bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Creativity Be a Collective Virtue? Insights for the Ethics of Innovation
Authors: Astola Mandi , Bombaerts Gunter , Spahn Andreas , Royakkers Lambèr
Published: May 2021

Virtue accounts of innovation ethics have recognized the virtue of creativity as an admirable trait in innovators. However, such accounts have not paid sufficient attention to the way creativity functions as a collective phenomenon. We propose a collective virtue account to supplement existing virtue accounts. We base our account on Kieran’s definition of creativity as a virtue and distinguish three components in it: creative output, mastery and intrinsic motivation. We argue that all of these components can meaningfully be attributed to innovation groups. This means that we can also attribute the virtue of creativity to group agents involved in innovation. Recognizing creativity as a collective virtue in innovation is important because it allows for a more accurate evaluation of how successful innovation generally happens. The innovator who takes a collective virtue account of creativity seriously will give attention to the facilitation of an environment where the group can flourish collectively, rather than only nurturing the individual genius.
Chronic Oral Anticoagulation and Clinical Outcome in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Russo Vincenzo , Bottino Roberta , D’Andrea Antonello , Silverio Angelo , Di Maio Marco , Golino Paolo , Nigro Gerardo , Valsecchi Orazio , Attena Emilio , Canonico Mario Enrico , Galasso Gennaro , Parodi Guido , Scudiero Fernando
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The clinical course of COVID-19 may be complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and thromboembolic events, which are associated with high risk of mortality. Although previous studies reported a lower rate of death in patients treated with heparin, the potential benefit of chronic oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) remains unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between OAT with the risk of ARDS and mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective Italian study including consecutive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from March 1 to April 22, 2020, at six Italian hospitals. Patients were divided into two groups according to the chronic assumption of oral anticoagulants.

Results

Overall, 427 patients were included; 87 patients (19%) were in the OAT group. Of them, 54 patients (13%) were on treatment with non-vitamin k oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and 33 (8%) with vitamin-K antagonists (VKAs). OAT patients were older and had a higher rate of hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease compared to No-OAT group. The rate of ARDS at admission (26% vs 28%, P=0.834), or developed during the hospitalization (9% vs 10%, P=0.915), was similar between study groups; in-hospital mortality (22% vs 26%, P=0.395) was also comparable. After balancing for potential confounders by using the propensity score matching technique, no differences were found in term of clinical outcome between OAT and No-OAT patients

Conclusion

Oral anticoagulation therapy, either NOACs or VKAs, did not influence the risk of ARDS or death in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.
Evolutionary entrepreneurial ecosystems: a research pathway
Authors: Cho Daniel Sunghwan , Ryan Paul , Buciuni Giulio
Published: May 2021

The recent widespread interest of policy in entrepreneurial ecosystems has been complemented by a burgeoning academic research output. This research to date may be broadly categorized as focusing on place, actors, governance, and evolution. Of these groupings, evolutionary processes have been paid least attention despite their centrality to a dynamic ecosystem phenomenon that evolves from an origin through processes of growth, adaptation, and resilience. To redress this imbalance, we frame a future research agenda on evolutionary processes of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Foremost amongst these are the competing lens for the evolutionary processes, the appropriate and evolving geographic scope and boundaries of the ecosystem, and the evolving visible or invisible modes of governance. Methodologically, we call for greater use of longitudinal studies of such evolutionary processes.
Formation of Isolated Radio Type II Bursts at Low Frequencies
Authors: Pohjolainen Silja , Talebpour Sheshvan Nasrin
Published: May 2021

The first appearance of radio type II burst emission at decameter-hectometer (DH) waves typically occurs in connection, and often simultaneously, with other types of radio emissions. As type II bursts are signatures of propagating shock waves that are associated with flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), a rich variety of radio emissions can be expected. However, sometimes DH type II bursts appear in the dynamic spectra without other or earlier radio signatures. One explanation for them could be that the flare-CME launch happens on the far side of the Sun, and the emission is observed only when the source gets high enough in the solar atmosphere. In this study we have analysed 26 radio type II bursts that started at DH waves and were well-separated (‘isolated’) from other radio emission features. These bursts were identified from all DH type II bursts observed in 1998 – 2016, and for 12 events we had observations from at least two different viewing angles with the instruments on board Wind and the Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory (STEREO) satellites. We found that only 30% of the type II bursts had their source origin on the far side of the Sun, but also that no bursts originated from the central region of the Sun (longitudes E30 – W40). Almost all of the isolated DH type II bursts could be associated with a shock near the CME leading front, and only few were determined to be shocks near the CME flank regions. In this respect our result differs from earlier findings. Our analysis, which included inspection of various CME and radio emission characteristics, suggests that the isolated DH type II bursts could be a special subgroup within DH type II bursts, where the radio emission requires particular coronal conditions to form and to die out.
Correction to: Comparison of Linear Versus Circular-Stapled Gastroenterostomy in Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Romeijn Marleen M. , van Hoef Stijn , Janssen Loes , van de Pas Kelly G. H. , van Dielen François M. H. , Luijten Arijan A. P. M. , Göttgens Kevin W. A. , Greve Jan Willem M. , Leclercq Wouter K. G.
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: 10.1007/s11695-021-05474-y
Can sulphur improve the nutrient uptake, partitioning, and seed yield of sesame?
Authors: Mehmood Muhammad Zeeshan , Afzal Obaid , Ahmed Mukhtar , Qadir Ghulam , Kheir Ahmed M.S. , Aslam Muhammad Aqeel , Din Atta Mohi Ud , Khan Imran , Hassan Muhammad Jawad , Meraj Tehseen Ahmad , Raza Muhammad Ali , Ahmad Shakeel
Published: May 2021

Sulphur (S) is considered to improve the nutrient uptake of plants due to its synergistic relationship with other nutrients. This could ultimately enhance the seed yield of oilseed crops. However, there is limited quantitative information on nutrient uptake, distribution, and its associated impacts on seed yield of sesame under the S application. Thus, a two-year field study (2018 and 2019) was conducted to assess the impacts of different S treatments (S0 = Control, S20 = 20, S40 = 40, and S60 = 60 kg ha−1) on total dry matter production, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, S uptake and distribution at the mid-bloom stage and physiological maturity. Furthermore, treatment impacts were studied on the number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, thousand seed weight, and seed yield at physiological maturity in sesame. Compared to S0, over the years, treatment S40 significantly increased the total uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and S (by 13, 22, 11% and 16%, respectively) at physiological maturity, while their distribution by 13, 36, 14, and 24% (in leaves), 12, 15, 11, and 15% (in stems), 15, 42, 18, and 10% (in capsules), and 14, 22, 9, and 15% (in seeds), respectively. Enhanced nutrient uptake and distribution in treatment S40 improved the total biomass accumulation (by 28%) and distribution in leaves (by 34%), stems (by 27%), capsules (by 26%), and seeds (by 28%), at physiological maturity, as compared to S0. Treatment S40 increased the number of capsules per plant (by 13%), number of seeds per capsule (by 11%), and thousand seed weight (by 6%), compared to S0. Furthermore, over the years, relative to control, sesame under S40 had a higher seed yield by 28% and enhanced the net economic returns by 44%. Thus, our results suggest that optimum S level at the time of sowing improves the nutrient uptake and distribution during the plant lifecycle, which ultimately enhances total dry matter accumulation, seed yield, and net productivity of sesame.
ED-XRF analysis of the mediaeval copper-based door in Monte Sant’Angelo (Southern Italy)
Authors: Buccolieri Alessandro , Castellano Alfredo , Iacobellis Vito Nicola , Paladini Fabio , Buccolieri Giovanni
Published: May 2021

This work regards the analysis of a copper-based door (dated 1076 AD) located at the entrance to the sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo (Southern Italy) by using a non-destructive technique and in situ chemical analysis. The door does not show serious corrosive phenomena and presents several types of decorative elements such as two inlays (of silver and copper colour) and three engravings (of red, black and green colour). A portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) spectrometer was used in order to evaluate the chemical composition of the door and of the decorations that adorn the artefact. No sampling or sample preparation was required before the measurements. Preliminary analysis on the materials that make up the door revealed that the panels and the frame of the two sashes are made of the same alloy, while the nails and the handles have a different composition.

Graphical abstract
Co‐rumination across in‐person and digital communication: Associations with affect and relationship closeness in adolescents
Authors: Battaglini Ashley M. , Rnic Katerina , Tracy Alison , Jopling Ellen , LeMoult Joelle
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Despite the prominence of interpersonal emotion regulation, particularly during adolescence, it is a relatively understudied area of investigation. Co‐rumination is an interpersonal emotion regulation strategy that is frequently used by adolescents. Traditional examinations of co‐rumination have focused on its occurrence in person, while largely overlooking digital modes of communication. This study was the first to investigate adolescents’ co‐rumination across multiple communication modalities (i.e., in person, text, social media, phone) and its downstream association with affect and relationship closeness. Specifically, we examined: (1) the frequency of co‐rumination across modalities, (2) the effect of co‐rumination in one modality on the future use of co‐rumination within that same modality (i.e., stability) and across other modalities (i.e., generalization); and (3) the prospective relation of co‐rumination on negative affect, positive affect, and relationship closeness.

Methods

Adolescents (n = 71; 33 girls and 38 boys; Mage = 12.70 years) residing in Canada completed twice‐daily diary surveys for 14 days.

Results

Findings indicated that adolescents co‐ruminate across all modes of communication, particularly in person. There also was evidence of co‐rumination stability and generalization over time for some modes of communication (within phone and from social media to in‐person interactions), but not for others. Co‐rumination through text and over the phone had affective and/or social benefits, whereas co‐rumination through social media predicted diminished positive affect. We also identified ways these findings differed by gender.

Conclusions

Implications for adolescents’ emotional and social development and the field of co‐rumination are discussed.
Frequency of otitis media with effusion among children aged 1–5 years presenting to immunization center of tertiary care hospitals, Rawalpindi
Authors: Riaz Nida , Ajmal Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Sheharyar
Published: May 2021

Objective

We conducted this study to assess the etiopathogenic relation of otitis media with effusion (OME) in a group of children aged 1–5 years among the local population of Rawalpindi.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional retrospective study. Study was conducted among the children presenting to the immunization center of three tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi. Otitis media was assessed by clinical examination and tympanometry from August 2019 to January 2020. Multi‐factor regression analysis was then applied to recognize the statistical significance and association of various risk factors to OME.

Results

Out of 400 children enrolled in this study, 108 (27.0%) had OME, out of which 65 (60.2%) were males and 30 (27.8%) were of age group 2–3 years. Multivariable regression analysis of risk factors associated with OME showed it was strongly associated with snoring (P < 0.001), last year symptoms (attack of ear aches with hearing loss [P = 0.002]), drugs (URTI antibiotics [P = 0.026], All 3 drugs [P = 0.013]).

Conclusions

We found out that OME is a common disease which if not identified or treated timely can lead to other hard to cure health problems. Control of its etiopathogenic factors can play a major role in its prevention.
Objectivity in Science
Authors: John Stephen
Published: May 2021

Objectivity is a key concept both in how we talk about science in everyday life and in the philosophy of science. This Element explores various ways in which recent philosophers of science have thought about the nature, value and achievability of objectivity. The first section explains the general trend in recent philosophy of science away from a notion of objectivity as a 'view from nowhere' to a focus on the relationship between objectivity and trust. Section 2 discusses the relationship between objectivity and recent arguments attacking the viability or desirability of 'value free' science. Section 3 outlines Longino's influential 'social' account of objectivity, suggesting some worries about drawing too strong a link between epistemic and ethical virtues. Section 4 turns to the value of objectivity, exploring concerns that notions of objectivity are politically problematic, and cautiously advocating in response a view of objectivity in terms of invariance.
The Idea of Europe
Authors: Weller Shane
Published: May 2021

There is an increasingly widespread sense that Europe is in crisis. Notions of a shared European identity and a common European culture appear to be losing their purchase. This crisis is often seen as a conflict between a cosmopolitan and a nationalist idea of Europe. The reality is, however, considerably more complex, as the long history of the idea of Europe reveals. In The Idea of Europe: A Critical History, Shane Weller explores that history from its origins in classical antiquity to the present day. Drawing on a wide range of sources, he demonstrates that, all too often, seemingly progressive ideas of Europe have been shaped by Eurocentric, culturally supremacist, and even racist assumptions. Seeking to break with this troubling pattern, Weller calls for an idea of Europe shaped by a spirit of self-critique and by an openness to those cultures that have for so long been dismissed as non-European.
Altered Theory of Mind in Parkinson’s Disease and Impact on Caregivers: A Pilot Study
Authors: Giguère-Rancourt Ariane , Plourde Marika , Racine Eva , Couture Marianne , Langlois Mélanie , Dupré Nicolas , Simard Martine
Published: May 2021

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) includes deficits in theory of mind (ToM). However, associations between ToM and caregiver burden and distress are still unclear. The objective of this pilot study was to preliminarily explore the relation between ToM and caregiver burden and distress in a sample of PD-MCI patients. Twelve PD-MCI patients were evaluated on a ToM task (Faux Pas), whereas their caregivers were assessed on caregiver burden (Zarit Burden Interview-12 items) and distress (Neuropsychiatric Inventory–Distress). Cognitive ToM was significantly associated with caregiver distress, but caregiver burden was associated with the severity of patient psychiatric symptoms.
Near-Occlusion is a Common Variant of Carotid Stenosis: Study and Systematic Review
Authors: Johansson Elias , Fox Allan J.
Published: May 2021

Background:

Symptomatic carotid near-occlusion is often described as rare. Recent studies have shown that near-occlusions are overlooked, especially near-occlusion without full collapse (with a small but normal-appearing distal internal carotid artery).

Objective:

To assess the prevalence of near-occlusion among symptomatic ≥50% carotid stenosis, incidence of symptomatic near-occlusion, and review the literature.

Methods:

Prospective controlled single-center cross-sectional study. Consecutive cases with symptomatic ≥50% carotid stenosis were examined with computed tomography angiography (CTA). The CTAs were assessed for near-occlusion by two observers. A systematic literature review was performed with emphasis on how study design affects prevalence estimate.

Results:

Totally, 186 patients with symptomatic ≥50% carotid stenosis were included, 34% (n = 63, 95% CI 27, 41) had near-occlusion. The incidence of symptomatic near-occlusion was 3.4 (95% CI 2.5, 4.2) per 100,000 person-years. Inter-rater κ was 0.71. The average prevalence of near-occlusion among symptomatic ≥50% carotid stenosis was higher in studies with good design (30%, range 27%–34%) than studies without good design (9%, range 2%–10%).

Conclusions:

Near-occlusion is common variant of symptomatic ≥50% carotid stenosis, both in the current study and in all previous studies of good design. Studies that suggest that near-occlusion is rare have had methodological issues.
Improving antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis in the ambulatory setting using a multifaceted approach
Authors: Chung Philip , Nailon Regina , Ashraf M. Salman , Bergman Scott , Micheels Teresa , Rupp Mark E. , Schwedhelm Michelle , Tierney Maureen , Tyner Kate , Van Schooneveld Trevor C. , Marcelin Jasmine R.
Published: May 2021

Antibiotics are frequently prescribed inappropriately for acute respiratory infections in the outpatient setting. We report the implementation of a multifaceted outpatient antimicrobial stewardship initiative resulting in a 12.3% absolute reduction of antibiotic prescribing for acute bronchitis in primary care clinics receiving active interventions.
On the dynamics of vortex–droplet co-axial interaction: insights into droplet and vortex dynamics
Authors: Sharma Shubham , Singh Awanish Pratap , Basu Saptarshi
Published: May 2021

Interaction of droplets with vortical structures is ubiquitous in nature, ranging from raindrops to a gas turbine combustor. In this work, we elucidate the mechanism of co-axial interaction of a droplet with a vortex ring of different circulation strengths (

$\varGamma = 45\text {--}161\ \textrm {cm}^2\ \textrm {s}^{-1}$

). We focus on both the droplet and the vortex dynamics, which evolve in a spatio-temporal fashion during different stages of the interaction, as in a two-way coupled system. Vortex rings of varying circulation strengths are generated by injecting a slug of water into a quiescent water-filled chamber. Experimental techniques such as high-speed particle image velocimetry, planner laser-induced fluorescence imaging and high-speed shadowgraphy are used in this work. In the droplet dynamics, different regimes of interaction are identified, including deformation (regime-I), stretching and engulfment (regime-II) and breakup of the droplet (regime-III). Each interaction regime is explained using existing theoretical models that closely match the experimental data. In the vortex dynamics, we compare the interaction's effect on different characteristics of the vortex rings, such as pressure and the vorticity distribution, circulation strength, total energy and enstrophy variation with time. It is found that the interaction leads to a reduction in these parameters.
Alcohol and the Ambivalence of the Early English East India Company-State
Authors: Stern Philip J.
Published: May 2021

This article explores the various roles that alcohol played in defining the governance of East India Company fortifications and settlements in the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. It argues that, much like elsewhere in Europe, Asia, and the colonial world, alcohol was absolutely crucial to political and social life, as well as a source of great revenue and profit for both the Company and individuals who worked for it. At the same time, it was a cause of immense anxiety and concern for Company government, which understood the use (and overuse) of alcohol as a principal sign of potential disorder and disobedience. Far from a contradiction, this ambivalence towards alcohol formed a foundation for a variety of regulatory instruments, from tavern licences to taxation, that were crucial to the establishment of early Company governance and a prime reflection of the Company's very own ambivalent nature as both merchant and sovereign.
Replacement of grain maize with spineless cactus in the diet of dairy goats
Authors: Fonseca Pereira Genildo , Virgínio Emerenciano Neto João , Patrícia Alves Coelho Gracindo Ângela , Maria de Oliveira Silva Yhêlda , dos Santos Difante Gelson , Leandro Chaves Gurgel Antonio , de Souza Marinho Francisco José , da Costa Lima Guilherme Ferreira
Published: May 2021

Spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera) is widely used in animal feed in semi-arid regions, due to the adaptive characteristics to such conditions and for having high levels of soluble carbohydrates. This research article describes the effect of replacing grain maize with spineless cactus in the diet of dairy goats on dry matter intake, water intake, milk yield, milk physicochemical characteristics and diet production costs. Eight multiparous Anglo Nubian goats were fed diets in which grain maize was replaced with spineless cactus at four levels (0, 33, 66, and 100%) in a double 4 × 4 Latin square design. Milk yield was measured and samples collected in the last three days of each period for physicochemical analysis and for determining nutrient intake. Diet production costs were also determined. Replacing maize with spineless cactus did not influence dry matter intake. Water intake via the drinker decreased linearly in response to the increasing levels of spineless cactus in the diet. The replacement of maize with spineless cactus did not change milk yield or physicochemical parameters. Total feed cost and the percentage of revenue losses from feed decreased with the replacement. Therefore, spineless cactus can fully replace grain maize in the diet of dairy goats, as it does not change dry matter intake or milk yield, but rather reduces feed costs and the drinking-water intake of goats.
Diversity of yeasts and moulds in dairy products from Umbria, central Italy
Authors: Cenci-Goga Beniamino , Cruciani Deborah , Crotti Silvia , Karama Musafiri , Yıldırım Gamze , Bulut Menekşe , Marino Concetta , Grispoldi Luca
Published: May 2021

In this research communication we report on the diversity of yeast and mould species in 69 samples of milk and different dairy products from three plants located in Umbria, central Italy. Isolates were characterised both macroscopically and microscopically and then identified by PCR and genome sequencing of the ITS region and the D1–D2 domain of the large-subunit rRNA gene for filamentous fungi and yeasts, respectively. Out of the 69 samples analysed, 51 (73.9%) tested positive for the presence of yeasts, whereas moulds were detected in 25 (36.2%) samples. A total of 9 yeast species belonging to 8 different genera and 13 mould species belonging to 6 different genera were isolated. The most common genera isolated were Debaryomyces and Kluyveromyces among the yeasts and Penicillium and Galactomyces among the moulds. Microbiota play a key role in the formation of flavour, aroma, texture and appearance of dairy products. This complex microbial ecosystem includes both cultured and external bacteria, yeasts and moulds. Some of them have an important role in the production of cheeses, whereas others are responsible for dairy product spoilage, resulting in significant food waste and economic losses. Some species can produce mycotoxins, representing a potential hazard for the consumer's safety. This study provides interesting information on the diversity of fungi species in dairy products from central Italy that can be of major importance to identify these products and to develop adequate strategies for fungal spoilage control and consumer safety.
Miaphysites in Iraq during the Last Great War of Antiquity (c. 604–28) and its Aftermath
Authors: WOOD PHILIP JOHN
Published: May 2021

This article examines the complex historiography of the establishment of a Miaphysite hierarchy in Iraq in the early seventh century and proposes a reconstruction of the events themselves. As the Sasanian conquest of the Roman Empire progressed, the monastery of Mar Mattai in particular played a role in staffing and organising Miaphysites in conquered territory. Roman victories in 628 led to a complete reorganisation of the Miaphysite East, with the creation of Takrit as the premier centre for Miaphysites in Iraq and the official down-grading of Mar Mattai. Nevertheless, in practice, Mar Mattai continued to be a significant centre under the Umayyads.
Production-based training benefits the comprehension and production of grammatical gender in L2 German
Authors: Keppenne Valérie , Hopman Elise W. M. , Jackson Carrie N.
Published: May 2021

Ongoing debate exists regarding the role of production-based versus comprehension-based training for L2 learning. However, recent research suggests an advantage for production training due to benefits stemming from the opportunity to compare generated output with feedback and from the memory mechanisms associated with language production. Based on recent findings with an artificial language paradigm, we investigated the effects of production-based and comprehension-based training for learning grammatical gender among beginning L2 German learners. Participants received production-based or comprehension-based training on grammatical gender assignment and gender agreement between determiners, adjectives, and 15 German nouns, followed by four tasks targeting the comprehension and production of the target nouns and their corresponding gender marking on determiners and adjectives. Both groups were equally accurate in comprehending and producing the nouns. For tasks requiring knowledge of grammatical gender, the production-based group outperformed the comprehension-based group on both comprehension and production tests. These findings demonstrate the importance of language production for creating robust linguistic representations and have important implications for classroom instruction.
An efficient self-motion scheme for redundant robot manipulators: a varying-gain neural self-motion approach
Authors: Zhang Pengchao , Ren Xiaohui , Zhang Zhijun
Published: May 2021

In order to achieve high efficient self-motion for a redundant robot manipulator, a novel quadratic programming and varying-gain recurrent neural network based varying-gain neural self-motion (VGN-SM) approach is proposed and developed. With VGN-SM, the convergence errors can be adaptively and efficiently converged to zero. For comparisons, a traditional fixed-parameter neural self-motion (FPN-SM) approach is also presented. Theoretical analysis shows that the proposed VGN-SM has higher accuracy than the traditional FPN-SM. Finally, comparative experiments between VGN-SM and FPN-SM are performed on a six degrees-of-freedom robot manipulator to verify the advantages of the novel VGN-SM.
The Enigma of a Taiping Fugitive: The Illusion of Justice and the “Political Offence Exception” in Extradition from Hong Kong
Authors: Day Jenny Huangfu
Published: May 2021

In 1865, the British Colony of Hong Kong extradited a Chinese shop-owner on a charge of piracy and incited a barrage of criticism when the offender was punished by the infamous “death by a thousand cuts” in Canton upon his rendition. Rumors surfaced identifying him as a rebel chief in the Taiping Rebellion (1850–1864). By excavating court records, diplomatic exchanges, and legal discourses surrounding this case, the article engages in a critical examination of extradition law and implementation in mid-19th century between Hong Kong and China. It examines how the case played into the politics of four administrative localities - Hong Kong, Canton, Beijing, and London - and uncovers the networks of agencies at play. It contributes to the history of extradition by contextualizing the “political offence exception” in international law and explains how this exception, ill-defined and vaguely conceived as it was, found its way into the implementation of Article 21 of the Treaty of Tianjin on the rendition of fugitives from Hong Kong to China, with a significant impact on the Qing's governance and jurisdiction of cross-border fugitives.
Implementing epidemic intelligence in the WHO African region for early detection and response to acute public health events
Authors: Williams George Sie , Impouma Benido , Mboussou Franck , Lee Theresa Min-Hyung , Ogundiran Opeayo , Okot Charles , Metcalf Tatiana , Stephen Mary , Fekadu Senait Tekeste , Wolfe Caitlin M. , Farham Bridget , Hofer Cristina , Wicht Bertil , Tores Claudia Codeço , Flahault Antoine , Keiser Olivia
Published: May 2021

Epidemic intelligence activities are undertaken by the WHO Regional Office for Africa to support member states in early detection and response to outbreaks to prevent the international spread of diseases. We reviewed epidemic intelligence activities conducted by the organisation from 2017 to 2020, processes used, key results and how lessons learned can be used to strengthen preparedness, early detection and rapid response to outbreaks that may constitute a public health event of international concern. A total of 415 outbreaks were detected and notified to WHO, using both indicator-based and event-based surveillance. Media monitoring contributed to the initial detection of a quarter of all events reported. The most frequent outbreaks detected were vaccine-preventable diseases, followed by food-and-water-borne diseases, vector-borne diseases and viral haemorrhagic fevers. Rapid risk assessments generated evidence and provided the basis for WHO to trigger operational processes to provide rapid support to member states to respond to outbreaks with a potential for international spread. This is crucial in assisting member states in their obligations under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005). Member states in the region require scaled-up support, particularly in preventing recurrent outbreaks of infectious diseases and enhancing their event-based surveillance capacities with automated tools and processes.
A scoping review of chronotype and temporal patterns of eating of adults: tools used, findings, and future directions
Authors: Phoi Yan Yin , Rogers Michelle , Bonham Maxine P. , Dorrian Jillian , Coates Alison M.
Published: May 2021

Circadian rhythms, metabolic processes and dietary intake are inextricably linked. Timing of food intake is a modifiable temporal cue for the circadian system and may be influenced by numerous factors, including individual chronotype – an indicator of an individual’s circadian rhythm in relation to the light–dark cycle. This scoping review examines temporal patterns of eating across chronotypes and assesses tools that have been used to collect data on temporal patterns of eating and chronotype. A systematic search identified thirty-six studies in which aspects of temporal patterns of eating, including meal timings; meal skipping; energy distribution across the day; meal frequency; time interval between meals, or meals and wake/sleep times; midpoint of food/energy intake; meal regularity; and duration of eating window, were presented in relation to chronotype. Findings indicate that, compared with morning chronotypes, evening chronotypes tend to skip meals more frequently, have later mealtimes, and distribute greater energy intake towards later times of the day. More studies should explore the difference in meal regularity and duration of eating window amongst chronotypes. Currently, tools used in collecting data on chronotype and temporal patterns of eating are varied, limiting the direct comparison of findings between studies. Development of a standardised assessment tool will allow future studies to confidently compare findings to inform the development and assessment of guidelines that provide recommendations on temporal patterns of eating for optimal health.
Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in a patient with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricle septum following Fontan procedure: a rare complication
Authors: Takajo Daiji , Balakrishnan Preetha L. , Aggarwal Sanjeev
Published: May 2021

Left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum has been rarely reported. Data are lacking on the impact and management of systemic ventricular outflow tract obstruction that developed following the Fontan procedure. We report a case of an 8-year-old male who developed left ventricular outflow tract obstruction 6 months after the Fontan procedure.
Membranous septal aneurysm causing severe right ventricular outflow obstruction in an adult with trisomy 18
Authors: Herron Christopher , Forbes Thomas J , Kobayashi Daisuke
Published: May 2021

Membranous ventricular septal aneurysm is a known entity but rarely causes severe right ventricular outflow obstruction. We report a 40-year-old female with trisomy 18 who developed severe right ventricular outflow obstruction caused by an enormous membranous septal aneurysm associated with unrepaired inlet ventricular septal defect with perimembranous extension.
A DEFENSE OF HUMEAN PROPERTY THEORY
Authors: Lindsay Ira K.
Published: May 2021

Two rival approaches to property rights dominate contemporary political philosophy: Lockean natural rights and egalitarian theories of distributive justice. This article defends a third approach, which can be traced to the work of David Hume. Unlike Lockean rights, Humean property rights are not grounded in pre-institutional moral entitlements. In contrast to the egalitarian approach, which begins with highly abstract principles of distributive justice, Humean theory starts with simple property conventions and shows how more complex institutions can be justified against a background of settled property rights. Property rights allow people to coordinate their use of scarce resources. For property rules to serve this function effectively, certain questions must be considered settled. Treating existing property entitlements as having prima facie validity facilitates cooperation between people who disagree about distributive justice. Lockean and egalitarian theories endorse moral claims that threaten to unsettle property conventions and undermine social cooperation.
Under Pressure: Intractable Trade Conflicts and Korea – Pneumatic Valves
Authors: Buzard Kristy , Claussen Kathleen
Published: May 2021

The Appellate Body (AB) report in Korea–Pneumatic Valves is among the most structurally complex of recent trade remedies reports. The AB weaves a complicated web to explicate the intricacies of the relationship among the relevant provisions on injury determination in anti-dumping disputes in the midst of a contentious and long-running series of disputes between two close regional trading powers. This Article first examines the Korean investigation and its significance in economic terms. Second, it analyzes the AB's conclusions on Article 6.2 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding regarding the panel request and the significance of the AB's treatment. Third, it studies the AB's comments on the panel's anti-dumping calculations where the AB amplifies its prior pronouncements on the elements of injury and causation. Finally, the Article situates this dispute in the broader political debates playing out both at the AB and between the two disputing parties.
Knight, financial institutions, and entrepreneurship in developing economies
Authors: Nabisaalu Joyce K. , Bylund Per L.
Published: May 2021

Financial institutions in developing economies fail to provide entrepreneurs with access to finance to grow their businesses. This severely hampers economic development in these countries. We seek to explain why and develop an argument and model based on Knight's theory, which we augment in two ways. First, by describing problems embedded in financial institutions of developing economies, for which we use the Schumpeterian view that creative destruction requires new credit to fund entrepreneurial disruption and de Soto's finding that undocumented assets possessed by entrepreneurs in developing economies cannot be leveraged as collateral to access finance. Second, we use Williamson's hierarchical institutional model to distinguish vertical interactions. The model is illustrated using the case of Uganda, a developing country in Eastern Africa. Our analysis finds that Uganda suffers from intertwined and misaligned formal and informal institutions, limited extent of codified property, and sparse access to finance. The findings prompt policymakers in developing economies to consider problems with and within financial institutions.
A compact dual-band D-CRLH-based antenna with self-isolation functionality
Authors: Abdalla Mahmoud A. , El Atrash Mohamed , Abdel Aziz Ahmed A. , Abdelnaser Mohamed I.
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a compact dual-band filtering antenna without extra employing of filter structures. The antenna is designed using a planar dual-composite right/left-handed (D-CRLH) transmission line unit cell, where the filtering function is achieved through current cancellation between the D-CRLH resonators. The antenna is designed to function at 3.0 and 5.1 GHz, which can serve different WLAN applications. The antenna is a co-planar waveguide fed with a very compact size of only 30 × 16 mm2. Compared to the conventional patch antenna, the antenna size is only 17% at 3.0 GHz and 31% at 5.1 GHz. Despite the small size, the antenna preserves a good omni-directional radiation pattern at the two resonant frequencies with a measured realized gain of 2 and 2.7 dB, respectively. At the stopband in-between the two resonant bands, the reflection coefficient is almost 0 dB at 4.25 GHz and complete non-radiation is proved with a −11 dB measured realized gain. The different antenna filtering functions are verified by full-wave simulation and measurements.
Wavelet‐Based Characterization of Very‐Long‐Period Seismicity Reveals Temporal Evolution of Shallow Magma System Over the 2008–2018 Eruption of Kīlauea Volcano
Authors: Crozier Josh , Karlstrom Leif
Published: May 2021

Very‐long‐period (VLP) volcano seismicity often encodes subsurface magma movement, and thus provides insight into subsurface magma transport processes. We develop a fully automated signal processing workflow using wavelet transforms to detect and assess period, decay rate, and ground motions of resonant VLP signals. We then generate a VLP catalog over the 2008–2018 open‐vent summit eruption of Kīlauea Volcano containing thousands of events. Two types of magma resonance dominate our catalog: vertical sloshing of the open magma column in and out of the shallow magma reservoir, and lateral sloshing of magma in the lava lake. These events were triggered mainly from the surface and less commonly from depth. The VLP catalog is then combined with other geophysical datasets to characterize evolution of the shallow magma system. VLP ground motion patterns show both abrupt and gradual changes in shallow magma reservoir geometry. Variation in resonant periods and decay rates of both resonance types occurred on timescales from hours to years, indicating variation in magma density and viscosity that likely reflect unsteady shallow outgassing and convection. A lack of correlation between decay rates of the two dominant resonant modes suggests a decoupling between magma in the conduit and lava lake. Known intrusions and rift zone eruptions often represented change points for resonance characteristics and their relations with other datasets. This data synthesis over a 10‐year eruptive episode at Klauea Volcano demonstrates how VLP seismicity can sharpen insights into magma system evolution for use in monitoring and understanding eruptive processes.
Future Climate Change Hotspots Under Different 21st Century Warming Scenarios
Authors: Fan Xuewei , Miao Chiyuan , Duan Qingyun , Shen Chenwei , Wu Yi
Published: May 2021

Identifying climate change hotspot regions is critical for planning effective mitigation and adaptation activities. We use standard Euclidean distance (SED) to calculate integrated changes in precipitation and temperature means, interannual variability, and extremes between different future warming levels and a baseline period (1995–2014) using the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) climate model ensemble. We find consistent hotspots in the Amazon, central and western Africa, Indonesia and the Tibetan Plateau at warming levels of 1.5°C, 2°C, and 3°C for all scenarios explored; the Arctic, Central America and southern Africa emerge as hotspots at 4°C warming and at the end of the 21st century under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways scenarios, SSP3‐7.0 and SSP5‐8.5. CMIP6 models show higher SED values than CMIP5, suggesting stronger aggregated effects of climate change under the new scenarios. Hotspot time of emergence (TOE) is further investigated; TOE is defined as the year when the climate change signal first exceeds the noise of natural variability in 21st century projections. The results indicate that TOEs for warming would occur over all primary hotspots, with the earliest occurring in the Arctic and Indonesia. For precipitation, TOEs occur before 2100 in the Arctic, the Tibetan Plateau and Central America. Results using a geographical detector model show that patterns of SED are shaped by extreme hot and dry occurrences at low‐to‐medium warming, while precipitation and temperature means and extreme precipitation occurrences are the dominant influences under the high emission scenario and at high warming levels.
Substantial Changes of Gaseous Pollutants and Health Effects During the COVID‐19 Lockdown Period Across China
Authors: Ling Chaohao , Li Yongfei
Published: May 2021

The human movement and economic activities have been drastically reduced due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak, leading to the sharp decreases of pollutant emissions and remarkable air quality improvement. Nevertheless, however, the changes of gaseous pollutant concentrations and health effects across China during the COVID‐19 lockdown period remained poorly understood. Here, a random forest model was applied to assess the impact of COVID‐19 lockdown on pollutant concentrations and potential health effects. The results suggested that estimated NO2, SO2, and CO concentrations in China during January 23–March 31, 2020 decreased by 13.68%, 25.71%, and 7.42%, respectively compared with the same periods in 2018–2019. Nonetheless, the predicted 8‐h O3 concentrations across China suffered from 1.29% increases during this period. The avoided premature all‐cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), respiratory disease (RD), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mortalities induced by NO2 decrease during COVID‐19 lockdown period reached 3,954 (3,076–4,832), 635 (468–801), 612 (459–765), and 920 (653–1,186) cases. However, the increases of all‐cause, CVD, RD, and COPD mortalities due to O3 increase during COVID‐19 lockdown period achieved 462 (250–674), 79 (29–129), 40 (−25–105), and 52 (−34–138) cases. The natural experiment demonstrated the drastic emission reduction measures could significantly decrease the NO2, SO2, and CO concentrations, while they significantly elevated the O3 concentration. It is highly imperative to propose more coordinated air pollution control strategies to control O3 pollution.
Global Dust Variability Explained by Drought Sensitivity in CMIP6 Models
Authors: Aryal Yog N. , Evans Stuart
Published: May 2021

Both the atmospheric and land surface conditions affect the dust cycle in the climate system. In particular, the occurrence of drought can modulate the emission of dust on interannual time scales. Studies have shown, however, that models generally do not represent dust variability, and that there is a large intermodel spread in the simulation of dust. In this study, we compare the relationship between drought and dust in 19 Global Circulation Models participating in Phase Six of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project for historical (1950–2014) and future (2050–2100: SSP585) scenarios and MERRA‐2 reanalysis. The relationships between drought and dust (dust sensitivity to drought) are based on linear regression analysis. Our results show that MERRA‐2 reanalysis highly underestimates models' average dust emission. The Standardized Soil Moisture Index better explains the dust variability over most regions than the Standardized Precipitation Index, highlighting the importance of the condition of the land surface. Across models, the strength of the dust‐drought relationship explains much of the spread in interannual variability of dust emission over Southern Africa, Sahel, India, Australia, and North America, indicating models that capture this relationship generate greater variability. We also find that the correlation between models' dust‐drought relationship and mean emission is generally weaker compared to that with dust variability. In future scenarios, the intermodel spread in the projected changes in the dust variability is correlated to the intermodel spread in the projected changes in the models' dust sensitivity to drought in Australia, India, Middle East, South America, and Southern Africa.
2′-Hydroxycinnamaldehyde ameliorates imiquimod-induced psoriasiform inflammation by targeting PKM2-STAT3 signaling in mice
Authors: Hao Lihua , Mao Yuancheng , Park Jin , Kwon Byoung-Mog , Bae Eun Ju , Park Byung-Hyun
Published: May 2021

2′-Hydroxycinnamaldehyde (HCA), the active component isolated from the stem bark of Cinnamomum cassia, exerts anticancer effects through multiple mechanisms. We recently determined that HCA inhibits signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling in prostate cancer cells. Because STAT3 overactivation has been closely associated with the development of psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin disease, we examined whether HCA ameliorates skin lesions in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model. The results showed that intraperitoneal administration of HCA alleviated imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis, epidermal thickening, dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells, and proinflammatory cytokine production. Mechanistically, HCA inhibited pyruvate kinase isozyme M2 and STAT3 signaling, leading to the suppression of T cell activation, Th17 cell differentiation, and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. These results suggest that HCA may be a new treatment for psoriasis and other STAT3-mediated skin disorders, such as infection, inflammation and carcinogenesis.