bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency and imaging correlates of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Authors: Cuoco Sofia , Ponticorvo Sara , Abate Filomena , Tepedino Maria Francesca , Erro Roberto , Manara Renzo , Di Salle Gianfranco , Di Salle Francesco , Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Esposito Fabrizio , Barone Paolo , Picillo Marina
Published: August 2023

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are intrinsic to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and a spoonful of studies investigated their imaging correlates. Describe (I) the frequency and severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms in PSP and (II) their structural imaging correlates. Twenty-six PSP patients underwent Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and brain 3D T1-weighted MRI. Spearman’s rho with Bonferroni correction was used to investigate correlations between NPI scores and volumes of gray matter regions. More than 80% of patients presented at least one behavioral symptom of any severity. The most frequent and severe were depression/dysphoria, apathy, and irritability/lability. Significant relationships were found between the severity of irritability and right pars opercularis volume (p < 0.001) as well as between the frequency of agitation/aggression and left lateral occipital volume (p < 0.001). Depression, apathy, and irritability are the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms in PSP. Moreover, we found a relationship between specific positive symptoms as irritability and agitation/aggression and greater volume of the right pars opercularis cortex and lower volume of the left occipital cortex, respectively, which deserve further investigations.
Biomarkers for diagnosis of stage III, grade C with molar incisor pattern periodontitis in children and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alamri Meaad M. , Antonoglou Georgios N. , Proctor Gordon , Balsa-Castro Carlos , Tomás Inmaculada , Nibali Luigi
Published: August 2023

Aim

To explore the existing salivary, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), blood, and serum biomarkers associated with grade C molar-incisor pattern (C/MIP) periodontitis in systemically healthy children and young adults.

Materials and methods

Cross-sectional, case–control, and cohort studies on stage III grade C periodontitis or former equivalent diagnosis with analysis of molecular biomarkers in saliva, GCF, blood, or serum were retrieved from six databases and screened based on the eligibility criteria. The risk of bias in included studies was evaluated. Meta-analysis was planned for biomarkers assessed using the same detection methods and sample type in at least two papers.

Results

Out of 5621 studies identified at initial screening, 28 papers were included in the qualitative analysis of which 2 were eligible for meta-analysis for IgG in serum samples. Eighty-seven biomarkers were assessed with the majority being higher in cases than in controls. Only the meta-analysis of total serum IgG with low heterogeneity value revealed a significant increase in its levels in C/MIPs compared to controls (standardised mean difference: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.76, 1.40).

Conclusion

There is a paucity of data on biomarkers associated with molar-incisor pattern periodontitis. Although serum IgG levels are raised, other more specific biomarkers in saliva, GCF, and blood/serum may be promising but require further investigation.
Preterm birth and its associated factors in coastal areas of eastern China: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Chen Xu , Zhang Yitao , Tang Yijia , Sun Xun , Tong Jiao , Yan Dongmei
Published: August 2023

Aim

Preterm birth (PTB) is considered to be an important cause of neonatal mortality. However, most parts of China lack data or studies with large sample sizes to quantify the true burden of PTB. The current study aimed to determine the incidence of and factors associated with PTB in coastal areas of eastern China.

Subject and methods

This retrospective study included all eligible pregnant women who delivered in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province, eastern China, between 1 July 2021 and 30 June 2022. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the associated factors of PTB.

Results

A total of 29,807 pregnant women were included, and the incidence of PTB was found to be 5.1%. Multivariate regression analysis showed that pregnant women aged 18 years or younger (OR: 1.706, 95% CI: 1.207–2.409), who were 35 years or older (OR: 1.519, 95% CI: 1.312–1.760), or who had had a cesarean section delivery (OR: 1.542, 95% CI: 1.360–1.748), two or more perinatal births (OR: 14.557, 95% CI: 11.507–18.415), or four or more deliveries (OR: 1.614, 95% CI: 1.192–2.186) had a higher risk of PTB. Pregnant women with five or more prenatal visits (OR: 0.299, 95% CI: 0.241–0.372) had a lower risk of preterm delivery. In addition, pregnant women with hypertension (OR: 2.184, 95% CI: 1.666–2.863), preeclampsia (OR: 4.948, 95% CI: 3.014–8.124), gestational diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.610, 95% CI: 1.328–1.952), placenta previa (OR: 2.543, 95% CI: 1.836–3.523), or a history of PTB (OR: 9.028, 95% CI: 5.667–14.383) were more likely to have PTB.

Conclusion

The incidence of PTB was high and was affected by many factors. Early identification and management can reduce the incidence of PTB.
Born global: antecedents and consequences of innovation capabilities
Authors: Malodia Suresh , Dhir Amandeep , Alshibani Safiya Mukhtar , Christofi Michael
Published: August 2023

Innovation capabilities are considered a key factor impacting the success and sustainability of born global firms across the world. These capabilities are even more significant for the born global firms from emerging markets. In this study, we propose an overarching conceptual framework called ICONIC to explain the factors that are critical for developing innovation capabilities in born global firms. Using grounded theory with a triangulation approach, we define innovation capabilities as a multi-dimensional construct with three sub-dimensions: business model innovation, improvisation abilities, and personalized problem-solving. Furthermore, we identify three antecedents (firm-related factors, competition-related factors, and customer orientation) leading to innovation capabilities and discuss the tangible and intangible outcomes of innovation capabilities. In this study, we also propose a set of propositions describing the nature of the relationship between different constructs in our framework. Finally, we discuss the theoretical contributions and implications for born global firms and policymakers to realize the strategic goals of internationalization.
Fire Performance of Steel-Timber Hybrid Beam Section
Authors: Malaska Mikko , Alanen Mika , Salminen Mikko , Jokinen Timo , Ranua Risto
Published: August 2023

Slim-floor-type of steel-timber hybrid floor systems which use steel beams contained within the depth of the cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor slab offer many benefits, but there is still very little research available on the fire resistance performance of these systems. In the study presented in this paper two furnace tests and numerical simulations have been conducted to investigate the thermal profiles of the steel member and CLT slabs and to obtain information on the temperature development and charring of the hybrid beam section when it is exposed to standard fire conditions. Also, the effects of intumescent fire protection on temperatures and charring performance were investigated. Numerical 2D thermal simulations for unprotected and protected cases were conducted using SAFIR software, and the agreement between experiments and numerical-analysis predictions were in general very good. The results show that intumescent protection reduces the temperatures of the steel and CLT components as well as charring depth significantly, and the start of charring at CLT slab support may be delayed if intumescent paint protection thicker than that required for the load bearing steel member is used. The result also showed that CLT temperatures exceed 100°C already in the early stages of the fire which decrease the strength and stiffness properties of CLT much before the start of charring. Therefore, the fire design of the CLT slab support should not only consider the char depth and residual cross-section analysis but also the reduction in strength.
An Attempt to Understand Relational Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Lahti Pekka , Pellonpää Juha-Pekka
Published: August 2023

We search for a possible mathematical formulation of some of the key ideas of the relational interpretation of quantum mechanics and study their consequences. We also briefly overview some proposals of relational quantum mechanics for an axiomatic reconstruction of the Hilbert space formulation of quantum mechanics.
Network Tomography with Partial Topology Knowledge and Dynamic Routing
Authors: Sartzetakis Ippokratis , Varvarigos Emmanouel
Published: August 2023

Networks are always evolving to meet the needs of progressing and novel applications. To this end, improved network capacity, latency and security are required. Monitoring is key to achieving these objectives. It is a cornerstone for the uninterrupted network operation and the applications’ QoS management. Network tomography uses a subset of monitoring information, corresponding to partial view of the network state, to estimate wide-sense network performance metrics. In this paper, we present a novel machine learning (ML) formulation for Network Tomography. It is novel in that its features are designed under the assumption that: (i) the existence of certain links of the network is not known (e.g., due to security reasons), (ii) the routing is dynamic (non-deterministic), i.e., for the same origin–destination node pair, a different route may be selected depending on the state of certain links. These assumptions are typically present in modern networks. The formulation can be used to estimate both additive and non-additive performance metrics. We evaluate our proposal using different ML algorithms: neural networks (NNs), Gaussian regression and linear regression with interactions. Our simulations indicate that our ML formulation has better estimation accuracy compared to traditional algebraic or other ML approaches that cannot or do not take into account these two hypotheses. Regarding the accuracy of the examined ML algorithms, the differences mainly depend on the additive or not nature of the network metrics.
Population pharmacokinetic modeling and dosing simulation of avalglucosidase alfa for selecting alternative dosing regimen in pediatric patients with late-onset pompe disease
Authors: Tiraboschi Gilles , Marchionni David , Tuffal Gilles , Fabre David , Martinez Jean-Marie , Haack Kristina An , Miossec Patrick , Kittner Barbara , Daba Nadia , Hurbin Fabrice
Published: August 2023

Avalglucosidase alfa (AVAL) was approved in the United States (2021) for patients with late-onset Pompe disease (LOPD), aged ≥ 1 year. In the present study, pharmacokinetic (PK) simulations were conducted to propose alternative dosing regimens for pediatric LOPD patients based on a bodyweight cut-off. Population PK (PopPK) analysis was performed using nonlinear mixed effect modeling approach on pooled data from three clinical trials with LOPD patients, and a phase 2 study (NCT03019406) with infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD: 1–12 years) patients. A total of 2257 concentration-time points from 91 patients (LOPD, n = 75; IOPD, n = 16) were included in the analysis. The model was bodyweight dependent allometric scaling with time varying bodyweight included on clearance and distribution volume. Simulations were performed for two dosing regimens (20 mg/kg or 40 mg/kg) with different bodyweight cut-off (25, 30, 35 and 40 kg) by generating virtual pediatric (1–17 years) and adult patients. Corresponding simulated individual exposures (maximal concentration, Cmax and area under the curve in the 2-week dosing interval, AUC2W), and distributions were calculated. It was found that dosing of 40 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg in pediatric patients < 30 kg and ≥ 30 kg, respectively, achieved similar AVAL exposure (based on AUC2W) to adult patients receiving 20 mg/kg. PK simulations conducted on the basis of this model provided supporting data for the currently approved US labelling for dosing adapted bodyweight in LOPD patients ≥ 1 year by USFDA.
Inequalities for the generalized point pair function
Authors: Rainio Oona
Published: August 2023

We study a new generalized version of the point pair function defined with a constant α > 0. We prove that this function is a quasi-metric for all values of α > 0 and compare it to several hyperbolic-type metrics, such as the j∗-metric, the triangular ratio metric, and the hyperbolic metric. Most of the inequalities presented here have the best possible constants in terms of α. Furthermore, we research the distortion of the generalized point pair function under conformal and quasiregular mappings.
Emotion crafting: Individuals as agents of their positive emotional experiences
Authors: van der Kaap-Deeder Jolene , Wichstrøm Lars , Mouratidis Athanasios , Matos Lennia , Steinsbekk Silje
Published: August 2023

The literature on emotion regulation (ER) is vast and insightful, but little is known about the proactive regulation of positive emotions. Herein we coin the term emotion crafting (EC), which is defined as proactively aiming to strengthen one’s positive emotions through two sequential components: being aware of what can make one feel good (i.e., awareness component) and proactively engaging in behaviors to initiate, maintain, or increase positive emotions (i.e., action component). We present a self-report measure of EC [i.e., the Emotion Crafting Scale (ECS)] and provide details on its discriminant and concurrent validity. Data were collected among a sample of 326 Norwegian adults (49.7% female; Mage = 42.90 years, SD = 14.76) who were representative in terms of age (between 18 and 70), gender, and geographical location within Norway. Results yielded evidence for a 2-factor structure consisting of the components Awareness and Action, which related in an expected way to other measures of ER. Subsequent structural equation modeling showed that the awareness component related positively to indicators of well-being and negatively to internalizing symptoms via higher levels of EC action and positive affect, even after controlling for other measures of ER. These promising findings not only support favorable reliability and validity of the ECS, but also underscore the importance of examining proactive regulation of positive emotions as a potential predictor of mental health. Future research is needed to examine the etiological role of EC in individuals’ psychological functioning.
The power of integrating proximal and high-resolution remote sensing for mapping SOC stocks in agricultural peatlands
Authors: de Sousa Mendes Wanderson , Sommer Michael , Koszinski Sylvia , Wehrhan Marc
Published: August 2023

Background and aims

Soil electrical conductivity (ECa) data derived from electromagnetic induction (EMI) is valuable for estimating peat thickness and soil organic carbon stocks (SOCstocks). However, generating ECa maps locally using geostatistics limits the coverage area. This study explores the use of digital soil mapping (DSM) with random forest (RF) and universal kriging (UK) to create high-resolution ECa maps from field survey EMI data. The objective is to enhance the predictive accuracy of SOCstocks models in peatlands by incorporating these ECa maps as environmental variables.

Methods

Three scenarios were evaluated, combining different environmental variables and modelling techniques for ECa mapping. Scenario 1 used spectral indices from RapidEye satellite data and RF. Scenario 2 included spectral indices and terrain derivatives from LiDAR, with RF. Scenario 3 integrated spectral indices, terrain derivatives from LiDAR, and UK. Afterwards, we evaluated the effectiveness of adding ECa maps as environmental variables for SOCstocks mapping. Finally, we incorporated ECa maps from scenario 2 and RF in three ways: (a) scenario 2 variables only, (b) ECa2 with scenario 2 variables, and (c) ECa3 with scenario 2 variables.

Results

Scenarios 2 (ECa2) and 3 (ECa3) outperformed scenario 1 (ECa1). The inclusion of ECa maps significantly improved the accuracy of SOCstocks models.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that DSM, combined with RF and UK techniques, enables the generation of high-resolution ECa maps from field surveys in peatlands. Incorporating these ECa maps as environmental variables enhances the accuracy of SOCstocks mapping, providing valuable insights for peatland management and carbon stock estimation.

Graphical abstract
COVID-19 and All-Cause Mortality by Race, Ethnicity, and Age Across Five Periods of the Pandemic in the United States
Authors: Luck Anneliese N. , Elo Irma T. , Preston Samuel H. , Paglino Eugenio , Hempstead Katherine , Stokes Andrew C.
Published: August 2023

Racial/ethnic and age disparities in COVID-19 and all-cause mortality during 2020 are well documented, but less is known about their evolution over time. We examine changes in age-specific mortality across five pandemic periods in the United States from March 2020 to December 2022 among four racial/ethnic groups (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Asian) for ages 35+. We fit Gompertz models to all-cause and COVID-19 death rates by 5-year age groups and construct age-specific racial/ethnic mortality ratios across an Initial peak (Mar–Aug 2020), Winter peak (Nov 2020–Feb 2021), Delta peak (Aug–Oct 2021), Omicron peak (Nov 2021–Feb 2022), and Endemic period (Mar–Dec 2022). We then compare to all-cause patterns observed in 2019. The steep age gradients in COVID-19 mortality in the Initial and Winter peak shifted during the Delta peak, with substantial increases in mortality at working ages, before gradually returning to an older age pattern in the subsequent periods. We find a disproportionate COVID-19 mortality burden on racial and ethnic minority populations early in the pandemic, which led to an increase in all-cause mortality disparities and a temporary elimination of the Hispanic mortality advantage at certain age groups. Mortality disparities narrowed over time, with racial/ethnic all-cause inequalities during the Endemic period generally returning to pre-pandemic levels. Black and Hispanic populations, however, faced a younger age gradient in all-cause mortality in the Endemic period relative to 2019, with younger Hispanic and Black adults in a slightly disadvantageous position and older Black adults in a slightly advantageous position, relative to before the pandemic.
Turbulence in Sources of Decimetric Flare Continua
Authors: Karlický Marian
Published: August 2023

Decimetric continua are commonly observed during long-lasting solar flares. Their frequency boundaries vary with time. We studied frequency boundary variations using the power spectrum analysis. Analyzing five decimetric continua, we found that their power spectra have a power-law form with the power-law index close to the Kolmogorov turbulence index −5/3. The same power index was also found in the power spectra of radio flux variations at frequencies in the range of the frequency boundary variations. Moreover, these frequency boundary variations were highly correlated with the radio flux ones. We interpret these results to be due to turbulent density variations in the reconnection plasma outflow to the termination shock formed above flare loops. In three cases of decimetric continua, we estimated the level of the plasma density turbulence to be 7.6 – 11.2% of the mean plasma density. We think that the analysis of variations of decimetric continua can be used in studies of the plasma turbulence in solar flares.
Impulsive Input-to-State Stabilization of an Ensemble
Authors: Atamas Ivan , Dashkovskiy Sergey , Slynko Vitalii
Published: August 2023

We consider an ensemble of trajectories generated by a linear differential equation subjected to disturbance and parameterized by the initial state. The scalar output of the system is the volume comprised by the states of the whole ensemble. Already the unperturbed dynamics is assumed to be unstable. In order to stabilize the system with unknown inputs in the ISS sense we design impulsive control actions based in the output signal and establish conditions under which the system possesses the ISS property under these impulsive actions.
From Early Bronze Age domestic plant production to Middle Bronze Age regional exchange economy: the archaeobotanical assemblages from Tel Kabri
Authors: Nicoli’ Marco , Riehl Simone , Cline Eric H. , Yasur-Landau Assaf
Published: August 2023

Recent excavations at the site of Tel Kabri have brought some extraordinary findings, including the earliest wine cellar in the ancient Near East discovered in 2013. During these excavations, archaeobotanical samples were collected continuously and then processed in 2019. The archaeobotanical studies focus on the Middle Bronze Age palace in Area DW and the Early Bronze Age domestic deposits in Area L. The results confirm the different nature of the two contexts. Legumes form a large portion of the crop remains in the Early Bronze Age Area L:Lathyrus sativus(grass pea),Vicia fabavar. minor (faba bean), andLens culinaris(lentil), all showing no drought stress and similar growing conditions in terms of moisture availability, as indicated by stable carbon isotope measurements. For Area L, several wild seeds have been identified to represent weeds of cereal crops, whereas Area DW is strongly affected by small wild seeds that entered the sediments as modern contaminants. Fruit crops are present in both assemblages withOlea europaea(olive), representing the most ubiquitous taxon, andVitis vinifera(grape), with most of its pips found mineralized. The identified remains also include cereal crops, primarilyTriticum dicoccum(emmer), which appears cultivated under exceptionally dry conditions. The stable nitrogen values for emmer also raised some questions regarding the growing location and cultivation strategy. Correspondence analysis has been applied, comparing the archaeobotanical assemblages of Tel Kabri within the wider geographical and chronological Levantine context and determining their placement in sub-regional patterns.
Technological dynamics of Early Iron Age ceramics from the Heuneburg (SW Germany): A synthesis of 50 years of research
Authors: de Groot Beatrijs G. , Braekmans Dennis , Fernández-Götz Manuel , Hansen Leif , Stegmaier Gerd , Krausse Dirk
Published: August 2023

This paper addresses technological dynamics revealed through raw material analyses of Late Hallstatt (seventh–fifth centuries BCE) ceramics from the famous Heuneburg site (Herbertingen-Hundersingen, SW Germany). The study combines, for the first time, separate sets of thin-sections produced over the last 50 years in order to provide a comprehensive and consolidated characterisation of technological changes in ceramic production taking place at the site during the Hallstatt phases D1 to D3. It provides significant new insights into the relation between raw material procurement and preparation, on the one hand, and changes in ceramic typology and production methods, on the other hand (i.e. the introduction of the potter’s wheel). The results reveal a shift from a broad spectrum of fabrics tempered with grog, sand or crushed calcite in phase Hallstatt D1, to the increasing use of non-calcareous, grog or sand-tempered fabrics. The new wheel-turned pottery (appearing from phase Hallstatt D3) is exclusively produced using a non-calcareous clay, often tempered with fine sand, indicating a specialisation in raw material selection alongside the introduction of novel shaping techniques. Evidence of continuity between the fabrics used in phase Hallstatt D1 and the new wheel-turned pottery suggests craft specialists drew upon established technological knowledge to integrate the potter’s wheel. The adoption of the potter’s wheel was likely also stimulated by the increased demand for new vessels to accommodate the consumption of fermented drinks such as grape wine, fruit wine or beer.
New results on asymptotic properties of likelihood estimators with persistent data for small and large T
Authors: Juodis Artūras , Sarafidis Vasilis
Published: August 2023

This paper revisits the panel autoregressive model, with a primary emphasis on the unit-root case. We study a class of misspecified Random effects Maximum Likelihood (mRML) estimators when T is either fixed or large, and N tends to infinity. We show that in the unit-root case, for any fixed value of T, the log-likelihood function of the mRML estimator has a single mode at unity as $$N\rightarrow \infty $$

N
→
∞

. Furthermore, the Hessian matrix of the corresponding log-likelihood function is non-singular, unless the scaled variance of the initial condition is exactly zero. As a result, mRML is consistent and asymptotically normally distributed as N tends to infinity. In the large-T setup, it is shown that mRML is asymptotically equivalent to the bias-corrected FE estimator of Hahn and Kuersteiner (Econometrica 70(4):1639–1657, 2002). Moreover, under certain conditions, its Hessian matrix remains non-singular.
Long-term outcomes and health-related quality of life 20 years after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Cussa Davide , Pino Angelica , Catalano Silvia , Montini Chiara , Assanti Federico , Peruzzi Licia , Pinon Michele , Calvo Pier Luigi , Spada Marco , Patrono Damiano , Gennari Fabrizio , Otte Jean-Bernard , Salizzoni Mauro , Romagnoli Renato
Published: August 2023

Pediatric liver transplantation is a challenging surgical procedure requiring complex post-transplant patient management. Liver transplantation in children should ensure long-term survival and good health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), but data in the literature are conflicting. With the aim of investigating survival and psychosocial outcomes of patients transplanted during childhood, we identified 40 patients with ≥ 20-year follow-up after liver transplantation regularly followed up at our Institution. Clinical charts were reviewed to retrieve patients’ data. Psychosocial aspects and HR-QOL were investigated by an in-person or telephonic interview and by administering the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire through an online form. Ten- and 20-year patient survival was 97.5% (95% CI 92.8–100%), whereas 10- and 20-year graft survival was 77.5% (65.6–91.6%) and 74.8% (62.5–89.6%), respectively. At last follow-up visit, 31 patients (77.5%) were receiving a tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. Twelve (32.4%) patients obtained a university diploma or higher, whereas 19 (51.4%) successfully completed high school. 81.1% of patients were active workers or in education, 17.5% had children, and 35% regularly practiced sport. 25 patients answered to the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. More than 60% of respondents did not report any disability and the perceived physical status was invariably good or very good. Median scores for physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment were 16.6, 14.7, 16, and 15, respectively. Pediatric liver transplantation is associated with excellent long-term survival and good HR-QOL. Psychological health and environment represent areas in which support would be needed to further improve HR-QOL.
How Can the Roma Deal with the Health and Social Crisis Generated by the COVID-19 Pandemic? Inequalities, Challenges, and Successful Actions in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Khalfaoui Andrea , Garcia-Espinel Tania , Macías-Aranda Fernando , Molina Roldán Silvia
Published: August 2023

The Roma is the most excluded non-migrant ethnic minority in Europe, facing prejudice, intolerance, discrimination, and social exclusion in their daily lives. This has led to a huge gap in several social domains between the Roma and non-Roma created for centuries. The COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the social and health inequalities that the Roma faced. In this context, it is important to identify actions that have been successful in mitigating the effects that the COVID-19 has had in increasing such inequalities. This paper presents the findings of a mixed-method study carried out in Catalonia (Spain) with the participation of more than 500 Roma, who reported their experience. The study results confirm the significant vulnerability and the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Roma communities. Our research also highlights several successful actions developed by the Integrated Plan for the Roma of the Catalan Government, such as health literacy and adult education, as having a positive impact on the quality of life of many Roma during the health and social crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper suggests that the lessons learned from Catalonia could be transferred to other contexts across Europe and guide decision makers to promote the social inclusion and quality of life of the Roma, protecting Roma communities during current and future pandemics.
Training Clinical Staff in Genuine CBT: One Large Agency’s Preliminary Story
Authors: Johnson Laurel L. , Phythian Kelli , Wong Brenda , McGill Claire , Hinds Aaliyah , Choate Ellison , Zelcer Hannah , Mendez Eunice , Movahedi Yasaman , Friedberg Robert D.
Published: August 2023

Abstract

While the science documenting CBT’s efficacy and effectiveness is strong, workplace applications of the treatment model are often implemented improperly. Therefore, training clinicians in the correct delivery of CBT is essential. This article describes one large agency’s initial effort to develop and evaluate a system-wide initiative to supervise clinicians in CBT. Thirty-five clinicians received supervision over 10 sessions and were evaluated on the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale for Children and Adolescents (CTRS-CA). Client progress was concurrently monitored by the Pediatric Symptom Checklist-17 (PSC-17). The results showed that the initiative was feasible and acceptable. There was an improvement in competency scores (t = 4.71, p < 0.001, d = 8.98). Sixty-nine percent of clinicians reached the competency threshold by the end of the training period. Clients also demonstrated significant improvement on the PSC-17 (t = 4.31, p < 0.001, d = 4.67). Consequently, this project illustrated the importance of a structured system-wide approach to supervision and training staff to competently deliver CBT.
Potential role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity in testicular dysfunction following co-administration of alcohol and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in diabetic rats: an immunohistochemistry study
Authors: Owembabazi Elna , Nkomozepi Pilani , Mbajiorgu Ejikeme F.
Published: August 2023

Diabetes, alcohol abuse, and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) use have been reported to cause multi-organ complications via induction of oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, these are the most common factors implicated in male reproductive dysfunctions. This study evaluated testicular oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and germ cell proliferation in diabetic rats receiving alcohol or cART and their combination. Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups, each consisting of six rats; control, diabetic only (DM), diabetic treated with alcohol (DM + A), diabetic treated with cART (DM + cART), and diabetic treated with both alcohol and cART (DM + A + cART). After 90 days of treatment, the rats were terminated, and the testes were extracted and processed for immunohistochemistry analysis for oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis, and cell proliferation marker. In comparison to the control, oxidative stress markers, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHDG) increased significantly in all treated groups. Expression of testicular proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α was upregulated in all treated groups, but interleukin-6 was upregulated in DM, DM + cART, and DM + A + cART treated groups and was downregulated in the DM + A treated group. All treated animal groups showed an upregulation of apoptotic marker (caspase 3) and a downregulation of proliferation marker (Ki-67). However, Ki-67 staining intensity significantly increased in treated animals compared to the control. These findings suggest that diabetes, alcohol abuse, cART use, and their combination via iNOS activity upregulation can induce inflammation and oxidative stress in testicular tissue, stimulating germ cell apoptosis and proliferation inhibition leading to failure of spermatogenesis.
Leaders in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: Özdamar Özgür , Canbolat Sercan
Published: August 2023

The study of politics in the MENA region has traditionally been dominated by historical and case study approaches. In this innovative book, Özgür Özdamar and Sercan Canbolat instead adopt a social science-based methodology to reconsider the dynamics of power and leadership in Africa and the Middle East. By analysing the psychological profiles of fourteen leaders across eight countries and three non-state organizations, they develop a nuanced portrait of modern leadership. Using this approach, the authors are able to draw connections between apparently disparate political ideologies, from Sunni Islamism to Shia revolutionism, from secular nationalism and armed non-state groups. Demonstrating the previously unacknowledged commonalities and divergences in these leaders' approaches, Özdamar and Canbolat illuminate their tactics and strategies and offer novel insights into how best to negotiate with them.
Heroes to Hostages
Authors: Kashani-Sabet Firoozeh
Published: August 2023

It is easy to forget, given the oppositional dynamic between Iran and the United States of the last 50 years, that these two countries once shared productive partnership. Tracing US-Iran relations over two turbulent centuries, Firoozeh Kashani-Sabet considers when and how this relationship went awry. With careful attention to social and cultural as well as diplomatic developments, Kashani-Sabet shows that the rift did not originate in flashpoints of crisis, like the 1953 coup or the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but was instead long in the making. Drawing from a wealth of English and Persian-language sources, many of which were previously unavailable or unacknowledged, this book considers the relationship from the vantage point of Iranian society and the experiences of an evolving Iran that strived to accommodate American and great power politics. Following these two nations through wars, decolonization, and revolution, Kashani-Sabet presents an invaluable history of a diplomatic rivalry that informs geopolitics to this day.
Law and Order in Georgian Bedfordshire
Authors: Stockdale Eric
Published: August 2023

These five essays on issue of law and order grew out of the author's earlier research on local crime for his book on Bedford Prison (BHRS vol. 56).

The first essay recounts the riots following the enactment of the Militia Act 1757.

The second is a short biography of the Rev. Philip Hunt, rector of St Peter's Bedford from 1799, who accompanied firstly Lord Elgin to Greece, and secondly the 6th Duke of Bedford to Ireland as his secretary and chaplain. Following his appointment as a justice of the peace in Bedfordshire, Hunt concerned himself with the running of Bedford prison and penal reform.

Samuel Whitbread II is the subject of the third and fourth essays. Appeals to him from prisoners awaiting transportation leads to a discussion of the conditions in the hulks. The unfortunate consequences of his attempts to raise the level of literacy of militiamen is also recounted.

Finally, there is a brief account of local law and order in the 1830s which led to the establishment of the county police force in 1840.
An Age of Rights?
Authors: Simmonds N. E.
Published: August 2023

Rights seem to occupy a prominent place within the moral and political lexicon of modernity. But is this truly an age in which the idea of individual rights has flourished? Or might the frequency with which we speak of rights reflect a failure to appreciate the stringent demands that genuine rights would inevitably place upon us? Does our willingness to frame so many moral issues in terms of rights simply illustrate our failure to take the idea of rights seriously? Does our monocular focus upon rights lead us to ignore the broader context of law, virtue, and civility that is necessary if rights are to be a reality? These are the questions forming the background to my discussion in this essay.
For Young and Future Generations? Insights from the Web Profiles of European Climate Pact Ambassadors
Authors: Tosun Jale , Geese Lucas , Lorenzoni Irene
Published: August 2023

The European Climate Pact provides opportunities for individuals, communities and organisations to declare their commitment to climate action. This study analyses the publicly available web profiles of the European Climate Pact Ambassadors (PAs) as of January 2023. First, it explores the extent to which people who volunteer as PAs demonstrate commitment to young and future generations. Second, it investigates whether PAs who self-identify as young people are more likely than other PAs to justify their mandate by referring to the interests of young and future generations. Third, it examines whether PAs who self-identify as young people are more likely to indicate other young people as the target audience of their activities. The manual coding and quantitative analysis of the PAs’ web profiles revealed that members of older generations as well as parents and grandparents are most likely to rationalise their engagement in the programme by referring to young and future generations. The data also showed that young people do target other young people when they act as PAs, but they are not the only group to do so. When compared to individuals with other professional identities, educators are also more likely to flag young people as their target audience.
Encoding subshifts through sliding block codes
Authors: MACDONALD SOPHIE
Published: August 2023

We prove a generalization of Krieger’s embedding theorem, in the spirit of zero-error information theory. Specifically, given a mixing shift of finite type X, a mixing sofic shift Y, and a surjective sliding block code
$\pi : X \to Y$
, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a subshift Z of topological entropy strictly lower than that of Y to admit an embedding
$\psi : Z \to X$
such that
$\pi \circ \psi $
is injective.
Homological Bondal-Orlov localization conjecture for rational singularities
Authors: Mauri Mirko , Shinder Evgeny
Published: August 2023

Given a resolution of rational singularities

$\pi \colon {\tilde {X}} \to X$

over a field of characteristic zero, we use a Hodge-theoretic argument to prove that the image of the functor

${\mathbf {R}}\pi _*\colon {\mathbf {D}}^{\mathrm {b}}({\tilde {X}}) \to {\mathbf {D}}^{\mathrm {b}}(X)$

between bounded derived categories of coherent sheaves generates

${\mathbf {D}}^{\mathrm {b}}(X)$

as a triangulated category. This gives a weak version of the Bondal–Orlov localization conjecture [BO02], answering a question from [PS21]. The same result is established more generally for proper (not necessarily birational) morphisms

$\pi \colon {\tilde {X}} \to X$

, with

${\tilde {X}}$

smooth, satisfying

${\mathbf {R}}\pi _*({\mathcal {O}}_{\tilde {X}}) = {\mathcal {O}}_X$

.
A matter of content: overcoming the gender gap in political knowledge, expression of knowledge, and interest
Authors: Keeling Silvia
Published: August 2023

Data systematically depict women as less knowledgeable, interested, and apt to provide a valid answer to questions about politics. These three gaps – the knowledge, the political interest, and the expression of knowledge gap – are related to a discriminatory way of measuring political knowledge and interest, which conceptually juxtaposes the more general concept of knowledge and interest in politics to that of knowing about, or taking an interest in, political institutions. This narrows the measurement to topics that men are more interested in. In this experimental study, the focus is shifted from political institutions to a wider understanding of what can be a political issue. It reveals that women's knowledge disadvantage and hesitancy in answering to knowledge questions, together with men's higher levels of interest, are most likely conditional to this traditional interpretation of the term politics.
To share or not to share: An analysis of wine list disclosure by Swiss restaurant owners
Authors: Gergaud Olivier , Masset Philippe , Pedrinelli Alice , Weisskopf Jean-Philippe
Published: August 2023

This paper uses data from the 2021 Swiss edition of the Gault&Millau food guide to analyze the probability with which restaurant owners decide to share their wine list with the public. This is an important question relating to the amount of information circulating in markets characterized by information asymmetry in the context of experience and credence goods. We find that restaurant owners are more willing to share wine lists with others if competition is limited or their wine list does not contain idiosyncratic information that competitors may use strategically. Interviews indicate the challenge for restaurants to balance the risk of sharing information with competitors and the opportunity to attract wine lovers by revealing an appealing wine list. We also show that this decision depends on cultural considerations.
The Italian Olimpiadi Universitarie of 1922: at the origins of the Fascist ideology of sport
Authors: Fonzo Erminio
Published: August 2023

University sport was less developed in Italy than in other European countries in the first decades of the twentieth century. Nevertheless, in April 1922, students from the University of Rome organised a national multi-sport event, which they called the Olimpiadi Universitarie (University Olympic Games). Many eminent figures of the ruling class supported the initiative and thousands of undergraduates participated in the competitions. The Olimpiadi Universitarie also had an important international impact and facilitated the establishment of the International University Games, which were held from 1924 to 1939. The Olimpiadi Universitarie were based on a patriotic-educational concept of sport and played a significant role in spreading physical activities in Italian universities. Additionally, they promoted the idea of sport that in the following years would be accepted by the Fascist regime. The regime developed university sport enormously, but replaced the autonomous initiative of students with control from above.
The role of plastics in the accumulation and release of trace elements in the environment
Authors: Masterton Hayden , Ruffell Helena , Gaw Sally , Pantos Olga
Published: August 2023

Plastics are an emerging class of environmental contaminants whose impacts are not yet fully understood. Trace elements, another class of environmental contaminant and commonly associated with plastics, have been widely researched and are known to be toxic to organisms. However, the combined impacts of these two contaminants on the environment remain unclear. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge of the types and concentrations of trace elements associated with plastics, the role of plastics in creating new exposure routes, the processes involved in the release of trace elements from plastics, and the transport of plastics through environmental compartments. Trace elements inherent in plastics, due to addition during manufacture for formation or functional properties, are typically present at higher concentrations than those that are acquired from the environment, and consequently are likely to have greater impacts. Trace elements are continuously released into environmental matrices from plastics but may be released at higher concentrations when exposed to rapid changes in environmental conditions (pH, ionic strength, redox potential, salinity, UV levels). Plastics potentially provide additional exposure routes for organisms to trace elements. For example, exposure to trace elements may occur when organisms ingest plastics, use them for shelter and nest building or as a surface to attach onto. Further research to improve our understanding of this complex contaminant should focus on environmentally relevant studies on trace element release and their effects.
Review of participation of Indigenous peoples in plastics pollution governance
Authors: Liboiron Max , Cotter Riley
Published: August 2023

While calls for Indigenous participation in plastics pollution governance are increasingly common, exactly what participation means remains unclear. This review investigates how English-language peer-reviewed and gray literature describe Indigenous participation and its barriers and analyzes the dominant terms, models, enactments, and theories of Indigenous participation in plastics pollution work. We find that different actors – Indigenous people and organizations, non-Indigenous authors, mixed collaborations, and settler governments and NGOs – are talking about participation in acutely different ways. Non-Indigenous actors tend to focus on the inclusion of Indigenous people, either as data, knowledge, or a presence in existing frameworks. Mixed Indigenous and non-Indigenous author groups focus on partnership and collaboration, though with significant diversity in terms of what modes of decision-making, rights, and leadership these collaborations entail. Indigenous authors and organization advocate for participation premised on Indigenous rights, sovereignty, creation, and leadership. We end by characterizing Indigenous Environmental Justice (IEJ) in the literature. IEJ provides a notably unique way of understanding and intervening in plastics pollution. The text is designed so researchers and organizers can be more specific, deliberate, and just in the way Indigenous peoples participate in plastic pollution research, initiatives, and governance.
Reflexive homology
Authors: Graves Daniel
Published: August 2023

Reflexive homology is the homology theory associated to the reflexive crossed simplicial group; one of the fundamental crossed simplicial groups. It is the most general way to extend Hochschild homology to detect an order-reversing involution. In this paper we study the relationship between reflexive homology and the$C_2$-equivariant homology of free loop spaces. We define reflexive homology in terms of functor homology. We give a bicomplex for computing reflexive homology together with some calculations, including the reflexive homology of a tensor algebra. We prove that the reflexive homology of a group algebra is isomorphic to the homology of the$C_2$-equivariant Borel construction on the free loop space of the classifying space. We give a direct sum decomposition of the reflexive homology of a group algebra indexed by conjugacy classes of group elements, where the summands are defined in terms of a reflexive analogue of group homology. We define a hyperhomology version of reflexive homology and use it to study the$C_2$-equivariant homology of certain free loop and free loop-suspension spaces. We show that reflexive homology satisfies Morita invariance. We prove that under nice conditions the involutive Hochschild homology studied by Braun and by Fernàndez-València and Giansiracusa coincides with reflexive homology.