bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide DNase I‐hypersensitive site assay reveals distinct genomic distributions and functional features of open chromatin in autopolyploid sugarcane
Authors: Yu Guangrun , Sun Bo , Zhu Zhiying , Mehareb Eid M. , Teng Ailing , Han Jinlei , Zhang Hui , Liu Jiayong , Liu Xinlong , Raza Ghulam , Zhang Baohong , Zhang Yuebin , Wang Kai
Published: October 2023

The characterization of cis‐regulatory DNA elements (CREs) is essential for deciphering the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. Although there have been endeavors to identify CREs in plants, the properties of CREs in polyploid genomes are still largely unknown. Here, we conducted the genome‐wide identification of DNase I‐hypersensitive sites (DHSs) in leaf and stem tissues of the auto‐octoploid species Saccharum officinarum. We revealed that DHSs showed highly similar distributions in the genomes of these two S. officinarum tissues. Notably, we observed that approximately 74% of DHSs were located in distal intergenic regions, suggesting considerable differences in the abundance of distal CREs between S. officinarum and other plants. Leaf‐ and stem‐dependent transcriptional regulatory networks were also developed by mining the binding motifs of transcription factors (TFs) from tissue‐specific DHSs. Four TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1, CYCLOIDEA, and PCF1 (TCP) TFs (TCP2, TCP4, TCP7, and TCP14) and two ethylene‐responsive factors (ERFs) (ERF109 and ERF03) showed strong causal connections with short binding distances from each other, pointing to their possible roles in the regulatory networks of leaf and stem development. Through functional validation in transiently transgenic protoplasts, we isolate a set of tissue‐specific promoters. Overall, the DHS maps presented here offer a global view of the potential transcriptional regulatory elements in polyploid sugarcane and can be expected to serve as a valuable resource for both transcriptional network elucidation and genome editing in sugarcane breeding.
Injury mechanisms and situational patterns of severe lower limb muscle injuries in male professional football (soccer) players: a systematic video analysis study on 103 cases
Authors: Della Villa Francesco , Massa Bruno , Bortolami Antonio , Nanni Gianni , Olmo Jesus , Buckthorpe Matthew
Published: October 2023

Objective

The objective of this study is to describe the mechanism of injury and situational patterns (based on ball possession and playing action leading to injury) of severe (lay-off time >28 days) lower limb muscle injuries in professional male football (soccer) players during match play.

Methods

Players experiencing a severe muscle injury of the lower limb during Italian first (Serie A) division male football matches over three consecutive seasons (2018–2021) were identified. Video footage was obtained and three raters independently categorised injury mechanism and situational patterns using a standardised checklist. Injury epidemiology (month), timing of injuries within the match and location of injuries on the pitch were also examined.

Results

We identified 121 lower limb severe muscle injuries. Videos of sufficient quality were available for 103 (85%) cases, including 61 (60%) hamstring, 17 (16%) calf, 16 (15%) adductor and 9 (9%) quadricep muscle injuries. Nearly two-thirds of injuries involved the dominant/kicking leg (n=65, 63%). Eighty-five (83%) injuries were non-contact and 18 (17%) indirect contact. Four main situational patterns were identified and accounted for 88% of injuries: (1) running/acceleration (n=35, 34%); (2) closed kinetic chain stretching (n=21, 20%); (3) open kinetic chain stretching (n=19, 18%) and (4) kicking (n=16, 16%), with differences between muscle groups. 71% of injuries occurred in the first half of the match (p<0.01), with a gradual increase through the first half.

Conclusion

Most severe muscle injuries during football matches were non-contact and occurred in the first half during running/acceleration, open and closed kinetic chain stretching, or kicking.
Navigating the ‘new normal’: what guidelines exist for postpartum return to physical activity and sport? A scoping review
Authors: Schulz Jenna M , Marmura Hana , Hewitt Chloe M , Parkinson Laura J , Thornton Jane S
Published: October 2023

Objective

Women are often advised to return to activity (RTA) as early as 6 weeks postpartum, despite undergoing significant physical, physiological and psychological changes. Our objective was to examine existing evidence and clinical practice guidelines to navigate a safe and successful RTA or return to sport (RTS) postpartum.

Methods

We searched CINAHL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus and included any secondary studies with recommendations or guidelines for RTA or RTS postpartum. Grey literature and primary sources were excluded. Four reviewers independently screened titles and abstracts, followed by full-text review for eligibility, with conflicts resolved by a third-party reviewer. One reviewer extracted data, which was cross-referenced by another reviewer.

Results

5851 studies were screened, and 33 were included in this scoping review. Most studies stated that RTS postpartum can begin once ‘medically safe’, around 6 weeks postpartum, but this term was generally left undefined. In addition, most studies recommended engaging in 150 min of moderate-vigorous physical activity per week after 6 weeks postpartum, but the type of exercise recommended was often non-specific.

Conclusion

A lack of consistent, evidence-based guidelines exist for RTA or RTS postpartum. Multiple evidence gaps require additional research to inform patient and activity specific guidelines for a safe and successful RTA or RTS postpartum.
How to use the regulatory data from Health Canada for secondary analyses on new drugs, biologics and vaccines
Authors: Bai Isaac , Doshi Peter , Herder Matthew
Published: October 2023

Incorporating clinical data held by national health product regulatory authorities into secondary analyses such as systematic reviews can help combat publication bias and selective outcome reporting, in turn, supporting more evidence-based decisions regarding the prescribing of drugs, biologics and vaccines. Owing to recent changes in Canadian law, Health Canada has begun to make clinical information—whether it has been previously published or not—publicly available through its ‘Public Release of Clinical Information’ (PRCI) online database. We provide guidance about how to access and use regulatory data obtained through the PRCI database for the purpose of conducting drug and biologic secondary analyses.
ViST: A Ubiquitous Model with Multimodal Fusion for Crop Growth Prediction
Authors: Li Junsheng , Wang Ling , Liu Jie , Tang Jinshan
Published: October 2023

Crop growth prediction can help agricultural workers to make accurate and reasonable decisions on farming activities. Existing crop growth prediction models focus on one crop and train a single model for each crop. In this article, we develop a ubiquitous growth prediction model for multiple crops, aiming at training a single model for multiple crops. A ubiquitous vision and sensor transformer (ViST) model for crop growth prediction with image and sensor data is developed to achieve the goals. In the proposed model, a cross-attention mechanism is proposed to facilitate the fusion of multimodal feature maps to reduce computational costs and balance the interactive effects among features. To train the model, we combine the data from multiple crops to create a single (ViST) model. A sensor network system is established for data collection on the farm where rice, soybean, and maize are cultivated. Experimental results show that the proposed ViST model has an excellent ubiquitous ability for crop growth prediction with multiple crops.
Identification of a Stochastic Dynamic Model for Aircraft Flight Attitude Based on Measured Data
Authors: Li Haiquan , Chen Xiaoqian , Zhang Jiatu , Wang Bochen , Peng Jiahui , Wang Liang
Published: October 2023

Stochastic disturbances are everywhere. The influence of stochastic factors on the modeling and simulation of aircraft flight dynamics should be considered. Therefore, a stochastic differential equation for aircraft flight attitude is modeled based on the traditional one in this paper. After that, an identification method based on the idea of sparse recognition for unknown parameters and stochastic disturbance is proposed. Finally, a set of measured flight data is used to verify that the identified stochastic model has obvious advantages over the traditional deterministic model when the aircraft is maneuvering in flight. This method can improve the accuracy and reliability of the aircraft flight dynamic model.
Extraction and Characterization of Natural Coagulant Made from Banana Plant Stems (Musa acuminate) for the Removal of Turbidity from Wastewater
Authors: Tiruneh Getachew Semegn , Golie Wondalem Misganaw , Hailu Fasil Alemayehu , Endris Assefa Melaku , Demeke Getahun
Published: October 2023

Wastewater treatment with chemical coagulants has a variety of drawbacks, including sludge management, cost, concerns for human health, and environmental pollution. In light of this, a study was conducted to determine whether banana plant stem (Musa acuminate) made coagulant can effectively reduce turbidity (NTU) of wastewater. In this study, conventional extraction method was used to extract the coagulant from the banana plant stem by using NaCl (0.1, 0.5, 1 M) solvent. After extraction, the coagulation efficiency of each produced coagulant was computed in terms of their turbidity removal efficiency (%) from sampled wastewater. The sampled wastewater had an average turbidity value of 893 NTU. Response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design (CCD) were used to study the effects of NaCl solvent concentration (M), extraction time (min), and particle size (mm) on the coagulation efficiency (%) of the extracted coagulant. In addition, the coagulant was characterized such as FTIR analysis, point of zero charge value determination, and inulin compound presence analysis. From all prepared coagulants, the maximum coagulation efficiency obtained was 86.3% at the optimum conditions, such as 0.55 M (NaCl) of solvent concentration, 1.25 mm particle size, and 20 min of extraction time. The characterized coagulant had 6.2 points of zero charge value and also had various types of functional groups. Based on the findings of this study, it can be said that the coagulant prepared from banana stems (Musa acuminate) was an efficient natural coagulant that could be applied to treat wastewater.
Ectoparasite Fauna of Rodents and Shrews with Their Spatial, Temporal, and Dispersal along a Degradation Gradient in Mabira Central Forest Reserve
Authors: Babyesiza Waswa Sadic , Mpagi Joseph , Ssuuna James , Akoth Sisiria , Katakweba Abdul
Published: October 2023

Ectoparasites like fleas, mites, and ticks that are key carriers of harmful pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, cestodes, and nematodes live on rodents and shrews. It should be noted that rodents’ ecological adaptability makes them suitable as parasite hosts. The main objective of the study was to determine the ectoparasite assemblages in rodents and shrews along a degradation gradient, while comparing infestation levels in different habitats with varying levels of degradation. The study was conducted in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. Ectoparasites were collected following rodent and shrew removal trapping which was done using Sherman’s traps set along transects of 200 meters in three habitat strata that included adjacent forest habitats, degraded forest edge, and regenerating forest interior. Data was collected intermittently with a break every two months for one year from November 2018 to December 2019. A total of 1411 rodents and shrews were collected, yielding a total of 5692 ectoparasites from 22 host species (17 rodents and 5 shrews). The most prevalent group of ectoparasites was mites followed by fleas, lice, ticks, and earwig. Ectoparasite prevalence significantly differed depending on hosts species (

P
=
0.001

) and host age (

P
=
0.022

), but not host sex (

P
=
0.78

), while mean infestation significantly varied basing on host species (

P
=
0.001

), host sex (

P
=
0.001

), season (

P
=
0.001

), and habitat (

P
=
0.001

). Prevalence (

P
=
0.001

) and mean infestation (

P
=
0.001

) significantly varied across studied habitats. The study has emphasized the significance of Praomys jacksoni and Hylomyscus stella as significant hosts for mites and S. congicus as a significant host for fleas. Additionally, environment and host characteristics have a bearing on prevalence and infestation of ectoparasites with habitat degradation playing a significant role in the occurrence of ectoparasites, thereby emphasizing its contribution to zoonotic outbreaks.
Theoretical and Experimental Challenges in the Measurement of Neutrino Mass
Authors: Singh Jyotsna , Mirza M. Ibrahim
Published: October 2023

Neutrino masses are yet unknown. We discuss the present state of effective electron antineutrino mass fromβdecay experiments; effective Majorana neutrino mass from neutrinoless double-beta decay experiments; neutrino mass squared differences from neutrino oscillation: solar, atmospheric, reactor, and accelerator-based experiments; sum of neutrino masses from cosmological observations. Current experimental challenges in the determination of neutrino masses are briefly discussed. The main focus is devoted to contemporary experiments.
Construction of a Class of Real Array Rank Distance Codes
Authors: Babu N. Suresh , Ravivarma B. , Elsayed E. M. , Sreekumar K. G.
Published: October 2023

Rank distance codes are known to be applicable in various applications such as distributed data storage, cryptography, space time coding, and mainly in network coding. Rank distance codes defined over finite fields have attracted considerable attention in recent years. However, in some scenarios where codes over finite fields are not sufficient, it is demonstrated that codes defined over the real number field are preferred. In this paper, we proposed a new class of rank distance codes over the real number field

R

. The real array rank distance (RARD) codes we constructed here can be used for all the applications mentioned above whenever the code alphabet is the real field

R

. From the class of RARD codes, we extract a subclass of equidistant constant rank codes which is applicable in network coding. Also, we determined an upper bound for the dimension of RARD codes leading the way to obtain some optimal RARD codes. Moreover, we established examples of some RARD codes and optimal RARD codes.
Exploring the Benefits of Representing Multiplayer Game Data in a Coordinate System
Authors: Slime Mekdad , El Kamli Mohammed , Ould Khal Abdellah
Published: October 2023

In the realm of game theory, a range of mathematical approaches exists for the representation of game data, with the extensive form (depicted as a game tree) and the normal form (illustrated as a payoff matrix) standing out as the most prevalent. However, a significant drawback associated with these approaches is their limited scalability. As the number of players or their strategic options increases, these techniques progressively lose their feasibility and become less practical for meaningful analysis. The present work proposes an alternative approach that significantly enhances the representation of data in two- or three-player games. Within this framework, the conventional payoff matrix is substituted with a payoff coordinate system, employing a coordinate plane for two-player games and a coordinate space for three-player games. This approach offers numerous advantages when compared to other methods. For instance, the Nash equilibrium can be readily identified within a game without requiring an extensive duration to exhaustively examine all strategies for its determination. By employing this approach, the representation of game data becomes more convenient and efficient, making it easier to analyze and comprehend the underlying strategies employed by players.
Revisiting the Origins of Business Cycles with the Size-Variance Relationship
Authors: Yeh Chen
Published: October 2023

This paper quantifies the importance of the granular channel for the U.S. economy by taking into account that large firms are less volatile than small firms; a feature also known as the size-variance relationship. Intuitively, the largest firms, whose shocks drive granularity, are the least volatile, thus their influence on aggregates is mitigated. By imposing estimates from the universe of employers for the size-variance relationship in a simple, quantitative framework, I find that the granular hypothesis can rationalize 15 percent of U.S. aggregate fluctuations; establishing a lower bound for the role of granularity in the U.S. economy.
The Origins of Monetary Policy Disagreement: The Role of Supply and Demand Shocks
Authors: Madeira Carlos , Madeira João , Monteiro Paulo Santos
Published: October 2023

We investigate how dissent in the FOMC is affected by structural macroeconomic shocks obtained using a medium-scale DSGE model. We find that dissent is less (more) frequent when demand (supply) shocks are the predominant source of inflation fluctuations. In addition, supply shocks are found to raise private sector forecasting uncertainty about the path of interest rates. Since supply shocks impose a trade-off between inflation and output stabilization while demand shocks do not, our findings are consistent with heterogeneous preferences over the dual mandate among FOMC members as a driver of policy disagreement.
Rising U.S. Income Inequality and Declining Residential Electricity Consumption: Is There a Link?
Authors: Linn Joshua , Liang Jing , Qiu Yueming (Lucy)
Published: October 2023

After growing steadily for decades, in the mid-2000s, average US household energy consumption began declining. Using household-level data from the Residential Energy Consumption Survey and Current Population Survey between 1990 and 2020, we decompose overall changes in per-household consumption into three components: a) average income; b) cross-household income distribution; and c) consumption habits, which include energy efficiency. Growth of average income caused consumption to increase by 11 percent, and rising income inequality reduced consumption by 8 percent, nearly entirely offsetting the effect of income growth. Changes in habits also reduced consumption. Back-of-the-envelope calculations indicate an unexpected effect of rising income inequality: climate and air quality improvements valued at $9 billion in 2020 due to lower electricity consumption. The results indicate the importance of coordinating policies that address inequality and pollution.
Aggregate Skewness and the Business Cycle
Authors: Iseringhausen Martin , Petrella Ivan , Theodoridis Konstantinos
Published: October 2023

We develop a data-rich measure of expected macroeconomic skewness in the US economy. Expected macroeconomic skewness is strongly procyclical, mainly reflects the cyclicality in the skewness of real variables, is highly correlated with the cross-sectional skewness of firm-level employment growth, and is distinct from financial market skewness. Revisions in expected skewness lead to business cycle fluctuations nearly indistinguishable from those induced by the main business cycle shock of Angeletos et al. (2020). This result is robust to controlling for macroeconomic volatility and uncertainty, and alternative macroeconomic shocks. Our findings suggest an important role of higher-order dynamics for business cycle theories.
Shifting Values
Authors: Rodríguez Martínez Pilar
Published: October 2023

This article explores the relationship between the justifications of intimate partner violence against women with other attitudinal variables (sexual tolerance, gender equality) based on the data from the sixth wave of the World Values Survey (2010–2014) for Europe and the MENA region. Following the proposal of Hawley’s human ecology, Galtung’s centre-periphery theory, Inglehart’s theory of values, and the feminist theories about the sex-gender order of coercion and consent (Walby 1990, Rodríguez 2004) the author constructed a structural equation model (SEM) and used the AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structures) software. The result corroborates these general theories, and offer some interesting result about the impact of the social changes that are taking place in values about sexual tolerance and equality together with the changes in communication patterns.
Effects of Bacillus pumilus on growth performance, serum indexes and muscle development-related gene expression of weanling Jintang black goat
Authors: Zhang N. , Ding J. , Li J. , Wang L. , Wei Y.
Published: October 2023

Antibiotic misuse has been a severe problem in animal husbandry. It is meaningful to replace antibiotics with Bacillus, as feed additives are indeed a research hotspot. Bacillus pumilus plays a certain role in promoting the growth performance and immunological indicators of animals. There are few reports about the function of goat-derived B. pumilus in animals until now. This study aimed to investigate the effects of B. pumilus fsznc-09 on growth performance and immune function of Jintang black goats. B. pumilus-treated group was fed with 1 ml freeze-dried agent of B. pumilus fsznc-09 at a concentration of 109 cfu/ml every 2 days. The growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, the expressions of muscle development and metabolism related genes of Jintang black goats were measured after 30 days. The results showed that the average daily gain and average daily feed intake were significantly increased, and feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased. The activities of total superoxide dismutase, alkaline phosphatase, immunoglobulin G and interferon-γ in serum of goats were significantly increased. However, the activity of malondialdehyde in serum was significantly decreased. The diameters and areas in longissimus dorsi fibre and gluteus fibre of goats were significantly decreased, while the densities in gluteus fibre of goats were significantly increased. The expressions of FAS, LPL, PPAR-γ, CAT, MYOD1, MYOG, MYF5 and MyHCI in longissimus dorsi and gluteus of goats were significantly improved. The expressions of 1, SREBP-1, MyHCIIb and MyHCIIx in longissimus dorsi and gluteus of goats were significantly increased. The expressions of FN1 in longissimus dorsi and MyHCIIa in gluteus of goats were significantly decreased. In conclusion, B. pumilus fsznc-09 can effectively improve the growth performance, immunological indicators and the expressions of muscle development and metabolism related genes of Jintang black goat.
Korean Judicial Decision
Authors: Lee Seokwoo
Published: October 2023

This is a judgment of the Seoul Central District Court on compensation for damages related to the Vietnam War. The case was brought by a group of Vietnamese plaintiffs who claimed that they had suffered harm as a result of the actions of the South Korean military during the war. The plaintiffs argued that the South Korean military had committed various war crimes, including the massacre of civilians and the use of chemical weapons. The court’s judgment was a significant victory for the plaintiffs, as it ordered the Korean government to pay compensation. The judgment sets an important precedent for future cases involving claims of harm caused by military actions. The case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in military actions, and raises important questions about the relationship between international law and national sovereignty. The judgment is a significant development in the ongoing debate about the role of law in regulating military actions and protecting the rights of civilians in times of war.
Korean Judicial Decision
Authors: Lee Seokwoo
Published: October 2023

This Korean judicial decision concerns a case in which a child was adopted overseas following from the falsification of registration status and family records. The plaintiff, who was the child in question, sued the Social Welfare Organization B and the Republic of Korea for damages suffered in the international adoption process. The court found in favor of the plaintiff and ordered the Social Welfare Organization B to pay with interest. This case underscores the need for careful evaluation and oversight in international adoption processes to ensure that the best interests of the child are protected.
Korean Judicial Decision
Authors: Lee Seokwoo
Published: October 2023

In 2021, the National Human Rights Commission of Korea made recommendations to the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries for the promotion of human rights of migrant seafarers. In response, the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries stated that in order to improve working conditions and strengthen labor supervision, regular inspections of the working conditions of offshore fisheries (biannual) and deep-sea fisheries (quarterly) have been carried out. In 2022, the Seafarer Act was amended by introducing a new provision mandating the education on the protection of labor rights and human rights of seafarers. In 2023, the Commission reviewed and determined that the response of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries partially accepted the recommendations. However, concerns were raised over the lack of response regarding the recommendation to establish legal standards of working conditions per Article 32 Paragraph 3 of the Constitution. The Commission is of the opinion that the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries must take on a more active role to legally guarantee migrant seafarers’ working conditions, to prevent human rights violations and discrimination against such workers, and to prevent excessive recruitment fees and unjust fees incurred by recruitment agencies to be borne by the migrant seafarers.
Korean Judicial Decisions
Authors: Baek Buhm-Suk , Ahn Hosung
Published: October 2023

This paper reviews five selected major decisions by domestic courts of Korea from the second half of 2022 to the first half of 2023 by taking a closer look at the changing legal practices and attitudes of the Korean judiciary in applying international law in domestic cases.
Introduction
Authors: Ressel Magnus
Published: October 2023

In recent years, research on the concept of the European hinterland of the transatlantic slave trade has intensified considerably. We are now much more aware of the general contours of the reciprocal intricacies, interdependencies, and entanglements of most parts of Europe with the colonial world across the Atlantic and the slave trade it entailed. However, we still lack more detailed knowledge of the practices that created, stabilized, and reproduced these connections—or discontinued them. Recent developments in the social sciences have resulted in substantial elaboration of a “theory of practices”, often called “Praxistheorie” in German. By focusing on the microhistorical practices that formed the base of reciprocal connections between the phenomenon of global slavery and central Europe in the eighteenth century, we aim to arrive at insights regarding the structurations of the big picture. We assume that such structurations and their effects amounted in turn to a framework of German entanglements with Atlantic and global slavery during the eighteenth century that shall be illuminated here from different perspectives and in diverse connotations.
Speaking the Same Language? Translation between Languages and Translation in Science
Authors: Boettger Michael Karl , House Juliane
Published: October 2023

Translational science describes a process of transferring basic science into applied science. While it carries the term “translation” in its name, the original concept of translation refers to a process of re-contextualisation between languages. In this paper, we try to find out which differences and similarities exist between translating between languages and translating in science. When using this analogy, it becomes evident that applying concepts with a long tradition in translation between languages to translation in science can help structure the path from basic research to applied innovation, e.g. in the area of biomedical science, where the path from preclinical research to novel therapeutics can bring benefit to patients. This means that the methodologies developed for translation between languages can themselves be re-contextualised into another domain.
Super-twisting sliding mode finite time control of power-line inspection robot with external disturbances and input delays
Authors: Cao Yuhan
Published: October 2023

An adaptive super-twisting sliding mode control (AST-SMC) is proposed for the power-line inspection (PLI) robot system with two degrees of freedom and single control input underactuated with multiple balances. Firstly, the nonlinear dynamic equation of PLI robot is established, and the model is linearized at the nominal equilibrium point. Secondly, a special transformation is introduced to transform the original input delay system into a delay-free model, and an equilibrium manifold linearization (EML) model is established by using scheduling variables to expand the operating range of the controlled system, as a result of which the disturbance observer control (DOC) is designed to estimate the external disturbance. Thirdly, in order to achieve fast convergence and continuous control, the super-twisting sliding mode control(ST-SMC) method is proposed to decrease chattering in the control law. Finally, it can be verified by Lyapunov stability theory that the system reaches the sliding mode surface in finite time and the trajectory tracking error converges to zero in finite time. The simulation results verify that the combination of DOC and AST-SMC has a optimal disturbance approximation and control convergence ability, clarifying the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control scheme.
Workers buyout cooperatives: A structured literature review and a research agenda
Authors: Di Stefano Cristina , Fratocchi Luciano , Picciotti Antonio
Published: October 2023

This article aims to present and discuss the results of a systematic literature review on workers buyout (WBO) cooperatives. More specifically the authors analyzed 44 documents, comprising 29 journal articles and 15 book chapters published up to December 2022 based on the ‘5Ws and 1H’ (who-what-where-when-why and how) questions. The findings show that the authors of these documents mostly focused on the definition of cooperatives, and the triggers of the operation, while stages of the decision-making and implementation process are rarely investigated, in particular those following the constitution of the WBO cooperative. Avenues for further research are then presented and discussed at the level of a single cooperative, country/market and policy maker. Lastly, the article provides a useful operational reference for implementing a WBO operation.
Appearing to disappear: Ordering visibility in a Turkish border spectacle
Authors: İkizoğlu Erensü Aslı
Published: October 2023

This paper seeks to question whether and how instrumentalization of refugees by states impacts their media representations, based on the example of a border spectacle that took place in March 2020, when Turkey unilaterally opened its borders to the West, causing hundreds to flock to the land border with Greece and to the coasts of the Aegean Sea. In many ways, this ended up as a failed border spectacle, especially for international publics: Turkey appeared neither as a strong state nor as a benefactor of asylum-seekers. Yet, the paper claims, the spectacle nonetheless led to an ordering of the visibility of asylum-seekers that cannot be captured on the victim-threat spectrum across which they are usually represented. Examining Turkish mainstream TV evening news as well as state agencies’ Twitter accounts, the paper traces how Greece was made hypervisible through the use of three frames (humanitarian, legalistic and moralistic) and asylum-seekers were reduced to extras ( figurants) in the process. Such an ordering of visibility facilitated the re-moralization of instrumentalization of refugees and may have accordingly shaped the response-ability of citizens. The figure of the extra enables us to link refugee visibilities to splintering moral geographies of asylum.
Cohort Differences in Occupational Retention among Computer Science Degree Holders: Reassessing the Role of Family
Authors: Sassler Sharon L. , Smith Kristin E. , Michelmore Katherine
Published: October 2023

Although women’s representation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) employment has increased significantly over the past few decades, their presence remains low in fields like computer science. Using the National Science Foundation’s Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System (SESTAT), this paper assesses the factors shaping employment in STEM and non-STEM occupations among men and women with bachelor’s degrees in computer science. Our results reveal that women with degrees in computer science are far less likely than their male counterparts to be employed in STEM occupations, particularly in computer science jobs. But family factors do not have the expected association with employment in computer science jobs. Men who are parents and childless women are more likely to work in non-STEM jobs versus computer science jobs, relative to childless men. Furthermore, the gender gap in employment in computer science jobs is larger among those graduating in the new millennium, suggesting that other factors are at play.
Symmetry and the design of self-stressed structures
Authors: Millar Cameron , Schulze Bernd , Mazurek Arek , Baker William F
Published: October 2023

The symmetry adapted counting rule for mechanisms and states of self-stress in symmetric frameworks is presented in an accessible and intuitive manner with the aim of empowering engineers who design such structures. By simply counting nodes and bars, it is possible to detect states of self-stress and mechanisms beyond the standard Maxwell-Calladine count. This methodology is first introduced without the need to understand the underlying group theory before being applied to a range of example frameworks. Design problems focusing on gridshells are discussed – it is noted that placing bars on lines of mirror symmetry tend to increase the number of states of self-stress in a framework, which can be desirable. This paper reformulates common symmetric frameworks and introduces simple rules regarding how to obtain a greater number of states of self-stress. By allowing for the design of states of self-stress, the forces in the structure can be designed with greater control.
Transfeminist perspectives: Beyond cisnormative understandings of the digital public sphere
Authors: Galpin Charlotte , Gwenffrewi Gina , Stokoe Ash
Published: October 2023

In this essay we highlight the value of transfeminist theory for understanding the digital public sphere. Transfeminism allows us to challenge the devaluation of femininity that affects all women and femmes, while specifically challenging the marginalisation of people whose gender expression does not match societal stereotypes of the gender and sex binary, particularly those who experience oppression on multiple axes. Building on existing intersectional approaches to social media, we demonstrate how transfeminism’s capacity to deconstruct binaries, such as online/offline and public/private, and the essential concepts it provides us, such as transmisogyny and networks of care, are crucial for understanding the operation of contemporary transphobia as well as possibilities and opportunities for resistance and solidarity. Using two recent cases in the UK, we firstly consider the circulation of transphobic discourse in the hybrid media system through the onslaught of abuse faced by Trades Union Congress Policy Officer for Industry and Climate, trans woman Mika Minio-Paluello. Secondly, we reflect on the possibility of transfeminist counterpublics of care emerging from protests around Drag Queen Story Hours. This discussion is not meant to be exhaustive but rather a call to action for further transfeminist scholarship in this area.
Mobile health interventions in multiple sclerosis: A systematic review
Authors: Heesen Christoph , Berger Thomas , Riemann-Lorenz Karin , Krause Nicole , Friede Tim , Pöttgen Jana , Meyer Björn , Lühmann Dagmar
Published: October 2023

Background:

Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) might be particularly well suited to benefit from digital health applications because they are, on average, younger and less severely disabled than patients with many other chronic diseases. Many digital health applications for pwMS have been developed.

Objectives:

Analysis of the evidence of digital health applications to improve health outcomes from a patient perspective.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed on all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have studied mobile health interventions for pwMS, that is, which can be applied with a smartphone, tablet, or laptop to improve patient-reported outcomes.

Results:

Of the 1127 articles identified in the literature search, 13 RCTs fit the inclusion criteria. Two trials studied messaging systems, two depression interventions, one addressed MS fatigue, five cognition, and three mobility issues, of which two focused on spasticity management. One trial aimed to enhance physical activity. Most were pilot studies that cannot yield definitive conclusions regarding efficacy. One depression intervention and one fatigue intervention showed significant results across several outcomes.

Conclusion:

Several mobile self-guided digital health applications for pwMS have been tested in RCTs, and two interventions targeting depression and fatigue have demonstrated significant effects. Challenges remain regarding implementation into routine care.
Developing digital team ethnography of global media events on social media
Authors: Tikka Minttu , Huhtamäki Jukka , Harju Anu A. , Sumiala Johanna
Published: October 2023

The live character of suddenly breaking global media events along with the massive volume of digital traces they produce pose considerable challenges for research in the current communication environment. In this methodological article, we use the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks as an empirical context for methodological reflection. We suggest a new type of ethnographic investigation of events—a digital team ethnography augmented by computational methods for studying media events. We show how “fieldwork” and the related “field” are constructed as part of the empirical workflow and present a four-phase model to structure the research process: (1) research readiness, (2) mobilization of fieldwork, (3) exploring the computationally organized ethnographic field, and (4) deep dives that enable thick description on social media. We conclude with a reflection on the benefits and limitations of the proposed methodological approach for the study of global media events.
Online Interview Shocks: Reflecting on Power Relations in Online Qualitative Interviews
Authors: Prior Ayelet , Lachover Einat
Published: October 2023

The use of online camera-based interviews (OCBI) in qualitative studies is increasing. While recent studies have addressed the benefits and limitations of this method, scholarship still lacks an understanding of it beyond the technicalities. The present study explores how the online setting shapes power relations in qualitative OCBI. The data includes 52 OCBI that were conducted in two different qualitative studies. By applying the concept of interview shocks to the analysis, we gained a deep understanding of how surprising incidents and unexpected moments that occurred during the interviews revealed the role online settings play in shaping the power relations between interviewers and interviewees in OCBI. We identified three types of online interview shocks: the shocking use of the camera, the shocking presence of others during the interview, and the shocking body dispositions in online interviews. The findings demonstrate the different ways that both interviewers and interviewees use the online setting functionalities, or the affordances of OCBI, to position and negotiate their social-cultural-political stand within the interview. Furthermore, the findings uncover the socio-cultural-political context within which the power relations were shaped in OCBI. Thus, we argue that the online setting is yet another aspect that interacts dynamically with the interviewers’ and interviewees’ social locations in shaping the power relations in OCBI. We conclude by highlighting the importance of further studying the qualities of OCBI as a distinct qualitative method that is valid even when other options are available.
Differences Between Patient and Surgeon Perspectives: A Long-Term Follow-Up of 180 Patients With Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures Following Either Conservative or Surgical Treatment
Authors: Rahbin Samin , Sunnergren Ola , McBride Ellen , Darabi Hatef , Alinasab Babak
Published: October 2023

Study Design

Retrospective with follow-up.

Objective

This study described the long-term outcomes of patients who received either conservative or surgical treatment for zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures. It accounted for the perspectives of both patients and surgeons, and explored factors associated with patient satisfaction.

Methods

Patients with unilateral ZMC fractures 2007–2018 were invited to follow-up clinical examinations and photographic documentation. Patient experiences were recorded using a questionnaire. A review panel assessed computed tomography (CT) scans and photographs. Patient and surgeon perspectives of detecting functional sequelae were assessed, and a correlation matrix was used to evaluate different perspectives of perceiving malar asymmetry.

Results

The study sample consisted of 180 patients, of which conservative treatment was given to 43 patients and surgical treatment to 137 patients. Median follow-up time was 72.5 months after trauma. Overall satisfaction was 92.8%, with no significant difference between treatment groups. Patients and surgeons showed marked differences in detecting functional sequelae. Predicted malar asymmetry on CT scans did not correlate to findings on photographs or reports by patients.

Conclusions

A predicted sunken cheek on CT imaging does not necessarily lead to long-term visible asymmetry of the malar region. Surgeons should acknowledge different perspectives when predicting and assessing long-term sequelae of ZMC fractures, and seek consensus on when to perform surgical reconstructions.
Subacute and Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: A Scoping Review of Epigenetics and Secondary Health Conditions
Authors: Graves Letitia Y , Keane Kayla F , Taylor Jacquelyn Y , Wang Tzu-fang , Saligan Leorey , Bogie Kath M
Published: October 2023

Background:

Epigenetics studies the impact of environmental and behavioral factors on stable phenotypic changes; however, the state of the science examining epigenomic mechanisms of regulation related to secondary health conditions (SHCs) and neuroepigenetics in chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) remain markedly underdeveloped.

Objective:

This scoping review seeks to understand the state of the science in epigenetics and secondary complications following SCI.

Methods:

A literature search was conducted, yielding 277 articles. The inclusion criteria were articles (1) investigating SCI and (2) examining epigenetic regulation as part of the study methodology. A total of 23 articles were selected for final inclusion.

Results:

Of the 23 articles 52% focused on histone modification, while 26% focused on DNA methylation. One study had a human sample, while the majority sampled rats and mice. Primarily, studies examined regeneration, with only one study looking at clinically relevant SHC, such as neuropathic pain.

Discussion:

The findings of this scoping review offer exciting insights into epigenetic and neuroepigenetic application in SCI research. Several key genes, proteins, and pathways emerged across studies, suggesting the critical role of epigenetic regulation in biological processes. This review reinforced the dearth of studies that leverage epigenetic methods to identify prognostic biomarkers in SHCs. Preclinical models of SCI were genotypically and phenotypically similar, which is not reflective of the heterogeneity found in the clinical population of persons with SCI. There is a need to develop better preclinical models and more studies that examine the role of genomics and epigenomics in understanding the diverse health outcomes associated with traumatic SCI.
Assessment criteria in audio describer training: An investigation of learner perceptions in a university interpreting programme in Hong Kong of China
Authors: Yan Jackie Xiu , Luo Kangte
Published: October 2023

Audio description (AD), which renders images into words, is an important subject in the field of translation studies. Audio describer training (ADT) is provided in university translation programmes. However, research on AD pedagogy remains limited, and there are even fewer studies on AD learners. Based on the commonalities between AD and interpreting, especially in terms of quality assessment criteria, this study explored students’ perceptions of ADT and interpreter training in a postgraduate programme in Hong Kong of China. An Audio Description Rating Scale (ADRS) was designed to collect students’ perceptions of ADT, with a focus on quality assessment criteria. Thirty-six students participated in the study. The results show that three particular criteria of AD were identified as the most difficult to achieve: “no unjustified addition,” “appropriate language styles,” and “synchronisation with images.” Furthermore, significant correlations were found between students’ perceptions of certain AD and interpreting criteria, and between interpreting proficiency and AD learning. Individual differences were also recognised in AD learners. The findings shed light on the interactions between the learning of AD and interpreting. The study is expected to inspire trainers to develop more diverse and refined integrations of ADT into existing translation programmes.
An offshore non-ergodic ground motion model for subduction earthquakes in Japan Trench area
Authors: Hu Lei , Li Yingmin , Ji Shuyan
Published: October 2023

With the improvement of the world’s largest seafloor observation network (S-net) and the increase in the quantity and quality of records, the ergodic assumptions can be further relaxed in the modeling of offshore ground motion models (GMMs). This allows accounting for systematic and repeatable source, site, and path effects to further understand the characteristics of offshore ground motion in the Japan Trench region. We developed an offshore ergodic backbone GMM for subduction earthquakes and classified the sites into four categories using horizontal–vertical response spectral ratio to investigate site amplification. The offshore ergodic GMM is applicable for subduction earthquake scenarios with moment magnitudes ranging from 4.0 to 7.4 and rupture distances ranging from 10 to 300 km. Comparing offshore ergodic GMMs with onshore GMMs for subduction earthquakes, we found that offshore GMMs were significantly different from onshore GMMs, especially in the long-period and unburied states. Then a new offshore non-ergodic GMM was developed based on the offshore ergodic GMM. The systematic and repeatable source and site effects were captured by the spatially varying coefficients represented by Gaussian processes, while the systematic and repeatable path effects were captured by cell-specific anelastic attenuation proposed by Dawood and Rodriguez-Marek (2013), calculated with the Cohen-Sutherland computer graphics algorithm. The non-ergodic GMM revealed systematic and repeatable source, site, and path effects that were not captured by the ergodic GMM. Moreover, the non-ergodic GMM showed reduced aleatory variability and epistemic uncertainty on ground motion estimation compared to ergodic GMM. The reduction of aleatory variability and epistemic uncertainty had a significant impact on probabilistic seismic hazard analysis. Quantifications of these results are contributed to conduct reasonable seismic design and seismic risk assessment for marine engineering in offshore regions vulnerable to strong subduction earthquakes.