bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Solomonic Solution to Blockchain Front-Running
Authors: Gans Joshua S. , Holden Richard
Published: May 2023

Blockchain front-running involves multiple agents, other than the legitimate agent, claiming a payment from performing a contract. It arises because of the public nature of blockchain transactions and potential network congestion. This paper notes that disputes over payments are similar to classic ownership disputes (such as King Solomon's dilemma). We propose a simultaneous report mechanism that eliminates blockchain front-running. In each case, the mechanism relies on threats to remove ownership from all claimants and preferences from the legitimate claimant over allocations to other agents.
Four Mistakes in the Use of Measures of Expected Inflation
Authors: Reis Ricardo
Published: May 2023

With the profusion of measures of expected inflation (from market prices and from surveys of households, firms, and professionals), it is a mistake to focus on a single one while ignoring the others. This paper discusses four common arguments for a single focus and finds each of them to be lacking. In the process, it isolates characteristics of different measures that models that combine them should take into account.
Perceived and Expected Rates of Inflation of US Firms
Authors: Candia Bernardo , Weber Michael , Gorodnichenko Yuriy , Coibion Olivier
Published: May 2023

The seminal work of Jonung (1981) showed that households' perceptions of inflation are the strongest predictor of households' inflation expectations. This fact has been a key ingredient for testing and developing theoretical models of how economic agents form expectations (e.g., the famous Lucas (1972) island model). However, little is known about whether perceptions play a similar role for firms. Using a new survey of American CEOs, we document that inflation perceptions shape the inflation expectations of firms just as Jonung (1981) found for households. These results suggest that information rigidities apply not only for households but also for CEOs.
Firm Inflation Uncertainty
Authors: Yotzov Ivan , Anayi Lena , Bloom Nicholas , Bunn Philip , Mizen Paul , Öztürk Özgen , Thwaites Gregory
Published: May 2023

We introduce a new measure of own-price inflation uncertainty using firm-level data from a large and representative survey of UK businesses. Inflation uncertainty has increased significantly since the start of 2021, even as a similar measure of sales uncertainty has declined. We also find large cross-sectional differences in inflation uncertainty, with uncertainty particularly elevated for smaller firms and those in the goods sector. Finally, we show that firms that are more uncertain about their own price expectations experience higher forecast errors 12 months later. These findings suggest that inflation uncertainty may be important for understanding firm performance.
Unconventional Fiscal Policy at Work
Authors: Bachmann Rüdiger , Born Benjamin , Goldfayn-Frank Olga , Kocharkov Georgi , Luetticke Ralph , Weber Michael
Published: May 2023

In an effort to stabilize the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic, the German government reduced value-added taxes (VAT) by 3 percentage points for a period of six months in the latter half of 2020. This measure resulted in a boost in aggregate consumer spending on both durable and semidurable goods during the six-month period, with spending decreasing once the VAT reduction was reversed. The effect of the temporary VAT cut on durable spending was stronger than on semidurable spending. Additionally, the temporary VAT cut also stabilized, and even slightly increased, inflation expectations in the second half of 2020.
Advanced Technology Adoption: Selection or Causal Effects?
Authors: Acemoglu Daron , Anderson Gary , Beede David , Buffington Catherine , Childress Eric , Dinlersoz Emin , Foster Lucia , Goldschlag Nathan , Haltiwanger John , Kroff Zachary , Restrepo Pascual , Zolas Nikolas
Published: May 2023

This paper uses data from the 2019 Annual Business Survey to document that firms adopting advanced technologies are larger in terms of employment than other firms in their same industry and cohort. Using data from the Longitudinal Business Survey, we show that adopters were already large and growing faster before artificial intelligence, robotics, cloud computing, and specialized software systems became broadly available. These findings support the view that adopters are large because of selection and not because adopting advanced technologies for automation causally expands their employment.
Robot Hubs: The Skewed Distribution of Robots in US Manufacturing
Authors: Brynjolfsson Erik , Buffington Catherine , Goldschlag Nathan , Li J. Frank , Miranda Javier , Seamans Robert
Published: May 2023

We use establishment-level data from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of Manufactures to study the characteristics and geographic locations of investments in robots. We find that the distribution of robots is highly skewed across locations. Some locations, which we call Robot Hubs, have far more robots than one would expect even after accounting for industry and manufacturing employment. We characterize these Robot Hubs along several industry, demographic, and institutional dimensions. The presences of robot integrators, which specialize in helping manufacturers install robots, and of higher levels of union membership are positively correlated with being a Robot Hub.
Robots and Female Employment in German Manufacturing
Authors: Deng Liuchun , Müller Steffen , Plümpe Verena , Stegmaier Jens
Published: May 2023

We analyze the impact of robot adoption on female employment. Our analysis is based on novel micro data on robot use by German manufacturing establishments linked with social security records. An event study analysis for robot adoption shows increased churning among female workers. Whereas hiring rises significantly at robot adoption, separations increase with a smaller magnitude one year later. Overall, employment effects are modestly positive and strongest for medium-qualified women. We find no adverse employment effects for female workers in any of our broad qualification groups.
Messages That Foster a Sense of Belonging Improve Learning and Satisfaction: An Experiment in an Online Environment
Authors: Forcada Sara Avila
Published: May 2023

The literature in pedagogy has shown that having a sense of belonging affects learning. This paper shows the result of a communication experiment in an online environment. For six consecutive terms, the instructor taught Introduction to Statistics. The instructor added a more direct communication strategy during two of those five terms. She used weekly communications that linked course material with events discussed by students previously and a personal message to each student. The intervention resulted in improved learning, measured by better grades, and more enjoyment of the course, measured using student comments in teaching evaluations.
Measuring Business Trends and Outlook through a New Survey
Authors: Buffington Catherine , Foster Lucia , Shevlin Colin
Published: May 2023

The Census Bureau's new Business Trends and Outlook Survey (BTOS) provides timely information from businesses on their current trends and expectations over core concepts such as prices, employment, and revenue. The BTOS collects qualitative information in order to produce extensive margins for core economic phenomena. BTOS results are representative of all single-location nonfarm businesses in the United States. We highlight sectoral differences in extensive margins of employment and prices using the Finance and Insurance sector and the Accommodation and Food Services sector as examples. We find that businesses, especially in Accommodation and Food Services, anticipate future output price increases, possibly to accommodate rising current input prices.
Do Financial Incentives Encourage Women to Apply for a Tech Job? Evidence from a Natural Field Experiment
Authors: Feld Jan , Ip Edwin , Leibbrandt Andreas , Vecci Joseph
Published: May 2023

We conduct a natural field experiment to test whether offering financial incentives encourages more female job seekers to complete their applications for a tech job. All eligible applicants for the job were invited to perform an online skill assessment. We randomized whether or not they were offered an incentive of up to $10 for completing the assessment. We find no significant effect of the incentive for female applicants (or male applicants).
Pass-through of Electric Vehicle Subsidies: A Global Analysis
Authors: Barwick Panle Jia , Kwon Hyuk-soo , Wang Binglin , Zahur Nahim Bin
Published: May 2023

We investigate the pass-through of electric vehicle (EV) subsidies in 13 countries that account for 95 percent of global EV sales from 2013 to 2020. Our results indicate high pass-through rates of 70-80 percent on average. Pass-through is highest for global firms that sell the same EV models across multiple countries, consistent with uniform pricing by these firms, as well as avoidance of third-party arbitrage. We find suggestive evidence that pass-through is higher for tax incentives than for direct consumer subsidies.
Short-Term Labor Supply Response to the Expanded Child Tax Credit
Authors: Enriquez Brandon , Jones Damon , Tedeschi Ernie
Published: May 2023

We estimate the extensive and intensive margin labor supply response to the monthly Child Tax Credit disbursed in 2021 as a part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Using Current Population Survey microdata, we compare labor supply outcomes among households who qualify for varying relative increases in household income as a result of their income level and household size. We do not find strong evidence of a change in labor supply for families receiving the credit. The results are robust to alternative labor supply models, where households respond mainly to cash on hand or changes in the annual budget set.
Gendered Disparities during the COVID-19 Crisis in Sierra Leone
Authors: Levine Madison , Meriggi Niccolò F. , Mobarak Ahmed Mushfiq , Ramakrishna Vasudha , Voors Maarten , Wadehra Uday
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 outbreak had severe adverse impacts on the health and wealth of households in lower-income countries (LICs), and has affected even more severely female-headed households in LICs. Using high-frequency phone surveys in Sierra Leone, we show that female-headed households are likely to rely on cheaper food alternatives (e.g., Cassava) compared to maleheaded households and are more food insecure. These effects are more nuanced among the poorest families owning one or no assets. Furthermore, female-headed households had less access to COVID-19 information, were less likely to adopt preventive measures (e.g., masks and social distancing) at the onset of the pandemic, and show greater signs of vaccine hesitancy in the early stages of the COVID-19 vaccine campaign.
The Health of Democracies during the Pandemic: Results from a Randomized Survey Experiment
Authors: Alsan Marcella , Braghieri Luca , Eichmeyer Sarah , Kim Minjeong Joyce , Stantcheva Stefanie , Yang David Y.
Published: May 2023

Concerns have been raised about the “demise of democracy,” possibly accelerated by pandemic-related restrictions. Using a survey experiment involving 8,206 respondents from 5 Western democracies, we find that subjects randomly exposed to information regarding civil liberties infringements undertaken by China and South Korea to contain COVID-19 became less willing to sacrifice rights and more worried about their long-term erosion. However, our treatment did not increase support for democratic procedures more generally despite our prior evidence that pandemic-related health risks diminished such support. These results suggest that the start of the COVID-19 crisis was a particularly vulnerable time for democracies.
M&A and Innovation: A New Classification of Patents
Authors: Cheng Zhaoqi , Jin Ginger Zhe , Leccese Mario , Lee Dokyun , Wagman Liad
Published: May 2023

Policymakers are increasingly concerned that incumbent acquisitions of small or young firms may slow down rather than speed up innovation, but it is difficult to identify which firms are related in the fast-changing space of technological innovation. This paper proposes a new, data-driven method to classify patent data into tech-business zones on a probabilistic basis, using patent assignee information. After combining mergers and acquisitions data from S&P Global Market Intelligence with PatentsView data from the US Patent and Trademark Office, we discuss how the zone classification can aid merger reviews and other lines of research.
Does Childhood Immunization Rebound after Extreme Shocks? Evidence from Floods and Strikes in Pakistan
Authors: Chandir Subhash , Glennerster Rachel , Haroon Maryiam , Jee Edward , Siddiqi Danya Arif
Published: May 2023

In 2022, childhood immunization in the Sindh province of Pakistan was disrupted by the worst floods in Pakistan's history and by vaccinator strikes. We use weekly data on all vaccinations from 12 of the lowest immunization districts in Sindh, strike timing, and satellite flood data to examine 2.5-month impacts. Despite intensive catchup efforts by the government and the international community, immunizations declined 19 percent more in flooded towns than nonflooded towns postfloods, and 11,500 children missed vaccinations as result of the floods. Immunizations in strike towns were 48 percent lower than in nonstrike towns, with 15,300 lost immunizations over the entire postperiod.
The Impact of Large-Scale Social Media Advertising Campaigns on COVID-19 Vaccination: Evidence from Two Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ho Lisa , Breza Emily , Banerjee Abhijit , Chandrasekhar Arun G. , Stanford Fatima C. , Fior Renato , Goldsmith-Pinkham Paul , Holland Kelly , Hoppe Emily , Jean Louis-Maël , Ogbu-Nwobodo Lucy , Olken Benjamin A. , Torres Carlos , Vautrey Pierre-Luc , Warner Erica , Duflo Esther , Alsan Marcella
Published: May 2023

COVID-19 vaccines are widely available in wealthy countries, yet many remain unvaccinated. We report on two studies (United States and France) with millions of Facebook users that tested two strategies central to vaccination outreach: health professionals addressing common concerns and motivating “ambassadors” to encourage vaccination in their social networks. We can reject very small effects of any intervention on new first doses (0.16 pp, United States; 0.021 pp, France), with similar results for second doses and boosters (United States). During the Omicron wave, messaging aimed at the unvaccinated or those tasked with encouraging others did not change vaccination decisions.
Mental Models and Transfer Learning
Authors: Esponda Ignacio , Vespa Emanuel , Yuksel Sevgi
Published: May 2023

Using a laboratory experiment, we investigate the extent to which learning is transferred between related problems in the context of an updating task. The updating principle we study requires updating positively after a positive signal and negatively after a negative signal. In the first environment, most subjects initially fail to satisfy the principle but eventually adjust after feedback. The environment they face subsequently presents the same challenges but with different parameter values. We find weak evidence for transfer learning: only half of the subjects who learn to be consistent with the principle remain so when the parameter values are changed.
Optimal Lending Contracts with Retrospective and Prospective Bias
Authors: Bohren J. Aislinn , Hauser Daniel N.
Published: May 2023

Model misspecification is a common approach to model belief formation distortions. Misspecified models can be decomposed into two classes of distortions: prospective and retrospective biases (Bohren and Hauser 2023). Prospective biases correspond to distortions in forecasting future beliefs, while retrospective biases correspond to distortions in interpreting information ex post. We disentangle the impact of these two distortions on optimal lending contracts in the context of an entrepreneur who borrows to invest in a project. The entrepreneur learns about project quality from a signal, which she interprets with a misspecified model. A lender leverages each form of bias in distinct ways.
Effects of Parental Disability on Children's Schooling: The Surprising Role of Parental Education
Authors: Bollman Katie , Lakdawala Leah K.
Published: May 2023

We show that negative effects of parental disability on schooling investments are larger for economically advantaged families. Among children with a veteran father, private school attendance declines with the severity of a father's service-related disability by more when fathers have completed college relative to when fathers have not. Paternal disability also lowers the mobility of young adults, suggesting that reduced educational investment persists into young adulthood. Lost earnings are one mechanism; disability decreases labor supply for all, but foregone earnings are larger for highly educated fathers. Losses are offset by Veterans Affairs transfers for less educated fathers but not for educated fathers.
The Incarceration Penalty and Black-White Economic Inequality: The Case of Baltimore
Authors: Russell Lauren , Zumaeta Jorge N. , Colston Aaron , Darity William A.
Published: May 2023

This paper investigates income and wealth gaps by household incarceration history within and across racial groups using the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition. We study this in the context of 2017 Baltimore. We find that households exposed to incarceration have lower levels of income and wealth and that these differences are largest for White households. Additionally, we find that Black households without incarceration exposure fare no better in household income than White households with exposure but have higher levels of wealth (driven by lower debt levels). These results highlight the importance of studying the relationship between the criminal legal system and economic inequality.
Νυχτερινές μουσειακές δράσεις για ενήλικες: από την εκπαιδευτική στην κοινωνική διάσταση της επίσκεψης
Authors: Δοξανάκη Αναστασία , Παππά Βασιλική-Χαραλαμπία , Δερμιτζάκη Κατερίνα
Published: May 2023

Τα μουσεία στις ημέρες μας αντιμετωπίζουν πολλές προκλήσεις. Στόχος τους είναι να εκπαιδεύσουν και να ψυχαγωγήσουν τους επισκέπτες τους μέσα από δράσεις, που σταδιακά θα μετατρέψουν τον μουσειακό χώρο από στατικό σε ζωντανό και δημιουργικό περιβάλλον στα μάτια του κοινού. Οι νυχτερινές δράσεις -τις οποίες συναντάμε σε περισσότερα μουσεία τα τελευταία χρόνια- απαντούν σε αυτήν την ανάγκη, ανατρέποντας  τη στερεοτυπική εικόνα του μουσείου ως αμιγώς εκπαιδευτικού περιβάλλοντος. Μέσα από αυτές τα μουσεία προσπαθούν να προβάλουν το περιεχόμενο και τις συλλογές τους με νέους και δημιουργικούς τρόπους, όπως νυχτερινές ξεναγήσεις, διανυκτερεύσεις, μουσική κ.ά.., ενισχύοντας την κοινωνική διάσταση της επίσκεψης. Το μουσείο, λοιπόν, μετατρέπεται σε έναν χώρο όπου οι άνθρωποι μπορούν να μάθουν, να κοινωνικοποιηθούν και να διασκεδάσουν ταυτόχρονα.
Η παρούσα μελέτη παρουσιάζει αρχικά τα αποτελέσματα έρευνας σε εκατόν έξι (106) ελληνικά μουσεία, ώστε να σκιαγραφηθεί το εγχώριο μουσειακό τοπίο σχετικά με τον χαρακτήρα των νυχτερινών δράσεων. Ποια είναι τα χαρακτηριστικά τους, σε ποιες ομάδες κοινού απευθύνονται; Έχουν καθαρά ψυχαγωγικό ή/και εκπαιδευτικό χαρακτήρα; Στον πυρήνα αυτού του προβληματισμού το άρθρο έπειτα εστιάζει στην αξιολόγηση της νυχτερινής δράσης Let’s Be Late! του Βιομηχανικού Μουσείου Φωταερίου της Αθήνας (Β.Μ.Φ.), που απευθυνόταν σε ενήλικο κοινό. Εξετάζει την εκπαιδευτική μεθοδολογία των δράσεων που πραγματοποιήθηκαν, τα δημογραφικά χαρακτηριστικά των συμμετεχόντων και τα μοτίβα συμπεριφοράς τους κατά τη δράση. Τα αποτελέσματά της είναι ενθαρρυντικά ως προς τη δυνατότητα των νυχτερινών μουσειακών δράσεων να προσελκύσουν μεγαλύτερο αριθμό επισκεπτών και να χτίσουν γέφυρες με ένα νέο ηλικιακά ενήλικο κοινό. Αναδεικνύουν, επίσης, την κοινωνική φύση των νυχτερινών μουσειακών εκδηλώσεων ενώ γίνεται φανερό ότι κατά τη διάρκεια αυτών προτάσσεται η ψυχαγωγική διάσταση της μουσειακής επίσκεψης, μέσα από την οποία προσπαθεί το Μουσείο να επιτύχει τους εκπαιδευτικούς του στόχους.
The effect of coronal pre-flaring and root canal irrigant on apex locators’ accuracy: an in-vitro study
Authors: Rifaat Shimaa , Aljami Abdullah , Alshehri Turki , T. Alameer Shahad , Aldossary Alhanoof , Almutairi Wejdan , N. Almaliki Mulham , A. Farooqi Faraz , Taymour Noha
Published: May 2023

Background: Successful root canal treatment is influenced by the apical extent of root canal preparation and the eventual root canal filling. Achieving the full working length until the apical constriction, which is usually 0.5 – 1 mm shorter than the anatomical apex, is crucial. Electronic apex locators were used to detect the working length more accurately. There are six generations of electronic apex locators in the market. The selection of the appropriate irrigation with each apex locator for accurate working length determination is not fully investigated.

Methods: The actual working lengths of 120 freshly extracted human single-rooted teeth were measured and compared with their working lengths using 3rd generation (Root ZX) followed by 6th generation (Raypex 6) apex locators in dry medium, presence of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, and 2% chlorhexidine, without coronal pre-flaring and after coronal pre-flaring using the same irrigating media. Data were collected, tabulated, and afterward analyzed using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc to evaluate the significant difference in average working length between actual working length, Root ZX, and Raypex 6 apex locator working lengths accuracy.

Results: The significant results were shown in roots that were coronally pre-flared and their working lengths were measured in a dry medium using Raypex 6 apex locator. While using the Root ZX apex locator, the most accurate results were shown in roots that were coronally pre-flared and their working lengths were measured while using a chlorhexidine irrigating solution.

Conclusions:  It is concluded that it is very important to know the specific irrigating medium to be used with each specific electronic apex locator to achieve the most accurate working length results.
Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of Titanium platelet rich fibrin (T-PRF) membrane and collagen membrane combined with xenograft in the treatment of mandibular class II furcation defects – A study protocol of randomized controlled trial
Authors: Patil Ruchita , Dhadse Prasad V
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Class II furcation is a significant clinical problem in dentistry. Its presence indicates advanced periodontitis. Different xenografts are available for the treatment of furcation involvement. Platelet concentrates that have been assimilated have a high concentration of growth factors, which has the added benefit of improving and accelerating healing.

This study aims to compare the evaluation of effectiveness of T-PRF with xenograft and collagen membrane with xenograft in class II furcation defects.

METHODS

A one-year timeframe is going to be utilized to carry out the planned protocol, which is a randomised clinical trial. According to the inclusion criteria, 26 systemically healthy patients with class II furcation defects in mandibular molars will be included in the study. In Group I, xenograft and T-PRF (test group) will be condensed and in Group II, xenograft and collagen membrane (control group) will be condensed after the complete debridement of the furcation defect. Plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), Periodontal pocket depth (PPD), relative attachment level (R-CAL) and relative gingival marginal level (R-GML) will be evaluated as the clinical parameters. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) will be performed to measure furcation height (FH), furcation width (FW), and furcation depth (FD) defects of mandibular molars. Data from each group will be evaluated at the time of surgery (baseline), and three and six months after the surgery.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Using xenograft (FIX OSS) combined with T-PRF, the authors anticipate better outcomes for class II mandibular furcation defects (test group). Improved clinical and radiographic outcomes in terms of PPD, R-CAL, R-GML and FH, FW, FD, are anticipated.

CONCLUSIONS

Using xenograft in combination with the T-PRF procedure is anticipated to have a better combined effect on periodontal parameters, including hard tissues and soft tissue outcomes.

Registration: CTRI REF/2023/03/064367.
Comparison of growth factors isolated from exosomes present in maternal blood of cleft and non-cleft infants for identification and quantification of growth factors involved in the growth and development of cartilage.
Authors: Soni Nikita , Niranjane Priyanka , Daigavane Pallavi , Pratim Biswa , Shinde Mrudula
Published: May 2023

Background: Cleft lip and palate (C.L.P.) is a common congenital condition which affects the orofacial region. The aetiology of C.L.P. is multifaceted and involves genetic and environmental factors that impact the shape and position of the nasal cartilage, resulting in an asymmetrical appearance of the nose. Growth factors are crucial in regulating cartilage synthesis and repair. Exosomes have emerged as a promising cell-free drug delivery system that facilitates intercellular communication and maintains tissue homeostasis.

This study identifies and quantifies the growth factors present in exosomes derived from lactating maternal blood of cleft and non-cleft infants and compares them to evaluate the differences. The study aims to assess the potential of these exosomes as a therapeutic approach for C.L.P. management.

Methods: Blood samples were collected from lactating mothers at Sharad Pawar Dental College and isolating plasma using centrifugation. Exosome and total protein isolation will be conducted in the laboratory, and immunoblotting will evaluate growth factors. Quantitative and comparative protein and growth factor analysis will be conducted separately for maternal blood samples.

Results: The growth factors responsible for cartilage growth and development will be present in maternal exosomes, potentially leading to novel therapies for C.L.P. management. The study aims to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of exosomes, as carriers of intra-cellular factors, in transporting growth factors to the required site for managing C.L.P.

Conclusions: Overall, by understanding the roles played by growth factors, intercellular communication, and genetic and environmental factors in the aetiology of C.L.P., this research can contribute to creating effective treatment strategies for C.L.P. management. Finding growth factors in exosomes made from the blood of nursing mothers could be a cutting-edge therapeutic strategy for treating C.L.P.
Inclusive leadership for sustainable development in times of change
Authors: Anane-Simon Richmond , Olusegun Atiku Sulaiman
Published: May 2023

This article explores the concept of inclusive leadership as a key enabler for sustainable development, especially in times of change. A literature review approach was adopted drawing on relevant research and best practices. The article identifies the key competencies and behaviors that inclusive leaders should demonstrate and it explores the challenges and opportunities of leading inclusively in times of change. According to the findings of the study, inclusive leadership can promote sustainable development by encouraging creativity, enhancing organizational effectiveness and fostering social and environmental responsibility. The article concludes with a call to action for individuals and organizations to embrace inclusive leadership for a sustainable future.
Young people's view of the Soviet era: between the prospects of new identities and the challenges of memory wars
Authors: Bagdasaryan Vardan , Zhuravlev V. , Larionov A. , Fedorchenko Sergey , Shul'c E.
Published: May 2023

The article is devoted to the results of a sociological survey of participants in the international scientific conference of students and graduate students «Young people's view of the Soviet era: between the prospects of new identities and the challenges of memory wars », organized by the Faculty of History, Political Science and Law of the Moscow Region State University on October 27, 2021. The main methodological optics were the principles sociological survey. The survey was aimed at studying the attitude of modern Russian youth towards the Soviet era. A feature of the sociological study was the high educational level of young people, a deeper knowledge and involvement of respondents in the history of Russia. It is indicated that wars of memory in the post-Soviet space arise precisely because of different interpretations of the history of the Second World War and the Great Patriotic War. The theoretical contribution of the work lies in the fact that the analysis of scientific literature has shown that the wars of memory, their chronology are closely dependent on the characteristics of the processes and stages of the formation of new post-Soviet identities. The conclusions note that in relation to the younger generations to the Soviet era, in the assessment of its figures and events, there are significant changes in comparison with previous periods. The Soviet era as a whole receives more positive assessments, there is a rethinking of the assessment of its leaders. The results of the study allow us to form an idea of today's assessments of the young generations of the Soviet past, trends in the information field that shape the interpretation of history and influence the current processes of identification.
Reconstruction of an abdominal wall defect using a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap after high-intensity focused ultrasound: a case report
Authors: Kim Dae Kwan , Kim Youn Hwan
Published: May 2023

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation is a safe and effective minimally invasive option for treating uterine fibromas, but it can cause complications such as abdominal wall defects. Reconstruction of such defects can be challenging, but a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap can be used to restore the integrity of the myofascial layer and provide external cutaneous coverage. Herein, we present a case report of a 37-year-old woman who underwent HIFU for an 8-cm uterine fibroma and subsequently developed a large abdominal wall defect with necrosis of the rectus muscle. The latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap was used to reconstruct the rectus muscle and cover the abdominal soft tissue, resulting in successful engraftment without complications. We present our experience using a latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous free flap to reconstruct a large HIFU-induced composite defect in the abdominal wall.
Extension block pinning combined with traction using towel clamps for effective reduction of mallet fracture: a technical tip
Authors: Seo Il , Lee Kang-San , Chung Seungho , Son Sang-Woo , Lee Hyun-Joo
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Although closed reduction and extension block pinning have been widely used for acute mallet finger fracture, the problem of reduction remains a concern. We describe a tip for the reduction technique using a towel clamp, which provides a longitudinal traction force to the distal phalanx, and report the results of the technique.Methods: The medical records of 14 consecutive cases from 12 patients with acute mallet fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Reduction was achieved using the towel clamp reduction technique. The radiologic results were evaluated by simple radiographs, the functional results were analyzed in terms of range of motion, and remaining pain was assessed using Crawford criteria.Results: The mean follow-up period was 8.4 months. The mean union duration was 6 weeks. The mean range of motion was 73°. Eight cases had excellent outcomes, one had good outcomes, four had fair outcomes, and one had poor outcomes. One case of superficial infection and one case of skin necrosis developed, and three cases showed arthritic changes in the distal interphalangeal joint.Conclusion: The towel clamp technique can provide good reduction during surgery, with favorable radiologic and clinical results.
Chatos y narizones. La caricatura de Pepe Gómez y Ricardo Rendón durante el fin de la Hegemonía Conservadora (1928-1930)
Authors: Calderón Bautista Andrés Felipe
Published: May 2023

Pepe Gómez y Ricardo Rendón fueron dos caricaturistas de la llamada época de oro de la caricatura en Colombia que establecieron un diálogo entre lo que fue la prensa y la opinión pública durante el periodo 1928-1930, en el cual una ola de violencia, represión y crisis económica envolvió la campaña presidencial de 1930 (desde lo que fue la conocida Masacre de las Bananeras, en diciembre de 1928, hasta las elecciones presidenciales, el 9 de febrero de 1930 y la victoria de candidato de la Concentración Nacional, el liberal Enrique Olaya Herrera, luego de cincuenta años de Hegemonía Conservadora). Así, este libro se centra en ese proceso e intenta demostrar, a partir de estas, como cayó el conservatismo, gracias a Abadía, la Iglesia y quizá a la propia difusión del mensaje inscrito en las caricaturas.
Putting patient wellbeing and confidence at the heart of the service
Authors: Garner Margaret Anne
Published: May 2023

Margaret Anne Garner, Lymphoedema Specialist, Strathcarron Hospice, NHS Forth Valley ( fv.strathcarron.lymphoedema@nhs.scot ), was the winner in the Chronic Oedema Nurse of the Year category of the BJN Awards 2023
Patient safety and the law: driving the development of a patient safety culture
Authors: Tingle John
Published: May 2023

John Tingle, Lecturer in Law, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, discusses several recent reports on clinical negligence and patient safety
Join the debate on advanced practice
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: May 2023

The UK needs a coherent approach to advanced nursing roles, says Sam Foster, Executive Director of Professional Practice, Nursing and Midwifery Council, which the NMC is now in the process of considering
Monitoring of the glazing state of the pitch polishing lap by an image texture analysis method in full-aperture continuous polishing
Authors: Liao Defeng , Xie Ruiqing , Zhao Shijie , Xu Qiao
Published: May 2023

Full-aperture continuous polishing using a pitch lap is one of the key
processes in finishing large flat optical elements. The pitch lap has
relief lines cutting into the surface to increase its surface
roughness and to improve the polishing results. During polishing, the
pitch lap surface is glazed due to the transverse rheologic flow and
creep of the pitch lap by the element and conditioner, which has
significant influence on the polishing results. In this study, an
image texture analysis method is proposed to monitor the glazing state
of the pitch lap. The images of the pitch lap surface are captured
online, and the image textures are analyzed with the gray level
co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) method. The experiments revealed that the
GLCM eigenvalues of the surface image are strongly correlative with
the glazing state of the pitch lap, which has a linear impact on the
material removal rate and material removal uniformity. To the best of
our knowledge, this study provides a novel and useful method to
monitor the surface glazing state of the pitch lap.
Uncertainty evaluation of photoluminescence quantum yield measurement in an integrating hemisphere-based instrument
Authors: Yoo Jaekak , Gene Jinhwa , Kim Jaeseok , Park Seung-Nam , Lim Seong Chu , Jeong Mun Seok , Lee Tae Geol , Park Seongchong
Published: May 2023

We present an integrating hemisphere-based (i.e., a variant of integrating spheres) implementation of the indirect illumination method for absolute photoluminescence quantum yield measurements, which is a recommended method in the international standard IEC 62607-3-1:2014. We rigorously formulated a mathematical model and a measurement procedure for the absolute photoluminescence quantum yield measurement in the integrating hemisphere-based system. The measurement system was calibrated using an Hg-Ar discharge lamp and spectral irradiance standard lamps for wavelength and relative spectral radiant flux scales, respectively. Furthermore, we identified and evaluated uncertainty components involved in the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) measurement. To validate our measurement system, we applied it to the two de facto standard dyes: quinine bisulfate (QBS) and fluorescein (FLS). Consequently, their PLQY values were determined to be 0.563±0.024 (k=2) and 0.876±0.032 (k=2) for, respectively, QBS and FLS, which are consistent with previous reports.
Synchrotron radiation stability with meV-level energy resolution: in situ characterization
Authors: Si ShangYu , Li ZhongLiang , Xue Lian , Luo HongXin
Published: May 2023

One of the most critical parameters in synchrotron radiation (SR)
experiments is the stability of the photon energy, which is primarily
affected by the stability of the light source and the optical elements
in the beamline. Due to the characteristics of SR and the use of
dispersive elements such as monochromators in the beamline, the change
of the beam position is usually accompanied by the change of energy
and flux, while most traditional beam monitoring methods are based on
the direct or indirect measurement of total flux, and are therefore
sensitive to the beam position only, having no energy resolution. In
this paper, an in situ monitoring system
has been designed to measure the short-term (jitter) and long-term
(drift) characteristics of the energy variation in the SR beamline.
The system consists of a double-crystal monochromator, an orthogonal
analysis crystal, and an X-ray imaging detector, which could decouple
the angle and energy spread of the photon beam based on the dispersion
effect in Bragg diffraction. The time response and the energy
resolution of the system could reach millisecond and millielectron
volt level, respectively.
Investigation on nano-absorbing precursors in the picosecond regime via the comparative study of HfO2/SiO2 and Ta2O5/SiO2 high-reflectivity coating damage
Authors: Gong He , Liu Xiaofeng , Tao Chunxian , Zhao Yuan’an , Shuai Kun , Li Dawei , Zhang Weili , Sun Jian , Zhou Li , Jiang You’en , Cui Yun , Zhang Dawei , Dai Yaping , Shao Jianda
Published: May 2023

Laser-induced damage to the final reflective and diffractive optics limits the total output energy of petawatt laser systems with pulse durations ranging from a few hundred femtoseconds (fs) up to a few tens of picoseconds (ps). In this study, the laser damage to HfO2/SiO2 and Ta2O5/SiO2 multilayer dielectric high-reflectivity (HR) coatings induced by a 1053 nm laser with a pulse width of 8.6 ps was studied to investigate the nano-absorbing precursors in ps regimes. The HfO2/SiO2 HR coating exhibited stronger laser resistance than the Ta2O5/SiO2 HR coating. Flat-bottom pits, pinpoints, and funnel pits were the three typical damage morphologies for the experimental HR coatings. The damage to the HfO2/SiO2 HR coating was primarily dominated by flat-bottom pits, whereas dense pinpoints were the most significant damage for the Ta2O5/SiO2 HR coating. The nano-absorbing precursors introduced by the ion-assisted deposition process were proved to be the damage precursors that trigger pinpoints under a strong electric field intensity (EFI). The nano-absorbing precursors located in the second EFI peak of the SiO2 top layer induced the funnel pits. The funnel pits were expected to be the previous stage of the flat-bottom pits. After they grew along the upward-sloping crack and separated from the interface, the flat-bottom pits were formed. In addition, poor-binding interfaces promoted the formation of flat-bottom pits.
Ultrawide-band optically transparent antidiffraction metamaterial absorber with a Thiessen-polygon metal-mesh shielding layer
Authors: Song Naitao , Sun Qiao , Xu Su , Shan Dongzhi , Tang Yang , Tian Xiaoxi , Xu Nianxi , Gao Jingsong
Published: May 2023

Transparent absorbers, with a functional integration of broadband electromagnetic shielding, microwave camouflage, and optical transparency, have attracted increasing attention in the past decades. Metal mesh, an artificial, optically transparent, conducting material composed of periodic metallic gratings, is the optimal choice for the microwave shielding layer of transparent absorbers because of its excellent compatibility between high transparency and low resistance. However, the micrometer-level periodicity of metallic grating concentrates the diffraction of light, which degrades the imaging quality of cameras and sensors in common. In this study, we report on a generalized Thiessen-polygon-randomization method that prevents the concentration of the diffraction of light in periodic metallic grating and demonstrate an ultrawide-band optically transparent diffraction-immune metamaterial absorber. The absorber is constructed with a multilayer indium-tin-oxide-based metasurface and a Thiessen-polygon-randomized metal-mesh reflector. The lossy metasurface provides multimode absorption, whereas the Thiessen-polygon randomization prevents the concentration of the diffraction of light. The practical sample achieves a 10 dB absorptivity and shielding effectiveness over a range of 8–26.5 GHz, and the optical transparency is also preserved over the entire visible and near-infrared regions. The point spread function and field of view are both improved by using the antidiffraction absorber. Our study paves the way for the application of optically transparent electromagnetic devices, display, and optoelectronic integration in a more practical stage.
Patient perspectives of antiretroviral pharmacy services: A cross-sectional cohort study
Authors: Liu Yadi , Lyden Elizabeth , Furl Renae , Havens Joshua P.
Published: May 2023

Background

Adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains the main predictor of sustained HIV virologic suppression for people with HIV (PWH). Mail-order pharmacy services are often offered to patients as an alternative option to traditional pharmacy services. Some payers mandate ART to be dispensed from specific mail-order pharmacies regardless of patient choice complicating ART adherence for patients affected by social disparities. Yet, little is known about patient perspectives regarding mail-order mandates.

Methods

Eligible patients of the HIV program at University of Nebraska Medical Center with experience receiving ART from both a local and mail-order pharmacy were invited to complete a 20-question survey with three core sections: experiences/perspectives on local and mail-order pharmacy settings; pharmacy attributes rankings; and pharmacy preference. Paired t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the agreement scores of pharmacy attributes.

Results

Sixty patients (N = 146; 41.1%) responded to the survey. Mean age was 52 years. Most were male (93%) and White (83%). The majority of participants were on ART for HIV treatment (90%) and 60% were using mail-order pharmacies for their prescription services. Significant scoring differences (p<0.05) were observed for all pharmacy attributes favoring local pharmacies. Refilling ease was the most important attribute noted. More respondents (68%) preferred local pharmacies versus mail-order pharmacies. Payer associated mail-order pharmacy mandates were experienced by 78% with half believing the mandates impacted their medical care negatively.

Conclusions

In this cohort study, respondents preferred local pharmacies compared to mail-order pharmacy for ART prescription services and noted ease of refilling as the most important pharmacy attribute. Two-thirds of respondents believed mail-order pharmacy mandates negatively affected their health. Insurance payers should consider the removal of mail-order pharmacy mandates to allow patient choice of pharmacy, which may help remove barriers to ART adherence and improve long-term health outcomes.
Exploring the impact of COVID-19 on reported maternal and neonatal complications and access to maternal health care in five government health facilities in Blantyre, Malawi
Authors: Blair Alden , Haile Winta , Muller Anna , Simwinga Luseshelo , Malirakwenda Richard , Baltzell Kimberly
Published: May 2023

Background

There is a dearth of studies assessing the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the healthcare system and access to care, especially in lower- and middle-income countries such as Malawi. We aimed to assess the impacts of COVID-19 on reported maternal and neonatal complications as well as potential changes in maternal care access to care among five primary care health facilities in Blantyre, Malawi.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study assessed maternal and neonatal register data from five participating health centers in Blantyre, Malawi using the Malawi District Health Information Software 2 (DHIS2) to compare outcomes from 15 months before COVID-19 emerged, defined as the pre-Covid period (January 2019 –March 2020) with nine months after COVID-19 (April 2020 –December 2020).

Results

There was a significant decrease in reported use of vacuum extraction, which went from <0.01%in the pre-COVID period to 0% in the COVID period (p = 0.01). The proportion of births reporting fetal distress almost tripled from 0.46% to 1.36% (p = 0.001) during the COVID-19 period. Additionally, reported anticonvulsant use significantly increased from 0.01% to 1.2% (p<0.01), and antibiotic use significantly increased from 0.45% to 1.6% (p = 0.01). Asphyxia was the only significant neonatal complication variable reported, increasing from 2.80% to 3.45% (p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that significant outcomes were mainly due to the indirect effects of COVID-19 rather than the virus itself. Based on our findings and the contextual qualitative interviews with two Malawian expert midwives, we concluded that mothers may have been affected more due to understaffing and shortage of skilled personnel in the study health facilities. Therefore, the development of highly skilled health workers may contribute to better outcomes, along with adequate staffing and a streamlined referral process.