bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hostage economy: The impact of Rhodesia's unilateral declaration of independence on Zambia, 1965-79
Authors: Chongo Clarence
Published: January 2023

In November 1965, Rhodesia’s Prime Minister Ian Smith announced a Unilateral Declaration of Independence (UDI), prompting the United Nations and the British government to impose economic and financial sanctions on his government. In the context of regional politics of decolonisation, the Zambian government interpreted UDI as a moral affront to African freedom, independence, dignity as well as posing a grave danger to the country’s national security. They responded to the crisis by supporting international sanctions on Rhodesia and embarked on an exercise to extricate the economy from dependence on the illegal regime. This article traces part of these strategic initiatives employed by the Zambian government in response to UDI and illustrates how strict compliance to international sanctions along with economic disengagement severely strained the country’s economic stability. It argues that although UDI immeasurably compromised Zambia’s development efforts and brutally exposed the limitations and vulnerability of its economy, ultimately the government exploited the situation to its advantage by promoting the country’s development agenda through establishment of alternative transport routes, new sources of energy and electricity, and import substitution industries. Economic diversification became a major priority of government policy in the wake of UDI. The article utilises evidence from the Zambian archives to investigate the nature and extent of the challenges and opportunities UDI imposed on Zambia’s economy between 1965 and 1979. Until now, scholars have hardly interrogated this aspect.
Efecto del secado con combustión directa de Gas Licuado de Petróleo (GLP) sobre la composición química del grano de café
Authors: Quintero-Yepes Laura , Rodríguez-Valencia Nelson , Ortiz Aristóteles
Published: January 2023

En el proceso de secado mecánico del café se emplea un intercambiador de calor para calentar el aire sin contaminar el grano de café con los gases generados durante la combustión. Sin embargo, si se utiliza Gas Licuado de Petróleo (GLP) como combustible para reducir los costos del proceso, los secadores se instalan sin intercambiador de calor, asumiendo que la combustión del GLP es una combustión limpia. No obstante, se desconoce si los gases de combustión generados contaminan el café. Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, se evaluó el efecto del secado con combustión directa del GLP en la composición química del grano. Para ello se realizaron caracterizaciones cromatográficas al café sin pergamino, con el fin de determinar la presencia de Hidrocarburos Aromáticos Policíclicos (HAPs). Como testigo, se obtuvieron muestras de café provenientes del proceso de secado utilizando resistencias eléctricas para calentar el aire de secado. De acuerdo con los resultados, no se detectó la presencia de HAPs en la mayoría de las muestras caracterizadas. En las muestras donde se presentaron estos compuestos, los valores estuvieron entre 0,08 y 4,1 ?g kg-1, valores que están por debajo de los límites máximos establecidos en el Reglamento de la Unión Europea, en el cual se permiten contenidos entre 5 y 50 ?g kg-1, dependiendo del tipo de alimento. En cuanto al análisis sensorial, ninguna de las muestras presentó defectos en taza, alcanzándose valores de un café comercial en escala de la Asociación de Cafés Especiales (SCA) entre 80,09 y 82,69 puntos sobre 100. Por lo tanto, se concluye que los caficultores podrían hacer uso de secadores sin intercambiador de calor, utilizando como combustible el GLP, si se tienen en cuenta las condiciones de operación dadas por el fabricante y los flujos de aire y combustible apropiados.
The Effectiveness of Whatsapp Social Media Use As A Public Communication Means In Tune Village, Tobu District, Tts District
Authors: ANDAYANA Made N.D. , LAKE Primus , ADAM Catryn V. , OKTAVIANTO Aspri Budi , PENI Andreas A.
Published: January 2023

Tune Village, Tobu District, South Central Timor District has utilized the WhatsApp social media to communicate with the village community. The village government provides an opportunity for all communities to join as members with the aim that all public information can be disseminated quickly and accurately. This research is a descriptive research with a qualitative approach. The data in this study obtained through primary and secondary sources with a total of 39 informants. The data that has been collected by interview, observation and document search methods is then analyzed using the spiral data analysis technique proposed by Creswell (2016: 264-268). The research results found that; (1) The use of communication media through the Tune Information Whatsapp group is very helpful to the residents and the Tune Village Government in that information can be conveyed quickly and easily; (2) Access to the use of communication media through the Whatsapp Tune Information group is not maximized, because not all Tune Village residents have mobile devices; (3) Utilization of communication media through the Whatsapp Tune Information group is not limited as a medium of communication, but also as a medium of discussion for Tune Village residents; (4) Utilization of communication media through the Tune Information Whatsapp group can improve the welfare of Tune Village residents because residents get information about the use of social media and online shops as a medium for selling handicraft products and disseminating information about Tune Village to deserving audiences about the cultural festival being held in Tune Village.
TESS-Keck Survey. XIV. Two Giant Exoplanets from the Distant Giants Survey
Authors: Van Zandt Judah , Petigura Erik A. , MacDougall Mason , Gilbert Gregory J. , Lubin Jack , Barclay Thomas , Batalha Natalie M. , Crossfield Ian J. M. , Dressing Courtney , Fulton Benjamin , Howard Andrew W. , Huber Daniel , Isaacson Howard , Kane Stephen R. , Robertson Paul , Roy Arpita , Weiss Lauren M. , Behmard Aida , Beard Corey , Chontos Ashley , Dai Fei , Dalba Paul A. , Fetherolf Tara , Giacalone Steven , Henze Christopher E. , Hill Michelle L. , Hirsch Lea A. , Holcomb Rae , Howell Steve B. , Jenkins Jon M. , Latham David W. , Mayo Andrew , Mireles Ismael , Močnik Teo , Murphy Joseph M. Akana , Pidhorodetska Daria , Polanski Alex S. , Ricker George R. , Rosenthal Lee J. , Rubenzahl Ryan A. , Seager S. , Scarsdale Nicholas , Turtelboom Emma V. , Vanderspek Roland , Winn Joshua N.
Published: January 2023

We present the Distant Giants Survey, a three-year radial velocity campaign to measure P(DG∣CS), the conditional occurrence of distant giant planets (DG; M

p
∼ 0.3–13 M
J, P > 1 yr) in systems hosting a close-in small planet (CS; R

p
< 10 R
⊕). For the past two years, we have monitored 47 Sun-like stars hosting small transiting planets detected by TESS. We present the selection criteria used to assemble our sample and report the discovery of two distant giant planets, TOI-1669 b and TOI-1694 c. For TOI-1669 b we find that

M
sin
i
=
0.573
±
0.074

M

J

, P = 502 ± 16 days, and e < 0.27, while for TOI-1694 c,

M
sin
i
=
1.05
±
0.05

M

J

, P = 389.2 ± 3.9 days, and e = 0.18 ± 0.05. We also confirmed the 3.8 days transiting planet TOI-1694 b by measuring a true mass of M = 26.1 ± 2.2 M
⊕. At the end of the Distant Giants Survey, we will incorporate TOI-1669 b and TOI-1694 c into our calculation of P(DG∣CS), a crucial statistic for understanding the relationship between outer giants and small inner companions.
Speckle Space–Time Covariance in High-contrast Imaging
Authors: Lewis Briley , Fitzgerald Michael P. , Dodkins Rupert H. , Davis Kristina K. , Lin Jonathan
Published: January 2023

We introduce a new framework for point-spread function subtraction based on the spatiotemporal variation of speckle noise in high-contrast imaging data where the sampling timescale is faster than the speckle evolution timescale. One way that space–time covariance arises in the pupil is as atmospheric layers translate across the telescope aperture and create small, time-varying perturbations in the phase of the incoming wavefront. The propagation of this field to the focal plane preserves some of that space–time covariance. To utilize this covariance, our new approach uses a Karhunen–Loève transform on an image sequence, as opposed to a set of single reference images as in previous applications of Karhunen–Loève Image Processing (KLIP) for high-contrast imaging. With the recent development of photon-counting detectors, such as microwave kinetic inductance detectors, this technique now has the potential to improve contrast when used as a post-processing step. Preliminary testing on simulated data shows this technique can improve contrast by at least 10%–20% from the original image, with significant potential for further improvement. For certain choices of parameters, this algorithm may provide larger contrast gains than spatial-only KLIP.
The Three Regimes of Atmospheric Evaporation for Super-Earths and Sub-Neptunes
Authors: Modirrousta-Galian Darius , Korenaga Jun
Published: January 2023

A significant fraction of super-Earths and sub-Neptunes are thought to experience an extreme loss of volatiles because of atmospheric evaporation in the early stages of their life. Though the mechanisms behind the extreme mass loss are not fully understood, two contenders have been widely discussed: photoevaporation from X-ray and ultraviolet irradiation and core-powered mass loss. Here, it is shown that both mechanisms occur, but with different timescales, and that atmospheric loss can take place over three regimes. In the first regime, a planet has very high internal temperatures arising from its high-energy formation processes. These high temperatures give rise to a fully convecting atmosphere that efficiently loses mass without much internal cooling. The second regime applies to planets with lower internal temperatures, so a radiative region forms, but the photosphere still remains outside the Bondi radius. Hence, mass loss continues to depend only on the internal temperatures. Planets with the lowest internal temperatures are in the third regime, when the photosphere forms below the Bondi radius and mass is lost primarily because of X-ray and ultraviolet irradiation. This paper provides the first unifying framework for modeling atmospheric evaporation through the life span of a planet.
Probability Distribution Functions of Sunspot Magnetic Flux
Authors: Sakurai Takashi , Toriumi Shin
Published: January 2023

We investigated the probability distributions of sunspot area and magnetic flux by using data from the Royal Greenwich Observatory and USAF/NOAA. We constructed a sample of 2995 regions with maximum-development areas ≥500 MSH (millionths of solar hemisphere), covering 146.7 yr (1874–2020). The data were fitted by a power-law distribution and four two-parameter distributions (tapered-power-law, gamma, lognormal, and Weibull distributions). The power-law model was unfavorable compared to the four models in terms of AIC, and was not acceptable according to the classical Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. The lognormal and Weibull distributions were excluded because their behavior extended to smaller regions (S ≪ 500 MSH) do not connect to previously published results. Therefore, our choices were tapered-power-law and gamma distributions. The power-law portion of the tapered-power-law and gamma distributions was found to have a power exponent of 1.35–1.9. Due to the exponential falloff of these distributions, the expected frequencies of large sunspots are low. The largest sunspot group observed had an area of 6132 MSH, and the frequency of sunspots larger than 104 MSH was estimated to be every 3–8 × 104 yr. We also estimated the distributions of the Sun-as-a-star total sunspot areas. The largest total area covered by sunspots on record was 1.67% of the visible disk, and can be up to 2.7% by artificially increasing the lifetimes of large sunspots in an area evolution model. These values are still smaller than those found on active Sun-like stars.
An ∼600 pc View of the Strongly Lensed, Massive Main-sequence Galaxy J0901: A Baryon-dominated, Thick Turbulent Rotating Disk with a Clumpy Cold Gas Ring at z = 2.259
Authors: Liu Daizhong , Schreiber N. M. Förster , Genzel R. , Lutz D. , Price S. H. , Lee L. L. , Baker Andrew J. , Burkert A. , Coogan R. T. , Davies R. I. , Davies R. L. , Herrera-Camus R. , Kodama Tadayuki , Lee Minju M. , , Nestor A. , Pulsoni C. , Renzini A. , Sharon Chelsea E. , Shimizu T. T. , Tacconi L. J. , Tadaki Ken-ichi , Übler H.
Published: January 2023

We present a high-resolution kinematic study of the massive main-sequence star-forming galaxy (SFG) SDSS J090122.37+181432.3 (J0901) at z = 2.259, using ∼0.″36 Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array CO(3–2) and ∼0.″1–0.″5 SINFONI/VLT Hα observations. J0901 is a rare, strongly lensed but otherwise normal massive (

log
(

M

⋆

/

M

⊙

)
∼
11

) main-sequence SFG, offering a unique opportunity to study a typical massive SFG under the microscope of lensing. Through forward dynamical modeling incorporating lensing deflection, we fit the CO and Hα kinematics in the image plane out to about one disk effective radius (R
e ∼ 4 kpc) at an ∼600 pc delensed physical resolution along the kinematic major axis. Our results show high intrinsic dispersions of the cold molecular and warm ionized gas (σ
0,mol. ∼ 40 km s−1 and σ
0,ion. ∼ 66 km s−1) that remain constant out to R
e; a moderately low dark matter fraction (f
DM ∼ 0.3–0.4) within R
e; and a centrally peaked Toomre Q parameter—agreeing well with the previously established σ
0 versus z, f
DM versus Σbaryon, and Q's radial trends using large-sample non-lensed main-sequence SFGs. Our data further reveal a high stellar mass concentration within ∼1–2 kpc with little molecular gas, and a clumpy molecular gas ring-like structure at R ∼ 2–4 kpc, in line with the inside-out quenching scenario. Our further analysis indicates that J0901 had assembled half of its stellar mass only ∼400 Myr before its observed cosmic time, and the cold gas ring and dense central stellar component are consistent with signposts of a recent wet compaction event of a highly turbulent disk found in recent simulations.
Generative Models of Multichannel Data from a Single Example—Application to Dust Emission
Authors: Régaldo-Saint Blancard Bruno , Allys Erwan , Auclair Constant , Boulanger François , Eickenberg Michael , Levrier François , Vacher Léo , Zhang Sixin
Published: January 2023

The quest for primordial B-modes in the cosmic microwave background has emphasized the need for refined models of the Galactic dust foreground. Here we aim at building a realistic statistical model of the multifrequency dust emission from a single example. We introduce a generic methodology relying on microcanonical gradient descent models conditioned by an extended family of wavelet phase harmonic (WPH) statistics. To tackle the multichannel aspect of the data, we define cross-WPH statistics, quantifying non-Gaussian correlations between maps. Our data-driven methodology could apply to various contexts, and we have updated the software PyWPH, on which this work relies, accordingly. Applying this to dust emission maps built from a magnetohydrodynamics simulation, we construct and assess two generative models: (1) a (I, E, B) multi-observable input, and (2) a

{

I

ν

}

ν

multifrequency input. The samples exhibit consistent features compared to the original maps. A statistical analysis of model 1 shows that the power spectra, distributions of pixels, and Minkowski functionals are captured to a good extent. We analyze model 2 by fitting the spectral energy distribution (SED) of both the synthetic and original maps with a modified blackbody (MBB) law. The maps are equally well fitted, and a comparison of the MBB parameters shows that our model succeeds in capturing the spatial variations of the SED from the data. Besides the perspectives of this work for dust emission modeling, the introduction of cross-WPH statistics opens a new avenue to characterize non-Gaussian interactions across different maps, which we believe will be fruitful for astrophysics.
Statistical Study of the Star Formation Efficiency in Bars: Is Star Formation Suppressed in Gas-rich Bars?
Authors: Maeda Fumiya , Egusa Fumi , Ohta Kouji , Fujimoto Yusuke , Habe Asao
Published: January 2023

The dependence of the star formation efficiency (SFE) on galactic structures—especially whether the SFE in the bar region is lower than those in other regions—has recently been debated. We report the SFEs of 18 nearby gas-rich massive star-forming barred galaxies with large apparent bar major axes (≧75″). We statistically measure the SFE by distinguishing the center, the bar end, and the bar regions for the first time. The molecular gas surface density is derived from archival CO(1–0) and/or CO(2–1) data by assuming a constant CO-to-H2 conversion factor (α
CO), and the star formation rate surface density is derived from a linear combination of far-UV and mid-IR intensities. The angular resolution is 15″, which corresponds to 0.3–1.8 kpc. We find that the ratio of the SFE in the bar to that in the disk was systematically lower than unity (typically 0.6–0.8), which means that the star formation in the bar is systematically suppressed. Our results are inconsistent with similar recent statistical studies, which have reported that the SFE tends to be independent of galactic structures. This inconsistency can be attributed to the differences in the definitions of the bar region, the spatial resolutions, the α
CO, and the sample galaxies. Furthermore, we find a negative correlation between the SFE and the velocity width of the CO spectrum, which is consistent with the idea that the large dynamical effects—such as strong shocks, large shears, and fast cloud–cloud collisions caused by the noncircular motion of the bar—result in a low SFE.
Estimating Molecular Gas Content in Galaxies from Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Emission
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Ho Luis C.
Published: January 2023

Emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a commonly used indicator of star formation activity in galaxies, also has the potential to serve as an effective empirical tracer of molecular gas. We use a sample of 19 nearby galaxies with spatially resolved mid-infrared Spitzer spectroscopy, multiwavelength optical and mid-infrared imaging, and millimeter interferometric CO(1–0) maps to investigate the feasibility of using PAH emission as an empirical proxy to estimate molecular gas mass. PAH emission correlates strongly with CO emission on subkiloparsec scales over the diverse environments probed by our sample of star-forming galaxies and low-luminosity active galactic nuclei. The tight observed correlation, likely a consequence of photoelectronic heating of the diffuse interstellar gas by the PAHs, permits us to derive an empirical calibration to estimate molecular gas mass from the luminosity of PAH emission that has a total scatter of only ∼0.2–0.25 dex. Mid-infrared bands sensitive to PAH emission (e.g., the Spitzer/IRAC4 and WISE/W3 filters) can also be used as a highly effective substitute for this purpose.
Strongly Depleted Methanol and Hypervolatiles in Comet C/2021 A1 (Leonard): Signatures of Interstellar Chemistry?
Authors: Faggi Sara , Lippi Manuela , Mumma Michael J. , Villanueva Geronimo L.
Published: January 2023

We measured the chemical composition of comet C/2021 A1 (Leonard) using the long-slit echelle grating spectrograph iSHELL/IRTF on 2021 December 20 and on 2022 January 8 and 9. We sampled 11 primary volatiles (H2O, HCN, NH3, CO, C2H2, C2H6, CH4, CH3OH, H2CO, OCS, and HCl) and three product species (CN, NH2, and OH) and retrieved their molecular abundances, which can serve as important cosmogonic indicators. The abundance ratios, relative to water, of almost all trace volatiles appear to be depleted relative to reference values, with methanol abundance among the lowest observed in a comet. The observed stronger depletion of CH3OH, relative to CO, CH4, and C2H6, could be evidence of an interstellar medium (ISM) chemistry signature in comet/Leonard ices. Both the detection of HCl and the detection of OCS support the idea of interstellar origin for comet/Leonard ices, since they are preferentially formed via solid-phase interstellar chemistry and are then found depleted in dense molecular clouds and protoplanetary disks, suggesting that their abundances in comets might retain a signature from the ISM era. The comet also revealed a complex outgassing pattern, with volatiles largely shifted toward the sunward direction, relative to the dust profiles that appeared centered on the nucleus-centric position. Here we present emission profiles measured along the Sun–comet line for brightest lines of H2O, HCN, C2H6, and CO, and we show that they follow the release of water in similar fashion, interpreting this as indication of a not strict relationship between polar and apolar ices.
Exploring and Validating Exoplanet Atmospheric Retrievals with Solar System Analog Observations
Authors: Robinson Tyler D. , Salvador Arnaud
Published: January 2023

Solar system observations that serve as analogs for exoplanet remote sensing data can provide important opportunities to validate ideas and models related to exoplanet environments. Critically, and unlike true exoplanet observations, solar system analog data benefit from available high-quality ground- or orbiter-derived “truth” constraints that enable strong validations of exoplanet data interpretation tools. In this work, we first present a versatile atmospheric retrieval suite, capable of application to reflected light, thermal emission, and transmission observations spanning a broad range of wavelengths and thermochemical conditions. The tool—dubbed rfast—is designed, in part, to enable exoplanet mission concept feasibility studies. Following model validation, the retrieval tool is applied to a range of solar system analog observations for exoplanet environments. Retrieval studies using Earth reflected light observations from NASA’s EPOXI mission provide a key proof of concept for exo-Earth direct imaging concept missions under development. Inverse modeling applied to an infrared spectrum of Earth from the Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer achieves good constraints on atmospheric gases, including many biosignature gases. Finally, retrieval analysis applied to a transit spectrum of Titan derived from the Cassini Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer provides a proof of concept for interpreting more feature-rich transiting exoplanet observations from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope. In the future, solar system analog observations for exoplanets could be used to verify exoplanet models and parameterizations, and future exoplanet analog observations of any solar system worlds from planetary science missions should be encouraged.
A new stream treefrog of the genus Hyloscirtus (Amphibia, Hylidae) from the Río Negro-Sopladora National Park, Ecuador
Authors: Sánchez-Nivicela Juan C. , Falcón-Reibán José M. , Cisneros-Heredia Diego F.
Published: January 2023

Recent surveys in the Río Negro-Sopladora National Park revealed a striking new species of Hyloscirtus. The new species is easily diagnosed from all other congeners by its large body size (64.9 mm SVL in adult female); broad dermal fringes in fingers and toes; prepollex not projected into a prepollical spine and hidden under thenar tubercle; dorsum greyish-green, with paler-hued reticulum, yellow spots and black speckles; throat, venter, flanks and hidden surfaces of limbs golden-yellow with large black blotches and spots; fingers, toes and webbing yellow with black bars and spots; iris pale pink with black periphery. It is currently known only from its type locality, in the high montane forest on the southern slopes of the Cordillera Oriental of the Andes, southeastern Ecuador. The new species might be related to the H. larinopygion species group based on its morphology.
A new species of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus group (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from the uplands of western Thailand
Authors: Grismer L. Lee , Rujirawan Attapol , Chomdej Siriwadee , Suwannapoom Chatmongkon , Yodthong Siriporn , Aksornneam Akrachai , Aowphol Anchalee
Published: January 2023

An integrative systematic analysis recovered a new species of the Cyrtodactylus brevipalmatus group from the uplands of Thong Pha Phum National Park, Kanchanaburi Province in western Thailand. Cyrtodactylus thongphaphumensissp. nov. is deeply embedded within the brevipalmatus group, bearing an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 7.6–22.3% from all other species based on a 1,386 base pair segment of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene (ND2) and adjacent tRNAs. It is diagnosable from all other species in the brevipalmatus group by statistically significant mean differences in meristic and normalized morphometric characters as well as differences in categorical morphology. A multiple factor analysis recovered its unique and non-overlapping placement in morphospace as statistically significantly different from that of all other species in the brevipalmatus group. The description of this new species contributes to a growing body of literature underscoring the high degree of herpetological diversity and endemism across the sky-island archipelagos of upland montane tropical forest habitats in Thailand, which like all other upland tropical landscapes, are becoming some of the most imperiled ecosystems on the planet.
Les anciennes et les nouvelles manipulations génétiques de nos plantes et animaux domestiques
Authors: Neuhaus Jean-Marc
Published: January 2023

Dès l’invention de l’agriculture les humains ont manipulé génétiquement d’autres organismes en modifiant l’évolution par une sélection artificielle. Des méthodes de sélection plus strictes et une meilleure compréhension de la génétique et de l’évolution ont intensifié ces manipulations génétiques dès la fin du xix e  siècle. Durant le xx e  siècle des méthodes de mutagénèse chimiques et physiques ont augmenté la base génétique de la sélection. Les techniques de transgénèse permettent d’introduire des traits nouveaux dans des variétés cultivées et des animaux domestiques. Les nouvelles techniques du xxi e  siècle sont plus ciblées et précises, sont bien mieux comprises et leurs effets peuvent être bien mieux vérifiés.
Aspects éthiques et juridiques des plantes invasives
Authors: Bourgeois-Gironde Sacha , Hiernaux Quentin , Casati Roberto
Published: January 2023

Dans cet article, nous présentons d’abord le champ théorique de l’éthique du végétal qui s’est surtout développé depuis une trentaine d’années. Nous étudions ensuite le cas des plantes invasives et les critères utilisés pour les définir dans la communauté scientifique. Nous nous demandons ensuite quelles sont les mesures légales qui s’appliquent à ces plantes et quel est leur histoire. Enfin, nous nous demandons si la façon dont les plantes invasives sont traitées du point de vue de la biologie de la conservation et du point de vue légal qui en découle est compatible avec le concept de dignité de la créature. L’hypothèse de travail de cet article est que le concept d’espèce invasive est trop large. Ceci peut conduire à une forme d’éthique et de justice expéditive. Nous défendons en conséquence que les plantes invasives devraient bénéficier d’un juste procès pour que leur dignité soit respectée.
L’ordonnance du 14 septembre 1822 : une influence des comptabilités commerciales sur la comptabilité de l’État ?
Authors: Labardin Pierre
Published: January 2023

Une littérature historique, juridique ou gestionnaire a interrogé l’introduction de la partie double par l’ordonnance du 14 septembre 1822 en y voyant une influence des comptabilités marchandes d’Ancien Régime. Ce texte propose de préciser une telle influence en discutant les modes de circulation et propose de comparer l’ordonnance de 1822 au code de commerce de 1807. Ce travail permet de conclure à une hybridation plus complexe entre comptabilité marchande et de l’État qu’il n’y paraît initialement.
Permutation‐based tests for discontinuities in event studies
Authors: Bugni Federico A. , Li Jia , Li Qiyuan
Published: January 2023

We propose using a permutation test to detect discontinuities in an underlying economic model at a known cutoff point. Relative to the existing literature, we show that this test is well suited for event studies based on time‐series data. The test statistic measures the distance between the empirical distribution functions of observed data in two local subsamples on the two sides of the cutoff. Critical values are computed via a standard permutation algorithm. Under a high‐level condition that the observed data can be coupled by a collection of conditionally independent variables, we establish the asymptotic validity of the permutation test, allowing the sizes of the local subsamples to be either be fixed or grow to infinity. In the latter case, we also establish that the permutation test is consistent. We demonstrate that our high‐level condition can be verified in a broad range of problems in the infill asymptotic time‐series setting, which justifies using the permutation test to detect jumps in economic variables such as volatility, trading activity, and liquidity. These potential applications are illustrated in an empirical case study for selected FOMC announcements during the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic.
The demographic consequences of sex‐selection technology
Authors: Li Qi , Pantano Juan
Published: January 2023

Over the last several years, highly accurate methods of sex selection before conception have been developed. Given that strong preferences for sex variety in offspring have been documented for the U.S., we ask what the demographic consequences of sex‐selection technology could be. Lacking variation across space and time in access to this technology, we estimate a dynamic programming model of fertility decisions with microdata on fertility histories. We leverage the quasi‐experimental variation inherent in the random determination of sex to identify the key structural parameter characterizing preferences for sex variety in offspring. We then simulate the introduction of this technology. While this technology can reduce fertility by allowing parents to efficiently reach their preferred sex mix, it could also increase it. This is because without this technology, many parents may opt not to have another baby given the uncertainty about its sex. Results suggest that these two effects operate simultaneously, but on net, sex‐selection technology ends up reducing the average family size among married women by less than 2% in the steady state, a much smaller decline than the one that would be predicted by alternative methods.
Assessing the Sustainability Performance of Social Practices in Manufacturing Supply Chains
Authors: Gunasekara K. R. H. L. , Yapa S. T. W. S. , Shantha A. Aruna
Published: January 2023

Sustainability encompasses three dimensions, i.e., economic, environmental, and social, which are commonly termed as Triple Bottom Line. Since most businesses are profit-oriented, economic sustainability is identified as the widely considered dimension of sustainability in prior literature. The present study investigates to what extent manufacturing companies are using social practices and assesses sustainability performance referring to social sustainability practices followed by manufacturing companies. To address this issue via a quantitative approach, data were collected using a questionnaire survey from 88 apparel manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka, and a PLS structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Findings indicate that both internal and external social sustainability practices positively impact all sustainable performance, i.e., economic, environmental, and social.
Editorial Note Vol.2(2)
Authors: Aslam M. S. M.
Published: January 2023

No abstract available
A Case of Dapsone-induced DRESS syndrome and concomitant thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Nasim Fathima Nujha , Kobbegala K. G. V. Jayendra , Bowattage Sunil , Kularathna W. K. Sarath
Published: January 2023

No abstract available
Acetyl-L-carnitine for the prevention of taxane-induced neuropathy in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Momenzadeh Mahnaz , Aria Amir , Ghadimi Keyvan , Moghaddas Azadeh
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose:

Peripheral neuropathy is one of the most prevalent and undesirable side effects of taxane-containing chemotherapy regimens. This study aimed to investigate the effect of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) on the prevention of taxane-induced neuropathy (TIN).

Experimental approach:

MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and Google scholar were systemically applied as electronic databases from 2010 to 2019. The current systematic review was carried out based on the main considerations of PRISMA preferential reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses. Since there was no significant discrepancy, the random-effect model was used for 12-24 weeks’ analysis (I2 = 0%, P = 0.999).

Findings/Results:

Twelve related titles and abstracts were found during the search, 6 of them were excluded in the first phase. In the second phase, the full text of the remaining 6 articles was comprehensively evaluated and 3 papers were rejected. Finally, 3 articles complied with the inclusion criteria and pooled analyses. The meta-analysis showed a risk ratio of 0.796 (95% CI between 0.486 and 1.303), so, the effects model was used for 12-24 weeks’ analysis (I2 = 0%, P = 0.999) since no significant discrepancies were observed. There was no evidence of ALC’s positive effect on the prevention of TIN during 12 weeks, and it was revealed that ALC significantly increased TIN in 24 weeks.

Conclusion and implications:

According to our findings, the hypothesis that ALC had a positive effect on preventing TIN in 12 weeks has not been proved; however, ALC led to an increase in the TIN in 24 weeks.
Enhanced in vivo anti-tumor efficacy of whole tumor lysate in combination with whole tumor cell-specific polyclonal antibody
Authors: Rahimmanesh Ilnaz , Esmaili Yasaman , Ghafouri Elham , Hejazi Seyed Hossein , Khanahmad Hossein
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose:

Despite the widespread utilization of cancer vaccines with specified antigens, the use of whole tumor cell lysates in tumor immunotherapy would be a very promising approach that can overcome several significant obstacles in vaccine production. Whole tumor cells provide a broad source of tumor-associated antigens and can activate cytotoxic T lymphocytes and CD4+ T helper cells concurrently. On the other hand, as an effective immunotherapy strategy, recent investigations have shown that the multi-targeting of tumor cells with polyclonal antibodies, which are also more effective than monoclonal antibodies at mediating effector functions for target elimination, might minimize the escape variants.

Experimental approach:

We prepared polyclonal antibodies by immunizing rabbits with the highly invasive 4T1 breast cancer cell line.

Findings/Results:

In vitro investigation indicated that the immunized rabbit serum inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in target tumor cells. Moreover, in vivo analysis showed enhanced anti-tumor efficacy of whole tumor cell lysate in combination with tumor cell-immunized serum. This combination therapy proved beneficial in significant inhibition of the tumor growth and the established tumor was entirely eradicated in treated mice.

Conclusion and implications:

Serial intravenous injections of tumor cell immunized rabbit serum significantly inhibited tumor cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo in combination with whole tumor lysate. This platform could be a promising method for developing clinical-grade vaccines and open up the possibility of addressing the effectiveness and safety of cancer vaccines.
N-Acetylcysteine attenuated pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin via immunomodulation responses
Authors: Maghsadi Zahra , Azadmehr Abbas , Moghadamnia Ali Akbar , Feizi Farideh , Hamidi Negar
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose:

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and life-threatening interstitial lung disease. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant pharmaceutically available to reduce endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis, however, the therapeutic effect of NAC on PF has not been clearly identified. This research aimed to investigate the possible therapeutic impact of NAC on PF induced by bleomycin in the rat model.

Experimental approach:

Rats received intraperitoneal injections of NAC at 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg for 28 days before bleomycin, while the positive and negative control groups were treated with bleomycin alone and normal saline, respectively. Then, rats’ lung tissues were isolated and leukocyte infiltration and also collagen deposition were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin and Mallory trichrome stainings, respectively. In addition, the levels of IL-17, and TGF-β cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and hydroxyproline in homogenized lung tissues were assayed using the ELISA method.

Findings/Results:

Histological findings indicated that NAC decreased leukocyte infiltration, collagen deposition, and fibrosis score in the bleomycin-induced PF tissue. Moreover, NAC significantly reduced TGF-β and hydroxyproline levels at 300-600 mg/kg, as well as IL-17 cytokine at 600 mg/kg.

Conclusion and implications:

NAC showed a potential anti-fibrotic effect by reducing hydroxyproline and TGF-β as well as an anti-inflammatory effect by decreasing IL-17 cytokine. So, it may be administered as a prophylactic or therapeutic candidate agent to attenuate PFviaimmunomodulatory effects. Although, future studies are suggested.
Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis of type-2 diabetes screening in pharmacies in Iran
Authors: Amirsadri Mohammadreza , Torkpour Elahe
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose:

Several studies have shown the effectiveness of screening programs in decreasing the costs and disutility of type-2 diabetes and related complications. As there is a growth in the incidence of type-2 diabetes amongst the Iranian population, the cost-effectiveness of performing type-2 diabetes screening tests in community pharmacies of Iran was evaluated in this study from the payer’s perspective. The target population consisted of two hypothetical cohorts of 1000 people 40 years of age without a prior diagnosis of diabetes, for the intervention (screening test) and no-screening groups.

Experimental approach:

A Markov model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of a type-2 diabetes screening test in community pharmacies in Iran. A 30-year time horizon was considered in the model. Three screening programs with 5-year intervals were considered for the intervention group. The evaluated outcomes were quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for cost-utility-analysis and life-years-gained (LYG) for cost-effectiveness-analysis. To examine the robustness of the results, one-way and probabilistic-sensitivity analyses were applied to the model.

Findings/Results:

The screening test represented both more effects and higher costs. The incremental effects in the base-case scenario (no-discounting) were estimated to be 0.017 and 0.0004 (approximately 0) for QALYs and LYG, respectively. The incremental cost was estimated to be 2.87 USD/patient. The estimated incremental-cost-effectiveness ratio was 164.77 USD/QALY.

Conclusion and implications:

This study indicated that screening for type-2 diabetes in community pharmacies of Iran could be considered highly cost-effective, as it meets the WHO criteria of the annual GDP per capita ($2757 in 2020).
Effects of oleic acid and/or exercise on diet-induced thermogenesis and obesity in rats
Authors: Salama Abeer , Amin Mohamed M. , Hassan Azza
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose:

Obesity is a public health problem and the existence of beige adipocytes has got interested as a potential therapeutic involvement for obesity and obesity-associated diseases. Adipose tissue M1 macrophage inhibition, also, has a vital role in obesity via down-regulating adipose tissue inflammation and the use of natural compounds such as oleic acid with exercise has been proposed. The present study aimed to evaluate the possible effects of oleic acid and exercise on diet-induced thermogenesis and obesity in rats.

Experimental approach:

Wister albino rats were categorized into six groups. Group I: normal control, group II: oleic acid group (9.8 mg/kg; orally), group III: high-fat diet (HFD), group IV: HFD plus oleic acid, group V: HFD plus exercise training, group VI: HFD plus exercise training and oleic acid.

Findings/Results:

Oleic acid administration and/or exercise significantly decreased body weight, TG, and cholesterol, as well as elevated HDL levels. Furthermore, oleic acid administration and/or exercise reduced serum MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, elevated the levels of GSH and irisin, increased the expression of UCP1, CD137, and CD206, and reduced CD11c expression.

Conclusion and implications:

Oleic acid supplementation and/or exercise could be used as therapeutic agents for treating obesity via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, stimulation of beige adipocyte differentiation, and macrophage M1 inhibition.
Are there Neuropsychological Predictors for Response and Nonresponse in First-Episode Drug Naïve Patients with OCD? A 12 Weeks Interventional Study
Authors: Brar Jasmine , Sidana Ajeet , Chauhan Nidhi , Bajaj Manoj Kumar , Jaswal Sumeesha
Published: January 2023

Background:

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic debilitating disorder. A detailed neuropsychological assessment at baseline might help us to identify the various neuropsychological predictors for response and nonresponse.

Aim:

The identification of neuropsychological predictors for response and nonresponse in patients with OCD.

Materials and Methods:

Patients with a diagnosis of OCD (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th edition), first episode, and treatment naïve were evaluated for neuropsychological functioning with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Neuropsychological Battery-2004, and the severity of OCD on the Yale-Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). After baseline assessment, patients received either sertraline or fluvoxamine at a maximum tolerable therapeutic dose and were reassessed after 12 weeks for a response.

Results:

A total of 50 patients (25 in sertraline and 25 in the fluvoxamine group) were included in the 12 weeks study. The majority of the patients had adequate baseline neuropsychological functioning except for inadequacy in the category and verbal fluency, and the mean baseline total Y-BOCS score was 23.48 (standard deviation = 6.29). Out of 50 patients, 36 (72%) patients showed a response to the treatment. The correlation analysis showed that except for the N-1 hits variable, in the Verbal N Back test for working memory, which correlated significantly with a reduction in YBOCS score across 12 weeks, none of the other neuropsychological domain scores were correlated with the outcome.

Conclusion:

The index study concludes that working memory is significantly correlated with the response at 12 weeks. However, there are no other neuropsychological predictors for response and nonresponse in patients with OCD.
Recent advances in critical care: Part II
Authors: Gopal Palepu B. , Sivapurapu Vijayalakshmi , Nag Deb Sanjay , Bhatia Nidhi , Tandon Ruchi , Bhavar Tushar
Published: January 2023

With the increasing number of critically ill patients being admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), newer techniques and treatment modalities continue to evolve for their adequate management. Thus, it has become imperative to understand existing tools and resources, and utilise or repurpose them to achieve better results that can decrease morbidity and mortality. In this writeup, we chose five areas of interest, including analgosedation, role of colloids, recent advancements in the management of respiratory failure, the role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and newer antimicrobials. The role of analgosedation in the critically ill has gained importance with focus on post-ICU syndromes, and albumin has re-entered the fray as a possible repairer of the injured glycocalyx. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic forced us to relook at various ventilator strategies and mechanical support for the failing circulation has now become more common with clear end-points. Rising microbial antibiotic resistance has opened up the research on newer antibiotics.
Recent advances in perioperative blood management
Authors: Krishna Handattu M. , Prasad Mukesh Kumar , Mitragotri Milon V. , Bipin G. I , Gupta Divya , Sharma Ridhima
Published: January 2023

Transfusion of blood and blood products has many adverse effects and should be done only if patient benefits outweigh the associated risks. Current understanding of blood transfusion has improved dramatically, revolutionising the care of surgical, trauma, obstetric and critically ill patients. Most guidelines advise a restrictive approach for stable patients with non-haemorrhagic anaemia for red blood cell transfusion. The rationale for red blood cell transfusion has historically been to improve oxygen transport capacity and consumption-related parameters in anaemic patients. Current understanding casts serious doubts about the true potential of red blood cell transfusions to improve these factors. There may not be any benefit from blood transfusion beyond a haemoglobin threshold of 7 g/dL. In fact, liberal transfusion may be associated with higher complications. Guideline-based transfusion policy should be adopted for the administration of all blood products including fresh frozen plasma, platelet concentrates and cryoprecipitate etc. This should be integrated with clinical judgement.
Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Hypertensive Disorders during Pregnancy
Authors: Kole Uma , Raddi Sudha , Dalal Anita
Published: January 2023

Context:

Pregnancy is a physiological phenomenon, and each pregnancy is unique and valuable in its own way. Hypertensive diseases during pregnancy begin throughout pregnancy and disappear entirely after birth. Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP), including pregnancy-induced hypertension (HTN), chronic HTN (CHTN), (superimposed) preeclampsia, and eclampsia, are responsible for increased perinatal morbidity and mortality.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and perinatal effects in women with hypertensive disease during pregnancy.

Setting and Design: Hospital based cross section study was conducted on pregnant women.

Methods and Materials: A

hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out from September 2019 to August 2021 on women whose pregnancies were complicated by HTN disorders. Mothers of the baby suffering from systemic diseases were excluded from the study.

Statistical analysis used: Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was conducted.

Results:

In the present study results the prevalence of gestational HTN at 8.49%, preeclampsia at 18.10%, severe preeclampsia at 8.75%, and CHTN was 2.28%. It was shown that the prevalence of hypertensive disease is 38%. A significant difference was found between the maternal age group of mothers suffering from HTN disorders during pregnancy with mean gestational age in weeks F = 124.6477, P = 0.0001 at a 5% level. Furthermore, a significant statistical difference was observed with different maternal age groups having different mean Apgar scores at 1 min with F = 81.0233, P = 0.0001.

Conclusion:

Prenatal HTN is one of the leading causes of maternal and neonatal death. Despite having all of the resources and several government programs in both urban and rural areas, many women suffer from HDP in both locations (rural and urban). Hence, management, as well as awareness among pregnant women regarding hypertensive diseases in pregnancy, is required.