bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large-Scale Multiobjective Evolutionary Algorithm Guided by Low-Dimensional Surrogates of Scalarization Functions
Authors: Gu Haoran , Wang Handing , He Cheng , Yuan Bo , Jin Yaochu
Published: June 2024

Recently, computationally intensive multiobjective optimization problems have been efficiently solved by surrogate-assisted multiobjective evolutionary algorithms. However, most of those algorithms can handle no more than 200 decision variables. As the number of decision variables increases further, unreliable surrogate models will result in a dramatic deterioration of their performance, which makes large-scale expensive multiobjective optimization challenging. To address this challenge, we develop a large-scale multiobjective evolutionary algorithm guided by low-dimensional surrogate models of scalarization functions. The proposed algorithm (termed LDS-AF) reduces the dimension of the original decision space based on principal component analysis, and then directly approximates the scalarization functions in a decomposition-based multiobjective evolutionary algorithm. With the help of a two-stage modeling strategy and convergence control strategy, LDS-AF can keep a good balance between convergence and diversity, and achieve a promising performance without being trapped in a local optimum prematurely. The experimental results on a set of test instances have demonstrated its superiority over eight state-of-the-art algorithms on multiobjective optimization problems with up to 1,000 decision variables using only 500 real function evaluations.
Optimization and validation of multi-echo, multi-contrast SAGE acquisition in fMRI
Authors: Keeling Elizabeth G. , Bergamino Maurizio , Ragunathan Sudarshan , Quarles C. Chad , Newton Allen T. , Stokes Ashley M.
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this study was to optimize and validate a multi-contrast, multi-echo fMRI method using a combined spin- and gradient-echo (SAGE) acquisition. It was hypothesized that SAGE-based blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional MRI (fMRI) will improve sensitivity and spatial specificity while reducing signal dropout. SAGE-fMRI data were acquired with five echoes (2 gradient-echoes, 2 asymmetric spin-echoes, and 1 spin-echo) across 12 protocols with varying acceleration factors, and temporal SNR (tSNR) was assessed. The optimized protocol was then implemented in working memory and vision tasks in 15 healthy subjects. Task-based analysis was performed using individual echoes, quantitative dynamic relaxation times T2* and T2, and echo time-dependent weighted combinations of dynamic signals. These methods were compared to determine the optimal analysis method for SAGE-fMRI. Implementation of a multiband factor of 2 and sensitivity encoding (SENSE) factor of 2.5 yielded adequate spatiotemporal resolution while minimizing artifacts and loss in tSNR. Higher BOLD contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and tSNR were observed for SAGE-fMRI relative to single-echo fMRI, especially in regions with large susceptibility effects and for T2-dominant analyses. Using a working memory task, the extent of activation was highest with T2*-weighting, while smaller clusters were observed with quantitative T2* and T2. SAGE-fMRI couples the high BOLD sensitivity from multi-gradient-echo acquisitions with improved spatial localization from spin-echo acquisitions, providing two contrasts for analysis. SAGE-fMRI provides substantial advantages, including improving CNR and tSNR for more accurate analysis.
Inference for Dependent Data with Learned Clusters
Authors: Cao Jianfei , Hansen Christian , Kozbur Damian , Villacorta Lucciano
Published: June 2024

This paper presents and analyzes an approach to cluster-based inference for dependent data. The primary setting considered here is with spatially indexed data in which the dependence structure of observed random variables is characterized by a known, observed dissimilarity measure over spatial indices. Observations are partitioned into clusters with the use of an unsupervised clustering algorithm applied to the dissimilarity measure. Once the partition into clusters is learned, a cluster-based inference procedure is applied to a statistical hypothesis testing procedure. The procedure proposed in the paper allows the number of clusters to depend on the data, which gives researchers a principled method for choosing an appropriate clustering level. The paper gives conditions under which the proposed procedure asymptotically attains correct size. A simulation study shows that the proposed procedure attains near nominal size in finite samples in a variety of statistical testing problems with dependent data.
Coarse Wage-Setting and Behavioral Firms
Authors: Reyes Germán
Published: June 2024

This paper shows that the bunching of wages at round numbers is partly driven by firm coarse wage-setting. Using data from over 200 million new hires in Brazil, I first establish that contracted salaries tend to cluster at round numbers. Then, I show that firms that tend to hire workers at round-numbered salaries have worse market outcomes. Next, I develop a wage-posting model in which optimization costs lead to the adoption of coarse rounded wages and provide evidence supporting two model predictions using two research designs. Finally, I examine some consequences of coarse wage-setting for relevant economic outcomes.
Editorial Introduction
Authors: Hamre Martin Kristoffer , Proschmann Sabrina , Ørskov Frederik Forrai
Published: June 2024

Arising from a 2021 early career workshop on practices and notions of fascist internationalism, this special issue contributes to the evolving focus on transnational and international dimensions within the field of fascism studies. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of fascist governments, movements, and individuals across borders during the interwar period and during the Second World War, as well as the conflictual aspects of such cooperation. Rather than promoting a specific methodological or theoretical approach, the issue presents different perspectives on transnational fascism and fascist internationalisms. This introduction highlights five aspects on which the contributions make interventions: actors, women, organizations, geography, and hybridity.
A new endemic species of Alkanna (Lithospermeae: Boraginaceae) from hilly environments of west Iran
Authors: ZERAATKAR AMIN , KHAJOEI NASAB FARZANEH , SHIRMARDI HAMZEH ALI
Published: June 2024

Alkanna assadii Khajoei Nasab & Zeraatkar (Lithospermeae: Boraginaceae), a new species endemic to hills from Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province of Iran, is described, illustrated, and compared with similar species. It is mainly compared with A. frigida, from which it is distinguished by its habit, height, basal leaves length and shape, cauline leaves size and shape, setae size, gland size, corolla color, and size, the status of the trichomes and glands in corolla, arrangement of the stamens in the corolla, pedicel length, calyx length, and bract shape and size. Notes on habitat, distribution, ecology, conservation status, and relationships are provided.
Description of the female of Labium walkeri Turner & Waterson, 1920 from Australia with new distribution data of L. montivagum (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Labeninae)
Authors: ROYO JOSÉ MANUEL , BORDERA SANTIAGO
Published: June 2024

The female of Labium walkeri Turner & Waterson, 1920 is described and illustrated for the first time from material collected in Australia, and the male is redescribed. New distribution data of Labium montivagum Turner & Waterson, 1920 are also provided. Distribution maps with all known records of both species are included.
“Our Right to Play”: How Afghan Women Navigate Constraints, Agency, and Aspirations On and Off the Soccer Field
Authors: Spaaij Ramón , Ravi Aish , Magee Jonathan , Jeanes Ruth , Penney Dawn , O’Connor Justen
Published: June 2024

In the wake of the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan and its ban on women’s sport, hundreds of Afghan athletes, including several Olympians, decided to flee the country rather than give up their sports and see their rights curtailed. This paper explores how Afghan women now living in Australia navigate agency and aspirations on and off the soccer field within the context of high levels of uncertainty, instability, and constraint. Drawing on qualitative interviews with 18 participants, the results demonstrate how soccer offers an insightful microcosm of settlement as a continuation of a fraught journey. The findings reveal both the multi-layered constraints the women experienced and how they navigated these constraints with creativity, resourcefulness, and aspiration for the future.
Research and Development Collaborations Within the Context of a South African Developmental State
Authors: Mokgokong Madikana J. , Mukonza Ricky M.
Published: June 2024

The article explores the significance of research and development (R&D) collaborations and partnerships between government and academia as a strategy to be employed in shaping the developmental agenda in states. The authors provide both a conceptual view and findings from primary data which interrogated the notion that a ‘research community’ should be anchored on its collaborative efforts and continuously strive for partnership creations with the aim of transforming societies and serving the public. An observation is made on the prospects of South Africa’s provincial governments and academia forging collaborations and partnerships with an open approach and common goals in order for the collaborations to have a purposeful meaning to the public. The current state of affairs in South Africa as alluded to in the National Development Plan (NDP) warrants for a developmental agenda that is dominated by knowledge production, dissemination and its uptake thereof. This context therefore enjoins different role players such as government and academia/research institutions and the private sector to work together and solve developmental problems such as poverty, inequality, unemployment and service delivery challenges. It is through initiatives such as R&D collaborations and partnerships that these aforementioned challenges can be curbed; however, this requires these sectors to do things differently. The Public Management Reform Theory provided the theoretical framework in this article as it advocates for an improved public sector’s administrative structures, coordination, management and operations. In addition, this theory envisages a better and modernized public service that delivers services in an effective and efficient manner. The theory points out to a paradigm shift in terms of how the public sector is traditionally perceived to one that is modernized, decentralized, customer friendly and economically and socially reformed. The methodology adopted in this article includes a qualitative research method, desktop research and document analysis. There is substantial primary data and secondary literature in the public domain that was used to substantiate arguments advanced in this article. It should be noted that over the years, there has been on-going academic conversations on research collaborations between academia and the public sector as a prerequisite for socio-economic development; therefore, this article is further contributing to this debate.
Longitudinal failure criterion considering local fiber misplacement for UD composites
Authors: Chen Xiangming , Yu Fei , Tang Xinhao , Wang Binwen , Liu Naiyu , Yang Junchao , Chen Puhui
Published: June 2024

A new longitudinal failure criterion for unidirectional fibre reinforced (UD) composites is proposed, incorporating the contribution of local fibre misalignment to fibre failure. The failure function was established based on the quadratic polynomial expansion of stress components in the local coordinate system parallel to the misaligned fibres, with coefficients rationally determined based on the basic strength parameters of UD composites. The local stress components were used to determine the failure status associated with fibre compression, while the tensile load along fibres was assumed to have negligible influence on the development of the fibre misalignment. The predicted failure envelopes agreed well with the experimental data for different stress combinations, particularly in the regimes where the fibre failure was influenced by transverse stresses. This validates the predictive ability of the proposed criteria and highlights the importance of the contribution of matrix-failure-related stresses to the fibre-dominated failure behaviour of fibre reinforced composites.
How Civilian Loyalties Shape Rebel-Led Victimization of Rebel Constituencies
Authors: Onder Ilayda B.
Published: June 2024

Rebels rely on the support of their civilian constituency, but often victimize them to enforce compliance. Scholars know relatively little about how rebels strategize violence against civilians in conflicts where the rebel constituency overlaps with the government’s political support base. This gap is problematic because the rebel constituency comprises a diverse group with varying attitudinal and behavioral characteristics. Offering a novel typology of rebel constituency members — loyals, disloyals, fence-sitters, and free-riders—this study examines the impact of rebel constituency support for the government on the rebels' targeting of their civilian constituency. Leveraging an original dataset of the PKK’s coercive acts targeting civilians in Kurdish-majority provinces of Turkey between 2014 and 2019, I proxy rebel constituency support for the government with district-level data on incumbent party victory in the 2014 municipal elections and employ a regression-discontinuity approach. I find that the spatial distribution of loyal and disloyal rebel constituency members is crucial in explaining subnational variations in civilian victimization, specifically who is targeted and where. This study enhances our understanding of rebels' use of coercion to alter their constituencies' political allegiances and calls for greater attention to individual or community-level characteristics of civilians, beyond ethnic or identity-cleavages, in rebel-civilian interactions.
The Sinister Side of Summer: Revisiting the Dog Days of Nineteenth-Century New York
Authors: Pearson Chris
Published: June 2024

Seasons form part of changing sensory experiences of urban environments. But it is important to note that, at times, urbanites broke down seasons into smaller slices. The “Dog Days” are a case in point. This term has now passed into urban myth, but the linking of Sirius with the heat of the summer and canine madness during the dog days stretches back to at least the Romans, and was still widely feared and discussed in the nineteenth century. This roundtable intervention aims to recover the meaning and experience of this season within a season using nineteenth-century New York City as a case study. Drawing on newspaper articles, medical reports, and other sources, it will discuss how the dog days were framed as a louche period of sultry heat and canine madness, a time when tempers and the fabric of urban life frayed. Situating itself within urban environmental and sensory history, this essay also aims to bring together climate and animal history. Before the widespread acceptance of germ theory at the end of the nineteenth century, the theory that the heat of the dog days and the strange influence of Sirius caused rabies was hotly debated in the press and among doctors. It also stoked vivid fears of the dog days, which led to material changes in the lives of dogs: muzzling, impoundment, and death. The dog days was a time when the nonhuman agencies of climate and canine seemingly combined in ways that threatened the physical and emotional health of New Yorkers. As such, the dog days stood for the sinister side of summer that was only broken with the arrival of autumnal freshness.
Unraveling Image and Justice Concerns: A Social Identity Account on Appraisals and Emotional Drivers of High-Status Transgressor Group Members’ Solidarity With Low-Status Groups
Authors: Çakmak Hakan , Gordijn Ernestine H. , Koc Yasin , Stroebe Katherine E.
Published: June 2024

High-status group members typically respond defensively when their ingroup members transgress against low-status groups. However, when they identify highly with transgressor groups, they sometimes also engage in solidarity with victimized low-status groups due to ingroup-focused motives. Yet, the response of low-identified transgressor group members, who can prioritize victims’ plight over ingroup interests, remains underexplored. To address this gap, we conducted three preregistered studies ( Ntotal = 886) concerning education-based transgressions in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, employing cross-sectional (Study 1) and experimental designs (Studies 2–3). Supporting previous research, we found that high-identifiers engage in nonradical solidarity driven by ingroup image concerns and image-related emotions. Low-identifiers, however, engage in both nonradical and radical solidarity through perceived injustice and justice-related emotions. Our findings provide insights into the roots of high-status group collective action on behalf of low-status groups against intergroup transgressions. Theoretical and societal implications were discussed.
Does Resilience Mediate the Relationship Between Negative Self-Image and Psychological Distress in Middle-Aged and Older Gay and Bisexual Men?
Authors: Brennan-Ing Mark , Haberlen Sabina , Ware Deanna , Meanley Steven , Palella Frank J. , Bolan Robert , Cook Judith A. , Okafor Chukwuemeka N. , Friedman M. Reuel , Plankey Michael W.
Published: June 2024

Aging gay and bisexual men may have negative self-images due to body image dissatisfaction and internalized ageism, resulting in psychological distress. Gay and bisexual men with HIV may be at greater risk for distress because of research linking HIV to accelerated aging. We examined associations between self-image and psychological distress, and potential mediating effects (resilience, fitness engagement), and whether these relationships were moderated by HIV serostatus. We tested our hypotheses with structural equation modeling using data from gay and bisexual men with HIV ( n = 525, M age = 57.6) and without HIV ( n = 501, M age = 62.2). We observed significant positive associations between self-image and distress and significant mediation effects (resilience, fitness engagement) that were moderated by HIV serostatus (resilience was only significant for men with HIV). We conclude that resilience interventions may be beneficial in alleviating distress from negative self-image among aging gay and bisexual men with HIV.
Intersectional Group Agreement on the Occupational Order
Authors: Lynn Freda B. , Shi Yongren , Kiley Kevin
Published: June 2024

When a group shares a viewpoint on a status order, their consensus imparts legitimacy to their shared understanding of that order. Conversely, a group espousing multiple viewpoints undermines the notion that one “true” hierarchy exists. To build empirical knowledge about how social groups contribute to the construction of status orders, we take the occupational hierarchy as a case study and map the structure of agreement across intersectional groups. First, we quantify the extent to which groups (1) agree internally on their occupational rankings (within-group consensus) and (2) agree with other groups (intergroup consensus). Using General Social Survey data on occupational perceptions, we find a cluster of privileged groups—namely, highly educated White men and women—who agree internally and with each other on the occupational status order. Lesser advantaged groups exhibit less internal agreement and do not cohere around an alternative conceptualization of value, leaving unchallenged the consensus of privileged groups.
Treatment of varicose great saphenous vein with endovenous laser alone or combined with eco-guided foam sclerotherapy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Duarte Fabricio , de Souza Diego Mello , Regueira Filho Ademar , Bazzanella Laércio João , Del Castanhel Flávia , de Oliveira Filho Getúlio Rodrigues
Published: June 2024

Objectives: This study compares Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) alone versus combined with ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) for Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) insufficiency. Methods: Sixty patients were randomly allocated to EVLA or EVLA–UGFS groups which focused on GSV occlusion rates, complications, additional treatments, and quality of life (QoL) changes. Results: Among 55 participants, the EVLA group had higher 12-month occlusion rates (92.3% vs. 75.8%, p = 0.11). Nervous injury (NI) was rarer in EVLA–UGFS (3.4% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.04). No significant difference in other complication rates ( p > 0.05). QoL improved in both groups ( p < 0.001). EVLA–UGFS required more subsequent procedures (24.1% vs. 7.7%, p = 0.03). Conclusions: EVLA and EVLA–UGFS effectively treat GSV insufficiency, enhancing QoL. The combined method reduces NI risk but may require more follow-up procedures.
Epidemiological characteristics of syphilis in mainland China, 2004 to 2019
Authors: Li Jingyi , Yang Yuanchao , Huang Biran , Zeng Jiaqi
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Syphilis is a globally prevalent sexually transmitted infection. This study aimed to elucidate the epidemiological characteristics of syphilis in China from 2004 to 2019.

Methods

Incidence data for syphilis across 31 provinces in mainland China were obtained from the Data Center of China Public Health Science for the period from 2004 to 2019. Epidemiological methods and the Chi-squared test were used to analyze the temporal, regional, and disease stage distributions of syphilis.

Results

In total, 5,527,399 syphilis cases were reported in China from 2004 to 2019, with an average annual prevalence of 25.7063 per 100,000 population and overall increasing trend. In terms of regional distribution, high-incidence provinces included Shanghai, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangxi, Guangdong, Xinjiang, Ningxia, and Qinghai. The proportion of latent syphilis increased from 20.41% in 2004 to 82.95% in 2019, with an upward trend each year.

Conclusions

Syphilis incidence exhibited an overall increasing trend in China, and latent syphilis was predominant. Syphilis incidences considerably varied among regions, and syphilis was detected from coastal to inland provinces. Thus, syphilis prevention and control programs should be tailored according to the specific epidemiological characteristics of each region.
Numerical analysis of the heat transfer behavior of steel stream in the converter tapping
Authors: Liu Yong , Liu Tong , Qin Yongkun , Cheng Shusen
Published: June 2024

The present study investigated the flow dynamics and heat transfer behavior of molten steel during converter steel tapping. This research lays the groundwork for designing accurate post-furnace temperature models and enabling lower tapping temperatures. Considering the influence of slag and the Coriolis force on the process, a mathematical model was developed to characterize both the transient flow dynamics of molten steel within the converter and the heat dissipation of the steel stream in the air. Moreover, a physical model constructed based on similarity principles elucidated the impacts of standing time and the Coriolis force on the remaining steel volume in the converter at the moment of slag entrapment. Results showed that as standing time increased or tapping hole size decreased, the remaining steel volume in the converter decreased. When the Coriolis force was included, the percentage of remaining steel volume was lower compared to simulations without it. Numerical simulations precisely determined the trajectory of the steel stream in the air domain, facilitating improved coordination between the converter and the ladle. Furthermore, at a tapping temperature of 1700°C and a tapping hole size of 140 mm, heat loss of the steel stream in the air domain led to a temperature decrease of 1.02°C. Heat loss decreased with increasing hole size. Lowering the tapping temperature by 50°C could reduce the temperature decrease from the air domain by 0.1°C. Finally, the study proposes preliminary strategies for lowering tapping temperature.
Blasthole Detection on the Tunnel Face under Low-Light Environments
Authors: Pan Shan , Yue Zhongwen , Yu Ting , Wang Shuai , Tian Zijian
Published: June 2024

Because of factors such as the complex surrounding rock backgrounds and the inability of underground artificial light sources to produce even illumination, blasthole detection on tunnel faces is a challenging problem. To address the performance degradation of existing detection methods for blastholes on tunnel faces, this paper proposes the blasthole cascaded detection method. Firstly, a preprocessing module with trainable parameters is designed. Through the parameter prediction network, the required gamma, color transformation, and sharpening parameter values are obtained and applied to the image, improving the image contrast, enhancing the color features of the blasthole regions, and enhancing the edge information and texture information of the blastholes. The blasthole regions are made more prominent, and the shapes and outlines of the blastholes are clearer. Then, the accurate and efficient you only look once (AE-YOLO) detection network is proposed based on the characteristic that blastholes in the image appears as extremely small objects. By adding a high-resolution detection head, and attention feature fusion module, and an efficient vision transformer block, the AE-YOLO detection network enables the detection results to effectively extract the shape features of the blastholes and the different features between the blastholes and shadows, reducing the loss of blasthole features and increasing semantic information. Finally, to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method, the CUMTB-BI dataset is established, which includes 5440 blasthole images taken under different complex conditions. Experimental results show that the proposed method has a good blasthole image detection performance, exhibits good generalization performance in the tunnel face scenarios, and reduces false detection and missed detection.
Comparative Analysis of Entry Capacity Models for Multilane Roundabouts under Mixed Traffic Flow Conditions
Authors: Bhasin Chirag , Gupta Pardeep Kumar
Published: June 2024

Evaluation of roundabout capacity holds significant importance because it directly affects the performance, safety, and environmental issues at the intersections. Several researchers have presented models for estimation of the entry capacity of roundabouts, but most of them have been limited to traffic conditions in developed countries having proper lane discipline, and upto single-lane and two-lane roundabouts only. There is dearth of such studies for developing countries, such as India, where traffic conditions are entirely different from developed countries. This study aims to evaluate the capacity of both single-lane and multilane roundabouts in handling different levels of heterogeneous traffic flow. Data were collected at 10 roundabouts spread across three Indian cities. All the roundabouts have different geometrical features and lane configurations, thereby ensuring the applicability of this study across different roundabouts. The formation of queues was used to indicate that the approach is operating at its maximum capacity. Four different models (linear regression model, non-linear regression model, VISSIM simulated model, and calibrated Highway Capacity Manual [HCM] model) were developed for each roundabout, and results were compared with the field capacity values. Careful consideration was given to statistical characteristics of the data and different statistical tests were conducted to evaluate the reliability of these models. A separate set of roundabouts was used to test and validate the models. Results reveal that a non-linear regression model, based on both the geometrical and traffic flow characteristics, outperforms all other models. Additionally, sensitivity analysis was performed to check the effect of various parameters on the roundabout capacity.
Robotic bladder diverticulectomy with concurrent management of bladder outlet obstruction: A choice to consider
Authors: Orsini Angelo , Digiacomo Alessio , Ferretti Simone , Tamborino Flavia , Basconi Martina , Cicchetti Rossella , Litterio Giulio , Dello Stritto Guglielmo , Salzano Gaetano , Marchioni Michele , Schips Luigi
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Acquired bladder diverticula (BD) are associated with bladder outlet obstruction. The aim of our study is to analyse the improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients who underwent robot-assisted bladder diverticulectomy (RABD) combined with transurethral prostatectomy (TURP).

Material and methods:

A prospectively single-centre, single surgeon cohort of four patients with posterolateral BD due to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) undergoing RABD combined with TURP between 2018 and 2023 was analysed.

Results:

Median age and maximum BD diameter were 73.5 years and 16 cm, respectively. All patients had severe LUTS and elevated postvoid residual (PVR). Preliminary uroflowmetry revealed bladder outlet obstruction with a median of maximum urine flow rate of 8.5 ml/s. The median operative time and blood loss were 212 min and 100 ml, respectively. No intraoperative complications were recorded. The median length of stay was 4 days. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and PVR were compared between baseline, 1 month and 6 months after surgery. IPSS significantly decreased from 24 (IQR 24–25) preoperatively compared to the postoperative, at 1 month follow up 7 (IQR 6–8) ( p < 0.0001). PVR significantly decreased too from 165 (IQR 150–187) to 35 ml (IQR 25–42) ( p < 0.0001). In transitioning from the 1-month follow-up to the 6-month follow-up, no substantial statistical improvement was observed.

Conclusion:

Concomitant performance of TURP with RABD is feasible and safe. Diverticulectomy in addiction at the endoscopic procedure should be discussed with patients who have obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms as viable alternative to single procedure individually performed.
South-South Investments: Driver for Alternative Globalization? Examining China-Led Special Economic Zones in Brazil and South Africa
Authors: Garcia Ana , Thompson Lisa , Brito Cleiton
Published: June 2024

The formation of BRICS marks a significant aspect of 21st-century globalization. This has spurred optimism in the Global South about offering an alternative to Western dominance. China has aimed to expand its global presence and influence, framing its relations as ‘South-South Cooperation’. Brazil and South Africa are crucial partners within BRICS, receiving significant Chinese investment, loans, and assistance. In this article, we critically examine South-South investments through a comparative analysis of Chinese investments in South Africa and Brazil, focusing on the case studies of the Manaus Industrial Park and the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone. Our research employs ethnographic fieldwork and secondary sources to analyze Chinese investments and their socio-environmental impact. We begin with a discussion of globalization and current trends of deglobalization by proposing three dimensions to analyze the role of BRICS. While Chinese investment could offer an alternative to Western financing, a more balanced South-South agenda is needed. Both Brazilian and South African state and non-state actors must advocate for better conditions to avoid repeating patterns of resource exploitation and subordination. This shifts the debate beyond traditional dichotomies. Ultimately, embracing South-South FDI and Cooperation must be accompanied by critical analysis to ensure a truly transformative agenda for the Global South.
Entangled Crisis Narratives in Germany: Strengthening the Anti-Systemic Public?
Authors: Fröhlich Christian , Varga Mihai
Published: June 2024

This article studies how crisis management and its narrative discourse are able to strengthen anti-systemic and far-right narratives. We compare government and opposition discourses during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020/2022 and the energy/inflation crisis of 2022/2023 in the German federal state of Saxony. The paper argues that the two crises were intertwined not only through the existence of a ‘new cleavage’ between political mainstream and right-wing populists, but also through the authorities’ public communication that contained similar ‘crisis management’ elements: a—fairly unprecedented—stress on urgency, lack of alternatives, and rejection of consultation, justified by how high the stakes were to public health and welfare, and to national security. Our study offers insights into the interconnectedness of crises narratives and underscores the importance of long-term crisis governance that needs to better acknowledge the risk of turning opposition to government policies and its discourses into far-right anti-systemic mobilizations.
When and Why Antiegalitarianism Affects Resistance to Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
Authors: Shepherd Steven , Crabbe Rowena , Chartrand Tanya L. , Fitzsimons Gavan J. , Kay Aaron C.
Published: June 2024

Understanding how initiatives to support Black-owned businesses are received, and why, has important social and economic implications. To address this, we designed three experiments to investigate the role of antiegalitarian versus egalitarian ideologies among White American adults. In Study 1 ( N = 199), antiegalitarianism (vs. egalitarianism) predicted viewing initiatives supporting a Black-owned business as less fair, but only when the business was competing with other (presumably White-owned) businesses. In Study 2 ( N = 801), antiegalitarianism predicted applying survival-of-the-fittest market beliefs, particularly to Black-owned businesses. Antiegalitarianism also predicted viewing initiatives supporting Black-owned businesses as less fair than initiatives that targeted other (presumably White-owned) businesses, especially for tangible (vs. symbolic) support that directly impacts the success of a business. In Study 3 ( N = 590), antiegalitarianism predicted rejecting a program investing in Black-owned businesses. These insights demonstrate how antiegalitarian ideology can have the effect of maintaining race-based inequality, hindering programs designed to reduce that inequality.
The Basic Units of Working Memory Manipulation Are Boolean Maps, Not Objects
Authors: Ji Huichao , Wang Kaiyue , Kong Garry , Zhang Xiaodan , He Wenzhen , Ding Xiaowei
Published: June 2024

Determining the manipulation unit of working memory is one of the fundamental questions in understanding how working memory functions. The prevalent object-based theory in cognitive research predicts that memory manipulation is performed on the level of objects. Here we show instead that the basic units of working memory manipulation are Boolean maps, a data structure describing what can be perceived in an instant. We developed four new manipulation tasks (with data from 80 adults) and showed that manipulation times only increased when the number of Boolean maps manipulated increased. Increasing the number of orientations manipulated did not induce longer manipulation times, consistent with a key prediction of the Boolean map theory. Our results show that Boolean maps are the manipulation unit of working memory.
Prediction of total extracted oil and major terpenes in leaves of Kunzea ambigua using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Eyles Alieta , Rodemann Thomas , de Kock Etienne , Garland Sandra M , Close Dugald C
Published: June 2024

The therapeutic potential of Kunzea ambigua essential oil is experiencing increased market demand. However, commercial production is currently limited by variability of wild-harvested feedstock so that managed production from high yielding clones is desired. This study explored the utility of near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy to predict total extracted oil and the major terpenes from intact and ground K. ambigua leaves. Partial least squares regression enabled accurate prediction of total extracted oil and the concentration of α-pinene, globulol and viridiflorol but not α-terpineol (the major components). This was the case for both ground and intact leaf samples, though the coefficients of determination (r2) values were lower for the intact leaf samples (r2: 0.59 to 0.71, ratio of residual prediction to the deviation, RPD: 1.4-5.0, RMSEP: 0.53-2.27 mg/g) as compared to the ground samples (r2: 0.72-0.88; RPD: 1.9-8; RMSEP: 0.32-1.40 mg/g). In contrast, a NIR predictive model was produced for ground but not intact samples for 1,8-cineole (r2: 0.72; RPD: 1.9; RMSEP: 0.42 mg/g). Though the predictive models developed in this study were less accurate and less precise than for the intact samples, this technology could still be immediately useful and allow for rapid identification and screening for superior K. ambigua genotypes from native vegetation for both total extracted oil and preferred chemical profiles.
Interleukin-22 and T-helper-22 Cells in Patients with Enthesitis-related Arthritis
Authors: Singh Ankita , Kansurkar Sandeep , Misra Ramnath , Aggarwal Amita
Published: June 2024

Background:

Animal models studies show the role of interleukin-22 (IL-22) in the pathogenesis of enthesitis. We analysed an association of IL-22 levels with enthesitis in Enthesitis-related juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA-ERA) patients.

Methods:

Patients with JIA-ERA, polyarticular JIA (Poly-JIA), and healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. The frequencies of Th1, Th17 and Th22 cells in peripheral blood (PB) and synovial fluid (SF) were determined by flow cytometry, and IL-22 levels in SF by ELISA. Data is shown as median with interquartile range.

Results:

T-cell frequency was determined in 40 JIA-ERA (33 boys, 16 [3.3] years), 10 Poly-JIA (3 boys, 14.5 [6] years), and 10 HC (9 boys, 18 [2] years). Among 40 JIA-ERA patients, 28 had enthesitis. In JIA-ERA, Th1 cell frequency was significantly higher in SF (8.6 [4.5]) than in PB (2.9 [0.55]; P = 0.007). Th22 cell frequency in PB was higher in active JIA-ERA patients as (0.2 [0.1]; JSpADA >2.5) compared to the inactive disease (0.15 [0.18]; P = 0.02). No association was observed between Th22 cell frequency and enthesitis. No difference in serum IL-22 levels of 85 JIA-ERA (78 boys, 16 [4] years), 13 Poly-JIA (4 boys, 12 [7.5] years), and 31 HC (27 boys, 25 [8] years) was observed. SF showed higher IL-22 levels than corresponding serum samples ( P = 0.04).

Conclusion:

High SF levels of IL-22 suggests its role in inflammation in JIA-ERA patients. The lack of association of PB Th22 cell frequency with enthesitis suggests that immune abnormalities at local site may not be reflected in PB.
Risk Scores in Venous Thromboembolism Guidelines of ESC, ACCP, and ASH: An Updated Review
Authors: Xiong Wei , Cheng Yi , Zhao Yunfeng
Published: June 2024

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Risk scores associated with VTE have been widely used in clinical practice. Among numerous scores published, those included in guidelines are usually typical risk scores which have been extensively validated and globally recognized. This review provides an updated overview of the risk scores associated with VTE endorsed by 3 guidelines which are highly recognized in the field of VTE including the European Society of Cardiology, American College of Chest Physicians, and American Society of Hematology, focusing on the development, modification, validation, and comparison of these scores, to provide a comprehensive and updated understanding of all the classic risk scores associated with VTE to medical readers including but not limited to cardiologists, pulmonologists, hematologists, intensivists, physicians, surgeons, and researchers. Although each score recommended by these guidelines was more or less validated, there may still be room for further improvement. It may still be necessary to seek simpler, more practical, and more universally applicable VTE-related risk scores in the future.
Soil Water Dynamic and its Response to Rainfalls in an Apple Orchard of the Loess Plateau, China: Implication for Irrigation Management
Authors: Chen Jiao , Cheng Dong , Li Zongshan , Jiao Lei
Published: June 2024

Soil water is the main water source for plants, which is replenished by rainfall in the water-limited agricultural systems. Quantifying temporal dynamics of water soil deficit and its replenishment by rainfall can evaluate whether soil water meet the water demand for plants. This would provide accurate guide for when and how the irrigation practices conducted. However, this topic has not been deeply elucidated. In this study, soil water content at varied soil depths and precipitation were continuously monitored during two growing seasons in an apple orchard in the Loess Plateau of China. Soil water storage, soil water deficit and replenishment were also quantified. The results showed that soil water content varied temporally due to the impacts of rainfalls. Soil water storage at 0 ~ 200 cm depth ranged from 272.5 mm to 355.6 mm and the degree of soil water deficit ranged from 0.34 to 0.53 correspondingly. Meanwhile, replenishment of soil water by rainfall was 13.00% in 2017 and 9.78% in 2018, respectively. The qualitative relationship between monthly rainfalls and replenishment indicated that soil water was replenished by rainwater only at soil layers shallower than 160 cm. From the temporal dynamics of soil water content and deficit conditions, soil water could meet the water demand at the fruit expanding stage of apple trees. Irrigation measures should be taken to reduce the soil drought stress at this stage. This study provided an effective hydrological basis to improve the irrigation management of orchards and the efficiency of water resource.
Utilizing Single-Branched Stent in Combination With Fenestration or Chimney for Endovascular Repair of Aortic Arch Lesions With Aberrant Subclavian Artery
Authors: Luo Zeng-Rong , Zhu Yong-Ping , Fang Guan-Hua
Published: June 2024

Objective:

The study was to figure out the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a single-branched stent graft, namely Castor, in combination with fenestration or chimney in the context of aortic arch lesions presenting with aberrant subclavian artery (ASA) and/or Kommerell’s diverticulum (KD).

Methods:

All consecutive patients with aortic arch lesions and ASA and/or KD receiving Castor from June 2018 to June 2023 were investigated.

Results:

Incorporating 18 patients, the study encompassed 11 cases with KD, 3 cases with dysphagia; 2 cases of right-sided aortic arch with left-sided aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA), and 16 cases of left-sided aortic arch with right-sided aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA). The mean operation time was 132±23 minutes. The mean measured proximal aortic diameter was 30.9±1.6 mm, and proximal diameter of Castor stent was 34 (32, 34.5) mm, with oversize of 9.1±1.6%; the mean measured branch diameter was 8.8±0.97 mm, and branch diameter of Castor stent was 10 (8, 10) mm, with oversize of 0.86±0.57 mm. Technical success rate was 100%, and no in-hospital mortality, no stroke, and no endoleak were identified. One (5.6%) case with spinal cord ischemia and one (5.6%) case with poor healing of operative site were identified. During the follow-up period, no aortic-related death or secondary intervention was recorded. The maximal aortic diameter was significantly reduced at the sixth postoperative month (padj=0.031); KD diameter was significantly reduced at the third (padj=0.001) and sixth (padj<0.001) postoperative month.

Conclusion:

Totally endovascular repair of aortic arch lesions with ASA and KD via Castor stent in combination with fenestration or chimney is feasible, effective, and safe, which can achieve an encouraging medium-term outcome and provide excellent remodeling at the lesions.

Clinical Impact

Single branched stent in combination with fenestration or chimney achieved a sufficient proximal landing zone and provided an encouraging medium-term outcome in this retrospective review of 18 patients receiving endovascular treatment of pathological aortic arch with aberrant subclavian artery and/or Kommerell’s diverticulum. The authors suggest this time-saving and efficient technique to establish systematic experience for the treatment in this kind of patients.
The Use of Dermal Substitute in the Treatment of Burns as a Complication of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetic Foot Syndrome
Authors: Tedeschi Anna , Salutini Elisabetta , Cosentino Claudia , Poggi Chiara Delli , Becherini Roberto , Fusilli Daniela , Anichini Roberto
Published: June 2024

Diabetic Foot Syndrome is a complex and challenging clinical condition associated with high risk of mortality and lower limb amputation. The distal lesions represent the epiphenomenon of this syndrome and request a multidisciplinary care and an appropriate therapeutic path to ensure their healing. This case report describes the management of burns in a patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus, end stage renal disease and Diabetic Foot Syndrome. The lesions were treated with autologous epidermal skin graft until healing. Products that stimulate or replace extracellular matrix, which has a central role in wound healing, can be consider in the treatment of burns and offer a simpler and less disabling reconstructive possibility for the patient.
Unsupervised machine learning cluster analysis to identification EVAR patients clinical phenotypes based on radiomics
Authors: Wang Yonggang , Zhou Min , Ding Yong , Li Xu , Xie Tianchen , Zhou Zhenyu , Fu Weiguo , Shi Zhenyu
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study used unsupervised machine learning (UML) cluster analysis to explore clinical phenotypes of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients based on radiomics.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed 1785 patients with infra-renal AAA who underwent elective EVAR procedures between January 2010 and December 2020. Pyradiomics was used to extract the radiomics features. Statistical analysis was applied to determine the radiomics features that related to severe adverse events (SAEs) after EVAR. The selected features were used for UML cluster analysis in training set and validation in test set. Comparison of basic characteristics and radiomics features of different clusters. The Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted to generate the cumulative incidence of freedom from SAEs rate.

Result

A total of 1180 patients were enrolled. During the follow-up, 353 patients experienced EVAR-related SAEs. In total, 1223 radiomics features were extracted from each patient, of which 23 radiomics features were finally preserved to identify different clinical phenotypes. 944 patients were allocated to the training set. Three clusters were identified in training set, in which patients had identical clinical characteristics and morphological features, while varied considerably of selected radiomics features. This encouraging performance was further approved in the test set. In addition, each cluster was well differentiated from other clusters and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant differences of freedom from SAEs rate between different clusters both in the training ( p = .0216) and test sets ( p = .0253).

Conclusion

Based on radiomics, UML cluster analysis can identify clinical phenotypes in EVAR patients with distinct long-term outcomes.