bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conceptualising Responsibility Comprehensively to Facilitate Internal Resolution – twail Perspectives to an icj-Routed r2p
Authors: Kalra Kartik
Published: October 2024

twail scholarship has been highly critical of the Responsibility to Protect (r2p) norm, citing the unfairness in its ahistorical and decontextualised allocation of responsibility for contemporary ethnic strife. Alongside the norm’s inability to capture the complex, historical creation of contemporary ethnic violence – much of which involved the Western world – state interventions in r2p’s pursuance have been unsuccessful in protecting populations. This has prompted the exploration of alternatives to humanitarian interventions, with one such alternative being an ‘icj-routed r2p’: a mode of moving the Court to obtain its findings pointing to a state’s commission of genocidal and other prohibited acts. This mode of obtaining judicial findings of r2p-prohibited acts is, I propose, compatible with the principles and ideas endorsed in twail thinking, for it is capable of (a) undertaking a genuine, historicised assessment of responsibility in the emergence of ethnic strife; (b) avoiding r2p’s colonial connotations by accepting an intervention’s normative impermissibility, instead entrenching the international community’s role as solely facilitating a state’s internal resolution of violence; and (c) pursuing a sustainable cessation of violence alongside other Pillar Two strategies.
1. Ecological Hermeneutic Phenomenology
Authors: Blok Vincent
Published: October 2024

This chapter sets out to develop a phenomenological method to study technology in a way that moves beyond the one-sided essentialist or ‘ontology-only’ approach developed by Heidegger, as well as the ‘empiricist’ or ‘thing-only’ approach found in postphenomeonlogy. After offering an elucidation of Husserl’s and Heidegger’s phenomenology, the chapter breaks new ground on a new way of taking heed of the phenomenon of technology. It neither exclusively interprets this phenomenon as ontological ‘enactment’, pre-understanding, or Heideggerian ‘acceptio’, nor exclusively as ‘things that mediate’ like postphenomenologists would have it. Blok’s phenomenological method instead seeks to demonstrate that a pre-understanding or acceptio such as the understanding of time as linear does not occur in a free-floating way, but finds its footing or ‘founding’ in things (e.g. mechanical clocks). As a result, ontological enactment and ontic content become central to what a phenomenon is, where neither can be ‘bracketet’ or viewed as derivative. Blok does thereby not articulate the relation between enactment and content in terms of deduction or induction, where either content or enactment is prioritized. Rather, the chapter suggests that this relation must be thought as a trans-duction in order to address or ‘move across’ (trans) what is thematic and what remains non-thematic with respect to any phenomenon. Finally, the chapter explains why the proposed method bears the name of ecological hermeneutics, because if the ontological ‘acceptio’ or ‘enactment’ (e.g. linear time) is always ‘founded’ in things (e.g. mechanical clocks), things today do not just appear in the world, but explicitly appear in terms of the ecological constraints of planet Earth.
2. Towards a Hermeneutic Phenomenology of Technology
Authors: Romele Alberto
Published: October 2024

This chapter aims to show why the philosophical study of technology cannot be limited to phenomenology, but necessarily requires a hermeneutic approach. By elucidating the relation between phenomenology and hermeneutics, Romele criticizes the idealist tendencies in Husserlian phenomenology, as well as the ontological hermeneutics developed by Heidegger and Gadamer. The chapter instead advocates an ontic and pragmatic hermeneutic approach. Turning this approach to philosophy of technology, Romele argues that the ‘material hermeneutics’ as practiced in postphenomenology falls short and unmasks it as ‘material idealism’. Notwithstanding its self-professed ‘empirical’ interest in ‘the things themselves’, such idealism jettisons everything about the appearance of things that cannot be captured in terms of ‘technological mediation’, thus ignoring the sphere of symbolic, social, and cultural mediations that always already shape how ‘the things themselves’ are and can be interpreted. The chapter closes by illustrating how a hermeneutic phenomenology of technology opens to a multidisciplinary political hermeneutics of technology.
3. The Institution of Technology
Authors: Meacham Darian
Published: October 2024

In the third chapter entitled “The Institution of Technology,” Darian Meacham explores if the concept of “institution” can help better articulating how phenomenology can contribute to the philosophy of technology. He analyses the development of this concept throughout Merleau-Ponty’s work and shows how it arose in response to Lukács criticism that phenomenology would be inapt to deal with political affairs and/or to articulate the totality that humans are immersed in. Roughly speaking, Meacham defines institutions as durable forms of common life, and he shows how focusing on institutions circumvents Lukács’ criticism because it account for the possibility of intersubjective relations that are shared over time as well as an account of social and technical objects that are formed and maintained in communicative and expressive actions. Meacham sketches the beginnings of a phenomenological method of studying technologies as institutions, which enables to articulate how they structure different domains of intersubjective life.
Effect of Capsicum Chinense Powder in the Preservation of Maize and Groundnut Grains in Stock Against Sitophilus Zeamaïs and Aphis Craccivora, Case of the Boke Region (Republic of Guinea)
Authors: Bangoura Lansana , Diallo Aboubacar , Bah Mamadou , Sakho Adama , Bah Amadou , Keita Abdoulaye
Published: October 2024

In Guinea, forest resources (native plants) are of great importance to rural populations, who are highly dependent on these native species as they are used in addition to the conservation of agricultural produce for food, pharmacopoeia, fodder, handicrafts, housing and domestic energy. In our previous studies, a total of 14 native plant species were identified, to know Capsicum chinense, Capsicum frustescens, Capsicum annuum, Capsicum baccatum, Capsicum pubescens, Hyptis suaveolens, Hyptis spicigera, Ocimum americanum, Ocimum basilicium, Allium cepal, Zingiber officinal Rosc, Combretummicranthum, Cymbopogon schoenanthus and Azadirachta indica. Over the last two decades, a great deal of work has been carried out to find gentler food protection methods that respect human health and the environment. The most widely used for preserving agricultural produce is Capsicum chinense (98%). Post-harvest losses of these commodities in Guinea, and more particularly in the Boke Region, are still a real problem. The solutions found in this study to combat pests of agricultural stocks were the increasing use of doses (5g; 10g; 15g; 20g) of Capsicum chinense fruit powder against Sitophilus zeamaïs, a pest of maize grain, and Aphis craccivora, a pest of groundnut grain. During evaluation of the insecticidal effects of Capsicum chinense powder, the doses (5g; 10g; 15g and 20g) used per 100 kg of maize and per 100 kg of groundnuts resulted in considerable mortality of Sitophilus zeamaïs and Aphis craccivora.
Flowing Through Change: Investigating the Impacts of Human Activities on Urban River Water Quality in the Kumba River, South West Region of Cameroon
Authors: Niba Mary Lum Fonteh , Njumba Besende Didien
Published: October 2024

This study seeks to examine the relationship between the different urban land use activities in the Kumba metropolis and the related implications on the Kumba river water quality. This involved collection of water samples from the Kumba river as well as performing laboratory tests to determine variations in the river's Physical, chemical and bacteriological properties. The parameters analyzed were temperature, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, Electrical Conductivity, odour, colour, turbidity, nitrite, nitrate, pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, phosphorus, chlorine, nitrates, nitrites and some heavy metals like copper, phosphate, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and Faecal Coliform. Water samples were collected from five sampling points in the month of February 2023(peak dry season) and in the month of April 2023(for the rainy season). The data from the analysis of the water samples were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, on both Microsoft Excel and SPSS. The study found that the p values were less than 0.05 at a confidence level of 95%, which suggests that the Kumba River is polluted due to the effects of different urban land use activities in the city. The water quality parameters of the collected samples showed that areas with high dependence on the river for urban activities registered significantly poor water quality, compared to samples with limited dependence on the river for urban land uses. Based on these findings, it is recommended that anthropogenic activities within the area be closely monitored as urbanization continues to rapidly occur and its effects continue to pollute the river, making it harmful not only to ecosystems but also rendering it unfit for river channel crop cultivation. Additionally, the study concluded that changes in Land Use Land Cover (LULC) between 2007 and 2023 have statistically significant effects on the physicochemical and microbial water quality of the Kumba River. Therefore, it is vital to address the rate at which forests are being converted to agricultural lands and the intense use of agrochemicals on these farms and plantations.
Management of Bilateral Borderline Ovarian Tumor in a 26-year-old Patient in a Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Sib Sansan , Savadogo Ibrahim , Sanogo Moussa , Ouedraogo Issa , Ouedraogo Salam , Tarnagada Alexandre , Millogo/Traore Françoise , Ouedraogo Ali
Published: October 2024

Background: borderline ovarian tumors are rare epithelial tumors, more common before the age of 40, with challenging preoperative diagnosis. Our aim is to describe the management of a case in a resource-limited context in Burkina Faso. Case report: a 26-year-old primigravida with a 4-year-old child presented with an abdominal mass evolving over one year in the context of secondary amenorrhea. Clinical examination revealed weight loss, cutaneous-mucosal pallor, increased abdominal volume with tender deep palpation, and an irregular, mildly firm mass around the umbilicus extending to the iliac fossae, with a depressed area along the midline. Speculum examination was normal. On vaginal examination, the cervix was unremarkable, the uterus was of normal size, but the lateral fornices and Douglas pouch were filled. Further investigations revealed microcytic hypochromic anemia and a borderline normal CA 125 level. The rest of the laboratory tests were normal. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound and CT revealed a strong suspicion of a bilateral ovarian tumour, with no signs of secondary localisation. MRI was not available. The diagnosis of probably malignant bilateral ovarian tumour was retained, and laparotomy was indicated. When the parietal peritoneum was opened, two ovarian tumours with a budding appearance occupied the entire lower half of the abdomen. A part of the omentum was in contact with both masses. Bilateral adnexectomy, total hysterectomy and partial omentectomy were performed in the absence of an extemporaneous histological study. Histological study of the surgical specimens concluded that the tumour was borderline ovarian. Follow-up at 3 years showed no signs of recurrence or tumour extension. Conclusion: borderline ovarian tumours are managed surgically, and the choice of conservative or radical surgery is not easy when there is a desire to have children, and when the ovaries are bilaterally involved. Fortunately, the vital prognosis is favourable.
Low Cloud–SST Variability over the Summertime Subtropical Northeast Pacific: Role of Extratropical Atmospheric Modes
Authors: Miyamoto Ayumu , Xie Shang-Ping
Published: October 2024

Over the subtropical Northeast Pacific (NEP), highly reflective low clouds interact with underlying sea surface temperature (SST) to constitute a local positive feedback. Recent modeling studies showed that, together with wind–evaporation–SST (WES) feedback, the summertime low cloud–SST feedback promotes nonlocal trade wind variations, modulating subsequent evolution of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This study aims to identify drivers of summertime low-cloud variations, using satellite observations and global atmosphere model simulations forced with observed SST. A transbasin teleconnection is identified, where the north tropical Atlantic (NTA) warming induced by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) increases precipitation, exciting warm Rossby waves that extend into the NEP. The resultant enhancement of static stability promotes summertime low cloud–SST variability. By regressing out the effects of the preceding ENSO and NTA SST, atmospheric internal variability over the extratropical North Pacific, including the North Pacific Oscillation (NPO), is found to drive the NEP cooling by latent heat loss and subsequent summer low cloud–SST variability. With the help of the background trade winds and WES feedback, the SST anomalies extend southwestward from the low-cloud region, accompanied by ENSO in the following winter. This suggests the nonlocal effects of low clouds identified by recent studies. Analysis of a 500-yr climate model simulation corroborates the NTA and NPO forcing of NEP low cloud–SST variability and subsequent ENSO.
A curious case of a negative control line on a dengue duo assay due to interference – A case report
Authors: Soh Sheila X. , Loh Tze Ping , Saw Sharon , Chong Ai Teng , Yap Jia Sing , Sethi Sunil K. , Ong Lizhen
Published: October 2024

An elderly patient who presented with 1 week of fever and respiratory symptoms was tested for dengue infection with an Abbott Bioline™ Dengue Duo immunochromatographic assay. Unexpectedly, the control line of the dengue non-structural protein 1 (NS1) component was absent, necessitating result invalidation. It remained absent when the test was repeated on the SD Biosensor Standard™ Q Dengue Duo, but present on the Wells Bio careUSTM Dengue Combo and Asan Easy Test® Dengue DUO assays, suggesting potential interference. Dilution, polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation and centrifugation with a 100 kDa filter were performed to reduce/remove the potential interferent. Sera from other patients that showed a control line, and a test line that was either positive or negative for NS1, were used as controls. Upon dilution with negative control serum, a faint control line emerged. PEG precipitation resulted in disappearance of control and test lines in the positive control. Filtration led to emergence of the control line for the patient’s serum but caused the test line for the positive control serum to disappear. Overall, investigations suggested the presence of a high molecular weight (>100 kDa) substance which interferes with chicken IgY-anti-chicken IgY binding at the control line of affected assays. Our results highlight two important points: firstly, some commonly used laboratory procedures (e.g. PEG or filtration) may inadvertently remove the target biomarker (e.g. multimeric NS1) and should be interpreted with appropriate controls. Secondly, alternative kits that use a different antigen-antibody combination for the control line can be considered when similar patients are encountered in future.
Research Topics and Trends in Gifted Education: A Structural Topic Model
Authors: Şakar Seda , Tan Sema
Published: October 2024

Many articles have been published in gifted education in recent years. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the evolution of academic studies in gifted education. In this context, the structural topic modeling (STM) method was used to analyze the topics and trends in the field. STM is a machine learning technique that utilizes natural language processing techniques based on text mining. It is a valuable methodology for identifying a text corpus’s main topics and trends. The corpus used in this study is 5,127 articles from nine leading journals in giftedness without any year limitations. As a result of the analysis, five topics that prominently emerged in the literature were discovered. These are curriculum and instruction, social-emotional characteristics, thinking skills, identification and assessment tools, and equity and policies. The research topics and trends discovered due to the analysis are discussed within the literature framework, and recommendations are presented.
Research on low-velocity impact performance of polyurethane foam-filled M-type GFRP foldcore sandwich plate
Authors: Deng Yunfei , Wang Yuetong , Zheng Han , Feng Zhengxing , Wei Gang
Published: October 2024

The M-type GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) foldcore was prepared by thermal pressing method, and was bonded with the panel to obtain the complete foldcore sandwich structure and filled the core with polyurethane foam. The influence of foam filling, impact energy and impact position on the damage mode and impact dynamic response under the low-velocity impact of GFRP M-type foldcore sandwich structure is studied through low-velocity experiment. The results show that the impact resistance of N-side impact is better than the B-side impact. Foam filling could effectively closing the gap between the N-side impact and B-side impact. In addition, foam filling could absorb about 15%-25% more energy than the empty core sandwich plate.
Localizing Human Rights: Modeling Human Rights Cities
Authors: Shaham-Maymon Gil
Published: October 2024

In recent years, increasing numbers of cities have begun addressing global threats to human rights. By cultivating a local version of citizenship (city-zenship), cities foster a collective ethos shaped around universal principles of freedom, equality, and dignity, declaring themselves human rights cities. However, despite its varied manifestations, this label remains broad, accommodating a range of interpretations. This study distinguishes between two primary models, which I conceptualize as thin and thick human rights cities, and two nested sub-models. The models encompass the efforts of city-zens and local political actors to assimilate the human rights ethos within the city through both declarative and practical approaches. Subsequently, the typology is applied to characterize the South Korean city of Gwangju, renowned as a pioneering human rights city. Drawing on documents and interviews conducted in the city, I illustrate how the specific mechanisms via which a city engages with human rights can be classified into a model, facilitating comparison with other cities.
Bordering: Australia’s Policy to Border During COVID-19
Authors: Leiva Van De Maele Diego , Kirk Jessica , Howard Cosmo , Verroya Mariel , Davies Sara E.
Published: October 2024

Why did Australia border earlier than most other states in response to the outbreak of COVID-19? Between mid-January and March 2020, the Australian government adopted increasingly restrictive travel bans that led to the country closing its borders to all non-residents, adopting mandatory hotel quarantines for 14 days and a travel ban on Australians travelling overseas. These actions were in contravention of the World Health Organization advice to states on travel restrictions. Australia’s border closure was one of the strictest and, ultimately, longest in the world. In this article, we complement existing explanations on bordering that include critical border studies, securitization and bio/necropolitics with theoretical approaches from public policy literature to examine the domestic conditions that inform border closure policies and practices. We demonstrate that the decision to border, in this case, was not a rejection of World Health Organization advice but a turn towards the domestic pull factors – including domestic expert advice – to border.
Arterial function is preserved in successfully treated patients with psoriasis vulgaris
Authors: Merzel Šabović Eva Klara , Kraner Šumenjak Tadeja , Božič Mijovski Mojca , Janić Miodrag
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Endothelial dysfunction is an early precursor of atherosclerosis and is common in patients with psoriasis, presumably primarily due to psoriasis-related inflammation. We investigated endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and circulating markers of endothelial activation in young patients with psoriasis vulgaris of varying severity, all of whom were effectively treated achieving PASI 90.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 80 patients (54 men/26 women, 30–45 years) who were effectively treated with topical therapy, methotrexate, adalimumab, secukinumab or guselkumab, and 20 healthy controls. Endothelial dysfunction was measured by flow-mediated dilation and arterial stiffness was measured by pulse wave velocity and common carotid artery stiffness. The following circulating biomarkers of endothelial activation were measured: ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E- and P-selectin, GDF-15, and TRAIL.

Results

Endothelial function and arterial stiffness parameters did not differ between patients with effectively treated psoriasis and the control group. Circulating endothelial activation biomarkers did not show relevant differences between the groups of effectively treated patients or controls.

Discussion

Although cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with psoriasis, effective antipsoriatic treatment appears to slow the progression of atherosclerosis, even when there are cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking or obesity. This may suggest that antipsoriatic treatment exerts a cardioprotective effect.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that early and effective treatment of varying-severity psoriasis vulgaris in young patients appears to prevent arterial dysfunction related to psoriasis and consequent cardiovascular risk. The study is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT05957120).
Spectrum of endoscopic findings in Strongyloides stercoralis infection with gastroduodenal involvement—A case series
Authors: Giri Suprabhat , Kosuru Sham Charan , Mishra Akruti , Nath Preetam , Panigrahi Sarat Chandra , Anand Anil Chandra
Published: October 2024

Strongyloides stercoralis infects the duodenum and jejunum with rare involvement of the stomach. However, the clinical presentation and endoscopic findings are non-specific. There are limited data on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings in S. stercoralis with gastroduodenal involvement. In this case series of seven patients, we summarize such findings after diagnosis with tissue biopsy.
Sudden Blindness as the Only Symptom Caused by a Small Sphenoid Sinus Mucocele in a Young Child
Authors: Cheng Feng-Li , Han Lan , Xu Dan-Ni , Li Fei-Yang , Li Ting-Ting , Liang Shi-Yong , An Yun-Fang , Zhao Chang-Qing
Published: October 2024

Background: Sphenoid sinus mucocele (SSM) represents a relatively rare disease among pediatric population as compared to adults, with a 1% to 3% incidence of all paranasal sinus mucoceles. Since the initial symptoms varied often, SSM caused blindness was scarcely seen. Case Presentation: Here we described an unusual case of small, isolated SSM causing acute visual loss in a 9-year-old girl. The patient first consulted an ophthalmologist for her right blindness. A diagnosis of SSM was suspected indicated by an orbital MRI scan. Thereafter the patient was referred to our department and an endoscopic sphenoidotomy and optic nerve decompression was performed. Surprisingly, her vision was relieved immediately after surgery, followed by dramatic improvement during the postoperative 20-month follow-up period. Conclusion: To our knowledge, a better understanding of SSM in pediatrics is essential for clinicians, including neurologists, ophthalmologists, and otolaryngologists to make early diagnoses and correct treatment by MRI and CT scan. Prompt surgical intervention of endoscopic transnasal sphenoidectomy is a quite safe, effective, and minimally invasive method for patients.
Misanthropos in the Anthropocene
Authors: Jowett John
Published: October 2024

This article explores the ecological resonances of Timon of Athens from today's perspective of the Anthropocene. It introduces a passage from Thomas Pynchon's novel Mason & Dixon describing the colonial exploration of America in terms of ‘subjunctive Hopes, for all that may yet be true’, towards establishing the subjunctive mood as a characteristic of the play. The point extends beyond grammar: Timon's curses and prayers can be understood as an exercise in subjunctivity expressing Apocalyptic disaster as a consequence of disregardful high consumerism. The subjunctive mood enables correspondence between disasters Timon wills to happen and disasters we fear in the Anthropocene.
Abolition methodologies
Authors: Chennault Carrie , Sbicca Joshua
Published: October 2024

Pervasive carceral conditions are being met with a range of efforts to make what Ruth Wilson Gilmore calls “freedom as a place.” What does it mean to create such places? We answer here by taking seriously the methodological demands of how we do abolition work in the academy. Abolition methodologies entail a responsibility to bridge the spaces between academic and community work focused on resisting and building alternatives to carcerality. Taking our lead from organizers embedded in communities of practice and care, we see abolition methodologies as an opportunity to pursue a range of artistic, educational, and politically strategic scholar and scholar-activist works. Inspired by Eve Tuck and K. Wayne Yang’s understanding that refusals can offer imaginative alternatives, we present four principles of abolitionist methodologies grounded in generative acts of refusal. These include abolition as reorientation, as contextual, as livingness, and as relational. To illustrate these principles in action, we discuss our efforts in the Prison Agriculture Lab to develop creative works and beneficial tools that, we hope, will help upend racial capitalism and advance the practice of abolition in daily life.
Problematic alcohol use, jealousy, and digital dating abuse: A dyadic analysis
Authors: Maras Olivia , Savord Andrea , Ha Thao , Quiroz Selena I.
Published: October 2024

Young adults engage in digital dating abuse (DDA), or threatening, monitoring, and controlling behavior towards a romantic partner through technology. Alcohol use and jealousy are well-established risk factors for in-person partner abuse but have not yet been investigated in couples in the context of DDA. Jealousy might be a relevant moderator in the digital context, potentially amplifying the negative associations between problematic alcohol use and DDA. Thus, we examine dyadic associations between young adults’ problematic alcohol use and DDA perpetration, with romantic jealousy as a moderator. Participants are young adult heterosexual couples ( N = 91 couples, M age = 21.03 years, 54.4% White, 19.2% Latino, 26.3% other). Results from actor-partner interdependence models suggest that men’s jealousy significantly moderates both the actor effect for men and the partner effect for women. In contrast, women’s jealousy significantly moderates the partner effects for both men and women. Men’s problematic alcohol use is a risk factor for their own DDA perpetration at high levels of jealousy and is a risk factor for their partner’s DDA perpetration across their own or their partner’s jealousy. Women’s problematic alcohol use is a risk factor for their partner’s DDA perpetration across levels of their jealousy. These findings underscore the importance of considering individual and relational factors in understanding DDA. The study highlights the need for dyadic interventions targeting problematic alcohol use and jealousy to prevent DDA. Future research should utilize longitudinal designs and diary studies to investigate in-the-moment processes and within-person variability.
Integrating technical and business aspects in Software as a Service: Systematic literature review, trends, and research directions
Authors: Time Andrei , Pacheco Diego A. de J. , Ionescu Sorin Cristian
Published: October 2024

One of the most salient problems currently confronting Software as a Service (SaaS) realization and scientific research is understanding how to efficiently connect software platforms using SaaS distribution models integrating the business functions. The extant empirical SaaS literature holds research gaps regarding the commercial and technical aspects of SaaS business models. To address these gaps, this article systematically reviews current empirical studies to understand how SaaS integration projects could be more efficiently managed in organizations by integrating technical and business aspects. Among other findings, we discover significant knowledge gaps in the field, mainly regarding the empirical validation of a coherent business strategy regarding the SaaS model and an integrated view of customer-perceived performance concerning SaaS architecture. Based on the analysis and synthesis of the findings, this study provides a framework for SaaS realization, including the principal dimensions to be considered in SaaS provision. Futhermore, a novel conceptual model proposed complements the framework by organizing 14 principal variables affecting SaaS integration on three decision-making levels, i.e., strategic, tactical, and operational. This study theoretically contributes to solidifying the SaaS integration literature by covering the three levels of decision-making and offering actionable insights into business practice and SaaS implementation. Regarding the practical contributions, this research guides managers in managing SaaS projects by emphasizing a holistic approach that incorporates all decision-making levels and perspectives, as well as interconnected technological and business aspects. Lastly, promising future research opportunities have been identified to move SaaS research forward.
Superhydrophobic anti-icing/de-icing SR/CNTs surfaces hot-embossed with femtosecond laser machined mold
Authors: Jiang Guo , He Binbo , Yang Can
Published: October 2024

Anti-icing/de-icing surfaces are dispensable in reducing accidents and economic losses caused by accumulated ice and frost on outdoor facilities in cold and humid environments. In this work, a low-cost, reproducible process was presented to fabricate superhydrophobic anti-icing/de-icing surfaces. For this purpose, concave micro-structures were firstly created on the mold steel surface using femtosecond laser machining, and then the corresponding convex micro-structures were prepared on the surface of a silicone rubber (SR) composite mixed with multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using hot embossing. Thanks to the presence of unique micro-scale peak-ridge structures, the as-prepared SR/CNTs surfaces possess superhydrophobic characteristic. Long icing delay time was endowed by the large volume of air pockets inside micro-structures, and the icing time was significantly extended from 67 to 416 s, which is ascribed to the greatly inhibited heat transfer between the droplet and the surface. Moreover, the SR/CNTs surface had excellent photothermal conversion capability with the presence of photothermal particles CNTs, and the temperature of the surface increased rapidly from 21.6 to 86.1 °C in 5 min under a standard sunlight irradiation. In addition, the SR/CNTs surface also possesses superior photothermal defrosting and de-icing performance as the ice and frost on the surface can be quickly melted under a standard sunlight intensity irradiation and the de-icing rate is up to 0.92 mg/s. Finally, the good reusability of the mold steel and the resistance to mechanical wear and chemical corrosion of superhydrophobic SR/CNTs surface found in this work make the proposed approach promising for industrial mass production and anti-icing/de-icing applications in harsh environments.
Autonomic nervous system activity correlates with peak experiences induced by DMT and predicts increases in well-being
Authors: Bonnelle Valerie , Feilding Amanda , Rosas Fernando E , Nutt David J , Carhart-Harris Robin L , Timmermann Christopher
Published: October 2024

Background:

Non-ordinary states of consciousness induced by psychedelics can be accompanied by so-called “peak experiences,” characterized at the emotional level by their intensity and positive valence. These experiences are strong predictors of positive outcomes following psychedelic-assisted therapy, and it is therefore important to better understand their biology. Despite growing evidence that the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an important role in mediating emotional experiences, its involvement in the psychedelic experience is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate to what extent changes in the relative influence of the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous systems (PNS) over cardiac activity may reflect the subjective experience induced by the short-acting psychedelic N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT).

Methods:

We derived measures of SNS and PNS activity from the electrocardiograms of 17 participants (11 males, mean age = 33.8 years, SD = 8.3) while they received either DMT or placebo.

Results:

Results show that the joint influence of SNS and PNS (“sympathovagal coactivation”) over cardiac activity was positively related to participants’ ratings of “Spiritual Experience” and “Insightfulness” during the DMT experience, while also being related to improved well-being scores 2 weeks after the session. In addition, we found that the state of balance between the two ANS branches (“sympathovagal balance”) before DMT injection predicted scores of “Insightfulness” during the DMT experience, as well as subsequent sympathovagal coactivation.

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrate the involvement of the ANS in psychedelic-induced peak experiences and may pave the way to the development of biofeedback-based tools to enhance psychedelic therapy.
What Makes the Time Tradeoff Tick? A Sociopsychological Explanation
Authors: Stalmeier Peep F. M. , Roudijk Bram
Published: October 2024

Background

A theoretical interpretation of factors influencing time tradeoff (TTO) scores is lacking. In this conceptual study, we use a sociopsychological theory, terror management theory (TMT), to explain how death thoughts may play a role in the TTO method. TMT describes how respondents suppress death thoughts by invoking psychological defenses, such as self-esteem, and by bolstering cultural values.

Research Question

What is the relation between TMT and TTO scores?

Methods

A framework is developed to link TMT to TTO scores. Predictions of the framework pertain to the directionality of relations between characteristics (e.g., being religious) affecting TTO scores. These predictions are then tested against the findings in the literature.

Results

The value “prolonging life” can be used as a linking pin between TTO and TMT as it is relevant for both TMT and TTO. It is argued that the value “prolonging life” is related to TTO scores but also to TMT defense strengths. Thus, TMT defense strengths become associated with trading. Directionality predictions of the framework were confirmed in 34 out of 39 retrospective tests ( P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Directionalities of relations between TTO scores and socioeconomic characteristics, euthanasia, subjective life expectancy, and religion were explained in terms of TMT defense strengths. Our framework offers a theory-based and parsimonious framework to think about characteristics influencing TTO scores.

Highlights

Terror management theory (TMT) is a sociopsychological theory about death thoughts. Several factors are known to influence TTO scores. A new framework applies TMT to TTO scores to interpret such factors. Our framework is mostly of importance to health economists studying the TTO.
The effect of Clot Burden Score on clinical outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation treated with endovascular thrombectomy
Authors: He Ruqian , Zhang Yongyin , Jin RuiFang , Huang Xuerong , Shu Hao
Published: October 2024

Background

The Clot Burden Score (CBS) is used to assess thrombus length. The influence of CBS on functional outcome was barely analyzed in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Purpose

To assess the association between CBS and clinical outcomes in large vessel occlusion (LVO)-related patients with AF who have undergone endovascular thrombectomy (EVT).

Material and Methods

A total of 160 patients with AF were enrolled between January 2021 and April 2023. The CTA-CBS score was used to quantify the thrombus burden. The primary outcome was the modified Rankin scale (mRS) score at 90 days. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify prognostic predictors and determine the correlation between CTA-CBS and clinical outcomes.

Results

In the multivariable logistic regression, younger age, smaller clots, and better collateral status were the favorable prognosis factors. The odds ratios (OR) were 0.956 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.924–0.988, P = 0.008), 1.29 (95% CI = 1.110–1.499, P < 0.001), and 1.706 (95% CI = 1.065–2.731, P = 0.026), respectively. A smaller clot correlated with better outcomes OR of 1.29 (95% CI = 1.110–1.499, P < 0.001) for the entire cohort, 1.395 (95% CI = 1.142–1.702, P < 0.001) for bridging the EVT subgroup, and 1.171 (95% CI = 0.866–1.582, P = 0.305) for direct EVT subgroup.

Conclusions

In LVO-related AIS patients with AF treated with EVT, lower CBS is associated with poorer functional outcomes. Notably, CBS acts as a prognostic imaging biomarker in the direct EVT subgroup and does not in bridging the EVT subgroup.
Increased extracellular free water is related to white matter hyperintensity burden
Authors: Lei Xinjun , Qiu Weiwen , Xu Zhihua , Yu Jie , Lan Haiyuan
Published: October 2024

Background

Extracellular free water (FW) has important roles in the occurrence and development of white matter hyperintensity (WMH).

Purpose

To explore the correlations between FW and WMH burden.

Material and Methods

A prospective analysis was conducted using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from 126 individuals. WMH burden was determined based on WMH volumes and Fazekas scores from deep and periventricular white matter hyperintensity (DWMH and PWMH, respectively) in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images. FW values were taken from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI).

Results

Univariate analysis showed that FW values were correlated with WMH burden, including WMH volumes and DWMH and PWMH Fazekas scores ( P < 0.05). After multivariate analysis, FW values were correlated with WMH volumes and DWMH and PWMH Fazekas scores when adjusted for age and hypertension ( P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Using MRI, increasing extracellular FW was related to WMH burden.
Evaluation of the reliability and accuracy of MRI for the diagnosis of meniscal ramp lesions
Authors: Escoda Menéndez Sara , García González Pedro , Meana Morís Ana Rosa , Del Valle Soto Miguel , Maestro Fernández Antonio
Published: October 2024

Background

Meniscal ramp lesions are a special type of meniscal injury that affects the periphery of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus and/or its meniscocapsular attachments, strongly associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Due to their location, these lesions can be missed arthroscopically so it is essential to diagnose them on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Purpose

To evaluate the accuracy of MRI in detecting meniscal ramp lesions in patients with ACL tears using arthroscopy as the reference standard.

Material and Methods

Two musculoskeletal radiologists, blinded to the surgical findings, retrospectively and independently evaluated 106 knee MRI scans for the presence of meniscal ramp lesions in non-consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction between January 2019 and July 2022 by a single surgeon at one institution. Having arthroscopy as reference, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity as well as the positive and negative predictive values (PPV/NPV) of the MRI scans were calculated. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to test inter-observer reliability. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In the study group of 106 patients (72 men, 34 women; mean age = 33.84 ±13.12 years), 76 had an arthroscopy-confirmed meniscal ramp lesion, while 30 did not. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI for the detection of meniscal ramp lesion were 88% and 87%, respectively. The PPV and NPV were 94% and 74%, respectively. Inter-rater reliability was excellent (k = 0915).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that MRI can accurately detect meniscal ramp lesions.
Assessment of pediatric breast ultrasound less is more: a practical imaging approach
Authors: Giannotti Elisabetta , Sun Rachel , Healy Nuala , Kilburn-Toppin Fleur , Sofia Carmelo , Lee Andrew HS , Marino Maria Adele
Published: October 2024

Background

Breast cancer in pediatric patients is rare, but ultrasound (US) is widely utilized for symptomatic cases.

Purpose

To determine biopsy and cancer detection rates of pediatric patients and to assess if breast US can be omitted.

Material and Methods

A retrospective review of a 5-year period was conducted of single-center breast US performed in patients aged <19 years. Data regarding presentation, clinical opinion (P1–5 score), and US (U1–5 score) were collected. If biopsy or surgery was performed, pathology was reviewed (B1–5 score).

Results

In total, 579 patients were included (19 boys, 560 girls; mean age=16.2±1.9 years; age range=0–18 years). Clinical examination was normal or benign (P1/P2) in all boys (100%) and 557/560 (99.5%) girls, and P3 in 3 (0.5%) girls. Of US, 52% demonstrated normal findings (U1) for both sexes (300/579); in the remaining cases, the most frequent findings were gynecomastia in 12/19 boys and well-defined breast masses in 208/560 girls. Of the 560 girls, 6 (1%) underwent US-guided biopsy, with final histology of fibroadenoma (B2) in all cases, while 27 (5%) had a surgical excision, with final histology of fibroadenoma (22/27, 81.5%), hamartoma (2/27, 7.4%), benign phyllodes tumor (2/27, 7.4%), and angiomyxoma skin lesion (1/27, 3.7%). No malignant lesions were diagnosed at the time of clinical referral or during the 18-month follow-up in patients with a well-defined mass on US.

Conclusion

Breast malignancy is extremely rare in pediatric population. US can be safely omitted if clinical examination is normal; this approach would have avoided breast US in 52% of patients in this study.
Effectiveness of Ellis’s Rational-Emotional Approach on Criminal Thinking and Law-Evasion in Male Prisoners
Authors: Shomali Ahmadabadi Mehdi , Rezapour-Mirsaleh Yasser , Yousefi Zahra
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Ellis’s rational-emotional approach on criminal thinking and law-evasion in male prisoners. A quasi-experimental design utilizing pretest, post-test, and follow-up test and waiting-list control groups was conducted. Thirty male prisoners were selected by purposeful sampling and randomized into experimental and waiting list control groups. Participants of experimental group received 12 sessions of Ellis’s rational-emotional approach intervention; and all participants answered to PICTS-L-SF and ABAWS as dependent variables at 3 time points (pretest, post-test, and 1 month follow-up). A repeated measures analysis of variance was used to analyze the data. Results showed criminal thinking and law-evasion in experimental group, as compared to control, at post-test phase was significantly decreased ( p < .05); and improvement of dependent variables in the follow-up phase has also been continued ( p < .05). Therefore, REBT can be beneficial for reducing criminal and illegal thoughts and behaviors among prisoners.
Unmasking the Pandemic’s Dark Side: Exploring the Roles of Stress, Emotions, and Alcohol Use in Violent Behavior Across Six Countries
Authors: Latif Hannan , Timmer Anastasiia , Tessler Hannah , Iesue Laura , Jawaid Ali
Published: October 2024

We use international survey data recently collected among adults in six countries (Ukraine, Guatemala, Pakistan, the Netherlands, Denmark, and the United States) to examine the global variations in interpersonal violent behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. We find that pandemic-related stress is significantly associated with violent behavior in most countries. Depression emerges as a significant predictor of violence across all countries and as a mediator between pandemic stress and violent behavior in multiple* contexts. On the other hand, negative affect and alcohol use predict violent behavior only in non-Western contexts. We provide policy implications focused on prevention and reduction of violence cross-nationally during public health crises.
Marx and the Big Mac: An Empirical Exploration of Marx’s Exploitation Theory for Introductory Economics Courses
Authors: Perry Teresa
Published: October 2024

Undergraduate economics courses have low relevance, belonging, and growth mindset levels. For instance, Bayer et al. found that less than 30 percent of the students in their sample strongly agreed with the statement “The class gave me a useful framework for thinking about important issues.” Integrating pluralist methodologies into introductory economics classes may be one solution for overcoming this issue. This article introduces an empirical activity designed to teach students about Marx’s theory of exploitation. The activity utilizes the 10-K annual report from a publicly traded company, in this case, McDonald’s, to analyze the rate of exploitation of workers. Through this exercise, students delve into the theory of exploitation, analyze data from the 10-K, calculate the rate of exploitation, and engage in discussions about its application to contemporary social and political issues.

JEL Classification: A22, P16, B24
What Psychiatrists Should Know About Prescribed Safer Opioid Supply
Authors: Bahji Anees , Danilewitz Marlon , Sachdev Arushi , Mathew Nickie , Lamba Wiplove , Rafizadeh Reza , Chopra Nitin , Dhaliwal Arash , George Tony P. , Crockford David , Primeau Valerie , Tibbo Philip , Buckley Leslie , Tanguay Robert
Published: October 2024

In this invited commentary, we provide an overview of safer opioid supply (SOS) initiatives, specifically aiming to examine the evidence base for SOS programs and the ensuing implications for clinical practice, particularly in the context of psychiatric care.

Plain Language Summary Title

What Psychiatrists Should Know About Prescribed Safer Opioid Supply