bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BNoteHelper: A Note-based Outline Generation Tool for Structured Learning on Video-sharing Platforms
Authors: Yu Fangyu , Zhang Peng , Ding Xianghua , Lu Tun , Gu Ning
Published: December 2023

Usually generated by ordinary users and often not particularly designed for learning, the videos on video-sharing platforms are mostly not structured enough to support learning purposes, although they are increasingly leveraged for that. Most existing studies attempt to structure the video using video summarization techniques. However, these methods focus on extracting information from within the video and aiming to consume the video itself. In this article, we design and implement BNoteHelper, a note-based video outline prototype that generates outline titles by extracting user-generated notes on Bilibili, using the BART model fine-tuned on a built dataset. As a browser plugin, BNoteHelper provides users with video overview and navigation as well as note-taking template, via two main features: outline table and navigation marker. The model and prototype are evaluated through automatic and human evaluations. The automatic evaluation reveals that, both before and after fine-tuning, the BART model outperforms T5-Pegasus in BLEU and Perplexity metrics. Also, the results from user feedback reveal that the generation outline sourced from notes is preferred by users over that sourced from video captions due to its more concise, clear, and accurate characteristics but also too general with less details and diversities sometimes. Two features of the video outline are also found to have respective advantages, especially in holistic and fine-grained aspects. Based on these results, we propose insights into designing a video summary from the user-generated creation perspective, customizing it based on video types, and strengthening the advantages of its different visual styles on video-sharing platforms.
Bayesian approaches to smooth pursuit of random dot kinematograms: effects of varying RDK noise and the predictability of RDK direction
Authors: Rubinstein Jason F. , Singh Manish , Kowler Eileen
Published: December 2023

Smooth pursuit eye movements respond on the basis of anticipated, as well as immediate, target motions. Bayesian models using reliability-based weighting of previous (prior) and immediate target motions (likelihood) accounted for many, but not all, aspects of pursuit of clear and noisy random dot kinematograms with different levels of predictability. Bayesian approaches may solve the long-standing problem of how pursuit combines immediate sensory motion and anticipation of future motion to configure an effective response.
Enhanced External Counterpulsation for Management of Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Associated Microvascular Angina and Fatigue: An Interventional Pilot Study
Authors: Wu Eline , Mahdi Ali , Nickander Jannike , Bruchfeld Judith , Mellbin Linda , Haugaa Kristina , Ståhlberg Marcus , Desta Liyew
Published: December 2023

Background. Postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) are a novel clinical syndrome characterized in part by endothelial dysfunction. Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) produces pulsatile shear stress, which has been associated with improvements in systemic endothelial function. Objective. To explore the effects of EECP on symptom burden, physical capacity, mental health, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with PASC-associated angina and microvascular dysfunction (MVD). Methods. An interventional pilot study was performed, including 10 patients (male = 5, mean age 50.3 years) recruited from a tertiary specialized PASC clinic. Patients with angina and MVD, defined as index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) ≥25 and/or diagnosed through stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, were included. Patients underwent one modified EECP course (15 one-hour sessions over five weeks). Symptom burden, six-minute walk test, and validated generic self-reported instruments for measuring psychological distress and HRQoL were assessed before and one month after treatment. Results. At baseline, most commonly reported PASC symptoms were angina (100%), fatigue (80%), and dyspnea (80%). Other symptoms included palpitations (50%), concentration impairment (50%), muscle pain (30%), and brain fog (30%). Mean IMR was 63.6. After EECP, 6MWD increased (mean 29.5 m, median 21 m) and angina and fatigue improved. Mean depression scores showed reduced symptoms (−0.8). Mean HRQoL scores improved in seven out of eight subscales (+0.2 to 10.5). Conclusions. Patients with PASC-associated angina and evidence of MVD experienced subjective and objective benefits from EECP. The treatment was well-tolerated. These findings warrant controlled studies in a larger cohort.
CDEM-Based Numerical Simulation of Uniaxial Compressive Mechanical Properties of Rocks
Authors: Liu Mingming , Song Zhiyong , Ma Shou , Wei Yuhua , Wang Jingrui
Published: December 2023

Understanding the mechanical properties of rock is of great significance for the development of unconventional reservoirs. However, a large number of bedding makes the mechanical laws of rock unclear. To investigate the effect of bedding properties on the uniaxial mechanical properties of rock, the coal model containing bedding is developed based on the continuous–discontinuous method, and the effect of bedding angle, bedding strength, bedding number, and loading rate on the uniaxial mechanical properties of rock is investigated. The failure morphology, stress–strain evolution, peak stress, and fracture degrees are analyzed and discussed in detail. The reliability of the numerical model in this paper has been verified by comparison with the indoor experiments. The results show that when the bedding angle is 0°, the peak stress of the rock is maximum, 8.16 MPa, and when the bedding angle is 90°, the fracture degree of the rock is maximum, 3.74%. For the different bedding strengths, the peak stress first decreases linearly with the decrease of the bedding strength. The peak stress barely varies when the bedding strength is less than 0.5 MPa. The fracture degree of the rock shows a nonlinear increase with the increase in bedding strength. For different bedding numbers, the activation of the bedding is not related to the bedding number. The loading speed also has a great influence on the mechanical properties of rock. With the increase in loading rate, the difficulty of bedding activation gradually increases, and the complexity of fractures gradually increases. This study aims to further improve the understanding of the effect of bedding properties on the uniaxial mechanical properties of rock.
Expression and Clinical Significance of Plasma miR-223 in Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Guo Xingrong , Huang Meiying , Yang Dawei , Luo Zuojie
Published: December 2023

Background. MicroRNA-223 (miR-223) is associated with diabetes and kidney diseases and serves as a novel marker for diagnosing diabetic kidney disease (DKD). This study was conducted to investigate the plasma expression of miR-223 and its clinical significance in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) patients. Methods. In this research, 20 patients with T2DM and DN, 19 patients with T2DM, and 17 healthy volunteers were finally enrolled. miR-223 expression was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), and the diagnostic value of miR-223 in DN was further analyzed. Results. miR-223 was downregulated in the DN group compared to that in the T2DM group (P=0.031) and the control group (P<0.001). Pearson’s correlation analysis showed a negative correlation of miR-223 levels with an albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) (r = −0.481; P=0.044), urine β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) (r = −0.494; P=0.037), urine α1-microglobulin (α1-MG) (r = −0.537; P=0.022), creatinine (Cr) (r = −0.664; P<0.01), cystatin C (Cyc-C) (r = −0.553; P=0.017), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (r = −0.761; P<0.01). The findings of a binary regression analysis indicated that miR-223, ACR, Cr, and α1-MG were the risk factors for DN (OR: 2.019, 1.166, 1.031, and 1.031; all P<0.05). Furthermore, miR-223 had a favorable diagnostic value for DN (AUC: 0.752; sensitivity: 0.722; specificity: 0.842) (2.5 was utilized as the diagnostic cutoff point). Conclusion. miR-223 was lowly expressed in DN patients, and the evaluation of miR-223 may be a good approach for diagnosing DN.
Table S2 from SHP2 Inhibition with TNO155 Increases Efficacy and Overcomes Resistance of ALK Inhibitors in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Valencia-Sama Ivette , Kee Lynn , Christopher Gabriella , Ohh Michael , Layeghifard Mehdi , Shlien Adam , Hayes Madeline N. , Irwin Meredith S.
Published: December 2023

Table S2. Maximal tolerated doses (MTD) for TNO155 alone and in combination with ceritinib or lorlatinib in zebrafish embryos.
TABLE 3 from SHP2 Inhibition with TNO155 Increases Efficacy and Overcomes Resistance of ALK Inhibitors in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Valencia-Sama Ivette , Kee Lynn , Christopher Gabriella , Ohh Michael , Layeghifard Mehdi , Shlien Adam , Hayes Madeline N. , Irwin Meredith S.
Published: December 2023

Detectable DNA mutations and variant allele frequencies (VAF) in selected genes exclusively identified in the Kelly-LR cell subpopulation
Figure S5 from SHP2 Inhibition with TNO155 Increases Efficacy and Overcomes Resistance of ALK Inhibitors in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Valencia-Sama Ivette , Kee Lynn , Christopher Gabriella , Ohh Michael , Layeghifard Mehdi , Shlien Adam , Hayes Madeline N. , Irwin Meredith S.
Published: December 2023

Figure S5. High doses of SHP2 inhibitors sensitize ALK wildtype neuroblastoma cells to ALK-TKIs.
Figure S1 from SHP2 Inhibition with TNO155 Increases Efficacy and Overcomes Resistance of ALK Inhibitors in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Valencia-Sama Ivette , Kee Lynn , Christopher Gabriella , Ohh Michael , Layeghifard Mehdi , Shlien Adam , Hayes Madeline N. , Irwin Meredith S.
Published: December 2023

Figure S1. ALK aberrant neuroblastoma cell lines are sensitive to SHP099.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4 Promotes Phenotypic Modulation via SMAD-4/MCT-4 Axis in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Li Qi , Li Zhongsha , Li Jingyu , Qin Xiaoling , Wu Fengjiao , Chen Chang
Published: December 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to determine whether bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4), which increases in response to intimal hyperplasia, promotes phenotype transition in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods: Balloon injury was used to induce intimal hyperplasia in rats. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to detect the alteration of vascular structure. Serum levels of BMP-4 and lactate were detected by ELISA. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HA-SMCs) were cultured. Protein and mRNA expression levels were detected through Western blot and real-time PCR. Cell migration was measured by transwell assay. Results: Our data showed that serum concentration of BMP-4 was upregulated after balloon injury. Treatment with BMP-4 inhibitor DMH1 (4-(6-(4-isopropoxyphenyl)pyrazolo(1,5-a)pyrimidin-3-yl)quinoline) suppressed the abnormal expression of BMP-4 and inhibited the intimal hyperplasia induced by balloon injury. Compared to BMP-4-negative medium, BMP-4-positive medium was associated with higher synthetic VSMC marker expression levels and lower in contractile gene markers in cultured HA-SMCs. Transfection of monocarboxylic acid transporters-4 (MCT-4) siRNA inhibited the excretion of lactate induced by BMP-4. Conclusion: Our analyses provided evidence that BMP-4 and its regulator Smad-4 are key regulators in MCT-4-mediated lactate excretion. This indicates that BMP-4 stimulates the phenotypic transition of VSMCs via SMAD-4/MCT-4 signaling pathway.
What Women Want? The State of the Art regarding the Treatment of Young Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Authors: de Oliveira Leonor , Vignozzi Linda , Giraldi Annamaria , Varod Shelly , Corona Giovanni , Reisman Yacov
Published: December 2023

Background: Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in premenopausal women involves biological, psychological, and social aspects. In the European Society for Sexual Medicine meeting in Rotterdam in February 2023, several leading experts in the field discussed the multifaceted nature of this disorder and the state of the art regarding treatment at a round table. This review reflects the information discussed at this event and further discusses current controversies. Summary: HSDD is the most prevalent female-estimated sexual disorder reported by 28% of the 40% premenopausal women with sexual dysfunction. Flibanserin and bremelanotide are the only approved medications to treat HSDD in the USA, and none are approved in Europe. Lybrido, Lybridos, and Lorexys are under development. There are several psychological factors with impact in sexual desire, including depression and sexual abuse. Feminine sexual scripts, the pleasure gap, and structural inequalities also affect sexual desire. Evidence strongly supports the value of combining medical and psychological approaches in the treatment of HSDD, but there is ongoing controversy regarding the pharmacological treatment of young women with HSDD. However, some women seem open and would like to have access to drug treatment. Key Messages: The treatment of HSDD in young women requires a mixed treatment approach that addresses the disorder’s complexity. Despite clinicians seeming to be divided between using pharmacological and/or psychosocial approaches, some women might respond better to one type of intervention over the others. This calls for the development of tools that assess the best approach for each person, including their will and informed choice.
Taxonomic novelty in Sichuan Province, China: Veronaea polyconidia sp. nov. (Herpotrichiellaceae), a new addition to hyphomycetous fungi
Authors: SU PENGWEI , CHEN YANPENG , SYED ASAD , BAHKALI ALI H. , MAHARACHCHIKUMBURA SAJEEWA S. N.
Published: December 2023

During an ongoing survey on microfungal diversity in Sichuan Province, China, several specimens of hyphomycetous fungi were collected from decaying branches of Betulaceae plants. Through morphological analysis and a multi-locus phylogenetic study based on the small subunit ribosomal RNA, the internal transcribed spacer, the large subunit ribosomal RNA, and the partial beta-tubulin region, we have identified that these new collections belong to the genus Veronaea, leading us to propose Veronaea polyconidia sp. nov. According to multi-locus phylogenetic analyses, V. polyconidia represents a sister clade to V. botryosa. Morphologically, V. polyconidia is distinct from V. botryosa by its relatively larger conidia and longer conidiophores. Detailed morphological distinctions between the new species and their close relatives are provided. Additionally, the phylogenetic findings in this study, along with morphological comparisons, indicate that V. constricta is conspecific with V. botryosa. Prioritizing the oldest epithet, we have synonymized V. constricta under V. botryosa. These findings not only broaden our understanding of the fungal diversity in Sichuan Province, China but also enhance our comprehension of the broader genus Veronaea.
A new species of Lycogala, and a new record of Lindbladia from China
Authors: YANG XIN-YA , WANG SAI-YU , DAI DAN , ZHAO HUI-NAN , WANG YANG , LI XUE-FEI , ZHANG BO , LI YU
Published: December 2023

Lycogala is one of the most widely known genera of myxomycetes due to its distinct characteristics and cosmopolitan distribution. This study introduces a new species, Lycogala heterospora, based on its morphological characteristics and molecular analyses using the small subunit of the ribosomal RNA (nrSSU) gene. It is characterized by its spores of varying sizes and yellowish-brown peridial vesicles. The characteristics of the new species were examined under a stereomicroscope and a light microscope. The micrographs of relevant details are included. Moreover, Lindbladia cribrarioides is documented for the first time in China.
Xenoacremonium palmarum sp. nov., a novel species associated with Phoenix dactylifera in Iran
Authors: AMANI MAJID , FAROKHINEJAD REZA , MEHRABI-KOUSHKI MEHDI
Published: December 2023

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the most important fruit crops in Iran, where it has been cultivated in the south, southeast, and southwest of Iran. Root fragments of date palm showing root rot symptoms were collected from different areas in Khuzestan and Bushehr provinces to isolate their fungal associations. Accordingly, six isolates of a new species, Xenoacremonium palmarum, were obtained, herein described and illustrated. This new species is identified based on both morphology and phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS (the internal transcribed spacer region and intervening 5.8S nrRNA), tub2 (β-tubulin) and tef1α (translation elongation factor 1-alpha) sequence data. Our isolates grouped in a highly-supported clade, distinct from previously known species of Xenoacremonium. The new species and X. allantoideum differ from both X. falcatum and X. minutisporum in not having lateral phialidic pegs on their somatic hyphae. In addition, conidia in X. falcatum are more curved than those in X. allantoideum, X. palmarum and X. minutisporum. New species, X. palmarum, differs from X. allantoideum in having longer conidia and lacking mycelial ropes.
Another remarkable new species of Dictyanthus (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Asclepiadeae, Gonolobinae) with a long stylar head from Mexico
Authors: PÍO-LEÓN JUAN FERNANDO , ALVARADO-CÁRDENAS LEONARDO O.
Published: December 2023

Dictyanthus includes 17 climbing species distributed from northern Mexico to Nicaragua. Mexico is its main center of diversification with 15 endemic species. The genus is known for its conspicuous flowers with high ornamental potential. Dictyanthus species are distinguished by the shape of their corolla (campanulate or rotated), their pattern of color lines or reticulations on the corolla lobes, the size and shape of their corona, and the shape of the stylar head. The present work formally names as a new species, and describes and illustrates the plants with a long and conspicuous stylar head, distinguishing it from the rest of its relatives. The study consisted of field work for two years, as well as a review of herbarium material and literature. The description of the organism was based on in situ morphology, herbarium material and specimens preserved in ethanol. The conservation assessment was based on IUCN criteria. We follow the cohesive species concept as an explanatory hypothesis for the taxa. A dichotomous key and comparative plates are presented for species with stylar head projection. Dictyanthus unicornus differs from other species in the genus by its conspicuously elongated stylar head and the combination of patent corolla lobes and fleshy, spatulate crown lobes protruding from the corolla throat. According to IUCN criteria, this species is considered Endangered. With the present discovery, the genus Dictyanthus reaches 18 described species of which 16 endemic to Mexico.
Airborne Radar Quality Control with Machine Learning
Authors: DesRosiers Alexander J. , Bell Michael M.
Published: December 2023

Airborne Doppler radar provides detailed and targeted observations of winds and precipitation in weather systems over remote or difficult-to-access regions that can help to improve scientific understanding and weather forecasts. Quality control (QC) is necessary to remove nonweather echoes from raw radar data for subsequent analysis. The complex decision-making ability of the machine learning random-forest technique is employed to create a generalized QC method for airborne radar data in convective weather systems. A manually QCed dataset was used to train the model containing data from the Electra Doppler Radar (ELDORA) in mature and developing tropical cyclones, a tornadic supercell, and a bow echo. Successful classification of ∼96% and ∼93% of weather and nonweather radar gates, respectively, in withheld testing data indicate the generalizability of the method. Dual-Doppler analysis from the genesis phase of Hurricane Ophelia (2005) using data not previously seen by the model produced a comparable wind field to that from manual QC. The framework demonstrates a proof of concept that can be applied to newer airborne Doppler radars.

Significance Statement

Airborne Doppler radar is an invaluable tool for making detailed measurements of wind and precipitation in weather systems over remote or difficult to access regions, such as hurricanes over the ocean. Using the collected radar data depends strongly on quality control (QC) procedures to classify weather and nonweather radar echoes and to then remove the latter before subsequent analysis or assimilation into numerical weather prediction models. Prior QC techniques require interactive editing and subjective classification by trained researchers and can demand considerable time for even small amounts of data. We present a new machine learning algorithm that is trained on past QC efforts from radar experts, resulting in an accurate, fast technique with far less user input required that can greatly reduce the time required for QC. The new technique is based on the random forest, which is a machine learning model composed of decision trees, to classify weather and nonweather radar echoes. Continued efforts to build on this technique could benefit future weather forecasts by quickly and accurately quality-controlling data from other airborne radars for research or operational meteorology.
An Approximate Criterion for Morphological Transformations in Small Vapor Grown Ice Crystals
Authors: Harrington Jerry Y. , Pokrifka Gwenore F.
Published: December 2023

Observations and measurements show that crystals remain relatively compact at low ice supersaturations, but become increasingly hollowed and complex as the ice supersaturation rises. Prior measurements at temperatures >−25°C indicate that the transition from compact, solid ice to morphologically complex crystals occurs when the excess vapor density exceeds a threshold value of about 0.05 g m−3. A comparable threshold is not available at low temperatures. A temperature-dependent criterion for the excess vapor density threshold (Δρthr) that defines morphological transformations to complex ice is derived from laboratory measurements of vapor grown ice at temperatures below −40°C. This criterion depends on the difference between the equilibrium vapor density of liquid () and ice (ρei) multiplied by a measurement-determined constant, . The new criterion is consistent with prior laboratory measurements, theoretical estimates, and it reproduces the classical result of about 0.05 g m−3 above −25°C. Since Δρthr defines the excess vapor density above which crystals transition to a morphologically complex (lower density) growth mode, we can estimate the critical supersaturation (scrit) for step nucleation during vapor growth. The derived values of scrit are consistent with previous measurements at temperatures above −20°C. No direct measurements of scrit are available for temperatures below −40°C; however, our derived values suggest some measurement-based estimates may be too high while estimates from molecular dynamics simulations may be too low.
The Important Role of Reduced Moisture Supplies from the Monsoon Region in the Formation of Spring and Summer Droughts over Northeast China
Authors: Zeng Dingwen , Yuan Xing
Published: December 2023

Anomalies in atmospheric moisture transport are critical for drought formation, with East Asian monsoon anomalies identified as the primary driver of droughts in East Asia. However, the drought mechanism for the border region between monsoon and nonmonsoon land areas remains unclear due to complex interactions between latitudinal circulation patterns. Using a Lagrangian framework, we quantify moisture supply (MS) during spring and summer drought events within the border region, specifically Northeast China (NEC). Our results reveal that decreased MS from monsoon land areas is more crucial than nonmonsoon land areas and local areas for NEC droughts, with the local water recycling playing a more substantial role in summer than in spring. On average, summer droughts are 4 times more intense than spring droughts. Contributions to MS deficits from monsoon land areas, nonmonsoon land areas, and local areas during spring (summer) droughts are 43.2% (43.8%), 25.1% (19.2%), and 22% (33.8%), respectively. The weakened atmospheric circulation from source regions to NEC contributes to over 80% of MS deficits during droughts. Atmospheric wave trains triggered by North Atlantic sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) gradients, along with the weakening of the East Asian subtropical westerly jet in spring and a positive phase of the polar–Eurasian teleconnection in summer, contribute to spring and summer droughts, respectively. A sustained, record-breaking positive SSTA along the western European coast from the spring to summer excited a wave train, and resulted in the extreme 2017 spring–summer drought. These findings provide valuable insights into the drought mechanism within the interaction zone of circulation systems from different latitudes.

Significance Statement

The complex interactions between atmospheric circulation patterns at different latitudes have led to an insufficient understanding of the mechanisms causing extreme drought in the border region between the monsoon and nonmonsoon land areas. This study aims to investigate the drought mechanisms in the border region from the perspective of moisture tracking. Results indicate a moisture supply deficit from the monsoon region contributes the most (approximately half) to droughts, although the majority of air parcels reaching this region originate from the nonmonsoon region. The weakening of circulation contributes to more than 80% of the moisture supply deficit during droughts, far exceeding the impact of reduced evaporation from the moisture source regions. These findings are conducive to understanding the mechanisms of extreme drought.
Narrating Institutional Logics into Effect: Coherence Across Cognitive, Political, and Emotional Elements
Authors: Zilber Tammar B.
Published: December 2023

Through an ethnographic study of decision making in a rape crisis center, I explore how institutional logics come to be through interactions. Zooming in on storytelling interactions and slowing down to follow their evolution, I find that collective cognitive, political, and emotional elements mediated the narration of logics into effect. While the interactions unfolded within a space of possibilities determined by logics, co-narrators still put much cognitive effort into negotiating which logic was relevant and how it implicated specific ways of understanding and responding to events. Narrators’ subject positions and their perceived interests and emotions also mediated the work of logics on the ground. Decisions were determined by degrees of coherence across these cognitive, political, and emotional elements. When there was high or moderate coherence, the decision followed the resolution implied by the narration. When coherence was low, decision makers rejected the decision implied by the narration. Coherence, then, constrained people’s agency to invoke institutional logic. These results offer compelling new theory about how institutional logics work: logics are neither deterministic nor freely manipulated but instantiated through collective and situated dynamics that set limits on their strategic use.
How Do Political and Nonpolitical Ties Affect Corporate Regulatory Participation? A Regulatory Capture Perspective
Authors: Xia Jun , Yao Fiona Kun , Yin Xiaoli , Wang Xinran , Lin Zhouyu
Published: December 2023

This study extends regulatory capture theory to investigate how and to what extent a firm’s political and nonpolitical ties jointly influence corporate regulatory participation. In the context of regulatory standards setting, although firms with political ties are better able to promote firm standards into industry regulations, it remains unclear whether the coexistence of firms’ nonpolitical ties (i.e., university ties and interlocked firms in our study) is more or less likely to reduce the effect of political ties. Although corporate leaders with political and nonpolitical ties may provide complementary resources, they may follow different mechanisms to drive firm actions. We, thus, argue that nonpolitical ties likely reduce the effect of political ties on regulatory standards setting. Using a sample of public manufacturing firms in China, we find evidence that supports our predictions. Our study contributes to the regulatory capture literature by redirecting attention to the dynamics of political versus nonpolitical ties.
Community-Based Crime Prevention Programs and Central American Migration: A Difference in Differences Analysis
Authors: Iesue Laura T.
Published: December 2023

Community-based crime prevention programs are emerging as a crucial alternative for addressing violence in Central America, a significant driver of migration from the region to the United States. Comprehensive analyses of the impact of the adoption of programs on migration intentions, especially among individuals who have been victims of crime, are lacking. Using a distinctive survey dataset derived from randomized-controlled experiments conducted in Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, this study shows that community-based crime prevention programs are associated with an increase in migration intentions in Guatemala but are not linked to migration intentions in El Salvador and Honduras. This finding holds even when considering whether these programs address neighborhood factors and perceived risk of future victimization. Further examination of these programs is warranted.
Threats for workers or opportunities for consumers? The impact of the Great Recession on perceived trade threat in 21 countries
Authors: Kwak Joonghyun , Wallace Michael
Published: December 2023

Two competing perspectives have been offered to explain how the Great Recession (GR) impacted citizens’ perspectives on international trade. The citizens-as-workers perspective maintains that anti-trade attitudes increase during economic downturns because higher imports of foreign products pose a severe threat to workers’ job security, whereas the citizens-as-consumers perspective suggests that favorable attitudes toward international trade increase as imports provide better opportunities for cheaper consumer goods. In this article, we examine how the dual identities of citizens—as workers and consumers—play a role in shaping how the GR affects perceived trade threat. Using multilevel ordered logit models, we analyze responses from 19,982 respondents nested within 21 countries in the 2013 International Social Survey Program survey. We find that the GR exacerbated perceived trade threat. We also find that the GR intensified pro-trade attitudes in countries with fast-growing unemployment. The results suggest that anti-trade sentiments of citizens-as-workers were dominant after the GR, but pro-trade sentiments of citizens-as-consumers were also present as a countervailing force against a protectionist backlash.
A systematic review of empirical literature on the segregation of educational institutions and its consequences in Finland
Authors: Kleemola Katri , Hyytinen Heidi , Tuononen Tarja , Toom Auli
Published: December 2023

While Finland has been considered a model for educational equity, the last decade has brought up concerns about educational segregation. This systematic literature review captures an overview of research on factors contributing to educational segregation and its consequences in Finland. A literature search of studies investigating various aspects of segregation in Finland and published both in English and Finnish was conducted, and altogether 40 scientific articles were analyzed. The findings show that segregation in Finland is regional or associated with the transitions that allow major choices. Neighborhood segregation, emphasized classes, transition to upper secondary education, and transition to higher education were identified as sources of segregation. Evidence on the consequences of the segregation in Finland is still scarce. Further research exploring the reasons, intertwining, and consequences of these phenomena as well as preventing them would be necessary.
The WHO QualityRights Initiative and its use worldwide: A literature review
Authors: Mion Ana Beatriz Zanardo , Ventura Carla Aparecida Arena
Published: December 2023

Background:

To subsidize and win the fight against the violation of the human rights of people with mental disorders, an international working group has built a toolkit of quality assurance services and the exercise of human rights by users, both in low-, middle, and high-income countries. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) QualityRights Initiative has been discussed and agreed upon by government entities in many countries in its use and implementation. The program includes a service assessment kit and training modules.

Aims:

In this context, this article aims to synthesize, from database searches, how the QualityRights Initiative is being used worldwide.

Method:

This is an integrative literature review, in which 354 articles were initially obtained. After analysis, 25 articles were included in this study.

Results:

The results show different ways of using the initiative: service evaluation; QualityRights Initiative service evaluation and training provision; innovations on how to use the QualityRights Initiative; and QualityRights Initiative trainings.

Conclusions:

As the first part of the initiative, the service assessment part, was launched before the training materials, most of the articles found (17) were using it. Despite the recent launch of the training part of the initiative, five articles were found to have already conducted the training. In addition, three articles reported on the use of the initiative in other ways, such as translation and cultural adaptation of the modules; updating the document in light of the QualityRights project; and assessing whether its implementation would be effective in reducing coercive practices.
Investigating the energy absorption properties of sandwich panels filled with shear thickening fluid with a weight fraction of 35% under low-velocity impact
Authors: Astaraki Sajjad , Zamani Ehsan , Pol Mohammad Hossein , Hasan-nezhad Hosein
Published: December 2023

This research study the energy absorption performance of aluminum core honeycomb sandwich panel (ACHSP) with filled and empty cores subjected to low-velocity impact testing, with diverse skins; (i) aluminum sheets, (ii) 5-ply epoxy glass composite, and (iii) 5-ply shear thickening fluid (STF)-impregnated glass fabrics. The prepared STF was 35 wt% and the impactor heights was selected at 100 and 500 mm to assess the effect of different impact velocities on the energy absorption capability of STF. The specific energy absorption (SEA) of the STF-filled ACHSP with 5-ply STF-impregnated fabrics skin (height of 500 mm) compared to STF-filled ACHSP with aluminum sheets skin and 5-ply epoxy glass composite skin have increased by 28.38 and 21.79%, respectively. In a fact of truth, when the external force is applied to the STF-filled ACHSP, the fluid transitions from a low-velocity to a high-velocity state instantly. This transition exerts forces on the suspended particles within the fluid. Actually, during the impact, the particles come into close contact and form temporary particle networks or chains. These networks increase the viscosity of the fluid, making it resistant to flow. The energy of the impact is then absorbed by the formation and reformation of these particles’ networks. However, the SEA of STF-filled ACHSP at the height of 500 mm to empty ACHSP at the height of 100 mm have decreased significantly, and the energy absorption of STF-filled ACHSPs to corresponding empty ACHSPs have increased remarkably.
How Ethnic Discrimination Shapes Political Reintegration After War: Insights From a Conjoint Experiment in Colombia
Authors: Agneman Gustav , Strömbom Lisa
Published: December 2023

The reintegration of former armed group affiliates into formal politics is a fundamental challenge for post-conflict societies. Arguably, this challenge is even more difficult in settings where ethnic discrimination is pervasive, since discrimination implies comparatively higher barriers to political reintegration for racialized ex-combatants. In this paper, we explore how ethnicity and armed group affiliation interact to shape electoral prospects. Specifically, we investigate whether participants in a conjoint experiment in Colombia discriminate between political candidates of European and African descent and whether politicians of different ethnic identities are differentially punished for ties to armed groups. We find that participants display a strong aversion toward politicians with armed group affiliations and that they discriminate against Afro-Colombian candidates. Furthermore, we demonstrate that biases are additive, in the sense that Caucasian and Afro-Colombian candidates are equally punished for associating with armed groups. Finally, we explore heterogeneous treatment effects to shed light on sources of ethnic discrimination and aversion toward former armed group affiliates.
Human Rights for Export Only? Non-Elite Human Rights Advocacy in West Germany, 1977–2000
Authors: Jiménez Botta Felix A.
Published: December 2023

This article analyzes the non-elite human rights vision promoted by the Russell III Tribunal and the Committee for Fundamental Rights and Democracy (Komitee für Grundrechte und Demokratie, Grundrechtekomitee). The article centers on leftists who utilized human rights to challenge state power since the late 1970s. The III Russell Tribunal (1978–79) brought international scrutiny to the West German state's restrictions against civil employment for suspected subversives. Policymakers, politicians, and liberal public intellectuals rejected the use of human rights rhetoric to address domestic wrongs. In their view, the sobriquet ‘human rights abuse’ was befitting solely to the cruelties committed by the National Socialists and in countries in the Global South and Eastern Europe. Veterans of Russell III founded the Grundrechtekomitee in 1980 to challenge this limited understanding of human rights. The second part of the article focuses on the Committee's engagement against Helmut Kohl's asylum policy and domestic racism. While focused on West Germany, the Committee mobilized a cosmopolitan vision of human rights that mobilized Holocaust memory to advocate for the rights of migrants and asylum seekers. The article argues that Russell III and the Grundrechtekomitee saw domestic human rights advocacy as a bulwark against undemocratic and xenophobic tendencies in Germany.
Empowering Schools to Implement Effective Research-Based Reading Remediation Delivers Long-Lasting Improvements to Children’s Reading Trajectories
Authors: Panda Erin J. , Woehrle Trisha , Frijters Jan C. , Moules Rhonda , Zolis Sonia , Edwards Edie , Steinbach Karen A. , De Palma Maria , Lovett Maureen W.
Published: December 2023

There is a wide gap between what research evidence identifies as effective reading intervention and what is currently offered in schools. This effectiveness study reports the results of a long-term research/school system partnership that is implementing reading intervention for children with reading difficulties in Canadian community schools. In Study 1, growth-curve analyses revealed significant long-term shifts in the reading trajectories of children ( n = 731) from Kindergarten to Grade 5 as a function of receiving the Empower™ Reading: Decoding and Spelling intervention. Long-term outcomes were higher in children who received intervention in Grade 2 than in Grade 3, supporting the benefit of earlier intervention. In Study 2, we compare reading outcomes before and after children participated in school system-led intervention (Empower™ Reading, n = 341) to results from previously reported researcher-led intervention and business-as-usual controls. Children in both school system-led and researcher-led interventions showed greater improvement than controls on standardized measures of decoding and reading comprehension. Among school system participants, greater gains were seen for those with stronger reading skills at pre-test. Findings demonstrate successful school system implementation of research-originated and validated reading intervention. Researcher/school system partnerships may be integral in closing the research–practice gap.
The sound localization ability of students with visual impairment in goalball players, non-goalball players, and their peers with typical vision
Authors: Yousefi Saheb , Hassanzadeh Saeid , Zebehazy Kim T , Najafi Fard Tahereh , Murfitt Kevin , Sedghi Taromi Alireza , Lavasani Masood Gholam Ali
Published: December 2023

Sound localization is the listener’s ability to detect the location of a sound based on direction and distance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability to orient to sounds of goalball players with visual impairment ( n = 19), non-players with visual impairment ( n = 16), and their sighted peers ( n = 15). All participants were in middle or high school. An acoustics room with four speakers was used to assess sound localization abilities. Results revealed that the goalball players with visual impairments had better localization performance ( p = .001) than the other two groups. The results suggest that engaging in goalball play may support sound localization, a skill useful in orientation and mobility, and other daily living skills.
Bilateral orbital dermoid cysts: A case report
Authors: Lin Yi , Cui Jizhe , Zhang Hui , Huang Shiwei
Published: December 2023

Dermoid cysts are one of the most common benign orbital tumours in children and usually occur unilaterally. Bilateral dermoid cysts in the orbit are rare. We report here, a case of bilateral orbital dermoid cysts, in a 29-month-old baby girl. The patient’s prognosis was favourable following surgical resection. Through this case report, we hope to increase the recognition and understanding of this condition.
Informant Screening Profiles of Social and Emotional Learning: Exploring Teacher and Student Agreement
Authors: Brann Kristy L. , Anthony Christopher J. , Elliott Stephen N. , Flora Ashley , DiOrio Courtney A.
Published: December 2023

When conducting universal social and emotional learning (SEL) screening, schools need clear decision-making guidelines for selecting informants. The current study examined informant profiles for screening SEL functioning using latent profile analysis with the student and teacher forms of the SSIS SEL Brief Scales for 536 students in grades 3–7. Teacher and student models each had three profiles emerge with roughly similar meanings of the profiles (Developing, Competent, and Advanced profiles), although a larger percentage of students were identified in the developing profile for the student rater. Profile categories aligned for 42% of students, with the most disagreement according between the Competent and Advanced SEL categories. For the teacher and student combined model, five profiles emerged (Competent-Developing, Developing-Competent, Competent-High Competent, Competent-Competent, and Advanced-Competent), with one profile indicating informant agreement. We explore gender and grade setting covariates and discuss implications for multi-informant research and practice.
Enquêter sous contrôle. Retours sur une démarche de recherche ethnographique en prison
Authors: Veaudor Manon
Published: December 2023

En revenant sur les conditions d’une enquête par observation prolongée et par entretiens dans deux prisons françaises, cet article questionne la spécificité des enjeux épistémologiques et méthodologiques en milieu carcéral. Il interroge ce que la réalisation d’un travail de terrain sous contrôle fait à la démarche d’enquête et à la délimitation de l’objet. Cet article défend la pertinence d’une approche réflexive en terrain « difficile » qui, au-delà de la seule question des tensions et des dilemmes interpersonnels dans lesquels le ou la chercheuse est prise, prête attention au contexte institutionnel et sécuritaire susceptible d’interférer sur la démarche d’enquête. Cette approche sera discutée à travers trois étapes de la recherche. Il s’agit d’une part de revenir sur les conditions d’accès aux établissement pénitentiaires. L’article montre que l’existence d’une procédure centralisée dans la délivrance des autorisations tend à démultiplier les points de négociation et, par conséquent, fragilise les possibilités d’anticiper les points de blocage. La deuxième étape a trait aux difficultés de positionnement dans un milieu où les suspicions sont importantes. La prison est un terrain où les clivages sont forts mais présente néanmoins des spécificités qui peuvent nous aiguiller sur les manières de surmonter les obstacles en terrain sensible. Enfin, l’article met en évidence la manière dont un terrain sous contrôle peut partiellement réorienter la démarche de recherche, par des formes d’auto-restriction et par le fait d’intégrer à son objet des dimensions imprévues.
Sisters at sea: Travel experiences of missionary sisters to the Dutch East Indies and Indonesia in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries
Authors: Brand Ron , Kamphuis Kirsten
Published: December 2023

This article compares three travel reports of missionary sisters to the Dutch East Indies. The oldest travelogue was written by Mère Stanislas. In 1872 she travels with the SS Conrad of the Stoomvaart Maatschappij ‘Nederland’. The second travelogue was written by Sister Leonie Wilbers. She travels in 1900 on board the SS Bromo of the Rotterdamsche Lloyd. Finally, the third travelogue dates from the years 1955–1956. Sister Jeanne Marie (‘Jo’) Oomen travels with the MS Oranje of the Stoomvaart Maatschappij ‘Nederland’. These travelogues offer a fascinating look at life on board, seen through the eyes of three mission sisters over a period of about 80 years. What do the mission sisters write about the departure, the ship's journey and life on board, the view of other cultures and the arrival at the mission post? What did they notice on board and what did they write about? Does this include a gender aspect?
Racial Hate at the Intersection of Online and Offline Worlds: The Joint Impact of Online and Offline Racism on the Mental Health of Racially Minoritized Individuals
Authors: Keum Brian TaeHyuk , Wong Michele J. , Sanders India
Published: December 2023

With the everyday influence of social media and online platforms, racially minoritized individuals face the risk of experiencing racial discrimination in both offline and online contexts. Yet, there is scant research on how online and offline racism could jointly impact the mental health of racially minoritized individuals. Thus, the study examined online racism as a moderator in the link between offline racism and mental health issues. Using data from 651 racially minoritized emerging adults ( Mage = 22.15, SD = 3.39), a moderation analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro with bias-corrected bootstrapping (10,000 resamples). Experiencing more offline racism was significantly associated with greater mental health issues. Online racism was a significant moderator in the link between offline racism and mental health issues. The link between offline racism and mental health issues was not significant at low levels of online racism. However, the link was significant and strengthened at mean to high levels of online racism. The results suggest complex interactions in understanding the compounding impact of online and offline racism on mental health costs among racially minoritized individuals. Implications for future research on understanding the interplay between online and offline racism are discussed.