bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socially Defined Subpopulations Reveal Demographic Variation in a Giraffe Metapopulation
Authors: Bond Monica L. , König Barbara , Ozgul Arpat , Farine Damien R. , Lee Derek E.
Published: April 2021

Populations are typically defined as spatially contiguous sets of individuals, but large populations of social species can be composed of discrete social communities that often overlap in space. Masai giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) of Tanzania live in distinct social subpopulations that overlap spatially, enabling us to simultaneously explore environmental and social factors correlated with demographic variation in a metapopulation of >1,400 adult females and calves. We considered statistically distinct communities in the social network as subpopulations and tested for variation among the 10 subpopulations in adult female survival, calf survival, and reproductive rate (calf‐to‐adult female ratio). We then related variation in demographic rates among subpopulations to differences in vegetation, soil type, proximity to 2 types of human settlements, local giraffe population density, and social metrics of relationship strength and exclusivity among adult females. We did not find any among‐subpopulation effects on adult female survival, suggesting adult female survival is buffered against environmental heterogeneity among subpopulations. Variation in calf demographic rates among subpopulations were correlated with vegetation, soils, anthropogenic factors, and giraffe population density but not with adult female relationship metrics, despite substantial spatial overlap. Subpopulations with more dense bushlands in their ranges had lower calf survival probabilities, and those closer to human settlements had higher reproductive rates, possibly because of spatial gradients in natural predation. Reproductive rates were higher in subpopulations with more volcanic soils, and calf survival probabilities were greater in subpopulations with higher local adult female densities, possibly related to higher‐quality habitat associated with fertile soils or lower predation risk, or to greater competitive ability. The variation in fitness among subpopulations suggests that giraffes do not move unhindered among resource patches to equalize reproductive success, as expected according to an ideal free distribution. The differences in calf survival and reproductive rates could rather indicate intercommunity differences in competitive ability, perception, learning, or experience. Our approach of comparing demography among spatially overlapping yet distinct socially defined subpopulations provides a biologically meaningful way to quantify environmental and social factors influencing fine‐scale demographic variation for social species. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Biodegradable magnesium‐based biomaterials: An overview of challenges and opportunities
Authors: Amukarimi Shukufe , Mozafari Masoud
Published: April 2021

As promising biodegradable materials with nontoxic degradation products, magnesium (Mg) and its alloys have received more and more attention in the biomedical field very recently. Having excellent biocompatibility and unique mechanical properties, magnesium‐based alloys currently cover a broad range of applications in the biomedical field. The use of Mg‐based biomedical devices eliminates the need for biomaterial removal surgery after the healing process and reduces adverse effects induced by the implantation of permanent biomaterials. However, the high corrosion rate of Mg‐based implants leads to unexpected degradation, structural failure, hydrogen evolution, alkalization, and cytotoxicity. To overcome these limitations, alloying Mg with suitable alloying elements and surface treatment come highly recommended. In this area, open questions remain on the behavior of Mg‐based biomaterials in the human body and the effects of different factors that have resulted in these challenges. In addition to that, many techniques are yet to be verified to turn these challenges into opportunities. Accordingly, this article aims to review major challenges and opportunities for Mg‐based biomaterials to minimize the challenges for the development of novel biomaterials made of Mg and its alloys.
Blending‐type approximation by Lupaş–Durrmeyer‐type operators involving Pólya distribution
Authors: Kajla Arun , Mohiuddine S. A. , Alotaibi Abdullah
Published: April 2021

In the present work, we construct a new sequence of positive linear operatorsinvolving Pólya distribution. We compute a Voronovskaja type and a Grüss–Voronovskaja type asymptotic formula as well as the rate of approximation by using the modulus of smoothness and for functions in a Lipschitz type space. Lastly, we provide some numerical results, which explain the validity of the theoretical results and the effectiveness of the constructed operators.
Plasticity in Reproductive Potential of Bigheaded Carp along an Invasion Front
Authors: Lenaerts Allison W. , Coulter Alison A. , Irons Kevin S. , Lamer James T.
Published: April 2021

Invasive species can have varying and unpredictable reproductive potential among native and invaded populations or along invasion fronts, potentially contributing to invasion success. Understanding the reproductive potential (fecundity and egg size) of low-density, leading-edge populations is important to inform the management of Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Bighead Carp H. nobilis populations in the upper Mississippi River. Therefore, we compared batch fecundity and eggs/g of ovary subsample (an egg-size surrogate) of Silver Carp (n = 145) and Bighead Carp (n = 75) along a decreasing invasion gradient from Pool 20 (higher abundance) to Pool 17 (lower abundance) in the Mississippi River. Bighead Carp in Pools 17 and 18 (461 ± 22 eggs/g [mean ± SE]) had significantly fewer eggs/g than those in Pools 19 and 20 (higher abundance; 483 ± 13 eggs/g). Log-transformed batch fecundity for Bighead Carp was positively correlated to log-transformed fish length, and batch fecundity was higher in Pools 17, 18, and 19 than in Pool 20. The eggs/g values for Silver Carp, which have been previously shown to be independent of fish length, were similar among all pools (94 ± 11 eggs/g). Batch fecundity for Silver Carp was significantly higher in Pools 17–19 than in Pool 20, where densities are higher. Our results suggest that at lower densities, Bighead Carp produce more, larger eggs and Silver Carp produce more eggs, which collectively could increase their reproductive success along invasion fronts.
Clinical Results and Biomarker Analyses of Axitinib and TRC105 versus Axitinib Alone in Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (TRAXAR)
Authors: Choueiri Toni K. , Zakharia Yousef , Pal Sumanta , Kocsis Judit , Pachynski Russell , Poprach Alexandr , Nixon Andrew B. , Liu Yingmiao , Starr Mark , Lyu Jing , Owzar Kouros , deShazo Mollie , Lara Primo , Geczi Lajos , Ho Thai H. , Walsh Meghara , Adams Bonne , Robertson Liz , Darif Mohamed , Theuer Charles , Agarwal Neeraj
Published: April 2021

Lessons Learned

Background

Endoglin is an angiogenic receptor expressed on proliferating tumor vessels and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) stem cells that is implicated as a mechanism of resistance to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors. This study evaluated an antiendoglin monoclonal antibody (carotuximab, TRC105) combined with axitinib in patients with advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC) who had progressed following one or more prior VEGF inhibitors.

Methods

TRAXAR was a multicenter, international randomized 1:1 (stratified by ECOG, 0 vs. 1), phase II study of carotuximab combined with axitinib versus axitinib alone in mccRCC patients who had progressed following one or more prior VEGF inhibitors. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by independent central review (ICR) per RECIST 1.1

Results

A total of 150 patients were randomized. The combination therapy resulted in shorter median PFS by RECIST 1.1 than axitinib monotherapy (6.7 vs. 11.4 months). The combination was tolerated similarly to axitinib monotherapy, and there were no treatment related deaths. Exploratory evaluation of pretreatment circulating biomarkers suggested the combination might benefit patients who have low baseline VEGF levels.

Conclusion

The combination of carotuximab with axitinib did not demonstrate additional efficacy over single agent axitinib in patients with mccRCC who progressed following one or more prior VEGF inhibitor treatment.
Development of Magnesium Anode‐Based Transient Primary Batteries
Authors: Togonon Jazer Jose H. , Esparcia Eugene A. , del Rosario Julie Anne D. , Ocon Joey D.
Published: April 2021

Biodegradable primary batteries, also known as transient batteries, are essential to realize autonomous biodegradable electronic devices with high performance and advanced functionality. In this work, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc – metals that exist as trace elements in the human body – were tested as materials for biomedical transient electronic devices. Different full cell combinations of Mg and X (where X = Cu, Fe, and Zn and the anodized form of the metals) with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) as electrolyte were studied. To form the cathodes, metal foils were anodized galvanostatically at a current density of 2.0 mA cm−2 for 30 mins. Electrochemical measurements were then conducted for each electrode combination to evaluate full cell battery performance. Results showed that the Mg−Cuanodized chemistry has the highest power density at 0.99 mW/cm2. Nominal operating voltages of 1.26 V for the first 0.50 h and 0.63 V for the next 3.7 h were observed for Mg−Cuanodized which was discharged at a current density of 0.70 mA cm−2. Among the materials tested, Mg−Cuanodized exhibited the best discharge performance with an average specific capacity of 2.94 mAh cm−2, which is comparable to previous reports on transient batteries.
Effect of Bismuth Oxide Particles Size on the Thermal Excitation and Combustion Properties of Thermite Systems
Authors: Li Shi , Guo Tao , Yao Miao , Song Jiaxing , Ding Wen , Mao Yiming , Chen Jialin
Published: April 2021

The influence of Bi2O3 particles size at the sub‐micron scale on the thermal excitation threshold and combustion performance of nano‐thermite systems was investigated. Three formulas were designed and prepared, Al(100 nm)/Bi2O3(170 nm), Al(100 nm)/Bi2O3(370 nm) and Al(100 nm)/Bi2O3(740 nm). The samples were characterized and tested by SEM, XRD, and DSC techniques. Electrical ignition and combustion experiments were performed. The results showed that with the increase of the particle size of Bi2O3, in the case of slow linear heating, the exothermic heat decreased (1051.2 J g−1, 527.3 J g−1 and 243.6 J g−1) and the thermal excitation threshold temperature increased (564.52 °C, 658.1 °C and 810.9 °C). Simultaneously, the state of the thermite reaction correspondingly changed to solid‐solid, liquid‐solid and liquid‐liquid thermite reaction. In the case of rapid heating , the increase in particle size increased the excitation current (0.561A, 0.710A and 0.837A). During the combustion process, the thermite system with the smallest Bi2O3 particle size showed the largest combustion rate, and that with the largest particle size had the longest combustion duration.
Impact of free trade agreements on Internet domain name arbitration cases: A cross‐national comparison of the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy
Authors: Min Bumgi , Wang Ryan Yang , Bai Yang , Grzeslo Jenna , Jayakar Krishna
Published: April 2021

This study examined whether the presence of a free trade agreement (FTA) between the United States and a foreign country significantly affected the outcomes of Internet domain name dispute arbitration cases, conducted within the framework of the Uniform Dispute Resolution Policy (UDRP). Data were collected for 2797 arbitration cases filed during the 2001–2019 period from ten countries, five with US FTAs and five without. Logistic regression analysis, with controls for additional variables, found that complainants are less likely to win in FTA countries. The expectation from political economic theories predicting that FTA negotiations are used to obtain favorable legal environments for US businesses and individuals is not supported. This finding suggests that a more complicated and nuanced relationship exists between FTAs and UDRP decisions.
Use of magnesium sulfate in continuous infusion in patients with severe acute asthma, in a pediatric emergency room
Authors: Gross Júnior Milton , Lago Patrícia Miranda , Santana João Carlos Batista , Biondo Gabriela Fontanella , Zandoná Bianca , Chiaradia Fernanda de Oliveira , Carvalho Paulo Roberto Antonacci
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Asthma is a chronic disease, of high prevalence, with important morbidity and that can lead to death in childhood. The use of intravenous magnesium sulfate has been indicated in cases refractory to the initial management with inhaled bronchodilators and corticosteroids.

Objective

To evaluate the use of magnesium sulfate in continuous infusion (50 mg/kg/h in 4 h) in children with severe acute asthma in a pediatric emergency room.

Location

Ten‐bed general pediatric emergency room, university hospital, tertiary, in southern Brazil.

Patients

All children over 2 years old with severe acute asthma refractory to the initial treatment who received a continuous infusion of magnesium sulfate at a dose of 50 mg/kg/h in 4 h, from April 2017 to October 2019.

Conclusion

Based on this study, the use of continuous intravenous magnesium sulfate proved to be well tolerated, leading to improved respiratory status, and can be considered as a satisfactory adjunctive therapy in the management of severe acute asthma.
Physiotherapists' job satisfaction according to employment situation: Findings from an online survey in Austria
Authors: Latzke Markus , Putz Peter , Kulnik Stefan Tino , Schlegl Constance , Sorge Martina , Mériaux‐Kratochvila Silvia
Published: April 2021

Background and Purpose

Physiotherapists are commonly working in self‐employed, employed, or in combined employed and self‐employed work arrangements. This study aimed at examining aspects of job satisfaction and predictors of physiotherapists' overall job satisfaction across those three types of work arrangements.

Methods

Austrian physiotherapists rated their overall job satisfaction as well as the importance and realisation of aspects of job satisfaction in a cross‐sectional online survey. Multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of overall job satisfaction, and (for employed therapists only) predictors for planning to change the employer.

Results

The sample consisted of 581 physiotherapists working in the public or private sector, of which, 342 were self‐employed, 100 employed, and 139 both employed and self‐employed. Physiotherapists generally indicated high job satisfaction with notable variations according to their work arrangements. Overall job satisfaction and the aspects of recognition and autonomy were higher in self‐employed therapists, when compared to the other two groups. In contrast, self‐employed therapists reported lower satisfaction with mentoring and peer support. Those who were both employed and self‐employed reported the highest gap between the importance and realisation of their work–life balance (r = −0.50, p < 0.001). Recognition was identified as the most important predictor of job satisfaction (ß = 0.52, p < 0.001) and intention to leave (ß = −0.54, p < 0.001) in employed physiotherapists.

Discussion

The analysis of job satisfaction according to work arrangements suggests several approaches to increase or maintain a high level of job satisfaction, which may be addressed by employers and physiotherapy professional organisations. For employed physiotherapists, practices that increase their recognition and autonomy seem to be promising, whereas self‐employed physiotherapists could benefit from enhanced opportunities for exchange and networking with colleagues. For those who are both employed and self‐employed, more flexible work schedules may be helpful to integrate the demands of private patients and employer workloads.
Temperature Influence on the Radiation Responses of Erbium‐Doped Fiber Amplifiers
Authors: Aubry Marine , Mescia Luciano , Morana Adriana , Robin Thierry , Laurent Arnaud , Mekki Julien , Marin Emmanuel , Ouerdane Youcef , Girard Sylvain , Boukenter Aziz
Published: April 2021

The gain degradations of an Er‐doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) during the exposure of its active Er‐doped fiber to 40 keV X‐rays (≈2.7 mrad(SiO2) s−1up to 300 krad) at three different temperatures: −40, 25, and 120 °C, are characterized. The spectral dependence of the fiber radiation‐induced attenuation (RIA) is monitored in situ in the 900–1600 nm spectral range, highlighting a combined temperature and radiation effect on the near‐infrared RIA levels and kinetics. At the system level, the kinetics of EDFA gain degradation are only slightly affected by varying the irradiation temperature for the tested backward pumping EDFA configuration. On the theoretical side, a homemade computer code based on the particle swarm optimization and the rate equations to model the radiation behavior of EDFA is used, considering only the RIA impact on its gain. Despite a good agreement between experimental and simulation results below the dose of 70 krad corresponding to current space missions, the comparison between the modeled and measured gain degradation kinetics at higher doses shows that a more precise modeling of the temperature impact on the absorption properties of the erbium ions is necessary to better reproduce the EDFA radiation behavior for future space missions.
Interfacial Engineering via Self‐Assembled Thiol Silane for High Efficiency and Stability Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Shi Yunfan , Zhang Huijie , Tong Xiaolan , Hou Xiaoyi , Li Fangjie , Du Yunxiao , Wang Shaofu , Zhang Qilin , Liu Pei , Zhao Xingzhong
Published: April 2021

Self‐assemble monolayer (SAM) has been proven to be an effective interfacial layer to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, a 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) SAM is used as an interlayer between the SnO2 electron‐transporting layer (ETL) and the perovskite film to modify fully air‐processed PSCs. In the devices prepared by the two‐step method, this MPTMS SAM interlayer can slow down the crystal growth of perovskite and smooth the surface of the SnO2 ETL, which could induce a high‐quality perovskite absorber. In contrast, it can passivate the SnO2/perovskite interface to enhance the extraction efficiency of photogenerated electrons and restrain carrier recombination. As a result, with suitable MPTMS SAM modification, the average power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the fully air‐processed PSCs is significantly improved from 16.62% to 18.75%, and the best device achieved a champion PCE over 20%. Moreover, the modified PSCs exhibit a good stability in ambient air. This research shows that the interface modification of MPTMS SAM is a feasible method for high‐performance PSCs.
Role of autopsy imaging‐computed tomography in the post‐mortem study of farm animals
Authors: Yamada Kazutaka , Yokoyama Taiki , Aihara Naoyuki , Une Yumi , Sato Reiichiro
Published: April 2021

Background

Autopsy imaging (Ai) is used to determine the cause of death, providing pre‐dissection information. Ai is often used in the field of human forensic medicine but has never been applied on farm animals.

Methods

Ai‐computed tomography (CT) was performed before necropsy for farm animals (one goat, one ox, one cow and three calves) that died or were euthanised.

Results

Ai‐CT findings of rib fractures (case 1), urethral calculi (case 2), multiple osteolytic bone lesions (case 3 and 4) and hair balls (case 4) were confirmed by dissection. However, a tentative diagnosis of actinomycosis was made in an ox (case 5) using antemortem radiography and Ai‐CT, and the mass was identified as ameloblastic fibro‐odontoma on histological examination. A tentative diagnosis of maxillary abscess was made from antemortem radiography in a cow (case 6); however, the lesion was shown to be maxillary neoplasia on Ai‐CT. The mass was identified as hemangiosarcoma on histopathological examination.

Conclusion

Ai is helpful in pathological examination because the specific findings are known before the dissection, the lesions can be pinpointed in the pathological dissection, facilitating workflow; furthermore, the oversight of lesions can be reduced. In addition, Ai‐CT images, including three‐dimensional images and a three‐dimensional printed model, allowed an easy understanding of pathology among students and farmers. Ai‐CT for farm animals represents a novel option for veterinary education.
Gender Differences in Attitudes and Behaviors Toward Condoms and Birth Control Among Chicago Adolescents
Authors: Flanagan Elizabeth A. , Erickson Hans C. , Parchem Sarah J. , Smith Camille V. , Poland Nathaniel , Nelson Shannon C. , Redman Sarah D.
Published: April 2021

Research shows that gender norms play a notable role in pregnancy prevention, often placing responsibility on females and allowing some males to pursue sexual encounters without considering the consequences of unprotected sex. This paper examines gender differences in attitudes and behaviors related to condom use and birth control among adolescents using survey, focus group, and interview data gathered from the evaluation of Chicago Healthy Adolescents and Teens (CHAT), a comprehensive sexual health education program implemented with adolescents in Chicago Public High Schools. Results indicate that safe sex attitudes and behaviors differ between male and female adolescents, specifically those related to condoms and birth control. Our findings suggest that (i) females have higher knowledge and presumed responsibility for pregnancy prevention, (ii) infrequent condom use among adolescents prioritizes male pleasure over female health needs, and (iii) social norms discourage females, but not males, from accessing and using birth control. We use the Theory of Gender and Power to show how our findings reflect gender dynamics within the United States and explain the potential health implications for adolescent sexual health.
Documenting nocturnal activity of dragon‐headed katydids (Lesina blanchardi) under artificial light
Authors: Baskir Eli A. , Hazen Renée E. , Powell David M.
Published: April 2021

Across the genera of katydids from the family Tettigoniidae, both diurnal and nocturnal species have been identified. The Saint Louis Zoo Bayer Insectarium filmed dragon‐headed katydids (Lesina blanchardi) overnight using red light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) to examine the activity of this presumed nocturnal species to provide quantitative information about these insects that are otherwise immobile when keepers are present. Evidence from the literature suggests that LED bulbs emitting long‐wavelength red and infrared lights are less likely to cause changes to the subjects' behavioral budgets and movements through the habitat. Three katydids were filmed for 5 nights, and time‐interval scan sampling was used to record their positions and whether they were active every 15 min for two 2‐h periods starting at midnight and noon. A modified Shannon's diversity index determined that katydids were recorded in more areas when under only red LEDs at night as compared to artificial daytime working lights. Similarly, repeated measures analysis of variance indicated that insects were significantly more active under nighttime red LEDs when compared to daytime working lights. While we cannot be sure if behaviors recorded under red LEDs are the same as those that would be performed under total darkness in situ, the use of red LED illumination ex situ to facilitate overnight filming did not suppress nocturnal movement or activity for our subjects.
Theories of Discrimination
Authors: Fibbi Rosita , Midtbøen Arnfinn H. , Simon Patrick
Published: April 2021

This chapter reviews the main theories developed to explain discrimination. Mirroring the historical development of the field, while reflecting a theoretically systematic approach, the chapter adopts an approach by analytical scales to present and discuss theories of discrimination. The first section presents theories seeking the cause of prejudice and discrimination at the individual level, the second section focuses on organizational mechanisms and the third on structural determinants. In conclusion, we emphasize that despite of these different levels of analysis, the various theories of discrimination reviewed share a common feature, namely the fact that discrimination maintains privileges of certain ascribed groups over others
Methods of Measurement
Authors: Fibbi Rosita , Midtbøen Arnfinn H. , Simon Patrick
Published: April 2021

This chapter reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the most commonly used methods of measurement in the field of discrimination research. Taking as its point of departure how we can assess the extent to which discrimination occurs, the chapter reviews quantitative and qualitative analyses of experiences, attitudes, legal complaints, and residual gaps, as well as different forms of experimental designs. A key point in the chapter is to show that although all of these methods shed light on discrimination, they are useful for answering somewhat different questions. Consequently, careful consideration of the range of methods available is necessary for matching one’s research question with the appropriate research design.
Consequences of and Responses to Discrimination
Authors: Fibbi Rosita , Midtbøen Arnfinn H. , Simon Patrick
Published: April 2021

Discrimination and stigmatization are costly for the society by lowering economic growth, by reinforcing ethnic inequalities, by fueling political conflicts and by jeopardizing social cohesion. Moreover, victims of unfair treatment pay a high price as discrimination and stigmatization. Far from being passive victims, however, many members of minority groups develop and deploy individual and collective strategies to meet such challenges. This chapter focuses on the impact of discrimination – for economy and society, but mainly focusing on the consequences of discrimination for the targeted individuals and groups. The chapter also addresses responses to experiences of exclusion and disadvantage by reviewing recent research of how awareness of the repercussions of unfair treatment lead both individuals and groups to protect themselves and seek strategies for overcoming future barriers.
Puzzling Social Protection across Several Countries: Opportunistic Strategy or Risky Compensation?
Authors: Palash Polina , Baby-Collin Virginie
Published: April 2021

In a context of increasing mobility, the management of social protection issues from below may encompass several countries. The limited studies on this topic mainly frame migrants’ use of an extended transnational social-protection space as an opportunistic strategy aimed at increasing resources. This chapter analyses the cross-border arrangements of dual Ecuadorian-Spanish citizens coping with the recurrent crisis, adopting a socio-spatial perspective of circulation over the life course. Our findings show that families flexibly adapt to such destabilisations through a mechanism of diffuse circulation of support as compensation practices implying a risky accumulation of constraints and vulnerability. This contrasts with the framings on migrants’ opportunistic and strategic use of social-protection resources and with ‘the welfare magnet’ or ‘welfare tourism’ assumptions. The study draws on fieldwork among 36 transnational families investigated through a multi-sited ethnography in Spain, England and Ecuador in 2015–2016, with a partially matched sample.
Beloved Land, Beloved Family: The Role of Welfare in Timorese Migration to England
Authors: Millar Claire C.
Published: April 2021

Timor-Leste’s long history of colonisation and occupation has posed significant welfare challenges for the small, half-island nation nestled between Asia and the Pacific. Since independence in 2002, a budding pattern of migration has emerged, with increasing numbers of Timorese living and working in the United Kingdom. This chapter seeks to understand how the welfare concerns of these migrants shape their decisions about geographical mobility and vice versa. Analysing semi-structured interviews and overt participant observation conducted in England in 2017 and drawing on an extended version of the welfare resource environment framework, it explores the role of market, state and family-based welfare provisions in this migration trend. It finds that Timorese migrants in England utilise migration – and the market and state-based welfare provisions it brings – in service of their own, family-based social protection system. Migration between welfare contexts allows increased access to new and varied sources of welfare, valued for how they support a family-based framework founded on interdependence, relationships with others and responsibility. By querying the mobility of Timorese migrants in England in light of their welfare concerns, this chapter elucidates the culturally embedded ways in which migrants and their families piece together unique protection packages.
Keeping It in the Family: Rotating Chains in Women’s Transnational Care Work Between Italy and Ukraine
Authors: Odynets Svitlana
Published: April 2021

Massive female labour migration from Ukraine to Italy has now been taking place for more than 20 years and shows no sign of diminishing. The analysis presented here is built on fieldwork conducted in Italy and Ukraine between 2012 and 2019 – from which four cases have been selected as the main focus and which demonstrate the new way in which female migrants circulate care across and within the borders. The main findings reflect the emergence of a new rotational system within migrants’ extended family, when women begin to substitute each other in both reproductive and productive work. It allows them not only to balance the distribution of care responsibilities in the families left behind but also to make way for gaining new capital from mobility for their female relatives. In this way, migrants can better control the ‘supply’ and ‘demand’ of care and, thus, increase their personal empowerment in transnational space. Care then becomes not only a commodity but also a resource for resolving identity crises and achieving increased personal agency.
From Familial Pressure to Seeking One’s Fortune: Chinese International Students’ Search for Geographical and Social Mobility as a Response to Societal and Familial Pressures
Authors: Page Alexander Gamst
Published: April 2021

The societal changes seen in China since 1978 have created a sharp generational divide. Those born after the 1980s are mostly singletons raised with high life-expectations, both of themselves and from their families. The singletons want freedom of choice and social mobility, but the stiff competition at Chinese universities makes such ambitions unattainable for many. Study abroad is sometimes seen as an alternative gateway to social mobility. This chapter is based on participant observation of, and interviews with, a group of 40 Chinese students in Norway. The fieldwork took place from 2012 to 2014. The research questions concern (a) what motivates their sojourn, (b) their aspirations for the future and (c) how their migration would facilitate this. The findings are that they seek to construct themselves as global citizens able to travel and work anywhere. A Western degree is seen as enabling this. However, as single children, the burden of caring for their parents is theirs alone and a decline in the health of the latter would therefore necessitate an early return. Thus, the opportunities abroad are, by their nature, transitory and liable to be cut short at any time. However, the students believe that they will retain potential mobility, which may be used when their life-circumstances permit.
‘He Has a Better Chance Here, So We Stay’. Children’s Education and Parental Migration Decisions
Authors: Ślusarczyk Magdalena , Małek Agnieszka
Published: April 2021

In our chapter we take the concept of agency and apply it to migrants’ search for a safe present and a good future for their children, who face the global challenges of living in a risk society. Our analysis draws on biographical, semi-structured interviews conducted with Polish migrants living in the capital area of Norway. The findings of our research show that, although the labour market and good living conditions are important for Polish migrants while taking migration decisions, it is their children’s education that frequently transforms a temporary stay into a permanent one. We argue that Polish migrant parents adopt the strategy of ‘purchasing’ education, which they consider to be more beneficial due to the principles and values of the Norwegian welfare state (especially equality and educational support). In our research we found that the interviewees consider a Norwegian education as a ‘currency’, a credential in the sense that it will give their children access to further studies and/or better jobs. We focus on the migrant strategies, which often take the character of ‘escaping forward’ in an attempt to increase the life chances of their children.
Right of Access to (Italian) Courts über alles? Legal Implications Beyond Germany’s Jurisdictional Immunity
Authors: Palchetti Paolo
Published: April 2021

The main consequence of Sentenza 238/2014 is that Germany has been denied jurisdictional immunities before Italian courts. However, the inflexible conception of the right of access to courts adopted by the Corte Costituzionale gives rise to a number of questions that go well beyond the issue at stake in Judgment 238/2014. First, there is the issue of whether the right of access to justice should also prevail over the international customary rule on immunity from execution. Secondly, one may ask whether the need to protect the right provided by Article 24 of the Italian Constitution could trump the criteria established by Italian law for exercising civil jurisdiction in order to allow access to justice in respect to all international crimes, even those committed outside Italian territory and involving individuals having no link to Italy. Finally, there is the question of whether a sacrifice of the right of access to justice would be justified if alternative, non-judicial means of redress were available to the victims; in particular, whether an alternative means of redress should in any case ensure to each and every individual victim full compensation or whether instead, in light of the specific circumstances of the case—the fact that the crimes occurred in the course of an international armed conflict affecting hundreds of thousands of victims—such alternative means could provide only symbolic compensation based on a lump sum settlement. This chapter aims at exploring these and possibly other issues arising in connection to the broad interpretation of the principle of access to justice given by the Corte Costituzionale.
A Dialogical Epilogue
Authors: Weiler Joseph H. H.
Published: April 2021

In this Dialogical Epilogue, I address a series of both general and specific questions to some of the contributors of this volume. The intent is to seek clarification on or even contest one or more propositions presented in the various chapters. In the role of a “Consul of the Readers” I enter into a conversation with the book’s authors to discuss some of the fundamental questions to which Sentenza 238/2014 gives rise and that have, at best, received only indirect answers in the various chapters. I believe answering them will enhance the value of each contribution and of the book as a whole.
Sentenza 238/2014: A Good Case for Law-Reform?
Authors: Krieger Heike
Published: April 2021

Sentenza 238/2014 is an important judgment which does not only concern the concrete case at hand but also pushes for a change in the law of state immunity. However, such attempts at law-making by national courts may not always attain their goal but may exert adverse effects which are harmful for the international legal order. Sentenza 238/2014 may have an impact on three different yet related issues central to the future development of international law: the relationship between international and national law, exceptions to immunities, and individual reparations in cases of mass atrocities.

This chapter criticises law-making through non-compliance with international judicial decisions by national courts. Judges in democratic states under the rule of law who try to push for law-reform, by initiating non-compliance with decisions of international courts, should be aware that they may act in the company, and thereby in support of, courts in regimes with autocratic tendencies, such as the Russian Constitutional Court, which refuses to comply with judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. Furthermore, the chapter argues that immunity from jurisdiction and immunity from execution should be kept distinct and that human rights exceptions should not be applied to immunity from execution. Such a differentiation remains justified because measures of constraint against property used for government non-commercial purposes intrude even further onto sovereign rights than the institution of proceedings before courts in the forum state. It is particularly difficult for states to protect assets and other property situated in a foreign state. These assets may therefore be more susceptible to abusive enforcement measures while simultaneously forming an essential basis for the actual conduct of international relations.

The chapter concludes by advocating a cautious approach to individual reparations in cases of mass atrocities. This more cautious approach observes the complexities of ending armed conflicts and negotiating peace deals. An individual right to monetary compensation based on civil claims processes does not allow for taking into account broader political considerations related to establishing a stable post-war order. Such a right is conducive to bilateral settlements between the state parties concerned, which might create new injustices towards other groups of victims. It might also overburden negotiations for a settlement to an ongoing armed conflict.

The chapter thereby starts from the assumption that the stability of the international legal order itself as guaranteed by concepts such as immunities or the respect for its judicial organs serves to protect human rights, albeit indirectly.
Sketches for a Reparation Scheme: How Could a German-Italian Fund for the IMIs Work?
Authors: Fontanelli Filippo
Published: April 2021

Given the deadlock in the current negotiations between Germany and Italy and the unavailability of judicial remedies for the victims, the two states could set up a reparation scheme. This chapter sketches some of the main features of such a hypothetical scheme, considering existing internal or international arrangements in the context of transitional justice (the Foundation ‘Remembrance, Responsibility and Future’ (Erinnerung, Verantwortung und Zukunft) scheme; the Australian DART scheme; the deal between Japan and South Korea on reparations to ‘comfort women’; the US/French schemes for reparations and restitution to holocaust victims; the Eritrea/Ethiopia reparations scheme; and the Iraq/Kuwait scheme). In particular, the emphasis is on the system of identification of the eligible victims, the question of financing and the fate of pending and future judicial claims. Assuming the states’ willingness to explore this project, the chapter outlines some of the ways the scheme could operate in practice, drawing from existing models.
Non-displaceable Lagrangian links in four-manifolds
Authors: Mak Cheuk Yu , Smith Ivan
Published: April 2021

Let$$\omega $$ωdenote an area form on$$S^2$$S2. Consider the closed symplectic 4-manifold$$M=(S^2\times S^2, A\omega \oplus a \omega )$$M=(S2×S2,Aω⊕aω)with$$0<a<A$$0<a<A. We show that there are families of displaceable Lagrangian tori$$\mathcal {L}_{0,x},\, \mathcal {L}_{1,x} \subset M$$L0,x,L1,x⊂M, for$$x \in [0,1]$$x∈[0,1], such that the two-component link$$\mathcal {L}_{0,x} \cup \mathcal {L}_{1,x}$$L0,x∪L1,xis non-displaceable for eachx.
Quality assessment of outcome reporting, publication characteristics and overall methodological quality in trials on synthetic mesh procedures for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse for development of core outcome sets
Authors: de Mattos Lourenço Thais Regina , Pergialiotis Vasilis , Durnea Constantin M. , Elfituri Abdullatif , Haddad Jorge Milhem , Betschart Cornelia , Falconi Gabriele , Nygaard Christiana Campani , Doumouchtsis Stergios K. ,   CHORUS: An International Collaboration for Harmonising Outcomes, Research and Standards in Urogynaecology and Women’s Health
Published: April 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

Variations in outcome measures and reporting of outcomes in trials on surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) using synthetic mesh have been evaluated and reported. However, the quality of outcome reporting, methodology of trials and their publication parameters are important considerations in the process of development of Core Outcome Sets. We aimed to evaluate these characteristics in randomized controlled trials on surgery for POP using mesh.

Methods

Secondary analysis of randomized controlled trials on surgical treatments using synthetic mesh for POP previously included in a systematic review developing an inventory of reported outcomes and outcome measures. The methodological quality was investigated with the modified Jadad criteria. Outcome reporting quality was evaluated with the MOMENT criteria. Publication parameters included publishing journal, impact factor and year of publication.

Results

Of the 71 previously reviewed studies published from 2000 to 2017, the mean JADAD score was 3.59 and the mean MOMENT score was 4.63. Quality of outcomes (MOMENT) was related to methodological quality (JADAD) (rho = 0.662; p = 0.000) and to year of publication (rho = 0.262; p = 0.028).

Conclusions

Methodological quality and outcome reporting quality appear correlated. However, publication characteristics do not have strong associations with the methodological quality of the studies. Evaluation of the quality of outcomes, methodology and publication characteristics are all an indispensable part of a staged process for the development of Core Outcome and Outcome Measure Sets.
Robotic and laparoscopic liver resection—comparative experiences at a high-volume German academic center
Authors: Lorenz E. , Arend J. , Franz M. , Rahimli M. , Perrakis A. , Negrini V. , Gumbs A. A. , Croner R. S.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Minimally invasive liver surgery (MILS) is a feasible and safe procedure for benign and malignant tumors. There has been an ongoing debate on whether conventional laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) or robotic liver resection (RLR) is superior and if one approach should be favored over the other. We started using LLR in 2010, and introduced RLR in 2013. In the present paper, we report on our experiences with these two techniques as early adopters in Germany.

Methods

The data of patients who underwent MILS between 2010 and 2020 were collected prospectively in the Magdeburg Registry for Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery (MD-MILS). A retrospective analysis was performed regarding patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and perioperative parameters.

Results

We identified 155 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Of these, 111 (71.6%) underwent LLR and 44 (29.4%) received RLR. After excluding cystic lesions, 113 cases were used for the analysis of perioperative parameters. Resected specimens were significantly bigger in the RLR vs. the LLR group (405 g vs. 169 g, p = 0.002); in addition, the tumor diameter was significantly larger in the RLR vs. the LLR group (5.6 cm vs. 3.7 cm, p = 0.001). Hence, the amount of major liver resections (three or more segments) was significantly higher in the RLR vs. the LLR group (39.0% vs. 16.7%, p = 0.005). The mean operative time was significantly longer in the RLR vs. the LLR group (331 min vs. 181 min, p = 0.0001). The postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in the RLR vs. the LLR group (13.4 vs. LLR 8.7 days, p = 0.03). The R0 resection rate for solid tumors was higher in the RLR vs. the LLR group but without statistical significance (93.8% vs. 87.9%, p = 0.48). The postoperative morbidity ≥ Clavien-Dindo grade 3 was 5.6% in the LLR vs. 17.1% in the RLR group (p = 0.1). No patient died in the RLR but two patients (2.8%) died in the LLR group, 30 and 90 days after surgery (p = 0.53).

Conclusion

Minimally invasive liver surgery is safe and feasible. Robotic and laparoscopic liver surgery shows similar and adequate perioperative oncological results for selected patients. RLR might be advantageous for more advanced and technically challenging procedures.
The COVID-19 outbreak increases maternal stress during pregnancy, but not the risk for postpartum depression
Authors: Boekhorst Myrthe G. B. M. , Muskens Lotte , Hulsbosch Lianne P. , Van Deun Katrijn , Bergink Veerle , Pop Victor J. M. , van den Heuvel Marion I.
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic affects society and may especially have an impact on mental health of vulnerable groups, such as perinatal women. This prospective cohort study of 669 participating women in the Netherlands compared perinatal symptoms of depression and stress during and before the pandemic. After a pilot in 2018, recruitment started on 7 January 2019. Up until 1 March 2020 (before the pandemic), 401 women completed questionnaires during pregnancy, of whom 250 also completed postpartum assessment. During the pandemic, 268 women filled out at least one questionnaire during pregnancy and 59 postpartum (1 March–14 May 2020). Pregnancy-specific stress increased significantly in women during the pandemic. We found no increase in depressive symptoms during pregnancy nor an increase in incidence of high levels of postpartum depressive symptoms during the pandemic. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for increased stress in pregnant women during the pandemic.
Retention forces between primary and secondary CAD/CAM manufactured telescopic crowns: an in vitro comparison of common material combinations
Authors: Schimmel Martin , Walther Moritz , Al-Haj Husain Nadin , Igarashi Kensuke , Wittneben Julia , Abou-Ayash Samir
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To analyze the retention forces between primary and secondary telescopic crowns milled from various materials and to compare them with the retention forces between cast telescopic crowns made of precious metal alloys.

Materials and methods

Primary and secondary crowns (N = 60; n = 10 per group) were fabricated using various material combinations (1: zirconia [ZIR]/polyether ether ketone [PEEK]; 2: titanium grade IV [TI]/PEEK; 3: PEEK/PEEK; 4: non-precious alloy [NPA]/PEEK; 5:NPA/NPA), while precious alloy (PA) was used for the control group (6: PA/PA). The retention forces at 10, 1000, 5000, and 10,000 connection and disconnection cycles and the relative weights were analyzed, applying nonparametric repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (α < 0.05).

Results

Globally, significant differences in the retention forces among the materials (p < 0.0001), time points (p < 0.0001), and wear resistance for the various materials (p < 0.0001) were observed. No significant changes in retention forces compared to baseline were observed in groups 2, 4, 5, and 6. A significantly higher weight loss for both primary and secondary crowns was observed in groups 4 and 6.

Conclusions

The material combination in telescopic attachments influences retention forces and wear. Interactions between materials and time were evident, indicating that the change in retention forces differs among the materials. The combinations of milled TI/PEEK and NPA/NPA qualify for further preclinical testing in a more clinically realistic setup, determining a material-specific double-crown design.

Clinical relevance

The design of precious alloy telescopic crowns cannot be directly transferred to other milled material combinations due to different retention behaviors.