bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plurilateralism and the New Geoeconomics of International Law
Authors: Collins David
Published: January 2025

Building upon the acceptance of divergence away from the multilateral geoeconomic order of the Bretton Woods, this article explores the observed and potential role for plurilateral agreements within international economic law. It contemplates some of the theoretical underpinnings of plurilateralism within international economic law, including economic efficiency, fragmentation, and network theory. From there, it examines the key iterations of plurilateralism both within and outside the World Trade Organization. The article offers an assessment of the WTO as a diplomatic forum for the negotiation of new plurilaterals, turning then to a critique of the idea of ‘convergent plurilateralism’ which postulates that overlapping elements within the megaregionals could represent a new alternative to the old era of multilateralism. The article urges that plurilateralism should not be viewed as an inferior model to multilateralism, but rather as one which is more cognizant of the complex realities of geoeconomics which characterize the modern era.
Plurilateralism and Free Trade Agreements
Authors: Lewis Meredith Kolsky
Published: January 2025

Plurilateralism has often been discussed as an alternative to multilateral trade agreements concluded through single undertaking/Uruguay Round-style trade negotiations. However, single undertaking-style multilateral trade liberalization is no longer a feasible approach to sustained progress in international trade liberalization, and as such, plurilateralism should not be compared to this conceptualization of multilateral trade liberalization. Plurilateralism should instead be assessed alongside the primary method of trade liberalization of the past 20+ years – free trade agreements (FTAs). This assessment is particularly salient now, when the combination of events such as Brexit, COVID-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with the ever-increasing urgency to combat climate change, have given rise to repudiations of the Washington Consensus model of trade liberalization in favor of more State involvement and in pursuit of broader goals, as illustrated by the Cornwall Consensus. Meanwhile, although even single topic WTO multilateral negotiations have struggled to conclude, most WTO members are participating in plurilateral Joint Statement Initiative negotiations, and significant experimentation with inclusivity provisions, climate initiatives and digital trade regulation, among other focuses, is occurring outside the WTO in FTAs and non-WTO plurilateral endeavors. This article demonstrates that the WTO tools available are inadequate to operationalize international economic cooperation to achieve modern objectives and perversely make it easier for Members to form discriminatory external agreements rather than internal inclusive ones such as the JSIs. It also discusses possible next steps for JSIs given the challenges in incorporating them into the WTO.
Plurilateralism in International Tax Law: a Unique Chance for the UN Framework Convention
Authors: Hongler Peter , Habich Simon
Published: January 2025

The international tax regime has developed for more than a hundred years. While it has been dominated by double tax treaties, more recently the OECD has brought forward various initiatives which add significant complexity to the regime. At the same time the strong position of the OECD and the non-inclusiveness of its decision-making bodies have caused dissatisfaction with the regime. The most recent initiative on a United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation (UNFCITC) is the result of this policy rejection. Considering the advantages and disadvantages offered by plurilateral agreements, inspired by the WTO system, plurilateralism could prove to be very valuable to overcome existing flaws of the current regime. Indeed, the UNFCITC if designed carefully could help to overcome many weaknesses of the current international tax regime and become the most meaningful development of the century in international tax law.
Confronting Fragmentation: a Quest for a Plurilateral Appellate Mechanism under the WTO
Authors: Zhou Weihuan , Crochet Victor
Published: January 2025

Fragmentation in the international trading system, following the proliferation of free trade agreements (FTAs), has been a longstanding phenomenon. However, fragmentation in the systems for settling trade disputes has emerged only recently. The demise of the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO) has caused a gradual change of preference of governments as to where and how to resolve disputes. Outside the WTO, an increasing number of disputes are brought under FTAs. Within the WTO, the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) is leading to fragmentation. This trend is fragmenting the interpretation and enforcement of trade rules, thereby diminishing predictability. Although the MPIA has to some extent maintained an appellate system, it is not a typical plurilateral and does not provide a long-term solution to the Appellate Body crisis. A critical mass-based, open plurilateral under the multilateral framework might offer an alternative path to rebuild an effective appellate mechanism.
The Dawn of a New Era
Authors: Hodgson Mélida , Duggal Kabir , Horne Katelyn , Pirnia Ana S.
Published: January 2025

This article discusses the promising role of plurilateral agreements in international investment, particularly how these agreements can integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria into the investment protection landscape. Existing investment agreements have been slow to incorporate ESG considerations, which are becoming increasingly important due to global focus on human rights and environmental protection. At the same time, there is increasing resistance toward traditional bilateral and multilateral investment agreements by States concerned with an encroachment on their right to regulate on issues concerning the public welfare. Plurilateral agreements, which involve a subset of countries focusing on specific issues, offer a potential solution to embed ESG standards within investment arbitration frameworks. Plurilateral agreements offer a more flexible and rapid mechanism for incorporating ESG standards compared to more comprehensive multilateral agreements. Plurilateral agreements could also begin to replace bilateral investment agreements or bring an additional layer of uniformity with respect to the complex web of bilateral investment treaties currently in force.
The Journals Zhongguo xiangcun yanjiu and Rural China: Retrospect and Prospect
Authors: Huang Philip C. C.
Published: January 2025

Rural China has long been a rather sensitive subject within China. For that reason, our Chinese journal Zhongguo xiangcun yanjiu, published inside China, has faced some serious difficulties. By contrast, the bilingual international version of our journal Rural China: An International Journal of History and Social Science, published by E. J. Brill in the Netherlands, has long been very stable. In recent years, the Chinese countryside has in fact seen substantial new accomplishments and development. Today, the subject of “rural China” actually needs fundamental rethinking to incorporate the new developments that have occurred. It also requires that we pay attention to the multiple forces and influences that have come from outside the ruralities – we must no longer “merely study rural China qua rural China.”
The structural modifications and techno-functional properties of yellow mealworm protein concentrate is influenced by the presence of residual lipids
Authors: Berthelot U. , Mendes A.C. , Queiroz L.S. , Marie R. , Makarowski A. , Richard C. , Brisson G. , Casanova F. , Doyen A.
Published: January 2025

In this study, we compared the impact of partial and total defatting by using hexane and chloroform-methanol respectively, on the lipid and protein profiles, protein structure, and techno-functional properties of a yellow mealworm protein concentrate to address the influence of residuals lipids. The results showed significant changes in the particle size distribution (bimodal versus monomodal), surface hydrophobicity (49.35 vs 21.74 a.u.), and secondary structure of the proteins following defatting. Phospholipids accounted for 60% of the residual lipids content. Although residual lipids after Soxhlet extraction did not notably influence protein solubility except at pH 6 (49.74% after total defatting compared to 59.28% after partial defatting), they negatively impacted foaming properties (foam stability of 100% vs 65% after 30 min) and induced higher emulsifying properties (3.23 vs 2.57 for emulsion stability index) of the mealworm protein extract. Consequently, the residual lipids content after Soxhlet extraction of mealworm protein ingredients appears as an important parameter to consider in determining techno-functional properties.
Mapping the Ethics Landscape for the Use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) in Conservation
Authors: Palmer Clare , Sandler Ronald
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to identify the values and ethical issues at stake when assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) are used in animals for conservation purposes. We outline key concerns about individual animal welfare and lives, and the central conservation values that underpin and justify the use of ARTs for conservation purposes. We then discuss three questions that might help to guide ethical development and use of ARTs in a conservation context: Is the goal of the project involving ARTs for conservation well justified? Can the goal of the project be accomplished responsibly using ARTs? Is the project, and the use of ARTs in it, overall desirable? Decisions to use ARTs for conservation are ethically complex and not amenable to blanket ethical approval or disapproval; they will, instead, require detailed empirically and normatively grounded evaluation on a case-by-case basis, which can be guided by these questions.
Factor Retention in Exploratory Multidimensional Item Response Theory
Authors: Chen Changsheng , D’hondt Robbe , Vens Celine , Van den Noortgate Wim
Published: January 2025

Multidimensional Item Response Theory (MIRT) is applied routinely in developing educational and psychological assessment tools, for instance, for exploring multidimensional structures of items using exploratory MIRT. A critical decision in exploratory MIRT analyses is the number of factors to retain. Unfortunately, the comparative properties of statistical methods and innovative Machine Learning (ML) methods for factor retention in exploratory MIRT analyses are still not clear. This study aims to fill this gap by comparing a selection of statistical and ML methods, including Kaiser Criterion (KC), Empirical Kaiser Criterion (EKC), Parallel Analysis (PA), scree plot (OC and AF), Very Simple Structure (VSS; C1 and C2), Minimum Average Partial (MAP), Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA), Random Forest (RF), Histogram-based Gradient Boosted Decision Trees (HistGBDT), eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The comparison was performed using 720,000 dichotomous response data sets simulated by the MIRT, for various between-item and within-item structures and considering characteristics of large-scale assessments. The results show that MAP, RF, HistGBDT, XGBoost, and ANN tremendously outperform other methods. Among them, HistGBDT generally performs better than other methods. Furthermore, including statistical methods’ results as training features improves ML methods’ performance. The methods’ correct-factoring proportions decrease with an increase in missingness or a decrease in sample size. KC, PA, EKC, and scree plot (OC) are over-factoring, while EGA, scree plot (AF), and VSS (C1) are under-factoring. We recommend that practitioners use both MAP and HistGBDT to determine the number of factors when applying exploratory MIRT.
Liquidity Challenges in Non-US Energy Stocks: Assessing the Impact of Terrorism and Geopolitical Risks
Authors: Kersting Lee , Kim Jang-Chul , Su Qing
Published: January 2025

This paper examines how terrorism and geopolitical risk impact the liquidity of non-U.S. energy stocks listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). We find that countries with higher terrorism risk have wider bid-ask spreads, smaller market depth, and poorer market quality, thus suggesting lower liquidity. We also find that higher terrorism risk leads to increased information-based trading. In addition, the effect of terrorism risk on liquidity is not uniform across the energy sector. Specifically, we find the Oil and Gas Extraction and Utility sectors exhibit lower liquidity in countries with higher terrorism risk. However, this effect is opposite for Supporting Activities for Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction sector. Additionally, we investigate how the Crimean crisis affects the liquidity of non-U.S. energy stocks and find that the crisis results in lower liquidity and higher information-based trading for these stocks.

JEL Classification: G14, G38, Q43
Haloperidol dopamine receptor occupancy and antagonism correspond to delirium agitation scores and EPS risk: A PBPK-PD modeling analysis
Authors: Burkat Paul M
Published: January 2025

Background:

Delirium is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Numerous precipitating factors and etiologies merge into the pathophysiology of this condition which can be marked by agitation and psychosis. Judicious use of antipsychotic medications such as intravenous haloperidol reduces these symptoms and distress in critically ill individuals.

Aims:

This study aimed to develop a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for the antipsychotic medication haloperidol; estimate plasma and unbound interstitial brain concentrations for repetitive haloperidol administrations used in hyperactive delirium treatment; determine dopamine receptor occupancy and antagonism under these conditions; and correlate these results with Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) scores and the risk of developing extrapyramidal symptoms (EPSs).

Methods:

The PBPK model for single and repetitive administrations of peroral and intravenous haloperidol was developed with PK-Sim software. The pharmacodynamic (PD) model for RASS scores with haloperidol unbound interstitial brain concentration passed as the regressor was developed with the MonolixSuite 2021R platform.

Results:

Peak haloperidol plasma and unbound interstitial brain concentrations following a single 2 mg intravenous dose are 32 ± 5 nM and 2.4 ± 0.4 nM. With repetitive administrations, dopamine receptor occupancy is 70%–83% and D2LR antagonism is 1%–10%. Variations in dopamine receptor occupancy correlate with changes in RASS scores in individuals with hyperactive delirium. There is a linear association between the odds ratio of developing EPS and peak D2LR antagonism as functions of dopamine receptor occupancy.

Conclusions:

Haloperidol dopamine receptor occupancy time course and D2LR antagonism parallel RASS score changes and EPS risk, respectively.
The Role of Rejection Sensitivity and Relational Victimization Within the Friendship Group on Conformity Intentions
Authors: Predix Cayenne J. , Lease A. Michele , Kim Mihyun , Kwon Kyongboon
Published: January 2025

The present study investigated the role of rejection sensitivity (i.e., rejection expectancy, anxious anticipation) and exposure to relational victimization within the friendship group in conformity intentions. For 353 fourth and fifth grade students, self-reported friendship groups were used with peer nomination procedures to assess experienced and witnessed relational victimization from friendship group members. Participants completed a rejection sensitivity questionnaire and responded to hypothetical vignettes to assess intentions to conform to changes in friendship group trend-following, troublemaking, and academic behaviors. Effects of rejection sensitivity and relational victimization on conformity intentions varied across behavior domains. Higher anxious anticipation was associated with higher academic conformity but lower troublemaking conformity, whereas higher rejection expectancy was associated with lower academic and trend-following conformity intentions. Rejection expectancy moderated the relation between relational victimization and academic conformity; relational victimization was positively associated with academic conformity intent when rejection expectancy was high (+1 SD).
Isolated ACL Reconstruction Versus Combined ACL and Anterolateral Ligament Reconstruction: Functional Outcomes, Return to Sport, and Survivorship: An Updated Meta-analysis of Comparative Studies
Authors: Mercurio Michele , Cofano Erminia , Gasparini Giorgio , Galasso Olimpio , Familiari Filippo , Sanzo Valentina , Ciolli Gianluca , Corona Katia , Cerciello Simone
Published: January 2025

Background:

Failure, persistent knee instability, and reinjury rates after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are still concerns. Biomechanical investigations have highlighted the role of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) as a crucial knee stabilizer, and clinical outcomes after combined ACL and ALL reconstruction appear to indicate the success of the procedure.

Purpose:

To compare the functional outcomes, return-to-sport (RTS) rate, and complications between combined ACL and ALL reconstruction and isolated ACL reconstruction.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central databases were used to search keywords, and a total of 16 studies were included. The data extracted for quantitative analysis included the Tegner activity scale score, Lysholm knee score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, laxity measured using the KT-1000 knee arthrometer, number and types of complications, RTS rate, and survival rate. Random- and fixed-effects models were used for the meta-analysis of pooled mean differences and odds ratios.

Results:

A total of 2329 patients were identified, 1116 of whom underwent combined ACL and ALL reconstruction and 1213 of whom underwent isolated ACL reconstruction. The mean ages were 25.4 ± 7.2 years and 26.5 ± 7.8 years for the combined ACL and ALL reconstruction and isolated ACL reconstruction groups, respectively. The mean follow-ups were 40.3 ± 21.4 months and 42.5 ± 21.6 months, respectively. Comparable Tegner activity scale ( P = .16), Lysholm knee ( P = .13), and IKDC ( P = .83) scores were found between groups. Significantly greater postoperative knee laxity was found in the isolated ACL reconstruction group (mean difference, –0.44; 95% CI, –0.85 to −0.04; P = .03). The combined ACL and ALL reconstruction group showed a significantly lower rate of graft failure (odds ratio [OR], 0.37; 95% CI, 0.18-0.77; P = .008), a higher RTS rate (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.11-1.80; P = .005), and a higher survival rate (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.97-4.37; P < .001).

Conclusion:

Compared with isolated ACL reconstruction, combined ACL and ALL reconstruction yielded comparable functional outcomes but significantly less residual knee laxity and a lower graft failure rate. Patients who underwent combined ACL and ALL reconstruction also had higher RTS and survival rates.
Association of Smokeless Tobacco Use With Perioperative Complications and Revision Surgery After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Holle Alejandro M. , Tummala Sailesh V. , Pejic Jelena , Van Schuyver Paul R. , Chhabra Anikar , Economopoulos Kostas J.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Tobacco use is a known modifiable risk factor for postoperative complications and revision surgery after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Previous studies focus on tobacco as a broad categorization of traditional smoking, smokeless tobacco, and other forms of nicotine use. It is unclear if differences in the type of nicotine used lead to similar adverse outcomes after ACLR.

Purposes:

To (1) assess the incidence of postoperative complications among ACLR patients who use smokeless tobacco and (2) compare these outcomes with those of patients who do not use tobacco and those who smoke tobacco.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study utilizing the PearlDiver database was conducted. Patients undergoing primary ACLR with a minimum 2-year follow-up were included. Smokeless tobacco users (n = 898), cigarette smokers (n= 22,062), and non–tobacco users (n= 207,462) were matched based on patient variables and comorbidities. Postoperative complications within 90 days of surgery and subsequent knee surgery within 2 years were compared among groups. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to control for confounding variables.

Results:

Compared with nonusers, smokeless tobacco users demonstrated an increased risk of pneumonia (odds ratio [OR], 3.36; 95% CI, 1.41-7.90), acute kidney injury (OR, 12.7; 95% CI, 3.77-52.8), and emergency department (ED) utilization (OR, 6.29; 95% CI, 3.70-10.9) within 90 days of the ACLR. Additionally, smokeless tobacco users had an increased risk of ACLR (OR, 4.75; 95% CI, 3.60-6.26) and meniscal surgery (OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 2.23-3.73) within 2 years. When compared with cigarette smokers, smokeless tobacco users showed an increased risk of pneumonia (OR, 3.25; 95% CI, 1.33-7.78), acute kidney injury (OR, 7.63; 95% CI, 2.72-22.5), and ED visits (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.26-1.90) within 90 days and subsequent ACLR (OR, 4.81; 95% CI, 3.58-6.47) and meniscal surgery (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 2.45-4.26) within 2 years.

Conclusion:

Smokeless tobacco use was associated with an increased risk of medical complications, ED utilization, and subsequent procedures compared with nonuser controls and traditional smokers. These findings highlight the importance of considering specific forms of tobacco use in preoperative screening for patients undergoing ACLR.
Reframing Feminist Ideas, Challenging State Incorporation: Activism Against Violence and the Feminicídio Law in Brazil
Authors: Pamplona Roberta S.
Published: January 2025

Feminist debates on how the state incorporates and reshapes feminist categories of violence reveal unintended consequences, such as the depoliticization of these ideas. Through a case study of the Feminicídio Law in Brazil, I examine feminist writings on feminicídio, following its state incorporation as a criminal category, to address the killing of women based on gendered reasons. Drawing on materialist feminist discourse analysis, I challenge the notion that institutionalization necessarily leads to depoliticization. Instead, I demonstrate how feminists have reframed the legal framework of feminicídio to strategically confront state initiatives, such as firearm ownership projects, by employing an individual criminal category against the state. I theorize this feminist reframing as a form of praxis, illustrating how feminists can mobilize categories after institutionalization for new political purposes and contexts. This reframing involves ongoing formulations by diverse activists, extending the category’s meanings beyond the state’s definition and embracing intersectional perspectives. While the reframing of feminicídio gained traction to challenge right-wing governments in Brazil, some radical formulations were marginalized. This analysis elucidates the conditions under which feminists evoke and reframe institutionalized ideas and highlights the challenges activists face in mobilizing their ideas.
Prevalence of bleeding in patients on single or dual antiplatelet therapy combined with vitamin K antagonists or direct oral anticoagulants
Authors: Alkhushaym Nasser , Aldhafeeri Maha , Hamad Meshaal , Almutairi Bander , Mahmud Mamun , Alenizi Maha , Alsalman Abdulkhaliq J.
Published: January 2025

Background

Patients with atrial fibrillation often require anticoagulation therapy to prevent stroke and thromboembolism. However, anticoagulants can have serious side effects, such as bleeding, particularly when combined with antiplatelet therapy.

Objective

The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of major bleeding in patients receiving either dual or triple antithrombotic therapy.

Method

This study is a single-center retrospective chart review utilizing the hospital electronic health record. The prevalence and percentage of bleeding events were reported for each antithrombotic regimen.

Results

Of the 539 patients receiving oral anticoagulants, 202 were using oral anticoagulants in combination with either single or dual antiplatelet therapy. Out of 35 patients using triple antithrombotic therapy, four (11.4%) experienced major bleeding. Based on the analysis of 73 patients using anticoagulants in combined with clopidogrel, the results showed that one patient (1.3%) suffered bleeding. Among the 94 patients treated with anticoagulants plus aspirin, seven (7.4%) experienced major bleeding events.

Conclusion

The combination of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents is associated with an elevated bleeding risk. Patients receiving triple antithrombotic therapy experience high prevalence of bleeding. Nonetheless, the group receiving anticoagulant and clopidogrel alone exhibited low prevalence of bleeding risk.
Organisational Resilience, Network Embeddedness and Business Model Innovation: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Shan , Li Weian , Li Fuwei
Published: January 2025

Despite business model innovation (BMI) being considered the primary factor to ensure the survival and success of firms in a turbulent environment, comprehensive empirical studies of the antecedents of BMI based on crisis management and disaster management are limited. This study develops a theoretical framework and integrates internal and external factors of drivers of BMI to explore how organisational resilience and network embeddedness impact BMI and its underlying mechanism with Chinese unique empirical evidence under the crisis. We distinguish three dimensions (robustness, agility and integrity) of organisational resilience and two dimensions (structural and relational embeddedness) of network embeddedness. The results validate that robustness and agility can significantly promote BMI. Likewise, both structural and relational embeddedness have a significant positive association with BMI. Besides, organisational learning capacity mediates the relationship between organisational resilience, network embeddedness and BMI. This study contributes to research on BMI and provides theoretical guidance for organisations to leverage BMI to cope with crisis.
Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in Patients With HBV-Related Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Lenvatinib and Camrelizumab Treatment
Authors: Sheng Bi , Wang Dong , Wang Jingjing
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation and its effect on tumor response and survival outcomes in patients with HBV-related advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing lenvatinib plus camrelizumab treatment.

Methods

216 patients with HBV-related advanced HCC receiving lenvatinib and camrelizumab were enrolled. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival, and tumor response were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors for HBV reactivation.

Results

HBV reactivation occurred in 24 patients (11.1%). It was associated with poor survival and tumor response in these patients. Undetectable DNA levels, the absence of antiviral therapy, and high ALT levels were identified as vital risk factors for HBV reactivation. After receiving or adjusting the antiviral strategy, tumor response improved in patients with HBV reactivation.

Conclusions

HBV reactivation could occur in patients with HBV-related HCC, treated with lenvatinib and camrelizumab, worsening tumor response and patient survival. Regular monitoring of the indicators of HBV infection and effective antiviral treatments are recommended for these patients to prevent severe complications.
Dynamic deadband intermittent event-triggered strategy for formation control of multiple unmanned surface vehicles
Authors: Li Peng , Xing Xinyu , Li Yueming , Huang Bing
Published: January 2025

This paper focuses on the leaderless formation control of multiple unmanned surface vehicles (MUSVs) with external disturbances, communication interruptions, and model parametric uncertainties. Firstly, the auxiliary variables are introduced to transform MUSVs’ formation control into consensus achievement of these auxiliary variables. Then, to realize consensus of these auxiliary variables, the reference variables which can achieve the average consensus are defined based on the proposed dynamic deadband intermittent event-triggered mechanism (ETM). Superior to general dynamic ETMs, the proposed dynamic deadband ETM applies nonlinear coupled communication protocols and ensures the existence of positive minimum inter-event times (PMIET). Further, by guaranteeing the auxiliary variables superior tracking capability for the reference variables, the consensus of the auxiliary variables can be achieved. Thus, the desired formation is realized. Besides, the adaptive strategy and the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) are utilized against external disturbances and dynamic uncertainties. Finally, through rigorous theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method are effectively demonstrated.
Intervention to Improve Children’s Hygiene in Urban Squatter Settlement Schools in Pakistan: An Implementation Research
Authors: Pradhan Nousheen Akber , Hashmi Muzna , Mazhar Laraib , Uzair Muhammad , Hussain Laeba , Naseem Maleeha , Iqbal Shagufta , Saeed Ali Tazeen , Karmaliani Rozina , Hasnani Fauzia Basaria
Published: January 2025

Background:

School-based interventions are crucial for promoting healthy behaviors in children and preventing the spread of diseases. This study aimed to enhance hygiene knowledge and practices (K&P) among school children through a school-based intervention.

Objective:

To improve personal and environmental hygiene K&P amongst primary and middle-grade students in urban squatter settlement schools in Karachi, Pakistan using school-based intervention.

Design:

Quasi-experimental study conducted in three schools over 2 years.

Setting:

Urban squatter settlement schools in Karachi, Pakistan, serving primary, and middle-grade students.

Participants:

A total of 156 students participated in the study, with a majority of 55.77% being girls (n = 87). Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted to evaluate the impact of the intervention.

Intervention:

Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) strategies aimed at improving school children’s hygiene K&P.

Primary Outcome Measures:

The primary outcome measures included changes in hygiene K&P pre- and post-intervention, specifically focusing on personal hygiene and environmental hygiene.

Results:

Significant improvements observed post-intervention. Mean knowledge score differences were 20.33 (SD = 5.85) for personal hygiene and 10.08 (SD = 7.72) for environmental hygiene. Practice scores also increased, with mean differences of 2.52 (SD = 1.98) and 2.47 (SD = 2.08) for personal and environmental hygiene, respectively. Statistically significant improvements (P < .05) were noted across most of the hygiene domains.

Conclusions:

The school-based intervention effectively improved personal and environmental hygiene K&P among primary and middle-grade children in urban squatter settlement schools. Key recommendations include integrating hygiene education into the curriculum, providing enabling environment to children and capacity building of school teachers to teach hygiene education.
Intimacy in social media: A theoretical analysis of extimacy
Authors: Skok Katarzyna
Published: January 2025

The massive use of social networking sites makes people ‘increasingly interconnected’. The current paper aims at theoretical systematization of the concept of extimacy. It is defined as a phenomenon of public disclosure of own intimacy to achieve self-confirmation and acceptance of the inner self and to form a social bond. The article distinguishes extimacy from self-presentation, exhibitionism, shamelessness and coming-out. The assumed theoretical contexts refer to shame and identity formation. The study includes sections on extimacy’s examples, possible correlates, social media affordances, as well as suggestions for further empirical studies.
Video games as spaces for providing information and awareness of algorithmic control in the gig economy
Authors: Fernández-Ruiz Marta , Piña Martina , Vilasís-Pamos Júlia
Published: January 2025

The gig economy has been explored recently in the media through videos, films, and series. Similarly, different video games have shown the ideology, values, and mechanisms that govern the gig economy. This article applies six mechanisms of algorithmic control at work to achieve a dual objective: to analyze how platform workers experience algorithmic control and to examine the extent to which video games, as a medium for raising critical awareness, reflect these workers’ experiences. We analyzed interviews with 42 platform workers in different sectors and six video games that address this topic. Our findings reveal that these games consistently mirror the dynamics and experiences arising from platform control. Furthermore, through specific elements of their meaningfulness (such as narrative, rules systems, and mechanics, among others), video games simulate situations and processes, sometimes opaque to workers, portraying the reality of the gig economy more explicitly and transparently.
MetaRehabVerse: The Great Opportunity to Put the Person’s Functioning and Participation at the Center of Healthcare
Authors: Morone Giovanni , Ciancarelli Irene , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore , Cerasa Antonio , Iosa Marco , Gimigliano Francesca
Published: January 2025

Background and Objective:

The metaverse refers to a digital realm accessible via internet connections using virtual reality and augmented reality glasses for promoting a new era of social rehabilitation. It represents the next-generation mobile computing platform expected to see widespread utilization in the future. In the context of rehabilitation, the metaverse is envisioned as a novel approach to enhance the treatment of human functioning exploiting the “synchronized brains” potential exacerbated by social interactions in virtual scenarios.

Results:

The metaverse emerges as an ideal domain for adapting the principles of the—International Classification of Functioning. Its intrinsic capacity to simulate interactions within virtual environments shared by multi-users, while providing a profound sense of presence and comprehensive perception, should facilitate learning and experiential understanding. Technical and conceptual aspects are currently under definition, including the interplay with artificial intelligence, definition of social metrics performance, and the utilization of blockchain technology for economic purposes.

Conclusion:

Building upon these foundations, this paper explores potential areas of metaverse applications in rehabilitation and examines how they may facilitate the pillars outlined in the World Health Organization’s Rehabilitation 2030 call for action.
Improved Glycemic Control in Insulin-Treated Individuals With Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Through Combined Structured Education With Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Yoo Jee Hee , Jun Ji Eun , Kwak Soo Heon , Kim Jae Hyeon
Published: January 2025

Background:

We evaluated the efficacy of structured individualized education combined with real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rt-CGM, Dexcom G6) in improving glycemic outcomes in insulin-treated adults with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods:

This multicenter, 16-week, single-arm study included 66 adults with T2D (multiple daily insulin [MDI]: 33; basal insulin: 33) with a ≥7.8%. Each cohort comprised 15 participants aged ≥60 years. The participants attended four educational sessions. The primary outcome was a change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels between baseline and week 16.

Results:

Sixty-four individuals were included in this study, with a mean age of 58.3 ± 12.4 years. The mean HbA1c levels decreased from 9.0% at baseline to 7.1% at 16 weeks in the MDI group (difference: −1.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −2.3 to −1.3) and from 8.8% to 7.0% in the basal insulin group (difference: −1.8%, 95% CI = −2.1 to −1.4). In the total population, the mean time in range 70 to 180 mg/dL increased by 25.2% (6 hours 4 minutes, 95% CI = 20.6 to 29.8), whereas the time in tight range 70 to 140 mg/dL increased by 17.3% (4 hours 10 minutes, 95% CI = 14.0 to 20.7). Both groups maintained a target of <1% of the time below the range of <54 mg/dL. Improvements in HbA1c and CGM metrics were comparable between individuals aged ≥60 years and those aged <60 years (all P-values for interaction >.1).

Conclusions:

In adults with poorly controlled insulin-treated T2D, rt-CGM use with structured education significantly improved the HbA1c and CGM metrics, primarily by reducing hyperglycemia, regardless of age.
Overcoming the Love Gap: AI-Enabled Relationship-Building by Robot Chefs
Authors: Wilson Andrew E. , Forcum Lura , Giebelhausen Michael
Published: January 2025

The development and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic technologies in the foodservice industry has expanded dramatically. The economic benefits of such adoption are likely to be similar to those experienced by other sectors, such as manufacturing. However, unlike many other sectors, the appeal of restaurants involves consumer perceptions of those making the product. In particular, we argue that—especially in craft food contexts—consumers expect food to be prepared “with love.” As robots are intuitively incapable of doing so, restaurateurs face a conundrum: how to take advantage of the economic benefits of robotic chefs, while maintaining consumer perceptions that meals are prepared with love? We test a series of potential interventions aimed at overcoming the gap in such perceptions and find that AI-enabled (i.e., chat-based) relationship-building between robot chefs and restaurant patrons is the most effective option. In fact, our relationship-building intervention fully closes the gap between preferences for human chefs, relative to robotic chefs. Additional managerial and theoretical implications are discussed.
Feasibility of attention-based virtual reality interventions in fibromyalgia syndrome: comparing systems, virtual environments and activities
Authors: Tsigarides Jordan , Grove Vanessa , Chipping Jacqueline , Dainty Jack , Miles Susan , Shenker Nicholas , Sami Saber , Macgregor Alexander
Published: January 2025

Background

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is highly prevalent with a significant associated morbidity and socioeconomic burden. Effective treatments for FMS remain elusive with pharmacological management (including use of opioids) often proving ineffective. There is a need to develop accessible, innovative management approaches to improve patient care. Virtual reality (VR) interventions have shown evidence of efficacy in the management of acute pain and chronic low back pain, but their feasibility in FMS has not hitherto been explored.

Methods

This feasibility study investigates the use of four different VR systems, four interactive VR activities and two virtual environments in patients with FMS. Acceptability (including adverse effects) and study engagement were the main outcomes investigated. Clinical outcome data on pain and mood were also collected to gather preliminary information for future studies.

Results

The results demonstrated good feasibility across VR systems, activities and virtual environments with high levels of acceptability, low frequency of adverse effects, and positive perceptions of VR in patients with FMS. Reporting of adverse effects (including fatigue) varied across different VR components, with system comfort and virtual environmental design being particularly important.

Conclusions

The findings increase our confidence with respect to the feasibility of using VR in people with FMS, help to inform future randomised controlled trials and emphasise the importance of tailored interventional design for future VR therapeutics.
Merits photocatalytic activity of rGO/zinc copper ferrite magnetic nanocatalyst for photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) dye
Authors: Abuzeyad Osama H. , El-Khawaga Ahmed M. , Tantawy Hesham , Gobara Mohamed , Elsayed Mohamed A.
Published: January 2025

The world is now facing a water scarcity crisis due to waste, pollution, and uneven distribution of freshwater resources, which are limited. Thus, the creation of innovative, economical, and effective methods for purifying water is crucial. Here, the photo-assisted degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye under visible light and UV was achieved by using RGO photocatalyst loaded with Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 in three different loaded 10%, 20%, and 30% called MRGO 10, MRGO 20, and MRGO 30. Furthermore, all prepared samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transformation infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Raman analysis. After 40 min, the high photocatalytic efficacy effectively eliminated about 95.2% of the 10 ppm MB using 20 mg of MRGO 20 NPs at pH9 Visible light. From the results, the photocatalytic activity of MRGO 20 reduced to 54.6% after five cycles of methylene blue (MB) dye degradation. The produced samples' observed efficacy in both UV and visible light may encourage continued research into more effective photocatalysts for the filtration of water.
Perioperative outcomes in an age-adapted analysis of the German StuDoQ|Pancreas registry for PDAC
Authors: Tschaidse Tengis , Hofmann Felix O. , Renz Bernhard , Hungbauer Maximilian , Klinger Carsten , Buhr Heinz J. , Uhl Waldemar , Mees Sören Torge , Keck Tobias , Reissfelder Christoph , Ghadimi Michael , D’Haese Jan G. , Werner Jens , Ilmer Matthias
Published: January 2025

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) typically occurs in an older patient population. Yet, early-onset pancreatic cancer (EOPC) has one of the fastest growing incidence rates. This study investigated the influence of age and tumor location on postoperative morbidity and mortality in a large, real-world dataset.

Methods

Patients with confirmed PDAC undergoing pancreatic surgery between 01/01/2014 and 31/12/2019 were identified from the German StuDoQ|Pancreas registry. After categorization into early- (EOPC; < 50 years), middle- (MOPC; 50 -70 years), and late-onset (LOPC; > 70 years), and stratification into pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) or distal pancreatectomy (DP), differences in morbidity and mortality as well as clinicopathologic parameters were analyzed.

Results

In total, 3011 patients were identified. No difference in the occurrence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) or delayed gastric emptying (DGE) between different age groups and resection techniques was detected. However, in patients undergoing PD, major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ 3a) were observed more frequently in LOPC (30,7%) than in MOPC (26,2%) and EOPC (16,9%; p < 0,01). Mortality almost tripled from EOPC (2,4%) to MOPC (3,6%) to LOPC (6,6%, p < 0,01) and significantly higher failure to rescue (FTR) rates could be observed (EOPC 14,3%, MOPC 13,6%; LOPC 21,6%; p < 0,05). In centers with DGAV certification for pancreatic surgery, the risk of complications was significantly decreased in PD (OR 0,79; 95% CI 0,65–0,94; p = 0,010).

Conclusion

Age has a pronounced impact on the perioperative outcomes after pancreatic resections of PDAC. This effect is more prevalent in PD compared to DP. Pancreatic surgery-specific complications, such as POPF, DGE or PPH do not occur more frequently in the elderly. Overall, the risk of major complications and mortality increases in elderly patients mainly secondary to higher FTR rates.
Characteristics of abdominal herniation and its associations among patients operated in a Sudanese tertiary hospital: a retrospective review
Authors: Bakry Ahmed Abdellateef Hassan , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Eljack Mohammed Mahmoud Fadelallah , Ahmed Ghassan E. Mustafa
Published: January 2025

Background & aims

Hernia is a very common surgical condition affecting all ages and both sexes. Data regarding abdominal wall hernias is essential to hernia management in an institution. With the absence of data regarding the prevalence, characteristics, and associations of abdominal wall hernias in Sudanese patients, we aimed to describe and find the possible differences in the spectrum of abdominal hernias, their rates, and associated predisposing factors.

Methodology

This was a retrospective cross-sectional chart review of surgical patients admitted at a Sudanese tertiary teaching Hospital, Department of Surgery, from January 2019-December 2021. Data were collected from the medical records using a checklist. The data obtained included age, gender, occupation, chronic medical conditions, past medical history (PMH), and year of admission. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.

Results

Results showed that between January 2019 and December 2021, a total of 1158 patients were admitted to the department of surgery, and abdominal hernia had a frequency of 16.23% (n = 188). There was a male predominance (55.3%), ages below 20 years constituted the majority of cases (45.2%), and those between (50–60 years) were the least. The most frequent subtype was the inguinal hernia. The association between sociodemographic variables, PMH, chronic medical conditions, and the diagnosis was found to be statistically significant. The rate of recurrence was found to be 10.1%.

Conclusion

There was a high rate of abdominal Herniation, and a difference between subtypes of abdominal herniation regarding demographic data, past medical history, and comorbidities.