bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sexuality of the Couple in Postpartum and Early Parenthood (1st Year)
Authors: O’Malley Deirdre , Higgins Agnes , Smith Valerie
Published: March 2023

The first birth is a major life event for all involved parties: woman, partner (and couple). This chapter will address the relevant elements that together shape parenthood and couplehood. That process is somewhat different for the average woman and the average man. Many men more or less tend to return to their pre-pregnancy level of sexual desire rather quickly. On the other hand, many women need much more time before having consolidated in their new role as mothers, simultaneously reconsidering their role as sexual partners. The woman’s physical and sexual system has been adapted by the pregnancy, birth and hormonal changes, potentially resulting in periods of low or no sexual activity. Especially when breastfeeding, her low oestrogen levels keep the vagina atrophic, and her low androgen levels keep arousability low. Together those factors create a substantial risk of developing dyspareunia. Besides these physical aspects, the woman and her partner undergo great psychological adaptations in the post-partum period. This chapter will address how to optimally navigate this phase of ‘transition to parenthood’ and new couplehood.

This chapter is part of ‘Midwifery and Sexuality’, a Springer Nature open-access textbook for midwives and related healthcare professionals.
Comments on epsilon expansion of the O(N) model with boundary
Authors: Nishioka Tatsuma , Okuyama Yoshitaka , Shimamori Soichiro
Published: March 2023

Abstract

The O(N) vector model in the presence of a boundary has a non-trivial fixed point in (4− ϵ) dimensions and exhibits critical behaviors described by boundary conformal field theory. The spectrum of boundary operators is investigated at the leading order in theϵ-expansion by diagrammatic and axiomatic approaches. In the latter, we extend the framework of Rychkov and Tan for the bulk theory to the case with a boundary and calculate the conformal dimensions of boundary composite operators with attention to the analyticity of correlation functions. In both approaches, we obtain consistent results.
A method for selecting a climate model: an application for maximum daily temperature in Southern Spain
Authors: Abadie Luis M. , Moral M. Paz
Published: March 2023

General circulation models (GCM) show projections of climate variables that when downscaled can be applied to analyse future behaviour in different areas or places. Using them is possible not just to obtain expected values of climate variables but also to calculate their distributions and use those values to assess the effects of climate change at a local level. However, these calculations depend on the GCM selected. In this paper, daily maximum near-surface air temperatures from 21 climate models under representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 and historic daily maximum temperatures (1990–2019) from nine cities in southern Spain are used with two objectives: first, to investigate past behaviour broken down into a deterministic part and a stochastic part; second, to compare historical data (2006–2019) with the information extracted from the 21 GCMs based on calculating goodness of fit in the period for both deterministic and stochastic parts. The methodology proposed may be useful in selecting a model or a range of models for use in a specific study. The results show positive historical and future trends in maximum daily temperature for these cities. The GCMs with the best fit for each city in this specific case are also presented.
Nasotracheal enterococcal carriage and resistomes: detection of optrA-, poxtA- and cfrD-carrying strains in migratory birds, livestock, pets, and in-contact humans in Spain
Authors: Abdullahi Idris Nasir , Lozano Carmen , Juárez-Fernández Guillermo , Höfle Ursula , Simón Carmen , Rueda Silvia , Martínez Angela , Álvarez-Martínez Sandra , Eguizábal Paula , Martínez-Cámara Beatriz , Zarazaga Myriam , Torres Carmen
Published: March 2023

This study determined the carriage rates and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes of enterococci from nasotracheal samples of three healthy animal species and in-contact humans. Nasal samples were collected from 27 dog-owning households (34 dogs, 41 humans) and 4 pig-farms (40 pigs, 10 pig-farmers), and they were processed for enterococci recovery (MALDI-TOF–MS identification). Also, a collection of 144 enterococci previously recovered of tracheal/nasal samples from 87 white stork nestlings were characterized. The AMR phenotypes were determined in all enterococci and AMR genes were studied by PCR/sequencing. MultiLocus-Sequence-Typing was performed for selected isolates. About 72.5% and 60% of the pigs and pig-farmers, and 29.4% and 4.9%, of healthy dogs and owners were enterococci nasal carriers, respectively. In storks, 43.5% of tracheal and 69.2% of nasal samples had enterococci carriages. Enterococci carrying multidrug-resistance phenotype was identified in 72.5%/40.0%/50.0%/23.5%/1.1% of pigs/pig-farmers/dogs/dogs’ owners/storks, respectively. Of special relevance was the detection of linezolid-resistant enterococci (LRE) in (a) 33.3% of pigs (E. faecalis-carryingoptrAand/orcfrDof ST59, ST330 or ST474 lineages;E. casseliflavus-carryingoptrAandcfrD); (b) 10% of pig farmers (E. faecalis-ST330-carryingoptrA); (c) 2.9% of dogs (E. faecalis-ST585-carryingoptrA); and (d) 1.7% of storks (E. faecium-ST1736-carryingpoxtA). ThefexAgene was found in alloptrA-positiveE. faecalisandE. casseliflavusisolates, whilefexBwas detected in thepoxtA-positiveE. faeciumisolate. The enterococci diversity and AMR rates from the four hosts reflect differences in antimicrobial selection pressure. The detection of LRE carrying acquired and transferable genes in all the hosts emphasizes the need to monitor LRE using a One-Health approach.
Sensitivity of fishery resources to climate change in the warm-temperate Southwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Gianelli Ignacio , Orlando Luis , Cardoso Luis Gustavo , Carranza Alvar , Celentano Eleonora , Correa Patricia , de la Rosa Andrés , Doño Florencia , Haimovici Manuel , Horta Sebastián , Jaureguizar Andrés Javier , Jorge-Romero Gabriela , Lercari Diego , Martínez Gastón , Pereyra Inés , Silveira Santiago , Vögler Rodolfo , Defeo Omar
Published: March 2023

Climate change impacts on fishery resources have been widely reported worldwide. Nevertheless, a knowledge gap remains for the warm-temperate Southwest Atlantic Ocean—a global warming hotspot that sustains important industrial and small-scale fisheries. By combining a trait-based framework and long-term landing records, we assessed species’ sensitivity to climate change and potential changes in the distribution of important fishery resources (n = 28; i.e., bony fishes, chondrichthyans, crustaceans, and mollusks) in Southern Brazil, Uruguay, and the northern shelf of Argentina. Most species showed moderate or high sensitivity, with mollusks (e.g., sedentary bivalves and snails) being the group with the highest sensitivity, followed by chondrichthyans. Bony fishes showed low and moderate sensitivities, while crustacean sensitivities were species-specific. The stock and/or conservation status overall contributed the most to higher sensitivity. Between 1989 and 2019, species with low and moderate sensitivity dominated regional landings, regardless of the jurisdiction analyzed. A considerable fraction of these landings consisted of species scoring high or very high on an indicator for potential to change their current distribution. These results suggest that although the bulk of past landings were from relatively climate-resilient species, future catches and even entire benthic fisheries may be jeopardized because (1) some exploited species showed high or very high sensitivities and (2) the increase in the relative representation of landings in species whose distribution may change. This paper provides novel results and insights relevant for fisheries management from a region where the effects of climate change have been overlooked, and which lacks a coordinated governance system for climate-resilient fisheries.
Chemo-mechanical modeling of smooth muscle cell activation for the simulation of arterial walls under changing blood pressure
Authors: Uhlmann Klemens , Balzani Daniel
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a novel chemo-mechanical model is proposed for the description of the stretch-dependent chemical processes known as Bayliss effect and their impact on the active contraction in vascular smooth muscle. These processes are responsible for the adaptive reaction of arterial walls to changing blood pressure by which the blood vessels actively support the heart in providing sufficient blood supply for varying demands in the supplied tissues. The model is designed to describe two different stretch-dependent mechanisms observed in smooth muscle cells (SMCs): a calcium-dependent and a calcium-independent contraction. For the first one, stretch of the SMCs leads to an inlet of calcium ions which activates the myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). The increased activity of MLCK triggers the contractile units of the cells resulting in the contraction on a comparatively short time scale. For the calcium-independent contraction mechanism, stretch-dependent receptors of the cell membrane stimulate an intracellular reaction leading to an inhibition of the antagonist of MLCK, the myosin light chain phosphatase resulting in a contraction on a comparatively long time scale. An algorithmic framework for the implementation of the model in finite element programs is derived. Based thereon, it is shown that the proposed approach agrees well with experimental data. Furthermore, the individual aspects of the model are analyzed in numerical simulations of idealized arteries subject to internal pressure waves with changing intensities. The simulations show that the proposed model is able to describe the experimentally observed contraction of the artery as a reaction to increased internal pressure, which can be considered a crucial aspect of the regulatory mechanism of muscular arteries.
Long-COVID syndrome: physical–mental interplay in the spotlight
Authors: Thurner Carolin , Stengel Andreas
Published: March 2023

Patients suffering from Long-COVID syndrome experience a variety of different symptoms on a physical, but also on a psychological and social level. Previous psychiatric conditions such as depression and anxiety have been identified as separate risk factors for developing Long-COVID syndrome. This suggests a complex interplay of different physical and mental factors rather than a simple cause–effect relationship of a specific biological pathogenic process. The biopsychosocial model provides a foundation for understanding these interactions and integrating them into a broader perspective of the patient suffering from the disease instead of the individual symptoms, pointing towards the need of treatment options on a psychological as well as social level besides biological targets. This leads to our conclusion, that the biopsychosocial model should be the underlying philosophy of understanding, diagnosing and treating patients suffering from Long-COVID syndrome, moving away from the strictly biomedical understanding suspected by many patients, treaters and the media while also reducing the stigma still associated with the suggestion of a physical–mental interplay.
Demographic behaviour and earnings inequality across OECD countries
Authors: Azzollini Leo , Breen Richard , Nolan Brian
Published: March 2023

Many studies have focused on how demographic dynamics, such as changes in marriage patterns and the increasing share of households headed by a single adult, may contribute to rising earnings inequality. Here we instead ask how demographic differences between countries may underpin differences in household earnings inequality between them, concentrating on economic homogamy and the proportion of households headed by a single woman and by a single man. We use data on 28 OECD countries from the 2016 wave of the Luxembourg Income Study, and develop a new inequality decomposition approach based on half the squared coefficient of variation (HSCV). We find that variation between countries in the specified demographic factors can account for just over 40% of the variation between countries in inequality in household labour earnings, with the proportion of households headed by a single woman playing the largest role. The associations between labour earnings inequality and these demographic components are consistent across countries, with little variation in how each is related to overall inequality. Although by far the largest driver of cross-national inequality relates to the earnings of partnered men, counterfactual analysis suggests that relatively small changes in these demographic variables can indeed affect inequality.
Focus Fusion: Overview of Progress Towards p-B11 Fusion with the Dense Plasma Focus
Authors: Lerner Eric J. , Hassan Syed M. , Karamitsos-Zivkovic Ivana , Fritsch Rudolph
Published: March 2023

LPPFusion is developing a source of fusion energy using the dense plasma focus device and p-B11 fuel, a combination we call Focus Fusion. So far, this project has led to the achievement of the highest confined ion energies of any fusion experiment (> 200 keV) as well as, recently, the lowest impurities of any fusion plasma. Among privately-funded fusion efforts, our experiments have achieved the highest ratio of fusion energy generation to device energy input (wall-plug efficiency) and the highest nτT product of 3.4 × 1020 keV-s/m3. Our calculations and simulations indicate that the quantum magnetic field effect will allow a great reduction in bremsstrahlung radiation with p-B11 fuel. For commercial fusion, this approach has several major advantages. The small size and simplicity of design of the DPF can lead to 5 MW generators that are much cheaper than any existing energy source, that can be manufactured by mass production and that can be located close to loads. It shares with other p-B11 approaches a lack of neutron damage and radioactive waste. Direct energy conversion of the ion beam and x-rays produced by the device avoids the high costs associated with thermal cycles. With adequate, but still modest, financial resources we anticipate working prototype generators could be ready for production by 2026–2030.
Corrosion of 1.4016 Ferritic Steel by Urea at High Temperature
Authors: Galakhova Anastasiia , Kadisch Fabian , Mori Gregor , Heyder Susanne , Wieser Helmut , Sartory Bernhard , Wosik Jaroslaw , Schwarz Sabine , Burger Simon
Published: March 2023

The corrosion behavior of a ferritic unstabilized stainless steel 1.4016 during decomposition of aqueous urea solution at high temperature has been investigated. Corrosion was obtained from 100 h of cyclic heating (from room temperature up to 600 °C) and injection of aqueous urea solution on the steel plate in a laboratory-scale test bench. The evaluation procedure covered the metallographic analysis of corroded steel samples by high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Uniform corrosion underneath deposits was found as one of the drivers for degradation of the steel. Damage happened by high-temperature depassivation of stainless steel due to the excess of the aggressive medium. Besides uniform corrosion, a nitridation layer underneath surface oxides together with chromium carbonitride particles precipitated through the whole depth of the sample was identified resulting in intergranular attack.
Differential response of two acidophytic lichens to increased reactive nitrogen availability
Authors: Munzi Silvana , Graça Catarina , Martins Duarte , Máguas Cristina
Published: March 2023

Lichens are one of the most responsive components of the ecosystem to reactive forms of nitrogen. In this work, we selected the lichen genera Cladonia and Usnea, composed of terricolous and epiphytic lichens respectively, and described as sensitive to nitrogen, to test the effects of different doses of nitrogen on lichen physiological parameters (photobiont and mycobiont vitality, chitin quantification, nitrogen content and stable isotopes analysis). The main objectives were to check if the activation of protective mechanisms could be stimulated in case of chronic stress (low nitrogen increase for prolonged time), and, if so, if a toxicity threshold could be identified above which these mechanisms fail. The two lichen genera were generally affected by prolonged exposure to increased nitrogen availability. However, Cladonia rangiformis was able to maintain physiological functioning at the lowest nitrogen doses used, whereas thalli of Usnea become overwhelmed. Moreover, the mycobiont appeared to be more sensitive than the photobiont responding to lower nitrogen doses. Although only studies of longer duration and testing more nitrogen doses will be able to determine an accurate toxicity threshold, these results give important clues on the use of lichens as biomonitors for the establishment of environmental policies.
The “facie sympathique” sign in hanging: historical background, forensic review, and perspectives
Authors: Marchetti Daniela , Santoro Luca , Mercuri Giulia
Published: March 2023

The “faciesympathique” is a vital sign first described by Etienne Martin in 1899 referring to unilateral miosis, with or without ptosis, at the opposite side from the knot in hanging. This mark is scarcely reported in legal medicine textbooks and scientific papers. Moreover, when cited, it is referred to differently from its original meaning, both as unilateral contraction (miosis) and dilatation (mydriasis) of the pupil depending on the antemortem firmness of the ligature’s neck pressure in hanging with little attention to ptosis. Due to the sympathetic nervous pathway supplying the eye, the review of this ocular sign in hanging supports the importance of revitalizing the “facie sympathique” in research on lesion vitality in mechanical asphyxia.
The role of sibling aggression during childhood in decision-making during adulthood
Authors: Bedwell Stacey A. , Harrison Natalie , Fradley Sara , Brooks Matthew
Published: March 2023

Research shows sibling relationships can influence cognitive development, specifically in terms of high-order processes involved in social functioning. These high-order processes take place in the human prefrontal cortex. While prefrontal connectivity can be influenced by factors experienced during developmental phases, it remains unclear how experiences of aggression towards a sibling in childhood can contribute to high-order processes in adulthood, specifically decision-making. Through two studies, we sought to establish a relationship between sibling aggression and decision-making styles reported in adulthood, as well as real-time risky decision-making. Study 1 examined the relationship between childhood experiences of sibling aggression and high-order function, specifically decision-making. Self-reports from 142 adult participants revealed that using sibling aggression to maintain dominance (ESAS; Harrison, 2017) was linked to avoidant and spontaneous decision-making (GDMS; Scott & Bruce, 1995). The findings reported here indicate a possible role of sibling aggression in the development of avoidant and spontaneous decision-making styles. Study 2 investigated the relationship between childhood sibling aggression (ESAS; Harrison, 2017) and performance in risky decision-making tasks (IOWA gambling task; Bechara et al., 2000) among 75 adult participants. It revealed that experiences of sibling aggression did not predict risky decision-making. These findings indicate that the types of decisions made may be influenced by childhood sibling aggression, but not the level of risk involved in decisions made.
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 11 (SCA11): TTBK2 variants, functions and associated disease mechanisms
Authors: Felício Daniela , Santos Mariana
Published: March 2023

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 11 (SCA11) is a rare type of autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia, mainly characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, abnormal eye signs and dysarthria. SCA11 is caused by variants in TTBK2, which encodes tau tubulin kinase 2 (TTBK2) protein. Only a few families with SCA11 were described to date, all harbouring small deletions or insertions that result in frameshifts and truncated TTBK2 proteins. In addition, TTBK2 missense variants were also reported but they were either benign or still needed functional validation to ascertain their pathogenic potential in SCA11. The mechanisms behind cerebellar neurodegeneration mediated by TTBK2 pathogenic alleles are not clearly established. There is only one neuropathological report and a few functional studies in cell or animal models published to date. Moreover, it is still unclear whether the disease is caused by TTBK2 haploinsufficiency of by a dominant negative effect of TTBK2 truncated forms on the normal allele. Some studies point to a lack of kinase activity and mislocalization of mutated TTBK2, while others reported a disruption of normal TTBK2 function caused by SCA11 alleles, particularly during ciliogenesis. Although TTBK2 has a proven function in cilia formation, the phenotype caused by heterozygous TTBK2 truncating variants are not clearly typical of ciliopathies. Thus, other cellular mechanisms may explain the phenotype seen in SCA11. Neurotoxicity caused by impaired TTBK2 kinase activity against known neuronal targets, such as tau, TDP-43, neurotransmitter receptors or transporters, may contribute to neurodegeneration in SCA11.
The Mediating Role of Body Acceptance in Explaining the Relation of Mindfulness, Self-Compassion and Mindful Eating to Body Image in Gay Men and Bisexual Men
Authors: Regan Harvey , Keyte Rebecca , Mantzios Michael , Egan Helen
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Mindfulness and mindfulness-based constructs, such as self-compassion and mindful eating, have been positively associated with healthier eating and body related perceptions. Exploration of mindfulness and related concepts have not been investigated extensively in gay and bisexual men, a population where eating and body related concerns have been found to be widespread.

Method

Participants completed an online questionnaire, assessing mindfulness, self-compassion, mindful eating, body image and body acceptance. Correlation analysis and further mediation analysis was conducted to explore the relations between these constructs within the present sample (n = 163).

Results

A community sample showed a positive association of body image to mindfulness-based concepts, and negative to body non-acceptance, within the target population. Mediation analysis showed the role of body acceptance in explaining the relation between mindfulness, self-compassion and mindful eating to body image.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the importance of body acceptance when considering the development of a mindfulness or compassion-based intervention to attenuate body related issues among gay and bisexual men.

Preregistration

This manuscript has not been preregistered.
Alum sludge as an adsorbent for inorganic and organic pollutants removal from aqueous solutions: a review
Authors: Pająk M.
Published: March 2023

One of the first stages of water treatment is the coagulation process, a side effect of which is the formation of huge amounts of sludge, which is most often deposited in landfills. The residues formed as a by-product in water treatment plants are characterized by high porosity, irregularity and loose structure with limited strength, so they can exhibit adsorption properties. This article reviews the ability of Al-based sludge to adsorb inorganic pollutants and textile dyes from aqueous solutions. Due to its physicochemical properties, alum sludge has a high adsorption capacity against inorganic as well as organic pollutants. The collected literature review focuses on the presentation of the most common directions of use of these materials as effective adsorbents against the pollutants present, the presentation of the conditions for the adsorption process, the mechanisms of binding of pollutants. In addition, it indicates which directions of their use as effective and economical adsorbents have not been sufficiently explored, suggesting that more research in this area be conducted.

Graphical abstract
Exploration of microstructure characteristics and mechanical behaviors of thermal-damaged argillaceous sandstone via LF-NMR and µ-CT technologies
Authors: Liu Shi , Huang Zhe
Published: March 2023

The effect of high temperature on the microstructure and mechanical behavior of rocks is a fundamental issue relevant to the exploitation of underground oil and gas resources, underground disposal of highly radioactive nuclear waste, and the development of geothermal energy. In this study, samples of argillaceous sandstone are subjected to high-temperature treatments (i.e., 25 ºC, 300 ºC, 600 ºC, 900 ºC, 1000 ºC, and 1200 ºC) followed by a series of uniaxial compression tests. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the microscopic structures of the samples are carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and micron-scale computed tomography (µ-CT). Thermal damage defined by porosity is established and used to describe the evolution of rock damage over the temperature increase. After the high-temperature treatments, LF-NMR results indicate that small and medium pores consistently dominate the structure, with pore volumes of up to 98.8% to 100%. µ-CT test results show that the distribution frequency of medium pores is 16.5–28.3% and that of large pores is 71.7–83.5%. The µ-CT porosity ranges from 11.1 to 15.2% and the LF-NMR porosity ranges from 18.9 to 26.3%. When subjected to the same temperature, the µ-CT porosity is generally smaller than the LF-NMR porosity. When the temperature is increased, the peak stress and elastic modulus increases first and then decreases, while the peak strain decreases first and then increases. Test results of three mechanical parameters all indicate that 300 ºC is probably the threshold temperature of the test rock type, and the SEM, LF-NMR and µ-CT test results confirm this temperature. The relationship between thermal damage and temperature suggests that the argillaceous sandstone evolves through strengthening, damage derivation, and damage development as applied temperature increases.
Mechanical behaviors of coal surrounding horizontal wellbore during drilling process considering the effects of loading rate, pore pressure and temperature
Authors: Zhang Qiangui , Zhao Shilin , Wang Wensong , Fan Xiangyu , Liang Yongchang , Jiang Zhigang , Wei Like , Yuan Qiang
Published: March 2023

Coal is a kind of rock with the characteristics of soft structure, developed joints, cleats, cracks, and pores, resulting in that its mechanical behaviors are highly sensitive to stress, pore coalbed methane (CBM, gas) pressure and temperature. Thus, due to the variations in stress, pore pressure and temperature caused by the drilling operation, the coal surrounding wellbore can be easily damaged, which would cause serious wellbore instability problems. In this presented work, a stress path of loading axial stress and unloading confining pressure (LAS-UCP) was first determined based on the stress redistribution of the coal surrounding horizontal wellbore in CBM reservoir during drilling process. A series of triaxial compression tests with the LAS-UCP stress path was then conducted to study the effects of axial loading rate, pore pressure and temperature on the mechanical behaviors of coal. The results show that: (1) Under the LAS-UCP stress path, the deformation of coal can be divided into elastic deformation stage, plastic deformation stage, and stress reduction stage. With the decrease in axial loading rate and the increases in pore pressure and temperature, the elastic deformation stage becomes shorter, the plastic deformation stage becomes more significant, stress reduction rate in the stress reduction stage becomes slower, and the coal shows more features of plasticity and ductility. (2) With the increasing axial loading rate, the compressive strength and apparent elastic modulus increase linearly, the absolute values of axial strain, radial strain and volumetric strain at peak stress grow gradually, but the apparent Poisson’s ratio changes irregular. (3) With the increase in pore pressure, the compressive strength, axial strain at peak stress and apparent elastic modulus decrease linearly, the radial strain and volumetric strain at peak stress have no change rule, and the apparent Poisson’s ratio increases gradually. (4) With the increasing temperature, the compressive strength, axial strain at peak stress and apparent elastic modulus reduce gradually, but the absolute values of radial strain and volumetric strain at peak stress, and the apparent Poisson’s ratio increase linearly. The results can not only provide a guidance for safety drilling operation of the horizontal wellbore in CBM reservoir, but also have important significance for other engineering constructions related to coal seam.
Increasing Social Communication by Teaching Texting to Autistic Children
Authors: Gilder Jenna , Charlop Marjorie H.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

In the present study, we increased the social communication of four autistic children by teaching texting conversation skills on smart phones.

Methods

A multiple baseline design across two dyads was used to assess the texting conversation intervention, with additional generalization probes taken across texting partners and FaceTime® sessions. One-month maintenance probes were also assessed.

Results

All four participants increased their conversational texting, and their conversation content was novel. Generalization across texting partners occurred, and skills were maintained. Appropriate verbal content spoken during FaceTime® probes was also observed.

Conclusions

Results are discussed in terms of the potential benefits of teaching autistic children social communication through text.
Advice, Social Learning and the Evolution of Conventions
Authors: Schotter Andrew
Published: March 2023

As societies progress, old generations of social agents die and are replaced by new ones. This book explores what happens in this transition as the old guard instructs the new arrivals about the wisdom of their ways. Do new entrants listen and follow the advice of their elders or dismiss it? Is intergenerational advice welfare improving or can it be destructive? Does such advice enhance the stability of social conventions or disrupt it? Using the concept of an Intergenerational Game and the tools of game theory and experimental economics, this study delves into the process of social leaning created by intergenerational advice passed from generation to generation. This book presents a unique theoretical and empirical study of the dynamics of social conventions not offered elsewhere.
Parties, Political Finance, and Governance in Africa
Authors: Sigman Rachel
Published: March 2023

A major challenge for the advancement of democratic governance in Africa is the extraction of money by ruling parties from the state to fund their electoral campaigns and gain political advantage over opponents. Drawing upon in-depth case studies of Benin and Ghana, Rachel Sigman considers how, and with what consequences, party leaders control and access public funds to finance their political operations. Weaving together biographical data on government ministers, surveys of civil servants, elite interviews, and archival research, Sigman explains leaders' extraction strategies and connects these strategies to how politicians manage state personnel. In so doing, she challenges the perception of African states as uniformly weak and argues that effective government is possible even in contexts of widespread state politicization, corruption, and clientelism. Demonstrating the profound impact that extractive financing practices have on democratic institutions, Sigman illuminates and develops our understanding of “good governance” across the African continent.
The Struggle for Supremacy in the Middle East
Authors: Mabon Simon
Published: March 2023

Since 1979, few rivalries have affected Middle Eastern politics as much as the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. However, too often the rivalry has been framed purely in terms of 'proxy wars', sectarian difference or the associated conflicts that have broken out in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Bahrain, and Yemen. In this book, Simon Mabon presents a more nuanced assessment of the rivalry, outlining its history and demonstrating its impact across the Middle East. Highlighting the significance of local groups, Mabon shows how regional politics have shaped and been shaped by the rivalry. The book draws from social theory and the work of Pierre Bourdieu to challenge problematic assumptions about 'proxy wars', the role of religion, and sectarianism. Exploring the changing political landscape of the Middle East as a whole and the implications for regional and international security, Mabon paints a complex picture of this frequently discussed but oft-misunderstood rivalry.
Paths forward in radioglaciology
Authors: Schroeder Dustin M.
Published: March 2023

Ice-penetrating radar sounding is a powerful geophysical tool for studying terrestrial and planetary ice with a rich glaciological heritage reaching back over half a century. Recent years have also seen rapid growth in both the radioglaciological community itself and in the scope and sophistication of its analysis of ice-penetrating radar data. This has been spurred by a combination of growing datasets and improvements in computational resources as well as advances in radar sounding instrumentation and platforms. Together, these developments are transforming the field and highlight exciting paths forward for future innovation and investigation.
Introduction: AMR Belongs in the Pandemic Instrument
Authors: Van Katwyk Susan Rogers , Outterson Kevin
Published: March 2023

In the wake of COVID-19, the World Health Organization established an Intergovernmental Negotiating Body to negotiate a new instrument for pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. This special issue of the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics brings together multidisciplinary scholarship to address the question of whether antimicrobial resistance should be included in this new instrument. Drawing from disciplines including law, anthropology, history, public health, public policy, economics, and veterinary medicine, this special issue explores the inclusion of AMR within the Pandemic Instrument from three perspectives: first, through the lens of global AMR governance, second, from the perspective of technical governance challenges and opportunities affecting the global ability to address AMR and future pandemics, and third, from the perspective of pandemic instrument mechanisms for strengthening global AMR governance. Each paper makes a concrete recommendation with respect to the importance of including AMR within the scope of the pandemic instrument.
Antimicrobial Resistance Must Be Included in the Pandemic Instrument to Ensure Future Global Pandemic Readiness
Authors: Lake Shajoe J. , Van Katwyk Susan Rogers , Hoffman Steven J.
Published: March 2023

Governments can practically and efficiently address zoonoses and AMR –– within the text of the new pandemic instrument. We map the overlaps between the efforts needed to address both pandemic threats, including (a) equitable access to medical countermeasures, (b) globally integrated One Health surveillance and monitoring systems, (c) increased technical and laboratory capacity in low- and middle-income countries, and (d) a regulatory framework governing the stewardship of antimicrobials. By outlining potential dual-purpose provisions that could be included in a pandemic instrument, we argue that addressing AMR in the pandemic instrument is practicable, the most effective use of limited time and resources, and provides the best opportunity for future global pandemic readiness.
Governance Processes and Challenges for Reservation of Antimicrobials Exclusively for Human Use and Restriction of Antimicrobial Use in Animals
Authors: Scott Weese J. , Da Costa Junior Guilherme Antonio , Gonzalez-Zorn Bruno , Hardefeldt Laura Y. , Matheu Jorge , Moulin Gerard , Page Stephen W. , Singh Ruby , Song Junxia , Valsson Olafur
Published: March 2023

The majority of antimicrobials that are produced are administered to animals, particularly food animals. While the overall impact of antimicrobial use in animals on antimicrobial resistance in humans and the environment is unclear, it undeniably has a role. Yet, some degree of antimicrobial use in animals is necessary for animal health and welfare purposes. Balancing the benefits and risks of antimicrobial use in animals is challenging because of the complexity of the problem and limitations in available data. However, a range of measures can be implemented to reduce, refine and optimize antimicrobial use in animals, with a goal of minimizing the impact on human and environmental health while maintaining necessary therapeutic use in animals. A pandemic instrument can provide the necessary foundation for the whole-of-society and whole-of government One Health approach that is required to strengthen surveillance, communication, collaboration, and action.
From Pluribus to Unum? The Civil War and Imagined Sovereignty in Nineteenth-Century America
Authors: LEE MELISSA M. , ZHANG NAN , HERCHENRÖDER TILMANN
Published: March 2023

Contestation over the structure and location of final sovereign authority—the right to make and enforce binding rules—occupies a central role in political development. Historically, war often settled these debates and institutionalized the victor’s vision of sovereignty. Yet sovereign authority requires more than institutions; it ultimately rests on the recognition of the governed. How does war shape imagined sovereignty? We explore the effect of warfare in the United States, where the debate over two competing visions of sovereignty erupted into the American Civil War. We exploit the grammatical shift in the “United States” from a plural to a singular noun as a measure of imagined sovereignty, drawing upon two large textual corpuses: newspapers (1800–99) and congressional speeches (1851–99). We demonstrate that war shapes imagined sovereignty, but for the North only. Our results further suggest that Northern Republicans played an important role as ideational entrepreneurs in bringing about this shift.
Revolutionary populism and democracy in Ghana
Authors: Haynes Jeffrey
Published: March 2023

The article examines two decades of Jerry Rawlings’ rule in Ghana. It seeks to explain why Rawlings’ revolutionary populism did not develop in the direction that he envisaged: a new kind of popular democracy. Instead, Rawlings oversaw the reintroduction of Ghana's popularly preferred political system: ‘Western-style’ multi-party democracy, despite his avowed intention of not doing so. To what extent was this outcome surprising or puzzling? The article explains that it was neither surprising nor puzzling as Rawlings’ regime, the PNDC, lacked the capacity to introduce a radical new political system, despite his desire to do so. His aim – to craft a new kind of popular democracy – was not achievable as both internal and external opposition forces were stronger in their desire for multi-party democracy and a neo-liberal economic system.
Surveillance of avian malaria and related haemoparasites in common terns (Sterna hirundo) on the Atlantic coast of South America
Authors: Capasso Sofía , Schumm Yvonne R. , Quillfeldt Petra , Bonsergent Claire , Malandrin Laurence , Lorenti Eliana , Fusaro Bruno , Panisse Guillermo , Lunardelli Melina , Castresana Gabriel , Diaz Julia I.
Published: March 2023

Haemosporidia (Apicomplexa, Haemosporida) are protozoa that infect vertebrate blood cells and are transmitted by vectors. Among vertebrates, birds possess the greatest diversity of haemosporidia, historically placed in 3 genera:Haemoproteus,LeucocytozoonandPlasmodium, the causative agent of avian malaria. In South America, existing data on haemosporidia are spatially and temporally dispersed, so increased surveillance is needed to improve the determination and diagnosis of these parasites. During the non-breeding season in 2020 and 2021, 60 common terns (Sterna hirundo) were captured and bled as part of ongoing research on the population health of migratory birds on the Argentinian Atlantic coast. Blood samples and blood smears were obtained. Fifty-eight samples were screened forPlasmodium,HaemoproteusandLeucocytozoon, as well as forBabesiaparasites by nested polymerase chain reaction and by microscopic examination of smears. Two positive samples forPlasmodiumwere found. The cytochrome b lineages detected in the present study are found for the first time, and are close toPlasmodiumlineages found in other bird orders. The low prevalence (3.6%) of haemoparasites found in this research was similar to those reported for previous studies on seabirds, including Charadriiformes. Our findings provide new information about the distribution and prevalence of haemosporidian parasites from charadriiforms in the southernmost part of South America, which remains understudied.
The curious case of nomenclatures
Authors: Tan Ying–Ying
Published: March 2023

When it comes to Englishes in Singapore, two terms come to the fore: Singapore English, and Singlish. As part of the methodology and motivation for this paper, I compiled 500 published works on Englishes in Singapore ranging from the 1970s to 2021. These published works include monographs, edited volumes, chapters in edited volumes, and articles in major peer-reviewed journals. 85% of the 500 publications used the term Singapore English, 27% of them had Singlish, and only a mere six publications (around 1%) used the term Singaporean English. One would expect that for a term that speaks of and to the being of the nation, the term Singaporean English would certainly be used with far more frequency. This is especially so when there is in fact nothing morphologically awkward in attaching the suffix -ean to ‘Singapore’. There are immensely more examples of Englishes around the world that have the suffix (or its near equivalent) than those without (American, Tanzanian, South African Englishes are just some of numerous examples); and the two well known Englishes that remain suffix-free are New Zealand English and Hong Kong English, which we can explain by way of a morphological misfit: the -er suffix does sound rather awkward. Since Singapore does not have this problem, why then does Singapore English resist the suffix -ean?
Whose Work Counts? Congressional Republicans and the Battle over Employment Status, 1947–48
Authors: Bertram Eva
Published: March 2023

Conflicts over the employment status of Uber, Lyft, and other gig workers have made headlines in recent years. I argue that the conditions facing these workers and other independent contractors today are in many respects the result of policy decisions made seventy-five years ago, in hard-fought battles over which workers would—and which would not—be protected by New Deal social programs and labor laws for employees. In 1947–48, New Deal Democrats were poised to establish a more expansive definition of “employee,” extending eligibility to a range of workers excluded by more restrictive common law standards. The Republican-led 80th Congress thwarted the attempt to expand coverage, however, by blocking administrative initiatives, reversing court rulings, and redefining employment-based eligibility for federal labor and social protections. Their actions redirected policy on employment relations, restricting the reach of New Deal protections in the post–WWII economy and shaping the terms of subsequent conflicts over employment status in ways that have left broad power and discretion in the hands of employers.
Analysis of clinical medication scheme and nursing measures of acute stress disorder complicated with delirium under the COVID-19
Authors: Zou Xiao
Published: March 2023

Background

COVID-19 is highly contagious, which has a significant impact on people’s physical health and mental health. Under the current COVID-19, some people have negative emotions, such as anger and fear, which have triggered psychological stress, resulting in acute stress disorder of different degrees. Therefore, the study put forward a targeted clinical medication scheme. It applies corresponding nursing measures to explore the role of the targeted medication scheme in improving the mental health and the life quality of patients.

Subjects and Methods

Among the patients with acute stress disorder admitted to our hospital from June 2020 to July 2021, 80 patients with delirium caused by the COVID-19 were selected as research objects according to the medical records and disease analysis. Before using the new clinical medication scheme and nursing measures for treatment, the patients’ delirium and stress disorder were evaluated by Stanford Acute Stress Response Questionnaire (SASRQ) and 3-min Confusion Assessment Scale (3D-CAM). Then the new clinical medication scheme and nursing measures was applied for four weeks, including specific medication for acute stress disorder and delirium, and evaluate the disease status again with the two selected scales.

Results

Table 1 shows the results of SASRQ score and 3D-CAM score of 80 selected patients before and after treatment. The results showed that before treatment, both the SASRQ score and the 3D-CAM score showed that the patient had different degrees of delirium and acute stress disorder. After treatment, both the 3D-CAM score and the SASRQ score of the patient decreased significantly, and the symptoms of acute stress disorder complicated with delirium were significantly improved, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).Table 1.

Results of SASRQ score and 3D-CAM score of 80 patients before and after treatment

Treatment stagenSASRQ score3D-CAM scoreBefore treatment8045.4±2.346.5±2.1After treatment8038.6±1.639.2±2.5t-21.7120.00P-0.000.00

Conclusions

Under the COVID-19, some people suffer from acute stress disorder and delirium. Therefore, the study put forward a specific clinical medication scheme and nursing measures for these patients, and assessed the acute stress disorder and delirium status before and after treatment through SASRQ and 3D-CAM scales. The results verified the effectiveness of the medication scheme, which had certain clinical application value.