts are involved in policy analysis in diverse ways, from the university professor who does independent research work to the academically trained expert employed by a consultancy or a firm. Yet the boundary separating scientific policy advice from consulting and from the lobbying activities of interest organisations has become blurred. This makes it difficult to assess the extent to which policy analysis, and particularly policy evaluation, has become a profession. In this chapter, an attempt is made to identify the tendency towards the professionalisation of policy analysis and policy evaluation in Spain. The extent to which there is an emerging nucleus of professionals working in these fields, whether in the private or the public realm, is discussed. The roles of postgraduate programmes, professional associations, conferences and other network-like activities – as well as Spain’s entry into the European Union (EU), among other important milestones – are examined to this purpose. Finally, this chapter presents what the author believes may be one of the challenges for the future of policy analysts and evaluators, as well as one of the lines for future research: big data. The last section brings together the main findings of the chapter.
Parliamentary committees as policy analysis institutions
Authors: Palau Anna M. , Rodilla Andreu
Published: January 2023

This Chapter explores the role of parliamentary committees as policy analysis institutions in Spain for the period 1982-2019. First, it looks at the main characteristics and types of parliamentary committees, illustrating that a partisan rather than fact-driven type of analysis is likely to prevail in their policy analysis tasks. Second, it explores the scope of policy analysis providing detailed information on the variety of issues on which they have conducted activities. Increasing issue diversity illustrates the expansion of the regulatory dimension of the state, partisan preferences, variations in the type of government but also the result of cultural and social changes. The third and fourth sections explore the purpose of policy analysis by focusing on external resources (participation of interest groups, public officials and authorities), and internal resources (MPs’ specialization and chamber staff) available for policy analysis. Results illustrate that the participation of external actors is focused on fulfilling information needs but reflect also a political logic. The specialization of MP’s is very low and does not seem to be widely compensated for by the human resources that the chamber makes available to MPs and parliamentary groups to conduct policy analysis tasks.
Policy analysis and public opinion
Authors: Chaqués-Bonafont Laura , Lago Mónica Méndez , Ospina Yeimy
Published: January 2023

This chapter explains public opinion survey data in Spain. It provides an overview of the extent to which public opinion data is available, and how public institutions –mainly the Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS)— conduct public opinion surveys. The analysis relies on a novel dataset containing all the surveys carried out from 1978 to 2018 by the CIS, the leading public opinion data producer in Spain. The analysis illustrates public opinion surveys increasingly provide information about citizen’s ideas, beliefs, preferences, and values about policies instead of politics, with significant differences across policy areas. Also results illustrate most surveys cover Spain's whole territory, but sample sizes are not large enough to allow for a comparison across regions, with some exceptions. Finally, most surveys define the target population as Spanish citizens, leaving aside more than 12% of the population living in Spain.
Trade unions, policy analysis, and the policy process
Authors: Molina Oscar , Godino Alejandro
Published: January 2023

This chapter explores policy analysis in trade unions and reveals three factors that play a key role in explaining the type and intensity of the policy analysis activities trade unions develop: the trade unions’ role in the policy process, the trade unions’ organisational characteristics and industrial relations institutions. The analysis shows an erosion of the forms of institutionalised involvement and intermittent patterns of policy concertation that have reduced the trade unions’ participation in public policy making and implementation, especially during the 2008 financial crisis. Before this erosion, the trade unions tried to strengthen their policy analysis capacities, including through the production of evidence-based reports for policy making and more intense use of social networks to reach broader segments of the population, among others. Moreover, they have forged alliances at the EU level in recent years to create and strengthen their research dimension.
Business associations and policy analysis
Authors: Medina Iván
Published: January 2023

This chapter explores the contribution of the main business associations in Spain to the analysis of public policies and the definition of business interests. First, the chapter presents a historical review of Spanish business associationism with the purpose of pointing out the deficits of business collective action until the advent of democracy in 1978. Since then, disputes between business associations for institutional representation have conditioned the number of qualified voices that speak on behalf of the business class. The chapter argues that the associative typology matters when it comes to selecting topics, methods, and media presence. While the CEOE is the business association with the greatest potential and resources for policy analysis and monitoring, other associations focus on sectoral issues and speak to specific audiences.
Families’ Voices: Creating A Platform For Families’ Lives
Authors: Adams Maria
Published: January 2023

The final chapter will reflect on the themes of this book. This book emphasises on the importance of space to document the experiences of families visiting the prison and in the home. Furthermore, exploring families from a feminist geographical lens provides a distinct contribution to the effects of incarceration. This chapter will draw on policy and public debates from the criminal justice system and the welfare state. Therefore, this chapter will reflect on existing policies targeted for prisoners’ families centred in Scotland but to also compare with England and Wales. Drawing on testimonies from families, this chapter will also take forward on drawing policy recommendations that were influenced by the narratives constructed by families. Overall, this chapter will be to address policies to support families during and after the incarceration period.
Protecting and Safeguarding Children in Schools
Authors: Baginsky Mary , Driscoll Jenny , Purcell Carl , Manthorpe Jill , Hickman Ben
Published: January 2023

Schools play a vital role in identifying and responding to concerns relating to the protection and safeguarding of children and young people. Staff in schools are well placed to form relationships with children and young people and build up a picture of the risks individual children are exposed to either at home or in the wider community. However, there has been surprisingly little research in recent years examining how schools identify and respond to concerns. Recent developments in education and children’s social care policy have placed a much stronger emphasis on the local determination of inter-agency arrangements for the protection and safeguarding of children.
This book locates the findings of a major study examining the role played by schools in identifying and responding to child protection and safeguarding concerns in the context of these changes. It examines decision making in schools and the engagement of schools in multi-agency working. It also evaluates the impact of recent policy developments, including the Academies and Free Schools programme, as well as the restructuring of local authority children’s services. The research underpinning the book included a national survey of local authority leads and 40 interviews with key stakeholders, surveys across all the relevant services, as well as with schools and cases conducted in 58 schools. The findings discussed in this book will be of interest to academics, practitioners and policymakers in the fields of education and children’s social work and to the wide spheres of children’s services and rights.
Observing public service motivation
Authors: O’Leary Chris
Published: January 2023

The extant literature around public service motivation is overwhelmingly empirical, and usually quantitative in nature. This is a positive of PSMT, and means that there is considerable evidence to support the view that public employees have other regarding motivations. But there are also significant issues with this empirical evidence; with its areas of focus, and with the methods used. This chapter critically explores the empirical evidence around public service motivation, focusing particularly on 52 articles published in 2020 that included ‘public service motivation’ in the title. The chapter concludes that empirical evidence around public service motivation continues to demonstrate methodological weaknesses identified nearly a decade ago from within the field. In particular, the continuing use of cross-sectional surveys and self-reported measures (with inherent issues of social desirability bias) limits significantly the conclusions that can be drawn from the research, as does its overwhelming focus on the consequences of public service motivation in public employees.
Rationality, expressive interests and public service motivation
Authors: O’Leary Chris
Published: January 2023

If furthering the public interest motivates public employees, how do they discern what is in the public interest, and understand what contribution they have made to the public interest? This is a significant question that PSMT does not answer. In this chapter, I propose an alternative explanation to that offered by PSMT, and one that does address these fundamental questions. I start with the assumption that public employees, like everyone else, have a number of different motives that drive their behaviour. These motives are self-regarding, and other regarding. They are instrumentally rational motives, and they are expressively rational motives.
Expressive motives drive behaviour where the goal of that behaviour is the act itself. This can include enjoying the work undertaken, and it can also involve communicating values and beliefs, affirming identify to others and the actor herself. There are significant implications for the public interest if – as I argue – public employees are expressively motivated. These include the potential for expressive policy traps, where ineffective policies are collectively and expressively supported, even though these same policies would not be supported instrumentally. If public employees are expressively motivated, questions of how they understand the public interest, and how they know whether they have furthered it, are immaterial. Because what is important is that public actors confirm their public interested values and identities, regardless of whether they in fact further the public interest.
Introduction
Authors: Whelan Joe
Published: January 2023

This chapter outlines what readers can expect from the book as well as documenting the research that underpins much of what is offered. The research context, fieldwork methods and analysis processes are all described. Importantly, this chapter makes an argument for the value of lived experience as a form of knowledge and for the inclusion of research based on qualitative approaches as an essential component of a holistic evidence base. It also makes the case for applying ‘shared typical’ qualitative research across jurisdictions where similar conditions prevail.
Welfare is ‘bad’: bringing it all together
Authors: Whelan Joe
Published: January 2023

An overarching chapter and the final chapter presenting empirical material from the study that forms the centrepiece of the book, this chapter explores the idea that ‘welfare’, as a social good, has come to be thought of as something inherently bad or even deviant. It is suggested that because of this negative association welfare recipients themselves are often tainted by proxy, both psychologically and socially. This chapter brings together many of the themes visited in previous chapters in a way that concludes the empirical section of the book.
Redemptive Criminology
Authors: Pycroft Aaron , Bartollas Clemens
Published: January 2023

Through using contemporary insights from criminology, theology, philosophy, complexity theory, mathematics and quantum mechanics this book offers a new reading of redemption in criminal justice. It is argued that the Judaeo-Christian tradition reveals modern rehabilitation as an example of the sacred sacrificial which is seen to be necessary for social order but fails victims, criminals and communities. In addressing the radically new the book focuses on the individual practitioner in the processes of justice through forgiveness first as a space of possibility where new realities can be actualized, and where the whole person is embraced.
The Redemptive Practitioner
Authors: Pycroft Aaron , Bartollas Clemens
Published: January 2023

In the light of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s New Theology this chapter explores being-for-others, speaking truth from the heart in overcoming both our own and the violence of others.
How to Achieve Defence Cooperation in Europe?
Authors: Nemeth Bence
Published: January 2023

This book studies how and why new defence collaborations in Europe are created and argues that the driving force for such collaborations comes from the subregional level. Subregional military cooperations are bilateral and minilateral frameworks outside European-level NATO and EU initiatives. Although subregional defence collaborations are less visible to the public than EU and NATO projects, they provide the backbone for military cooperation in Europe. Hundreds of them exist, and they not only interact with each other but also influence NATO and EU processes. The book offers a theoretical framework to understand the dynamics of the subregional dimension of defence cooperation and suggests that three structural factors and two situational factors are needed to establish a new subregional defence collaboration in Europe. The structural factors are: 1) the existence of the European security community; 2) the perception that individual European armed forces do not have appropriate funds for defence; and 3) previous defence collaborations between the participating states. The situational factors are: 1) strong leadership by a group of enthusiastic high-level officials and good interpersonal chemistry between them; and 2) a supportive political milieu for the defence cooperation. The book provides an interdisciplinary approach and demonstrates how these factors work and how they interact through three case studies: the British–French Lancaster House Treaties, the Nordic Defence Cooperation and Central European Defence Cooperation.
Multinational Defence Cooperation In Europe
Authors: Nemeth Bence
Published: January 2023

This chapter clarifies key definitions that it is necessary to follow the argument of the book. It defines the concepts of Multinational Defence Cooperation and region and subregion. Multinational Defence Cooperation (MDC) is defined as any arrangement where two or more Defence Policy Communities work together to enhance military capability in a permanently structured way. The chapter highlights that any MDCs are described subregional in the book, which are not established on the European regional level in NATO and EU frameworks. Regional level defence cooperation is understood as NATO and EU projects, as they are European regional-level organizations. The chapter also describes the main processes of defence cooperation in Europe between 1990 and 2010.
How to Achieve Defence Cooperation in Europe
Authors: Nemeth Bence
Published: January 2023

This section brings together the insights of the previous five chapters and applies the theoretical framework of the book to explain the dynamics that led to the creation of the three studied case studies (Lancaster House Treaties, NORDEFCO, CEDC). The theoretical framework argues that the factor of the European security community always affects subregional processes from the regional level and vice versa. At the same time, the other four factors interact together on the subregional level in a particular way. The section explains these processes regarding the studied subregional multinational defence collaborations.