bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agency dynamics of International Environmental Agreements: actors, contexts, and drivers
Authors: Karlsson-Vinkhuyzen Sylvia , Rietig Katharina , Scobie Michelle
Published: April 2022

The structural elements of global environmental governance are notoriously difficult to change and align with the needs of a rapidly deteriorating earth system. This, however, only increases the need to focus on the role of agency in this context. This paper does so by taking stock of what we know about agency in relation to International Environmental Agreements (IEAs) and suggests directions for future research. We contribute a conceptual framework to enable the mapping of research on agency related to IEAs and advance more systematic study of agency in this context. The framework differentiates between the negotiation of IEAs, their implementation and outcomes, and includes agency-related and context-related drivers of agency in these processes. We subsequently review articles published between 2003 and 2020 in the journal International Environmental Agreements (as one of the few journals exclusively focusing on IEAs) dealing with actors’ agency and analyse how these articles address agency in the context of IEAs. We conclude firstly by identifying avenues for how further research can fill important gaps, including a need for increased transparency on the methods and theories used in articles, and more comparative research particularly on agency dynamics in implementation; and secondly by highlighting important pointers for policy-makers including the need to re-evaluate the role of national sovereignty and address the forces that counteract equality and justice. Key lessons include the need to improve global south countries' capacity to influence IEA negotiations (input legitimacy), the central role of public and peer pressure on countries to implement commitments, the impact of multilevel governance dynamics and the importance of ensuring that IEAs benefit local communities (output legitimacy).
Influence of graft vascularization on graft survival following homologous limbo-keratoplasty
Authors: Lang Stefan J. , Werner Nicole , Böhringer Daniel , Maier Philip , Reinhard Thomas
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Limbo-keratoplasty enables visual improvement and limbal stem cell transplantation at the same. During follow-up, most grafts show vascularization of the limbus. However, it is unclear whether vascularization is harmful due to immunologic effects or helpful to nourish the limbal stem cells and is therefore necessary for a clear graft. The aim of our study is to analyze the influence of graft vascularization on graft survival following homologous limbo-keratoplasty.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we assessed all consecutive limbo-keratoplasties performed in our hospital. All eyes with suitable photo-documentation were included and divided into two groups (limbal stem cell deficiency and corneal dystrophy). We categorized the grade of vascularization (0, 1, 2, 3, 3b) and analyzed clear graft survival, recurrence of the underlying disease and the endothelial cell density (ECD) with regard to the reason for the graft. Event rates were estimated with the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

A total of 79 eyes with limbal stem cell deficiency and 15 with corneal dystrophies were analyzed. A high degree of graft vascularization had a tendency for better graft survival in limbal stem cell deficiency, whereas in corneal dystrophies, grafts with no vascularization had preferable outcomes. Recurrence-free graft survival was only seen in grade 1 and 3 vascularization in corneal dystrophies.

Conclusion

Vascularization of the limbus seems to have an impact on the long-term outcome of limbo-keratoplasty. The effect seems to be favorable in limbal stem cell deficiency and on recurrence rates in corneal dystrophies. However, the latter might be overshadowed by an unfavorable immunologic effect in corneal dystrophies where the baseline immunologic risk profile is commonly more favorable than in limbal stem cell deficiency.
Problem gambling and anxiety disorders in the general swedish population – a case control study
Authors: Sundqvist Kristina , Wennberg Peter
Published: April 2022

Co-occurring psychiatric comorbidity is high among problem gamblers, and anxiety disorders has repeatedly been linked to problem gambling. Less conclusive, however, is the association between problem gambling and specific anxiety disorders. The aim of this study is to examine the association between problem gambling and specific anxiety disorders in subgroups of gender, age and socio-economic status (SES) in the general Swedish population. A case-control design was employed - nested in the Swedish longitudinal gambling study cohort. All anxiety disorders studied - Panic Disorder, Social Phobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), were significantly associated with problem gambling, however the pattern differed across subgroups. Social Phobia was the anxiety disorder most commonly associated with problem gambling across subgroups. The strongest associations between problem gambling and various anxiety disorders were found in participants under the age of 25, among females, and in the group with middle SES. In those groups three of the four anxiety disorders studied were significantly associated with problem gambling, with different patterns. Quite remarkably, participants under the age of 25 had three times higher risk of having had GAD compared to their controls. Efforts to prevent an escalation of either gambling or anxiety could target the presented vulnerable groups specifically.
Low Temperature Characteristics of the Metal–Superconductor NIS Tunneling Thermometer
Authors: Karimi Bayan , Chang Yu-Cheng , Pekola Jukka P.
Published: April 2022

We discuss the temperature dependence of a common low temperature local thermometer, a tunnel junction between a superconductor and a normal metal (NIS junction). Towards the lowest temperatures its characteristics tend to saturate, which is usually attributed to selfheating effects. In this technical note, we reanalyze this saturation and show that the temperature independent subgap current of the junction alone explains in some cases the low temperature behavior quantitatively.
Heterogeneous graph embedding with single-level aggregation and infomax encoding
Authors: Chairatanakul Nuttapong , Liu Xin , Hoang Nguyen Thai , Murata Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2022

There has been an increasing interest in developing embedding methods for heterogeneous graph-structured data. The state-of-the-art approaches often adopt a bi-level aggregation scheme, where the first level aggregates information of neighbors belonging to the same type or group, and the second level employs the averaging or attention mechanism to aggregate the outputs of the first level. We find that bi-level aggregation may suffer from a down-weighting issue and overlook individual node information, especially when there is an imbalance in the number of different typed relations. We develop a new simple yet effective single-level aggregation scheme with infomax encoding, named HIME, for unsupervised heterogeneous graph embedding. Our single-level aggregation scheme performs relation-specific transformation to obtain homogeneous embeddings before aggregating information from multiple typed neighbors. Thus, it emphasizes each neighbor’s equal contribution and does not suffer from the down-weighting issue. Extensive experiments demonstrate that HIME consistently outperforms the state-of-the-art approaches in link prediction, node classification, and node clustering tasks.
A web-based survey of UK pharmacists to assess the effectiveness of Viagra Connect® additional risk minimisation measures
Authors: Lem Joanna , Collins Janine , Maguire Terry , Sobel Rachel E.
Published: April 2022

Background To support reclassification in the UK of sildenafil citrate (50 mg) from prescription-only medicine to a pharmacy medicine (P status) under the brand name “Viagra Connect®”, additional risk minimisation measures were implemented that included training materials and an optional checklist to assist community pharmacists in the safe supply of Viagra Connect® to suitable patients. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of Viagra Connect® additional risk minimisation measures by assessing community pharmacists’ participation in training, their knowledge of key risk messages, and utilisation of the checklist. Setting A post-authorisation safety study implemented as a web-based survey, conducted in a representative population of UK community pharmacists. Method A random sample of community pharmacists who received at least 1 request to supply Viagra Connect® within the past 6 months completed an online questionnaire of 33 closed-ended questions/statements with multiple-choice responses. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics. Main outcome measure Knowledge of key risk messages and dispensing practices communicated in the additional risk minimisation measures. Results The survey was completed by 345 community pharmacists. Respondents displayed a high level of knowledge of key risk messages, with ≥80 % selecting correct answers for 43/51 items. Nearly all respondents (90.1 %) reported that the training materials were useful/very useful, and reported using the checklist at the point of supply (91.9 %). Counselling of patients who requested Viagra Connect® was generally considered a positive exercise. Conclusions The Viagra Connect® additional risk minimisation measures were effective for education of community pharmacists and to ensure safe supply of Viagra Connect® behind-the-counter to patients.
Child development and distance learning in the age of COVID-19
Authors: Champeaux Hugues , Mangiavacchi Lucia , Marchetta Francesca , Piccoli Luca
Published: April 2022

School closures, forcibly brought about by the COVID-19 crisis in many countries, have impacted children’s lives and their learning processes. The heterogeneous implementation of distance learning solutions is likely to bring a substantial increase in education inequality, with long term consequences. The present study uses data from a survey collected during Spring 2020 lockdown in France and Italy to analyze parents’ evaluations of their children’s home schooling process and emotional well-being at time of school closure, and the role played by different distance learning methods in shaping these perceptions. While Italian parents have a generally worse judgment of the effects of the lockdown on their children, the use of interactive distance learning methods appears to significantly attenuate their negative perception. This is particularly true for older pupils. French parents rather perceive that interactive methods are effective in mitigating learning losses and psychological distress only for their secondary school children. In both countries, further heterogeneity analysis reveal that parents perceive younger children and boys to suffer more during this period.
Modeling COVID-19 effects on SDGs using system dynamics in Egypt
Authors: Marzouk Mohamed , Azab Shimaa , Elshaboury Nehal , Megahed Alaa , Metawie Mahmoud , Hawary Mostafa El , Ghaith Doaa , Bayoumi AbdElMoniem
Published: April 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) poses a significant threat to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To address this challenge, a thorough examination of the pandemic’s influence on four SDGs in Egypt is presented in a system dynamic model. The addressed goals are related to no poverty (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and climate action (SDG 13). The model is simulated over 35 years extending from 2015 to 2050. Furthermore, a web-based interactive learning environment is developed to analyze the interdependencies among public health activities and study the impacts of possible intervention countermeasures or prevention policies. Indicators including poverty line, food insecurity, gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are evaluated to track Egypt’s performance in relation to SDGs 1, 2, 8, and 13. According to the simulation model, the poverty line will continue to decline until it reaches around 16% by 2050. According to the significant governmental efforts to follow its vision of 2030, Egypt can achieve a decreasing percentage of food insecurity, reaching 3% in 2030, and this percentage will continue to decrease until it reaches full sufficiency by 2050. The GDP growth rate will rise every year until it reaches 13.71% in 2050. With respect to climate, GHG emissions are predicted to fall to roughly 97 Mt CO2-equivalents by 2050. This approach revitalizes debates about the achievement of SDGs amid the crisis and acts as a powerful tool that aids decision-makers in identifying leverage points to avoid the long-term negative repercussions of the crisis on the economy, people, and environment.
Different manipulation mode analysis of a radial symmetrical hexapod robot with leg—arm integration
Authors: Zheng Yi , Xu Kun , Tian Yaobin , Ding Xilun
Published: April 2022

With the widespread application of legged robot in various fields, the demand for a robot with high locomotion and manipulation ability is increasing. Adding an extra arm is a useful but general method for a legged robot to obtain manipulation ability. Hence, this paper proposes a novel hexapod robot with two integrated leg—arm limbs that obtain dexterous manipulation functions besides locomotion ability without adding an extra arm. The manipulation modes can be divided into coordinated manipulation condition and single-limb manipulation condition. The former condition mainly includes fixed coordinated clamping case and fixed coordinated shearing case. For the fixed coordinated clamping case, the degrees of freedom (DOFs) analysis of equivalent parallel mechanism by using screw theory and the constraint equation of two integrated limbs are established. For the fixed coordinated shearing case, the coordinated working space is determined, and an ideal coordinated manipulation ball is presented to guide the coordinated shearing task. In addition, the constraint analysis of two adjacent integrated limbs is performed. Then, mobile manipulation with one integrated leg—arm limb while using pentapod gait is discussed as the single-limb manipulation condition, including gait switching analysis between hexapod gait and pentapod gait, different pentapod gaits analysis, and a complex six-DOF manipulation while walking. Corresponding experiments are implemented, including clamping tasks with two integrated limbs, coordinated shearing task by using two integrated limbs, and mobile manipulation with pentapod gait. This robot provides a new approach to building a multifunctional locomotion platform.
Mathematical Modelling Highlights the Potential for Genetic Manipulation as an Adjuvant to Counter Efflux-Mediated MDR in Salmonella
Authors: Youlden George , McNeil Helen E. , Blair Jessica M. A. , Jabbari Sara , King John R.
Published: April 2022

Bacteria have developed resistance to antibiotics by various mechanisms, notable amongst these is the use of permeation barriers and the expulsion of antibiotics via efflux pumps. The resistance-nodulation-division (RND) family of efflux pumps is found in Gram-negative bacteria and a major contributor to multidrug resistance (MDR). In particular, Salmonella encodes five RND efflux pump systems: AcrAB, AcrAD, AcrEF, MdsAB and MdtAB which have different substrate ranges including many antibiotics. We produce a spatial partial differential equation (PDE) model governing the diffusion and efflux of antibiotic in Salmonella, via these RND efflux pumps. Using parameter fitting techniques on experimental data, we are able to establish the behaviour of multiple wild-type and efflux mutant Salmonella strains, which enables us to produce efflux profiles for each individual efflux pump system. By combining the model with a gene regulatory network (GRN) model of efflux regulation, we simulate how the bacteria respond to their environment. Finally, performing a parameter sensitivity analysis, we look into various different targets to inhibit the efflux pumps. The model provides an in silico framework with which to test these potential adjuvants to counter MDR.
Performance in the Workplace: a Critical Evaluation of Cognitive Enhancement
Authors: Acarturk Cengiz , Mucen Baris
Published: April 2022

The popular debates about the future organization of work through artificial intelligence technologies focus on the replacement of human beings by novel technologies. In this essay, we oppose this statement by closely following what has been developed as AI technologies and analyzing how they work, specifically focusing on research that may impact work organizations. We develop this argument by showing that the recent research and developments in AI technologies focus on developing accurate and precise performance models, which in turn shapes organizational patterns of work. We propose that the increased interest in the relationship between human cognition and performance will shortly bring human cognition to the focus on AI systems in workplaces. More specifically, we claim that the cognitive load measurement will shape human performance in manufacturing systems shortly.
UK clinical guideline for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
Authors: Gregson Celia L. , Armstrong David J. , Bowden Jean , Cooper Cyrus , Edwards John , Gittoes Neil J. L. , Harvey Nicholas , Kanis John , Leyland Sarah , Low Rebecca , McCloskey Eugene , Moss Katie , Parker Jane , Paskins Zoe , Poole Kenneth , Reid David M. , Stone Mike , Thomson Julia , Vine Nic , Compston Juliet
Published: April 2022

The National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG) has revised the UK guideline for the assessment and management of osteoporosis and the prevention of fragility fractures in postmenopausal women, and men age 50 years and older. Accredited by NICE, this guideline is relevant for all healthcare professionals involved in osteoporosis management.

Introduction

The UK National Osteoporosis Guideline Group (NOGG) first produced a guideline on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in 2008, with updates in 2013 and 2017. This paper presents a major update of the guideline, the scope of which is to review the assessment and management of osteoporosis and the prevention of fragility fractures in postmenopausal women, and men age 50 years and older.

Methods

Where available, systematic reviews, meta-analyses and randomised controlled trials were used to provide the evidence base. Conclusions and recommendations were systematically graded according to the strength of the available evidence.

Results

Review of the evidence and recommendations are provided for the diagnosis of osteoporosis, fracture-risk assessment and intervention thresholds, management of vertebral fractures, non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments, including duration and monitoring of anti-resorptive therapy, glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, and models of care for fracture prevention. Recommendations are made for training; service leads and commissioners of healthcare; and for review criteria for audit and quality improvement.

Conclusion

The guideline, which has received accreditation from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE), provides a comprehensive overview of the assessment and management of osteoporosis for all healthcare professionals involved in its management. This position paper has been endorsed by the International Osteoporosis Foundation and by the European Society for the Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases.
High-Strength Near-Beta Titanium Alloy Fabricated by Direct Hot Pressing of the Machining Swarf
Authors: Guo Yingchao , Genelot Paul , Singh Ajit Pal , Bolzoni Leandro , Qu Yingdong , Kou Hongchao , Lin Junpin , Yang Fei
Published: April 2022

Significant amount of Ti-5553 alloy (a near-beta titanium alloy) swarf is produced during the daily operation of manufacturing high strength titanium alloy components used in industry. However, the direct use of the produced swarf is seldom investigated and reported. In this paper, hot pressing was used to recycle Ti-5553 machining swarf to turn the waste into useful material. The hot-pressed Ti-5553 alloy has an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 675 ± 12 MPa, strain to fracture of 0.98 ± 0.04%, and bending strength of 1181±28 MPa. After double-aging at 600 ºC for 4 h followed by 700 ºC for 0.5 h, both strength and ductility of hot-pressed Ti-5553 alloy have a significantly improved, with a yield strength (YS) of 1390 ± 20 MPa, UTS of 1425 ± 12 MPa, a strain to fracture of 2.47 ± 0.07%, and a bending strength 2565±35 MPa. These results demonstrate the hot pressing is a viable processing route to recycle Ti-5553 swarf to cost-effectively produce a qualified solid material for post-processing and engineering applications.
Methanol Production from Solid Recovered Fuel and Lignite: Techno-Economic and Environmental Assessment
Authors: Rolfe Angela , Huang Ye , Hewitt Neil
Published: April 2022

The main purpose of this work is to examine the techno-economics and environmental assessment of the Solid Recovered Fuel and Lignite to methanol pathway. Methanol is produced by gasifying the solid fuels to carbon monoxide and hydrogen and then reacting to produce methanol under pressure during the methanol synthesis process. The data obtained from the partners is used to adapt this study for the liquid fuel synthesis application. The in-house personal computer-based process simulation package, ECLIPSE, is used to perform process modelling and the techno-economic assessment of methanol production. The @Risk 8.2© software is used to estimate the cost contingency of the project. The SimaPro© software package was used to carry out the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The gasifier plant contributes significantly to the capital costs. The results show that increased Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) in the feedstock mix has favourable economics due to the negative SRF charges resulting in a lower break-even selling price (BESP) than feedstock mixes with higher ratios of Lignite. Plant availability, capital investment and the time value of money are the factors that have the greatest impact on BESP. Increasing the SRF in the feedstock mix decreases the Global Warming impact of the methanol production compared to higher proportions of Lignite. However, the resultant impact is much greater than that of a natural gas reformer. Furthermore, the employment of off-gas recovery and carbon capture can further reduce both the Global Warming impact and the overall Single Score of the process, making it favourably comparable to the natural gas water gas shift configurations.

Graphical abstract
Comparison and evaluation of blade element methods against RANS simulations and test data
Authors: Bergmann Ole , Götten F. , Braun C. , Janser F.
Published: April 2022

This paper compares several blade element theory (BET) method-based propeller simulation tools, including an evaluation against static propeller ground tests and high-fidelity Reynolds-Average Navier Stokes (RANS) simulations. Two proprietary propeller geometries for paraglider applications are analysed in static and flight conditions. The RANS simulations are validated with the static test data and used as a reference for comparing the BET in flight conditions. The comparison includes the analysis of varying 2D aerodynamic airfoil parameters and different induced velocity calculation methods. The evaluation of the BET propeller simulation tools shows the strength of the BET tools compared to RANS simulations. The RANS simulations underpredict static experimental data within 10% relative error, while appropriate BET tools overpredict the RANS results by 15–20% relative error. A variation in 2D aerodynamic data depicts the need for highly accurate 2D data for accurate BET results. The nonlinear BET coupled with XFOIL for the 2D aerodynamic data matches best with RANS in static operation and flight conditions. The novel BET tool PropCODE combines both approaches and offers further correction models for highly accurate static and flight condition results.
Central composite rotatable design for optimization of trihalomethane extraction and detection through gas chromatography: a case study
Authors: Rasheed S. , Hashmi I. , Zhou Q. , Kim J. K. , Campos L. C.
Published: April 2022

Central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was employed to optimize initial temperature (ºC), ramp function (ºC/min) and salt addition for trihalomethane extraction/quantification from the drinking water distribution network in Ratta Amral, Rawalpindi., Pakistan. Drinking water samples were collected from the treatment plant, overhead reservoir and consumer’s taps. The USEPA method for trihalomethane detection 551.1 via gas chromatography was applied using liquid–liquid extraction. The experiments with input variables for sample preparation and operational conditions were performed in a randomized order as per design of experiment by central composite rotatable design and responses were evaluated for model development. A significant (p = 0.005) two-factor interaction model was optimized. Initial temperature was observed to be insignificant (p = 0.64), while ramp function (p = 0.0043) and salt addition (p = 0.04) were significant. Product of salt addition and ramp was significant (p = 0.004), while product of initial temperature and salt addition was insignificant (p = 0.008). With a desirability function of 0.97, an initial temperature of 50 ºC, 6 ºC rise/min to 180 ºC and 0.5 g salt were optimized. It was found that development and optimization of the analytical methods for rapid trihalomethane detection would improve optimization of the current treatment practices in the country.
MaSter-Bio – Messinstrument für das akademische Selbstkonzept zum technologiebezogenen Professionswissen von angehenden Biologielehrpersonen
Authors: Mahler Daniela , Arnold Julia
Published: April 2022

Digitale Technologien können – sinnvoll eingesetzt – das Lernen befördern. Ob jedoch die Potenziale digitaler Technologien im Regelunterricht tatsächlich genutzt werden, hängt zu einem relevanten Maß von der Lehrperson und ihrer Bereitschaft zur Nutzung ab. Hierbei ist nicht zuletzt das akademische Selbstkonzept der Lehrpersonen in Bezug auf das technologiebezogene Professionswissen (technological pedagogical content knowledge – TPACK) von Bedeutung. Um dieses Konstrukt in seiner Tiefe zu verstehen oder den Erfolg von Förderangeboten abschätzen zu können, ist die valide und reliable Messung des akademischen Selbstkonzeptes zum technologiebezogenen Professionswissen wichtig. In diesem Beitrag wird der MaSter-Bio als ein Messinstrument für das akademische Selbstkonzept zum technologiebezogenen Professionswissen von angehenden Biologielehrpersonen vorgestellt. Bei seiner Entwicklung wurden die aktuelle Forschung zum akademischen Selbstkonzept und zum technologiebezogenen Professionswissen, die Nutzbarkeit im deutschsprachigen Raum sowie eine spezifische Ausschärfung für den Biologieunterricht berücksichtigt. Reliabilität und Validität wurden an einer Stichprobe von 403 angehenden Biologielehrpersonen überprüft. Mit dem Instrument können die sieben angenommenen Subskalen des Konstrukts reliabel erfasst werden und es liegen Hinweise für diskriminante und konvergente Validität vor.
Distributed ledger technologies in vehicular mobile edge computing: a survey
Authors: Jiang Ming , Qin Xingsheng
Published: April 2022

Blockchain-based systems, coined by distributed ledger technologies (DLTs), have rapidly received tremendous interest from academia, industries, and governments. Recent literature has revealed many research and developments on applying DLTs to the Internet of things (IoT), cloud-edge computing. In this survey, we conduct a comprehensive survey of the newly appeared concepts, theories, platforms, and DLTs-facilitated applications of vehicular networks and mobile edge computing (MEC). We also review the selections of the available DLTs related platforms and tools. Future research directions and issues are discussed, including security, privacy, scalability issues, and multiple applications in various domains.
Atlas of the Tethyan orthophragmines
Authors: Özcan Ercan , Yücel Ali Osman , Erkızan Levent Sina , Gültekin Münire Nur , Kayğılı Sibel , Yurtsever Sıla
Published: April 2022

Orthophragmines are a group of discoidal, lenticular or stellate ‘orbitoidal’ larger benthic foraminifera that thrived in shallow-marine environments in low-to-middle latitudes during the late Paleocene and Eocene. They consist of two phylogenetically independent families with similar morphology, such as Discocyclinidae (with two Tethyan genera—DiscocyclinaandNemkovella) and Orbitoclypeidae (with three genera—Orbitoclypeus,AsterocyclinaandHexagonocyclinain the Tethys) distinguishable by the different microspheric juvenarium of the microspheric (B) forms. Sixty-one species of orthophragmines are herein described and illustrated based on material from various Tethyan localities in Europe, North Africa, Turkey, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian Subcontinent and SE Asia. Thirty-two species ofDiscocyclina, six species ofNemkovella, thirteen species ofOrbitoclypeus,nine species ofAsterocyclinaand one species ofHexagonocyclinaare included. Some species include chrono-subspecies, established by applying the principles of embryonic and nepionic acceleration in the megalospheric (A) forms, primarily expressed by the increase in the size of the deuteroconch, morphological modifications forming various embryonic configurations through the phylogeny, and the increase in the number of adauxiliary chamberlets that arise from the embryonic apparatus. This study is mainly based on investigating oriented sections of many free specimens, and some random rock thin sections where obtaining free tests of orthophragmines was not possible. The Atlas is designed as a laboratory handbook for micropaleontology students and a guidebook to assist professionals with the easy identification of orthophragmines in thin sections.
Title: β3 Adrenergic Receptor Signaling in the Human Myometrium
Authors: Asif Hazik , Barnett Scott D. , Buxton Iain L. O.
Published: April 2022

Preterm labor leading to preterm birth is the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality. Although β2 adrenergic agonists fail to provide adequate tocolysis, the expression of the β3 adrenergic receptor in myometrium and its unique signaling suggest a role for β3 agonist in the management of preterm labor. Western blot analysis showed that the β3 adrenergic receptor expression increased in human pregnancy myometrium compared to nonpregnant tissues (p < 0.0001). There was no difference in β3 adrenergic receptor expression throughout pregnancy (p > 0.05). The addition of the β3 agonist mirabegron in the tissue bath relaxed oxytocin contracted myometrium with an EC50 of 41.5 µM. Relaxation was partially blocked by the addition of the eNOS blocker Nω-nitro-L-arginine, or the large conductance potassium channel blocker paxilline. Combination of Nω-nitro-L-arginine and paxilline prevented mirabegron-mediated relaxation. Imaging revealed that the β3 adrenergic receptors are expressed by both myocyte and microvascular endothelial cells isolated from human myometrium. Nitric oxide production measured by 4-amino-5-methylamino-2',7'-difluorofluorescein diacetate revealed that mirabegron stimulated nitric oxide production in myometrial endothelial cells. These data suggest that both endothelial and smooth muscle cells contribute to relaxation through disparate signaling pathways. Repurposing of approved medications tested in human myometrium as uterine tocolytics can advance prevention of preterm birth. These data argue that further examination of β3 adrenergic receptor signaling in myometrium may reveal mirabegron as a useful tocolytic in combination tocolysis regimens.
Regulation of Drug Prescribing Information in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Ramírez-Telles Mariana , Argotti-Rodríguez Urimara
Published: April 2022

Objective

To describe the status of drug regulations in Latin America and the Caribbean, in force as of May 2021, and assess through a comparative exercise the differences between the countries under scope on prescribing information of drugs for human use.

Materials and Methods

A narrative review allowed the identification of the regulations concerning the prescribing information of drugs in 25 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean for the registration of prescription medications. On this basis, terms and concepts regarding this topic, the general provisions by the regulatory authorities for these products, applications for health registration and further amendments were identified for each country.

Results

The Latin American and the Caribbean countries included, manage and regulate drug prescribing information differently in terms of concepts, information publishing, structure for product information, among other criteria. Few health authorities publish product information on their website. Additionally, the patient information leaflet is not requested for prescription drugs in most of the studied countries. There is no standardized structure for drug product information within the region.

Conclusions

A poor level of harmonization among the regulations from these countries regarding the content and management (e.g. if physical package insert is required or not, if it is subject to notification or approval) of the prescribing information of human use drugs became evident. Also, there is a visible lack of standardization of concepts for referring to a specific document (e.g., package insert for healthcare professionals, patient information leaflet and technical information for the drug product) and in the content itself.
Deliberations in Dance: Affecting Publics and the Politics of Ethnicity in Guinea’s Nascent Democracy
Authors: Cohen Adrienne J.
Published: April 2022

Guinea’s postindependence state (1958-84) discouraged ethnic identification in favor of national solidarity. In the decades since, ethnic groups have increasingly been mobilized as political interest groups in Guinea, a phenomenon that has been especially visible in recent multiparty elections. At the same time as ethnicity resurfaced as an explicit political force, young performing artists in Guinea’s capital city Conakry were inventing genres of dance and urban ceremony that de-emphasize ethnicity as a marker of belonging. Cohen engages with an interdisciplinary literature on publics to describe how the aesthetic practices of non-elite African youth constitute a crucial form of political engagement.
Turning towards practices: on the common ground of international relations and European studies
Authors: De Franco Chiara
Published: April 2022

The so-called practice turn in International Relations (IR) has established a new paradigm that puts practitioners' quotidian doings front and centre of IR theorizing. It is proving to be an influential development also for area studies (AS) that share much of IR's scholarship and objects of study. This is certainly the case for European studies (ES) where the works of International Practice Theory (IPT) scholars has greatly contributed to raise attention to situated, mundane, and everyday practices of EU institutions. This article reviews the contribution of IPT scholars to ES to assess the added value of this research agenda and its potential to become a ‘trading zone’ where IR and ES/AS scholars can advance understanding of how the local and the global connect. It also identifies two challenges that have not been adequately addressed in the extant literature: (1) finding ways to theorize and empirically observe the transition from the level of situated practices to EU-wide doings (generalization challenge); and (2) assessing the exact role of interaction in structuring and transforming both the global and the local (challenge of relationism). The article ends by calling for a global practice theory as a way to tackle these two challenges.
From clubs to hubs: analysing lobbying networks in EU financial regulation after crisis
Authors: Redert Bastiaan
Published: April 2022

Policy networks fulfil an important role within policymaking. Networks of public and private actors provide information to policymakers and may halt or accommodate policy change. Generally, these networks exhibit stability, but at times, they are transformed due to disruptive shocks. This article compares lobbying networks surrounding three EU financial regulatory agencies before and after the global financial crisis. Utilising network-analytical methods, the analysis assesses network change after the financial crisis and the subsequent institutional and regulatory reforms. The findings show that as lobbying networks expand, they become more fragmented. They also demonstrate that shocks stimulate the entrance of new interest groups and make repeat players more selective in their lobbying efforts. This implies that the financial regulation policy network becomes less club-like after the crisis, allowing new groups to inform regulators about their policy preferences.
Playing with medium: Intertextuality and phonomatic transformation
Authors: Wragg Jeff
Published: April 2022

In ‘Intertextuality and hypertextuality in recorded popular music’, S. Lacasse (in M. Talbot (ed.)The Musical Work: Reality or Invention?, Liverpool University Press, 2000) proposes a model for understanding intertextuality in recorded popular music. His model provides different ways one text may reference another, while simultaneously transforming the style and/or subject of the original text. Style and subject are two of the integral elements that make up a work, yet what is missing from Lacasse's model is the medium through which these elements are presented. This article addresses that gap by introducing three phonomatic referential practices (retronormativity, vinyl aesthetics and analogue allusion) that transform the medium of a referenced work alongside transformations of style and/or subject. It further expands the model by discussing self-quotation as a referential practice. The applicability of the expanded model is demonstrated using the music of Portishead, one of the bands that pioneered the trip hop genre in the 1990s.
A class of novel underactuated positioning systems for actuating/configuring the parallel manipulators
Authors: Ma Nan , Dong Xin , Arreguin Josue Camacho , Bishop Christopher , Axinte Dragos
Published: April 2022

Parallel manipulators are increasingly utilized in extensive industrial applications due to their high accuracy, compact structure, and significant stiffness characteristics. However, most of the time, massive actuators are involved in constructing and controlling a parallel manipulator, which burdens the structure design and controller development. In this paper, a novel underactuated positioning system been built by different sets of linear motion units (defined as the positioning lines) is proposed, enabling to actuate the multiple degree-of-freedom manipulators with one motor. To achieve this, a smart shape memory alloy (SMA) clutch is presented to obtain the positioning function of each positioning line. Further, to get the decoupled motion regulation of the positioning lines, a new thermal kinematic model of the SMA clutch, which considers the heat dissipation influence on the metal components, was built and validated by the physical prototypes. The experimental results show that the constitutive model of the SMA clutch developed in this paper can be validated within the error of 5.3%. It can also be found that the heat dissipation of the metal component has a significant influence on the model accuracy of the SMA clutch (i.e., 2.6% of the model accuracy). The experiments on the underactuated positioning system produce the following results: the single positioning line can achieve high positioning (i.e., average error: 1.01%) and tracking (i.e., average error
$\leq$
1 mm) abilities; the underactuated positioning system can perform decoupled motions in the three positioning lines with high accuracy (i.e., ±2 mm within the stroke of 180 mm).
Where are People Dying in Disasters, and Where is it Being Studied? A Mapping Review of Scientific Articles on Tropical Cyclone Mortality in English and Chinese
Authors: Dresser Caleb , Hart Alexander , Kwok-Keung Law Alex , Yen Yen Poon Grace , Ciottone Gregory , Balsari Satchit
Published: April 2022

Background:

Tropical cyclones are a recurrent, lethal hazard. Climate change, demographic, and development trends contribute to increasing hazards and vulnerability. This mapping review of articles on tropical cyclone mortality assesses geographic publication patterns, research gaps, and priorities for investigation to inform evidence-based risk reduction.

Methods:

A mapping review of published scientific articles on tropical cyclone-related mortality indexed in PubMed and EMBASE (English) and SINOMED and CNKI (Chinese), focusing on research approach, location, and storm information, was conducted. Results were compared with data on historical tropical cyclone disasters.

Findings:

A total of 150 articles were included, 116 in English and 34 in Chinese. Nine cyclones accounted for 61% of specific event analyses. The United States (US) reported 0.76% of fatalities but was studied in 51% of articles, 96% in English and four percent in Chinese. Asian nations reported 90.4% of fatalities but were studied in 39% of articles, 50% in English and 50% in Chinese. Within the US, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania experienced 4.59% of US tropical cyclones but were studied in 24% of US articles. Of the 12 articles where data were collected beyond six months from impact, 11 focused on storms in the US. Climate change was mentioned in eight percent of article abstracts.

Interpretation:

Regions that have historically experienced high mortality from tropical cyclones have not been studied as extensively as some regions with lower mortality impacts. Long-term mortality and the implications of climate change have not been extensively studied nor discussed in most settings. Research in highly impacted settings should be prioritized.
Lexical and semantic training to acquire words in a foreign language: An electrophysiological study
Authors: García-Gámez Ana B. , Macizo Pedro
Published: April 2022

An event-related potential (ERP) study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of two learning methods for the acquisition of vocabulary in a foreign language (FL). In the semantic method, FL words were presented with pictures denoting their meaning and the learners practiced with a semantic categorization task (to indicate whether FL words were exemplars of a semantic category). In the lexical method, FL words were paired with their translation in the first language (L1) and the learners practiced with a letter-monitoring task (to indicate whether L1-FL words contained a grapheme). A translation task and a picture-naming task were used to evaluate FL acquisition. ERP modulations associated with semantic processing were more evident and broadly distributed in the semantic versus lexical learning group. The pattern of results suggests that a single session of semantic learning favors the establishment of connections between semantics and the words learned in a new language.
Perspektiven auf Corona
Authors: Sauter Dorothea
Published: April 2022

Die Corona-Pandemie fordert uns heraus. Dies gilt besonders für Nutzende wie auch für das Personal in Sozial- und Gesundheitseinrichtungen. Unterschiedliche Personengruppen leiden und litten in unterschiedlicher Weise unter den Lockdowns und Restriktionen sowie unter den sozialen, wirtschaftlichen und gesundheitlichen Folgen der Pandemie. Gleichzeitig entstanden mit den veränderten Bedingungen und Problemen neue Erfahrungen und Lösungen. Wir haben ein paar Personen gebeten, in Kürze von ihren wichtigsten Erlebnissen und Erkenntnissen zu berichten und ihnen jeweils die gleichen Fragen gestellt.
Vier Wellen später
Authors: Zappe Robert , Biedebach Riccardo , Rixe Jacqueline
Published: April 2022

Was ist zu diesem Thema bereits bekannt?

Es gibt bereits viel Wissen über die Auswirkung der Pandemie auf die Psyche der Menschen. Unklar ist, wie trotz der Pandemie und den Schutzmaßnahmen eine recoveryfördernde Versorgung erfolgen kann.

Wie wird eine neue Perspektive eingebracht?

Unter Zuhilfenahme des CHIME-Framework werden die Auswirkungen für Betroffene und recoveryfördernde Implikationen für die Praxis erläutert.

Was sind die Auswirkungen für die Praxis?

Die sehr fordernde Situation in der Pandemie verlangt professionell Helfenden und Betroffenen viel ab. Die hier vorgestellten Interventionen können dazu beitragen, trotz widriger Umstände eine recoveryfördernde Pflege zu praktizieren.
Autismus-Spektrum-Störung
Authors: Stiehl Simon , Witzmann Markus
Published: April 2022

Was ist zu diesem Thema bereits bekannt?

Menschen mit Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen (ASS) sind in der klinisch-psychiatrischen Akutbehandlung unzureichend versorgt.

Wie wird eine neue Perspektive eingebracht?

Die spezielle Lebensperspektive von Menschen mit ASS wird vergleichend zur nicht-autistischen Erlebniswelt aufgezeigt, bestehende Barrieren oder auch Herausforderungen in der professionellen Betreuung (auf interaktioneller und organisatorischer Ebene) werden benannt.

Was sind die Auswirkungen für die Praxis?

Lösungsansätze durch interdisziplinäre Teamstrukturen und Empfehlungen für das klinisch-therapeutische Handeln werden aufgezeigt.
The Dynamic Creativity Framework
Authors: Corazza Giovanni Emanuele , Agnoli Sergio , Mastria Serena
Published: April 2022

Abstract. The dynamic creativity framework (DCF) represents a new theoretical perspective for studying the creativity construct. This framework is based on the dynamic definition of creativity, and it has both theoretical and empirical implications. From a theoretical point of view, we review the characteristics of the dynamic creative process and its extension into the dynamic universal creative process, encompassing creativity at different layers of complexity. We discuss the key concept of creative potential, considering individual, sociocultural, and material viewpoints, and we show how the DCF is instrumental in clarifying the relationship between creativity and intelligence, between creativity and anticipation, as well as in introducing the concept of ‘organic creativity’. From the empirical perspective, we focus on the dynamic creative process broken down into four phases: i) drive, ii) information, iii) idea generation, iv) idea evaluation. We review results obtained through investigations accounting for the dynamic interplay between emotional and cognitive components defining creative performance for each. Experiments were conducted to measure the role of emotions and attention in driving the dynamic process, considering the processing of apparently irrelevant information and the interaction between idea generation and idea evaluation, always taking into account individual differences as measured through personality traits, performance variables, or lifetime achievement. Neurophysiological evidence is considered in discussing dynamic effects in divergent thinking, such as the serial order effect, as well as the possibility to enhance creative potential through neurofeedback. Finally, we report on the effects of different environments on the creative process, highlighting the dynamics produced by context-embeddedness.