bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients with infective endocarditis undergoing cardiac surgery have distinct ROTEM profiles and more bleeding complications compared to patients without infective endocarditis
Authors: Breel Jennifer S. , Wensing Agnes G. C. L. , Eberl Susanne , Preckel Benedikt , Schober Patrick , Müller Marcella C. A. , Klautz Robert J. M. , Hollmann Markus W. , Hermanns Henning
Published: April 2023

Background

The coagulation system is crucial in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis and undergoes significant changes during course of the disease. However, little is known about the implications of those changes in the perioperative period. Aim of the present study was to delineate the specific coagulation patterns and their clinical consequence in patients undergoing cardiac surgery due to infective endocarditis.

Methods

In this single-centre, exploratory, prospective observational study, we investigated the incidence and degree of coagulopathy in patients with (n = 31) and without infective endocarditis (n = 39) undergoing cardiac valve surgery. The primary outcome was the differences between these two groups in rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) results before, during and after surgery. The secondary outcomes were the differences between the groups in heparin sensitivity, bleeding complications, and transfusion requirements.

Results

Most ROTEM parameters in EXTEM, INTEM and FIBTEM assays were significantly altered in patients with infective endocarditis. Clotting time in the EXTEM assay was significantly prolonged in the endocarditis group at all time-points, while all clot firmness parameters (A5, A10 and MCF) were significantly increased. The heparin sensitivity index was significantly lower in the endocarditis group (median index 0.99 vs 1.17s. IU-1.kg-1, p = .008), indicating increased heparin resistance. Patients with infective endocarditis had more bleeding complications as assessed by the universal definition of perioperative bleeding score (OR 3.0, p = .018), and more patients with endocarditis underwent early re-exploration (p = .018).

Conclusions

The findings of this exploratory investigation show significantly altered coagulation profiles in patients with infective endocarditis, with concomitant hyper- and hypocoagulability. Furthermore, the incidence of bleeding complications and transfusion requirements were increased in patients with endocarditis. These results show the potential of ROTEM to detect coagulation abnormalities in patients with infective endocarditis. Existing point-of-care coagulation testing guided algorithms for optimizing perioperative coagulation management possibly need to be adjusted for these high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
Effects of chondroitin sulfate oligosaccharides on osteoclast differentiation of RAW264 cells, and myotube differentiation of C2C12 cells
Authors: Uchiyama Hirofumi , Muramatsu Daisuke , Higashi Hideaki , Kida Hiroshi , Iwai Atsushi
Published: April 2023

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a glycosaminoglycan, and CS derived from various animal species is used in drugs and food supplements to alleviate arthralgia. The CS is a high molecular weight compound, and hydrolysis of CS by intestinal microbiota is thought to be required for absorption in mammalians. Chondroitin sulfate oligosaccharides (Oligo-CS) are produced by hydrolysis with subcritical water from CS isolated from a species of skate, Raja pulchra for the improvement of bioavailability. The present study conducted in vitro experiments using murine cell lines, to compare the biological activities of Oligo-CS and high molecular weight CS composed with the similar disaccharide isomer units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (CS-C). The results show that Oligo-CS inhibits osteoclast differentiation of RAW264 cells significantly at lower concentrations than in CS. The cell viability of a myoblast cell line, C2C12 cells, was increased when the cells were grown in a differentiated medium for myotubes with Oligo-CS, where there were no effects on the cell viability in CS. These results suggest that in vitro Oligo-CS exhibits stronger bioactivity than high-molecular weight CS.
L-type calcium channel blocker increases VEGF concentrations in retinal cells and human serum
Authors: Kumar Anmol , Mutter Stefan , Parente Erika B. , Harjutsalo Valma , Lithovius Raija , Mathavan Sinnakaruppan , Lehto Markku , Hiltunen Timo P. , Kontula Kimmo K. , Groop Per-Henrik
Published: April 2023

Objective

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in diabetic retinopathy (DR). Previously, we have reported an association between mutations in a gene coding for the L-type calcium channel subunit, VEGF and DR. L-type calcium channel blockers (LTCCBs) have been widely used as antihypertensive medication (AHM), but their association with VEGF and DR is still unclear. Therefore, we explored the effect of LTCCBs compared to other AHMs on VEGF concentrations in retinal cells and human serum. Furthermore, we evaluated the association between the use of LTCCBs and the risk of severe diabetic eye disease (SDED).

Research design and methods

Müller cells (MIO-M1) were cultured as per recommended protocol and treated with LTCCBs and other AHMs. VEGF secreted from cells were collected at 24 hours intervals. In an interventional study, 39 individuals received LTCCBs or other AHM for four weeks with a four-week wash-out placebo period between treatments. VEGF was measured during the medication and placebo periods. Finally, we evaluated the risk of SDED associated with LTCCB usage in 192 individuals from the FinnDiane Study in an observational setting.

Results

In the cell cultures, the medium VEGF concentration increased time-dependently after amlodipine (P<0.01) treatment, but not after losartan (P>0.01), or lisinopril (P>0.01). Amlodipine, but no other AHM, increased the serum VEGF concentration (P<0.05) during the interventional clinical study. The usage of LTCCB was not associated with the risk of SDED in the observational study.

Conclusions

LTCCB increases VEGF concentrations in retinal cells and human serum. However, the usage of LTCCBs does not appear to be associated with SDED in adults with type 1 diabetes.
Impact of labor analgesia on mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes in Japan: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Eguchi Shu , Nagaoki Yuko , Ohde Sachiko , Hirata Michio
Published: April 2023

Labor analgesia (LA) is associated with the potential hazard of high-risk delivery, such as cesarean section (CS) and instrumental vaginal delivery (IVD), and adverse neonatal outcomes such as neonatal asphyxia and respiratory distress. The objective was to examine the impact of LA on mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes and to counsel pregnant women about a potentially higher risk and allow them to decide LA or non-LA. This retrospective cohort study containing 5,184 pregnant women analyzed the association between LA and both mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes. LA increased the risk of IVD (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 3.25, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 2.51–4.20) but decreased that of CS (AOR 0.52, 95%CI 0.44–0.60). Two factors (advanced maternal age [AOR 1.70, 95%CI 1.33–2.17] and primipara [AOR 4.72, 95%CI 3.30–6.75]) increased the risk of IVD. We should carefully consider the indication of LA for cases with these two factors since LA can increase the risk of IVD and adverse neonatal outcomes.
Estimating the potato farming efficiency: A comparative study between stochastic frontier analysis and data envelopment analysis
Authors: Sultana Shamima , Hossain Md. Moyazzem , Haque Md. Nurul
Published: April 2023

Background

The government of Bangladesh has been trying to encourage potato consumption to reduce pressure on rice consumption and earn foreign currency along with ensuring zero hunger that helps to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal. It is necessary to use farmers’ resources and current technology more efficiently to meet the demand. Therefore, the authors aimed to evaluate the farm-level efficiency of potato farming in Bangladesh.

Methods and materials

The Cobb-Douglas Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) and the input-oriented Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) methods are used to compute farm-level technical, allocative, and economic efficiencies and inefficiency of potato farming. The primary data were collected through interviews of 300 potato farmers from Munshigonj, Rangpur, Dinajpur, and Joypurhat districts of Bangladesh.

Results

The findings revealed that the efficiency score of the SFA model is higher than the DEA model, which implies that the SFA frontier fits better than the DEA frontier. In the case of DEA, variable returns to scale (VRS) technical efficiency (TE) enveloped data more closely than constant returns to scale (CRS) TE. Results of efficiency suggest significant economic, technical, and allocative inefficiencies in potato farming and there is a scope to increase potato production levels through efficiency improvement. Inefficiency analysis shows that infrastructure and socio-economic factors jointly influence potato production variability.

Conclusions

The authors suggest for using the SFA to find efficiencies in the agriculture sector. To achieve efficiency in potato production, the government needs to pay attention for improving the allocative and economic efficiencies along with emphasizing to choose the appropriate technology and efficient use of resources for the scale of operation.
Low physical activity among middle-aged type-2 diabetic outpatients of two peripheral hospitals in Bangladesh
Authors: Mondal Rajib , Banik Palash Chandra , Zaman Mohammad Mostafa
Published: April 2023

Physical activity (PA) is an important lifestyle recommendation for managing type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, low PA among them is a global public health concern, including Bangladesh. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of low PA levels and its associated sociodemographic factors particularly among middle-aged T2DM subjects, which is quite limited globally and unknown in Bangladesh. In this cross-sectional study, we conveniently recruited 356 T2DM subjects (aged 40–60 years) from outpatient departments of the corresponding diabetic hospitals from Pirojpur and Dinajpur, the southern and northern districts, respectively. The primary outcome was low PA (via metabolic equivalents <600), using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with low PA. Among the participants (mean age 51.0±6.9 years), men and women were with almost equal proportions (48.9% and 51.1%, respectively). The prevalence (95% Confidence Intervals [CI]) of low PA was 34.8% (29.9–39.7). The median sitting or reclining time was 6 hours on a typical day. The odds (OR [95% CI]; P) of low PA was found to be significantly higher in respondents with primary or no education compared to the above-primary level, in unadjusted (1.6 [1.1–2.6]; 0.029) and adjusted (2.0 [1.1–3.7]; 0.028) associations both. In conclusion, over one-third of the middle-aged study subjects had a low PA level, which was associated with education. There is a high demand for designing and implementing PA enhancing interventions among them.
Cross-sectional study of the association of social relationship resources with Staphylococcus aureus colonization in naturally occurring social groups along the US/Mexico border
Authors: Barger Steven D. , Lininger Monica R. , Trotter Robert T. , Mbegbu Mimi , Kyman Shari , Tucker-Morgan Kara , Wood Colin , Coyne Briana , Russakoff Benjamin , Ceniceros Kathya , Padilla Cristina , Maltinsky Sara , Pearson Talima
Published: April 2023

Asymptomatic carriage of Staphylococcus aureus is a major risk factor for subsequent clinical infection. Diminishing returns from mitigation efforts emphasize the need to better understand colonization, spread, and transmission of this opportunistic pathogen. While contact with other people presents opportunities for pathogen exposure and transmission, diversity of social connections may be protective against pathogens such as the common cold. This study examined whether social relationship resources, including the amount and diversity of social contacts, are associated with S. aureus colonization. Participants were community members (N = 443; 68% Hispanic) in naturally occurring social groups in southwestern Arizona. Four types of social relationships and loneliness were assessed, and samples from the skin, nose and throat were obtained to ascertain S. aureus colonization. Overall S. aureus prevalence was 64.8%. Neither the amount nor the diversity of social contacts were associated with S. aureus colonization. The concurrent validity of the social relationship assessments was supported by their moderate intercorrelations and by their positive association with self-rated health. The results suggest that the association of social network diversity and susceptibility to the common cold does not extend to S. aureus colonization. Conversely, colonization prevalence was not higher among those with more social contacts. The latter pattern suggests that social transmission may be relatively infrequent or that more intimate forms of social interaction may drive transmission and colonization resulting in high community prevalence of S. aureus colonization. These data inform communicable disease control efforts.
VSTM1-v2 does not drive human Th17 cell differentiation: A replication study
Authors: von Richthofen Helen J. , Hafkamp Florianne M. J. , van Haperen Anouk , de Jong Esther C. , Meyaard Linde
Published: April 2023

Signal inhibitory receptor on leukocytes-1 (SIRL-1) is an immune inhibitory receptor expressed on human myeloid cells. We previously showed that dendritic cell (DC)-driven Th17 cell differentiation of human naive CD4+ T cells requires presence of neutrophils, which is inhibited by SIRL-1 ligation. VSTM1-v2 is a soluble isoform of SIRL-1, which was previously proposed to function as a Th17 polarizing cytokine. Here, we investigated the effect of VSTM1-v2 on DC-driven Th17 cell development. Neutrophils induced DC-driven Th17 cell differentiation, which was not enhanced by VSTM1-v2. Similarly, we found no effect of VSTM1-v2 on cytokine-driven Th17 cell development. Thus, our results do not support a role for VSTM1-v2 in Th17 cell differentiation.
Predictors and incidence of depression and anxiety in women undergoing infertility treatment: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Lingyan , Tang Youyin , Wang Yuyang
Published: April 2023

The global incidence of infertility is increasing year by year, and the association between infertility and mental illness has been widely concerned. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of anxiety and depression in infertile women in China and explore the risk factors which might lead to anxiety and depression. From January 2020 to December 2020, female infertile patients who received assisted reproduction technology (ART) treatment at West China Second Hospital were recruited and a total of 1712 eligible female patients were finally enrolled in this study. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to evaluate the patients’ psychological status. The reliability of all scales was evaluated by Cronbach’s α and Spearman-Brown half coefficient, and Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was calculated by factor analysis to evaluate validity. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were applied for assessing independent risk factors of anxiety and depression, respectively. The incidence of anxiety and depression in infertile women were 25.2% and 31.3%, respectively. Cronbach’s α coefficients and Spearman-Brown half-fold coefficients of GAD-7 and PHQ-9 were 0.870, 0.825, 0.852 and 0.793, respectively. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that education level (junior college degree or above, OR:1. 6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.1, P = 0.003), somatic symptoms (severe somatic symptoms, OR:15.2, 95%CI: 5.6–41.3, P<0.001), sleep quality (poor sleep quality, OR:9.3, 95% CI:4.7–18.4, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for anxiety. And age>35 years old, moderate and severe somatic symptoms and poor sleep quality were independent risk factors for depression. Somatic symptoms and poor sleep quality are both the risk factors of anxiety and depression symptoms of infertile woman. And high educated (junior college degree or above) patients are more likely to be complicated with anxiety symptoms, while elderly patients (age>35) are prone to be complicated with depression symptoms.
Detection of persistent low IgG avidity–an interpretative problem in the diagnosis of acute toxoplasmosis
Authors: Kodym Petr , Kurzová Zuzana , Berenová Dagmar , Malý Marek
Published: April 2023

Objectives

For the proper diagnosis of toxoplasmosis it is essential to determine the stage of the infection, for which the most preferred method is IgG avidity test. The avidity index (AI) should initially be low (AI≤0.3) in the acute phase and increase during the infection. However, persistent low avidity can occur in patients with latent toxoplasmosis, which can complicate the interpretation of the results. The aim of the study is to explain the causes of this phenomenon.

Methodology

A retrospective study was carried out with 717 serum samples collected from 442 patients from the categories of pregnant and non-pregnant women, men, and newborns + infants (age < 0.5 year). The trends of AI kinetics were evaluated in repeatedly examined patients. The frequency of cases with low avidity was compared in individual categories of patients and in groups of people with acute and non-acute toxoplasmosis.

Results

The proportion of patients with initially low avidity was 42.1% in the acute toxoplasmosis group while it was 13.0% in the non-acute groups. In uninfected newborns with anti-Toxoplasma antibodies transmitted from the mother, a decrease in IgG avidity levels over time was observed, resulting in 29.2% of samples showing low (improper) avidity. While the dynamics of IgG avidity and the frequency of cases of improperly low avidity were similar in men and pregnant and non-pregnant women, the category of newborns and infants differed substantially for these indicators.

Conclusions

Due to acceptable specificity and negative predictive value, high avidity can rule out acute toxoplasmosis, but moderate sensitivity complicates the possibility of its confirmation. The results of the avidity test must be interpreted in the context of the results of other methods.
Satisfaction and attrition in the UK healthcare sector over the past decade
Authors: Ocean Neel , Meyer Caroline
Published: April 2023

Existing literature has highlighted concerns over working conditions in the UK National Health Service (NHS), with healthcare workers frequently citing work-life balance issues and stress as being drivers of attrition and burnout. However, we do not know whether these problems have becomeworseover time, particularly over the past decade, during which there have been multiple shocks to the UK healthcare system. To investigate this, we analysed data from NHS monthly workforce statistics and the UK Household Longitudinal Study. Three times as many workers left the NHS in 2021 for work-life balance reasons than in 2011, while estimated satisfaction with one’s amount of leisure time for healthcare workers fell by three times the amount that it fell for non-healthcare workers. Both satisfaction with amount of leisure time and satisfaction with income have remained lower for healthcare workers than for other public sector workers. By 2020, a worker that had low satisfaction with their amount of leisure time was as much as 22 percentage points less likely than in 2010 to remain in healthcare in the following year. Overall, working conditions in UK healthcare have deteriorated between 2010 and 2020, especially relative to the private sector. However, overall job satisfaction has fallen faster in other areas of the public sector than it has in healthcare, which may indicate wider issues within the UK public sector as a whole.
En Cas De Malheur, De Simenon A Autant-Lara (1956-1958): Essai De Genetique Scenaristique, Alain Boillat (2020)1
Authors: Macdonald Ian W.
Published: April 2023

Review of: En Cas De Malheur, De Simenon A Autant-Lara (1956-1958): Essai De Genetique Scenaristique, Alain Boillat (2020)

Geneva: Droz, 376 pp.,

ISBN 978-2-60006-046-2, p/bk, €18.90
The Sun and Her Stars: Salka Viertel and Hitler’s Exiles in the Golden Age of Hollywood, Donna Rifkin (2020)
Authors: Welch Rosanne
Published: April 2023

Review of: The Sun and Her Stars: Salka Viertel and Hitler’s Exiles in the Golden Age of Hollywood, Donna Rifkin (2020)

New York City: Other Press, 560 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-59051-721-5, h/bk, $21.00
Association of Anxiety and Gastrointestinal Comorbidities in Repeat Hospital Admissions in Pediatric Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
Authors: Thavamani Aravind , Velayuthan Sujithra , Patel Dhiren , Al-Hammadi Noor , Sferra Thomas J. , Sankararaman Senthilkumar
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder with recurrent episodes of intense nausea and vomiting and thus may require frequent hospitalizations. There is paucity of data exploring the association of psychiatric and gastrointestinal comorbidities in repeat hospitalizations among pediatric patients with CVS.

METHODS:

We analyzed the Pediatric Health Information System database and included all patients up to 18 years of age with a diagnosis of CVS between 2016 and 2020. We excluded patients with chronic conditions, which mimic CVS. The primary outcome variable was 90-day admission rate, which was defined as a visit to emergency department or admission to observation/inpatient unit with a primary diagnosis of CVS within 90 days after an index CVS hospitalization.

RESULTS:

We evaluated a total of 2,604 hospitalizations represented by 1,370 unique individuals. The overall 90-day admission rate was 28.5%, which steadily decreased from 35.7% in 2016 to 23% in 2019 (P < 0.001). Patients in the repeat hospitalization cohort were slightly older and more often men. Patients with repeat admissions had an increased proportion of anxiety and other gastrointestinal disorders. Multivariable logistic regression showed that anxiety, gastroesophageal reflux disease, functional dyspepsia, and abdominal migraine were associated with increased odds of repeat admissions.

DISCUSSION:

Ninety-day admission rates in pediatric CVS are decreasing overall, although still contributing to significant healthcare expenditure. Anxiety and gastrointestinal comorbidities were associated with increased risk of repeat admissions. Further prospective studies are needed to better understand the complex interactions of these comorbidities and their management affecting the natural course of CVS.
Risk of Incident and Fatal Colorectal Cancer After Young-Onset Adenoma Diagnosis: A National Cohort Study
Authors: Casey Yas , Demb Joshua , Enwerem Ngozi , Liu Lin , Jackson Christian , Earles Ashley , Bustamante Ranier , Mahata Sumana , Shah Shailja , Gupta Samir
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates are increasing in adults aged <50 years. Young-onset adenoma (YOA)—adenoma detected in adults younger than 50 years—may signify increased CRC risk, but this association has not been widely studied. Our aim was to compare the risk of incident and fatal CRC in adults aged <50 years with YOA diagnosis compared with those with a normal colonoscopy.

METHODS:

We conducted a cohort study of US Veterans aged 18–49 years who received colonoscopy between 2005 and 2016. The primary exposure of interest was YOA. Primary outcomes included incident and fatal CRC. We used Kaplan-Meier curves to calculate cumulative incident and fatal CRC risk and Cox models to examine relative CRC risk.

RESULTS:

The study cohort included 54,284 Veterans aged <50 years exposed to colonoscopy, among whom 13% (n = 7,233) had YOA at start of follow-up. Cumulative 10-year CRC incidence was 0.11% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.00%–0.27%) after any adenoma diagnosis, 0.18% (95% CI: 0.02%–0.53%) after advanced YOA diagnosis, 0.10% (95% CI: 0.00%–0.28%) after nonadvanced adenoma diagnosis, and 0.06% (95% CI: 0.02%–0.09%) after normal colonoscopy. Veterans with advanced adenoma had 8-fold greater incident CRC risk than those with normal colonoscopy (hazard ratio: 8.0; 95% CI: 1.8–35.6). Across groups, no differences in fatal CRC risk were observed.

DISCUSSION:

Young-onset advanced adenoma diagnosis was associated with 8-fold increased incident CRC risk compared with normal colonoscopy. However, cumulative CRC incidence and mortality at 10 years among individuals with either young onset non-advanced or advanced adenoma diagnosis were both relatively low.
JUDICIAL CORRUPTION, INSTITUTIONAL REFORM AND THE ELECTORAL PROCESS IN NIGERIA
Authors: Adisa Waziri B
Published: April 2023

Shortly after the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the demise of several African one-party regimes, leaders of a number of African countries began the process of reconstructing the postcolonial African state by embarking on policy and political reforms. This decision was informed by the fact that, since independence, many African countries have been wracked by political and economic crises that have prevented the state from pursuing the rapid growth and economic development needed to fight poverty and material deprivation on the continent. This study argues that while corruption has contributed largely to the development crises in post-independence Nigeria, the problem of judicial corruption is a major impediment to the attainment of sustainable electoral reform in Nigeria. The study substantiates this hypothesis by citing instances of corruption in the Election Petition Tribunals of the 2003 and 2007 general elections in Nigeria. It is submitted that corruption in the judiciary helps to undermine electoral reform by ensuring that the decisions of the Election Petition Tribunals are compromised and the mandate of the people is subverted. Suggestions are offered to reform of the Nigerian electoral process with a view to fighting corruption in the judiciary.
A SURVEY OF CORRUPTION AND ANTI-CORRUPTION INITIATIVES IN AFRICA
Authors: Fernandez Lovell
Published: April 2023

Corruption has blighted national economies in Africa. Although most African states have subscribed to and ratified international and regional anti-corruption conventions, corruption continues unabated. Failure to incorporate treaty provisions into national law is one of the barriers to combating corruption effectively. The devastating impact of this economic crime on the lives of vulnerable groups has prompted the emergence of self-help groups intent on tackling corruption frontally. These initiatives hold much promise. However, corruption emanating from the private sector and multinational companies poses a veritable challenge that needs to be overcome.
AN EVALUATION OF THE ADEQUACY OF THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF THE CHILD CONCERNING ECONOMIC CRIMES IN ARMED CONFLICT
Authors: Nanima Robert D
Published: April 2023

Statistics indicate that at least one in every four African children lives in a conflict zone. Six of the ten worst countries for children to grow up in, or live in, are in Africa: the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Nigeria, Somalia and South Sudan. It is widely observed that economic crimes continue to disrupt the political, social and economic fabric of society. This is exacerbated where there is armed conflict and armed groups continue to use children as a tool to benefit them through illegal acts that lead to financial advantages.
INTERNAL STRATEGIES AND MECHANISMS FOR COMBATING CORRUPTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN ZAMBIA: A LINGUISTIC TURN
Authors: Chidongo Phiri
Published: April 2023

This article analyses internal strategies and mechanisms in Zambia that have triggered corruption challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic. In doing so, it focuses on a localised practice known as the bineyi phenomenon and adopts John Law’s actor network theory (ANT) as an analytical prism. Bineyi is a colloquial word in Nyanja which refers to favours in exchange for funds from individuals and government officials. Simply, Bineyi entails a system of business social networking in which influential businesspeople seek to gain favours. These social systems are dimensions and units of actions of individuals, and their roles as plausible human activities. ANT, in turn, is a social science approach which assumes networks of social relations and structures that are dynamic.
CORRUPTION DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS: CHALLENGES AND POTENTIAL LESSONS
Authors: Abodo Jane F
Published: April 2023

This conference opens up discussions on recent trends of corruption during the pandemic and how various jurisdictions have dealt with the vice. In light of the impact of economic crimes in Africa, I hope to cast some enlightenment and inspiration on the minds of the participants. This speech elaborates the impacts of economic crimes in a general perspective and distinguishes traditional from economic crime and the cost of the latter to society. It hints at the statistics of economic crime during the Covid-19 pandemic, the exacerbation of cybercrime in the digital spaces in the Covid-19 era. I then propose that we should question how Africa can rise to the occasion through international, regional, sub-regional and country-specific mechanisms to detect, prevent and prosecute economic crimes and cybercrimes.
Short-lived story of Mexico’s special economic zones: An anti-corruption cancellation or a political discourse?
Authors: Garcia Gerardo Centeno
Published: April 2023

This article analyses the cancellation of the 2016 Special Economic Zones (SEZs), a project that sought to increase the economic competitivity of selected territories by attracting foreign direct investments (FDIs) through tax benefits and logistical platform commitments; being abrogated in 2019 and relocated to the 10 SEZs supporting the Trans-Isthmic Railroad in 2021 (TIR-SEZs). The paper discusses that, under the façade of anti-corruption, the current President of Mexico (2018-2024) is continuing neoliberal practices; the same ones he has called to accountability for being prone to corruption. This piece uses the theoretical bases purported by Brabazon’s Neoliberal Legal, the Law & Economics and Law & Development scholarships to assess the presence of neoliberal concepts in both the previous SEZs and the TIR-SEZs’ legal framework.
ILLICIT BUSINESS FORUMS IN SOUTH AFRICA: A SURVEY
Authors: Armstrong Trish , Meyer Jacqui
Published: April 2023

Extortion is understood as one party taking from another a patrimonial or non-patrimonial advantage by intentionally and unlawfully subjecting them to pressure which forces them to submit to a bribe. Extortion is not an unfamiliar concept in South Africa. In this article it is contended that extortion has become a major concern in the construction industry. Sites where the installation of critical infrastructure occur and construction sites throughout South Africa are being invaded by what some may call the ‘construction mafia’.1 The South African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors reports that in 2019 alone over 180 infrastructure and construction projects were affected by acts such as extortion perpetrated by groups who call themselves ‘local business forums’. The business forums often mislead construction companies by demanding 30% of the value of the contract awarded to such companies. They refer to the stipulations in the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act 5 of 2000 (PPPFA) and subsequent Preferential Procurement Regulation, 2017 (PPR) to create the perception that they have a rightful claim to 30 percent of the contract value. If their demands are not met the business forums resort to violence which halts construction site activities. The business forums justify their actions as ‘radical transformation’. This view is supported by some local politicians who actively encourage the activities by the forums or are involved for financial or political gain.
Galerías de arte por hectárea: el boom narco en la publicidad de arte en los años 80
Authors: Rueda Fajardo Santiago
Published: April 2023

En la década de 1980 el mercado del arte internacional se integró exitosamente al mercado bursátil transnacional, respondiendo a la implementación del modelo neoconservador hoy neoliberal. Colombia sintió a su modo los efectos de las llamadas "Reaganomics", asociadas en nuestro país a la llegada de una clase emergente que transformó todos los aspectos de la vida del país, incluyendo el mercado del arte. Esta selección de imágenes publicitarias aparecidas en revistas de arte entre 1987 y 1993 da cuenta de la luna de miel entre la élite tradicional y la élite emergente y de cómo las obras de arte estuvieron disponibles para el (in) feliz encuentro de unos y otros, hasta su temporal divorcio a fines de los años 90
Análisis moleculares y observaciones morfo-anatómicas de Cheilanthes volcanensis (Pteridaceae) definen sus relaciones dentro de la subfamilia Cheilanthoideae en Sudamérica
Authors: Ponce M. Mónica , Scataglini M. Amalia , Hernández Marcela A. , Martínez Olga G.
Published: April 2023

The circumscription of the genus Cheilanthes Sw. is supported by molecular and morphological characters; nevertheless, the taxonomic status of some species remains uncertain because they have not been molecularly tested yet. This study analyzes the belonging of Cheilanthes volcanensis de la Sota to this genus, since this species was treated with doubts about its generic identity. From a morphological approach, C. volcanensis is close to Cheilanthes species with pentagonal and highly divided leaf blades; petioles and rachises castaneous to black, glabrous, usually grooved adaxially; features that are also largely representative of the morphological circumscription of the genus Gaga Pryer, F.W. Li & Windham. The molecular analysis of a recent collection, identified a priori as C. volcanensis, demonstrated with high support that the species belongs to the genus Cheilanthes s. str., as was described originally. Finally, morpho-anatomical observations of this species and related species are also provided, which support its phylogenetic position and contribute to the correct generic delimitation of Cheilanthes s. str.
POTENSI PERJANJIAN LEASING DALAM PEMBIAYAAN KAPAL NELAYAN
Authors: Badriyah Siti Malikhatun , Mahmudah Siti , Soemarmi Amiek , Suharto R. , Marjo Marjo , Saptono Hendro , Benuf Kornelius
Published: April 2023

Nelayan dalam penangkapan ikan membutuhkan kapal sebagai modal utama. Walaupun demikian tidak semua nelayan memiliki kapal sendiri karena tidak memiliki modal. Leasing untuk pengadaan kapal nelayan berpotensi besar untuk dikembangkan. Proses leasing yang relatif lebih sederhana dari pembiayaan melalui bank menjadikan leasing sangat potensial dalam pembiayaan usaha bagi para pihak yang kurang memiliki akses perbankan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis potensi perjanjian leasing dalam pembiayaan kapal nelayan. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode pendekatan socio legal. Hasil penelitian menyimpulkan bahwa perjanjian leasing sangat potensial untuk dikembangkan dalam pengadaan kapal nelayan, namun belum banyak digunakan oleh masyarakat. Hal ini dikarenakan kurangnya pengetahuan masyarakat mengenai prinsip-prinsip perjanjian leasing.
Sharp profiles for diffusive logistic equation with spatial heterogeneity
Authors: Xing Yan-Hua , Sun Jian-Wen
Published: April 2023

In this article, we study the sharp profiles of positive solutions to the diffusive logistic equation. By employing parameters and analyzing the corresponding perturbation equations, we find the effects of boundary and spatial heterogeneity on the positive solutions. The main results exhibit the sharp effects between boundary conditions and linear/nonlinear spatial heterogeneities on positive solutions.
Rotating magnetic field configuration for controlled particle flux in material processing applications
Authors: Pandey Shail , Agarwal Akash , Joshi Deepak
Published: April 2023

Plasma technology has been an integral part of the semiconductor industries, especially to achieve the desired etch and selectivity of the outcome. These outcomes depend on various factors including the confinement of the charged particles of the plasma source. One of the widely employed confinement schemes is the multipole arrangement of magnetic fields, also known as a multicusp. Such arrangement provides minimum-B field value near the plasma axis and plays significant role in plasma-based ion sources for material processing and in plasma thrusters for spacecraft applications. In the present work, a novel rotating multicusp about its axis is studied to investigate its effect on the confinement of electrons present within it. The multicusp is allowed to rotate with a finite rotational speed, in the range of 0–107 rotation per second, thus inducing an axial electric field. It will lead to a directed axial flux of the electrons, determined by the rotational speed of the multicusp. The dynamics of the electrons enclosed within a rotating multicusp have been studied to explore its radial confinement. The results are of significance for semiconductor industries and others where downstream or afterglow plasmas are utilized for material applications.
Effect of thermal annealing on structure and magnetic properties in a Ni–Cr multilayer
Authors: Swain Mitali , Satapathy Dillip K. , Gupta Mukul , Rao M. S. Ramachandra
Published: April 2023

Evolution of structural and magnetic properties in a nickel/chromium (Ni/Cr) multilayer, as a function of different annealing temperatures was investigated. The Ni/Cr multilayer of nominal structure [Cr (50 Å)/Ni (50 Å)]×10/Cr (30 Å) was grown on a Si substrate by radio frequency ion beam sputtering at room temperature. X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectometry, atomic force microscopy and crossectional scanning electron microscopy were employed for the complete structural characterization of the multilayer whereas superconducting quantum interference device vibration sample magnetometer was used for the bulk magnetisation study. The effect of in-situ and ex-situ annealing on overall structural property of the multilayer also reported in present work. From in-situ X-ray reflectometry (50–400 °C), 300 °C was detected as the optimum temperature for improved structural properties of the Ni/Cr multilayer. Initiation of alloying in the multilayer sample was noticed at 350 °C. The multilayer found to exhibit polycrystalline nature observed by X-ray diffraction. Total thickness of the multilayer system was confirmed by crossectional scanning electron microscopy and in well agreement with X-ray reflectivity results. The Ni/Cr sample found to exhibit soft ferromagnetic behaviour after annealing at 300 °C and 400 °C. However the net magnetic moment reduced upon annealing at higher temperature (400 °C).
Development of Al–SiC–TiO2 hybrid composite using powder metallurgy route and the influence of TiO2 content variation on microstructure and mechanical properties
Authors: Mishra Dinesh Kumar , Pattanaik Rutuparna , Behera Gourahari , Dalai Renu Prava , Badjena Sushant Kumar
Published: April 2023

In the present study, aluminum matrix was reinforced with SiC and TiO2 powders to synthesize Al–SiC–TiO2 hybrid composites by using a powder metallurgy route. The influence of variation in TiO2 content is thoroughly evaluated over the microstructure and mechanical properties. The uniform distribution and growth in the interfacial bonding between the matrix phase and reinforcement particles were confirmed from the overall scanning electron micrographs. Further, the measured hardness and density values significantly increased with the increase in TiO2 content. In addition to that, the compressive strength had increased up to 5 wt.% of TiO2. However, at higher content of TiO2, a decreasing trend is found due to the excess cluster formation.
Determination of the size effect on the tensile properties of miniaturized specimens
Authors: Zhu Lin-mao , Wang Gui-yong , Jia Yun-hai , Wang Hai-zhou , Wang Peng , Li Dong-ling
Published: April 2023

To realize high-throughput tensile testing of miniaturized specimens, the size effect was investigated. High-throughput tensile testing was used to characterize the mechanical properties of steel in the micro-zone. Miniaturized specimens with diameters ranging from 0.7 mm to 2.5 mm were cut from low-alloyed steel and tested, and the deviations between the results of miniaturized and conventional sized specimens were examined. The results showed that the size effect was negligibly small for the tensile strength. However, the upper yield strength, lower yield strength, and plastic extension strength of miniaturized specimens decreased as the specimen diameter decreased. It was found that a diameter of 1.5 mm was critical for the tensile testing of miniaturized specimens. As the specimen diameter decreased toward 1.5 mm, the strength parameters gradually decreased, and as the specimen diameter further decreased from 1.5 mm, the strength parameters increased. In contrast, as the specimen diameter decreased from 1.3 mm, the elongation after fracture decreased. However, the percentage reduction of area did not vary between miniaturized and conventional sized specimens.
The crystal structure of tetra(1-ethylimidazole-κ
1
N)-[μ
4-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylato-κ
4
O, N, O′, N′]-trioxido-divanadium, C25H33N10O7V2
Authors: Li Na , Wang Xiao-Jie , Qin Yu-Cai , Wang Jing-Yun
Published: April 2023

C25H33N10O7V2, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 10.3933(4) Å, b = 12.5655(5) Å, c = 14.1841(5) Å, α = 65.373(1)°, β = 

70.351

(
1
)

∘

$70.351{(1)}^{\circ }$

, γ = 

88.052

(
2
)

∘

$88.052{(2)}^{\circ }$

, V = 1573.62(11) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0362, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0885, T = 173 K.
Investor Empowerment for Sustainability
Authors: Ringe Wolf-Georg
Published: April 2023

The transition to a sustainable economy currently involves a fundamental transformation of markets and market actors. This paper makes the case for investor empowerment as the main tool towards achieving greater sustainability in capital markets. This trust in institutional investors is grounded in various recent developments both on the supply side and the demand side of financial markets, and also in the increasing tendency of institutional investors to engage in common ownership. The need to build coalitions among different types of asset managers or institutional investors, and to convince fellow investors of any given initiative, can then act as an in-built filter helping to overcome the pursuit of idiosyncratic motives and supporting only those campaigns that are seconded by a majority of investors. In particular, institutionalized investor platforms have emerged over recent years as a force for investor empowerment, serving to coordinate investor campaigns and to share the costs of engagement. ESG engagement has the potential to become a very powerful driver towards a more sustainability-oriented future. Any regulatory activity should then be limited to a facilitative and supportive role.
A non-invasive method of glucose monitoring using FR4 material based microwave antenna sensor
Authors: Nella Anveshkumar , Aldhaheri Rabah Wasel , Kamili Jagadeesh Babu , Sobahi Nebras Mohammed
Published: April 2023

This work presents a unique non-invasive method for monitoring glucose levels in blood using a planar Yagi–Uda antenna as a microwave sensor. The proposed antenna, operating at 5.5 GHz, exhibits a directional radiation pattern with a peak gain of 6.74 dBi. A low-cost FR4 material of size 30 mm × 40 mm × 1.6 mm is used as a dielectric substrate. A human finger phantom, comprising layers of skin, fat, blood, and bone, is created at 5.5 GHz in EM simulation tool for mimicking a real human finger. The finger phantom is positioned at different locations around the antenna and corresponding frequency shifts are remarked to a variation in glucose concentration from 0–500 mg/dL. An exemplary frequency shift of maximum 26 MHz is recorded when the phantom is placed at the bottom of the antenna. Time domain analysis is also carried out to understand the effect of glucose concentration variation on the output signal amplitude and delay. Simulated antenna results are found to be in stupendous agreement with the measured results. An experiment of placing a real human finger around the fabricated antenna also presents a splendid correspondence with the simulated results. Hence, this mechanism can be expedient for monitoring glucose levels in blood.
Die formale und funktionale Entwicklung vonbitte
Authors: Ackermann Tanja
Published: April 2023

The markerbitteplays a crucial role in Contemporary German, especially in lay linguistic discourse on politeness (= first order politeness). This is in contrast to a research gap regarding the evolution and use of this element. Based on corpus data, the present study aims to trace the formal and functional development ofbitte‘please’. The analysis is based on a randomized sample of verbalbitten‘to ask for’, nominalBitte‘request’ and syntactically reducedbitte‘please’ extracted from fictional texts of the DTA and the DWDS core corpora covering a time span from the 17th to the 21st century. Contrary to previously proposed scenarios, the data suggest that syntactically reducedbittedeveloped in the late 18th century from an external modifier that primarily preceded imperative requests. As an internal modifier, the marker has been successively integrated syntactically and graphemically since the 19th century. From a pragmatic perspective,bittehas evolved from a deference marker. In Contemporary German, it can be described as a directive marker rather than a context-independent politeness marker.
Digital documentation and analysis of Native American rock art and Euro-American historical inscriptions from the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, Colorado
Authors: Palonka Radosław , Schaafsma Polly , MacMillan Vincent M. , Słaboński Robert , Micyk Paweł
Published: April 2023

Detailed photogrammetry and 3D laser scanning of rock art, geophysics research and sondage excavations conducted at the Painted Hand Petroglyph Panel, a large rock art site in south-western Colorado, USA, has revealed new information about the cultural situation in the pre-Columbian and historic North American Southwest.
(Post) Covid-19 Panniculitis
Authors: Tchernev Georgi , Valchkov Todor , Dimchova Nadejda , Oliveira Nikhil , Joseph Lorraine , Batashki Ilia , Cardoso Jose Carlos
Published: April 2023

In its essence, panniculitis is the presence of an inflammatory infiltrate in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Paniculitis as a clinical diagnosis encompasses a group of diseases that creates difficulties for both clinicians - dermatologists and histopathologists, mainly due to the many known forms of the disease, but also due to the various etiological reasons for their occurrence. Therefore, the clinical-pathological correlation plays an important role in the diagnosis. The development of various forms of panniculitis, in particular eosinophilic and generalized lymphocytic, have been described after Covid-19 infection.In the case of our patient, the development of panniculitis was observed after Covid-19 pneumonia. However, as additional etiological factors should be considered 1) the accompanying chronic diseases of the patient - congestive heart failure, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, which may also be etiological factors for the appearance of a certain form of panniculitis - stasis dermatitis / lipodermatosclerosis, 2) as well as the presence of probable bladder cancer - possible paraneoplastic genesis, 3) and the intake of enoxaparine - drug-induced panniculitis. Given the multifactorial genesis of panniculitis, the past infection with Covid-19, in our case, can be considered as a major trigger of the disease, which developed in the background of several etiological factors. For these reasons, our patient can also be diagnosed with post-Covid-19 panniculitis. Keywords: Lobular Panniculitis; Septal Panniculitis; Covid-19; Stasis Dermatitis; Corticosteroids; Paraneoplastic Reaction; Drug Induced Panniculitis