bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No evidence for yaws infection in a small‐scale cross‐sectional serosurvey in Ghanaian monkeys
Authors: Adade Eugene , Roos Christian , Chuma Idrissa Shomari , Sylverken Augustina Angelina , Knauf Sascha
Published: December 2022

Background

Treponema pallidum (TP) is a spirochaete bacterium with subspecies that in humans cause syphilis (subsp. pallidum), bejel (subsp. endemicum) and yaws (subsp. pertenue; TPE). The latter is target for eradication which requires detailed information on yaws epidemiology. It has been shown that African nonhuman primates (NHPs) are infected with TPE strains that are closely related to the human infecting yaws bacterium. While human yaws infection is known to be endemic in Ghana, there is a paucity of information regarding TPE infection of Ghana's native NHPs.

Objectives

The objective was to perform a small‐scale cross‐sectional serological screening for antibodies against TPE in Ghanaian monkeys. Due to the reports of TPE‐infected NHPs from neighbouring Côte d'Ivore, we hypothesised that monkeys in Ghana are infected with TPE and, therefore, are seropositive for antibodies against‐Treponema.

Methods

We sampled blood from 37 NHPs representing four species: Erythrocebus patas (16/37) 43.2%, Papio anubis (15/37) 40.5%, Chlorocebus sabaeus (3/37) 8.1% and Cercopithecus mona (3/37) 8.1%. Samples were tested using the NHP validated treponemal test ESPLINE TP.

Results

All 37 animals were seronegative for yaws infection.

Conclusions

We cannot exclude yaws infection in NHPs in Ghana at this point. Our study, in combination with the absence of reports of clinically infected NHPs in a yaws endemic country is, however, supportive for the current thinking that interspecies infection with TPE is extremely rare. This is an important finding for the current ongoing yaws eradication campaign.
Constructions of speech and thought representation
Authors: Vandelanotte Lieven
Published: December 2022

A lot of what humans communicate about concerns cognitive contents of various kinds produced by others or themselves: speech, thought, writing, emotional states, attitudes, hopes, and the like. Languages have developed specialized ways to structure the representation of such contents, especially in various dedicated forms of speech and thought representation. Represented content can also include embodied behavior, such as gesture, whether in cospeech gesture or in sign language. What is represented need not actually have been previously produced: represented contents can be future, hypothetical or nonexistent, and forms of so‐called fictive interaction can be used in which the model of face‐to‐face interaction is used to talk about a variety of other meaning types. Speech and thought representation presupposes the existence of two speech events—a current and a represented one—and each comes with a speaker, defined linguistically in terms of their central deictic coordinates,I—here—now. The interplay of deictic features and different forms of structural integration can define specific types of construction, showing different degrees of access to the embedded mental space of the represented speaker's speech or thought, such as direct, indirect, and free indirect speech or thought. Social media forms of direct speech or thought merit separate investigation, as do subjective uses of reporting clauses such asI think, which form a distinct construction type, using a subset of the grammar of speech and thought representation for different purposes.

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Cognitive

Linguistics > Linguistic Theory

Linguistics > Language in Mind and Brain
The prevalence and social determinants of multimorbidity in South Africa
Authors: Brady Elise , Castelli Michele , Walker Richard , Grayling Michael , Alaba Olufunke , Chola Lumbwe
Published: December 2022

Multimorbidity is an increasing global public health challenge, however, most existing research focuses on high‐income countries, with limited evidence from low‐ and middle‐income countries. This paper aims to estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity in South Africa and analyse the associations between multimorbidity and social determinants of health in the adult population. Multimorbidity will be defined as the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases in an individual throughout this paper. Data from the South African National Income Dynamics Survey of 2017 was used with a total sample of 20,833. A binary logistic regression was performed to analyse the associations between multimorbidity and several social determinants of health indicators based on the Commission on Social Determinants of Health Framework. Multimorbidity was prevalent in 5.4% of the South African adult population surveyed, with 71.35% of those with multimorbidity being female. Hypertension was the most common NCD and the highest contributor to multimorbidity. Multimorbidity was found to have statistically significant associations with age, obesity, being female, being of Colored or Asian/Indian ethnicity, being in employment, and having no schooling. This study highlights the importance of analysing the associations between multimorbidity and the social determinants of health. Further research on multimorbidity is required in low‐ and middle‐income countries to understand the specific challenges not identifiable in the existing research predominately based in high‐income nations.
A Stable Crystalline N‐Heterocyclic Carbene with a 1,1’‐Ferrocenylene Backbone and BenzylicN‐Substituents
Authors: Zinke Julian , Bruhn Clemens , Siemeling Ulrich
Published: December 2022

Two ferrocene‐based NHCs of the type fc[(NR)2C:] (1R; fc=1,1’‐ferrocenylene) containing benzylicN‐substituents were synthesised from the corresponding formamidinium compounds1RH[BF4] by reaction with LiN(SiMe3)2. In the case of R=CH2Ph (Bn), the carbene was characterised through trapping reactions with sulfur and selenium, which afforded fc[(NBn)2CS] (1BnS) and fc[(NBn)2CSe] (1BnSe), respectively. A thermally stable carbene was obtained with R=CH2Mes (Bn*). Its reaction with sulfur and selenium afforded fc[(NBn*)2CS] (1Bn*S) and fc[(NBn*)2CSe] (1Bn*Se), respectively. Its reaction with [Rh(μ‐Cl)(COD)]2(COD=cycloocta‐1,5‐diene), followed by substitution of the COD ligand by CO, furnishedcis‐[RhCl(CO)2(1Bn*)]. In combination with IR data ofcis‐[RhCl(CO)2(1Bn*)], NMR data of1Bn*H[BF4],1Bn*and1Bn*Se indicate that1Bn*is substantially more nucleophilic and more electrophilic than conventional Arduengo carbenes, exhibiting an ambiphilicity similar to that of CAACs. The crystal structures of the formamidinium salts1RHX (X=[BF4], R=Bn, Bn*; X=Cl, R=Bn*), of the carbene1Bn*and its AuIcomplex [AuCl(1Bn*)] as well as of the sulfur and selenium derivatives1RE (E=S, Se; R=Bn, Bn*), the RhIcomplexescis‐[RhCl(CO)2(1R)] (R=Bn, Bn*) and the CuIcomplex [CuBr(1Bn)] were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, the crystals structures of the diimine fc(N=CHMes)2and the diamine fc(NHBn*)2were also determined by XRD.
Empathy, Irony, and Humanitarian Witness in The Photographer
Authors: Freedman Ariela
Published: December 2022

In recent years, graphic journalism has become an increasingly prominent medium for exploring the affective dimensions of representing humanitarian images. How are emotions—pain, terror, pathos—represented through graphic narrative, and in which ways are emotions differently engaged by an audience when drawn? In this chapter I examine Le Photographe (Dupuis), a hybrid non-fiction account of a 1986 Médicins sans Frontières mission to Afghanistan. Le Photographe responds to Susan Sontag’s critique of the floating and contextless quality of war photography with dialogue and captions that tether the images to meaning, through remediation in drawing and narrative, and through emphasis on the emotional journey of the photographer in the war zone, from uncertainty and anxiety to empathy and disillusionment.
Afterword: Humanitarian Visual Practices: Emotions, Experience
Authors: Edgar Brenda Lynn , Gorin Valérie
Published: December 2022

This afterword revisits the wide range of visual media explored in this edited volume, reflecting on the advantages and limits of the methodologies used as well as on potential perspectives for future research.
Gender Equality, Women’s Rights and Neo-traditionalism: The Case of Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Akisheva Asylai
Published: December 2022

In 2021, Kyrgyzstan held a referendum, adopting its new Constitution. From the very beginning, the document itself obliquely announces that the state is taking a course towards a “neo-traditionalist” approach, a policy that risks exalting traditions, customs and spirituality above the Law. Some ancestral traditional practices are known to have a negative connotation and remain an obstacle to the rights of Kyrgyz women and girls. Thereby, this chapter focuses on analysis of the new constitutional framework of Kyrgyzstan from a gender perspective, highlighting the threats of the “neo-traditionalist” approach to women’s rights. The first part gives the reader a general introduction to the current situation with gender equality in Kyrgyzstan and its legal regulation, followed by highlighting the role of the OSCE in supporting and developing gender-sensitive legal foundations in the country. The final part analyses the “neo-traditionalist” orientations in the new constitutional framework of Kyrgyzstan and their possible impact on the position and rights of Kyrgyz women and girls.
An Overview of China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Its Development Since 2013
Authors: Rice Dana
Published: December 2022

During a visit to Kazakhstan in September 2013, Chinese leader Xi Jinping announced the launch of a new cross-Eurasian initiative. Nearly ten years on, approximately 140 nations have followed Kazakhstan’s lead and signed onto the multi-trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This chapter aims to provide a concise yet critical overview of the BRI’s evolution in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the European Union, examining the main BRI investments, strategies, and controversies over the past decade. More specifically, the chapter reflects on how individual projects under the BRI banner are coordinated and funded before examining the stated aims of the BRI. The development of two Eurasian land corridors is then explored as well as the emergent, overlapping strands of BRI discourse, including discourses on the “Human/Cultural,” “Green,” “Health,” and “Digital” Silk Roads. The chapter ends by exploring the key debates happening around China’s intentions at the state, academic, and popular levels across the Eurasian region, highlighting fears of so-called “debt-trap diplomacy.”
Development Aid and the Democratic Process in the OSCE Region
Authors: Ghioldi Mario
Published: December 2022

Despite a great deal of scholarly debate, the impact of traditional and emerging development aid on recipient countries is still under heavy academic scrutiny. Certain authors have highlighted how said financial support often leads to an increase in corruption and/or inequality, while others find no correlation whatsoever. In the same vein, the literature has also underlined how development aid provided by traditional donors has a higher chance of improving democratic openness than aid provided by emerging countries, which instead seems to be more effective in terms of economic development. Despite those relevant insights, the literature seems to have mostly set its focus on inquiries that explore the topic at either the global or the regional level. For those reasons, I opted to observe the above trends at the national level by analysing the impact of development aid in 15 OSCE recipient countries. In particular, I seek to either confirm or refute the literature’s notion that emerging countries’ contributions are expected to improve the recipients’ economies, although said achievements also come with higher corruption levels. At the same time, I also postulate that development aid coming from traditional donors is more likely to foster democratic progress. To fulfil both these goals, I rely on OECD and Aiddata data sets in order to track the aid flows from two traditional donors (the US and the EU) and two emerging providers (Russia and China) over the 2012–2019 period.
Chinese Linkage and Democracy in Pakistan
Authors: van der Zwan G.
Published: December 2022

This chapter examines the implementation of China’s BRI in Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its political implications at the domestic level. Specifically, it analyses how and to what extent Chinese engagement under CPEC impacts the level of democracy in Pakistan. I put forth a novel concept of the Chinese Linkage under CPEC based on Levitsky and Way’s (Western) Linkage framework to understand the various layers and levels of Chinese engagement under the CPEC. I conceptualize it along five dimensions, economic, social, cultural, communication, and intergovernmental ties, and examine its impact on the level of (de-)democratization under the CPEC.
Democracy and Human Rights in the Context of the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Jerabek Marketa
Published: December 2022

This chapter focuses on the political impact of the Belt and Road Initiative, in particular on different aspects of democracy, such as freedom, equality, and accountability, as well as on human rights. The effect of the BRI is analysed using data from the years before and after the inception of the BRI, from 2005 to 2019, applying a difference-in-differences approach, one of the most frequently used methods in impact evaluation studies. The results support the hypothesis that those countries involved in BRI projects are prone to the diminishment of certain democratic freedoms and labour rights.
Balkanization Instead of Eurasianism: Fragmented Technological Governance Across the OSCE Domain and Its Implications
Authors: Burgers Tobias
Published: December 2022

This article looks at emerging technological governance models in the Central Asian region. It argues that an earlier receptiveness towards Western technological governance models, and the values of using technology as a force for democratic development, human rights, and good governance, has been replaced with new visions that increasingly resemble the Chinese model of technological governance, which sees technology as a tool for increasing state control. In the light of this, the paper discusses what the OCSE, as an influential political actor in the region, could do to advance a technological governance vision that favours democratic development, human rights, and good governance.
Development Aid in Central Asia: A “Chessboard” for Great Powers?
Authors: Kilichova Nargiza
Published: December 2022

Central Asia, once part of the Soviet Union's southern belt, quickly became a focal point for competing interests and donor influence after gaining independence in the early 1990s. Players in this arena include the so-called Western actors such as the European Union (EU) and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), as well as major regional powers such as Russia and China. The main objective of the chapter is to examine how and in what ways the domestic rule of law institutions and the contexts of donor and organization development policies differ from each other, and how this gap is translated into rule of law promotion approaches abroad. This question is examined within the realm of externally assisted rule of law reform using the Central Asian region as a case study. To answer this question, this chapter compares rule of law promotion strategies of the EU, the OSCE, Russia, and China by breaking down development policies according to contextual understanding, goals, organization, promotion approaches, and objectives. Based on these comparative analyses, the chapter examines how the EU and the OSCE position themselves in the midst of a fierce struggle between the major regional powers in the still near and yet so distant Central Asia.
Central Asia’s Security Provider and Peacekeeper? Assessing Russia’s Role After the US Withdrawal from Afghanistan and Beyond
Authors: Zhirukhina Elena
Published: December 2022

Russia and the Central Asian countries have developed strong cooperation in countering non-traditional threats emanating from terrorist groups and transnational criminal organizations based on a shared vision of the threats themselves and instruments to tackle them. The 2021 takeover by the Taliban in Afghanistan brought to the fore a need to protect the borders of Central Asian states from any spill-over effects, as well as illicit activities. The 2022 civil unrest in Kazakhstan embodied the long-standing fears of “colour revolutions” expressed by regional governments. These crises created a security vacuum utilized by Russia in furthering its influence and promoting an enhanced regional security cooperation between Central Asian states and Russia. Joint military drills and trainings serve as tools for Russia to restate its relevance for Central Asian countries via bilateral cooperation channels and mechanisms available within regional international organizations.
Russian Government Policy in the Western Balkans
Authors: Mahmutaj Noela
Published: December 2022

This article aims to explain the nature of Russian foreign policy towards the Western Balkan states, taking into account the role of other actors such as the European Union, an increasingly important player in this radically changed geopolitical context. Since the fall of the communist regime, the Western Balkans have faced major challenges and have been at the forefront of debates on critical issues such as transatlantic relations (with regard to NATO and EU enlargement, as well as EU defence policy and security). In recent times, the Balkan region has come under the influence of the Great Powers. Therefore, as a Great Power, Russia is building a foothold in the Balkans, a move criticized and not welcomed by other countries or actors. Furthermore, Moscow is unique in terms of its range of capabilities, including its “hard” and “soft power.” This article aims to understand and analyse Russia’s policy and strategy in the Western Balkans.
Fallbeispiele zur Corporate Digital Responsibility (CDR)
Authors: Renz Patrick S. , Frischherz Bruno , Wettstein Irena
Published: December 2022

Das Kapitel stellt typische Dilemmas von Unternehmen im heutigen digitalen Zeitalter vor. Viele Unternehmen haben ihre Wertschöpfung explizit entlang einer digitalen Wertschöpfungskette entwickelt, andere sind an verschiedensten Stellen durch digitale Veränderungen und entsprechende Dilemmas betroffen. Das Ziel des dritten Kapitels ist es, typische ethische Dilemmas von Unternehmen im digitalen Kontext zu diskutieren.

Jedes der Dilemmas wird mit einem konkreten Beispiel illustriert und mit Hilfe von Spannungsfeldern analysiert. Es werden Vorschläge zur Lösung und zum Vorgehen formuliert sowie Hintergrundinformationen und weiterführende Links und Literatur aufgeführt. Die Dilemmas bzw. Fallbeispiele sind entlang einer digitalen Wertschöpfungskette geordnet, wie folgt:

Für die Phase der Datenerzeugung und -aquirierung werden folgende Fallbeispiele vorgestellt: Einsatz von Cookies und Daten-Zulieferkette.

Für die Phase der Datenspeicherung und -management wird das Fallbeispiel Datenverwendungsrichtlinien vorgestellt.

Für die Phase der Datenanalyse und der Wissensgenerierung werden folgende Fallbeispiele vorgestellt: Persönlichkeitsprofile und Dialog mit Stakeholdern.

Für die Phase der Nutzung von Produkten und Dienstleistungen werden folgende Fallbeispiele vorgestellt: KI-basierte Datenprodukte und People Analytics.
Dark matter in the Alternative Left Right model
Authors: Frank Mariana , Majumdar Chayan , Poulose Poulose , Senapati Supriya , Yajnik Urjit A.
Published: December 2022

Abstract

The Alternative Left-Right Model is an attractive variation of the usual Left-Right Symmetric Model because it avoids flavour-changing neutral currents, thus allowing the additional Higgs bosons in the model to be light. We show here that the model predicts several dark matter candidates naturally, through introduction of an R-parity similar to the one in supersymmetry, under which some of the new particles are odd, while all the SM particles are even. Dark matter candidates can be fermionic or bosonic. We present a comprehensive investigation of all possibilities. We analyze and restrict the parameter space where relic density, direct and indirect detection bounds are satisfied, and investigate the possibility of observing fermionic and bosonic dark matter signals at the LHC. Both the bosonic and fermionic candidates provide promising signals, the first in LHC at 300 fb−1, the second at higher luminosity, 3000 fb−1. Signals from bosonic candidates are indicative of the presence of exotic d′ quarks, while fermionic candidates imply the existence of charged Higgs bosons, all with masses in the TeV region.
Holographic Rényi entropies from hyperbolic black holes with scalar hair
Authors: Bai Xiaoxuan , Ren Jie
Published: December 2022

Abstract

The Rényi entropies as a generalization of the entanglement entropy imply much more information. We analytically calculate the Rényi entropies (with a spherical entangling surface) by means of a class of neutral hyperbolic black holes with scalar hair as a one-parameter generalization of the MTZ black hole. The zeroth-order and third-order phase transitions of black holes lead to discontinuity of the Rényi entropies and their second derivatives, respectively. From the Rényi entropies that are analytic at n = ∞, we can express the entanglement spectrum as an infinite sum in terms of the Bell polynomials. We show that the analytic treatment is in agreement with numerical calculations for the low-lying entanglement spectrum in a wide range of parameters.
Plasma biomarkers TAP, CPA1, and CPA2 for the detection of pancreatic injury in rat: the development of a novel multiplex IA-LC-MS/MS assay and biomarker performance evaluation
Authors: Vlasakova Katerina , Steinhilber Andreas , Bailey Wendy J. , Erdos Zoltan , Haag Hanna , Joos Thomas , Ackermann Bradley L. , Poetz Oliver , Glaab Warren E.
Published: December 2022

Drug-induced pancreatic injury (DIPI) is an issue seen in drug development both in nonclinical and clinical contexts. DIPI is typically monitored by measurement of lipase and/or amylase, however, both enzymes lack sensitivity and specificity. Although candidate protein biomarkers specific to pancreas exist, antibody-based assay development is difficult due to their small size or the rapid cleavage by proteolytic enzymes released during pancreatic injury. Here we report the development of a novel multiplexed immunoaffinity-based liquid chromatography mass spectrometric assay (IA-LC-MS/MS) for trypsinogen activation peptide (TAP) and carboxypeptidases A1 and A2 (CPA1, CPA2). This method is based on the enzymatic digestion of the target proteins, immunoprecipitation of the peptides with specific antibodies and LC-MS/MS analysis. This assay was used to detect TAP, CPA1, and CPA2 in 470 plasma samples collected from 9 in-vivo rat studies with pancreatic injury and 8 specificity studies with injury in other organs to assess their performance in monitoring exocrine pancreas injury. The TAP, CPA1, and CPA2 response was compared to histopathology, lipase, amylase and microRNA217. In summary, TAP, CPA1, and CPA2 proteins measured in rat plasma were sensitive and specific biomarkers for monitoring drug-induced pancreatic injury; outperforming lipase and amylase both by higher sensitivity of detection and by sustained increases in plasma observed over a longer time period. These protein-based assays and potentially others under development, are valuable tools for use in nonclinical drug development and as future translatable biomarkers for assessment in clinical settings to further improve patient safety.
Prevalence and Predictors of Post‐Thyroidectomy Voice Dysfunction in a Nigerian Cohort
Authors: Adeyemo Adekunle , Olasehinde Olalekan , Owojuyigbe Afolabi Muyiwa , Anagbogu Ugochukwu Josiah , Ohuche Akumbu Sylvia , Ajibare Adeola , Amusa Yemisi Bola
Published: December 2022

Background

Advances in surgical techniques have significantly improved the safety of thyroidectomy. Quality of life issues, such as voice changes, however continue to be important considerations. This study evaluated the prevalence and determinants of voice changes following thyroidectomies for non‐malignant goiters in a Nigerian Hospital.

Methodology

Consecutive adults who had thyroidectomy for non‐malignant goiters were evaluated. Preoperatively, each participant had laryngoscopy and voice assessment using the Voice Handicap Index‐10. At surgery, the intubation difficulty score, size of endotracheal tubes, and duration of operation were recorded. Laryngoscopy and VHI‐10 assessments were repeated 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. Pre and postoperative assessments were compared.

Result

Fifty‐four patients completed the study. Subtotal thyroidectomy was the commonest operation performed in 17 patients (31.48%), with 14 (25.93%) having total thyroidectomy. Baseline median VHI‐10 score was 6.5(IQR‐10). Five patients had abnormal preoperative laryngoscopy findings (benign vocal cord lesions). Postoperatively, seven patients had endoscopic evidence of vocal cord paralysis, six were unilateral while one was bilateral. Ten patients (18.5%) had early voice changes. Median VHI‐10 score at one week was significantly higher than baseline (10 vs. 6.5, p = 0.01). At 3 months, VHI‐10 reverted back to baseline in five of the ten patients while five patients (9.3%) had persistent voice changes. Abnormal endoscopic findings predicted the occurrence of early postoperative voice changes.

Conclusion

Thyroidectomy for non‐malignant goiters is associated with transient voice changes, many of which revert to normal over time. Abnormal endoscopic findings predict its occurrence.
Impact of deep learning image reconstructions (DLIR) on coronary artery calcium quantification
Authors: Rossi Alexia , Gennari Antonio G. , Etter Dominik , Benz Dominik C. , Sartoretti Thomas , Giannopoulos Andreas A. , Mikail Nidaa , Bengs Susan , Maurer Alexander , Gebhard Catherine , Buechel Ronny R. , Kaufmann Philipp A. , Fuchs Tobias A. , Messerli Michael
Published: December 2022

Background

Deep learning image reconstructions (DLIR) have been recently introduced as an alternative to filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms for computed tomography (CT) image reconstruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of DLIR on image quality and quantification of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in comparison to FBP.

Methods

One hundred patients were consecutively enrolled. Image quality–associated variables (noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)) as well as CAC-derived parameters (Agatston score, mass, and volume) were calculated from images reconstructed by using FBP and three different strengths of DLIR (low (DLIR_L), medium (DLIR_M), and high (DLIR_H)). Patients were stratified into 4 risk categories according to the Coronary Artery Calcium - Data and Reporting System (CAC-DRS) classification: 0 Agatston score (very low risk), 1–99 Agatston score (mildly increased risk), Agatston 100–299 (moderately increased risk), and ≥ 300 Agatston score (moderately-to-severely increased risk).

Results

In comparison to standard FBP, increasing strength of DLIR was associated with a significant and progressive decrease of image noise (p < 0.001) alongside a significant and progressive increase of both SNR and CNR (p < 0.001). The use of incremental levels of DLIR was associated with a significant decrease of Agatston CAC score and CAC volume (p < 0.001), while mass score remained unchanged when compared to FBP (p = 0.232). The underestimation of Agatston CAC led to a CAC-DRS misclassification rate of 8%.

Conclusion

DLIR systematically underestimates Agatston CAC score. Therefore, DLIR should be used cautiously for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Key Points

• In coronary artery calcium imaging, the implementation of deep learning image reconstructions improves image quality, by decreasing the level of image noise.

• Deep learning image reconstructions systematically underestimate Agatston coronary artery calcium score.

• Deep learning image reconstructions should be used cautiously in clinical routine to measure Agatston coronary artery calcium score for cardiovascular risk assessment.
Work–family conflict, financial issues and their association with self-reported health complaints among ready-made garment workers in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dreher Annegret , Yusuf Rita , Ashraf Hasan , Ahmed Syed A K Shifat , Strümpell Christian , Loerbroks Adrian
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This study aims to quantify the degree of work–family conflict (WFC) and financial issues among ready-made garment (RMG) workers in Bangladesh and to investigate their potential associations with self-reported health outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 1118 RMG workers in labor colonies in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in February and March 2021. Descriptive analyses were performed to characterize WFC (i.e., family life disturbing the job or facing problems in family due to the job) and financial issues (i.e., savings, debt, financial obligations, financial support). We ran multivariable Poisson regression models to examine possible associations between WFC and financial issues and workers’ health (self-reported general health and 10 specific health complaints).

Results

We found low levels of WFC, low levels of savings, moderate levels of debt, and high levels of financial obligations: virtually all workers agreed they had to keep their job to financially support their spouse, children or other relatives. Only about a third of workers expected they would be able to receive financial support in case of a job loss. Work–family conflict was positively associated with poor health but not consistently with specific symptoms. Financial support was negatively associated, whereas being indebted was weakly positively associated with poor health.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest low levels of WFC among RMG workers but high levels of financial obligations. Work–family conflict was positively associated with poor health, but not consistently with specific symptoms. Being indebted was weakly positively associated with poor health. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Play face in Japanese macaques reflects the sender’s play motivation
Authors: Iki Sakumi , Kutsukake Nobuyuki
Published: December 2022

Animals often initiate social interactions by exchanging signals. Especially when initiating amicable interactions, signaling one’s friendly stance toward others in advance may be important to avoid being misunderstood as having hostile intentions. We used data on dyadic play fighting in a group of Japanese macaques,Macaca fuscata, to examine the function of “play face” at the opening of a play session. We found no support for the previously proposed hypothesis that play face expression is likelier before entering risky situations (e.g., before gaining an undue advantage over the partner) to avoid being misunderstood. The results showed that play face expression was likelier in male juveniles before initiating play with other males than in females before initiating play with males or other females and that juveniles were likelier to express play face before initiating play with others closer in age. As male Japanese macaques play more frequently than females, and juveniles prefer to play with individuals closer in age, play face expression before play initiation may reflect the individual’s motivation for subsequent play interactions. This interpretation is supported by our observation that play bouts lasted longer when initiated with bidirectional play face by both participants than when initiated without play face. We also argued that since there was no tendency that play face was likelier to be expressed toward individuals with low play propensity (e.g., females) or infrequent partners to play with (e.g., individuals more distant in age), Japanese macaques may not tactically deploy this signal to recruit reluctant partners.
Contemporary narratives about asymmetries in responsibility in global agri-food value chains: the case of the Ecuadorian stakeholders in the banana value chain
Authors: Coral Claudia , Mithöfer Dagmar
Published: December 2022

Global concerns over environmental and social issues in agrifood value chains have increased and are reflected in a number of voluntary sustainability standards and regulatory initiatives. However, these initiatives are often based on poor knowledge of production realities, creating a disconnect between producing and consuming countries. Through narrative analysis, this paper reveals asymmetries in the responsibilities of the various actors participating in Ecuadorian banana value chains, providing clear problem- and solution-framings. Despite the broad range of actors interviewed, our analysis reveals convergence in two main narratives that reflect asymmetries amongst local actors in terms of their ability to participate, ability to maintain participation, and adaptation strategies in view of changing external factors. One narrative relates to sustainability adaptations, the cost of which is not shared among all value chain actors. This is combined with a downward trend in the price of bananas and the lack of a differentiated price to account for losses and costs arising from increasing sustainability standards. Another narrative reflects a value chain structure that threatens small-farm survival. It highlights the urgency of protecting small-farm activity by enforcing national regulation and developing new market segments/models that understand small-scale producer reality. Study results show that the multitude of standards is not seen as beneficial and that downstream actors rather wish for common minimum standards to reduce business costs. Compatibility between standards and local realities should be a priority for global sustainability standards adoption. Building on the problems and solution-framings of local value chain links, we give voice to local actors, and link their perceptions to existing literature and discursive politics while contributing to social transparency and addressing the democratic deficit in agrifood value chains.
Semi-endogenous growth in a non-Walrasian DSEM for Brazil: estimation and simulation of changes in foreign income, human capital, R&D, and terms of trade
Authors: Ziesemer Thomas H. W.
Published: December 2022

In an empirical, dynamic simultaneous equation model (DSEM) for Brazil with 22 equations and variables, we show that foreign income is a driver of economic growth besides semi-endogenous technical change. With a balance-of-payments constraint and endogenous terms of trade, the major mechanism is (i) world GDP driving exports, (ii) exports paying for imported capital goods, which (iii) enter a production function increasing output and the foreign-debt/GDP ratio and (iv) increase the endogenous labour force, and (v) slightly reduce human capital growth. The savings gap drives foreign debt and interest rates up and make the model unstable. Permanent increases of human capital increase the R&D/GDP ratio, labour-augmenting productivity, and GDP. A policy to increase the R&D/GDP ratio leads to more human capital, labour productivity and GDP levels. Both knowledge policies reduce the debt/GDP ratio. A lasting shock on the terms of trade reveals that there is no Harberger–Laursen–Metzler effect. The results hold in the presence of endogenous terms of trade, foreign debt, net foreign income, and net current transfers from abroad, and non-Walrasian (dis-)equilibrium variables: inflation and changing inventories for the goods market, and unemployment in the labour market. Policy should strengthen the weak link from R&D (research and development) to technical change and make education more attractive.
Simulation of particle resuspension by wind in an urban system
Authors: Banari Amir , Hertel Daniel , Schlink Uwe , Hampel Uwe , Lecrivain Gregory
Published: December 2022

Air pollution caused by particle resuspension is a growing public health problem in many cities. Pollen and anthropogenic pollutants, such as heavy metal particles and micro-plastics debris, settle onto urban ground surfaces. Prolonged urban heat waves are propitious for heavy and continuous deposition. Particles in the submillimeter size range eventually resuspend by urban winds within seconds, may be inhaled, cause allergic reactions and escape the city’s boundaries. Here, the resuspension and subsequent dispersion of generic particles ranging from 10 to 100 $$\upmu$$
μ
m in size are simulated. The city area “Bayerischer Bahnhof” in Leipzig, Germany, has been chosen as a practical example. To track the resuspended particles, a Lagrangian model is used. Taking advantage of graphics processing unit, turbulent flow simulations at different wind speeds are performed in almost real time. The results show that particle resuspension starts, when the inlet wind speed beyond the canopy, that is at a height of 40 m, exceeds 7 m/s. At wind speed beyond 14 m/s, resuspension occurs in almost all city parts. At moderate wind speed, high-risk areas are identified. The effect of green infrastructures on both the flow field and particle resuspension is also investigated.
Model for a Photoresponsive Nematic Elastomer Ribbon
Authors: Sonnet André M. , Virga Epifanio G.
Published: December 2022

We study the equilibria of a photoresponsive nematic elastomer ribbon within a continuum theory that builds upon the statistical mechanics model put forward by Corbett and Warner (Phys. Rev. E 78:061701, 2008). We prove that the spontaneous deformation induced by illumination is not monotonically dependent on the intensity $I$
I
. The ribbon’s deflection first increases with increasing $I$
I
, as expected, but then decreases and abruptly ceases altogether at a critical value $I_{\mathrm{e}}$

I
e

of $I$
I
. $I_{\mathrm{e}}$

I
e

, which is enclosed within a hysteresis loop, marks a first-order shape transition. Finally, we find that there is a critical value of the ribbon’s length, depending only on the degree of cross-linking in the material, below which no deflection can be induced in the ribbon, no matter how intense is the light shone on it.
Integrin αVβ3 Signaling in the Progression of Osteoarthritis Induced by Excessive Mechanical Stress
Authors: Song Fanglong , Mao Xiaoyu , Dai Jun , Shan Bingchen , Zhou Zhentao , Kang Yifan
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is believed to be linked with cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone sclerosis, and synovial inflammation that lead to joint failure, and yet treatment that can effectively reverse the pathological process of the disease still not exists. Recent evidence suggests excessive mechanical stress (eMS) as an essential role in the pathogenesis of OA. Increased levels of integrin αVβ3 have been detected in osteoarthritic cartilage and were previously implicated in OA pathogenesis. However, the role of integrin αVβ3 in the process of eMS-induced OA remains unclear. Here, histologic and proteomic analyses of osteoarthritic cartilage in a rat destabilization of the medial meniscus model demonstrated elevated expression of integrin αVβ3 as well as more serious cartilage degeneration in the medial weight-bearing area. Furthermore, results of in vitro study demonstrated that eMS led to a significant increase of integrin αVβ3 expression and phosphorylation of downstream signaling molecules such as FAK and ERK, as well as upregulated expressions of inflammatory and degradative mediators. In addition, we found that inhibition of integrin αVβ3 could alleviate chondrocyte inflammation triggered by eMS both in vivo and in vitro. Our findings suggest a central role for upregulation of integrin αVβ3 signaling in OA pathogenesis and demonstrate that activation of integrin αVβ3 signaling in cartilage contributes to inflammation and joint destruction in eMS-induced OA. Taken together, our data presented here provide a possibility for targeting integrin αVβ3 signaling pathway as a disease-modifying therapy.
A Design-assisted Spectrofluorometric Method Utilizing a One-pot Fluorescent Probe for the Quantitation of some Calcium Channel Blockers
Authors: Roshdy Aya , Salam Randa Abdel , Hadad Ghada , Belal Fathallah , Elmansi Heba
Published: December 2022

Based on their reaction with highly fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDts), a precise and reliable spectrofluorometric approach was developed for the determination of three calcium channel blockers. The studied drugs are: lercanidipine, nimodipine and nifedipine. (CQDts) were produced using a one-step hydrothermal method with ascorbic acid as the carbon source. The produced CQDts were capped by alcohol to create yellow emitters displaying a high fluorescence emission at 524 nm when excited at 325 nm. The fluorescence intensity of CQDts was noticeably quenched by each of the three calcium channel blockers. The relation between their concentrations and fluorescence quenching is linear over the concentration range of 0.5–20 µg/mL for each of the three drugs. A full factorial design was used to optimize the effect of variable factors. Therefore, under optimum experimental design conditions, the detection limits for lercanidipine, nimodipine, and nifedipine were 0.11 ± 1.09, 0.10 ± 0.25 and 0.12 ± 0.71 µg/mL, respectively. The LOQ was 0.33, 0.30, and 0.37 µg/mL respectively. The quenching of fluorescent CQDts occurred through the inner filter effect (IFE) for nimodipine, while it was mixed with dynamic quenching for lercanidipine and nifedipine. The proposed method was effectively used to determine the cited drugs in their pharmaceutical products and had an acceptable level of precision. The selectivity of the CQDts system towards the studied drugs was examined indicating no interference from interfering species.
The (co-)production of arrival neighbourhoods. Processes governing housing markets in three german cities
Authors: Hanhörster Heike , Haase Annegret , Hans Nils , Rink Dieter , Schmiz Antonie , Schrader Sebastian
Published: December 2022

In recent years, an emerging strand of research has focused on the role arrival neighbourhoods play for newcomers finding their footing in a new urban context. However, little is known about the underlying factors and drivers influencing their function(ing). This concerns in particular the role of the local housing market and its players in shaping their emergence and development. The paper deals with the question of how arrival neighbourhoods are (co-)produced by housing market players and how the latter are embedded in local governance structures. Looking at three German arrival neighbourhoods, the article illustrates how they are co-produced by ownership structures and the allocation practices of different housing market players. However, the strengthening of an arrival neighbourhood´s function not only depends on ownership structures but also on the capacities of municipal housing providers and civil society organisations, their strategic goals and the will for (concerted) action. Our findings show that arrival neighbourhoods can take on an important citywide function, enabling newcomers to gain a foothold in the city if three criteria are met: they are accessible/affordable for low-income groups, are equipped with infrastructures for newcomers, and are permeable with regard to residents’ relocation to other neighbourhoods.
Hydrogen Sulfide Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation via the P-glycoprotein and NF-κB Pathway in Astrocytes
Authors: Zhao Yanling , Yan Han , Liang Xue , Zhang Zhenyu , Wang Xuan , Shi Nianwei , Bian Weihong , Di Qing , Huang He
Published: December 2022

Astrocyte activation is key in neurodegenerative diseases. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exhibits neuroprotective effects on astrocytes, although the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here, we explored the effects of H2S on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced astrocyte activation and astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation. After inducing primary astrocytes via LPS exposure, H2S levels were altered. The generation and secretion of inflammatory mediators by astrocytes and their interrelation with P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an important transporter belonging to the ABC transporter family, were assessed. Activated astrocytes showed upregulated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA expression, and significantly increased proinflammatory factor mRNA/protein expression and release. The secretory capacity of astrocytes was reduced, with significantly decreased proinflammatory factor levels in culture supernatant after P-gp inhibitor verapamil pretreatment. The increase in the intracellular H2S level inhibited LPS-induced GFAP expression and P65 nuclear entry in astrocytes. mRNA expression and release of proinflammatory factors were reduced significantly, with no significant changes in cytoplasmic protein expression. S-sulfhydration levels increased significantly with the increased concentration of sodium hydrosulfide or S-adenosyl-l-methionine addition, with only moderate changes in astrocyte P-gp expression. H2S regulates NF-κB activation, leads to S-sulfhydration of P-gp, and inhibits the biosynthesis and secretion of proinflammatory factors by astrocytes. The regulatory effects of H2S on astrocytes may have clinical value for exploring new therapeutic strategies against neurodegenerative diseases.
Pricing the priceless child 2.0: children as human capital investment
Authors: Bandelj Nina , Spiegel Michelle
Published: December 2022

This article takes Viviana Zelizer’s (1985) Pricing the Priceless Child to the new millennium. Zelizer documented the transformation between the 19th and 20th century from an “economically useful” to an “emotionally priceless” child. She observed that by the 1930s, American children were practically economically worthless but invested with significant emotional value. What has happened to this emotionally priceless child at the dawn of the new millennium? Has there been a new transformation in the social value of children, and, if so, what might have such a transformation entailed? To address these questions, we examine overtime trends that point to increasing devotion of resources and time to children’s education, a key input in the exceedingly influential human capital theory, which connects investment into children’s human capital with their future market value. Therefore, we argue that the priceless child 2.0 is a useful-to-be human capital investment child. We use four empirical examples of overtime growth in children’s human capital investment: (a) enrollments in early childhood education, (b) federal spending on early education, (c) federal spending on K-12 programs, and (d) parental spending on child care, education and extracurricular activities. In the conclusion, we discuss some potential consequences and concerns about raising children as human capital investment.