bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multilevel relationships and loyalty in the microfinance industry: evidence from Tanzania
Authors: Tegambwage Amani Gration
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The operations and viability of microfinance institutions (MFIs), crucial for socioeconomic development and poverty reduction, heavily rely on the multilevel relationships among borrowers, loan officers and MFIs. This study examines the relationship between interpersonal and firm-level relationship quality (RQ) and their simultaneous impact on customer loyalty (CL) in microfinance. Additionally, it investigates the mediating effect of firm-level RQ between CL and interpersonal RQ.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, correlational research methods were employed. Completed questionnaires were received from 498 MFI borrowers in Dar es Salaam and Mwanza cities. Regression techniques and structural equation modeling were utilized to analyze the data. Before hypothesis testing, the validity and reliability of the measurements were confirmed.

Findings

Interpersonal-level and firm-level RQs are significantly related. Interpersonal-level RQ and its dimensions are significantly linked to CL, whereas firm-level RQ and its dimensions are insignificantly related to CL, except for commitment. Interpersonal-level relationships have a stronger impact on CL than firm-level relationships. Among all the dimensions of RQ, commitment has the greatest influence on CL at both levels. Firm-level RQ negatively and insignificantly mediates the relation between interpersonal-level RQ and CL.

Research limitations/implications

The study findings only apply to Tanzania's microfinance industry, because the interactions between and the relative effects of firm and interpersonal ties may vary across various contexts and cultures. Future research may consider replicating this study in other contexts and cultures to confirm these findings.

Practical implications

This study advances the understanding of how multilevel relationships affect CL within the microfinance industry. This insight will assist MFIs and policymakers in identifying alternative and more efficient relational strategies to enhance CL, a critical element for the sustainability of MFIs. In turn, the sustainability of MFIs in low-income countries like Tanzania holds paramount importance for stimulating socioeconomic development and, hence, achieving the goal of poverty eradication.

Originality/value

While previous studies on multilevel relationships concentrated on a single relational dimension (trust) and were conducted within the realms of retail, airline and industrial manufacturing, the current study employs the three most popular relational dimensions: trust, commitment and satisfaction, within the microfinance context. Additionally, this study investigates the mediation effect of firm-level RQ between interpersonal-level RQ and CL, a previously unexplored area in research.
Exploring challenges in dimensioning safety buffers: an empirical study
Authors: Hedvall Lisa , Forslund Helena , Mattsson Stig-Arne
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purposes of this study were (1) to explore empirical challenges in dimensioning safety buffers and their implications and (2) to organise those challenges into a framework.

Design/methodology/approach

In a multiple-case study following an exploratory, qualitative and empirical approach, 20 semi-structured interviews were conducted in six cases. Representatives of all cases subsequently participated in an interactive workshop, after which a questionnaire was used to assess the impact and presence of each challenge. A cross-case analysis was performed to situate empirical findings within the literature.

Findings

Ten challenges were identified in four areas of dimensioning safety buffers: decision management, responsibilities, methods for dimensioning safety buffers and input data. All challenges had both direct and indirect negative implications for dimensioning safety buffers and were synthesised into a framework.

Research limitations/implications

This study complements the literature on dimensioning safety buffers with qualitative insights into challenges in dimensioning safety buffers and implications in practice.

Practical implications

Practitioners can use the framework to understand and overcome challenges in dimensioning safety buffers and their negative implications.

Originality/value

This study responds to the scarcity of qualitative and empirical studies on dimensioning safety buffers and the absence of any overview of the challenges therein.
Employing S-O-R approach in linking mobile commerce ubiquity with usage behavior: roles of product reputation and brand trust
Authors: Elgammal Islam , Tan Chai Ching , Aureliano-Silva Leonardo , Selem Kareem M.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the effect of mobile commerce (m-commerce) ubiquity on usage behavior as well as the mediator mechanism of brand trust between ubiquity and usage behavior. To extend the findings, this research also examines the moderator role of product reputation on the nexus between brand trust and usage behavior in the m-commerce context.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the quantitative approach, the authors gathered 1,565 valid responses from m-commerce app users. Data were analyzed in SmartPLS 4.

Findings

Ubiquity positively impacted brand trust, and the latter positively influenced m-commerce usage behavior. Brand trust also partially mediated the effect of m-commerce ubiquity on usage behavior, along with product reputation moderating the positive effect of brand trust on usage behavior.

Originality/value

By combining resource-based theory with signaling theory in the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) framework, this paper's novelty focuses on the investigation of m-commerce ubiquity, brand trust as a mediating mechanism and product reputation as a moderator in explaining usage behavior in the m-commerce context.
Stable or stagnant? Political economy and governance in the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Germany since 2000
Authors: Knudsen Edward L.
Published: November 2023

At the beginning of the twenty‐first century, the large democracies of Western Europe experienced some of the most prosperous and peaceful decades in human history. Specifically, the United Kingdom, France, Italy and Germany experienced high and stable quality of life, democratic accountability and state capacity between 2000 and 2019, according to the 2022 Berggruen Governance Index. While all four of these countries are among the top performers in the Index, substantial problems lurk beneath the surface. Notably, each failed to capitalise on the low interest rate environment in the decade following the global financial crisis of 2007–2009—albeit in different ways and for different reasons in each country. In particular, low investment in infrastructure and key technologies, the persistence of stubborn regional inequalities, and resulting sluggish GDP growth have prevented the ‘Big Four’ in Western Europe from improving further and future‐proofing their existing gains.
Escape from the ‘lost decades?’ Governance challenges in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela
Authors: Knudsen Edward L.
Published: November 2023

Much of Latin America has experienced a renewed ‘lost decade’, failing to substantially expand quality of life since the late 2000s. While the outcomes of governance performance across the largest countries – including Brazil, Venezuela, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina – have discrete causes, common themes like internal conflict, corruption, and overreliance on natural resources plague the entire region. Put more generally, the inability to turn democratic accountability into a state mechanism able to deliver economic growth and public goods in a sustainable manner is a liability affecting all five countries. To explore the difficulties that the large Latin American countries have faced in the twenty‐first century, this article examines results from the 2022 Berggruen Governance Index, and then presents three key issues facing the region: insufficient state capacity, flirtations with authoritarianism, and economic inequality and inflation. While the challenges remain substantial, increased regional integration may offer one way out of the predicament.
Unfinished revolutions: The post‐Soviet crisis of governance in Ukraine
Authors: Fröhlich Christian
Published: November 2023

None of the three revolutions in Ukraine's modern history as an independent state has been able to both solve the problem of political representation and undertake the task of building sustainable democratic institutions. Ukraine's scores from the Berggruen Governance Index (BGI) between 2000 and 2019 show the ups and downs of state capacity and democratic accountability and illustrate not only how the revolutions remain unfinished but also how the country seems to be unable to consistently advance state formation. Ukraine has yet to find a stable developmental path. Accordingly, BGI scores show that Ukrainian politics and society continue to have difficulty advancing towards a corridor of good governance, where state capacity and accountability reinforce each other and enhance public goods provision. Instead, Ukraine is alternating between authoritarian and democratic development patterns. However, the Russian invasion that began on 24 February 2022 has contributed to uniting and consolidating Ukrainian society and politics and could considerably push the nation‐building process forward.
Causative alleles for chondrodysplastic dwarfism, factor XI deficiency, and factor XIII deficiency in the Kumamoto sub‐breed of Japanese Brown cattle
Authors: Matsumoto Hirokazu , Kimura Satoshi , Saito Ryo , Takeichi Makoto , Kashimura Atsushi , Inenaga Toshiaki
Published: November 2023

Japanese Brown cattle are the second most popular Wagyu breed, and the Kumamoto sub‐breed shows better daily gain and carcass weight. One of the breeding objectives for this sub‐breed is to reduce genetic defects. Chondrodysplastic dwarfism and factor VIII deficiency have been identified as genetic diseases in the Kumamoto sub‐breed. Previously, we detected individuals in the Kumamoto sub‐breed with causative alleles of genetic diseases identified in Japanese Black cattle. In the current study, 11 mutations responsible for genetic diseases in the Wagyu breeds were analyzed to evaluate the risk of genetic diseases in the Kumamoto sub‐breed. Genotyping revealed the causative mutations of chondrodysplastic dwarfism, factor XI deficiency, and factor XIII deficiency and suggested the appearance of affected animals in this sub‐breed. DNA testing for these diseases is needed to prevent economic loses in beef production using the Kumamoto sub‐breed.
Estimating relative species abundance using fossil data identified to different taxonomic levels
Authors: Reitan Trond , Martino Emanuela Di , Liow Lee Hsiang
Published: November 2023

Site‐occupancy modelling is widely used in ecology for understanding species distribution, habitat‐use and community changes but its application is still limited in paleoecology, where incomplete detection is also routine. Here, we make extensive expansions to an earlier multispecies occupancy model used to estimate the dynamics of relative species abundance in fossil communities. These expansions include incorporating counts of individuals at sites, explicitly allowing for the inclusion of specimens assignable to genus – but not species‐level, a situation common in paleontology, and modelling regional presence/absence. We provide simulations to check the performance of this new model, as well as simulations to quantify the benefits of using individual count data versus subsample occupancy data, and model estimates versus face‐value (raw) estimates, respectively. We also provide an empirical case study using occupancy data from a community of marine benthic colonial animals preserved in the Pleistocene of New Zealand. We find that the new model performs well, especially when it comes to recovering relative abundance dynamics and that it is well worth the effort to both collect individual count data and to include individuals unidentified to species‐level in the site‐occupancy modelling framework. This extended model can be widely applied in paleoecological settings and is necessary when both the average and uncertainty values of relative abundance dynamics need to be robustly estimated.
The making of paper money in early modern Japan
Authors: D'Amico John
Published: November 2023

This article explores the conception and execution of paper currency schemes in Tokugawa Japan (1603–1868). Paper currency was widely used as a form of local money in early modern Japan, but has received close to no attention in Anglophone scholarship even amid a recent upsurge in interest in the global history of money. From the perspective of monetary history, Tokugawa paper currency presents an intriguing puzzle. Even as paper currencies repeatedly collapsed in value, they remained in common use as an essential component of the early modern monetary system. Using the case of Sendai domain, a large fiefdom in northeastern Japan, the article argues that the monetary practices and expectations of ordinary subjects transformed paper money, created through partnerships between the samurai ruling class and powerful merchant financiers, from a tool meant to serve the interests of state finances into a low‐denomination currency convenient for everyday transactions, resulting in the bills’ surprising longevity as a form of small change. Drawing on approaches that centre the role of non‐state and marginal actors in the making of money, it sheds new light on the political economy of late Tokugawa Japan and offers new insights into the global history of money.
Determination of astaxanthins contribution to the aroma characteristics and aroma‐active compounds of hot‐air‐dried shrimp products using sensory evaluation, E‐nose and GC–MS
Authors: Zhang Zewei , Zhou Ying , Ji Hongwu , Zhang Di , Zheng Xiaoshan , Sun Weizhen , Liu Shucheng
Published: November 2023

The study investigated the contribution of astaxanthin to the aroma characteristics and aroma‐active compounds (AACs) of dried shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) products. Three forms of astaxanthin (diester, monoester and free forms) were isolated from fresh shrimp. The astaxanthins were added to fresh shrimp and dried. The aroma characteristics and AACs of the dried shrimp samples were analysed using electronic nose (E‐nose), and sensory evaluation as well as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The potential correlation between sensory attributes and AACs was determined via partial‐least‐squares regression (PLSR) analysis. E‐nose and sensory evaluation of dried shrimp samples revealed a significant effect of astaxanthin on the aroma characteristics of dried shrimp, resulting in increased sensory scores of smoky, toasted, meaty and caramel aroma, while reducing fishy aroma. GC–MS analysis showed that astaxanthin had a significant effect on the concentration of AACs in shrimp products. The levels of 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine, 2‐ethyl‐3,6‐dimethylpyrazine and 2,3,5‐trimethylpyrazine, benzaldehyde, 3‐methylbutyraldehyde and 2‐nonanone were increased, while the concentration of trimethylamine was reduced. However, the effects of astaxanthin on the concentration of AACs depended on its form: the diester astaxanthin had the greatest effect, followed by monoester astaxanthin and free form. The PLSR results indicated a good correlation between most variables of sensory attributes and AACs.
Correlates of childhood caries: A study in Qatar
Authors: Chrisopoulos Sergio , AlKhtib Asmaa Othman , Al Darwish Mohamed Sultan , Mohamed Hasaan Gassim Saad , Mathew Tintu , Al Mannai Ghanim Ali , Abdulmalik Mariam , Al Thani Mohammed , de Vries Johann , Do Loc Giang , Spencer Andrew John
Published: November 2023

Background

The prevalance of dental caries in children in Qatar is high, which necessitates preventive efforts.

Aim

To identify the sociodemographic and behavioural correlates of dental caries in the primary dentition of children 4‐ to 8‐year‐olds in Qatar.

Design

Weighted data from the Qatar Child Oral Health Survey 2017 were analysed for caries prevalence (dmft>0) and experience (dmft). Sociodemographic and behavioural variables were also drawn from the survey.

Results and Conclusion

Among the 1154 children, caries prevalence was 69.3% (95%CI [63.4, 74.5]) and experience at 3.8 dmft (95%CI [3.3, 4.2]). The prevalence ratio (PR) 0.82 (0.72, 0.94) was lower among younger than in older children; those for non‐Qatari nationality Arabic PR 0.91 (0.82, 1.00) and Other PR 0.75 (0.57, 0.99) than for Qatari nationality; those attending international kindergartens/schools PR 0.89 (0.80, 0.99) than independent schools; and whose parents had university‐level education PR 0.85 (0.75,0.95) than did not. Caries prevalence was lower among those toothbrushing by age 3 years PR 0.88 (0.80,0.99) than later; children with low/intermediate sugar exposures PR 0.85 (0.74,0.97) and 0.89 (0.79,1.00) than those with high exposures; children with a dental check‐up PR 0.68 (0.53,0.87) than those without; and children who drank bottled water with some fluoride PR 0.89 (0.80,0.99) than those who did not. Findings were similar for dmft.

In conclusion caries prevalence varied but was high across sociodemographic correlates indicating vulnerablity. Interventions focusing on behaviours – such as toothbrushing, reducing sugar intake, check‐up and encouraging intake of water with fluoride – are needed.
Itinerant lifestyle and congregation of lesser kestrels in West Africa
Authors: Lopez‐Ricaurte Lina , Vansteelant Wouter M. G. , Hernández‐Pliego Jesús , García‐Silveira Daniel , Casado Susana , Garcés‐Toledano Fernando , Martínez‐Dalmau Juan , Ortega Alfredo , Rodríguez‐Moreno Beatriz , Bustamante Javier
Published: November 2023

Trans‐Saharan migrants often spend a large proportion of their annual cycle wintering in the Sahel. Advances in fieldwork and tracking technology have greatly enhanced our ability to study their ecology in these areas. Using GPS‐tracking we aimed to investigate the little known non‐breeding movements of the lesser kestrel Falco naumanni in sub‐Saharan Africa. We segment non‐breeding tracks (n = 79 tracks by 54 individuals) into staging events (131 ± 25 days per non‐breeding cycle), itinerant movements between staging sites (11 ± 10 days), and non‐directed exploratory movements (6 ± 5 days). We then describe timing and directionality of itinerant movements by male and female kestrels throughout the non‐breeding season. Regardless of sex, lesser kestrels spent on average 89% of the non‐breeding season staging at two (range = 1–4) sites in West Africa. At the end of September, kestrels arrived along a broad front throughout the northern Sahel. By December, however, they congregated into two distinct clusters in Senegal and along the Malian–Mauritanian border. The birds stayed for longer periods and showed greater daily activity in the latter areas, compared to their first and intermediate ones. Among 24 individuals tracked along multiple annual cycles, 20 individuals consistently used the Senegalese or Malian–Mauritanian cluster. The remaining four birds either used these clusters in the 2nd or 3rd year of tracking or alternated between them across different years. The eastward and westward itinerant movements of lesser kestrels during the non‐breeding season, coupled with their tendency to cluster geographically towards the end, differ from the southward movements of other insectivorous raptors in West Africa. While 31% of Spanish lesser kestrels converged in Senegal, where roosts of > 20 000 birds are known, 68% moved into the Malian‐Mauritanian border region where more groundwork is needed.
Strengthening oropharyngeal muscles as an approach to treat post‐stroke obstructive sleep apnea: A feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Marzouqah Reeman , Dharmakulaseelan Laavanya , Colelli David R. , Lindo C. J. , Costa Yakdehikandage S. , Jairam Trevor , Xiong Kathy , Murray Brian J. , Chen Joyce L. , Thorpe Kevin , Yunusova Yana , Boulos Mark I.
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to determine the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating oropharyngeal exercise (OPE) intervention as an alternative therapy for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients with stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Despite the high prevalence of OSA in this population, the standard therapy, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), is often poorly tolerated. Thirty stroke/TIA patients with OSA unable to tolerate CPAP were randomly assigned to an oropharyngeal exercise or sham exercise protocol. They performed exercises for 6 weeks, 5 days per week, 30 minutes twice per day. Feasibility was ascertained by the proportion of enrolled patients who completed more than 80% of the OPE regimen. Isometric tongue pressures, apnea–hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), daytime sleepiness, and quality of life (QOL) outcomes were collected at baseline, post‐training (6‐week follow‐up), and retention (10‐week follow‐up) to document preliminary efficacy. Adherence to study exercises was excellent, with 83% of participants completing more than 80% of the exercises. The isometric tongue pressures were observed to improve in the oropharyngeal exercise group (compared with the sham group), along with a decrease in OSA severity (measured by the AHI and ODI), reduced daytime sleepiness, and enhanced quality of life outcomes following the exercise programme. Only the effects on posterior isometric tongue pressure and daytime sleepiness remained significantly different between groups at the retention session. In conclusion, an RCT evaluating the efficacy of oropharyngeal exercises on post‐stroke/TIA OSA is feasible and our preliminary results suggest a clinically meaningful effect.
Septal fascicle involvement during a Purkinje‐related ventricular tachycardia: Electroanatomic correlation using omnipolar technology
Authors: Sánchez‐Millán Pablo J. , Cabrera‐Borrego Eva , Amador‐Fernández Jaime , Álvarez Miguel
Published: November 2023

Idiopathic verapamil‐sensitive fascicular ventricular tachycardia (VT) is the most common form of Purkinje‐related ventricular tachycardia (PRVT). Left septal fascicle (LSF) involvement and its connections with the other fascicles, have been recently reported as a pathophysiologic mechanism for this form of PRVT. We describe a case of idiopathic PRVT with LSF involvement using omnipolar technology (OT) mapping in relation to a false tendon. Ablation in the area with concealed fusion entrainment did not terminate the tachycardia. However, radiofrequency application in the area of LSF with manifest fusion entrainment, resulted in immediate tachycardia termination. Six months follow‐up showed no tachycardia recurrence.
High density mapping of atrial tachycardia in patients post cardiac surgery
Authors: Zhang Jinlin
Published: November 2023

Mapping and ablation of atrial tachycardia (AT) in patients who have had prior cardiac surgery can be a challenge for clinical electrophysiologists. High density mapping (HDM) technology has been widely used in these patients because it provides a better characterization of the substrate and the mechanisms with an unprecedented high resolution. In this review, we summarize how the latest HDM technologies can reveal the mechanism of AT in different types of patients post‐cardiac surgery and guide a specifically tailored ablation strategy.
Upland rice genomic signatures of adaptation to drought resistance and navigation to molecular design breeding
Authors: Wang Yulong , Jiang Conghui , Zhang Xingtan , Yan Huimin , Yin Zhigang , Sun Xingming , Gao Fenghua , Zhao Yan , Liu Wei , Han Shichen , Zhang Jingjing , Zhang Yage , Zhang Zhanying , Zhang Hongliang , Li Jinjie , Xie Xianzhi , Zhao Quanzhi , Wang Xiaoning , Ye Guoyou , Li Junzhou , Ming Ray , Li Zichao
Published: November 2023

Upland rice is a distinctive drought‐aerobic ecotype of cultivated rice highly resistant to drought stress. However, the genetic and genomic basis for the drought‐aerobic adaptation of upland rice remains largely unclear due to the lack of genomic resources. In this study, we identified 25 typical upland rice accessions and assembled a high‐quality genome of one of the typical upland rice varieties, IRAT109, comprising 384 Mb with a contig N50 of 19.6 Mb. Phylogenetic analysis revealed upland and lowland rice have distinct ecotype differentiation within the japonica subgroup. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that adaptive differentiation of lowland and upland rice is likely attributable to the natural variation of many genes in promoter regions, formation of specific genes in upland rice, and expansion of gene families. We revealed differentiated gene expression patterns in the leaves and roots of the two ecotypes and found that lignin synthesis mediated by the phenylpropane pathway plays an important role in the adaptive differentiation of upland and lowland rice. We identified 28 selective sweeps that occurred during domestication and validated that the qRT9 gene in selective regions can positively regulate drought resistance in rice. Eighty key genes closely associated with drought resistance were appraised for their appreciable potential in drought resistance breeding. Our study enhances the understanding of the adaptation of upland rice and provides a genome navigation map of drought resistance breeding, which will facilitate the breeding of drought‐resistant rice and the “blue revolution” in agriculture.
Microalgae as feed sources and feed additives for sustainable aquaculture: Prospects and challenges
Authors: Ma Mingyang , Hu Qiang
Published: November 2023

Aquaculture is an essential source of protein and essential fatty acids for humans. However, the sustainable development of aquaculture faces numerous challenges, including a shortage of high‐quality feed and feedstuff, and a degeneration in the safety and quality of aquatic products. This review explores how the use of microalgae as an aquafeed ingredient may help to solve these problems. Microalgae are a vital food source for larval bivalves, shrimps, and fish due to their high nutritional value and suitable cell size. Particularly, bivalves rely on microalgae as a direct feed source throughout their entire life cycle. Microalgae are also indispensable food sources or nutrient supplements for secondary live prey, including rotifers, Artemia, and copepods. Microalgae containing a large amount of protein and lipid can be used as alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil in aquafeed. Moreover, microalgae are rich in ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamins, and β‐glucan. These bioactive substances can be used as feed additives to improve the growth rate, skin coloration, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and survival rate of aquatic animals. However, the high production cost of microalgae limits its widespread application in aquaculture. Recent advancements in the technology used to culture microalgae intensively, especially fermentation technology, have significantly improved the production efficiency and decreased the production cost. Therefore, accelerating the use of microalgae as aquafeed is crucial if sustainable aquaculture is to be achieved. The review concludes by discussing the opportunities and challenges involved in integrating microalgae into sustainable aquaculture and suggests a way forward.
De volta ao Estado
Authors: Mello e Figueiredo Lorena , Massonetto Luís Fernando
Published: November 2023

Este artigo constitui uma doxografia do campo da antropologia da burocracia estatal, também chamado de antropologia política, do Estado, do poder público, das instituições ou organizações públicas. Faz-se o caminho de volta ao Estado, tema caro ao Direito, com o objetivo de apresentar o campo da antropologia da burocracia estatal ao público geral de estudantes e pesquisadores em Direito. O método empregado para a pesquisa teórica foi a análise de literatura produzida sobre o tema, com base em fontes secundárias tais como livros, artigos e ementas de disciplinas de pós-graduação. O artigo delimita o campo de estudos; discute o conceito de “burocracia”; e apresenta as principais contribuições do campo da antropologia da burocracia para a compreensão do fenômeno jurídico, ao tornar menos normativos, homogêneos e unívocos os conceitos de Estado e direito. Conclui-se pela necessária abertura interdisciplinar dos estudos sobre o Estado e suas instituições.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: antropologia jurídica; antropologia da burocracia; antropologia do Estado; antropologia das instituições; burocracia.
Questões parentais judicializadas: entre dores, loucuras, provas e direitos
Authors: Demetrio André , Wiecko Volkmer de Castilho Ela , Teixeira Magalhães Nayara
Published: November 2023

Este artigo analisa a decisão proferida no Agravo nº 2050235-05.2021.8.26.0000, do Tribunal de Justiça do Estado de São Paulo, a fim de verificar de que modo a categoria analítica gênero foi construída (e invocada). Utilizando o método procedimental, a partir da ferramenta "asking the woman question" e o método substantivo de análise do conteúdo, em perspectiva crítica feminista, problematizamos questões parentais, de saúde mental e de violência de gênero no sistema de justiça. Tivemos como horizonte a possibilidade de a decisão ser reescrita, ainda que não literalmente, lançando luz sobre questões despercebidas ou avaliadas de forma estereotipada no acórdão. O resultado indica que este exercício analítico pode influenciar futuras decisões judiciais, especialmente em conflitos nos quais se invoca alienação parental pelas mulheres no exercício da maternidade, em contexto de violência doméstica e sofrimento mental.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: reescrita feminista; gênero; alienação parental; saúde mental; maternidade; mulher.
Entraves entre Direitos de Exclusividade e o Acesso a Dados na Regulação dos Mercados Digitais
Authors: Bagnoli Vicente , Cervantes Gorgone Arruda Vinicius
Published: November 2023

Em uma análise dedutiva e sob a ótica das regras de mercado e dos princípios e fundamentos da ordem econômica, o presente artigo tem como premissa a relevância do acesso a dados na concorrência entre plataformas digitais. O estudo considera as alterações decorrentes do fortalecimento dos mercados digitais, bem como a possibilidade de atuação do Estado por meio de políticas de dados abertos e os possíveis entraves a serem enfrentados na regulação dos mercados digitais, no que se refere aos direitos de acesso e portabilidade de dados. Fazendo um paralelo entre a legislação europeia, Digital Market Act, e o Projeto de Lei n. 2.768/2022 observa-se a possível incidência de direitos de exclusividade sobre bases de dados, provenientes da proteção conferida pelo direito autoral, pelo direio sui generis estabelecido na Diretiva 96/9 da Comunidade Europeia e pelos segredos de negócios aos gatekepers ou controladores de acesso essencial. Resultados apontam para a possibilidade de arguição destes direitos de exclusividade e de incompatibilidades técnicas para atendimento ao direito de acesso e portabilidade de dados, logo, conclui-se pela necessidade de delimitação da regulação dos mercado digitais, observândo-se os fundamentos e princípios da ordem econômica, reprimindo-se as condutas abusivas, de modo a proporcionar segurança jurídica e previsibilidade mínima aos agentes ecnômicos que atuam neste mercado.
Tecnologias Viciantes e suas Implicaçôes para o Enforcement Antitruste
Authors: Niels Rosenquist James , M. Scott Morton Fiona , N. Weinstein Samuel
Published: November 2023

Resumo: O advento de dispositivos móveis e plataformas de mídia digital na última década representa o maior choque para a cognição na história humana. Evidências médicas robustas de que as plataformas de mídia digital são viciantes e, quando usadas em excesso, são prejudiciais à saúde mental dos usuários têm surgido. Outros tipos de produtos viciantes, como tabaco e medicamentos vendidos sob prescrição médica, são fortemente regulados para proteger os consumidores. Atualmente, não há qualquer estrutura regulatória que proteja os usuários de mídia digital desses perigos. O enforcement e a regulação antitruste que reduzem as barreiras de entrada podem ajudar os consumidores de redes sociais aumentando a concorrência. A teoria econômica nos diz que mais opções na mídia digital aumentarão a probabilidade de algumas empresas competirem para oferecer plataformas mais seguras e de maior qualidade. Por esse motivo, avaliar os danos à inovação (especialmente a inovação em segurança) e a variedade de produtos pode ser particularmente importante em casos de fusão e conduta envolvendo redes sociais. Outro elemento crítico para o enforcement antitruste neste espaço é uma correta compreensão das características das redes sociais. A análise antitruste padrão busca proibir condutas que prejudiquem o bem-estar do consumidor. Economistas ensinaram à prática antitruste que o aumento de oferta de um bem ou serviço é um parâmetro confiável para o bem-estar do consumidor. No entanto, oferta e bem-estar não têm essa relação quando um produto é viciante. De fato, nos mercados de redes sociais, o aumento da oferta costuma ser prejudicial. Argumentamos que a análise antitruste deve rejeitar o parâmetro de nível de oferta[1] e retornar ao foco no próprio bem-estar do consumidor em casos envolvendo plataformas de redes sociais viciantes. Em particular, as autoridades devem rejeitar teses de defesa que se baseiam apenas em medidas de expansão bruta de oferta, desacompanhadas de evidências de que os aumentos de oferta alegados realmente beneficiem os consumidores.

Palavras-chave: antitruste, concorrência, internet, regulação, mídias sociais, vício, law & economics, direito e psicologia, economia comportamental.
Adelic Rogers integral formula
Authors: Kim Seungki
Published: November 2023

We formulate and prove the extension of the Rogers integral formula (Rogers [Acta Math. 94 (1955), 249–287]) to the adeles of number fields. We also prove the second moment formulas for a few important cases, enabling a number of classical and recent applications of the formula to extend immediately to any number field.
Prevalence and incidence of Mycoplasma genitalium infection: a systematic review protocol
Authors: McCullough Amanda , Palokas Michelle
Published: November 2023

Objective:

The objective of this review is to determine the prevalence and incidence of Mycoplasma genitalium infection.

Introduction:

Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted pathogen that can cause reproductive health issues in men and women. Recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved testing has improved the capability to more readily diagnose and treat this infection. Determining the incidence and prevalence of this sexually transmitted infection is imperative to better understand the epidemiologic implications and long-term consequences of this disease process.

Inclusion criteria:

Studies involving males and females of any age, race, or cultural background will be eligible. Studies conducted in any setting or geographical location that report on prevalence or incidence of Mycoplasma genitalium infection diagnosed by the FDA-approved Aptima Mycoplasma genitalium assay will be included.

Methods:

The proposed systematic review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for systematic reviews of prevalence and incidence, and in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase, Web of Science, and Global Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology Network (GIDEON) databases will be searched, with no date limits. Prevalence and incidence data, experimental, quasi-experimental, observational, and descriptive studies will be included, and critically appraised by 2 independent reviewers. Data will be extracted using standardized JBI data extraction tools. If sufficient data are available, a meta-analysis will be conducted; otherwise, the findings will be presented in narrative format, including tables and figures to aid in data presentation, where appropriate.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42023415457
Order-of-Magnitude Increase in Carbon Nanotube Yield Based on Modeling Transient Diffusion and Outgassing of Water From Reactor Walls
Authors: Tomaraei Golnaz , Abdulhafez Moataz , Bedewy Mostafa
Published: November 2023

While reactor wall preconditioning was previously shown to influence the yield in chemical vapor deposition (CVD), especially for the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), it was limited to studying accumulating carbonaceous deposits over a number of runs. However, the effects of temperature and duration as the reactor walls are exposed to hot humidity for extended periods between growth runs were not previously studied systematically. Here, we combine experimental measurements with a mathematical model to elucidate how the thermochemical history of reactor walls impacts growth yield, especially knowing that only a specific range of humidity promotes growth. Importantly, we demonstrate a one-order-of-magnitude higher CNT yield by increasing the interim, i.e., the time between runs. We explain the results based on previously unexplored process sensitivity to trace amounts of oxygen-containing species in the reactor. In particular, we model the effect of small amounts of water vapor being desorbed from reactor walls during growth. Our results reveal the outgassing dynamics and show the underlying mechanism of generating growth-promoting molecules. By installing a humidity sensor in our custom-designed multizone rapid thermal CVD reactor, we are able to uniquely correlate the amount of moisture within the reactor to real-time measurements of growth kinetics, as well as ex situ characterization of CNT alignment and atomic defects. Our findings enable a scientifically grounded approach toward both boosting growth yield and improving its consistency by reducing run-to-run variations. Accordingly, engineered dynamics recipes with added preprocessing steps can be envisioned to leverage this phenomenon for improving manufacturing process scalability and robustness.
Genome-sequenced bacterial collection from sorghum aerial root mucilage
Authors: Mechan-Llontop Marco E. , Mullet John , Shade Ashley
Published: November 2023

A collection of 47 bacteria isolated from the mucilage of aerial roots of energy sorghum is available at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA. We enriched bacteria with putative plant-beneficial phenotypes and included information on phenotypic diversity, taxonomy, and whole genome sequences.
Lengthening sleep reduces pain in childhood arthritis: a crossover randomised controlled trial
Authors: Clairman Hayyah , Dover Saunya , Tomlinson George , Beebe Dean , Cameron Bonnie , Laxer Ronald M , Levy Deborah , Narang Indra , Paetkau Susan , Schneider Rayfel , Spiegel Lynn , Stephens Samantha , Stinson Jennifer , Tse Shirley , Weiss Shelly , Whitney Kristi , Feldman Brian M
Published: November 2023

Objectives

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common chronic childhood disease and chronic pain is a debilitating feature. A strong link has been shown between poor sleep and pain in JIA. However, the causal direction is unknown. This study’s aim was to determine if, in adolescents with JIA, a recommended healthful sleep duration leads to reductions in pain when compared with the restricted sleep (RS) duration that is commonly seen.

Methods

Patients with JIA (12–18 years old; pain score of ≥1 on a visual analogue scale) participated in a randomised, crossover sleep manipulation protocol. The 3-week protocol comprised a baseline week (BL), a week with healthy sleep duration (HSD; 9.5 hours in bed/night) and a RS week (RS; 6.5 hours in bed/night). After BL, participants were randomly assigned to either HSD or RS, and then crossed over to the other condition. Pain was self-assessed using the iCanCope with Pain app. We used Bayesian hierarchical models to estimate the effect of sleep duration on pain.

Results

Participants (n=31; mean age=15.0±1.8 years) averaged 1.4 (95% credible interval (CrI) 1.2–1.6) more hours of sleep per night during HSD relative to RS. Compared with RS, HSD resulted in a favourable effect on pain scores (OR 0.61, 95% CrI 0.39–0.95).

Conclusion

It is possible to have adolescents with childhood arthritis get a healthier sleep duration, and this longer sleep results in reduced pain. These findings complement prior correlational studies and confirm a causal relationship between reduced sleep duration and increased pain.

Trial registration number

NCT04133662.
Vascular effects of midazolam, flumazenil, and a novel imidazobenzodiazepine MP-III-058 on isolated rat aorta
Authors: Bojić Milica Gajić , Treven Marco , Pandey Kamal P. , Tiruveedhula V.V.N. Phani Babu , Santrač Anja , Đukanović Đorđe , Vojinović Nataša , Amidžić Ljiljana , Škrbić Ranko , Scholze Petra , Ernst Margot , Cook James M. , Savić Miroslav M.
Published: November 2023

Hypotensive influences of benzodiazepines and other GABAA receptor ligands, recognized in clinical practice, seem to stem from the existence of “vascular” GABAA receptors in peripheral blood vessels, besides any mechanisms in the central and peripheral nervous systems. We aimed to further elucidate the vasodilatatory effects of ligands acting through GABAA receptors. Using immunohistochemistry, the rat aortic smooth muscle layer was found to express GABAA γ2 and α1-5 subunit proteins. To confirm the role of “vascular” GABAA receptors, we investigated the vascular effects of standard benzodiazepines, midazolam, and flumazenil, as well as the novel compound MP-III-058. Using two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology and radioligand binding assays, MP-III-058 was found to have modest binding but substantial functional selectivity for α5β3γ2 over other α xβ3γ2 GABAA receptors. Tissue bath assays revealed comparable vasodilatory effects of MP-III-058 and midazolam, both of which at 100 µmol/L concentrations had efficacy similar to prazosin. Flumazenil exhibited weak vasoactivity per se, but significantly prevented the relaxant effects of midazolam and MP-III-058. These studies indicate the existence of functional GABAA receptors in the rat aorta, where ligands exert vasodilatory effects by positive modulation of the benzodiazepine binding site, suggesting the potential for further quest for leads with optimized pharmacokinetic properties as prospective adjuvant vasodilators.
Tensile properties of GH4169 superalloy for smooth and notch specimens determined by tests and simulation
Authors: Gao Yukui , Wang Rui
Published: November 2023

Tensile mechanical tests of GH4169 superalloy were performed for smooth and notch specimens at room temperature. Moreover, a finite element method (FEM) was employed by an Abaqus simulation software to provide the tensile test processes during elastic and plastic deformation. Comparing the experimental measurements with the simulation and analysis results, it was found that the [Formula: see text] value decreased with increasing [Formula: see text] value, and the [Formula: see text] value of smooth and notched specimens were close to the [Formula: see text] value of both elastic deformation and plastic deformation. Reasonable explanations were also provided for the stress concentration factor [Formula: see text] and strain concentration factor [Formula: see text].
Optical random soliton solutions to conformable fractional NLSE via statistical distributions
Authors: Abdelrahman Mahmoud A. E. , Sohaly M. A. , Alharbi Yousef F.
Published: November 2023

We construct some new stochastic solutions for the fractional nonlinear Schrödinger type equation. Specifically, we introduce these stochastic solutions via geometric and beta distributions. Through these two statistical distributions, the expectation corresponding to solutions are illustrated to depict the influence of random parameters. Actually, the presented results can be used to explain many interesting phenomena in superfluid, optical fibers, plasma physics and vibration propagation in the ground and in structures. Some graphs are offered to illustrate the wave modes of the expectation corresponding to stochastic solutions. Finally, our analysis can be implemented for many other models in real life.
THE LOW-VOLATILITY ANOMALY AND THE ADAPTIVE MULTI-FACTOR MODEL
Authors: JARROW ROBERT A. , MURATAJ RINALD , WELLS MARTIN T. , ZHU LIAO
Published: November 2023

The paper provides a new explanation of the low-volatility anomaly. We use the Adaptive Multi-Factor (AMF) model estimated by the Groupwise Interpretable Basis Selection (GIBS) algorithm to find those basis assets significantly related to low and high volatility portfolios. These two portfolios load on very different basis assets, indicating that volatility is not an independent risk, but that it is related to existing risk factors. The out-performance of the low-volatility portfolio is due to the (equilibrium) performance of these loaded risk factors, specifically, the better long-term performance of the asset classes bonds and real estate as contrasted with materials, precious metals, and the healthcare industry. Our methodology is applicable to any long–short anomaly but we focus on the low-volatility anomaly since it is formed explicitly on the risk characteristic rather than on embedded risks of other anomalies. The AMF model outperforms the Fama–French 5-factor model significantly both in-sample and out-of-sample.
On the study of rainbow antimagic connection number of comb product of tree and complete bipartite graph
Authors: Septory B. J. , Susilowati L. , Dafik D. , Venkatachalam M.
Published: November 2023

Rainbow antimagic coloring is the combination of antimagic labeling and rainbow coloring. The smallest number of colors induced from all edge weights of antimagic labeling is the rainbow antimagic connection number of [Formula: see text], denoted by [Formula: see text]. Given a graph [Formula: see text] with vertex set [Formula: see text] and edge set [Formula: see text], the function [Formula: see text] from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] is a bijective function. The associated weight of an edge [Formula: see text] under [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text]. A path [Formula: see text] in the vertex-labeled graph [Formula: see text] is said to be a rainbow [Formula: see text] path if for any two edges [Formula: see text] it satisfies [Formula: see text]. The function [Formula: see text] is called a rainbow antimagic labeling of [Formula: see text] if there exists a rainbow [Formula: see text] path for every two vertices [Formula: see text]. When we assign each edge [Formula: see text] with the color of the edge weight [Formula: see text], we say the graph [Formula: see text] admits a rainbow antimagic coloring. In this paper, we show the new lower bound and exact value of the rainbow antimagic connection number of comb product of any tree and complete bipartite graph.
Unleashing Immersive Experiences: The Power of Gesture-Based VR Interaction
Authors: Halabi Nour , Jones Evan , Mirza-Babaei Pejman
Published: November 2023

This forum features game-practitioner perspectives on the interaction design process, techniques, and evaluation involved in creating playful experiences. We focus on how technology advancement, infrastructure, and constraints shape the player experience.
--- Pejman Mirza-Babaei, Editor
Seven Strategies for More Efficient, Effective Online Instruction
Authors: Cooper Lori , Loster-Loftus Amanda , Mandernach Jean
Published: November 2023

Teaching in an online environment demands efficient time management and a focus on activities that maximize student learning and engagement. To this end, seven key strategies are suggested: reflect on and prioritize your instructional time, create a teaching calendar to manage tasks, integrate tools for streamlined communication, leverage analytics to focus attention, automate repetitive tasks, utilize video technology for efficient instruction and feedback, and foster collaboration among learners and colleagues.