bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retooling Smallholder Farming Systems for Climate Change Resilience Across Botswana Arid Zones
Authors: Batisani Nnyaladzi , Pule-Meulenberg Flora , Batlang Utlwang , Matteoli Federica , Tselaesele Nelson
Published: December 2020

Background: Scientific progress and developments in technology have improved our understanding of climate change and its potential impacts on smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The persistence of such smallholder farming systems, despite multiple exposures to climate hazards, demonstrates a capacity to respond or adapt. However, the scale and intensity of climate change impacts on smallholder farming systems in SSA will overwhelm any indigenous coping mechanisms developed over centuries. Therefore, there is need to co-develop resilient farming systems with farmers and extension workers in anticipation of the looming food security challenges in the midst of climate change.

A survey comprising of participatory rural appraisal, focus group discussions, participatory resource mapping, and SWOT analysis was carried out for the purposes of farming systems diagnosis in reference to their resilience to climate change in three districts cutting across dry arid zones of Botswana agricultural landscape. The survey also sought to identify vulnerability of the farming systems to climate change and subsequently co-develop with farmers and extension workers new climate proofed farming systems.

Results: Detailed evaluation of current systems and their strengths and weaknesses were identified. Farmers highlighted constraints to their production being mainly drought related but also lack of production inputs. These constraints are location and context specific as extension areas within a district highlighted different challenges and even different CSA practices for similar production constraints. Through participatory approaches, farmers were able to identify and rank potential climate-smart agriculture practices that could ameliorate their production challenges and subsequently developed implementation plans for these practices.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates that climate change is already having significant adverse impacts on smallholder farming systems and therefore, climate proofing these systems is necessary if livelihoods of smallholder farmers are to be sustained. Therefore, retrofitting current farming systems to be climate resilient is the first step to climate proofing smallholder farmers’ livelihoods.
Recruiting and Managing Labour for the Global Shipping Industry in China
Authors: Zhao Zhiwei
Published: December 2020

China’s economy has experienced dramatic growth in the last 30 years and in relation to seafaring labour supply many expected that Chinese seafarers would eventually come to dominate the world seafarers’ labour market. In fact, although the number of Chinese seafarers in the international fleet has grown steadily since the 1990s, the increase has been slower than many international shipping industry commentators and academics predicted (BIMCO/ISF 1995; Li and Wonham 1999; Sharma 2002; Wu 2004; Wu et al. 2007; Zhao 2017).
Rezistans Klimatik: Building Climate Change Resilience in Haiti through Educational Radio Programming.
Authors: Bazin Ashley , Saintis Christelle
Published: December 2020

In this chapter we address the challenge of responding to climate-related issues for vulnerable nations such as Haiti by adopting a non-formal radio-based approach to educate adults outside of the school system. We argue that to inform populations on climate change, we cannot solely rely on the K-12 school system. This is especially true for countries such as Haiti. where there is an inadequate education infrastructure, and much of the population, both juveniles, and adults, is not in school or has not attended school for some time. The effects of climate change are changing the lives of people globally, and third-world nations such as Haiti are even more susceptible to climate-related disasters. Given the severity of ongoing circumstances, a sense of urgency is necessary, and addressing the issue requires an approach that has a far, broad and rapid reach and concludes in immediate climate action as opposed to delayed. In order to efficiently respond to climate-related events, a population needs to build resilience through awareness, understanding, and skill development in the context of the country and region, which in this chapter is specifically Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Students as Partners. Implementation of Climate Change Education Within the Harvard Graduate School of Education
Authors: Nam Annie Hyokyong , Lee Sueyoon
Published: December 2020

This chapter notes the efforts of implementing a climate change curriculum within the Harvard Graduate School of Education that helps to build competencies for potential leaders in different education sectors so that they can collaboratively combat climate change. Literature points out the fruitful and productive partnerships of grassroots initiatives with large scale institutions and/or government organizations. The authors explore the conception of a climate change curriculum with explicit content knowledge and thoughtful pedagogy, designed by students and supported by faculty. The authors examine the design elements of the curriculum and then specify the implementation process of a curriculum at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). The authors draw out the limitations and implications of “students as partners” in the co-creation of learning and teaching in the field of sustainable development education within higher education institutions.
Ernst Denert Software Engineering Awards 2019
Authors: Felderer Michael , Hasselbring Wilhelm , Koziolek Heiko , Matthes Florian , Prechelt Lutz , Reussner Ralf , Rumpe Bernhard , Schaefer Ina
Published: December 2020

The need to improve software engineering practices is continuously rising and software development practitioners are highly interested in improving their software systems and the methods to build them. And well, software engineering research has numerous success stories. The Ernst Denert Software Engineering Award specifically rewards researchers that value the practical impact of their work and aim to improve current software engineering practices. This chapter summarizes the awards history as well as the current reward process and criteria.
Software Engineering
Authors: Denert Ernst
Published: December 2020

“A Passion for Software-Engineering.” This was the headline of a 2015 newspaper article about Ernst Denert. And they were absolutely right. Ernst Denert is really passionate about developing software with excellent quality in a predictable and systematic style. Furthermore, he is very much interested in encouraging young people to study computer science or at least to learn how programming and digitalization works, as well as computer science students to focus on software engineering principles and software development. This chapter is a personal view of Ernst Denert on the software engineering discipline.
Japanese Concepts of Deterrence
Authors: Katagiri Nori
Published: December 2020

Japan has consistently adopted a deterrence-by-denial strategy in the post-war period. Its ability to deter foreign attacks depends more heavily on its ability to deny hostility than to punish perpetrators. Japan’s deterrence-by-denial posture has faced at least two major problems. One problem is the inherent limit on its ability to deter foreign attacks. This posture is more oriented toward defence-by-denial than real deterrence. Japan’s national security resources and institutions are positioned to deny hostility to defend the homeland, but they are not suited to deter foreign attackers because Japan bans itself from having the ability to conduct offensive military operations—a necessary factor for deterrence by the imposition of threats. Existing restrictions on the use and threat of force stem from post-war constitutional and normative constraints that have proven anachronistic today.
Deterrence (In)stability Between India and Pakistan
Authors: Aarten Sander Ruben
Published: December 2020

Since the introduction of India’s cold start and Pakistan’s full spectrum deterrence doctrines, the subcontinental deterrence landscape has been characterised by strong cross-domain dynamics. In extremis, if both states adhere to the threats issued in their doctrines a Pakistan-supported militant attack on Indian soil could escalate into an all-out nuclear exchange. It is a development that has been met with great concern by many analysts for its detrimental impact on deterrence stability. Since the doctrines are believed to have become operational, at least four incidents occurred which could have sparked this cross-domain escalation spiral. And yet, crisis behaviour proved vastly different from what doctrine predicted. What does this say about deterrence stability on the subcontinent? This chapter assesses deterrence stability on the basis of perfect deterrence theory, which is argued to provide a more nuanced view of deterrence relationships than classical deterrence theory. It finds support for the stability-instability paradox and argues that deterrence is less unstable than appears at first sight. Furthermore, to fully appreciate the degree of deterrence stability, it is suggested that the factors ‘context’ and ‘narrative’ should be included into the equation.
Deterring Violent Non-state Actors
Authors: Shamir Eitan
Published: December 2020

The chapter examines the relevance and applicability of deterrence to violent non-state actors (VNSAs). VNSAs have become important players in the international system. Traditional deterrence theory and practice has limited utility against VNSAs due to their different characteristics to those of states that makes them less susceptive to deterrence strategies. Deterrence theory and practice has had to evolve and adapt to address these special traits of VNSAs. The chapter presents this conceptual evolution and the means and methods developed to deter VNSAs, highlighting both their advantages and shortfalls. It explains why states choose deterrence, even if not perfect, over other strategies. The Israeli case study then demonstrates how a state employs deterrence in relation to several VNSAs with diverse characteristics, levels of threat, political objectives, and military capability. The case study shows how Israel is designing a portfolio of deterrent strategies tailored to each challenge, demonstrating a degree of deterrence flexibility that the state can apply. The chapter concludes that, while the option of deterring VNSAs is not ideal, it does offer a viable strategy for decision makers compared with a number of lesser alternatives.
Cyber Deterrence: The Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Soesanto Stefan , Smeets Max
Published: December 2020

The question on whether and how deterring an adversary in or through cyberspace is feasible has provoked the minds of scholars and practitioners for decades. Today, cyber deterrence remains a quintessential anchoring concept for the political debates on cyber policy. However, does the concept of deterrence in cyberspace have a future when for almost three decades little to no seemingly feasible practical solutions nor an academic consensus have emerged? The purpose of this chapter is to situate the current debate on cyber deterrence within the historical evolution of deterrence thinking in cyberspace, clarify the existing conceptualizations, and comprehensively discuss whether the concept of cyber deterrence has an analytical future. We argue that the future deterrence debate can move into four directions: increased incorporation of cyber deterrence as an element within the broader international security and contest in a multi-domain world. A deeper focus on the technical aspects of the cyber domain to achieve deterrence effects on the operational and tactical level. A closer analysis of compellence, as the alternative form of coercion. And an exploration of new strategic concepts that seeks to contain and blunt adversarial aggression in cyberspace that stands apart from traditional deterrence thinking.
What’s on the Human Mind? Decision Theory and Deterrence
Authors: Bijlsma Tom
Published: December 2020

Indeed, deterrence, as Freedman and Mazarr recount in this volume in respectively Chaps. 10.1007/978-94-6265-419-8_1 and 10.1007/978-94-6265-419-8_2, aims to dissuade an opponent from taking undesirable actions. Clear communication of demands (a red line for instance), coupled with a credible threat to inflict pain if necessary, and demonstration of resolve are some obvious essential elements for creating effective deterrence. Success crucially also depends on whether the opponent receives the intended signal, interprets it as intended, and has the perception that the message is congruent with reality, i.e., that the opponent can make good on her threats. Success furthermore assumes that the demands communicated are acceptable. If those prerequisites exist, theory suggests a rational actor will back down, after weighing the benefits of the envisioned actions versus the potential costs that may result when the threat is executed. This chapter offers a synthesis of insights that have appeared since the 1980s that fundamentally challenge that assumption of rationality. This contribution about the workings of the human mind concerns the various filters and cognitive shortcuts that colour the incoming stream of information and the processes to digest it and come to a decision.
Nuclear Deterrence: A Guarantee for or Threat to Strategic Stability?
Authors: Arbatov Alexey
Published: December 2020

In recent literature, much attention has been paid to factors that affect nuclear deterrence and stability from the outside: new missile defence systems, non-nuclear (conventional) high-precision long-range weapons, the influence of third and threshold nuclear states, space weapons, and—more recently—cyber threats. These new factors have pushed the core of nuclear deterrence—strategic relations between Russia and the United States—to the background in the public consciousness. Yet dangerous changes are taking place. This chapter examines the real and imaginary causes of the current situation and suggests potential ways to reduce tensions that could benefit international security. It concludes that nuclear deterrence can serve as a pillar of international security with one crucial reservation: namely, that it can only work in conjunction with negotiations and agreements on the limitation, reduction, and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Without such checks, nuclear deterrence goes berserk. It endlessly fuels the arms race, brings the great powers to the brink of nuclear war in any serious crisis, and sometimes the very dynamics of nuclear deterrence can instigate a confrontation.
Diagnosis and treatment of cardiac amyloidosis: an interdisciplinary consensus statement
Authors: Bonderman Diana , Pölzl Gerhard , Ablasser Klemens , Agis Hermine , Aschauer Stefan , Auer-Grumbach Michaela , Binder Christina , Dörler Jakob , Duca Franz , Ebner Christian , Hacker Marcus , Kain Renate , Kammerlander Andreas , Koschutnik Matthias , Kroiss Alexander Stephan , Mayr Agnes , Nitsche Christian , Rainer Peter P. , Reiter-Malmqvist Susanne , Schneider Matthias , Schwarz Roland , Verheyen Nicolas , Weber Thomas , Zaruba Marc Michael , Badr Eslam Roza , Hülsmann Martin , Mascherbauer Julia
Published: December 2020

The prevalence and significance of cardiac amyloidosis have been considerably underestimated in the past; however, the number of patients diagnosed with cardiac amyloidosis has increased significantly recently due to growing awareness of the disease, improved diagnostic capabilities and demographic trends. Specific therapies that improve patient prognosis have become available for certain types of cardiac amyloidosis. Thus, the earliest possible referral of patients with suspicion of cardiac amyloidosis to an experienced center is crucial to ensure rapid diagnosis, early initiation of treatment, and structured patient care. This requires intensive collaboration across several disciplines, and between resident physicians and specialized centers. The aim of this consensus statement is to provide guidance for the rapid and efficient diagnosis and treatment of light-chain amyloidosis and transthyretin amyloidosis, which are the most common forms of cardiac amyloidosis.
Herausforderung Adenomyose – operative, endokrine und reproduktionsmedizinische Therapieoptionen
Authors: Kohl Schwartz Alexandra S. , Mueller Michael D.
Published: December 2020

Die Adenomyose ist durch endometriale Zellen im Myometrium charakterisiert. Zu den klinischen Beschwerden gehören Schmerzen, Blutungsstörungen und beeinträchtigte Fertilität. Die Abklärung beinhaltet eine gute Anamnese und die Bildgebung mit transvaginalem Ultraschall (TVUS) sowie ggf. Magnetresonanztomographie. Klassisch zeigt sich die Adenomyose im TVUS durch partielle Aufhebung der Junktionalzone. Die Therapie erfolgt ganzheitlich und beinhaltet ein gutes Schmerzmanagement. Bei jungen Patientinnen sollte eine endokrine Therapie erfolgen. Die Kinderwunschtherapie kann mit einer 3‑monatigen Down-Regulation mit Gonadotropin-Releasing-Hormon(GnRH)-Analoga eingeleitet werden. Bei notwendiger In-vitro-Fertilisation haben Protokolle mit ultralanger Down-Regulation oder zeitlich versetztem Embryotransfer nach GnRH-Analoga bessere Resultate gezeigt. Bei fortgeschrittener Erkrankung, abgeschlossener Familienplanung oder Therapieresistenz kommt die operative Sanierung oder Hysterektomie infrage.
Long-term invasion dynamics of Spartina increase vegetation diversity and geomorphological resistance of salt marshes against sea level rise
Authors: Granse Dirk , Suchrow Sigrid , Jensen Kai
Published: December 2020

The cordgrassSpartina anglicaC.E. Hubbard (Poaceae) is an invasive transformer in many salt marsh ecosystems worldwide. Relatively little is known about the capacity ofSpartinato accelerate salt marsh succession and to protect salt marshes against sea level rise. We analyzed long-term changes in vegetation and elevation in mainland salt marshes of the European Wadden Sea in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, to estimate the impact of non-nativeSpartinaon the geomorphological resistance of salt marshes to sea level rise and on changes in species diversity. From 1989 to 2019, theSpartina-zone shifted and expanded upwards to elevations of the high marsh zone andSpartinaincreased in frequency in several salt marsh vegetation communities. At sites whereSpartinadominated the vegetation already three decades ago, elevation and species diversity increased with a higher rate compared to sites lackingSpartina. The median change rates reached for elevation MHT +8.6 versus +1.5 mm per year, for species richness +3 versus$$\pm$$±0 species per three decades, and for evenness +0.04 versus −0.08 per three decades, regarding plots with versus without formerSpartinadominance, respectively. Invasion of salt marshes bySpartinaand its continued, long-term presence were associated with increased elevation and species diversity in the face of sea level rise.
Intraspecific trait variability and genetic diversity in the adaptive strategies of serpentine and non-serpentine populations of Silene paradoxa L.
Authors: Lazzaro Lorenzo , Colzi Ilaria , Ciampi Daniele , Gonnelli Cristina , Lastrucci Lorenzo , Bazihizina Nadia , Viciani Daniele , Coppi Andrea
Published: December 2020

Aims

We investigated whether individuals ofSilene paradoxa L., grown in serpentine and non-serpentine soils, displayed variation in functional traits and adaptive strategies together with a differentiation of the gene pool. We hypothesised that individuals growing in serpentine sites may be exposed to a higher degree of stress, resulting in measurable differences in leaf traits and adaptive strategies, and as well that the differences in the soil type were associated with a genetic process of differentiation.

Methods

We analysed a specific set of leaf functional traits of populations ofS. paradoxagrown on serpentine and non-serpentine soils. Furthermore, DNA-fingerprinting techniques were used to further dissect the emergence of genetic processes of differentiation linked to the different soil types.

Results

We detected a relevant intraspecific trait variation inS. paradoxa, with the populations from serpentine sites significantly polarised towards the stress-tolerant adaptive strategy. This polarisation came with a shift in gene pool selection, even if we did not detect quantitative differences in the genetic diversity or evidence of genetic drift.

Conclusions

The results indicate that particular edaphic conditions acted on the selection of some regions of the species’ genome, independently of the site, with various portions of the genome being exclusive to or prevalent in the serpentine or non-serpentine populations.
Radiometric Calibration Targets for the Mastcam-Z Camera on the Mars 2020 Rover Mission
Authors: Kinch K. M. , Madsen M. B. , Bell J. F. , Maki J. N. , Bailey Z. J. , Hayes A. G. , Jensen O. B. , Merusi M. , Bernt M. H. , Sørensen A. N. , Hilverda M. , Cloutis E. , Applin D. , Mateo-Marti E. , Manrique J. A. , Lopez-Reyes G. , Bello-Arufe A. , Ehlmann B. L. , Buz J. , Pommerol A. , Thomas N. , Affolter L. , Herkenhoff K. E. , Johnson J. R. , Rice M. , Corlies P. , Tate C. , Caplinger M. A. , Jensen E. , Kubacki T. , Cisneros E. , Paris K. , Winhold A.
Published: December 2020

The Mastcam-Z Camera is a stereoscopic, multispectral camera with zoom capability on NASA’s Mars-2020 Perseverance rover. The Mastcam-Z relies on a set of two deck-mounted radiometric calibration targets to validate camera performance and to provide an instantaneous estimate of local irradiance and allow conversion of image data to units of reflectance (R∗ or I/F) on a tactical timescale. Here, we describe the heritage, design, and optical characterization of these targets and discuss their use during rover operations. The Mastcam-Z primary calibration target inherits features of camera calibration targets on the Mars Exploration Rovers, Phoenix and Mars Science Laboratory missions. This target will be regularly imaged during flight to accompany multispectral observations of the martian surface. The primary target consists of a gold-plated aluminum base, eight strong hollow-cylinder Sm2Co17 alloy permanent magnets mounted in the base, eight ceramic color and grayscale patches mounted over the magnets, four concentric, ceramic grayscale rings and a central aluminum shadow post (gnomon) painted with an IR-black paint. The magnets are expected to keep the central area of each patch relatively free of Martian aeolian dust. The Mastcam-Z secondary calibration target is a simple angled aluminum shelf carrying seven vertically mounted ceramic color and grayscale chips and seven identical, but horizontally mounted ceramic chips. The secondary target is intended to augment and validate the calibration-related information derived from the primary target. The Mastcam-Z radiometric calibration targets are critically important to achieving Mastcam-Z science objectives for spectroscopy and photometric properties.
Gesundheitsförderung in virtueller Teamarbeit durch gesundheitsorientierte Führung
Authors: Efimov Ilona , Harth Volker , Mache Stefanie
Published: December 2020

Hintergrund

Virtuelle Teamarbeit als neue flexible Arbeitsform ist durch spezifische Herausforderungen und damit einhergehenden gesundheitlichen Belastungsfaktoren gekennzeichnet. Der Einfluss von Führungskräften auf die Gesundheit von Mitarbeitenden konnte bereits im direkten und persönlichen Teamkontakt nachgewiesen werden.

Ziel der Arbeit

Der Artikel soll eine Übersicht zu Konzepten gesunder Führung bieten und diese im virtuellen Arbeitskontext beleuchten.

Material und Methoden

In einer explorativen Literaturrecherche werden bisher verfügbare Erkenntnisse zu Konzepten gesunder Führung recherchiert und zusammengefasst. Aus diesen Forschungserkenntnissen wird ein geeigneter Ansatz gesunder Führung identifiziert und der empirische Forschungsstand in Bezug zur virtuellen Teamarbeit dargestellt.

Ergebnisse

Diese Übersichtsarbeit identifizierte zwischen allen theoretischen Konzepten gesunder Führung die gesundheitsorientierte Führung als einen dominanten Ansatz. Die zentralen Ergebnisse bisheriger Studien zeigen auf, dass gesundheitsorientierte Führung einen signifikant positiven Einfluss auf die Gesundheit von Beschäftigten haben kann. Insgesamt stellt Führung einen relevanten Gesundheitsfaktor für die Betriebliche Gesundheitsförderung dar.

Schlussfolgerung

Der empirische Forschungsstand verdeutlicht, dass noch Forschungsbedarf hinsichtlich gesundheitsorientierter Führung besteht. Die Relevanz weiterer empirischer Studien für den virtuellen Arbeitskontext wird für die Wissenschaft und Praxis diskutiert.
Modified Oesophago-Gastric Dissociation (M-OGD) — a technical modification
Authors: Coletta Riccardo , Mussi Elisa , Bianchi Adrian , Morabito Antonino
Published: December 2020

Adhesions and fibrosis following failed primary surgery for severe gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) in neurologically impaired children (NI) can render mobilization of the lower oesophagus and oesophago-jejunal anastomosis a technically demanding exercise both at open surgery and laparoscopy. This paper presents the Modified Oesophago-Gastric Dissociation (M-OGD) as a less complex technical modification of the original Total Oesophago-Gastric Dissociation (TOGD). The stomach is detached from the oesophago-gastric junction with an articulated 5-mm stapler, leaving a 5-mm strip of stomach attached to the oesophagus. An end-to-side isoperistaltic oesophago-jejunostomy is created between the gastric stump and the isoperistaltic jejunal Roux loop. A jejuno-jejunal anastomosis restores bowel continuity. Between May 2018 and February 2020, M-OGD was performed on 3 NI patients with a weight of 9–27.3 kg (median = 14 kg). Median age at surgery was 60 months (18–180), median surgical time 170 min (146–280), median re-feeding time was 3 days (2–5), and median length of stay was 20 days (11–25). All patients healed primarily and after a median follow-up of 3 months, there were no problems related to the oesophago-jejunal anastomosis. M-OGD reduces the difficulties of redo oesophageal surgery following failed anti-reflux procedures, with a safer oesophago-jejunal anastomosis and a good long-term outcome.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the outcome, morbidity, and mortality of acute care surgery patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Krutsri Chonlada , Singhatas Pongsasit , Sumpritpradit Preeda , Thampongsa Tharin , Phuwapraisirisan Samart , Gesprasert Goragoch , Jirasiritham Jakrapan
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has impacted both emergency and elective surgical management owing to its highly infectious nature and the shortage of personal protective equipment. This study aimed to review the outcomes of emergency surgical conditions and trauma during the pandemic lockdown.

Material and methods:

We retrospectively reviewed and collected data from patients who attended the Acute Care Surgery Service from 1st April to May 31st, 2020 during Thailand's COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. We separated staff and performed preoperative COVID-19 swab testing on all patients to assess the requirement for personal protective equipment. Compared with previous years of service, of 2018 and 2019. Preoperative COVID-19 testing was performed using multiplex and manual RT-PCR. Morbidity and mortality, consultation time, and waiting time to surgery were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 61 patients were enrolled. The average age of patients was 53.8 years. The average consultation time, waiting time to surgery, and surgical duration were 10 min, 660 min, and 88.77 min, respectively. The average time taken to obtain the preoperative COVID-19 test result was 227.26 min. The morbidity and mortality rates were 9.84% and 1.64%, respectively. Compared with the same period in 2018 and 2019, consultation time was significantly faster (10 min; p = 0.033) and waiting time to surgery was significantly longer (660 min, respectively; p = 0.011). Morbidity and mortality between pandemic period and the previous year of service were not significantly different. No medical workers were infected with COVID-19.

Conclusions:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, optimal triage of emergency patients is key. Waiting for preoperative COVID-19 swab testing in emergency case is safe and results in good outcomes. Although the waiting time to surgery was significantly longer owing to the time required to receive preoperative COVID-19 swab results, morbidity and mortality rates were unaffected.

Highlights
Prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism following bariatric surgery
Authors: Jalali Seyed Mehdi , Azadbakht Morteza , Azadbakht Saleh , Daniali Samira , Farokhi Ermia
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACT

Background:

Although bariatric surgery is one of the most efficient therapies in morbidly obese patients for losing weight, it may result in nutritional deficiencies, secondary hyperparathyroidism, and other complications.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess hyperparathyroidism in morbidly obese patients that underwent different types of bariatric surgeries.

Method:

In this cohort-study, patients were divided into two groups based on the outcome: patients who developed secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) and those who did not develop SHPT. Factors including parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D3), were examined preoperatively and one, and five years after the surgery.

Result:

Of the 120 patients enrolled between January 2015 and September 2020, the numbers of patients that underwent sleeve gastrectomy (GS), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), single anastomosis sleeve ileal (SASI) and One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) were 90, 15, 3 and 12, respectively. Obese subjects that underwent bariatric surgeries achieved significant Body mass index (BMI) change. During the first follow up, BMI, PTH, vitamin D, calcium, HbA1c, cholesterol, and triglyceride significantly differed between the two groups. In the next follow up, vitamin D, PTH, calcium remained significantly different. Although patients that underwent SG, lost lesser weight and had fewer side effects from the surgery in comparison to other types of bariatric surgeries.

Conclusion:

SG provides a safer biochemical profile than other bariatric procedures and a significantly lower number of hyperparathyroid cases, however, reduction in weight loss is also significantly lesser. The postoperative hyperparathyroid was significantly correlated to VDD, calcium deficiency, and less weight loss.

Highlights:
France's Wars in Chad
Authors: Powell Nathaniel K.
Published: December 2020

Examining the continuous French military interventions in Chad in the two decades after its independence, this study demonstrates how France's successful counterinsurgency efforts to protect the regime of François Tombalbaye would ultimately weaken the Chadian state and encourage Libya's Muammar Gaddafi to intervene. In covering the subsequent French efforts to counter Libyan ambitions and the rise to power of Hissène Habré, one of postcolonial Africa's most brutal dictators, Nathaniel K. Powell demonstrates that French strategies aiming to prevent the collapse of authoritarian regimes had the opposite effect, exacerbating violent conflicts and foreign interventions in Chad and further afield. Based on extensive archival research to trace the causes, course, and impact of French interventions in Chad, this study offers insights and lessons for current interveners - including France - fighting a 'war on terrorism' in the Sahel whose strategies and impact parallel those of France in the 1960s–1980s.
Writer and Occasion in Twelfth-Century Byzantium
Authors: Nilsson Ingela
Published: December 2020

In twelfth-century Constantinople, writers worked on commission for the imperial family or aristocratic patrons. Texts were occasioned by specific events, representing both a link between writer and patron and between literary imagination and empirical reality. This is a study of how one such writer, Constantine Manasses, achieved that aim. Manasses depicted and praised the present by drawing from the rich sources of the Graeco-Roman and Biblical tradition, thus earning commissions from wealthy 'friends' during a career that spanned more than three decades. While the occasional literature of writers like Manasses has sometimes been seen as 'empty rhetoric', devoid of literary ambition, this study assumes that writing on command privileges originality and encourages the challenging of conventions. A society like twelfth-century Byzantium, in which occasional writing was central, called for a strong and individual authorial presence, since voice was the primary instrument for a successful career.
A Practitioner's Guide to Discrete-Time Yield Curve Modelling
Authors: Nyholm Ken
Published: December 2020

This Element is intended for students and practitioners as a gentle and intuitive introduction to the ﬁeld of discrete-time yield curve modelling. I strive to be as comprehensive as possible, while still adhering to the overall premise of putting a strong focus on practical applications. In addition to a thorough description of the Nelson-Siegel family of model, the Element contains a section on the intuitive relationship between P and Q measures, one on how the structure of a Nelson-Siegel model can be retained in the arbitrage-free framework, and a dedicated section that provides a detailed explanation for the Joslin, Singleton, and Zhu (2011) model.
Spiracarneyella,a new carneyellid edrioasteroid from the Upper Ordovician (Katian) of Kentucky and Ohio and comments on carneyellid heterochrony
Authors: Sumrall Colin D. , Phelps Daniel
Published: December 2020

A new genus and species of carneyellid edrioasteroid,Spiracarneyella florencein. gen. n. sp., is described from the Upper Ordovician (Kaitian) Point Pleasant Formation of northern Kentucky and southern Ohio.Spiracarneyellan. gen. is characterized by having all five ambulacra curving clockwise around the theca, having small node-bearing interambulacral plates in the distal interambulacra, and having the periproct placement slightly offset to the right side of the CD interambulacrum. The oral area of carneyellids evolved by paedomorphosis of the oral plates covering the mouth. The straight ambulacra ofCryptogoleusand the spiraling ambulacra ofSpiracarneyellan. gen. evolved by paedomorphosis and peramorphosis, respectively.

UUID:http://zoobank.org/79733c8f-0bc8-4e7e-8f77-8508f576755c
THE MODAL LOGIC OF
-CENTERED FORCING AND RELATED FORCING CLASSES
Authors: YA’AR UR
Published: December 2020

We consider the modality “
$\varphi $
is true in every

$\sigma $
-centered forcing extension,” denoted

$\square \varphi $
, and its dual “
$\varphi $
is true in some

$\sigma $
-centered forcing extension,” denoted

$\lozenge \varphi $
(where

$\varphi $
is a statement in set theory), which give rise to the notion of a principle of
$\sigma $
-centered forcing. We prove that if ZFC is consistent, then the modal logic of

$\sigma $
-centered forcing, i.e., the ZFC-provable principles of

$\sigma $
-centered forcing, is exactly

$\mathsf {S4.2}$
. We also generalize this result to other related classes of forcing.
BATCH PROCESSING OF TREE-RING SAMPLES FOR RADIOCARBON ANALYSIS
Authors: Fogtmann-Schulz Alexandra , Kudsk Sabrina G K , Adolphi Florian , Karoff Christoffer , Knudsen Mads F , Loader Neil J , Muscheler Raimund , Trant Pernille L K , Østbø Stine M , Olsen Jesper
Published: December 2020

We here present a comparison of methods for the pretreatment of a batch of tree rings for high-precision measurement of radiocarbon at the Aarhus AMS Centre (AARAMS), Aarhus University, Denmark. The aim was to develop an efficient and high-throughput method able to pretreat ca. 50 samples at a time. We tested two methods for extracting α-cellulose from wood to find the most optimal for our use. One method used acetic acid, the other used HCl acid for the delignification. The testing was conducted on background 14C samples, in order to assess the effect of the different pretreatment methods on low-activity samples. Furthermore, the extracted wood and cellulose fractions were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, which showed a successful extraction of α-cellulose from the samples. Cellulose samples were pretreated at AARAMS, and the graphitization and radiocarbon analysis of these samples were done at both AARAMS and the radiocarbon dating laboratory at Lund University to compare the graphitization and AMS machine performance. No significant offset was found between the two sets of measurements. Based on these tests, the pretreatment of tree rings for high-precision radiocarbon analysis at AARAMS will henceforth use HCI for the delignification.
The utility of household Grocery Purchase Quality Index scores as an individual diet quality metric
Authors: Parker Haley Wynne , de Araujo Carolina , Thorndike Anne N. , Vadiveloo Maya K.
Published: December 2020

The Grocery Purchase Quality Index (GPQI) reflects concordance between household grocery purchases and US dietary recommendations. However, it is unclear whether GPQI scores calculated from partial purchasing records reflect individual-level diet quality. This secondary analysis of a 9-month randomised controlled trial examined concordance between the GPQI (range 0–75, scaled to 100) calculated from 3 months of loyalty-card linked partial (≥50 %) household grocery purchasing data and individual-level Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores at baseline and 3 months calculated from FFQ (n 209). Concordance was assessed with overall and demographic-stratified partially adjusted correlations; covariate-adjusted percentage score differences, cross-classification and weighted κ coefficients assessed concordance across GPQI tertiles (T). Participants were middle aged (55·4 (13·9) years), female (90·3 %), from non-smoking households (96·4 %) and without children (70·7 %). Mean GPQI (54·8 (9·1) %) scores were lower than HEI scores (baseline: 73·2 (9·1) %, 3 months: 72·4 (9·4) %) and moderately correlated (baseline r 0·41 v. 3 months r 0·31, P < 0·001). Correlations were stronger among participants with ≤ bachelor’s degree, obesity and children. Scores showed moderate agreement (κ = 0·25); concordance was highest in T3. Participants with high (T3) v. low (T1) GPQI scores had 7·3–10·6 higher odds of having HEI scores >80 % at both time points. Household-level GPQI was moderately correlated with self-reported intake, indicating their promise for evaluating diet quality. Partial purchasing data appear to moderately reflect individual diet quality and may be useful in interventions monitoring changes in diet quality.
Not a “Nonissue”: Perceptions and Realities of Campus Carry at The University of Texas at Austin
Authors: RUOPPILA SAMPO , BUTTERS ALBION M.
Published: December 2020

As a publicly funded institution,The University of Texas at Austin had to implement the state's legislation to allow concealed handguns on campus. Yet its own Campus Carry policy has sought to erase the matter from everyday campus life. The administration deems it a “nonissue,” presuming that students have become accustomed to the idea, do not think about it actively, and have a low interest in acquiring a handgun license. This paper, based on a survey of the university's undergraduates, questions these ideas. It shows that a majority of students think that the issue is important and examines in what sense the students are troubled by its effects. While opinions differ between supporters and opponents of Campus Carry, divergences also exist within their ranks, such as among supporters of the law regarding where guns should specifically be allowed at the university. On the basis of the survey, the essay also examines how many licensed carriers are actually on campus, compared to the university's estimates.
Stem alternations in Kiranti and their implications for the morphology–phonology interface
Authors: HERCE BORJA
Published: December 2020

Stem alternation is present in the verbal inflection of all documented Kiranti languages, where it ranges from the straightforward phonologically conditioned (e.g. Athpariya and Chintang) to the purely morphological and baroque (e.g. Khaling and Dumi). This paper surveys stem alternation patterns across the whole family. Its main finding is that, unlike the morphological stem alternations of West Kiranti, the phonologically-conditioned stem alternations of East Kiranti are characterized by a very striking distributional similarity (often identity) across languages, even in the presence of quite drastic affixal changes. This and other findings suggest that these stem alternation patterns should be regarded as a (morphomic) grammatical phenomenon of its own right, despite being derivable from the forms of suffixes. Furthermore, comparison with West Kiranti suggests that this coextensiveness with a coherent phonological environment actually enhances some typically morphomic traits such as diachronic resilience and productivity.
Depression, smoking, and lung cancer risk over 24 years among women
Authors: Trudel-Fitzgerald Claudia , Zevon Emily S. , Kawachi Ichiro , Tucker-Seeley Reginald D. , Kubzansky Laura D.
Published: December 2020

Background

Studies evaluating depression's role in lung cancer risk revealed contradictory findings, partly because of the small number of cases, short follow-up periods, and failure to account for key covariates including smoking exposure. We investigated the association of depressive symptoms with lung cancer risk in a large prospective cohort over 24 years while considering the role of smoking.

Methods

Women from the Nurses' Health Study completed measures of depressive symptoms, sociodemographics, and other factors including smoking in 1992 (N = 42 913). Depressive symptoms were also queried in 1996 and 2000, whereas regular antidepressant use and physician-diagnosed depression were collected starting in 1996. Multivariable Cox regression models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of lung cancer risk until 2016.

Results

We identified 1009 cases of lung cancer. Women with the highest v. lowest level of depressive symptoms had an increased lung cancer risk (HRsociodemographics-adjusted = 1.62, 95% CI 1.34–1.95; HRfully-adjusted = 1.25, 95% CI 1.04–1.51). In a test of mediation, lifetime pack-years of smoking accounted for 38% of the overall association between depressive symptoms and disease risk. When stratifying by smoking status, the elevated risk was evident among former smokers but not current or never smokers; however, the interaction term suggested no meaningful differences across groups (p = 0.29). Results were similar or stronger when considering time-updated depression status (using depressive symptoms, physician diagnosis, and regular antidepressant use) and chronicity of depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that greater depressive symptoms may contribute to lung cancer incidence, directly and indirectly via smoking habits, which accounted for over a third of the association.
Enhanced cognitive-behavior therapy and family-based treatment for adolescents with an eating disorder: a non-randomized effectiveness trial
Authors: Le Grange Daniel , Eckhardt Sarah , Dalle Grave Riccardo , Crosby Ross D. , Peterson Carol B. , Keery Helene , Lesser Julie , Martell Carolyn
Published: December 2020

Background

Family-based treatment (FBT) is an efficacious intervention for adolescents with an eating disorder. Evaluated to a lesser degree among adolescents, enhanced cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT-E) has shown promising results. This study compared the relative effectiveness of FBT and CBT-E, and as per manualized CBT-E, the sample was divided into alower weight[<90% median body mass index (mBMI)], andhigher weightcohort (⩾90%mBMI).

Method

Participants (N= 97) aged 12–18 years, with a DSM-5 eating disorder diagnosis (largely restrictive, excluding Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), and their parents, chose between FBT and CBT-E. Assessments were administered at baseline, end-of-treatment (EOT), and follow-up (6 and 12 months). Treatment comprised of 20 sessions over 6 months, except for thelower weightcohort where CBT-E comprised 40 sessions over 9–12 months. Primary outcomes were slope of weight gain and change in Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) Global Score at EOT.

Results

Slope of weight gain at EOT was significantly higher for FBT than for CBT-E (lower weight, est. = 0.597,s.e.= 0.096,p< 0.001;higher weight, est. = 0.495,s.e.= 0.83,p< 0.001), but not at follow-up. There were no differences in the EDE Global Score or most secondary outcome measures at any time-point. Several baseline variables emerged as potential treatment effect moderators at EOT. Choosing between FBT and CBT-E resulted in older and less well participants opting for CBT-E.

Conclusions

Results underscore the efficiency of FBT to facilitate weight gain among underweight adolescents. FBT and CBT-E achieved similar outcomes in other domains assessed, making CBT-E a viable treatment for adolescents with an eating disorder.

Clinical Trial Registration Information:

Treatment Outcome in Eating Disorders;https://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT03599921.
In Conversation on the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
Authors: Clements Rachel , Frankcom Sarah
Published: December 2020

Sarah Frankcom worked at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester between 2000 and 2019, and was the venue’s first sole Artistic Director from 2014. In this interview conducted in summer 2019, she discusses her time at the theatre and what she has learned from leading a major cultural organization and working with it. She reflects on a number of her own productions at this institution, including Hamlet, The Skriker, Our Town, and Death of a Salesman, and discusses the way the theatre world has changed since the beginning of her career as she looks forward to being the director of LAMDA. Rachel Clements lectures on theatre at the University of Manchester. She has published on playwrights Caryl Churchill and Martin Crimp, among others, and has edited Methuen student editions of Lucy Prebble’s Enron and Joe Penhall’s Blue/Orange. She is Book Reviews editor of NTQ.
Low-dose steroid-induced bradyarrhythmias and treatment refractory hypokalaemia: a case report
Authors: Ghosh Arindam , Annigeri Saba , Nair Anupama
Published: December 2020

Corticosteroid therapy has become an important modality of treatment for diseases in which rapid control of immunoinflammatory processes is required. However, one of the serious, but less known adverse effect of this therapy is cardiac arrhythmias. This includes both tachyarrhythmias and bradyarrhythmias. Corticosteroid use may also be associated with electrolyte imbalances like hypokalaemia by its mineralocorticoid activity. Those side effects are mainly seen with high-dose intravenous methyl-prednisolone or oral pulse dose prednisolone therapy. Here we report our experience in a child with warm idiopathic autoimmune haemolytic anaemia who developed sinus bradyarrhythmias and treatment refractory hypokalaemia during low-dose steroid therapy with reduction in heart rate by 60% of baseline.