bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Episodic Vestibulocerebellar Ataxia Associated with a CACNA1G Missense Variant
Authors: Gazulla José , Izquierdo-Alvarez Silvia , Ruiz-Fernández Emilio , Lázaro-Romero Alba , Berciano José
Published: June 2021

Episodic vestibulocerebellar ataxias are rare diseases, frequently linked to mutations in different ion channels. Our objective in this work was to describe a kindred with episodic vestibular dysfunction and ataxia, associated with a novel CACNA1G variant. Two individuals from successive generations developed episodes of transient dizziness, gait unsteadiness, a sensation of fall triggered by head movements, headache, and cheek numbness. These were suppressed by carbamazepine (CBZ) administration in the proband, although acetazolamide and topiramate worsened instability, and amitriptyline and flunarizine did not prevent headache spells. On examination, the horizontal head impulse test (HIT) yielded saccadic responses bilaterally and was accompanied by cerebellar signs. Two additional family members were asymptomatic, with normal neurological examinations. Reduced vestibulo-ocular reflex gain values, overt and covert saccades were shown by video-assisted HIT in affected subjects. Hearing acuity was normal. Whole-exome sequencing demonstrated the heterozygous CACNA1G missense variant c.6958G>T (p.Gly2320Cys) in symptomatic individuals. It was absent in 1 unaffected member (not tested in the other asymptomatic individual) and should be considered likely pathogenic. CACNA1G encodes for the pore-forming, α1G subunit of the T-type voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC), in which currents are transient owing to fast inactivation, and tiny, due to small conductance. Mutations in CACNA1G cause generalized absence epilepsy and adult-onset, dominantly inherited, spinocerebellar ataxia type 42. In this kindred, the aforementioned CACNA1G variant segregated with disease, which was consistent with episodic vestibulocerebellar ataxia. CBZ proved successful in bout prevention and provided symptomatic benefit in the proband, probably as a result of interaction of this drug with VGCC. Further studies are needed to fully determine the vestibular and neurological manifestations of this form of episodic vestibulocerebellar ataxia. This novel disease variant could be designated episodic vestibulocerebellar ataxia type 10.
Stimulation Sweet Spot in Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation – Myth or Reality? A Critical Review of Literature
Authors: de Roquemaurel Alexis , Wirth Thomas , Vijiaratnam Nirosen , Ferreira Francisca , Zrinzo Ludvic , Akram Harith , Foltynie Thomas , Limousin Patricia
Published: June 2021

Introduction: While deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has been extensively used for more than 20 years in Parkinson’s disease (PD), the optimal area of stimulation to relieve motor symptoms remains elusive. Objective: We aimed at localizing the sweet spot within the subthalamic region by performing a systematic review of the literature. Method: PubMed database was searched for published studies exploring optimal stimulation location for STN DBS in PD, published between 2000 and 2019. A standardized assessment procedure based on methodological features was applied to select high-quality publications. Studies conducted more than 3 months after the DBS procedure, employing lateralized scores and/or stimulation condition, and reporting the volume of tissue activated or the position of the stimulating contact within the subthalamic region were considered in the final analysis. Results: Out of 439 references, 24 were finally retained, including 21 studies based on contact location and 3 studies based on volume of tissue activated (VTA). Most studies (all VTA-based studies and 13 of the 21 contact-based studies) suggest the superior-lateral STN and the adjacent white matter as the optimal sites for stimulation. Remaining contact-based studies were either inconclusive (5/21), favoured the caudal zona incerta (1/21), or suggested a better outcome of STN stimulation than adjacent white matter stimulation (2/21). Conclusion: Using a standardized methodological approach, our review supports the presence of a sweet spot located within the supero-lateral STN and extending to the adjacent white matter.
Severe Corneal Morphological Alterations after Excimer Laser Surface Ablation for a High Astigmatism
Authors: Roszkowska Anna M. , Oliverio Giovanni W. , Signorino Giuseppe A. , Urso Mario , Aragona Pasquale
Published: June 2021

We report long-term alterations of anterior corneal stroma after excimer laser surface ablation for a high astigmatism. The patient claimed progressive visual loss in his right eye (RE) during the last 3 years after bilateral laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) surgery. His examination comprised visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA), slit-lamp examination, corneal topography and tomography, AS-OCT, and confocal microscopy. The UDVA was 0.1 in his RE and 1.0 in the left eye. The CDVA in the RE was 0.8. The slit-lamp examination showed a stromal lesion in the inferior paracentral corneal zone, with multiple vertical tissue bridges and severe thinning. Corneal topography and tomography showed central flattening with inferior steepening and severe alteration in elevation maps. AS-OCT showed void areas in the anterior stroma with thinning of the underlying tissue, and confocal images were not specific. In this case, progressive corneal steepening and thinning that manifest topographically as inferior ectasia occurred in correspondence to the singular stromal alterations after LASEK.
Dietary and Ergogenic Supplementation to Improve Elite Soccer Players’ Performance
Authors: Fernandes Haniel
Published: June 2021

Background: Soccer is an extremely competitive sport, where the most match important moments can be defined in detail. Use of ergogenic supplements can be crucial to improve the performance of a high-performance athlete. Therefore, knowing which ergogenic supplements are important for soccer players can be an interesting strategy to maintain high level in this sport until final and decisive moments of the match. In addition, other supplements, such as dietary supplements, have been studied and increasingly referenced in the scientific literature. But, what if ergogenic supplements were combined with dietary supplements? This review brings some recommendations to improve performance of soccer athletes on the field through dietary and/or ergogenic supplements that can be used simultaneously. Summary: Soccer is a competitive sport, where the match important moments can be defined in detail. Thus, use of ergogenic supplements covered in this review can improve performance of elite soccer players maintaining high level in the match until final moments, such as creatine 3–5 g day−1, caffeine 3–6 mg kg−1 BW around 60 min before the match, sodium bicarbonate 0.1–0.4 g kg−1 BW starting from 30 to 180 min before the match, β-alanine 3.2 and 6.4 g day−1 provided in the sustained-release tablets divided into 4 times a day, and nitrate-rich beetroot juice 60 g in 200 mL of water (6 mmol of NO3− L) around 120 min before match or training, including a combination possible with taurine 50 mg kg−1 BW day−1, citrulline 1.2–3.4 g day−1, and arginine 1.2–6 g day−1. Key Messages: Soccer athletes can combine ergogenic and dietary supplements to improve their performance on the field. The ergogenic and dietary supplements used in a scientifically recommended dose did not demonstrate relevant side effects. The use of various evidence-based supplements can add up to further improvement in the performance of the elite soccer players.
Comparison of Aortic Gradient and Ventricular Mass after Valve Replacement for Aortic Stenosis with Rapid Deployment, Sutureless, and Conventional Bioprostheses
Authors: Taboada-Martín Rubén , Arribas-Leal José María , Esteve-Pastor María Asunción , Abellán Alemán José , Marín Francisco , Rivera-Caravaca José Miguel , Cánovas-Lopez Sergio Juan
Published: June 2021

Background: The use of rapid deployment and sutureless aortic prostheses is increasing. Previous reports have shown promising results on haemodynamic performance and mortality rates. However, the impact of these bioprostheses on left ventricular mass (LVM) regression remains unknown. We decided to study the changes in remodelling and LVM regression in isolated severe aortic stenosis treated with conventional or Perceval® or Intuity® valves. Method and Results: From January 2011 to January 2016, 324 bioprostheses were implanted in our centre. The collected characteristics were divided into 3 groups: conventional valves, Perceval®, and Intuity®, and they were analysed after 12 months. There were 183 conventional valves (56%), 72 Perceval® (22%), and 69 Intuity® (21.2%). The statistical analysis showed significant differences in transprosthetic postoperative peak gradient (23 [18–29] mm Hg vs. 21 [16–29] mm Hg and 18 [14–24] mm Hg, p < 0.001), ventricular mass electrical criteria regression (Sokolow and Cornell products), and 1-year survival (90 vs. 93% and 97%, log rank p value = 0.04) in conventional, Perceval®, and Intuity® groups. Conclusions: We observed differences in haemodynamic, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters related to the different types of prosthesis. Patients with the Intuity® prosthesis had the highest reduction in peak aortic gradient and the higher ventricular mass regression. Besides, patients with the Intuity® prosthesis had less risk of mortality during follow-up than the other two groups. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Nuclear Blebbing Frequency in Tobacco-Induced Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders: A Pilot Study
Authors: Yadahalli Roopa , Kheur Supriya , Adwani Aanchal , Bhonde Ramesh , Raj A. Thirumal , Patil Shankargouda
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Tobacco contains several genotoxic agents including N-nitrosamine which has the potential to cause significant nuclear damage. Nuclear blebbing is a form of protrusion on the nuclear membrane and could potentially be caused by tobacco-induced genotoxicity and is closely associated with malignancy. Thus, the present study aimed to assess if tobacco-associated oral potentially malignant disorders including oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and oral leukoplakia have a higher nuclear blebbing frequency than patients with normal oral mucosa with no history of tobacco use. Methods: The sample consisted of patients with OSF (n = 30) and oral leukoplakia (n = 10) and normal oral mucosa (n = 10). Exfoliated cells collected from the study groups were smeared on a clean microscopic slide and stained by May-Grunwald-Giemsa stain. A baseline frequency of nuclear blebbing was evaluated using a bright-field microscope with a ×100 objective. The number of nuclear blebbing per 1,000 epithelial cells was recorded and expressed in percentage. ANOVA, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman’s correlation were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean rank of distribution of nuclear blebbing showed significant difference between all 3 groups, with the highest frequency noted in leukoplakia, followed by oral submucous and normal oral mucosa. Within OSF, the frequency of nuclear blebbing significantly increased from early stage to advanced stage. In OSF, a statistically significant positive linear correlation was noted between duration (in years), frequency (per day) of tobacco use, clinical grading, and nuclear blebbing. Discussion/Conclusions: The frequency of nuclear blebbing was significantly higher in oral potentially malignant disorders than normal mucosa. Nuclear blebbing also exhibited a strong dose- and time-dependent correlation with tobacco usage and clinical staging in OSF. The nuclear blebbing frequency could be a noninvasive, economic tool to assess malignant risk in tobacco-induced oral potentially malignant disorders.
Upper GI Bleeding Secondary to Radiation Gastritis in a Patient with Preexisting Portal Hypertensive Gastropathy
Authors: Madala Samragnyi , Polavarapu Abhishek , Gurala Dhineshreddy , Gumaste Vivek
Published: June 2021

We commonly see patients presenting with either portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) or radiation gastritis. Radiation-induced hemorrhagic gastritis is an unusual lethal complication postradiation. Patients with preexisting PHG have very friable mucosa that can easily bleed after radiation for cancer treatment. There is an increased risk of bleeding with both entities present together. Our aim is to focus on treatment and possible prevention of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with preexisting PHG undergoing radiation therapy for newly diagnosed cancer. Several therapies like prednisolone, argon plasma coagulation, laser coagulation have been proposed. There are no set guidelines for treatment. In these patients, if radiation therapy is indicated either for hepatic or gastrointestinal malignancy, it is suggested to premedicate with proton pump inhibitors or sucralfate. We describe a case of 73-year-old female who presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. She had liver cirrhosis secondary to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, for which she received chemoradiation. She was found to have both radiation gastritis and PHG with diffuse erythematous, edematous, congested mucosa with diffuse oozing blood in the antrum making it very challenging to treat.
Uterine Leiomyosarcoma with FN1-Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase Fusion Responsive to Alectinib and Lorlatinib
Authors: Testa Stefano , Million Lynn , Longacre Teri , Bui Nam
Published: June 2021

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare malignant neoplasm of the female genital tract poorly responsive to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with an overall poor prognosis. Pazopanib is at the moment the only FDA-approved targeted molecular therapy for uterine LMS, given the exceedingly rare occurrence of actionable genetic mutations in this type of cancer. Here, we describe the first reported case of metastatic uterine LMS with an FN1-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion mutation occurring in a 63-year-old woman with a history of uterine leiomyomas. The patient progressed on several lines of therapy, including conventional chemotherapy, pazopanib, and the first-generation ALK inhibitor crizotinib. Interestingly, the patient showed a remarkable 16-month response to second generation ALK inhibitors alectinib and lorlatinib. This case demonstrates that ALK inhibitors can be an effective therapeutic strategy for patients with ALK fusion-positive uterine LMS that has progressed on conventional chemotherapy.
ДОГЛЯД ТА ДІЄТОТЕРАПІЯ У ПАЦІЄНТІВ ІЗ ЗАХВОРЮВАННЯМИ СЕРЦЕВО-СУДИННОЇ СИСТЕМИ
Authors: Buchko P. I. , Fundytus P. B. , Orlenko A. L.
Published: June 2021

У статті викладено основні принципи сестринського догляду за пацієнтами із захворюваннями серцево-судинної системи, з якими медичні сестри можуть зустрічатись у своїй повсякденній практичній роботі, а також особливості дієтотерапії на усіх етапах протікання їх захворювання та в період ремісії.
Avaliação in vitro do biomaterial compósito à base de hidroxiapatita, quitosana e nanotubo de carbono como adjuvante no reparo ósseo
Authors: Paretsis Nicole Fidalgo , Gonçalves Junior Vagner , Hazarbassanov Nicolle Gilda Teixeira de Queiroz , Marcondes Geissiane Moraes , Plepis Ana Maria de Guzzi , Martins Virgínia da Conceição Amaro , Arana-Chavez Victor Elias , Fülber Joice , De Zoppa André Luís do Valle
Published: June 2021

O compósito à base de hidroxiapatita, quitosana e nanotubo de carbono foi desenvolvido com o intuito de auxiliar na consolidação óssea. Estudos anteriores sugerem que a combinação de substitutos ósseos e células-tronco mesenquimais (CTM) podem auxiliar a potencializar e promover a regeneração óssea. No presente estudo, o biomaterial foi desenvolvido e a viabilidade e a citotoxicidade de células Vero (ATCC CCL-81) e CTM obtidas de medula óssea provenientes de ovinos utilizando ensaios metil-tiazol-tetrazólio, MTT e iodeto de propídeo (PI) foram avaliadas em diferentes concentrações de extrato desse compósito. O compósito demonstrou ausência de citotoxicidade com comportamento semelhante ao grupo controle. Amostras com 50% e 10% de concentração de extrato do compósito mostraram resultados maiores comparados ao grupo controle (ensaio MTT). Esses resultados também sugerem que a presença do biomaterial pode ser utilizada em associação a CTM. Assim, esse estudo conclui que o compósito apresentado de hidroxiapatita, quitosana e nanotubo de cabono não foi considerado citotóxico e pode ser utilizado em teste in vivo.
Dom Pedro II nos Estados Unidos (1876) : Impressões do roteiro de um monarca viajante.
Authors: Marcelino Jorge Henrique
Published: June 2021

Dom Pedro II governou o Brasil por quase meio século, entre 1840 e 1889, possuindo uma bibliografia elogiosa a cerca não apenas de seus feitos governamentais, mas também de sua instrução e curiosidade diante das inovações tecnológicas que brindaram a sua contemporaneidade. Àquela altura, cansado dos conflitos políticos brasileiros e da morosidade europeia, voltou os seus olhos à próspera nação da América do Norte, que possuía aspectos muito semelhantes ao seu Império tropical. Uma viagem para conhecer as inovações e o progresso estadunidenses muito lhe convinha. A análise das impressões do último monarca do Império do Brasil, Dom Pedro II, em viagem aos Estados Unidos abarca a micro-história e a História da Ciência e da Técnica, destarte, a contextualização da viagem e os aspectos anotados pelo monarca em seu extenso diário de viagem são as diretrizes para uma pesquisa que analisará os interesses do Imperador durante a sua estadia, propondo-se  a apresentar o objetivo e os pormenores da viagem do monarca brasileiro, cujos fatos tão bem anotados por Dom Pedro II, a torna patrimônio da humanidade em memória do mundo pela UNESCO. Consistindo a fundamentação desta pesquisa está a metodologia micro-histórica, perfazendo do historiador um minucioso perseguidor das fontes e dos minúsculos acontecimentos históricos que preencham as lacunas dos episódios e dos personagens que compõem a História, alterando, portanto, os pontos de vista a partir da fonte primária e concebendo a História de baixo para cima.  A historicização micro-histórica embasar-se-á na análise do volume 17 dos diários do Imperador e na crítica de bibliografias que permitam as respostas dos problemas a cerca da viagem, reconstituindo os caminhos feitos por Dom Pedro II durante os meses que passou nos Estados Unidos da América.
História Pública na prática: desafios e possibilidades para a divulgação de História
Authors: Reis Leonardo
Published: June 2021

A presente resenha tem por objetivo apresentar o livro História Pública e divulgação de história, organizado por Ana Paula Tavares Teixeira e Bruno Leal Pastor de Carvalho, que tem a proposta de apresentar ao público-leitor as múltiplas possibilidades de se divulgar História para as audiências não especializadas nesse campo e que localizam para além dos espaços escolares e universitários. Constituído de relatos de experiências com História Pública por historiadores profissionais, o livro busca atrair e incentivar cada vez mais historiadores para com a divulgação científica da História e aponta para a importância de se estabelecer um diálogo entre especialistas desse campo com o grande público sedento de conhecimento.
Rotulagem, Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional e Políticas Públicas: uma análise bibliométrica
Authors: Costa Ana Luíza Macêdo , Barreto Beatriz Carvalho , Bevilacqua Solon , Machado Júnior Eliseu Vieira
Published: June 2021

A segurança alimentar e nutricional ganhou importância na agenda internacional com o desenvolvimento econômico que potencializou a produção de alimentos no mundo, o que também ocasionou a substituição de dietas abundantes em alimentos de origem vegetal pelo consumo exagerado de produtos processados. Essa rápida transformação dos hábitos, instalou um estado de crescimento das doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT), tais como a obesidade, que tem impactado significativamente na saúde pública. O objetivo dessa pesquisa é analisar o cenário da produção de artigos, em português e em inglês, nos últimos cinco anos, relacionados às temáticas de: rotulagem, segurança alimentar e nutricional e políticas públicas. Este estudo é uma análise bibliométrica do tipo exploratória, com método quantitativo, desenvolvido por meio de pesquisa do tipo documental. Como principais resultados observou-se que boa parte do número de pesquisas, que abrangem a área de rotulagem, está ligada a alguma outra área como: agrotóxicos, alimentos transgênicos e orgânicos. Isso pode explicar o baixo número de publicações selecionadas para análise, visto que, o objetivo era compreender o cenário da pesquisa das políticas públicas de rotulagem na segurança alimentar e nutricional. É possível inferir que há margem para o crescimento da área de rotulagem voltada para a segurança alimentar e nutricional com foco na promoção de novas políticas públicas que possam combater as DCNT.
Parcellation-induced variation of empirical and simulated brain
connectomes at group and subject levels
Authors: Domhof Justin W. M. , Jung Kyesam , Eickhoff Simon B. , Popovych Oleksandr V.
Published: June 2021

Recent developments of whole-brain models have demonstrated their potential when investigating resting-state brain activity. However, it has not been systematically investigated how alternating derivations of the empirical structural and functional connectivity, serving as the model input, from MRI data influence modeling results. Here, we study the influence from one major element: the brain parcellation scheme that reduces the dimensionality of brain networks by grouping thousands of voxels into a few hundred brain regions. We show graph-theoretical statistics derived from the empirical data and modeling results exhibiting a high heterogeneity across parcellations. Furthermore, the network properties of empirical brain connectomes explain the lion’s share of the variance in the modeling results with respect to the parcellation variation. Such a clear-cut relationship is not observed at the subject-resolved level per parcellation. Finally, the graph-theoretical statistics of the simulated connectome correlate with those of the empirical functional connectivity across parcellations. However, this relation is not one-to-one, and its precision can vary between models. Our results imply that network properties of both empirical connectomes can explain the goodness-of-fit of whole-brain models to empirical data at a global group level but not at a single-subject level, which provides further insights into the personalization of whole-brain models.
Macromechanics, microstructure and particle contact model of artificially cemented laterite
Authors: Wang Yong , Cao Zhen-Zhong , Niu Yong , Lyu Hai-Bo
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the research is based on iron hydroxide colloids that combine loose kaolin clay media to form artificial laterite samples. A method and device for the preparation of colloids have been developed. The compressive strength test method is used to explore the regularity and mechanism of free iron oxides which in the process of the formation and strength increase of laterite structure. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to study the mineral composition of the laterite, the cementation of microscopic aggregates of the particles, and the changes in the internal porosity of the laterite. The results show that the free iron oxide can improve the macro-mechanical properties of laterite. The iron morphology has a tendency to change from colloid to hematite and goethite. It is found that the free iron oxide aggregated in the space or on the surface of clay particles. Distribution; gel particles were found to fill the pores of laterite particles or aggregates by nuclear magnetic resonance experiments, indicating that the changes in the mechanical strength of laterite are mainly due to the content of free iron oxide, the formation of free iron oxide, the connection of cementing iron and the distribution of iron. Based on the SEM results, a contact model of laterite particles that can reflect the macro-mechanical failure behavior of soil samples is established.
Neck Dissection in Salvage Surgery for Larynx Cancer: National Cancer Database Review
Authors: Patel Tirth R. , Toor Jaijeet , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Bhayani Mihir , Al-Khudari Samer
Published: June 2021

Objective:

Salvage laryngeal surgery is the preferred treatment after failure of non-surgical treatment of larynx cancer. This study aims to identify the impact of ND in salvage surgery on survival and factors predictive of nodal metastasis.

Methods:

The National Cancer Database was used to identify patients who received salvage laryngeal surgery. Demographics, disease characteristics, and survival were compared between the subgroups of patients stratified according to performance of ND and presence of nodal metastasis.

Results:

Sixty-two percent of patients underwent ND. A total of 26% of patients undergoing ND had nodal metastasis. Younger age and lesser time since radiation were associated with nodal metastasis. While undergoing ND did not significantly affect survival, those with nodal metastasis had poorer survival ( P = .001).

Conclusions:

Although ND did not show a survival benefit, younger patients and those who have had a shorter time elapsed between the start of radiation and salvage surgery may benefit from the prognostic data provided by ND. Nonetheless, the risks and benefits of elective ND in salvage larynx cancer treatment should be evaluated on an individual case basis as the data do not support a broadly applicable recommendation.
Therapeutic Companionship: The Occupational Therapist's Role in a Home Based Program for Clients with Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Zgola Jitka
Published: June 2021

The beneficial effects of activation and remotivation on persons who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease have been well documented; but the preponderance of such work is limited to day programs and long-term care facilities. Work aimed at the home situation relates mostly to day-to-day management of these patients with little reference to activation. The Alzheimer Home Assistance Program and the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Health Unit Home Care Program have collaborated in an effort to deliver therapeutic activity programs to the homes of persons with dementing conditions. This paper describes an initiative that combines the skills of occupational therapists and those of visiting homemakers to provide therapeutic programming and companionship for homebound victims of Alzheimer's disease.
An Empirical Examination on the Severity of Lone-Actor Terrorist Attacks
Authors: Turner Noah D. , Chermak Steven M. , Freilich Joshua D.
Published: June 2021

Lone-actor terrorists have increasingly attracted the attention of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners alike. Despite this enhanced interest, few studies have compared the outcomes of lone-actor terrorist attacks with other terrorists, and those that have do not consider the terrorists’ intention to kill in an attack. This study utilizes a sample of 230 terrorist homicide incidents from the Extremist Crime Database to examine the extent to which lone-actors perpetrate more severe attacks than other terrorists. We find that lone-actors are significantly associated with more severe attack outcomes when controlling for the intention to kill. We conclude by commenting on the utility of these findings in U.S. counterterrorism policy and the importance for future research to account for actors’ intentions when assessing terrorist attack severity
Differences, Switches and ‘Consistently Side by Side’: Krishna Bharadwaj and the Sraffian Critique of Economic Theory
Authors: Gehrke Christian
Published: June 2021

The study discusses Krishna Bharadwaj’s elaboration of the Sraffian critique of the currently dominating supply-and-demand equilibrium theories that are based on the marginalist approach by making use of documents from the Sraffa archive. Starting from Krishna Bharadwaj’s astute observation that the law of diminishing returns ‘was the thin end of the wedge by which the marginal analysis was introduced and generalised’ the study is concerned with Sraffa’s critique of the marginalist treatment of intensive diminishing returns and his return to a pre-marginalist and non-mechanical analysis of the intensification of land use. In the opening part of the article, the development of the friendship and collaboration between Piero Sraffa and Krishna Bharadwaj is briefly recalled, based on information provided in the correspondence files and diary entries in Sraffa’s papers.

JEL Code: B24, B31, B51
Book review: Ram Sewak Sharma, The Making of Aadhar: The World’s Largest Identity Platform
Authors: Srinivas V.
Published: June 2021

Ram Sewak Sharma, The Making of Aadhar: The World’s Largest Identity Platform. New Delhi, India: Rupa Publishers, 2020, 240 pp., ₹595.00.
Book review: Govind Bhattacharjee, Story of Consciousness
Authors: Mathur B. P.
Published: June 2021

Govind Bhattacharjee, Story of Consciousness. Noida, India: Vigyan Prasar, 2019, 372 pp. ₹450.00.
Administrative convergence in the United Nations system? Patterns of administrative reform in four United Nations organizations over time
Authors: Grohs Stephan , Rasch Daniel
Published: June 2021

This article asks how and why United Nations organizations reform their administrative structure and processes over time. It explores whether we can observe a convergence towards a coherent administrative model in the United Nations system. Like in most nation states, reform discussions according to models like New Public Management or post-New Public Management have permeated international public administrations. Against this background, the question of administrative convergence discussed for national administrative systems also arises for United Nations international public administrations. On the one hand, similar challenges, common reform ‘fashions’ and an increasing exchange within the United Nations system make convergence likely. Yet, on the other hand, distinct tasks, administrative styles and path dependencies might support divergent reform trajectories. This question of convergence is addressed by measuring the frequency, direction and rationales for reforms, using a sample of four international public administrations from the United Nations’ specialized agencies (the Food and Agriculture Organization, International Labour Organization, International Monetary Fund and World Bank). We find that convergence depends on the area of reform (human resources or organizational matters are more harmonized than others) and time (some international public administrations are faster or earlier than others).

Points for practitioners

This article identifies different drivers of reforms, as well as several supporting conditions, and obstacles to reform in international public administration, which is useful for understanding and planning change management. It highlights the issues policymakers should consider when implementing reform measures, especially institutional context, administrative styles and relevant actor constellations. Among other things, it shows that: the establishment of coordination bodies clearly leads to more homogeneous administrative practices; executive heads have a decisive role in the shaping of administrative reforms and have a specific interest to foster coordination and control in public organizations; and autonomy enables organizations to pursue reform policies apt to their individual challenges.
Clinical intervention with autistic adolescents and adults during the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic: Experiences of clinicians and their clients
Authors: Southey Sarah J , Stoddart Kevin P
Published: June 2021

This article describes clinical experiences of therapists with autistic clients during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic while engaged in remote intervention in Canada. The authors polled their team of mental health clinicians through an email questionnaire and infused their own practice experiences to summarize mental health themes, and adaptation to technology-based intervention. Clinicians shared responses to the pandemic and reported on their transition to remote intervention.
Forgiving a Genocide: Reconciliation Processes between Hutu and Tutsi in Rwanda
Authors: Ordóñez-Carabaño Ángela , Prieto-Ursúa María
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this research was to study the interviewees’ experience of their reconciliation process and the influence of the Amataba Workshops on their healing process. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with five pairs ( N = 10) of Tutsi survivors of the Rwandan genocide and their perpetrators, members of the Hutu majority; they had all participated in an intervention to promote reconciliation. The Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) method was chosen to study the transcripts. Analysis resulted in nine main relevant categories that should be taken into account while designing a reconciliation-oriented intervention, including truth, listening to each other, justice, repairing the damage, and collaboration on joint projects. The results of this research show how these processes can occur when reconciliation-oriented interventions are facilitated. For some interviewees, these workshops have become a crucial turning point and helped them set aside the hatred and pain.
Values of Ethnic Russians and the Indigenous Population in North Caucasus Republics of the Russian Federation: An Exploratory Three-Generation Comparison
Authors: Boehnke Klaus , Galyapina Victoria , Lebedeva Nadezhda , Lepshokova Zarina
Published: June 2021

This paper examines intergenerational differences and similarities in value preferences among three generations of the Russian ethnic minorities in two North Caucasus republics of the Russian Federation. It also compares them with value preferences of three generations of Russians in the Central Federal District around Moscow and those of indigenous North Caucasus residents. The sample included 479 grandparent–parent–adolescent triads. Data were obtained using Schwartz’s Revised Portrait Values Questionnaire. Scores for Schwartz’s four higher-order value types (Openness to Change, Self-Enhancement, Conservation, and Self-Transcendence) were calculated. Analyses of variance showed that intergenerational differences were strongest for Openness values. For the three other values, preferences of grandparents and parents differed less than did preferences of parents and their offspring. Repeated measures analyses of covariance, controlling for differences in age, gender, and educational attainment in the five cultural groups, showed that intergenerational differences were moderated by cultural context. Intergenerational differences were consistently widest in the Central Federal District. Generally, value preferences of contemporary adolescents, their parents, and their grandparents are drifting apart in the most “modern” part of the Russian Federation, whereas in the periphery, the generations are staying more closely together, largely regardless of people’s ethnic belonging.
Negotiating a new Swedish model: Employment transition agreements and the struggle over redundancies
Authors: Jansson Olle , Ottosson Jan
Published: June 2021

This article is aimed to contribute to our knowledge regarding employer and employee preferences about employment security and unemployment income protection as well as the degree of neoliberal change during the last decades through the lens of collective bargaining. It charts the institutional–historical development of an Employment Transition Agreement (ETA) between the bargaining cartel for white-collar unions, PTK, and the organisation for private employers, SAF/SN. ETAs are a form of institution through which Swedish trade unions and employer organisations give employees added protection in the event of redundancies, mostly in the form of added income protection but also matching services and shorter training programmes. Drawing from archival material and published statements in newspapers, the article engages with what the organisations wanted from such agreements during negotiations and how this shifted during the decades. The results show that the agreements have given employees added unemployment income protection while at the same time giving employees greater flexibility during collective lay-offs. It also shows how the agreement initially was more focused on employment security and proactive investments in skills. But when the balance of power shifted in favour of employers, PTK had to give up any such ambitions.
Bricolage in labor organizing practices: Spanish and Italian migrant activists in Berlin
Authors: Castellani Simone , Roca Beltran
Published: June 2021

This article analyzes how Southern European workers create bricolage by combining creatively organized practices of collective action, such as those of conventional labor unions, with self-created practices when facing oppressive labor relations and widespread downgrading of social mobility. We compare two cases of networks formed by Spanish and Italian migrant workers in Berlin: the Grupo de Acción Sindical and Berlin Migrant Strikers. Drawing on an ethnographic study of these groups, the article argues that the networks have different logics of action and political strategies. Their dissimilarities are manifested in different outcomes and organizational dimensions. Key factors include their founding members' social and activist backgrounds and leaders' countries of origin. It can be argued that, through these networks, migrants produce and reproduce political practices and collective actions, shaping a transnational social space that connects migrants and non-migrant individuals and organizations from both origin and destination countries.
How Consumer Orchestration Work Creates Value in the Sharing Economy
Authors: Scaraboto Daiane , Figueiredo Bernardo
Published: June 2021

Sharing economy platforms have become increasingly popular, but many platforms do not create all the value that is possible because consumers face challenges while cocreating their experiences. The authors situate the origin of these challenges in the sharing economy’s hybrid cocreation logics, which combine competing communal and transactional logics. Using a qualitative study of Couchsurfing, a platform for sharing free accommodation, the authors find that consumers engage in orchestration work to overcome cocreation roadblocks and extract greater benefits from sharing economy platforms. This orchestration work consists of many actions reflected in four overarching mechanisms: consumer-to-consumer alignment, rewiring relations, trust investment, and network experimentation. The authors connect these mechanisms to known sources of value for firms (i.e., complementarities, efficiency, lock-in, and novelty) to make recommendations for how platform firms can foster consumer orchestration work and unlock the full value of consumer cocreation in the sharing economy.
God joins us in death
Authors: Walker Graham B.
Published: June 2021

Graham B. Walker introduces the slow violence of the environmental crisis as a flashpoint in the question for the doctrine of providence in general and the history of the Cross specifically. Where is God in all this? Two immediate positions are identified: the first position assumes that God is located high above the world of chaos in the valley below. God intervenes as God deems appropriate. Questions of inordinate suffering challenge this starting point. A second notion begins in the chaotic valley below and asks, where is God in all of this? E. Frank Tupper begins in this valley and describes “the God of love (who) always does the most God can do.” Tupper identifies the ecological crisis as a significant factor in the chaos of human history. Walker amplifies this concern by introducing ecologist Rob Nixon’s critique of the Western addiction to global consumption and Edward O. Wilson’s appeal for the religious community and the scientific community to work together for the love of the earth. Looking for theological responses that unite both science and faith with a love for God’s world, Walker dialogues with Ian McFarland and Sallie McFague. Although McFarland and McFague start from divergent theological positions, they arrive at a similar conclusion: the self-limitation of human acquisitive desire for the love of God’s world and God’s identification with the suffering creation of the world in the death of Christ.
Identification methods of charged particles based on aero-engine exhaust gas electrostatic sensor array
Authors: Guo Jiachen , Zhong Zhirong , Jiang Heng , Zuo Hongfu
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a study of aero-engine exhaust gas electrostatic sensor array to estimate the spatial position, charge amount and velocity of charged particle. Firstly, this study establishes a mathematical model to analyze the inducing characteristics and obtain the spatial sensitivity distribution of sensor array. Then, Tikhonov regularization and compressed sensing are used to estimate the spatial position and charge amount of particle based on the obtained sensitivity distribution; cross-correlation algorithm is used to determine particle’s velocity. An oil calibration test rig is established to verify the proposed methods. Thirteen spatial positions are selected as the test points. The estimation errors of spatial positions and charge amounts are both within 5% when the particles are locating at central area. The errors are higher when the particles are closer to the wall and may exceed 10%. The estimation errors of velocities by using cross-correlation are all within 2%. An air-gun test rig is further established to simulate the high velocity condition and distinguish different kinds of particles such as metal particles and non-metal particles.
Capitalising on faith? An intergenerational study of social and religious capital among Baby Boomers and Millennials in Britain
Authors: Fox Stuart , Muddiman Esther , Hampton Jennifer , Kolpinskaya Ekaterina , Evans Ceryn
Published: June 2021

Intergenerational inequalities in economic security, health and political participation are frequently associated with inequalities in access to social capital. Millennials (those born after 1982) are often regarded as the least civically active generation, suggesting that they have less access to social capital, compared to other generations. Numerous studies have linked the decline of religion with falling social capital, as younger generations are deprived of a valuable source of social interaction; others, however, have claimed the link between the two is spurious because Millennials have developed different ways of interacting with social institutions and each other. Despite various studies exploring links between forms of religious and social capital, the role of religious decline in contributing to the intergenerational inequalities of today remains unclear. This study examines how religious capital is related to social capital for Baby Boomers and Millennials in the UK. Our analysis shows that while lower levels of religious capital are contributing to lower levels of social capital among Millennials, religious activity is also a more effective source of social capital for Millennials than their elders. We discuss possible interpretations of our data, including exploring whether greater religious engagement among Millennials may protect against intergenerational inequality and conflict.
β-Cyclodextrin: Disperse yellow 211 complexes improve coloristic intensity of polyamide dyed knits
Authors: Bezerra Fabricio Maestá , Carvalho Cotre Dayane Samara de , Plath André , Firmino Helen Beraldo , Lima Miliane Aparecida de , Lis Manuel , Samulewski Rafael Block , Moisés Murilo Pereira
Published: June 2021

Dyes are complex molecules that can sometimes cause damage to the aquatic environment and harm human health. They are often not completely removed from effluent by the usual treatments; therefore, efforts have been made to increase their exhaustion from dyeing through chemical and physical processes. In this context, the use of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as dyeing auxiliary agent promotes the reduction of harmful products, also increasing the color intensity of the fabric. In this paper, β-CD was used as a complexing agent to dye polyamide (PA) using the dye C.I. Disperse Yellow 211 (DY211) in order to improve dye exhaustion and color intensity using the β-CD:DY211 complex. The conventional dyeing process and β-CD:DY211 dyeing process by exhaustion were compared, and adsorption kinetics, isotherms, and the coloristic intensity were evaluated. The chemical shifts in the FTIR spectra and the thermal stability evidenced the formation of the β-CD:DY211 complex. Regarding dyeing kinetics and isotherm, the pseudo-first-order model was the most appropriate to describe the process, while Nernst isotherm was the one that best represented the adsorption results. Categorically, the samples dyed with the β-CD:DY211 complex obtained higher coloristic intensity in comparison with the conventional process. With this evidence, it is possible to conclude that cyclodextrin is a suitable replacement for environmentally harmful textile aides without adding further steps into the dyeing process or the need for additional equipment.
STEM Degrees and Military Service: An Intersectional Analysis
Authors: Harcey Sela R. , Steidl Christina R. , Werum Regina
Published: June 2021

Given that the U.S. military uses science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) exposure as a key recruitment tool, one should expect that military service is associated with STEM outcomes. While research demonstrates this pattern for women veterans, we know little about racialized and intersectional patterns. This article uses the American Community Survey data (2014–2018) to examine the association between military service, race/ethnicity, and gender to STEM degrees earned. We find that military service operates contingently: White men’s plus white, Hispanic, and multiracial/other women’s predicted probability of earning a STEM degree increases with military service. In contrast, for other minority groups, military service is not associated with a higher predicted probability of earning a STEM degree. Indeed, for groups typically overrepresented in STEM fields (i.e., Asian veterans), a negative association exists. These findings inform extant research on the long-term impact of military service on civilian reintegration, including educational and occupational outcomes.