bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personalizing decision-making for persons with Parkinson’s disease: where do we stand and what to improve?
Authors: van den Heuvel Lieneke , Meinders Marjan J. , Post Bart , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Stiggelbout Anne M.
Published: January 2022

Background

The large variety in symptoms and treatment effects across different persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD) warrants a personalized approach, ensuring that the best decision is made for each individual. We aimed to further clarify this process of personalized decision-making, from the perspective of medical professionals.

Methods

We audio-taped 52 consultations with PD patients and their neurologist or PD nurse-specialist, in 6 outpatient clinics. We focused coding of the transcripts on which decisions were made and on if and how decisions were personalized. We subsequently interviewed professionals to elaborate on how and why decisions were personalized, and which decisions would benefit most from a more personalized approach.

Results

Most decisions were related to medication, referral or lifestyle. Professionals balanced clinical factors, including individual (disease-) characteristics, and non-clinical factors, including patients’ preference, for each type of decision. These factors were often not explicitly discussed with the patient. Professionals experienced difficulties in personalizing decisions, mostly because evidence on the impact of characteristics of an individual patient on the outcome of the decision is unavailable. Categories of decisions for which professionals emphasized the importance of a more personalized perspective include choices not only for medication and advanced treatments, but also for referrals, lifestyle and diagnosis.

Conclusions

Clinical decision-making is a complex process, influenced by many different factors that differ for each decision and for each individual. In daily practice, it proves difficult to tailor decisions to individual (disease-) characteristics, probably because sufficient evidence on the impact of these individual characteristics on outcomes is lacking.
Transcript profiles of wild and domesticated sorghum under water-stressed conditions and the differential impact on dhurrin metabolism
Authors: Ananda Galaihalage K. S. , Norton Sally L. , Blomstedt Cecilia , Furtado Agnelo , Møller Birger Lindberg , Gleadow Roslyn , Henry Robert J.
Published: January 2022

Main conclusion

Australian native species of sorghum contain negligible amounts of dhurrin in their leaves and the cyanogenesis process is regulated differently under water-stress in comparison to domesticated sorghum species.

Cyanogenesis in forage sorghum is a major concern in agriculture as the leaves of domesticated sorghum are potentially toxic to livestock, especially at times of drought which induces increased production of the cyanogenic glucoside dhurrin. The wild sorghum species endemic to Australia have a negligible content of dhurrin in the above ground tissues and thus represent a potential resource for key agricultural traits like low toxicity. In this study we investigated the differential expression of cyanogenesis related genes in the leaf tissue of the domesticated species Sorghum bicolor and the Australian native wild species Sorghum macrospermum grown in glasshouse-controlled water-stress conditions using RNA-Seq analysis to analyse gene expression. The study identified genes, including those in the cyanogenesis pathway, that were differentially regulated in response to water-stress in domesticated and wild sorghum. In the domesticated sorghum, dhurrin content was significantly higher compared to that in the wild sorghum and increased with stress and decreased with age whereas in wild sorghum the dhurrin content remained negligible. The key genes in dhurrin biosynthesis, CYP79A1, CYP71E1 and UGT85B1, were shown to be highly expressed in S. bicolor. DHR and HNL encoding the dhurrinase and α-hydroxynitrilase catalysing bio-activation of dhurrin were also highly expressed in S. bicolor. Analysis of the differences in expression of cyanogenesis related genes between domesticated and wild sorghum species may allow the use of these genetic resources to produce more acyanogenic varieties in the future.
Health care transition from pediatric to adult care: an evidence-based guideline
Authors: Pape Lars , Ernst Gundula
Published: January 2022

For consistent quality of treatment of young people with chronic health care needs, a structured health care transition (HCT) from pediatric medicine to adult medical care is essential. Currently, most countries have no guidelines on HCT based on systematic evidence research. To close this gap, guidance to support HCT was developed in Germany. Twenty-two experts in the management of adolescents and young adults with different chronic conditions and three patient representatives were invited to take part in the guideline group. Based on a systematic literature search recommendations for HCT were drafted. Where evidence was lacking, recommendations were developed using collective expert consensus. The consensus process was independently moderated using a Delphi approach. The final draft was reviewed and endorsed by all major German medical societies. The clinical recommendations provide guidance for all chronic somatic diseases. After assessment of HCT readiness, an individualized plan for HCT should be drawn up. Key elements here are a responsible coordinator, age-adapted patient education, involvement of caregivers, web-based interventions, joint visits, and a structured summary for the receiving physician. The aim is the gradual transfer of responsibility for disease management to the young person themselves.

   Conclusion: As only a few randomized controlled studies on HCT are available, evidence-based statements are possible for some but not all areas of HCT. However, this guideline may help to develop globally accepted standards. These standards should be established and implemented. The aim should be a reimbursement by individual national health systems to allow appropriate support for young people.

What is Known:• Health care transition from pediatric to adult care is primarily organized in local settings, partly based on disease-specific guidelines.•There have been no national guidelines in Germany until now.

What is New:• Here we present the general evidence-based guidelines of the German Association of Scientific Medical Societies for health care transition.• These might serve as a blueprint for further national or international health care transition guidelines.
Exercise medicine for cancer cachexia: targeted exercise to counteract mechanisms and treatment side effects
Authors: Mavropalias Georgios , Sim Marc , Taaffe Dennis R. , Galvão Daniel A. , Spry Nigel , Kraemer William J. , Häkkinen Keijo , Newton Robert U.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Cancer-induced muscle wasting (i.e., cancer cachexia, CC) is a common and devastating syndrome that results in the death of more than 1 in 5 patients. Although primarily a result of elevated inflammation, there are multiple mechanisms that complement and amplify one another. Research on the use of exercise to manage CC is still limited, while exercise for CC management has been recently discouraged. Moreover, there is a lack of understanding that exercise is not a single medicine, but mode, type, dosage, and timing (exercise prescription) have distinct health outcomes. The purpose of this review was to examine the effects of these modes and subtypes to identify the most optimal form and dosage of exercise therapy specific to each underlying mechanism of CC.

Methods

The relevant literatures from MEDLINE and Scopus databases were examined.

Results

Exercise can counteract the most prominent mechanisms and signs of CC including muscle wasting, increased protein turnover, systemic inflammation, reduced appetite and anorexia, increased energy expenditure and fat wasting, insulin resistance, metabolic dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, hypogonadism, impaired oxidative capacity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cancer treatments side-effects. There are different modes of exercise, and each mode has different sub-types that induce vastly diverse changes when performed over multiple sessions. Choosing suboptimal exercise modes, types, or dosages can be counterproductive and could further contribute to the mechanisms of CC without impacting muscle growth.

Conclusion

Available evidence shows that patients with CC can safely undertake higher-intensity resistance exercise programs, and benefit from increases in body mass and muscle mass.
A Novel Balloon Catheter-based Dilation Intervention for Patients with Cricopharyngeus Achalasia After Stroke: A Randomized Study
Authors: Hu Tingting , Cai Yeyu , Shen Zhaohui , Chen Ailian , Wu Yacen , Song Tao , Liu Jia , Liu Chujuan , Gong Fanghua
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a novel balloon catheter in dilation intervention for patients with cricopharyngeus achalasia after stroke. Thirty-four patients with cricopharyngeus achalasia after stroke received routine swallowing rehabilitation training and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (Exp, n = 17) that received dilation therapy using the novel balloon catheter once daily for 5 days per week or a control group (Con, n = 17) that received dilation therapy with a 14-Fr ordinary urinary catheter once daily for 5 days per week. The intervention duration, Eating Assessment Tool (EAT)-10 scores, and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores were recorded at baseline and each day during intervention. The time for a patient’s FOIS score to be ≥ 3 as well as the recovery time for oral intake of water, liquid food, mushy food, and solid food were recorded or estimated. Complications were also recorded during intervention. The intervention duration was shorter in the Exp group than in the Con group (p = 0.005). The Exp group patients improved faster than the Con group patients, with a shorter recovery time for oral intake of liquid food (p = 0.002), mushy food (p = 0.001), and solid food (p = 0.001). At the time of intervention termination, EAT-10 scores were lower in the Exp group than in the Con group (p = 0.005). The Exp group had a similar incidence of complications as the Con group but with better tolerability (p = 0.028). Compared with the urinary catheter, the novel balloon catheter for dilation in patients with cricopharyngeus achalasia after stroke may lead to a better and more rapid recovery.
Influence of stigma, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics on mental health-related service use and associated costs among young people in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ribeiro Wagner Silva , Romeo Renee , King Derek , Owens Shanise , Gronholm Petra C. , Fisher Helen L. , Laurens Kristin R. , Evans-Lacko Sara
Published: January 2022

This study examined the influence of stigma, psychopathology, and sociodemographic characteristics on mental health-related service use and costs related to service use in a cohort of young people in the UK. Using data from a community sample of young people aged 9–17 years and their caregivers, we assessed 407 young people’s use of services due to mental health problems, young people’s psychopathology, demographic characteristics, maternal education and caregivers’ stigma-related beliefs. Unit costs related to services were gathered from national annual compendia and other widely used sources. We assessed predictors of service use through logistic regression analysis and developed generalised linear models to identify factors associated with costs of mental health-related service utilisation. Persistent psychopathology, socioeconomic disadvantage, and low caregiver intended stigma-related behaviour were associated with increased likelihood of service use among young people. Older age and socioeconomic disadvantage were associated with increased costs. Different factors influenced contact with services and the cost associated with their use — persistent psychopathology and socioeconomic disadvantage increased, and caregivers’ intended stigma-related behaviour decreased the likelihood of using services, whereas socioeconomic disadvantage and older age were associated with increased costs. Social determinants of mental health problems play an important role in the use and costs of different types of mental health-related services for young people. Discordance between drivers of service use and costs implies that young people who are more likely to access services due to mental health problems do not necessarily receive care at the intensity they need.
Clinical evaluation of efficacy of intralesional platelet-rich plasma injection versus 1064 nm long-pulsed Neodymium:YAG laser in the treatment of inflammatory acne vulgaris in adolescent and post-adolescent patients: a prospective randomized split-face comparative study
Authors: Moftah Nayera Hassan , Mansour Aya Muhammad , Ibrahim Shady Mahmoud Attia
Published: January 2022

Large numbers of local and systemic therapies are available for acne treatment. Common oral or topical retinoids, antibiotics, or keratolytics are used but sometimes are inconvenient, and side effects caused by these conventional therapies prompted a search for effective and safe treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intralesional platelet-rich plasma injection versus 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris in both adolescents and post-adolescent patients. This split-face comparative study was carried out on thirty patients who suffered from moderate inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne vulgaris. The patients were classified into two groups: group I: adolescent (≤ 25 years) and group II: post-adolescent (< 25 years). Each group received four sessions of intralesional PRP injection on one side of the face and a long-pulsed Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser on the other side with 2 weeks interval. Evaluation was done by blinded dermatologists using photographs and lesions counting and by patient satisfaction. Side effects were also noted. Both groups (adolescents and post-adolescent) showed a high statistically significant improvement of inflammatory as well as non-inflammatory lesions either in PRP or Nd:YAG laser–treated side with no significant difference between the two sides. The intralesional PRP injection and 1064 nm long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser are safe and effective methods for controlling inflammatory as well as non-inflammatory acne vulgaris in both adolescents and post-adolescent patients.
Polynomial and horizontally polynomial functions on Lie groups
Authors: Antonelli Gioacchino , Le Donne Enrico
Published: January 2022

We generalize both the notion of polynomial functions on Lie groups and the notion of horizontally affine maps on Carnot groups. We fix a subset S of the algebra $${\mathfrak {g}}$$
g
of left-invariant vector fields on a Lie group $${\mathbb {G}}$$
G
and we assume that S Lie generates $${\mathfrak {g}}$$
g
. We say that a function $$f:{\mathbb {G}}\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

f
:
G
→
R

(or more generally a distribution on $${\mathbb {G}}$$
G
) is S-polynomial if for all $$X\in S$$

X
∈
S

there exists $$k\in {\mathbb {N}}$$

k
∈
N

such that the iterated derivative $$X^k f$$

X
k

f

is zero in the sense of distributions. First, we show that all S-polynomial functions (as well as distributions) are represented by analytic functions and, if the exponent k in the previous definition is independent on $$X\in S$$

X
∈
S

, they form a finite-dimensional vector space. Second, if $${\mathbb {G}}$$
G
is connected and nilpotent, we show that S-polynomial functions are polynomial functions in the sense of Leibman. The same result may not be true for non-nilpotent groups. Finally, we show that in connected nilpotent Lie groups, being polynomial in the sense of Leibman, being a polynomial in exponential chart, and the vanishing of mixed derivatives of some fixed degree along directions of $${\mathfrak {g}}$$
g
are equivalent notions.
Primary Health Professionals’ Beliefs, Experiences, and Willingness to Treat Minor-Attracted Persons
Authors: Lievesley Rebecca , Swaby Helen , Harper Craig A. , Woodward Ellie
Published: January 2022

There is a desire and need among minor-attracted persons (MAPs) to access support within the community, and this often begins with an approach to healthcare providers working in general medical/mental health settings. However, little is known about the experiences of these non-specialist professionals in relation to their beliefs, knowledge, and decision-making processes when working with patients who disclose sexual attractions to children. Using an online survey, this study explored the knowledge, comfort, competence, and treatment willingness of 220 non-specialist healthcare providers when faced with patients who disclose sexual attractions to children. We investigated how often such disclosures were made, clinician stigma, treatment priorities, and professionals’ willingness to report MAPs to external agencies because of their sexual attractions. Some key differences were found when comparing primary medical vs. mental health professionals, including increased likelihood to view MAPs as dangerous, unable to control behaviors and that sexual attractions are an avoidable choice, in the former group. Both groups prioritized mental health treatment targets above controlling attractions and living with stigmatized attractions, although controlling or changing attractions were still relatively high priorities. Results indicated a need for further training, focusing on increasing comfort around working with MAPs, as this was associated with a greater willingness to work with this group. We identify current gaps in service provision for MAPs seeking professional support and discuss recommendations for professional training.
Social Work Responses to Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences and Perspectives of Professionals at Women’s Shelters in Sweden
Authors: Petersson Charlotte C. , Hansson Kristofer
Published: January 2022

This study explores how social work professionals at women’s shelters in Sweden experience, understand, and are responding to domestic violence under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative longitudinal research design was employed, and multiple semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 professionals at women’s shelters over a period of one year. The results are presented in three overall themes; (a) professional challenges due to increased needs, (b) professionals’ adjustments to new circumstances, and (c) professionals’ attributions regarding client barriers to help seeking. The results show diverse and changing experiences among the professionals as the pandemic progressed. Clients and professionals have shared the same collective trauma associated with the pandemic, which has affected the professionals’ understanding of and response to domestic violence. The professionals understand both clients and themselves as being more vulnerable and susceptible to risk under these new circumstances. Social work adjustments focused on maintaining contact, reducing risk and prioritizing safety, which had both positive and negative consequences for both clients and professionals. The study concludes that the professionals coped with the uncertainty they experienced during the pandemic by relying on both their previous knowledge and work experience of domestic violence and their experience of sharing trauma with clients.
Computerized tomography image correlation of His bundle/deep septal pacing location and outcomes: an analysis from the Canberra HIs bundle/deep septal Pacing Study (CHIPS)
Authors: Abhilash Sreevilasam P. , Raja Deep Chandh , Stolcman Simon , YI Dong Seok , Rahman Moyazur , Tan Ren , Mahajan Aakash , Lau Dennis H. , Abhayaratna Walter P. , Sanders Prashanthan , Pathak Rajeev Kumar
Published: January 2022

Background

Localisation of the conduction system under fluoroscopy is not easy and the ideal location of the pacing leads in physiological pacing is still being debated.

Objective

The primary aim was to assess the lead locations using cardiac CT scan. Secondary aims were clinical outcomes including success and safety of the procedure and lead performance.

Methods

Of the 100 consecutive patients who received physiological pacing, 34 patients underwent follow-up cardiac CT scan. The four different types of pacing were identified as His bundle (HBP), para-Hisian, left bundle branch (LBBP), and deep septal pacing.

Results

Most patients had successful HBP via the right atrium (RA) (87.5%) as compared to the right ventricle (RV) (12.5%). Lower thresholds were observed when leads were placed within 2 mm of the junction of the membranous and muscular ventricular septum. Unlike HBP, LBBP was possible at a wide region of the septum and selective capture of individual fascicles was feasible. LBBP showed deeper penetration of leads into the septum, as compared to deep septal pacing (70% vs. 45%). Approximately, 80% of patients did not have an intra-ventricular portion of the membranous septum.

Conclusions

The anterior part of the atrio-ventricular (AV) septum at the junction between the membranous and muscular septum via RA appeared to be the best target to successfully pace His bundle. LBBP was possible at a wide region of the septum and selective capture of individual fascicle was feasible. Adequate depth of penetration of lead was very important to capture the left bundle.
Highly Accurate and Reliable Wireless Network Slicing in 5th Generation Networks: A Hybrid Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Khan Sulaiman , Khan Suleman , Ali Yasir , Khalid Muhammad , Ullah Zahid , Mumtaz Shahid
Published: January 2022

In current era, the next generation networks like 5th generation (5G) and 6th generation (6G) networks requires high security, low latency with a high reliable standards and capacity. In these networks, reconfigurable wireless network slicing is considered as one of the key element for 5G and 6G networks. A reconfigurable slicing allows the operators to run various instances of the network using a single infrastructure for better quality of services (QoS). The QoS can be achieved by reconfiguring and optimizing these networks using Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms. To develop a smart decision-making mechanism for network management and restricting network slice failures, machine learning-enabled reconfigurable wireless network solutions are required. In this paper, we propose a hybrid deep learning model that consists of convolution neural network (CNN) and long short term memory (LSTM). The CNN performs resource allocation, network reconfiguration, and slice selection while the LSTM is used for statistical information (load balancing, error rate etc.) regarding network slices. The applicability of the proposed model is validated by using multiple unknown devices, slice failure, and overloading conditions. An overall accuracy of 95.17% is achieved by the proposed model that reflects its applicability.
Quantitative Heat-Kernel Estimates for Diffusions with Distributional Drift
Authors: Perkowski Nicolas , van Zuijlen Willem
Published: January 2022

We consider the stochastic differential equation on $\mathbb {R}^{d}$

ℝ

d

given by
$$ \begin{array}{@{}rcl@{}} \mathrm{d} X_{t} = b(t,X_{t}) \mathrm{d} t + \mathrm{d} B_{t}, \end{array} $$

d

X

t

=
b
(
t
,

X

t

)
d
t
+
d

B

t

,

where B is a Brownian motion and b is considered to be a distribution of regularity $ > -\frac 12$
>
−

1

2

. We show that the martingale solution of the SDE has a transition kernel Γt and prove upper and lower heat-kernel estimates for Γt with explicit dependence on t and the norm of b.
Comments are welcome
Authors: Minondo Asier
Published: January 2022

Scholars present their new research at seminars and conferences and send drafts to peers in hopes of receiving comments and suggestions that will improve the quality of their work. Using a dataset of projects that were initiated when authors were doing their doctoral studies, this article measures how much peers’ individual and collective comments improve the quality of research. Controlling for the quality of the research idea and author, I find that a one-standard-deviation increase in the number of peers’ individual and collective comments is associated with a 43% increase in the quality of the journal in which the project is published.
On the added value of multi-scale modeling of concrete
Authors: Zhang Jiaolong , Binder Eva , Wang Hui , Aminbaghai Mehdi , La Pichler Bernhard , Yuan Yong , Mang Herbert A.
Published: January 2022

This review of the added value of multi-scale modeling of concrete is based on three representative examples. The first one is concerned with the analysis of experimental data, taken from four high-dynamic tests. The structural nature of the high-dynamic strength increase can be explained by using a multi-scale model. It accounts for the microstructure of the specimens. The second example refers to multi-scale thermoelastic analysis of concrete pavements, subjected to solar heating. A sensitivity analysis with respect to the internal relative humidity (RH) of concrete has underlined the great importance of the RH for an assessment of the risk of microcracking of concrete. The third example deals with multi-scale structural analysis of a real-scale test of a segmental tunnel ring. It has turned out that multi-scale modeling of concrete enables more reliable predictions of crack opening displacements in tunnel segments than macroscopic models taken from codes of practice. Overall, it is concluded that multi-scale models have indeed a significant added value. However, its degree varies with these examples. In any case, it can be assessed by means of a comparison of the results from three sources, namely, multi-scale structural analysis, conventional structural analysis, and experiments.
Radiomics in Cardiovascular Disease Imaging: from Pixels to the Heart of the Problem
Authors: Spadarella Gaia , Perillo Teresa , Ugga Lorenzo , Cuocolo Renato
Published: January 2022

Purpose of Review

This review of the literature aims to present potential applications of radiomics in cardiovascular radiology and, in particular, in cardiac imaging.

Recent Findings

Radiomics and machine learning represent a technological innovation which may be used to extract and analyze quantitative features from medical images. They aid in detecting hidden pattern in medical data, possibly leading to new insights in pathophysiology of different medical conditions. In the recent literature, radiomics and machine learning have been investigated for numerous potential applications in cardiovascular imaging. They have been proposed to improve image acquisition and reconstruction, for anatomical structure automated segmentation or automated characterization of cardiologic diseases.

The number of applications for radiomics and machine learning is continuing to rise, even though methodological and implementation issues still limit their use in daily practice. In the long term, they may have a positive impact in patient management.
Soil sealing along the Beirut coast during half a century marked by population growth and refugee inflows
Authors: Hassoun Georges , Madrau Salvatore , El Arab Mahmoud , Attieh Layal , Zucca Claudio
Published: January 2022

Land take by urbanization has increased significantly in the last decades, seriously contributing to the loss and degradation of the land capital. Urban sprawl and the related soil consumption are a major environmental and urban planning issue in the West Asian regions, particularly in the recent context marked by fast economic development and by regional conflicts that produced waves of war refugees and economic migrants. This study quantifies soil sealing due to the urban development between 1962 and 2020 in 28 municipalities located along the coastal strip and the coastal hill range of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Governorates, in Lebanon, and discusses the impacts of urbanization processes on important ecosystem services such as food security and hydrological risks. The study is based on original data derived from historical topographic maps and from recent geospatial datasets. The two datasets have been generated and combined in a GIS environment by means of an original method that proved to be effective to perform detailed urban change analyses over long time spans covering periods in which no satellite information with sufficient resolution was available. An overall 54.0% increase in land surface taken by urbanization was observed in the study area between 1962 and 2020. This amount is not exceptional if compared to other fast-growing urban centers of the region. It is, however, very high considering the high overall degree of saturation (83.5%) of the available land space, the very dense continuous urban fabric, and the high level of soil sealing on the hill slopes overlooking the plain. These aspects raise concerns about the environmental sustainability of the urbanization process. A very sensitive situation is represented by the suburban areas located on the hill sides and still destined to agricultural crops, which preserve high value traditional rural landscapes. Urgent measures should be taken, framed within improved urban planning policies, to prevent further losses and to mitigate the impacts of the present-day soil sealing situation.
Simulating the Genetics Clinic of the Future — whether undergoing whole-genome sequencing shapes professional attitudes
Authors: Brunfeldt Minna , Teare Harriet , Schuurbiers Daan , Steinberger Daniela , Gerrits Elianne , Vornanen Marleena , Knoers Nine , Kääriäinen Helena , Vrijenhoek Terry
Published: January 2022

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) can provide valuable health insight for research participants or patients. Opportunities to be sequenced are increasing as direct-to-consumer (DTC) testing becomes more prevalent, but it is still fairly unusual to have been sequenced. We offered WGS to fourteen professionals with pre-existing familiarity with an interest in human genetics — healthcare, science, policy and art. Participants received a hard drive containing their personal sequence data files (.BAM,.gvcf), without further explanation or obligation, to consider how experiencing WGS firsthand might influence their professional attitudes. We performed semi-structured pre- and post-sequencing interviews with each participant to identify key themes that they raised after being sequenced. To evaluate how their experience of the procedure evolved over time, we also conducted a questionnaire to gather their views 3 years after receiving their genomic data. Participants were generally satisfied with the experience (all 14 participants would choose to participate again). They mostly decided to participate out of curiosity (personal) and to learn from the experience (professional). Whereas most participants slightly developed their original perspective on genetic data, a small selection of them radically changed their views over the course of the project. We conclude that personal experience of sequencing provides an interesting alternative perspective for experts involved in leading, planning, implementing or researching genome sequencing services. Moreover, the personal experience may provide professionals with a better understanding of the challenges visitors of the Genetics Clinic of the Future may face.
How to get better at flatter designs: considerations for shaping and leading organizations with less hierarchy
Authors: Reitzig Markus
Published: January 2022

Working with fewer hierarchical layers than has been the case traditionally is often considered critical for firms to become more innovative, speedier, and retain and attract gifted personnel in today’s world. The upside appears great, but so do the associated risks of creating a dysfunctional organization. I propose that systematically thinking through a series of classic organization design questions to shape a custom-tailored design is promising when delayering grown hierarchies or growing start-ups to remain flat. More promising than adopting any one fashionable management approach wholesale.
Bildungen von „Parteiungen“ (dang) in der konfuzianischen Bürokratie im vormodernen China
Authors: Meyer Christian
Published: January 2022

Der Artikel thematisiert die Frage von Parteiungen im vormodernen China im Spannungsfeld der bürokratischen Mechanismen einerseits und des Konfuzianismus als Leitideologie des kaiserlichen China andererseits. Er verfolgt zunächst begriffsgeschichtlich den Terminus dang 黨, der heute in Ostasien als Übersetzungsbegriff für ‚Partei‘ fungiert, jedoch im traditionellen China das Stichwort zu Debatten um Gruppenbildungen darstellte. Dieser war zumeist negativ als „Cliquenbildung“ zu Karrierezwecken konnotiert.

Am Beispiel der Gruppenbildungsstrukturen des 11. Jahrhunderts wird herausgearbeitet, von welchen Faktoren die Bildung von Parteiungen abhing. Der Artikel argumentiert, dass Parteiungen einerseits eine strukturelle Notwendigkeit der Gruppe- und Meinungsbildung innerhalb eines größeren kommunikativen Kontexts, der Bürokratie, darstellten, andererseits solche Gruppenbildung eng mit ideologischen Aspekten verbunden waren. Dies lässt sich anhand des Einflusses von innerkonfuzianischen intellektuellen Bewegungen wie der Guwen- und der neokonfuzianischen Daoxue-Bewegung ablesen. Parteiungsbildungen und intellektuelle Bewegungen korrelieren hier deutlich. Die kaiserlichen Opferriten hatten als symbolische Materie einen hohen Stellenwert in Parteiungskämpfen, Ritenfragen konnten als spezifische Konfliktlinien jedoch nur seltener oder nur zeitweise gruppenbildend wirken.

Die komplexe Dynamik kontinuierlicher Neuformierungen von ‚Parteiungen‘ (dang) in der Nördlichen Song-Dynastie (960–1126 n. Chr.) lässt sich insgesamt nur durch ein Zusammenwirken von Karriereinteressen, Loyalitätstrukturen und gruppenbildenden Ideologien entlang wechselnder Konfliktlinien innerhalb der Zivilbürokratie und der diese tragenden konfuzianischen Gelehrtenschicht analysieren. Sie spiegelt dabei das komplexe Ineinander von Konfuzianismus und Staat.

Der Begriff dang kann als chinesischer Keyterm dienen, der nicht nur eine komparative Perspektive auf das Thema ermöglicht, sondern durch seine lokale Begriffsgeschichte einen religionswissenschaftlichen Keyterm ‚Parteiung‘ (oder Englisch ‚faction‘) mit Beobachtungen zu spezifischen außerwestlichen (chinesisch-konfuzianischen) Konstellationen bereichert.
Challenges of human—machine collaboration in risky decision-making
Authors: Xiong Wei , Fan Hongmiao , Ma Liang , Wang Chen
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this paper is to delineate the research challenges of human—machine collaboration in risky decision-making. Technological advances in machine intelligence have enabled a growing number of applications in human—machine collaborative decision-making. Therefore, it is desirable to achieve superior performance by fully leveraging human and machine capabilities. In risky decision-making, a human decision-maker is vulnerable to cognitive biases when judging the possible outcomes of a risky event, whereas a machine decision-maker cannot handle new and dynamic contexts with incomplete information well. We first summarize features of risky decision-making and possible biases of human decision-makers therein. Then, we argue the necessity and urgency of advancing human—machine collaboration in risky decision-making. Afterward, we review the literature on human—machine collaboration in a general decision context, from the perspectives of human—machine organization, relationship, and collaboration. Lastly, we propose challenges of enhancing human—machine communication and teamwork in risky decision-making, followed by future research avenues.
Microstructure and Time-Dependent Behavior of STx-1b Calcium Montmorillonite Suspensions
Authors: Leong Yee-Kwong , Liu Pengfei , Au Pek-Ing , Clode Peta , Liu Jishan
Published: January 2022

CaMnt is much less important than NaMnt due to its limited commercial applications. The time-dependent property of NaMnt gel has been studied extensively as it is exploited in many applications such as drilling mud and viscosity-modifier applications. In contrast, the time-dependent property of CaMnt suspension and the factors affecting it are largely unknown. The speciation of Ca2+ ions is one such factor to be evaluated. In the current study, pH and solids concentration were examined and then used to validate a recent theory on clay gel time dependency. The results supported the theory that a strong electrostatic double layer (EDL) repulsion in the 3-D network is needed to reorganize the structure and drive it toward the state of minimum free energy. The 12 wt.% CaMnt (STx-1b) gel displayed time-dependent behavior at pH 5 but not at its natural pH of 8.4. At pH 5, the interlayer Ca2+ ions became fully hydrated and desorbed from the platelet surface. This enhanced the EDL repulsion between the platelets. At pH >6.5, the positively charged hydrolysis product Ca(OH)+ began to form and was adsorbed, partially neutralizing the permanent layer charge and weakening the repulsion. However, at 19.4 wt.% solids, the gel displayed pronounced time-dependent behavior despite the high natural pH of 8. The platelets were much closer together, allowing the EDL force to operate and effect structural reorganization. The microstructure of these CaMnt gels showed high platelet concentrations interacting to form a relatively open structure. The microstructure of a kaolin (KGa-2) suspension which showed no time-dependent behavior even after 1 day of ageing revealed the importance of particle morphology and layer charge on time dependency. Its 3-D structure was formed by relatively thick, layered platelets with a low layer charge.
Yahweh among the Gods
Authors: Hundley Michael
Published: January 2022

In this study, Michael Hundley explores the diverse deities of ancient Near Eastern and biblical literature, from deified doors and diseases to the masters of the universe. Using data from Mesopotamia, Hittite Anatolia, Egypt, the Levant, and non-priestly Genesis and Exodus, Hundley explains their context-specific approach to deity, which produces complex and seemingly contradictory portraits. He suggests that ancient deities gained prominence primarily by co-opting the attributes of other deities, rather than by denying their existence or inventing new powers. He demonstrates that the primary difference between biblical and ancient Near Eastern presentations lies in their rhetorical goals, not their conceptions of gods. While others promote divine supremacy, Genesis and Exodus promote exclusive worship. Hundley argues that this monolatry redefined the biblical divine sphere and paved the way for the later development of monotheism and monotheistic explanations of evil.
Detention by Non-State Armed Groups under International Law
Authors: Heffes Ezequiel
Published: January 2022

During armed conflict, non-State armed groups deprive individuals of their liberty. While this is not a new phenomenon, its pervasiveness is reflected by recent examples in Colombia, Libya, Syria, Ukraine, Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Yet, examining these activities goes beyond its mere acknowledgment. It involves questions concerning their legality and the non-State armed groups' motivations when depriving individuals of their liberty. Drawing on his personal experiences while working for various humanitarian organizations, Ezequiel Heffes aims at elucidating how international law can be used as a protective tool in relation to individuals placed in detention by non-State armed groups. Based on case studies of selected groups and a normative and doctrinal analysis, he proposes minimum humanitarian principles applicable to those situations. By addressing a contemporary issue that touches upon a number of legal regimes, this study makes a valuable contribution to the law applicable in armed conflict.
Mortal Objects
Authors: Luper Steven
Published: January 2022

How might we change ourselves without ending our existence? What could we become, if we had access to an advanced form of bioengineering that allowed us dramatically to alter our genome? Could we remain in existence after ceasing to be alive? What is it to be human? Might we still exist after changing ourselves into something that is not human? What is the significance of human extinction? Steven Luper addresses these questions and more in this thought-provoking study. He defends an animalist account, which says that we are organisms, but claims that we are also material objects. His book goes to the heart of the most complex questions about what we are and what we might become. Using case studies from the life sciences as well as thought experiments, Luper develops a new way of thinking about the nature of life and death, and whether and how human extinction matters.
Undoing and Unsaying Islamophobia: Toward a Restorative and Praxis-Oriented Catholic Theology with Islam
Authors: Takacs Axel Marc Oaks
Published: January 2022

This article explores how Christian theology has historically contributed to the modern ideology of Islamophobia. After arguing that contemporary popular and political Islamophobia has its sources in replacement theology, theological supersessionism, anti-Judaism, antisemitism, Christian-Islamic polemics, Orientalism, and modern racism, it seeks to reorient Catholic theology by undoing and unsaying this discursive and political harm. Constructively, the relatively novel genealogy of Islamophobia this article tentatively traces is based on three discursive moves: linking (1) replacement theology/supersessionism with medieval anti-Islamic theology, (2) the latter to Orientalism, and (3) the previous two to Islamophobia. These three discursive moves are possible because they were and remain sustained by supremacist theologies begotten by replacement theology/supersessionism. The article draws from theories of ideology and social imaginaries to recognize that the words, symbols, narratives, and metaphors that constituted a Christian theology of Islam since the seventh-century emergence of the Islamic tradition cannot be subverted merely by forgetting or ignoring them; they cannot be unlearned merely by learning “positive views” of the Islamic religious traditions (from Muslims, scholars, or both); they cannot be undone through a religion-blind, apolitical theology of religions that rejects nothing that is true and holy in religions; finally, they cannot be dismantled even by a Catholic theology of Islam that cherishes specific beliefs and practices in common with Muslims. It concludes by beginning to construct a Catholic theology of interreligious praxis intended to dismantle and disrupt Islamophobia today. This praxis-oriented theology is grounded in a Christian conception of restorative justice and the Catholic sacrament of reconciliation. At the core of this proposal is the assertion that theologies of the past remain the politics of the present. If Catholic theology has shaped the sociopolitical ideology and structure of Islamophobia today, then an anti-Islamophobic Catholic theology must be political; otherwise, it will remain ineffective in undoing the political harm it has produced.
Elite Polarization in South Korea: Evidence from a Natural Language Processing Model
Authors: Han Seungwoo
Published: January 2022

This study analyzes political polarization among the South Korean elite by examining 17 years’ worth of subcommittee meeting minutes from the South Korean National Assembly's standing committees. Its analysis applies various natural language processing techniques and the bidirectional encoder representations from the transformers model to measure and analyze polarization in the language used during these meetings. Its findings indicate that the degree of political polarization increased and decreased at various times over the study period but has risen sharply since the second half of 2016 and remained high throughout 2020. This result suggests that partisan political gaps between members of the South Korean National Assembly increase substantially.
Journalism and Corruption in Chicago, 1912–1931
Authors: Arnold-Forster Tom
Published: January 2022

The publicity of journalism has long been central to anti-corruption politics in the United States. This article explores relations between journalism and corruption in early twentieth-century Chicago and shows how newspapers could be used by corrupt politicians to consolidate and even constitute their power. By examining the three-term mayoralty of William Hale ‘Big Bill’ Thompson, the article considers a range of media strategies, from press-baiting to propaganda and boosterism, that fuelled public controversies about press hypocrisy and limited journalism's anti-corruption potential. Thompson's Chicago sheds light on broader debates about the politics of journalism in capitalist societies with commercial media environments; it also helps illuminate wider histories of corruption in America.
Pricing VIX derivatives using a stochastic volatility model with a flexible jump structure
Authors: Ye Wuyi , Wu Bin , Chen Pengzhan
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a novel stochastic volatility model with a flexible jump structure. This model allows both contemporaneous and independent arrival of jumps in return and volatility. Moreover, time-varying jump intensities are used to capture jump clustering. In the proposed framework, we provide a semi-analytical solution for the pricing problem of VIX futures and options. Through numerical experiments, we verify the accuracy of our pricing formula and explore the impact of the jump structure on the pricing of VIX derivatives. We find that the correct identification of the market jump structure is crucial for pricing VIX derivatives, and misspecified model setting can yield large errors in pricing.
Police vs. Party? Institutional Hierarchies and Agency in Soviet Moldavia, 1944–1952
Authors: Cașu Igor
Published: January 2022

This paper addresses an under-researched topic in Soviet post-war history. It is about institutional hierarchies in a newly annexed Western borderland based on recently disclosed archival materials from Chișinău (including ex-KGB and MVD) and Moscow depositories. In contrast to all-Union institutional practices, the Moldavian SSR's case study shows that the party was hardly a hegemonic institution in late Stalinism. Using kompromat and inside information, the political police (NKGB-MGB) controlled the party institution. In contrast to the Baltic republics, Soviet Moldavia was headed by weak first secretaries appointed with the connivance of local police. Agency is an essential variable in explaining the dynamics of institutional design and hierarchies in Soviet peripheries in late Stalinism. Political police's predominance in this period is explainable as Bessarabia – mostly part of Soviet Moldavia – was a contested territory between Romania and the Soviet Union and hence the need to establish a more repressive policy to counteract the mass expectations of a regime change. I also argue that the realities of the immediate post-war Soviet Moldavia do not fit the conclusions of a recent book on ‘substate dictators’ by Yoram Gorlizki and Oleg Khlevniuk (2020).
MEREOLOGICAL BIMODAL LOGICS
Authors: LI DAZHU , WANG YANJING
Published: January 2022

In this paper, using a propositional modal language extended with the window modality, we capture the first-order properties of various mereological theories. In this setting,$\Box \varphi $readsall the parts(of the current object)are$\varphi $, interpreted on the models with awhole-partbinary relation under various constraints. We show that all the usual mereological theories can be captured by modal formulas in our language via frame correspondence. We also correct a mistake in the existing completeness proof for a basic system of mereology by providing a new construction of the canonical model.