bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘worlds’ of welfare and the divided middle class
Authors: Siza Remo
Published: May 2023

The widespread belief among political and social actors is that a considerable part of the middle class can invest a portion of its income to access effective and high-quality private health services or private pension schemes. For low-income households, it is assumed that many of them do not deserve the benefits they receive and do not do everything they can to find work. The attitudes and living conditions both for low-income households and middle classes are very different from how they are recognised and discussed in public debate.
We are experiencing a long-lasting transition from a simple modern society to a complex modern society that simultaneously and radically fragments the social fabric and destabilises all certainties. The uncertain and contradictory responses of institutions and most social and economic subjects make this transition particularly complex.
Afterword
Authors: Henrickson Mark , Dryden OmiSoore H.
Published: May 2023

A central message of this afterword is that HIV is not over and that the lives of people living with HIV are not over. Yet they continue to live with the stigma associated with HIV, as though their lives should be over. The critical gaze of caregivers, policymakers and researchers must be focused not on people living with HIV, but on people, policies and providers who stigmatise and marginalise. That is the central theme of all the stories we have heard, from all over the world, in this book. A goal of this book has been to encourage caregivers and policymakers not to participate in HIV stigma by assuming that the emotional, sexual and relational lives of people living with HIV in later life are over. Part of what living with HIV has done is to encourage people to reclaim all of their lives, including sex and sexuality, free from judgements and assumptions of otherness. The chapter concludes by drawing parallels between HIV and COVID-19.
Introduction: Denying Oppression a Future 1 – Gender, the State and Feminist Praxis
Authors: Atkinson Kym , Barr Úna , Monk Helen
Published: May 2023

The introduction to the collection begins by outlining the aims of the book – broadly, to document a series of feminist interventions into criminology; to discuss injustice as a feminist issue; and to promote responses built on feminist praxis. It examines where we are currently in relation to issues outlined forty years ago by seminal feminist texts including Dobash and Dobash’s Violence Against Wives: A Case against the Patriarchy (1979). To do this, the chapter addresses what can be achieved through feminist praxis and traces significant theoretical and methodological developments. Next, the chapter considers a number of persistent issues with the process of gendered victimization through an exploration of prevailing cultural norms, contemporary regimes of truth and the enduring role of the state. Finally, the chapter attempts to map the ground for resistance and consider the (necessarily limited) harms towards women and girls which the collection discusses, and the vision of justice articulated, indeed demanded, by the contributors.
Nostalgia, Futurism and the Re-emergence of the Common
Authors: Maronitis Kostas , Pencheva Denny
Published: May 2023

The chapter argues that while neither labour automation nor labour migration jeopardise employment opportunities as such, perceptions about stealing jobs persist because they are embedded within ideologically driven political rhetoric and policy choices, but also because both automation and migration policies tend to be discussed in similar ways. The chapter critically compares the nostalgic approach of state interventionism and of homogenous traditional communities with futuristic and optimistic notions of communities that are no longer exclusively defined by (waged) work. Thus, this final chapter examines some political and theoretical alternatives to neoliberalism, such as Universal Basic Income (UBI).
Introduction: Tense Thinking and the Myths of an Algorithmic New Life
Authors: Beer David
Published: May 2023

Beginning by thinking about the broader shifts towards algorithmic processes and systems, this chapter reflects on the core issues discussed in the book. In particular, it develops the idea of algorithmic thinking and looks at how this might be contextualized. The chapter introduces the idea of the ‘algorithmic new life’ and how this conception of the changes algorithms will bring is crucial to future developments. The chapter closes by looking at the importance of tensions in understanding algorithms and provides an outline of the two key tensions that structure the book’s content.
(Dreaming of) Super Cognizers and the Stretching of the Known
Authors: Beer David
Published: May 2023

This chapters explores the pushing back of the boundaries of the known and the knowable. Taking Katherine Hayle’s concept of the ‘cognizer’, the chapter looks at how super cognizers are merging that act as bridges into an algorithmic new life. The chapter then develops a series of features of these super cognizers and uses these to think about the tensions created and agency meshes into the form of new forms of knowing. The chapter uses this central concept to think about the tension created by the stretching of the known.
Intersex Embodiment
Authors: Garland Fae , Travis Mitchell
Published: May 2023

This book outlines the ways in which institutions such as law and medicine play a key role in framing understandings of intersex embodiment. Embodiment takes place at the intersection of materiality, discourse and institutions. The dominant conceptualizations of intersex are outlined and empirical data is used to explore their effect on the lives of intersex people. Specifically, the book examines medicine’s framing of intersex embodiment as a ‘disorder’, and law’s framing of intersex embodiment as ‘non-binary’ and ‘LGBT’ in Germany and Australia respectively. This analysis reveals that medical framings of intersex embodiment are paradigmatic and that non-binary and LGBT conceptualizations do little to challenge the dominance of the disorder narrative. Maltese legislation that seeks to challenge medical authority over intersex embodiment is then examined. The analysis identifies important symbolic progress but also considers shortfalls in implementation. This prompts reflection on the nature of law’s relationship with social change and its ongoing and continuous nature. Finally, psychosocial care is examined as a framing device that has the potential to challenge the paradigmatic medical conception of intersex embodiment and offer an account more grounded in notions of bodily integrity. The book concludes by offering a pluralistic account of intersex embodiment that acknowledges its production through materiality, institutions and cultural knowledge which are contingent to particular times, places, contexts and regulatory frameworks.
Introduction
Authors: Dandurand Yvon , Heidt Jon
Published: May 2023

This chapter provides an overview of the connections between sport-based programming and crime prevention. Many sport-based youth programmes purport to prevent youth crime or youth involvement in gangs. Sports stand with several other activities (for example, education, mentoring, religious teaching, and volunteering) that may spur positive social development among children and youth. Crime prevention strategies have tried to build on the popularity and benefits of sports activities to promote youth development and to influence risk and resiliency factors associated with criminal involvement. Various sport-based crime prevention programmes have been implemented but very few of them have been subjected to a rigorous evaluation. When research has been done, the relationship between these programmes and desistance from crime was difficult to disentangle. In addition to identifying the problem to be addressed, this chapter questions how much is known about the phenomenon because of lack of theorizing and rigorous research in the area.
Image plane wavefront sensing and Kalman filtering for automated alignment of off-axis aspherics
Authors: Li Duan , Savransky Dmitry
Published: May 2023

Automated alignment can significantly increase optical system precision and flexibility, and reduce time and labor costs in system setup and maintenance. We present an automated alignment technique on a double off-axis parabolic mirror system, which poses challenging alignment problems due to the mirrors’ high sensitivity to aberrations, rotational asymmetry, and non-orthogonality in stage adjustments. In our methodology, we use focal plane wavefront sensing to eliminate the non-common path error, increase optical throughput, and reduce cost and system complexity. We incorporate model-based optimal estimation and control to better handle the nonlinearity, model uncertainty, and noise. Using either an iterated extended Kalman filter or a square-root unscented Kalman filter as the optimal nonlinear misalignment state estimator, we are able to consistently reduce the linear misalignment from around 1 mm to <5µm and the angular misalignment from around 500 to <6arcsec in simulation, achieving a final wavefront error of <5∗10−5 waves in the field of view when tested at wavelength 635 nm. We discover a multi-state coupling effect, which implies that different misalignment states have compensating effects on system measurements, thus interfering with the estimator’s observation of misalignment state changes. We further investigate the coupling’s effects on alignment quality through observability analysis.
General equation of the achromatic stigmatic singlet
Authors: González-Acuña Rafael G.
Published: May 2023

The merge of two models is presented: the achromatic principle and the general equation of the stigmatic lens [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 39, 1524 (2022)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.460993; Appl. Opt. 57, 9341 (2018)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.57.009341]. The achromatic principle expresses the bases to design an optical imaging system rigorously free of chromatic aberrations for a given spectrum of electromagnetic waves. It has been applied only to Cartesian ovals. On the other hand, the equation of the stigmatic lens gives a perfect point image for a single wavelength. The merge consists of generalizing the equation of the stigmatic lens to be stigmatic for a given spectrum of electromagnetic waves based on the achromatic principle. The constraints to rigorously achieve the achromatic stigmatic singlet are studied in detail. No paraxial concepts are used, and no iteration process is required. An example of an achromatic stigmatic singlet is presented, and the results are as expected by theory.
Spatial and directional contrast dependence in Lissajous-scanning projection systems
Authors: Bainschab Markus , Pribošek Jaka
Published: May 2023

Scanning-based image formation fundamentally differs from its classical lens-based counterpart. Therefore, established classical performance evaluation methods fail to determine the theoretical limitations of scanning-based optical systems. We developed a simulation framework and a novel performance evaluation process to evaluate the achievable contrast in scanning systems. Applying these tools, we conducted a study determining the resolution limits of different Lissajous scanning approaches. For the first time, we identify and quantify spatial and directional dependencies of the optical contrast and demonstrate their significant impact on the perceived image quality. We prove that the observed effects are more pronounced for Lissajous systems with high ratios of the two scanning frequencies. The presented method and results can lay the foundation for a more sophisticated application-specific design of next-generation scanning systems.
φ-OTDR signal compression scheme based on the compressed sensing theory
Authors: Feng Hao , Wang Ming , Sha Zhou , Yang Xianhua
Published: May 2023

In this paper, based on the compressed sensing theory and the orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm, we have designed a data compression scheme, taking the Space-Temporal graph, time domain curve, and its time-frequency spectrum of phase-sensitive optical time-domain reflectometer as the target signals. The compression rates of the three signals were 40%, 35%, and 20%, while the average reconstruction times were 0.74 s, 0.49 s, and 0.32 s. The reconstructed samples effectively retained the characteristic blocks, response pulses, and energy distribution that symbolize the presence of vibrations. The average correlation coefficients of the three kinds of reconstructed signals with the original samples were 0.88, 0.85, and 0.86, respectively, and then a series of quantitative metrics were designed to evaluate the reconstructing efficiency. We have utilized the neural network trained by the original data to identify the reconstructed samples with an accuracy of over 70%, indicating that the reconstructed samples accurately present the vibration characteristics.
Flexible channel selection method based on optical combs for broadband signals receiving
Authors: Wang Yangjing , Liang Dong , Xie Yongjun , Wu Peiyu
Published: May 2023

A flexible channel selection method based on optical combs is proposed for reconfigurable optical channels in this paper. Optical-frequency combs with a large frequency interval are used to modulate broadband radio frequency (RF) signals, and an on-chip reconfigurable optical filter [Proc. of SPIE, 11763, 1176370 (2021).10.1117/12.2587403] is used to perform periodic carrier separation of wideband and narrowband signals and channel selection. In addition, flexible channel selection is achieved by presetting the parameters of a fast-response programmable wavelength-selective optical switch and filter device. Channel selection only relies on the combs through the Vernier effect of the combs and the passbands for different periods and does not require the use an additional switch matrix. Finally, flexible switching between and selection of specific channels for 13 GHz and 19 GHz broadband RF signals are experimentally verified.
Spectral features of the dispersion of carbocyanine dye J-aggregates in a liquid crystal matrix
Authors: Grankina Irina I. , Samoilov Oleksandr M. , Kasian Natalia A. , Ropakova Iryna Yu. , Hrankina Svitlana S. , Yefimova Svetlana L. , Lisetski Longin N. , Sorokin Oleksandr V.
Published: May 2023

Formation of J-aggregates of the anionic cyanine dye TDBC in a nematic liquid crystal (LC) matrix is reported, with analysis of optical-fluorescent and electro-optical properties of the obtained novel material. The TDBC J-aggregates show a rather long lifetime and high photostability in the nematic matrix. The electro-optical characteristics of the LC matrix are substantially modified, with the Fredericks transition threshold slightly increased, which is, on the other hand, accompanied by the improvement of the optical contrast. Only a minor effect of the forming J-aggregates on the molecular order of the LC structure could be noted.
Asynchronous transcription and translation of neurotransmitter-related genes characterize the initial stages of neuronal maturation in Drosophila
Authors: Marques Graça S. , Teles-Reis José , Konstantinides Nikolaos , Brito Patrícia H. , Homem Catarina C. F.
Published: May 2023

Neuron specification and maturation are essential for proper central nervous system development. However, the precise mechanisms that govern neuronal maturation, essential to shape and maintain neuronal circuitry, remain poorly understood. Here, we analyse early-born secondary neurons in theDrosophilalarval brain, revealing that the early maturation of secondary neurons goes through 3 consecutive phases: (1) Immediately after birth, neurons express pan-neuronal markers but do not transcribe terminal differentiation genes; (2) Transcription of terminal differentiation genes, such as neurotransmitter-related genes VGlut, ChAT, or Gad1, starts shortly after neuron birth, but these transcripts are, however, not translated; (3) Translation of neurotransmitter-related genes only begins several hours later in mid-pupa stages in a coordinated manner with animal developmental stage, albeit in an ecdysone-independent manner. These results support a model where temporal regulation of transcription and translation of neurotransmitter-related genes is an important mechanism to coordinate neuron maturation with brain development.
Monosynaptic trans-collicular pathways link mouse whisker circuits to integrate somatosensory and motor cortical signals
Authors: Martín-Cortecero Jesús , Isaías-Camacho Emilio Ulises , Boztepe Berin , Ziegler Katharina , Mease Rebecca Audrey , Groh Alexander
Published: May 2023

The superior colliculus (SC), a conserved midbrain node with extensive long-range connectivity throughout the brain, is a key structure for innate behaviors. Descending cortical pathways are increasingly recognized as central control points for SC-mediated behaviors, but how cortico-collicular pathways coordinate SC activity at the cellular level is poorly understood. Moreover, despite the known role of the SC as a multisensory integrator, the involvement of the SC in the somatosensory system is largely unexplored in comparison to its involvement in the visual and auditory systems. Here, we mapped the connectivity of the whisker-sensitive region of the SC in mice with trans-synaptic and intersectional tracing tools and in vivo electrophysiology. The results reveal a novel trans-collicular connectivity motif in which neurons in motor- and somatosensory cortices impinge onto the brainstem-SC-brainstem sensory-motor arc and onto SC-midbrain output pathways via only one synapse in the SC. Intersectional approaches and optogenetically assisted connectivity quantifications in vivo reveal convergence of motor and somatosensory cortical input on individual SC neurons, providing a new framework for sensory-motor integration in the SC. More than a third of the cortical recipient neurons in the whisker SC are GABAergic neurons, which include a hitherto unknown population of GABAergic projection neurons targeting thalamic nuclei and the zona incerta. These results pinpoint a whisker region in the SC of mice as a node for the integration of somatosensory and motor cortical signals via parallel excitatory and inhibitory trans-collicular pathways, which link cortical and subcortical whisker circuits for somato-motor integration.
Diverse patients’ attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) in diagnosis
Authors: Robertson Christopher , Woods Andrew , Bergstrand Kelly , Findley Jess , Balser Cayley , Slepian Marvin J.
Published: May 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy. Yet people are often reluctant to trust automated systems, and some patient populations may be particularly distrusting. We sought to determine how diverse patient populations feel about the use of AI diagnostic tools, and whether framing and informing the choice affects uptake. To construct and pretest our materials, we conducted structured interviews with a diverse set of actual patients. We then conducted a pre-registered (osf.io/9y26x), randomized, blinded survey experiment in factorial design. A survey firm provided n = 2675 responses, oversampling minoritized populations. Clinical vignettes were randomly manipulated in eight variables with two levels each: disease severity (leukemia versus sleep apnea), whether AI is proven more accurate than human specialists, whether the AI clinic is personalized to the patient through listening and/or tailoring, whether the AI clinic avoids racial and/or financial biases, whether the Primary Care Physician (PCP) promises to explain and incorporate the advice, and whether the PCP nudges the patient towards AI as the established, recommended, and easy choice. Our main outcome measure was selection of AI clinic or human physician specialist clinic (binary, “AI uptake”). We found that with weighting representative to the U.S. population, respondents were almost evenly split (52.9% chose human doctor and 47.1% chose AI clinic). In unweighted experimental contrasts of respondents who met pre-registered criteria for engagement, a PCP’s explanation that AI has proven superior accuracy increased uptake (OR = 1.48, CI 1.24–1.77,p< .001), as did a PCP’s nudge towards AI as the established choice (OR = 1.25, CI: 1.05–1.50,p= .013), as did reassurance that the AI clinic had trained counselors to listen to the patient’s unique perspectives (OR = 1.27, CI: 1.07–1.52,p =.008). Disease severity (leukemia versus sleep apnea) and other manipulations did not affect AI uptake significantly. Compared to White respondents, Black respondents selected AI less often (OR = .73, CI: .55-.96,p= .023) and Native Americans selected it more often (OR: 1.37, CI: 1.01–1.87,p= .041). Older respondents were less likely to choose AI (OR: .99, CI: .987-.999,p= .03), as were those who identified as politically conservative (OR: .65, CI: .52-.81,p< .001) or viewed religion as important (OR: .64, CI: .52-.77,p< .001). For each unit increase in education, the odds are 1.10 greater for selecting an AI provider (OR: 1.10, CI: 1.03–1.18,p= .004). While many patients appear resistant to the use of AI, accuracy information, nudges and a listening patient experience may help increase acceptance. To ensure that the benefits of AI are secured in clinical practice, future research on best methods of physician incorporation and patient decision making is required.
School attendance among refugee children with disabilities residing in South Africa: A cross-sectional, descriptive study
Authors: De Wet-Billings Nicole , Mabetha Khuthala
Published: May 2023

Refugee children with disabilities are entitled to an education under South African law. These children face the challenges of living in a different country and having to manage their disabilities. However, without providing a quality education to refugee children with disabilities, they face lifelong challenges including poverty and exploitation. This nationally representative cross-sectional study, examines the prevalence of school attendance of refugee children with disabilities in South Africa. Using the Community Survey of 2016, 5,205 refugee children with disabilities are identified and studied. Descriptive statistics are used and results show that less than 5% of refugee children with disabilities are in school. Further there are differences across province of residence, sex and other sociodemographic characteristics. This study is a starting point for more quantitative analysis and further qualitative analysis on the barriers to education for refugee children with disabilities in the country.
A complex systems model of breast cancer etiology: The Paradigm II Model
Authors: Hiatt Robert A. , Worden Lee , Rehkopf David , Engmann Natalie , Troester Melissa , Witte John S. , Balke Kaya , Jackson Christian , Barlow Janice , Fenton Suzanne E. , Gehlert Sarah , Hammond Ross A. , Kaplan George , Kornak John , Nishioka Krisida , McKone Thomas , Smith Martyn T. , Trasande Leonardo , Porco Travis C.
Published: May 2023

Background

Complex systems models of breast cancer have previously focused on prediction of prognosis and clinical events for individual women. There is a need for understanding breast cancer at the population level for public health decision-making, for identifying gaps in epidemiologic knowledge and for the education of the public as to the complexity of this most common of cancers.

Methods and findings

We developed an agent-based model of breast cancer for the women of the state of California using data from the U.S. Census, the California Health Interview Survey, the California Cancer Registry, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the literature. The model was implemented in the Julia programming language and R computing environment. The Paradigm II model development followed a transdisciplinary process with expertise from multiple relevant disciplinary experts from genetics to epidemiology and sociology with the goal of exploring both upstream determinants at the population level and pathophysiologic etiologic factors at the biologic level. The resulting model reproduces in a reasonable manner the overall age-specific incidence curve for the years 2008–2012 and incidence and relative risks due to specific risk factors such as BRCA1, polygenic risk, alcohol consumption, hormone therapy, breastfeeding, oral contraceptive use and scenarios for environmental toxin exposures.

Conclusions

The Paradigm II model illustrates the role of multiple etiologic factors in breast cancer from domains of biology, behavior and the environment. The value of the model is in providing a virtual laboratory to evaluate a wide range of potential interventions into the social, environmental and behavioral determinants of breast cancer at the population level.
Factors related to liability for damages for adverse events occurring in long-term care facilities
Authors: Tsuji Mayumi , Fukahori Hiroki , Sugiyama Daisuke , Doorenbos Ardith , Nasu Katsumi , Mashida Yuriko , Ogawara Hirofumi
Published: May 2023

Globally, residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) often experience adverse events (AEs) and corresponding lawsuits that result in suffering among the residents, their families, and the facilities. Hence, we conducted a study to clarify the factors related to the facilities’ liabilities for damages for the AEs that occur at LTCFs in Japan. We analyzed 1,495 AE reports from LTCFs in one Japanese city. A binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with liability for damages. The independent variables were classified as: residents, organizations, and social factors. In total, 14% of AEs resulted in the facility being liable for damages. The predictors of liability for damages were as follows: for the resident factors, the increased need for care had an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of 2.00 and care levels of 2–3; and AOR of 2.48 and care levels of 4–5. The types of injuries, such as bruises, wounds, and fractures, had AORs of 3.16, 2.62, and 2.50, respectively. Regarding the organization factors, the AE time, such as noon or evening, had an AOR of 1.85. If the AE occurred indoors, the AOR was 2.78, and if it occurred during staff care, the AOR was 2.11. For any follow-ups requiring consultation with a doctor, the AOR was 4.70, and for hospitalization, the AOR was 1.76. Regarding the type of LTCF providing medical care in addition to residential care, the AOR was 4.39. Regarding the social factors, the reports filed before 2017 had an AOR of 0.58. The results of the organization factors suggest that liability tends to arise in situations where the residents and their family expect high quality care. Therefore, it is imperative to strengthen organizational factors in such situations to avoid AEs and the resulting liability for damages.
The gender dimensions of mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic: A path analysis
Authors: Dotsikas Kate , Crosby Liam , McMunn Anne , Osborn David , Walters Kate , Dykxhoorn Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Background

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a substantial population mental health impact, with evidence indicating that mental health has deteriorated in particular for women. This gender difference could be explained by the distinct experiences of women during the pandemic, including the burden of unpaid domestic labour, changes in economic activity, and experiences of loneliness. This study investigates potential mediators in the relationship between gender and mental health during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK.

Methods

We used data from 9,351 participants of Understanding Society, a longitudinal household survey from the UK. We conducted a mediation analysis using structural equation modelling to estimate the role of four mediators, measured during the first lockdown in April 2020, in the relationship between gender and mental health in May and July 2020. Mental health was measured with the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Standardized coefficients for each path were obtained, as well as indirect effects for the role of employment disruption, hours spent on housework, hours spent on childcare, and loneliness.

Results

In a model controlling for age, household income and pre-pandemic mental health, we found that gender was associated with all four mediators, but only loneliness was associated with mental health at both time points. The indirect effects showed strong evidence of partial mediation through loneliness for the relationship between gender and mental health problems; loneliness accounted for 83.9% of the total effect in May, and 76.1% in July. No evidence of mediation was found for housework, childcare, or employment disruption.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the worse mental health found among women during the initial period of the Covid-19 pandemic is partly explained by women reporting more experiences of loneliness. Understanding this mechanism is important for prioritising interventions to address gender-based inequities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic.
A highly sensitive vertical plug-in source drain high Schottky barrier bilateral gate controlled bidirectional tunnel field effect transistor
Authors: Liu Xi , Li Mengmeng , Wu Meile , Zhang Shouqiang , Jin Xiaoshi
Published: May 2023

In this article, we propose a highly sensitive vertically plug-in source drain contacts high Schottky barrier based bilateral gate and assistant gate controlled bidirectional tunnel field Effect transistor (VPISDC-HSB-BTFET). It can achieve much more sensitive forward current driving ability than the previously proposed High Schottky barrier source/drain contacts based bilateral gate and assistant Gate controlled bidirectional tunnel field Effect transistor (HSB-BTFET). Silicon body of the proposed VPISDC-HSB-BTFET is etched into a U-shaped structure. By etching both sides of the silicon body to form vertically plug-in source drain contacts, the source and drain electrodes are plugged into a certain height of the vertical parts of both sides of the U-shaped silicon body. Thereafter, the efficient area of the band-to-band tunneling generation region near the source drain contacts is significantly increased, so as to achieve sensitive ON-state current driving ability. Comparing to the mainstream FinFET technology, lower subthreshold swing, lower static power consumption and Higher Ion−Ioff ratio can be achieved.
The information needs of people with degenerative cervical myelopathy: A qualitative study to inform patient education in clinical practice
Authors: Sangeorzan Irina , Andriopoulou Panoraia , Davies Benjamin M. , McNair Angus
Published: May 2023

Background

Individuals with lifelong illnesses need access to adequate information about their condition to make optimal health decisions. Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy (DCM) is the most common form of spinal cord dysfunction in adults worldwide. Its chronic and debilitating nature, varied impact, clinical trajectory, and management options necessitate appropriate informational support to sustain effective clinical and self-directed care strategies. However, before clinicians can meet patients’ information needs, they must first have an understanding of their baseline requirements. This study explores the information needs of people with DCM (PwCM). In doing so, it provides a starting point for the development of patient education and knowledge management strategies in clinical practice.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with PwCM were conducted using an interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis according to Braun and Clarke’s six-phase approach was used to analyse the data. Findings were reported according to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines.

Results

Twenty PwCM (65% female, 35% male), with ages ranging from 39 to 74 years old participated in the interviews. The findings indicated that the provision of information to PwCM during clinical interactions varies. Accordingly, PwCM’s information needs were broad-ranging, as was the nature of the information they found useful. Three main themes were identified (1) Variation in the provision of information to PwCM during clinical interactions, (2) Variations in the information needs of PwCM, and (3) Information that PwCM find useful.

Conclusion

Efforts must turn to adequately educating patients at the time of the clinical encounter. A comprehensive and consistent patient-centered information exchange in DCM is necessary to achieve this.
Do local governments’ energy-saving target constraints inhibit financialization? Evidence from nonfinancial listed firms in China
Authors: Hu Gongjin , Yu Ying , Wang Qinwen
Published: May 2023

The negative impact of the financialization of non-financial firms cannot be ignored in China. However, existing studies neglect that the government environmental governance is an important influential factor in corporate investment decisions. Using a sample of China’s non-financial listed firms from 2007 to 2020, we examine the impact of local governments’ energy-saving target constraints on the financialization of local firms in terms of whether local governments set numerically specific energy-saving targets in the Government Work Reports. The main findings of this paper are as follows. First, local governments setting clear energy-saving targets inhibit local firms’ financialization and the result holds even after a series of robustness tests. Second, the negative association between local governments’ energy-saving target constraints and firm financialization is more pronounced among firms in eastern regions and green provinces. Third, the quality of firm information disclosure and local environmental public supervision enhance the inhibiting effect of local governments’ energy-saving target constraints on firm financialization. Fourth, local governments’ energy-saving target constraints restrain firm financialization by attracting more external analyst coverage and encouraging internal technological innovation. Moreover, this inhibiting effect can help reduce overinvestment and improve the total factor productivity of firms. Our study provides evidence supporting firm financialization studies from the novel perspective of government environmental governance.
Acute effects of nitrate and breakfast on working memory, cerebral blood flow, arterial stiffness, and psychological factors in adolescents: Study protocol for a randomised crossover trial
Authors: Regan Callum , Heiland Emerald G. , Ekblom Örjan , Tarassova Olga , Kjellenberg Karin , Larsen Filip J. , Walltott Hedda , Fernström Maria , Nyberg Gisela , Ekblom Maria M. , Helgadóttir Björg
Published: May 2023

Background

Inorganic nitrate has been shown to acutely improve working memory in adults, potentially by altering cerebral and peripheral vasculature. However, this remains unknown in adolescents. Furthermore, breakfast is important for overall health and psychological well-being. Therefore, this study will investigate the acute effects of nitrate and breakfast on working memory performance, task-related cerebral blood flow (CBF), arterial stiffness, and psychological outcomes in Swedish adolescents.

Methods

This randomised crossover trial will recruit at least 43 adolescents (13–15 years old). There will be three experimental breakfast conditions: (1) none, (2) low-nitrate (normal breakfast), and (3) high-nitrate (concentrated beetroot juice with normal breakfast). Working memory (n-back tests), CBF (task-related changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex), and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity and augmentation index) will be measured twice, immediately after breakfast and 130 min later. Measures of psychological factors and salivary nitrate/nitrite will be assessed once before the conditions and at two-time points after the conditions.

Discussion

This study will provide insight into the acute effects of nitrate and breakfast on working memory in adolescents and to what extent any such effects can be explained by changes in CBF. This study will also shed light upon whether oral intake of nitrate may acutely improve arterial stiffness and psychological well-being, in adolescents. Consequently, results will indicate if nitrate intake from beetroot juice or if breakfast itself could acutely improve cognitive, vascular, and psychological health in adolescents, which can affect academic performance and have implications for policies regarding school meals.

Trial registration

The trial has been prospectively registered on 21/02/2022 at https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN16596056. Trial number: ISRCTN16596056.
Development of SSR molecular markers and genetic diversity analysis of Clematis acerifolia from Taihang Mountains
Authors: Zhao Zhengnan , Zhang Hongwei , Wang Pingxi , Yang Yuan , Sun Hongyan , Li Jinyu , Chen Xiao , Li Jun , Ji Naizhe , Feng Hui , Zhao Shiwei
Published: May 2023

Investigating the genetic diversity and population structure is important in conserving narrowly distributed plants. In this study, 90 Clematis acerifolia (C. acerifolia) plants belonging to nine populations were collected from the Taihang Mountains in Beijing, Hebei, and Henan. Twenty-nine simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers developed based on RAD-seq data were used to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of C. acerifolia. The mean PIC value for all markers was 0.2910, indicating all SSR markers showed a moderate degree of polymorphism. The expected heterozygosity of the whole populations was 0.3483, indicating the genetic diversity of both C. acerifolia var. elobata and C. acerifolia were low. The expected heterozygosity of C. acerifolia var. elobata (He = 0.2800) was higher than that of C. acerifolia (He = 0.2614). Genetic structure analysis and principal coordinate analysis demonstrated that C. acerifolia and C. acerifolia var. elobata showed great genetic differences. Molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) demonstrated that within-population genetic variation (68.31%) was the main contributor to the variation of the C. acerifolia populations. Conclusively, C. acerifolia var. elobata had higher genetic diversity than C. acerifolia, and there are significant genetic differences between C. acerifolia and C. acerifolia var. elobata, and small genetic variations within the C. acerifolia populations. Our results provide a scientific and rational basis for the conservation of C. acerifolia and provide a reference for the conservation of other cliff plants.
Biochemical characterization of an alkaline and detergent-stable Lipase from Fusarium annulatum Bugnicourt strain CBS associated with olive tree dieback
Authors: Dab Ahlem , Hasnaoui Ismail , Mechri Sondes , Allala Fawzi , Bouacem Khelifa , Noiriel Alexandre , Bouanane-Darenfed Amel , Saalaoui Ennouamane , Asehraou Abdeslam , Wang Fanghua , Abousalham Abdelkarim , Jaouadi Bassem
Published: May 2023

This work describes a novel extracellular lipolytic carboxylester hydrolase named FAL, with lipase and phospholipase A1 (PLA1) activity, from a newly isolated filamentous fungus Ascomycota CBS strain, identified as Fusarium annulatum Bunigcourt. FAL was purified to about 62-fold using ammonium sulphate precipitation, Superdex® 200 Increase gel filtration and Q-Sepharose Fast Flow columns, with a total yield of 21%. The specific activity of FAL was found to be 3500 U/mg at pH 9 and 40°C and 5000 U/mg at pH 11 and 45°C, on emulsions of triocanoin and egg yolk phosphatidylcholine, respectively. SDS-PAGE and zymography analysis estimated the molecular weight of FAL to be 33 kDa. FAL was shown to be a PLA1 with a regioselectivity to the sn-1 position of surface-coated phospholipids esterified with α-eleostearic acid. FAL is a serine enzyme since its activity on triglycerides and phospholipids was completely inhibited by the lipase inhibitor Orlistat (40 μM). Interestingly, compared to Fusarium graminearum lipase (GZEL) and the Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (Lipolase®), this novel fungal (phospho)lipase showed extreme tolerance to the presence of non-polar organic solvents, non-ionic and anionic surfactants, and oxidants, in addition to significant compatibility and stability with some available laundry detergents. The analysis of washing performance showed that it has the capability to efficiently eliminate oil-stains. Overall, FAL could be an ideal choice for application in detergents.
A multi-spatial analysis and the balanced requirements of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) and urban inhabitants in the Cuyahoga River watershed
Authors: Atwell Tamar A. , Andrikanich Rachel E. , Elder Rachel A. , Krebs Robert A.
Published: May 2023

Water quality in the Cuyahoga River, a national heritage river of the United States, has improved greatly since the infamous river fire of 1969, but much of the watershed faces combined demands of a state scenic river valued for nature and the primary water source for surrounding cities. A comparative analysis of mussel abundance was applied to test success between water improvements and mussel assemblages in two similarly sized sub-watersheds, the upper reaches of the Cuyahoga River and an isolated tributary stream, Tinkers Creek. Multivariate GIS/remote sensing tools and government data resources were applied to contrast variation in lands use, soil types, and potential impacts from impoundments. Mussel populations declined in much of the Upper Cuyahoga River from 1990 to present, while in Tinkers Creek and the West Branch Cuyahoga River, both areas surrounded by residential lands, mussel species changed from a slow water species to species associated with flowing streams. Major structural differences among these stream reaches included regulated flow from reservoirs and consequentially poor soil drainage type in much of the Upper Cuyahoga River, while extensive improvements in Tinkers Creek enhanced flow dynamics and produced well-draining soils. Thus, the mussel assemblages appeared sustained despite a trend towards more human use where water flowed free.
‘New ethics’ in Russian fashion magazines: Discussing ‘western-ness’, Russian-ness and values
Authors: Solomatina Ira
Published: May 2023

This article analyses the discourse around ‘new ethics’ in Russia’s two lifestyle and fashion publications – Vogue Russia and The Blueprint. The ‘new ethics’ is a vague term which, by the late 2010s in Russia, had come to refer to a whole spate of disparate initiatives, attitudes and ethical norms, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, the #MeToo movement and anti-racist practices. Remarkably, the discourse around the ‘new ethics’ has gained currency at a time when the Russian state urges Russians to embrace ‘traditional values’ that are rooted in Orthodox Christianity. Employing qualitative analysis of texts and images this article demonstrates that, in Russian fashion and lifestyle magazines, the ‘new ethics’ discourse has emerged as a site for negotiating women’s and queer rights, ‘traditional’ and ‘western’ values, as well as Russian state politics, while simultaneously providing a way for the publications to disassociate themselves from the state-promoted values.
On the paratextual thresholds of fashion: The creation and early analysis of a dataset of fashion magazine captions
Authors: Gardner Laura , de Vries Femke , McNaught Rowan
Published: May 2023

This article focuses on fashion ‘paratexts’ – text snippets such as titles, introductions and captions – as connotative and denotative forces within the ecosystem of the fashion magazine. Building on current research on fashion text and writing, we introduce the ‘Fashion Paratext Dataset’: a research project that explores the technical and aesthetic dimensions of fashion captions and their strategic role in the reading of fashion images. The project employs a methodology from data science to produce a substantial dataset of modern fashion captions that can be analysed and interpreted by the researchers. This article outlines the context, methodology and reports on initial findings of this research project which aims to further understand the way language, via paratexts, functions in the cyclical production of fashion and throughout its history as a modern industry. Further to this, we show how these liminal texts actively mediate editorial content within contemporary fashion media (a hybrid of digital and analogue platforms) and thus define how we relate to garments, and fashion.
Constitucionalismo y discrecionalidad judicial
Authors: Cruz Parcero Juan Antonio
Published: May 2023

En este trabajo se argumenta en contra de una tesis de Fernando Atria que le atribuye al (neo)constitucionalismo ser un Derecho premoderno e incurrir en un ciclo de aplicación del Derecho que denomina «arbitrariedad hasta la perfección». Se presentan dos objeciones a esta tesis. La primera relacionada con la distinción gobierno de hombres y gobierno de leyes que, a decir de Aguiló, es una distinción que suele exagerarse; mientras que, para Atienza, la idea de gobierno de leyes presupone una racionalidad formalista, cuando podría ser compatible con una forma de racionalidad más abierta. La segunda objeción se basa en que también se presupone que los únicos fines que cuentan en el Derecho son los mismos fines del Derecho (certeza, previsibilidad) y no los fines de la política. Se abunda precisamente en mostrar cómo el Derecho moderno se ha transformado de modo que éste persigue y debe perseguir otros fines (protección de derechos humanos, redistribuciones, bienestar, desarrollo sostenible, entre otros). Finalmente, se trata de dejar apuntadas las ideas principales para sostener que el juzgador en el modelo constitucional o postpositivista no tiene la posibilidad de optar arbitrariamente por resolver ponderando o resolver aplicando reglas, como sugiere la tesis de la arbitrariedad hasta la perfección.
Manuel Atienza y las bases para el estudio de la prueba desde un enfoque argumentativo del Derecho
Authors: Gama Raymundo
Published: May 2023

Tras hacer un repaso por la presencia del tema de la prueba en los trabajos académicos de Manuel Atienza, se presentan cinco ideas para abordar el estudio de la prueba desde un enfoque argumentativo del Derecho: 1. La prueba en el Derecho no se reduce a las reglas sobre la prueba. 2. El estudio de la prueba tiene un carácter multidisciplinar y representa un punto de encuentro en el que convergen distintas disciplinas. 3. El estudio de la prueba no puede prescindir de su dimensión jurídica e institucional. 4. La prueba en el Derecho tiene una dimensión valorativa. 5. El estudio de la prueba puede abordarse desde un enfoque argumentativo que integre diversas aproximaciones (conceptual, empírica, historiográfica y metodológica).
Una reflexión sobre los problemas jurídicos. Ideas desde la argumentación jurídica
Authors: López Sterup Henrik
Published: May 2023

La manera en que se entiende qué es un problema jurídico está relacionado con la concepción de derecho que se acoja y cómo enseña el derecho. Esta enseñanza, si parte de metodologías que privilegian el estudio de la normatividad o las decisiones judiciales (que enseñan qué es el derecho) promoverá como prototipo de problemas jurídicos aquellos que el juez decide resolver; aquél del contexto de justificación. Si se reconoce un espacio para la racionalidad crítica dentro de la argumentación estratégica, es posible construir un distinto prototipo de problemas jurídicos, ligado al contexto de descubrimiento. Esto permite identificar nuevas falacias pragmáticas. Esta aproximación demanda metodologías que enseñen a pensar como abogados.
¿Qué tan irrelevantes son las tesis definitorias del positivismo jurídico?
Authors: Morales Luna Félix
Published: May 2023

El paradigma del Derecho como argumentación exige dejar atrás el positivismo jurídico y asumir una nueva teoría que le sirva al jurista para justificar respuestas correctas en casos difíciles que involucran principios y exigencias valorativas. Las tesis centrales del positivismo jurídico son vistas como irrelevantes y obvias, y se les critica que impiden el desarrollo de una teoría del Derecho adecuadas a las condiciones del Estado constitucional. Este trabajo propone una manera de entender las tesis centrales del positivismo jurídico, en torno a la dimensión institucional del Derecho, que justifique la relevancia de esta concepción jurídica en el marco de los estados constitucionales.