bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining diagnosis as a component of Social Workers’ scope of practice: a scoping review
Authors: Sur Deepy , Ashcroft Rachelle , Adamson Keith , Tanner Nailisa , Webb Jenaya , Mohamud Faisa , Shamsi Hala
Published: April 2022

Our study reports on a scoping review examining the role of diagnosis within social work practice in Canada and the United States (US). Adopting the process laid out by Arksey and O’Malley, the search captured 189 academic and grey literature drawn from six health and social sciences databases and published from January 1980 to April 2020. The majority of literature were based in the US, and studies covered a variety of practice settings including hospitals, community clinics, medical health clinics, and private practice. Various versions of the DSM was mentioned in over half of the publications that made mention of the use of a diagnostic tool. Four themes emerged from the analysis: professional positioning, clinical activities and diagnosis, contextual factors, and education and training. The focus on holistic care through intersecting identities and social determinants of health in social work provides a balance to the biomedical model adopted by the DSM. Further inclusion of social work perspectives in the development of the DSM may help raise awareness and inclusion of ecological factors in diagnosis. In addition, the lack of uniformity in the inclusion of diagnosis in social work curriculum has been noted as an opportunity to offer higher quality instruction and supervision to students to better utilize diagnostic tools. We suggest that expanding the scope of practice for social work to include diagnosis can help increase the capacity of the healthcare system to identify and address mental health concerns.
Spaces of Resilience and Resistance: Sámi Habitation in Southern and Central Sweden During the Late Medieval and the Early Modern Period
Authors: Nordin Jonas Monié
Published: April 2022

This paper examines traces of Sámi habitation in southern and central Scandinavia, particularly Sweden, addressing the late medieval period to the end of the nineteenth century. It begins with Swedish judicial policy against Sámi nomadism in central Sweden, followed by a discussion of medieval Sámi material culture in southern Scandinavia. Further analysis addresses so-called Parish-Lapp indenture, which allowed nomadic Sámi to escape eviction to the far north (as decreed in 1671) by serving the parish. Yet, Sámi groups maintained and developed ritual practices, foodways, and language in a society parallel to the majority society and in resistance to it.
Recommendations for item set completion: on the semantics of item co-occurrence with data sparsity, input size, and input modalities
Authors: Vagliano I. , Galke L. , Scherp A.
Published: April 2022

We address the problem of recommending relevant items to a user in order to “complete” a partial set of already-known items. We consider the two scenarios of citation and subject label recommendation, which resemble different semantics of item co-occurrence: relatedness for co-citations and diversity for subject labels. We assess the influence of the completeness of an already known partial item set on the recommender’s performance. We also investigate data sparsity by imposing a pruning threshold on minimum item occurrence and the influence of using additional metadata. As models, we focus on different autoencoders, which are particularly suited for reconstructing missing items in a set. We extend autoencoders to exploit a multi-modal input of text and structured data. Our experiments on six real-world datasets show that supplying the partial item set as input is usually helpful when item co-occurrence resembles relatedness, while metadata are effective when co-occurrence implies diversity. The simple item co-occurrence model is a strong baseline for citation recommendation but can provide good results also for subject labels. Autoencoders have the capability to exploit additional metadata besides the partial item set as input, and achieve comparable or better performance. For the subject label recommendation task, the title is the most important attribute. Adding more input modalities sometimes even harms the results. In conclusion, it is crucial to consider the semantics of the item co-occurrence for the choice of an appropriate model and carefully decide which metadata to exploit.
Food and Trauma: Anthropologies of Memory and Postmemory
Authors: Strand Mattias
Published: April 2022

Much has been written about the multifaceted significance of food and eating from an anthropological perspective; the same can be said about the role of food in collective identity construction and nation building. In contrast, the nexus of food, memory, psychological trauma, and disordered eating has been less explored. The aim of this interdisciplinary article is to synthesize available knowledge on this topic by engaging with research literature in fields such as food history, anthropology, sociology, and psychiatry as well as autobiographical works, cookbooks, etc. One main section of the article focuses on the role of food and cooking in exile and refuge. Another section deals with the role of food in the aftermath of historical trauma, whereas a final section discusses various works on disordered eating in the wake of traumatic experiences. In sum, the dual nature of food and cooking—at once concrete and abstract, material and symbolic—offers an arena in which ambivalent memories of trauma can take on tangible form. The concept of postmemory may be useful in understanding how food and cooking can function both as a vehicle and as a remedy for intergenerational trauma.
Integrating biodiversity: a longitudinal and cross-sectoral analysis of Swiss politics
Authors: Reber Ueli , Fischer Manuel , Ingold Karin , Kienast Felix , Hersperger Anna M. , Grütter Rolf , Benz Robin
Published: April 2022

The effective conservation and promotion of biodiversity requires its integration into a wide range of sectoral policies. For this to happen, the issue must receive attention across policy sectors. Yet, we know little about how attention to the issue evolves over time and across sectors. Drawing from the literature on environmental policy integration/mainstreaming and policy process theories, we develop competing hypotheses, expecting either increasing or fluctuating attention to the biodiversity issue. We tested the hypotheses using the case of Swiss politics between 1999 and 2018. Applying a combination of computational methods, we analyze the content of a comprehensive collection of policy documents (n ≈ 440,000) attributed to 20 policy sectors. Comparing the sectors, we find that (1) a persistent increase in attention is the exception, (2) if there is an increase in attention, it is likely to be temporary, and (3) the most common pattern is that of invariant attention over time. Biodiversity integration—if it does happen at all—tends to occur in cycles rather than in steady long-term shifts. This implies that the conservation of biodiversity does not follow the cross-sectoral nature of the problem, but is subject to the dynamics of "politics," where actors, because of limited resources, engage with (aspects of) an issue only for a certain amount of time.
Contrasting nickel and manganese accumulation and localization in New Caledonian Cunoniaceae
Authors: van der Ent Antony , Pillon Yohan , Fogliani Bruno , Gei Vidiro , Jaffré Tanguy , Erskine Peter D. , Echevarria Guillaume , Spiers Kathryn M. , Paul Adrian L. D. , Isnard Sandrine
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The Cunoniaceae are a major component of the New Caledonian flora with 91 endemic species that are highly unusual in that multiple metals are hyperaccumulated in different species. This makes it an ideal model system for studying the nature of the hyperaccumulation phenomenon.

Methods

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) scanning of all herbarium collections of the Cunoniaceae was undertaken at the Herbarium of New Caledonia to reveal incidences of nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn) accumulation. Following on, the Mn hyperaccumulatingP. reticulataand the Ni hyperaccumulatingP. xaragurensiswere selected for detailed follow-up investigations using synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM).

Results

The systematic XRF screening of herbarium specimens showed that numerous species have high foliar Mn and Ni with species either accumulating Ni or Mn, but not both elements simultaneously. Soil ‘extractable’ Mn and Ni concentrations associated withPancheria reticulataandP. xaragurensisgreatly varies between the species. The XFM data shows thatP. reticulatahas a distinctive distribution pattern with Mn concentrated in large hypodermal cells. This contrasts withP. xaragurensiswhere Ni was mainly localized in and around the epidermis, and hypodermal cells were not observed.

Conclusions

Manganese and Ni accumulation are differently localized inPancheriaspecies growing on ultramafic soils, which is not explained by contrasting soils conditions, but represents different ecophysiological adaptations.
Waste battery disposal and recycling behavior: a study on the Australian perspective
Authors: Islam Md Tasbirul , Huda Nazmul , Baumber Alex , Hossain Rumana , Sahajwalla Veena
Published: April 2022

Consumer behavior is a critical consideration for the development of sustainable waste management systems, including waste batteries, which pose a serious threat to human health and the environment if disposed of improperly. This study investigates the consumers’ perspective on the waste battery collection and recycling behaviors in Australia, and analyses their implications for the development of recycling schemes. The results show that, although general awareness exists among consumers about the negative impacts of improper disposal, this awareness was not reflected during the disposal of waste batteries among the participants. Insufficient knowledge about the waste battery collection points and convenience were the most important factors affecting the inappropriate disposal behavior from most of the consumers. Over 50% of participants were unaware of the collection points for waste batteries. The most-preferred battery collection systems involved a deposit return system similar to that used for bottle recycling in the state of New South Wales (NSW) or collection at supermarkets/retailers. The most preferred methods for providing an incentive to recycle batteries were “old-for-new” battery swaps, “vouchers that could be used for other items in a store,” and “cash payments.” Several policy implications have been highlighted from this pioneering study that could shape the future development of sustainable waste battery management systems in Australia.
Evidence-Based Policymaking in Times of Acute Crisis: Comparing the Use of Scientific Knowledge in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy
Authors: Hadorn Susanne , Sager Fritz , Mavrot Céline , Malandrino Anna , Ege Jörn
Published: April 2022

This article studies how different systems of policy advice are suited to provide relevant knowledge in times of acute crisis. The notion of evidence-based policymaking (EBP) originated in the successful 1997 New Labour program in the United Kingdom to formulate policy based not on ideology but on sound empirical evidence. We provide a brief overview of the history of the concept and the current debates around it. We then outline the main characteristics of the policy advisory systems in Germany, Switzerland, and Italy through which scientific knowledge—in the form of either person-bound expertise or evidence generated through standard scientific processes—was fed into policy formulation processes before the COVID-19 crisis. Whereas EBP takes place in the form of institutionalized advisory bodies and draws on expertise rather than on evidence in Germany, the system in Switzerland focuses more on the use of evidence provided through external mandates. Italy has a hybrid politicized expert system. The article then analyzes how this different prioritization of expertise vs. evidence in the three countries affects policymakers’ capacity to include scientific knowledge in policy decisions in times of acute crisis. The comparison of the three countries implies that countries with policy advisory systems designed to use expertise are better placed to incorporate scientific knowledge into their decisions in times of acute crisis than are countries with policy advisory systems that relied primarily on evidence before the COVID-19 crisis.
Evaluation of rainwater harvesting and shrub establishment methods for sustainable watershed management in northern Afghanistan
Authors: Louhaichi Mounir , Hassan Sawsan , Gamoun Mouldi , Safi Navin , Abdallah Mohamed A. B. , Ates Serkan
Published: April 2022

Watershed rangelands in Northern Afghanistan provide various ecosystem services that support the local people’s livelihoods, but they are now highly degraded essentially due to the continuous high grazing pressure and recurrent droughts. Effects of shrub establishment method enhanced by water harvesting techniques to rehabilitate degraded rangelands have not been well addressed. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of direct seeding and transplanting of seedlings in combination with semi-circular bunds on growth, yield, and survival rate of four shrub species (Atriplex halimus, Atriplex nummularia, Atriplex lentiformis, and Maireana brevifolia) under semi- arid conditions of Sayyad village, Khulm watershed. Survival rate (%), plant height, width, and plant length (cm) and plant cover (%) were measured for each plant over five occasions. A non-destructive reference unit was used to estimate biomass production. The results showed that growth attributes and biomass production of shrubs were consistently greater in the transplanting compared to direct seeding. On average, the plant length, width, height, volume, cover, and biomass production of transplanted shrubs were greater than direct-seeded shrubs by 24.3%, 8.6%, 8.7%, 121.5%, 13.8% and 34.1%, respectively. Biomass production of transplanted seedlings was the highest for A. nummularia (1313.5 g DM/plant) and A. halimus (800 g DM/plant). There was a strong correlation between plant biomass production and plant volume (R2Plant volume = 0.88) for the shrub A. nummularia, indicating that plant volume is a key variable for assessing biomass production for this species. Additionally, the survival rate of M. brevifolia was 100% in both planting methods, suggesting that based on better survival this halophytic plant has great potential when restoring degraded rangelands. Collectively, on the basis of better growth rates, yield, and survival, transplanting A. nummularia and A. halimus may enhance shrub establishment and contribute to the rehabilitation of sloping semi-arid degraded areas of Northern Afghanistan.
A Qualitative Study to Assess US Patient Preferences between new Transdermal System and Injectable Anabolic Therapies for Osteoporosis Treatment
Authors: Beaudart Charlotte , Silverman Stuart , Gold Deborah T. , Williams Setareh A. , Weiss Rich , Hiligsmann Mickael
Published: April 2022

Mini abstract

US patients with osteoporosis included in three focus groups identified efficacy, safety, cost, and convenience as important attributes of treatment when choosing between anabolic therapies with high stated preference for the solid Microstructured Transdermal System.

Objective

The current study evaluated patient perspective and relative importance of treatment attributes of in-home daily self-administration of abaloparatide-solid Microstructured Transdermal System (sMTS) compared with other anabolic agents (i.e. in-home daily subcutaneous self-injections, and monthly subcutaneous injections at doctor office) among a group of US patients with osteoporosis.

Methods

The current study included systematic literature reviews, experts’ consultation and three online patients focus groups (n=27), including patients ≥50 years of age at high risk for fracture. Nominal Group Technique was used by asking patients to (1) Individually identify characteristics that would be important for them when choosing between anabolic treatments, (2) Share ideas and discuss perspectives with other patients, (3) Review additional attributes generated from a systematic literature review, (4) Select and rank individually the 7 most important characteristics from the list and (5) Report their acceptability and stated preference ranking between the three treatment options.

Results

Twenty women and 7 men with a mean age of 65 (range 51-85 years) participated in the focus groups. Twenty-four treatment characteristics were identified through focus groups and literature review. Efficacy, safety, out-of-pocket costs, strength of evidence and the option to self-administer were ranked as the most important attributes. The majority of patients stated preference for a daily sMTS if prescribed by their doctor.

Conclusions

This study revealed that efficacy, safety, costs, and convenience are important attributes of osteoporosis treatment for US patients at high risk for fractures when choosing between anabolic therapies, with a high stated preference for sMTS.
Macro-Demographics and Ageing in Emerging Asia: the Case of Indonesia
Authors: Kudrna George , Le Trang , Piggott John
Published: April 2022

In common with a number of other emerging economies in South East Asia, Indonesia is confronting rapid demographic transition at a low level of per capita income. The fourth largest country in the world by population size, Indonesia will face new challenges for fiscal sustainability and policy design, as in coming decades its labour force begins to shrink, and the older population becomes relatively more numerous. In this paper, we demonstrate how strong data sources, from international agencies, national sources, and surveys of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) family, are available and can be combined to generate a statistical profile of an emerging economy. Such profiles have value in themselves but can also be used as the basis for specifying macroeconomic models of demographic transition, of the overlapping generations (OLG) type, and for various other purposes. The profile presented here will serve to inform both policymakers and the broader community of the long-run trends which will inexorably impact Indonesian society in coming decades. It indicates that major social protection policy development will be needed over the next period to avert widespread hardship, especially among older cohorts.
Healthy minds live in healthy bodies – effect of physical health on mental health: Evidence from Australian longitudinal data
Authors: Doan Tinh , Ha Van , Strazdins Lyndall , Chateau Dan
Published: April 2022

It is well known that physical and mental health are closely related, with growing evidence for biological and behavioural pathways. Mostly the research has focussed on mental health as the key driver of this inter-connection; the extent physical health shapes mental health has received less attention. We aim to derive robust estimates of the unique role physical health may play in shaping mental health outcomes. To do so we use a novel approach, incorporating longitudinal and instrumental variable methods which can address the reciprocal relationship between physical and mental health, and the endogeneity of physical health, before estimating the physical to mental health pathway. A sample of 209,442 observations (or 24,966 unique individuals) aged 15 and over spanning 18 years (2002–2019) was extracted from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australian Survey (HILDA). We find that physical activity and health shocks erode mental health via their impact on physical health with a one point improvement (or worsening) in physical health scores (0–100) resulting in a rise (or decline) of 0.43 points (or 43%) in mental health score.
Effectiveness of cellulose polyanionic-based polymers on the measurement of rheological properties of water-based drilling fluids in high-pressure high-temperature fractured shale reservoirs
Authors: Liu Zhikun , Zhang Chaoqun , Li Qi , Davarpanah Afshin , Metwally Ahmed Sayed M.
Published: April 2022

High-pressure, high-temperature fractured shale reservoirs are types of unconventional reservoirs that need proper drilling operations for adequate efficiency. Proper measurement of drilling fluid’s rheological properties is of importance for drilling operations that may increase the penetration rate on the one hand with proper design. Therefore, the success of drilling operations strongly depends on the proper design of drilling fluids. In this paper, we experimentally investigated the effect of potassium and sodium formate fluid on the rheological properties of drilling fluid for fractured shale core samples. The yield point and apparent viscosity for muds consisted of cellulose polyanionic and cellulose polyanionic-ultralow polymers higher than base muds. It indicates the effect of formate salts in increasing thermal stability. In addition, in polymer-based muds, more amounts of formate salts have been used, indicating the low fluid loss volume. Consequently, the shale recovery rate for potassium formate fluids is higher than sodium formate fluid.
Greywater adsorption into soil during irrigation
Authors: Anwar A. H. M. Faisal , Rathnayake Upaka , Bowyer Will
Published: April 2022

The reuse of greywater has significant potential to reduce the demand on potable water. The greywater produced from laundry is free from oil and grease and hence makes it attractive to reuse for irrigation. This study investigates the adsorption of surfactant-rich laundry greywater into the soil surfaces during irrigation. A series of miscible displacement column experiments was conducted under water-saturated condition using non-reactive (NaCl solution of concentration 0.650 g/L) and reactive tracers (greywater solution of concentration 0.26–0.442 g/L with same background electrolyte). Plasterer’s sand was used as the porous medium. Samples collected at the column outlet every two minutes were measured for pH, electrical conductivity and greywater concentrations. Hydraulic conductivity for each experiment was also determined using constant head method. Separate experiments were conducted to determine the surface tension of greywater solution (with same background electrolyte) and modelled using Gibbs adsorption isotherm. Surface tension of greywater reduces with increasing greywater concentration and becomes constant at greywater concentration of 0.440 g/L. The results revealed that pH is improved and electrical conductivity decreased indicating it may increase the soil salinity. The comparison of breakthrough curves of reactive and non-reactive tracers showed that the greywater adsorptions occur into the soil surfaces and it increased with greywater concentrations, which may make the soil water-repellent. This may be a concern if soil becomes water-repellent, increases hydraulic conductivity and enhances the risk of groundwater pollution. The concentration of greywater needs to be checked before irrigation and if needed, it should be diluted to avoid any risk of soil water-repellence.
Hydrochemical characteristics and quality assessment of shallow groundwater under intensive agriculture practices in arid region, Qena, Egypt
Authors: Mohammed Abdel Mawgoud , Refaee Ahmed , El-Din Gamal Kamal , Harb Shaban
Published: April 2022

Monitoring groundwater quality and analyzing geochemical processes are very crucial in dry environments, especially in areas with intense agriculture and inadequate irrigation management systems. A total of forty-one groundwater samples were collected from the study area and analyzed for major ions chemistry. The results of the geochemical analyses are used to investigate the geochemical processes and make groundwater assessments. The hydrogeochemical characteristics of the groundwater samples revealed a highly mineralized Na+–Cl− water type, implying that the majority of the samples are chemically unfit for human consumption. Based on the water quality parameters analyzed for the groundwater samples collected in this study, such as sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), residual sodium carbonate (RSC), magnesium hazard (MH), permeability index (PI), and Kelley's ratio (KR), the suitability of groundwater samples for irrigation purposes is good to moderately good. Also they may reflect some alkaline hazard threats to the soil as indicated by the SSP and KR. The salinity hazard is recognized as high and expected to increase with the expansion of irrigation; hence, special salinity control management for groundwater in the study area is required. Nitrate is widely recognized as a contaminant in the study area. The nitrate concentrations range from 0.1 to 256.8 mg/L, with more than 30% of the samples exceeding the safe drinking water limit of 50 mg/L. The main concern is that the average nitrate concentration will likely continue to increase in the groundwater of the study area. Groundwater monitoring, in terms of both quality and quantity, is essential for sustainable groundwater management.
Application of the “water flow decision pattern” to Asian disaster response
Authors: Ha Kyoo-Man
Published: April 2022

This research aimed to provide a new decision pattern toward the ultimate goal of improving Asian disaster management. The “water flow decision pattern,” which is likened to the natural flow of water, was proposed to facilitate smooth decision-making by decision makers. Text document analysis with emphasis on a qualitative technique was used as the major methodology. Five failure cases were analyzed: the sinking of the ferry Sewol in Korea, the drought in India, the SARS outbreak in China, the nuclear leakage in Fukushima, and the typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The key finding was that the water flow decision pattern comprehensively combines five decision factors, namely, weight, availability, timeliness, emplacement, and roundabout. Hence, Asian nations may consider its application as a theoretical frame in the future, after appropriate training and exercise are carried out.
Searching for antimicrobial photosensitizers among a panel of BODIPYs
Authors: Orlandi Viviana Teresa , Martegani Eleonora , Bolognese Fabrizio , Caruso Enrico
Published: April 2022

In recent years, antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT) gained increasing attention for its potential to inhibit the growth and spread of microorganisms, both as free-living cells and/or embedded in biofilm communities. In this scenario, compounds belonging to the family of boron-dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs) represent a very promising class of photosensitizers for applications in antimicrobial field. In this study, twelve non-ionic and three cationic BODIPYs were assayed for the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. As expected, S. aureus showed to be very sensitive to BODIPYs and mild conditions were sufficient to reach good rates of photoinactivation with both neutral and monocationic ones. Surprisingly, one neutral compound (named B9 in this study) resulted the best BODIPY to photoinactivate P. aeruginosa PAO1. The photoinactivation of C. albicans was reached with both neutral and mono-cationic BODIPYs. Furthermore, biofilms of the three model microorganisms were challenged with BODIPYs in light-based antimicrobial technique. S. aureus biofilms were successfully inhibited with milder conditions than those applied to P. aeruginosa and C. albicans. Notably, it was possible to eradicate 24-h-old biofilms of both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, this study supports the potential of neutral BODIPYs as pan-antimicrobial PSs.

Graphical abstract
GPT-3 and InstructGPT: technological dystopianism, utopianism, and “Contextual” perspectives in AI ethics and industry
Authors: Chan Anastasia
Published: April 2022

This paper examines the ethical solutions raised in response to OpenAI’s language model Generative Pre-trained Transformer-3 (GPT-3) a year and a half from its release. I argue that hype and fear about GPT-3, even within the Natural Language Processing (NLP) industry and AI ethics, have often been underpinned by technologically deterministic perspectives. These perspectives emphasise the autonomy of the language model rather than the autonomy of human actors in AI systems. I highlight the existence of deterministic perspectives in the current AI discourse (which range from technological utopianism to dystopianism), with a specific focus on the two issues of: (1) GPT-3’s potential intentional misuse for manipulation and (2) unintentional harm caused by bias. In response, I find that a contextual approach to GPT-3, which is centred upon wider ecologies of societal harm and benefit, human autonomy, and human values, illuminates practical solutions to concerns about manipulation and bias. Additionally, although OpenAI’s newest 2022 language model InstructGPT represents a small step in reducing toxic language and aligning GPT-3 with user intent, it does not provide any compelling solutions to manipulation or bias. Therefore, I argue that solutions to address these issues must focus on organisational settings as a precondition for ethical decision-making in AI, and high-quality curated datasets as a precondition for less harmful language model outputs.
Adopting smart glasses responsibly: potential benefits, ethical, and privacy concerns with Ray-Ban stories
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Zahid , Campbell Abraham G.
Published: April 2022

The adoption of innovative wearable technologies is potentially increasing as a new trend. Jumping into the augmented reality (AR) and Metaverse, Facebook (now known as Meta) launched smart glasses partnering with Ray-Ban sunglasses brand’s parent company EssilorLuxottica. Ray-Ban stories has several technical features for entertainment and socializing; more importantly, these features can be adopted in the future for more advanced wearable. However, these smart glasses also came with many ethical and privacy concerns along with their potential benefits. Furthermore, the unbridled deployment of these smart glasses brought several challenging questions for public social interaction when we will have more such devices in our lives. This short article has discussed the Ray-Ban stories’ ethical and privacy issues for social interaction and public places.
Mitigating Price and Yield Risk Using Revenue Protection and Agriculture Risk Coverage
Authors: Biram Hunter D. , Coble Keith H. , Harri Ardian , Park Eunchun , Tack Jesse
Published: April 2022

This article evaluates Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Revenue Protection (RP) used in conjunction as an optimal risk management strategy for representative producers in the Corn Belt and Mississippi Delta. Using a simulation procedure to produce representative farm revenues, we find it is optimal under expected utility for producers to enroll in RP, despite having RP through ARC. Results are robust across alternative sampling methods and regions. These findings imply that ARC is better suited as a complementary program, and that it is optimal for a producer to enroll in higher coverage levels than we currently observe.
A novel curricular framework to develop grant writing skills among MD–PhD students
Authors: Souder Jaclyn P. , Pepin Mark E. , Seay Randy L. , Lorenz Robin G. , Geisler William M. , Yacoubian Talene
Published: April 2022

Background/Objectives:

Physician-scientists have long been in high demand owing to their role as key drivers of biomedical innovation, but their dwindling prevalence in research and medical communities threatens ongoing progress. As the principal avenue for physician-scientist development, combined MD–PhD training programs and NIH-funded Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTPs) must address all aspects of career development, including grant writing skills.

Methods:

The NIH F-series grants – the F30 grant in particular – model the NIH format of federal funding, and are thus ideal opportunities to acquire biomedical research grant preparation experience. Therefore, in this report, we describe a curricular model through which predoctoral MSTP students obtain exposure to – and training for – F-series grant conceptualization, writing, and evaluation.

Results:

Since the development of these longitudinal courses, we observed trending improvements in student funding success rates, particularly among original submissions, and perceived benefits among participating students.
Informal Work, Risk, and Clientelism: Evidence from 223 Slums across India
Authors: Rains Emily , Wibbels Erik
Published: April 2022

Most of the poor in the developing world work in the informal economy, that is, in occupations that take place outside of the legal system of taxing, spending, and regulating. This article examines how informal work impacts the policy and electoral preferences of the poor. We emphasize the importance of the risks inherent in informal employment in shaping the responsiveness of citizens to clientelism and their policy and voting preferences. Since most informal workers are not covered by (formal) social insurance, they prefer material goods and candidates that produce targeted, clientelistic benefits rather than programmatically delivered insurance that is unlikely to reach them. As a result, we argue that informal workers are more likely to rely on clientelistic relations as a means of hedging risks than are formal workers; prefer policies that are delivered clientelistically via political mediators rather than programmatic solutions; and prefer clientelistic over programmatic local candidates. Our findings elucidate why the preferences of poor informal workers often diverge from those assumed by standard models of social insurance and have important implications for the political economy of social policy in a world where billions work outside work-based tax-transfer systems.
Telicization in Mandarin Chinese
Authors: GU QIANPING
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates aspectual meanings that resultative morphemes in Mandarin Chinese contribute to interpretations of the entire predicates, and in particular the culmination readings they bring out of the originally non-culminating accomplishments. Two resultative morphemes are studied: -wánand-diào.I argue that while both morphemes give rise to culmination readings, the culmination readings are derived in different ways. I propose that -wánexpresses termination, which comments on the progress of an event. The culmination readings of the telicized accomplishments by -wánare obtained indirectly. By contrast,-diàoexpresses culmination, commenting directly on the resulting culmination state. The proposed analysis for the two morphemes is couched in the framework defined by Krifka (1989, 1992, 1998), which models the relations between events, individuals, and times as a series of homomorphic relations between mereological part structures. Following Zucchi & White (2001), I analyze-diàoin terms of a maximalization over patient, which transfers mereological properties from the individual structure to the event structure, explaining the culmination reading, and -wána maximalization over time, which transfers mereological properties from the time structure to the event structure, explaining termination, and then transfers the mereological properties to the individual structure, explaining the culmination reading.
Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, 18–22 November 2021.
Authors: Heaton Roger
Published: April 2022

Contemporary music festivals are a neatly packaged way of encountering a variety of new and recent pieces, where someone else has done the hard work and chosen them for you. In our online/streaming life, rather than surfing Bandcamp or similar and following our own predilections, these festivals, in a healthy way, force you to confront your musical barriers and to harmonise your prejudices. In the UK and Ireland, Ilan Volkov's Glasgow Tectonics, Eamon Quinn's Louth and Graham McKenzie's Huddersfield seem to me the most interesting at the moment. There are, of course, other useful and enterprising festivals: some are a mixed bag of old and new, some are composer-led or have other agendas, so they have built-in filtering – in other words, prejudices. Festival directors have their likes and dislikes too, I guess, but the evidence from the three mentioned above demonstrates an openness and a researched risk-taking: Huddersfield, with McKenzie in charge, is more open than most, presenting quite a range of different genres and media.
Efficient simulation of coupled gas and power networks under uncertain demands
Authors: FOKKEN EIKE , GÖTTLICH SIMONE , HERTY MICHAEL
Published: April 2022

We introduce an approach and a software tool for solving coupled energy networks composed of gas and electric power networks. Those networks are coupled to stochastic fluctuations to address possibly fluctuating demand due to fluctuating demands and supplies. Through computational results, the presented approach is tested on networks of realistic size.
PTEN expression in human cumulus cells is associated with embryo development competence
Authors: Yao Jianfeng , Li Ming , Lin Liqing , Li Youzhu , Zhuang Jianlong , Huang Yanfang , Peng Weilin , Lian Jianfeng , Huang Rongfu , Yang Xiaoyu
Published: April 2022

Embryo quality determines the success of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment. Biomarkers for the evaluation of embryo quality have some limitations. Apoptosis in cumulus cells (CCs) is important for ovarian function. PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) is a well known tumour suppressor gene that functions as a mediator of apoptosis and is crucial for mammalian reproduction. In the present study, we analyzed the expression level of PTEN in human CCs and aimed to investigate its association with embryo developmental competence in IVF treatment cycles. The PTEN mRNA level in CCs was measured using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR. The association of the differential expression of PTEN with embryo quality was analyzed. Our data showed that PTEN mRNA levels were significantly decreased in CCs surrounding mature oocytes compared with immature oocytes. Similar changes were found in the analysis of fertilization and blastocyst formation. The speculation that the measurement of PTEN mRNA levels in human CCs would provide a useful tool for selecting oocytes with greater chances to implant into the uterus needs to be further verified through single-embryo transfer in the future. The proapoptotic mechanism of PTEN in human reproduction needs to be further studied.
Racism, cricket, and impact on mass psychology
Authors: Kar Sujita K. , Arafat S.M. Yasir , Menon Vikas
Published: April 2022

Racism is not an uncommon phenomenon in sports, with cricket being no exception to it. Cricket is played in many countries, with its dominance in South East Asia, Europe, Australia, and Africa. Racist remarks in cricket hit media headlines and ignite agitations among the cricket fans. This article discusses the psychological impact of racism associated with cricket and possible remedial measures.
Individual Freedom in the Post-Corona Era
Authors: Kim Heisook
Published: April 2022

In this essay, I examine the concept of individual freedom that varies depending on cultures through different attitudes toward the administrative policy of wearing masks. Many Westerners criticized the enforcement of the policy in East Asia as the oppression of individual freedom. I argue that the criticism is based on a narrow understanding of the problem and that individual freedom becomes obscure even in the West as we are entering the society of surveillance capitalism due to technological revolution. Confucian cultures give us a context in reference to which we reflect on individual freedom in the post-pandemic situation.
Philosophical Reflections on the Idea of a Universal Basic Income
Authors: Rowett Catherine
Published: April 2022

A universal basic income is an unconditional allowance, sufficient to live on, paid in cash to every citizen regardless of income. It has been a Green Party policy for years. But the idea raises many interesting philosophical questions, about fairness, entitlement, desert, stigma and sanctions, the value of unpaid work, the proper ambitions of a good society, and our preconceptions about whether leisure (time for recreation and free creativity) or jobs (working to give the proceeds of our labour and the luxury of free time to someone else) are the thing we should prize above all for free citizens. Coming from the perspective of ancient philosophy, I consider the answers offered in the ancient world to some of these questions, and how we might learn from rethinking our notions of how to create a good society in which people can be free and realise their creative and intellectual potential.
Association of serum PUFA and linear growth over 12 months among 6–10 years old Ugandan children with or without HIV
Authors: Pobee Ruth A , Fenton Jenifer I , Sikorskii Alla , Zalwango Sarah K , Felzer-Kim Isabella , Medina Ilce M , Giordani Bruno , Ezeamama Amara E
Published: April 2022

Objective:

To quantify PUFA-associated improvement in linear growth among children aged 6–10 years.

Design:

Serum fatty acids (FA), including essential FA (EFA) (linoleic acid (LA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA)) were quantified at baseline using GC-MS technology. FA totals by class (n-3, n-6, n-9, PUFA and SFA) and FA ratios were calculated. Height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) relative to WHO population reference values were calculated longitudinally at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Linear regression models estimated PUFA, HIV status and their interaction-associated standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95 % CI in HAZ over 12 months.

Setting:

Community controls and children connected to community health centre in Kampala, Uganda, were enrolled.

Participants:

Children perinatally HIV-infected (CPHIV, n 82), or HIV-exposed but uninfected (CHEU, n 76) and community controls (n 78).

Results:

Relative to highest FA levels, low SFA (SMD = 0·31, 95 % CI: 0·03, 0·60), low Mead acid (SMD = 0·38, 95 % CI: 0·02, 0·74), low total n-9 (SMD = 0·44, 95 % CI: 0·08, 0·80) and low triene-to-tetraene ratio (SMD = 0·42, 95 % CI: 0·07, 0·77) predicted superior growth over 12 months. Conversely, low LA (SMD = -0·47, 95 % CI: −0·82, −0·12) and low total PUFA (sum of total n-3, total n-6 and Mead acid) (SMD = -0·33 to −0·39, 95 % CI: −0·71, −0·01) predicted growth deficit over 12 months follow-up, regardless of HIV status.

Conclusion:

Low n-3 FA (ALA, EPA and n-3 index) predicted growth deficits among community controls. EFA sufficiency may improve stature in school-aged children regardless of HIV status. Evaluating efficacy of diets low in total SFA, sufficient in EFA and enriched in n-3 FA for improving child growth is warranted.
Infant and young child feeding practices in Lebanon: a cross-sectional national study
Authors: Naja Farah , Hwalla Nahla , Chokor Fatima Al Zahraa , Zgheib Rasha , Nasreddine Lara
Published: April 2022

Objective:

To assess infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in Lebanon and investigate their associations with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors.

Design:

A cross-sectional national survey was conducted in 2012–2013. In addition to a socio-demographic and lifestyle questionnaire, a 24-h dietary recall for the children was collected, with mothers as proxies. IYCF practices were assessed based on the 2021 indicators of the WHO.

Setting:

Lebanon.

Participants:

Children aged 0–23 months and their mothers (n469).

Results:

While the majority of infants were ever breastfed (87·6 %), the prevalence of exclusive breast-feeding (BF) in those under 6 months of age was 11·0 %. Early initiation of BF was 28 %. A greater child’s birth order, partner’s support for BF, higher parental education, maternal BF knowledge and non-smoking were associated with higher odds of meeting BF recommendations. As for complementary feeding, 92·8 % of children (6–23 months) met the minimum meal frequency indicator, 37·5 % met the minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and 34·4 % met the minimum adequate diet (MAD). The consumption of unhealthy food was observed amongst 48·9 % of children, with nearly 37 % consuming sweet beverages. Older maternal age and maternal overweight/obesity were associated with lower odds of meeting MDD and MAD, while child’s age and partner’s support for BF were associated with higher odds.

Conclusions:

The results documented suboptimal IYCF practices amongst Lebanese children and identified a number of factors associated with these practices. Findings from this study will help guide the development of culture-specific programmes aimed at improving IYCF practices in Lebanon.
Development and preliminary validation of a scale to assess physicians’ emotional distress intolerance in end-of-life care communication
Authors: Brondolo Elizabeth , Keating Luke , Crete Abigail , Kaur Amandeep , Randrianarivony Rina , Statman David , Schwartz Joseph E. , Basello Gina , Roth Alan R.
Published: April 2022

Context

End-of-life care (EOLC) communication is beneficial but underutilized, particularly in conditions with a variable course such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure (CHF). Physicians’ emotional distress intolerance has been identified as a barrier to EOLC communication. However, studies of emotional distress intolerance in EOLC have largely relied on anecdotal reports, qualitative data, or observational studies of physician–patient communication. A free-standing measure of multiple dimensions of distress tolerance is warranted to enable the identification of individuals experiencing distress intolerance and to facilitate the effective targeting of interventions to improve distress tolerance.

Objectives

This study provides preliminary data on the reliability and validity of the Physician Distress Intolerance (PDI) scale. We examine potential subdimensions of emotional distress intolerance.

Method

Family medicine and internal medicine physicians completed the PDI, read vignettes describing patients with COPD or CHF, and indicated whether they initiated or delayed EOLC communication with their patients with similar conditions.

Results

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed on separate samples. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that a three-factor solution was superior to a two- or one-factor solution. Three subscales were created: Anticipating Negative Emotions, Intolerance of Uncertainty, and Iatrogenic Harm. The full scale and subscales had adequate internal consistency and demonstrated evidence of validity. Higher scores on the PDI, indicating greater distress intolerance, were negatively associated with initiation and positively associated with delay of EOLC communication. Subscales provided unique information.

Significance of results

The PDI can contribute to research investigating and addressing emotional barriers to EOLC communication.