bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linear water column stratification and euphotic depth determine the number of phytoplankton taxa that create biomass peaks in a hypertrophic oxbow lake
Authors: T-Krasznai Enikő , B-Béres Viktória , Lerf Verona , Várbíró Gábor , Abonyi András , Török Péter , Borics Gábor
Published: August 2023

The mixing regime, the spatial distribution of nutrients and light determine the distribution of phytoplankton in lakes to a large extent. Linear stratification is a unique phenomenon among the various forms the lakes can stratify, representing a continuous and gradual water temperature decrease with depth. Here, we aimed to understand how mixing, nutrient and light affect the vertical distribution of phytoplankton in the case of linear water column stratification using the taxonomic and functional group approaches. We sampled phytoplankton and physical and chemical variables in the Malom-Tisza oxbow lake (Hungary) monthly from May to September between 2007 and 2009. Our results revealed that multiple biomass peaks of taxa belonging to distinct phytoplankton functional groups could develop in response to the strong linear stratification of the water column. Although several different species represented the functional groups, only one or two species developed the peaks. Light irradiance did not influence the vertical distribution of biomass and taxonomic richness of phytoplankton, but the depth of the euphotic zone determined the number of distinct biomass peaks. We found that diversity indices could not reflect the phytoplankton compositional differences well in the case of linear stratification, but similarity indices calculated among water column layers.
Regulating NLRP3 Inflammasome–Induced Pyroptosis via Nrf2: TBHQ Limits Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Injury in a Mouse Model of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Wang Minrong , Zhang Feng , Ning Xuemei , Wu Chan , Zhou Yue , Gou Zhixian , Fan Yang , Duan Rongrong , Li Zhongni , Shao Chunyan , Lu Liqun
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Nuclear factor e2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a key role in cellular resistance to oxidative stress injury. Oxidative stress injury, caused by Nrf2 imbalance, results in increased pyroptosis, DNA damage, and inflammatory activation, which may lead to the arrest of alveolar development and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants under hyperoxic conditions. We established a BPD mouse model to investigate the effects of tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), an Nrf2 activator, on oxidative stress injury, pyroptosis, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and alveolar development. TBHQ reduced abnormal cell death in the lung tissue of BPD mice and restored the number and normal structure of the alveoli. TBHQ administration activated the Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway, resulting in the decrease in the following: reactive oxygen species (ROS), activation of the NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and IL-18 and IL-1β expression and activation, as well as inhibition of pyroptosis. In contrast, after Nrf2 gene knockout in BPD mice, there was more severe oxidative stress injury and cell death in the lungs, there were TUNEL + and NLRP3 + co-positive cells in the alveoli, the pyroptosis was significantly increased, and the development of alveoli was significantly blocked. We demonstrated that TBHQ may promote alveolar development by enhancing Nrf2-induced antioxidation in the lung tissue of BPD mice and that the decrease in the NLRP3 inflammasome and pyroptosis caused by Nrf2 activation may be the underlying mechanism. These results suggest that TBHQ is a promising treatment for lung injury in premature infants with hyperoxia.
The Fermi energy as common parameter to describe charge compensation mechanisms: A path to Fermi level engineering of oxide electroceramics
Authors: Klein Andreas , Albe Karsten , Bein Nicole , Clemens Oliver , Creutz Kim Alexander , Erhart Paul , Frericks Markus , Ghorbani Elaheh , Hofmann Jan Philipp , Huang Binxiang , Kaiser Bernhard , Kolb Ute , Koruza Jurij , Kübel Christian , Lohaus Katharina N. S. , Rödel Jürgen , Rohrer Jochen , Rheinheimer Wolfgang , De Souza Roger A. , Streibel Verena , Weidenkaff Anke , Widenmeyer Marc , Xu Bai-Xiang , Zhang Hongbin
Published: August 2023

Chemical substitution, which can be iso- or heterovalent, is the primary strategy to tailor material properties. There are various ways how a material can react to substitution. Isovalent substitution changes the density of states while heterovalent substitution, i.e. doping, can induce electronic compensation, ionic compensation, valence changes of cations or anions, or result in the segregation or neutralization of the dopant. While all these can, in principle, occur simultaneously, it is often desirable to select a certain mechanism in order to determine material properties. Being able to predict and control the individual compensation mechanism should therefore be a key target of materials science. This contribution outlines the perspective that this could be achieved by taking the Fermi energy as a common descriptor for the different compensation mechanisms. This generalization becomes possible since the formation enthalpies of the defects involved in the various compensation mechanisms do all depend on the Fermi energy. In order to control material properties, it is then necessary to adjust the formation enthalpies and charge transition levels of the involved defects. Understanding how these depend on material composition will open up a new path for the design of materials by Fermi level engineering.
Does land-use and land cover affect vector-borne diseases? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ferraguti Martina , Magallanes Sergio , Suarez-Rubio Marcela , Bates Paul J. J. , Marzal Alfonso , Renner Swen C.
Published: August 2023

Context

Vector-borne diseases (VBD) are a worldwide public health problem for humans and wildlife. 'Global Change' such as habitat alteration and land-use intensification, biotic exchange, the introduction of invasive alien species, and climate change have all been linked to an increased occurrence of VBDs.

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of land-use and land-cover (LULC) on the transmission of VBDs, we conducted a systematic review of the existing literature on the global effects of land use on VBDs. This was followed by a meta-analysis to test the relationship between LULC intensification and infection prevalence.

Methods

Overall, 654 articles met our inclusion criteria for the systematic literature review, and 18 studies fulfilled the requirements for the meta-analysis.

Results

The systematic literature review identified 162 articles with a total of 2541 data entries on the effect of LULC on VBDs. The majority of the studies were published after 2010, and the spatial distribution of data was biased towards North America and Europe. Overall, 193 different hosts and 144 different vector groups were identified. Avian and human malaria were the most frequently named diseases, with humans andAnophelesmosquitoes the most common host and vector, respectively. Our meta-analysis found that land-use intensity, as well as targets (host and vector), significantly impact the prevalence of VBDs. Tests for both residual heterogeneity and moderators were significant, where lower land-use intensity and vectors were linked to lower VBD prevalence, while medium land-use intensity was associated with higher prevalence. Analysis of the host sub-model supported these findings, with infection prevalence significantly lower in low land-use intensity.

Conclusions

The systematic literature review revealed a temporal increase in publications on this topic, with a significant rise since 2007 and uneven distribution of data across countries, with the United States, Spain, and Brazil being the most prominent contributors and identified a wide range of pathogens and hosts involved in VBD systems, with human and avian malaria being the most commonly mentioned diseases. We also show, through a meta-analysis, that LULC intensification affects VBDs infection prevalence. Future studies should incorporate the effects of land-use intensity on vector-borne diseases in diverse ecosystems to inform management strategies and mitigate disease emergence with implications for human, livestock and wildlife health.
On the quaternion Julia sets via Picard–Mann iteration
Authors: Gdawiec Krzysztof , Fariello Ricardo , dos Santos Yan G. S.
Published: August 2023

In recent years, an extensive study on the use of various iteration schemes from fixed point theory for the generation of Mandelbrot and Julia sets in complex space has been carried out. In this work, inspired by these progresses, we study the use of the Picard–Mann iteration scheme for the Julia sets in the quaternion space. Specifically, in our study, we prove the escape criterion of the Picard–Mann orbit and examine the symmetry of the Julia set for the quadratic function. Moreover, we present and discuss some 2D and 3D graphical examples of the sets generated using the Picard–Mann iteration scheme. We further analyse the influence of a parameter of interest used in the Picard–Mann iteration scheme on the average number of iterations for 2D cross sections of quaternion Julia sets of different degrees.
Predicer: abstract stochastic optimisation model framework for multi-market operation
Authors: Pursiheimo Esa , Sundell Dennis , Kiviluoma Juha , Hankimaa Helmi
Published: August 2023

An open-source modelling framework Predicer, standing for Predictive Decider, for multi-market day-ahead market operation purposes is described in this paper. The Predicer model uses scenario-based stochastic optimisation to obtain decision variables and bid matrixes for energy and reserve markets by maximising the risk-adjusted expected value of the profit during the model time frame. The modelled energy system structure is abstract, that is, based on basic elements such as nodes representing different energy types and processes representing flows between nodes. The abstract model structure enables user to construct arbitrary energy systems and define links between assets, commodities, energy markets and reserve markets. Predicer model can include properties such as unit ramp rates, online units, dynamic energy storages, market realisation and market bidding requirements. The aggregation of unit-based energy and reserve opportunities into a virtual power plant allows the asset owner to make optimized portfolio-level bids for different market products. The model scenarios consist of user defined forecasts for market prices, renewable energy supply, energy demand and other system related time series. Predicer is implemented in Julia programming language and uses the JuMP optimisation package.
Social sciences in crisis: on the proposed elimination of the discussion section
Authors: Schoenegger Philipp , Pils Raimund
Published: August 2023

The social sciences are facing numerous crises including those related to replication, theory, and applicability. We highlight that these crises imply epistemic malfunctions and affect science communication negatively. Several potential solutions have already been proposed, ranging from statistical improvements to changes in norms of scientific conduct. In this paper, we propose a structural solution: the elimination of the discussion section from social science research papers. We point out that discussion sections allow for an inappropriate narrativization of research that disguises actual results and enables the misstatement of true limitations. We go on to claim that removing this section and outsourcing it to other publications provides several epistemic advantages such as a division of academic labour, adversarial modes of progress, and a better alignment of the personal aims of scientists with the aims of science. After responding to several objections, we conclude that the potential benefits of moving away from the traditional model of academic papers outweigh the costs and have the potential to play a part in addressing the crises in the social sciences alongside other reforms. As such, we take our paper as proffering a further potential solution that should be applied complimentarily with other reform movements such as Open Science and hope that our paper can start a debate on this or similar proposals.
Functional urban ground-cover plants: identifying traits that promote rainwater retention and dissipation
Authors: Nur Hannah Ismail Siti , Stovin Virginia , Cameron Ross W. F.
Published: August 2023

Urban vegetation can influence urban hydrology and reduce the risk of flooding. Urban forestry studies have suggested that tree type and species choice affect the amount of rainwater intercepted and retained. Little information exists, however, for other landscape typologies, and the sorts of ground-cover plants that are best used to retain/detain rainwater during storm events. This is important as many urban spaces are too small to facilitate trees, but can accommodate roadside vegetation, buffer strips, rain gardens, green roofs and stormwater planters. Thus, this research aimed to determine how choice of ground-cover taxa affected rainwater interception and retention. Six model species with contrasting leaf morphologies were used to determine how well rainwater was intercepted, but also dissipated through evapotranspiration (ET). A pot-based system was used to determine how plant water balance changed during late summer in the UK, with the aim to understand how leaf traits affected hydrological processes. Plant choice was important, with fine-leaved taxa,Festuca glaucaandDianthus‘Haytor White’ showing best rainwater interception andFestucademonstrating highest rates of dissipation from the substrate. Overall, compared to non-planted pots, those with plants present were more effective at capturing water (by 2.3–3.0x), and evapo-transpiring water (by 2.5-4.0x). Results indicate that ground cover vegetation has potential to aid urban water management in those localities where space is limited for trees. Plant choice and community-structure should be considered, especially when there is a desire to dry out soil/substrate quickly and restore maximum soil moisture holding capacity.
First report of Sarcocystis halieti (Apicomplexa) in bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
Authors: Prakas Petras , Estruch Josep , Velarde Roser , Ilgūnas Mikas , Šneideris Donatas , Nicolás-Francisco Olga , Marco Ignasi , Calero-Bernal Rafael
Published: August 2023

At least three Sarcocystis species (S. falcatula, S. halieti and S. wobeseri–like) have been detected infecting raptorial birds. By histopathology and PCR-sequencing of the ITS1 marker, S. halieti was detected in a bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) and a black kite (Milvus migrans) from the Catalonia region in North Spain. The 241 bp-long sequences obtained from the Sarcocystis organisms detected in both raptors showed 97.5–99.6% and 97.9–100% similarity with those of previously identified S. halieti; also, the phylogenetic trees generated placed the identified sequences together with other sequences of S. halieti available in GenBank. In sum, the description of the bearded vulture as a new intermediate host for S. halieti adds new insights on the complex epidemiology of the genus involving avian hosts.
An Update on Temporal Bone Paragangliomas
Authors: Zhong Shixun , Zuo Wenqi
Published: August 2023

Opinion statement

Temporal bone paragangliomas (TBPs) are indolent, classically benign and highly vascular neoplasms of the temporal bone. There are two types of TBPs, tympanomastoid paragangliomas (TMPs) and tympanojugular paragangliomas (TJPs). The most common symptoms are hearing loss and pulsatile tinnitus. Diagnostic workup, besides conventional physical and laboratory examinations, includes biochemical testing of catecholamine and genetic testing of SDHx gene mutations as well as radiological examination. Although surgery is traditionally the mainstay of treatment, it is challenging due to the close proximity of tumor to critical neurovascular structures and thus the high risk of complications, especially in patients with advanced lesions. Radiotherapy and active surveillance have been increasingly recommended for selected patients. Decision on treatment should be made comprehensively. Curative effect depends on various factors. Long-term follow-up with clinical, laboratory, and radiological examinations is essential for all patients.
SEOM SOGUG clinical guideline for treatment of kidney cancer (2022)
Authors: Méndez-Vidal María José , Lázaro Quintela Martin , Lainez-Milagro Nuria , Perez-Valderrama Begoña , Suárez Rodriguez Cristina , Arranz Arija José Ángel , Peláez Fernández Ignacio , Gallardo Díaz Enrique , Lambea Sorrosal Julio , González-del-Alba Aránzazu
Published: August 2023

Renal cancer is the seventh most common cancer in men and the tenth in women. The aim of this article is to review the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of renal carcinoma accompanied by recommendations with new evidence and treatment algorithms. A new pathologic classification of RCC by the World Health Organization (WHO) was published in 2022 and this classification would be considered a “bridge” to a future molecular classification. For patients with localized disease, surgery is the treatment of choice with nephron-sparing surgery recommended when feasible. Adjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab is an option for intermediate-or high-risk cases, as well as patients after complete resection of metastatic disease. More data are needed in the future, including positive overall survival data. Clinical prognostic classification, preferably IMDC, should be used for treatment decision making in mRCC. Cytoreductive nephrectomy should not be deemed mandatory in individuals with intermediate-poor IMDC/MSKCC risk who require systemic therapy. Metastasectomy can be contemplated in selected subjects with a limited number of metastases or long metachronous disease-free interval. For the population of patients with metastatic ccRCC as a whole, the combination of pembrolizumab–axitinib, nivolumab–cabozantinib, or pembrolizumab–lenvatinib can be considered as the first option based on the benefit obtained in OS versus sunitinib. In cases that have an intermediate IMDC and poor prognosis, the combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab has demonstrated superior OS compared to sunitinib. As for individuals with advanced RCC previously treated with one or two antiangiogenic tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, nivolumab and cabozantinib are the options of choice. When there is progression following initial immunotherapy-based treatment, we recommend treatment with an antiangiogenic tyrosine-kinase inhibitor. While no clear sequence can be advocated, medical oncologists and patients should be aware of the recent advances and new strategies that improve survival and quality of life in the setting of metastatic RC.
Ionospheric scintillation characteristics over Indian region from latitudinally-aligned geodetic GPS observations
Authors: Panda Sampad Kumar , Moses Mefe , Ansari Kutubuddin , Walo Janusz
Published: August 2023

Ionospheric scintillations pose one of the biggest threats to Satellite-Earth communication links in the communication and navigation systems services whose occurrence characteristics could be explained through the strength of fading (amplitude scintillation index; S4) and the rapidity of the fades (decorrelation time; 𝜏0). In the present work, we analyzed the S4 index from a latitudinal array of three geodetic global positioning system (GPS) stations along the Indian longitude sector during the descending phase of the 24th solar cycle. The results show predominant occurrences of scintillations during the post-sunset and nighttime periods indicating the level of scintillations close to equatorial, beyond anomaly crest, and near mid-latitude locations. The strong amplitude scintillations during 2014 and 2015 and their lowest magnitudes during 2016 and 2017 reflect the solar activity dependence of the scintillation occurrences. The directional distribution and 2-dimensional surface sky plots of the S4 index substantiate the occurrence of intense scintillation being more prevalent towards the equatorial location, whereas the weak and moderate scintillations are perceived towards the higher low latitude stations. The occurrences of intense scintillations are confirmed in high solar active years and equinox season at all stations, while the equatorial station presents relatively higher occurrences in winter followed by summer. The summer season witnessed intense occurrences even under moderate to low solar activity years (2016–2017), reflecting the post-midnight occurrences due to meridional thermospheric winds. Moreover, maximum percentage occurrences of weak scintillations in all seasons are evident towards the poleward side, far away from the anomaly crest. The amplitude scintillation frequency during the period is further compared with the solar and geomagnetic indices to substantiate the analysis drawn from the variations. The correlation coefficients between the scintillation index occurrence rate with the solar and geomagnetic in-dices at three GNSS stations provide valuable insights into the relationship between solar activity and scintillation. The results show that the strength and direction of the correlation can vary significantly depending on the specific solar index and location. Thus, emphasize further studies on scintillation occurrences for developing effective forecasting and mitigation models over the Indian low-latitude region.
Challenges for Cyber Arms Control: A Qualitative Expert Interview Study
Authors: Reinhold Thomas , Pleil Helene , Reuter Christian
Published: August 2023

The militarization of cyberspace has been a topic in international fora and scientific debates for several years. However, the development of applicable, and verifiable arms control measures that can effectively reduce the risk of military escalations in cyberspace is still hindered by the characteristics of this domain. The article analyses challenges and obstacles of dual-use, proliferation, constant technological progress, the importance of the private sector, difficulties in defining and verifying weapons and difficulties in attributing attacks.
Conjunct application of machine learning and game theory in groundwater quality mapping
Authors: Khiavi Ali Nasiri , Tavoosi Mohammad , Kuriqi Alban
Published: August 2023

Groundwater quality (GWQ) monitoring is one of the best environmental objectives due to recent droughts and urban and rural development. Therefore, this study aimed to map GWQ in the central plateau of Iran by validating machine learning algorithms (MLAs) using game theory (GT). On this basis, chemical parameters related to water quality, including K+, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, SO42−, Cl−, HCO3−, pH, TDS, and EC, were interpolated at 39 sampling sites. Then, the random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), Naive Bayes, and K-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithms were used in the Python programming language, and the map was plotted concerning GWQ. Borda scoring was used to validate the MLAs, and 39 sample points were prioritized. Based on the results, among the ML algorithms, the RF algorithm with error statistics MAE = 0.261, MSE = 0.111, RMSE = 0.333, and AUC = 0.930 was selected as the most optimal algorithm. Based on the GWQ map created with the RF algorithm, 42.71% of the studied area was in poor condition. The proportion of this region in the classes with moderate and high GWQ was 18.93% and 38.36%, respectively. The results related to the prioritization of sampling sites with the GT algorithm showed a great similarity between the results of this algorithm and the RF model. In addition, the analysis of the chemical condition of critical and non-critical points based on the results of RF and GT showed that the chemical aspects, carbonate balance, and salinity at critical points were in poor condition. In general, it can be said that the simultaneous use of MLA and GT provides a good basis for constructing the GWQ map in the central plateau of Iran.
Upper estimates for blow-up solutions of a quasi-linear parabolic equation
Authors: Anada Koichi , Ishiwata Tetsuya , Ushijima Takeo
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we consider a quasi-linear parabolic equation $$u_t=u^p(x_{xx}+u)$$

u
t

=

u
p

(

x

xx

+
u
)

. It is known that there exist blow-up solutions and some of them develop Type II singularity. However, only a few results are known about the precise behavior of Type II blow-up solutions for $$p>2$$

p
>
2

. We investigated the blow-up solutions for the equation with periodic boundary conditions and derived upper estimates of the blow-up rates in the case of $$2
0$$

ε
>
0

under some assumptions.
Intercropping organic melon and cowpea combined with return of crop residues increases yields and soil fertility
Authors: Marcos-Pérez Mariano , Sánchez-Navarro Virginia , Martinez-Martinez Silvia , Martínez-Mena María , García Eloísa , Zornoza Raúl
Published: August 2023

The growth of legumes, reduced tillage and addition of crop residues can be regarded as a good alternative in intercropping systems to increase soil organic matter, soil fertility and biodiversity while enhancing crop production and reducing the use of fertilizers. Despite the potential benefits, there is still a research gap about using the combination of cowpea and melon in intercropping to increase productivity and reduce external inputs. Thus, the aims of this study were to: i) assess if crop yield, crop quality and soil physicochemical properties can be improved by intercropping systems between melon (Cucumis melo L.) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) with reduced tillage and addition of crop residues, compared with a melon monoculture with intensive tillage and removal of crop residues, all grown under organic management; and ii) evaluated if cowpea grown as intercrop with fertilization reduced by 30% in the diversified plots can partially replace the use of fertilizers with no negative effects on total crop production. In this study we compared over three crop cycles monocrops with three different melon-cowpea intercropping patterns: mixed intercropping, row intercropping 1:1 (melon:cowpea) and row intercropping 2:1 (melon:cowpea). Our results, presented in this study, showed that intercropping systems, regardless of the pattern, kept soil organic C levels, while it significantly decreased in melon monoculture. Intercropping also significantly increased soil total N, available P and exchangeable K (0.13%, 62 mg·kg-1 and 387 mg·kg-1, respectively), compared to the melon monocrop (0.11%, 25 mg·kg-1 and 306 mg·kg-1). Total crop production was significantly higher under diversified systems, with land equivalent ratios > 1. Hence, the introduction of cowpea associated with melon, combined with reduced tillage and the incorporation of crop residues could be considered as a feasible strategy for sustainable agriculture, with environmental gains and economic savings for fertilizers and water.
Advances in Mn-Based Electrode Materials for Aqueous Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ding Changsheng , Chen Zhang , Cao Chuanxiang , Liu Yu , Gao Yanfeng
Published: August 2023

Aqueous sodium-ion batteries have attracted extensive attention for large-scale energy storage applications, due to abundant sodium resources, low cost, intrinsic safety of aqueous electrolytes and eco-friendliness. The electrochemical performance of aqueous sodium-ion batteries is affected by the properties of electrode materials and electrolytes. Among various electrode materials, Mn-based electrode materials have attracted tremendous attention because of the abundance of Mn, low cost, nontoxicity, eco-friendliness and interesting electrochemical performance. Aqueous electrolytes having narrow electrochemical window also affect the electrochemical performance of Mn-based electrode materials. In this review, we introduce systematically Mn-based electrode materials for aqueous sodium-ion batteries from cathode and anode materials and offer a comprehensive overview about their recent development. These Mn-based materials include oxides, Prussian blue analogues and polyanion compounds. We summarize and discuss the composition, crystal structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of Mn-based electrode materials. The improvement methods based on electrolyte optimization, element doping or substitution, optimization of morphology and carbon modification are highlighted. The perspectives of Mn-based electrode materials for future studies are also provided. We believe this review is important and helpful to explore and apply Mn-based electrode materials in aqueous sodium-ion batteries.
Searching to avoid regret in charitable giving
Authors: Jhunjhunwala Tanushree
Published: August 2023

Regret aversion often compels individuals to undertake extensive searches before making a choice. Yet, donors hardly search among charitable alternatives prior to giving. It is unclear if donors search little because there is no regret to avoid as they rarely learn the outcome of their donations, or they simply do not care as donation outcomes do not directly impact them. To investigate if absence of regret is a contributing factor behind this lack of search, the current study develops an online experiment wherein subjects can research available charities before donating. While the control group does not receive any regret-inducing feedback (such as relative effectiveness of their donation) ex-post of decision-making, the treatment group is ex-ante aware of receiving charity rankings ex-post. While the control subjects donate without gathering information on charities, the treatment subjects research substantially more and consequentially donate to better ranked charities without decreasing donations.
Factors associated with early newborn care practices in Bangladesh: evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Sakib Md. Saifullah , Tanny Tahmina Ferdous , Rouf Abu Sayeed Ripon , Manik Mehedi Hasan
Published: August 2023

Aim

Immediate care of newborns is essential to scale back the mortality rate. This study tries to search out several aspects of newborn care practices of newborn birth from BDHS 2017-18 data.

Methods

Initially, bivariate analysis is employed to look at the differentials' initial newborn care practices by several selected background variables. The study used a simple and multinomial logistic regression model to identify the important determinants of initial care practices. Besides determinates of the factor, the study also compares the results with the cross-sectional survey data of 2014 and 2011.

Results

The percentage of employing a clean delivery kit during delivery and skin-to-skin contact are 22.8 and 13.7 respectively in Bangladesh in 2017 which is lower than the previous report in 2014. The odds of clean delivery kits and skin-to-skin are higher for educated mothers (OR = 3.30 and OR = 1.74) and in the case of delayed bathing the odds of the Rangpur division (OR = 1.90) are more likely higher compared to the reference category. Besides, the odds of a mother's age above 25 and birth order 3+ are less likely to reference the category for newborn care practices.

Conclusion

Factors identified in early newborn care practices will not only help policy makers undertake a series of interventions for improved newborn health but also ensure good -quality health services.
Long-term survival of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after surgical treatment in a large-scale retrospective study from a single cancer center
Authors: Ni Kunhan , Li Zhiyu , Li Kexun , Li Changding , Du Kunyi , Nie Xin , Liu Kun , Li Kunzhi , Huang Yixuan , Lu Simiao , Jiang Longlin , He Wenwu , Wang Chenghao , Wang Kangning , Zhou Qiang , Li Haojun , Li Jialong , Liu Guangyuan , Xiao Wenguang , Fang Qiang , Peng Lin , Wang Qifeng , Han Yongtao , Leng Xuefeng
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To analyze the long-term overall survival (OS) and influencing factors of patients with esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) under surgical treatment.

Method

We collected patients with ESCC who received surgical treatment in Sichuan Cancer Hospital & institute from January 2010 to December 2017, and selected 2,766 patients with thoracic esophageal carcinoma with relatively complete follow-up results as the objects of this study. We analyzed the characteristics, postoperative complications and long-term OS results of those patients.

Results

Of the 2766 patients, 81.6% were male, midthoracic esophageal cancer accounted for 53.5%. McKeown was used in 72.0% of patients and Ivor-Lewis was used in 26.4% of patients. About 47.8% of patients received minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE). The overall complication rate was 25.8%. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year OS rates were 86.2%, 57.5% and 46.8%, respectively. McKeown had a better long-term OS rate than Ivor-Lewis (49.5% vs 41.2%, P < 0.001), and MIE is superior to open surgery (51.8% vs 42.5%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

McKeown has advantages over Ivor-Lewis. MIE results in better long-term survival outcomes for patients. But more prospective randomized controlled trials with large samples are needed.
Forecasting the Spot Market Electricity Price with a Long Short-Term Memory Model Architecture in a Disruptive Economic and Geopolitical Context
Authors: Bâra Adela , Oprea Simona-Vasilica , Băroiu Alexandru-Costin
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we perform a short-run Electricity Price Forecast (EPF) with a Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), namely Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), using an algorithm that selects the variables and optimizes the hyperparameters. The results are compared with one of the standout machine learning algorithms, namely eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB). Apart from other EPF solutions, in this paper, we focus on the interval before and after the pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine. Furthermore, compared to the previous papers that mainly approached German, Austrian, Australian, Spanish, Nordic electricity Day Ahead Markets (DAM), we emphasize on the EPF for one of the East-European countries—Romania whose market rules closely align with the rules of the European Union electricity DAM. The contribution of this study consists in creating a data set that spans from January 2019 to August 2022 and providing an algorithm to identify the best stacked LSTM architecture to cope with a challenging short-term EPF. The proposed algorithm identifies the most relevant variables using a correlation threshold and performs a combination of three parameters—hidden layer size, dropout and learning rate generating the best EPF results.
Prevention/mitigation of natural disasters in urban areas
Authors: Chai Jinchun , Wu Hao-Ze
Published: August 2023

Preventing/mitigating natural disasters in urban areas can indirectly be part of the 17 sustainable economic and social development intentions according to the United Nations in 2015. Four types of natural disasters—flooding, heavy rain-induced slope failures/landslides; earthquakes causing structure failure/collapse, and land subsidence—are briefly considered in this article. With the increased frequency of climate change-induced extreme weathers, the numbers of flooding and heavy rain-induced slope failures/landslides in urban areas has increased in recent years. There are both engineering methods to prevent their occurrence, and more effectively early prediction and warning systems to mitigate the resulting damage. However, earthquakes still cannot be predicted to an extent that is sufficient to avoid damage, and developing and adopting structures that are resilient against earthquakes, that is, structures featuring earthquake resistance, vibration damping, and seismic isolation, are essential tasks for sustainable city development. Land subsidence results from human activity, and is mainly due to excessive pumping of groundwater, which is a “natural” disaster caused by human activity. Countermeasures include effective regional and/or national freshwater management and local water recycling to avoid excessive pumping the groundwater. Finally, perspectives for risk warning and hazard prevention through enhanced field monitoring, risk assessment with multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), and artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Preventive Oncology International: A brief history of HPV self-collected vaginal specimens for cervical cancer screening
Authors: Belinson Jerome L. , Pretorius Robert G. , Wu Ruifang , Qiao Youlin
Published: August 2023

Since 1998, Preventive Oncology International, Inc. (POI) has been at the forefront of studying human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection for cervical cancer screening, with a significant focus in China. Through multiple clinical trials over the past 25 years, POI has explored various aspects related to self-collection methodologies. In 2004–2006, POI established that self-collection could be equivalent to direct endocervical samples. Subsequently, a large randomized trial involving 10,000 patients in 2010 further confirmed that self-collected vaginal specimens, tested for high-risk HPV (hrHPV) using a PCR-based assay with high analytic sensitivity, could effectively replace endocervical specimens with minimal loss of sensitivity and a slight decrease in specificity. Throughout the years, POI's research has encompassed several crucial topics, including patient acceptance, the development of new cost-effective, simpler, and faster assays, exploring different collection devices, devising efficient methods of specimen transport, and implementing population-based screening systems. The findings strongly support the integration of self-collection methodologies into cervical cancer control programs worldwide, particularly in medically underserved regions. As HPV self-collection continues to evolve, ongoing research and innovations are expected to play a pivotal role in achieving the global mission of combating cervical cancer.
The Size of Government
Authors: Rybáček Václav
Published: August 2023

The growing economic power of government has prompted many studies to seek to establish the optimum size of government and how it might relate to economic growth, productivity and inflation.

Václav Rybáček examines how these studies have used national accounts and officially published statistics to invariably underestimate the size of government, which has lead to erroneous economic policy recommendations and ultimately to an unrealistic assessment of a government's ability to meet its debts. The book shows how the methodology of macroeconomic statistics has failed to keep pace with the expansion of government and has misallocated, for example, many public producers in the field of financial services, to the corporate sector. Even central banks conducting government policy are shown to stand outside official figures on the size of government. Similarly, when showing the relative size of government, the choice of denominator, such as GDP, can further lead to underestimating government size.

Drawing on Austrian economic theory, in particular in relation to market operation, the book offers a more robust methodology for the measurement of government, which is then used to recalculate fiscal indicators and GDP in order to present a more appropriate set of data for the analysis of public sector dynamics in the majority of EU countries.
Rethinking Global Labour
Authors: Munck Ronaldo
Published: August 2023

Far from witnessing the beginning of the end of organized labour as a major political force, Rethinking Global Labour argues that, post-financial crisis, we are entering a new era for workers and their organizations in which they will begin to impact decisively on the new global order.

In exploring the potential futures for the world's workers, the book provides an insightful account of how globalization has created a new global working class while increasing the insecurity and precarious nature of most employment. Moving beyond categories of North and South, Munck argues that the new global class of workers will be central both to the future of globalization and to its possible alternatives. In some ways the book poses a 'return to the future' drawing parallels with the birth of the labour and democratic movements before the consolidation of nation states.

At a time of growing unease with the negative effects of economic globalization, Rethinking Global Labour offers an important assessment of global labour and its potential for organization.
Driving Change
Authors: Metz David
Published: August 2023

Drawing on comparative detail from Europe, North America, and the rest of the world, Driving Change provides a nuanced overview of the UK's modern transport system and the role of business models and policy choices in its evolution. The common features of mobility and travel in developed economies are highlighted in order to provide a balanced appraisal of possible future developments.

The book offers a detailed consideration of the potential of new technologies - electric propulsion, digital platforms and autonomous vehicles - to offer solutions to the intractable challenges that accompany high levels of car ownership, as well as their likely impact on business and transport policy.

Driving Change is a rich analysis of the modern state of transportation and will be welcomed by students of transport studies and policy professionals tasked with developing infrastructure and the growth of the transportation industry.
Civil Economy
Authors: Bruni Luigino , Zamagni Stefano
Published: August 2023

Global financial capitalism has eroded the moral economy on which all economic exchanges ultimately depend. The principles of reciprocity, responsibility and redistribution, which for centuries defined the market place, have been increasingly pushed aside by a growth model that places the pursuit of profit above all else.

Luigino Bruni and Stefano Zamagni draw on a rich Italian tradition of civic humanism to advocate a more well-mannered type of economic market - a civil economy - one that places well-being, virtue and the common good alongside more familiar economic goals. They provide a succinct introduction to the civil economy approach and outline the thought and ideas of some of its pioneers and main representatives. The many different fields of application of the civil economy, from the determination of gross domestic product to the management of common goods, from welfare to the organization of production and consumption, are considered.

Unlike many post-growth or degrowth movements, rather than seek to replace the market, civil economy seeks to find solutions to social problems within the market, while maximizing human values and minimizing government intervention. It is a distinct and valuable approach, and one that offers individuals, corporations and governments a framework for a humane and socially accountable, yet productive and competitive, system of markets.
The Living Wage
Authors: Hirsch Donald , Valadez-Martinez Laura
Published: August 2023

The 'living wage' is an old idea that has experienced a dramatic resurgence of political popularity in recent years. The underlying logic of the concept is quite clear: it is a wage that provides workers with enough income to live on at some level considered adequate. However, in practice the term has become blurred with that of the 'minimum wage' and in its implementation it has lacked a consistent meaning despite being widely used as a campaigning slogan.

This short primer traces the origins of the concept of the living wage and seeks to explain the current rise in its fortunes as an economic instrument with a social objective. It examines its impact on labour markets and wage levels, explores how it has been applied, and assesses whether it is an effective measure for raising living standards.

It offers a broad-ranging analysis of the debates, policy developments and limitations of wage floors in developed economies and will appeal to a wide readership in economics, public policy and sociology, as well as those working in non-profit and non-governmental organizations.
Marginalism
Authors: Mosselmans Bert
Published: August 2023

The notion of marginalism is central to modern economic theory. Its emergence, in the 1870s, underpinned the change from classical economics to modern (micro)economics, described by Schumpeter as a 'revolution'. This book explores the origins of the concept, its development and role in modern economics and shows why the marginalist approach is much more than a set of mathematical rules.

The book examines how marginalism and its development of calculus came about in a variety of different arenas, including as a reaction to Ricardo's dominant theory of rents, in von Thunen's location model, in the writings of German and French authors, both within the mainstream and outside it, before going on to look in detail at the work of Jevons, Walras and Menger, the economists most closely associated with the marginal revolution.

By exploring the origins and development of the marginalist approach within the history of economic thought, rather than seeking to explain it in forbidding formal terms, the book is better able to show students the wider importance of the marginalist approach in economic theory and its far-reaching societal implications in terms of the distribution of wages and capital. For anyone who has struggled with the technicalities of microeconomic theory, this approach will be warmly welcomed.
Digital doubters in different political and cultural contexts: Comparing citizen attitudes across three major digital technologies
Authors: Kostka Genia
Published: August 2023

Governments all over the world are rapidly embracing digital technologies for information collection, governance, and social control. Recent studies suggest citizens may accept or even support digital surveillance. By using an online survey dataset on public opinion about facial recognition technology, contact tracing apps, and the social credit system in China, Germany, the US, and the UK, this article shows that these studies have overlooked a small yet significant group of digital technology doubters. Our results show that while up to 10% of Chinese citizens belong to the group of “digital doubters,” this group is the largest in Germany with 30% of citizens. The US and the UK are in the middle with approximately 20%. While citizens who belong to this group of digital doubters worry about privacy and surveillance issues, their attitudes can also be explained by them not being convinced of the benefits of digital technologies, including improved efficiency, security, or convenience. We find that the more citizens lack trust in their government, the more likely they are to belong to the group of digital doubters. Our findings demonstrate that in both democratic and authoritarian states, there are citizens opposing the adoption of certain digital technologies. This underscores the importance of initiating societal debate to determine the appropriate regulations that align with these societal preferences.